Kidz

Chapter 1

June 2021, Bree and Patrick had a couple more weeks left of school before their summer vacation.  Gus had spent two weeks at Edna’s Treasures after the Memorial Day barbecue then drove back to Pittsburgh to start his summer semester at PIFA and to spend some time with his mother and JR. 

Brian was brooding.  He managed to get through his fiftieth birthday...barely, and conveniently ignored the fact that his nine year old daughter (going on thirty) wanted to work at Kinnetik.  He decided to take his impending queen out, out on his garden.

Brian Kinney was hot, sweaty and currently glaring at the well manicured grass that surrounded the outside portion of the manmade koi pond.  Although the grass looked nice, due to the irregular shape of the pond, it wasn’t easy to keep the grass trimmed.  Brian decided to remove the grass and replace it with a graveled path.  Fortunately Todd, Brian’s partner at the garden center, understood the problem and sent over just the right materials Brian needed to complete his project.

“Bri, are you sure you don’t me to help?” Justin asked as he approached his mate with a few bottles of chilled water.

“No, I’m the one who wants to rip out the grass, so I’ll do it,” Brian growled.

“You’re sure?” Justin asked as he dared to give the beast a hug. 

“I’m all sweaty,” Brian grumbled as he gently pushed Justin back.

“I know,” Justin purred, waggling his eyebrows.

“Don’t tempt me, Sunshine,” Brian said with a smile.  Justin could always ‘lift’ Brian’s spirits.  “Go back in the house.  I know you want to take advantage of the quiet to paint.” 

Justin gave Brian a coy smile, reached up to kiss his lips then slowly walked back toward their cottage with an exaggerated swish of his behind.  Brian adjusted himself, shook his head clear of lusty thoughts then returned to the task at hand.  As he wiped the sweat from his forehead, Brian heard Justin call back to him.

“And wear a hat!”

A few hours later Brian had cleared the desired path of the sod that the landscapers had laid down the prior summer and pounded in the edging he’d need to keep the gravel in place.  He laid down the layer of weed inhibiting mesh and was just about to dump his first wheelbarrow full of gravel when his cell phone rang.

“What!?” he growled as Brian recognized the number.  His chest was heaving from the exertion.  The wheelbarrow was heavy.

“Can’t you answer your phone like a normal person?” came the immediate retort.  Brian rolled his eyes.

“Why hello, dear sister of mine, and how are you?” Brian snarked with a sickly sweet tone.

“That’s better,” Claire replied, oblivious to Brian’s sarcasm.  “I need that brother of yours,” Claire continued, not bothering with any sort of salutation.

“He’s your brother too,” Brian snarled.

“No, he’s your brother,” Claire snarked, not really understanding how ridiculous she sounded.  Brian didn’t bother asking Claire for an explanation.

“What do want John for?”  Brian sighed; Claire worked in mysterious ways.  At least she wasn’t sniveling or wailing in his ear.

“My son bought a house.  I want John to check it out,” Claire said blandly.

“Which one of your spawn has decided to move back to the Pitts and sprout roots?” Brian taunted.

“You can be such a bitch!”

“You’re just realizing this now?”

“Brian!”

“Get to the point, Claire.  I’m busy working my way up to a heart attack.”  Brian had the wheelbarrow leaning against his legs when he answered his phone.  He set it down then walked over to the shade provided by the back of the greenhouse near the pond.  He sat on the wall of the pond to listen to his sister...that was if she ever got to the point.

“John, my son John,” Claire clarified as if Brian couldn’t figure it out.  “John, bought a house.”

“You said that.”

“Brian, can you just shut up a minute so I can explain,” Claire whined.

“This is me shutting up,” Brian said making a zipper motion across his mouth like Ted.

“Thank you,” she sighed with frustration.  “If I had known he wanted to settle down here I would have never agreed to sell mother’s house.  But neither of them ever showed any interest in her house so how was I supposed to know,” Claire rambled on.

“Anyway, they’ve decided to start a family and his wife’s parents live here so they moved back.”

It was a good thing that Claire couldn’t see Brian’s face.  He had a look of sheer horror at the thought of his nephews breeding.  Well, Peter wasn’t so bad.  He had a gentle soul when he was finally free of the influences of his older brother.  Peter actually turned out rather well.  He embraced the artist in himself.  And while he was never going to be of a caliber of a Justin Taylor, he turned out to be a very good graphic artist.

“Brian, are you listening?”

“Yes, Claire, I heard every syllable,” Brian murmured.  “What do you need John for?”

“I want him to check out the house.”

“It’s a little too late for that, don’t you think?  Any reputable realtor would have had the house inspected.  Did you go through Jennifer?  You know she would have made sure John got the best deal.”

“Uh...”

“Tell me you didn’t go use that Wallace guy!”

“Well...”

“Claire!  Of all the stupid, idiotic...why didn’t you come to me first?  I would’ve...”

“John didn’t want to,” Claire admitted in a small voice.

“Why?” Brian asked almost sounding hurt.

“Brian, it wasn’t my son’s idea.”

“Claire, please make sense.  Use your big words,” Brian snarked.  He was becoming impatient...more impatient.

“Mary, John’s wife, she’s a bit of a...”

“Let me guess, the bitch is a homophobe.  Well, that explains it.  And just when did your son lose his balls, Claire?  Never mind, I’m not going there.  Fine.  I will ask John to see if he has some time in HIS BUSY SCHEDULE to check out the dump that his ball-less homophobic demon spawn nephew has been coerced into buying!”

“Brian, please, this is not helping.”

“No, it’s not.  I thought John was better than that,” Brian said disappointedly.

“Things change.  He fell in love with a nice girl from a good family.  They were happy until Mom’s funeral.”  Brian could almost hear the tears forming in his sister’s eyes.

“What happened?” he gently prodded.

“Do you know when you know something but somehow conveniently forget about it?” she began.

“Yeah,” Brian whispered.  At times, there were a lot things Brian tried to forget until they came back to try and bite him in the ass.  One of those things was that ‘gay’ wasn’t always accepted.

“My boys did love their grandmother.  They wanted to be at the funeral.  It was hard on both of them; mother had changed so radically over the years.  Peter just embraced the change.  John was a little confused by it but he spent some time with mom anyway.  And that meant accepting mom’s friends and some of the family that they ran into.”

“But the wives...they didn’t really know the who’s who of our family, did they?”

“Not really.  I mean everyone in Pittsburgh knows about Justin Taylor.  Local boy does good, becomes the next Andy Warhol.  And then there’s you.”

“Me?”

“You’re a legend, Brian.  Do you know what it’s like being the sister of a legend?’

“I am not a legend and I might be gay but I’m no one’s sister.”  Brian shook his head; now he was beginning to NOT make sense.  “Claire, what the fuck are you talking about?”

“Mary’s mother used to be in advertising.  She knows about you.  Did something happen when you worked for Ryder?  Were you sued?”

“That was a long time ago and the suit was dropped.  There was no basis for it,” Brian growled.  Talk about something from your past biting you in the ass.

“Well, she remembers.”

“And passed along that lovely tidbit to her daughter.”

“Yes and of course, to keep the peace, John has to go along with it.”

“Peachy," Brian groused.  “So why do you want my brother’s input regarding their new house?  He’s as gay as I am.”

“No he’s not.  He doesn’t have YOUR reputation.  What he does have is the best business rating in construction and architecture.  When I mentioned we were related...”

“Let me guess, they conveniently overlooked that John is gay.  I’ve always said they either hate you to your face or they hate you behind your back.  And why would I subject OUR brother to that?”

“Because I want my son to have the best.  Brian, if it’s the money, I’ll pay for John’s time.  Buying the house and the move, well, John and Mary are a little strapped for cash.  I saved the money I got from selling mom’s house and...”

“Claire, please stop whining.  Jeez, you sound like Michael.”

“Michael, your friend?”

“No, Michael the postman; yes, Michael my friend.  Okay, I’ll talk it over with John tonight.  His heart is bigger than mind; he won’t care that his nephew is married to a homophobic witch.”

“Thank you, Brian.”

“Don’t thank me yet.  With my luck John’ll recommend that your son demolish the house and start over.”

“Brian!”

“This is me, Claire, hanging up!” Brian said before he pushed end on the phone.  He shoved it back into his pocket then glared at the wheelbarrow full of gravel.  “I guess my Rageian powers don’t work on gravel or it would’ve been on the path already,” Brian grumbled as he rubbed his sweaty palms on his pants then grabbed the wheelbarrow, swung it into place and dumped the first of many loads onto the pathway.

*****

“Hey, you just get in?” Ray asked Gus.

“Yeah, I have this new project due in about three weeks, that’s if I can figure out what I’m going to do,” Gus said as he tossed his messenger bag down on the counter of the loft then rummaged through the refrigerator for something cold to drink.

“Are you sure you want me to come next week?  I don’t want to distract you.”

“Distract me, please!  It’s not as bad as it sounds.  I think I’m going to use some of the research that I did in my Humanities class.  The pictures I found are fascinating.  I can use them for this project.  Hey, my future lawyer, is it a crime to plagiarize yourself?”

“I don’t think so but let me get back to you on that.”

“Cool.  I can’t wait for you to get here, I miss you.”

“I miss you too.”

“Are your parents okay with it?’

“Yeah, they are.  Besides, Dad says I deserve a vacation.  Once I’m actually in law school I won’t have that much time to fool around.”

“My dads said the same thing.  Why the fuck is education so hard?”

“I don’t know.  Maybe so we can be good at what we do?”

“Hey, I’m already good at what I do,” Gus laughed.

“Phenomenal sex doesn’t count.”

“Sure it does.  But, you’re right.  If I want to be able to be semi-retired by the time I’m fifty I better work my ass off now.”

“Just make sure your ass has some time put aside for me.”

“Ditto.”                      

“How are your moms?”

“Mom’s doing good.  Chaaaarles, is coming for a visit.  The girls are gaga over him.”

“It’s the accent.”

“Yeah, wassup with that?  Anyway, I spoke with Mama a few days ago.  She sounds good, happy.  She broke up with that Lorna person but she’s good with it.  Says she wants to concentrate on her career for a while.”

“I’m glad she’s doing okay.  I hate when my parents fight.  Me and Jeff used to hide in the closet.  No pun intended.”

“I didn’t think your parents ever fought.”

“Not often but when they do it gets loud.  It’s good we own the building.”

“I guess Simon has a loud voice, huh?”

“Not Simon, Ken.”

“Wait, Kenneth Mann, sweet Emmett-like Kenneth Mann?”

“Don’t let the fairy exterior fool you.  When it comes down to it, he wears the pants in the family,” Ray said.  The lilt in his voice made Gus laugh.  Soon both boys were laughing hysterically.

“Yeah, my dad acts all tough but when Justin puts his foot down, it’s all over except for the shouting.  It’s funny how that goes.”

“Yeah, but there’s so much love there.  Ya know?”

“I know.  I miss you, Ray.”

“I miss you.”

“Ummm...”

“That a hint?”

“Uh huh.”

“Let’s get comfortable and I’ll see what I can come UP with.”  The boys giggled then settled in for a long round of phone sex.

*****

“Bullshit Alert!” a tinny voice announced.

“Curtis, can you see who’s out front,” Dr. Raphael Angles, D.V.M. called out to his son.  “Stinky isn’t being very cooperative,” Raph said referring to the cat who was currently being “dipped.”

“Sure, Dad,” Curtis said as he sprinted to the outer waiting room.  “Hi, JR!”

“Hey, Curtis.  Do you think you can get away for lunch?  Me and Candy are going to the diner,” JR said as Candy waved at Curtis. 

Candy was slowly moving away from her Goth persona, although she still had the dark blue-black hair and heavily made up eyes.  She was a walking advertisement for ‘Nina-Richie’s Creations.’  Sometimes it was a stunning dichotomy, but between her and Richie, they were able to pull it off.

“I’ll check with my dad, but can you wait about fifteen minutes until Reena comes back?  I’m covering the front for her,” Curtis asked.

“Why don’t we go to the diner and get a booth,” Candy suggested.  “It’s gonna be crowded.”

“That’s a good idea,” Curtis agreed.  “By the time you get a booth, I should be there.”  The girls said goodbye then strolled to the Liberty Diner.

The diner was busy with the lunch crowd.  So busy that the girls had to wait for a few minutes before a booth became free.

“That was a good idea,” JR commented when they finally sat.  A jingle of the bell over the door announced Richie’s arrival.

“Hi!” he said as he sat next to Candy.  “Boy, it’s crowded in here.  Is Curtis coming?”

“He’ll be here soon,” JR replied.

JR and Curtis were about to graduate from high school.  They were done with their classes and were just finishing up their finals.  The bell chimed several times before Curtis finally got to the diner.

“Hi, guys!” Curtis greeted everyone as he slid into the booth next to JR.  He gave JR a little peck on the cheek.  “Did ya order yet?” he asked as he picked up a menu.

“No, not yet,” JR replied as Lacy appeared at their table.

“Sorry for the wait, we’re really busy today,” Lacy said with her pencil in her hand.  “Is school out?” she asked as she looked at the teens at the table.

“Almost,” JR replied.  The kids gave their orders then relaxed, discussing their summer plans.

*****

“You know I would have helped,” John said as he approached Brian who was inspecting his handiwork by the pond.  It was after dinner when Brian went out to have another look at the fruit of his labors.

Brian was rubbing his lower back.  “Did you strain yourself?” John asked with concern.

“Maybe a little.  Nothing a couple of aspirin and another hot shower can’t cure,” Brian said.

“You did a great job, by the way.  I don’t think I could’ve done better,” John complimented with a gentle pat to Brian’s shoulders.  Brian beamed a proud grin.  John’s words meant a lot to Brian.

“We probably should have done this in the first place.  What did you do with the sod?”  John looked around.

“I replanted it by the Wendy house.  I had Todd deliver more so I could make a better lawn.”

“You’re a regular Martha Stewart,” John teased with a chuckle.

“Oh ha ha.  Listen, I got an interesting phone call today from Claire.”

“Claire?”

“Our dear sister Claire.”  Brian rolled his eyes.

“Uh huh.  Am I going to like this?”

“Probably not, but I said I’d ask so I’m asking.”  Brian then relayed the conversation he had earlier in the day with Claire.  “So what do you think?”

“I think I’ll contact our dear sister and arrange to do a consultation,” John said rather smugly.  “After all I am the doctor and doctors are known to consult.”

“You know if your head gets any bigger, you won’t fit through the cottage door.  You’ll be doomed to spend the rest of your life out here,” Brian snarked.

“Do you know how insane that sounds?”

“No more insane than you inspecting the demon spawn’s house.  You don’t have to do this.  He was a holy terror when he was a kid and I suspect he isn’t much different now.”

“People change, Brian, you know that as well as I do.  I have to believe that the lessons he learned at the Farm are still with him.”

“I wish I could be like you,” Brian said with a sigh as he gazed into the eyes that were so much like his own.  “You always see the good in people, whereas I only see the bad.”

“No you don’t.  You see potential.  You saw the potential in your nephews, like you saw the potential in Todd, in Lacy, in Curtis, in a whole bunch of people.  You overcame the bad examples you had early in your life and clung to the good ones.”

The brothers were silent for a while as Brian walked off toward the gardens then down the path to the stream.  The winter melt off had receded exposing more of their ‘thinking rock.’  Brian hitched himself up onto the rock, leaving enough room for John.

“You got the good examples, didn’t you?” Brian asked.

“If you’re referring to my mother and my grandparents then yes, I was very lucky.”

“And Steve, he’s one hell of a man.  He reminds me of Carl,” Brian said with a smile.

“Yes, Steve and Carl are fine men.  And the fact that you respect them and consider them friends says a lot about you.  You’re a good man, Brian Kinney.  Now, as for John, our nephew formally known as demon spawn, I will inspect his house and give him the results of my vast knowledge of building,” John stated with a straight face as he knocked his shoulder into Brian’s.

“I have a better idea, why don’t you just bribe a city inspector and have the house condemned,” Brian knocked back.

“You do know that you’re evil.”

“I’m sweet,” Brian drawled. 

The laughter of the brothers filled the night.

Kidz

Chapter 2

“Patrick?”

“What?” Patrick asked as he hurled another baseball at the target his fathers had erected for him in the backyard of the cottage.

Bree watched the ball hit almost in the center of the circle painted on the board.  “You’re doing good.”

“Thanks,” Patrick said with a smile as he retrieved the baseball when it bounced back in his direction.  “What do you want?”

Bree frowned.  She could tell by the tone of voice that Patrick didn’t really want to be interrupted.  Bree watched him plant his feet, wind up and throw the ball again.  This one was clearly outside the circle on the target.

“Too bad,” she commiserated.

“You’re distracting me.”

“Sowwy,” Bree said in her baby voice.  She didn’t like it when Patrick was mad at her.

Patrick heaved a sigh and turned to face his cousin and friend.  “What’s wrong, Bree?” Patrick asked as he saw the hurt look on her face.

“It’s okay,” Bree said quickly.  “I didn’t mean to bother you.”  She turned and headed back to the sun porch.

“Bree, wait,” Patrick said.  “Tell me what’s wrong.”

Bree turned around and stared into Patrick’s eyes.  He really did look like he wanted her to tell him.  “I wanted you to help me.”

“Help you?  Help you do what?”

Bree looked around.  She knew her fathers were around somewhere but she wasn’t sure where.  “Come into the Wendy house.”

Patrick followed her into the playhouse.  They sat down on the cushions on the floor.  Beau joined them as soon as they got settled.  The big dog laid across the entranceway keeping his charges safe.  He looked at them with liquid brown eyes.

“What’s up, Bree?” Patrick asked.

“I want to get a job.”

Patrick tried not to laugh, but a chuckle escaped.

“It’s not funny!” Bree said adamantly.

“But you’re too young,” Patrick protested.

“Am not.”

“Bree, you know you are.”

“But everybody else gets to have a summer job – Gus and JR and Curtis and Candy.  They all work with their parents.  That’s what I want to do too.”

“What kind of work could you do for your fathers?”

“Um … I don’t know, but I could do something.  Candy said she’s going to be a gofer.  I could be a gofer.”

“You don’t even know what a gofer is,” Patrick informed her.

“Do so!”

“Okay, what’s a gofer?”

“You go get stuff like coffee and sandwiches and … other stuff.”

“You can’t even reach the coffee pot,” Patrick said with a laugh.

“You’re mean!”

“I’m sorry, Bree, but that’s the truth.  Your dads don’t let you carry coffee around the cottage.”

“They would … if I wanted to.”

“You have to be fourteen to get a real job,” Patrick stated.

“I’ll be fourteen … soon.”

“Not for quite a while.  I’m not even fourteen yet.”

“Will you ask your dad to get my dad to let me have a job?” Bree asked.

“My dad won’t do that.  You’re too young.”

“Will you stop saying that!?”

“The truth hurts, doesn’t it?”

“I don’t like you anymore!” Bree declared.  She stood up and stomped her little foot in frustration.  “I’m not talking to you ever again.”

Beau raised his head and let out a little woof.  He didn’t like it when his humans weren’t happy, and something was obviously very wrong.

“Get out of the way, Beau!” Bree commanded as she marched out of the Wendy house scattering Beau from her path.

“Bree, wait!” Patrick called as he made to follow her.

Bree never let on that she heard him.  She marched into the sun porch slamming the door behind her.

“What happened, Beau?” Patrick asked the big dog as he leaned down and dug his fingers into the long soft fur around Beau’s neck.  Beau reached up and licked his face.  “You’re no wiser about this than I am.”  Beau gave a woof of agreement.

A little while later, John found Patrick sitting on the swing he had made for JR.  Patrick wasn’t swinging.  He was merely sitting there staring off into space.

“You okay, Patrick?” John asked.

“Bree hates me.”

“What?”

“She’s really mad at me, and she said she doesn’t like me anymore.”

“What caused that?”  John began to push his son on the swing thinking that might make it easier for Patrick to talk if he didn’t have to look at his father.

“Stop, Dad,” Patrick commanded.  “I’m not a baby.”

John stopped pushing the swing and Patrick put his foot down bringing the swing to a halt.

“I know you’re not a baby, son.”

“Sorry, Dad, but Bree’s really upset.”

“What about?”

“She wants to get a job because Gus and JR and Candy, and everybody has a job.  She wants to be just like them.”

“But they’re almost ten years older than she is.”

