Date: Sun, 9 Apr 2006 00:30:56 -0700 (PDT) From: Kirk Landers Subject: Dating and the Single Life- part 27 Copyright and Disclaimer: 1. This is a fictional story with fictional characters. 2. No one is to steal this story under any circumstances. 3. This story deals with relationships and not sex, so if you're looking for a story with a lot of sex in it, this isn't the story for you. Hope all is well and that you enjoy this next installment, entitled "A New Adventure" "Are you serious?" Marcus asked Randal as they guys were all sitting in the diner together for breakfast. "Yeah, why not?" Randal asked. "It'd be great." "This is a big decision," Marcus replied. "Make sure you're thinking this through." "I've thought about it and I know that this is a great idea for us," Randal said. "You really want me to be partners with you for the club?" Marcus asked. "Absolutely," Randal said again, "It makes sense, you're looking for a new career, we trust each other, it'll be great." "Sounds like a good idea to me," Trevor added in. "Do you not want to do it?" Randal asked. "I want to do it," Marcus replied. "I just want you to be sure this is what you want." "It is," Randal said and then joked, "So just do it or I'll go find some other partner." "All right," Marcus agreed shaking the hand of his new business partner. "Thank you so much." "Anytime," Randal replied. "Wow, this is going to be awesome," Stanley commented. "I just hope you guys don't kill each other," David warned. "Don't be a downer," Randal retorted. "Mar and I are going to kick ass with this club. It's going to be the hottest thing since Trevor's underwear ad." "Shut up," Trevor laughed embarrassed. "You all ready to order?" the waitress asked coming to their table. "Yea, I'll have the breakfast burrito," Jake said handing her the menu. "I'll take the French toast plate," Tyler said. "Thank you." "Spanish omelet please," David said. "Water is fine for me," Kyle smiled. "May I have the fruit bowl?" Stanley asked handing her the menu. "I'll have the same," Randal followed. "Trevor and I are going to split the waffles," Marcus said. "All right, I'll go put your orders in," the waitress said as she left. "You're only getting water?" David asked Kyle. "Yea, I'm not that hungry," Kyle lied. "You don't even want a little something," David asked. "No, I'm fine," Kyle replied. "So how are the wedding plans coming a long?" Marcus asked Tyler and Jake. "Very well," Tyler replied. "It's a lot easier then I thought it would be." "We have the hotel and reception sight reserved," Jake said. "We need to order the cake still." "Remember, I want to be there when you guys sample them," Kyle said. "Don't worry, we'll take you," Tyler replied. "We are having a problem with one thing though," Jake said. "What's that?" Randal asked. "Deciding who's going to be our best man," Jake replied. "Best man?" David asked. "You guys are going to each have a best man?" "Yea, we want it to be kinda on the traditional side," Tyler replied. "You guys are gay," David pointed out. "There won't be anything traditional about this wedding." "Well once we have a best man then it will have some traditional factors in it," Tyler replied. "And if you keep that attitude up then you won't be in the running to be one of them." "So how are you going to choose?" Kyle asked. "We're not," Tyler replied. "You guys are." "What?" Randal asked. "Why do we have to decide? You two are the bride and bride here." "Because we don't want any of you thinking we like one more than the other, so we want you to decide for us," Jake reasoned. "That's taking the easy way out," Randal joked. "Do any of you not want to do it?" Tyler asked. "Well, I haven't known you guys as long so I'll bow out," Stanley said. "No, you're just as much a part of us," Jake replied. "Thanks," Stanley said, appreciating the sincere reply. "But I think it would be better if it was one of the other guys anyway." "I'll say no too," Randal said. "Why?" Stanley asked. "I'm not that into weddings," Randal replied. "What?" Tyler asked a little hurt. "Don't get me wrong," Randal replied. "I'm glad you two are tying the knot and all. I just personally have never really been into weddings." "Okay, well that's two down," Tyler said. "I guess it's up to you three," Jake said looking at Kyle, David and Marcus. "You three want to do it right?" Tyler asked. "I would love too," all three said simultaneously then quickly looked at each other. "This should be fun to watch," Randal said looking the beginning of a little competition. Later on Randal, Marcus and Stanley were walking Stanley to work. "So what do you two have planned today?" Stanley asked. "Well, I did have some places I wanted to look at that might be possible places for