I continued the weekly telephone conversations with Scott which were not always easy considering his schedule at the hospital. It took me almost a week to recover after my last visit four months ago. My encounter group encourage me to open myself up more to Justin, and really try to accept the love he had to offer me. They told me it was time to stop moping over Scott.
Deep down I knew they were right. Justin was a warm and caring guy and I cared for him. He was understanding and patient and I wanted it to work for us.
My shrink said, "Keep your mind occupied and try to concentrate on your studies. Take on more freelance work to occupy your time."
It was good advice and I could certainly use the extra money. I began making the rounds of my old accounts and made a few calls to contacts at Y&R for work. Y&R gave me several leads on some accounts that were too small for them to handle. I called on the companies and landed three good accounts. After I finished up those jobs, the word spread that my work was good and my customer base grew on the recommendations of satisfied customers. In a few short months I was swamped with work and had to turn away business. It was a good feeling knowing that people appreciated my work and that I had the luxury of being able to pick and chose the accounts I wanted to handle.
Naturally, it bugged me that I had to turn away business. So I did the next best thing and hired several of my creative classmates to free-lance the overflow. This created another problem that I hadn't anticipated, namely, adequate working space. Not only for myself, but also for the guys that were working with me. Up to this time I was working out of the apartment I shared with Justin and two other roommates. I was uncomfortable imposing on them in the beginning, so I gave them an additional $25 off the rent for letting me use part of the living room for my work.
By the end of September I had earned ten-thousand dollars. With that kind of money rolling in, I figured I could afford to rent a small office, so I contacted Patty McCormick, one of the top real estate agents in Princeton, to help me find some rental office space. She located several good rental properties, but the landlords were not interested in a nine month lease. If Patty thought it was going to be an easy fee, she was sadly mistaken. But she was persistent and was determined to find me a place to rent, come hell or high water. Finally, out of sheer desperation, she showed me an apartment that could serve a dual purpose. It was large enough to take care of business, and could serve as living quarters as well. The monthly rental was more than I wanted to spend, but in the long run it would be well worth every penny. It was a great idea. Of course, Justin was not going to be happy with me, but I was already on a guilt trip with our relationship anyway. This was the right move and it felt good.
Located on the fourteenth floor of a modern high-rise, facing a park, the apartment was sunny and bright with floor-to-ceiling windows that faced the park in both the living room and bedroom. The building was in an upscale neighborhood, one of the more fashionable areas in Princeton. Although it was listed as a one bedroom apartment, it was palatial by Manhattan's standards. In the City it would be advertised as a large five room apartment.
The rooms were spacious and tastefully decorated. The foyer was large with a coat closet to one side and a small library off the other side. The huge living room included a dining alcove. The bedroom was almost as large with a walk-in closet, dressing room and bath.
In the spacious kitchen was a breakfast area and a utility/storage room that contained the washer and dryer. The counters and cabinets were beautiful; a gourmet chef's delight, and there was a small butler's pantry.
"Mr. Purdey," Patty said, "the owner of this unit is a Princeton University professor, who is presently on an overseas assignment. He has set some strict rules for the person renting his apartment. You may remove the books from the bookcases provided they are restored to their original position when the apartment is vacated. You have the use of his state-of-the-art electronic equipment, VCR, Stereo system, a 42-inch TV, and a telephone hookup. You will assume any repair, or replacement costs for anything that is damaged. No pets or children are allowed. The lease period ends on May 31st. This building has around-the-clock security and includes two parking spaces in the underground parking garage. You must abide by all the rules and regulations as set forth in the Homeowners' Manual and allow the maid service access to clean the apartment every other Thursday, which is included in the rent."
"This is a terrific apartment and it's exactly what I've been looking for," I said. "It's about two hundred dollars a month over my budget, but I'm not going to quibble about that. Tell the professor that I understand his concerns about finding the right tenant for his condo and that I will treat his home as I do my own. I, too, appreciate beautiful things."
"Why don't you take the time to fill out this rental application now, before taking off for your next class?" Patty asked. "I'll call the professor when I return to my office."
