Boystown Season Four Page 24

  “Maybe in time?”

  Michael shook his head. “No. We are done.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “Have you talked to Cole yet?”

  “Nope, haven’t seen him. I’m sure he’s here somewhere.”

  Mateo walked up behind Michael and put his hand on his shoulder. “Hey, brother.”

  “Mateo, how are you?” Michael asked.

  “I’m good,” Mateo said. “Nice to see you, too, David.”

  “Thanks,” David replied. “Excuse me. I’ll let you brothers chat.”

  While David walked away, Mateo asked Michael, “Are you ever going to tell me what went down between you and Keith? He looks miserable.”

  “It doesn’t matter, Mateo. It’s over; that’s all that matters.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “And speaking of relationships, I want to talk to you about yours while I have you alone. Is Rachel here?”

  “She’s using the powder room.”

  “You know there can be no future for the two of you.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “She’s no good, Mateo. She’s trouble.”

  “I enjoy her company,” Mateo said with a smile.

  “How she performs between the sheets isn’t my concern,” Michael said. “How she treats you and other people -- and how she will cause trouble for you and our entire family -- is.”

  “You make her sound like a criminal.”

  “Just because I haven’t been able to arrest her for any of her actions doesn’t mean she’s not trouble. I told you some of the things she did.”

  “Allegedly,” Mateo added.

  “Don’t get technical. She has done some horrible things to Keith and to Emmett and to Jensen and even to me. She’s wacko and she’s dangerous.”

  “I don’t see it.”

  “Dammit, Mateo, you never do. Your track record with women is less than stellar.”

  “Oh, now you’re going to lecture me about relationships? Seems to me that you’ve been less than successful in that area as well.”

  “Do you really want Rachel around your son? She’s hardly the motherly type. Hell, even Marco Ciancio dumped her.”

  “Hugo will be going off to college at the end of the summer. So Rachel and I will be just fine.”

  “God, you’re thick. Don’t get me wrong -- I want the best for you. I just wish you’d set yourself up for success better.”

  “I’ll worry about my relationships; you worry about yours.” Mateo patted his brother on the shoulder and walked away to find Rachel Carson.

  Walking from room to room, Mateo worked his way through the guests.

  Seeing Mateo in the crowd, Jesse rushed over to him.

  “Mateo, I’ve been looking for you. Can we chat a minute?”

  “Sure,” Mateo replied.

  “It’s about Logan.”

  “He seems to be doing much better,” Mateo said.

  “He is. He’s seeing the psychiatrist you recommended and his whole attitude has changed. He’s addressing his depression and his alcohol use.”

  “That’s fantastic. I’m glad to hear it.”

  “We are all thrilled. But I have a question for you. Would you be willing to do reconstructive surgery on him? Even if you could make some improvements to his scars, I think it would do a great deal of good for him emotionally.”

  “I told you before -- I don’t do surgery anymore.”

  “But why? Everyone says you were the best in the business. Logan really, really needs you.”

  “I can give you the names of lots of other docs who are outstanding.”

  “But Logan doesn’t know them. He knows you; he trusts you. You know how fragile he is.”

  Mateo shook his head. “I’m sorry. I wish I could help him, I really do. Now please excuse me.” He walked away from Jesse, who gave him an odd look.

  Then Cole walked up behind his roommate. “Hey, bro. What was that all about?”

  “He won’t help Logan. He refuses to even consider doing reconstructive surgery and he’s the best there is.”

  “What’s up with that? Did he say why?”

  “Nope. He just keeps saying that he doesn’t do surgery anymore.”

  “That’s crazy. Logan needs his help. Isn’t that what doctors are supposed to do, help people out?”

  “Maybe if I had Michael talk to him?”

  “Maybe,” Cole said. “It’s worth a shot.”

  David walked over to Jesse and Cole and greeted them.

  “Hey guys.”

  “Hey David,” Jesse said. “How are you?”

