The First Fifty

Chapter 1:

Prologue

“Dad, is this a good time to talk?” Gus asked as he came into the living room.

Brian was sitting on the sofa, a snifter of brandy in his hand, the album Joan had given him was on his lap. The fireplace was going; the flames were reflecting interesting patterns against the windows. Justin was sketching in the porch. Bree was half asleep in her pajamas, leaning against Brian just under his arm. It was the holiday vacation so Brian saw no reason to put Bree to bed. Gus was spending a few days on the lane then in Pittsburgh before flying to New York to spend time with Ray.

The cottage was peaceful and calm.

“I know I’m in for trouble, when you call me dad,” Brian quipped then took a sip of brandy.

“Please, Pop, I’d really like to know about you and Joan and...Jack,” Gus added with some hesitation.

Brian contemplated Gus’ request then made room for Gus on the sofa.

“Sit,” Brian said patting the cushion. “You really want to take this walk down memory lane? You may not like what you learn.”

“Dad, Joan told me about her past and I can’t walk down Liberty Avenue without someone challenging me.”

“Challenging you?”

“Yeah, they want to know if I’m the new stud.”

“Don’t those queers have anything better to do? That was a long time ago.”

“The legend lives on,” Gus assured his father with a smirk and a pat to his leg.

“Peachy.”

“What’s this?” Gus indicated the book.

“Joan had this made. Justin gave it to me when we were in New York.”

“It’s beautiful,” Gus said as he took the book. “A Christmas present?” Brian shook his head.

“More like an early birthday present,” Brian replied.

“Your birthday’s in the Spring, right?” Gus asked innocently.

“Yes. The time of the year when young men think of proms and graduation,” Brian said with a touch of sarcasm. ‘And of baseball bats and scarfing,’ Brian thought to himself.

“What’s in it?”

“My life. Open it. I’m not sure I have the balls to look at it by myself.”

“Do you want me to get Justin?” Gus was surprised by his father’s admission.

“No, it’s about time I grew some balls.”

Brian put his glass down on the coffee table then slid the book back onto his own lap. He took a deep breath and opened the cover.

Dear Brian,

I’m proud of you, son. I know I never said those words when you were a child and throughout your life when you most needed to hear them. But nevertheless, I am so very proud of you. I’m only sorry it took me such a long time to work up the courage to finally say it. I hope you can forgive me.

You, your accomplishments and your fine family have made me the proudest woman. Thank you for allowing me into your life. I am so fortunate that I’ve gotten to know you, Justin and my precious grandchildren, Gus and Briana.

I love you, my dearest boy. I always have and always will.

Love,

Mother

Old Joanie

*****

0-5

“Mr. Kinney? It’s a boy,” the nurse came out to tell Jack who was paging through an old baby magazine. “You can see him in about a half an hour.”

“Yeah, sure. Where can I grab a smoke?” Jack asked as he stood, throwing the magazine on a table.

“The solarium is right through there,” the nurse said pointing at a set of double doors. “Your wife is doing fine, in case you’re interested.”

“Thanks.” Jack turned his back on the nurse then made a hasty retreat toward the solarium. He had been waiting for hours without a cigarette. And he really wanted a drink.

Jack never saw the look of disgust on the nurse’s face as he walked out.

*****

“Your dad looks pretty happy in that picture,” Gus observed.

“Joan must have caught him in a weak moment,” Brian said snarkily, although all he felt was sad.

“Why aren’t there any pictures of you and Grandma Joan?”

Brian looked at Bree who was still dozing. “Joan probably couldn’t find a moment when Jack was sober enough to take a focused picture of her and the new bundle of joy.”

“You sound really bitter,” Gus observed.

“I was … for a long time.”

“That’s … awful.”

“I don’t think anybody ever really wanted me,” Brian whispered. He was finding this really hard, until Gus put his arms around his father and gave him a warm hug.

*****

“Claire, come and say hello to your new brother,” Joan said as she and the new baby entered the house.

Claire hung back not sure she wanted anything to do with this new body that was going to usurp her exclusive place in the family. She liked being the only child. She got all the attention, such as there was of it. She didn’t think having another baby was a good idea.

“I’ll be going now,” Mrs. Donnelly their neighbor said. She had agreed to watch Claire until Jack and Joan got back from the hospital, but she never enjoyed being around Jack Kinney. He scared her.

“Thanks so much for keeping an eye on Claire,” Joan said.

“He’s a very cute baby,” Mrs. Donnelly said before rushing out. She hurried past Jack who was bringing in Joan’s bag from the hospital.

“Claire, come and say hello to your brother,” Joan repeated.

Reluctantly Claire walked over to see her brother. “Hello, baby,” she said because she knew that was what was expected of her.

“His name is Brian.”

Claire nodded. She didn’t really care what this baby was called. She just wished he’d disappear.

“I need a beer,” Jack said as he dropped Joan’s bag by the door and headed for the living room. He dropped down into his big armchair.

“Get a beer for your father,” Joan instructed Claire.

Claire retrieved a can of beer from the fridge and carried it over to her father.

“Thanks, princess,” Jack said as he popped the tab. That made Claire smile. She liked being her father’s princess.

Just at that moment Brian gave a wail.

“He needs to be changed,” Joan said. “Claire, bring my bag upstairs and you can watch me change your brother.”

Claire made a face but she did as instructed. She stood patiently observing while her mother changed the diaper and cooed over the new baby. When Joan was done, she laid a sleepy Brian down in his crib to nap. Joan started to leave the room. “You coming, Claire?”

“I want to look at him for a minute,” Claire said.

“Okay, just watch though. Let him sleep,” Joan cautioned before she went to unpack her bag from the hospital.

Claire studied the tiny baby who had already fallen asleep. “This was my bed first,” she whispered to her brother. “Everything is mine first, daddy and mommy too. I wish you’d go away,” she added as an afterthought. Before she thought about it, her hand snaked through the bars of the crib and gave Brian a hard pinch. He awoke screeching in pain. Claire quickly ran to her room.

“Shut that brat up!” Jack yelled from downstairs.

“I will, I will,” Joan called back as she hurried in to see what had woken her sleeping baby.

*****

Brian shivered for a moment then rubbed his arm. Gus looked up at him in horror.

“Dad, are you okay?” Gus whispered, worry written on his face.

Brian studied his son’s face.

“I’m fine. You’re not getting rid of me that easily.” Gus was not convinced. “I had a full physical just after Joanie died, including a cardiac work up. And I saw my oncologist; there are no clogs in any of the plumbing. I think I’m just leaning on my arm wrong,” Brian said as he moved over. Bree murmured as she was jostled.

“I can put her to bed if you want.”

“She’s fine where she is, Sonny Boy. It feels good to have her here,” Brian said patting Gus’ leg. He was somehow comforted by her presence, Gus’ too.

“You’re sure?”

“Positive.” Brian slid the book over to Gus. “Turn the page.”

*****

“Mommy, it’s not my birthday,” Claire said as she tugged on her mother’s arm.

“Oh no, Claire!” Joan cried out as she made a mess out of the ‘A.’  “It’s Brian’s birthday.  I made him his favorite cake for dessert tonight.  As soon as your father comes home we’ll have dinner and then we can all sing Happy Birthday.”

Joan glanced toward the front door of their modest little house.  She kept reminding herself that this was only temporary.  Jack promised her that they’d be moving to the city one day and she still believed.  He was in the union and up for a better position, if he’d only stop drinking.  He had potential, Joan was convinced.  Her husband was going to make it big in Pittsburgh.  Jack promised her, only ten short years and then they’d move to a nicer, bigger house in Pittsburgh.  Claire was almost five and Brian two years younger.  Joan had only five more years to wait.

She glanced at the door and at the clock on the stove.  It was after seven.  The kids would be getting hungry.

“He promised to come home on time,” Joan mumbled to herself.  The cake was just about finished.  “There, that’s not so bad?”  Joan stood back to admire her handiwork.  Claire stood on tiptoe to see the cake on the table.  Joan turned to take a candle out of a drawer.  She had saved the candles she used on Claire’s cakes.  They were only lit for a minute or two, no need to waste a whole candle.

Joan took out the large white two and placed it in the middle of the cake.

“That’s my candle, mommy,” Claire protested.

“It’s nice to share.  Besides, you were only a baby.  You’re all grown up now.  Brian can use the candle.” 

“But it’s mine!”  Claire wailed, startling toddler Brian who was asleep in his playpen in the living room.  The boy flinched letting out a startled cry.  Just then Jack stormed through the door.

“What the hell is going on in here?” Jack roared.

“You’re late and you’re drunk,” Joan screeched.

“Yeah, so what!  It’s not like I have someplace nice and quiet to come home to,” Jack spat back.

Joan took Brian out of his playpen and set him on the floor.  He made a beeline for the kitchen to get away from the noise.  Claire managed to grab her candle off the cake by pulling the plate closer to the edge of the table.  As his parents argued, Brian stretched up to touch the pretty yellow ‘thing’ that caught his eye.

There was a crash and the baby screamed.  Joan rushed into the kitchen to pick up her cake coated boy.  Claire snatched up her candle and a small piece of cake then hurried into her room.  She didn’t care about dinner or her brother.

“I’m outta here,” Jack said grabbing his jacket then slamming the front door after him as he left the house.

Brian sniffled.  He wasn’t hurt but the cake falling on him scared him.  He didn’t even try to eat the cake; he was just attracted to the yellow color.  Joan put Brian in his high chair.  She was just about to get a cloth to clean him up then tackle the mess on the floor when she noticed a bottle of cooking sherry near the sink.

“Why not,” she said to herself.  Joan took out a glass from the cupboard and poured herself a drink.

“Ma Ma,” came a little voice from the high chair.  Big hazel eyes were watching her, a sticky hand held out.

“I suppose you want me to clean you up.  I thought it was only girls who liked things clean and tidy.”

“Ma!”  A little eyebrow arched up.

“All right.”  Joan poured herself a little more sherry, drank it quickly then proceeded to clean up the mess.

*****

“That’s a nice cake.  Did Grandma Joan bake it?” Gus asked.

 “I guess so.  She must have if it’s in here but I don’t remember it.”

“You were probably a baby,” Gus surmised.  Brian nodded.  “You don’t really like cake, do you?”

“No, not really.  I’ll eat some if I have no choice,” Brian joked.

“You mean if Debbie or Emmett stand over you and threaten to take your other ball,” Gus teased. 

Brian chuckled. “Something like that.  I never developed a sweet tooth…”

“Except for your coffee,” Gus corrected him.

“That’s different.”

“Suurre it is.”

“Maybe it was the icing.  It looks pretty but I can feel my teeth rot just thinking about eating it.”

“But you’ll eat lemon bars.  Talk about rotting your teeth.”

“Yeah, well, when Debbie has a bug up her nose, you do what you have to do to survive.”

“I bet she thinks she cures anything with her lasagna and diner lemon bars,” Gus quipped.

“You mean she can’t?” Brian said putting his hand to his chest. 

Gus laughed.  “Dad?”  Brian arched a brow, waiting for the next personal question.  “He hit you, didn’t he?”  Brian nodded.  “When you were little?”

“No.  I don’t think so.  At least I don’t remember him hitting me until I was maybe ten or twelve.  Maybe he was waiting until I was big enough to fight back.  I was always tall for my age.”

“Like me?”  Gus smiled.

“Just like you,” Brian said leaning in to buss Gus’ cheek.  “You grew like a weed.  I never knew what that expression meant until I began to gar-gar.”

“Gar-gar?  You can use grownup words now, ya know.”

“There’s gardening and then there’s gar-gar.”

“Ah, well that clears it up,” Gus smirked.  “But I understand,” Gus said after a minute.

“You do?”

“Yes, I do.  I think gar-gar is one of the best things you do with Bree and Patrick.  He won’t admit it but he likes when you ask him to help.  I did too when I was a kid.”

“You’re still a kid.”

“Oh Daaad.”  Gus rolled his eyes like all impatient young men.

“Do you know how proud of you I am?”

“Yes, I know.  I’ve always known, even when I was living with the moms.  I love you, Pop, and I’m proud of you too. Grandma Joan was honest with me,” Gus went on to say.  “Aunt Claire seemed to be Jack’s favorite, but she never knew why until she met Grandma Claire.”

“I try not to play favorites,” Brian murmured looking down at the sleeping little girl curled up next to him.

“I never felt you did.  I never felt deprived of your love even when you were far away.  I never once felt you loved Bree more than me or me more than Bree.  I even know how much you love Patrick and JR.  We’re all important to you; different but the same.”

Brian had nothing to say.  He felt a sense of relief knowing that Gus never felt deprived of love or thought that just because Bree was the princess of their little kingdom, she was the favorite.  Bree stirred.

“Dada, can I have a snack?”

“It’s late, you should be in bed,” Brian told her.

“I don’t hafta go to school tomorrow.”

“True.”

“Come on, Pop.  Give her a break.  I could go for a snack too,” Gus nodded in agreement.

Just then Justin walked into the room.

“Hey, Bri, do we have any more of those lemon bars Lacy brought with her.  I’m in the mood for a snack,” Justin said with a big smile.

Suddenly, Brian was surrounded by three big smiles.  

“I sense a conspiracy.  Okay, I know when I’m outnumbered.  And I happen to know where the stash of lemon bars is hidden.”

Brian pushed himself off the sofa then headed for the kitchen with three happy people in tow.

*****

“What’s this?” Gus asked as he turned another page in the album.  After the lemon bars they had all returned to the sofa to continue looking through Joan’s album.

Brian leaned over to take a closer look.  “It’s my kindergarten report card,” Brian said with surprise.  “I wonder why Joan ever kept that.”

“Maybe because she was proud of you,” Gus replied as he noted the above average comments from the teacher.  “You were a smart little kid.”

Brian snorted.  “What’s does it take to outshine a bunch of five year olds?”

“Quite a bit when you’re five yourself.”

Brian didn’t answer, but merely stared at the report card.

*****

“Claire, take your brother’s hand,” Joan instructed as she walked down the street with her two children.  It was the first day of school of a new school year.  Claire would be going into the second grade and Brian would be starting kindergarten.

“I don’t want to hold the baby’s hand,” Claire said with a snotty look for her little brother.

“I’m not a baby,” Brian said.

“The big boys will beat you up,” Claire said with a gleam of suppressed pleasure in her eye.

“No they won’t,” Brian objected.

“Of course they won’t,” Joan said giving her daughter a glare.

Brian felt a twinge of worry in spite of his brave words.  He didn’t want to get beat up.  He didn’t want to get picked on.  As they approached the school, there were some little kids crying and clinging to their mothers.  They looked pathetic.  Brian decided he would never be one of them, never be pathetic.  He decided then and there that nobody would make him cry.  He was going to be brave.  Nobody would call him a scaredy cat or a sissy.

Claire ran off to join some other girls and Joan took Brian to the door of the classroom where he would spend the first year of his school life. 

“I’m fine, mommy,” Brian said.  “You can go home.  I can do this by myself.”

Joan leaned down and patted his shoulder.  He was a brave little boy.  “Have a good day,” she said, and then she was gone.

Brian entered the class alone, like he would do so many things in his life.

The First Fifty

Chapter 2

6 - 10

The next morning after one of Brian’s famous breakfasts, the Kinney-Taylor family assembled again in the living room to continue looking through Joan’s album. Bree had been interested in the contents of the album, but now that she was more wide awake she was even more curious about all the things that had to do with her Dada.

“Is that you, Dada?” Bree asked as she pointed to a picture of a little boy wearing what Bree knew to be a soccer jersey.

“Yeah,” Brian said with a little smile.

“How old are you?”

“I started soccer when I was in first grade, so I’m probably six or seven.”

“I started even sooner,” Bree said proudly.

“And you’re going to be even better than Pop,” Gus said with a wink for Justin.

“Dada has trophies at university,” Bree reminded her brother.

“You will too, Squirt,” Brian said.

Bree threw her arms around her Dada’s neck and kissed his cheek. “I want to be just like you, Dada,” she said with all sincerity.

“Well,” Brian replied slowly, “maybe you can be … in the trophy department.”

Six year old Brian Kinney trapped the soccer ball between his feet. He started advancing up the field scanning what lay ahead. Brian had taken to soccer like a fish to water. His coach said he had a natural feel for the game. Brian knew he was able to figure out where the ball should go. In the few games he had played so far he had scored five goals, more than anybody else by a country mile.

Brian caught movement out of the corner of his eye. The other team only had one player that was much good and he was heading for Brian, no doubt with the intention of stripping him of the ball. Brian did not intend to let that happen.

Picking up speed, Brian headed towards the opponent’s goal. He knew the game was almost over and nobody had been able to score in the whole time they played. Every time Brian got the ball, the opposing coach sent their best player after him, and so far that kid had been able to stop him. But not this time, Brian thought.

Running as fast as he could, Brian felt the cool air passing around him. He loved the feeling of freedom as he ran. That was why he loved soccer. He could run and he could kick and he could handle the ball. It was all so easy. He didn’t even think about the hours of practice in the backyard that he put in, running around manipulating a soccer ball with his feet.

Brian could see the opposing player coming towards him. The angle the kid had taken would cut Brian off from the goal. The kid was smart. Brian had to give him that. Brian knew there was a slim chance that he could probably get past the other team’s best player and score a goal. He knew he was the best player on his team. He thought it was worth a shot.

He pushed himself to run a little faster, advancing the ball skillfully as he moved along. The other boy was heading for him at full steam. He wondered if the boy was going to run him down. That would be a penalty, but it would also mean that Brian wouldn’t get to score. Sizing up the situation with his keen mind, Brian made a decision. He kept running as the boy advanced towards him. At the last second, he kicked the ball to Tommy who was in the middle of the field all by himself. Just in time, Brian deked left and the boy charging at him hit the ground with a jolt. Better the ground, than my legs, Brian thought.

Brian left the boy eating grass and turned his attention back to the ball. Tommy seemed almost stunned that the ball had come to him. The net was practically empty as the goalie had moved to the side where Brian had been coming up the field. With a good strong kick, Tommy sent the ball into the middle of the net just before the ref blew the whistle and the game was over.

“We won!” Tommy yelled at the top of his lungs. He raced across the field towards Brian and launched himself into the taller boy’s arms. They both tumbled to the ground laughing and crowing in victory. They were soon mobbed by the rest of the team who fell on top of them all laughing and whooping it up.

Brian felt like a million dollars. This had to be the best day of his life. When the whole team finally got up from the ground, the coach congratulated them and had them shake hands with the losing team.

When all that was accomplished, Brian ran over to his parents and Claire who had finally come to one of his soccer games. Usually it was just Joan, and often she merely arrived in time to take him home. Sometimes he walked home alone.

“Did you see me?” Brian asked happily. “I set up the winning goal.”

“You should have scored it,” Jack griped. “You could have beat that other kid.”

“But…” Brian started.

“I don’t know why you want to play this sissy game. You should be learning baseball or basketball or football – a man’s game,” Jack informed his son. He turned on his heel and headed for the car with Claire hot on his heels.

“You did good, Brian,” Joan said squeezing his shoulder.

“Yeah,” Brian said dejectedly as they too followed Jack.

*****

There’s just so much looking through old pictures that one can take, especially when one’s best friend had just come over to spend the day. Bree and Ashley squealed with delight as if they hadn’t seen each other in weeks.

“Dada, can me and Ashley play in the Wendy House?”

“Bree, it’s freezing,” Brian protested.

“PLLEEEZZZZ,” two sweet faces begged.

“You know if you guys catch pneumonia, Ashley’s mom is going to beat me with a stick.” Brian scowled trying to look menacing.

“And I’ll do even worse,” Justin said as he came in from the porch. Susanna giggled, watching the drama play out.

“But we can bundle up and you can light the fire!” Bree stated with her hands on her hip.

“Oh I can, can I?”

“Yes, Dada, cause you don’t want me and Ashley to catch ‘amonia.’”

“I think you’re outnumbered, Bri,” Justin conceded.

“Ladies, let’s compromise,” Brian said as he pulled out a chair and sat so he could be eye level with the little con-artists. “I will go out to light the fireplace, you will wait about ten minutes to let the Wendy House warm up then you may stay out there for only two hours. By then the fire will be going out and it’ll start to get cold. Do we have a deal?”

Ashley and Bree appeared to be considering the proposal.

“Okay, Dada!” Bree said with a smile that lit up the house. Ashley was wearing a matching one. The girls ran to plan their itinerary while Brian went to go get the gel cans for the fireplace.

“He’s a big softie, isn’t he?” Susanna commented to Justin who was making a fresh pot of coffee. Having nowhere important to go, Susanna accepted Justin’s invitation to hang out while the girls played.

“Where the girls are concerned? Yes, but only to a point. John added insulation to the play house so that it could be used most of the year. And the gel fire does warm it up. But Brian would never let them play out there when it’s really cold.”

“Bree probably wouldn’t ask,” Susanna said. “She’s smarter than that. Besides, it’s not that cold out. Two hours will be more than enough,” she said as she sipped her coffee. “Mmm, this is good.”

“Brian’s own blend,” Justin told her.

“Got enough for me?” Brian asked as he came back into the kitchen.

“Always,” Justin said with a peck to Brian’s lips then poured a mugful for his spouse. “Is the fire going?”

“Yeah, the cans lit instantly. It’ll warm up quick.”

“Can we go out, Dada?” Two heads popped back into the kitchen.

“Go on,” Brian said with a royal wave.

“YAY!” the girls cheered then hurried to get their coats.

“WALK!” three parental units commanded in an attempt to ward off the stampede.

“We will!” came the reply and they heard the sun porch door open then shut.

“That’s that,” Brian said. “Justin, I have some calls to make. I’ll be in the office.” Justin nodded as Brian topped off his mug then went upstairs.

“What is this?” Gus asked out loud to no one in particular.

“Looks like a first place award for a spelling contest,” Susanna said as she glanced at the album. “Who won it?”

Gus gave Susanna a brief explanation about the album.

They gently flipped through more pages to see the many awards and certificates Joan had preserved.

“You come by your brains honestly,” Justin said softly as he gave Gus a peck on the head. Then he led Susanna into the porch leaving Gus alone with the album.

*****

“So my kid’s got brains,” Jack teased as he waved the blue ribbon around in the air. He laughed as Claire scowled at her brother. They were sitting in the living room watching “Happy Days.”

“You just had to let him find it,” Claire hissed.

“I didn’t let him,” Brian swore. “He found it in my room,” he whispered.

Joan knew that Jack liked to search through Brian’s room but was helpless to prevent it. Jack said he had every right to go through Brian’s things since he bought everything that Brian owned. Joan thought that it was time Brian had a little privacy but Jack wasn’t buying it.

Jack rolled the ribbon up then threw it in the trash.

“If the kid likes words so much he should spend his time reading those technical manuals I got for him. Spelling is for faggots,” Jack sneered. “He’ll need a real job when he grows up, a real job like his old man,” Jack pronounced loudly as he grabbed his coat then went out.

Brian got up and went to his room while Claire ogled The Fonz. Unbeknownst to her, Joan quietly took the crumpled ribbon out of the trash, smoothed it out then carefully put it in her pocket.

*****

“Pop, did you and your dad ever get along?” Gus asked.

Brian’s brow wrinkled. “Not very often,” he admitted.

“But there must have been…”

“Yeah, there were a few times,” Brian said with a faraway look in his eye.

“Tell me,” Gus requested.

Brian swallowed hard. Sometimes it was harder to think about the good times than it was to think about the more frequent bad ones. The bad ones didn’t hurt as much as all the chances Brian and Jack had managed to squander.

“Okay, Brian, hold the ball like this,” Jack said positioning Brian’s fingers in the large bowling ball.

“Like this?”

“Yes, that’s good. Now line up the ball with the center pin. You’re aiming just slightly to the right of that pin.”

“I’ll try,” Brian said uncertainly. Nine year old Brian Kinney was kind of enjoying his first foray into bowling with his father. He knew Jack went bowling every Wednesday night. He usually came home smelling of liquor. He was jovial if he had bowled well, nasty if he didn’t.

Brian was happy to have been brought to the bowling alley with his father on this Saturday afternoon. And without Claire. That was even better. Apparently Jack’s bowling league was going to have a father/son bowling night, and Jack didn’t want Brian to disgrace him. Hence, the bowling lesson.

“Okay, son, line it up, bring your arm back and let it go as smoothly as you can.”

“Okay,” Brian said uncertainly.

Brian did his best to follow his father’s instructions. He swung the heavy ball back, took his steps, the number he had watched his father take, swung his arm through and released the ball. As soon as it left his hand, he knew it was going too far left. He felt a heavy weight in his chest. His father was going to be disappointed in him once again.

Brian watched dejectedly as the ball kept heading left. It hit the pins on the left side of the group, but one of them spun to the right and knocked over a couple more pins. Four remained standing.

Feeling tears well up behind his eyes at his failure to get a strike, Brian swallowed hard. He turned to meet Jack’s wrath at his failure.

“Way to go, Brian!” Jack said clapping him on the back.

“Huh? But I didn’t get a strike,” Brian said in bewilderment.

“No, but you knocked down six pins. You get another ball to try to knock down the rest. If you do, you get what’s called a spare. That’s really good for the first time you’ve thrown a bowling ball. Most kids throw gutter balls. Believe me, I’ve seen enough of them around the alley all these years.”

“So … I did good?”

“You sure did. Now, you do have a real hook to your throw, that’s why it went left. That’s something we’ll have to correct as time goes on, but I think you could be real good at this game.”

“Wow!” Brian said. It wasn’t often his father praised him for something. “But what if I don’t knock the rest of the pins down?” Brian asked.

“You still get a point for every pin down. Let’s see if we can line up this shot so that the rest of the pins go.”

“Okay … Dad,” Brian said happily as he picked up his ball that had just returned down the channel.

Jack helped him line up the shot. He managed to knock out three more of the pins, but the one on the far right rocked back and forth, and then refused to fall. Brian was disappointed.

“You’ll get it next time,” Jack said encouragingly. “Let’s work on that hook of yours.”

They spent the next hour with Brian throwing ball after ball. He only had four gutter balls out of all the ones he threw. His father seemed really happy about that. Jack did his best to instruct Brian on angles and how to get positioned to throw the ball with the best results. For the first time Brian realized that this was an activity that his father loved. It was also something that he and his father could do together. Those types of things were very few and far between.

After the long practice, Brian felt his arm tiring. He threw a gutter ball, more dropping the ball than throwing it.

Jack came up to him. “You getting tired?” he asked.

Brian didn’t want to admit it, but he reluctantly nodded his head. He wasn’t sure he could even lift another bowling ball.

“I think that’s enough for today,” Jack said. “You did really well, Brian, much better than I expected.”

“Thanks,” Brian said with a smile.

“We still have a couple of weeks before the father/son thing. Want to practice again next Saturday?”

“Sure,” Brian happily replied.

“That’s my boy!”

Brian felt his heart fill with love for his father. This was what he always wanted – for his father to be proud of him. He knew he would work really hard at bowling. He wanted his father to be proud of him at the father/son tournament.

“What do ya say…” Jack began, “let’s get a couple of burgers at the counter. You can tell me about how you’re doing in that soccer of yours.”

“Sure, Dad,” Brian said happily. This had to be the best day of his life.

*****

Dinner at Edna’s Treasures was usually a family affair and tonight was no different. While Justin was the primary chef for the night, there were many helpers. Ashley and Susanna were invited to stay so it was well into the night when Gus got the chance to continue his journey into his father’s past.

“Hey, Pop, what’s this?” Gus pointed to the certificate in the album.

“That’s called a moving up certificate. My school gave it to the students at the end of the school year. It meant that you were promoted. It was no big deal, everyone got one.”

“I think it’s nice. My school didn’t do that.”

“We started the same tradition at Kinnetik, when the kids ‘graduate’ from our pre-school and go to kindergarten. I think the kids get a kick out of it.”

“I bet the parents do too. You’re a cool dad,” Gus said as he smiled at his father. Brian smiled back. He was glad that he had his son’s respect. It was important to him.

For most of Brian’s life, he held little respect for his family. When given the opportunity, Brian would escape at every chance. It pleased him that he finally got to know his mother and sister.

“Dad, do you know why Jack, um, was the way he was?” Gus asked with trepidation. He didn’t feel it was right to call Jack, grandfather. Jack was barely a father.

“I do now. Back then, I had no clue. He was just a bitter old man who I happened to share DNA with. It was when I got to know Claire Anderson that it dawned on me why Jack was so angry.”

Gus looked at his father with expectation, hoping Brian would elaborate. Gus wasn’t sure if he was brave enough to ask.

“Jack let the love of his life get away. He made the biggest mistake of his entire life by leaving Claire. But if he hadn’t then I wouldn’t have you,” Brian said in all honesty and with a lump in his throat. Brian could bitch and moan about all the what ifs in his life but when it came down to it, if Jack hadn’t left Claire none of Brian’s life would have existed.

Brian pulled his son into his arms and tried desperately in vain not to cry like a baby. A few tears slipped down his face.

“Oh Daaad!” Brian heard the muffled whine from his chest. Brian then gave his son a nuggie, making them both laugh hard as Gus struggled to get free.

“When are you going to New York?” Brian asked as he released his son, ending the torture.

“I was thinking of getting there for New Year’s,” Gus said when he caught his breath. “But I kinda want to hang around here for a little longer then spend more time with Mom and JR.”

“Your mother would like that,” Brian said. The unspoken, ‘so would I’ hung in the air. “Would Ray be very disappointed?”

“No, he’s very understanding.” So was Gus.

Brian stood up then stretched. “I need my beauty sleep. You kids are exhausting,” he griped, winking at Gus.

“Oh yeah, we’re exhausting, all right,” Gus teased. He knew his father needed Justin’s healing touch. “Good night, Pop.”

“Good night, Sonny Boy,” Brian said as he went to bed.

*****

“Good night, Dad,” Brian said when they finally got home from the bowling alley. It wasn’t that late but Brian was tired and his body sore from throwing the heavy bowling ball all afternoon.

“Good night, Sonny Boy,” Jack replied as he ruffled his son’s hair.

It was one of the few good memories Brian ever had of his father.

The First Fifty

Chapter 3

11-15

It’s oft been written that when someone wakes you up by sucking your cock, the best course of action is to let it happen; and that’s just what Brian did. A Justin Taylor blowjob is nothing to sneeze at. Brian stretched out his limbs and relished the sensation. A pale skinned hand reached out to caress Brian’s chest. Brian grabbed the hand and clutched it to his heart. As he came in the warm wet cavern of Justin’s mouth, Brian knew he was loved so completely.

“Morning,” he said when he could speak.

“Morning to you too,” Justin returned with a smile. “Good?”

“More than good,” Brian told him then kissed his lips. “What did I do to deserve that?”

“Do you think you need to do something to get a blowjob?” Brian shrugged. “You don’t. But if I had to come up with something to reward you for I guess it would be for spending this time with Gus. He really wants to know about you and Joan. It’s important to him and I’m proud of you. I know that some of the memories aren’t happy ones. As much as Gus needs to hear them, I think you need to tell them. Besides, there’s nothing wrong with a little high protein breakfast now and then,” Justin said smugly.

Brian laughed and gave Justin a little poke in the ribs.

“What do you have planned for today?” Justin asked.

“Nothing much. I imagine Gus has more questions for me so I’ll just hang around here. They’re predicting snow so maybe I’ll check in with Todd and the garden center. He’s built up quite a snow clearing list.”

“You going to blow some snow?” Justin teased, giggling at his own pun.

“No, smart ass,” Brian grumbled. “I think I’ll blow you,” Brian growled as he pounced on Justin and reciprocated the gesture.

What’s a man to do but lay back and enjoy it!

*****

“Uncle John?”

“Hey, Gus, what can I do for you?” John was having a lazy day at home. His Pittsburgh projects were going well so he was looking over some other proposals in his kitchen.

“What do you remember about Jack?”

“Not much. I only saw him twice and I never spoke to him. I just wondered what he was doing at the farm and why my grandparents were sad when he left. I never saw him again after that day I pulled Brian out of the stream,” John said sadly.

“I’m sorry if I’m bringing up painful memories.”

“They’re not really painful; it just happened such a long time ago. I never really think about it or him. Sure I wish I had a father. And I know your father would argue with me, but I kinda wish I had a father like Brian. You have one cool dude for a dad.” John smiled at his nephew.

“Yeah, I do.” Gus smiled brightly in return.

“Gus, just go easy on your dad. Memories are sometimes fickle things. They sometimes alter themselves to protect us. Your father will be as honest with you as his heart will allow him to be. Just accept and move on. Jack may not have been the best father in the world; he certainly wasn’t the worst. But he was the only one Brian had.”

“Thanks, Uncle John,” Gus said as John ruffled his hair.

“You hungry?” Gus nodded. “Then let’s make breakfast,” John suggested. Gus got up to help.

*****

“Jack,” Joan began with that tone he always associated with a prison warden. “We’ve outgrown this house. We’ve outgrown this neighborhood. You promised that we’d be here only ten years and then we’d move. Well, we’ve been here ten years and it’s time,” Joan said emphatically.

“Nag. Nag. Nag. Don’t you have anything better to do? Jesus Christ, woman! Can’t a man enjoy some peace and quiet in his own home!” Jack roared as he got into Joan’s face. “I don’t know why I ever married a shrew like you,” he said raising his hand to strike her but Joan didn’t flinch. Jack stormed out of the house.

Eleven year old Brian was waiting quietly in his room until he heard the door slam. When he knew the coast was clear, Brian left the house to go to the library.

“Good afternoon, Brian.”

“Hi, Mr. Thackeray,” Brian replied politely as he walked by the main desk.

“What is it today?” the elderly librarian asked innocently.

“What?”

“Your project. What are you working on today?”

“Oh, uh, history. Um, Irish history,” Brian lied.

He really didn’t have a report to do but it was always quiet in the library. Brian came here as often as he could to do his homework and to study. Nobody yelled. Everyone spoke in hushed tones if they spoke at all. The only time it was ever noisy was when it was story time for the younger kids and then only until the kids got settled. Brian stayed in the main part of the library where it was always quiet.

“Exploring your roots. Well, done. We have some excellent reference books. Would you like me to bring you a couple of them?”

“Yes, sir,” Brian said with an award winning smile. “Thank you.”

Mr. Thackeray always came up some interesting books for him to read. Brian went to his little corner of the library where he knew the librarian would find him. Brian could always be found in his little corner. It was near a large window where the natural light streamed in. Even in the winter or the darkest storm, there was light. Brian settled in and took out his notebook. He didn’t mind learning about Irish history.

“Here you go,” Mr. Thackeray said as he placed two very old volumes on the table. “Now I know you’ll be careful with these books. They’re very old. Call me over when you’ve finished and I’ll take them back to the vault.”

“I’ll be careful. Thank you!” Brian replied as he gingerly opened the first volume. He felt honored that he was entrusted with something obviously so precious.

“You’re very welcome,” the kindly man smiled. The librarian shook his head; he wasn’t sure if he was heard. Brian’s nose was already buried in the book.

*****

“What’s this?” Gus asked as he and Brian sat down with Joan’s album once again.

“That’s the first house we lived in. We lived there until I was a teenager.”

“It looks…small.”

“It was. Joan must have taken that around the time we were moving to the house she called home from then on. I don’t know why she wanted a picture of the old place. She never liked that house.”

“It’s part of a visual history of her family,” Gus said knowledgeably.

“Listen to you, Mr. College Man,” Brian teased.

“I have learned a thing or two,” Gus said with a smile so much like his father’s.

“I’m glad the mega-millions I’m forking out for your higher education are going to good use.”

Gus felt himself blush. There was nothing he could do about it. “I hope they are too, Pop.”

“I’m sure of it.” Brian smiled fondly at his son. He wondered what Gus thought about his childhood. He hoped overall that Gus’ memories were happy ones even though there had been some rough spots along the way.

“Were you happy to move?” Gus asked after a minute.

“That’s an interesting question.” Brian wasn’t sure how to express the ambivalence he felt about leaving that house.

*****

“Brian, have you packed up your room yet?” Joan asked.

“Just about,” Brian replied. “Why do we have to move?”

“We’re renting this house. We’ll be buying the one we’re moving into.”

“Do we have enough money?” Brian asked with a worried frown. He had heard his father complain on many occasions about needing money, especially when he wanted to go out for beer with his friends, and he didn’t have enough cash to do that. Jack was always in a foul mood when that happened.

“Your father’s going to make it work,” Joan said with some hesitation. “He promised.”

Brian felt even a little more scared. The only promises Jack ever kept were the ones to tan Brian’s hide. That happened often enough.

“It’ll be good to get a fresh start,” Joan continued. “Have you said goodbye to your friends?”

“Um … no, I wasn’t sure we were really going.”

“Well we are, so you better say your goodbyes,” Joan warned.

Brian walked out the back door of the house. He wasn’t sure about moving. It wasn’t that he was particularly happy in this house, but at least he was familiar with things around here. He didn’t have a really close friend, but there were a few boys he played soccer with and one from school that he would miss … a bit. But Brian was mostly a loner. That was the way he liked it.

Brian grabbed his soccer ball from the back porch and started kicking it along the sidewalk. He had excellent control over the ball. He could push it ahead and then catch up with it, kick back and catch it before it got away. He liked bending it around his feet. That always confused his opponents. Quite often he left them on their ass when he made that move.

“Hey, soccer boy, think you’re pretty good, don’t you?” a big kid who lived down the street taunted Brian.

Brian ignored him and kept kicking the ball along the sidewalk.

“Hey, kid, you better watch out,” the big kid felt compelled to add.

“Brian, ignore that idiot,” his friend Robbie from school called to him from his yard up ahead. “He’s a jerk.”

“Yeah, a big jerk!” Brian agreed.

Robbie was a grade ahead of Brian, but they often walked to school together. Brian and Robbie were almost the same height, but Robbie was much heftier, not lean like Brian. Robbie looked like he could take care of himself without too much trouble, and he didn’t take any guff from anybody.

“Kick the ball to me,” Robbie said. He wasn’t much good at maneuvering the ball, but he would return it to Brian whenever it was kicked his way. After a few minutes, Brian picked up the ball.

“Do you have to go home?” Robbie asked.

“Soon, but I wanted to tell you that we’re moving.”

“Shit! That’s too bad. Most of the kids on this street are idiots. At least you’ve got a brain.”

“Thanks,” Brian said with a smile twitching at the corners of his mouth.

“When do you leave?”

“The weekend.”

“Will you be going to a different school?” Brian nodded. “That sucks. I’ll have to walk to school alone.”

“What about walking with Big Ralph?” Brian asked teasingly, referring to the big kid who had tried to pick on him.

“Fuck no, he’s got the IQ of a toad, and that might be generous.”

Brian laughed heartily. He knew Robbie was smart, a hell of a lot smarter than Ralph. That was why they got on so well. “I … I’ll miss you,” Brian said hesitantly.

“No you won’t,” Robbie said realistically. “You’ll forget all about me in a few weeks. Take care of yourself, Brian. Don’t let anybody push you around. You can scare them off.”

“Thanks for the advice,” Brian said. He knew he never had any trouble when Robbie was with him. Maybe he needed to learn to fight. Maybe Mr. Thackeray had a book at the library that could teach him, but he wouldn’t be going to that library anymore. That sucked too. Brian waved goodbye to Robbie and headed home. He wondered what a future in this new house might hold.

Before Brian got close to the house he decided to make a detour. He would probably be yelled at the minute he got home but this was an errand he had to do.