Ten minutes later Jarv handed the completed application to Patty. She read it over. "With three lawyers and two doctors in your family, along with your substantial bank account, I don't think you'll have a problem getting this apartment, Mr. Purdey. If the professor agrees, I'll need a check for two-thousand dollars as a security deposit. We do accept major credit cards as well. I feel confident the professor will approve you as a tenant. In the meantime, I'll go ahead and verify your references and draw up the contract. Upon approval, I'll have everything ready for you to do the walk-through later today. You'll also need to meet with the building manager to get your magnetic cards for the garage. One last little thing, we have a video tape of the apartment on file in our office. After you vacate the apartment in May we will take a second video and do a final walk through. If everything is in order, we will return your security deposit. It's important that you take your time when we do the walk-through."
"I have no problem with that. I want this apartment." Jarv smiled, "I don't wish to offend you, Patty, but you really should do something with your brochures. They certainly don't enhance your professional image."
"They are awful, aren't they? My partners and I have been trying to find an advertising agency to come up with a new brochure package without any luck. We've given up on the local agencies. We're resigned to the fact; we just haven't had the time to call in any agency in New York City, or Philadelphia. If you want to give it a try, be my guest. I'd be more than happy to run it by my partners."
"I have a lot of ideas," I said. "I'll pull something together and run them by you. Happily, I've been so busy lately I can't keep up with the demand. My regular clients keep loading me up with more work, so I must be doing something right. That's the main reason I need this apartment."
"That sounds great, Jarv, why don't you call me after lunch?" Patty said, "I should have some news for you by then?"
Justin was watching a football game on TV when I returned to the apartment after my morning classes. I hung up his jacket and sat down. "Hi, baby, we need to talk before the other guys get back."
"Sure, I kind of knew this was coming," Justin said. "I've been sitting under the sword of Damocles for months now. You're leaving me, aren't you, baby?"
"Yes! This has been a very difficult decision for me to make. The trouble is I really like you, Justin. But in all fairness to you, I can't let this go on any longer. You're a lovable, affectionate guy and I feel bad that I can't return your love. I've really tried, babe. You've helped me get through a very difficult time and I love you for that. As long as I'm still around, you're not going to be out there beating the bushes to find someone else. If everything works out as planned, I'll be moving into my own apartment today.
"I'm sorry it has to end like this, but I care for you too much to let it go on. I love you, Justin, but as a friend, not as a lover. Every time we have sex, I think of Scott. I can't continue to do this to you. I feel ashamed; have this terrible sense of guilt afterward. That's not a healthy situation for either of us. Until I get Scott out of my system, I can't become involved with anyone. If you're willing, I would very much like to keep you as a friend."
"I'm also sorry it didn't work out," Justin said. "I knew you had changed after the last time you were with Scott. I know you tried hard to make it work, and I appreciate that, but I knew it was over when you called me Scott when we were making love. Don't feel bad, Jarv, in a way, I'm relieved it's over."
"I'm so emotionally drained right now, Justin. I need this time to sort things out in my own mind. For the present I'm going to concentrate on getting my degree and getting on with my life. The freelance business is doing better than expected and I needed more space, hence the reason for my move. I really appreciate your allowing me to use this apartment."
"Jarv, what happened between you and Scott? You never told me. How did he take the news that you were gay?"
"Scott was very understanding, but it was a heavy weekend. By Sunday morning I was so madly in love with him I couldn't take it any longer. We agreed not to see each other again, until I was over him. Right now, I'm angry with him for not keeping up his end of the agreement. He keeps calling and bugging me to spend the weekend with him knowing the way I feel about him. That really bothers me. Thank God, he won't be home for Thanksgiving this year. He's decided to spend that weekend with Margot's family. If I'm lucky, maybe by the time Christmas is over with I'll be in better control of my feelings. Anyway, I can always use Margot as a buffer. At least we won't have to share the same bed again."
"I'm sorry it was such a bummer, Jarv. Do you have a picture of Scott? I'd like to see what I was up against."
"Sure, as a matter of fact, I was packing up some of my things earlier and ran across this picture of Scott and me taken last summer," handing the color print to Justin.
Justin let out a whistle, "God what a beautiful couple. I do see the resemblance between us, but man, Scott is one handsome hunk. Good looks must run in your family, Jarv, of course, you're absolutely gorgeous in this picture. No lie, babe, you're the most beautiful man I ever met, and in the looks department, you have it all over Scott. Will you let me keep this picture as a going away present?"
"Sure, take it, and thanks for the compliment."