  “I’m good, thanks,” David replied. “Cole, got a minute?”

  “Sure,” Cole stated.

  “I’m going to get a drink and find Logan,” Jesse said. “See you two later.”

  Jesse walked away and David said, “Why don’t we go out onto the terrace?”

  “Okay,” Cole said, following David out onto the penthouse’s massive terrace. They walked over to the railing where they could look out over Lake Shore Drive and the lake as well. “Wow -- this view is incredible.”

  “The whole place is,” David added. “It’s like a palace. Gino really knows how to pick them.”

  “Are you talking about the penthouse or Justin?” Cole asked, jokingly.

  “Both, I guess,” David replied with a smile. “It’s nice to see you. I want to apologize.”

  “It’s good to see you, too,” Cole stated.

  “I spoke with Derek and he clarified some things for me. I’m sorry I jumped to conclusions and didn’t trust you.”

  “I told you I didn’t cheat on you. I’m sorry that you didn’t believe me.”

  “I was so upset and jealous that I wasn’t thinking straight. I’m sorry I wrecked what we had.”

  “I really liked being with you, David. You’re a special guy.”

  “Thank you. I miss you.”

  Cole smiled. “I miss you, too.”

  “Would you ever consider getting back together with me?”

  “Of course I would, David,” Cole said. “But right now I think it’s best if I just stay single for a while. Ever since we broke up, I have been thinking a lot. About you, me, Derek, and Joyelle. And now, I’m starting this whole new job.”

  “I know. I saw your first ad yesterday. Totally hot.”

  “Thank you. I just think I need some quiet time to myself to sort through all my feelings and decide what I want. Ever since I moved here to Chicago, it’s been one thing after another, like being on a treadmill. I just need some time to myself.”

  “I’m disappointed, but I understand.”

  “It has nothing to do with you, David. I just need some down time.”

  David kissed Cole softly on the cheek. “Take all the time you need.”

  Cole looked down at the empty glass in his hand. “What we both need is another drink.”

  “Come on,” David said. “Let’s go find one.”

  David and Cole re-entered the penthouse and headed toward the closest bar.

  As David and Cole completed their search for more cocktails, Gino, Justin, Marco, and Carlo were talking in front of the fireplace in the living room.

  “This place really is magnificent,” Carlo said. “You have done very well, my son.”

  “Thank you, Father,” Gino replied. “I wanted a place that Justin and I could call ‘home’ in Chicago.”

  “Very impressive,” Marco added.

  “And thank you both so much for flying out for the party,” Justin stated. “It means a lot to both of us that you’re here.”

  “Not a problem. In fact, it worked out well. We brought the large jet so we can fly everyone in the wedding party back with us.”

  “Perfect,” Gino said. “Having everyone there a day before the rest of the guests arrive will make things a whole lot easier.”

  “I understand you’re having lunch with Tyler and David tomorrow,” Justin said to Carlo.


  “That’s right. I want to reach out to them and let them know that, even though they aren’t related to me by blood, they still are a part of the Ciancio family as well as the Mancinis.”

  “That’s very kind, Father,” Gino said. “I think they will appreciate that. They’re both good guys.”

  Rachel Carson walked over to the four men while they were talking. “Seems like your families just keep growing and growing.”

  “And thankfully, you’ll never be a part of either one of them,” Marco said.

  “Congratulations to you both, Gino and Justin. I wish you the best.”

  “Thank you,” Gino replied.

  “Poor Marco,” Rachel continued. “Looks like you’re the only one who’s alone now. How sad for you.”

  Marco smiled. “Where is that half-wit doctor who brought you here? He doesn’t perform surgeries anymore, but as long as he performs well in the sack, you’ll keep him around, right? Apparently, it’s the only talent either one of you has.”

  “Mateo’s smart,” Justin said. “He’ll kick you to the curb sooner or later. Just like we both did.”

  “Okay, okay,” Gino said. “This is a party. Let’s all behave.”