“Hi, Mr. Thackeray.”

“Hello, Brian, another report?” the elderly librarian asked.

“No, sir, we’re moving and I wanted to say goodbye.” Brian awkwardly stuck out his hand. Mr. Thackeray took Brian’s hand and gave it a squeeze. “My dad got transferred,” Brian said sadly.

“No need to explain, Brian. I’m the son of a miner. We moved around a lot to wherever the work was. I wish you and your family well.”

“Thank you, sir.” Brian looked dejected.

“Brian, come with me.” The librarian led Brian to his little corner of the library and they sat at the table near the window. “Brian, I’d like you to promise me something.” Brian slowly nodded. “I want you to be honest with yourself and be as honest as you can with the people you meet along your journey in life. Temper that honesty with common sense and good judgment. Not judgment of others but in the words you use. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

“I think so.”

“Brian, this world of ours is rapidly changing. See this index card?” Mr. Thackeray picked up an index card that someone thoughtlessly tore out of the card file then left on the table. “Soon we won’t be using the good old Dewey Decimal system to catalog books. I’m sure we’ll have some sort of electronic gizmo that will do it all for us. You’re a smart young man, I know you are. I imagine that some time in the future I will be reading about you and how you excel in your chosen field.

Be proud of yourself and your accomplishments. Keep your integrity and work hard. I know you’ll go far and be very successful.” Mr. Thackeray patted Brian on the shoulder.

They sat quietly for a moment; Mr. Thackeray hoped that some of his words sunk in.

“Do you know what you remind me of?” Brian shook his head. “You remind me of these books; a hard exterior protecting pages and pages that have yet to be explored and discovered. When you’re ready, take a chance and open up a little. Don’t be afraid to share yourself with others. You will gain more than you lose.”

Brian considered the words his friend had told him.

“Where are you moving to?”

“Pittsburgh.”

Thackeray took the index card, flipped it over then wrote a name and phone number on it.

“I have a grandson just about your age. This is the name of his father. He’s a policeman.”

“Not a librarian?” Brian smiled, teasing the elderly man just a little. He arched his brow.

“Jerome loves his books, especially Sherlock Holmes and P.D. James mysteries. If you need someone to talk to, call him. You can trust him.”

“Thank you,” Brian said as he folded up the small card and shoved it into his wallet. “I’m sorry, I have to go. I, uh, just wanted to say thank you for your help with my…”

“Projects?”

“Yeah, and I’m going to miss…” Brian didn’t want to admit that he was going to miss Mr. Thackeray and the safe haven he had created here in his little corner of the library.

“This library? I will not be able to walk by this corner without thinking of you. Good luck to you, Brian, and do yourself proud.”

“Yes, sir,” Brian gave the kindly man a smile as they shook hands. He left the library then ran all the way home.

*****

“Hey, Dad, what is this?” Gus pointed to an index card that was in the album. They were up in Brian’s attic office. Gus was studying the treasures in the album while Brian worked at his computer. Kinnetik was working on several new accounts that required his attention.

“What’s it look like?” Brian said from the other side of his computer screen.

“It looks like an old index card with numbers on it. I’ve never seen anything like this before.”

Brian got up from his desk to look at the card in the album.

“That, Sonny Boy, is the Dewey Decimal system.”

“The Dewey what?”

“The Dewey Decimal System. It was a way of cataloguing library books waaaay back in the stone age before all this modern technology,” Brian teased then he explained the system.

“Okay. Weird but okay. But what’s the card doing in here?”

“Not a fucking clue.”

“But this is your handwriting, isn’t it?”

In Brian’s distinctive scrawl, it said, “important keep,” on the card.

“Yeah, but I really don’t remember…” Brian slipped the card out of the page then turned it over. “Well fuck me,” he murmured.

“Dad?”

“It’s okay, Sonny Boy. Just a blast from the past.” Brian examined the card then jotted down the number before putting it back. “She probably never knew what this meant.”

“She who?”

“Old Joanie.”

“Okay, now I’m really confused.”

“Don’t be. Before we moved, before I met Michael and Debbie, I had a friend. A very good friend, although at the time I didn’t realize just how good of a friend he really was.”

“This isn’t the guy who, uh…”

“Took my cherry? No, before that. He was just a librarian who gave me some good advice. I was miserable for a long time when we moved. Our old neighborhood sucked but at least I knew what to expect. Now I was just another poor kid moving to the big city.”

“But then you met Uncle Michael and Grandma Deb?”

“Yeah, and Uncle Vic. You were just a baby when he died. He was a good man and a great cook. He loved you. He loved all of us. He had a big heart.”

“So does Debbie, when she’s not smacking you on the cheek,” Gus said. Father and son rubbed their cheeks at the thought of one of Debbie’s cuffs to the head.

“Yeah, she does have one hell of a right hook,” Brian admitted.

“Dad, did you really lose your virginity at fourteen?”

“Yes, I did. Not the smartest move I ever made but at least the guy wasn’t a total troll.”

“You had standards back then, huh?” Gus snickered.

“It’s never too early to be discriminating. He knew what he was doing even though he was doing it with a kid. I almost made the same mistake.”

“What do you mean?”

“Justin. He was a just a kid when we met. He looked twelve, especially the morning after. But that’s another story.”

“Dad, what that guy did to you, it could have been rape.”

“I know that now, but at the time I just wanted to do it. He wasn’t a bad guy, stupid but not bad. We both got what we wanted.”

“He used a condom, right?”

“Yes he did, thank the gods. I learned a couple of valuable lessons that day.”

“Like what?”

“Like fucking in the shower can be fun and that I was never going to bottom again.”

“But that changed, didn’t it?” Gus asked knowingly.

“Yes, it did,” Brian admitted. “But not for a long time after and for only one man.”

Brian winked at his son then closed the album. He had had enough for the day.

The First Fifty

Chapter 4

16 -20

“Pop,” Gus said with a frown.

“Yes,” Brian replied. He wondered what direction their conversation would take this time.

Gus was studying a picture in Joan’s album. “How did you and Michael become friends?” Gus asked as he looked at a picture of a very teenaged Brian and Michael.

“I met Michael the first day of high school. We kind of fell into being together.”

“I never thought you and Michael had all that much in common.”

“We’re gay,” Brian said as though that explained everything. Gus raised an eyebrow. “At that time and that place, gay was not … easy. We recognized each other right away. He … needed some support. Everyone knew he was gay.”

“Did they know you were gay?”

Brian thought about that for a moment. “I guess I could have got away with appearing straight. But I took my friend Robbie’s advice, and I decided, as Emmett would so eloquently say, ‘Fuck them all’. When I moved to the new house, I refused to let anyone push me around. I didn’t care if they knew I was gay. I stood up to the bullies, and the majority of them back down when you do that.”

Gus nodded. “Yeah, thank God.”

“Did you have some bad incidents?” Brian asked. He couldn’t remember Gus ever being bullied or pushed around because he was gay.

“You were a good role model, Pop. I stood up to a couple of guys, and thankfully they backed down too.”

“That’s my boy.”

“Did you always know you were gay?”

“Yeah, I think so,” Brian said slowly. “I did … do some things with girls, but I always knew…”

“You dated girls?” Gus asked in surprise.

“Once or twice.”

“Did … did you … you know?”

“Sleep with them?”

“Yeah.”

Brian shook his head. “Not till a long time after that photo was taken, but I did try it once or twice later on.”

“Did you like it?”

“Can’t say as I did.”

Gus chuckled. “Remember when I had that crush on Lacy.”

“Did you…?”

“No, Pop, I never, but I sure thought about it.”

“There’s always that little question in the back of your mind until you come to terms with who you are. I guess Ray helped you do that.”

“One hundred percent,” Gus said with a big smile.

*****

“So how was your date with Peggy?” Michael asked in a singsong voice, and with an evil glint in his eye. It wasn’t often he got something to hold over his tall friend, and he wanted to milk it for all it was worth.

“My date with Petunia was … wilting,” Brian said sticking his tongue in his cheek.

Michael cracked up. “What did you do on your date?”

“We went to a movie, some chick flick. The male lead was John Cusack, and he wasn’t even worth looking at.”

“What about the female lead?”

“Who cares?”

The boys were seated on the bleachers pretending to watch a football practice. Michael didn’t know why they were doing that, since neither of them were interested in football.

“So, did you kiss her at the end of the date?” Michael asked.

“Are you nuts?”

“What did you do? Shake her hand?”

“I didn’t want to touch her,” Brian said with a shudder.

Michael laughed. “Your mother thinks she’s doing you a favor by setting you up with all the daughters of her friends.”

“My fucking mother is crazy.”

“Why don’t you just tell her you’re gay?” Michael asked in all innocence.

“Mikey, your mother loves that you’re gay. Mine would have a fucking heart attack.” There was a pause while Brian thought about that. “Hm, maybe I should tell her.”

“You don’t mean that,” Michael said.

“The fuck I don’t.”

“Brian…”

“You have no idea, Mikey.”

“Yeah, maybe I don’t.”

‘Clueless,’ Brian thought, but he would never say that aloud to his friend.

“So, who are you after now?” Michael was well aware of Brian’s burgeoning reputation as the gay stud of Allegheny High. Brian could have anyone he wanted, and he seemed to want quite a lot of different guys.

Brian grinned. He looked over at the football field.

“Not a football player?” Michael asked in amazement.

Brian shook his head, but then he said, “Already had a couple.”

“A couple?”

“Yes, Mikey, as in one or two.”

Michael found that hard to believe, but he had learned that Brian never lied. “Then who are you after today?”

Brian raised an eyebrow, but didn’t answer. The football practice was almost over on the field. The coach was talking to the players in a group. The cheerleaders who had been going through routines on the sidelines started to disperse.

Michael noted that Brian’s gaze was following the cheerleaders not the football players. He knew Brian wouldn’t be interested in the girls so it must be…

As the cheerleaders walked by the bleachers, Michael saw a look pass between Brian and one of the boys on the cheerleading squad. Jason Kenworth. Michael caught the look from Jason in return.

Once the group had passed by, Brian stood up. “Gotta go, Mikey,” he said.

“Yeah, catch you later,” Michael said. He watched his friend head toward the parking lot where Jason had already got in his car while the rest of the cheerleading squad went into the school. Brian walked nonchalantly over to Jason’s car and got in. The car wasted no time in heading out.

Michael’s last thought was, “How does he do it?”

*****

“Hey, look at this,” Brian exclaimed.

He and Gus had taken a little break from their stroll down Brian’s memory lane. It was well after dinner when the cottage was quiet that Brian opened up his album again.

“Grandmaw Deb with Uncle Vic?” Gus asked, pointing at the man in the photo.

“Yes. That’s a nice picture of them together. I wonder where Joan found it?”

“That was me,” Justin confessed as he joined them in the sun porch. He brought in a tray of hot cocoa. “Joan knew you were close with Debbie and Vic so she asked if I had a picture of the two of them. I didn’t but Michael did, and he sent me a copy. I hope you don’t mind?” Justin asked with some trepidation.

“No, I don’t mind, Sunshine,” Brian said as he got up from his chair to give Justin a hug. “Thank you. It’s a very nice picture.” Brian poured out three mugs of cocoa then served Gus and Justin.

“Debbie and Vic were very important to you,” Gus said as a statement.

“Yes. To me and to a lot of people,” Brian said softly as he blew on his cocoa and offered a crooked smile to Justin. “I can’t believe the shit that woman gets away with.” Brian and Justin chuckled at some of their own personal memories of Debbie.

“I wish I remembered Uncle Vic. I bet he had lots of stories to tell,” Gus said with a sigh.

“When you visit your mother, why don’t you stop by Deb’s and ask her about him. I’m sure she’ll give you an earful,” Justin suggested.

“That’s a great idea, Sonny Boy,” Brian agreed. “You know how Debbie loves to talk,” Brian snickered. “Just be prepared to eat!”

All three men laughed. No one got away from Debbie without having a full belly.

*****

“Hey, Kiddo,” Debbie greeted Brian as he slipped through the back door. He took off his jacket then hung it on the back of a chair. “I made your favorite!” Brian noted a huge tray of lasagna resting on the stove. The sauce was still bubbling. Brian went for the plates.

“Wash!” Debbie pointed a spatula toward the sink. Brian sighed but complied. He was hungry but knew better than to argue. “How’s school? You send out your college applications yet?”

“Yes, Maw, they all went out today.” He whined a little like Michael.

Brian dried his hands, took out the dishes and utensils then began to set the table. He looked up at Debbie for a minute. Debbie shook her head.

“Vic went back to New York for a while but he’s moving back here as soon as he gets things settled.” Brian nodded then set the table for three. “Where’s Mikey?” At that moment, the front door opened then slammed shut. Michael ran into the kitchen. He placed a sack of lemon bars on the counter.

“How many times have I told you not to slam the door?!” Debbie admonished her son with a kiss and a pinch to his cheeks.

“Sorry, Ma. Hi, Brian,” Michael said as he automatically went to wash his hands then sat down at the table.

Debbie started to dish out dinner. When everyone had an overflowing plate, Debbie quickly murmured some words of thanks.

“Eat, before it gets cold,” Debbie demanded. The boys dug in without argument.

“So what are you boys up to tonight?” Debbie asked after a while. “I’m workin’ the late shift.”

Brian rummaged around in his jacket pocket and pulled out a video tape.

“You got it!” Michael exclaimed around a forkful of pasta.

“Oh, really attractive,” Brian snarked as he waved the tape around in the air.

Debbie concentrated on the moving target for a minute until she realized what movie it was.

“That Jennifer Grey is cute as the dickens,” Debbie commented. The boys exchanged looks.

“Patrick Swayze!” they both said then sighed. Debbie rolled her eyes as she went to dish out more lasagna.

“Who’s for seconds?” The boys held up their plates.

*****

“Brian, did you and Michael really jerk off together while watching Dirty Dancing?” Justin asked later that night as they got ready for bed. Brian cracked up into a fit of giggles. It had been a while since Justin heard Brian giggle. Justin fell in love all over again and felt a bit of relief too.

“Yeah, I was a dork back then,” Brian admitted.

“You? A dork?” Justin teased as he slipped between their warm soft sheets.

“I had my moment of dorkiness, a brief moment,” Brian qualified.

“I’m sure,” Justin snickered.

“How about you, little boy? Who did you shoot your load for?” Brian teased his spouse, running his fingers over Justin’s dick.

“Stop it.” Justin blushed then poked Brian in a tickle spot. Brian flinched and giggled more.

“Aw, Sunshine, you can tell me,” Brian urged. “I promise I won’t tell a soul.”

“Nope, I think I’ll keep you guessing,” Justin said smugly then turned over to face Brian. He ran his fingers over Brian’s ribs, tickling those very vulnerable spots.

“Oh, no you don’t!” Brian said snatching at the marauding fingers.

For a few minutes there was a true test of wills. The boys rolled around on their large bed, tickling, teasing and torturing.

“Give up?” Brian asked triumphantly as he used his larger frame to pin down his Sunshine. They both were breathing heavily.

“For now,” Justin marginally gave in. He smiled up at Brian. Brian leaned down and gave Justin a loving kiss. “Are you okay?” Justin asked with concern as he searched the hazel eyes. Brian understood what Justin was asking.

“I am.” Brian kissed Justin’s nose before rolling off the bed. He stood at the side of their bed looking at the mess they had made of the sheets and blankets. “Up.” Justin got up and the two righted the bed.

“I’m still a little pissed at the world,” Brian admitted. “But I’m glad that she went in peace.” Brian sighed, the tears welling up in his eyes as he smoothed out the duvet.

Justin hurried to Brian’s side, pushing him down onto the bed under the blanket. Justin got in and pressed his body close to Brian. Without words, the lovers clung to each other as they slipped into sleep.

*****

“Hey,” Brian whispered with a sleep raspy voice the next morning.

“Hey,” Justin replied, staring into his eyes.

“I’m fine.” Justin’s eyebrows went up. “Honest.” Brian wriggled out one hand to make his pledge. “You were right that I needed to do this.”

“Do what?”

“Examine the album with Gus. For myself as well as for him. Make peace with my past,” Brian sighed and rolled his eyes. “God, I sound like such a fag spouting clichés.”

“But it’s true, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, it is. It’s like I can’t move forward until I acknowledge the past - all of the past, the good and the bad.”

“And can you admit that it wasn’t all as bad as you thought it was?”

“No, I can’t. My childhood sucked and I won’t sugar coat it. But I understand why it was like it was. And I can put it aside. Jack was a miserable old fucker who had a few moments of humanity. I owe him my thick hide and my determination.”

“And Joan? What do you think you owe her?”

“Not sure, yet. Everything and nothing. I’ll get back to you on that one,” Brian conceded. Justin’s stomach rumbled. Justin blushed as Brian chuckled. “I hear and obey,” Brian said as he jumped out of bed.

Taking Brian’s extended hand, Justin allowed himself to be pulled into a tight hug.

“Thank you,” Brian murmured into the golden hair.

“For what?”

“For putting up with me all these years.”

“My pleasure,” Justin said with a kiss and more stomach noises.

“Come on, I’m sure the rest of the cottage is in agreement with your stomach.”

The boys performed their morning rituals then went to the kitchen to start breakfast.

The First Fifty

Chapter 5

21 – 25

“Wow, Pop! Look at this,” Gus said enthusiastically as he turned the page in Joan’s album.

“What?” Brian asked with surprise. Surely Joanie didn’t have a picture of him caught in flagrante or with his dick hanging out. Justin wouldn’t have given her something like that, would he? “I’m almost afraid to ask,” Brian said softly. “What is it?”

“It’s an article from the Daily Collegian, the Penn State newspaper, all about you,” Gus said enthusiastically.

“I know what the Daily Collegian is,” Brian informed his son. “I went there too.”

“Right, Pop, but it’s all about a big soccer win and then there’s a profile about you.”

“How did that get in Joan’s album?” Brian asked. “Justin!” he called, and then waited for his husband to appear. “What do you know about this article in Joan’s album? Have you been going on line to dig up ancient history about me?”

“Brian, it may surprise you to know that Joan had quite a collection of clippings and articles about you,” Justin said as he joined them in the living room.

“More than surprise,” Brian replied. “Try astonishment!”

“Well she did,” Justin continued. “She had saved every article she could find.”

“How would she get the Daily Collegian?”

“I asked her the same thing, and she told me that she had asked a local kid who went to Penn, Billy somebody-or-other from down the street, to bring copies of the paper home with him whenever he came back to Pittsburgh.”

“Billy Jacobsen,” Brian muttered. He couldn’t believe Joan had gone to all that trouble when she never had a good word to say about him to his face.

Justin looked at Brian. “She was always proud of you, Brian,” he said gently.

“But I guess it would have killed her to tell me.”

Justin shook his head. “When we were working on the album, I asked her basically that. I knew you felt like your parents never approved of what you did.”

“And how did she explain it?” Brian asked really wanting to hear the answer.

“She said she thought you would just scoff and make fun of her if she brought it up.”

Brian’s eyes opened wide for a second and then he shook his head. “We were so fucked back then,” he said barely above a whisper.

“Yeah, but you made it up later on.”

“Yeah, Pop, you and Gran really loved each other,” Gus felt like he had to add.

Brian sucked his lips in and didn’t say anything else. After all, what was there to say about so many lost years without each other, and at times such pain inflicted on one another?

*****

“Hey, Deb,” Brian said as he came through the door of the Novotny home.

“You’re home!” Debbie screeched.

Brian dropped his duffle bag behind the sofa and opened his arms in preparation for Debbie’s bone crushing hug. He wasn’t disappointed.

“It’s about time you came home for a visit,” Debbie chastised smacking his cheek.

“Yes, mother,” Brian replied contritely.

“Are you doing great with your studies?” Brian nodded. “That’s my boy!”

“Are you going to stay with us?” Debbie asked. She thought she knew the answer, but felt compelled to ask.

“Is it a problem?” Brian asked uncertainly.

“Never!” Debbie declared. “I just thought you might like to see your parents.”

“Why? They have no interest in seeing me,” Brian said bitterly.

“Brian…”

“You know it’s the truth. Is Mikey home?” he asked, effectively changing the subject.

“Does it look like it?” Debbie asked testily. She thought Brian should try to make things up with his parents, but she had learned long ago that one did not tell Brian Kinney what to do about anything.

“Where is he?”

“He’s at work. He started at the Big Q a couple of weeks ago,” Debbie informed him.

“Doing what?”

“Stocking shelves.

Brian frowned. “I thought he was going to community college.”

“He did … for a while, but…”

“He wasn’t doing so well,” Brian supplied.

“Yeah, so he dropped out about a month ago. I told him he had to get a job, and now he’s at the Big Q.”

“What the fuck kind of future does that hold?”

“They told him when he went in for an interview…”

“You have to have an interview to stock fucking shelves?” Brian demanded.

“They told him when he went in for an interview…” Debbie repeated with a look that dared Brian to comment again, “that he could work his way up to manager if he stayed with the company.”

“For how long?” Brian asked with a frown.

“It will take a while,” Debbie admitted.

Brian was about to tell Debbie that her son was better than that, but he thought better of it. It was Mikey’s life. He had to do what was right for him. Brian would never be satisfied with such a future, but then he wasn’t Mikey.

“I’m sure he’ll do really well at the Big Q,” Brian said after a minute, and he really meant it. He wanted Michael to be happy in whatever he chose to do.

Debbie smiled. “I made lasagna. Come have some.”

Brian followed her to the kitchen knowing that there was always plenty of good food at Debbie’s. He would be glad for a few solid meals. Ramen noodles wore thin after weeks of them.

*****

“Hey, Pop, why are you sitting alone in the dark?” Gus asked as he walking into the sun porch finding his father on a chaise, one of Joan’s afghans across his lap and a snifter of brandy in his hand.

“I’m not sitting in the dark,” Brian retorted.

“I’m not sure if Christmas lights count,” Gus said as he pulled up a chair.

“And I’m not alone,” Brian said ignoring his son’s comment. Beau groaned as he raised his head then laid it down on Brian’s thigh. Brian patted the big dog’s head. “See?”

“I agree, Beau is very good company but I’m not sure if he counts either.” Beau snorted as if insulted.

“Be careful, Sonny Boy, Beau is a very sensitive dog. Aren’t you, boy?” Brian scratched Beau between the ears. Bright big brown eyes sparkled at him.

“How many of those have you had?” Gus asked indicating the brandy. Brian narrowed his eyes. Gus held up his hands in surrender. “I’m just asking. Where’s Justin?” He quickly changed the subject.

“He and Bree went to the General Store with John and Patrick for ice cream. They shouldn’t be long. Bobby’s working late tonight. Did you and Ray have a stimulating conversation?” Brian snarked and waggled his eyebrows.

“NO. We were having a very nice conversation,” Gus blushed.

“It’s okay, Sonny Boy, I was once your age. At least I think I was. It was so long ago that my mind is having a difficult time remembering way back when.”

“I’m sure you have every tawdry detail memorized.”

“Thanks, I think.” Brian took a small sip of the brandy, letting the liqueur slowly roll around his tongue. “You want some?” Brian offered his son a sip.

“No thanks, I’ll stick to beer.” Brian arched a brow. “Pop, I’m going to be twenty-one soon. I have tasted beer.”

“You just turned twenty and beer has nothing on brandy. Philistine,” Brian grumbled. Gus snorted.

“Dad, can I ask you about Mom?” Brian sighed then hung his head.

“Why do I feel like we’ve been playing twenty questions?”

“Because we have. There’s so much more that I want to know.”

“Fine, ask away.” Brian made a royal wave with his hand.

“You met in college.”

“I thought we had that established,” Brian snarked getting a glare in return.

“Tell me about it.” Gus sat on the edge of Brian’s chaise.

“I told you, she was beautiful, a bit naïve and tall.” Brian smirked. “She’d sneak into my dorm room under the pretense of needing to study. We tried going straight, so guys seeing a beautiful blond sneaking into my room did wonders for my reputation.”

“What about Mom’s?”

“Since mine was the only room she was sneaking into, no one thought she was sleeping around.”

“What did you guys do together?” Brian gave his son a look. “I mean when you weren’t trying to conform to the norm.”

“We studied. Studied, studied, studied. I had to keep up my grades to keep my scholarship and stay on the soccer team. Lindsay’s parents were paying her tuition, but if she fucked it up they’d cut her off. We both were going for A’s.”

“I’m confused about something.” Brian groaned in anticipation. “If Mom is a lesbian how come she likes guys?”

“Maybe your Mom is confused,” Brian grumbled.

“Dad!” Gus got up and stomped his way to his room. A minute later Brian knocked then let himself into Gus’ room when he got the okay.

“I’m sorry, Gus, but I don’t think I’m cut out to explain your mother’s sexual preferences to you.”

“I don’t see why not. From what I know she’s only been with three guys and you’re one of them. I think you qualify.”

“Why haven’t you asked her about this?”

“Because she’s my Mom!” Gus said as if his declaration made sense.

“Okay.” Brian sat on his son’s bed. “What do you want to know?”

“You like guys. You tried out women but you knew since you were fourteen that you like guys.” Gus was trying to establish the facts as he knew them. His father nodded in agreement. “Mom tried guys, I mean one guy, you, and that confirmed for her that she liked women.”

“Hey!” Brian took on an insulted look. Gus laughed then hugged his father. “I didn’t mean it that way.”

“I know, just yanking your chain. It was nice, me and your mom. Very nice. We were both nervous and wound up bumping noses more than once but I remember it was very nice. Your mother is very sweet and very loving. But yeah, no stars or fireworks. Not back then.”

“How about with Sam Auerbach?”

“How do you know about him? You were a baby.”

“I was four, and people talk when they think you’re not listening. I found out enough.”

“Do you like Charles?” Brian asked, skipping over Sam Auerbach.

“I do. He’s very nice, very polite. He treats Mom with respect. Yeah, I can see he’s a bit of a dog. He reminds me a little of you but when you met the right person, you settled down.”

“I’m not hearing a question in any of this.”

“If Mom’s a lesbian, how can she like guys?”

“First of all, I think your mother doesn’t like ‘guys.’ We’re called men, by the way. I think your mother is attracted to a certain type of man. But I am not going to sit here and try to psychoanalyze your mother.” Gus huffed. “Gus, let me ask you something.”

“Go ahead.”

“Why the need for a label?”

“Excuse me?”

“Why must you put a label on your mother?”

“You mean she’s not a lesbian. Bi-sexual maybe?”

“No, I mean she’s a lovely intelligent woman who happens to find beauty in the world around her. Maybe gender is not what’s important to her; maybe it’s what’s inside that means more to your mother.” Brian placed his hand on Gus’ chest at heart level. “Think about it,” Brian said as he bussed his son’s head. “There’s ice cream,” Brian said when he heard the front door open and the sound of little feet running to the kitchen. Gus shook his head. “Good night then.”

“Night, Dad.”

Brian left the room with Gus having more questions than answers, but Brian found that that didn’t scare him. He’d be honest with his son the next time Gus had questions for him.

“Dada! We brought home ice cream,” Bree said with all the enthusiasm of an eight year old. “Do you want some?”

“I could be persuaded,” Brian replied as he helped to dish out ice cream for his family.

*****

“Well, look who’s back,” Jack said in a gruff voice as Brian walked through the front door. Jack was sitting with a beer in his hand, watching the game on TV. “Are you back for good or do you have more readin’, writin’ and ‘rithmetic?” Jack teased.

“I’m going for my MBA, Dad.”

“What the hell does that have to do with electrical engineering?”

“It doesn’t.” Brian went up to his room, his duffle bag landing on the floor with a dull thud.

“Brian?” He heard his mother knock on his door.

“What?” he answered through the closed door.

“Are you hungry? I could make you a sandwich.”

“No,” he responded curtly. “No thank you.” Brian’s voice became gentler.

“Well, let me know if you need anything,” his mother said as she moved away from his door.

Brian suddenly felt like a guest in his own home, just the opposite of how he felt at Debbie’s. He laid down on his bed and stared up at the ceiling.

*****

“Mikey! Yooo hoo, Mikeyyyy!” Brian was shaking the sleeping man’s shoulder.

“Brian? What the fuck are you doing here?” Michael asked as he woke up trying to figure out why Brian was in his room and drunk.

“I wanna go clubbing.” Brian giggled as he stuck his nose close to Michael’s making Michael cross-eyed.

Michael pushed Brian’s face away.

“Come on, Mikey,” Brian whispered loudly as he pulled on Michael’s arm. Brian started to giggle when Michael didn’t move, but he did, landing on his knees on the floor.

“Shhh. You’re gonna wake up Ma.”

“I love you, Mikey. Do you know that?” Brian slurred.

“Yeah, I know. Sit here,” Michael tugged on Brian. Brian sat on the bed. “Take your sneakers off.”

“Wha? You want me to take my clothes off, Mikey?” Brian got into Michael’s face then tried to do a strip tease. He only succeeded in getting tangled in his t-shirt. Brian started laughing louder.

“Oh for fuck’s sake. Get in here,” Michael crawled over Brian to get out of bed then pushed Brian toward the mattress. Somehow he wrestled Brian’s sneakers off and got his feet under the blanket.

Brian finally cooperated and allowed Michael to cover him with the blanket. When Brian was quiet for a while, Michael hoped he was falling asleep.

“Do you love me, Mikey?” Brian whispered in the dark.

“Of course, I love you.”

“Does Debbie love me?”

“You know she does.”

“Then why don’t they love me?”

“They who?”

“Them. Jack and Joan.”

“They love you.”

“No they don’t. Not like your mother does. She feeds me.”

“Your mother feeds you.”

“Yeah, right. Mikey, do I belong here?” Brian turned so he could see Michael’s face. Before Michael answered, Debbie came in the room.

“What the fuck is going on here?” Debbie flipped on the light switch. She was in her robe and pink fluffy slippers, standing with her hands on her hips.

“Hi, Maw!” Brian grinned stupidly up at Debbie.

“Sweetheart,” Debbie immediately understood.

“Do you love me?” Hazel eyes begged for love and understanding.

“Oh honey, of course I love you. I always have and I always will. Go to sleep, it’ll all be better in the morning.”

“Will you make me pancakes?”

“I’ll make you anything you want. Now sleep,” Debbie ordered as she pointed a finger at them. She bent over to give both boys a kiss. Brian relaxed then drifted off.

“Thanks, Ma,” Michael whispered.

“I love you, baby.” ‘Go to sleep,’ she mouthed as she turned off the light and shut the door behind her.

Michael held Brian in his arms then fell asleep.

The First Fifty

Chapter 6

26 - 30

“Pop, what was it like getting your first job?” Gus asked.

“My first job,” Brian repeated thoughtfully.

“Was that at the Ryder Agency?”

“Ah, Ryder.”

“Pop?”

“Ryder wasn’t my first job,” Brian said enigmatically.

“What was?”

Brian drew in a long breath. “It’s hard when you first come out of college. I sent out a mountain of résumés. I had good credentials from school and from my internships, but…”

“But what?”

“I heard back from three companies.”

“Three?”

“Yep, and I got two interviews.”

“Wow, I’m surprised.”

“So was I. I expected a lot more.”

“How did the interviews go?”

“I did all the things they tell you to do to make a good impression when you’re being interviewed.”

“Yeah, and…”

“It got me nowhere.”

“What do you mean? You’re great at advertising. I thought they would snap you up right away.”

“So did I.”

“But they didn’t…?”

“I got one offer, from Masterson Advertising. It was barely above what I had done as an intern. I was broke so I took it anyway, always thinking better things would turn up soon.”

“How long were you there?”

“Too long.”

“How did you get to Ryder?”

“The whole time I worked at Masterson I was sending out more résumés and trying to get something better. I went for a few more interviews trying to be all polite and politically correct. I covered up the fact I was gay. I kowtowed to the people who interviewed me, and I got fucking nowhere.”

“Jeez, Pop, I had no idea.”

“I never said much about that period to anybody. I was very … unhappy.”

“I can imagine.”

“And then came Ryder. I knew I had to do something different, so when I got the call about an interview at Ryder, I decided to take a different tack.”

“How so?”

“I researched the company, found its weaknesses and decided I was going to be in their face when I went for the interview.”

Gus chuckled. He could just imagine an in-your-face Brian Kinney.

*****

“Mr. Kinney, I’m Martin Ryder.”

Brian shook the extended hand. “You do your own interviewing?” Brian asked.

“Yes, we’re a small firm.”

“I can change that.”

“Pardon me?”

“I said ‘I can change that’.”

“Confident, aren’t you?” Marty Ryder said with a smirk. He’d take this young upstart down a peg or two.

“Very.” Brian was not going to back down. The results of this kind of blatant self-promotion could hardly be worse than the results of being meek and overly accommodating.

“And just how would you change my company?” Marty asked. He knew that would probably stump the arrogant young man.

Brian spent the next fifteen minutes explaining how he would present new ideas and go after new clients. Marty listened and didn’t interrupt. He had to admit that he was impressed. There were some suggestions that he had never thought of. This guy could be a gold mine for his company if he could carry through with his proposals. It was worth a try.

“Welcome to Ryder, Mr. Kinney,” Marty said standing and shaking Brian’s hand. “The job of junior ad exec is yours if you want it.”

Brian shook the hand. “That position will do for a start, but I don’t expect to be junior for long.”

And he wasn’t.

*****

“Kinney,” Brian said into his cell phone.

“Brian, we may have a problem,” Cynthia said without a greeting. Brian sat in the nearest chair and pinched the bridge of his nose.

“What happened?” he asked calmly.

“Leo Brown is in the hospital. Leo Jr. has assumed control of Brown Athletics.”

“Send flowers.”

“Already done. My concern is that Leo Jr. has done a 180. He’s starting to second guess his father’s deals.”

“Do you think I should pay him a call?”

“I was considering doing that myself. Leo Sr. has been slowly stepping back; Junior has been in the forefront. I’ve been trying to build a relationship with him.”

“Then what do you need me for? It sounds like you’ve got it covered.”

“There’s a young company in New York that contacted Stacey. She’s had lunch with them a couple of times. They’re interested, of course, but are afraid they can’t afford us.”

“So you think we should make nice-nice and cut them a deal?” Brian smiled. He liked Cynthia’s thinking.

“Great minds think alike. Yes, I do. Stacey has a good feeling about this company, they’re about to take the market by storm.”

“And if we sign an exclusive contract…”

“Then it wouldn’t matter what Leo Jr. decided to do.”

“He can go fuck himself; Kinnetik turned his company around. And now that Daddy’s hold is slipping, baby Leo wants to walk all by himself. Well, let him. Don’t beg, Cynthia. You offer him a fair deal and see where it goes. In the meantime, I’ll call Stacey.”

“Are you going to New York?”

“Not if I can help it. Stacey’s a big girl. She can handle it.”

“I’m proud of you,” Cynthia said gently. “If you had said yes, you would have risked undermining Stacey. She’s earned this.”

“Yes she has. And you’re getting soft in the head in your old age,” Brian snorted.

“As if,” Cynthia snapped back. “Brian, how are you doing? All joking aside, you’re one of my closest friends, in a professional, big brother that I never wanted, kind of way.”

“I’m fine, Cyn. Really. I won’t lie to you, it still hurts. Old Joanie and I wasted a hell of a lot of time, but the time we did spend together was the best. I’m trying to focus on that.”

“Good. I meant it, Brian. I am so proud of you. When we met you were the most arrogant son of a bitch that I ever had the displeasure to know. But there was something about you. I knew you were going to reach heights in this business that no one else could.”

“And I knew that you were the person to keep me grounded,” Brian said with pride. “Now, go, be brilliant. Reel Leo Jr. in.”

“And if the fish gets away?”

“There are plenty of others out there waiting to jump in our net.” Brian hung up the phone wearing a satisfied smile.

*****

“Dada?”

“Hey, Squirt.” Brian was lighting a fire in the fireplace. A cold wind had kicked up outside so Brian felt the yen for a nice fire. Bree sat on a little stool close to the fireplace. She was handing her father kindling and small sticks to help start the fire.

“Dada, do you miss Grandma?” Brian arched a brow; it wasn’t often that Bree would say ‘grandma’ instead of ‘gamma’ which was her habit.

“Yes,” Brian replied honestly. “I miss her very much.”

“Dada, do you know how Grandma Joan met your daddy?” Bree handed her father the box of long fancy matches to light the fire.

“No, not really. I know that Jack came to the Pittsburgh area to look for work. He found some jobs because he sent money back home to his parents. He met Joan and then they got married.”

Bree sat quietly on her stool watching her father poke at the flames as they caught and spread. Brian closed the glass fire doors then sat back on the rug. Bree left her stool to snuggle in Brian’s lap.

“How did you meet Daddy?” Brian smiled and cuddled Bree close.

“That’s a very famous story,’ Brian murmured low into Bree’s ear while he gently tickled her. Her delightful giggles made Brian feel warmer than the fire. He kissed her neck.

“Tell me, Dada!”

*****

“That was quick,” Michael said to Brian when he returned.

“Not when you’ve had as much practice as he’s had,” Ted retorted.

“I got bored,” said Brian.

“I know getting your dick sucked can be so tedious,” Emmett sarcastically said.

“Well, he looked pretty hot to me,” Michael said as he got into Brian’s Jeep.

“Anybody’d look hot to you,” Brian snarked.

Before getting into his Jeep, Brian spots Justin leaning against a post.

“How’s it goin’? You had a busy night?”

“Just, uh checking out the bars, you know, Boy Toy, Meathook…”

“Meathook, really, so you’re into leather?”

“Sure.”

“Where you headed?”

“No place special.”

“I can change that.”

“I was out with Uncle Michael, Uncle Ted and Auntie Emm,” Brian started to explain. “We used to go Babylon together to dance.”

“You dance good, Dada,” Bree said with a brilliant smile as she looked up into her father’s face.

“Thank you, Squirt, but we all know that the best dancer in this family is your father. It was a nice evening; the music was loud just like we wanted it. We were all about to go home when I saw your father.”

“Was it love at first sight?”

“What do know about love at first sight?”

“Kendal has a boyfriend; he’s in the fourth grade.”

“She likes her men older, does she?” Brian said with a chuckle. Bree nodded, making her little pigtails bob up and down.

“She said it was love at first sight.”

“Well, almost love at first sight. I had a lot to learn about love back then. Lucky for me, your father is a very good teacher,” Brian said as he pecked Bree’s nose. “Now I think it’s time for someone to get ready for bed.”

Brian pushed Bree up off his lap. She gave Brian a hug then scurried off to her room to put on her pajamas.

“Hey,” Justin called out as he entered the living room. He took Bree’s place on Brian’s lap. “Am I too heavy?”

“Never,” Brian said as he kissed Justin’s nose.

“You two were looking pretty serious for a minute there.”

“Your daughter wanted to know how Joan met Jack. Then she wanted to know how we met and was it love at first sight.”

“What did you tell her?” Brian tightened his arms around Justin.

“I told her the truth.” Justin’s eye grew wide. “I told her that one night I was out with my friends and then there you were.”

“And was it love at first sight?” Justin searched Brian’s eyes.

“No, it was lust at first sight. And then one day after I learned many valuable lessons, it was love at first sight,” Brian said with a low breathy voice.

The lovers stared into each other’s eyes. Brian’s eyes were reflecting fiery gold flames.

“I love you so much,” Justin said before deeply kissing Brian.

“I love you.” The lovers kissed again.

“What else did our daughter want to know?” Justin asked when he was able to draw breath.