"Let me help you move your stuff out tomorrow," Justin offered. "I'd help you today, but I have a long afternoon class and then I'm working tonight. I'm sure the guys will be happy to lend you a hand too."
I walked over to Justin and kissed him on the forehead. "Thanks, baby, you're a sweet guy and a true friend. You're welcome in my home any time. If I get the word today, I'll probably start moving my stuff out this afternoon. Don't be surprised if I'm not around tonight." I gave Justin my new address and telephone number.
Justin stood and took me in his arms and kissed me tenderly, "I guess this is goodbye, my love," Justin said with tears in his eyes.
"I guess it is, sweetheart." I held him and rubbed his back. "I've got a class in ten minutes, so I'll talk to you later. This really sucks, because I do love you."
I dropped by the real estate office on the way home from classes and learned that the professor had indeed accepted my offer. Patty took me over to the apartment, did the walk-through, signed the contract and we picked up the keys from the building manager.
I made two round trips to the old apartment and moved some of the essentials I would need immediately. After the last trip, I drove to the supermarket to stock up on food. It was ten o'clock when I finished putting the groceries away. I made the bed, took a shower and crawled under the covers too exhausted to eat.
Up early the next morning, I headed to Justin's apartment where I made the coffee and began packing the rest my stuff into the empty boxes. I heard Justin in the bathroom and began cooking the pancakes for our breakfast. Justin walked into the kitchen ten minutes later.
"Good morning, baby," I said. "My, my, you look like you had too much medicine last night."
"We tied one on last night, for sure," Justin said. "I'm going to miss your cheerful smiling face around here every morning. The cold reality set in last night when you didn't come home. When Neil and Jim got home I broke the sad news to them. They aren't feeling any pain this morning judging from the level of their snoring. However, even in their diminished capacity, they've volunteered to help you move."
I walked over to Justin, wrapped my arms around him and kissed him on the forehead. "You're a sweet guy and I'm really sorry I hurt you. Don't ever sell yourself short; you won't have any trouble finding a lover. You're a handsome, intelligent, lovable and really sexy guy in bed."
"Thanks, Jarv, I needed that. You know you're pretty hot yourself in bed. When we finish breakfast, let's start moving your stuff."
We loaded both cars, drove over to my apartment building. We unpacked the cars in the underground garage. I found a large dolly in the storage room and loaded the boxes from the cars. We took a service elevator to the 14th floor and I opened the door after punching in the alarm code, and we began carrying the stuff into the apartment.
"Holy feces! This is a palace," Justin said. "It's got to be costing you a bundle. No wonder you wanted to sleep here last night, this place is super. You could fit my apartment in this living room and still have space left over. It makes my place look like the pits."
"It's really not that expensive when you consider what they get for office space these days. This place is large enough to serve as my office and my home. Let me show you around, we can cart these boxes into the bedroom on the way."
After unloading all the boxes, I made us a pot of coffee. "Justin, I know it may be a little too soon, but there is a great guy in my therapy group that I want you to meet. He's really nice and I think the world of him. His name is Glen. Glen is a hunk and a Southern gentleman just like you. He also hails from your hometown of Richmond. He joined our group last month and is having a rough time adjusting to gay life. He is the nicest guy you'd ever want to meet and I think you two would hit it off. He is definitely your type. We've become good friends and I've been trying to help him with his hang-up. He saw us together a couple of times and thought you were really cute. I'd like to invite you both to dinner when I get settled in. What do you say?
"Sure, why not, he's not a loser, is he? I mean he's not a dork, is he?"
"Come on, you know me better than that, baby. I don't associate with guys like that. Glen looks a lot like me, except he is a hunk. He's heavy into sports and a serious competitor from what I can gather. For sure he has no problem getting dates. His only hang-up is doing it with another guy. We've talked about that a lot and he is trying to overcome his problem. It's going to take time."
"Glen told me his forefathers were one of the first families to settle in Richmond. I understand they have kept their fingers in a lot of pies. His also told me that his family is ultra-conservative and pretty much have things their own way in Richmond. He's dreading the thought of telling his parents that he's gay. I feel sorry for Glen; all of his dates have ended in disaster. He's from the old school, no one-night stands for him. He believes in getting to know a person before he gets around to the sex thing. As you know, most of the guys around here are looking to get laid. That's why Glen is still a virgin. I know you are of the same mind when it comes to a relationship. That's why I thought you two should meet. You happen to be a sweet guy and I feel you would be the ideal person for Glen."