  “I’ll try my best,” Rachel said. “Enjoy your party.” Rachel walked away and Marco rolled his eyes.

  “I don’t know what either of you ever saw in that tramp,” Carlo said. “I thank God that she’s out of our lives.”

  “We all are, Father. We all are.”

  “Excuse me for a moment,” Justin said. “I’m going to go see how our entertainers Chadwick and Amy are doing.”

  With his champagne glass in hand, Justin headed toward the great room where Chadwick was wrapping up his song set. As Justin weaved through the guests, several stopped him to congratulate him on his engagement or compliment the beauty of the penthouse. He eventually passed Logan and Max, who were talking.

  “I’m sure you know this already, but you need to know what an amazing man your son is,” Logan told Max.

  “I’m beginning to understand that,” Max said, smiling. “That’s why I asked him to be my best man.”

  “He told me. He was incredibly touched by that, as was I.”

  “We’re just all so glad you’re doing better.”

  “I’m at peace now,” Logan said. “I took some time to reflect on my life, made a few decisions, and now feel very content.”

  “I’m glad. And I’m glad that Jesse is right there by your side. I had always thought it would be me, but I am glad that it’s my son. He is a good man, which is what you tried to tell me all along.”

  “We’re all human, Max. We all have our faults, some more than others. But I love him very much and I am very grateful to have him in my life.”

  “Cheers to that,” Max said, lifting his glass and taking a sip from it. “Wow, can you believe I’m getting married this weekend? I’m so glad you’re coming.”

  “Of course,” Logan said. “I wouldn’t miss it. I fly out the day after you and the other members of the wedding party depart.”

  “It’s nice of the Ciancios to be flying us all out there and putting us all up at their home.”

  “I’m sure it’ll be an amazing affair. One Emmett and you both deserve.”

  “You know I’ll always love you, Logan.”

  Logan smiled. “And I will always love you, too. But life works out the way it’s supposed to. You and I weren’t meant to be together. Now we’re with the people we should be with.”

  “Absolutely,” Max said. Then he wrapped his arms around Logan in a warm hug.

  A few feet away, Dustin watched Logan and Max as they embraced. Then he turned around and walked a few feet to where David was standing alone.

  “Hey there.”

  “Hi, Dustin. Enjoying the party?”

  “I saw you and Cole talking on the terrace earlier. Everything okay?”

  “We had a few things to sort out. It was good to talk.”

  “It always is. So are you getting back together?”

  “Maybe one day. He said he needs some time alone to sort through his feelings.”

  “Still hung up on Derek, I’m sure,” Dustin said, sipping his cocktail.

  “I’m not sure,” David replied. “He’s a great guy and sexy as hell. So we’ll see.”

  “Well, in the meantime, maybe you’ll let me cook dinner for you some time?”

  David smiled. “Sure, I’d like that. When I get back from the wedding.”

  “Great. I look forward to spending more time with you.”

  Across the room, Derek was speaking with Michael about the investigation into his shooting.

  “It’s been months and you still have no leads? No nothing?”

  “I’m sorry,” Michael said. “We are doing all we can, but unless we find some new evidence or someone comes forward with some new information, I’m afraid we don’t have much to go on.”

  “You wasted so much time falsely arresting my brother. It could have been spent finding my real attacker.”

  “We arrested Justin based on the evidence we had at the time. That’s what we do.”

  “Well, you need to do more,” Derek said. “Otherwise this person is never going to be found.”

  “You’ll be the first person to know if there are any new discoveries.”

  “Good,” Derek said as Tyler and Joyelle approached the men.

  “Hello, Joyelle,” Michael said. “You look great tonight.”

  Joyelle smiled. “You’re sweet. Thank you. Would you mind if we stole Derek away for a moment?”

  “Not at all,” Michael said. “I need to see what David is up to anyway. Excuse me.” He walked away.

  “You need to talk to me?” Derek asked.

  “Joyelle wants to tell you something. Let’s walk over into the study for a little privacy.”