the club," Randal replied. "Really?" Marcus asked. "Yea, hopefully you'll like them," Randal said. "Wish I could go with you guys," Stanley sighed. "Yea, but one of us has to make a living right now," Randal said putting an arm around Stanley as they approached the office. "Have a great day babe." "Thanks, love you," Stanley said giving him a hug. "Pick me up after work?" "You got it," Randal replied. "Have a good day Stanley," Marcus said giving Stanley a hug. "You too," Stanley replied. "I'm glad you're doing this with Randal." Stanley then headed into work as Randal and Marcus headed off to look at prospective places for their joint future. "So do you really want to be a best man at Tyler and Jake's wedding?" Randal asked. "Yeah," Marcus replied. "This is the wedding of two of our best friends. It would be an honor to be a part of it." "I don't know," Randal replied simply. "What do you mean?" Marcus asked. "You don't think it's a good idea that they get married?" "No it's not that I don't think it's a good idea, I just think that the whole concept of weddings is ridiculous," Randal replied. "Two people making their un-dying love for each other official to the world is ridiculous?" Marcus asked. "Two gay guys trying to do such a heterosexual act is ridiculous," Randal answered. "I thought you were happy for them that they were getting engaged?" Marcus asked. "I'm happy that they got their relationship back on track, but come on. Marriage? Who are they kidding?" Randal asked. "Didn't know you were so against marriage," Marcus said. "I was against relationships before I met Stanley, is it that surprising that I'm against marriage?" Randal deadpanned. "Good point," Marcus agreed. "Well, I still think it's great they're getting married. Lord knows their relationship went through enough ups and downs to get here." "Yeah, if they broke up again I was going to shoot them," Randal quipped. "So where is this place you're taking me too?" Marcus asked. "The first one is right around the corner," Randal replied. They around the block and came to a old deserted warehouse. On the outside it was less than impressive, the windows were broken, the paint was peeling off the building, the door was rusted. "This is it?" Marcus asked unimpressed. "Have some imagination," Randal replied as he opened the door. "It may not be much now, but after some work I think this place can be pretty great." The two entered the warehouse and walked down the staircase that lead to the main area that Randal envisioned as the dance floor. "What do you think?" Randal asked. "Hmm," Marcus replied uncertain. "You hate it," Randal decoded from Marcus' sigh. "No, I don't hate it," Marcus began. "it's just not what I expected." "Well you can't expect to find a place that's all perfect and ready," Randal replied. "It's going to take work." "Yeah, well can we at least try to find a place that I don't feel I need a shot before I enter it?" Marcus asked as he walked out of the building. Randal sighed knowing that Marcus was going to be a tough partner to please. Meanwhile, Kyle was walking David to the music store. "You okay?" David asked. "You didn't eat much this morning." "I'm fine," Kyle replied. "I just can't afford food right now." "What?" David asked. "I can't," Kyle replied. "I have to pay rent and I don't make enough at the store to cover rent and eating. I can't even enjoy my days off like today. I keep thinking, 'I should be working, I have bills to pay." "Babe, why didn't you tell me you were having financial problems?" David asked. "I didn't want you to worry," Kyle replied. "You have to learn to let me help you," David said. "I'll give you some money." "No," Kyle replied quickly. "Why not?" David asked. "Because this is my mess," Kyle replied. "I want to deal with it on my own." "But you don't have to deal with it alone," David replied. "We're partners don't you see that? What affects you, affects me." "This isn't your problem," Kyle said. "I can handle it on my own." "Why don't you just move back in with me," David suggested. "Are you serious?" Kyle asked. "Yes," David replied. "The only reason you moved out was because things were on shaky ground with us." "But what if things fall apart again if I move in with you?" Kyle asked. "They won't," David encouraged. "We'll be smarter this time." "I'll think about it okay?" Kyle asked as they approached David's store. "Okay," David replied giving Kyle a hug. "I'll talk to you later." "All right," Kyle replied. "Love you." "Love you too," David answered. Later that day Trevor was on his way to the gym when he felt someone tap him on the shoulder. He turned around and was shocked to see... "Justin," Trevor said surprised to see his ex standing in front of him. Justin