“Nothing much but I did tell her that you are the best dancer.”

“You’re not so bad.”

“Maybe but only with you.”

“Did you tell Bree about the prom?” Justin asked, suddenly very serious.

“No, she doesn’t have to know about that.”

“Yet. She doesn’t have to know about that yet.”

“Not ever, unless you want her to know and not until she’s a lot older and we can put it into perspective. We have plenty of time to decide,” Brian counseled.

Justin nodded in agreement.

“She might ask. There are a lot of people who know.”

“We’ll cross that bridge when we get there. For now…” Brian pushed Justin off his lap. “Let’s go to bed.”

“It’s early,” Justin observed.

“I’m sure we’ll think of something to occupy our time,” Brian said with a smirk. Justin waggled his eyebrows then led Brian to bed.

The First Fifty

Chapter 7

31 – 35

“Pop, Justin left you for another guy, didn’t he?” Gus asked as he and his father sat down for another one of their chats about Brian’s past. Joan’s album was open on his lap.

Brian looked down at the floor. He knew this was going to come up. “Yes,” he said softly. “The fiddler.”

“How did that happen? Everyone can see how much Justin loves you. How could he leave?”

“Don’t blame Justin,” Brian said raising his eyes to look into the very similar ones of his son. “I think he loved me right from the beginning, but I was too fucked up to let him. I couldn’t face the idea of a relationship, not with Justin, not with anyone. I didn’t think I was … worthy.”

“Not worthy?” Gus asked in surprise. “But … you’re handsome and successful and … rich.”

“I wasn’t rich back then,” Brian admitted, “although I did okay. And of course, I was handsome. That goes without saying,” he tried to joke.

“Why did he leave, Pop?”

Brian sucked in his lips along with a deep breath. Gus waited. He knew his father often had trouble discussing feelings.

“I … I couldn’t tell him that I loved him. I didn’t even know that I loved him for quite a while. I was so in denial. And I didn’t … know what love was.”

“You show it to everybody now.”

“Thanks to Justin. He had to teach me – right from the primer on love all the way to post graduate work.”

Gus chuckled. “He’s a pretty good teacher.”

“Yes he is.”

“Pop, if you and Justin could break up, do you think Ray and I…?”

“You’re not me, Gus. I hope you aren’t screwed up like I was. But Ray is your first love…”

“You think it could happen?” Gus asked in horror. He had been hoping his father would tell him not to worry.

“Nothing’s forever, Gus.”

“Jeez, I don’t want to think about that.”

“Hopefully you won’t have to.”

Gus sat back in his chair. His eyes were focused on Joan’s album, but his mind was far away in New York.

*****

“What do you want, Mikey?” Brian said into his phone.

“Want to go to a movie tonight?”

“I have … plans.”

“Another drunken binge at Babylon - fuck until you drop?” Michael asked sarcastically.

“I don’t need this, Michael.”

“I know you miss him…”

“I don’t miss anyone. I do, however, miss my privacy.”

“Brian, I just want to help.”

“Take your help and…” Brian bit off what he wanted to say. Michael was still his friend even when he was an intrusive little asshole. “I don’t want any help.”

“Okay, sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“It’s okay, Mikey,” Brian replied, his voice softening. “What movie did you want to see?” he asked, holding out an olive branch to his old friend.

“Why don’t you meet me at the movie theaters and we can pick something out.”

“Sure.”

“I’m really happy you’re coming.”

“Yeah, happy,” Brian said before he cut the connection.

*****

“Gus,” Brian said. “Gus!”

“What? I was just thinking.”

“I know you were. Are you really worried about you and Ray?” There was genuine concern in Brian’s voice.

“I … don’t think so. But, talking about what happened to you and Justin, it kind of brought some unpleasant thoughts.”

“You know how I have this reputation of telling the truth even if it hurts.”

“Yeah, I know.”

“It’s a crock of shit.”

“What do you mean? You always told me the truth, didn’t you?” Gus asked. He didn’t like the direction this whole conversation was taking.

“Mostly yes,” Brian responded. “But there were times when I selectively chose what to tell people. I refused to admit my feelings for Justin for a very long time. It caused us many problems that could have been avoided if I’d been honest with myself and with him.”

“So, are you telling me I should be honest about my feelings with Ray?” Brian nodded. “I really am honest with him, Pop,” Gus averred.

“I know you are. I’m just warning you that you should be upfront about what you’re feeling. It might hurt at the time, but it saves a lot of bullshit … and potential heartache.”

“I’ll take those words of wisdom under advisement,” Gus said.

“Good boy! Now I need to go find my husband and tell him how much he means to me.” Brian stood up and left the room.

Gus shook his head as he watched his father leave. He had some idea of how hard that had been for his father, but the fact that his father had gone to find Justin indicated that there must be a lot more to the history between Justin and his father.

*****

“Hey, Gus,” Ray said when he answered his cell phone and saw the caller ID. “Gus? Is that you? Gus?” Ray repeated when he got no reply. “Gus, I hope this is you and you had a root canal or something like that, and not that someone stole your phone and is scrolling through your contacts.”

Ray got a small chuckle from that comment.

“Gus, please grunt or sigh so I know you’re all right.” Ray heard an exaggerated sigh and knew he was about to witness a queen out moment, or in Gus’ case, a princess out moment.

“I love you, Gus. Whatever it is we can work it out.”

“Thank you,” Gus whispered. The boys remained silent for a while.

“Can you tell me what’s wrong?” Ray ventured.

“I think I need to stay here for New Year’s,” Gus replied. “Are you mad at me?”

“Mad? Why would I be mad at you? Gus, you just lost your grandmother and I saw your dad at Thanksgiving. He puts up a brave front but he’s got to still be hurting and you’re hurting too. You want to be with your dad for a while?” Ray hit the nail on the head.

“Yeah. I still want to spend some of my break with you but my dad needs me,” Gus said with a little boy voice.

“Gus, we have our whole lives to be together. I can wait.”

“Do we?”

“Do we what?”

“Have our whole lives to be together?”

“Okay, where did that question come from?”

“I was talking to my dad about the time he broke up with Justin,” Gus said meekly.

“And you think that’s going to happen to us?”

“Maybe.”

“I admit that we’re a little young to be thinking about forever. You and I have to do a lot of living first, but I’m very sure of one fact.”

“Which is?”

“We belong together. And no matter where we go or how our paths divide and cross, we will always find our way back to each other. I knew that the minute I met you. You are my best friend and my boyfriend. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

“So don’t worry. Even if you only get to spend a week here, I’m cool with it. Your family needs you.”

“Thank you.” Gus became quiet again.

“So are you up for some phone sex?” Ray asked with a laugh.

“I’m up, I’m up!” Gus quickly replied, laughing too. “God, I love you so much. You always know what to say.”

“Comes with age,” Ray teased.

“Oh, like you’re sooo much older than me. Big whoop, a whole freakin’ year.” The boys laughed.

“So you want to do the nasty or what?”

“Nasty, I’ll take a lot of nasty, please,” Gus said as he settled back onto his bed.

“Your wish is my command,” Ray said as he settled onto his bed too.

*****

“Hey,” Brian called out as he entered the sun porch, finding Justin elbows deep in paint.

“Hey,” Justin greeted back without taking his eyes off his project.

“I thought the point of painting was to get the paint on the canvas not on the artist.”

“Oh ha ha, keep your day job, Shecky. Sometimes I have to be one with the paint before it gets to the canvas.”

“I see. That is an interesting technique. Should I be jealous?”

“No, I don’t think so. The paint has none of your unique qualities,” Justin replied nonchalantly. Their conversation was taking a very weird turn and he wasn’t sure where it was going. Justin allowed Brian to go where he needed to go with it. “Your position with me is safe.”

“And what position is that?”

“Top, bottom, I leave it UP to you.”

“I’m always up.”

“I know. That’s one of your most unique qualities.”

Brian watched the artist at work for a while. Justin, completely engrossed in his project, wasn’t aware of the scrutiny. When it appeared that Justin was taking a moment to critique his work, Brian spoke.

“Was it my stupidity that made you leave me for the fiddler?”

“Whoa! Where did that come from?”

“Gus brought it up. He wanted to know why you left me. I told him it was my fault.”

Justin took a rag and wiped the paint off his hands before replying. He walked over to where Brian was sitting then squatted down in front of him.

“You want an honest answer?” Justin asked. Brian nodded. “If you had asked me back then, I would have agreed with you. I was a kid, barely eighteen, and I thought I knew what love and relationships were all about. I thought it should be flowers, hugs, kisses and passionate ‘I love yous’ every day. I needed to learn that while getting flowers was fun and flattering, if the feeling behind the gift wasn’t an honest one then the gift was crap.

“Brian, I was too young to know that sometimes actions DO speak louder than words. You always treated me like a man even when I wasn’t. You gave me choices and with those choices were consequences that we both had to live with. So to honestly answer your question, back then, yes, I thought it was your fault. In retrospect, I made just as big a mistake as you did. I allowed trivial desires to cloud my judgment. I hope now I know better. Besides, I have enough flowers to last me a lifetime,” Justin added with a smirk, indicating the gardens with his chin.

“So we’re good?” Brian asked for no reason other than to hear it from the man he loved.

“We’re more than good,” Justin replied, beaming his Sunshine smile as he stood up. “Can I get back to my painting now?”

Brian stood, making a royal wave at Justin. “Yes, my dear Sunshine, be one with your paint,” he said with a lighter heart walking toward the hallway.

“Thank you, sire.” Justin made a bow then went back to his canvas.

Brian stood at the doorway for a second then turned. “By the way, whatever happened to the fiddler? It’s been a while since we’ve heard about him.”

Justin was staring at his canvas nibbling at the wooden end of a broad paint brush. “He fell off the roof,” Justin quipped then began to add more paint to his canvas. Brian nodded then walked away.

*****

“Holy Pride, Batman!” Brian murmured when he flipped open the album and spied the picture. “How the hell did she get a hold of this? I wonder who took it?”

“What picture?” Justin asked as he entered their kitchen looking for a mug of hot tea. He had heard the kettle whistle and figured Brian had put on a pot of water.

“This one,” Brian tapped the photo.

“I gave it to Joan. A reporter was taking random pictures that day. When I became a little famous, he sent it to me in care of Sidney. I kept it. Joan wanted to include something from your … our past that was special. I can’t think of anything more special than that day when Stockwell was defeated.”

“That was one hell of a day. We voted against that homophobic prick and I lost everything I had.”

“Not everything,” Justin murmured as he slipped onto Brian’s lap. The lovers gently kissed, nibbling on each other’s lips.

“That was a very important day for the land of Liberty,” Brian whispered.

“Yes, it was. I wish more people knew of your generosity and the risks you took that day.”

“You mean the risk that the Committee of Concerned Citizens took that day.”

“Whatever.”

“Justin, I didn’t do it for them, not just for them. I did it for…”

“I know who you did it for. I was so proud of you and flattered, but it really didn’t matter why you did it. The point is that you DID do it. And it worked. A murder had been solved and those involved were brought to justice and the whole mess made public.”

“Some by their own hands.”

“Yes, but Pittsburgh was saved from potentially making the worst mistake of its life. And we owe it all to you.”

“Uh uh.”

“Ah, yes, we owe it all to the committee.”

“Wrong again, Sunshine. They owe it all to you and your prop-art.”

“Can we call it a tie?” Justin beamed at Brian.

“That’ll work,” Brian smiled smugly. “You know I learned a lot back then,” he said after a moment’s reflection.

“Oh, yeah, like what?”

“Like I hate violin music.”

“No you don’t, you only hate the violinist and only one violinist in particular. What else did you learn?”

“That material things aren’t worth shit if you don’t have the right person to share them with.”

“Yeah? Like who?”

“Fishing again, Sunshine?” Brian teased.

“Maybe.”

“Like you, the kids and our family.”

“What else did you learn?”

“What am I, Dorothy?”

“If the ruby slippers fit…” Justin laughed as Brian gently shoved Justin off his lap to make him a cup of tea. “I learned a lot about you and about how to be the best homosexual I could be. And about being the best person I could be.”

“I guess we both learned a few things back then,” Brian said as he placed the mug of tea on the counter. Justin took a seat on one of the stools, blowing on the piping hot brew.

“When is Gus going to New York?” Justin asked, changing the subject before it became maudlin.

“Not sure. I thought he was going to spend New Year’s Eve with Ray but unless he leaves today, that won’t happen.”

“Another new year. When did time get away from me?”

“Feeling old, Sunshine?” Brian teased. “I’m the one who’s going to be fifty soon. You will remain a youthful thirty-eight. Of course the fact that you still look twenty-five does wonders for my ego,” Brian said as he feigned the wounded diva.

“Oh waa! Poor baby, like you look your age. I keep having this fear that all of a sudden I’m going to lose my ‘youthful’ looks all in one shot. I’ll wake up one day looking old and wrinkled, while twenty year old twinks are still vying for your attention.”

“And they call me a drama queen.” Brian rolled his eyes. “Can we both agree that we’re fabulous and will age gracefully?”

“I like that,” Justin answered after seemingly pondering the suggestion. “If Gus is going to spend New Year’s Eve with us, why don’t we make a nice night of it?”

“I don’t think I’m in the mood for a party.”

“I don’t think anyone is, but that doesn’t mean we can’t put together some hors d’oeuvres to eat while we watch the ball drop. Emm and his boys are on the lane. Michael and Ben are still here and Rachel and George. We can have a nice evening with them then kick everyone out.”

“I like your thinking, Sunshine.” Justin smiled. “I’ll call the party fairy, I’m sure he can rustle up something from our meager larders.”

“Meager larders? Have you been reading Jane Austen again? Go, make your calls. I must be one with my paints again while the inspiration is hot. Take an inventory of our meager larders before you call Emmett so he knows what he has to work from,” Justin instructed before he left the kitchen.

“You are so smart. How did I ever manage without you?” Brian pecked Justin’s cheek as he passed.

“You didn’t,” Justin said with a smug smile.

The First Fifty

Chapter 8

36 – 40

“Someone’s looking mighty smug,” Brian observed as Gus joined them in the living room. Gus had been in his room for a long time, and Bree had already been sent to bed. “Tell your old Pop what you’ve been up to, Sonny Boy?” he singsonged to Gus.

Gus blushed, but didn’t answer.

“Leave him alone, Brian,” Justin cautioned.

“I can handle my old Pop,” Gus said with a cocky smile as he stressed the word old.

“You don’t have to get nasty,” Brian said pretending to be hurt.

“How’s Ray?” Justin asked, changing the subject, having surmised that Gus had been on the phone with his lover in New York.

“Ray is just fine,” Gus replied with a big smile.

“I’m sure,” Brian threw in with his patented smirk.

“I’m going to make some cocoa,” Justin said as he stood up. He had a feeling Gus wanted to talk to his father some more. Joan’s album had been a jumping off point for some long overdue revelations between father and son.

There was a long silence after Justin left the room. Brian stared at his son wondering what Gus would bring up next, and Gus was staring at Brian wondering how to broach the subject he was interested in.

Gus picked up Joan’s album and opened it to the area where they had last viewed it. He raised his eyes to his father. “Pop, how come there aren’t many pictures of me as a child and none with Grandma Joan until … after Bree?”

This was not at all what Brian had been expecting. Brian knew he needed to be truthful with Gus. “Your grandmother didn’t know about you for many years.”

“Why not?”

“I thought it was better if you didn’t meet your grandmother … the way she was back then.”

Gus took in his father’s words. That did make sense. Gus knew that Joan had been pretty screwed up with a toxic mix of bigotry and alcohol back in those days. But there was something else Gus wanted to know. “Were…were you ashamed of me?”

“Christ, NO! I loved you from the moment I first laid eyes on you, even though I … tried not to.”

Gus’ mouth dropped open. “Why, why would you not want to love me?” Gus asked obviously horrified by what Brian had just said.

“Maybe I can answer that,” Justin said as he came in with his mugs of cocoa on a tray. When everyone had one, he sat down beside Brian. “Brian had a lot of trouble accepting our relationship. It took quite a while before we were monogamous.”

“What does that have to do with me?” Gus demanded.

“It’s all part of the same feeling that Brian had. He thought he wasn’t worthy of love.” Brian raised an eyebrow but kept his mouth shut. “He thought I would leave him again. And he thought you were better off with your moms, better off without him. He was afraid if he loved you too much, you would be taken away from him, or worse, you’d find out about all his flaws and reject him.”

“Is that true, Pop?”

Brian wiped at his eyes. It was hard listening to Justin dissect his motives so easily, especially when he got right to the heart of the matter. Brian merely nodded.

“I love you, Pop, everything you were, everything you are and everything you will be.”

“I know that now,” Brian said, “but back then…”

Gus thought for a moment while Justin and Brian took sips of their cocoa trying to get their emotions under control. “You didn’t see much of me during that time, did you?”

Brian shook his head. “I was still the consummate club boy, busy building my future in advertising, screwing my brains out. I didn’t let myself think about being a father. I wish I could change all that, but I can’t. That’s just the way I was.”

“When did that change, Pop?” Gus asked.

“There were a lot of little things that happened, but mostly it has to do with this tenacious bulldog,” Brian said nuzzling Justin’s neck and squeezing him hard.

Justin chuckled, “Yeah, bulldog,” he said with a grin.

*****

“How did I ever let you talk me into this?” Brian asked.

“You love me,” Justin replied, as he worked on the itinerary for their trip to South America.

“And you choose to lead me on a wild goose chase.”

“I do. We’re going to find out about your family … and mine.”

“We already did,” Brian reminded him. “I found my brother. And that has transformed my life,” Brian admitted.

Justin smiled. “And finding out about your family history will transform you even more.

“Only if you’re with me.”

“That goes without saying. I’ll always be with you.”

*****

“I wish I had known you back then,” Gus said.

“No you don’t,” Brian corrected his son. “I’m not ashamed of what I was, but I’m a much better person now than I was then.”

“You were always the way you were meant to be,” Justin averred.

“I just had a lot to learn.”

“And you did. Life is a learning curve for us all.”

“Pop?” Gus said thoughtfully. “What if I had been like you?”

“Like me? What do you mean?” Brian asked.

“What if I had wanted to be the Stud of Liberty Avenue?”

Brian snorted. Gus looked a little hurt. “I don’t mean you couldn’t have done that,” Brian said quickly. “I just don’t know why that would be your aspiration.”

“It was good enough for you,” Gus stated.

“For a while, but it grows old pretty fast, and there’s no future in it,” Brian admitted.

Gus smiled at his father. “You think I could have been the Stud of Liberty?”

“I think you can do anything you want to do. Hopefully though, I raised a much smarter son than his old man. I did everything I could to make you have choices that mattered.”

“You did a great job, Pop.”

“Thanks.”

“I’m going to bed. See you two in the morning.”

“Night, Gus,” Brian and Justin said together.

Justin leaned into Brian and kissed him tenderly. “I love you so much. You are a wonderful man,” Justin told his husband.

“I hope Gus sees it that way … in spite of all my failings in the past.”

“They made you the man you are today. Let’s go to bed.”

The Kinney-Taylor house settled for the night.

*****

“Hi. Where is everybody?” John called out as he came up the spiral staircase and into Brian’s office.

John had been working in his own office when he realized that the cottage had grown very quiet except for Justin’s painting music. He looked over his balcony, briefly watching Justin in one of his inspiration moments, painting at top speed. He checked his watch; the sky was already growing darker even though it was only about 4:30 in the afternoon.

When John came down his stairs to ask Justin where everyone was, all he got was a non-specific grunt in response. Undeterred, John went to see Brian.

“Your spouse and my son took your son and my daughter for a drive to see all the holiday decorations,” Brian explained with his usual flair and snark. “Justin is painting and I am taking advantage of the relative quiet to review contracts.”

“Thank you, Walter Cronkite,” John said as he sat on the futon. “Is this the infamous album?” John spied Joan’s album on the coffee table. “May I?” John asked his brother before venturing to touch it. Brian shrugged.

“This is beautiful,” John murmured as he caressed the fine leather cover. “Joan had an eye for quality, must be where you got yours from.” John heard a soft snort from his brother. He gingerly opened up the album. “Wow. How did she collect all of this?” John asked in wonder.

“It seems old Joanie had help in the form of our little Mary Sunshine.” Brian glared over his monitor.

“He is a clever little devil, isn’t he?” John chuckled. “Seems he learned his lessons well,” John observed as he turned the pages. “You’re a good teacher; deal with it, little bro.” John laughed again as he heard the grumbles and curses emanating from Brian’s desk.

“Seriously, this album is amazing. She’s captured very special moments in your life. Important moments. I hope you can appreciate that.” John looked up and gave Brian a poignant look. Brian nodded contritely. John turned a few more pages.

“The treehouse!” John exclaimed fondly. “Did she get this picture from Justin?”

Brian nodded.

“You know, that week was one of the best times of my entire life,” John honestly admitted. “I learned a lot about you. I learned a lot about myself too.”

“What did you learn?” Brian glanced over the top of his monitor.

“That there is a kind heart under all of your bravado. And that I am so glad that you allowed Justin to talk you into pursuing his Sunshine File.”

Brian said nothing; his computer monitor hid the lump that he felt forming in his throat.

“I had so much fun teaching you all the fine art of construction. My mother did too.”

“I learned something that week too.”

“What?”

“That your mother is a devil in disguise and that I really don’t like frogs!”

The brothers cracked up laughing.

“I swear, Brian, the look on your face when that bullfrog was inches away from your nose, was priceless. I have never seen a naked man run so fast.”

“Oh ha ha! I’m a city boy at heart. All that wild life is scary.”

“Liar, liar, pants on fire,” John singsonged. “You may have grown up in the city but you turned into a country boy,” John teased.

“If you break into John Denver, I’m outta here,” Brian groused. John giggled.

“Admit it Brian. You love it out here in the middle of nowhere. You are the king of all you survey. Not only that, you are a fair and wise king. And one helluva gardener. Better than anyone I could hire.”

“If you were going to hire someone, you’d hire Todd,” Brian said nonchalantly as he opened up another document.

“Speaking about Todd, can I ask you about him?”

“What about him?”

“When he first became a part of our extended family, I overheard Emmett and Michael talking about him. I’m almost embarrassed to admit that I was eavesdropping.”

Brian smirked as John blushed. “My, my, my! My so proper, politically correct big brother, eavesdropping? It must be the first sign of the apocalypse,” Brian teased.

“Brian,” John growled.

“Fine. What did you hear?”

“That Todd spent most of his time in the backroom of Babylon?”

“It’s true, and I bet if you ask him about it, he’d be honest with you and tell you about it.”

“I think not. I like the man who is your business partner. And I’m overjoyed that he and Gerry appear to be on their way to a lasting relationship.”

“John, Todd had fun. He had a lot of fun. And he played safe.”

“Then I’ll leave it at that.”

John turned a few more pages then stopped as Justin turned up the music.

“What the hell is that noise that he’s listening to?” John asked, making a face. Brian snickered.

“That, my dear brother, is Moby. That so called music has sustained Justin for many years while being the bane of my existence,” Brian said with a put upon sigh for effect as he placed his hand over his heart.

John did a double take then burst into belly laughs. Brian strained to maintain his composure, sucking his lips into his mouth then he too burst out laughing. The brothers laughed so hard that tears rolled down their faces. Brian stood up, crossed over to the futon then pulled his brother into his arms.

“Thank you,” Brian whispered.

“You’re welcome,” John whispered back and he hugged back. “For what?”

“For caring. For making me laugh. For being my brother. For countless other things that I can’t possibly name. I’m so glad Justin found you and Claire. Thank you for turning me into a country boy.”

The brothers stared into each other’s eyes for a second then sang loud, “Thank God I’m a country boy!” They burst out again into laughter.

“What’s going on up here?” The brothers froze looking like a pair of guilty kids. Justin stood in the doorway with his hands on his hips.

“Nothing!” the brothers said together.

“Nothing? I find two grown men laughing like a pair of hyenas and singing off key; and you call that nothing?”

“Sunshine, I swear to you I was quietly sitting up here, diligently working on some new contracts,” Brian pointed toward his computer for effect, “when John came up here and disturbed me. He started singing a John Denver song. John Denver! Can you believe that?” Brian wore his most innocent expression.

“I, I…he…oh man!” John was all flustered.

Justin looked back and forth at the brothers then crossed his arms over his chest. “Uh huh. I know it spells trouble for me when the two of you get in this mood. I can believe just about anything from you, Brian. But you, John, really!”

“Me?! What did I do?” John asked, his voice rising an octave higher, staring at Brian and Justin.

Justin and Brian cracked up.

“You got me, didn’t you?” John deadpanned as he gave the two conniving partners a glare. Brian and Justin laughed louder.

“We’ve known each other for what, fifteen years and lived together for six? I should have known better,” John groused. “Okay, I bow to the master,” John said making a low bow to Justin. “And you too, little bro,” John said, ruffling his brother’s hair.

“Hey, watch the hair! Protect me, Sunshine,” Brian shouted as he maneuvered away from John to get behind Justin.

Justin laughed. He was so happy and a bit relieved to see Brian laughing and joking around with his brother. Things almost felt normal again. He stood still while John chased Brian around him.

“Okay, you two, time out!” Justin shouted. “The guys should be coming home soon and I haven’t got a clue about dinner. I could use your help.”

“Your wish is my command, Sunshine,” Brian purred as he leaned down to kiss Justin’s cheek. Justin smiled smugly.

“Let’s go to my kitchen, I’m in the mood for grilled cheese,” John said.

“With bacon?” Justin asked.

“And tomatoes?” Brian added.

John shook his head at them. “With anything you want. Let’s go!”

John led them to his kitchen where they lovingly began dinner for their family.

*****

“We saw beautiful wreaths and big bows and Santa Claus and reindeers,” Bree said enthusiastically. She had really enjoyed looking at all the Christmas decorations around Bridgeton. Many people used old fashioned decorations that were simple but very beautiful. There were some Christmas lights, but many of the houses were more beautiful in the daylight than at night.

“Breathe, Bree,” Justin cautioned.

“I hafta breathe, Daddy, or I would … die,” Bree said, almost immediately regretting her words, since it reminded everyone of her Gamma Joan.

“What did you think, Patrick?” John asked, immediately deflecting the topic to something else.

“They were okay,” Patrick said, “but I think decorations are a girl thing.”

“Are not!” Bree contradicted. Patrick shrugged.

“Us men folk get to put them up for the women folk,” Bobby said with a twinkle in his eye. “I remember Dad and I having to decorate the house under the careful eyes of Mom and Rachel.”

“But you didn’t mind, did you, Uncle Bobby?” Bree asked.

“No, it was fun climbing the ladder and holding stuff for my dad.”

“Did you have lots of decorations, Daddy?” Bree asked.

“Yeah, your Grandma Jenn loved to make the house look festive. She had little villages all over the house, and lots of lights outside,” Justin explained.

Bree frowned. “I didn’t see no villages at her house,” she said. “Doesn’t she have them anymore?”

Justin looked at his daughter and then stared off into space for a minute. “There were a lot of things that Mom gave up when she and dad split. I think she sold the villages. They were worth quite a bit of money.” Justin had a sad, faraway look on his face.

Brian leaned over and pulled Justin into a hug. He kissed Justin’s cheek, and then said, “At the Kinney house, on the other hand, we had the same tree with the same decorations every year of my childhood.”

Justin looked up at Brian and went to say something. Brian kissed him quickly to keep him from speaking.

“That’s good, Dada. They must have been real pretty,” Bree said.

“Yeah, pretty,” Brian repeated. He did his best not to sound sarcastic. “How about some Christmas cookies for dessert?”

“Yay, cookies!” Patrick and Bree both yelled.

“Coming up,” John said. “Good save,” he whispered to his brother as he got up to get the cookies.

Justin merely leaned against his husband. Brian was the best.

The First Fifty

Chapter 9

41 – 45

It was late at Edna’s Treasures. Patrick and Bree had long since been put to bed. Gus had been in his room on the phone with Ray for what seemed like hours. It was cold and blustery outside. Brian and Justin were sitting on the sofa in their living room in front of a roaring fire just relaxing and listening to some jazz.

“It’s been a good Christmas,” Justin observed.

“Yeah,” Brian agreed succinctly.

Justin leaned against his husband and looked into his eyes. A little smirk crept onto his face. “You know, for a man who makes his living with words, you have so little to say sometimes.”

“What’s the point of using twelve words when one will suffice?”

Unable to argue with that logic, Justin merely kissed his husband. Things were getting a little heated when someone cleared their throat.

“Get a room, you two,” Gus teased.

“I thought you would be basking in the afterglow of phone sex,” Brian snarked as he and Justin shifted unwillingly and moved a bit farther apart.

“I was,” Gus said with a chuckle, “but I’m thirsty.”

“Good sex will do that to you,” Brian observed.

“You would know,” Gus added with a wink.

“Hot chocolate?” Justin asked before either Brian or Gus could continue their battle of words.

“Yes, please,” Gus replied immediately. “I can make some.”

Justin stood up. “You and your dad can talk. I’ll make it.”

Gus nodded and sat down in the armchair. He picked up Joan’s album that had been out on a table during the whole holiday period.

“Aren’t you sick of family crap?” Brian asked. Even though he hadn’t really enjoyed these talks with Gus, they hadn’t been as bad as he had suspected they would be. In some strange way it had been cathartic for Brian to talk about some of the less pleasant aspects of his childhood and of his later life. He had to admit that Gus was very non-judgmental and that made it much easier. Somehow, out of his screwed up upbringing, Brian felt he had done a good job with his son. Gus was a wonderful young man.

“Family crap, as you so cheerfully call it, is what I call family history. I like learning about it.”

Brian merely nodded as Gus flipped open the album. It fell open near the back where Gus had got to so far in his investigation of all things Kinney. Gus flipped over a couple of pages that he had already looked at. Brian noted that the album was fast drawing to a end, kind of like Joan’s life had, and his own life would eventually.

“Pop?” Gus said.

“Hm, yeah?”

“Where were you just then?”

Brian hesitated for a moment. “I was thinking about your grandmother,” he admitted.

“I miss her.”

“Me too.”

Gus looked at the picture on the page to which the album was now opened. “I haven’t seen this picture before,” Gus said as he stared at it.

Brian leaned over and looked. A little smile curled the corners of his mouth, as Justin came from the kitchen carrying a tray with mugs of hot chocolate. He looked at the picture as he set the tray down.

“That was the day we brought Bree home from the hospital,” Justin informed Gus.

“Pop, you look...”

“Happy,” Brian supplied with a smirk.

“Terrified.”

“He was,” Justin said with a laugh. Brian glared at him. “We both were, but at least I had done some babysitting as a teenager, and we had helped a bit with Patrick.”

“What was it like, Pop?” Gus asked. “I sometimes think about what it would be like if Ray and I had a baby.”

“He’s not pregnant, is he?” Brian asked in mock horror.

“Poppppp!” Gus said.

“Brian, behave,” Justin chastised.

Brian sucked in his lips and looked at his son. “Gus,” he said after a minute, “does it bother you that we have a plethora of pictures of Bree at all stages of her life, and not so many of you as a child?” This had been a nagging thought for him all through the family discussions with his son. He needed to know that Gus was all right with it.

Gus thought about that for a second or two. “Pop, I know you left things to my mothers. You weren’t ready to be a fulltime father back then.” Brian nodded. “But I’m happy you got to experience that with Bree.” Brian smiled at his very smart son. “So, tell me about bringing Bree home.”

*****

“Are you ready?” Brian asked as Justin finished strapping Bree into her car seat.

“Yeah, I’m going to sit in the back with her.”

“That’s a good idea.”

“Drive carefully,” Justin cautioned.

“I always do,” Brian averred.

“Yeah, sure,” Justin said sliding into the backseat of the Jeep beside his daughter. He had ridden with Brian in all sorts of circumstances, many of which could hardly be classified as safe.

Brian pulled out of the hospital parking lot. He headed for home. There was a long silence in the car. Justin was constantly adjusting the blanket around his sleeping daughter.

Finally, Justin said, “Do you think we can do this?”

“Isn’t it a little late to have doubts?” Brian asked pointedly.

Justin made a face, and Brian thought he could see tears well up as he looked at Justin in the rearview mirror.

“Sunshine,” Brian said gently. “We can do this. We have Debbie and your mother who can help us, and John and Bobby.”

“I know, but…”

“It’s okay to be worried. I’m … terrified.”

Justin couldn’t help but smile. He knew how hard that was for Brian to admit. “I suppose we could always ask Lindsay and Melanie for help,” Justin said wickedly as the thought struck him.

“That’ll be the day when I ask Melanie Marcus for help with our daughter!”

Justin smiled then. “I like it when you call her our daughter.”

“Well, she is, isn’t she?” Brian asked looking into Justin’s eyes in the rearview mirror.

“One hundred percent!”

“Do you think she’ll like her room?” Brian asked out of nowhere.

“She’s two days old. She won’t know where she is.”

“Our daughter will know everything,” Brian averred.

“Then she’ll love her chamber of pink froth and lace.”

“Do you think it’s too pink?” Brian asked with a frown.

“I think it’s perfect. She’ll develop her taste from us, you know. If we like it, she’ll like it.”

“Then maybe I can get her to appreciate Prada and Zegna.”

“Undoubtedly,” Justin agreed.

“Is she still breathing?”

“She’s sleeping, Brian. Just be thankful that she’s sleeping. When she cries, our job really begins.”

“Perhaps a little shot of Beam,” Brian suggested.

“You are so bad.”

“I’m just saying…”

“Drive, and concentrate on the road,” Justin commanded. “I want to get home in one piece.”

“Yes, master,” Brian replied contritely.

It wasn’t long until they arrived at Edna’s Treasures. John and Bobby met them in the driveway, cooing over the baby, and snapping pictures all the way into the house. They didn’t realize that they were documenting the next phase in the saga of Brian and Justin.

*****

“You’ve got a funny look on your face.”

“What look is that, Sunshine?”

“I’m not sure. Like you’re remembering something but I can’t tell if it’s a good memory or a sad one,” Justin said as he sat next to his spouse. The album was resting on the kitchen table as Brian waiting for the coffeemaker to do its thing. Justin put the kettle on for tea.

“Both,” Brian sighed then momentarily changed the subject. “Is everything ready for tonight?” Brian asked referring to their little New Year’s get together with the folks on the lane.

“Yes, the larders have been inventoried. The provisions have been procured and the preparation is in progress,” Justin teased. Brian chuckled. “You didn’t answer my question.”

“Just remembering all that happened when Bree was little,” Brian said softly.

“Like what?”

“So many things, too many things.”

“Name a few.” Justin got up to tend to the whistling tea kettle and fix Brian a mug of coffee.

“Well, for one thing we got the Jason Kemp Center up and running,” Brian said as he waited for his coffee to cool down a little.

“What else?” Justin urged.

“Lacy became a member of our family,” Brian said with a smirk.

“She did have an impact on us,” Justin giggled.

“What’s so funny?” Gus asked as he walked into the kitchen in search of a snack.

“Just recalling when Lacy became a part of our family, Sonny Boy,” Brian snarked.

Gus groaned. “I had a big crush on her, didn’t I?”

“Yes, but don’t feel bad,” Brian said with a pat to Gus’ back. “If I recall, she had a crush on Justin. It seems we have an interesting way with lesbians and women in general,” Brian teased. Justin nearly snorted tea through his nose.

“And I recall one woman in particular had a crush on you, Bri,” Justin laughed.

“Who had a crush on you, Pop?”

“She didn’t have a crush on me; we had an understanding,” Brian said smugly.

“Who?” Gus demanded to know.

“Edna!” Brian and Justin said.

“I wish I remembered her,” Gus said wistfully.

“You were only six when she came here for John and Bobby’s wedding. I still miss her,” Brian murmured. Justin kissed the side of his head.

“We all miss her,” Justin said with a nod. “If she were alive, I bet she would have come to Bree’s christening.”

“And she’d drink us under the table,” Brian added with a snort. “Edna was one hell of a woman!” Brian raised his coffee mug in salute.

“You know we’re overlooking one very important event that happened when we were having fun with lesbians back then,” Justin laughed as he remembered their time in Florida. He gave Brian a look then glanced at Gus.

“Ah yes,” Brian agreed.

“You mind letting me in on the secret,” Gus said with a glare.

“We met our future in-laws in Florida,” Brian snarked as he casually took another sip of coffee.

It took a second but Gus finally put the pieces together.

“Oh ha ha, but yeah, I guess that was an important time,” Gus said then became serious. “Dad, Jus, I’m really happy and grateful that you became friends with Simon and Ken.”

“I bet you are,” Brian smirked.

“Well, duh, but that’s not the only reason. I really like them. It’s nice to meet another same sex couple.”

“We know a lot of same sex couples,” Justin said not understanding what Gus was getting at.

“Yes, but they’re different.”

“How?” Brian asked, truly interested in what his son meant.

“When I was little, the moms sort of surrounded themselves with other lesbian couples. And well, the moms didn’t always…” Gus looked away for a moment.

“The moms didn’t always get along,” Justin carefully supplied.

Gus nodded. “Simon and Ken are different, they really love each other and don’t argue,” Gus said sadly.

“Gus, all couples argue,” Justin said with a shrug. He looked at Brian for help. He really didn’t know what to say to comfort Gus.

“But not like the moms,” Gus whispered. “Sometimes I thought they’d be able to fix it, ya know?” Gus asked as he gazed into his father’s eyes. Brian brought his son into a hug. “Sometimes I thought you’d be able to fix it.”

Brian nodded against Gus’ ear. He had tried, several times but not even the great Brian fucking Kinney could fix Lindsay and Mel’s relationship. And he did try.

“Gus…” Brian began.

“I know, Pop, it’s over and it has been for a very long time but that doesn’t mean I stopped wishing.”

“I know, Sonny Boy. In some weird way, I had hoped it would work out, but your Mom’s happy now.”

“With Chaarrlless,” Gus said, exaggerating the name of Lindsay’s new boyfriend. Gus rolled his eyes.

“I like Mr. Charles,” Bree said as she joined her fathers and brother in the kitchen. She climbed up to sit on Gus’ lap. “He’s nice and he talks like Hudson. I like Hudson,” Bree declared, end of subject.

“I like Hudson too,” Gus agreed, not daring to argue with his sister.

“Now that we have that established,” Brian said, “what time is this shindig tonight?”

“We were thinking maybe nine?” Justin suggested. “That way we have plenty of time for dinner, clean up, relax then put the hors d’oeuvres out.”

“Sounds like a plan. A few nibbles, some drinks, we watch the ball drop then off to bed,” Brian exclaimed then made a face. “When did I become so old that the most exciting part of my evening is kicking people out of my house and going to bed?”

Gus laughed. “You’re not old, you just have your priorities straight.” Gus grinned then glanced at Justin.

“Yeah,” Justin agreed as he elbowed his spouse. “You know, I could use a nap so I’ll have lots of energy for later.

“A nap?” Brian asked incredulously as he grabbed Justin’s wrist to check the time.

“Yes, a nap.” Justin stared into Brian’s eyes, willing him to understand. The light bulb clicked on.

“Oooh, a nap.” Brian stood to make an exaggerated stretch and yawn. “I think I can use a nap too. May I join you?” Brian asked politely.

“Of course, you may,” Justin answered in kind.

“If you two will excuse us, us old folks are going to take a nap,” Brian said to Gus and Bree as he offered his arm to his spouse. Justin took the proffered arm.

“And what are we supposed to do while you two are napping?” Gus asked as his fathers walked out of the kitchen.

