He spoke of NYC in 309. When he got Stockwell's campaign Vance said it was enough to open a satellite office in New York.
He referred to the Seagrams Building which is on Madison Ave (the advertising Mecca) in NYC in 403.
Justin referred to Kinnetik in 403 as the
worldwide headquarters of Kinnetik, Inc. which suggested to me that there would be satellite offices elsewhere, and probably the first one being in NYC.
DAGGI, THIS HAS BEEN MY FANTASY SINCE AUGUST WHEN I FIRST SAW SEASON FIVE...If I could truly believe it then I'd finally be free. I thought writing it might make it more believable for me.
I always picture Kinnetik NYC, Inc. in Greenwich Village aka The Village aka the West Village. The Village has a large gay population. It's in proximity to Justin's art neighborhoods: Tribecca, SOHO, the East Village, Chelsea. And, The Village is about a mile or two Southwest of Madison Avenue. Brian could continue working "outside the box" by being so near his advertising Mecca yet so far. Then, I see B/J getting a four floor brownstone in the Village, as well.
The Village (you could tell that's what I've always called it) is a great place to live. My Aunt lived there for a while and I'd spend weekends with her when I was in my early twenties. She had a GORGEOUS, really old, four floor brownstone. I see B/J living in something like this. Brian's different now and I can see him in a beautiful structure with some character - just like the manor, rather than a loft. Brian's outgrown the loft. In the QAF world AND in reality it could not only work if they both moved there it would be both of their dreams. And geographically it's B/J's ideal. It couldn't be any better laid out on a map than if you designed it yourself.
So, yeah, Daggi, Plumsuede convinced me this can't happen for a while. Justin will have had to have found success independently first. But, once he did that if he chose to stay in NYC then WOW!! Between 2 and 5 years after their separation they could be living their absolute dream lives together.
They would renovate a huge vacant 5 story building (as huge, that is, as bldgs get in the Village. That area is less skyscraper and more multi-family dwelling. But I'm sure they'd find a vacant corner building that's relatively large for the area. Brian always finds what he's looking for.)
They name it the Taylor-Kinney Building. It's not as big as the Seagrams Building on Madison Avenue but it's ALL Brian and Justin. Brian said they don't think, live, or work in a box. Justin had a huge hand in the design promoting his abstract aesthetic combined with Brian's off-beat functionality. The Taylor-Kinney Building houses two businesses: Kinnetik NYC, Inc. and the It's Only Time Gallery, Inc. and Justin designed enormous funky, cool signs for the front of the building to announce all of that. (Kinnetik NYC, Inc. is a "doing business as" name. Kinnetik NYC, Inc. falls under Kinnetik, Incorporated, as any future offices will, but they feel as they expand it's important to distinguish the offices as separate entities.)
Justin's studio is about six times the size of Brian's loft and it's on the top floor with essentially nothing but a glass ceiling and enormous floor-to-ceiling windows. Brian and Justin see IMMEDIATELY that the lighting's out of this world but Justin would be essentially working in a greenhouse. So, they make sure the architect does what he has to do regarding ventilation and A/C so Justin won't slowly bake to death and could actually enjoy his time there.
They put him on a separate meter than the rest of the building. Otherwise when Justin finds it comfortable at 70 degrees everybody else would have icicles hanging off their noses. It works out really well. And, Justin insists Brian and he donate money towards footprint reduction and carbon offsets for the studio's usage of excess energy. Justin can easily store all of his finished over-sized canvases plus he'd have ample space to work on several at a time. Justin would also have enough space to venture into new media such as sculpting, if he so chose. (And there's a huge maintenance elevator so he can move his art and/or sculptures conveniently.)
The fourth floor is Justin's gallery. He shows his own work there but also holds events for other artists, both established and unknown. Justin named the gallery It's Only Time because Brian's words were so poignant that day. Justin wanted the name of his business to reflect that their love stands outside of time and space. He thought about those words every day they were apart and even now that they're back together. And together, they're building an eternal relationship, plus their own and each other's legacies. If it took them 15 more years before they could be together they'd still love each other as passionately as they did in 2000 and as much as they do now in 2009.