was 5'9, brown hair, brown eyes, and a sweet look to him. "Hey," Justin replied smiling. "How you been?" "I'm great," Trevor answered. "How are you?" "I'm good," Justin replied. "It's good to see you again." "You too," Trevor said. "So how are things?" Justin asked. "Good," Trevor replied. "You seeing anyone?" Justin asked. "Yeah," Trevor replied. "His name's Marcus." "Oh," Justin said. "How are things with you guys?" "Great," Trevor said. "He's a really great guy." "Glad to hear it," Justin said. "I'm with someone too." "That's good," Trevor said. "We should all go out sometime," Justin suggested. "Yeah," Trevor replied. "Give me a call and we'll set it up." "All right," Justin said. "I'll talk to you later." "Okay," Trevor answered giving Justin an awkward hug. "Bye." "Bye," Justin replied. Trevor then turned around and continued his walk to the gym. "I don't really like this one either," Marcus said looking at the fourth potential club site. "Marcus," Randal sighed. "You need to loosen up. You've hated all of the places I've taken you too." "I haven't hated all of them," Marcus replied. "Yes you have," Randal said. "This is getting frustrating. We're not going to get anywhere if you don't try and look past the condition these places are in now and see the potential in all of them." "The only potential I see in them is the potential to get a disease," Marcus said. "Marcus, I know you've been very sheltered in the clean, upscale, snooty law firm you worked out," Randal began, "But this turf is stuff I know and these places can be great if we just put some work into them. We're going to have to get our hands dirty in order to get anywhere in this business." Before Randal could rant some more his cell phone rang. "Hello?" Randal asked answering. "What? Colby, what is it?" Randal's face turned pale as he hung up the phone. "What's wrong?" Marcus asked. "We need to get to the hospital," Randal replied. Over at a local bakery Kyle met up with Tyler and Jake to sample wedding cakes. "This is the french vanilla with a butter cream frosting," the bakery shop employee said giving them each a piece of the cake. "This is great," Tyler said. "Really good," Kyle replied. "Not too sure if I want a french vanilla cake though," Jake said. "Try this," the shop employee said. "This is a chocolate cake with vanilla frosting." She handed them a piece and tried it. "I like this one a lot too," Tyler said. "What do you guys think?" "It's great," Kyle said. "It's a little too chocolatey for me," Jake said. "Oh no, bridezilla," Kyle said quietly. Tyler couldn't help but laugh. Jake glared at Kyle. "I just want everything to be perfect," Jake said. "I know, but babe all these cakes are delicious," Tyler said. "The next cake is a classic white cake with a white chocolate frosting," the shop employee said giving them another piece of cake. "Mmmm, this is good," Jake said, surprising Kyle and Tyler. Before they could comment Tyler's cell phone rang. "Hello?" Tyler answered the phone. "What's wrong?" Kyle and Jake looked over at Tyler with concern. All the guys arrived at the hospital and found Marcus and Randal sitting in the waiting room. "What happened?" Stanley asked going over to Randal. "I guess there was some sort of bacterial infection," Randal said quietly. "There are no real symptoms except for the fact that it causes premature delivery. She went into labor this morning and when the baby came out it was..." Randal couldn't finish the sentence. "How's Faith?" Kyle asked. "She can't stop crying," Randal replied. "Colby is in there with her." "Are you okay?" Stanley asked. "It was a little girl," Randal sighed. "I'm so sorry," Stanley said trying to give Randal a hug. "I'm fine," Randal replied shrugging Stanley off as he stood up. "I'm going to go get some water." "Want me to come with you?" Stanley asked. "No, I'm okay," Randal replied walking off. All the guys looked at one another not knowing what to do or say. That night Kyle was over at David's place eating dinner. "It's been quite a day huh?," David sighed taking a sip of beer. "I can't believe it," Kyle added. "I can't even imagine what Faith is going through right now," David said. "Can we change the subject?" Kyle asked. "I can't think about it anymore. It's too hard." "All right," David replied. "So I was thinking about your proposition about me moving in," Kyle said. "And?" David asked hopeful. "Well, it sounds like a good idea," Kyle began, "But we have to be smarter about things this time." "We will," David said putting a hand on Kyle's. "I already signed the lease for this month so when the month is over I'll move back in," Kyle said. David leaned in and kissed Kyle. "It'll be better this time. I promise." "Okay," Kyle said giving David