TJ's Journey to Parenthood - 10. Chapter 10

“He would like to pay for the entire renovation” Cam said

“What? That sound like a set-up” I said

“Seems before his father passed they had some kind of falling out” Cam replied

“So he wants to stick it to him too?” I asked

“Something like that; it appears that one of his own son’s is gay and he’s trying to show him that he embraces it.” Grayson said

“Wow I never saw this coming” I replied

“He did have one small ask” Cam said

“Here it comes” I said sarcastically

“TJ, it’s not what you think; he doesn’t want it made public until we are finished all the projects. He is also in talks to buy out the leases of all the companies renting as he wants the building to house as many people as possible.” Grayson said

“How would we keep everyone quiet?” I said

“Non-disclosure agreements” Cam said

“And not mentioning whose doing the buying” Grayson said

“I think this could be very interesting.” I said

“We need to set-up a non-profit to run the building to take care of all the management things.” Grayson said

“Let me talk with Jackson and see if we can put together a job posting. We can create a board who will oversee the entire process and center.” I said

“Sounds like a good idea. By the way we didn’t mention who was behind it.” Cam said

“Could you arrange a meeting for Jackson and me? I’d like to talk with him” I said

“That can be arranged” Cam said and left

“So Grayson was it really that easy of a meeting?” I asked

“It sure was; he was very soft spoken and super polite. He wants his son to know that he supports him and his friends” Grayson said

“Well I am glad to hear it” I said

“How are doing?” Grayson asked

“For the most part I’m ok. I need to deal with Tristan though; he seems intent on being rouge.” I replied

“He sure reminds me of you.” Grayson said

“Yeah he said he is made from the same DNA.” I said

“Well that sure would explain a lot. He admires you and you are his hero” Grayson said

“I know and he’s got my temper. Could you imagine what I would have been like had I known about the telepathy and teleportation?” I said

“Mom would have flipped the hell out” Grayson said chuckling

“Oh she would have gone nuts for sure” I said laughing

“Seriously, I am glad we are all together.” Grayson said

“Me too bud” I said hugging him

We both walked out of the room and I went in search of my husband. I found him in the nursery talking with Mack.

“Hey babe” Jackson said when I entered

“I hope I’m not interrupting” I said

“Not at all, we were just chatting about the babies” Jackson said

“Aren’t they the cutest?” I said

“They all are. What would you think about making Mack our permanent nanny?” Jackson said

“That would be awesome but does he want too?” I asked

“More than anything I would like to settle down. Being a nurse and running to be with folks when the babies are born it gets to be too much” Mack said

“Mack, if we are keeping you from your family, please tell us and we can make arrangements” I said

“It’s not that. My boyfriend gets mad because I’m gone for weeks at a time.” Mack said

“Well, what does your boyfriend do?” Jackson inquired

“He’s a freelance writer” Mack said

“Would you both want to live in New York or wherever we land up?” I asked

“He just wants to be with me” Mack said

“Give us his contact information and we’ll get him here.” I said smiling

“Are you sure?” Mack asked hesitantly

“More than anything; let him see what you do” I said

“Thank you so much” Mack said running out of the room

“Someone is in love” Jackson said

“He sure is” I said and smiled at Jackson

“So how is everyone in here doing?” I asked

“They are all being behaved except for two of them” Jackson said

“Let me guess; Jamie and Mattie” I said

“You got it. They are being extremely needy” Jackson said

“Jamie is definitely my child” I said and laughed

“That he is.” Jackson replied

We stayed and played with the kids until Cam popped into the room

“I spoke with Mr. Trump and he’d like to have lunch with you in the city tomorrow if possible.” Cam said

“It shouldn’t be a problem; just need to make sure someone is here for the kids.” I said

“I’ll call him back and arrange it” Cam said

“So we are having lunch with Baron Trump” Jackson said

“Yeah looks that way; I am just really surprised is all” I replied

“Never judge a book by its cover honey” Jackson said

“Yeah I know, it’s just things are crazy, you know? I know who his father is but my gut is telling me to trust him” I said

“Always go with your gut babe” Jackson said

“Do you have any idea who could run our business out of Shepard Tower?” I asked

“No, but I can have Pop put some feelers out. Once we get this up and running I want to reach out to some friends and ask for donations” Jackson said

“Speaking of, I am trying to come up with a name for our organization” I said

“How about naming it after your grandpa’s?” Jackson said

“The Ron & Tony Michaels Foundation has a ring to it” I said

“I like that name” Jackson said

“I also want to honor your parents too. How about we start some scholarships and a free law clinic?” I said

“Free law clinic?” Jack said coming in

“Hey Pop, yeah TJ was just talking about things we could do in our building” Jackson said

“A law clinic for the LGBTQ+ would be a good thing. Since I specialize in family law and civil liberties I could spear head it.” Jack said

“The Jack Woolery Law Clinic” I said

“You know Pops name is actually hyphenated right?” Jackson said

“Just not professionally” Jack chimed in

“So the Jaxson Craft-Woolery Law Clinic” I said

“That sounds awesome” Jackson said

“Boys, I do have something to tell you about Tracy” Jack said

“What is it?” Jackson said worriedly

“Well you remember how he was the Dean/Director of the school of Dance?” Jack said

“Yeah but he stepped down a few years ago for personal reasons” Jackson said

“The school pretty much forced him due to the negative press regarding the shooting and all. Apparently the school President forced it and others didn’t want it to happen. A week ago the university quietly fired the man and want your Dad to take over” Jack said

