Making it Through the Summer: Epilogue
Making it Through the Summer & Making it Through Another Summer
by Kim
Making it Through the Summer
Epilogue
October 10th
The Boardroom
Vangard
Brian was seated at the head of the boardroom table, preoccupied as he listened to Vance drone on about the problems and near misses that the agency had been experiencing over the past quarter. None of these matters had anything to do with his clients. His business was stronger than ever with Grazzini's being at the top of the list when it came to his recent accomplishments.
Brian had tuned the meeting out more than an hour ago and had been, instead, re-playing the Chicago trip over and over in his mind. So vivid were the memories he could almost feel Justin's smooth velvety skin beneath him and smell the essence of his lover's distinct fragrance. Brian could faintly hear Vance bringing the meeting to a close and wished in his heart that he could remain in his world of escape and not have to be brought back to reality, away from Justin's embrace simply to wrap up a meeting that no longer held any consequence for Vangard. Slowly he began to ease his mind back to the present, to catch Vance's final comments and laugh silently to himself as he knew they were truly his partner's final remarks as head of the agency.
"I believe that should conclude our meeting," Vance indicated to the group of directors, senior-managers, and managers assembled in the boardroom. "Is there anything you would like to add, Brian?"
"Actually, Gardner, there is," Brian smirked, as he stood up from his chair.
He had dressed carefully that morning with his lover's assistance. Justin had insisted that he wear his black Armani with red silk shirt and tie because it made him look powerful, and Brian had concurred with his decision. He couldn't help but remember how the blond had enjoyed watching him model the shirt, and how he had put it on slowly before carefully removing it for Justin's enjoyment. He had slowly unbuttoned the shirt and slid the front open as he rolled his shoulders in invitation; an invitation that Justin had welcomed with a fervor of hot kisses across his exposed nipples. Of course Justin had been unable to satisfy himself with just that and had taken Brian's swollen cock into his mouth, sucking and teasing him to release.
"By all means," Vance uneasily invited his "partner" to take the floor as he wondered what the asshole wanted to say.
Vance guessed that Brian wanted to address some trite issue that should have been handled between the two of them behind closed doors, but decided to let the son of a bitch handle it himself. He knew he had almost enough on Kinney to cut his ass loose. Perhaps with the right encouragement, Brian would tie the noose himself since he already was so arrogant and full of himself. It was too bad that Justin had decided to leave, as Vance would have loved to have seen the look on Brian's arrogant face when he exposed him for having an inappropriate relationship with one of the interns. Vance knew full well sexual harassment was something Brian would never be able to recover from again. However, even without the help of the kid, it was only a matter of time before he finished Kinney once and for all.
As Vance turned the floor over, Brian stood for a moment inspecting the assembled group. He could see surprise in some eyes and well-deserved fear in others. He couldn't help but smirk as he looked one last time at Vance knowing this was his final moment, knowing he was about to put the bastard in his place.
"As many of you are aware," he began "almost two years ago, Vangard was the Ryder Agency. One of the things I learned from the former owner, Marty Ryder, was never to trust anyone in this business, not even one's business partner," he proceeded, locking eyes with Vance.
Aghast at the implication of Brian's words, Vance attempted in vain to keep his panic from rising. Looking around the room for potential support, he saw only Nick Stanton looking in his direction. The others were either fixated on Kinney or whispering to their neighbors. Never had the man drawn this much curiosity. Vance had a feeling this couldn't possibly bode well for him, and was not about to put up with some ill-advised speech from Kinney of all people.
"Is there a point to this, Brian?" he immediately questioned, attempting to put a stop to his partner.
"If there wasn't, would I be wasting your time?" Brian tersely replied. He couldn't help but shake his head at the thought that it sure hadn't taken his business partner long to realize he was in too deep. However, as far as Brian was concerned, it was a little late for his supposed partner to be worried. He should have been worried four months ago when he started his asinine scheme. "Before I continue with the so-called moral of this story, there are two people I would like for everyone to meet," Brian continued, motioning for Cynthia to open the boardroom door.