Justin spends a lot of time in the up and coming artsy neighborhoods looking for undiscovered raw talent and offers to showcase them. There's an art protocol (everyone must pay their dues!!) as in any other business but he doesn't care about that. B/J think, work, and live outside the box, so if he appreciates the talent he asks if the artist is interested in showing at It's Only Time. This usually renders tears because Justin's gallery is well known and it could take the artist to the next level.
See, Justin's made the big time. The Village is not IN the artworld - it's artworld adjacent. But, Justin's name is prestigious enough that buyers leave their usual art spots and come to Justin. And, the buyers will come to the Village, not just for Justin, but for anybody Justin's picked to show their work in It's Only Time Gallery. He's even got people coming from Harlem, Jersey, Brooklyn, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. And, they're just the ones coming to the studio in person. There are many more buyers who aren't so local purchasing over the internet. Lindsay's getting asked about his art all the way up in Toronto so she's one of many phone bidders when he's got a showing.
Brian's at every event Justin holds. But, Justin has to keep Brian from buying all of Justin's work. He tells Brian to look around to show him Brian doesn't NEED to buy Justin's art. It's selling on its own, faster than he can produce it sometimes. Brian knows this and knows it well. He couldn't be more proud. It's just that familiar, old feeling tugging at him that wants to take care of and protect Justin. Eh, it's difficult sometimes for Brian to not be in control. But, he's trying.
Justin has moved the world and brought it to
him. Brian has the same desire. But he's a newcomer to NYC so he's still working on it.
Brian's offices occupy the first three floors. They're spacious and have been designed to be similar in nature to Kinnetik HQ. He loves that bathhouse and would like all his future offices to have that same feel. But, before he daydreams about where the next Kinnetik, Inc. will be he's got to get a handle on his NYC business. He hasn't been here for all that long and it takes time to build up revenue, especially in the first year. And, if nothing else, when in NYC, one must have LOTS of revenue.
Brian brought Brown with him to NYC. Brown's based in Chicago, so there's no difference in a flight to the Pitts or NYC. Brown actually prefers The Big Apple, so it's a win-win. His ad execs at HQ are maintaining Iconics, Farley Steakhouse, Dandy Lube, Parcheezi Pizza, and the list goes on. Brian gives final approval on these accounts but he's trying to give HQ more autonomy. And he actually can b/c Ted's there. Ted's learned a bunch about advertising over the last five years but his forte is running a tight ship (aside from accounting, of course). So the HQ ad execs report to Ted and Ted very efficiently reports to Brian. Brian's going to keep monitoring for a while but he wants to be less and less hands-on.
Brian's main focus these days is cold calling for the NYC office. But, since Madison Avenue is so close and so saturated he's doing things a tad differently. Brian's going after clients NOT based in NYC but who would like to visit the City more often or who may eventually have an interest in relocating there. He gets their business before they have a chance to shop Madison Avenue. This takes him on the road some, but he moved Cynthia to NYC with him. So, she researches and vets all the potentials to save Brian from wasting his time. Once researched, Brian starts working his magic over the phone, which leads to a meeting.
Of course, he's the one to make the first trip but the clients they pick are more than eager to come to the City to Kinnetik NYC in the future. Brian wants clients who come to HIM. It's working but it's slow and steady progress and these are moderate accounts. The strategy is to woo them with the NYC address and prestige.
Large accounts wouldn't get impressed so easily. Brian can turn a moderate account into a national success like Brown Athletics so he's willing to grow and groom them. But that takes time. In five or ten years Kinnetik NYC, Inc will make the Fortune 500 if all goes according to his plan. But, he'd like to feel a little more confident about the NYC office's immediate future. There's one company he visited through a referral that's the MAJOR leagues. But, he doesn't think he's got a chance b/c the whole of Madison Avenue's always going after them. Fixating on it'll only jinx it, anyway.
Personally, Brian's really rich. He just wishes Kinnetik NYC's wallet would get a little fatter. Brian misses the money from Remson Pharmaceuticals. Brian's keeping HQ revenue and NYC revenue separate. He knows if Remson were still with Kinnetik he'd want to work with Brian out of NYC. However, Brian's certain he'll find something to take its place. At the moment Kinnetik HQ is taking in more revenue than Kinnetik NYC is but that's to be expected with any new business. The blessing there is that he doesn't have to worry about making ends meet in Pittsburgh.