"What's his last name?"
"It's Lee, why do you know him?"
"Yes and no, we attended the same prep school. Of course I didn't travel in his circle of friends. I never had the occasion to get close with Glen. His folks only speak to God. I naturally assumed Glen was the same as his parents. He was a jock back then. You're right about one thing, he is a hunk. Of course, he only socialized with people from the right families." Justin smiled, "I always remember those sexy green eyes of his and those kissable lips. I'd like to meet him."
One of the first things I did was to call the family and give them my new telephone number. It took me two days to put the apartment in first class order. The move had cost me three days of work. Now it was catch up time, yet it was well worth the effort. It was a pleasure to have the working space to lay out my art work. I was able to work on three projects at one time. Actually, the jobs moved at a much faster pace now.
I invited Glen and Justin over for my first dinner party. It was delightful cooking in my new kitchen. The dinner went well and the guys seemed to get along quite well. Glen called early the next day to thank me for introducing him to Justin. He said they ended up at his apartment and talked for hours after they left here. He told me he had a date with Justin on Wednesday night.
Justin dropped by for coffee after classes that afternoon to tell me what a delightful evening he and Glen had together. So my matchmaking was showing some promise.
I had a meeting with my creative group and we pulled together a great package for Patty. We made the presentation to Patty and her partners the following week. That was my first multi-media advertising project. It consisted of a new company logo, direct mail advertising brochures, along with media copy and a marketing program that included simple TV spots. I leased the latest desktop computer equipment to use for this presentation. With the sophisticated tools at my fingertips, I could now compete with any of the top agencies in New York. If fact, I had an edge over all of them, because I was creative and had gathered some exceptionally talented people to work with me.
I was not surprised when Patty called to discuss a contract. I went to work on the project immediately and delivered the finished product in less than three weeks time. I insisted on complete creative control over the selection of the printing firm hired to do the finished work. Patty was delighted with the results. I farmed out the web page design to one of the Princeton computer gurus. In the end, I had no problem collecting my fee. I also received my agency percentage fees from the vendors that I placed the contracts with. Those fees earned me another ten thousand dollars.
Patty realized she had found a creative artist at bargain rates. She confessed later at her annual Christmas party, that my bid was thirty percent lower than the closest competitor, but they couldn't hold a candle to me when it came to creative talent. Patty said she had recommended me to her business friends and to her association.
All my hard work was paying off and it felt good to know that people liked my work, and more importantly, to realize that I had the creative talent and skills to handle any job. Not bad at all for a college senior. I knew, in my own mind anyway, that I was going to make it big in this business. Now, my next task was to find the right company to serve an apprenticeship after graduation. One thing was certain, from now on, I would not sell myself short again. I intended to do whatever was necessary to make it to the top of my profession.
I made the trip home for Thanksgiving Day to have dinner with the family and drove back to Princeton the same evening, relieved that Scott and Margot did not attend. I was able to coax Bobbie into helping select Christmas gifts for the folks and for my business associates.
I had arranged to pick her up at her Manhattan apartment at nine o'clock on Saturday, after I assured her that we would have all the shopping done before lunch, since we would only be shopping at two stores, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Tiffany.
I was up early Saturday morning and printed out the three shopping lists. One for my college buddies, another for the family and the third for my clients. After printing all the addresses and the sentiment I wanted on each of the notes, I headed out the door.
The drive into Manhattan was pleasant and the traffic was lighter than expected. Double parked in front of the building, I called Bobbie on my cell phone to let her know I was out front.
After parking the car, we headed for the china and crystal department at Tiffany. I handed my typed list to the saleslady, with the dollar figure next to each name, making it easier to select the right priced gift from the famous Tiffany gift tables.
After making our selections, I paid the bill and we headed for Saks. We used the services of a courtesy shopper to help select the other gifts I wanted. Our first stop was the lady's department. Bobbie helped me to select a silk blouse and a cashmere sweater for herself, Sarah and Mom. From there we moved on to the junior's department to select mix and match outfits for Claudia and Joy. We moved on to the menswear department to select a silk shirt and cashmere sweater, for Dad, Scott and Dan. I also purchased twelve burgundy cashmere sweaters for the staff artists and for Justin. I asked the saleslady to gift wrap all the packages and have them shipped to my apartment in Princeton.