"The first is Melanie Marcus, my attorney," he introduced as Melanie entered the boardroom dressed in a navy pantsuit. "The second is Justin Taylor, whom many of you will recognize as being a former intern in the art department."
"Brian, I demand to know what is going on right this minute!" Vance interrupted, as Justin, dressed in his Dolce & Gabanna suit, came to stand beside Brian.
"In due time, Vance," Brian promised with a devious grin, as the group looked on with curiosity. It was time he continued with his show. "Getting back to what Marty Ryder said; I made the mistake of putting my trust in Gardner. Something I'll never do again," he vowed in an icy voice.
"Brian!" Vance attempted to interrupt.
"Gardner, if you know what's best for you, I would advise you let me finish," Brian coolly suggested. "You see, ladies and gentlemen, when Vance purchased the firm from Ryder, almost two years ago, he informed me that he had spoken to all of my clients and that none of them were prepared to follow me if I left the firm. Of course, he gave me the chance to "prove" myself, which I did, thereby creating our partnership. However, I have to ask you, Gardner, did you ever stop to wonder if I might try to verify your story with my clients?"
"Brian, I insist you put a stop to this nonsense immediately!" Vance ordered.
"I'm afraid I can't, Gardner. Especially when Ms. Marcus has a statement right here from Scott Matthews of Liberty Air who attested to the fact that he never said any such thing when he spoke to you about the change in ownership, and that he was prepared to follow me wherever I happened to end up. I also have a similar statement from Jake Connolly, owner of Sherbourne Hotels," Brian stated, as Melanie began passing out the documents to the firm's management group.
"Brian really," Vance began to protest in a panicked voice. "I think this is all just one big misunderstanding."
"Then tell everyone in here the real reason why you hired Justin Taylor," Brian demanded coolly.
"I hired him because he's a student at PIFA and I thought he would be a good candidate for our summer intern program," Vance responded in an exasperated voice.
"I believe I asked for the real reason," Brian stated.
"That is the real reason!" Vance yelled.
"Is that the story you choose to stand by?" Brian questioned. "Perhaps I'll ask the same question of Nick Stanton," he announced, turning his attention to Stanton.
"Brian, look," Stanton began to protest.
"Why don't you tell the group how you've been after my job? How when Vance filled you in on his dirty little scheme you were only too eager to assist him?" Brian suggested in a voice that brooked no argument.
"Why don't you, Nick," Justin added. "Why don't you tell everyone in this room how you stood by and let Vance use me as a pawn in his sick and twisted power games."
"Justin, really, it was never like that. I honestly didn't know what Vance was up to until just a few weeks ago," Nick argued, digging Vance's grave.
"So you knew Vance's real agenda when you begged me to stay on with the firm a few weeks ago?" Justin questioned.
"Yes," Nick let out a sigh of defeat.
"You disgust me," Justin shook his head at his former mentor's betrayal. "In fact, you're worse than he is."
"The game's up, Vance," Brian declared. "However, I'm going to offer you a choice. You can choose to stay on, and I will reveal how you ruthlessly used a student intern to your advantage in a plan to take me down, or you can choose to accept my offer to buy you out and leave with the clients you came to the firm with," he stated as Melanie presented Vance with the offer they had prepared.
"Personally I think it's a very generous offer considering you violated not only my trust but also our partnership agreement. If I had any sense I would throw you out on your ass, however, for the sake of your reputation and the future of this firm, I've decided to allow you to leave gracefully."
"If you think I'm going to let you get away with this Kinney, you're mistaken!" Vance fumed.
"Really? Perhaps I should pass out a copy of the file you received from Mr. Gray? Even better, why don't I give the group your notes on the progress of your scheme? Additionally, I'm sure both the Pittsburgh Institute of Fine Arts and the advertising community would love to hear how you maliciously exploited a student intern."