What he really can't understand is why none of this matters. He goes to sleep every night and wakes up every morning with a smile on his face. Brian's not any less ambitious but there was a sharp edge to him years ago and that edge has been removed. Maybe it's the proverbial chip on the shoulder that's gone?? All he knows is he's blissfully happy. He's in the city of his dreams. He always felt he was worthy of NYC and here's his chance to prove it Kinney-style. AND, he's got Justin.
They love each other. The sex is still amazing. They're a team. They're partners for life. They have a home together. They get to see each other several times a day. They spend their nights together. They have two great businesses in a great building with a great brownstone in a great city. It's great. It's beyond great. Who thought dreams like this could ever come true?
And, Kinnetik NYC is gonna hit its mark soon. Brian can feel it. And when it does they'll be able to fantasize about where to expand to next. Justin always wanted to go to Italy to see the masters. Maybe in five or ten years they'll move to Italy and start Kinnetik ITA and 'E Solo Il Momento. The sky's the limit now that he has Justin!!!
Though It's Only Time and Kinnetik NYC are separate businesses under separate corporations they share the building costs. Since Justin's more established and actually pulling in more money at the moment he's taking care of the mortgage and expenses. This month Brian's got enough to cover payroll but not half of the mortgage or utilities. It's sobering but it's comforting to know his partner Justin's there to help.
Brian's felt for a long, long time that what's his is Justin's, even when they were apart. Apparently, Justin feels the same way and that just makes Brian feel like he wants to cry. He's not sure what emotions are behind the tears that dare not develop into something more than a lump in the back of his throat. Maybe it's that the emotions run so deep they can't be identified and tears are the only way to express them.
Brian missed Justin so badly while Justin was gone he was in a state of constant dull pain. But, he's been feeling jolts of that same pain, only sharper, the past few months and he's been WITH Justin. It's strange missing somebody when that person's in the same room. It's sweet and agonizing simultaneously. It's like the pain was so great when he was gone he couldn't fully feel it at the time or he'd break in two.
But, at least Brian can hold onto Justin like a vice grip as those horrible waves pass over him. When those waves subside he releases Justin but he's always a bit shaky. Ritualistically, Brian peers into Justin's eyes before he completely let's go. Brian's so freaked he wants to make sure it's really Justin in his embrace and that he's not going anywhere. Brian doesn't think Justin goes through this like Brian does but he knows Justin understands and just lets Brian hold him as long as he needs to. Justin returns the vice like grip and it's like hug therapy to Brian. It really eases the pain.
In the meantime, Brian's tells himself to stop getting lost in his thoughts and gets his mind back to his business. He'll get Kinnetik NYC on track as quickly as he can. And, now that he's back with Justin they're unstoppable.
Justin's thrilled to be paying the expenses. After all of those years of Brian taking care of everything and never being able to ask for help this shows TRUE PARTNERSHIP, LOVE, TRUST, AND EQUALITY. It also shows vulnerability and Justin really appreciates that Brian feels comfortable enough for that. But, when Justin brings it up Brian tells Justin not to get so excited about it and once Brian's established he'll take over his share. Justin's not surprised the defenses come back a little. It's difficult for Brian to do certain things but it's nearly impossible for him to say certain things. But, to give Brian credit he doesn't ever mention paying Justin back during these talks b/c he knows it'll piss Justin off. And he's right.
After a routinely (but never boring) satiating night and morning, B/J always commute into work together stopping for a leisurely breakfast on the way. They're in the Village so they're completely at ease with PDA. And, Brian loves PDA. So, before Justin finishes his coffee he gets properly groped (and this is every morning).
They meet for lunch every day that they can and it comes with more kissing and grabbing. They commute home together whenever possible, and this always includes some kissing, poking, and pinching. Hey, they're almost home. It's difficult for Brian to wait. He likes to get the party started early (and this is every time they commute together).
Justin TRIES to be annoyed. But, he can't. He's having too much fun being the center of Brian's attention and he's too turned on because, well...it's Brian. Need he say more?? He really
would like to be able to finish his coffee just once, though.
Brian pops in every once in a while during the day to see what Justin's working on. He loves to come in behind Justin and plant a big wet lip smacking kiss on his cheek. Then, Justin turns around so they can try that again. Justin wants more lip to lip action. He notices Brian's eyes always light up when he sees Justin's projects. But, he notices Brian's eyes shine even brighter when he sees Justin. Justin adores that and he adores Brian.