another kiss. Over at Randal's place Stanley was sitting with Randal on the couch who was starring blankly out the window. "Talk to me honey," Stanley said putting an arm around him. "It's too hard right now," Randal replied. "I know you're going through a tough time right now," Stanley said, "But you, Faith and Colby are going to get through it." "I'd kind of like to be alone right now if you don't mind," Randal said quietly. "Are you sure?" Stanley asked. "Yeah," Randal sighed. "I'm sorry." "It's okay," Stanley said. "I understand." Stanley got up and went into the bedroom and went to bed. Over at Marcus' place he and Trevor were laying in bed together. "How are you doing?" Trevor asked. "I'm fine, I just feel awful for Faith," Marcus replied. "I couldn't even imagine how much it must be for her right now." "I know," Trevor added. "Seems like such a waste." "How are you doing?" Marcus asked putting an arm around Trevor. "I'm good," Trevor replied. "I actually had an interesting thing happen today." "What?" Marcus asked. "I ran into my ex-boyfriend," Trevor replied. "How was that?" Marcus asked. "It was okay," Trevor replied. "He wants us all to get together. He's seeing someone else now too." "Really?" Marcus asked unsure. "That sounds a little awkward." "I thought so too," Trevor replied. "I'm sure it won't happen." "Did you guys have a difficult break-up? If you don't mind me asking," Marcus said. "It ended because him and I wanted different things," Trevor replied. "We had different priorities. I wanted someone who was going to be there and someone to settle down with, but he wasn't ready for that. Which worked out well for me, because that way I was free to meet you." Trevor leaned in and kissed Marcus. "Well, I'm glad things worked out the way they did as well," Marcus said. "I've never met anyone like you before." "Is that a good thing?" Trevor asked jokingly. "It's a great thing," Marcus replied giving Trevor another kiss. Before the two could continue anymore Marcus' cell phone rang. "Dammit," Marcus sighed. He looked at the caller ID and saw Randal's name. "Hello?" "Hey it's me," Randal replied cheerfully. "How you doing bud?" Marcus asked. "I'm great," Randal replied. "You sure?" Marcus asked. "Yeah, I was actually calling because I wanted to go look at some new spaces tomorrow for the club," Randal answered. "Are you sure that's a good idea?" Marcus asked. "I know you probably need some time to grieve." "No, I'm fine," Randal said quickly. "Let's do this. I need something to keep me busy." "Okay," Marcus replied. "I'll pick you up tomorrow." "Everything all right?" Trevor asked as Marcus hung up the phone. "Yeah," Marcus replied. "I think so. Randal just seemed chipper." "That's good right?" Trevor asked. "He seemed a little too chipper," Marcus answered. "Maybe he's just realizing that life goes on," Trevor said optimistically. "I don't know," Marcus replied. "I think he's in denial." Before they could continue their conversation even more Trevor's cell phone rang. "Wow," Trevor replied picking up his phone. "We're so popular tonight. Hello?" "Hey Trev," Justin said. "Justin?" Trevor asked. "Yeah," Justin replied. "What's up?" "Nothing," Trevor answered. "I'm just with Marcus right now." "That's your boyfriend right?" Justin asked. "Yeah," Trevor replied. "Well I don't want to keep you from him," Justin began. "I just wanted to know if you were still up for the double date." "You were serious?" Trevor replied. "Yeah," Justin answered. "It would be great to hang out with you again. And I could meet Marcus and you could meet Clark." "Let me ask Marcus," Trevor said then put the phone down and looked over at Marcus, "Justin wants us to go on a double date with him and his boyfriend. Would you want to go or would it be too weird?" "We can go if you want," Marcus replied. "Are you sure?" Trevor asked. "Yeah," Marcus replied. "It'll be fine." "The double date sounds good," Trevor said putting the phone back up to his ear. "Great," Justin replied. "I'll call you later and we can set it up." "Okay, bye," Trevor said. "Bye," Justin replied hanging up. 