  Tyler led Derek and Joyelle down the hallway to a small den. The room was beautifully decorated with paintings and large book shelves.

  “This is better,” Tyler said, “fewer distractions around us.”

  “So what’s up?” Derek asked.

  “I wanted to be honest with you and clarify something I told you a while ago,” Joyelle said.

  Derek raised his eyebrows. “Okay.”

  “That day in the hospital when I fell down the stairs, you were arguing with me in my room. You had just learned about the pregnancy and were so upset, so I told you that the baby is Tyler’s just to shut you up. I’m sorry.”

  “What are you saying?” Derek asked.

  “She’s saying that we don’t know for sure who the father of the baby is just yet.”

  “It may be either of you,” Joyelle explained. “I’m going to have a paternity test done in a couple of days.”

  “My God,” Derek said. “That child may be mine?”

  “Tyler insisted I tell you what was going on. I’m not sure I would have said anything yet if he hadn’t asked me to.”

  “I thought you had a right to know.”

  “Thank you,” Derek told Tyler. “Thank you very much.”

  “As soon as I get the results of the test, I will let you know,” Joyelle said. “I’m sorry I misled you.”

  “I understand why. I was being an ass. I’m sorry, for everything.”

  “I am, too,” Joyelle said.

  “Wow, I may still be a father,” Derek mumbled. “After we lost the twins, I never thought it would happen.”

  “We’ll know the paternity of the baby before the wedding,” Tyler said.

  Marco stepped into the den and immediately got the attention of the other three in the room. “Oh, I’m sorry,” Marco said. “Am I interrupting?”

  “Always,” Derek declared. He turned back toward Tyler and Joyelle. “Thank you both again.” He left the room.

  “Nice talking to you,” Marco said with a smile as Derek departed.

  “You still have a way of clearing a room,” Joyelle said.

  “You’re looking lovely ton
ight, Joyelle,” Marco stated, “as always. My step-brother here is one lucky fellow.”

  Tyler wrapped his arm around Joyelle and grinned. “I sure am. Excuse us.” Joyelle and Tyler started to leave the room.

  “Don’t be strangers,” Marco added. “I hope to see much more of you both.”

  Tyler and Joyelle ignored Marco and left the den.

  At the same time, Justin arrived in the great room where Chadwick was just finishing his final song. He walked over to Chadwick and gave him a huge hug.

  “You are amazing,” Justin said. “Thank you so much for being here today.”

  “No problem,” Chadwick replied. “This has been awesome. And your home is gorgeous.”

  “You’re welcome any time,” Justin said smiling. “And it’s even more gorgeous with the painting you painted for us.”

  “It’s your wedding present from me.”

  “It’s spectacular. We have the perfect spot for it. I knew you were an amazing singer, but a painter, too? Is there anything you can’t do?”

  Chadwick smiled. “Oh, please. You have phenomenal artwork on your walls.”

  “And yours will fit right in,” Justin added. “I can’t wait for the rest of our family and friends to hear you sing at the wedding.”

  “It’s going to be a blast.”

  Emmett walked over to join the conversation. He hugged Chadwick and said, “We are so excited to have you, Amy, Whiskey and Cherries, and Steve Grand all there. It’ll be the best wedding entertainment anyone has ever experienced.”

  “Well, thank you,” Amy Armstrong said as she walked over to Justin and Chadwick. Her beautiful, black gown sparkled in the light of the room. “You did a great job, Chadwick.”

  “You’re up next,” Chadwick replied.

  “Yes,” Justin said. “Just give me a moment because I think we are going to give a toast to our guests. So let me get Max and Gino -- and then you can start right after we’re done.”

  “Perfect,” Amy said as Justin walked about to find Max and Gino.

  “And remember what I promised you, too,” Emmett said. “We want you both at the grand opening of the restaurant and club -- and to book you both to perform regularly.”

  “No fire at the grand opening this time,” Amy said, smiling.