“You’re a smart boy, I’m sure you’ll think of something,” Brian said as he and Justin laughed.

“Yeah, right,” Gus grumbled.

“It’s okay, Gus, I keep you company,” Bree said reassuringly. Gus hugged his sister.

*****

After a very satisfying ‘nap’, Brian and Justin cuddled, quietly talking.

“You’re almost to the end of your album,” Justin stated. He was aimlessly tracing patterns across Brian’s chest with his finger.

“Mmm.”

“You’ve been very brave.”

Brian snorted. “Why don’t you tell me how it ends, Sunshine.”

“What?”

“How the album ends.”

“Brian, it’s only a photo album. It doesn’t have magical powers.”

“Doesn’t it? It’s forced me to remember things I long forgot.”

“I didn’t think anything could force you to do anything that you didn’t want to do.”

“You forced me to love you.”

“Did I?”

“Yes, you did. You used your magic and cast a spell on me.”

“I didn’t know I had magical powers. I thought only Rage had powers.”

“You are in error. You have very special powers, stronger than Rage.”

“What kind of powers do I have?” Justin kissed a pert nipple.

“I thought that was obvious.” Brian slightly turned toward Justin. Justin’s kiss was more than innocent. “You have Sunshine powers,” Brian murmured then captured Justin’s lips.

It was time for another ‘nap.’

*****

“Hi, Uncle Ben!” Bree said as the big man walked through the front door. He was carrying a couple of bags.

“Hi, princess. Where are your daddies?”

“They’re taking a nap.”

“Oh, a nap. Did they leave you all by yourself?”

“No, I was looking at Dada’s book with Gus.” Bree pointed to the album on the table. Ben put the contents of his bags in the refrigerator.

“It’s beautiful,” Ben exclaimed as he touched the cover then opened it. “Where did it come from?”

“Gamma Joan made it for my Dada. Daddy helped,” Bree proudly stated.

Ben flipped through several pages then stopped when he got to some pictures of New York City. There were several pictures of the Thanksgiving Day Parade. And of the dinner they all shared with Simon and Ken. It reminded Ben of the Thanksgiving that just passed, their whole family together except for Joan.

“Don’t be sad, Uncle Ben,” Bree said. She seemed to read Ben’s mind.

“What makes you think I’m sad?”

“Because…” Bree said softly as she looked down at the floor. She thought she said something wrong.

“It’s okay, Briana, I’m not angry. Tell me why you think I’m sad.” Ben lifted the petite child up and sat her on the kitchen counter.

“My Dada looks like that when he looks in the book. He misses my Grandma,” Bree explained. “I miss her too.” Her eyes began to glisten with unshed tears.

“It’s okay, Bree. You haven’t said anything wrong. And your grandmother was a very lovely lady. We all miss her. Now, when your daddies get up from their, um, nap. Tell them I brought over the cheese and fruit. It’s in the refrigerator. Can you do that for me?”

“No problem, Uncle Ben!” Ben lifted Bree off the counter, kissed her little nose then set her on her feet.

“We’ll see you later.”

“Later!” Bree responded then skipped out of the kitchen.

The First Fifty

Chapter 10

46-50

“Hey, Bri, who was that on the phone?”

The boys had awakened from their ‘nap’ with plenty of time to do some work before preparing dinner. Justin, feeling renewed, decided to paint. Brian had calls to make. When it was time to start dinner, Justin cleaned off his brushes and hoisted his latest painting to the rafters. He noticed that Brian was still up in his office and went to join him.

“Hmm? Oh, that was Carl.”

“Carl? Is everything all right?”

“They’re fine. I needed some information so I figured I’d go to the source.”

“Okay. Did he help?”

“Yeah, he did.”

“Brian, are you deliberately trying to piss me off?” Justin asked with his hands on his hips. Brian was being too vague for Justin’s liking.

“Come here, Sunshine.” Brian pushed away from his desk then patted his lap. Justin made a face but crossed the office to sit in Brian’s lap.

“You do know I’m thirty-eight,” Justin deadpanned.

“I don’t care how old you or I get, I will always want your ass in my lap,” Brian purred into Justin’s ear. Justin smiled and gave Brian a kiss.

“Spill,” Justin commanded, undeterred.

“A few days ago I found something in the album. A phone number. A very old phone number so I asked Carl to see if he had any contacts left in the police force who’d be willing to track down the person who belongs to that number.”

“And did he?”

“Yes, and he didn’t have to go to any extremes. The number and the family hasn’t changed in over thirty years.”

“So who does the number belong to?”

“It now belongs to Christopher Thackeray.”

“And who is Christopher Thackeray?”

“The grandson of a very nice man who tried to teach me about honesty. He...” Brian faltered, the ad man was unable to find the right words to describe the kindly librarian who gave respite to a lonely battered boy.

“It’s okay, I don’t need details,” Justin whispered as he threw his arms around his spouse. “Did you call Christopher Thackeray?”

“Not yet. I’m not sure what to say.”

“Just what you told me. His grandfather was a nice man who was kind to you,” Justin suggested. Brian nodded his head then picked up the phone. “Do you want me to leave?”

“No. Stay.” Justin nodded. He leaned back against Brian’s chest to give Brian a little more room to make his call.

“Christopher Thackeray?” Brian said as the phone was answered. “My name is Brian Kinney. You don’t know me but I knew your grandfather.”

Justin watched as a small smile crept across Brian’s face.

“You know who I am?”

Justin didn’t have to hear the other half of the conversation; he could imagine what Christopher was saying.

“Yes, Kinnetik, that Brian Kinney. And the Committee for Concerned Citizens. That was a very long time ago,” Brian laughed. “Mr. Thackeray ... all right, Chris, I’m Brian. I know this is probably the wrong time but I just came across your number. Your grandfather gave it to me when I was a kid. I just wanted to say that he was a very nice man. He was very kind to me when, ah...yes, he did have a very big heart. He was very proud of you and your father. Retired? Scottsdale. It’s very warm there. Yes. I, uh, just wanted to say thank you. Sure. I will, the next time I’m in Pittsburgh. Good night and Happy New Year.”

Brian hung up the phone. He leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes and taking a cleansing breath.

“You okay?” Justin asked with concern. Brian nodded. “What did he say?”

“He knows me; knows of me.”

“Everybody knows you,” Justin teased, getting a little smirk from Brian.

“He wants to meet.”

“I think you should. He’d probably like to know more about his grandfather. Did you know him in Pittsburgh?”

Brian shook his head. “I met him before we moved to the Pitts. I’d hang out at the library to do my homework. And...it was quiet there,” was all that Brian could say for the moment and Justin knew not to push.

Justin held Brian’s face in his hands, staring into the sad hazel eyes. “I love you, you know.” The eyes immediately changed from sad to mischievous.

“I know,” Brian smirked.

The lovers kissed away the sadness of the past.

“It’s time to make dinner,” Justin wisely said.

“Go on.” Brian pushed Justin off his lap. “I’ll be down in a minute.” Justin smiled brilliantly.

“Later.”

“Later.”

“Dada?” they both heard just as Justin was about to descend the spiral staircase.

“He’s up here,” Justin responded then waited until Bree climbed up. “I’m going to start dinner. Do you want to help me?” Justin asked his daughter. Bree appeared to ponder the question.

“Okay, but I hafta talk to Dada first.”

“Is this something that can wait?” Justin asked. Bree shook her head, no. “Very important?” he asked. Bree nodded. “In that case I release you from your cooking chores. I’ll get the guys to help. But don’t be too long. I like eating my dinner hot.”

“It’s okay, Daddy. We won’t be too long,” Bree said maturely. Justin tried not to laugh at the cute but serious expression on his daughter’s face. He nodded, threw a shrug at Brian who was watching from his desk then went down the stairs.

“What’s so important, Squirt?” Brian swiveled his chair around so that Bree could climb up to sit in the lap that had been vacated by her father.

“When I was adopted, did I get a party too … like Richie?” Big violet blue eyes stared into hazel ones demanding an answer.

“Bree, do you remember when Taylor was a baby?” Bree nodded. “What did he do?”

“He cried sometimes.”

“What else? Think about it. When Aunt Molly brought baby Taylor to the cottage, what did Taylor do?”

Bree thought back to when Taylor was a tiny baby. “He slept a lot.” Brian nodded. “He pooped and peed in his diaper and then he’d sleep some more.” Brian smiled.

“If baby Taylor had a party, do you think he’d notice?”

Briana shook her head. “But Richie had a party.”

“Richie is fourteen and he needed to feel a part of this family. He needed the party, to see that he has a family that wants him and loves him. You were a part of this family from the moment you were conceived. Do you know what conceived means?”

Bree nodded making her pigtails bop up and down. “We learned about babies in health class. An egg from a mommy and a sperm from a daddy meet and make a baby,” Bree recited, very proud of herself.

Brian smiled. “You were wanted and loved from that very moment. You are your Daddy’s biological child. I adopted you, making you my child too.” Bree smiled her own sunshine smile for her Dada. “And Briana?” Bree heard the change in her Dada’s voice and saw the arch of his brow. She knew her father was very serious.

“Yes, Dada?”

“How many parties have you had?”

Bree thought about all the parties her fathers had given her. The party with the pony rides and her pink princess party. She looked up into her Dada’s eyes. “A lot.”

Brian nodded. “I think once a year to celebrate your birthday or a special accomplishment is more than enough.”

Bree considered her father’s words. “But Dada, one can never have enough parties,” Bree said with a coy smile while batting her lashes.

Brian glared then they both giggled. “That’s my girl!” Brian declared, hugging Bree close, making her shriek and laugh wildly. She peppered her father’s face with kisses.

“Hey, you two!” Bobby called up to them from the porch. “Dinner is almost ready.”

“We’re coming!” father and daughter replied.

“Let’s go, Squirt, our family awaits.”

“Okay, Dada.”

Father and daughter went down to join their family.

*****

“This is good, Daddy,” Bree said as she stuffed another shrimp into her mouth.

“Jambalaya is your father’s specialty,” Brian observed with a wink at his husband. Justin raised an eyebrow but didn’t reply. “Remember the first time you made it for me?”

“Unfortunately I do,” Justin replied.

“Unfortunately?” Bobby asked.

“Let’s just say that my magnanimous gesture of preparing jambalaya for Brian was met with less than heartfelt thanks.”

“There were heartfelt thanks the second day,” Brian stated.

“Yeah, jambalaya’s better the second day,” Justin said with a meaningful look at Brian.

“I don’t think there will be any left for tomorrow,” John said as he helped himself to some more. He thought maybe there was more to this story, but perhaps this was not the time to pursue it.

“Can I have some more too, Dad?” Patrick asked. John scooped some more onto Patrick’s plate.

“Save a little for me,” Gus told his uncle.

“I should have tripled the recipe instead of doubling it,” Justin said shaking his head.

“It’s really good, Justin,” Bobby told him. “I should get the recipe from you, since everyone likes it so much.”

“It’s not hard,” Justin informed him.

Brian raised an eyebrow and opened his mouth to make one of his patented comments, but then he thought better of that too. He must really be getting old when he was censoring his own thoughts.

“I think the New Year is going to be a good one,” Gus said as he filled his plate with more jambalaya.

“We all know you’d rather be in New York,” Brian observed.

Gus frowned. “Pop, if I really wanted to be in New York, I’d be in New York. I chose to be here with you.”

“One last New Year’s with your dear old dad,” Brian snarked.

“What do you mean – last?” Gus asked.

“And what’s all this old shit?” John asked.

“You know what’s happening this year,” Justin said pointedly. He looked at those assembled around the table, and then over at Brian who refused to meet his gaze.

Then the light dawned on John. “Oh, you mean about a certain person, who shall remain nameless, turning fifty,” John said with a grin.

“Don’t remind me,” Brian griped.

“I’ve already been there, done that,” John said. “You’ll survive.”

Brian shook his head. “Maybe…”

“Are you having a midlife crisis?” Justin asked.

“I’m thinking about it,” Brian said with a pout on his face.

“You’ll always be young and beautiful to me,” Justin reminded him.

“Aw, that’s so sweet,” Gus said with a big grin.

Brian glared at his son. “I don’t feel like I’m young and beautiful.”

“But you are,” Bobby averred. “Everybody says so.”

“Everybody?” Brian asked with an eyebrow that threatened to disappear into his still elegant hairline.

“You know we all talk about you, don’t you?” John asked with a wicked wink for his brother.

Brian couldn’t help but chuckle at John. “You are an evil big brother … and you’ll always be older than me,” Brian added with a smug look on his face. John groaned.

“Pop?” Gus said wondering if he was the source of his father’s malaise. “Are you upset about your next birthday because of all the trips down memory lane that I’ve forced you into this week?”

“They didn’t help matters,” Brian responded without thinking about the effect his words might have on his son.

“Geez, I’m so sorry,” Gus said a stricken look on his face.

“It’s not your fault,” Brian hastily retracted. “It’s the album and Joan’s … death, and a lot of things.”

“It’s okay to be sad, Dada,” Bree told her father. “I miss Gamma Joan a lot. But she wouldn’t want us to be sad forever.”

“No, she wouldn’t,” Brian agreed with a little smile.

“There’s supposed to be a party here tonight, or so I’ve heard. I think everybody should find their party face and their party spirit,” Bobby advised.

“That sounds like an excellent plan,” John agreed.

“Dada, will you dance with me at the party?”

Brian looked at his smart and beautiful daughter. “How could I possibly refuse such a wonderful request,” he said.

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

*****

“Hi! Hi! Hi!” Emmett called out as he entered the cottage in his inimitable style. He was loaded down with all manner of delectable goodies. Emmett’s men were following close behind with their arms full as well.

“Where the hell have you been?” Brian growled.

“Excusez-moi?”

“We haven’t been graced with your presence for days. Where’ve you been?” Brian asked more softly.

“Miss me?” Emmett teased, giving Brian his toothy grin.

“Yeah, I have,” Brian said as he took one of the boxes out of Emmett’s arms to bring it to the kitchen.

Emmett stood still, shocked for the moment. “We, um, thought you could use a little quiet time with your family,” Emmett finally said as he joined Brian in the kitchen. Drew and Richie brought their boxes and bags into the sun porch to give Emm and Brian a little privacy.

“How are you holding up, Honey?” Emmett ventured.

“Better,” Brian admitted. He and Emmett began to plate up Emmett’s hors d’ oeuvres. The platters and bowls quickly outgrew the counter so Emmett placed a large bowl on the kitchen table.

“What’s this?” Emmett asked, referring to the album.

“A gift from old Joanie.”

“It’s beautiful,” he said as he ran his hand over the tooled leather cover. “May I?” Emmett asked before he opened the book.

Brian nodded then went to put a fresh pot of coffee on for those who didn’t want anything alcoholic. He also checked to see if the champagne and sparkling cider were chilling. He puttered around the kitchen to avoid watching Emmett.

“She loved you, honey. She left you proof of that right here.” Emmett reverently closed the book then stood up. He went to Brian then gazed into the moist hazel eyes. “Brian, I know you think that the gods stuck it to you again, but stop and think about it. Really think about it. Bree’s eight now, right?”

Brian nodded.

“You’ve had six solid years with Joan.” Brian rolled his eyes and tried to turn away. Emmett held onto to Brian’s arms. “I know your mother wasn’t your biggest supporter before Bree came along but she did love you. You both made mistakes and assumptions.”

“Yeah, we did,” Brian whispered.

“But you never totally abandoned her and she didn’t abandon you. She was there, somewhere in the background, but she was there. Now think, Brian. There are those of us who haven’t had that much.” Emmett stood his ground as Brian connected the dots. Brian sharply inhaled.

“I’ve been selfish, haven’t I?”

“No, honey, you’ve been grieving. No one begrudges you that.” Emmett got the album and thrust it into Brian’s hands. “She gave you a wonderful gift, sweetie, don’t hide from it. Embrace it. Embrace it like you’ve embraced all of your challenges. Be proud of this, Brian. Nothing in your past can hurt you now. You have a big wonderful family. Take comfort from that.”

Brian nodded; he was feeling a little embarrassed about how he had been acting. Emmett seemed to read his thoughts.

“In the words of the great Cher in “Moonstruck”, snap out of it!” Emm grabbed Brian by the shoulders then gave him a good shake. Brian let out a short giggle.

“Are we good?” Emmett asked.

“We’re good,” Brian said with conviction.

“Excellent! Now, are we ready to par-tay?” Emmett smiled brightly as his friend.

“Yes, WE are, you big old fairy,” Brian groused, batting away Emmett’s hands. Emmett squealed.

“Dada!” Bree ran into the kitchen. She was wearing one of her pink party dresses.

“Look how beautiful you are!” Emmett exclaimed making Bree smile her own sunshiny smile. He took her little hand then swung her around.

“My Dada promised to dance with me,” Bree said looking up at her older father and her Auntie Emm.

“He did? Then why are we standing in the kitchen? Brian, you made a promise.” Emmett gave his friend a poignant look.

“Yes, I did.”

Brian swooped up Bree into his arms then went to find the appropriate dancing music. Once he loaded up the CD player, Brian took Bree into the sun porch.

While the families of Edna’s Treasures were setting up for their party, Brian set Bree down in the middle of the porch.

“Miss Briana, may I have the honor of this dance?” Brian formally asked, making a low bow.

Bree smiled then curtsied. “Oh, yes, Dada!”

As Brian twirled and danced his daughter around the sun porch, Gus took out his camera.

“May I have this dance?” George asked Rachel. She nodded and the two began to slow dance.

“You feel up to a dance?” Ben asked Michael.

“Yes, I do,” Michael replied. He was getting stronger every day. He and Ben hoped to be back home in Pittsburgh soon.

“Are you getting this?” Justin leaned over to Gus who was standing off to one side.

“Yup,” Gus replied. “Pop looks good. The sadness is gone.”

“He needed you and his family. Thank you for staying. I know you miss spending this night with Ray.”

“Ray said we’ll have the rest of our lives together. My Pop gave me so much; I can give him this night.”

“You’re a very special young man, Gus Kinney.” Justin leaned up to peck Gus’ cheek.

John and Bobby finished their dance then came over to where Justin and Gus were standing.

“Go dance, we’ll take pictures,” John suggested to Gus and Justin, taking the camera from Gus. “Gus, go dance with your sister, she’d love it. Justin, dance with Brian.”

Gus handed the camera to John then went to cut in. He tapped his father on the shoulder. “May I cut in?” Gus asked formally just as his father had done. He then bowed to his sister. Bree curtsied then raised up her arms. Gus lifted her up into his arms.

“Bri, dance with me,” Justin asked softly as he moved into Brian’s arms.

And they danced.

*****

“Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five four, three, two, one…Happy New Year!

“Happy New Year, Mom,” Brian whispered as he raised his glass to toast in the New Year and Joan Kinney.

They Say It’s Your Birthday

Chapter 1

New Year’s was a relatively quiet and happy one at Edna’s Treasures. The small party they held had been enjoyed by all in attendance. Bree managed to ring in the New Year after being awakened just before midnight by her brother. She had made a snuggly little nest on one of the chaises. She enjoyed the countdown and a kiss from her brother and fathers before promptly being put to bed. Patrick was right behind her.

The adults lasted a little longer before they all started to disperse and celebrate the New Year in their own place in their own way. There was a lot of tender lovemaking on Edna’s Treasures Lane that night. It was a good start to a new year.

The next couple of months passed quietly. Justin continued to paint, Brian to terrorize Kinnetik when the spirit moved him, and Bree to excel at school. The loss of Joan still entered their thoughts quite often, but the pain began to fade as time went on.

In February Michael and Ben arrived at the door of Edna’s Treasures one morning. Michael wore a big grin on his face. When Brian let them in, he noted that Ben wore a similar smile.

“Justin,” Brian called to his husband who was painting in the sun porch, “we have visitors.”

“Visitors?” Justin said as he walked into the kitchen. Brian was already pouring coffee for the two men who sat at the kitchen table. “What’s up?” Justin asked as the strange vibe issuing from Ben and Michael hit him.

“We have big news,” Ben said as he doctored his coffee.

“It’s about time,” Brian said.

“Wha…?” Michael sputtered.

Brian smirked. “You’ve been so much better the last few weeks. It’s about time you stopped skiving and went home.”

Ben grinned. “We never could put anything over on you, could we?” he asked.

“Nope,” was Brian’s simple answer.

“Are you sure?” Justin asked as he sat down at the table with them. He set out a plate of Bree’s favorite chocolate chip cookies that they had recently baked. “You’re not rushing it?”

“I’ve been here for months,” Michael said with a sigh. “It’s time I went home. The doctor said I could, and Gerry is very pleased with the progress I’ve made. I’m ready.”

“That’s great,” Justin stated as he took a bite of cookie. “It’s been good having you here.”

Michael’s eyes started to tear up. “I…” he said having to pause and swallow. “I want to thank you both for everything. I used to wonder why you would want to live out here.” Michael looked at his best friend. “But I found out. The lane is a wonderful, calm, peaceful place. It was exactly what I needed to get well.”

“I’ll second that,” Ben agreed. “I hope we get to spend much more time in the new B&B.”

“You better,” Brian threw in.

“Well, we better go. We’ve started packing up our stuff. We should be ready to go back to Pittsburgh this afternoon.”

“Don’t overdo it,” Justin cautioned.

“I won’t,” Michael said.

“If you are still here when Bree gets home from school, I’m sure she’ll want to say goodbye,” Brian told them.

“I think we can make sure that happens,” Ben stated. “I’d like to say goodbye to the princess too.”

Brian pulled Michael into a warm hug. “I’m glad you’re better. Don’t get sick again,” he ordered gently.

“I’ll do my best,” Michael said as they headed down the lane.

*****

“Do you hafta go, Uncle Michael?” Bree asked.

“Yes, honey, I have a business to run and things to do.”

“I’ll miss you,” Bree said as she threw her arms around Michael’s neck.

“We’ll be back from time to time,” Ben promised.

“Miss you too, Uncle Ben,” Bree said hugging him tight.

“We’ll all miss you,” Justin added. “Have you got everything packed in the car?”

“We’re ready to go,” Michael said with a smile. “I’m really looking forward to getting home. I just wanted to say goodbye to this little sweetie before I left.”

Bree smiled widely, one of her sunniest, so much like her father’s famous smile.

“Drive carefully,” Brian said as he hugged each man, closely followed by Justin. Ben and Michael got in the car. The Kinney-Taylor family waved them down the lane and back to their old life.

“It will be strange not having them here all the time,” Justin observed as they walked back to the house.

“But they’ll still come back and stay, won’t they, Daddy?” Bree asked with a worried look on her face.

“Sure they will,” Brian answered.

“That’s good,” Bree agreed. “Can I have a cookie, Daddy?” she asked.

Life quickly returned to normal.

Michael and Ben settled back into their day to day lives in Pittsburgh. Debbie and Carl still helped out at the comic shop, not wanting Michael to overtax himself right off the bat. JR still worked there after school and many weekends.

As signs of spring started to appear on Edna’s Treasures Lane, Justin watched his husband carefully. Brian seemed to have returned to his usual self after the trauma of Joan’s sudden death. But Justin couldn’t help but worry. The death coupled with Brian turning fifty in a couple of months could mean major problems for the man who so highly valued his youth and beauty. Justin had once referred to a midlife crisis, and that was exactly what he was worried about.

Before Brian turned fifty, Bree would turn nine. That was always a cause for concern in relation to what should be done for Bree’s birthday. This time it was decided that Bree should be the one to make the decision about what she wanted to do for her birthday. Both her fathers thought she would want a big party and were willing to grant her that. They wanted her to be happy, especially after the loss of her grandmother.

To their surprise, Bree said she would think about what she wanted. They had expected her to jump right in with a request that would at least rival her princess party. They would have to wait and see what she came up with.

John was still working on his neighborhood reclamation project for the city. The new neighborhood would be beautiful, functional and a big improvement over what John had started with. He and Bobby continued to be very successful in their chosen careers.

One weekend John passed through the sun porch on the way to his office in the attic. Something caught his eye.

“Bree?” he said as he spied the little girl sitting on one of the chaises, Beau lying beside her.

“Hi, Uncle John,” she replied.

“What are you doing there all by yourself?”

“Thinking.”

“Thinking? About what? Is something wrong?”

Bree shook her head. “I don’t know what to do about my birthday. I don’t want a party.”

“You don’t?” John asked as he sat down on the chaise next to Bree. He thought this might be a long conversation.

Bree shook her head again. “I won’t like it without Gamma Joan.”

“Oh, I see,” John said slowly. “But you could invite Gamma Jenn and Gamma Claire and…”

“I know,” Bree replied, “but it’s not the same.”

“No, I guess it’s not.”

“I want to do something different, not like when Gamma Joan was here.”

“That might be a good idea,” John agreed. “Do you have anything in mind?”

“I really liked the symphony until…” Bree’s voice faded away.

“What about the ballet or the opera?” John suggested. “They both have music. Or we could go to a play, maybe a musical.”

“Could Grandma Jenn and Grandma Claire and Grandma Debbie come with us?”

“I don’t see why not. What about your Grandma Susan?” John asked.

Bree made a little face. “I don’t think she and Grandpa Craig really like spending time with me,” Bree said sadly. This had been an ongoing battle over the years.

“You could always ask them and see.”

“I guess,” Bree said with a sigh.

“Bree, can I ask you something?” Bree nodded. “You still call Joan, Gamma Joan, but you called your other grandmothers grandma instead of Gamma. You call me Uncle John instead of Unca John like you used to. Why is that?’

“I don’t know,” Bree said with a frown. “Gamma Joan will always be Gamma Joan, but I’m a big girl now, so I need to use the proper words. Gamma Joan said I was all grown up.”

“And you certainly are, sweetheart, in so many ways.” John pulled her into a very warm hug. “You certainly are.”

*****

“Hi.”

“Hey, Big Red. What are you doing home?” Brian asked. Brian was standing in the middle of his garden looking around. His cart with his rake, shovel and other gardening regalia was close by.

“I could ask you the same,” Bobby teased.

“I thought I’d give Cynthia and Ted a break. Besides, the winter was murder on the garden this year. It’s beautiful out today; I thought I’d get an early start on it. What’s your excuse?”

“I need a little ‘me time’ and I can afford it. You’re right, today is beautiful.” Bobby looked up at the clear blue sky and brilliant sun. Spring was in the air. “I want to spend some time with John before he becomes the fulltime builder again.”

“Makes sense. If you want me to pick up Patrick from school, let me know.”

“Thanks. Has Bree said anything about her birthday plans to you?”

“No. She did tell your husband that she wanted to spend time with her grandmothers.”

“Well, that makes sense too. She’s missing Joan,” Bobby said gently. He placed his hand on Brian’s arm.

“I’m all right. I won’t lie to you and say I’m fine but it is better. Although I don’t think I’m ready for another Mozart concert yet,” Brian said as he picked up his rake and began to clean up.

Bobby nodded in understanding then went back into the house to find his spouse.

*****

“Bree?” Brian softly called out as he cracked open her bedroom door. Bree had been very quiet lately, doing her homework in her room and then spending a lot of time there instead of with Patrick or the rest of the family.

When Brian received no replied, he pushed the door open. Bree was asleep on her bed, her school books around her as well as her favorite dolls. Grey Bunny was sitting prominently atop one of Bree’s pillows. Muñequita was sitting close by on another pillow. And on the rocking chair where Brian and Justin had spent many hours rocking their baby girl, sat the large stuffed frog that Bobby had won for Bree in Florida.

Brian carefully looked through Bree’s books to check her school and homework. Bree had indeed finished her homework and correctly, Brian noted with a proud smile.

“Hi, Dada,” Bree said as she stirred.

“Hey, Squirt. Dinner’s almost ready. You coming out soon?” Bree yawned and stretched.

“Yes, Dada,” Bree said with a sleepy smile.

“Then why don’t you wash your face first, it’ll make you feel better,” Brian suggested.

“Okay, Dada,” Bree said as she hopped from her bed then went into her bathroom. Brian sat on the edge of Bree’s bed as he watched her go.

“Have you made any decisions about your birthday?” Brian asked when Bree came out of her bathroom wide-eyed and ready for dinner.

“I don’t want a party,” Bree declared.

“Okay. What do you want?”

“Can me and Ashley and Patrick go to the big McDonald’s for dinner?” The one that Bree referred to had a large indoor-outdoor playground with tunnels and a large ball pit. Since the kids rarely had junk food the request made Brian arch his brow.

“Is that all you want?”

“No. Can we have dinner with all my Grandmas and Grandpas?”

“Where?”

“Here?” Big violet-blue eyes looked up into hazel eyes to plead her case.

It wasn’t an unreasonable request, Brian noted. “All of them?” Brian clarified. He knew Bree meant Susan and Craig. Bree nodded. “Then I think this requires very special invitations to all of your grandparents.”

“Oh thank you, Dada!” Bree exclaimed as she threw herself at her father for a hug. Brian could never resist a Bree hug so he hugged her back.

Bree and Brian went out to join the family for dinner and to let them know their plans.

*****

“Bree, is that you?” came a whisper in the dark. Bree was feeling lonely and couldn’t sleep. She crept into the one room that always made her feel good no matter what.

Bree nodded.

“I can’t see you,” the knowing and comforting voice said with a giggle. Bree giggled too.

“You want to sleep here?” the voice asked.

“Yeah,” Bree whispered in a little voice. She could hear the rustle of sheets and the blanket as the person in the bed made room for her.

“Okay, come on,” the inviting voice said and Bree quickly scurried into bed.

“Better?” Bree nodded as she snuggled in. “Go to sleep,” the voice commanded with a yawn.

“Okay,” Bree replied with her own yawn. She fell asleep feeling safe and surrounded by love.

*****

“She’s over here,” John said holding up his hands as Justin went running into the sun porch then skidded to a halt just before slamming into his brother-in-law.

“Patrick doesn’t mind?” Justin asked. The relief wasn’t evident in his voice.

“No, he doesn’t, even though he’s still in the ‘most girls are a pain’ stage,” John stated with a long suffering sigh.

“Soon to be replaced by the ‘most girls are hot’ stage,” Justin teased.

John glared but reluctantly nodded. “I vaguely remember that stage,” John admitted. John lost himself in his own thoughts for a minute. He did enjoy dating and all that came with it but he realized he enjoyed men better. Or specifically, one man. John had no desire for any other man.

“Earth to John,” Justin called out.

“Sorry, just reflecting. I’ll send the princess over,” John told Justin as he returned to his side of the conjoined cottages.

“I’ll start breakfast,” Justin said as he went back to his own side.

A new day was beginning.

*****

“Ashley!” Bree called out when the school bus stopped in front of the cottage then opened its doors. Bree and Patrick climbed up into the bus and quickly took their seats.

“Buckle up!” the bus matron reminded the kids then waved to Justin before the bus turned around to head back down the lane.

Justin waved then watched the bus go.

“What are your plans for today, Sunshine?” Brian walked out of the cottage dressed in his business best with briefcase in hand.

“I have a few more sketches to do for the new exhibit,” Justin said.

“Ah, more hard working burly men,” Brian snarked with emphasis on the word hard.

“Something like that,” Justin responded ignoring the snark. “I decided to dedicate this show to the working man, and woman,” Justin added before Brian could remark. “It’s not about the ‘pretty’ people. I want to capture a variety of people from teachers to sanitation workers.

“Don’t forget the waitresses and social workers. I can think of a couple that work very hard,” Brian sincerely added. Justin nodded.

Justin had been sketching and painting John’s construction crew but had no idea where the collection was leading him. He had been enjoying watching the men, especially the sight of muscles in motion. Sidney was displaying everything that Justin gave him, not ever wanting to turn down the offerings, but he hadn’t been sure about this theme. Now, Sidney had something to go on. Both Lindsay and Sidney were pleased with Justin’s concept.

“Where are you going?” Justin asked. Brian was looking exceptionally sexy in his charcoal grey Armani sport coat, cream linen shirt and crisp jeans. Justin felt his dick take notice as well.

“Scott called, he needs a little help with some sticky negotiations,” Brian replied.

“I see. And does this help require seduction?” Justin asked with narrowed eyes.

“See something you like, Sunshine?” Brian smugly purred. He enjoyed that at almost fifty, he could still get a rise out of his partner, in more ways than one.

“Yes, I do and so will a lot of other people,” Justin grumbled. Brian put his briefcase down on the path then opened his arms. Justin didn’t hesitate to move into them.

“Only you, Sunshine,” Brian whispered into the blond head. He could feel Justin nod and smile into his chest. Brian lifted Justin’s chin with a finger then gently kissed the full lips.

“I love you,” Justin mumbled against Brian’s lips.

“I know,” Brian whispered back. “I won’t be too late tonight,” he said as he bent to retrieve his briefcase.

“Okay,” Justin said, always a little sad to be parted from his partner. Justin watched as Brian walked to the Corvette. Today was a day to impress the clients and Brian was just the man to do it. Justin waved as the Corvette rumbled down the lane. Then he returned to the cottage to start his day.

*****

Two weeks before Bree’s birthday, several grandmothers and grandfathers received very special invitations.

They Say It’s Your Birthday

Chapter 2

“We got an invitation today,” Susan said as she greeted her husband who had just returned from work.

“To what?”

“Look at it and you’ll see,” Susan replied. She handed Craig an envelope.

Craig looked at the return address and made a face. “What do they want now?” he asked derisively. Susan made no reply. Craig pulled out the invitation. He immediately recognized Bree’s distinctive rainbow on the front of the invitation. What surprised him, however, was the picture of himself and Susan, also on the front. It looked like it had been taken at Bree’s extravaganza birthday party a few years ago. Craig couldn’t help but wonder what mind numbing blowout of a party his granddaughter’s overindulgent parents would be hosting this time.

Slowly he opened the card. Inside, Bree’s distinctive printing was neatly arranged on the page. “Why can’t they use regular cards?” Craig wondered aloud.

“I think it’s sweet that they make them,” Susan contributed. “And most of it is Bree’s work.”

Craig scanned the invitation looking for what hotel would hold the occasion, or if they would be subjected to a circus in the Pittsburgh Penguins home arena. “Shit!” he said as he continued reading.

“What?”

“It’s at their place.”

“Of course it’s at Edna’s Treasures. That’s Bree’s home.”

“What does this mean – Grandparents’ Dinner Party?” Craig asked as he read the card again.

“It sounds like all Bree’s grandparents are being invited,” Susan supplied.

“Why would they do that?” Craig asked with a frown. “Is it some kind of slap in the face to Joan since she won’t be there?”

“Craig, how can you say such a thing?” Susan chastised. “I think it’s a lovely idea.”

“You would! We’ll have to go to their house and make nice with all the fags.”

“If it’s the grandparents who are invited, there won’t be any fags, as you so lovingly call them, except for your son and his husband.”

Craig made a face. “Yeah, him!”

“Craig, we are going!”

“Yes, dear.”

*****

Seth came into the kitchen where Jennifer was making them some dinner. He handed her an envelope.

“What’s this?”

“I didn’t open it, but by the return address, I’d say it’s from your son.”

“Hm,” Jennifer said as she turned down the pork chops she was making and opened the envelope. “Not from my son, from my granddaughter.”

“Bree?”

“Yes, it’s a handmade card. And look, it has her little rainbow on it.” Jennifer showed it to Seth as they both admired a picture of them together that had been pasted on the front of the card. Jennifer opened the invitation. “We’re invited to a Grandparents’ Dinner Party for Bree’s birthday,” Jennifer said.

“Grandparents?” Seth asked. “Isn’t that a little strange considering what happened to Joan?”

“Maybe she wants to celebrate with all the rest of us while we’re still here,” Jennifer said with a gentle smile.

“You’re going to be here for a long time, darling,” Seth assured her.

“But some of her other grandparents are getting up there. Debbie is almost Joan’s age, and Claire is no spring chicken.”

“True,” Seth agreed.

“I think it will be lovely, and much more intimate than some of the other affairs at Edna’s Treasures.”

“I bet it will be just perfect,” Seth said as he kissed her cheek.

Jennifer grinned. “I think it will too.”

*****

“Hello,” Brian said as he picked up the phone in the kitchen.

“How the hell are you?” a loud voice demanded.

“I’m fine … Maw,” Brian replied, carefully considering his use of the word “Maw” before he said it. It seemed right since quite a bit of time had passed since his own mother’s death.

“I just got that adorable invitation from your little sweetie pie.”

Brian couldn’t help but smile. Debbie always knew how to bring out the best in him, and her heart was always in the right place even when she was smacking him upside the head. “I assume you’ll be able to attend,” Brian said formally.

“I’ve checked my social calendar and I happen to be free,” Debbie teased.

“That’s good.”

“Brian,” Debbie said with a serious tome to her voice. “Are you sure this is a good time to be having a Grandparents’ Dinner so soon after Joan…”

“It wasn’t my idea, Deb. Bree wanted this kind of dinner party for her birthday. It was all her idea.”

“I wonder why,” Debbie said.

“I think she’s still missing Joan, and she would like all of you around her so that she knows you’re safe and sound.”

“And also know how much we all love her.”

“That would be part of it,” Brian agreed.

“She’s an amazing little girl.”

“I say that to myself every day.”

“You and Justin have done such a wonderful job with her,” Debbie gushed.

Brian swallowed before he could speak. “Thanks, that means a lot to hear you say it.”

“Carl and I love you all so much. And I can’t thank you enough for everything you did for Michael while he was living on the lane.”

“How’s he doing these days?”

“Just fine. He works every day, but I make him take the weekends off and rest. He and Ben are doing some bike riding now that the weather’s better.”

“Good, he was a lazy bag of bones while he was here,” Brian said sticking his tongue firmly into his cheek as he waited for Debbie’s reply. A loud cackle resounded in his ear causing him to take the receiver away.

“You are so full of shit,” Debbie laughed. “I know you loved having him there.”

“I’m just glad he’s well,” Brian said sincerely.

“Me too, kiddo, me too,” Debbie stated. “I’m looking forward to Miss Bree’s birthday bash. Tell her Carl and I will definitely be there.”

“She’ll be pleased,” Brian replied.

“What the hell am I going to get her for a gift?” Debbie shrieked as the thought struck her.

Brian laughed at Debbie’s question. “I’ve been asking myself that ever since the idea of this party came up.”

“And have you decided?”

“Fuck no!”

It was Debbie’s turn to laugh. “I don’t have a fucking clue.”

“That makes two of us. Good luck, Deb. We’re all going to need it.”

Brian cut the connection.

*****

There was one set of grandparents left to respond. It wasn’t long before the phone rang once more at Edna’s Treasures.

“Hello.”

“Brian?”

“Yes, Claire, it’s me,” Brian said with a smile on his face.

“How are you, dear?” Claire asked.

“I’m … doing okay.”

“Okay is good. Sometimes it’s the best we can hope for.”

Brian felt a lump well up in his throat. Claire’s honesty and insight were always so telling. “I miss her,” he whispered.

“We all do, but no one more than you.”

“Maybe one person misses her more.”

“Bree?”

“Yeah, she still gets that sad look on her face every once in a while.”

“That’s to be expected. It doesn’t mean anything is wrong.”

Brian appreciated hearing that. “I hope you and Steve can come to the dinner party.”

“We certainly can. I wouldn’t miss it,” Claire said. “Was it Bree’s idea?”

“Yes it was. How did you know? Everyone else thinks it was some fucked up idea that I dreamed up in my warped little mind.”