Justin ducks into Kinnetik NYC every so often when he needs to walk away from his art for a minute. After Brian gets done with another wet yummy kiss, with the slightest graze of his tongue in Justin's mouth, Brian's usually consulting him on what angle is most aesthetically pleasing for an ad or something. So, Justin really never gets to escape the art. LOL But, he loves seeing Brian and he loves that Brian depends on him more and more.
Brian utilized some of his off-beat functionality by informing the architect (who had to sign a non-disclosure form, as did his crew) they needed a luxurious private escape built on the premises, with Justin's design input, of course.
Brian really only needed two and a half floors for his office space so half of the third floor was sanctioned for this love nest. (Currently Brian's occupying only one floor but he senses the dam's gonna burst and they'll need that space in the not so distant future.) They walled it off and sound-proofed the floors, walls, and ceilings so nobody working above, below or on that floor had a clue what was going on. Their employees didn't know the space even existed. There was no visible entrance. Brian's office and Justin's studio and gallery shared one private elevator that was in each of their private bathrooms (the cleaning staff had to sign non-disclosure forms) so an employee would never be able to see the elevator if he or she were in Brian's or Justin's office.
But, JUST IN CASE the elevator was seen it could only be activated via a code. (They thought 69 was too obvious so they came up with 214. Valentine's Day. Because NOBODY who knew B/J thought they'd ever be that romantic so they'd never guess the code in a million years. It was fool proof. The joke was on everybody else, of course. Brian and Justin were extremely romantic, and it was mostly Brian who initiated the romance.) Once they reached their hideaway the elevator doors opened directly into that space.
That elevator got quite a workout, too. Sometimes they couldn't make it to those luxury accommodations. But, since the elevator WASN'T soundproof (soundproofing would be a dangerous scenario if the elevator gets stuck in a power outage and nobody could hear the trapped person screaming) they had to be quiet lest an employee heard some disembodied grunts and moans and quit because he thought the building was haunted.
The employees DID hear the elevator but when they were asked B/J just told them not to worry about it because it's Justin's elevator he uses to get supplies up to the studio. Eh, B/J didn't owe them any explanation. Case of the invisible elevator CLOSED.
Brian knew once he had employees on the third floor they'd also start asking why they only had half the office space because the walls of the first and second floors seem to go back so much further. He'd answer that it had to do with the renovations and don't worry about it. B/J didn't owe them any explanations. Case of the disappearance of half an office floor CLOSED.
The private accommodations featured a compact-sized suite including a bedroom with wardrobe and toy closet, full bath, dining nook, and wet bar. The suite was equipped with a dishwasher, fridge, microwave, and 99" TV (for porn). Directly across from the suite but still within the secret walls were a sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, massage room, personal gym, and a 1/4 length lap pool, which is essentially a square of water, because the building's too small and it was really only for cooling off, anyway. (YEP!! They're pretty wealthy!!) By the way, the bed ROOM may be small but the BED is not.
They had a washer/dryer and cleaning supplies. NOBODY was getting in there (except their masseur who had to sign a non-disclosure form) so they did their own laundry and cleaned up after themselves. OK, OK. They had lofty, romantic dreams for a little while about nobody knowing of their secret sex lair. But, Brian convinced Justin that a steam room, sauna, jacuzzi, and lap pool were too much to maintain on their own. So, they hired a special cleaning crew and pool boy to come in on the weekends when nobody was around to scrub the place down and maintain the Ph level in the pool. (They all had to sign non-disclosure forms.)
They brought their food up there with them, sometimes a deli sandwich, sometimes a catered lobster dinner, depending on their moods - they purposely didn't include a kitchen. This was not the place to be cooking. This was their oasis. And they met there whenever they had a chance. Sometimes 15 minutes was all they could spare and sometimes they had 3 hours to kill.
They never spent the night there, though. That was just an escape during the day.
They have another beautiful, perfectly restored, four-floor-brownstone-complete-with-a-backyard-and-garden love nest waiting for them to come home to every evening. And, this DOES have a kitchen. So, if Justin wants to get his cooking Ya Ya's out of his system he could do it there.
