Never apart again ...

Chapter 2

The big day had finally arrived. Since early in the morning, the hall was full of people. Everyone was in constant moving taking care of all the last details, so that everything would be perfect and in place till 8pm. Among them, Justin and Linz were supervising and giving instructions whenever it was necessary. Justin was nervous, but not in a way that would make him feel sick. It was that necessary stress someone has in such occasions and he was totally fine with it. Tonight, some of the most important art critics of New York would be there to check on his work and he wanted to know their opinion. Whether he liked it or not or even though he knew he shouldn't care about other people's opinion – as Brian had taught him – this time he couldn't ignore it. These people could open a lot of doors for him. Of course he would never give up if a bunch of people didn't like his work, but the future would definitely be more difficult for him without them.

Linz was also nervous – maybe even more nervous than Justin was. But the problem was that she couldn't tell if her anxiety was due to the exhibition or due to her not knowing if Brian would eventually appear. He hadn't called her again since that night and, to be honest, she didn't expect him to. She was the one who asked him not to disturb her again till the exhibition and there was no way for Brian to leave aside his ego and call her after that﮲ even though he was dying to hear how things were going. But it was not only Brian who didn't call. Linz also hadn't called him during the week, even though she came really close to do it at least three times. As he sowed, so he shall reap, she thought. The only thing that was really bothering her was that she knew Justin wanted him there and she couldn't reassure him that Brian was coming. But her hope would remain until the very last person leaves tonight﮲ besides, Brian was always fashionable late.

***

At around 7:30pm, the first guests arrived. Of course they were Justin's friends and family﮲ his mother, Jennifer, his sister, Molly, Daphne, and everyone from Pittsburg. They flew to New York just for the exhibition, to support him. Someone was missing though and Justin felt this like a big, gaping hole in his heart. He was mad at him since he was sure that Brian knew about the exhibition, there was no way he hadn't found out﮲ but on the other hand he was justifying him – as almost every time – since he also hadn't officially invited him. So, Brian could easily think he was unwelcomed. However, he was still hoping he would show up. He remembered the event of "Gay and Lesbian Center" few years back where Brian attended even though he said he wouldn't...and the prom. The prom! Brian appeared out of nowhere wearing his tuxedo to surprise him. Too bad that Justin couldn't remember it now even after Brian's huge effort to help him remember...another big hole in Justin's heart. Emmet was the one who brought him back in the present.

- Sweetie, what's wrong? Why aren't you smiling? Today is your day and everything here is fabulous. Your paintings are amazing and I am sure you will make a splash in the art world.

- Thanks Em. I am fine, maybe I am just a little more nervous than usual, Justin said and smiled at him as much convincingly as he could. Maybe I am worrying way too much what the art critics will say. Especially Leo Smith. Everyone respects him and his opinion in the art world.

- Oh come on! Why would we bother what Smith will say or any Smith? I am telling you that you have won everyone's heart tonight with your work and I bet my bottom dollar on this.

Justin smiled and thanked him once again for his words. His friends and family's support meant a lot and was sure helping him move forward. Few moments later, Ted and Blake, Michael and Ben, Debby and Carl, Melanie, his mother, Molly and Daphne also said the same thing as Emmet. But these people loved him and he knew that they couldn't be objective﮲ at least not completely, even though their support was heartwarming. Brian, on the other hand, was always objective about his work. He was always telling him about any mistakes he would see without holding anything back. And Brian's input all these years played a huge part at his development as an artist. But Brian was not there... Damn, why did he bring him in his mind again? He should stop thinking of him and focus on what was happening that evening. This time it was Linz who approached him and saved him from his thoughts. And she was not alone, Leo Smith was with her.