'I guess we're doing that double date after all," Trevor said laying back down with Marcus. The next morning the guys were at the diner for breakfast. "I've got some news," Kyle said getting the guys attention. "What's up?" Tyler asked. "I'm moving back in with David," Kyle replied. "Really?" Jake asked smiling. "Yeah," Kyle answered. "That's great!" Stanley said. "Thank you," Kyle replied. "You two better not start fighting again," Randal quipped. "We had enough of that bull shit. You two are happy together, keep it that way." "Thanks, we plan on it," David retorted. "How are you doing Randal?" Kyle asked concerned. "I'm good," Randal replied. "You sure? I know it's a tough time right now," Kyle said. "Kyle, it's not like I knew the kid," Randal said. "These things happen. The one we should be concerned with right now is Faith." "I was going to stop by and visit her if you think that would be all right," Tyler said. "I'm sure she'd appreciate it," Randal said. "You sure you're okay?" Jake asked. "I'm fine," Randal sighed. "Just a little tired of people asking me that. I appreciate the concern, but I told you all I'm fine." "All right, well let's change the subject then," Tyler suggested. "Please," Randal begged. "I'm going on a double date with Trevor's ex," Marcus said. "What?" David asked. "Why the hell would you do that?" "Trevor ran into him yesterday and wanted him to meet his new boyfriend and he wanted to meet me," Marcus replied. All the guys looked at Marcus confused. "Why?" Kyle finally asked. "I know, it's ridiculous," Marcus replied. "Trevor doesn't even want to go." "Then don't go," David said. "That's just way too weird." "I know, but we already said yes and it would be rude," Marcus answered. "Who cares?" Jake said. "You two don't have to worry about being nice to his ex-boyfriend." "Well, it might not be so bad," Marcus suggested. "Yeah right," Tyler said. "That's like saying that being hit by a car isn't so bad." "Okay, I think you're being a bit over dramatic," Marcus replied. "I'm gay what do you expect?" Tyler joked. Over at the restaurant Zack works at, Trevor, Luis, Miles and Zack were hanging out. "You and Marcus are going on a double date with Justin and his new boyfriend?" Luis asked. "Yeah," Trevor replied. "Is it weird?" "No, not at all," Miles replied. "It's good you two are able to stay friendly with each other." "But isn't it putting Marcus in an uncomfortable situation?" Trevor asked. "Listen, if it was a big deal to Marcus I'm sure he would have said something," Miles reasoned. "Miles has a point," Zack said. "Besides Justin was a great guy, it would be good if you two can be friends." "I know, but it just seems weird for him to be back in my life," Trevor said. "When we broke up we totally crossed each other out from one another's life completely, then suddenly he's back in the picture." "You don't have feelings for him still do you?" Luis asked. "No," Trevor said quickly. "Quick answer," Zack replied. "A little too quick," Miles pointed out. The guys looked at Trevor sharply. "Okay, well sometimes I do still think about him," Trevor replied. "But its only natural. Him and I were together for a long time. A part of me will always care about him." "Then maybe you're right," Zack said. "Maybe it's not a good idea for you to see him." "I'm not seeing him to try and get back with him," Trevor pointed out. "I'm really happy with Marcus. I just want to be friends with Justin." "Just be careful," Luis said. "It's possible to be friends with an ex right?" Trevor asked. Back over at the diner the guys were still talking about Trevor's ex. "No it's not possible to be friends with an ex," Randal said. "They're called ex-boyfriends for a reason. It means you ex them out of your life. I'm telling you Marcus, don't go through with this double date. It will just cause more drama." "I'll talk to Trevor about it," Marcus said. "Good," Stanley said then he looked down at his watch, "Hey you two better get going and look at places for the club some more." "Oh you're right," Randal said getting up. "We'll talk to you guys later." "Bye," Marcus said getting up and following Randal out. "Was it just me or did Randal seem a little crude this morning?" David asked. "Yeah," Jake agreed. "I think he's just trying to cover up the pain he's feeling right now." "Did you guys want to come with me to visit Faith?" Tyler asked. "I can't," Kyle said. "I have work. I'm going to give her a call later." "I'll go," David said. "Me too," Stanley said. "Well, Kyle and I better get to work," Jake said. "Give Faith my love." "I will," Tyler said giving Jake a hug goodbye, "I'll see you later babe." "Love you," Jake responded. "Love you too," Tyler replied. "I'll pick you up after work," David said giving Kyle a hug. "Thanks, love you," Kyle said. "Love you too," David replied. "Later guys," Stanley said giving them both hugs as Kyle and Jake left. As Kyle and Jake were walking together they started talking about Tyler and Jake's wedding. "Have you guys decided yet who's going to be our best men?" Jake asked. "Honestly since what happened with Faith we haven't even had time to discuss it yet," Kyle replied. "Do you really want to do it?" Jake asked. "Yeah," Kyle replied. "I know it was pre-mature of me, but before we all even talked about who was going to be best man I started thinking of stuff to say for a