“Brian, I know how you love that little girl. You wouldn’t do anything to hurt her … or your mother. I could see Bree deciding that the best tribute to her Gamma Joan would be to have all her other grandparents to dinner. I know there will be discussion of Joan and her influence on Bree’s life when we get together. I think Bree needs to hear that.”

“So do I. You always get to the heart of the matter.”

“I like to think I do,” Claire said with a laugh. “Do you need any help with the party? I can certainly do anything you might want me to do.”

“Thanks, but no, we’ll be fine, and we do have the party planner extraordinaire right down the lane.”

“Of course,” Claire chuckled. “Well, if you decide there’s anything I can do, just let me know.”

“I will, and thanks, Claire.”

“You’re most welcome, dear.”

Brian set the phone back on the base. He did have a wonderful family.

*****

Since Bree’s birthday fell on a Saturday this year, it was decided that the special dinner for her grandparents would be held on that day. The Saturday prior was earmarked Bree’s McDonald’s day. To make it easier, Ashley went home with Bree Friday after school and spent the night. Around noon, Brian piled the kids into his Jeep to drive them to the “big” McDonalds.

“You’re sure you don’t mind if I stay here and paint?” Justin asked Brian before they drove away. Brian leaned out of the car window to peck Justin’s lips.

“Enjoy the solitude. I’ll be fine,” Brian assured Justin. Justin remained unconvinced. A Saturday, at lunchtime, at McDonalds could try the patience of any saint. Brian Kinney was no saint!

“You’re sure?” Justin asked with arms crossed.

“I go prepared for all eventualities, Sunshine.” Brian lifted his own man-bag off of Patrick’s lap. In it he had his laptop and an mp3 player with headphones. He also had a book.

“A real book, how retro,” Justin teased. Brian narrowed his eyes. “All right, I get it, you are prepared. Go forth, have a good time and remember I am sending you off with three children, please come home with three children,” Justin snarked making the kids laugh. Brian arched a brow.

“The same three children,” Justin qualified. Brian snickered.

“You mean I can’t trade them in for better models?” Brian asked.

“No, Dada, I’m the bestest model,” Bree stated with a straight face. Patrick and Ashley nodded their heads in agreement.

“I see.” Brian appeared to be considering the statement. “Then I guess I’ll have to come back with you three.”

“That’s my good Dada!” Bree said with a sunny smile. Justin laughed.

“She’s so onto you, Bri!” Justin smiled brilliantly. “Have fun, behave and try not to eat too much junk,” Justin cautioned as Brian started up the Jeep.

“Okay!” the kids chorused.

“I was talking to Brian,” Justin deadpanned getting a glare in return and loads of giggles from the kids. Brian shook his head.

“Let’s get this show on the road,” Brian declared as he slowly backed down the drive and then onto the lane.

Justin waved as he watched the Jeep go down the lane. He turned and went back into the cottage to take advantage of the quiet.

*****

“What did I get myself into,” Brian mumbled to himself as he stood in line to order. His pained expression was mirrored by several other parents who were also in line waiting to place their orders for their kids. It appeared to Brian that every child was having a birthday celebration in this particular McDonalds.

One large group had reserved the party room. It was taking four parents to carry back the orders. The birthday girl in particular was having a difficult time choosing her birthday treat and was becoming annoying. Brian looked over at his three kids that were sitting at a sunny table toward the front corner of the restaurant and chatting quietly. He offered up a silent prayer of thanks as he stepped up to the counter to give his order. Within minutes he was back at the table with his tray of goodies which included a chicken salad for himself.

“Can we go play, Dada?” Bree asked when she, Ashley and Patrick had finished their Happy Meals.

“You don’t want dessert?” Brian asked.

“Not yet,” Bree answered for all. The other two nodded in agreement.

“We want to play now before it gets too crowded,” Patrick explained. He was really getting too big to play in the ball pit, but it was quiet at the moment and he was skinny enough to get through the tunnels without a problem. He knew he’d have to get out once the other kids wanted to play.

“Okay, be free and be careful.” Brian made a royal wave with his hand toward the play area. “We can have dessert at any time,” he said as the kids scurried to the play area. Bree suddenly stopped then turned back to her father.

“Thank you, Dada!” she said as she threw her little arms around Brian’s neck. “I love you.”

“I love you too, Squirt,” Brian replied, hugging her tightly then kissing her cheek. “Go play now. Have fun,” he said then sent her on her way with a pat to her bum. Brian dug into his bag, pulled out his laptop, turned it on and began to review a few contracts.

“Excuse me, may I sit here for a few minutes,” an attractive woman asked. “I’m waiting for my niece. It’s so noisy in there. I thought I’d wait out here till she’s ready,” the woman explained.

Brian looked over at the ball pit; his kids were still inside the play tunnels. He nodded then went back to his contracts.

“Reading anything good?” the woman asked, flirting shamelessly as she sipped her soda through a straw.

“Just contracts,” Brian replied trying to be polite. Sometimes he would forget how to behave in the straight world. Brian was sheltered at Edna’s Treasures and with Kinnetik business, very few cared about his orientation.

“Are you a lawyer or something?” The woman seemed to perk up, batting her eyes at the attractive man behind the laptop.

“Something,” Brian quipped, not really wanting to explain. He was hoping the woman would just go away.

“Mmm, a man of mystery, I like that,” the woman purred. “I’ve never seen you here before. Are you with someone?” the woman asked as she tried to subtly look around for an unattached female.

“We don’t usually eat junk food. My daughter made a special request today,” Brian replied purposely being ambiguous.

“Daughter; and your wife?” she asked hoping Brian would say he was divorced.

“Home, taking a break.”

“Oh, how nice of you,” she said, obviously disappointed with his answer. She then got up. “I see my niece is ready, I better go. Nice talking to you,” the woman smiled prettily.

“Yes, nice,” Brian replied coolly then returned to his contracts as the woman left the table.

“Hey, Uncle Bri, who was that?” Patrick asked as he took a long sip from his soda cup. He was a little overheated from playing.

“Some woman who was trying to make nice,” Brian snarked.

“And were you nice?” Patrick gave him a look that reminded Brian of one of John’s disapproving looks.

“I was polite,” was all that Brian would say. Patrick nodded. “Are you done in there?” Brian asked referring to the tunnels and pit.

“Yeah. It gets hot in there when it fills up with little kids.”

The party room had emptied out as the kids all crawled through the entrance to the play area. Bree and Ashley were now surrounded by lots of kids just about their age.

“Are the girls ready to leave the torture chamber?” Brian asked his nephew.

“I think so. They’re making their way around the maze one last time.” Brian nodded then began to pack up his stuff.

About ten minutes later, two sweaty red-faced little girls presented themselves to Brian. He was prepared with two bottles of juice. He made them sit and slowly drink to cool themselves down.

“Are we having dessert here?” he asked the kids.

“Can we get ice cream at the general store?” Bree asked; the other two nodded.

“I sense a conspiracy,” Brian smirked but secretly approved. He knew the ice cream at the general store was homemade and with the finest ingredients. He had no objection to a little indulgence at that establishment.

Three little faces smiled up at Brian.

“Come on, let’s go get the good stuff,” Brian commanded. The kids cheered then followed Brian out of the restaurant.

*****

“Mmm, thank you, Dada!” Bree murmured around a spoonful of her favorite ice cream. Patrick and Ashley were making similar happy noises as well. Even Brian allowed himself a small dish of ice cream.

After their treat, Brian dropped Ashley off at her house then took Patrick and Bree home. When they got home, Patrick jumped out of the Jeep, gave his uncle and Bree a hug then trotted into the cottage to find his dads. Brian took Bree’s hand and led her around to the greenhouse.

The greenhouse was always in bloom but with the Spring sun shining through the glass roof, the flowers seemed brighter and their scent intoxicating. Brian brought Bree to the section of the greenhouse that Brian had designated for roses. In a large bright pink and purple glazed pot stood a blooming rose bush.

“Pretty, Dada!” Bree declared as she stuck her nose into a flower. The petals were silky soft and a vibrant shade of pink.

“It’s called Wild Berry Breeze. When I saw it, it reminded me of you,” Brian said in almost a whisper.

“Is this my rose?” Bree asked with awe. Brian nodded.

“Thank you so much, Dada!” Bree gushed as she threw herself into her father’s arms.

Brian sat on a nearby bench, hugging his daughter, surrounded by their flowers and the soothing sounds of the waterfall.

They Say It’s Your Birthday

Chapter 3

Brian was surfing the net in his office when he heard the sound of little feet on the circular staircase that led to his attic office. He wondered what would be bringing Bree up to his inner sanctum.

“Dada,” a little voice said just outside his door.

“Come on in, Squirt,” Brian replied. Bree stepped inside her father’s office. “What’s up?” Brian asked.

“I want to say thank you for taking me and Ashley and Patrick to McDonalds.”

Brian smiled. “Did you have fun?”

“Yes,” Bree said but there was uncertainty in her voice.

“That’s good,” Brian replied, “but you don’t sound very sure about how much fun you had.”

Bree shook her head. “I shouldn’t have fun,” she whispered sadly.

“Why not?” Brian asked in surprise.

“I should be sad.”

“Sad? Why?”

“’Cause Gamma Joan wasn’t there, and she won’t be at my dinner with my other grandparents.”

“And that makes you sad?”

“Yes,” Bree said her eyes dropping to the floor.

“Do you think Grandma Joan would want you to be sad all the time? Do you think she’d be upset that you had a good time at McDonalds?”

“Maybe,” Bree said uncertainly. She ventured a look at her father.

“I think Grandma Joan would be very upset that you thought you couldn’t have any fun now that she’s not here.”

“You do?” Bree’s hopeful face looked up at Brian.

“Come over here,” Brian ordered gently. Bree approached her father, and Brian lifted the petite girl into his lap. “Better?” he asked. Bree nodded. “Let me ask you something.”

“What?” Bree asked with a frown.

“If Grandma Joan had been with us at McDonalds, what do you think she would have said?”

Bree thought about that for a minute. “She would have said she wished she could fit in the slide with us,” Bree said as a smile crossed her face.

“Exactly.”

“And then she would have told me and Patrick and Ashley to have tons of fun.”

“Right.”

“But she wasn’t there to say any of that,” Bree reminded her father.

“No, she wasn’t, but you’re allowed to have fun. In fact, your grandmother would have insisted on it.”

“But…” Bree began. “Is it disrespectable to her?”

“Disrespectful, Squirt.”

“Disrespectful,” Bree repeated.

“No, it’s not. After someone dies, there’s a period of what’s called grieving when the deceased person’s family and friends are sad about the death. Everyone grieves for as long as they need to in whatever way they need to, but then eventually they have to get on with their lives. That doesn’t mean they forget about the person who has died. It just means that life goes on, and we are allowed to have all the emotions we had before, including being happy or angry or … sad. Do you understand?”

“I think so, Dada.”

“Good,” Brian replied with a sigh of relief.

“Daddy said Gamma Joan has gone to heaven.”

Brian drew in a breath. He was afraid of this happening. “Yes, I guess Daddy did.”

“Where’s heaven?”

“There’s no answer to that,” Brian said after thinking for a moment.

“Huh?”

Brian knew he needed to explain more fully, but he wasn’t sure how. “Some people believe that heaven is way up in the sky.”

“Further than the spaceships go?” Bree asked.

“Yes.”

“Do you think that’s where it is?”

“I don’t really know, Squirt. I think if it exists it’s actually deep inside our hearts.”

“Oh?” Bree said in surprise. “I like that better.”

“You do?”

Bree nodded. “I can feel Gamma Joan in my heart sometimes.”

“You know, I think maybe I can too,” Brian admitted.

“I love you, Dada,” Bree said as she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek.

“I love you too, Squirt.”

“And I love my new rose.”

“I thought you might.”

“And I want to say something about Gamma Joan at my dinner party.”

“You do?”

“Yes.”

“What do you want to say?”

“I don’t know yet, but I’ll figure it out.”

“I bet you will.”

“Love you, Dada.”

“Love you too.”

And that was that.

*****

“How was your visit with Bree?” Justin asked when Brian came down for some coffee a little later.

“You knew she was up there, and you left me to the wolves?” Brian asked with an arched brow.

“A conversation with our daughter is hardly leaving you to the wolves.”

“Well, it felt like that.”

“So what was this conversation about?”

“Heaven,” Brian replied with a smug look on his face.

“Shit! What did you tell her?”

“You told her that Grandma Joan had gone to heaven.”

“Yes I did.”

“She wanted to know where heaven was.”

“And how did you answer that?” Justin asked with a worried look on his face.

“I didn’t tell her that there is no heaven.”

“At least not in your view of the world.”

“I know Bree prays each night. It was my mother who taught her to do that,” Brian reminded his husband. Justin nodded. “I told Bree that most people thought heaven was way up in the sky, but she didn’t think that was very likely.”

Justin frowned. “She didn’t?”

Brian shook his head. “I said I thought that if heaven existed it was actually deep inside our hearts.” Justin smiled warmly at Brian. “And she agreed with me, because she says she can feel Joan in her own heart.”

“Aw,” Justin said kissing Brian’s cheek.

“Sometimes I do say the right thing.”

“Most of the time you say the right thing,” Justin corrected.

Brian sucked in his lips and looked at Justin. After a moment he said, “And she wants to say something about Gamma Joan at the dinner.”

“She does? What does she want to say?” Justin asked curious as to why Bree would be suggesting such a thing.

“She doesn’t know yet.”

“What the hell does that mean?” Justin demanded.

Brian shrugged. “That’s what she said.”

“I … I don’t want her to be upset,” Justin said hesitantly. “She might cry.”

“If she needs to cry, she will,” Brian stated.

“How can you be so cold?”

“I told Bree that people grieved in their own way for as long as they needed to. I think this is part of that process for her.”

Justin shook his head. “Sometimes you amaze me.”

“Sometimes I amaze myself,” Brian admitted sticking his tongue in his cheek.

Justin laughed and threw his arms around Brian’s neck. “I love you,” he whispered before kissing his husband silly.

*****

The day before the grand event, Emmett came to the lane and proceeded to take over the cottage. He insisted that if Justin had to paint, Justin should take his paints, canvases and other accoutrements elsewhere. Emmett refused to allow the sun porch to smell like oil paint and turpentine. Nothing was to interfere with the aromas and scents of Emmett’s delicacies and floral arrangements. Of course, the flowers for the floral arrangements were cheerfully provided by the master gardener of the lane and owner of the greenhouse. Most prominent on display was Bree’s rose.

With the kids at school, Emmett had carte blanche to do whatever he needed to do.

“Hey, Emm, what’s on the menu for tomorrow?” Justin asked on his way through the sun porch and out toward the greenhouse; he decided to paint there. The natural light was perfect and Justin found the soothing sounds from their man made waterfall inspiring.

“I decided to keep the menu simple. Since no one is on any restrictive diet, I’m doing a roast with all the fixings. The ladies already approve of MY gravy so no worries there. And I think Princess Bree could use some comfort food instead of something fancy,” Emmett explained. “What do you think?” Emmett asked looking to Justin for some affirmation regarding his choices.

“I think you’re right,” Justin agreed. With his easel, canvas and paint box under his arms, Justin left the sun porch for the greenhouse.

“I agree,” Brian’s voice came from above. He had been working in his office and overheard the conversation.

“Thank you, your majesty,” Emmett teased. “How are you doing?”

It had been about six months since the passing of Joan. For the family of Edna’s Treasures and their extended family, most of life had gotten back on track; with a few exceptions, namely Brian, Bree and Danny. Brian and Bree for the obvious reasons, but Danny felt the loss daily. He even considered closing up his shop were it not for Riley and several of the bookstore patrons.

The members community surrounding the Village closed ranks around the bookstore, giving Danny their support and proving to him that it would honor Joan’s memory more to keep the bookshop going, especially the ‘lending library’ that a lot of the kids counted on as they continued their education. Danny was working through his grief and named the spot near the fireplace ‘Joan’s reading corner.’ Hunter had donated the two overstuffed chairs Joan had in her house to the bookstore. The queen in Danny loved the chairs and thought it a fitting ongoing memorial. In turn, Danny gave to Hunter the two leather covered chairs that were originally in that spot. He thought they would fit in perfectly in Joan’s old house which had been transformed into a halfway house for Hunter’s kids.

The whole family had approved.

“A little better,” Brian replied honestly. It was getting a little easier each day for Brian but there were still a few days where his anger threatened to get the better of him. He kept himself together with the love and support of his immediate family and especially Bree. As with Justin, Bree held the magic key to Brian’s heart. “Can I help you with anything?” Brian asked.

“No, honey. I’ll bake the cake tonight at my cottage. The rest I’ll do here tomorrow. The grandparents should all be descending at around three. So I’ll be…”

“Knocking on my door early, but NOT before eight,” Brian warned. “We deserve one day to sleep late.”

“Oh pshaw! You can sleep late on Sunday but I promise not to disturb you,” Emmett vowed.

“Uh huh,” Brian murmured before retreating back into his office. He remained unconvinced.

Emmett spent the rest of the day cleaning, checking on linens and inspecting the ‘good china and crystal.’ Not that anything in Brian Kinney’s home could possibly be sub-standard or in disrepair, but as the family’s fairy godmother, Emmett made it his mission to keep tabs on things like that. Emm arranged the sun porch furniture then stacked the dishes and silverware on the table. He’d set the table the next day.

All that was left was the baking and the cooking. Emmett shouted his goodbye up toward the balcony then slipped away through the porch door when he heard a grunt of acknowledgement.

*****

“Helllooo!” Emmett called out as he entered the greenhouse. The greenhouse was lush with vibrant blooms and foliage. He looked back through the doorway that he had just come from. The path from the edge of Brian’s garden to the side door of the greenhouse had been lined with hedges and every few feet stood an arching arbor. It made for almost a completely sheltered path from the garden to the greenhouse. It allowed for light but kept most of the snow off the path during the winter.

“Near the pond!” Emmett heard. He turned then walked toward the back of the greenhouse. The back wall as with the front wall was made from stone. However, the back wall had water sluicing down the rock face into a pond. The pond had an outlet though the wall to the outside. The rest of the pond was outside. It was deep enough and was heated so that the koi survived the winter. This was Brian’s tropical oasis in rural Pennsylvania.

“Am I disturbing you?” Emmett asked as he saw the artist through the trees and approached closer.

“No, just taking a break,” Justin responded. He was sitting on the pond wall.

“Everything okay?” Emmett asked, glancing at Justin’s hand. It was over twenty years since the bashing but the occasional cramp in Justin’s hand was an ever present reminder of that day.

“I’m fine, Emmett. I’m really taking a break.” Justin smiled then cocked his head toward a finished canvas slowly drying on the easel.

“Oh!” Emmett exclaimed. “That’s me!” he gasped as he stared at the canvas.

“Yes, it is. I hope you don’t mind.”

“But I thought you were painting construction workers.” Emmett had seen several of Justin’s ‘working men’ at the Bloom Gallery.

“It started out that way and then grew. I’ve been painting and sketching many of the everyday people,” Justin said making quote marks in the air at the word, everyday.

“I’m hardly an everyday person,” Emmett teased.

“You know what I mean. I couldn’t stop at just the people at the construction site. I started sketching cops and firemen and, well, you get the picture,” Justin quipped at Emmett.

“I certainly do,” he said as he stepped closer to the canvas. “No one has ever painted me before. Not like this.” Justin had captured the tall queen by his oven with a rack of freshly baked popovers in his oven mitt covered hands. The details were so precise that one could feel the heat coming from the oven, see the sweat on Emmett’s brow and smell the hot popovers.

“This is beautiful,” Emmett gushed. “I love it,” he said as he threw his arms around Justin. “I’ve always admired your work. Your abstract paintings are incredible but there’s something about your portraits, you capture the model’s soul.”

“Thank you, Emm,” Justin said from Emmett’s chest. Emmett was a very special member of their family. His opinion meant a lot to Justin.

“Is there something I should know about?” Brian growled as he stood under a potted palm.

“Hmmm?” Emmett mumbled then quickly released Justin from the hug. Emmett’s hands had made a quick trip toward Justin’s delectable rump.

Brian arched a brow. Justin quickly moved into Brian’s arms as Emmett nervously giggled.

“Don’t you have a cake to bake?” Brian glared.

“Oops! Silly me. Tootles!” Emmett smiled brightly then scurried through the greenhouse to the front door. Brian and Justin laughed when they heard the front door open and shut.

“You know nothing would ever happen with Emmett,” Justin said with his arms still around Brian’s trim waist.

“I know, Sunshine. Emmett is so not your type but I have a reputation to maintain.”

“Emmett has shot holes through that reputation over the years.”

“I know that too but allow me to live in ignorance,” Brian quipped. The lovers remained in the hug; Brian pressed his lips on top of the blond head. He felt Justin sigh and his arms tighten around Brian.

“I love you,” Justin whispered.

“I know,” Brian replied. “We have about an hour before the Squirt gets home. Wanna fuck?”

“Ever the romantic, aren’t you, Kinney,” Justin laughed as he pushed back from Brian to see his face.

“Well?” Brian asked with an arch to his brow.

“Hell yeah!” Justin shouted, waggling his eyebrows, grabbing Brian’s hand then quickly leading him through the greenhouse and back to the cottage.

“You’re so easy,” Brian laughed as Justin dragged him to their room.

*****

After dinner the dads checked over homework then spent the rest of the evening at the Anderson-Morrison side of the conjoined cottages. They were enjoying a game of Scrabble and talking about their day.

“Bree?”

“Yes, Uncle Bobby?”

“Can you help me make the popcorn?”

“Sure, Uncle Bobby,” Briana replied. They went to the kitchen to make the popcorn the traditional way in a popper on the stove.

“Bree, I wanted to thank you,” Bobby said as he shook the pan.

“I like making popcorn, Uncle Bobby.”

“I’m glad, but that’s not what I wanted to thank you for. I wanted to thank you for inviting my parents to your party. My parents are honored to be included.”

“I don’t understand,” Bree said, a little bewildered. “I love Grandpa Dan and Grandma Emily.”

“And they love you too, sweetheart. But they’re a little different from your other grandparents.” Bree studied her uncle’s face; she wasn’t sure what he meant. Bobby sighed; for a lawyer, he was doing a lousy job getting his point across. He turned to pay attention to the corn popping on the stove.

Bree stood on a stool watching her uncle. She was trying to figure out if he was upset or angry or what.

“Uncle Bobby, my Grandma Jenn is my daddy’s mommy,” she said as Bobby turned off the stove. “And my Grandpa Craig is my daddy’s daddy. Grandma Debbie is Dada’s special Maw.” Bree said ‘Maw’ the way she heard Brian always pronounce it. “And Grandma Claire is Uncle John’s mommy.”

It was Bobby’s turn to not fully understand as Bree recited her inventory of all her grandmothers and grandfathers and their relationship to her.

“You’re my uncle and I love you. My daddies love you. I love your mommy and daddy too,” Bree declared.

“Thank you, princess.” Bobby hugged the petite child then kissed her cheek. “Let’s bring in the popcorn,” he whispered.

“Yay, popcorn!” Bree bounced excitedly then helped her uncle bring in the bowls.

The kids eventually were put to bed and the men cleaned up for the night. Beau was on his nightly patrol of the lane then cut through the trees following the stream to Danny and Riley’s tollhouse. No one was home but Beau made sure it was all secure.

“You okay, Red?” Brian asked his brother-in-law before going back to his side of the cottage. Bobby was washing some glasses.

“I’m fine, really. Do you know just how remarkable your daughter is?” Bobby asked with moist eyes.

“I have an inkling,” Brian remarked. He kissed the side of Bobby’s head then bid Bobby and John a good night.

They Say It’s Your Birthday

Chapter 4

“Daddy, Dada, how do I look?” Bree asked before she twirled around in front of her fathers. She was wearing the new pink dress she had chosen for her birthday dinner.

“You look like a million dollars, sweetheart,” Justin said with a big smile.

“Make that a billion dollars,” Brian said. Bree smiled and curtsied.

“I think it should be a trillion dollars,” Emmett threw in as he watched the little family in the living room while he was preparing for the birthday dinner in the kitchen.

“I think that hair of yours could use this,” Brian added holding out a little jewelry box with a pink ribbon around it.

“What is it?” Bree asked with very big eyes.

“It’s a little present Daddy and I got for you, because you’re our very grown up little girl.”

Bree pulled one end of the ribbon and it fell away from the box. She flipped the lid and let out a little gasp. “Are they diamonds?” she asked in a hushed voice.

Brian and Justin chuckled. So did Emmett who had been listening to the whole thing.

“No, Squirt, they’re called rhinestones.”

“Or you could just call them bling,” Emmett suggested as he walked into the living room from the kitchen.

“Ooh, bling!” Bree gushed.

“Here, let me clip it in your hair,” Brian said as he took the little jeweled barrette out of the case. It was shaped like a capital “B” encrusted with rhinestones. “There, that looks beautiful,” Brian stated.

“Adorable,” Emmett agreed.

“Go check it in the mirror,” Justin instructed. Bree ran to her bedroom to look at her new trinket.

“That was very sweet of you guys,” Emmett observed. “I know she said she didn’t care if she got presents this year.”

Brian snorted. “What kid doesn’t want presents?”

“Don’t underestimate your daughter,” Emmett cautioned.

“I’d never do that, but she is a kid.”

“Going on thirty.”

“Daddy, Dada, I love my barrette,” Bree said as she bounced back into the room. “It’s great!”

“I’m glad you like it, sweetheart,” Justin replied giving her a hug.

“Can we see the sun porch now, Auntie Emm?” Bree asked. The family had been banned from the porch while Emmett decorated. He had promised that it would be tasteful and grown up.

“I think that could be arranged,” Emmett said holding out his hand to Bree. She slid her hand into his and he led her through the kitchen to the sun porch. Brian and Justin followed.

“Wow!” Bree said as she stepped into the sun porch.

“Double wow,” Justin agreed.

“Not bad,” Brian contributed, earning a shake of the head from Emmett followed by a grin that played around the corners of his mouth.

They all stood just inside the doorway from the house and surveyed what Emmett had created.

The long tables had been laid end to end to accommodate the sixteen people who would be guests at the dinner. Brian and Justin had asked Emmett to join them, but he had said he would be the hired help for the party, and would be spending his time going back and forth to the kitchen and serving wine and food. He would spend his time in the kitchen and leave Bree with her immediate family and her large group of grandparents.

“I love it, Auntie Emm,” Bree whispered reverently as she started to walk along the table. Her hand slid over the soft pink cloth that covered the tables making them look like one large table. The dishes and flatware sparkled as did the crystal glasses that sat in front of each place setting. Matching pink napkins were styled like exotic birds atop each plate. Spaced down the length of the table were groupings of pink and white tulips with candles interspersed. A tiny silver place card holder stood at each place setting. In each was a little pale pink card with the name of the guest handwritten in beautiful tiny script.

“You outdid yourself, Honeycutt,” Brian stated.

“Thanks,” Emmett said with a toothy grin. “I think it looks very elegant and grown up, but also just like our Miss Bree.”

“Exactly,” Justin agreed.

“Am I sitting here?” Bree asked as she reached the end of the table. The place card at the head of the table read Miss Briana Victoria Kinney-Taylor.

“You have the place of honor,” Emmett informed her. “Your daddies are on each side of you.” Emmett had draped some of the same pink fabric of the table cloth over the chair where Bree would sit. It was tied with a bow in the back. It singled out that seat at the head of the table, and made it special for the birthday girl. Bree smiled happily as she took it all in.

Brian looked around the rest of the sun porch. Bunches of his tulips and other flowers were tastefully placed near the chaises and on Bree’s work table. The whole room could have been from a very high class restaurant or hotel, yet it was still their place, homey and welcoming.

“You used the flowers very well,” Brian told Emmett.

“Thank you again, kind sir. I hoped you would approve.”

“It’s magnificent, Emm,” Justin said.

“Yeah, magnificent,” Bree agreed.

“Thank you, my lady,” Emmett responded with a courtly bow. “I’m so glad that you are pleased.”

“Very pleased,” Bree replied with a little curtsy. “I love it all.”

“Your guests should be arriving soon, so I better check that everything is ready,” Emmett said before bustling off to the kitchen.

“Is it safe to come in?” a voice called from the other side of the sun porch.

“I believe it is,” Brian responded.

John, Bobby and Patrick entered through their doorway. They stopped in amazement as they viewed the transformation that Emmett had wrought.

“It’s beautiful, Uncle John,” Bree said.

“Absolutely!” John agreed. “This is going to be a very special birthday.”

Bree nodded in agreement.

“Wow, Bree, you must feel so grown up,” Patrick said sincerely.

Bree smiled at her cousin and friend. She merely nodded.

The doorbell rang at that moment.

“Want to bet it’s Debbie?” Bobby asked with a chuckle.

“No contest,” Brian said looking at his watch. It was an even earlier arrival than Debbie would customarily make. Brian opened the door and was surprised to see Bobby’s parents, Dan and Emily, standing there. “Hello,” he said surprised that the Morrisons were the first to arrive. They had been the last to reply to the invitation, thinking some kind of mistake had been made since they had no blood link with Bree at all.

“Hello, Brian,” Emily said smiling widely. “I know we’re a little early, but we wanted to tell Bree how honored we felt to be included in her grandparents dinner.”

“Hi, Grandma Emily, Grandpa Dan,” Bree chirped up. “I’m very glad you were able to come.” She said the words just the way she had practiced them in her bedroom.

Brian and Justin smiled, while Bobby and John hugged the older couple. Patrick took the beautifully wrapped present they had brought and placed it on a table in the sun porch that Emmett had set up for that purpose. He then returned to share in the hugs.

“Thank you for inviting us, Bree,” Dan said.

“Come on in. We have drinks in the living room,” Justin said.

They all moved inside and had just got their drinks worked out when the doorbell rang again.

“Debbie,” everyone said, and sure enough it was.

The flamboyant redhead hugged Bree tightly while Carl gave their gift to Patrick who placed it on the table in the sun porch next to the present his grandparents had brought. That would be the ritual for the party as each pair of guests arrived.

There were lots of hugs and sincere thank you’s about being invited to this special party. Jennifer and Seth told Bree how proud they were that Bree had thought up the idea for a grandparents’ party. It would be a very special day. Claire and Steve felt very special at being included too.

When everyone had a drink and was settled in the living room, it became obvious that one set of grandparents hadn’t yet arrived. Bree kept glancing toward the front door. Everyone seemed to be holding their breath while they continued to make small talk to cover up their nervousness. No one wanted Bree to be upset and disappointed on her birthday.

“If he doesn’t come, I’m going to kill him,” Justin spat out to Brian, doing so as quietly as he could so as not to make a scene.

“I’ll hold him down for you while you do it,” Brian averred.

“How can he do this to Bree … time and time again?” Justin asked in a whisper.

“We’re never inviting him to anything again,” Brian stated.

“Agreed.”

“More hors d’oeuvres?” Emmett asked as he came out of the kitchen with a tray of his famous delicacies. “Mr. Kinney. I have some of your favorite blue cheese and pear.”

“I’ve lost my appetite,” Brian growled before moving behind the bar to make himself another drink.

“This is so not good,” Emmett whispered to Justin.

“They said they would come,” Justin replied with a sad look on his face. “I thought Susan would be able to…”

Just then the doorbell rang. Brian and Justin exchanged a glance before Brian headed for the door. He yanked the door open not sure whether he hoped Craig would be standing there or not. He wanted to kick the asshole’s butt up and down the lane.

“I’m so sorry we’re late,” Susan began. “We had a flat tire and we had to wait over an hour for the AAA.”

“Is that right?” Brian asked making it clear he didn’t really believe them.

“Too bad I wasn’t with you,” Emmett said deciding to intervene in the standoff at the door. “I’m a crack tire changer.”

“You?” Craig asked skeptically. He looked almost sorry that they were arriving so late.

“Emmett has many extraordinary skills,” Brian stated much to Emmett’s surprise. “I’ve been the personal beneficiary of his tire changing expertise.”

“Why don’t you both come in and get a drink. You look like you could use it,” Emmett said taking the present that Susan was holding. He handed it to Patrick who had taken on the job of placing Bree’s presents in the special spot.

“That would be lovely,” she said as she stepped over the threshold. Brian stepped back to let Craig pass by.

“There’s my granddaughter!” Craig exclaimed as Bree appeared in the hallway.

“I didn’t think you were going to come,” Bree stated uncertainly. She remained well back from her grandfather not sure whether she really believed he had come to her party or not.

“We wouldn’t miss this for the world,” Susan replied.

“Not in a million years,” Craig added.

“You have before,” Bree accused. It was evident she was hurt that her grandparents hadn’t been able to get there on time.

Brian tried to hide his smirk. That was exactly what he would have said.

“I’m sorry, Bree,” Craig said trying to sound truthful. “We really did have a flat tire.”

“You could have called,” Justin said.

“Look, I forgot my cell phone, and Susan’s died after we called AAA. We’re here now, so can we just have a congenial time?” Craig asked.

“That would be nice,” Justin said, but his face mirrored the disappointment that Bree’s had shown.

“Can I have a hug?” Craig asked Bree.

“Okay,” Bree replied as she walked over to her grandfather and let him hug her. She did not hug back. She did the same with Susan who was visibly shaken by the lack of response.

“We really are sorry, Bree,” Susan said close to tears. “The last thing we want is to spoil your party.”

“It’s okay,” Bree said slowly. “We waited for you.”

“Thank you for doing that.”

“I could use that drink,” Craig interjected.

“I bet,” Brian muttered as he headed for the bar.

“Hello, everyone,” Susan said as she followed her husband into the living room. “I’m so sorry we’re late.”

There was a chorus of polite, if not entirely sincere, comments about it not being a problem, and that everyone was glad they were finally there. Craig and Susan got their drinks and found a seat. Emmett brought out another round of hors d’oeuvres. He also informed the guests that dinner would be served shortly.

After everyone had enjoyed a few more nibblies, Emmett invited them all to proceed to the dinner table. There were gasps of amazement as the guests saw the transformation of the sun porch that Emmett had managed. Everyone complimented him on his excellent taste and creative eye. Emmett basked in the glory for a moment before asking them all to take their seats.

When everyone was seated, Brian stood and welcomed them to Bree’s grandparent birthday party. He explained that he and Justin were very happy to host all of the assembled grandparents and were very proud of their daughter for thinking of doing this for her birthday. He stared at Craig when he talked about them all being there together. He wasn’t ready to let Craig Taylor off the hook for upsetting Bree, whether it was truly a flat tire or just Craig’s usual reluctance to be in the same room with him.

“Please, enjoy your dinner,” Brian said before he sat down.

“That was good, Dada,” Bree said patting her father’s hand.

“Thanks, Squirt. Are you still sure you want to speak at the end of dinner?”

“Yes, Dada, I want to.”

“Okay,” Brian said with a genuine smile for his precocious daughter.

Emmett began to serve the first course which was an elegantly arranged shrimp cocktail with his own special cocktail sauce. He had kept the portions small because there were several courses.

The Anderson-Morrisons and their in-laws were at one end of the table with the Kinney-Taylors at the other. Debbie and Carl and Craig and Susan were across the table from each other near the middle. Debbie enjoyed the shrimp cocktail and decided it would be polite to talk to Craig and Susan.

“Emmett has outdone himself with the food,” Debbie observed. “If everything else is this good, I’ll be gaining a pound or two today.

“This sauce is delicious,” Susan said.

“Did you work up an appetite trying to change that tire?” Debbie asked Craig.

He looked up at her. “I don’t change tires. We waited for the AAA.”

“It’s good to be handy with that kind of thing,” Debbie told him. “My Carl can change a tire lickety-split.”

“Not all of us are so good with our hands,” Craig told her with a sour look on his face.

“Couldn’t change a tire on that RV of ours,” Carl said trying to channel the conversation into more neutral territory.

“Have you had a flat on it?” Susan asked.

“No, thank God,” Carl replied. “We’d need one of those big tow trucks if we ever ran into trouble.”

“It must guzzle gas,” Craig said smugly.

“Quite a bit,” Carl admitted, “but it saves us in motel costs.”

Craig nodded and that was the end of that conversation.

Emmett next served Caesar salad which was one of Bree’s favorites. Conversation continued amongst the family members. Several of the others attempted to engage Craig in conversation, but he seemed rather reluctant, merely giving brief answers to enquiries and making little input of his own.

The prime rib was excellent, a huge hunk of meat, which meant that those that wanted well done could have the outer pieces and those wanting rarer cuts would wait till Emmett carved nearer the center which was quite rare. The roast, baked potato and asparagus were all declared absolutely delicious by all in attendance, even Craig who had to admit it was one of the best pieces of meat he had ever had.

“I used a horseradish crust that I have been experimenting with, Emmett explained as he cleared the plates from the table. There was hardly a scrap of food left on any plate.

“Dada,” Bree whispered, “there wasn’t any horse in that, was there?” The worried look on his daughter’s face warned Brian not to tease her.

“No, Squirt, you remember having radishes from the farmer’s market last summer?” Bree nodded. “Horseradish is made from a different kind of radish which is white instead of red.”

“Oh! That’s good. So no horse?”

“None at all.” Bree smiled at her father relieved by the explanation.

“Before we have birthday cake and ice cream,” Emmett said to the group, “I thought you might like a little respite, so I have coffee and more wine or tea or anything else you would like to drink.”

While Emmett took everyone’s requests for beverages, Bree whispered to her Dada. He nodded and waited until Emmett had gone to prepare the drinks before standing up.

“May I have your attention, everyone?” Brian said loudly enough to be heard over the conversations that had started up once again. “Justin and I are very pleased that you are all here with us on Bree’s special day. I hope you’re enjoying the food. I certainly am. Emmett has outdone himself.”

Everyone gave Emmett a round of applause as he returned with a tea cart full of drinks. He bowed and smiled in acknowledgement before beginning to hand out the drinks.

“Once everyone has what they wish to drink, Bree would like to speak to you all,” Brian continued.

Every face turned towards the little girl. Bree nodded and smiled at them all, waiting until her Auntie Emm had handed out all the cups and filled all the glasses.

“Here you go, Squirt,” Brian said lifting Bree up to stand on her chair so everyone could see her and hear her. They all turned to look at her.

Bree cleared her throat and commenced the speech she had given great thought to. “I wanted all of you to come here today because it’s my birthday, and I wanted to spend it with my grandparents that I love so much.”

The grandparents all smiled at Bree. John nodded in approval.

“But one of my grandmas isn’t here,” Bree continued. “I wish she was. My Gamma Joan … I miss her so much.”

“We all do,” several people said.

“We’ve been studying family history and heritage in my school. My Gamma Joan helped me so much to learn about my Dada’s family. I never knew Grandpa Jack, but now I have pictures of him, because Gamma Joan gave them to me. We made new albums and spent a lot of time together. She had cookies every time we got together.”

Most of the grandparents nodded and smiled.

“I had to do a presentation to my class on my family’s culture. I talked about Ireland and about the family history that Gamma Joan taught me. I found out that I have way more grandparents that anybody else in my class … maybe in my whole school.”

The grandparents looked around the table, each counting up how many grandparents Bree actually claimed as hers. Several chuckles ensued.

“I think I have a very special family,” Bree declared. “Thank you for coming to my party and making it a special day for me and my daddies.” Bree hopped down off her chair and was swept up into Justin’s arms.

“You were great, sweetheart,” Justin whispered to her as he held her in a warm hug.

“Ditto, Squirt,” Brian said as he hugged both of them.