"You've been a big help, Bobbie. Now, how about lunch?" I asked. "Let's try one of those nice little French restaurants you frequent on East 55th Street." We walked to the one that was Bobbie and Dan's favorite, where we had a glass of wine before ordering.
"Those were beautiful Christmas gifts you purchased, little brother. I can't wait to wear mine." She kissed me on the cheek. "The folks were disappointed that Scott didn't make it home for Thanksgiving this year. This was the first time the family wasn't all together for Thanksgiving dinner."
"Scott told me last Sunday that he had no choice since Margot and her family had decided to spend Christmas in Germany this year," I said. "Look at it this way; it's a small price to pay for not having to put up with Margot this Christmas."
"You've got that right," Bobbie said. "Did you save all year to buy those expensive gifts, or did you take out a business loan?" Bobbie asked. "You must have spent over three thousand dollars today."
"I've been very lucky this year with my free-lance business. I'm writing most of the gifts off to the business except the gifts for the family. I've made over eighty-thousand so far this last quarter."
"You're kidding?!! How are your grades?"
"Straight A's, sister dear. You're little brother happens to be smart, and a creative advertising genius, too. It runs in the family, you know, smarts that is."
"Thanks for the kind words, Bro. Have you met any nice girls at Princeton?"
"Are you ready for some heavy stuff, Bobbie?"
"Sure, what's up?"
"I'm not into girls, I'm into guys, and I'm gay. You and Scott are the only two I've told so far."
"I kind of figured that out already, Jarv. I've had my suspicions about you for some time. When did you come out?" Bobbie asked.
"Last year. What made you suspect I was gay?"
"My firm handles a lot of discrimination cases and I handle the gay bashing cases for the firm. It didn't take me long to become plugged into the gay pipeline. I had picked up on the names of some clubs you frequent. They all happen to be gay clubs. That didn't mean anything by itself, but that along with the fact that you never mention your girl friends, only male friends caused me to wonder. Look. Jarv, I love you and it doesn't matter to me that you're gay. The only thing that concerns me is this AIDS thing, and your safety. You're my little brother and I don't want to see you get sick and die, or have some anti-gay asshole beat you up. Have you met anyone yet?"
"Yes and no, I've fallen in love with a wonderful guy, but he's straight. I'm having a tough time getting through that at the moment."
"I can imagine," Bobbie said. "Let's order, I'm starved."
We were having our coffee when Bobbie said; "I wish Scott would dump Margot. If he's marrying her for her money, he's a fool. Knowing that bitch, she'll dole out the money to him like she does her affection. We must work on that little brother. Well, I must get back home and coax Dan into helping me decorate the Christmas tree. If I leave him alone, he'll watch football all afternoon."
We left the restaurant, picked up the car from the garage and drove to Bobbie's apartment building on Fifth Avenue and 80th Street. "Drive safely, Jarv, and thanks for sharing," Bobbie said. She reached over and kissed my cheek. "Jarv, I've never told you this before, but I think you're a wonderful brother, and you're beautiful from the inside out. You know what a knock-out Dad was; well I think you are even more handsome. Have you ever thought of becoming a model?"
I laughed, "Never, but thanks for the compliment. I think I'll stick to becoming a giant in the advertising business first, and then maybe I'll consider it. Say 'Hello' to Dan and I'll see you Christmas Eve."
I was in the process of addressing the last of my Christmas cards early Sunday morning when the telephone rang. "Good morning, Jarv," Scott said. "Did you have a nice Thanksgiving dinner with the family?"
"It was very pleasant, thank you."
"What are your plans for Christmas week?" Scott asked.
"I'll probably spend a few days with the family then head back here and catch up on some work, why do you ask?"
"If you're free, I would like you to spend Christmas week with me in Atlanta. I need to check out the area before I decide which grad school to choose. It's between Emory University in Atlanta, and the University of Alabama in Birmingham. I want you to help me decide."
"Why are you doing this to me, Scott? Margot is the one that you should be taking with you, not me."