"And what makes you think you can run this agency?" Vance demanded. "You don't have the experience let alone the capital."
"Brown Athletics, Liberty Air, Sherbourne Hotels, and my newest addition, Grazzini's, should take care of any of the capital issues nicely," Brian casually replied as the management group looked on in shock.
"Grazzini's?" Vance parroted. "There's no way you could land an account like that," he scoffed.
"Perhaps I should get Italo Grazzini on the phone," Brian offered.
"I don't believe this. You couldn't have landed Grazzini's not without using the resources of this firm, which you couldn't possibly have used, let alone on your own," Vance argued.
"That's where you're wrong, Gardner. You're correct in assuming I didn't have use of the resources of the firm, but that didn't stop me from going after it on my own and with the help of my very good friend... Justin Taylor," Brian announced.
"This is absolutely ludicrous. Do you mean to tell me you used some student's artwork to land a multi-million dollar account that just happens to be one of the most sought after accounts in the market?"
"That's right!" Brian grinned. "You made a big mistake when you underestimated Justin's talent; a very big mistake. Now I suggest you sign the agreement, pack your shit, and get the hell out of my firm," Brian ordered. "Security is waiting outside to escort you out of the building."
"Don't think for one minute that this is over!" Vance declared, as he scribbled his name on the agreement before standing up. "It's not over, and one of these days you'll get what's coming to you Kinney!" he yelled before storming out of the boardroom leaving everyone in shock.
"I suggest you join Gardner, Nick," Brian turned to Stanton. "You've just manipulated yourself out of a job," he announced with an icy smile.
"Unfucking believable," Stanton muttered, standing up and walking out of the boardroom behind Vance.
"Now, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to your new firm. As managing partner it is my great pleasure to introduce you to my new partner, Justin Taylor," he proudly announced as Justin, caught completely off guard, gasped in surprise, unaware that this is what his lover had been planning.
"I'm sure many of you are going to object that he's too young, too inexperienced or some other unnecessary bullshit, however I've chosen him because he's the best man for the job. If it hadn't been for his talent, skill, and dedication, this firm would not be the prestigious holder of the Grazzini account. So I'm giving you a choice, accept him as my partner and your boss or get the fuck out."
"Brian, are you sure this is a good idea," Justin protested in a hushed voice as he saw about five managers get up and leave the board room.
"Trust me on this one, Sunshine," Brian whispered before turning his attention back toward the remaining members of the group. "Good, that takes care of some necessary housekeeping," he smirked. "I think the rest of you will find you've made the right decision. For now, I would suggest we get back to business. Justin and I will be discussing our future goals for this firm in the next few days, so we should plan on having another meeting next week. Until then, we have some major work ahead of us," Brian concluded, as he relished the fruits of his victory.
***
An hour later, the boardroom had cleared, as the last of the management group, who, for the most part, seemed incredibly supportive and confident in the firm's sudden change in management, left to get back to work.
Cynthia had brought in a bottle of champagne for the two new business partners to enjoy along with her and Melanie.
"I can't fucking believe you pulled it off," Melanie looked on at Brian in amazement. "Lindsay is going to die when I tell her the news."
"The look on Vance's face was priceless when he realized his number was up," Cynthia laughed.
"Yep," Brian agreed. "Good ol' Vance sure as hell got what was coming to him."
"Do you think he'll cause trouble for us?" Justin worried.
"He'll try, but I doubt that he'll make it very far," Brian assured. "However, we have much more important things to think about, partner," he smiled.
"Like what?"
"Like a new name for our firm. You honestly don't think I'm going to allow us to continue to use the name Vangard?"
"Legally, you can't since the partnership's been dissolved," Melanie added.
"See what I mean," Brian smirked.
"That does pose a dilemma," Justin sighed.