And what a stunning, huge old-fashioned kitchen it is, black and white with light green appliances and accents, and it looks right out into the garden.It even has a farmer's sink. The appliances are modern and of the highest end but they have enough money that they hired somebody who made them match the era of the room.
Justin's premium 6 burner stove with built-in grill looks like an antique stove. His top of the line refrigerator looks like an ice box, and so on. The faucet had been custom designed just for Justin as a professional courtesy, and there's even a strategically placed washboard and clothes wringer for authenticity. So, stepping in there feels like stepping into 1923 or there abouts. It's amazing!!
Justin ADORES it. Brian loves that Justin adores it but Brian only appreciates it - for its aesthetic. It's not
his aesthetic but he can appreciate it nonetheless. To be fair kitchens aren't his thing. And the only kitchen he really remembers is a sleek, metallic galley. Wispy memories waft into Brian's head about the loft. But, shockingly to him, every memory includes Justin. And, since Justin's next to him at this very moment there's really no need to miss the loft. Ah, this kitchen's starting to grow on him.
Every time Justin's in there cooking he puts on his best Edward G. Robinson voice and busts out with a bunch of "twenty-three skiddo," "you're the bees knees," "you're the cat's pajamas, see" "Aw, go chase yourself ya dumb Dora!" He was never into drag but this kitchen makes him want to put on a flapper dress and do the Charleston.
Sometimes when Brian's passing through Justin'll ask him how that bathtub gin's coming, then Justin'll wink at Brian and call him a "hotsy-totsy". Brian seriously thinks that kitchen's taking Justin's marbles one by one. But, Justin gets him really laughing because A) Justin's funny and B) it's obvious he's loving life in that room. Laughing with Justin are probably some of Brian's favorite moments. And, he's always made Brian laugh. Also, Brian definitely doesn't mind being called a "hotsy-totsy."
The rest of the brownstone is just awesome with all of the original wood floors, woodwork, and one of the most coveted things on the planet...original tin ceilings. Sometimes Brian finds Justin just standing there looking up. When Brian asks what's happening Justin starts to explain how the patterns are inspiring him for another painting. Brian shrugs. He thinks the ceilings look like the walls in Red Cape Comics but every time he voices that Justin gives him a back hand to the ribs. Brian can't help but bust Justin's chops because Justin's so awe-struck by everything in this house.
All kidding aside, though, Brian really digs this brownstone. And, Justin decorated with both his and Brian's tastes in mind so Brian's got his share of clean and sleek to stare at, as well. And, Brian gives all credit to Justin's artistic abilities in that he managed to incorporate Brian's aesthetic without it being terribly offensive or out of place in this early 20th century architecture.
Justin's secret sauce was his choosing a bunch of clean, sleek-lined ART DECO which he peppered amongst the other 1920's decor. Brian doesn't notice but THAT'S why it doesn't look out of place. Thus, Justin's balance and harmony welcome the eye in every direction. Brian knows art deco - he's highly intelligent and he's gay. But Justin fused the pieces so expertly they just flow and Brian's never stood back and really taken note.
Brian insisted they hire a decorator in the beginning of this process. After Justin was slightly offended he was grateful. The designer listened to exactly what Justin said and then, like magic, it appeared. Justin didn't have to do any of the grunt work. House completely decorated: check. Brian and Justin happy: check.
It's a pleasure to go to work, to meet clandestinely, and to come home.
So, simply put, they have it all.
But, probably, it would be best if they spent just a teensy bit of their time apart. Ya know, just so they don't get sick of each other. LOL - AS IF!!! After 4 years apart they'd be stuck together like glue!!!
Plus, they've already worked together and lived together (he kept his stuff at Daphne's but he was living with Brian and they were inseparable) in canon. This would actually be more time spent apart than Justin's Vangard internship b/c they're in different businesses that happen to occupy the same building.
Of course, B/J are so filthy rich now that they kept the manor. The loft's gone but it'll always hold a dear place in their hearts. They'd just outgrown it. B/J needed brownstones, secret sexual oases, and manors now to accommodate their love and lifestyle.