toast to you two." "Really?" Jake asked touched. "What kind of stuff?" "Just about how we met," Kyle replied. "It seems so long ago now." "It was so long ago," Jake said. "You guys did not like David at first," Kyle remembered laughing. "He seemed so conceded," Jake defended. "I know," Kyle said. "He kind of gives that cocky first impression." "Exactly," Jake said laughing. "It's weird that you and I went to school together, but didn't become good friends until that night we ran into each other at the club," Kyle said. "We kind of bonded instantly because when we ran into each other we found out that the one another was gay," Jake said. "Yeah, that's probably it," Kyle said. "It seems like since that night all of us just bonded as a group." "I know," Jake replied. "You, David and Marcus were there together, Tyler and I were there together and then all of us already knew Randal, it seemed like fate kind of brought us all together." "Fate?" Kyle asked laughing. "You're so cheesy." "Shut up!" Jake said hitting Kyle in the arm, "I was being nostalgic." "Well be nostalgic, but not dorky," Kyle joked. "You know what? I don't want you as a best man anymore," Jake joked. "Yes you do," Kyle replied, "Remember that time I had to go to the bathroom this morning? It must have been fate." "You're an ass," Jake quipped. Back at the restaurant David, Stanley and Tyler headed out to go. "All right, well I'll be there in a couple hours," David said as they walked outside. "Okay," Tyler replied. "See you there." "Bye," Stanley said as Tyler and Stanley went left and David headed right. "Hey Tyler, can I ask you something?" Stanley asked. "Of course," Tyler replied. "What's up?" "I don't know," Stanley replied. "Last night Randal was a little cold to me. I mean, I understand he's going through a lot, but no matter what he's never pushed me away like he did last night. Do you think it's something I should worry about or am I just looking into it too much?" "I think that you're right, Randal is going through a lot," Tyler answered. "I'm sure it has nothing to do with you. He loves you so much Stan. No one's ever been able to make him a monogamy man like he is now." "I guess I'm just worried that he's going to start pushing me away," Stanley said. "Some people do that when they're going through a tough time." "Well if he does then call him on it," Tyler answered. "Don't let him do that to you. You're the best thing to happen to him and he can't forget it." "Thanks," Stanley said touched. "Anytime," Tyler replied. They got to the hospital and bought some flowers at the hospital gift shop before they went to Faith's room. The two went to Faith's room and knocked lightly on the door. "Come in," Faith said quietly. "Hey sweetie," Tyler said as they walked in. "Hi guys," Faith replied trying her best to be upbeat. "You don't have to put on an act for us," Tyler said as him and Stanley pulled up a chair to sit next to her bed. "How are you holding up?" Stanley asked. "I'm," Faith began before tearing up. Tyler and Stanley both put their arms around her. "I'm so sorry," Stanley said. "I was so close to my due date," Faith cried. "I know," Tyler said. "It's terrible." "How's Colby?" Stanley asked. "He's taking it pretty hard, but he's trying to be strong for me," Faith replied. "Anything we can do?" Stanley asked. "Just being here helps," Faith replied. "I haven't called and told anyone else yet. I don't even know where to begin." "There's no rush sweetie," Tyler said. "Just take your time." "How's Randal doing?" Faith asked. "He's okay," Stanley replied. "He was so looking forward to being an uncle," Faith sighed wiping away her tears. "He'll be fine," Tyler assured. "It's you we're most concerned about." "This is so stupid," Faith said. "How can I be so sad over something I didn't even get the chance to have?" "What are you talking about?" Stanley asked. "You have every right to be upset. This was your daughter." Faith takes a minute and rubs her stomach. "My baby," Faith said before bursting into tears again. Stanley and Tyler not knowing what to say anymore just leaned in and wrapped their arms around her. Across town Marcus and Randal were looking at one of the clubs they looked at the day before. "Why are we back at this one?" Marcus asked. "Because I really like it," Randal said. "Randal, look at it," Marcus pointed out the wear and tear of the place. "It's a mess." "It will be fantastic," Randal said. "It just needs work. I kept too quiet yesterday with you bitching and moaning about all the places we looked at. It will be great if you just give it a chance. I believe in this place Mar, trust me." Marcus was taken aback at first at the harsh tone Randal gave, but at the same time saw the passion he