"Yes it does," Cynthia agreed, turning to Melanie. "I suggest we leave these two to iron out the details on this one."
"Sounds like a good idea," Melanie nodded. "Let me know what the new name is so that I can draw up the partnership agreement," she instructed.
"Will do," Brian promised, as the women departed the boardroom, closing the door behind them.
"So, what do you think we should call ourselves?" Justin asked.
"I don't know, Sunshine, what sounds good to you?"
"You want ME to pick?" Justin looked at his lover in surprise.
"I believe it's tradition, you did name my son, after all."
"Hmm.... Well I don't think a play on our names like Vangard would work," Justin began to think. "I suppose we could use our last names."
"It would be dignified," Brian grinned.
"How about Taylor-Kinney?" Justin suggested, wanting to see his lover's reaction.
"Taylor-Kinney?" Brian raised an eyebrow.
"You said I could pick," the blond argued.
"Taylor-Kinney it is then," Brian declared, not really caring whose name came first. All that really mattered was that Justin was now his partner in more ways than one.
"Brian."
"Yes?"
"I've changed my mind," Justin smiled, having tested his lover to see if he would agree to have his name be listed first. "How about we use Kinnetik instead?"
"Kinnetik?" Brian repeated in surprise.
"With two "N's" of course, and a "K" at the end," Justin added.
"Well, Mr. Taylor, you're quite the clever devil," Brian grinned. "How does it feel to be part owner of Pittsburgh's hottest ad agency?" he asked in a seductive voice.
"Not bad," Justin gave his lover a knowing smile. "However, I'm a bit unclear as to how someone as broke as myself can suddenly have the capital to be part owner of an agency."
"Do you remember when you gave me the money for your tuition this quarter?"
"Yes," Justin replied, intrigued by Brian's question.
"It became your investment in our firm. You see, Sunshine, I dissolved our loan agreement several months ago. Your tuition was always meant to be a gift," Brian revealed.
"Oh my God, Brian you..."
"Shhh," Brian put his finger against the blond's silky lips. "Just accept it."
"Are you sure it's what you want?"
"Would I be telling you it was always meant to be a gift, if it wasn't what I intended? As for your future tuition, I'm sure we can arrange for it to come out of your salary."
"Am I at least allowed to say thank you?" Justin asked, bowled over by his lover's enormous gesture.
"I'm sure that could be arranged," Brian smiled. "However, first we need to seal our agreement."
"Seal our agreement?"
"Uh-huh," Brian nodded as he leaned in to caress his lover's lips. "Sunshine," he whispered, releasing his lover's lips for a moment. "How would you feel about christening our boardroom table?"
"I thought you would never ask," Justin gave a large sunshine smile, as Brian gently pushed him onto the table and sealed their partnership in the only way that was fitting when it came to the pair; thus setting the tone for the future management of Kinnetik.
Who is this man
That follows me
This blue eyed boy
Who wants to be
This worthy cause
Of human kind
This bomb set off by time
Like a bright light on the horizon
Shining so bright, he'll get you flying
He'll drive you away, he'll drive you insane
But then he'll remove all of your pain
Like a bright light on the horizon
Shining so bright, he'll get you flying
He'll get you flying, he'll get you flying
He'll get you flying, he'll get you flying
This open book
Yet to be read
This second look
This leap ahead
The hope I held inside
With you, was kept alive
Like a bright light on the horizon
Shining so bright, he'll get you flying
He'll drive you away, he'll drive you insane
But then he'll remove all of your pain
Like a bright light on the horizon
Shining so bright, he'll get you flying
He'll get you flying, he'll get you flying
He'll get you flying, he'll get you flying
We're here to stay
We're here to stay
We're here to stay
We're here to stay
We're here to stay
We're here to stay
We're here to stay
We're here to stay
Like a bright light on the horizon
Shining so bright, he'll get you flying
He'll get you flying, he'll get you flying
He'll get you flying, he'll get you flying
New Order - "Here to Stay"
by Kim
Making it Through the Summer
Epilogue
October 10th
The Boardroom
Vangard
Brian was seated at the head of the boardroom table, preoccupied as he listened to Vance drone on about the problems and near misses that the agency had been experiencing over the past quarter. None of these matters had anything to do with his clients. His business was stronger than ever with Grazzini's being at the top of the list when it came to his recent accomplishments.
