TJ's journey to love - 16. Chapter 16

I was a bit surprised that Caroline would call me.

I took the call in the study.

“Hello Caroline.”

“Hello Emily, we haven’t officially met but I spoke with Liz this morning and I wanted to call you and apologize for my son’s behavior. I know it doesn’t mean much but I just found few days ago what happened. My soon to be ex-husband called and told me Dylan was missing and wanted to know if he was with me or if I gave him any money. I told him I had not seen him in a quite a while as I made it clear I didn’t want anything to do with him.”

“That is a bit harsh since he’s your son”

“Yes I do understand that its harsh but I believe Dylan is a sociopath just like his father. I lived my life with rose colored glasses until a year ago when I discovered things weren’t what they seemed. You see I found out that I had two living brothers. I grew up being told they died in the car accident with my parents. I was shopping in the local Giant when I saw what I thought was my father; it turned out to be my brother and your husband Tristan. I was blown away. He and I talked briefly and met a few times but he kept his distance because of my son. Apparently our boys had several run ins over the years and I never knew. So once I learned about him, I called my dear old Aunt and raised hell and she caved telling me she didn’t want the boys because her mother always favored her brother who died young. I know this is a lot to understand but my main reason for calling is I want to pay for TJ to see what ever doctor he needs to for help, money is no object. I need to atone for what my son did.”

“Well, I am blown away at your offer. I’ve dealt with your soon to be ex, as you call him, and you seem nothing like him.” I heard her chuckle.

“Being a Plastic Surgeon I work a lot to make money and Dylan’s father stopped working so I was supporting him until I filed for divorce last week. I am sure had he not been cut off financially he would have helped Dylan escape.”

“You mean they were really kidnapped?”

“Yes I think they were. Sebastian’s parents have been going nuts and so has Dylan’s father. As for me I say good riddance to those boys. Maybe they finally got what they deserved and yes I told the police I really don’t care.”

“I am really surprised. Let me talk with TJ and some other about your offer. We may take you up on it.”

After ending the call I walked back out to find everyone in the family room. Jack said that Liz had called him and said Caroline was going to be calling but she had called faster than she thought she would.

***

“Hey mom, could I go to New York to see where J.C. and Trace live?” I asked

“I think we could arrange a family trip over spring break. I want to take your brothers to the city.” Mom replies

“Sweet, maybe we could see a show or something?”

“Maybe, not sure your brothers are interested in Broadway, maybe a concert or something.”

I look over at JC and smile. I am nervous that once he finds someone better than me he will drop me like yesterday’s news. Trace said he won’t but I can see someone come sweep him off his feet. My new bed was delivered and mom had cleaned the fresh new sheets we brought too. JC helped me make the bed. Every time we bumped I got this shock. I guess the spark is still there.

*** New Year’s Eve***

Mom invited a lot of her friends from high school. The last one to show was a friend she bumped to in the hospital cafeteria a guy named Jeff. Apparently he dated Jack for a while but messed around with everyone in high school. I had no clue being gay in high school meant having orgies and sex with everyone. I guess living in Cincinnati you had nothing better to do. When he walked in I was shocked who was with him… It was Doctor Hottie, I mean Kev, and apparently they are partners. Was anyone at mom’s school straight besides her and Kelly?

“Doctor Kev, ummm hi”

“TJ, I had no idea we were coming to your house. My husband said we were going to see friends from high school and I didn’t know it was your mom.”

God he was cute when he was flustered. Mom came in to greet them and was saying Jeff told he had a partner just not who it was. I watched all the gay men at the house drool when they saw how Kev was dressed. I think he paints his clothes on they were so tight.

Mom had prepared snacks and all for us to eat. It was good to see mom laughing and everyone telling stories about going to high school. It made me realize outside of Lucas I really had no high school friends. It maybe me think about how I had been acting and made Sebastian my whole life. If I was having this party it would be just be a family party outside JC and Trace. I got up from my seat and pulled my jacket on and went and sat on the porch.

I was staring into the yard when Kev stepped out.

“I hope you’re not hiding because I’m here. I can leave.”