had for it and he knew that right now Randal needed something to be passionate about. "Okay," Marcus agreed. "Let's do it." "Thank you," Randal said giving Marcus a hug. Meanwhile, Kyle was at work bored out of his mind. "This is shit," Kyle mumbled to himself. "Excuse me?" Wade, the new and stuck-up store manager asked coming up to Kyle. "Sorry?" Kyle asked pretending he didn't say anything. "Did you just cuss?" Wade asked. "What are you talking about?" Kyle played dumb. "This is a children's store," Wade lectured. "I never want to hear a word like that come out of your mouth again!" "Yes sir," Kyle replied. Wade turned to walk away, Kyle sighed, hating his job even more. "I hate Wade," Miranda, a co-worker said coming up to Kyle. "You and me both," Kyle sighed. "I hate it here." "Why haven't you quit yet?" Miranda asked. "You've been miserable here for months." "I can't," Kyle replied. "I can't afford to not have this job." "You can find another job," Miranda said. "I don't have much going for me," Kyle said. "I barely go to class at a community college anymore, this is the only job I've ever had and it took me so long to get a little above minimum wage here and I don't want to have to start over again." How long have you been here now?" Miranda asked. "Two years," Kyle replied. "And you haven't gotten a promotion or anything yet?" Miranda asked. "No," Kyle replied. "I was supposed to but then they brought in Wade. The asshole took my promotion away." "Excuse me?" Wade asked walking up to Kyle and Miranda. "Yes?" Kyle asked playing dumb again. "I told you already that I never wanted to hear you cuss in this store," Wade said. "This is a children's store and I can't have you throwing around language like that." "Oh my God," Kyle sighed knowing what was coming. "You're fired," Wade concluded. Kyle mustered up all the courage he could and said, "Well, if I'm fired, then I guess I'm free to say, fuck you!" With that Kyle walked out of the store. Once he got in his car he broke down knowing that financially he was screwed. Over at the hospital David arrived and was talking with Faith, Stanley and Tyler. The three of them had cheered up Faith a little and they were finally able to throw in some smiles here and there in their conversations. "You know, when you get out of the hospital we're all going to come to my place and just get drunk," David said. "David," Tyler scolded. "No, I think this is something all of us really need," David said. "We'll get drunk, and just let our sorrows escape us for a night." "Count me in," Faith said trying to look on the bright side. "You sure?" Stanley asked. "Absolutely," Faith replied. "I think David's right. We all need this." "Exactly, Marcus and Randal will be stressed with the club so they'll need one last night of fun before it's all work and no play, Tyler and Jake are going to be all into their wedding planning, so it'll be good for all of us to do this." "And we all know you'll take any excuse to drink," Tyler joked. "You know it," David replied. They all laughed a little as David's phone rang. "Hello?" David asked answering. "So, you know how you wanted me to be more open with you and let you be there for me?" Kyle asked. "Yeah," David replied. "Well, I just got fired from my job," Kyle said. "Can you meet me?" "Where are you?" David asked. "At my usual spot at the beach," Kyle replied. "I'll be right there," David said hanging up. "What's wrong?" Stanley asked as David put his jacket on. "Kyle needs me," David said. "Faith, I'll stop by tomorrow. Get some rest. I love you. Call me if you need anything." "Thanks David," Faith said as David gave her a hug. David rushed out and headed down to the beach. Meanwhile, Marcus went back to his apartment and got a phone call from Trevor. "What's up babe?" Marcus asked. "Well, looks like the double date is on tonight," Trevor said. "Are you serious?" Marcus asked. "Yeah," Trevor replied. "I'm sorry, but let's just do it and get it over with. Maybe it won't be so bad." "I guess," Marcus said. "He wants to meet you and he wants me to meet his boyfriend, Clark," Trevor said. Marcus sighed. "I know, I'm really sorry," Trevor said. "But I would like it if Justin and I could remain friends. That isn't weird is it?" Marcus thought over what Randal had said earlier, but just resigned, "No, it's fine." "Thank you so much," Trevor said. "So we'll meet them at this restaurant called 'Paulo's' at seven." "Okay," Marcus replied. At the beach Kyle was sitting in the sand when David walked over and sat next to him. "Hey babe," David said putting an arm around Kyle. "I'm screwed," Kyle replied. "No you're not," David replied. "Yes, I am," Kyle said. "I don't have enough money to pay the final month's rent on my apartment