Chapter 2: Chapter 2
So much for a low-key return to Mayfair, Julian thought.
“There isn’t much to tell,” he began. “Virgil and I just sort of drifted apart. He was busy with his work at the television station. He’s second chair news anchor for the local morning news. That meant he had to be up and out of the apartment by three. Had to be in bed by eight. By the time I got home after coaching the diving team and finished with grading papers, he usually was in bed. When he did have an occasional evening free, I was either at a swim meet or he was expected to be at some event representing the station. It got to the point it was like we were just roommates rather than lovers. We sat down and talked about it, and decided to go our separate ways.”
There was more to it than that, but Julian didn’t want to share those details.
When he finished, Craig and Stephen just looked at him as if he’d just sung the old Patti Page song, “Is that All There Is.” Julian knew they had expected, indeed wanted something more dramatic, like a tale of salacious cheating, or a story of how the grass is always greener, and either Julian or Virgil had found someone they’d rather be with, all leading to a tragic, heart-rending breakup.
“Oh,” Stephen said finally. “So you just decided to go your separate ways?” disappointment clearly evident in his tone.
“Yes. We’re still friends. Always will be,” Julian said, not sure that was an accurate accounting of their situation, but hoping it would quell further inquiries from either of the two men.
“Who gets custody of the cat? I know you both loved her, or…was it him?” Craig asked as if hoping he could find one shred of crisis in the situation.
“It’s them, Craig. There are two of them,” Julian said, resigned.
“Whatever,” Craig said impatiently.
Punkin and Patch were Virgil’s present to Julian on the first anniversary of moving to NYC. They were brother and sister. Punkin was a big orange tabby and his sister Patch was a calico, mostly white but with patches of orange and black, hence the names Punkin and Patch.
“I’m taking Patch,” Julian said simply. “She’ll be here with me as soon as I get moved in. Virge will keep Punkin.”
“Well, I’m glad you’re holding up so well,” Craig said sarcastically, almost as if he’d been further disappointed that there had been no heated custody battle.
“So, where will you be living?”
“I’m looking for something temporary. I have an appointment to look at a place this afternoon. After I’m here for a while, and I’m sure I’ll stay, I’ll find something more permanent.”
“Good plan. Take time to heal, don’t make any rash decisions. Yes, I understand,” Stephen said sagely, putting an arm around Julian and laying his head on Julian’s shoulder.
Not to be outdone, Craig reached out and took Julian’s hands in his. “Yes! And we’ll get that healing started right away, get you right back up on that horse, get you back in circulation. We’ll throw you a coming home party!”
“Wonderful!” Stephen exclaimed.
Julian groaned to himself. This was exactly what he’d hoped to avoid. Why did he choose to return here? He should have gone somewhere where no one knew his name, or who he was.
“That’s not necessary. I really would rather not…”
But neither Craig nor Stephen paid him any attention. They were arguing about the theme of the party, who should or should not be invited, and whether it should be held at Craig’s or Stephen’s.
Julian sighed. Welcome back to Mayfair, he said to himself.
* * * *
Thethree men hugged goodbye outside the restaurant. After admonitions of keep a stiff upper lip and always look on the bright side, Stephen and Craig made sure they had Julian’s cell number, then the two men walked away, still quarreling over party details.
Julian watched them disappear around a corner, then walked to his car and got in. He sat staring out the window. Maybe it would have satisfied them and avoided this party thing if I’d just told them the whole story, he thought.
Julian and Virgil had moved to New York mostly to satisfy Virgil. He wanted the fun and excitement of the gay lifestyle in the big city. Julian was weary of the superficiality of Mayfair’s gay crowd, so Julian agreed to go, thinking things might be better there.
Once they got settled, however, Virgil became a different person. He became absorbed with clubbing at gay bars, throwing lavish parties for his new group of friends. He became obsessed with working out, and having his hair done. He shopped for all the trendiest clothes.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone