Beyond the Triangle
Part 10 - Just Another Manic Friday
* * * * *
Scene: Friday night. Jack and Jen are in Jen's kitchen with overnight gear waiting for Ryan. Grams is eating dinner.
Jack: Do you think that, since he invited you, this implies that Ryan doesn't think of you as just a friend?
Jen: Cut it out. He wanted to get you around other gays. Probably correctly understood that you would chicken out of going if I wasn't involved.
Grams: He's coming in before you leave, Jennifer. I insist on that.
Jack: (defensively) I wouldn't chicken out.
Jen: Name one gay friend you have. Hell, I have more gay friends than you do. (to Grams) Don't worry, I'll tell him that.
Before Jack has a chance to reply, a run-down jeep pulls up to the house. Jen heads out to greet Ryan.
Grams: I have to admit, I like the sudden change in Jen. This guy seems to have gotten her out of that mood she'd been in ever since the incident with Andie.
Jack: That's what I've been saying but Jen has kind of ignored me on this.
Grams: I didn't want to ask you in front of her but isn't his father, sort of, how can I put this..
Jack: Pretty much any name you shouldn't use to describe someone? Yes. (realizing why she's asking) Ryan's nothing like him.
Grams lets out a sigh of relief as Jen walks in with Ryan right behind her.
Jen: He's nothing like who?
Ryan: I'm guessing my dad.
Jack: Look, I didn't mean..
Ryan: Don't apologize, Jack. You should have heard the remarks the customers at the Coffee Cup made the night of the opening.
Jen: I didn't know that. When I went looking for you that night, I thought it was about Cheryl and Mr. Harding.
Ryan: It was. That's pretty much old news. (jokingly) I'm pretty much immune to those little comments.
Grams: It wasn't Jack's fault anyway. I'm the one who asked him. (holds out her hand) It's nice to meet you.
Ryan: (shakes her hand) Your granddaughter has talked quite a bit about you.
Grams: (glancing at Jen) That's a surprise. So, I'm told you guys are visiting Boston University?
Ryan: Yes, my cousin is a junior studying history and I'm hoping to follow him there. (Jen covers up a laugh with a coughing fit)
Grams: That was one of the schools Jen applied to.
This time it's Jack trying to hold back the laughter. Ryan notices and tries to look away from him.
Ryan: It's a very good school and I'm sure she'll have no trouble getting in.
Jen: We should get going. (tapping her watch)
Grams: I'll see you Sunday afternoon.
As soon as the three of them are outside, Jen lets out a huge laugh.
Jen: It's so funny when someone is trying to keep the truth from people that already know.
Jack: She meant well, but it was still rather weird.
Ryan: You two make it very difficult to bend the truth.
Jen: I don't know if you're aware of this, Jack, but Ryan's applications got out the same way mine did. Except replace you and Grams with Cheryl.
Ryan confirms this with a nod, which then leads to the three of them bursting out in giggles as they head to the car.
* * * * *
Scene: The trio are sitting in a booth at McGill's, a cafe/jazz club in Boston waiting for Marty. Jack and Jen are sitting on one side and Ryan on the other.
Jen: (leaning agains the wall) This type of place brings back bad Ty memories. (looking around)
Jack: Jen, I don't think we need to worry about a sudden Christian hypocrite sighting.
Jen: You're right. It's not seedy enough for him.
Ryan: Is Ty an ex-boyfriend?
Jen: Yeah. The kind of guy that preaches about God and how you're going to hell, then turns around and thinks it's perfectly okay to drink at trashy 60s lounge clubs.
Jack: I can't figure out how you survived with that guy as long as you did. Especially after that whole 'talking like a duck' thing.
Jen: (to Ryan) You know he must be off if Grams is the one who threw him out for his religious beliefs.
Ryan: (completely confused) I don't know what ducks have to do with religion, but I guess more power to Grams.
A short brunette with red streaks in her hair and a grey leather coat is standing at the front of the table, tapping her foot. When Jen hears the tapping, she jerks her head away from the conversation.
Jen: Something wrong?
The guys turn toward her.
Ryan: (getting up from seat) Hey, Marty.
Marty gives him a hug.
Marty: You were scaring me with the 'I-have-no-idea-who-she-is' angle.
Ryan: Because, naturally, I'm supposed to realize when you enter the room.
Marty: Most do. (faking annoyance) But obviously not at this table.
Ryan: Marty, this is Jen Lindley and Jack McPhee. Guys, this is Marty Tallucci. (Marty gives them quick wave and sits next to Ryan)
Marty: I'm surprised you're back in Boston so soon.
Ryan: My mom's planning to make this her permanent residence.
Marty: I'm sure Kurt will be th-rilled about that news. Can you hold on a sec? (pulls out her cell phone) That bi.tch is supposed to be here. (punches in numbers) I'm sorry about this, but Arielle told me to call her.
.. Hey, Ari, it's me.. I'll be out late.. no, Kurt's cousin Ryan is in town with his friends.. yeah, so tell Mikey I'll be a no-show, as if he'd even notice.. yeah, Ari, I am soooo worried that he'll turn you back to bi.. (laughs) well, if you do, I'll have no choice but to become Mrs. Martina Farrell. How'd you like that, babe.. ha ha, see ya later. (shuts phone off)
There, we now won't be annoyed by the missus.
Ryan: (teasing) I get to be your fictitious husband? I didn't know we've known each other long enough for that.
Marty: Just as long as you realize it stays as a fantasy only.
Jen rolls her eyes.
Jack: How long have you and Arielle been together? (Jen is surprised that Jack's not more annoyed)
Marty: A whirlwind year and a half courtship. She and I met at a party through a mutual friend. Ari was dating this football player who fit every stereotype in the book. I secretly think the reason they were together as long as they were was because he was turned on by the prospect of a threesome. Anyway, as soon as we met, it was all, who the hell was that loser.
Ryan: But you're still friends with that group.
Marty: Barely. More for the parties than actual intellectual conversation. Some girls can be such bitches. And most non-jocks are turned off as soon as they grasp that I'm not going in the sack with them.
Jack: But there are some that stick around even after they find out the truth, right?
Marty: Yeah, those are the keepers. Ask him. (gesturing to Ryan)
Jen: (shocked) Please tell me you weren't attracted to her.
Ryan: (flustered) That is no.. no.. not true.
Marty: Yes it is. I admit it was cute the way you tried to back out of it. You went out of your way to try to take me on a non-date. Went to see Boys and Girls just to laugh at how pathetic the relationships were.
Ryan: No, we saw that to make fun of Freddie Prinze Jr and how pathetic the movie business is.
Marty: That's what he keeps telling me. But I don't buy that.
Jen: (mutters loud enough for only Jack to hear) She's enjoying the attention.
Ryan: She's got all the conceit in her family.
Jack glances at Jen and tries to hold back a laugh. Jen catches his look.
Jen: (whispers) What is so funny?
Jack: (mumbles) You've been jealous for no reason ever since she walked in.
Jen glares at him, then opts for a different tactic.
Jen: Does the whole fantasizing thing work both ways?
Marty: You mean is there a friend of mine who's straight but I wish was gay? Yeah, it happens. (turning to Jack) Right?
Jack: I guess.
Jen: Wait, you never told me that. Mind if I guess who it is?
Jack: (spits out) It's not that important. Really. Just a friend of Tim's. That's all.
Jen: Oh okay, I guess it isn't that important.
Marty and Ryan exchange looks, realizing that Jen's buying Jack's lie.
Ryan: Suuuure, Jack. It's probably someone close to you. It's not me, is it?
Jen: That's very mature, Ryan.
Marty: Yeah, I think he has better taste than that, right?
Jack: That is true.
Ryan pretends to be offended then realizes Jack's not going to give a real answer to the original question.
Ryan: Hey, Jenner, I'm told that there's this artist who displays his work by the stage. Want to check it out?
Jen: Uh.. sure?
Marty and Jack get up to let them out. They both sit down.
Marty: Slightly subtle, no?
Jack: Quite slight.
Marty: She doesn't like me very much. (gesturing towards them) Quite blind, if you ask me.
Jack: It's pretty amusing. She's pretending she's absolutely not interested in him and failing miserably. He's pretending he didn't mean the kiss so she doesn't feel so guilty about it.
Marty: Speaking of pretending, what about the truth to that question. You've thought about one of your friends, right?
Jack: It's a possibility.
Marty: It's not Farrell, right.
Jack: Absolutely not.
Marty: Then consider me as a sounding board.
Jack: It doesn't exist anymore. It was pretty strange because he was there for me when I came out. Yet at the same time, he was dating my sister.
Marty: (nodding) Quite awkward.
* * * * *
Scene: By the art exhibit with Jen and Ryan.
Jen: I didn't know you were into art.
Ryan: Not really. You could try explaining the significance of Picasso's work until you're blue in the face and it would still look like a bunch of weird shapes.
Jen: So, why did you want to see this?
Ryan: Just thought it might be easier if we weren't interrupting.
Jen: You don't think he'd be comfortable talking to me about this?
Ryan: All I meant was that there are certain things that Marty could relate to that you cannot.
Jen: Such as?
Ryan: (counting on his fingers) Let's see, one, bigotry. Two, prejudice. Three, being at ease in your own skin, which is his biggest problem. Because 1 and 2 will occur regardless. I mean, if he actually kissed you, then there's a part of him that wishes he was straight.
Jen: That's a pretty good point. But he had a boyfriend of sorts before so I don't understand why it's an issue now.
Ryan: Of sorts?
Jen: College guy named Ethan who turned into a world-class jerk. Enjoyed playing the role of mentor a little too much. I mean, granted, he needed someone like Ethan but it was a total crash and burn.
Ryan: Ethan? Wasn't that the same guy that he wanted to go to the junior prom with?
Jen: That's right. That's what led to the Anti-Prom.
Ryan: I swear, if I'd known the reason before the prom, I would've attended that instead. Because, you should know, the Barbara's prom sucked. All these tacky streamers floating around blasting the sappiest love songs you can imagine.
Jen: I'm sorry, I thought you hated gatherings like that.
Ryan: (sarcastically) I just love going to a cheesy dance with a girl I barely know in the name of fulfilling the theme of Couples. Seriously, how do you think I ended up going?
Jen: Cheryl?
Ryan: Bingo.
They move over to another piece of art.
Jen: Are you still interested in Marty?
Ryan: (glances in Jen's direction) No. But it is such a source of amusement for her that she insists on reminding me. Don't let what she says fool you. Marty loves the attention from straight guys.
Jen: Was it serious?
Ryan: Not really. But it's funny - the day I took off from school to visit my mom, I ran into Marty. I was still furious with both you and Jack. She reminded me that you were too important to throw a friendship away for. So, even if you were infatuated with him, I knew that you needed someone to be there for you.
Jen: Awww. That's so cute. (puts her arm around his shoulder) I bet there are girls lining up after a line like that.
Ryan: (dryly) You'd be surprised how few, Jen.
Jen: Again with the self-deprecating humor. Trying to sound all modest for my account.
Rather than correct her, Ryan pretends he's actually studying the painting. Jen follows suit.
* * * * *
Scene: Back to table with Jack and Marty
Marty: The guy’s a friend of Jen’s isn’t he? That’s why she doesn’t know.
Jack: Yeah, but also, he’s found someone, not my sister, that he is completely in love with. They went off on a boat this summer and never looked back.
Marty: Are you two still friends?
Jack: Technically yes, but the girl has taken up all his time.
Marty: So basically, you’ve moved on because you haven’t seen him?
Jack: He’s still a friend, Marty. He even was there through the whole situation with Jen.
Marty: Then he’s a sweetie but still conveniently not a major part of your life. Ever think that this guy is the reason why you’re alone? None of the gay guys you’ve met have been that great, or at least not as good as this guy. Sounds like I have been given my mission.
* * * * *
Scene: Near closing time at the Coffee Cup. Gretchen and Dawson are sitting at a table while Cheryl is running around.
Dawson: This is turning into an obsession with you, are you aware of that?
Gretchen: (sipping her coffee) I have no idea what you’re talking about. I’ve been very good this week. Only stopped in two mornings.
Dawson: True, but I think you’ve been trying to make up for that in the past hour.
A blonde guy with glasses holding a planner is standing by the door glancing at his watch. Cheryl greets him and leads him to a table. As soon as he sits down, she races over to the table with the cell phone.
Cheryl: Can you do me a huge favor, sweetie? Get Jack to drag his butt over here immediately. I don’t care what you have to do but get him here.
Dawson takes the phone from her and starts calling.
Gretchen: What are you two doing?