Brian had tuned the meeting out more than an hour ago and had been, instead, re-playing the Chicago trip over and over in his mind. So vivid were the memories he could almost feel Justin's smooth velvety skin beneath him and smell the essence of his lover's distinct fragrance. Brian could faintly hear Vance bringing the meeting to a close and wished in his heart that he could remain in his world of escape and not have to be brought back to reality, away from Justin's embrace simply to wrap up a meeting that no longer held any consequence for Vangard. Slowly he began to ease his mind back to the present, to catch Vance's final comments and laugh silently to himself as he knew they were truly his partner's final remarks as head of the agency.
"I believe that should conclude our meeting," Vance indicated to the group of directors, senior-managers, and managers assembled in the boardroom. "Is there anything you would like to add, Brian?"
"Actually, Gardner, there is," Brian smirked, as he stood up from his chair.
He had dressed carefully that morning with his lover's assistance. Justin had insisted that he wear his black Armani with red silk shirt and tie because it made him look powerful, and Brian had concurred with his decision. He couldn't help but remember how the blond had enjoyed watching him model the shirt, and how he had put it on slowly before carefully removing it for Justin's enjoyment. He had slowly unbuttoned the shirt and slid the front open as he rolled his shoulders in invitation; an invitation that Justin had welcomed with a fervor of hot kisses across his exposed nipples. Of course Justin had been unable to satisfy himself with just that and had taken Brian's swollen cock into his mouth, sucking and teasing him to release.
"By all means," Vance uneasily invited his "partner" to take the floor as he wondered what the asshole wanted to say.
Vance guessed that Brian wanted to address some trite issue that should have been handled between the two of them behind closed doors, but decided to let the son of a bitch handle it himself. He knew he had almost enough on Kinney to cut his ass loose. Perhaps with the right encouragement, Brian would tie the noose himself since he already was so arrogant and full of himself. It was too bad that Justin had decided to leave, as Vance would have loved to have seen the look on Brian's arrogant face when he exposed him for having an inappropriate relationship with one of the interns. Vance knew full well sexual harassment was something Brian would never be able to recover from again. However, even without the help of the kid, it was only a matter of time before he finished Kinney once and for all.
As Vance turned the floor over, Brian stood for a moment inspecting the assembled group. He could see surprise in some eyes and well-deserved fear in others. He couldn't help but smirk as he looked one last time at Vance knowing this was his final moment, knowing he was about to put the bastard in his place.
"As many of you are aware," he began "almost two years ago, Vangard was the Ryder Agency. One of the things I learned from the former owner, Marty Ryder, was never to trust anyone in this business, not even one's business partner," he proceeded, locking eyes with Vance.
Aghast at the implication of Brian's words, Vance attempted in vain to keep his panic from rising. Looking around the room for potential support, he saw only Nick Stanton looking in his direction. The others were either fixated on Kinney or whispering to their neighbors. Never had the man drawn this much curiosity. Vance had a feeling this couldn't possibly bode well for him, and was not about to put up with some ill-advised speech from Kinney of all people.
"Is there a point to this, Brian?" he immediately questioned, attempting to put a stop to his partner.
"If there wasn't, would I be wasting your time?" Brian tersely replied. He couldn't help but shake his head at the thought that it sure hadn't taken his business partner long to realize he was in too deep. However, as far as Brian was concerned, it was a little late for his supposed partner to be worried. He should have been worried four months ago when he started his asinine scheme. "Before I continue with the so-called moral of this story, there are two people I would like for everyone to meet," Brian continued, motioning for Cynthia to open the boardroom door.