“No it’s not that. I realized today that I only have Lucas as my one and only friend in high school. Listening to everyone in there it made me really sad that I will never have a life like mom where people tell dumb stories about what we did in high school”

“TJ, high school is different for everyone. You can’t base your life off how other people chose to live theirs. So you don’t have many friends but you do cherish the ones you have. Your brothers seem to worship you and you guys have that brotherly bond.”

“I guess you’re right. Maybe I could try to make more friends. Thanks Kev”

“No problem. Let’s go back inside where it’s warmer.”

Everyone was pairing up prior to the count down for the New Year.

Right at midnight I kissed J.C. and made it quick. It was just in time for me to see Grayson and Trace kiss. WOW that’s who he’s been crushing on. I don’t think anyone else noticed. The next morning everyone slept in and Grandpa Tony made brunch.

Mom and I had a call at 1 with Liz to discuss all the meetings she’s been having.

“Well there have been some interesting developments to say the least. We found out that Richard Carmine and the Corse’s were heavy donors to the Chief of police’s political fund. That is why he has been burying TJ’s case. Since charges were filed without his department it is leading to more questions, with a lot of folks calling for him to resign. I am not sure he is going to do that. In other news Richard Carmine was arrested by the DEA for dealing drugs. They had been watching him and when Dylan and Sebastian went missing they were sure it was drug related and moved in. I am still baffled as to why the FBI doesn’t seem to care.”

“What about my trial?”

“Until they are found nothing can happen and the case remains open. I petitioned for the trial to happen but without them there to defend themselves it can’t happen.”

“So we need to find them?” mom said

“If we want justice for TJ yes. I need to get back to the city as there is nothing I can do here yet. I am going to be on top of the police until we get answers.

After the meeting mom went out and shared the news about Mr. Carmine’s arrest and that Dylan and Sebastian were in fact still missing.

I went to be that night hoping they would turn up and also hoping they wouldn’t. I am not sure I could stand a trial. I rolled in the bed and curled up to JC and fell asleep listening to his heart beat.

***

A conversation between Emily and Brayden in an undisclosed place (The agency is the CIA)

“Are you sure killing them was a good idea? I mean now he won’t get justice.” Emily said

“I told you it was a huge possibility, but this had to be done. I told you TJ wasn’t the first person. I know this bothers you but I had to tell you. It was a direct order to take Dylan and Sebastian out.” Brayden said

“That doesn’t make it any easier Brayden, they were just kids”

“Yes two very bad kids Emily. I told you they had countless victims and many weren't classmates, there were younger kids they did this too. They were predators and so was Richard Carmine.”

“Richard was involved? Really?”

“Yes most of the time. There is no evidence to suggest he hurt TJ”

“If he laid one hand on my boy so help me god.”

“You need to chill out, Do not ask him or even suggest it.”

“So having TJ invite your family out here was a blessing?”

“Yes it provided a great cover story for all of us. When the orders came down to take care of Dylan and Sebastian; Kellan and Jordan jumped on it. That is why no one really saw them”

“Were they ever in the Army?”

“For a year and they were handpicked to move over to the agency, I think Tristan recommended them.”

“What did he have to do with the agency?”

“He knew people, lots of people. They wanted to recruit him for years but he was a soldier and a leader not a contract killer. It also could be why he was killed”

“What do you mean?”

“He knew a lot of what was going on and was the agency contact in the Army.”

“Tell me the truth was he even over in the Middle East”

“No he wasn’t. We were in a safe house in Germany when we were ambushed. He was there with me as we needed someone who could help with Army coordination.”

“How are you ok with everything that's happened?”

“It took some getting used to but in the end the boys do what is needed. I also think you should sue the Corses’ and Richard in civil court. That way you get somewhere. Leave CC out.”

“Why she’s the money train”

“She works for the agency and has a private practice.”

“So she really knew this whole time?”

“Yes but she has to act like she doesn’t. Her offering to pay for TJ's doctor is legitimate. She feels so sorry for what her son did.”

“Why are you telling me all of this?”

“I was told to brief you. The agency wants one of your children to work for them out of college.”