Dawson: (covers receiver) I will venture a guess that the guy at the door is Tobey, who she thinks would be perfect for Jack. Damn, getting the machine.
Gretchen: Try Jen’s.
Dawson: Naturally. (punches in Jen’s phone number) See, that guy is the leader of the Gay/Straight Teen Coalition and she’s trying to get him to either set up shop here or at least get Jack to talk to him. Where the hell are these people?
Gretchen: Kind of riled up for a longshot idea, aren’t you Dawson?
Dawson: I think I’ve gotten carried into the excitement Cheryl brings to the assignment. Wait, I thought of someone who might know. (enters in another number)
Gretchen: Who else would actually know their whereabouts? I thought the two were a clique by themselves.
Dawson: Shh. Someone’s answering.
Peter: (naturally drunk) Farrell. (coughing) Farrell residence.
Dawson: Hello, is Ryan around?
Peter: That is a very good question. I don’t see him so I guess he’s not around. (clumsily rustles papers around until he spots one) What the hell is this? Heading to Boston? Geez, that bitch is just trying to turn him against me.
Dawson: Um, okay, thank you. (hangs up)
Gretchen: So?
Dawson: Although I’m pretty sure he wasn’t saying it to me, Ryan’s in Boston.
Gretchen: Oh, right, his mom.
Dawson: What about her?
Gretchen: You don’t know about their separation? Wow, I knew something before you did? I definitely spend too much time here. (moves the coffee away from her)
* * * * *
Scene: Back to table at McGill’s where they’ve been interrupted by a rather attractive guy trying to balance three glasses in his hand.
Guy: I’m sorry to interrupt you two but I was wondering if I could join you. I come bearing gifts. (places the glasses on the table)
Marty: Oh, hi Patrick. No, go ahead. Patrick Weiss, Jack McPhee. (takes a sip from one glass, nods) Good stuff.
Patrick: I stopped by your place earlier and Ari said you were here. What, are you so pissed off that you’re picking up guys now?
Marty: I hardly think so. Jack’s a friend of Ryan Farrell’s. (pointing toward the art exhibit) See?
Patrick: Oh, so it’s a double date? (Jack picks up the third glass and takes a sip)
Marty: No, just three outsiders at a table.
Patrick: (catching her meaning, looks in Jack’s direction) Then I’m even more happy to be here. I’m really wishing I had planned to stay right now but I was just planning to make a guest appearance and slide out. (slurps down his drink) You and Ari are still cool?
Marty: (exasperated) Yes, Patrick.
Patrick: Cool, in that case, I’m heading back to my plans of hanging out with Sari and Lauren while they bitch and moan about their relationships.
Marty: Want to catch up at Sari’s party tomorrow night?
Patrick: Only if Jack attends.
Marty: (smiling) Of course he’s coming.
Patrick: Then check ya then. (heads out of the café)
Jack: That was a total set-up, wasn’t it?
Marty: Believe it or not, no. Patrick has this thing about dropping in places for five minutes at a time. He thinks he’s so cool because he’s writing..
Marty stops herself as she realizes Jack’s paying attention to every word she’s saying.
* * * * *
Scene: Back to Coffee Cup. Cheryl had been making small talk with Tobey when Dawson motions her toward him.
Cheryl: I've got customers to get back to. My dad will want to set everything up shortly.
Tobey: I'm willing to consider the offers but I think we'll actually be able to stay at the current shop.
Cheryl nods then rushes over to Dawson and Gretchen's table.
Cheryl: I have the feeling Tobey's backing out so you'd better be telling me that Jack's coming.
Dawson: I wish I could.
Cheryl: (rolls eyes) What's his problem?
Gretchen: He decided to have a life. Couldn't find him.
Cheryl: What? This is a joke, right? You mean I have to carry on a conversation with this self-righteous jerk without getting something?
Dawson: (defensively) Sorry. Tried his place, Jen's place, even Ryan's.
Cheryl: You shouldn't have tried Ryan's. How the hell do you know his number anyway?
Dawson: 555-2020 is pretty easy to remember. I'm glad I did because that was the only one that anyone was home. It sounded like his father. Turns out he's in Boston, apparently spending time with his mom, although he didn't seem to know that before I called.
Cheryl: (mumbles) Why do I get the feeling that all hell is going to break loose?
Part 11 - The Confessional