"The first is Melanie Marcus, my attorney," he introduced as Melanie entered the boardroom dressed in a navy pantsuit. "The second is Justin Taylor, whom many of you will recognize as being a former intern in the art department."
"Brian, I demand to know what is going on right this minute!" Vance interrupted, as Justin, dressed in his Dolce & Gabanna suit, came to stand beside Brian.
"In due time, Vance," Brian promised with a devious grin, as the group looked on with curiosity. It was time he continued with his show. "Getting back to what Marty Ryder said; I made the mistake of putting my trust in Gardner. Something I'll never do again," he vowed in an icy voice.
"Brian!" Vance attempted to interrupt.
"Gardner, if you know what's best for you, I would advise you let me finish," Brian coolly suggested. "You see, ladies and gentlemen, when Vance purchased the firm from Ryder, almost two years ago, he informed me that he had spoken to all of my clients and that none of them were prepared to follow me if I left the firm. Of course, he gave me the chance to "prove" myself, which I did, thereby creating our partnership. However, I have to ask you, Gardner, did you ever stop to wonder if I might try to verify your story with my clients?"
"Brian, I insist you put a stop to this nonsense immediately!" Vance ordered.
"I'm afraid I can't, Gardner. Especially when Ms. Marcus has a statement right here from Scott Matthews of Liberty Air who attested to the fact that he never said any such thing when he spoke to you about the change in ownership, and that he was prepared to follow me wherever I happened to end up. I also have a similar statement from Jake Connolly, owner of Sherbourne Hotels," Brian stated, as Melanie began passing out the documents to the firm's management group.
"Brian really," Vance began to protest in a panicked voice. "I think this is all just one big misunderstanding."
"Then tell everyone in here the real reason why you hired Justin Taylor," Brian demanded coolly.
"I hired him because he's a student at PIFA and I thought he would be a good candidate for our summer intern program," Vance responded in an exasperated voice.
"I believe I asked for the real reason," Brian stated.
"That is the real reason!" Vance yelled.
"Is that the story you choose to stand by?" Brian questioned. "Perhaps I'll ask the same question of Nick Stanton," he announced, turning his attention to Stanton.
"Brian, look," Stanton began to protest.
"Why don't you tell the group how you've been after my job? How when Vance filled you in on his dirty little scheme you were only too eager to assist him?" Brian suggested in a voice that brooked no argument.
"Why don't you, Nick," Justin added. "Why don't you tell everyone in this room how you stood by and let Vance use me as a pawn in his sick and twisted power games."
"Justin, really, it was never like that. I honestly didn't know what Vance was up to until just a few weeks ago," Nick argued, digging Vance's grave.
"So you knew Vance's real agenda when you begged me to stay on with the firm a few weeks ago?" Justin questioned.
"Yes," Nick let out a sigh of defeat.
"You disgust me," Justin shook his head at his former mentor's betrayal. "In fact, you're worse than he is."
"The game's up, Vance," Brian declared. "However, I'm going to offer you a choice. You can choose to stay on, and I will reveal how you ruthlessly used a student intern to your advantage in a plan to take me down, or you can choose to accept my offer to buy you out and leave with the clients you came to the firm with," he stated as Melanie presented Vance with the offer they had prepared.
"Personally I think it's a very generous offer considering you violated not only my trust but also our partnership agreement. If I had any sense I would throw you out on your ass, however, for the sake of your reputation and the future of this firm, I've decided to allow you to leave gracefully."
"If you think I'm going to let you get away with this Kinney, you're mistaken!" Vance fumed.
"Really? Perhaps I should pass out a copy of the file you received from Mr. Gray? Even better, why don't I give the group your notes on the progress of your scheme? Additionally, I'm sure both the Pittsburgh Institute of Fine Arts and the advertising community would love to hear how you maliciously exploited a student intern."