“Please don’t tell me they want my sweet Beau.”

“That is who they want. He is considered a genius.”

***

The next morning mom seemed so stressed and shaky. She dropped her cup of coffee when the phone rang. It was Liz telling us Mr. Carmine was arrested for drug dealing and possession. I wasn’t surprised at all Dylan and his dad were so close.

***

Time Jump

Well here we are getting ready for our trip to New York. Mom and Beau are staying with Jack and Tracy while Grayson and I are staying with J.C. and Trace. So after the New Year’s kiss, Grayson and Trace hung out a lot. Trace admitted that Grayson was his first man crush and that he wasn’t sure where it was going to go. I think they talked over facetime more than J.C. and I as well as Lucas and Beau all combined. Every time I saw G he was talking to Trace. He was excited to see him in person. I was excited to see J.C. too. I have been going to my sessions with Dr. Kev and it's helped me a whole lot. At first he was unsure if he should be my doctor since his husband and mom are friends but I said he was so helpful I didn’t want to change. He had told me not to rush into anything until I was ready. During the flight mom said we would be seeing the show with the Craft-Woolery clan and with Liz, her partner and her boys.

When we arrived in the city Tracy and Jack were at the airport waiting. They used a company limo to pick us up. We headed to the apartment first and let me tell you that elevator ride was long. Once we reached the 90^th floor, the doors opened to a nice little hallway or as Tracy said to think of it as a porch. There was one on the 91^st floor but that door was rarely used. He said there were stairs in case of an emergency but in the years they have lived there he’s never needed them. They were behind a secure door too. Once Jack opened the door the view of NYC at night was amazing as you could see for miles in any direction. Jack said in the morning that we would be able to see Central Park. J.C. and Trace came down to join us. I kissed J.C. and was quick about it but Trace and Grayson… good god they needed a room. There was so much space I was just going to tell them yes on the offer but didn’t want to be too eager. They said they would meet us for lunch at my favorite Mexican place, Cancun.

I decided to sleep alone and figured Grayson may crawl in with me. I woke around 2 am hearing moans and groans… I pulled my pillow over my head. When I woke up I found J.C. in my bed. I smiled as he looked so cute. I kissed him and he woke up.

“Sorry I snuck in here last night. Those two were so damn loud.”

“Grayson and Trace? That was them? No way.”

“Yes, my idiot brother didn’t close his door. I walked over there and was like the whole damn city can hear you they laughed as I closed the door.”

“Holy crap… Grayson and Trace that blows my mind.”

“Mine too. Trace has had so many girlfriends I am surprised.”

“Well good for them” That was my fakeness taking over. I know it will be a while before I trust anyone. I went and took a showered and returned to the living room. J.C. joined me and we had cereal for breakfast and we watched t.v. Eventually Grayson and Trace came out of the room looking happy and obviously they had showered.

“Hey Trace, we got a noise violation from the Mayor’s office” J.C. said then giggled.

I watched them both turn bright red.

“Please don’t tell Mom, she’d get mad” Grayson said.

“I won’t but you better be careful you are still underage” I replied. When did I become a prude or lawyer?

They ate and sat with us in the living room. The views from here and bedroom were amazing. I could get used to this. We left to meet everyone for breakfast. It was just a couple of blocks. We got their first and waiting for everyone outside as the weather was starting to warm up. I was looking around when I saw Beau and Lucas walking up. Wait… Lucas is here?

“Hey TJ” Lucas said as they approached

“What a surprise brother.” I replied.

“Yeah we were coming up as Mom starting moving things to our new place.”

“They already found a house?”

“Yeah, it is two blocks down from Jack and Tracy”

“That’s cool.”

“Grayson something is different about you” Beau said

“Yeah dear you look a bit happy this morning.” Mom said Grayson blushed and looked down.

“He must be happy to be here with Trace” Jack said with a knowing smirk

We all went in and as we were eating I saw Grayson and Beau talking and Beau got this huge smile and patted G on the shoulder.

“TJ are you alright?” Mom asked

I scooted my chair back and made a dash for the door. I exited the restaurant and hung a left running towards Central Park as the tears started to flow.