Once the fathers were finished with their hugs each grandparent felt compelled to do the same. Bree was swamped with hugs and congratulations on her very grown up and heartfelt speech. That took quite a while since there were so many grandparents involved, to say nothing of John, Bobby and Patrick.

“Ladies and gentlemen, it is time for cake!” Emmett interrupted them finally. He carried in a beautiful layer cake decorated in pale pink icing the same color of the tablecloth. Along the sides of the cake were tulips in a deeper pink and a white. Nine candles burned on the top.

The cake was placed in front of Bree who made her wish and blew out the candles. Emmett began to cut and hand out pieces of cake with ice cream for those who wanted it.

“It’s Vic’s coconut cake!” Debbie exclaimed as she took a bite.

“Of course,” Emmett grinned. “Briana Victoria is named after him.”

The whole group enjoyed the cake, more drinks, good conversation and happy memories, until they all took their leave a couple of hours later. Everyone declared this one of the best parties they had ever been too.

“You did good, Emmett,” Justin said as Emmett headed for his own cottage. “And you were wonderful, Bree.”

“Thanks, Daddy,” Bree said with a yawn.

“I think you’re ready for bed,” Brian told her.

“Yes, Dada. I’m tired.”

“Squirt, you did really, really well today. I’m very proud of you.”

Bree smiled happily. “I’m proud of me too. Maybe I’ll open my presents tomorrow.”

“Good idea,” Justin said. “Go put your jammies on.”

“Okay, Daddy, and … thanks for my grown up party. I loved it.” Bree turned and ran down the hall to her room before her fathers could reply.

“I’m ready for bed too,” Brian said with a waggle of his eyebrows. “We can celebrate in style.”

“That’s a date, just as soon as we get our brilliant daughter tucked in for the night.”

“She is brilliant, isn’t she?” Brian said smugly.

“She’s everything I could have hoped for.” They both nodded in total agreement on that count.

They Say It’s Your Birthday

Chapter 5

Brian stretched his long frame, hovering between sleep and wakefulness. It was that moment when the last few seconds of his dream were the most vivid. His morning hard-on tented the sheets while his hand searched for the object of his desire. His head was filled with images of a blinding smile and a plump ass.

“Ooof!” Brian groaned as an awkward weight landed on his chest, immediately changing the subject.

“Are you awake, Dada?”

Brian cracked open his eyes to see a set of violet blue eyes peering down at him. “I am now, Squirt.”

“You should answer the phone,” Bree commanded.

“The phone? It’s not ringing,” Brian remarked, slightly confused. Just then his cell phone began to vibrate in his bedside drawer. Brian arched a brow at Bree then fumbled for his phone.

“Yesss,” he growled. “Uh huh. Everyone? Do I have time for a shower? Fine. Do I have a choice?” Bree shook her head at that question, seemingly agreeing with whoever was on the other end of the phone. “I’m sensing a conspiracy,” Brian growled again. Bree’s face lit up with a coy smile. “Ten minutes, if this child will get off of me. Okay, hold on.” Brian passed the phone to Bree.

“Hi, Auntie Emm,” Bree replied immediately into the phone. “Okay. Bye.” She hit the ‘end’ button then rolled off her father landing in the middle of her daddies’ bed. Brian took the phone, stowing it safely before tickling his precocious daughter until she shrieked with laughter.

“I guess I better go shower,” Brian said breathlessly after a minute as he flopped onto his back staring up at the ceiling.

“Good, Dada!” Bree agreed as she jumped off the bed then went out of his room.

“I have the Squirt seal of approval,” he murmured as he got out of bed and went to the bathroom to prepare for what Brian knew was going to be an interesting day.

*****

“Where is everybody?” Brian asked himself as he walked into the kitchen, expecting to see a kitchen brimming with people and a mug of coffee waiting on the counter for him.

Brian knew that even though the grandparents had all left the cottage yesterday at a decent time, only one set of grandparents had actually left the lane. The other grandparents had decided to spend the night. They all converged at the new B&B cottage, taking advantage of the added space to chat and catch up with each other. There was room enough for all of them to comfortably spend the night.

Edna’s Treasures was very quiet, too quiet considering the number of people who lived in it.

“Justin? Bree?” Brian called out with no reply. He walked toward the sun porch. “John?” No one answered.

Beau was sitting in the middle of the porch.

“Where are they, Beau?”

Beau cocked his head, pondering his master’s question. He stood with a bark then pranced to the sun porch door.

“Lead on, MacRuff,” Brian quipped as he followed the big dog out the door and onto the path toward the lane.

“Why does the expression, ‘Is Timmy in the well?’ keep running through my mind?” Brian mumbled to himself as he followed Beau to the B&B.

“Took you long enough!” Debbie’s voice called out from the large kitchen area as he and Beau were spotted when they crossed over the threshold.

“And a good morning to you too, Maw,” Brian snarked as he greeted his family with morning hugs and kisses for all. Someone placed a mugful of coffee into his grateful hands. He took a long sip and felt his humanity slowly return to his body.

“Much better,” he moaned as he found a seat at the long communal kitchen table. “Sooo, anyone care to explain?” Brian asked in between sips and waving a royal wrist.

“Well, your majesty,” Emmett began as the rest of the family chuckled then began passing around the breakfast dishes and platters brimming with all manner of breakfast delicacies and staples. “We decided to assume your after the soiree duties and give you a break. So, in other words...”

“Shut up and eat!” Debbie added in her own genteel way.

“Yes, Maw,” Brian replied, biting into a fresh popover. He knew this wasn’t a time to argue, his cwazy wittle family was on a mission. Who was he to interfere? They all spent a pleasant morning having breakfast and enjoying the company of all those in attendance.

*****

It was just after lunch when the lane became devoid of extra cars and returned to normal.

“Brian, walk with me,” John requested as they waved at the last of the retreating cars.

“Sure. Where are we walking to?”

“Just making an inspection of the grounds and the cottages,” John explained.

“I didn’t realize you still did that,” Brian said as he followed John while he slowly walked around Molly’s getaway cottage. “What are you looking for?”

“Signs of termites and other wood eating insects. They can do more damage than most storms,” John said. Brian nodded as he made his own inspection of Molly’s garden. He brushed away some of the debris, finding the buds of Spring flowers breaking through the cold ground.

“Do you check out our cottage that way?”

“Yup,” John replied with a smile, satisfied with the results of his inspection. “We’re at greater risk out here; it pays to be diligent.” Brian nodded. When it came to buildings, John was the expert. “Let’s go to Emmett’s,” John said. Brian fell into step with his brother.

“Your birthday’s coming up soon; a significant birthday,” John added. “How do you see yourself spending it?”

“Did you guys draw straws or something?” Brian answered with a question making John laugh.

“No, I volunteered. You don’t scare me, Kinney,” John growled.

“I never could.” Brian patted his brother on the back. “I honestly don’t know. What I do know is that I don’t want a big shindig. Lots of people make it to fifty,” Brian smirked at John who had made it to fifty five years earlier. John glared in return making Brian giggle then quickly cough to get himself under control.

“Turning fifty is not that big of an accomplishment,” Brian added falling back on his old mantra of only celebrating accomplishments.

“Maybe not but your family thinks otherwise.” John raised his hand to ward off anything Brian was about to say. “We will honor your wishes. We are well aware of your aversions to the limelight so don’t get your briefs in a bunch. Something small and intimate is fine with us but the day will not be ignored as it has been in the past. Why is that anyway?”

“Why is what?”

“We met when, fifteen, almost sixteen years ago when you weaseled yourself into my life? In all that time you’ve never once mentioned your birthday. I don’t even know the exact date. All I know that it’s in the Spring. The only ones who really know are Michael and Debbie and they won’t tell. As much as they can spread the gossip, this is one thing they have never shared. Why is that?”

“First of all, it’s nobody’s business other than for the government and Justin to know. And he knows better than to ask. Birthdays never meant anything to me; they became almost painful after a while when I was a kid. It was better to ignore them altogether. And then after a while, I forgot all about them...”

“Until Gus.”

“Until Gus and Justin,” Brian said.

“But that was a long time ago.”

“Yes, but I never felt my age. I was always mistaken for older than my real age or acting younger. My real age was never an issue other than when I was flaunted as the youngest adman at Ryder. That was a very important accomplishment and even then all anyone knew was that I was under thirty at the time.”

They had gotten to Emmett’s dream cottage so John began to circumvent the outer perimeter of the cottage. Brian spent his time checking the lawn and garden then he met John at the small greenhouse in Emmett’s backyard. John was checking the structure while Brian puttered inside.

“You’re leaving something out,” John said from the doorway. “Something happened to reinforce your avoidance of your birthday. Something you’re not telling.” John arched his own Kinney brow.

Brian pinched off a few dead leaves on an oregano plant. The scent of the herb wafted to his nose.

“It was the night of Justin’s prom,” Brian whispered.

“The night that Justin got bashed?” John clarified. He moved in closer to his brother to give Brian his silent emotional support.

“Yes, but that wasn’t all that happened that night.”

“What happened?” John asked softly.

“I was feeling sorry for myself, conflicted. “Justin, the seventeen year old trick that wouldn’t go away had asked me to his prom. So many feelings that I had fought hard to keep under wraps were beginning to burst out. It scared me. I was turning thirty, the death knell for every gay man, or so I believed. I tried scarfing, the ultimate escape. To go out looking young and beautiful.”

John was horrified and did nothing to hide it from Brian.

“Mikey found me before it was too late. He won’t ever talk about it. After a while I cleaned myself up and went to the prom, the rest you know.”

“My God!” John threw his arms around his brother, hugging him tightly to his chest.

“So you see, birthdays have never been my thing,” Brian said in a self deprecating tone.

“All right,” John said in understanding. They stood in Emmett’s greenhouse hanging onto each other as if their lives depended on it. “I won’t say anything,” John whispered. He felt Brian nod.

“Is Emmett’s cottage okay?” Brian asked pushing back from his brother and sounding all business.

“Yes,” John grunted trying to get his throat to work. “There are a couple of glass panels around the back of the greenhouse I have to replace but everything is fine. I want to check out Rachel’s house.” Brian nodded; he was going too.

*****

“Hey dog,” Brian greeted Beau when they entered their own yard. John was about to check out their conjoined cottages. Beau danced around their feet for a minute then raced toward the Wendy house. The boys shrugged their shoulders as they exchanged looks then followed Beau to the Wendy house.

“Hi, Dada!” Bree called out from the door. She waved at her uncle.

“Hey, Squirt!” Brian called back. As they got closer he could see that Patrick and Emmett, who had somehow folded himself into one of the little chairs, were having a tea party. “What are you doing, Honeycutt?” Brian inquired in that superior way of his.

“What’s it look like I’m doing?” Emmett replied daring Brian to say something off color. “Princess Bree decided that it was a beautiful day for a tea party. And what princess tea party could be complete without a prince and fairy godmother?”

Brian considered the question. “None that I can think of,” Brian confirmed. “Carry on,” he commanded. He and John went about inspecting the miniature cottage and then on to Edna’s Treasures.

Up in John’s office, John was making notes on what repairs he needed to do for each home. Brian had his own pad, doodling, and making lists of the annuals he wanted to plant as soon as he was sure the nights wouldn’t bring frost.

“Brian, Bree is becoming a young lady,” John blurted out.

“Tell me something I don’t know.”

“I realize she just turned nine but in spite of that innocent baby face of hers, she’s as smart as her fathers. And can be just as devious if she wants to.”

“Your point?”

“My point is that she is now more aware of our mortality. She understands that the people she loves the most may only be with her for a limited amount of time.”

“You planning on going away, big bro?” Brian snarked.

“Asshole,” John grumbled. “You know what I mean,” he said louder. “Your daughter understands that this birthday is a significant one. She deserves to celebrate it with you. You don’t have to call it a birthday party. Make it a celebration of all the accomplishments you’ve had. It doesn’t even have to be on your real birthday. Pick a date and time and we’ll make a party out of it. She wants to bake you a cake.”

“Not pink.”

“Of course not, something dignified. Brian this is important to Briana; you don’t want to disappoint her.”

“All right. Enough with the guilt trip. Gus will be done with this semester in mid May, let’s pick a day to include him. If I’m going to be forced to remember that I am no longer a spring chicken I’d rather have the important people around me when I do.”

“How mature of you,” John teased.

“Now who’s the asshole,” Brian grumbled under his breath making John laugh.

“You’re a good man, Brian Kinney.”

“Waa waa waa,” Brian responding making a hand gesture and the sound of the unseen adults in the old “Peanuts” animations.

“Now that we’ve established that we both still have ‘asshole’ moments I want to get serious for a minute.”

“More serious than we’ve been all afternoon?” Brian asked as his eyebrows escaped into his hairline.

“Yes,” John said in a tone that brooked no snark from Brian. “I just want to thank you for trusting me with your confidences,” John said softer. “I’ll never repeat what you told me today.”

“I know you won’t. You and Justin are the keepers of my soul and of my sanity. Neither of you would ever betray that.”

“It’s quite a responsibility keeping you sane,” John teased, lightening up the mood.

“One that you perform admirably,” Brian teased back. “While we’re being serious, which accomplishments do you suggest I celebrate? There have been so many,” Brian added immodestly. “I could celebrate the fact that I haven’t tricked in years or that no illegal substances have passed these lips or nose in just as long,” Brian said nonchalantly as he buffed his nails against his chest.

John slowly rose from the chair behind his desk.

“I could celebrate that I have all my hair and only a few greys.” Brian threw John a poignant look. John’s lush brunet hair was peppered with grey. John stepped around his desk.

“I could celebrate my wealth but that would just be crass,” Brian said as he too arose from the sofa, inching his way toward the staircase.

“Or perhaps celebrate my sexual prowess. I may no longer have to prove I’m the Stud of Liberty but I certainly could match any man out there. Just ask Justin,” Brian flippantly mentioned as he began to descend the stairs. John’s boots were clomping behind him.

As soon as Brian’s sneakered feet hit the sun porch floor he took off like a shot through the porch towards his side of the conjoined cottages.

“Or I could celebrate that I’m still five years younger than you are!” Brian shouted over his shoulder noting that John was hot on his heels. Brian ran through the hall passing the kitchen where Justin and Bobby were chatting and sharing a pot of coffee.

“And faster,” he added as he waved at the men at the table.

“Where’s the fire?” Bobby asked, laughing. He knew something was up between the brothers Grimm.

Brian was out the front door like the devil himself was chasing him.

“I may not be as fast as you, Kinney,” John shouted, chasing Brian down the lane. Justin and Bobby quickly scrambled to the door to see their ‘mature’ spouses act like children. “But I still have two balls!” he continued to shout. Brian stopped short then laughed like a hyena. Now stationary, John made a flying tackle, knocking Brian into the soft brush on the side of the road. As the brothers rough-housed in the dirt, Justin and Bobby shook their heads.

“John did not say what I think he said, did he?” Justin asked as they turned to go back to the house.

“Yup,” Bobby confirmed and they left it at that.

*****

No further mention of Brian’s impending fiftieth was made over the next couple of weeks. Life in Edna’s Treasures Lane returned to normal, or almost normal.

Brian decided that if he had to eat cake for his birthday, and he would eat cake if Bree baked it for him, then he better get in good condition beforehand. He took to running the lane twice a day – once after Bree and Patrick left on the school bus and once later in the afternoon. Justin was painting up a storm while Brian was out running.

When his husband returned all sweaty and buff, Justin simply could not resist his husband. A sweaty Brian Kinney turned him on like nothing else in the fucking world. As a result they had more and hotter sex than they had ever had. Brian would appear in the doorway of the sun porch, sweat dripping from his body following his run. He would be holding a bottle of water and he would down about half of it. Justin could feel his presence and he would turn from his painting to stare at Brian. Brian would raise the water bottle above his head as if to pour it over himself. Justin would drop his paintbrush into the pot of cleaning fluid and walk into Brian’s arms. That’s when they would tear each other’s clothes off and make hot, passionate monkey love anywhere that grabbed their fancy.

After one such session while they were lying side by side recovering from their exertions, Justin turned his head and stared at his husband.

“What?” Brian asked when Justin continued to stare.

“Um … nothing,” Justin replied looking away.

“There’s something,” Brian contradicted. “And don’t lie to me after all these years.”

Justin felt the corners of his mouth twitch into a smile. “Are you really going to be fifty?”

“Must you remind me?” Brian asked petulantly.

Justin chuckled. “Yes, apparently I must. You sure don’t act like a fifty year old.”

“I’m not fifty for a while yet. Don’t rush me.”

Justin snorted. “I know you’re not fifty yet. Are you trying to prove that being fifty won’t make any difference?”

“Maybe…”

“It doesn’t matter to me, you know.”

“Well, maybe it matters to me.”

“It shouldn’t.”

“Aren’t you the one who always believes in going with your feelings?” Brian asked.

“You’ve gotten better at that over the years.”

“They’ve been good years … for you, haven’t they?”

“Of course they have … if for no other reason than the great sex,” Justin joked.

“See, I have to keep proving myself,” Brian said with a straight face.

“You are so full of shit. You know you drive me nuts when you’re all sweaty and hot and sexy and…”

“I know. Why do you think I’ve been running every day?” Brian smirked.

“You don’t have anything to prove,” Justin said sincerely.

“I like making you all hot and bothered.”

“I just bet you do.”

“I need a shower,” Brian said sitting up in bed.

“Later,” Justin said throwing himself on top of his husband and knocking Brian onto his back. “I want a little more of your sweaty essence.” Justin began running his tongue all over Brian’s chest, passing over the nipples where he would nip and suck as he went by.

“Jesus!” Brian gasped.

“You up for another one, old man?” Justin asked with an evil grin.

“These old bones are always ready,” Brian bragged.

“Show me.”

Brian rolled them over and captured Justin’s lips in a smoldering kiss. Justin could feel Brian’s cock grow hard between them. His own dick was having the same response. Justin moaned into the next kiss.

“You’re so easy,” Brian chuckled.

“Lucky for you.”

“Very lucky for me.”

“I love you, you big Smoosh.”

“And I love you right back, and I’ll prove it every day for the rest of our lives.”

They smiled into each other’s eyes before the next round began.

They Say It’s Your Birthday

Chapter 6

“Fuck! That was awesome,” Justin said as he collapsed atop his husband. “I can’t believe that we can still do this to each other.”

“Why do you think we’re still together?” Brian asked smugly as they rolled apart. Justin swatted his arrogant and beautiful husband. “Ow!” Brian reacted. “Spousal abuse.”

“Asshole,” Justin replied before he looked at Brian and smiled. “You know, when you hold that water bottle over your head, I’m seventeen again, and you’re … twenty-nine.”

“Thanks for reminding me.”

“You’re always going to be twelve years older than me,” Justin reminded him.

“Hey, that’s the line I use on John.”

“I know, and I think you’re going to get a taste of your own medicine this birthday.”

Brian frowned and studied Justin’s face. “What are you planning?”

“What makes you think I’m planning anything?”

“Okay, then what is the big old fairy planning?”

Justin chuckled. “I’m not aware of anything Emmett is planning, and if I was, I wouldn’t tell you.”

“Spousal abuse,” Brian reiterated.

“How do you figure that?” Justin laughed.

“You’re supposed to have my back.”

“I thought I had all of you,” Justin said with his own style of smirk.

“You know you do.”

“Yes, I do know.”

“So, what’s he planning?”

“You just don’t give up, do you?’

“Not usually.”

“I’m not telling you anything.”

“You know I hate surprises.”

“I know.”

“So, no surprises?”

“I didn’t say that.”

“Have I told you lately how annoying you are?”

“You’re always telling me that.”

“Am I becoming … predictable?” Brian asked in mock horror.

“This has to be the weirdest conversation we’ve ever had,” Justin surmised.

“Is that because I’m going to be fifty?”

“Could be.”

“Shit!”

“It’s okay, hubby dearest, I’ll look after you in your senility.”

“You realize I may have to kill you.”

“I’ll take my chances,” Justin chuckled. “I think you love my ass too much to do away with me.”

“Wanna fuck?” Brian asked.

“Sure,” Justin agreed as they started another one.

*****

“Where are you going?” Justin asked as Brian entered the sun porch where Justin was painting. Brian was dressed casually but elegantly, not in his running gear.

“Ted called and they want me for some fucked up thing at Kinnetik?”

“Oh,” Justin said with disappointment in his voice. “I’ll miss your run.”

Brian stuck his tongue in his cheek and then grinned. “I will too.”

“You could make it up to me later.”

“I will.”

“Sweat and water bottle included?”

“I’ll do my best.”

“Good,” Justin said as he pecked Brian on the cheek. “Have fun terrorizing them at Kinnetik.”

“I will.”

*****

“Schmidt!” Brian called forcefully as he walked into Kinnetik.

“Yes, Boss, good to see you.”

“So what’s this crisis that you needed me for?” Brian demanded not bothering with pleasantries.

“It’s on your desk.”

“On my desk?” Brian asked wondering if Ted had finally lost it completely.

“Yes, the package came this morning. It’s labeled personal and urgent.”

“What the fuck?” Brian asked as he stared at the brown box sitting atop his desk at Kinnetik. “I didn’t order anything.”

“There’s no return address or any indication of where it came from,” Ted explained. “But it said urgent, so I thought I should get you in here to deal with it.”

“Why didn’t you open it?’

“It said ‘personal’,” Ted reminded him with a shudder. “I couldn’t imagine what I might find inside.”

Brian snorted. “You were really afraid that it’s a bomb, so you wanted me to be the one to open it,” Brian snarked.

“Well that too,” Ted said with a grin.

Brian walked over to the desk. He gingerly lifted the box which was about a cubic foot in size. It was very light. “Here,” Brian said as he tossed the box at Ted.

Ted caught it almost dropping it in the process. “Shit!”

“I guess it’s not a bomb,” Brian said with a smirk.

“Great way to find out,” Ted retorted as he tossed the box back to Brian. “Are you going to open it?”

“I haven’t decided yet.”

Ted glanced at the box. He wished Brian would just open the damn thing and be done with it.

“Was there anything else you brought me here for?” Brian asked as he turned the box over and over looking for some clue as to what it might be or why it was sent to him.

“Um, the latest Brown Athletic ads are almost ready, but Cynthia thinks they need some fine tuning, maybe some of the old Kinney cutting edge added to them.”

Brian felt a smile creep over his face. “I guess I still have it,” he muttered to himself.

“We know you do,” Ted said, and he meant every word.

“Okay, let’s open this damn box.” Brian picked up the letter opener on his desk and ran it over the packing tape that held the box closed. He popped the flaps and rummaged inside the box. He pulled out a small box. “What the fuck?” Brian asked to no one in particular.

“What is it?” Ted asked.

“Cookie cutters.”

“Huh?’

“Anatomically correct cookie cutters, if the picture on the box is correct.”

“Is there a note?” Ted asked as bewildered as Brian.

Brian rummaged in the box finally finding an envelope at the bottom. He pulled it out and ripped it open. He pulled out a card, looked at the front of it and then opened it to scan the inside. “Fuck!” he said.

“What is it?”

“An Un-birthday card.”

“What the hell is that?”

“Look for yourself.” Brian handed Ted the card.

The front of it said, “Happy Upcoming Fiftieth Un-Birthday!”

“Nice font,” Ted said trying not to grin. Brian glared at him.

Inside the card was a neatly typed message:

I know how much you love sweets, so when you turn fifty and are no longer able to get it up, you can bake anatomically correct cookies with your much younger mate. You’ll learn to love baking and eating sweet confections, especially the most essential part.

Looking out for you as you age gracefully.

“Wow!” Ted said. “I wonder who sent this.”

“You’re sure it wasn’t you?”

“I could have left it on your desk if it was me,” Ted informed his boss. “I wouldn’t waste the cost of a courier.”

“Unless you wanted to throw me off.”

“True,” Ted admitted.

“I’m going to have to kill whoever sent this.”

“Of course, Boss.”

“Do you know something about this?” Brian asked with a frown.

“Me, no, of course not, never, Boss.”

Brian frowned. “Put this in the closet,” Brian ordered. “I’m not fifty yet.”

“Yes, Boss,” Ted acquiesced taking the box to Brian’s coat closet and placing it inside.

“Okay, let’s see the Brown ads.”

“Coming right up,” Ted said, glad the first of the gifts had rattled his boss just a little bit. He truly hoped Brian wouldn’t kill him before this was over.

*****

“Brian, Matthew will be here soon to take me to lunch. Can I bring something back for you?” Cynthia asked as she came into Brian’s office. It took him a second to realize that Cynthia was referring to her significant other of many years. Brian had been pouring over contracts and brooding over his ‘un-gift.’

“No thanks, Cyn. I’m going to meet Ben at Papaganos at one.”

“Ben?”

“Ben. Big guy, works out a lot. Married to Michael Novotny,” Brian retorted.

“I know who Ben is,” Cynthia grumbled. “I didn’t know you still did lunch.”

“Not as often as I’d like but we try when I’m in town.”

“That’s nice,” Cynthia said sincerely, making Brian frown. “Why the face?”

“When did I become nice?” Brian asked, unsure if he liked being known as nice. Cynthia burst out laughing.

“I hate to break it to you, Brian, but you’ve been nice for some time now.”

“Really?” he asked, truly perplexed.

“Take my word for it. You’ve grown into a very, very nice man.” Brian looked at her in horror. “It’s not a bad thing, Bri. Don’t worry, the name Brian Kinney continues to instill fear and awe in the hearts and minds of us mere mortals,” Cynthia reassured her business partner, colleague and longtime friend with a chuckle. She affectionately poked the tip of his nose.

Brian sighed with relief.

“Cynthia, Matthew’s here,” a voice over the intercom announced.

“I’ll be right there,” she called out toward Brian’s phone. “Have a nice lunch!” Cynthia teased as she left Brian’s office, giggling. Brian threw a death glare at her retreating back. He signed off on several new campaigns then shut down his computer, preparing to go to lunch.

“Schmidt!” Brian bellowed as forcefully as he could.

“Yes, Boss!” Ted replied quickly.

“I’m going to lunch, hold down the fort.”

“Of course, Boss.”

Brian headed for the door with Ted following at a discreet distance just in case Brian wanted anything before he left the building.

“Ted.” Brian suddenly turned on his heel to face his CFO and friend.

“Yes, Brian,” Ted said gently, suddenly concerned, seeing something on Brian’s face.

“Am I nice?”

“Brian?” Ted had no idea how to respond Brian’s question and was a little worried.

“It’s a simple question, Theodore. Am. I. Nice?” Brian glared.

“Yes,” Ted quickly replied.

“Yes, what?”

“Yes, boss.”

“No. Yes, I’m nice?”

“Yes, Brian, you are very nice.” Brian gave Ted an incredulous look then left Kinnetik.

“What was that all about?” Molly asked Ted when he got back to his desk. She had witnessed their exchange.

“I have no clue.” Ted sat with a thud. “He wanted to know if I thought he was nice.”

“What did you tell him?”

“I said yes. Brian is nice. He got this weird look on his face then left. I wonder what that was all about?”

“I have no clue,” Molly repeated, just as perplexed as Ted.

*****

“Mr. Brian! So good to see you again, my friend,” Alberto greeted Brian with a handshake and a hug as Brian walked into the restaurant.

“Good to see you too.” Brian smiled at Papaganos’ main man.

“How is Mr. Justin and your beautiful children. The little bambina must be getting big.”

“Yes she is, and the big one is almost out of college. I’m getting old, Alberto,” Brian said with a wistful smile.

“Nonsense. Bello, bello,” Alberto gushed. “Come, your guest is seated.” Alberto escorted Brian to his table. Ben stood to greet Brian with a handshake.

Alberto snapped his fingers and like magic, sparkling water, warm crusty bread and the house salad appeared, delivered by several waiters. Alberto gave the stunning men a bow then went back to his post by the door to the main dining room.

“We’re being stared at,” Ben commented as he took a sip of water.

“We are the best looking men here,” Brian quipped immodestly as he nibbled on his salad. Ben shook his head. “You and I bring a lot of business to this place, of course we get the VIP treatment. They’re staring because the mere mortals want to know who we are.”

“You, maybe.”

“Don’t play coy with me, professor. You’re a good looking man, a tenured, respected member of a prestigious university. Carnegie Mellon holds many of their important functions here.”

“How do you know this?”

“You forget that Kinnetik holds the advertising accounts for both this place and for Carnegie. Your enrollment is up and Papaganos has never been busier. We did good,” Brian boasted, very pleased with himself. The men clinked their glasses.

They dug into their salads and warm bread.

“How’s Mikey?” Brian asked after a while.

“Good. Real good. He’s back to work fulltime, but between Debbie and the girls, he’s home on time every night. Not even inventory keeps him at the store late.”

“About fucking time! He’s the owner; he doesn’t have to work himself into an early grave. Girls?”

“JR and Candy. They’ve taken over the store,” Ben said with a laugh.

Brian smirked. “I understand JR, but Candy?”

“JR is handling the business end of things while Candy has taken over Rage,” Ben explained. “Not only have her drawings improved to the point where you can hardly tell the difference between hers, Lacy’s and Justin’s, she’s now writing plot. Justin still gets final approval over the art and Michael, the plot dialogue.”

“And Mikey’s cool with this?”

“Yes, surprisingly, he is. It amuses him that Rage, the first real gay comic book hero is now almost solely written and illustrated by women.” Ben laughed. Brian chuckled as well.

“You should do that more often,” Brian commented.

“What?”

“Laugh,” Brian replied. Ben was still hot, his crystal blue eyes sparkling.

“You’re being nice,” Ben said with a blush to his cheeks.

“There’s that word again,” Brian frowned.

“What word?” Ben thought hard. “Nice?” Brian nodded with a scowl making Ben chuckle. “Brian, I hate to break it to you but the whole world knows just how nice you can be. You’re still ruthless when it comes to the advertising business but when it comes to family, friends and fighting for the underdog, you are nice,” Ben declared emphatically.

“I’m not sure if I like being nice.”

“Take my word for it, you do. Now, I have something for you,” Ben said as he took out a small box from his pocket then placed it on the table between them.

“What is it?” Brian asked.

“Not a clue. It was delivered to my office this morning by courier. It was in a larger envelope with my name on it. When I opened it, this is what was inside with this note.” Ben handed Brian the note. All the note said was, Please give the box to Brian Kinney. “How anyone knew I was going to see you today is the big question. I didn’t know you were in town until this morning when you called.”

“Hmmm,” Brian mumbled as he fingered the wrapping.

“Are you going to open it?”

“I received something similar this more at the office,” Brian said as he gently fingered the ribbon. He picked up the small box, giving it a cursory shake.

“I don’t think it’ll explode,” Ben said. “Open it,” he urged.

Brian carefully untied the ribbon then slipped his fingers under the tape. The crisp blue wrapping paper unfolded revealing a silvery box. Brian opened the box then stared at its contents.

“What is it?” Ben asked. Brian slid the box over to Ben, but first removed the card that was tucked inside. “It’s a stress ball,” Ben said without calling attention to the shape or the color of the ‘ball.’ It was reminiscent of the infamous little blue pill.

For when those days or nights become stressful and you find that you’re not as ‘up’ as you’d like to be…just give your little blue ball a squeeze and your troubles will go away!

Looking out for you as you age gracefully!

“Fuck!” Brian murmured as Ben laughed.

They Say It’s Your Birthday

Chapter 7

When Brian returned from his lunch with Ben, he stowed the stress ball in the closet of his office along with the other “gift” he had received. As much as he could use a de-stressor some days, he wasn’t ready to use any of his “gifts” just yet.

He sat down on the sofa in his office and thought about these gifts. They were a puzzle. He wondered who could be sending them to him. He had thought his friends were playing a joke on him, but Ben seemed totally unaware of what was in the package. Brian couldn’t see Michael orchestrating such a thing and not telling Ben. Gus might do something like this, but he was across the state and busy finishing up his exams and his projects for college. Also, Gus wouldn’t waste his money on delivery services and the presents that Brian had received. Brian mentally skimmed through the rolodex of his friends. There didn’t seem to be any other likely candidates, but these presents, such as they were, were coming from someone or some group.

With a sigh Brian stood up and went to his desk to get some work done before he went home.

He was just finishing up an idea when the intercom informed him that he had a call.

“Kinney.”

“Hey,” Justin’s voice replied.

“Hey yourself. What’s up?”

“I wondered if you were staying until quitting time … or maybe coming home early.”

“You looking for a sweaty body to attack?” Brian asked with a chuckle.

“I could be persuaded.”

“I could be there in an hour.”

“Sounds good to me. Bree won’t be home from school for an hour after that.”

“Is that enough time?”

“I think we can make it work,” Justin assured him.

Brian could almost feel Justin’s grin across the telephone lines. “Leaving … immediately,” Brian stated.

“Good.”

The line went dead.

With a feral grin, Brian saved his work and shut down his computer. He packed up and was out of the office in less than five minutes.

*****

“Hey John,” Hunter called as he walked into Joan’s house.

“Out here,” John responded.

Hunter made his way through the house towards the backyard where John’s voice had come from. “Wow!” he reacted as he saw what was happening. “I thought you were going to add an upper level,” Hunter said as he surveyed the yard.

“Zoning bylaws,” John said.

“Huh?”

“The house already had an upstairs, and no other houses on the block have a third story. We’re going to put a bedroom in the attic, but we couldn’t raise the roof. It wouldn’t be in keeping with the neighborhood.”

“So since you can’t go up…”

“We’re going out,” John finished the idea.

“Will we still have rooms for six kids?”

“That’s the plan,” John replied.

“Have you had any comments from the neighbors?” Hunter asked.

John saw the look of apprehension on Hunter’s face. “I’ve had a couple of enquiries.”

“Were they worried or curious or … angry?” Hunter asked.

John understood that group homes were often hated in the communities where they were established. It was the old “not in my backyard” syndrome. People knew these kinds of places were needed, but they feared the people and problems that often came with them. They didn’t want their supposedly peaceful neighborhoods disrupted with unsavory characters.

“John?”

“I spoke to two people from the neighborhood,” John explained. “They stopped by to see what we were doing. The first one wanted to know if criminals would be moving in. I told her no.”

“I guess technically they’re not criminals … anymore.”

“They’re good kids when they get themselves straightened out,” John averred.

Hunter smiled. John was a great supporter of his programs … and of the kids who passed through them. “And the second person?” Hunter asked.

“She was worried about her security. She was an older lady who wanted to know if she needed to fortify her home. The people along the street are worried about their safety.”

“I was afraid of that,” Hunter said.

“I hope I helped the situation,” John said. “I introduced them to Jason,” he added. John indicated one of Hunter’s kids who was helping to work on the foundation of the extension of the house. “Jason assured the first guy that he was the kind of person who would be living in the group house. The second lady was very impressed with him too. She wants to hire him to level her front walkway.”

“Really?” Hunter asked with a smile.

“Your protégés are your best advertisement,” John said.

“That’s good to know. I’ll have to thank Jason for putting his best foot forward.”

“Jason’s a good worker, and a good kid, but you already knew that,” John said.

Hunter smiled. “I like to think all my kids are great, but it’s nice to see them prove it.”

“I think you should keep close tabs on this house when it opens. You want good PR for this place, before we open the same kind of housing in other areas.”

“I totally agree, and I intend to see that everything goes well here.”

John nodded. “Whatever you do with these kids really works, Hunter.”

Hunter smiled. “I wish I could bottle it, but I guess I just really care about these kids.”

“And maybe that’s the key.”

*****

Justin rolled off Brian and let out a satisfied groan.

“Proud of yourself?” Brian asked as he turned onto his back.

“Very.”

“So easily satisfied,” Brian observed snarkily.

“You seemed rather satisfied yourself just a few moments ago,” Justin reminded his partner.

“Perhaps so, but I do have very high standards.”

“Very high,” Justin agreed with a grin.

Brian glanced at the clock beside the bed. “The school bus will be pulling in shortly.”

“Yeah,” Justin said. He sat up in bed. “Do you think we’ll ever get tired of this, or … too old to care?”

“That’s when you shoot me,” Brian stated forcefully.

“I couldn’t shoot you.”

“Yes you could.”

Justin shook his head. “Nope, I think we’ll have to drive off a cliff if things get to that point.”

“Joint suicide. I don’t know of any cliffs nearby.”

“We could go on a road trip to find one,” Justin suggested.

“And what would we do at night, if we couldn’t fuck anymore?”

“I’m sure we could think of something.”

“I suppose we could read the Gideon Bibles to each other while we’re in some cheap motel room.”

Justin snorted. “Since when have you ever stayed in a cheap motel?”

“Hm, not recently.”

“Besides I don’t think they allow Gideon Bibles anymore. Someone protested about them. But, I think they have dirty movies in some motels,” Justin suggested with a waggle of his eyebrows.

“No!” Brian said with mock horror. “Gay ones?”

“Uh huh.”

“I’m liking the sound of this road trip more and more.”

“It’s for when we’re old and sexless.”

“That’s never going to happen,” Brian averred.

“Now that’s the answer I was looking for.”

“Was this a test?” Brian asked.

“Kind of.”

Brian shook his head. “You’re nuts, you know.”

“I know, but you love me anyway.”

“Of course I do,” Brian said pulling Justin back down on top of him.

“Hm, I seem to feel something hard against my groin,” Justin observed.

“I don’t need Viagra yet,” Brian informed his husband. He gave a passing thought to his un-gift of the pill shaped stress ball.

“So I see, but Bree will be home in less than fifteen minutes.”

“So, we have to get up.”

“Yes, dear.”

“Fuck,” Brian mumbled as he sat up. “Ow, shit, ouch!”

“What?”

“Back pain.”

“Are you okay?”

“I don’t know,” Brian said as he rubbed a spot in his lower back.

“Should I call a doctor?”

“Christ, no! I’m fine,” Brian said as he got gingerly off the bed.

“Let’s take a hot shower together. Maybe that’ll fix you right up.”

“Being twenty years younger would fix me up even better,” Brian said as he rubbed his sore back all the way to the bathroom.

“I can’t make that happen, but I can make you feel sooooo much better,” Justin promised as he followed Brian into the bathroom.

“In ten minutes?”

“Just long enough for me to work my magic.”

And it was.

*****

The dinner dishes were washed, homework was checked and the family was left to their own devices.

“Hey,” Brian greeted Justin when he walked into the sun porch. Their preferred dining room had once again been transformed into the artist’s studio.

“Hey,” came a mumbled response. Justin was chewing on the tip of his paint brush.

“One of these days you’re going to get brush poisoning,” Brian quipped as he made himself comfortable on a chaise to indulge in his favorite pastime, Sunshine watching. He also brought a few contracts and financial statements with him to review.

“What the fuck is brush poisoning,” the object of Brian’s obsession demanded to know.

“I don’t know. You tell me. You’re always chomping down on the ends of your brushes. I’m surprised you haven’t cracked a tooth or gotten splinters in your tongue.”

“You’re being ridiculous.”

“Maybe, but I got you to stop making like a beaver,” Brian snarked proudly.

“Why don’t you make like a ghost and vanish. I’m painting here.”

“But I happen to like the view,” Brian said with a waggle of his eyebrows. He was sitting at “ass” level. Justin looked over his shoulder when he caught the leer in his partner’s eyes.

“You’re incorrigible.”

“Yes, I am but you love me anyway.”

“Yes, I do but I really want to finish this tonight. I’ve been inspired.”

