Date: Sun, 9 Apr 2006 00:30:56 -0700 (PDT)
From: Kirk Landers <ilj4ever44@yahoo.com>
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!