In Part 12...
Joe completes his move in with Doug and DJ
We learn what is happening at Southside Drug and Pharmacy
DJ learns the art of decorating for Christmas
Doug makes a sad confession to DJ
DJ Part 12
It's Friday evening, November 24th, Jamie has to work until 11:00 PM and DJ and I both get off at 9:00. Typically DJ would go to the pizzeria on a Friday night to wait for Jamie to get off, but, for the first time, DJ drove his Tracker to work so has no need for a ride home with anyone. He has a new independence!
When the store closed at 9:00 PM, DJ and I both clocked out, and then Justin locked the door and followed us out.
"Justin!" DJ asked, "Did you see my new ride? I drove it today."
"No, I didn't see it yet," Justin replied, "Let's check it out."
DJ led Justin over to where he had parked the Tracker, and was beaming as he showed both the outside and the inside to Justin.
"DJ," Justin spoke, "you just became a more valuable asset to the store. Having your own transportation, you'll not be dependent on others to get to and from work. If you're needed to come in on an off day, or come in early, you can. If your Dad is sick or otherwise not able to work, you can make deliveries, and it's a 4-wheel drive, in case of snow, you could make deliveries where other's might not be able to go."
"Yeah," DJ answered, dejectedly, "if the store is even here. I overheard a couple of the girls, they said the store might close."
"DJ," Justin said, his hands on DJ's shoulders, "those are just rumors, we're not closing, and your position is secure. We are going to go through some changes, I'll explain Monday night. It's actually good news."
DJ's phone rang, and it was Jamie.
"Hi baby, what's up?"
"I can see from here that you haven't left yet, I can spot that orange Tracker from inside the pizzeria. Would you like me to bring a pizza home when I get off?"
"Sure, I'm a little hungry now, but in 2 hours I'll be starved!"
"Do you think Dad will still be up?"
"Yep, Joe will be getting off at 11:00 and I know Dad will wait for him to get home before he goes to bed. Better make it an Extra Large, and Dad can let Joe know we have it coming, no green peppers or anchovies."
Jamie, chuckling, "I know that, baby, see you about 11:30."
I was home about 10 minutes ahead of DJ, and saw DJ's lights when he pulled into the drive, and parked behind Joe's car. I was scanning the fridge, trying to find something I could fix in a hurry for us, and for Joe, when he gets home.
DJ, coming in the back door, "Dad, Jamie's bringing an Extra Large pizza when he comes, to feed all of us. Please call Joe and let him know."
"DJ! You can call Joe yourself and let him know, you should have his number in your phone." DJ saved Joe's number in his phone many months ago, right after Joe rescued him, but had never needed to call him. He placed the call.
"Hello?" Joe answered, not recognizing the number.
"Joe? This is DJ."
"DJ! Is anything wrong?" Joe is on high alert, having never received a call from DJ before.
"Oh, no, Dad, nothing is wrong and everything's right, I just wanted to let you know that Jamie is bringing an Extra Large pizza home, to feed us all tonight."
"Why, thank you, Son, I should be home around 11:00."
"See you then, Dad, I love you!" DJ hung up.
Mike, noting tears escaping Joe's eyes, "Joe, is something wrong?"
Joe, shaking his head, "DJ just called me 'Dad' and it just felt so wonderful, and natural."
"You really have a lot of love for that young man, don't you."
"Mike, I'm a lot like Doug, I've never been married, so I never had children, and DJ has become my son too. Come January 14th, DJ will be my step-son, and I couldn't love him any more than I do!"
"Joe, I have limited exposure to gay oriented relationships, but even I can feel the magnitude of love that is present in your home."
"Thanks, Mike," pointing to his own eyes, "sorry, sometimes my emotions get a little liquid."
"I've always believed that people that never shows any emotions are somehow born without a heart, and you have a beautiful heart."
It's about 10:00 PM, DJ and I are sitting at the kitchen table waiting for Joe and Jamie to arrive. We had been discussing the 'Mandatory Meeting' but of course could not determine a reason.
"Dad," DJ spoke, "I'm going to need your help. Next Monday, December 4th is the Rainbow Alliance's Christmas Party. I volunteered to bring a big bowl of potato salad, but I have no idea how to make it."
I answered, smiling, "Not a big problem, Son, I can make it for you."
"Jamie's mom offered to make it, and I told her, like I'm telling you, I want to make it myself. I am asking you to guide me, like you did for the pot roast, but I want to do all the work myself."