“I can tell and I’ve been inspired too,” Brian murmured as he noted that the front of his jeans was getting a little snug and it wasn’t from overeating. “But I can be a very patient man. So, if it won’t hinder your creative process, I’m just going to sit here and read.”

“Mmm mm,” was all the response that Brian received. Justin was already into artist mode. Brian recognized the look and knew that “Mm” was probably the last word he’d get out of Justin for several hours. It was fine. A preoccupied Justin was just as sexy as one that had his undivided attention. Brian took out his contracts and began to read.

“Brian? Brian?” Brian felt a gentle hand shaking his shoulder. He stretched and yawned then gave himself a little scratch. He opened his eyes to see a pair of sparkling blue ones looking down at him. “Hey,” came a soft soothing voice.

“Hey,” Brian replied. “Was I out long?” Brian asked with an accompanying sigh. He used to be able to work all day long and deep into the night. Come home, change and then go to Babylon for several more hours. He could drink, have a little ‘E’ then fuck his way through the club. Then he’d go home and start the process all over again; now it was cooking, checking homework and after dinner naps.

“Not long,” Justin replied as he straddled Brian’s lap.

“You’re married to an old man,” Brian murmured, his smiling face suddenly transformed into a frown.

“No, I’m not. Just because you don’t have a finished painting or a fifty story building to point at by the end of the day doesn’t mean you don’t work hard. You’re allowed to have a nap now and then. I know first hand what a stressful job you have. There are a lot of people counting on you, Brian. They look up to you and your expertise. Because of you, Kinnetik and all its branches employ a lot of people. Don’t think for a moment I don’t recognize that,” Justin stated sincerely as he held Brian’s face in his hands.

“What did I ever do to deserve you?” Brian whispered as his hands traveled up Justin’s back under his shirt, caressing the smooth skin.

“Oh, I don’t know. Maybe it’s that nine inch dick of yours that very rarely gets soft,” Justin teased as he wiggled his ass. The dick in question gave a little twitch in response. “See?!” Justin smiled then leaned down to kiss Brian. “I love you so much.”

The lovers kissed. Brian wrapped his arms around Justin who nestled into the embrace. This was a very ‘real’ moment for Brian. After dinner naps and their connotations be damned. Brian was where he wanted to be, the man he loved more than life itself was in his arms and loving him back. Brian was surrounded by the family he never thought he ever deserved and yet the gods had deemed him worthy of them. Maybe it was worth sticking around for fifty years and beyond. And by the reaction in his nether region, his dick seemed to agree.

“Come on, old man, I can use some of the stud’s loving,” Justin teased as he bucked against Brian’s lap. Brian appeared to be studying the younger man’s face. Little had changed over twenty years. Genetics and clean living kept Justin’s youthful look but Brian could see the subtle differences. To Brian, they just made Justin more beautiful.

“The stud’s pre-occupied at the moment. How about the bossy bottom showing his partner what a wonderful top he really is?” Brian said, his hazel eyes deepening to almost a hunter green.

“Yeah?” Justin whispered, not willing to disrupt the moment.

“Yes,” Brian whispered back with a peck to Justin’s nose then with a deeper more sensuous kiss. Justin shook his head to clear it then led his spouse into their room.

*****

For the next few days Brian was working at Part Deux, Kinnetik’s office in Harrisburg. With his mind on work he began to forget about his birthday, “un” or otherwise and about his two “un-gifts.”

“Hi, Brian,” Bobby greeted his brother-in-law as Bobby was shown into Brian’s office by an administrative assistant.

“Hi. What brings you to my humble establishment?” Brian asked the dashing red-head who was looking very lawyer-like.

“I heard you were spending some time here in my neck of the woods and I thought I’d take you to lunch. We don’t often get to meet like this.”

“I agree and I’d love to join you for lunch.” Brian shut down his computer then stood to don his sport coat when he noticed a small decorative bag hanging from Bobby’s hand. “Um, since when did you exchange your briefcase for a gift bag?” Brian asked pensively.

“Oh this? I almost forgot I had it in my hand. This was delivered to my office this morning. I’m sorry but I opened it without thinking,” Bobby said as he handed the small bag to Brian. The one eyebrow was already arched to the fullest and Brian let out a sigh. “What’s wrong?” Bobby asked.

“This is not the first mysterious package I’ve received recently,” Brian started to explain as he set the bag on his desk then gingerly peered inside. The gift box itself wasn’t open. “I thought you said you opened it?”

“Just the outer package. Once I saw the label on the bow, I stopped myself. And what do you mean by mysterious packages? I figured you bought a surprise gift for Justin or Bree and didn’t want to have it delivered to the cottage. Although I did find it strange that you hadn’t said anything to me.”

“One was delivered to Kinnetik and the other was sent to Ben. He gave it to me when we went to lunch the other day.”

“What was in them? Or shouldn’t I ask.”

“Just silly nonsense, labeled as “un-gifts” for my birthday. But I haven’t a clue as to the sender.”

“Nothing malicious?”

“No, nothing like that,” Brian stared at the small narrow box.

“Are you going to open it?”

“Yeah, I guess so,” he said as he took the box from the bag. Brian opened the neatly wrapped package, revealing an elegant pen and pencil set.

Some say that the pen is mightier than the sword. I say your sword has never been sharper. Use your new weapons whenever you’re feeling a little limp.

Looking out for you as you age gracefully!

“They’re lovely,” Bobby commented as he peered over Brian’s shoulder to look at the set.

“Yes, they are.”

“And you have no idea who’s sending you the gifts?”

“No, but they’re all very clever.” Brian snapped the box shut then put everything back into the bag. “Lunch!” he declared then led Bobby out of his office.

They Say It’s Your Birthday

Chapter 8

“Yes,” Brian said into the intercom.  Someone had just buzzed from the gate that closed off Edna’s Treasures Lane from people who might randomly try to enter.

“Delivery from Bridgeton Pharmacy,” came the reply.

“I’m not expecting anything,” Brian said with a frown.

“I don’t know about that, sir, but I have a delivery for a Brian Kinney.”

“That’s me.”

“Then I’d like to complete the delivery so I can get on to the next one,” the man said, exasperation evident in his voice.

“Last house at the top of the lane,” Brian instructed.

Brian pushed the button to open the gate.  He had no idea what would be coming for him from the Bridgeton Pharmacy.  The family rarely used that drugstore since it was closer to Claire’s than to them.  Brian walked to the front door of the cottage and watched the delivery car pull to a stop in front of the house.  The driver hopped out and came to the door carrying a paper bag labeled Bridgeton Pharmacy.  Brian looked quizzically at the bag before taking it from the man.

“Do I owe you for this?” Brian asked.

“Nope, all paid for.” 

“Are you sure you’ve delivered this to the right place?” Brian asked as he studied the bag looking for any indication of what might be inside.

“If you’re Brian Kinney, then this is the right place.”

“Thanks, I guess,” Brian said pulling a ten dollar bill from his pocket.  He extended it towards the man.

“That’s not necessary,” the driver replied.

“Take it,” Brian ordered.

With a nod, the man pocketed the money and got back into his car.  He quickly disappeared down the lane.

Brian gave the bag another inquisitive look before carrying it into the house and shutting the door behind him.  He walked into the kitchen and dropped the bag on the kitchen table.  He went over to the coffeemaker and poured himself a mug of coffee.  He turned and stared at the bag sitting on the table.  His hackles were up about this whole thing.  He wanted to know what was in the bag, but he was also afraid of what he might find.  He wondered who had sent him something from a pharmacy.  He knew he hadn’t ordered anything.  If it was a prescription, he might be able to trace who had ordered it for him.  Brian continued to stare at the bag.

After a couple of minutes, a thought occurred to him.  Maybe Justin had ordered this and forgot to tell him.  That would explain things, Brian decided, except Justin would have put his own name on the order, not Brian’s.  And what would Justin have been ordering from the drugstore, especially from that particular pharmacy.  Surely Justin wasn’t sick.  He had seemed fine when he left for Pittsburgh that morning, and a meeting with Sidney at the gallery.

Brian walked decisively towards the kitchen table.  He picked up the bag and ripped it open.  Out fell a box that looked like any other box of medicine, salve or ointment that you might purchase in a drugstore.  It wasn’t a prescription.  Brian breathed a silent sigh of relief.  He grabbed the box and turned it to read the front of it.  Voltaren Emulgel it read.  What the fuck was Voltaren Emulgel!  He turned the box and read the info on the side.  It was for back and joint pain.  You rubbed it on areas that were causing pain.  Fuck!

Brian dropped the box on the table and picked up the remnants of the bag.  There was a paper inside.  He knew immediately what this was.  He pulled it out of the torn bag and read:

When those little aches and pains develop as they inevitably will, here’s a supply of something that will ease your discomfort.

Still looking out for you as you age gracefully!

Brian shook his head.  This was obviously another un-gift.  How many times was he going to be reminded that he was getting old?  Brian took a sip of his coffee and let his mind wander to who might be doing this.

After a few minutes of fruitless thought Brian realized he was no closer to figuring out who was behind these un-gifts.  He decided that rather than brood about it he should just go with the flow.  With a little chuckle Brian stood up and walked to the sink to rinse his coffee mug.  “Go with the flow,” he mumbled.  Maybe that was what aging gracefully was all about.

***** 

Brian was up in his attic office finishing up reviewing a contract that Part Deux was about to sign with a new company, when the house phone rang.  Brian glanced at the clock realizing that he had been at his paperwork for longer than he realized.  The kids would be home from school soon.  He stretched his back feeling the twinge that he had experienced several times lately, a twinge that he never used to have.  Maybe he should try that Voltaren crap.

Finally he picked up the phone as it continued to ring.  “Hello,” he said.

“Mister Brian?”

“Yes, who is this?”

“Curtis.”

“Curtis?  Is something wrong?” Brian asked as his worry antenna went up.  Curtis hadn’t called him for a long time.

“No, nothing’s wrong,” Curtis said uncertainly.  “I’m sorry to bother you.”

“You’re not bothering me, Curtis.  I’m just surprised by your call.”

“I know,” Curtis said.  “I should call you more often to thank you for giving me a new life.”

“I didn’t mean it like that.  I don’t want you to feel obligated to call me.”

“I don’t feel obligated,” Curtis replied.  “I feel … grateful.  And sometimes I’m so happy that I forget what my life could have been like if I had tried to mug some other guy.”

Brian chuckled.  “Lucky you that you tried to knife me,” he said with humor in his voice.  “And lucky me that you were so bad at it.”

“You’ll never know how lucky I feel,” Curtis assured him.

“I have some idea.”

“Well, I should be more grateful, so I’m doing it now.”

“Why now?”

“Huh?”

“Why did you decide to call me now?” Brian asked.

“Well, my dads were talking about as how you’re going to have a birthday soon, a … um, a big birthday.”

“Your dads were talking about that, were they?”

“Yes they were, and I wanted to know how old you’d be, and when they told me, I thought … well, I thought I should call.”

“Before I kicked the bucket.”

“No, no, nothing like that, Mister Brian.  It just reminded me that I hadn’t seen you for a while, and that I really should thank you again for everything you’ve done for me.”

“It’s your dads that you should be thanking,” Brian admonished.

“I already done that, but you deserve thanks too.”

“Okaay, so I accept your thanks and you’re very welcome.”

“That’s good then.”

“Yes it is,” Brian said.  He expected Curtis to hang up at that point, but the line stayed live even though nothing was being said.  “Is there something else?” Brian asked as the silence from the other end of the line continued.

“I … I was wondering if there was something I might be able to give you for a present for your … big birthday.”

“I don’t need any presents,” Brian said testily.

“I know you don’t, but presents mean as much to the person who gives them as they do to the person who gets them – sometimes more.”

Brian thought about that for a minute.  His un-gifts certainly had a lot of thought behind them.  Was someone getting as much … fun out of them as Brian was getting in the form of torture?  The thought made the corners of Brian’s mouth curl up in a smile. 

“Do you know anything about un-gifts, Curtis?” Brian asked.  Brian knew he was grasping at straws, but he wanted to know who was behind his un-gifts.

“Huh?  What’s an un-gift?”

Curtis’ reaction told Brian all he needed to know.  The lad had nothing to do with his secret gifter.  “It’s not important,” Brian mumbled.

“It sounds important,” Curtis contradicted.  “I kind of like the idea of an un-gift.  Maybe I could give you one of those.”

“No, Curtis, I don’t think you need to do anything like that.  Your thanks is all I need.”

“Maybe I could make you a card,” Curtis suggested.  “Would that be all right?”

Brian thought about all the cards Bree had made over the years.  She had made one for Curtis when he first joined their extended family.  “Sure, Curtis.  If you’d like to make me a card, that would be just fine.”

“I wonder if I could put Bree’s rainbow on it.”

“I don’t think she would like that.  It’s her trademark,” Brian warned.

“Right.  Maybe I can think up a trademark of my own.”

“That would be a good idea.”

“Okay, thanks, Mister Brian.”

“Good to talk to you, Curtis.”

“Bye.”

Brian set the phone back in its cradle.  Curtis was such a good kid.  It was nice to know that things had turned out so well for him.  Brian wondered what kind of card Curtis might come up with.

“I need another coffee,” Brian said to himself as he looked at the time on the clock on his desk, “before the kids get home from school.”  He headed down the stairs to get himself one.

*****

The little bell above the door jingled as Hunter walked into the diner, scanning the booths.  He did a double take as a big smile graced his face.  He watched as several young men walked past the booth trying to get the stunning occupant’s attention.  Without looking up from his Wall Street Journal, the brunet head shook his disinterest.  Hunter continued to watch as he made his way over to the booth and gave a low wolf whistle.

“Not…interested,” Brian began as Hunter plopped himself down opposite Brian in the booth, grinning like a fool.

“Does blondie know that you’re sportin’ new specs?” Hunter teased.

“No, and it’s none of your business what I tell Justin,” Brian growled.

“Or not.”  Hunter made a gesture toward the fashionable rimless glasses that were currently perched upon the aquiline nose.  “Since when?” 

“Since I’ve been relegated to reading every fucking contract Kinnetik is about to sign,” Brian groused.  “I was developing headaches and the doctor sent me to an Opthamologist who recommended reading glasses.”

“What’s wrong with Ted?  I thought contracts are his expertise.”

“They are but he needed some help.  Even in this horrid economy, advertising goes on.  I’m not really complaining but my eyes aren’t as sharp as they used to be,” Brian admitted as he took off his new glasses, carefully placing them into their case then into his pocket.

“Maybe you need a younger guy in your life to help lead you around,” Hunter said with a leer.

“I have a younger guy in my life; he leads me around just fine.  Does your husband know that you’re still jonesing for me?”

“I’m still younger than blondie, and Nick and I have an agreement.”  Hunter chuckled as he saw the eyebrow arch up.  “He doesn’t mention my little obsession regarding one stud of Liberty Avenue…”

“Ex-stud,” Brian interrupted.

“Ex-stud.  And I don’t mention his ‘thing’ for Reese Witherspoon.”  The eyebrow went up higher.  “I know, I know,” Hunter said putting his hands up in the air.  “He’s as bent as a dog’s hind leg but he loves that actress.”

“We all have our little ‘things,’” Brian admitted.

“Yeah, but at least you and Michael lusted after a man.”  Hunter referred to Brian and Michael’s fantasies about Patrick Swayze when they were teens.  Hunter wrinkled his nose at the thought.

“Hey, I have my blond, Nick has his,” Brian teased.  Hunter glared but ignored the crack.  “You want lunch?  I’m buying,” Brian offered.

“No thanks, I wish I could but I have to get back to the center after I give you the tour of the Joan Kinney halfway house,” Hunter said proudly, making Brian smile.

“I could have met you there,” Brian commented.

“And miss having you chauffeur me around in the fuck-mobile?!  No way, man, I may be crazy but I’m not stupid.”

“Then let’s get this show on the road,” Brian declared as he stood, threw some bills onto the table then ushered Hunter out of the diner.

“Wow, this is still some hot machine,” Hunter commented as he ran his hand across the hood of the vintage Corvette.  “You know, I don’t think I ever thanked you for what you did that day,” Hunter said softly as he looked up into Brian’s handsome face.  Brian smiled softly.  Hunter’s eyes were glittering with unshed tears.  Both men thought back to when Hunter and Michael fled Pittsburgh in Brian’s Corvette.

“You thanked me in more ways than you can ever imagine,” Brian said sincerely as he swiped away one errant tear from Hunter’s face.  “You’re the Master of Social Work, you’ve performed miracles here.  What more can a stud want?” Brian said with a little smirk to lighten the moment.

“Ex-stud,” Hunter said as he wiped his eyes. 

Brian opened the car door for Hunter then shut it when Hunter got situated.  He sprinted around to the driver’s side then got in to start the car. 

“Hey, no fingerprints on the leather,” Brian grumbled as he caught Hunter caressing the soft leather interior.  “What are you doing?” Brian asked as he looked over his shoulder before pulling out into traffic.  Hunter appeared to be…hunting…for something.

“Just wondering where you hide the cum towel,” Hunter laughed as Brian gunned the engine, the inertia slamming Hunter against the seat.  Hunter laughed louder as the Corvette’s powerful engine rumbled all the way to the former Kinney home.

*****

“This is amazing,” Brian exclaimed as he looked around his former home.  John had modernized the kitchen, added a second bathroom and an extension toward the back.

“I’m thinking of buying a few more houses around town,” the master of social work stated with a grin.

“Any problems?”

“With the building?  No.  Some of the neighbors weren’t too keen on ‘us’ moving in but the boys have grown on them.”  Hunter smiled gleefully.  “I’ve encouraged the boys to be helpful to some of the more elderly neighbors.  You know, sweeping sidewalks, cutting down dead tree branches, that sort of thing.  Helping with groceries.”

“Has it worked?”

“Yeah.  It also hasn’t hurt that the Mayor made a surprise visit one afternoon.  He shook hands and made nice nice with the neighbors.  The kids were blown away and the neighbors got their picture taken with hiz-honor.”  Hunter smiled like the cat that ate the canary.

Brian toured the whole house.  He was truly happy for the kids and for Hunter but suddenly felt a wave of sadness and loss.  It must have shown on Brian’s face.

“Brian?” Hunter said gently.  Brian just shook his head then walked out the front door.

“I’m so proud of you,” Brian said as he drew the younger man into a hug.  Hunter felt Brian shudder for a moment.  He returned Brian’s hug then the two friends went back to the Corvette.

“I’ll drive you back to the center,” Brian said as he started up the motor.

“Hey, I can drive, if you’re not feeling up to it,” Hunter said with a grin.

“In your dreams!” Brian snarked and the world returned to normal.

When they pulled up to the alley for the bathhouse and drop-in center, Hunter got out.

“Thanks for the ride,” Hunter said as he got out of the car.

“Thanks for the tour,” Brian responded.  Hunter stopped him before Brian could pull away.

“I almost forgot, I have something for you,” Hunter said just before he sprinted to the drop-in center and then back to the car.

“This was delivered by messenger this morning.  I knew we were going to meet today so I didn’t bother bringing it to Kinnetik.”  Hunter handed the small package to Brian. 

Brian took the package.  It was one of those padded shipping envelopes, about 5x7 inches big.

“Hey, Brian, is the B&B booked?” Hunter asked, breaking Brian out of his momentary stupor.

“Hmm?”

“The new cottage.  Is it booked?  Nick and I are taking a couple of weeks off.  We’d like to come up there and chill.”

“No, there’s no one there.  You’ll have the place to yourself.”

“Cool!  We’ll see you soon,” Hunter said with a cheery smile.  “Bye!”

“Bye,” Brian replied automatically as he stared at the envelope.  He was almost afraid to open it.  “Get a grip, Kinney,” he muttered to himself then rolled his eyes at the ridiculousness of the situation.

“Oh great, now I know senility has crept in, I’m talking to myself,” he griped.  “Here goes nothing.”

Brian ripped open the top of the envelope then shook out the contents.  A small gift box fell into his lap.  It was the sort of box that could hold a brooch or a pair of earrings.  Brian’s eyebrow automatically went up.

“What the fuck?” he growled when he took the top of the box off.  In it was a bottle of Visine.  Tucked in the box was a small note.

For those late nights when you’re hard at work.

Looking out for you as you age gracefully!

“Well fuck me!” Brian exclaimed as he closed up the box, shoved it back in the envelope then tossed it into the back of the ‘Vette.  He pulled out into traffic then headed for home.

They Say It’s Your Birthday

Chapter 9

“Kinney,” Brian said after he pressed the button on the bluetooth stuck in his ear.

“Hey, kiddo!” came the loud response.

“Howdy, Maw!” Brian drawled then pulled over to the side of the road. He had almost made it out of the Pitts before getting Debbie’s call.

“Where are you?”

“On my way home, why?”

“Can you come by the house? And do not say it,” Debbie attempted to ward off Brian’s patented response.

He snorted. “Would I do that to you?”

“Yes. Now get your skinny butt over here. I have something for you.”

“Okay, Maw,” Brian sighed as he turned the Corvette around. A few minutes later he entered Debbie’s house.

“Nothing changes around here, does it?” Brian mumbled as he picked up a small porcelain clown that was happy on an end table. It was one of many that decorated the house that appeared to have gotten stuck in the 70's.

“Hiya, honey!” Debbie came out of the kitchen to give Brian a loud kiss to his cheek. “How are you doing?” she asked as she searched his face.

“Peachy,” he snarked.

Debbie gave Brian’s cheek a little smack then wagged a finger at him. “Don’t get smart with me,” she warned. “I heard you’ve been spending a lot of time here lately,” Debbie said as she went back into the kitchen to pack up a tray of lasagna for Brian and his family.

“I do work here,” he snapped as he searched her refrigerator for something cold to drink.

“But you work a lot from home too.”

“Sometimes I need to go to the office,” Brian stated the obvious. “I’m not the only one. Justin’s been spending a lot of time at the gallery lately.”

“I know. He stops by to say hello; unlike someone else I know,” Debbie scowled. Brian immediately looked contrite. “Here, take this home with you.” Debbie had securely wrapped the tray then placed it into a box to make it easier for Brian to carry it.

“Thank you, Deb,” he said sincerely, giving her the puppy dog eyes. He then leaned down to kiss her.

“I love you, kiddo,” she said.

“Love you too, Maw.” Brian smiled at the woman who, for years, was the only mother he knew.

“Stay safe and give my Sunshine a kiss. And of course, you give your little princess a big kiss from me too.”

“I will. Uh, Deb, you called me over here just to give me lasagna?” Brian asked. A wave of concern struck him. “Is everything okay?”

“I’m fine, sweetheart, and so is Carl. I miss you and Sunshine. Sometimes I can close my eyes and almost imagine you all here on a Sunday night, laughing and joking around. I miss it.” Brian gave the portly woman a big hug.

“I miss it too, sometimes,” he admitted in a whisper. “And then there are other times when I’m inundated with all of you on the lane,” Brian scowled in mock anger. Debbie laughed as she squeezed his cheeks.

“You know you love it.” She kissed his cheek again then plopped the box in his hands. “Drive safely,” she said as she ushered him to the door.

“Oh, one more thing. A messenger dropped this off late last night. I don’t think it’s very important because they would have sent it to Kinnetik,” she said as Deb placed a thin envelope on top of the lasagna. “See ya, kiddo!” Debbie said as she shut the door behind a slightly shocked Brian.

He sighed as he managed to get himself and the lasagna into the Corvette. He gingerly picked up the envelope.

“This is becoming annoying,” he murmured as he tore it open and removed a bunch of papers. “Recipes?”

Some low fat recipes to help you keep in tiptop shape.

Always looking out for you as you age gracefully!

“I don’t know whether to be grateful or insulted,” Brian said to himself as he sifted though the recipes. They all looked appealing. “Hmm.” He shrugged his shoulders, thinking he might just give them a try. He then started up the car to head for home.

*****

“Hey,” Brian said as he entered the cottage and saw Justin working away at something in the kitchen. “When did you get home?”

“A little while ago. We finished early at the gallery so I came home. “I thought you’d be here.”

“I took a little side trip.”

“To Debbie’s.”

“How did you know?”

“The fragrant scent of Debbie’s world famous lasagna wafted into the kitchen just ahead of you. I imagine that’s what is in the box you’re carrying.”

Some low fat recipes to help you keep in tiptop

shape.

Always looking out for you as you age gracefully!

“Good deduction, Sherlock,” Brian said as he sat the box containing the lasagna on the counter.

“I have my skills,” Justin replied with a grin.

“You certainly do,” Brian agreed as he stepped behind the counter and nuzzled Justin’s neck. “Have we got time?”

With a radiant smile on his face Justin shook his head. “The bus will be coming up the lane momentarily.”

“Fuck!”

“It’s all right, old man. I’ll make it up to you later.”

“What did you call me?”

“Old man.”

“And why that … now?” Brian asked with a frown.

“Um, what do you mean? I call you that every once in a while.”

“I know, but why now?”

“I don’t know,” Justin said. He wondered what had Brian’s knickers in a knot. “Is something wrong?”

“No,” Brian said slowly, “not really.”

“What does that mean?”

“It’s fine. I…”

“Brian, tell me what’s going on.”

Just then the buzzer for the gate at the end of the lane went off. Brian walked over and pressed it to let the bus in. That effectively ended the discussion as they both walked out to meet the kids when they got off the bus.

*****

The following day Justin was off to the gallery once again. Brian decided to stay home and work on his flowerbeds. He thought maybe if he stayed away from Pittsburgh and the people who were his supposed friends, he wouldn’t get any more reminders about how old he would soon be.

With the house empty, Brian put on his gardening duds and headed to the backyard. He surveyed the gardens which to all intents and purposes were absolutely beautiful. He studied the clumps of tulips which had already bloomed. He was going to trim the heads off, but he hesitated. He didn’t think they had been as spectacular this year as they had the last. Quickly calculating how long the tulips had been in the ground, Brian made a quick decision.

He walked through the house, grabbed his keys and jumped into the Corvette. A short drive later he pulled into the garden center. Entering the building, he walked through to the back, giving the girl at the counter a cursory nod. He wasn’t sure he remembered her name, so he didn’t say anything.

“Hey,” he said as he looked into Todd’s office in the back. Todd was on his computer.

“Well, well, well, what brings you here, Mr. Kinney?” Todd asked with a smile.

“Haven’t seen much of you lately, so I came to see if you had absconded with my investment in this place.”

“The vacation in Cabo San Lucas was good, but I decided to come back and rip you off for a little more money.”

Brian chuckled and shook his head. “How are things going … really?”

“Just fine. The center is making a good profit. We’ve had a spectacular spring so far.”

“That’s good … and Gerry?”

A large smile spread across Todd’s face. “He’s better than fine.”

“I take that to mean, you two are at it hot and heavy.”

“But of course!” Todd responded with an attempt at a French accent.

“You’re pathetic.”

“And you’re almost fifty.”

“Hey!”

“Well, you are.”

“Who told you that?”

“Numerous members of that cwazy wittle family of yours,” Todd said with a grin.

“Riiight, the big mouths.”

“That would be the ones.”

“What do you know about tulips?” Brian said changing the subject.

“Just about everything,” Todd responded.

“A tad overconfident, aren’t we?”

“Mm, Gerry says I’m just confident enough.”

Brian glared at his obstreperous business partner. “I didn’t get such wonderful blooms off my tulips this year,” Brian said by way of explanation of his presence at the garden center.

“How long have they been in the ground?”

“That’s what I was thinking,” Brian said. “Maybe it’s time to change them.”

“After about ten years they start a downward trend.”

“They’re too old,” Brian supplied.

“I guess you could say that. They’ll continue to bloom, but they don’t keep getting bigger and spreading.”

“Whereas, humans get bigger and do continue to spread.”

Todd frowned. “Brian, are we still talking about tulips?”

“I … yeah, you’re right. I should dig up the tulips and replace them. Have you got some nice new colors of tulips? But I want them hardy too. They need to last at least another ten years.”

“The All Things Happy Garden and Lawn Center has everything to meet your gardening needs. Follow me, sir. I’m sure we can find exactly what you’re looking for.”

Brian had to grin as he followed Todd out into the showroom and over to the tulip section. He listened to Todd’s recommendations about the various varieties of tulips, gradually narrowing his choices until he had three types that he liked the color of. He made sure to choose ones that Todd had labeled as hardy varieties. He hated the fancy hybrid ones that bloomed once spectacularly and then were worthless after that. He wanted ones that were in it for the long haul.

“Okay,” Brian said, “I know the ones I’m going to take. Thanks for your help, Todd.”

“Not a problem,” Todd replied. “I love talking flowers and discussing what will work best for the people planting them. You made my day.”

“Happy to oblige,” Brian said as he gathered up his packages of tulip bulbs. “Now, I also need something to fill the holes where the old tulips were until these babies grow up a bit.”

“I have just the thing,” Todd said confidently as he led Brian to another section of the flower area.

Soon everything was loaded into the back of the Corvette. Brian was paying for his purchases when Todd came out of his office.

“I almost forgot. This came for you this morning,” Todd said handing Brian a small shopping bag.

“What is it?”

“I don’t know. I don’t go snooping into bags with your name on them.”

“Why would a delivery come here? I’m hardly ever here.”

“Hey, don’t kill the messenger. I’m merely passing this on to you.”

Brian had a feeling he knew what would be in the bag – another un-gift. Reluctantly he took the bag from Todd. “I don’t suppose you know who sent this?”

Todd shook his head. “Some delivery guy brought it. That’s all I know.”

“Figures.”

“Brian, is something up?”

“No, it’s fine. Thanks,” Brian said as he finished paying for his flowers. He took the shopping bag and walked out to his car.

Once he was seated inside the Corvette he opened the bag and peered inside. It was a bottle of something. Brian lifted it from the bag. It was a jar of extra hot salsa. He couldn’t help but chuckle. This was a new twist. He reached back into the bag for the card he knew would be there. Pulling it out, he read:

Wouldn’t want you to think you were old and decrepit. You’re still extra hot and spicy just like the contents of this jar.

Looking out for you as you age to perfection.

This was suddenly getting rather interesting. Brian started the car and headed for home.

*****

Best laid plans of mice, men and queers often go awry. Or something like that. As Brian was varooming his way back home in the Corvette, his Bluetooth chimed in his ear.

“Kinney.”

“It’s Scott,” the head man of Part Deux announced himself. From the tone of Scott’s voice, Brian knew his date with tulips would have to wait.

“I’m not going to like this, am I?”

“Not really. Are you able to swing by the office? We seem to be in the midst of a standoff.”

“Standoff?”

“As in admen versus artists. We need an objective opinion.”

“You do recall I am an adman.”

“Yes, but you’re married to an artist.” Brian sighed with resignation as he pulled off to the side of the road.

“Let me make some phone calls first then I’ll be there in about an hour.”

“Good. I think I can forestall the bloodshed until then,” Scott snarked dramatically as he hung up.

By the time the Corvette rumbled onto the lane following Brian’s visit to Part Deux, it was well after four. Brian had several hours of daylight left to do his planting but he decided to unload his car and stow his new bulbs and annuals in the greenhouse just in case he couldn’t get to them. He gave the plants a good watering before sauntering up to the cottages.

“Hey, dog!” Brian greeted Beau who was making his rounds of the lane. The big dog bounded up to his ‘man’ then slowed and waited. Brian patted his chest as he often saw John do. Beau slowly rose on his hind legs, resting his front paws on Brian’s chest. Nearly nose to wet shiny nose with the big dog, Brian grabbed Beau’s ears to give them a good scratch. Beau smiled in his doggie way with his tongue lolling out. Beau was one valued member of the family.

“All right on the lane?” Brian asked. Beau responded with a little bark as he lowered himself then bounded off to finish his rounds.

“Later,” Brian said to the dog’s retreating back, shaking his head with a smile.

Brian entered the cottage finding it relatively quiet. He walked into the sun porch to see who was home. He noted that Justin was in full artist mode, preparing canvases for his next masterpiece. Patrick was quietly doing his homework at one of the small wicker tables. Brian went to sit down next to his nephew.

“Where is everyone?” he asked softly trying not to disturb Justin. Although he knew when Justin was in full artist mode, not much could draw away his attention.

“My dads are still working, but they said they’d be home in time to make dinner,” Patrick said as he struggled with his math homework. Brian peered over the boy’s shoulder then offered some assistance.

“Ooohh,” Patrick said with a grateful smile then continued with his pencil.

“Where’s Bree?” Brian asked with a little concern. She usually did her homework right along with Patrick.

Patrick pointed toward the garden.

“Did she finish her homework already?” Patrick shrugged, trying to avoid looking at the Dora the Explorer backpack on the floor.

“Uh huh,” Brian muttered as he ruffled the boy’s fiery red hair. “No problem. You just concentrate on your homework and make sure your uncle doesn’t bury himself under canvases and sketchpads,” Brian kidded.

He and Patrick looked up at Justin who was surrounded by several easels, each sporting a pad or canvas. The hazel eyed men exchanged knowing looks then Brian went out into the garden in search of his daughter.

“Hey,” Brian said when he found Bree. She was sitting on one of the strategically placed benches in the garden, a soccer ball under her feet. She had a pre-occupied, faraway look on her face.

“Hi, Dada,” she greeted her father.

“Did you finish your homework, Squirt?”

“No, Dada,” she said guiltily. There was an unspoken rule that had developed for the kids after school; snack and homework, then playtime.

“What’s wrong?” Brian sat next to his daughter and took her little hand in his.

“Your birthday’s soon, isn’t it,” she said as more of a statement rather than a question.

“Yes, it is.”

“Why don’t you want a party? Uncle John says this is a sig-nif-i-cant birthday,” Bree said, carefully enunciating her words. This was no time for baby talk.

“I’m not comfortable with birthday parties,” Brian answered honestly.

“But you made me great parties!”

“Because they were for you. I don’t like parties for me.”

“But why?”

“Because I prefer celebrating an accomplishment rather than the fact that I’ve lived for another year. Some birthdays aren’t very happy ones,” he said sadly remembering the worst birthday of his life.

Bree appeared to take it all in and then come to a conclusion. “If I make a party for you and bake a cake, will you come?” she asked seriously, searching her father’s eyes.

“Yes,” Brian said. He could never hurt his daughter by refusing such a request. “Your brother will be home for the summer soon; can we wait until then?”

“Oh yes, Dada!” Bree said as she jumped up onto the bench and threw her arms around Brian’s neck. He hugged his daughter closely.

“Homework,” Brian said after a few minutes.

“I don’t have much; I started it at recess,” Bree explained.

“Then in that case…” Brian snatched up his daughter in one arm then began to kick the soccer ball toward open ground. Once they were far enough from the house and anything breakable, he put Bree down for an impromptu game.

For the next hour Bree and Brian ran circles around each other and scored numerous goals. The crowd (Beau) roared appropriately.

They Say It’s Your Birthday

Chapter 10

“Daddy, can you come here?” Bree asked. She was sitting at her little work table in the sun porch while her father was painting.

Justin looked over at his daughter. The little table might soon need to be replaced. Bree was growing taller, even though Justin suspected that she would always be petite compared to other girls her age. “Give me a minute,” Justin said as he finished adding the color he was currently using to his latest painting. When he was done, he put his brushes in the solvent can and headed over to Bree. “What’s up?” he asked his daughter.

“Do these look nice?” Bree asked.

She handed her father the paper she had been working on. Justin took the piece of cover stock and looked at Bree’s handiwork. The paper was folded in half. On the front was Bree’s patented rainbow drawn meticulously. Underneath the rainbow, Bree had carefully printed in blue pencil crayon, PARTY!

“What party is this?” Justin asked with a frown.

“Dada’s.”

“Dada’s? But Brian doesn’t want a party.”

“Dada should have a birthday party,” Bree stated. “I asked him if he would come to a party if I made one for him … with cake and everything. He said he would.”

“And when did this happen?” Justin asked.

“Yesterday.”

“And when were you going to tell me about this?”

“I’m telling you now.”

“Don’t you think you should have asked me about having this party?”

“But … it’s my party for Dada,” Bree said slowly. This wasn’t working out quite the way she had expected.

“And who are you inviting?”

“You, me, Dada, Patrick and Uncle John and Uncle Bobby. I wish Gus would be here too.”

“Oh,” Justin said. That was a list of who was in the house all the time. And he thought it was best to stay away from the topic of Gus for the moment. “So why are you making invitations when it’s just the family?”

“Because it’s a party, and I wanted to.” Bree looked confused by her father’s questions. Didn’t he understand that a party required invitations?

“I see,” Justin said slowly. “What are you planning for this party?”

“Planning?” Bree asked with a frown.

“What food are you going to have? What activities? What day is it on? What time? Where?”

“Oh, we’re going to have dinner here, and I want to bake Dada a cake,” Bree stated.

“You’re going to bake a cake?”

“Yes, Daddy.”

“Will you need help doing that?”

Bree stared up at her father with big violet eyes. “I thought you could help me.” She batted her beautiful eyes at her father.

“Is that what you thought?” Justin asked trying unsuccessfully not to smile.

“Yes, Daddy.”

“I think that might be arranged.”

Bree beamed at him. “I thought I could ask Auntie Emm, but I’d rather have you help me.”

“Would you now?” Justin said with a grin. Someone had learned the fine art of flattery and manipulation. She was putting it into practice very successfully.

“I think your Dada would like Gus to be here, so let’s pick a date for your party that will make it possible for Gus to be here.”

Bree beamed. “Oh yes, Daddy, I want my Gus to be at the party.”

“What do you think Dada might like to eat at his birthday party?” Justin asked deciding that this party was going to happen, so he might as well get on board. Knowing his daughter, Justin thought it best not to dwell on the subject of Gus. It would be nice, though, to have a small, intimate party for his husband with just the immediate family.

Bree’s forehead had creased as she thought about what her Dada would like to eat for his birthday. “Cake!” she said finally.

“Besides cake,” Justin said with a laugh.

“Dada likes steak, but then he would have to cook it.”

“Yes he would,” Justin agreed.

“He likes roast chicken,” Bree suggested.

“Yes he does.”

“Could we have that?”

“I think so. Maybe with some Caesar salad and roasted potatoes.” Bree’s ponytail bobbed up and down as she nodded in agreement. “I think those are some of your Dada’s favorites.”

“Yes, Daddy. Do you like my invitations?”

“Very much. How many have you made?”

“I have two more to do.”

“Do you need any help?” Justin asked.

“Nope, I can make them. And you’ll help me make a cake, right?”

“You got it.”

“Thank you, Daddy.”

“You’re welcome, sweetheart.”

Bree got back to work on her invitations while Justin went back to his painting.

*****

“What are you doing?” Justin asked the next morning. Brian was sitting at the kitchen table staring at something.

“Looking at the mail,” he responded.

“Um, don’t you mean staring at the mail?” Justin asked as he poured himself a mug of coffee.

“I’m … surprised.”

“Surprised? By what? Did you get a huge bill that you didn’t expect?”

“No, I didn’t get a bill, I got a birthday card.”

“And why is that a surprise? Your birthday is … soon.”

“It’s from Curtis.”

“Curtis? That is a surprise.”

“He called me a few days ago.”

“He did? Why?”

“He said he wanted to thank me for the good life he has now.”

“Aw, that was very sweet.”

“Yeah, sweet.”

“So, is the card nice?”

“See for yourself.”

Justin took the card from Brian. It was handmade. On the front of it was a big old Bassett hound looking so forlorn. Above the picture, Curtis had printed: This was me! Justin opened the card. Inside it said: Before I met you. Now I’m as happy as a yappy little Chihuahua! Thank you and Happy Birthday. It was signed simply, Curtis. There was a small picture of what looked like the Taco Bell Chihuahua at the bottom of the page.