“He’s going to do it, right?” I asked

“He is but he wanted you both of your permission” Jack said

“That’s silly, he can do what he wants” I said

“Yeah Pop, Dad can be President if he wants” Jackson said

“I know and I talked to your brother and he agreed too” Jack said

“So that’s why the law clinic seems good for you… you were working part-time to be with Dad and no he’s going fulltime and you’d be bored” Jackson said

“You caught me” Jack said laughing

“I think you would be an awesome addition and you could help so many people” I said

“I could and I know a few other folks at firms who would be dying to help too” Jack said

“Oh Pop that would be awesome to get others to help.” Jackson said

“I am going to approach NYU and see if we can’t get some help from them.” Jack said

“That would be awesome. Do you know anyone who could run the foundation?” I asked

“I have one person and I think he’d be a great leader.” Jack said

“Well who is it?” I asked

“You” Jack said

“Me? I’m not sure I could” I replied

“TJ you ran BHO briefly and you recognized that it was too much for you to handle and CC is back handling the day to day with Kellan and Jordan. I think with you and say a mentor you’d be an awesome business man” Jack said

“Well I will think about it but I never finished college” I said

“There are a lot of famous inventors and business men who never finished college. Don’t discount yourself” Jack said

“Thanks Jack; I will think about it” I replied

“I understand you are meeting Baron for lunch tomorrow?” Jack asked

“Yes we are” I said

“From what I understand from some business folks I talked to he is not his father or brothers and is his own man. I’ve also heard that he takes more after his mother” Jack said

“I am going in with an open mind” I said

“Good. Just keep it open and don’t let anyone try to persuade you otherwise” Jack said

“Thanks Jack” I said

“Ok time to say good night to the little ones. I will help with them tomorrow as well” Jack said and kissed our foreheads and then did the same to each baby before leaving

“I think this venture is going to be awesome” I said

“I do too but how are we going to fill that much space?” Jackson said

“Don’t worry, I think people will jump at the chance to be there” I said

We tucked each of the kids in and then went to bed. I was exhausted and nervous about tomorrow’s meeting. Once Jackson moved into the big spoon position I finally fell asleep. The next morning we were up and feeding the kids and I made arrangements for Mack’s boyfriend to fly out for a visit. Around 10:00 we left for New York City and arrive a few minutes early at the restaurant.

“May I help you” the Maître D said

“We are the Michaels” Jackson said and recognition appeared on the man’s face

“Ah yes, the other members of your party have arrived; follow me” the Maître D said. We walked into the dining room and past all the other folks in the restaurant. I was a bit surprised as it wasn’t a flashy place and was very low key. I recognized him right off the bat sitting at the table with this gorgeous woman and another young man.

“Mister Trump, your guests have arrived” the Maître D said

“Please call me Baron” He said as he stood and shook mine and Jackson’s hand, while a waiter appeared and pulled out our seats and pushed us in

“Gentlemen, this is my wife Zala and my eldest son John” Baron said

“Nice to meet you, I am TJ and this is my husband Jackson” I said

“Nice to meet you” Zala said

“Nice to meet you both too” John said giving both of us a firm handshake

“John is here as he is an architect and has been drawing up a few plans for the building to help maximize things” Baron said

“Yes, he is eager to help you both and make his brother proud” Zala said smiling

“We need to start somewhere” I said

“I know you might think this is weird but I’ve read a lot about you both and I am impressed” John said

“Impressed?” I questions

“You both have made something for yourself despite some struggles and have overcome a lot. People always say gay marriage doesn’t work but here you both are making it work” John said

“Thanks I guess” I said

“Pardon my husband’s bad manners; I understand what you mean John. The gay community doesn’t get the best recognition when it comes to marriage and I appreciate your candor” Jackson said

“I didn’t mean anything bad about it; I just worry about my brother a lot” John said with tears forming

“The boys are very close” Baron said

“I can see you are being sincere young man and I apologize. I am not used to folks with your last name being pro-gay.” I said

“Yes understandable but I am not them and neither is my family. Zala’s brother was gay and he committed suicide because he couldn’t take the bullying; that is another reason why we want to do this. Kids need an outlet and if we can provide them somewhere safe and bully free; well why the hell not” Baron said

“I had no idea about your brother in law and my condolences to you both” I said

“Thank you TJ” Zala said

“I understand you want this kept under wraps until you talk with your son” I said

“Yes, I would like to bring him to the Shepard Tower and show him what we have done. I want to contribute financially but I am not looking to have recognition for it. I just think it is the right thing to do” Baron said

“Very understandable; we would like to tell you about the foundation we are creating and get your input”

“That sounds awesome. Just so you know I plan to donate yearly to the foundation and we need to hold fundraisers too.” Baron said

“We have been talking about fundraisers.” I said

“I think between all of our connections we can make this a success and maybe replicate it across the country.” Baron said

“Oh wow, we never thought about that” I said

“New York isn’t the only city with gay youth. I have real estate across the country I would be willing to donate to get this off the ground” Baron said

“I am shocked” I said

“I understand, when I heard what you wanted to do I was like why hasn’t anyone else ever done something like this? It boggles the mind” Baron said

“It sounds like this could be an awesome venture” I said

“It definitely does” Baron replied

We had a very successful lunch and the plans John had drawn up were spectacular. He made several levels of livable space as he really put research into the homeless LGBTQ+ population. The top floor was dedicated as foundation space to avoid and flow of the other floors. Jackson and I left really impressed with the plans and talked about it on the whole trip home. We arrived home and found there had been some trouble while we were away; not about our kids but Patrick Worthington IV.