and I don't know how I'll be able to find another job." "I'll pay the rent," David said. "No," Kyle protested. "I don't want you to do that." "Kyle, I have my own store," David said. "I'm fine financially, let me help you." "No, I'll figure something out," Kyle said. "This is no time to let your pride get in the way," David said. "I'm paying for it." "No," Kyle said. "I don't want you to have to save me all the time." "You can pay me back later if you want, okay?" David asked. Kyle thought it over, "So it would only be a loan?" "If that's what you want," David said. "And I'll pay you back in full plus interest," Kyle said. "You just pay me back in full, I'll think of other ways for you to give me the 'interest'," David said with a smile. "Thank you," Kyle said giving David a kiss. "I just don't know what I'm going to do now." Kyle and David sat there quietly looking into the uncertainty of the future. Night finally came and it was time for the big double date with Marcus, Trevor and Justin and Clark. The four of them were siting at the restaurant together and surprisingly were all having a good time. "So you grew up in the San Diego area also?" Marcus asked Justin. "Yeah," Justin replied. "I went to UCSD." "Me too!" Marcus said. "I went there before going to law school in Boston." "You're a lawyer?" Justin asked. "Was," Marcus replied. "My friend and I are now opening up a club together." "That's awesome," Clark said. "It's going to be great," Trevor enthused. "His friend has been working at a club for a while now so that will help them out a lot and Marcus is a great business man." "Thanks babe," Marcus said flashing Trevor a smile. "So, how did you two meet?" Justin asked. "We met at this club my friend works at," Marcus replied. "Yeah, I had seen him and his friends and him and his friends saw me and wanted us to meet," Trevor said. "It was like fate." "That's great," Justin said with a hint of sadness behind his voice. "How did you two meet?" Trevor asked. "We work together," Clark replied. "You work at the beach with Justin?" Trevor asked. "Yeah," Clark replied. "I started there about six months ago and he was my trainer." "That's nice," Marcus said. "Yeah," Clark answered. "We've been together for a couple months now." "That's great," Trevor replied not being as happy for him as he thought he'd be. Over at Randal's place Randal, Stanley, Tyler and Jake were talking about the place where Randal and Marcus' club is going to be. "It's going to be amazing," Randal said. "You walk down a flight of stairs to the dance area and then the bar will be down there also. It's going to be awesome." "That sounds great," Jake said not understanding how Randal could be so happy just a day after the news that his niece died. "Hey Randal," Stanley said feeling the exact same way Jake was feeling. "Are you sure you're okay?" "I'm fine why?" Randal asked. "Because you're niece passed away," Tyler added. "I told you guys I'm fine," Randal said. "I didn't even get a chance to get to know her so why should I be sad over it?" "It's okay to grieve," Stanley suggested. "You guys I told you a million times now that I'm fine so can we just drop it?" Randal asked. "Okay," Jake replied. "You know I have to go do some planning stuff for the club so I'm going to go to the bedroom to work on this stuff," Randal said getting up. "I'll talk to you guys later." "Babe," Stanley said trying to hold on to Randal's hand, but Randal slowly pulled away and went to the bedroom. Stanley, Tyler and Jake just sat there not too sure what to make of Randal's attitude. When Randal went into the bedroom he closed the door and sat down on the bed and finally did what he's been holding inside for so long, he cried. That night Marcus and Trevor went back to Marcus' house and went up to the bedroom. "I actually had a real good time tonight," Marcus said. "I have to be honest, I didn't think I would, but it was fun. Justin and Clark are really cool guys." "Yeah," Trevor replied. "Clark was great." "You know, I kind of thought it would be weird if you and Justin stayed friends, but he was such a cool guy that I really don't have a problem with it." "Yeah?" Trevor asked. "You don't mind?" "No, not at all," Marcus answered. "That's great," Trevor replied. "It's nice to have him back in my life again." Marcus went and gave Trevor a kiss on the cheek before going into the bathroom to get ready for bed. Trevor sat down on the bed and started thinking about Justin and the past they once had together.... **************************************************************************** To Be Continued... Sorry this took so long. Hope you all enjoy. Please e-mail me with any comments, questions or feedback at ilj4ever44@yahoo.com. Thanks!