"And what makes you think you can run this agency?" Vance demanded. "You don't have the experience let alone the capital."
"Brown Athletics, Liberty Air, Sherbourne Hotels, and my newest addition, Grazzini's, should take care of any of the capital issues nicely," Brian casually replied as the management group looked on in shock.
"Grazzini's?" Vance parroted. "There's no way you could land an account like that," he scoffed.
"Perhaps I should get Italo Grazzini on the phone," Brian offered.
"I don't believe this. You couldn't have landed Grazzini's not without using the resources of this firm, which you couldn't possibly have used, let alone on your own," Vance argued.
"That's where you're wrong, Gardner. You're correct in assuming I didn't have use of the resources of the firm, but that didn't stop me from going after it on my own and with the help of my very good friend... Justin Taylor," Brian announced.
"This is absolutely ludicrous. Do you mean to tell me you used some student's artwork to land a multi-million dollar account that just happens to be one of the most sought after accounts in the market?"
"That's right!" Brian grinned. "You made a big mistake when you underestimated Justin's talent; a very big mistake. Now I suggest you sign the agreement, pack your shit, and get the hell out of my firm," Brian ordered. "Security is waiting outside to escort you out of the building."
"Don't think for one minute that this is over!" Vance declared, as he scribbled his name on the agreement before standing up. "It's not over, and one of these days you'll get what's coming to you Kinney!" he yelled before storming out of the boardroom leaving everyone in shock.
"I suggest you join Gardner, Nick," Brian turned to Stanton. "You've just manipulated yourself out of a job," he announced with an icy smile.
"Unfucking believable," Stanton muttered, standing up and walking out of the boardroom behind Vance.
"Now, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to your new firm. As managing partner it is my great pleasure to introduce you to my new partner, Justin Taylor," he proudly announced as Justin, caught completely off guard, gasped in surprise, unaware that this is what his lover had been planning.
"I'm sure many of you are going to object that he's too young, too inexperienced or some other unnecessary bullshit, however I've chosen him because he's the best man for the job. If it hadn't been for his talent, skill, and dedication, this firm would not be the prestigious holder of the Grazzini account. So I'm giving you a choice, accept him as my partner and your boss or get the fuck out."
"Brian, are you sure this is a good idea," Justin protested in a hushed voice as he saw about five managers get up and leave the board room.
"Trust me on this one, Sunshine," Brian whispered before turning his attention back toward the remaining members of the group. "Good, that takes care of some necessary housekeeping," he smirked. "I think the rest of you will find you've made the right decision. For now, I would suggest we get back to business. Justin and I will be discussing our future goals for this firm in the next few days, so we should plan on having another meeting next week. Until then, we have some major work ahead of us," Brian concluded, as he relished the fruits of his victory.
***
An hour later, the boardroom had cleared, as the last of the management group, who, for the most part, seemed incredibly supportive and confident in the firm's sudden change in management, left to get back to work.
Cynthia had brought in a bottle of champagne for the two new business partners to enjoy along with her and Melanie.
"I can't fucking believe you pulled it off," Melanie looked on at Brian in amazement. "Lindsay is going to die when I tell her the news."
"The look on Vance's face was priceless when he realized his number was up," Cynthia laughed.
"Yep," Brian agreed. "Good ol' Vance sure as hell got what was coming to him."
"Do you think he'll cause trouble for us?" Justin worried.
"He'll try, but I doubt that he'll make it very far," Brian assured. "However, we have much more important things to think about, partner," he smiled.
"Like what?"
"Like a new name for our firm. You honestly don't think I'm going to allow us to continue to use the name Vangard?"
"Legally, you can't since the partnership's been dissolved," Melanie added.
"See what I mean," Brian smirked.
"That does pose a dilemma," Justin sighed.
"Yes it does," Cynthia agreed, turning to Melanie. "I suggest we leave these two to iron out the details on this one."