“I know that,” Patrick stated.  “I tried to tell her she was too young, but she doesn’t care.  She wanted me to get you to talk Uncle Brian or Uncle Justin into giving her a job.”

“Is that right?”

“Yep, but when I told her she was too young to have a job, she said she didn’t like me anymore and that she was never talking to me again.”

“And that has you upset?”

“Well, yeah, I don’t like it when she’s mad at me.”

“I’ll talk to Brian and Justin about it.”

“Just … don’t make it worse, Dad,” Patrick pleaded.

“I’ll try not to.”

*****

“Briana, come out here,” Brian called down the hall to Bree’s room.  His daughter had been holed up in there for quite a while.

“Yes, Dada,” Bree said meekly as she arrived at the kitchen.  She noted that her Uncle John was already sitting at the kitchen table along with her other father.  Brian was standing in the doorway waiting for her to arrive.

“Sit down, young lady,” Brian said.  “I believe we have a few things to straighten out.”

“Yes, Dada,” Bree said meekly.  This looked real bad.  She had a feeling she was in big trouble.  She sat on the empty chair, and Brian sat next to her.

“Did you tell Patrick you hated him?”

“Oh no, Dada!  I just said I didn’t like him no more,” Bree said earnestly.

“And what would be the difference between those two statements?” Brian asked.

Bree frowned.  One sounded a lot worse than the other.  She was sure she hadn’t said that she hated Patrick.  “I don’t hate Patrick,” she stated aloud.

“Well that’s good,” Brian said.

“It’s not good to hate anyone, Bree.  And you shouldn’t tell Patrick that you don’t like him.  He’s your cousin and your friend,” Justin stated.

“I know, Daddy, but he made me mad.”

“Because he wouldn’t try to get me to talk your fathers into giving you a job,” John supplied.

Bree nodded sending her ponytail bobbing up and down.  “I want a job like Gus and JR and everybody.”

“You’re not as old as they are,” Justin said reasonably.

“I can work,” Bree told them.  “I’m strong.”

“We know you are, sweetheart,” Justin agreed.  “But children your age are supposed to play and have fun.  Jobs are for later.”

“I don’t want to play and have fun.  I don’t want to stay here all by myself while everybody else goes to Pittsburgh and has all the fun.”

“You’re never all by yourself,” Brian said.  “And I doubt the others are having half as much fun as you think they are.”

“I want to get a job and be … independent.”

“Is that right?”

“Yes, Dada.”

“That’s not going to happen.”

“I don’t like you either!” Bree said angrily.

“Go to your room!” Brian ordered.  Bree stood up to leave.  “And you better come out of that room with a new and improved attitude, young lady!”

Bree stomped down the hall and slammed her bedroom door behind her.

“Well … that went well,” Brian said to the other two.

John and Justin merely shook their heads.  Apparently telling Bree that she was too young to have a job wasn’t working quite the way they had hoped.

*****

"Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned / Nor hell a fury like a woman scorned," Brian mumbled to himself as he stared out of the sun porch windows toward the gardens.  His gardens were his last peaceful refuge.

“Isn’t that Shakespeare?” John asked as he sidled close to his brother.

“No, a different William, William Congreve, from the play The Mourning Bride,” Brian responded matter-of-factly.

“And you know this because?”  The stomping of little feet and the slamming of Bree’s bedroom door was John’s answer.  “Ah,” was all that John said.

“So what do you intend to do?” John asked after a while, handing Brian a cold beer.  They were joined at the windows by Justin and Bobby who brought the beers.  Patrick stood next to Bobby with a bottle of root beer in his hand.  “School is almost done.”

“She goes to day camp for two weeks with Ashley after the fourth,” Justin reminded them.

“That gives you about a two week reprieve,” Bobby interjected.  “After that she’s going to want a final decision.  Can’t you compromise?” Bobby asked.

“Compromise is a process of give and take,” Brian began after taking a long pull at his beer.  “The only giving I see is on my part, me, giving into a nine year old so that she can work at Kinnetik.  That’s not compromise, that’s capitulation. Besides, aren’t there something like child labor laws?  I came close to bending those laws when I agreed to Gus interning at Kinnetik.  He was still in high school.”

“So, you own the company.  It’s only natural for your son to take an interest in the business and follow in his father’s footsteps,” John stated logically.

“Yeah, Uncle Bri,” Patrick spoke up.  “I’m spending the summer with my dad.  He’s going to let me trail him on jobs and stuff,” Patrick said proudly.

Brian turned to stare at his nephew for a moment then his eyes searched the grey-blue ones of his brother-in-law.  Bobby smiled; Brian’s eyebrow went up.  Bobby nodded reassuringly to Brian’s unspoken question.  Bobby was okay with the fact that his son had little interest in law but would most likely follow his father in the construction business.  But Patrick was developing a mean curve ball.  Bobby was satisfied that his son took after him when it came to baseball.

“Brian, remember that campaign that was started years ago, Take Your Daughter to Work Day?” Justin asked.  Brian shook his head.  “It was designed to get young girls interested in the workplace and to show them the benefits of getting an education.  It was eventually expanded to include boys.  This is no different,” Justin stated.

“And if I did agree to this, I still see no compromise on Bree’s part.  She’s been stomping and pouting around here for days now.  I won’t tolerate that behavior at Kinnetik.  Besides, most of what I do is pretty boring.  I sit and stare at a computer screen all day reviewing contracts and campaigns.”

“But Molly doesn’t do that or Ted or Cynthia,” Justin added.

“And who says Bree must stay there all day,” Bobby said.  “Aren’t you working on a new show?” Bobby asked Justin who nodded.

“Didn’t I overhear Lindsay say at the barbecue that Charles Higgins was planning to be in town?” John asked.

“Yes, we’re trying to decide which paintings to send to London,” Justin replied with a sigh.  “Sidney wants to stick to my classical pieces while Charles wants more of my abstracts.”

“Let Bree hang out at Kinnetik in the morning then after lunch she goes to the gallery,” Patrick stated with a shrug to his broadening shoulders.  At almost twelve, Patrick was already taller than his red-headed father.  He’d be reaching “Kinney” height soon.

“Out of the mouths of babes,” John murmured with a proud grin, knocking his shoulder into his son’s.

“I’m still not hearing a compromise,” Brian grumbled.

“Brian, don’t you have rules of conduct at Kinnetik.  I seem to recall Cynthia sending Gus a whole packet of papers for him to study before he even set foot at Kinnetik,” Justin said with a sly smile.  “What’s good for the gander…”

“Is good for the goose,” Brian finished Justin’s thought.  “She is only nine, Sunshine,” he said with frown.  Brian wouldn’t do anything that could possibly sadden his daughter, not even when she was acting like a spoiled brat.

“Bri, you said it yourself, Briana is an exceptional young lady.  She is very smart; she can handle it,” John said knowingly.  Patrick nodded in agreement.

“I’ll help her, Uncle Bri.  There’s nothing in those rules that says she can’t get help reading them, is there?”

“No, Lil Red, there’s no reason why you can’t help.  But are we, I mean me… am I giving in to her just to keep the peace?” Brian asked sadly.

“Brian, I think she’s earned the right to try,” Bobby said gently.  “Both she and Patrick have done very well at school,” said with a father’s pride.  “She’s shown an interest in what you do and we all know how much she loves to paint and draw like her daddy.  Yes, she’s young but why fight genetics and nurture?  Bree takes after her dads just like Patrick does,” Bobby stated with a sunny smile for his son.  Patrick looped his arm around his father’s waist.

Brian finished off his beer as he stared off out into his garden.  He turned to study the faces of the men that made up his family.  Coming to a decision, Brian handed Justin his empty bottle then turned to go up the spiral stairs that led to his office.

“Justin, would you send Bree up?” Brian asked as the king prepared to handle his princess from his throne.

“Sure, Bri,” Justin called after him then walked into their side of the cottage to get Bree.

“Think they’ll be all right?” Bobby asked as John herded his men toward their side of the conjoined cottages.

“They’ll be fine,” John stated with confidence.  “As much as we tease Brian about Bree having him twisted around her little finger, I have no doubt that Brian will say and do the right things.” 

“I hope so,” Bobby said as Patrick nodded in agreement.  “Having Briana Victoria Kinney-Taylor upset is one thing; having Brian Kinney upset is a whole ‘nother story.”

Three heads nodded as they walked into their cottage.

*****

“Dada?” a little voice called out as Bree rounded the steps up to her father’s office.

“In here, Briana,” Brian answered somewhat formally.  Brian smirked as he heard Bree sigh.  It was the same sigh his employees made when they knew they were about to be chewed up and spit out by one Brian fucking Kinney.  Brian felt his confidence bolster up a notch.

“Hi, Dada, Daddy said you wanted to talk to me,” Bree said as she entered the inner sanctum.

“Have a seat,” Brian pointed to a chair near his desk.  Bree knew this was going to be a serious conversation when her Dada didn’t offer his lap for her to sit in.  Bree hopped up into the chair.

“I’d like to discuss your recent behavior…”

“Dada…”  Whatever Bree had wanted to say was cut off by Brian’s raised hand.

“Briana, you’ve been stomping and grumbling around this house for weeks, now it’s my turn to speak,” Brian said sternly with a no nonsense arch of his brow.

“Yes, Dada,” Bree said, resigned to her fate.

“Briana, you can not work at Kinnetik,” Brian stated succinctly.  Bree opened her mouth to protest but Brian interrupted her.  “Let me finish.”  Bree shut her mouth.  “There are laws that must be followed.  Laws that protect the rights of children and are designed to prevent the exploitation of children.  Do you understand what that means?”

Bree nodded.  Between her history lessons and current events discussions at school, Bree had an idea what her father was talking about.

“Kinnetik can’t hire you just like we couldn’t hire Gus until he reached a certain age.  And even then he couldn’t work longer than a certain amount of hours.  If he did then Kinnetik would have been in violation of those child labor laws.  If Kinnetik doesn’t follow the rules, we won’t be allowed to hire interns in the future.”

Brian paused to allow that bit of information to sink in.

“But I really want to work there,” Bree said in a tiny voice and looking down.  She suddenly found the tops of her sneakers fascinating.

“Bree, I had a chat with Cynthia and some of the top people at Kinnetik.  We’ve agreed to allow you to volunteer at Kinnetik after you’ve completed day camp.  We will set up a schedule which may include putting in some time at the ‘school.’  Uncle Ted knows how smart you are in math so he plans to have you work on a couple of projects with him.  Aunt Molly has a few things in mind for you as well.  Then after lunch your Daddy will take you to the gallery.  He and Uncle Sidney will have things for you to do there.”

Bree suddenly beamed a brilliant smile so like her father.  Brian worked hard at controlling his emotions when he saw that smile.

“Now, I have some important papers from Cynthia for you to read.  Take this pad and pencil so if you have any questions you can write them down and we can discuss it.  We’re all prepared to help you with this assignment, even Patrick said he’d help so don’t be afraid to ask any of us.  Okay?”

“Yes, Dada,” Bree said as her eyes grew wide when her father handed her a tall stack of papers along with the pad and pencil.  “Do I have to read it all today?”

“No, you have plenty of time.  Just have them all read before you start at Kinnetik.”

“Oh, okay,” Bree said visibly relieved.  Bree stood up preparing to go back downstairs, although she wasn’t sure how she was going to get down the stairs with all those papers.  Brian smiled to himself as he handed Bree a small lavender tote bag that was just the right size to hold all of her papers including the pad.

“Thank you, Dada,” she said with a bright smile.

“You’re welcome, Squirt,” Brian smiled back.  Bree relaxed, she was the “Squirt” again.  All was right in her world once again.

“Dada, what does a volunteer wear?” Bree asked with her eyebrows knitted together. 

Brian resisted chuckling.  “Well, most of my employees wear business attire,” Brian answered.  Bree frowned.  “Do you remember what Cynthia wears?”  Bree nodded.

“Do I hafta wear a suit?”  Miss Cynthia always looked pretty but her suits looked hot and it was summertime, Bree thought to herself.

“No, Cynthia and her assistant like to wear suits.  So does Aunt Molly because she goes to a lot of meetings.  Daddy and I will go through your wardrobe to find the right dresses and things.  Okay?”

“Oh, yes, Dada!” Bree exclaimed as she launched herself into her Dada’s arms.  “I love you Dada,” Bree said as she peppered Brian’s face with kisses.

“Love you too, Squirt,” Brian said when his throat began to work again.  “I love you so much,” he whispered.  “All right, go, take your papers and start reading.  You may think you have a long time before you start ‘work’ but you’ll be surprised how fast the time will go,” Brian said as he gently pushed Bree back then helped her steady the tote bag across her body so she could walk down the stairs.

“Okay, Dada!” Bree said with one last kiss for her father before she straightened her spine, standing as tall and proud as she could make her petite body before she walked down the stairs.  When her little feet hit the slate of the sun porch floor, she called out for her best friend in the whole world.

 “PAATWWICK!” Bree called out.  The men of Edna’s Treasures snickered softly to themselves as a red-headed tornado ran out into the sun porch.

“What is it, Bree?” Patrick asked, having a good idea what Bree wanted.  Bree held out the tote bag.

“Can you help me?” Bree asked, using her most coy expression.  Patrick arched one red eyebrow.  “Pleeeeezzz?”  Bree amended her plea.

“Sure.”

“Yay!”  Bree jumped up and down then gave Patrick a hug and a kiss.  Patrick automatically swiped at the moist spot on his cheek before settling them both at one of the wicker tables in the porch.

Brian from his balcony, Justin from the doorway at his end of the cottage and John and Bobby from their doorway all sported the same satisfied grins.

Peace had returned to Edna’s Treasures.

Kidz

Chapter 3

“Come in, Mr. Samuels.”

Curtis walked through the door of the principal’s office of his high school.  The principal, Mr. Jeffries, pointed to a chair on one side of his desk, before going around and sitting behind his big desk.  Curtis sat down worried about why he had been called in to speak to the principal.

“Um…am I in some sort of trouble?” Curtis asked hesitantly.  He had never been in the principal’s office before.  Even when he first came to Alleghany High he had been in the guidance counselor’s office.  He had seen the principal at assemblies and occasionally around the school.  This was the first time he had actually been face to face with the man.

“Have you done something I should know about?” Mr. Jeffries asked, a little smile crinkling the corners of his mouth.

“Not that I know of,” Curtis replied with a frown.  Although he knew he hadn’t done anything bad, stranger things had happened than a black kid getting accused of wrongdoing.

“That’s good.”  Mr. Jeffries paused for a moment.  “Are you ready to graduate?” he asked after a minute.

“Oh yes, sir!” Curtis replied quickly.  “Um, I didn’t mean that to sound quite the way it did,” he hastily added.  He didn’t want the principal to think he wanted to escape from Allegheny.  “I’ve really liked it here.”

“You’ve done well at Allegheny High, Mr. Samuels.”

“Thank you, sir.”  For the first time since he had entered the office, Curtis smiled.  Maybe this wasn’t going to be so bad.

“Where have you applied for college?”

“Um, I applied to Penn and Carnegie-Mellon.”

“What are you looking to do?”

Curtis frowned.  This very question had been bothering him for months.  “I…I’m not sure.  I think I either want to be a vet or a fireman.”

“The vet part I can understand, but … a fireman?” Mr. Jeffries asked surprised that this would be on Curtis’ short list of possible careers.

“Yes, sir, my grandfather was a fireman.  I’d kind of like to follow in his footsteps.”

“I see…”

“But my one dad is a vet and the other works with him in the veterinary clinic.”

“And you might like to follow in their footsteps too.”

“Yes.”

“You realize that it’s quite a challenging course to be a vet.”

“Yes, sir, but it’s also hard to be a fireman.”

“Of course,” Mr. Jeffries agreed.  He consulted a piece of paper for a moment.  I see that you have volunteered with Habitat for Humanity.”  Curtis nodded.  “Very commendable.  And you work in the science labs here helping to keep everything in order.”

“Yes, sir,” Curtis said.  He was wondering what this was all about.  “Is there a reason you’re going over all this with me?”

“There’s a very good reason, Curtis.  You are on the short list of candidates to be valedictorian this year.”

Curtis’ eyes got very large.  “Me?” he asked his voice barely squeaking out.

Mr. Jeffries chuckled.  “Yes you, Curtis.  Since you’ve been at Allegheny, we’ve kept an eye on you.  You had some catching up to do, but you worked hard and your marks are outstanding.”

“But … there’s lots of other kids with as good marks as I have … and they’ve been here since freshman year.  I don’t know why you’d want me to be valedictorian.”

“Curtis, you represent the best of human nature,” Mr. Jeffries said sincerely.  “You had some very hard knocks to overcome, but you worked hard, studied hard and made a success of yourself.  And then you started giving back to the school and your community.  To my way of thinking that makes you a prime candidate to be valedictorian.”

“Wow!” Curtis replied.  He thought for a moment.  “You really mean what you just said?”

“I certainly do.”

“So, I might be chosen as valedictorian?”

“You just might.”

“When…when will I know?”

“If you say you’re interested in assuming the responsibility of being valedictorian and speaking for your graduating class, then we should have an answer for you in a couple of days.  I have two more candidates to interview,” Mr. Jeffries added.

“Thanks, thanks so much for considering me for this.  I would love to be valedictorian.”

“Then I will let you know very soon.”  Mr. Jeffries stood and held his hand out for Curtis to shake it.

“I don’t know what to say.  I can’t believe this is happening,” Curtis said as he shook the hand.

“Believe it,” Mr. Jeffries said as Curtis went out the door.  He smiled to himself.  Curtis Samuels was the kind of kid who made his job worthwhile.  He wondered if any of the other candidates for valedictorian would be as worthy.

*****

“JR, hi, over here!”

“I’m here, so what’s up?” JR asked as she slid into a booth at the local McDonalds.  “Your phone call didn’t tell me much other than to meet you here.  Lucky that Daddy was still at the store and can hold down the fort until I get there.”

“Sorry to screw up your schedule but I wanted to tell you this in person.”

“Tell me what?” JR asked before she took a sip of the cola that Curtis had bought for her.

“I got called into the principal’s office today.”

“You did?” JR asked her eyes getting very large.  “What did you do?”

“I got good marks, did some community service and have a great work ethic.”

“Huh?”

“I’m on the list to be class valedictorian at graduation,” Curtis said with a big grin.

“Really?”  JR’s question didn’t seem as full of excitement as Curtis had expected.

“Yes, I can hardly believe it.”

“Me either.”

“What does that mean?  Don’t you think I deserve to be under consideration for valedictorian?” Curtis asked.  He wasn’t sure he liked JR’s lack of enthusiasm.  In fact it hurt a lot that she didn’t seem pleased for him.  She actually seemed to be acting like she wished he had never been singled out for this honor.

“Of course you deserve it,” JR amended.  “I know how hard you work.”

“Then why don’t you seem very happy for me?”

JR sighed and frowned.  “I guess … I … I really am happy for you.  I guess it’s an honor.”

“It is an honor.”

“Sure,” JR said flatly.  “Have you told your dads?”

“Not yet.  I wanted to tell you first.”

“Oh.  When do you find out if you actually are valedictorian?”

“A couple of days.”  Curtis studied JR’s face.  He couldn’t figure out what was wrong, but something obviously was.  JR’s reaction to his news made him wonder.

“I better get back to the comic book store,” JR said, suddenly standing up.  “Congratulations.”  With that she turned and walked out of McDonalds.

Curtis watched her go.  She hadn’t given him a peck on the cheek or a hug or anything.  Something was definitely wrong.

*****

“Hi, Honeybun,” Michael said with a big smile as his daughter entered the shop.  “Did you get your errand done?”

“Yeah,” JR said tersely as she went behind the counter.  “Do I need to restock anything this afternoon?”

“Is something wrong, JR?”

JR heaved a sigh.  “No, nothing.”

“When you say that, I know there really is something wrong,” Michael said staring at his daughter.

“Daddy…”

“You know you can tell me anything.”

JR looked up into her father’s eyes.  She saw worry and concern in them, and that caused her eyes to fill with tears.  “I met Curtis at McDonalds,” she began.  Michael waited.  “He … may be valedictorian at graduation.”

“That’s good news, isn’t it?” Michael asked as he studied the anguish in JR’s eyes.

“Yeah, but…”

“But what?” 

“He’s real smart, Daddy, much smarter than me.  He’s probably going to Penn and I’ll never see him again.”