So, they spend family holidays at the manor - Gus, JR, and even Molly adore the pool, tennis court, and stables (yes. they have two horses. Justin even convinced Brian to start riding. Brian tried it because he does anything Justin wants. But he doesn't think he likes it. His balls bounce like crazy and not in a positive, life affirming way.) It's got enough room for M/L, the kids, and anyone else who wants to crash. It's their get away when they just want to escape the chaos and noise of the city.
It's their summer place. They hop on a plane almost every weekend during the summer. And btwn May and September once a month they make it a five day visit (working around the weekend, of course, so only 3 work days are missed. They get a bonus day Memorial and Labor Day weekends). They throw legendary pool parties that go on non-stop for two or three days, morning to night, rinse, repeat, rinse, repeat. People crash for half a day or more then pick up where they left off. Brian still keeps up. The man's a machine. But Justin can't wake him for 12 hours after one of those parties is over. When the marathon finally comes to a drunken, drugged out halt there are always heaps of trash, bottles, used condoms, and bodies everywhere. And on those weekends when it rains the party moves into the house!!
The help don't appreciate B/J's summer weekends much so Brian puts some cash in envelopes for them after every one of those parties. The cook and bartender get that cash before AND after the parties b/c the food and drink never stop flowing.
Brian and Ted decided these weekend orgies are a conflict of interest. If they're at the manor then they're not at Babylon putting money in the coffers. So, part of the summer's been spent with B/J discovering the West Virginia bounty... or
booty? When guys hear the parties go on for days they don't mind travelling so word got around fast. Win-win. The Babylon crowd stays put and Justin and Brian have a whole new batch of men to debauch. Ted and Emmett appreciate the fresh selection, too.
When they're in town they check in on Kinnetik HQ and Babylon. (Brian's really happy to have Ted at the Pittsburgh helm.) He hoped he could clone Ted but he's found a NYC-sized pool of talented, ambitious people champing at the bit to be in a spot like Ted's. Brian's confident that eventually he'll find the person that's just right for the job.
And, then of course, they always eat at the diner.
On this particular day they were having an early brunch with the gang, then straight to the airport to fly back to NYC. Brian and Justin already closed up the manor, put their suitcases in the car, and were ready to be back at the brownstone in about three hours including the drives to and from the airports. It was way earlier than they usually leave but they both had busy Mondays and they needed to recoup from their latest legendary marathon pool party/orgy that began Friday afternoon and ended only that morning.
Justin told Brian on the way to the diner that he was still a little drunk. Brian wasn't drunk but he was running on fumes. He wasn't 29 anymore. Brian could keep up while it was going on but as he got older the recuperation time got longer and more intense. They just wanted to get home, take nice, long, leisurely naps, have some teeth rattling sex, eat, then do it all over again.
As they were saying good-bye to everybody Brian's phone rang. It was Cynthia and she seemed too excited to breathe. Brian stepped outside because this sounded important and there was a cacophony in the diner. Brian had been working steadily to bring in those moderate sized accounts. He wasn't panicking but it was getting to that point that Brian might have to borrow HQ revenue to sustain NYC for a bit. So, he was slightly concerned that she sounded so hyper. He definitely couldn't afford to LOSE one of those accounts right now. Is that why she was so worked up? Did he lose one?
Brian took a calming breath. "What's up?" Cynthia told Brian she left something at the office which is why she was there on a Sunday. There was a voice mail on the office phone and the message said they were really impressed with the catchy phrase Brian came up with so... she screamed,
"WE GOT *WHAM HAM!!!" Brian couldn't believe it. It was that big league company Brian pitched. But he thought he'd never land it because the whole of Madison Avenue was courting them.
It's based in Chicago and Leo Brown got Brian in the door. Leo spoke of Brian's unorthodox ways like inviting himself into Leo's men's club and the folks at *Wham Ham were intrigued. Frankly, they were bored out of their minds by the inane Madison Avenue dribble. They wanted to be on the mind of every human being on earth. For that to happen they needed something simple but catchy that people would repeat without realizing it. So they gave Brian a shot.
During the initial Skype meeting they said they wanted it specifically NOT to be sexual so kids could repeat the slogan and wouldn't get in trouble. Though Brian was trying to be on his very best behavior he couldn't help himself. That damn right eyebrow went rogue, lifted way up, and sat there high above his eye while he pondered what they just said. *WHAAAAAM...HAAAAAAAM...
not...sexual???? But, they just couldn't hear it or see it.