"That's a long story and I would rather not go into it over the telephone. I'll tell you about it when I see you Christmas Eve. Look, we can have a good time, please don't disappoint me, Jarv, this is the only way I'm going to get to see you, short of kidnapping you. For Christ's sake, Jarv, I'm still your brother. Stop treating me this way. I was really hurt when you were in town last week and didn't call. I miss you, Jarv, please don't cut me out of your life."
"All right, Scott, I'll go with you to Atlanta. You're asking an awful lot from me. If you weren't my brother, the answer would be no. Fortunately, my clients will be gone for the holidays, so I can take the time off. Right now I'm so jammed up with new business I can't afford to take any time off at all. Every time I'm with you it wipes me out for several days. You're an occupational liability for me, that's why I can't afford to see you anymore. It's not easy to separate my brother from the man I'm in love with. I'm trying very hard to deal with this, Scott. Christ, not seeing you is just as bad sometimes. Well that's my problem and I have to learn how to deal with it."
"Maybe if you saw me more often it would become a little easier?
"Oh God, Scott, I don't know at this point. I haven't the foggiest idea what's right or wrong any longer. Nothing makes sense to me anymore except school and my work. At least I'm managing to cope. I'm trying to control my emotions and have filled every spare minute with work, or my studies, and blocking you out of my mind. It does have its plus side; I have been doing well at my studies and have made some serious dollars in the process."
"Bobbie told me about your conversation yesterday. It must have been difficult for you. You're quite a guy. Look, I really had to call in a lot of favors to get the time off. I'll be pulling a lot of extra shifts between now and Christmas. I won't be able to see you until Christmas Eve. Would you pick me up at my apartment on Christmas Eve around four and we'll drive out to the Island together?"
"Fine," I said. "By the way, my encounter group thinks that you've not been honest with me. The consensus is that you have been giving me mixed signals. You know you could have stopped me cold the night I told you I was gay. Instead you came on to me. Another thing, I've decided I'm not going to be your best man. Margot has no use for me and the feeling is mutual. I'm sure she will be happy with that change. If I've offended you, I'm sorry; try to see it from my perspective. Now that I've told you the way it is, if you want to change your mind about taking me to Atlanta, now is the time to say so."
"Jarv, you have every right to your opinion, but I'm not going to let you off the hook. We will be leaving JFK Christmas day at five o'clock. We'll be staying at the Ritz Carlton in Buckhead. You'll need a couple of business suits and dressy-causal attire. We'll rent our tuxedos for the New Year's Eve dinner party at Emory University. Please forgive me for the way I've treated you, Jarv. There's so much I need to tell you. We'll have plenty of time to talk in Atlanta. I guarantee you we'll have a fabulous time, just as we always do. I'm really looking forward to this trip with you."
"You must know by now, I can't deny you anything, Scott. If this trip means that much to you, I won't disappoint you and I promise to put on a happy face."
"Thanks, Jarv. By the way, how do you like your new apartment?"
"God, it has been a while since we talked."
"I've tried to reach you and left messages on your machine, but you never returned my calls. It's impossible to make any outside calls to you from the hospital. I never have any privacy; you know what a zoo that place can be."
"You know why I've been avoiding you, Scott, but let's not get onto that subject again. My apartment is really sensational. I fell in love with this place the moment I set foot in the door. The owner has excellent taste and has decorated the place beautifully, everything works. The rooms are decorated in warm colors with expensive oriental rugs and walnut stained hardwood floors throughout. The furniture is an eclectic mix of antiques and Danish Modern. There are a smattering of original oils and pastels hanging in every room. Everything fits perfectly, from the effect lighting, to the expensive cabinet work and moldings. I'm convinced that each room was carefully and painstakingly planned to give you this feeling of elegance. One thing for sure, the professor didn't buy these beautiful things on his salary teaching at Princeton. I'm willing to bet he comes from money. I'm going to make a point of meeting him when he returns."
"Living in this luxury apartment, surrounded with this beauty, has changed my outlook on many things. I have scrapped my old wardrobe and have a new image. Gone are the sloppy, ill-fitting casual clothes. Now, I look and dress as a young corporate executive. The sneakers and the boots have been replaced by designer footwear."
"This is the first time I've lived alone and it's great. I can work as late as I want without interruption. I'm able to work on projects and walk away knowing that nothing will be disturbed. This morning is a perfect example of what I mean. I'm sitting at my desk addressing my Christmas cards and listening to Christmas carols and its only 7AM, I could never do this at the old apartment. It was rare if my roommates were up before noon."