Michael moved behind the counter taking his daughter into his warm embrace.  “You’re just as smart as Curtis, and he … likes you a lot.  You’ll see him whenever he comes home.”

JR sniffled and shook her head against her father’s chest.  “He’ll meet other really smart girls and I won’t be enough for him.”

“You’re very smart at a lot of things that Curtis can’t do,” Michael said gently.  “You’re so good at business.  Curtis knows nothing about business.”

JR looked up at her father.  “But what if he meets another girl that he likes better than me?”

“I don’t think he’s likely to find anyone he likes better than you.  I see the way he looks at you.”

“Really?” JR asked with a little smile.  The tears were no longer falling.

“And if he did find someone else, well, you’d find someone even better.”

“You sure know how to sweet talk a girl,” JR said with a laugh.  “I love you so much, Daddy.”

“And I love you more than you’ll ever know, sweetheart,” Michael replied.  The crisis seemed to have been averted.

*****

Patrick wiped his sweaty palms on the tops of his jeans as John parked his Navigator in front of a modest looking ranch house in the suburbs of Pittsburgh.

“What are you so nervous about?” John asked his son.

“I’m not nervous,” Patrick snapped back.  John arched a brow.  “I just don’t want to look like I don’t know anything,” Patrick confessed.

“And what are you supposed to know?” John inquired as he switched off the ignition and slightly turned to face his son.

“I don’t know!  About buildings and things,” Patrick said with exasperation.  He huffed then crossed his arms on his chest reminding John of Michael.  John chuckled, getting a glare from his son.

“All you need to know is that we’re making an inspection,” John patiently explained.  He suspected that his son was not only nervous about being his “shadow” for the summer, but hormones were beginning to surge.  Plus, “Aunt Claire” wasn’t the easiest person to deal with. 

“You are my assistant; that’s why in your backpack is a pad, pencils, a flashlight and a tape measure.”

Patrick maneuvered his pack onto his lap to look through it.  “What’s this?” Patrick asked as he held up a folded metal tool.

“A multi-tool,” John stated as he took it out of his son’s hand.  He carefully opened the tool to demonstrate the multiple functions.  “I never leave home without it,” John smiled at his son.  “This one’s yours,” John said to Patrick as he handed back the tool.  Patrick beamed a smile at his father then carefully placed it back in his bag as if it was treasure.

“What we’re going to do is walk through the house and poke into the dark corners, under the sinks and in the basement.  Your job is to jot down my findings as I call them out to you.  Normally, I’d do that myself.”  John pulled out a battered notebook from his back pocket.

“Since you’re with me, you can do that while I concentrate on the inspection.  Does this sound like something you can do?”

“Yeah, I can do that!”  Patrick smiled.

“Good.  Now, I don’t want you to concentrate on the fact that we’re related to these people.  I know Claire can be a bit over the top and I haven’t spoken to John since the funeral.  Even then it was a limited conversation.  We’ll just treat this like any other job.  Okay?”  John ruffled his son’s soft hair.

“Okay, Dad,” Patrick stated with more confidence.  He took a deep breath then followed his father out of the truck and to the front door of the house.

“Hi Claire,” John said politely as Claire opened the door.  “You remember Patrick, don’t you?”

“Yes, I do,” Claire said a bit hesitantly.  “He’s grown so tall,” she stated as she looked over the handsome young man.  Patrick stood his ground, refusing to be nervous.

“Patrick is my assistant for the summer,” John said proudly as he clapped his son on the shoulder and then gently prodded Patrick’s elbow.

“Nice to see you again, Aunt Claire,” Patrick said as he stuck out his hand.  Claire politely returned the gesture.

“I didn’t know school was out already,” Claire murmured as Patrick gently shook her hand.

“I just have a couple of finals but I’m done,” Patrick told her.

“And he did very well,” John beamed like a proud papa.  Claire narrowed her eyes a bit but said nothing as she showed them into the house.  “Is John here?” John asked as he began to look around the empty room.

“No, he’s at work and his wife is packing up their apartment.  They’d like to be all moved in by August,” Claire explained.

“I got the impression John and Mary were in a rush to move in,” John said as he pulled a small flashlight out of his pocket to peer into a closet.

“Uh, they were able to work out a deal with their landlord,” Claire said softly.

“That’s good,” John said as a dismissal then he turned toward Patrick.  “Patrick, take out your pad,” John instructed as he became all business.  For the next few hours, John and Patrick made a thorough inspection of the house.

***** 

“Hey, Curtis, dinner is almost ready,” Hector said as Curtis entered the house.  “Curtis?” Hector repeated when he got no response.  “Are you all right?”

“Oh, um, yeah, I’m fine.”

“Then you can set the table,” Hector informed him.

“Is dad still working?”

“He’s finishing up a few things in the clinic, making sure the animals are all set for the night.”

“Oh.”

“He should be in here for dinner in just a minute or two.”

“Oh.”

“Curtis, the dishes, setting the table?” Hector said with a question in his voice.

“Oh, yeah, right.”  Curtis walked over to the cupboard where the plates were stored.  He opened the door and stared into the cupboard.

Just then Raphael entered from the clinic.  “Hi, Curtis, how was school?”  He got no reply.  Raphael looked over at Hector who shrugged saying that he didn’t know what was wrong.  Raphael walked over to his son and placed his hand on Curtis’ shoulder.  “What’s up with you?”

Curtis jumped at the touch and the sound of his father’s voice.  “Um, nothing,” was his lame reply.

“We both know there’s something.”  Raphael looked at Hector for confirmation.  “And so does Hector, so leave the dishes and come sit down for a minute.”  Curtis reluctantly followed his father to the kitchen table.  His other father turned dinner onto low and sat down with them.  Both men waited for Curtis to speak.

“I … I have some news,” Curtis began.

“You know you can tell us anything,” Hector said encouragingly.

Curtis nodded.  “I’ve been told I’m a candidate to be class valedictorian.”

“That’s wonderful!” Raphael enthused.

“That’s amazing.  We’re so proud of you, son,” Hector added squeezing Curtis’ arm.

“Yeah,” Curtis mumbled.

Raphael frowned.  “Don’t you want to be valedictorian?  Are you afraid to speak in front of such a large group?”

“I … I’m not afraid of speaking at graduation.”

“Then what is it?” Raphael asked again.  “There’s definitely something wrong.”

“I’m honored that they’re even considering me to be valedictorian,” Curtis stated.  He decided he might as well get it all out.  Since he had become part of this family, he had learned that his fathers, particularly Raphael, could be relentless when they thought he was in some kind of trouble or needed their help. 

Hector jumped in when Curtis paused.  “I think it’s a great honor.  We’re very proud, aren’t we, Raph?”

“Very proud,” Raphael agreed.  “But I think there’s more to the story.”  He looked meaningfully at his son.

“They might not choose me, you know,” Curtis said in a soft voice.

“The fact that they are considering you means that you have done very well, son,” Raphael said sincerely.  “You had it a lot tougher than most kids, and you’ve made a success of yourself.”

In spite of how he was feeling, Curtis smiled at his father’s words.  “Thanks, Dad.  I would really like to be valedictorian, but when I told JR about it…”

“What happened with JR?” Hector asked, sensing this might be the source of his son’s distress.

“She didn’t seem happy for me at all.  She seemed kind of pissed off, and then she got up and left.”

“Just like that?” Raphael asked.

“Yeah, no hug or telling me ‘that’s great’ or anything.  I practically had to force a ‘congratulations’ out of her.  Why would she do that?” Curtis asked.  He was clearly mystified.

“Could she be jealous?” Hector volunteered.

“Why would me being valedictorian make her jealous?”

“It is a form of recognition that she isn’t getting,” Raphael said gently.  “She’s not as good a student as you are.”

“Dad!” Curtis objected.  “You know JR’s smart, even if she doesn’t get fabulous marks.”

“You know it and I know it, but maybe JR doesn’t know it,” Raph added.

Curtis thought about that.  “Maybe,” he said after a minute.

“Whatever it is, there is only one way to deal with it,” Hector informed his son. 

“What way?” Curtis asked.

“Get her to tell you,” Hector replied as he got up to finish dinner and get it on the table.

“You need to talk to her, Curtis,” Raphael reinforced.

“I’ll try, but she didn’t seem to want to talk to me.”

“Find a way.  Communication is very important,” Raphael stated before getting up to set the table.

“Easier said than done,” Curtis mumbled.  He knew how stubborn JR could be.

Kidz

Chapter 4

“Daddy, does this look okay?” Bree asked as she twirled around in the sun porch, trying to show off her dress.  Her father who was elbows deep in paint wasn’t paying attention.

“Daddy?” Bree called out.

“DADDY!” Bree shouted with a stamp of one dainty sandal clad foot.

“Hmm?” Justin mumbled around the wooden end of his paint brush.

“Look at my dress, Daddy.  Is this nice enough to go to work in?”  Bree twirled again; her pink and white sundress swirled around her legs while the white shrug sat daintily on her shoulders.  “Do you like it?”

“Uh huh,” Justin murmured.

“Daddy,” Bree whined softly then slowly shuffled toward the doorway that led into the main house.

“Bree,” Brian called out from overhead on his balcony.  Bree stopped to look up.  “Come up.”

“Okay,” Bree replied in a dejected tone.  Bree carefully climbed up the spiral staircase to Brian’s office.  “Hi, Dada,” Bree said with a sigh as she entered the office.

“What’s the matter, Squirt?”

“Daddy doesn’t have time for me,” she said with tears welling up in her big violet blue eyes.  Brian patted his lap and Bree climbed up.  Brian wrapped his arms around his forlorn daughter.

“That’s not true, but you know how Daddy gets when he’s in the middle of a project.  What did you want Daddy to do?”

“To look at my dress.  I want to know if it’s okay to wear to work,” Bree said with a sniffle.

“Squirt, you know better than to ask your Daddy’s opinion about clothes.  His idea of high fashion is black cargo pants and a t-shirt.”  Father and daughter gave an exaggerated shudder.  “So let me see what you’ve decided to wear,” Brian said as he gently pushed Bree off his lap to set her back on her feet.  Bree did a little twirl to show off.

“I think that’s perfect, Squirt.  And it’s very smart of you to include the sweater.  Sometimes it gets cold in the office.  And they keep the gallery cool to help preserve the paintings.”  Bree smiled at her father’s praise.  “Is this what you’re going to wear the first day?”  Bree nodded.

“Very nice.”  Brian was pleased with her choice.  Bree looked sweet and innocent.  He wasn’t prepared for his nine year old daughter to dress like a fifteen year old imitating a hooker.  No, Brian Kinney wasn’t quite ready for his baby girl to be all grown up.  He pulled her close, inhaling her sweet little scent.  He gave her another hug.

“Do I look pretty, Dada?” Bree said into Brian’s ear.

“Beautiful,” Brian whispered.  With a sigh, Brian ended the hug.  “Let’s go put together other outfits,” Brian suggested as he shut down his computer to lead Bree down to her room.

Justin was still totally engrossed in his painting as they passed by.  Brian stopped for a moment to watch his preoccupied spouse.

“Justin, I’m dying Bree’s hair pink and shaving mine off,” Brian quipped while winking at his daughter.  Bree giggled softly at his side.

“Okay,” Justin mumbled as he applied more paint to his canvas with a flourish.

“Oh, and your mother is pregnant with twins,” Brian stated as he took Bree’s hand.

“Uh huh,” Justin murmured.

About twenty minutes later while Brian and Bree were mixing and matching separates in her room, Justin flew through the door.

“Briana Victoria Kinney-Taylor, don’t you dare dye your...hair?”  Justin stood blinking in confusion getting two innocent smiles in return.  “Your hair is still blond,” Justin stuttered.

“Yes, Daddy,” Bree said with a smile and a nod.  Justin gently caressed the baby fine strawberry blond hair as he drew her in close for a kiss.  He then turned toward Brian.

“And yours is still...”

“On my head?”  Brian smirked.

“Gorgeous,” Justin whispered as he held his arm out.  Brian moved toward his spouse and daughter.  The trio stood in the middle of Bree’s room, hugging close.  Brian leaned down to kiss the top of the blond heads.

Justin’s head popped up after a few more minutes of savoring the closeness.  “Twins?”  Ocean blue eyes twinkled at the laughing hazel eyes.  Before you could say ‘Edna’s Treasures,’ the cottage was filled with laughter.

*****

“Is she asleep?” Brian asked as he walked out of their bathroom naked, toweling off his hair.

“Yes, she is,” Justin replied as he gazed at his spouse with an appreciative eye.  “She’s so excited at the thought of going to work with us.”

“She hasn’t changed her mind about day camp, has she?” Brian asked as he tossed the damp towel toward the bathroom door.  Justin bent down to pick up the towel and put it into the hamper.  Brian gave his own lusty look at Justin’s still delectable ass.

“Nope.  In fact she’s planning on organizing a soccer tournament while she’s attending,” Justin said with all confidence in their daughter’s ability to carry out her plans.  He began to strip off his clothes in order to take a quick shower.

“Do you think we should warn the camp?” Brian remarked.

“Nah, if they’re not prepared for Bree by now then they deserve to be shocked,” Justin said as he gave Brian a view of his wiggling butt before dashing into the bathroom.  Brian debated getting wet all over again but then decided it would be too much fun helping Justin dry off.

Brian made sure their door was securely locked then he turned down the bed.  He took out a thick fluffy bath sheet and carefully draped it over their Egyptian cotton sheets.  He then rummaged through his bedside table for some flavored massage oils.  After all, Justin had worked hard all day at his canvases, he deserved a little pampering.

Justin exited their bathroom amidst billowing steam.  To Brian he looked like an angel descending on a cloud.  Brian swept Justin up in his arms, towels and all then planted a toe curling kiss.  Justin hung on as Brian worked his magic, consuming Justin’s willing lips.  Brian’s hands took the towels, gently drying his mate.  When satisfied, Brian led Justin to their bed, laying him on the bath sheet.

Before Justin could question Brian, Brian had a vanilla scented oil warming in his hands.  The last coherent thought Justin’s brain registered was Brian’s tongue rimming his ass.

*****

“Hey,” sated blue eyes twinkled up at Brian.

“Hey,” Brian said as he pulled Justin closer to surround him with his warm body.

“Last night was so good,” Justin said with a smile as he wrapped his arm around Brian’s trim hips.  “Inspiring, even.  I have so many colors swirling around in my head that I want to paint.”  Justin snuggled closer and wiggled his toes against Brian’s leg.

“Before you get lost in your own little world again, spend a little time with Bree,” Brian suggested without admonishment. 

“She felt neglected, didn’t she?”  Brian felt Justin frown.

“A little but she understands that when the inspiration strikes, you have to run with it.”

“Are you sure?  I don’t want her to feel that I don’t pay enough attention to her.”

“I’m sure.  Let her help you make breakfast then ask her to show you the outfits she’s chosen for work.  She’ll be tickled pink,” Brian said with a chuckle.

“There’s enough pink around here but I’ll ask her,” Justin said with a roll of his eyes.  “And I’ll see if she’d like to paint with me this afternoon.”

“Sounds like a plan to me.”

The lovers kissed, sealing their bargain.  When the need for air made them part, Brian totally changed the subject.

“Did you see the invitation?” Brian asked.

“Yes, we are going, right?  If we don’t, my name will be mud and you risk your other ball.”

“I’ve already cleared my calendar.  What do you think we should get her?”

“I’m not sure.  Maybe I should ask Molly or my Mom.”

“Good idea, Sunshine.  They must have some idea what to get a teenaged girl for her graduation.”  Justin nodded in agreement then reached up to kiss Brian’s lips once more.

Before they could do more than kiss, a gentle knock broke their quiet reverie.

“Daddy?  Dada?”

“Just one minute, Squirt,” Brian immediately answered as they scrambled for something to clothe their lower halves. 

Clad in a pair of sleep pants, Justin opened their door as Brian sat on the edge of the bed in sweats.  There stood Bree in her nightgown, grey bunny in her arms.

“Good morning, Daddy!” Bree exclaimed with a bright sunny smile.

“Good morning, Baby Girl,” Justin replied as he picked her up, peppering her little cheeks with a myriad of kisses.  Brian smiled and quietly thanked the gods for his two sunny blonds.

“Hey, don’t I get any of those kisses,” Brian called out pretending to pout.  Justin and Bree exchanged looks then scurried over to the bed.  They pounced on Brian, knocking him back on the bed and covering his face with kisses.

Sunny laughter once again rang out through the cottage.

***** 

“JR?” Curtis called as he saw his friend, sometimes girlfriend, down the hall at school.

“Hello,” JR responded coolly as she turned to face him.

“I wish I knew why you’re upset with me,” Curtis said honestly.  “If you want me to turn down being valedictorian, I will.”

JR’s eyes got very large.  “Are you serious?  You’d turn it down for me?” she asked.

“I don’t want to, but I will … if you really want me to.”

“Wow, I never expected you to do that,” JR told him.

“I want us to be friends.  You’re very important to me.”

“I am?” JR asked with a coy smile.

“Definitely.”

“I … I’m sorry I was such a bitch.”

“That’s okay.  We know where you get that from.”  Curtis immediately regretted saying that as JR screwed up her face.

“I do have some of Mama in me,” she admitted and then chuckled.

“So, are we okay?”

“Yeah,” JR replied giving Curtis a peck on the cheek.

“Phew!  Thank goodness for that.”

“So, you’re going to be valedictorian,” JR said with a smile.

“Um, I don’t know.  The results aren’t in yet.”

“But … I thought you said you’d give it up for me.”

“And I would … if I’m chosen.”

“So, you might not have to give anything up at all.”

Curtis grinned sheepishly.  “Maybe not, but … you weren’t really going to ask me to give it up, were you?”

“Maybe not,” JR returned in kind.

They both chuckled. 

“Curtis Samuels, please report to the principal’s office,” came an announcement over the PA system.

“Uh oh, this must be the moment of truth,” Curtis said.

“Good luck,” JR replied, “and I really mean it.”

“Thanks,” Curtis said with a genuine smile.  “I’ll need all the luck I can get.”  He started down the hall towards the principal’s office.

“Curtis, let me know what happens,” JR called.

Curtis turned and gave her the thumbs up symbol, and a nervous grin to go with it.  JR stared after him as the bell rang for the next class.  She wasn’t sure which way she wanted the verdict to go.  With a sigh, she headed for her class.

*****

JR didn’t see Curtis for the rest of the day.  They had no classes together.  As JR was packing up her books to take home, someone tapped her on the shoulder.

“Oh!” she said with a start.

“Say hello to this year’s valedictorian,” Curtis said with a huge smile.

“Seriously?”

“Seriously.”

“That’s really great, Curtis,” JR said giving her friend a warm hug.

“You’re not going to ask me not to do it?”

“Nope.”

Curtis stared into JR’s eyes.  “Thank you,” he whispered.

“Don’t thank me.  I was being selfish.”

“You!  Selfish?”

“I am my mother’s daughter, remember,” JR said pointing at herself.

“I love you.”

“Me too,” JR replied hoping neither of them was being too serious, but also hoping there was some truth to the declarations.  “Have you thought about what you’re going to say in your speech?”  JR thought it was prudent to direct their conversation to a safer topic.

Curtis laughed.  “I started composing it the moment the principal told me about it.”

“I bet it’ll be great.”

“Thanks, wanna grab a soda?”

“I promised Daddy I’d be at the store right after school.”

“I’ll walk with you.”

“Thanks,” JR said with a smile.  JR finished packing her books in her backpack.  Things seemed to have returned to normal.  “Your dads are going to be so happy about you being valedictorian.”

“I know.”

“Who all are you inviting?” JR asked as they started walking down the hall.  “I’ve got my moms and my dads and Gus, Uncle Brian and Uncle Justin.  And Grandma Debbie, and of course, Grandpa Carl comes with her.  She’d never let me forget it if I didn’t invite her.”

“Wait!” Curtis ordered.  “That’s a lot of people when we only get four tickets each.”

“Four?”

“Yeah, they announced it the other day.  Maybe that was the day you were home with a cold.”

“Fuck!” JR mumbled.

“What?”

“I’ve already invited nine people.  I wanted to ask Bree too.  It’s a good thing I didn’t.  She is my sister, but I thought she might be a bit too young.”  JR looked distraught.

“Maybe I can help,” Curtis offered. 

