Babylon Boomerang

Michael (Hal Sparks) finds out that the Big Q is hiring a new manager. Tracy (Lindsey Connell) tries to convince him to go for the job, but Michael's not interested in taking on more responsibility. When the boys go clubbing, Justin's (Randy Harrison) father, Craig (John Furey), shows up and beats up Brian (Gale Harold) before being pulled away. He gives Justin an ultimatum, "Come home now or never again," and Justin defiantly chooses his freedom. Brian lets the boy stay with him, but asks him to sleep on the couch. At the Liberty Diner, Debbie (Sharon Gless) is serving the boys when she collapses from exhaustion. Michael then finds out from the guilt-ridden Uncle Vic (Jack Wetherall) that Debbie has taken out a second mortgage and is in danger of losing her house. Justin's mother, Jennifer (Sherry Miller), shows up at Brian's office with some of the boy's things and a check for Brian, and refuses to hear Brian's claim that he's not responsible for Justin. Michael decides to go after the promotion at work so he can help Debbie. But because he's afraid he won't get the job if anyone finds out he's gay, he has to take besotted Tracy along to have dinner with the boss. David (Chris Potter) chastises him for leading Tracy on, but Michael's ruse pays off. Justin can't handle seeing Brian with other guys, so he moves in, temporarily, with Lindsay (Thea Gill) and Melanie (Michelle Clunie). Brian eventually brings Justin home to talk to his parents, but when he hears Craig's "rules" for Justin living under his roof, including not talking about his "disgusting lifestyle," Brian has a change of heart and takes Justin back to his place.