"Sounds like a good idea," Melanie nodded. "Let me know what the new name is so that I can draw up the partnership agreement," she instructed.
"Will do," Brian promised, as the women departed the boardroom, closing the door behind them.
"So, what do you think we should call ourselves?" Justin asked.
"I don't know, Sunshine, what sounds good to you?"
"You want ME to pick?" Justin looked at his lover in surprise.
"I believe it's tradition, you did name my son, after all."
"Hmm.... Well I don't think a play on our names like Vangard would work," Justin began to think. "I suppose we could use our last names."
"It would be dignified," Brian grinned.
"How about Taylor-Kinney?" Justin suggested, wanting to see his lover's reaction.
"Taylor-Kinney?" Brian raised an eyebrow.
"You said I could pick," the blond argued.
"Taylor-Kinney it is then," Brian declared, not really caring whose name came first. All that really mattered was that Justin was now his partner in more ways than one.
"Brian."
"Yes?"
"I've changed my mind," Justin smiled, having tested his lover to see if he would agree to have his name be listed first. "How about we use Kinnetik instead?"
"Kinnetik?" Brian repeated in surprise.
"With two "N's" of course, and a "K" at the end," Justin added.
"Well, Mr. Taylor, you're quite the clever devil," Brian grinned. "How does it feel to be part owner of Pittsburgh's hottest ad agency?" he asked in a seductive voice.
"Not bad," Justin gave his lover a knowing smile. "However, I'm a bit unclear as to how someone as broke as myself can suddenly have the capital to be part owner of an agency."
"Do you remember when you gave me the money for your tuition this quarter?"
"Yes," Justin replied, intrigued by Brian's question.
"It became your investment in our firm. You see, Sunshine, I dissolved our loan agreement several months ago. Your tuition was always meant to be a gift," Brian revealed.
"Oh my God, Brian you..."
"Shhh," Brian put his finger against the blond's silky lips. "Just accept it."
"Are you sure it's what you want?"
"Would I be telling you it was always meant to be a gift, if it wasn't what I intended? As for your future tuition, I'm sure we can arrange for it to come out of your salary."
"Am I at least allowed to say thank you?" Justin asked, bowled over by his lover's enormous gesture.
"I'm sure that could be arranged," Brian smiled. "However, first we need to seal our agreement."
"Seal our agreement?"
"Uh-huh," Brian nodded as he leaned in to caress his lover's lips. "Sunshine," he whispered, releasing his lover's lips for a moment. "How would you feel about christening our boardroom table?"
"I thought you would never ask," Justin gave a large sunshine smile, as Brian gently pushed him onto the table and sealed their partnership in the only way that was fitting when it came to the pair; thus setting the tone for the future management of Kinnetik.
Who is this man
That follows me
This blue eyed boy
Who wants to be
This worthy cause
Of human kind
This bomb set off by time
Like a bright light on the horizon
Shining so bright, he'll get you flying
He'll drive you away, he'll drive you insane
But then he'll remove all of your pain
Like a bright light on the horizon
Shining so bright, he'll get you flying
He'll get you flying, he'll get you flying
He'll get you flying, he'll get you flying
This open book
Yet to be read
This second look
This leap ahead
The hope I held inside
With you, was kept alive
Like a bright light on the horizon
Shining so bright, he'll get you flying
He'll drive you away, he'll drive you insane
But then he'll remove all of your pain
Like a bright light on the horizon
Shining so bright, he'll get you flying
He'll get you flying, he'll get you flying
He'll get you flying, he'll get you flying
We're here to stay
We're here to stay
We're here to stay
We're here to stay
We're here to stay
We're here to stay
We're here to stay
We're here to stay
Like a bright light on the horizon
Shining so bright, he'll get you flying
He'll get you flying, he'll get you flying
He'll get you flying, he'll get you flying
New Order - "Here to Stay"