“How?  Have you got some extra tickets up your sleeve?” JR asked sarcastically.

“As a matter of fact I have.”

“Huh?”

“One of the perks of being valedictorian is you can invite extra people.”

“You can?” JR asked.

“I was going to invite Mr. Brian and Mr. Justin too, so you don’t need tickets for them.”

“Right, but what about Grandma and Gus?”

“Mr. Jeffries said I could have four extra tickets.  I told him I didn’t need them, but I bet I could still have them if we go tell him right now.”

“Would you?  Oh, that would be so great, Curtis.  Then I could invite Grandma and Grandpa as well as Gus and Bree.”

“Let’s go,” Curtis said confidently.  He held out his hand to JR.  She slid her hand into his, smiling genuinely at him.  They ran down the hall to talk to the principal.

*****

“Hi, Daddy,” JR said happily as she entered the comic book shop a little later.

“You sound like you’re in a good mood,” Michael said giving his daughter a kiss on the cheek.

“I am.”

“What’s up?”

“Curtis is going to be valedictorian,” JR stated with pride in her voice.

“Is it official?”

“Yep.”

“I didn’t think you wanted him to be valedictorian.”

“I’ve change my mind,” JR said with a little giggle.

“What brought about that?” Michael asked as he opened a new carton of X-Men comics.  They needed to be placed on display.

“Curtis is a really great guy,” JR replied as she took a stack of the comics from her father and began arranging them to the best effect.

“I agree, but we always knew that.”

“Yeah, but he really proved it today.”

“How so?” Michael asked.

“Oh Daddy, he was willing to turn down being valedictorian if it would make me happy,” JR gushed.

“No shit,” Michael said surprised.  “He really does like you.”

“He said he loves me.”

“He did?” Michael asked suddenly concerned.  That was not what he had expected to hear.

“It was a friendly ‘I love you’, but he showed me that it’s true by what he did.”

“I thought it was what he was willing not to do,” Michael corrected.

“He gets extra tickets for being valedictorian, and he said I could have them, so I can invite everybody I want,” JR said happily as she eyed her arrangement of the comics.  “Do you like the way these look?” she asked her father.

“Yeah, they look great.”

“Thanks.”

“I thought you had invited everyone you wanted,” Michael said returning to their conversation.

“I was away the day they announced that we only get four tickets each for graduation.”

“But … that’s your moms and dads – that’s four.”

“Correct,” JR giggled.

“I thought you were inviting Maw and Brian…”

“I did invite them.”

“Without tickets for them?”

“Right, but Curtis got extra tickets so now everybody can come,” JR said happily.

“Curtis is quite a guy.”

“He’s my guy.”  JR grabbed her backpack and carried it into the office.

“Quite a guy,” Michael repeated uncertainly.  He wasn’t sure about all of this ‘I love you’ and promises to do whatever JR wanted.  It sounded far too serious.

Kidz

Chapter 5

“So now what do we do?” Patrick asked his father.  They were up in their attic office.  John was looking over the notes Patrick had made when they made their walk through his nephew’s new house.

“Now we write up our findings and provide an estimate of how much it will cost for the repairs,” John replied.

“But how do you know what it’ll all cost?”  Patrick was fascinated that his father had all this knowledge in his head.

“I know my materials, the labor costs and the approximate length of time it will take to make the repairs.  I’m going to prioritize the estimates just in case John and Mary can’t afford to do all the repairs at once.  This way they’ll have a choice.”

“Wow.  I thought you’d tell them to do it all at the same time,” Patrick exclaimed.

“I guess I could, but Gordon and I decided long ago that that’s not how we wanted to conduct business.  You have to remember we started our business in a small town.  Money was tight back then, and these were our friends and neighbors.  Sometimes we were paid in baked goods for minor repairs we did.  Especially after a big storm.”

“People don’t do that anymore.”

“Maybe not, but we still do.  It hasn’t hurt our business and a lot of those people have long memories; so do their children.”

“Huh,” Patrick murmured to himself as he looked over his father’s shoulder at the papers on the desk.  “What do you recommend first?”

“The roof and the water heater.  The furnace is only a few years old so there should be no problem there.  I’m thinking they’ll need new siding but that can wait a year or two.  We did see some minor termite damage but nothing active.  Looks like the previous owner took care of that.  I’m going into Pittsburgh later today to see John and his wife.  Would you like to tag along?” John asked his son.

“Yeah, I think I would.”  It was a Saturday but if his father was going to do work, Patrick would too.  A lot of businesses worked through the weekends.  John beamed a proud smile at his son for deciding to follow through.

“Let’s go get lunch and then we’ll go,” John suggested as he reviewed his estimates one more time then placed them into his briefcase.

*****

“Patwick,” Bree crooned as she walked into his kitchen.  Patrick was trying to finish his lunch while his dad was confirming their appointment.

“Hey,” Patrick mumbled around his tuna fish sandwich.

“Whatcha doing?” Bree asked coyly, batting her eyes at her Patrick.

“What’s it look like I’m doing?” Patrick snarked in Kinney fashion as he rolled his eyes.  Bree ignored the snark and sat in a chair near him.  “You want some?” he offered politely.

“No thank you.  Dada is making me lunch now,” Bree replied.  Patrick nodded then slurped down some milk.  “Can you play with me after I eat?”

“No.  Me and Dad are going to work,” Patrick said smugly, waiting for Mt. Bree to blow.  Bree almost did, but then she remembered some of the rules of conduct that Cynthia had sent to her.  Bree knew that if she was serious about working with her dads then she had to abide by the rules.

“Oh,” she said sedately, eyes slightly downcast making Patrick feel about two inches tall.

“But we won’t be too long, we can play when I come home,” Patrick said getting a bright sunny smile in return.  “I’ll even practice soccer with you,” he said knowing that Bree had intentions of playing when she went to day camp.

“Oh, thank you, my Patrick!” Bree gushed as she threw her little arms around her best friend in the whole world.  Patrick took it like a man.

“Time to go, Sonny Boy,” Patrick heard his father call out from the living room.

“Okay, Dad!” Patrick replied as he rinsed off his dirty dishes and placed them into the dishwasher.  “Later, Bree,” Patrick said as he sprinted out toward his father.

“Later,” Bree said as she got down from her chair then went to her own kitchen.

*****

“Hello?”

“Greetings, Professor.  How goes life in the Stepford burbs,” Brian snarked.

“Life is good.  How are Bree and Justin?” Ben asked tersely without mentioning Brian.  Brian chuckled.

“Message received, Professor, and they’re fine.”

“To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“We received your invitation to your joyous event, and of course we’d be happy to attend.”

“Good, JR loves you.”

“And we love her, but that brings us to our next quandary.”

“Which is?”

“What to get a budding young independent woman.  The females in our lives all seem to think the young lady in question deserves a string of cultured pearls with matching earrings.”  Brian heard Ben gulp.  “I believe if one were to consider such a special gift, it should come from her fathers, not her uncles.”  Brian heard Ben sigh with relief.

“But that doesn’t solve our problem.  Is there a CD or DVD JR wants or concert tickets?  Even Gus is at a loss as to what to get for her.  Help us out here, Ben.”

“Sorry, Brian, I haven’t a clue.”

“I’d take her shopping for the Fall collection, but unfortunately your daughter has her father’s fashion sense,” Brian griped good naturedly making Ben laugh.

“Yes, she does seem to march to her own drums,” Ben agreed.

“Speaking about that, has JR mentioned furthering her education?” Brian asked almost in a whisper.  It was a sore subject for Michael and Melanie who both had hopes that JR would go to college.

“She’s decided to try community collage but not until January,” Ben said through gritted teeth.  “We were hoping she’d enroll in the Fall.  She wants to work fulltime at the store.”

“She does have a head for retail,” Brian stated hoping he sounded encouraging and not sarcastic.

“Yes, it does appear so,” Ben conceded.

“But you were hoping she’d aspire to some sort of greatness.”  Brian heard Ben sigh.  “You know there is no shame to owning a business and being involved in the day to day running of it.”

“Are you speaking from experience?”

“I was thinking more of Michael,” Brian retorted.  “He’s built a great business.”

“I know but...”

“Ben, let it go.  JR knows what she wants to do with her life, that’s more than 90% of the kids her age.  If you push too hard it may backfire.”

“Since when did you become an expert regarding teenagers?”  Brian cleared his throat...loudly.  Brian heard the smacking of flesh on flesh as Ben popped himself in the forehead.  “Yes, your little Mary Sunshine.”

“Not to mention Gus, although Gus’ dramas were nothing compared to Justin’s except for that criminal who tried to ingratiate himself into our family.”

“Whatever happened to that guy?”

“Still rotting away in jail somewhere, I hope.  The point, Professor, is give JR a little breathing room, but make it clear that you’re there for her so when she changes her mind and decides that there might be something to higher education, you will support her,” Brian said wisely.

“Thanks, Brian.”

“Don’t mention it.  But I still don’t have any clue what to get JR.”

“I’ll snoop around and get back to you.”

“Thanks, Professor.  Let’s do lunch soon.  I’ll be spending time, a lot of time, in the Pitts this summer.”

“Trouble at Kinnetik?”

“If we’re doing our jobs right, there should not be trouble at Kinnetik.  No, my daughter who thinks she’s ready to win a Clio wants to go to work.”

“She’s a little young, don’t you think?”

“This is Briana Victoria Kinney-Taylor we’re talking about.”

“Pardon me.”

“Yeah, well you can imagine the conversations around our dinner table lately.  We compromised.  Bree will spend mornings at Kinnetik then the afternoons with Justin at the gallery.”

“You’re serious.”

“As the clap.”

“That’s incredible.”

“That’s one way of looking at it.  Personally, I was hoping she’d decide to stay a little girl for a little while longer.  Whatever happened to kids just wanting to play?”

“She’s a special little girl, Brian.  She’s your daughter.”

“You say that as if it’s a good thing.”

“Don’t.  Don’t start with that self deprecating attitude of yours.  You’re beyond that.  You’ve spent years redeeming what you think is your horrific past, and we all know that’s bullshit.  You’re a very good father and a good friend.  Bree is following her fathers’ examples.  She wants to learn from you, let her.”

“I want her to be a kid.”

“And she will be.  She’s going to camp, isn’t she?”

“Yes, for two weeks first.”

“Good.  You know, you and Justin do have to travel sometimes for business.  There’s no reason why you can’t take Bree with you.”  Ben heard the sound of flesh smacking flesh; he laughed.  “Bye, Brian.”

“See ya, Professor.”  Brian hung up the phone.  He still didn’t have a clue about what to get JR for graduation, but an idea was forming in his head regarding the latter part of the summer.

“Oh Sunshine!” Brian singsonged as he went to track down his spouse.

*****

“Hello, Claire,” John greeted his sister as she opened the door.

“Hi,” she replied then quickly gave Patrick the once over.  She didn’t understand why John kept bringing the boy with him.  John gave Patrick a subtle nudge with his elbow.

“Hi, Aunt Claire,” Patrick quickly added.  Claire just smiled at the boy.

“Mom, who’s at the door?” they heard from inside the house.

“It’s your Uncle John and your cousin,” Claire called over her shoulder then stepped aside to allow John and Patrick into the house.  The younger John came to the foyer to greet his uncle.

“Are you still…” John began to tease his uncle like he did years ago but then quickly changed his mind.  “Um, going to give us an estimate?”  John looked around knowing his wife was close by.

“Yes, I have it here,” John replied, keeping things professional.  Patrick didn’t understand the sudden tension he felt but remained quiet, taking his cues from his father.  “You remember Patrick, don’t you?  I don’t believe you got a chance to speak to each other at Joan’s funeral.”

“No, we didn’t,” John stated as he turned to face his cousin.  John had gotten much of his looks and his height from his father and not the Kinney side of his family tree.  Patrick, not yet a teen was nearly the same height as young John.

“Hello, nice to see you again,” Patrick said politely as he held out his hand. 

“Same here,” John replied as he shook Patrick’s hand.  “So what’s the verdict,” John asked as he turned toward his uncle.

“John, why don’t you bring our guests into the kitchen where we can be more comfortable,” Mary said with a certain air.  Claire led John and Patrick to the kitchen.  John noted that his nephew had moved in a small kitchen table and chairs.  “This is temporary,” Mary half explained as she sat at the table.

John placed his briefcase on the table to take out his estimate.  About an hour later John and Mary had the results of John’s inspection, in detail.

“Well, that’s interesting,” Mary sputtered not knowing anything else to say.

“I knew we should have gone to Jennifer Harris first,” John grumbled angrily.

“How soon can the repairs begin?” Claire redirected the conversation before John and Mary had the time to argue.

“Whenever you give me the word I can have a crew here to start. And as I said, you have time to work on this; it doesn’t all have to be done in one shot.  We can do the essentials now and then next year do the rest,” John said amicably.  “And please don’t feel obligated to use my company.  I recommend you get other estimates.”

Patrick was fascinated by his father.  This was an aspect of his dad he never really knew before.  He knew his father was what Patrick called the big strong macho type but he never really noticed the businessman part of his father.  Patrick was impressed.

“No, of course we’d like to keep the business in the family,” Mary said magnanimously.  “How soon can you start?”

Another hour later, the details had been all worked out, and John and Patrick were preparing to leave.

“I’ll walk you out,” John said as he followed his uncle and cousin out the front door.  “I’m sorry,” John said softly to his uncle as he leaned against his uncle’s Navigator.  His face was red with embarrassment. 

“For what?”

“For acting like a homophobic prick.  I thought I had gotten over all of that,” John said as he kicked a pebble across the street.

“I can’t blame you for trying to keep the peace between you and your family,” John said as he drew his nephew into a brief hug.  “I understand, John, but thank you for telling me.  I’m grateful to know you haven’t forgotten all you learned at the Farm.”

“I haven’t and I promise that when my child is born I’ll teach him or her those same lessons, or I’ll send him to the Farm!” John said with a smile making the elder John laugh.

“Now there’s the nephew I remember,” John said as he got into his SUV.  Before they drove away, John rolled down the window and stuck his head close to his nephew’s face.  “And I’m still a fag,” John whispered.  The younger John burst out laughing as his uncle and cousin drove away down the block.

John went back into the house feeling a little lighter and vowing to himself never to allow a child of his to grow up homophobic and intolerant.

*****

“This isn’t the way home,” Patrick said as he realized they weren’t heading toward the highway.

“Nope, I’m heading to the Village.  Gordon should be with Betsie at the flower shop.”

“I don’t understand something.”

“What’s that?”

“Uncle Brian likes to “putter” in his garden,” Patrick said making quote marks in the air when using Brian’s term for gardening.  “And Uncle Gordon likes working in the flower shop.  I just don’t get it.” 

John chuckled.  “You mean you don’t get why these big macho men like playing with flowers.  Well, some of the best landscapers are men,” John began.  Patrick nodded.  He had seen some of the landscaping Todd and his people had done; it was impressive.  And Patrick couldn’t deny that gardens of Edna’s Treasures were magnificent.

“I think it’s all a matter of keeping things in perspective,” John tried to explain.  “Brian has a lot of responsibilities.  There are a lot of people counting on him and his reputation.  It’s a big job being Brian Kinney.  There are times when Brian Kinney just wants to be Dada or Uncle Bri.  And he does that when he’s dressed in overalls and has a shovel in his hands.  Then instead of being creative when millions of dollars are at stake and there’s a client to please, Brian can be creative in his garden where the only one he has to please is himself.  Does that make any sense?”

“Yeah, I think so.  And Uncle Gordon?”

John laughed.  “That’s called self preservation.  You’ll understand more when you’re married or in a long term committed relationship.  Betsie is the one who wears the pants in that family.  But don’t tell Gordon I said that.  Let him wallow in the illusion that he’s the boss,” John laughed.

“Oh, like Uncle Bri and Uncle Justin,” Patrick said smugly.

“Yup, just like them,” John agreed.  “I wouldn’t tell that to Brian either.”  John and Patrick cracked up as they pulled up in front of the Village Flower Shoppe.  They were still laughing when they strode into the store.

“And what are you two giggling about?” Betsie asked as she received a respectful peck on the cheek from both John and Patrick.

“Oh nothing earth shattering.  Patrick and I agree that looks can be very deceiving when it comes to identifying the true head of a household,” John stated.  Betsie nodded knowingly.

“Very true,” Betsie graciously agreed.  “Are you boys here to see Gordon?  He’s out back unloading a truck,” Betsie pointed toward the back of the shop.  John and Patrick thanked the woman then went into the back.

“John Boy, grab that box, will ya,” Gordon called out as he pointed to a box on the ground with his elbow.

“I got it, Dad,” Patrick said as he tried to exert his manhood.  Patrick didn’t think a box of flowers could be very heavy.  John nodded then grabbed another box from the truck.

“Gordo, are you sure you don’t want to be back in New York walking the steel.  I think that woman of yours is making you work harder than you ever did doing construction alone,” John teased.

“You know you may be right, Johnny my lad.  Maybe I should ask her for a raise,” Gordon replied matter-of-factly.  When he turned to unpack the first box he saw his wife give him the eye.  “On second thought, she’d put me in a higher tax bracket.  I’m fine where I am,” Gordon said contritely as Betsie nodded her head then went back into the main store.  John chuckled and Patrick snickered.

“You’re learning your father’s bad habits,” Gordon teased Patrick who had the good graces to blush.  “Now, you didn’t drive all the way over here to rile up my Betsie, did you?”

John shook his head then dug into his briefcase to give Gordon a copy of his nephew’s estimate.

“Some of this is at cost,” Gordon muttered.

“I know,” John agreed.  “I’d like to use some of Hunter’s graduates and maybe some Farm alumni as well.  It’s not a difficult job.”

“You’re the bossman.  I’ll put together a list of names for you to look over.  We had some good kids working on the greenhouse and the big cottage on your lane.  Let’s see how they do on a real house,” Gordon said as he ran his hand through his hair.

“Sounds like a plan.  Monday?” John asked.

“Monday it is,” Gordon agreed.  “Patrick, you going to be your dad’s shadow this summer?”

“Yes, sir,” Patrick said with a smile.

“Good boy, then I’ll see you soon,” Gordon said with a pleased smile.

“Gordon?” they heard Betsie call from the store.

“Coming!” Gordon replied.  “My master’s voice,” he said with a quirk of his month.  John and Patrick laughed, said goodbye to Gordon and Betsie, and then were on their way back to Edna’s Treasures.

*****

The following Monday began the last week of high school for JR, Curtis, Candy and Richie.  Only two days remained until the graduation ceremony.

“Hey.”

“Hi, Richie,” Candy said with a smile as her friend approached her locker where she was packing some books into her backpack.

“Starting to clear out your locker?” Richie asked.

“Yeah, there’s not many days left in the school year.”

“I’ll be happy to have school finished and the summer to work on my designs.”

“Me too.  I’m working on a new idea for Rage,” Candy said proudly.

“Oh, what’s that?”

“Can’t tell you.”

“Why not?” Richie asked feeling a little hurt that Candy wouldn’t confide in him.

“It’s a surprise.”

“What kind of surprise?”

“If I told you that, you might figure it out,” Candy said mysteriously.  “Suffice it to say that it has to do with a new character for the comic.”

“So why can’t you tell me.  I wouldn’t reveal anything about it.”

“I know, but I want it to be a surprise.”

“Okay,” Richie said but he wasn’t at all happy about this.

“I think you’ll like it.  Just be patient,” Candy said gently, realizing that Richie had expected her to tell him about her new idea like she did with most things.  She didn’t want him to be mad or hurt.

“If you say so,” Richie agreed grudgingly.

“How’s JR’s graduation outfit coming?” Candy asked, effectively changing the topic.

Richie’s face lit up immediately.  “She’s going to love it.  It’s a turquoise sundress with big cream flowers.  It will be beautiful for the graduation ceremony.”  Richie smiled proudly.

“Has she seen it yet?” Candy asked.

“Yeah, just the dress, when I fitted it on her, but the whole outfit wasn’t finished.  She liked the dress, but it didn’t have any of the accessories,” Richie explained.  “I added a little cream shrug to wear over it, and a belt.  Now it’s all put together and it looks great.  I’m taking it over to the comic store so she can try it on.  Want to come with me?”

“Sure,” Candy said before she picked up her backpack and they headed to the door of the school at the GLC.

Kidz

Chapter 6

“Yo, Shopkeep,” Brian said as he walked into the comic store.