"The panoramic view through my picture windows is delightful and very fitting for this time of year. The snow has blanketed everything. I can see people moving about, bundled up against gusts of wind driven snow. The Christmas tree vendor is setting his trees, and if I close my eyes I can almost smell the fresh pine scent of the trees. It looks like a Currier & Ives winter scene. It's the kind of day that puts me in the Christmas spirit. What would make this the perfect setting, would be to have you here with me. It's at times like this I miss you the most."
"In any event, this is the way I intend to live in the future. You'll understand when you see this apartment. I can never go back to another scruffy apartment again. That's a promise I've made to myself. My goal is to earn enough money to be able to afford this kind of life style. The view is much nicer from the top. I've matured a lot in this last year and I know what I want out of life. Now, all it takes is determination and hard work."
"I know what you mean, Jarv. Your apartment sounds great. If I didn't have to work today, I'd drive over this minute. Is Justin off someplace?"
"Justin and I split in October. We're still good friends. In fact, he'll be here later this afternoon. I've invited my staff and friends over for a tree decorating party. This is something new I've started, and this time it's to mark my first Christmas in my own apartment. I've bought an artificial tree and the guys are coming over to do the decorating. Their gift to me is contributing the decorations and to help me decorate the tree. The caterers will be here around four to set everything up for dinner. This will be my fun Christmas party. The company party for my clients will be a formal luncheon at the Black Angus Restaurant this coming Friday. The apartment is fine for a cocktail party, but it's too small for a large dinner party."
"Sounds as if you've become quite the host, little brother, I never realized you were so talented. Where did you learn about giving parties?"
"From Mom, I used to help her when she gave her little dinner parties at home. I also observed and learned how other people organized their parties, as well. There is a wealth of information to be found at the public library. Did you know there is a whole series of video tapes on that subject? It doesn't hurt at all to hire the best caterers in town either. I enjoy giving parties and have always managed to have a good crowd and be able to enjoy my own parties."
"My parties are by invitation only and I stick to a strict dress code. Most people I invite get the message. Tie and jacket are a must. I've always been appalled at parties where people come dressed like bums, with their torn jeans and wrinkled shirts and dirty sneakers, or even sandals for that matter. It shows their lack of taste and their disregard for their host. Anyway, those types of people usually don't care about your property either. Frankly, I don't want them around. A group like that showed up at my first party, but never again. That is one reason my parties are catered. The caterer always provides a bartender and a maid. Most often, the bartender is an off duty cop, who is ready to keep everything running smoothly. I always keep the door locked and greet all the guests personally."
"I'm curious," Scott said. "How did you handle the people that came dressed as slobs?"
"I told them that I wouldn't allow them in unless they are properly dressed. If they wish to join us they should returned suitably dressed for the occasion. Of course they never returned and were never invited again. My efforts did not go unrewarded, the news that I was a snob and an etiquette freak spread quickly through the campus. I never had that problem again. Sometimes negative advertising serves a useful purpose. That incident established my reputation as a sophisticated person who hosts nice parties. I think most people are reasonable and enjoying being around people that have good manners. You and Bobbie missed out on a lot of the parties Mom and Dad gave when you were in college. Knowing these things is important for me if I'm to move up the corporate ladder. By the time I land a major account, I'll be ready."
"My life seems dull by comparison," Scott said. "I would like to be there with you tonight, but I'm on duty in twenty minutes. Good luck with your parties, Jarv, and I'll see you Christmas Eve."
"I love you, Scott, and thanks for calling."
I finished my cards and dropped them off at the post office downtown. Then I drove over to the florist where I ordered four large poinsettia plants. I sent one to Bobbie and Dan, two to my parents and the fourth one, together with two dozen red roses, to Scott. I wrote out two separate cards for Scott. With the roses, I wrote, 'Because I love you, Jarv.' For the plant I wrote, 'Merry Christmas from your little brother.' From there I went to the jeweler's and purchased a solid gold religious medal, for Scott. It was a modern design medal of the Holy Family with a heavy gold chain to match. I ordered a chain without a clasp, long enough to fit over Scott's head. The inscription was to read. 'With all my Love, Jarv.'