“I think Curtis has been influenced by someone we both know and love,” Justin said with a smile as he handed the card back to Brian.

“He said he was going to make me a card,” Brian said seriously. “He thought he might put a Bree rainbow on it.”

“I don’t see one,” Justin observed as he looked over Brian’s shoulder.

“I told him Bree might not like that.”

“Hm, you’re right. That’s her trademark.”

“It looks like Curtis decided to use dogs as his trademark.”

“Very appropriate for the son of a veterinarian.”

“Yeah.”

“You seem a little down,” Justin said looking closely at Brian. “I would think that card would cheer you up.”

“I like the card, but…”

“But what?”

“It made me think about how little incidents that might not seem very important can really change a life.”

“Getting mugged is hardly a little incident,” Justin stated remembering Brian’s first encounter with Curtis.

“He didn’t want to hurt me. I think I knew that right from the outset.”

“Yeah, but it was still a dangerous situation.”

“That’s what I mean,” Brian reflected. “It could have turned out so differently.”

“Are you getting philosophical as you approach fifty?”

“How much time do I have before I hit the big 5-0?”

“You still have a few hours,” Justin said with a chuckle.

“Then let’s make the most of it,” Brian replied grabbing Justin’s hand and pulling him towards the bedroom.

*****

Brian’s actual birthday passed with little fanfare. There were only six people who actually knew the date, besides the government, and one of those people had passed away. The rest, including Brian, weren’t talking. It was just another day on the calendar for the family but for Brian and Justin the date held another important significance; it was twenty years to the day that Justin was brutally attacked. The lovers had subconsciously rearranged their schedules so that they could spend the day quietly at the cottage. Brian was content, watching as Justin set up his easel and painted their blooming garden. They spent their whole afternoon out in the sun and then when everyone came home, they spent the rest of the day with their family surrounded by love.

*****

Gus rolled the heavy loft door back, quickly cutting off the alarm then shoved several boxes through the doorway. He made a couple more trips down to his Jeep that was parked around on the side street before he entered the loft for the final time. Kicking off his sneakers, he took a good look around and sniffed at the air. He expected the loft to have a stale smell. He smiled; there was a large basket of muffins and bagels on the counter. And yup, when he opened the freezer, it was crammed with individually packed meals including someone’s infamous lasagna. The counters gleamed, not a speck of dust anywhere and the sun was streaming through the open curtains. The ‘gay grapevine’ must have been abuzz with activity. Even the mail had been sorted.

“Ah, my cwazy wittle family has struck again,” Gus murmured to himself.

Gus was finished with this semester at Penn, and if he wasn’t slated to go on to complete his masters in business administration, he would have graduated. But with his concurrent studies at PIFA, Gus had a couple more years of college; which was okay with him. He wasn’t in that much of a hurry to take over the ‘family business.’ Not yet anyway. There was a lot he had to learn and a lot of living he had to do before he settled down to be the ‘responsible’ adult he knew his parents expected him to be.

Gus had hoped he was going to be able to travel to exotic parts unknown this summer. He really wanted to see those ancient temples in India, but with his grandmother’s passing, Gus needed to be close to his family for a while. And then there was this very special invitation that Justin had overnighted to him. He smiled as he dug into his messenger bag to take out the card that his sister had made. He knew his father had turned fifty although he wasn’t sure of the date. He also knew that the great Brian fucking Kinney wanted nothing to do with birthdays. However, Brian Kinney had an Achilles heel, the Taylor smile and blue eyes. Specifically, the smile and eyes that belonged to one Briana Victoria Kinney-Taylor!

“Hey.” Gus’ grin grew wider as he answered his cell. “I just got in. Yeah, I have it. I still can’t believe he agreed to it but I’m glad he did. He needs this and so does she. Thank you for waiting until I came home to do this. I really want to be there. So this is just for us, right?”

Gus walked into the kitchen area and rummaged around in the refrigerator for something cold to drink. “Wow,” he exclaimed, then chuckled.

“What?” he heard Justin ask on the other end of the line.

“The refrigerator actually has more in it than water and peanut butter,” he laughed.

“And poppers,” Justin automatically said. “Don’t ask,” he scolded, making Gus laugh again.

“I won’t, besides I got that lecture from Debbie years ago.”

“I think I did too,” Justin said wistfully.

“And no tricks after midnight,” they said together then giggled like a couple of naughty boys.

“I’m going to put away as much as I can and do some laundry then crash so I can get an early start tomorrow,” Gus said when he got himself under control.

“Sounds like a plan to me,” Justin agreed. “Are you going to stay for the barbecue?”

“I think I better. If I don’t I’ll have half of Pittsburgh after me,” Gus said referring to the family that would be pissed if they didn’t see their ‘number one son.’

“Only the gay half,” Justin quipped, thinking that Gus sounded way too much like his father.

“You must be thinking about that other devastatingly handsome Kinney,” Gus teased as he popped open a can of soda.

“Maybe,” Justin replied then got serious. “Gus, I’m glad you’re home. I think he needs you.”

“Yeah. I think I need him and the rest of you too. I have about two weeks before I attend class at PIFA. If it’s okay with you guys, I’ll spend it at the cottage and then come back to the loft. There’s nothing here in the refrigerator that will spoil. Emm left me a basket of muffins that I can bring with me.” Gus’ brain was on overdrive changing and rearranging plans on whim.

“Your room is always ready for you, you know that,” Justin reassured him.

“Thank you.” Gus felt his throat tighten a little. “Now, before I start sounding like a lesbian, this is me hanging up.”

“Later,” Justin said, ignoring the hitch in Gus’ voice.

“Later.”

It was late in the evening when Gus emerged from the bathroom in a cloud of steam then crawled naked under the sheets of the big loft bed. He had done all his laundry, put away and hung up his clothes. He noted that his father and Justin still kept some clothes there. Even John and Bobby stored a few things in the closet. They all had business in Pittsburgh; it was convenient to stay at the loft.

Gus settled in, plugged in his cell phone to charge then picked up the loft phone to make a call.

“Hi.”

“Hi. I wondered what happened to you. I thought you were hijacked by your family or something.”

“Yeah, something like that. I’m sorry,” Gus said contritely.

“No need to apologize. You sound tired.”

“A little. I’m in bed. You?” Gus asked hopefully, getting a chuckle in his ear.

“You just want my incredible phone sex,” Ray laughed.

“Yeah,” Gus admitted. “Listen, my plans kind of changed, I hope you won’t be angry.”

“Why would I be angry? We made no concrete plans.”

“Thank you. I’m going to the cottage tomorrow then stay until my summer class starts.”

“Are you going to work at Kinnetik this summer?” Ray asked.

“I wasn’t planning to; I thought I was going to travel this summer, but…”

“I understand. Do you know if there’s a spot for you?”

“I called Cynthia earlier today. She said she saved me a spot if I wanted it. I think I do but it won’t be until mid July.”

“Then why don’t I come to you in a few weeks. We can spend some time together before you start working.”

“You’d do that?”

“Of course, I’m just the greatest boyfriend ever,” Ray said smugly.

“Yeah, you are. And you can help me eat all the food that’s been packed away in the freezer!” Gus laughed.

“Your fairy godmother struck again?”

“Yeah, and several grandmothers,” Gus said with a yawn.

“Hey, go to sleep. I’ll call you in a few days,” Ray chuckled, taking pity on his tired boyfriend.

“But I wanted…”

“Sure you do, sleepy head. How about I give you a wake-up call in the morning?”

“Promise?” Gus murmured.

“Promise.”

“I love you, Ray, and I miss you.”

“Me too, Gus. Me too. I’ll talk to you in the morning. Good night.”

“Night.” Gus pressed end on the phone then immediately fell asleep.

*****

“Wakey, wakey,” a warm breathy voice teased him out of sleep. He unsuccessfully swatted at the annoyance.

“It’s Saturday. I’m allowed to sleep late on Saturday,” he grumbled as he pulled his pillow over his head.

“Yes, you are and you have. It’s ten,” the voice said as a gentle hand reached under the pillow to ruffle his hair.

“Ten,” he asked incredulously as he worked the pillow off half his face and cracked open one eye. The effect was so endearing that John laughed and immediately swept Bobby up into his arms. Pillow, blankets and all.

“Stop it, you caveman,” Bobby laughed as his he-man hugged him hard. Bobby tried unsuccessfully to push his spouse off. “Okay, I give up. I’m all yours. Do with me what you will,” he laughed.

“Now, there’s an exciting offer,” John said as he gave Bobby a tender kiss. He peeled back the layers of bedding, freeing his spouse. “Can I have a raincheck?”

“Tease,” Bobby groused. “But, yes, you may. “What’s up, Doc?” Bobby asked as he waggled his eyebrows. John shook his head. “I always wanted to say that. Seriously, is there something going on I should know about? Brian hasn’t backed out of his party, has he?”

“No, he hasn’t. He would never do that to Bree. But Brian’s been on high alert since early this morning; he suspects something else is going on this weekend.”

“And is there something else going on this weekend?” Bobby asked. John merely arched his brow. “Oh right, right. Memorial Day. The official Edna’s Treasures barbecue to kick off the summer. I gather that Brian’s been so wrapped up in NOT acknowledging his birthday that he’s overlooked our yearly extravaganza.”

“Got it in one.”

“That’s why they pay me the big bucks,” Bobby grinned. He wrapped his arms around his caveman then kissed him silly. “So what’s our next move, other than having mad passionate monkey sex?” Bobby asked his co-conspirator.

“Justin is helping Briana cook and bake, which means…”

“Which means, he can’t sneak away to go to the store,” Bobby surmised.

“Correct again, oh brilliant one.” John stole a few more kisses. “So it’s up to us to go shopping.” John waved a list in the air.

“Do I get a reward for helping out in this venture?” Bobby gave his lover a coy smile.

“You get whatever is mine to give,” John replied.

“Tonight, my place for some mad passionate monkey sex,” Bobby murmured against John’s lips.

“Mmm, looking forward to it,” John whispered. He gave his spouse another kiss then regretfully let Bobby go so that they could get on with their day.

They Say It’s Your Birthday

Chapter 11

Saturday morning of the Memorial Day weekend dawned bright and sunny. Like the Taylor smiles, Brian thought as he turned in bed to look at his husband. He knew deep inside himself how lucky he had been to have met Justin Taylor so many years ago under that streetlamp on Liberty Avenue. The amazing thing was how Justin had been able to put up with his bullshit all these years, no, how Justin had been able to see through his bullshit all these years. If Justin hadn’t been so tenacious and so smart and so understanding, they would not be together now. They would never have got together in the first place. The one night stand would have been just that.

“And how different my life would be,” Brian mumbled to himself.

“Hm,” Justin said as Brian’s soft words woke him.

“Morning, Sunshine,” Brian said kissing Justin’s cheek.

“Is that the birthday boy kissing me?” Justin asked as he tried to pry his eyes open.

“Maybe.”

“Maybe! Am I being assaulted by an unknown gay man?”

“Not while I’m still breathing,” Brian declared.

“My hero,” Justin said with one of those sunny smiles that Brian so loved. Justin opened his eyes and stared up at his husband. “Happy Birthday Party Day.”

Brian made the obligatory face, but Justin could tell that his husband seemed okay with the whole birthday party thing. That was still a surprise to him. He had been really worried that turning fifty would send Brian on a downward spiral. That did not seem to be happening, and for that Justin was eternally grateful.

Brian’s lips softly pressed against Justin’s. His tongue probed the warm lips looking for entry. Justin opened his mouth allowing Brian in, and they kissed slowly for several minutes, letting their emotions build as they grew hard and needy.

Just then a knocking at the door broke the intense concentration that they had been pouring into their kisses.

“Daddy! Dada! Get up. I hafta make my cake,” Bree called as she continued to knock on their door.

“Fuck!” Brian grumbled.

“You told her you wanted a cake,” Justin reminded his husband.

“I told her she could make me a cake. I didn’t say I wanted one.”

“Semantics!” Justin averred. “You know she thinks you want a cake.”

“I guess I’ll have to eat some of it too,” Brian said ruefully.

“You bet your ass you will.”

“Daddy! Dada!” Bree repeated, impatience clear in her voice.

“Coming, sweetheart,” Justin said as he threw back the covers. “Get up, old man.”

“You’re not supposed to remind me about that,” Brian griped before he pulled a pillow over his head.

“I’ll always be around to remind you that you’re growing old gracefully,” Justin said as he unlocked the door and Bree came bounding into the room. She gave her father a hug and then pounced on her other father, jumping on him in the bed.

“Get up, Dada! It’s your birthday party today.”

“I know,” Brian said as he shoved Bree to the side and kissed all over her face until she started giggling uncontrollably. She was doing her best to tickle under her father’s arms.

“Stop it, you two!” Justin ordered. “Before you both throw up.”

“Yes, master,” Brian said rolling to the side and letting Bree get up.

“Yes, master,” Bree parroted before she and her older father burst out laughing.

“You two are incorrigible,” Justin said shaking his head and smiling. “If you want to bake a cake, get your little butt out to the kitchen for some breakfast,” he ordered.

Bree grinned and said contritely, “Yes, Daddy.” She jumped off the bed and headed for the kitchen.

“What about me?” Brian asked.

“Get into the shower then make yourself scarce after breakfast. You don’t see your cake until dinner.”

“Yes, master.”

“Incorrigible!” Justin repeated as he threw on a robe and went to make sure Bree got some breakfast.

*****

“Okay, have you measured two cups of flour?”

“Yes, Daddy.”

“Pour some of it into the bowl.”

“Some?”

“About half. Can you estimate half of what you have?”

“That would be one cup,” Bree said confidently.

“Excellent.”

Bree beamed at her father and then carefully poured half of the flour into the bowl. Justin gently stirred it into the liquid ingredients.

“Okay, add the rest of the flour,” he instructed.

Bree did as instructed. “Can I stir it, Daddy?” she asked after a minute.

Justin handed her the wooden spoon. “Stir it slowly and gently.”

“’Kay.” Bree took the spoon and moved the mixture around in the bowl. “How do you know when it’s done?”

“Can you see any white specks of flour?” Justin asked. Bree looked into the bowl and shook her head. “Then I’d say it’s done. Now we add the remaining ingredients.” Justin stirred. “And now we pour it into the cake pans that you greased.”

“You better do that, Daddy,” Bree said. “The bowl is heavy.”

“Good idea, sweetheart.” Justin lifted the bowl and poured the batter into the cake tins. “Into the oven,” he said as he placed the tins on the middle rack of the oven. He closed the oven door. “Now we wait.”

“How long?” Bree asked.

“About 45 to 50 minutes.”

“How do you know that?”

“That’s what most cake recipes tell us, but then you can touch the top of the cake and see if it’s firm. If it’s not then it’s not done. You can also stick a toothpick into the middle and see if it comes out clear.”

“Oh,” Bree said with a frown. “How do you know all these things?”

“By cooking with my mother just like you’re cooking with me right now.”

“Grandma Jenn taught you?”

“That’s right.”

“I like cooking with you, Daddy.”

“Me too,” Justin replied with a Taylor smile.

“Is the cake done?” Bree asked.

“It’s only been five minutes.”

“Cakes sure take a long time.”

“Patience is a virtue.”

Bree heaved a sigh and waited.

*****

“Ooh, it looks good, Daddy. Can I taste it?” Bree asked as she watched her father turn the two layers of cake out of their pans.

“Not yet,” Justin said. “You don’t want a big hole in Dada’s cake, do you?”

Bree frowned. “But how do we know if it tastes good if we don’t taste it?”

Justin scraped a little bit of the cake off the side of the pan. “Here,” he said holding it out to her on a spoon.

Bree picked the morsel off the spoon and popped it in her mouth. “Yum,” she said.

“So do we know it tastes good now?”

“Yep,” Bree said nodding her head up and down. “I want a big piece when Dada cuts it.”

“Me too,” Justin said with a chuckle.

“Dada gets the biggest piece of all.”

“He’ll love that,” Justin said.

“It’s his birthday party, so he gets the biggest piece,” Bree averred.

“You bet,” Justin said stifling a laugh as he thought about Brian’s reaction to a huge piece of cake.

“Can a man get some water before he dies of thirst?” a sorrowful voice called from the sun porch.

“You’re supposed to be somewhere else,” Justin called back.

“I’ve been gardening all morning,” Brian said. “I’m thirsty.”

“John and Bobby have water.”

“I want my own water.”

“You just want to see what we’re doing.”

“I know what you’re doing. I want water,” Brian griped.

“Bree, take your nosy father a bottle of water from the fridge.”

“’Kay, Daddy,” Bree said. She hopped down off her chair at the counter and retrieved a bottle of cold water from the fridge. She carried it to the sun porch. “Dada, you’re not allowed in the kitchen,” Bree informed her father.

“I didn’t come into the kitchen.”

“But you wanted to.”

“Did not.”

“I could tell you did.”

Brian glared at his daughter. It was childish to argue with her, but he really wanted to. “Are you guys almost done?” he asked instead.

“Not yet, Dada.”

“When?”

“We have to put icing on the cake.”

“Okay,” Brian said slowly. “But you better hurry up before I get sunstroke.”

“Wear a hat,” Justin called.

“Fucking cake,” Brian muttered as he headed back outside.

“We better hurry up, Daddy,” Bree said as she returned to the kitchen. “You know how impatient he gets.”

“Yeah, I do,” Justin agreed with a chuckle. “Let’s get the icing on this baby. What color do you want?”

“Hm,” Bree said, “I think we should…”

“Anybody home?” Gus called as he stepped through the front door.

“GUUUSSSSS!!!!!” Bree screeched as she bolted for the door to find her brother. “You came,” she yelled as she threw herself into his waiting arms.

“Of course I came, short stuff,” Gus whispered as he hugged her hard and buried his face in her fine hair. “I always come when I say I will.”

“I love you, Gus.”

“Love you too. Where is everybody?”

“Me and Daddy are baking a cake for Dada’s party, and Dada’s been out gardening all day, and he’s getting cranky, and he keeps trying to see what we’re doing but we won’t let him. He’s very impatient,” Bree said as she finally took a breath giving Gus a chance to respond.

“Is that right?” Gus laughed. “Maybe I should go keep Pop company, so he doesn’t get any crankier before his party.”

“That’s a good idea,” Bree said.

“Great idea, Gus,” Justin agreed as Gus carried Bree into the kitchen. She was still clinging to his neck. “It’s good to have you home.”

“Great to be here. I can’t wait for the party.”

“Me either,” Justin said with a chuckle.

“I’m off to cheer up Pop,” Gus said as he set Bree down. “Make that cake really special.”

“We will, Gus,” Bree said solemnly.

“Let’s get to work,” Justin told his daughter as Gus disappeared into the sun porch.

*****

Gus decided to take his father into Harrisburg for coffee and some father/son time together. That got Brian out of Bree and Justin’s hair for the afternoon. They could finish the cake and get the sun porch set up for the birthday dinner.

Justin and Bree had fun decorating the cake. Following Bree’s suggestions, Justin used the colors she chose. He thought he knew why she had chosen them. However, he insisted on writing his own words on top. Bree didn’t really understand them, but she could see that her father wanted to say the birthday wishes in that way, so she didn’t protest. Finally the cake was finished and they set it aside for later.

They spent quite a bit of time getting the dinner table ready in the sun porch. Bree wanted it to be a grown up type of dinner, like her Grandparents Birthday dinner had been, so they used the good china and wine glasses, as well as linen napkins and tablecloth, and tall candles. Bree thought the table looked perfect as her uncles and Patrick came into the sun porch.

“How’s it going?” Bobby asked.

“We’re almost done. I hope Gus remembers to bring Brian back here at the time I told him to,” Justin said.

“That might be easier said than done,” John replied. “Brian doesn’t always cooperate.”

“He knows how important this is to Bree,” Justin said. “He’ll be here.”

“Dada will be here,” Bree agreed.

“Anything we can do to help?” John asked.

“Nope, everything’s just about ready. Bree and I need to get changed.”

“So do we,” Bobby said. “I have my suit all picked out.”

“Me too,” John agreed.

“Me too,” Patrick chimed in.

Everyone headed to their bedroom to get dressed.

*****

When Gus and Brian returned right on time, they were immediately sent to their rooms to change. Everyone else assembled in the sun porch to wait for them to appear. The smell of roast chicken wafted through the house making everyone’s mouth water.

“Is it safe to come in?” Brian called from the kitchen when he and Gus were ready.

“Entrez!” Justin called.

Brian and Gus stepped into the sun porch as everyone shouted, “Happy Birthday!”

Gus slapped his father on the back as they looked at the elegantly set table. “Looks great, Pop.”

“You guys have outdone yourselves,” Brian said.

“Nothing but the best for my man,” Justin said sincerely.

“The best for my Dada,” Bree added.

Brian smiled and gave each of them a kiss. They all got seated at the table where John poured wine for the adults and fruit juice for the children. Everyone toasted Brian’s continued good health. He accepted their kind wishes gratefully.

Dinner started with a Caesar salad prepared just the way Brian liked it. Justin then served the roast chicken and potatoes with peas and carrots. It was perfectly roasted and very juicy. Everyone declared it delicious.

Conversation revolved around Gus’ plans for the summer. Everyone was happy to have him home for a while, especially Bree. When the main course was finished, John helped Justin clear the dishes. Then Bree and Justin went to the kitchen to bring in the long awaited cake.

Bree and Justin began singing Happy Birthday as they carried the cake with one large candle on it. Everyone else sang too, much to Brian’s chagrin. They were slightly off key and that finally made Brian smile.

“Your cake!” Justin said as he set it down in front of Brian. “Made with lots of care and hard work, and a huge amount of love.”

“It looks like…” Gus began.

“Like the cake from the photo album,” Brian continued Gus’ thought. He stared at the cake covered in yellow icing.

“I wanted to make you a cake like that one in Gamma Joan’s book, Dada,” Bree said.

“And I thought you were asleep while we were looking at that picture of the cake in Joanie’s photo album.”

“I could hear you talking about it, so I looked at the picture after,” Bree informed him.

“Well, it’s a beautiful cake,” Brian said. “And it even says Happy Un-Birthday. Whose idea was that?”

“That would be mine,” Justin said with an affectionate smile. “Oh, this came for you this afternoon while you and Gus were out.”

“What’s this?” Brian asked with a frown.

“Open it and see.”

Brian tore the envelope open. Inside was a folded piece of paper. Brian pulled it out and opened it. He read it slowly to himself and then he looked up at Justin. “It was you.”

“But of course. Who did you think it was?”

“Michael, Ben, Debbie, Gus, John, Bobby…”

“Okay, so I’m really good at concealing what I want … to conceal.”

“Yes you are. Come here,” Brian said pulling Justin onto his lap for a passionate kiss.

“Hey, little brother, save that for later. You need to blow out your candle before it melts the cake. And we all want a piece of this magnificent cake.”

“Yes, sir,” Brian said releasing Justin and blowing out the candle.

“A big piece for me, Dada,” Bree said as she handed her father the knife to cut the cake.

Brian did the carving duties, and shortly everyone had a piece of cake. They all complimented Bree and Justin on the delicious cake.

“This is very good cake,” Brian said as he took a bite.

“It’s my mother’s favorite cake recipe. She used to make it from scratch for each of our birthdays,” Justin said.

“Real good, Daddy,” Bree said with her mouth full.

“I could eat another piece,” Patrick stated as he cleaned his plate.

“Here you go, Little Red,” Brian said slicing his nephew another piece.

“So what was on that paper, Pop?” Gus asked.

Brian read it aloud:

I hope you will use all the little gifts I sent you. I love you more than you’ll ever know, and I am so happy to be growing into adulthood with you, my prince.

I’ll always be looking out for you as you age gracefully!

“What gifts?” Gus asked.

“For weeks I have been receiving so called un-gifts from some unknown person. At first they were annoying, then they were funny, then they were annoying again,” Brian said.

Justin merely grinned. Finally he said, “I couldn’t let this birthday go by unnoticed, so I decided to make it an un-birthday, just like the un-birthday cake.”

“What kind of presents?” John asked.

“Liniment and Viagra and…”

“Not in front of little ears,” John said quickly, fearful of what the list might contain.

The adults were all stifling giggles as Brian recited part of his list of gifts.

“Dada, was this the best un-birthday you ever had?” Bree asked.

“The absolute best!” Brian declared.

That earned a megawatt smile from Bree, and that was the best un-birthday present of all.

They Say it’s Your Birthday

Chapter 12 Epilogue

“Are you okay?” Gus asked as he found his father standing alone out in the middle of the garden watching the sun set over the horizon. The un-birthday dinner was the best that Brian ever experienced and he remained on his best behavior. In reality, Brian had nothing to gripe about. The food was superb, the conversation was lively, and best of all, he was surrounded by the family he loved.

“I’m fine, Gus; overstuffed with cake but fine.” Brian turned to smile at his son. The setting sun lit up blond highlights in Gus’ hair. Brian reached out to caress the soft brunet hair. Gus smiled indulgently.

“What?” Gus asked.

“You look like me...” Gus rolled his eyes and made a ‘duh’ sound. “But you have so much of your mother in you,” Brian said softly making Gus smile.

“Yeah?”

“Yes. I’m glad we waited until you came home. This dinner wouldn’t have been the same without you,” Brian said as he slipped his hands into his trouser pockets. He had long ago taken off his suit jacket when Justin and Bree brought out the cake. “Speaking about dinner, I need to walk off this cake,” Brian declared. “Wanna tag along?” he asked as he meandered through the garden.

“Sure,” Gus said as he stepped up beside his father.

They walked through the arbor pathway that connected the cottage garden with the greenhouse. Brian opened one of the doors and stepped through.

“This is so amazing!” Gus declared with awe. “It’s like walking into a tropical paradise,” he said as he spun around to take it all in. “I mean I saw it as it was being built and all the plants being planted, but now the plants have sort of settled in!”

Brian smiled proudly. It pleased him to be able to share this with his son and that Gus didn’t think his ‘gardening hobby’ was stupid or frivolous. As they walked through, Gus asked about some of the plants and potted trees. Brian took his time to answer each question.

“Ah Dad, this tree sort of looks familiar,” Gus said as he stared at a potted palm. His face became beet red with recognition. Brian snickered. Not only was it that tree that Ben posed naked with, it was also the tree that Justin convinced Lindsay to pose with.

Brian broke out into a fit of giggles as Gus raced away toward the pond.

“Oh man, it’s so not cool knowing your mother posed almost naked,” Gus said to the koi.

“Hey, what about me? I think some of the royal family have seen me naked!”

“Oh Pop, half the world has seen you naked,” Gus teased.

“Only the gay half,” Brian countered. Their laughter echoed off the glass walls.

“This is so incredible,” Gus said as he gazed at the pond. “It’s like the waterfall and plants have always been here.” He reached out to gingerly touch a water fern. “Did all the fish survive the winter?”

“Yes, they did. Between the heater and the underwater lights, they were fine.” They stood for a while looking at the happy fish that rose up to blow bubbles at them. “Come on, I’m not burning up any cake calories staring at fish,” Brian groused at he tapped his son’s shoulder. The Kinney men walked out of the greenhouse and onto the lane.

Brian came to a sudden halt, looked up and down the lane, turned then leveled a death glare at his son.

“Ah, I can explain,” Gus sputtered.

Brian put his hands on his hips and waited.

“Um, Monday is Memorial Day,” Gus began. “Uh, you know the family looks forward to your steaks and stuff.”

Brian arched his brow.

“It is the start of Summer...” Gus shrugged his shoulders. He didn’t know what else to say or how to explain how the lane became filled with cars and one huge RV in just a few short hours.

“And I suppose no one thought to mention that half of Pittsburgh was about to descend upon the lane?” Brian scowled.

“They wanted you to have a nice quiet day today so they waited to get here tonight. The rest will be here tomorrow,” Gus explained. “Grandmaw Debbie wanted to get a head start on the macaroni and potato salads.” Gus pointed to the B&B. The kitchen was big enough for several cooks.

“Which probably means the big old fairy will be waking me up at the crack of dawn to access our kitchen too,” Brian grumbled. Gus nodded. Brian sighed, resigned to the fact that his cwazy wittle family was about to take over his life again. He smiled to himself then put an arm around his son’s shoulders. “Come on, Sonny Boy, let’s walk off the cake.”

“Okay, Pop!”

For the next hour Kinney men, strolled up and down the lane.

*****

“Do you think he saw us?” Michael asked no one in particular as he peeked out of the window. He had seen Brian and Gus walk past the B&B several times. They looked like they were deep in conversation.

“He knows we’re here,” Debbie replied from the kitchen. She was currently folding the mayo into her potato salad.

“How?” Michael asked. He and Ben had driven up with Debbie and Carl in their RV. Ted and Allen carpooled with Nick and Hunter. The girls had decided to bake in their own home then drive up in the morning, while Emmett had his men on hors d’oeuvres duty in their cottage.

The lane was alive with activity.

“Sweetheart, Brian knows our cars and he certainly can see our roving motel out there,” Debbie said reasonably.

“Why do we have to wait until tomorrow to see them?” Michael whined.

“Because...” Deb began then stopped when Ben held up his hands.

“Because, Justin let Emmett know that tonight was just for Brian and his family,” Ben said gently.

“We are family,” Michael complained, folding his arms over his chest.

“His immediate family,” Ben said as he hugged his recalcitrant spouse. “Tomorrow the whole family will be here, including JR.” It pleased Ben as Michael smiled at the thought of spending the day in the country with his daughter.

“The whole lane will be overflowing,” Ted observed. He watched Allen light a fire in the large hearth. Although it was almost summer, the nights were still cool out here. Ted sat back in an overstuffed comfy chair and smiled contentedly at his partner.

“I’m glad they decided to build this,” Nick said as he waved his hand to indicate the large cottage. “It’s nice to visit up here and not impose.” Hunter nodded in agreement.

“Hi, hi, hi!” Emmett announced loudly as he entered the door with Richie and Drew in tow. They were all carrying large platters of snacks and hors d’oeuvres. “I thought you all would like a snack!” he declared as they placed the platters of snacks on the coffee table and on snack trays around the large communal living room. Their offerings were received with cheers and admiration.

“Honey!” Debbie rushed over to dole out kisses to Emmett and his men. “Sweetheart,” Debbie gushed as she hugged Richie. “It’s been ages since I’ve seen you,” she said as she tightened her hold on her latest grandchild.

“Debbie!” Emmett cried out as he pried Richie out of her clutches. “Deb, you saw Richie a week ago.”

“It’s okay, Emm,” Richie said as he relished in his grandmother’s arms.

“I love you, Sweetheart,” Debbie said as she finally relinquished her hold and slightly stepped back.

“I love you too, Grandma,” Richie said with a warm smile then kissed her cheek.

The gathered family enjoyed the snacks that Emmett brought as they traded stories and news.

*****

“He’s peeking out the window again,” Gus said softly to his father as they passed the B&B for the last time. Brian snickered.

“He’s probably wondering if I know who’s here.”

“Well, duh,” Gus said as he rolled his eyes.

“Your Uncle Michael is one in a million,” Brian quipped.

“I guess so. Did you and he ever...”

“No, we didn’t. He was my best friend and I didn’t do friends,” Brian snapped.

“Oh. Sorry.”

“No, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have snapped at you. It was an honest question, deserving an honest answer. I meant what I said, I didn’t do my friends. For the longest time Michael was the best friend I ever had. I couldn’t use him like that.”

“Thank you,” Gus said as he stopped his father from walking into Edna’s Treasures.

“For what?”

“For being honest with me. And thank you for letting me share in your birthday.” Brian frowned. “I mean un-birthday. I enjoyed it.”

“So did I,” Brian admitted as he ruffled Gus’ hair then stepped across the threshold into their cottage.

*****

The next morning dawned cloudy and overcast which meant that there would still be a holiday barbecue, but probably not as much fun in the sun as the family usually would experience on a Memorial Day weekend.

Not long after the sun had peeked above the horizon, Brian was awakened by a familiar call.

“Hi, hi, hi! Rise and shine.”

“Fuck!” Brian muttered as he pulled the pillow over his head.

“Wha…?” Justin asked as he came to.

“The big fairy’s here.”

“So get up and go help him.”

“You’re getting awful pushy these days,” Brian griped.

“You know you’re going to get up anyway, so go do it.”

“And let you sleep.”

“Of course,” Justin mumbled before turning over and snuggling down into his sheets.

“Fucking asshole,” Brian muttered as he threw back the covers making sure that he pulled them off his lazy husband as he did so.

“I believe that position’s already been filled … by you,” Justin stated as he rescued the covers and snuggled back down.

“Fuckin’ birthday, don’t even get a day’s peace, assholes everywhere,” Brian jabbered while he headed to the bathroom.

Justin merely smiled and dozed off.

*****

“Good morning, your heineyness,” Emmett joked as Brian entered the kitchen.

Ignoring the comment, Brian walked to the coffee maker and got a mug of the excellent brew that Emmett had made.

“Good morning, Dada,” Bree said formally from her chair at the kitchen table.

“Did he get you up too?” Brian snapped.

“No, Dada, I been awake forever.”

“You have?” Brian asked with a frown. “Couldn’t you sleep?”

“I slept real good. But the sun has been up forever.”

“What the fuck time is it?” Brian asked looking at the clock on the stove.

“It’s after ten, Dada. You and Daddy slept a loooooong time.”

“I bet there was a hot time in the old cottage last night,” Emmett observed then took a sip of his own coffee.

“What are you doing here anyway?” Brian asked with a frown.

“I’m the official welcoming committee,” Emmett replied, a big toothy grin in place.

“Welcoming? To what?”

“To the barbecue over at the B&B.”

“Oh, right, the one where I get to grill all day while the rest of you lot stuff your faces with the fruits of my labor.”

“Precisely.”

“Precisely, Dada,” Bree chimed in. “Everybody loves your steaks and hamburgers and hotdogs.”

“That’s because I know what the fuck I’m doing when I’m in front of the grill, unlike some of the other … incompetents who pretend to grill.”

“We all know your legendary grilling skills, Mr. Kinney. I was sent over to request the pleasure of your company at the barbecue. If you choose not to grill after your lovely birthday party, everyone will understand.”

“Yeah, Dada, they’ll understand,” Bree added.

Brian looked from one earnest face to the other. “I’ll grill,” he said as he took a drink of his coffee.

Emmett smiled. “I brought you some popovers as a reward.”

“Thanks,” Brian said with a genuine smile for his friend, refusing to admit how well Emmett knew him. He grabbed a popover and bit off a succulent hunk.

“Good, I’m glad that’s settled,” Emmett replied.

*****

When Brian and Justin walked into the B&B just before noon, everyone in the room turned to look at the birthday boy. It was common knowledge that Bree had thrown a birthday party for her father, something unheard of in the life of Brian Kinney.

“You can all stop staring now,” Brian commanded. “I’m fifty and I’m still alive, although I don’t know why the fuck that should be!”

“It’s because of all the generous love and care from your devoted partner,” Justin supplied with a twinkle in his eye.

“Oh, you mean the devoted partner who kicked me out of bed at the crack of dawn today, and then went back to sleep?”

“The very same,” Justin replied with a grin. “And it was hardly the crack of dawn.”

Brian snorted. “Are the grills in good condition or do I have to whip them into shape before I can cook?” he asked by way of changing the subject.

“Everything is ready and awaiting your talented hands, master,” Emmett said. “Follow me and all will be revealed.”

The two men walked out into the yard where several tables were surrounded by familiar faces, even though the day was still rather cloudy and cool.

Once Brian’s inspection of the grills was completed, and they did pass his stringent standards, Emmett headed back into the B&B, while Brian started up the grills to get them nice and hot for hamburgers and hotdogs at lunch.

Michael walked over to his old friend at the grills. “You knew I was here last night,” he said in an accusing voice.

“Yes, I did,” Brian simply replied.

“Why didn’t you come in and see how I’m doing?”

“You look just fine to me.”

“You couldn’t see that last night … through the walls of the B&B.”

“I have my sources of information,” Brian said as he adjusted the temperature knobs on the barbecues.

“You’d rather talk to Maw than to me.”

“That’s not the case. Gus and I had some things we were discussing last night. I knew I’d see you today.”

“And you rushed right over to see me the moment you got here,” Michael said sarcastically.

“Stop being a petulant little asshole,” Brian said, “and give me a hug.” Michael smiled and moved into the warmth of Brian’s arms. “How are you doing, Mikey … truthfully?”

“I’m good. Almost back to normal.”

“You’ll never be normal.”

Michael cracked up, causing Brian to start laughing too. The two of them shared some cathartic laughter, and all was right in their world.

*****

The younger members of the cwazy wittle family that had somehow grown to surround Brian Kinney were seated in the backyard of the B&B where the sun was doing its best to break through the clouds.

“So, you’re working at Kinnetik for part of the summer?” Candy asked Gus.

“Yep, that’s the plan,” Gus replied.

“You like it there, don’t you?” JR asked.

“Sure, it’s great. Are you going to be at the comic store all summer?” Gus asked his sister after he took a long sip of his soda.

“I sure am. Daddy’s feeling a lot better, but he still needs to take it easy. I can run the store all by myself if they’d let me,” JR declared.

“I just bet you could,” Gus laughed. His sister was her own type of high powered entrepreneur. “What about you, Candy? What are you doing for the summer?”

“Mim said I might be able to do some grunt work at the gallery. I think I’d like that as long as it doesn’t interfere with drawing Rage.”

“Grunt work?”

“Yeah, you know, coffee, opening packages, whatever they need done.”

“Oh, you mean a gofer,” Gus laughed.

“I prefer not to be so designated,” Candy said haughtily.

Curtis laughed. “I bet. Nobody wants to be a gopher. You’d rather be a long, sleek Afghan hound or a commanding lioness. More classy.”

“I am a lioness,” Candy declared.

Richie looked longingly at the girl. “You sure are, and you’re great at whatever you do.”

“At least someone recognizes that,” Candy said and then giggled to show that she was just teasing. “Are you working with your dads at the veterinary clinic, Curtis?” she asked sipping some lemonade.

“Yeah, I think I really want to be a vet, so all the experience I can get with animals I should do now. It won’t be that long before university.”

“I hear it’s really hard to get into veterinary medicine,” Gus observed.

“Yeah it is, but I can do it.”

Gus smiled at the young man who had developed such confidence and ability since Hector and Raphael had taken him in. “For what it’s worth, I think you can do it too,” Gus added. That earned him a big smile from Curtis and his sister. “That was a pretty great card you sent Pop,” he also threw in.

Curtis shook his head indicating that Gus shouldn’t mention that. Gus shrugged and looked sorry that he had brought it up. He sensed that Curtis didn’t want it to be common knowledge.

“Are you making more clothes for Torso this summer?” Gus asked Richie before anyone else could make a comment or a question about Curtis’ card.

“Yeah,” Richie said with a big smile. “I’ve made a couple of new designs that really turned out well. I should have a full summer of work.”

Bree stood off to the side listening to her brother and sister and the other young people. She wished she could participate, but she was well aware that they’d tell her she was too young. Then an idea struck her. She ran over to her Dada at the grills.

“Dada, can I get a job at Kinnetik?”

Brian nearly dropped the hamburger he was flipping. He opened his mouth to say something, but couldn’t think of what to say. Where was Justin when you needed him?

tbc