“Hey, Brian,” Michael said with a smile for his old friend.  “What are you doing here?”

“Can’t I pay you a visit and check out how you’re doing?” Brian asked.

“Aw, you still care,” Michael grinned.

“Always have, always will.”

Michael smiled and then stood on his tiptoes to kiss Brian’s cheek.

“That’s better,” Brian said with a smirk.

“Hi, Mr. Novotny,” Richie said as he came through the door of the comic store.  He was carrying a garment bag and was accompanied by Candy.

“Hey, I’ve told you, I’m Michael.  That’s what you should call me,” Michael said gently.

“Sure, Mr.…Michael,” Richie replied.  “It just sounds funny to call you that when…”

“When I’m just a little bit older than you?” Michael asked with a wink at Brian who merely shook his head at the shenanigans of his friend.

“Um…is JR here?” Richie asked quickly changing the subject.

“She’s on her way.  She called just before Brian came in,” Michael explained.

“I brought her graduation dress for a final fitting.  I hope you don’t mind.”

“Not at all,” Michael said to the boy.  “I can’t wait to see it.  You do such great things with prom dresses; I hope this one is just as good.”

Richie grinned at the praise just as the bell above the door heralded JR’s arrival.

“Oooh,” she gushed when she saw Richie, “did you bring the dress?”

“Yep.”

“Daddy, can I try it on in the office?”

“Only if you come out and show us,” Michael replied with a smile for his daughter.

“Deal,” JR said as she grabbed Richie’s hand and pulled him and the garment bag into the office where they promptly closed the door.

“Michael, there’s something I’d like to talk to you about,” Candy said seriously.

“I should be going,” Brian stated thinking this might be something private that he wasn’t supposed to hear.

“It’s okay, Brian,” Candy said quickly.  “It’s about Rage, and you are Rage.”

“Yeah, and I want your opinion on JR’s dress,” Michael informed Brian.

“How did I get saddled with so many fashion challenged friends?” Brian asked shaking his head, but he was secretly pleased that Michael wanted his opinion.

“You’re just lucky, that’s all,” Michael snapped back with a grin.  “So what do you want to talk about, Candy?”

“I have an idea for a new character in Rage.”

“You do?”

“Yep, and it’s based on Richie.”

“Richie?”

“Yes, a good guy with super powers unique to him/her,” Candy explained.  “I want the character to be ambiguous as to male or female, but extremely beautiful as either one.  His/her power would involve making time freeze for those who look at her when she is dressed to a tee.  She also can fire off silken threads that bind her onlookers while they are mesmerized with her appearance.”

“Hm, interesting,” Michael said slowly as he thought about the ideas that Candy had just proposed.  “And she’s on the side of good?”

“Yes, she would use her powers in time of trouble to slow down a bad situation and incapacitate the bad guys.”

“I like it,” Michael said.

“Will she know Rage?” Brian asked.

“Not initially,” Candy continued.  “I thought maybe she could be at a party where Rage was when some robbers or something break in, and she uses her power to stop them.  Then she and Rage become friends.  He can call on her if he needs help.”

“I think the concept still needs some refining,” Michael said thoughtfully.  “How can she only affect the bad guys?  Wouldn’t her beauty affect the good guys too?”

“Oh, fuck!” Candy said as her face fell when she realized Michael was right.

“Maybe she wears or carries a ring or a piece of jewelry that magnifies her powers,” Brian suggested.  “She could turn it on or off at will.”

“Not bad,” Michael said encouragingly.

“Listen to me creating a fucking comic book character,” Brian said in disbelief.

“You know you enjoyed that,” Michael laughed making Brian smile.  “I think this has real possibilities, Candy.  Run it past Lacy and Justin when you get the chance.  Working up this new character can be your summer project.”

“Wow!” Candy replied.  “I thought I’d get shot down.”

“Not when you have a good idea,” Michael informed her.

“What are you going to call him…her?” Brian asked.

“I haven’t figured it out yet,” Candy told them.  “The name needs to be able to apply to a male or a female.  It should relate to her powers.  And it needs to be simple but capture the idea of what she is.”

“Neither clearly male or female, stunningly beautiful dressed either as a man or a woman, and able to shoot silken threads to bind her enemies,” Brian enumerated the qualities of this proposed character.  “You’ve got your work cut out for you.”

“You’re the word master.  I thought you’d come up with something in a flash,” Michael threw in.

“I could but it wouldn’t be what you want.”

“How do you know?”

“Believe me, I know,” Brian said emphatically.  He had hoped a great name would pop into his head, but anything he had thought of so far fell into the decidedly lame category.

“Daddy,” JR called as the door to the office opened a crack, “are you ready?”

“Always ready for you, honeybun,” Michael called back.

The door to the office opened wide and JR strode out dressed in the turquoise sundress.  A sash of the same color of cream as the flowers cinched her tiny waist and hung down the back of the dress.  Narrow straps could be seen just under the matching shrug.  Her feet wore cream colored sandals and a barrette of the same color held her hair up at the back of her head.

“Wow!” Michael said.  “You look … wonderful!”

“Good enough to be the star of the show,” Brian agreed.

“Richie, it’s … magnificent,” Candy gushed.

“Thanks,” Richie said shyly.  “I think it turned out really good.”

“You have talent, my lad,” Brian said clapping Richie lightly on the back.

“Even if I like to cross-dress?” Richie asked with a chuckle.  He was so pleased by everyone’s reaction to his work.

“Hm, cross dress,” Brian said slowly.  “You should call her Crossfyre with a ‘y’,” he stated.  “My work here is done.  See you at graduation,” he called as he exited the comic shop while everyone merely stared after him.

*****

“Daddy?” Bree called out to her father as she skipped into the sun porch.  Justin was putting the finishing touches on his latest painting.  This one was of a man in a cherry-picker working on some overhead electric lines along the highway.

“Yes, sweetheart.”  Justin was trying to make an effort to pay more attention to Bree when he was painting.

“Tomorrow is my last day of school and I want to make a special card for Mrs. Trent.  She was really nice to me when Gamma Joan died,” Bree said softly.  Thinking about her grandmother still made Bree sad.  Justin immediately put down his paintbrush.

“Oh sweetheart,” he said as he knelt down in front of his daughter.  “Of course we can make a special card for your teacher.  Go get your supplies and let’s see what we can come up with.  Okay?”

“Thank you, Daddy!”  Bree threw her arms around her father’s neck before going to her craft box to get the things she would need to make her card.

“And what did you ladies do today?” Brian teased when he got home from Pittsburgh hours later.  He found Bree and Justin in the kitchen; delightful aromas filled the air.  Brian had just enough time to put down his briefcase then catch his little blond whirlwind when she flung herself into his arms.

“We’re cooking dinner, Dada!” Bree announced.

“I can see that,” Brian said as he stood, lifting Bree then pecking Justin’s lips over Bree’s shoulders.  “And what else did you do today?”

“Daddy and I made a special card for Mrs. Trent.  Tomorrow’s my last day of school.  And Daddy let me bake cookies for the whole class!”

“He did?  And did you and Daddy bake enough for us too?” Brian asked with a smile.  He received sunny smiles from both his blonds.  It was rare when Brian actually showed interest in cookies.

“We made enough for all of us,” Justin assured his spouse then pointed to the counter.  There was one large box tied with a bright pink ribbon that Bree was going to bring to school.  And then there was a large plastic container filled with a variety of cookies.

“We are going to eat real food first, right, Sunshine?” Brian asked.

“Yes, there’s real food,” Justin said with a shake of his head.  “Go and change, dinner’s almost ready.  Bree, let Dada go so you can set the table in the porch.”

“Yes, dear.”

“Yes, Daddy.”

Brian and Bree heard and obeyed.  Justin smirked at their antics then concentrated on getting dinner ready for his family.

***** 

“You look beautiful, honeybun,” Michael said proudly, as JR came down the stairs dressed in her graduation outfit.

“Thanks, Daddy,” JR responded with a big smile.  “I hate to cover it up with those ugly graduation robes.”

“It’s only for a little while,” Ben reminded her.  “And you do look wonderful.”

“Thanks,” she said giving him a kiss on the cheek when she reached the bottom of the stairs.

“Are you ready to go?”

“I think so,” JR replied to her father.

“You don’t sound very sure,” Michael said with a frown.

“It’s like the … end of … something,” JR said uncertainly.

“It’s the end of high school and the beginning of the rest of your life,” Ben said with an understanding smile.

“I guess.”

“Is something wrong, JR?”

“I’m worried about Curtis,” JR slowly admitted after a moment.

“Why are you worried?” Michael asked.

“He’s pretty nervous about being valedictorian.  A lot of the students have been at the school for their whole high school time, and they kind of resent Curtis.”

“Because Curtis is a relative newcomer, at least in their tiny world,” Ben supplied.  JR nodded.

“And black,” Michael added.

“And the son of two gay men,” Ben threw in.

“Yeah, all of that,” JR agreed.

“Honey,” Ben said placing his hands on JR’s shoulders and turning her to look into his eyes.

“Yes.”

“Curtis is going to do just fine.  We’re all going to be there to support him.”

“I know, but…”

“Curtis is a smart kid,” Michael stated.  “I’m sure he’ll handle his speech and the whole graduation with his own inimitable style.”

“I hope so,” JR said biting her bottom lip.  “And since when do you use words like inimitable?”

“Since I’ve been hanging around with your other dad who happens to be the smartest man on the planet.”  Michael stood on his toes and pecked Ben’s cheek.

“Thanks for that lovely compliment,” Ben said, “but I’m hardly the smartest man around.”  Michael shook his head and smiled at his brilliant husband.  “Let’s get going so we’re not late for Curtis’ … and your big moment,” Ben said ushering them towards the door.

*****

“When is Curtis going to speak?” Bree asked with a yawn.  She had been sitting in this stupid chair forever, and all these people had made boring speeches, and she was sorry she had come.  She laid her head against Brian`s arm and yawned again.

“It shouldn’t be too much longer,” Brian assured her as he moved around in his uncomfortable seat.  “My fucking ass is numb,” he muttered.

“Mine too, Dada,” Bree agreed.

“Sh, you two,” Justin whispered as they heard Curtis’ name being announced and saw their friend walk to the middle of the stage.

“Here we go,” Brian said with a sigh of relief.

Curtis approached the microphone and cleared his throat.  “I know graduation speeches are supposed to be about the future and what we all have to look forward to,” Curtis began.  “But I need to talk about the past before I talk about the future.”

There was a pause as the audience waited expectantly.

“Most of you know that I have two fathers who adopted me when I was at the lowest point of my whole life.”

There were a few snickers and mumbled comments, but also a round of applause led by JR.  Curtis smiled at her.

“My speech is about how people come into our lives when we most need them.  Sometimes we think they’re there to pester us or make our lives a living hell or break our hearts.  I’m sure all of you have a parent or a teacher or a relative or even a girl or boyfriend who fits that description.”  That produced a round of chuckles from many of the tormented and/or broken hearted teenagers in the audience.  “But I believe people are sent to us to teach us lessons that will enrich our lives, or at the very least help us gain new perspectives about ourselves and why we`re here on this earth.”

Many of the students shifted uneasily in their chairs at Curtis’ words.  They weren`t sure where Curtis was going with this speech.  Many of them had not been very nice to Curtis, although few made any overt comments about him and his lifestyle anymore.   They couldn’t help but wonder if this might be payback.  He wouldn’t start naming names, would he?

“We can learn from the people we cross paths with or we can ignore them … or sometimes we choose to harass them and hurt them.”  Curtis looked at Justin as he said this.  Justin’s reassuring smile helped Curtis continue.  “I’ve been fortunate enough to have many people teach me valuable lessons during my life.  I’ve also had others who chose to be rude and confrontational.  I’d like to forgive the not so nice people today, and acknowledge the ones who have made a big and positive impact on my life.  They’re the ones who deserve the recognition.”

The audience seemed to relax when Curtis said that.  He continued:

“My grandfather who passed away a number of years ago taught me to be brave and strong.  He was a firefighter, and a wonderful man.  My dads taught me to be confident and capable.  They took me in when I had no home and no future at all.  At first I resisted them, but I soon learned that they could love unconditionally, and that’s what they did with me.  I owe them so much.  I think most of us take out parents for granted.  That’s a big mistake.  I’d like all of you to take a moment to think about everything they do for you.  You might be surprised at how much there is to thank them for.” 

There was a big round of applause for that, led by many parents who were happy to hear a teenager state such a thing on their behalf. 

“My parents also taught me to love animals, and I will probably be working my way towards a veterinary degree in the future.”

There was a genuine round of applause for Curtis and his life path.  Many students nodded their approval as did lots of the parents in attendance.

“There are some other people who gave me a break when I least deserved it.  One of them is a man who could have chosen to have me arrested, and if he had, I don’t know what my life would have been.  I do know it wouldn’t be what it is today.  I might even be dead.”

A hush fell over the audience at Curtis’ admission.

“This man is here today … I’m happy to say.”

Brian groaned.  The last thing he wanted was to be singled out, and he knew that it was he Curtis was talking about.

“I’m not going to call this man by name, because I know he wouldn’t like that.  But I do want to thank him publicly, as I have in private.  He already knows how much I appreciate what he did for me.”

Brian smiled slightly and sat up straighter in his seat.  Justin squeezed his hand.

“There’s also a little girl here today, who welcomed me into her family.  I’ve never seen such a huge dysfunctional family in all my life!”  The audience exploded with laughter.  “But … I wouldn’t have them be any other way.  I love them all, and I’m so happy to have them in my life.”

Hearty applause greeted these words.

“I also want to acknowledge the friends I’ve made here at Allegheny High.  Some of you will remain friends for life, others will move on to different friendships as the years pass.  Cherish those who are your friends.  They make life worthwhile.  And if you are lucky enough to have a very special friend like I do…”  Curtis found JR amongst the graduates and stared into her beautiful eyes.  She blushed and smiled back.  “Then count yourself very, very lucky.”

The graduates applauded heartily.

“I want to end by saying that as we head off to jobs, university or community college, or maybe an apprenticeship program, whatever path we choose, we’re going to meet people who have the potential to change our lives.  Give them a chance, and you may be surprised by the results.  I’m very proud to have been selected as valedictorian, and I hope my words have meant something to you all as you set out on the next segment of your life’s path.”

Students, faculty, parents and guests all stood and applauded Curtis.  He seemed overwhelmed by the reaction, knowing that he had merely spoken from his heart.  It was good to know that people responded so well.

*****

When Curtis and JR emerged from returning their caps and gowns, the family was waiting for them.

“We are so proud of you, Curtis,” Raphael said pulling his son into a warm hug.

Hector nodded in agreement and whispered, “So proud,” when he got his turn for a hug.

“Wasn’t Curtis’ speech wonderful?” JR gushed proudly as she hugged her own family.

“It was just wonderful, Curtis,” Lindsay assured him as she kissed his cheek and then her daughter’s.

“I was in your speech, wasn’t I?” Bree asked proudly.

“Yes you were,” Curtis replied.  “I’ll never forget your card and your welcome to the family.”

“I love you, Curtis,” Bree said genuinely as the boy hugged her.

“Backatcha, Miss Briana,” Curtis said with a big grin.

“I think it was a lovely graduation,” Melanie said shaking Curtis’ hand.  “You did a fine job, young man.”

“Thank you, ma’am.”

“I vote for lunch,” Brian stated.  “Some place with soft chairs.  He rubbed his butt to demonstrate why.

“Very soft,” Bree responded rubbing her own little bum.

The family chuckled as they headed for cars to drive to their graduation luncheon at Pappagano’s.

Kidz

Chapter 7

“Dad, what’s he doing?”  Patrick leaned closer to whisper to his Dad as they watched one of the construction crew set up the cutting apparatus for the new siding that was going up.  Patrick was fascinated by all the equipment that surrounded him.  Before John had the chance to answer his son, Patrick had more questions.

“Come on,” John said as he brought Patrick over to meet the young man who was about to cut a long section of siding.  John “stationed” his son nearby and had Marco describe what he was doing.  With Patrick temporarily occupied, John went into the house to supervise the ongoing repairs.

“John,” was heard as his head was stuck under the kitchen sink.  Without banging his head on the pipes, John extricated himself from under the sink.

“Yeah?” he replied as he stood up then dusted himself off.  He turned to see Claire standing there with a frown on her face.  “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing really,” she lied.

“That look on your face doesn’t look like nothing,” John observed.  He could be just as honest as Brian but with a little more finesse.

“Want the truth?” Claire asked with defiance.

“Yes,” John said as he crossed his arms across his chest.  He gave Claire a slight glare.  Claire suddenly smirked as she shook her head.

“God, you look so much like Brian, it’s scary sometimes.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.  Now what’s with the face?”

“I’m jealous.”

“Jealous?  Of what?”

“Of you and to a certain extent, of Brian too.”

“Why?”

“You’ve done such a great job raising your son.  Patrick is polite and courteous, and from what Mom said, he’s very smart.  She took delight in showing off her grandson’s report cards.”  Claire said making quote marks in the air.

“I didn’t know.  Patrick isn’t related to Joan.”

“No, he isn’t...wasn’t, but it didn’t matter to her.  She loved him almost as much as she loved Briana.”

“Technically, Bree isn’t related to Joan either,” John mused softly.

“After a while, blood didn’t matter.  She learned that important lesson from you.”  John gave Claire a startled look.  “All of you,” Claire clarified.  “She considered all the kids of your family her grandchildren.  It took me a while to get used to that.”

“Joan had a big heart.”

“She didn’t always.”

“Maybe not, but it grew.”

“You make her sound like the Grinch,” Claire said with a laugh.  John laughed too.

“Yes, well, it’s true.  Brian was a bit like that except we all knew he had a heart.  It just took some convincing to make him aware of it.”

“And now he knows?”

“For the most part.  We have to remind him every once in a while,” John said with a mischievous smirk.

“It’s working.  I am forever grateful for what you, Brian and Claire did for my family.  My boys would have been lost without those lessons they learned up at the Farm.  Me too.  I still have lunch with Karen when I’m feeling confused.”

“Like now?”

“Yes, like now.  John and Peter have grown up well.  Peter is very content with his life.  He’s doing what he likes to do and doing it well.  He has a sweet wife who mirrors his personality; they’re very happy.”  Claire sighed.

“But you’re worried about John.”

“Yes.  Mary is a very nice person but...”

“Not as tolerant as she’d have to be to be a part of our cwazy wittle family?” John suggested.

“You’ve hit the nail on the head,” Claire said with a smile.  John groaned at the construction reference. “Do you think we can send Mary to the Farm?”

“I’ll look into it,” John joked.  “Seriously, don’t worry about your son; he learned his lessons well.  Give it time; I’m sure Mary will come around.”

“If not, we can always sic Debbie on her,” Claire said trying to keep a straight face.  She never forgot the chewing out she got from Debbie when her John accused Brian of molesting him.

“Hopefully, it won’t get to that point,” John shuddered, not wishing Debbie on his worst enemy.  “But we’ll keep it in mind.  Now, if you don’t mind, I’m in the middle of wrestling with an ornery pipe,” John said as he brandished a pipe wrench.

“I get the hint, I’ll leave you to it.  Can I bring you anything before I go?”

“No thanks.  Any minute a food cart should be pulling up to the curb,” John explained as he crawled back under the sink.

“Okay, see you later,” Claire said as she walked out of the kitchen.

“Later,” John mumbled as he got back to work.

*****

“Miss Kinney-Taylor, what a pleasure it is to see you again.  Kinnetik is so happy you’ve decided to spend some of your valuable time with us,” Ted formally greeted Kinnetik’s newest and youngest intern.  Bree greeted her Uncle Ted with a bright smile as she daintily shook Ted’s hand.  “Morning, Brian,” Ted greeted his boss as an afterthought.

“At least someone sees me standing here,” Brian murmured.  The minute he and Bree arrived at Kinnetik, Bree was surrounded by the staff all wishing her well.  Brian, dressed to the nines (and looking extremely sexy) was almost completely ignored.  “I’ll be in my office if anyone wants me,” Brian grumbled as Ted whisked Bree away to show her around and give her a list of her duties.