So, OK - he already lost Remson by sticking to his "sex sells" credo and he's not sorry for that. But, he couldn't afford to mess around here.
The fledgling NYC office had to build a reputation and opposing Wham Ham, Kinnetik NYC's first big account, was NOT the way to do it. Plus this was potentially a lot of money and Brian needed that right now for Kinnetik NYC to stay in the black. He had a responsibility to his NYC staff and the whole Kinnetik Corporation. Brian acquiesced. And, anyway, the name alone was so very, very sexual he didn't have to add anything to it.
Justin, Mr. It's not sexy, It's not edgy, It's not funny, totally agreed with Brian. And, man, did they have a belly laugh about *Wham Ham thinking their name was family friendly. So, Brian decided he'd go for simple and fun-to-say instead of sexy.
Brian's never quite sure how he comes up with these things but inspiration struck. He boarded a flight to Chicago (and this time Justin gave him a most excellent send off!!) and pitched them. He really didn't think anything would come of it. But, something did. Brian smirked to himself thinking, "New York, you're mine!! Fortune 500, here I come."
*Wham Ham canned ham was humungous. This wasn't just national it was global. If Brown was a $20 million account then *Wham Ham had to be $45 million, and that's a conservative estimate. (He owed Leo one Hell of a thank you gift.) This just put Kinnetik NYC on the map and brought a LOT of money to what was NYC's dwindling purse. Madison Avenue was very shortly going to know who Kinnetik NYC AND Brian were. With Brown and *Wham Ham, and all of the moderate accounts he was grooming???? Yup. The dam just burst. He was going to be using that extra floor and a half of office space sooner than he thought.
Brian sighed in relief. Then, he started to giggle. "C'mon, Cynthia, might as well say it with me. It's paying your bonus." And together they shouted,
*"IF IT AIN'T WHAM IT AIN'T HAM!!" They laughed, said their good-byes, and hung up.
Justin was coming out of the diner. Brian swooped him up, hugged him and twirled him around. "I got the *Wham Ham account!" Justin gave an arm pump and an enthusiastic, "YES!" He knew Brian was gonna take over that city. "And, you're a beautiful success, as always!"
Brian said, "Glad you got your bags packed, Sunshine. We're going to Italy. We have to start looking around to see what city you want us to conquer next!!!" And, he plopped Justin on the sidewalk.
Justin said, "WHAT?? Brian, you and I are both gonna be insane tomorrow. That's why we're leaving here so early! And we don't even have our passports!"
Brian swooped Justin BACK up, hugged him, twirled him around and said, "TUESDAY!...TUESDAY, we're going to Italy!! We have to start looking around to see what city you want us to conquer next." Justin laughed.
Brian leaned in for a deep, wet, sloppy kiss. Justin kissed him right back. "I love you, Brian." Brian smiled and purred like a kitten. "Mmmmmmmmm...I love you, too."
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
*Cite: Wham Ham and "If it Ain't Wham it Ain't Ham", Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House, 1948, starring Myrna Loy, Cary Grant, written by Eric Hodgins and Norman Panama, directed by H. C. Potter
You're so right, Daggi. It's always been Brian's dream destination. But, I haven't put much thought into it. HAH HAH HAH!!!
This is what the brownstone ceilings look like but they're not this nappy yellow: (the patterns vary from room to room at B/J's) (I used to have tin ceilings [I ADORE!!] in my Jersey apt. Once, I walked into my kitchen where I had silver tin & my friend was just standing there looking up. My inspiration for Justin: It really happened. LOL)
Some of the art deco that Justin peppered throughout the brownstone:
THEY HAD TO HAVE A
VERY LARGE BAR:
JUSTIN COULDN'T RESIST THIS ONE. IT'S TAPPING INTO HIS FLAPPER FANTASY. HE ACTUALLY HUNG IT IN THE KITCHEN:
Justin's top of the line stove in 1920's disguise:
Justin's fridge disguised as an ice box:
Justin's farmer's sink:
Justin's custom-made faucet (his friend made this for him - kind of looks like a d--k, doesn't it? That's not accidental!)
Justin's clothes wringer for added authenticity:
it must be feeling strange and great at the same time..
is it really unfinished? or do you have a finished version? 