The first two weeks of July flew by too fast for Brian’s liking.  He wasn’t looking forward to his daughter joining the rank and file even if it was only voluntary and very temporary.  Brian wanted his daughter to remain a child for a little longer.  Adulthood would come fast enough, if Gus was any indication.  Bree enjoyed her time at day camp especially when she got to see her best friend Ashley daily, and of course, Bree wowed the camp on the soccer field.  But camp couldn’t end too soon for Bree who was really looking forward to working at Kinnetik and at the gallery.

And then to irk Brian even further, somewhere along the line, Bree’s taste in clothes took a sudden shift.  She still had her older father’s appreciation for 'the label’, but the little girl dresses had suddenly been replaced by sophisticated blouses and skirts.  When Brian dropped Justin off at the gallery, Bree decided to take her Daddy’s place in the front passenger seat.  Brian noticed the pale pink polished finger and toenails.  There was a hint of blush to Bree’s creamy cheeks, and if he wasn’t mistaken, Bree was wearing lip stain.  Gone were the pigtails, replaced by one ponytail that was swept up and affixed to the back of her hair with her “B” clip.  It almost gave the impression of a French twist.  Brian was not amused; he narrowed his eyes but said nothing as he drove them to Kinnetik. 

This was going to be a very long summer.

“What’s with the face?” Cynthia asked as she plopped a thick file in front of Brian.  He was currently taking out his frustrations on his keyboard. She could hear the pounding from out in the hall.

“My daughter has suddenly turned into Paris Hilton.  If she demands a pair of Manolo Blahnik shoes, I will shoot myself,” Brian growled as he hit the delete key several times to get rid of a stupid error.

“Fuck!” he yelled then pounded his head against the desk.

“Enough!” Cynthia shouted as she shoved her hand between Brian’s forehead and the desk.  She pulled up a chair and sat close to Brian’s desk.  “Tell Auntie Cynthia all about it.”

“I can still fire you,” Brian grumbled.

“No you can’t,” Cynthia replied unfazed.  “What’s wrong?”

“Bree’s growing up too fast.  She’s wearing makeup,” Brian groaned.  Cynthia laughed then coughed a couple times when Brian glared at her.

“Brian, she’s becoming a young lady and what little makeup she is wearing has been tastefully applied.  Believe me, if she came in here looking like a hooker, I’d let her know.  Give her this, Brian.  Let her stretch her wings a little.  She’s so pretty that she really doesn’t need any makeup.  Actually she reminds me a lot of Molly.  They both have that same skin and strawberry blond hair.  Sheesh, I think I’m jealous of a nine year old.”  Cynthia laughed.

“You’re not helping,” Brian said.

“I’m sorry, I guess I don’t see the problem.  She wants you to be proud of her.”

“I am proud of her and she doesn’t have to dress like Marilyn Monroe for me to be proud of her.”

“Why not?  Justin did,” Cynthia teased, reminding Brian of when Justin dressed up like Marilyn for a drag queen Valentine’s dance at the Honey Bear bar in Bridgeton many years ago.  Cynthia had seen many pictures of that night.

“That’s different.”

“Not that much different.  From what I heard, it got your attention.  Brian, little girls have a habit of growing up and they want their daddies to notice them.  You’ve raised an intelligent, independent little girl.  Give her the chance to put those brains of hers to good use.”

“Okay, I’ll try,” Brian responded like a petulant child.

“Good.  Now if you’re finished bullying your keyboard, I want you to review this file.  We’ve been cultivating a new client.  He’s a large manufacturer in Canada and he wants to sign an exclusive long term contract.”

“Canada?”

“Yes, I was just as surprised.  He says that he was down here for a business convention and saw several of our ads.  Needless to say, he was curious and demanded that his PR department do some research.  Waldon Industries comes to us knowing all about us and willing to pay our fees.  I did some research on him.  Ted is enraptured over Waldon’s bottom line; they can afford us.”

“I’m impressed,” Brian said as he flipped through the file.

“We’ll have something for Mr. Waldon by early August.”

“So what do you want me to do?  Looks like you’ve got everything under control.”

“Something Waldon said during one of our phone conferences.”

“What was it?”

“He has no issue working with me or with Ted but when it’s time to sign on the dotted line, he wants only you.”

“So what’s the problem?  Let me know when he’s in the Pitts and I’ll dazzle him,” Brian said smugly.

“No can do, bossman.  This time the mountain goes to Mohammed,” Cynthia said as she departed Brian’s office leaving the file for him to study.

“Fuck!”

*****

“And this is my office,” Ted said as he ushered Bree into his office.

“I know, Uncle Ted.  I’ve been in here before,” Bree said with a sigh.

“Oh, yeah, right.”

“What work am I going to do?” Bree asked bluntly.

“Um, I, um, how about something to drink?” Ted asked quickly.

“I’m not thirsty.”

“Well I am,” Ted said as he ushered Bree towards the break room.  “How about a soda?” he asked as they entered.

“My daddies don’t like me to have soda.”

“Well, you’re a little young for coffee.”

“If I hafta have something, I should have juice,” Bree informed him.

“Juice, okay, juice,” Ted mumbled as he looked at the drinks in the fridge.  With relief he noted there was a bottle of apple juice.  He had no idea who it belonged to, but he’d pay them back later.  “Here you go,” Ted said with a smile as he twisted off the cap.

“Thanks,” Bree replied taking a sip from the bottle.  “But what work am I going to do?”

Ted groaned inwardly.  How come he always got stuck with these situations?  Where was Cynthia when you needed her?  Or Bree’s father?

“Um, why don’t we go find Cynthia?  I’m sure she has your … um, schedule all worked out,” Ted said thinking he had arrived at the perfect escape from the predicament that he found himself in.

“Good,” Bree said as she set her bottle on the counter.  “Let’s go.”

Ted headed out of the break room.  He would have liked a coffee, but he was much more interested in turning Bree over to someone else than in feeding his caffeine addiction.

“Where’s Cynthia?” Ted asked Cynthia’s assistant as they arrived at Cynthia’s office.

“She went down to the art department to deal with something there.”

“Oh shit,” Ted replied before he realized what he had said.  “Um, sorry, did she leave a schedule of work for Miss Briana?”

“I don’t believe so.  I have to go out on an errand,” she said as she turned to head out the front door.

Ted heaved a sigh.  So much for that plan.  “Let’s go find your dad,” he said not being able to think of anything else to do.

Bree trailed dejectedly along behind Ted as he headed for her Dada’s office.  “Go on in,” Ted said before they reached the doorway.

“Aren’t you coming too, Uncle Ted?”

“Um, no, I have some things I need to do.”  He quickly disappeared down the hall.

“Dada?” Bree said as she entered the office and saw her father sitting behind his desk working on the computer.

Brian raised a finger indicating that she should be patient for a minute.  Bree drew in a deep breath of exasperation and went to sit on the sofa.  After a couple of minutes Brian said, “Hey, Squirt, how’s it going?  Have you had your tour?”

“I met about a million people and had apple juice and looked for Cynthia and Uncle Ted wanted to get rid of me so he brought me here,” Bree said in one long breath.

“You’ve been busy,” Brian replied, but his eyebrow had gone up when Bree started the litany of her activities.

“But when do I work, Dada?  I don’t do nuffin but follow somebody around.”

“No baby talk here, Squirt,” Brian cautioned.

“Sorry, Dada.”  Bree made sure she didn’t use her patented baby talk, “Sowwy.”

“So, you’re ready to get to work, are you?” Brian asked deciding this might be the best way to approach the problem.

“Yes, Dada.”

“Did you go to the art department?”

“Yes, Dada.”

“Can you find your way back there?”

“Yes, Dada,” Bree said confidently.

“Good, then take this thumb drive to Max in the art department.”  Brian pulled the small device out of the side of his computer.  “Make sure Max gets it,” Brian warned.

“Is there any message for Max?” Bree asked in her best professional voice.

Brian was able to stifle his laugh in time.  He cleared his throat.  “Just tell him that I would like his opinion about what is on the thumb drive.”

“Yes, Dada.”

“When that’s done, report to Cynthia.”  Brian intended to make sure there were other jobs for his precocious daughter to do when she returned from this mission.

“Yes, Dada,” Bree said before she hurried out of the office in her best sedate fashion.

Brian smiled before paging Cynthia.

“Max,” Bree said.  She had walked through the busy art department looking for the person she remembered as Max.

“Yeah,” was the brusque response.

“My Dada asked me to give you this.  He would like your opinion on what is on the drive.”

“I see,” Max responded, adjusting his tone of voice to match Bree’s, as he turned to face the little girl.  He took the thumb drive and said, “Thank you for bringing it to me.”

“You’re welcome,” Bree said with a sunny smile.  Then she skipped out of the office.

Max smiled as he watched her go, and could only shake his head before plugging the drive into his computer.

Bree went back through the corridors of Kinnetik heading for Cynthia’s office.  Now she felt like she was actually doing something worthwhile at the company.  She had had enough of tours and meeting people.

Bree stopped as she approached the outer reception area of Kinnetik.  She had to go across that area to get to Cynthia’s office.  There were two people standing at the reception desk.  They were talking loudly and did not look happy.  Nobody was around including the receptionist, Maryanne, whom Bree had met earlier.  She thought for a moment and then stepped forward.

The man was saying, “What kind of a company is this?  They don’t even have the decency to have someone here to meet you and direct you to the proper place.  Maybe we should reconsider signing this deal.”

“Excuse me,” Bree said politely, “maybe I can help you.”

“And who are you?”

“I’m Briana Victoria Kinney-Taylor.”

“Kinney, are you related to Brian Kinney?” the woman asked.

“He’s my Dada,” Bree replied.  “Who do you wish to see?” she asked formally just like she had heard Maryanne do earlier.

“We’re supposed to meet with a Ted Schmidt to sign some contracts,” the man explained as he calmed down.

“I can take you to him,” Bree said confidently.  “Follow me, please.”

The man and woman looked at each other wondering how they had managed to step into the Twilight Zone instead of an advertising company.  With a shrug they followed Bree.

On the way Bree asked their names and what company they represented.  She received polite answers and filed the information away.  When she reached her Uncle Ted’s office down the hall, she looked in.  Ted was at his desk looking over some papers.

“Uncle Ted,” Bree said.  Ted looked up.  “This is Mr. Harnish and Ms. Blackmore from the Bright Lights Sunglass Company.”

“Thank you, Briana,” Ted replied.  “Come in, please.  I was just looking over the contracts.”

The two entered the office and Ted came around the desk to close the door.  “Thanks, Bree,” he whispered.  Bree nodded.

“You do know that child labor is illegal,” Mr. Harnish said before Ted closed the door.

Bree skipped down the hall proud of herself for getting those people to the right place.  She headed for Cynthia’s office.  Cynthia was now at her desk. 

“Miss Cynthia, do you know where Maryanne is?” Bree asked.

“She had to go pick up her son at school.  He’s not well.  I’m keeping an eye on reception.”

“Oh,” Bree said.  She wasn’t sure she should tell Cynthia about the people she had helped.  She didn’t want to get anybody in trouble, including herself.

“Miss Alice in the school was wondering if you would help her set up for some crafts with the children.  Can you do that?” Cynthia asked.  This was all new territory, and Cynthia wasn’t really sure what Bree could do or would be willing to do.

“Sure,” Bree said with a sunny smile.  “Should I go now?”

“That would be good.”

“Should I report back to you when I’m done?” Bree asked.

“I think it will be lunchtime by then.  Why don’t you report to Brian’s office?”

“Okay.”  Bree set off for the school.

*****

“Hi, Dada,” Bree said as she entered Brian’s office, her work at the school completed to the satisfaction of Miss Alice.

“Hey, Squirt, I hear you’ve had a busy morning.”

“Huh?”

“Ted came to tell me how you rescued some clients who were disgruntled and got them to his office.  Miss Alice just called to say how much you had helped her in the school.  And I heard back from Max about the ideas on the thumb drive that you delivered for me.  I’d say that’s a good morning’s work.”

Bree smiled one of those megawatt smiles that only the Taylors had.  “It was fun,” she said.

“Then let me treat you to lunch.”

“Okay,” Bree said happily as Brian came out from behind his desk.  She slipped her hand into his as they left Kinnetik.

Kidz

Chapter 8

“Okay, what’s wrong and don’t you dare say nothing,” Hector demanded as he finished disinfecting the stainless steel examination table in exam room one.

“What makes you think something’s wrong?” Raph replied.  He was taking inventory of the supply cabinet in the room.

“Because I know you and I know the ‘face,’ so tell me,” Hector retorted. 

Raphael Angles, DVM, sighed; his partner was like a dog with a bone.  “I don’t understand why Curtis wants to go to the local community college when he’s been accepted into several prestigious universities!”  Raph finally expressed his frustrations.  “He’s an intelligent young man and very hard working.  Why take the easy road?”

“Perhaps it’s because he is so hard working,” Hector stated.

“Okay, now I’m completely lost,” Raph said as he put down the pad he was making notes on and turned to face Hector.

“Since the minute Curtis became a part of our lives he’s worked very, very hard.  Not only did he push himself to make up the class time he lost while out on the streets, he exceeded himself and was able to take college level courses in his last year of high school.  He’s volunteered at the GLC and the Jason Kemp Center, and when he was old enough to be paid for working, he’s been working here, plus doing odd jobs for the other businesses on the block.  And what did he do with the money he earned?  He made restitution to those he mugged.  He kept an accounting of all that he stole and repaid it.”

Raph nodded.  In the few short years Curtis had become a part of their family, he never slacked on his promise to pay back those he had wronged.

“Babe, he’s a kid who never had a chance to be a kid.  Give him this time to breathe a little.  Let him go locally for a while and then when he’s ready he’ll go to one of the bigger universities.  By that time he’ll have grown and matured enough to confirm that he really wants to be a vet,” Hector said wisely.

“He did express a couple times that he was considering following in his grandfather’s footsteps,” Raph said.                       

“Being a firefighter is a noble career,” Hector commented.

“But dangerous,” Raph said out loud what they both knew to be true.

“And if he makes that choice, we’ll support him.  For now, it’s important that he takes a little breather.  It’s not like he’s dropping out altogether.  He’ll enroll locally and take pre-requisite courses that he can transfer later.”

“But...”

“Raph, what happened when your parents forced you into the seminary?”

“I rebelled, but that was me.  I knew I wasn’t cut out to be a priest.”

“Wouldn’t it have saved a lot of pain and heartache if you were able to speak to your parents the way we encourage Curtis to speak to us before you spent all that time doing something you disliked so much?”  Raph nodded in agreement.  “Then give our son the respect you never got,” Hector urged.

“It all seems so simple when you explain it,” Raph conceded.

“It is simple.  Curtis is a loving, sweet, compassionate young man with a lot of inner strength.  It was that strength that got him through the worst time of his life.  And he’s a better man for it.  Give him this time.  Believe me if I thought he was going to screw up, I’d let you both know and loudly,” Hector said with a smirk.

“Must be all that hot Latin blood,” Raph teased as he gave his partner a hug and a chaste kiss.

“Get a room,” Curtis announced loudly from the doorway of the exam room.  Raph and Hector jumped apart then laughed.

“We are in a room,” Raph said then laughed more.

“You won’t be laughing when the Jenkins’ ferrets get here and we’re not ready for them,” Curtis said with authority.

“Get him,” Hector teased as he poked Raph.  “He thinks he’s in charge.”

“He’s right; we do have to be ready for them.  I’m not in the mood to chase those critters all over the clinic again,” Raph admitted.  Just then the “Bullshit” signal announced a new arrival to the clinic.

“I’ll go,” Curtis stated.  “You two...ferrets,” he said giving his dads a poignant look and gesturing with his hands.

“He’ll be fine,” Hector reassured his partner.  “After work, we’ll talk about it but I’m sure this will all work out.”

“I know.  I just want him to be happy.  He deserves it,” Raph said.  Hector smiled and gently caressed Raph’s face.  “Ferrets,” Raph announced and then they went about preparing the room for the ferrets.

*****

“So what did he say?”  JR was restocking comic books and speaking to Candy via her bluetooth.  Candy was at the GLC using their studio, sketching Nina Richie’s latest creation.  Her sketch was going to be turned into a poster for Torso.  Candy replied to JR via her headset.

“He wants to take me out on a real date,” Candy whispered.

“Well, duh, of course he does.  He sooo likes you,” JR stated.

“Who likes her?” Curtis said as he was conferenced in by JR.  He was checking the clinic’s appointment calendar when he called in to say hi and invite JR to lunch. 

“Richie, of course,” Gus chimed in.  He was on a break at Kinnetik when he called in.

“What are you doing?” Brian asked his son when he walked into the kitchenette.  Gus was talking and looking over the ad he was assisting with, on his tablet.  “Not revealing any of our secrets, are you?”  Brian smirked while he rummaged around the communal refrigerator for an extra container of milk for his office.

“No, Pop,” Gus answered as he rolled his eyes.  “I’m talking to the guys,” Gus said as he pointed to the bluetooth stuck in his ear.  “And girls,” he quickly added at JR and Candy’s complaints.  Brian snickered then left his son to it.  Brian was still snickering and shaking his head as he ran into Ted in the hall.

“What’s so funny?”  Ted asked.

“Gus,” Brian replied cryptically.

“Problem?” Ted asked with concern. 

Brian shook his head.  “Gus, JR, the kids…”

“What about them?”

“They remind me of us,” Brian said fondly.  He was remembering when they were all young and beautiful and on the phone with each other, gossiping.

“Us?”  Ted was confused as he followed Brian back to his office.  “What about us?” Ted asked as Brian fixed him a cup of coffee then fixed one for himself.  “Thank you,” Ted said as he sat on the sofa.

“They’re all growing up,” Brian murmured.

“Brian?”  Ted wasn’t sure where Brian was going with their conversation.

“How’s Bree doing?” Brian asked, changing the subject.

“Brilliant.”

“That goes without saying.”

“No, you don’t understand, she is brilliant,” Ted exclaimed with a wave of his arms.

“Care to elaborate?”

“You know she’s good with numbers, right?”  Brian nodded, Bree was good in math.  “She prefers the pie charts, something about the colors, she says.”

“Focus, Schmidt.”

“Oh right.  I’ve taken the liberty of showing Bree how we work up our fees.  By the way, she likes that we don’t charge the same for every client and that sometimes we do pro bono work,” Ted explained.  Brian made a ‘get on with it’ gesture with his coffee cup.  “Somehow she’s found a way for us to save at least a few hundred grand on our overhead on each job while still putting out quality work.  Then she rallied the art department to get more involved with the business end of things.  She demanded that I set up some sort of weekly training and memos to show them how they directly affect our bottom line.”

“I thought we were already doing that with our monthly lunch meetings,” Brian said.  He and Cynthia had set that up years ago to keep each department informed and involved.  Ted made a face.  “We are still having those lunch meetings, aren’t we?” Brian growled.

“They uh...”

“Why wasn’t I told?”  Brian glared, a real Brian Kinney don’t fuck with me glare.

“You’ve been busy?”

“You mean I haven’t been directly involved with the business lately,” Brian sighed.  He was getting lazy; his kids weren’t ready to take over the helm yet.  Brian needed to be more involved with the day to day running of Kinnetik, in all its forms.  “Go back to work,” Brian said in a low tone.

“What, boss?”

“Get out,” Brian said louder.

“Yes, boss,” Ted snapped as he got up and quickly left the office.

“Cynthia!” Brian bellowed.  In a few moments, Cynthia sauntered into the office.

“Hey, Brian,” she said with a pretty smile.

“When the fuck were you going to tell me?”

“Tell you what?”

“That my business is going to the shitter.”

“Brian, Kinnetik is sound, you know that.  We’re not hiding anything from you.  The majority of the clients we have now are new.  They only know you by reputation and by the reputation of the great work we do.  It’s not like when we first started, you don’t have to pound the pavement anymore looking for clients.  They come to us.”

“That’s not the point.”

“Then what is the point?”

“Kinnetik is my business, yours, mine, Ted’s and all the rest of them that were here from the beginning.  We worked too hard to be the best.  I’ve let you down, Cyn,” Brian said softly as the realization hit him.

“No you haven’t, Brian.  You’ve never let us down, certainly not me.  You’re our driving force.”

“Even from sixty miles away?”

“Even then.  Bri, do you really want to be more involved?”

“Bree’s not a baby anymore, Gus has a few more years before he’s the new me.  I could be here at least a few days a week, maybe spend a day at Part Deux.”

“It’s about time you got off your skinny ass,” Cynthia teased then plopped a file on his desk.  “This is an update on that client who you’ll be seeing in Canada.”

“I said I wanted to work here, not fly all over the country.”

“Canada is another country,” Cynthia snarked.  They reviewed the contract and the copies of the ads.  Brian tweaked a few things proving to Cynthia that the number one adman still had it.  She was about to leave his office when Brian called her back.

“Ted told me that Bree found a way to save us money.”

“I know.  I had Ted and his department go over her proposal.”

“Since when does a nine year old make a proposal?”

“Since this is Miss Briana Victoria Kinney-Taylor making the proposal.  Brian, she is brilliant.  She must have absorbed a lot of your business savvy while she was attached to your hip when she was a baby, and she did spend the first four years of her life here.  And of course she has her daddy’s eye for color and perspective.  Max loves it when Bree spends time up in the art department.  She’s boosted the moral up there as well.”  Cynthia smiled as she spoke.

“And Gus?”

“If you’re worried that he doesn’t have what it takes to take over Kinnetik when the time comes, don’t be.  He has it.  He asks all the right questions.  He knows when to sit back and observe.  And when to speak up.  Plus he has something that you never had,” Cynthia informed her boss with a mischievous smile.

“What’s that?” Brian asked with a smirk.  He had an idea just what his son had.

“A nice personality,” Cynthia teased, trying to keep a straight face.

“Out!”  Brian pointed toward the door.  Cynthia laughed as she left.  Brian could hear her patented, “I love my job,” as she shut his door behind her.  A few minutes later Bree flew through the door, Taylor right behind her.

“Whoa!  What’s with the fearsome twosome?”

“Dada, Miss Alice let me teach the alphabet to the class and Taylor helped!” Bree said with all the enthusiasm of the innocent.

“Yeah!” Taylor, the three year old, confirmed.  Brian gathered up the two blonds to sit them on his lap.

“I hear you’ve helped Uncle Ted and Max.”

“I like Max,” Bree said.  “I love Uncle Ted but I like Max.  Is it okay I call Max, Max?”  Bree had been taught to be respectful, to use a title when addressing adults.

“Yes, it is.  Everyone calls him Max, even his own kids.  Max likes you too and told me that you can work for him anytime.  He likes how you draw and how you make up greeting cards.”

“But Daddy helps me with those and you did too.”

“But you come up with a lot of very good ideas.”

“But...”

“Let’s call it a collaborative effort.”

“Huh?”

“We all work together making those cards, just like we work together here.  We all have our own jobs to do to make Kinnetik the best ad agency ever,” Brian said reverently.  He kissed cheeks then sent Bree and Taylor back to the school.  He then hit number one on his speed dial.

“Hey, Sunshine,” Brian said with a smile.

“Hey.  How’s work?”

“It’s here,” Brian replied nonchalantly.

“Which means?”

“It means that I discovered that I like being here, being a part of Kinnetik.”

“Brian, you are Kinnetik, not just a part of it.  There’s nothing stopping you from getting more involved with the day to day work like you used to.”

“Are you sure?  I like being home with you.”

“I can paint anywhere.  I can even paint in your art department, you have the room.”

“Yes, we do.”

“See, we can work something out.”

“When did you get to be so smart?”

“I’m always this smart,” Justin said smugly.

“How’s the gallery?”  Brian heard Justin sigh.  “What happened?”

“The word’s out that I’ve been spending time here.”

“Justin Taylor groupies?”

“More like...”

“Fan girls?” Brian offered with a chuckle.  He knew how flustered Justin got with overly enthusiastic fans.

“Bri-an,” Justin whined.

“Sunshine, you are popular.  Not only that, you’ve proven to be a real person, one who lives and occasionally works in the community.  You’ve done meet and greets with the elite and with the everyday man.  Or woman.  You’ve also made much of your art work accessible to the “little” people.”

“That’s harsh.”

“It’s the truth, Sunshine.  You’re different from most modern day popular artists and your fans know it.  But there’s a responsibility that comes with that.”  Brian thought of Sam Auerbach, of how stuck up he was, believing in his own importance.  He hoped Justin was beyond that.

“Maybe one that I’m not ready for.”

“Too late!  You’re a big boy and playing in the big leagues but never forget who buys your paintings, it’s not only the rich and famous.  Bree and I will be over to take you to lunch soon.”

“Yeah, sure,” Justin said as he snapped his phone shut.  He had some things to think about.

*****

“Here, Dad,” Patrick said as he handed a sandwich to his father.  John was still supervising the repairs on his nephew’s new home.  Patrick was at his side through all of it.  It was lunchtime and everyone was taking a well deserved break.

“Thanks.”

“What’s left on the list?” Patrick asked as he bit into his own sandwich.  Even though he wasn’t physically doing the repairs, watching and learning was almost as exhausting.  Plus, he was going through a growth spurt, Patrick was constantly hungry.

“Water heater and some wiring then we’re done.”

“That quick?”

“It’s not that big of a job.”

“Is that why you used some of the guys from the center?”

“One of the reasons.  Patrick, breaking into the construction business is often difficult.  Most of the time you have to know someone or you’re born into it.  Same goes for electrical and plumbing; it’s not easy to start out.  These kids can use the break.  How else do you gain experience if no one will hire you?” 

Patrick nodded.  He knew his father liked to hire young people and now Patrick knew why.  Patrick gave his father a goofy grin.

“What’s with the face?” John asked his son.  Patrick jumped up from his seat and gave his father a hug.  “What was that for?”

“Just because,” Patrick said.  John squeezed back.

“Yeah,” John said, wearing the same goofy grin.

*****

“Mr. Taylor?” a young man hesitantly addressed Justin as Justin stood staring at one of his paintings.  It was one of Justin’s larger abstracts.  It was already sold but Justin wasn’t quite satisfied with it.

“Hmm?” Justin replied half-heartedly, not really paying too much attention.

“I attended one of your classes at PIFA,” the young man said.  He was holding a program in his hand with Justin’s face on it.

“That’s nice,” Justin said, twisting his head around to examine his painting.

“I thought your use of color as the primary subject rather than the subject itself was so unique!”

“Thank you, uh, what?”  Justin turned to face the young man who appeared vaguely familiar.

“Your lecture, last year, at PIFA?  I attended.”

“Oh yes,” Justin seemed to take interest then turned away.  “Something is just not right,” he mumbled to himself.  The young man took his eyes off Justin then followed Justin’s gaze toward the area of the painting that held his attention.  The young man rolled his eyes as he approached the painting.

“Hey!  You can’t do...that,” Justin began to shout drawing the attention of the gallery’s security and other patrons.  The young man gently removed a bit of clear packing wrap that was stuck to the painting.

The young man held out the plastic to Justin, which he automatically took.

“You’re welcome,” the young man said with disdain as he walked away scowling at the security, daring them to say anything to him.

“Daddy!” Bree said angrily as she stomped over to her father.  “You didn’t say thank you.”

“What?”

“You didn’t say thank you.  Bad Daddy!” Bree scolded then stomped away.

“Not good, Sunshine,” Brian quipped as he turned to find their daughter.

“What just happened?” Justin asked himself as he stared at the bit of plastic in his hand.

Kidz

Chapter 9

By the time Justin caught up with Brian and Bree, they were at the diner sitting in a booth and apparently entertaining the masses, including making nice with the young man that Justin had insulted.  He was just getting up to leave when he gave Justin a hesitant smile as he approached the door.  Justin smiled back and held the door open for him.

“Thank you for your help at the gallery.  I really appreciate it.  I hope you attend my next class at PIFA,” Justin said sincerely as the young man walked through the door.  He nodded at Justin then continued walking down the street.  Justin stared at the man’s retreating back for a moment then joined his family.

“I took the liberty of ordering you a burger with the works,” Brian informed him.  “It’s better than eating crow,” Brian snarked as Justin blushed.

“What’s eating crow, Dada?  I didn’t see it on the menu,” Bree said.

“No?  It was right next to the foot in mouth special,” Brian retorted.

“Huh?”

“Never mind, Sweetheart, it’s a grown up thing,” Justin explained as he put a hand on Bree’s arm.  Bree understood the gesture and kept quiet.  It was one of those times that made her Dada’s eyebrow arch up and could put a scowl on his face really fast if she and her Daddy weren’t careful.

“I fucked up, didn’t I,” Justin quietly admitted.  Brian said nothing as he sipped his coffee.  “I got so caught up in me that I forgot that people have feelings.  He was paying me a compliment and actually did fix a problem, but I didn’t see that.”

Brian nodded but remained quiet.

“Brian, do you think I’m becoming a...”

“Deeva!  Girl, you look good,” a rather flamboyant man loudly greeted a friend, turning heads in the diner.

“If the sequins fit, Sunshine,” Brian murmured.  Justin groaned and then conversation was momentarily stalled when the waitress brought their food. 

“Justin, what’s wrong?  I’ve seen you distracted before but something’s off.  You’re feeling all right, aren’t you?”  Inwardly, Brian panicked; he took for granted that Justin’s health, other than the occasional bout with allergies, was perfect.

“I’m fine, really,” Justin added when he saw the worried look in the hazel eyes.  “Maybe I’ve been working too hard.  Maybe I haven’t been working hard enough.  I’m not sure.  It’s like I have to keep painting but I’m not sure why or what.”

“Maybe that’s because you’re an artist?”  Brian made a low “duh” sound.  Bree wanted to giggle but decided against it.  She quietly nibbled on her grilled cheese sandwich and watched her fathers slowly make each other crazy.  Brian watched as Justin attacked his burger. 

“Did I tell you that Sidney wants me to do a meet and greet in a new gallery?”

“You may have mentioned it,” Brian replied.  “What’s the big deal?  You go to galleries all the time.”

“This one’s in Canada, Toronto to be specific.  In August.  I really want to spend the time with you and Bree.  I don’t want to go to Canada.”

“Don't whine, you sound like a spoiled brat,” Brian grumbled.

“Daddy?”

“Hold on a minute, Bree,” Justin snapped.  “I sound like a spoiled brat?  Weren’t you just complaining a few hours ago about poor widdle you?” Justin growled in a low tone trying not to cause a scene.

“Dada?”

“One moment, Squirt.  You’re the one who told me that’s it’s okay to want to spend time at the office.”

“And I meant that, and I also meant it when I said I wanted to spend time with you and Bree there.”

“Why can’t we all go to Canada?” Bree said as she took a pickle off her younger father’s plate.

“What?” both her fathers said at the same time.

“We can go together.  Miss Cynthia said there’s a very important client that Dada has to meet in Canada, and Uncle Sidney wants Daddy to see a new gallery.  We can have fun!  Dada, what do you wear to Canada?  It’s summer there too, right?  Can I wear my new short set?”

Bree babbled on as they finished their lunches.  By the end of the day the lovers were back on track and had three first class tickets to Canada for early August.

*****

“Hi, Bree,” JR said into her cell phone.  She had just returned home from the comic book store and decided it was time for one of her chats with her sister.  “How’s your job going?”  JR stifled a chuckle as she thought about a nine year old working at Kinnetik or the art gallery.

“Good,” Bree replied.

“Just good?”

“I helped Uncle Ted make more money for Kinnetik,” Bree said.  She hoped it didn’t sound like bragging, but she was proud that her Uncle Ted liked her ideas.

“How did you do that?”

“I told him there should be meetings so the different departments at Kinnetik could talk about saving money and see how their savings would affect everybody.”

“You did that?” JR asked in amazement.  It actually sounded like Bree knew what she was doing in business.

“Yep.”

“But…”

“I have good ideas … sometimes,” Bree stated.

“Yeah, I guess you do,” JR admitted grudgingly.  This was not at all what she had expected when she asked her question.

“What have you been doing?” Bree asked.

“I worked at the comic store today.  I just got home.”  JR noted to herself that her day didn’t sound half as exciting or interesting as Bree’s.

“That’s good.  Did you sell a lot of comics?”

“Yeah, quite a few.”

“I like comics,” Bree said.

“I never see you reading them,” JR commented.

“I should get Dada to take me to your store and I could get one.”

“That’s a good idea,” JR agreed.  “I could help you pick it out.”

“That’s good,” Bree replied enthusiastically.

“Maybe you could come one day after work at Kinnetik,” JR suggested, again finding it hard to keep a straight face about Bree’s so called job.

“I work at Kinnetik in the morning then I work with Daddy at the gallery in the afternoon.”

JR heaved a sigh.  “Then come after you’re done at the gallery.”

“Okay,” Bree said.

“See you soon,” JR responded before she cut the connection.

Bree ran out to the sun porch where her fathers were sharing a chaise as they looked at a beautiful sunset through the glass of the porch walls.  “Daddy, Dada, do you like comics?  JR says I should come to the comic shop and get some from her.”

“Do you think you’ll have time to read them with all your jobs?” Brian asked.

“Oh yes, Dada, I can read them when I come home.”

“That’s good, because I wouldn’t want you shirking your work at Kinnetik to read a comic.”

“Oh no, Dada.”

“Do you want to watch the sunset with us?” Brian asked.

“I think I should get ready for bed, so I can work hard tomorrow,” Bree said.

“Okay.”

“I’m going to put my ‘jamas on.  Will you tuck me in?”

“Sure, sweetheart,” Justin replied with a smile.

“You got it, Squirt,” Brian agreed.

Bree ran from the room heading to her bedroom.

“You are so bad, Kinney,” Justin admonished as he squeezed Brian’s arm.

“Why?” Brian asked in surprise.

“Suggesting that Bree would shirk her job to read a comic.”

“She needs to know what’s expected of her,” Brian stated.

“I think she knows full well.”

“Yeah, she does.”

“And she should be able to read a comic if she wants.”

“Okay, okay.  One minute she’s a high powered captain of industry, and the next she needs to be tucked into bed,” Brian observed.

“Exactly, and she’s our beautiful daughter all the time,” Justin said pointedly.

“So let’s tuck the little angel in,” Brian suggested as the sun slid behind the horizon.

“Good idea, my big smoosh.”

“I only have good ideas.”

“You are so full of…

“Good ideas?” Brian asked with a smirk.

“Something like that,” Justin laughed.  “Come on.”  He took Brian’s hand and they headed for Bree’s bedroom.

*****

As July was quickly approaching its end, plans were being confirmed.  Cynthia and Lindsay were speaking daily coordinating Brian and Justin's trip to the northern tundra.  Lindsay was finding it a bit frustrating that Cynthia seemed to want to include sightseeing trips for the boys and Bree.  Lindsay felt this was a business trip and fought to keep it that way.

“Lighten up, Lindsay, the boys will have plenty of time for business.  There's no reason why they can't have a little fun,” Cynthia said trying to remain cool.  She didn't remember Lindsay being such a stick in the mud.

“Justin must be rested and have his evenings free to meet potential collectors.  It wouldn't look good if he was haggard and run down.  Especially since his promotional pictures have him looking young and fresh,” Lindsay tried to explain reasonably.

“Then perhaps you should have updated photos of Justin instead of using pictures of him when he was twenty-two.”

“Are you saying Justin looks old?”

“No, I'm saying he's no longer a young unknown artist.  He's a successful mature man in his late thirties who has a daughter and a husband.  Allow him to look the part.  He should be interacting with his admirers on a more personal level.  That was one of his most attractive qualities when he was young, hungry and eager to prove himself,” Cynthia went on to explain.  She was a Justin fan, and always had been even when there were forces trying to keep the lovers apart in their early relationship.  She had witnessed a few changes in Justin that she didn't like.  Cynthia was convinced that Brian wasn't aware of them or if he was, he wasn't willing to confront Justin about it.  Brian's Sunshine was nearly perfect in Brian's eyes.

“We don't have time to alter the promo posters now,” Lindsay grumbled.

“Don't worry, I know just what to do,” Cynthia crowed triumphantly.

“Does Brian know you go behind his back to handle Justin's PR?” Lindsay asked.

“Of course he does.  Brian knows everything when it comes to promoting his Sunshine.  You just take care of Sidney.”

“Sidney is on the brink of retiring; I handle the majority of the gallery's business,” Lindsay did some of her own crowing.

“Be careful, from what I hear, Bree will be taking over the gallery soon, that's after she's finished with Kinnetik,” Cynthia chuckled.

“Did she really find a way for you to save money?” Lindsay asked incredulously.

“Yes she did.  And with Ted and Brian's thanks.”

“What about Gus?”

“What about him?”

“How does he feel about his sister taking over?”  Lindsay was slightly jealous and found herself fearful that Bree was going to usurp her son’s position at Kinnetik.

“He's tickled pink and wouldn't dream of arguing with her.  Gus is just phenomenal.  He's been working with some of our best execs and with his artistic background he bridges both worlds.  He already has a good business head on his shoulders.  When he's ready, he'll easily slip into Brian's Pradas with no problem,” Cynthia assured Lindsay.

“Hmm.”

“Lindsay, I am concerned about Justin.”

“Why?”

“With all that's gone on since their anniversary and Joan's death, most of the attention has been focused on Brian and Bree.”

“Don't you think they deserved it?”

“Of course they do, but Justin has been used to being coddled and sheltered by Brian, Sidney and the rest of us, including you.”

“I have no idea what you're talking about.”

“Don't play the dumb blond with me.  He's an artist, we all let him get away with his idiosyncrasies so that he can be free to create his masterpieces.  He needs to get in touch with the real world before he becomes too spoiled.”

“I don't think his family will allow Justin to become too spoiled.”

“True, but I'm sure it won't be Brian putting Justin in his place, more likely it will be Bree.”  Cynthia left it at that.  The two women got back to finalizing the itinerary.

*****

“Daddy?”

“Yes, sweetheart.”

“What did those ladies want?” Bree asked her younger father as they walked into the gallery.  Justin had been stopped just outside by several women who clambered around Justin trying to get him to sign their Sidney Bloom Gallery brochures.

“They wanted my autograph,” Justin said with a long suffering sigh.  He was an artist not a rock star.

“And your problem with that is?”  Bree suddenly morphed into Debbie including the hands on hips.

“I, I...” Justin stammered, he wasn’t quite sure how to answer his very disapproving daughter.  “I'm not that important,” Justin admitted.

“Of course, you're important,” Bree said solemnly.

“But not like the president or the pope or...” Justin stammered.

“Daddy, you make people smile,” Bree tried to explained to her father.  “You make people cry too.  Uncle Sidney says that you make people feel.  And that's very important.”

“I guess so,” Justin sighed.  He knew he was being asinine.  People paid good money for his work.  They wouldn't if his work wasn't good or didn't touch them in some personal way.

“Daddy, Uncle Sidney told me what the little stickers on your paintings mean and the color codes.  Your paintings cost a lot!” Bree exclaimed, spreading out her arms for emphasis.  “You should be more nice to people who like your art!” she said with a stamp of one dainty foot.  Bree immediately regretted stamping her foot.  She was supposed to be more mature, especially if she wanted to continue working at the gallery or at Kinnetik.

Justin stared at his daughter momentarily.

“You're right, Sweetheart, I should be.  My paintings do cost a lot and I should be more appreciative of that and of the people who buy them.  Thank you, Baby Girl, for reminding me.”

“So next time someone wants your autograph...?”

“I will sign and be very, very nice,” Justin assured his daughter.

“That's my good Daddy,” Bree said with a brilliant smile.  Justin squatted down to hug her then scooped her up into his arms.  “I've a got a great idea, before Aunt Lindsay or Uncle Sidney put me to work, let's go to the comic book store.  We can pick up some comics that you might like,” Justin suggested.

“Okay, Daddy!” Bree agreed.  Before they were seen, Justin and Bree made their escape.

*****

“JR!” Bree screeched as she entered the comic book store.  She ran over to give her sister a hug. 

“What are you doing here?” JR asked as she returned the enthusiastic hug.

“You said I should get a comic book,” Bree replied, slightly perplexed at JR's question.

“Oh.  What kind of comic do you want?”

“I don't know, the last one I had was the Rage diversity comic that went with the DVD.  But I read some of Ashley’s.”  Bree walked over to the wall of comics; some of them had almost naked people on them.  “Maybe I should ask my Daddy,” Bree mumbled to herself.  Justin was leaning on the counter looking over the latest illustrations from Lacy and Candy.

“Daddy?”

“Yes, Baby Girl.”

“Can you help me pick out a comic book?”  Bree stood on her tippy toes while pulling her Daddy down closer to her.  “Some of them have naked people on the front,” she whispered into her father's ear.

“I see,” Justin whispered back trying not to smirk.  “That is a problem,” he agreed.  “I think we can ask JR where the not naked people comics are,” Justin suggested.  Bree nodded in agreement.

About twenty minutes later, Bree had several nine year old girl appropriate comics.

“Thank you, JR,” Bree said sincerely and gave JR another hug. 

“You're welcome,” JR said as she watched Bree skip out of the shop holding her father's hand.

“Daddy?” JR called out to her father who was in the office.

“Yes, Honeybun,” JR heard the reply.  JR rolled eyes.

“Daddy, is it true that Bree told Uncle Ted how to save money?”

“Kinda.”  Michael wasn't sure about the details.  Ben told him that Drew said that he heard something from Emmett who heard it from Ted that Bree saved Kinnetik a lot of money.  Michael was a little put off that Brian hadn't told him about Kinnetik having financial problems.  Then again Michael couldn't understand why Brian would allow Bree to work there in the first place.  Was Kinnetik going through a rough time if they needed to employ underage employees?

“Well, did she?” JR demanded to know.

“So I was told,” Michael said as he adjusted one of the shelves behind the counter.  “Anyway, let's get back to work,” he urged his daughter.

*****

“Hello, my boy!” Sidney greeted Justin enthusiastically.  “And Miss Briana, so good to see you today.”  Sidney gave Bree a genuine smile and Bree was happy to give her Uncle Sidney a hug.  “Are you ready to work today?” Sidney asked his young charge.

“Yes, Mr. Bloom,” Bree formally replied.

“Excellent!  Then we'll let your father and Lindsay go over some details for your trip while I show you what I need you to do.”

“Thank you, Mr. Bloom,” Bree said as she followed her “boss” into his office.

“Justin!”  Justin turned at the sound of his name.  He quickly plastered a smile on his face as he inwardly groaned.  It was “The Sarah Kingsley” and she wasn't alone.

“Mrs. Kingsley!” he cheerfully greeted the woman as they air kissed.

“Sarah, please.  After all, we are family!” Sarah emphasized loudly for the benefit of her lady friends.

“Of course.  And how are Sharon and Owen Sr.?” he inquired about his sister's in-laws.

“Wonderful, of course, just like my beautiful great grandson,” Sarah crowed for her friends.  Justin dutifully nodded.

“What brings you into the gallery today, Sarah?” Justin asked as he extended his arm for her to loop with his.  Sarah's posse followed.

“Thank you for asking,” Sarah cooed and then over her shoulder she added for her friends, “He's so attentive!  My dear friend Elizabeth has decided to add a Justin Taylor original to her collection.  Of course, I insisted on accompanying her to the gallery as well as our dear, dear friends.”  The aforementioned ladies nodded.

“I'm honored.”  Justin gave them a brilliant smile.  “Please allow me to show you around and I'll be very happy to answer any questions that you may have,” Justin said sweetly.

The ladies happily followed their very special guide chattering all the way.  Bree, who had been given the task of refilling the informational pamphlets next to each piece, smiled with approval.

*****    

“Brian?” Michael called out immediately when Brian answered his cell phone.

“Hey, Mikey, to what do I owe the pleasure,” Brian asked as he started shoving files in his briefcase.  “You need me to name another super hero?”

“No, not right now.  Um, Brian, is everything okay with Kinnetik?”

“Never better.  Why do you ask?”

“Well, your kids are working there.”

“Yes, and your daughter has been practically running your store for years now.  What's your point?”

“The point is that you have a nine year old working at Kinnetik.  Is that even legal?” Michael screeched into the phone.

“Michael, who put this bug up your ass?  And do I tell you how to run your business?”

“Well, no, not really, but you do help sometimes.” 

“Michael, if you must know, Bree wanted to work like Gus and like the rest of the kids in our family.  And no, she's not really earning a paycheck, she’s earning experience.”

“Oh.  Does she know she's working for free?”

“I didn't say she was working for free, just not earning a paycheck.”

“There's a difference?”

“Yes, Mikey, there's a difference,” Brian snarked as he rolled his eyes.

“Oh.  So Kinnetik's not in financial trouble.”

“Financial trouble?  Michael, where the fuck did you hear that?”

“Nowhere but I heard something about Bree and money.”

“Bree made a suggestion.  Actually it was an idea Cynthia and I implemented years ago that somehow got waylaid.  Bree revived the idea.  It was viable then and it still is.”

“So you're not losing money,” Michael clarified for himself.

“No, we're not losing money.”

“Okay,” Michael said with a perkier more upbeat tone. 

“Daddy, we got a shipment!” Brian heard in the background.

“Coming, Honeybun!” Michael shouted.  “I gotta go, Bri.  We got a shipment.”

“So I heard.  That girl is a Novotny through and through,” Brian chuckled.  “Bye, Mikey.”

“Bye, Brian.”

Brian snapped his cell phone shut, finished packing up his briefcase then left Kinnetik to collect his family and go home.

Kidz

Epilogue

“Poppa,” Patrick called out as he rounded the stairs up into the attic office where his red-headed father was busily typing on his keyboard.

“Hi.”  Bobby lifted his head and smiled at his son.  “I think you’ve grown another inch,” Bobby proudly observed.

“Maybe, umm, Poppa, can I ask you something?”

“Anything,” Bobby replied as he saved his work then turned all of his attention to his son.

“Does it bother you that I decided to work with Dad this summer?” Patrick said with worry.

“No, it doesn’t.  As a matter of fact, I’m very proud of you.  Your Dad has told me that you’re enjoying yourself and learning a lot.”

“Yeah, I think I am.  I’m not ready to build a house all by myself but I think I really want to be a builder when I grow up.”

“Then I think you should pursue it,” Bobby told his son.  “It’s not like this is the first time you’ve shown interest in what your father does.  You’ve spent a lot of time sitting on his lap while he was at his drafting table.”  Bobby pointed toward the table on the other side of the office.

“You don’t want me to be a lawyer like you or a doctor like Grandpa?”

“Patrick, not everyone is cut out to be a doctor.  I know I wasn’t when I was a kid.  And it took a long time for my Dad to realize that, plus the fact that I’m gay and knew it when I was about your age...well, let’s just say dinner time around my house was very quiet and a little more than strained.”

“But Grandpa is cool!”

“Yes he is, now.  We came to an understanding.  And even when he didn’t approve of my lifestyle, I always knew he loved me.  You know I love you, right?” Bobby asked his son with a smile.  He stood the moment he saw Patrick come towards him.

“I love you, Poppa,” Patrick declared as Bobby enveloped his son in a hug.

“Patrick, I am so proud of you.  And no, it doesn’t bother me that you want to be a builder.  Do you know how unique you are?  Most kids your age are more concerned with the latest computer game or blogging.  You, my man, know what you want to be when you grow up.  And you have the best teacher to show you how to do it!”

“I’ve got my own Doctor Dad!”

“Yes, you have.  Now, let me ask you something, what brought this on?  Did someone say something to you?”

“Not really, but I’ve been getting weird vibes from Aunt Claire.”

“Did she say something to you?”

“No, but when we were at John’s house, she kept looking at me weird.”

“Weird?”

“Yeah, like I had three heads or something.  You know, weird.”

“What did your Dad say?”

“I didn’t tell him.”

“Why not?”

“Because he’ll get all Super-Dad on me and Aunt Claire is his sister, sort of.”  Bobby snorted when Patrick said ‘sister.’

“Super-Dad?” Bobby asked with a smirk.

“Yeah, like when Uncle Bri gets all Ragie,” Patrick giggled.

“Ragie?”  Bobby started to laugh; he understood.  The brothers had a lot more in common than anyone realized.  And they were very quick to defend the family if necessary.

“Yeah, you know.”

“Yes, I know.  All right, let me nose around, but your Aunt Claire has some interesting issues.  I would just ignore her.  She wouldn’t hurt you,” Bobby added.

“I know that; it’s like she can’t believe I’m me.”

“That’s because you’re an incredible kid!”  Bobby beamed a sunny smile at his son then pulled him back into a fierce hug.  “I can’t explain it but just know how much I love you and I thank the gods every day for you.”  Bobby ruffled the fiery red hair then gave his son a nuggie.

“Poppa!” Patrick screeched with laughter.  “Quit it, Poppa!”  The laughing and giggling grew louder.

“What’s going on up there?” came an amused roar from the sun porch.

“Nothing!” the red heads replied simultaneously accompanied by more laughing.

“See,” Patrick whispered, “Super-Dad.” 

“I guess we should go see if Super-Dad could use a little help with the cooking.  It’s our turn to make dinner.”

“Okay, Poppa!”  Patrick agreed.  The red heads went down to help Super-Dad with supper.

*****

It was quiet; the only sounds were the completion of a round of gentle lovemaking and then two men trying to get their breathing under control. 

“That was great!”

“Amazing!”

“I still can’t believe that I’ve been here for most of the summer.  This place is so cool.”

“I can’t believe you stayed all this time and that you conned your way into getting a summer job.”

“It didn’t take much conning, I know enough of the real estate business to know what I’m doing.  I grew up working with my Dad.  I just offered my services to Jennifer.  Besides, what kind of man would I be if I let you pay for everything?”

“A kept man,” Gus giggled.  Ray snorted as he poked Gus in the ribs.  “How much longer can you stay?”

“Another couple of weeks, I have law school this Fall.  How much longer are you staying at Kinnetik?”

“Same, I have to go back early to speak with my advisors and pre-register.  I’m almost done at PIFA.”

“Really?  That was quick.”

“Not really, I didn’t have time to take all the classes I needed so that’s why I did a lot of projects.”

“I noticed.  Why’d you do it?  You didn’t really need both degrees.”

“I know, but I wanted to do it.  I’m not an artist like Justin but I love the technical aspects of art and how art affects us on a daily basis.  And when I was accepted to PIFA, how could I turn that down?  Besides, I like the fact that I can talk the talk with both the ad execs and the art department.”

“I bet your father just growls at them,” Ray said.  The boys giggled.

“Yeah, Cynthia told me some wild stories when my Pop worked for Ryder and Vangard.”

“Your Dad may consider himself an adman but he is more.  You have to know something about art to be that good.”

“I know that too.  You know, before I started interning at Kinnetik, I never realized just how smart my Dad is.  I mean I know he’s smart, but he’s really smart.  Does that make any sense?”

“Makes lots of sense.  Growing up I never realized just how hard my dads work and they’re real good at what they do,” Ray agreed.

“Oh man, I just realized something!”  Gus bopped himself in the head then sat up.

“What?  What?”  Ray sat straight up as well.

“We’re becoming our dads!”  Gus stared all wide-eyed then turned to face Ray, the wide-eyed look transformed to become smug and seductive.

“Whaaat?” Ray drawled.  Gus pounced.

“We’re becoming our dads!” Gus said looking down at Ray, waggling his eyebrows.

“Oh yeah!” Ray agreed as he flipped then both over.  The battle was on as was the next round.

*****

It was the end of July, Brian and Justin were finalizing their plans for their trip.  They spent most of their days in Pittsburgh synchronizing schedules.

“What’s wrong?” Lindsay asked Justin.  Justin was supervising the packing of some of his more intricate pieces.  He seemed to be fretting over them more than usual.

“I don’t like the idea of shipping them,” Justin admitted.  “I want them with me when we go.”

“I don’t think you could hide them in your carry-on,” Lindsay quipped.  Justin gave her an annoyed glare.  “You’ve never had a problem before,” she commented, ignoring the glare.

“I know but I just want to be with them,” Justin repeated.

“Well, you can’t ride in the cargo hold no matter how short the flight,” Lindsay said as she walked away.  She thought Justin was being ridiculous.

“Yeah, yeah,” he grumbled as he picked up a thick piece of packing wrap and took a hands-on approach.

*****

“John, Patrick, please come in!” Claire cheerfully greeted them when she answered the door.  She was house sitting, accepting deliveries of furniture and supervising the unpacking.  “Please excuse the chaos; John is working and Mary is still at their apartment.  I’m helping any way I can.”  She smiled at her ‘brother.’

“No need to apologize, it’s a big job moving a household,” John smiled.  “I just wanted to come by to find out if John and Mary were happy with the repairs.”

“Ecstatic.  Better than they hoped for, and thank you.  You saved them a ton of money.”

“It was our pleasure.  I hope John and Mary will be happy in their new home,” John said then handed Claire a basket of cheer.

“Thank you,” Claire gasped.  “That wasn’t necessary; you’ve done so much already.”  John smiled.  “I wish I could offer you coffee but the kitchen’s a mess.”

“We’re fine but can we get you anything?  It looks like you’re stuck here for a while.  I could run to the diner for you,” John offered.

“No thank you.  I brought a small cooler with sandwiches,” Claire replied.

“Excuse us, ma’am,” a couple of movers called out.  John and Patrick moved out of the way as a couple of men were carrying in a sofa.

“We’re in the way,” John said.  “Give John and Mary our regards and I hope we see them soon,” John said as he guided his son toward the front door.  The movers were on a roll, bringing in more furniture.  Claire walked them out.

“John, wait,” Claire said as she followed them to the car.  “You’ve been so kind, especially when mother died,” Claire said softly.  “I know I haven’t always been very...receptive,” Claire admitted.  “But I’m glad you’re part of the family.  All of you,” Claire said as she smiled at Patrick.

John said nothing but drew Claire into a hug.  “Stay in touch,” he murmured.

“I will,” she promised.  “You’re a very lucky man,” Claire said to John as she ruffled Patrick’s hair.  Patrick took it gracefully.

“Yes, I am,” John said proudly.  He and Patrick got into the Navigator then drove away.

*****

“You talk to him,” Lindsay spat out as Brian and Bree walked into the gallery.  She was fed up with Justin’s packing and re-packing of his paintings.

“What’s got your titties in a knot?” Brian asked her as Bree skipped away in search of her younger father.

“Your partner is being unreasonable,” Lindsay grumbled.

“My partner?” Brian retorted as if Justin could ever be unreasonable.  Being unreasonable was his job and he said as much.

“Yeah, well, then he’s learned his lessons well.”

“What’s wrong?”

“He doesn’t want to ship his paintings.”

“So how does he expect them to get to Canada?”

“He wants to fly them there.”

“And?  We fly his stuff all over the world.”  Brian didn’t understand the problem.

“He wants to be with the paintings.”

“Be with the paintings.  What the fuck does that mean?”

“I have no clue.  Perhaps you can find out before all of Pittsburgh runs out of packing materials.  He seems to be afraid that something will happen to his art if it’s not sitting in his lap,” Lindsay snarked as she walked away leaving a puzzled Brian in her wake.

“Hi Sunshine,” Brian said when he found Justin sitting on the bench across from the Fractal projection.  Brian sat waiting for Justin to speak.

“Lindsay must think I’m crazy.”

“No, not crazy, unreasonable maybe, but not crazy.”  Brian slowly wrapped his arm around his distressed partner.  He could feel Justin take a deep breath then slowly exhale.  “Can you tell me about it?” 

Justin leaned into Brian, trying to get himself under control and express himself coherently.  “Some of the work I’m taking, it’s from our honeymoon.”

“The florals,” Brian acknowledged.  “They’re some of your most colorful and most beautiful pieces.”  Justin nodded.

“And the nudes,” Justin added.

“My naked butt goes to Canada?” Brian gently teased.

“A lot of naked butts go to Canada, even Bree’s,” Justin chuckled as he recalled Bree sitting naked on a rock innocently dangling her feet in the stream.

“She’s a very obedient child.  You told her not to get her clothes wet.  What better way to insure that they stay dry than by taking them off to keep them out of harm’s way.”  Brian smiled at the thought.

“She is very resourceful,” Justin agreed. 

“Justin, your work has gone around the world and back.  We’ve gone to London.  London!  It doesn’t get much better than that.  And your work went to Paris.  I’m still waiting to do that meet and greet.  What’s different this time?”  Brian gave Justin a little squeeze.

“Not sure, it just feels different and I need to stay with them.”

“Okay. We could hire a truck and follow them up there.”

“Dada?”  Bree climbed up to sit on her father’s lap.

“Hey Squirt.”  Brian leaned down to give her a kiss; he brought his other arm around to hold his blonds tightly next to him.

“Dada, how are we going to get to Canada?”

“We have first class tickets on a Liberty Air shuttle.  Why?”

“Just wondering.”  Bree seemed to contemplate the Fractal movie just like her Daddy.  She watched as flowers morphed into fractals then back into flowers.  “I like some planes but sometimes all those people are scary,” Bree admitted.  Brian gave her a little squeeze.

“I know what you mean.  I’m not too fond of being around strangers in a confined area either,” Brian stated.  Bree nodded in his arms.

“Dada, are we rich?”

“Rich enough.  Why?”

“Can we get our own plane to take us to Canada?” Bree asked as she swung her little legs, gently knocking the back of her shoes into Brian’s shins.

“A private plane?” Justin asked.  “Isn’t that a bit extravagant?”

“Not really.  Liberty Air does have private planes.  We can walk your paintings onto the plane and sit next to them if you want.  The cost isn’t that prohibitive.  Besides, we’re transporting precious cargo,” Brian said with a smirk as he gave his blonds another squeeze.

“Are you sure?” Justin asked as he looked up into Brian’s eyes.

“For you, I’m very sure,” Brian whispered as he gently swiped his thumb across Justin’s cheek.  He then leaned down to place a chaste kiss on Justin’s lips. 

Bree giggled.  She loved it when her dads were all lovey dovey.

“Thank you,” Justin murmured against Brian’s lips.  “And you…!”  Justin turned toward Bree.  “When did you get to be so smart?” Justin asked loudly as he plucked their daughter off Brian’s lap and swung her around.

Brian smiled as Bree and Justin laughed with joy.  Justin suddenly looked like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders.

“I’ve always been smart, Daddy!” Bree declared with confidence.

“She’s right,” Brian agreed.  “She’s always been smart.”  Brian watched Bree and Justin laugh as Justin carefully flew her through the air in between the exhibits.

“Up, up and away!” Justin said out loud.

“Up, up and away!” Bree squealed with delight.

“Up, up and away,” Brian repeated as he pulled out his cell to call the CEO of Liberty Air.

-tbc-

Up, Up and Away

Chapter 1

[Bree’s POV is in italics all through this story.]

My Daddy’s worried. He’s been fussing with his paintings from the minute the pilot said we could walk around the plane. I never been on a private plane before and the pilot said it was okay to look out of the windows. Dada said I wasn’t to run around. He gave me the look, eyebrow and all, so I guess he’s serious. Besides, it’s a little scary being on this plane but I’m not gonna say anything. I’m gonna be brave for my Dada.

But Daddy...

I don’t understand, we went to England and New York for his shows, why is this one different? I don’t understand daddies sometimes. Daddy keeps checking the crates; Dada keeps checking Daddy. Daddy doesn’t know but I know. I know ‘the look’ that Dada makes when he’s worried about Daddy. I think Daddy knows too but he’s too worried to notice right now. Daddies, they make a big thing outta nothing.

Maybe I’ll just draw for a while. Dada said the flight won’t take very long, we’re only going to Canada. He said dis-em-barking with the paintings would take longer than the actual flight. And my Dada should know cause he knows everything! My Dada is the smartest Dada in the whole world.

Bree smiled to herself.

My Dada is smart and handsome. My Daddy is pretty just like his paintings and his drawings. I know cause I heard lots of people say that my Daddy is very pretty. They call my Dada gorg-e-ous. I thought only ladies could be gorg-e-ous, but I guess since a lady called my Dada gorg-e-ous it must be true. I don’t understand but that’s okay. I guess my Gus and Uncle John must be gorg-e-ous too cause they look like my Dada.

Bree giggled softly.

Boys are not supposed to be gorg-e-ous.

“What’s so funny?” Brian asked his daughter with a slight arch to his brow. Bree turned her sketch pad around to show him. She had been drawing doodles, some of which were amusing caricatures of animals. Brian smiled then went back to his book that he was pretending to read.

I hope I like Canada. I wonder if there’s stuff for kids to do.

Bree yawned as her eyelids drooped. Brian caught the sketch pad before it dropped to the floor of the plane. He made sure Bree was buckled in then gently lowered her seat back as he arranged her small blanket around her. He smiled at his precious angel in all of her sleeping innocence. Now if he could get his other angel to go to sleep or at least calm down, but no dice. As they approached the airport, Justin seemed to become more nervous.

“It won’t be long, Sunshine,” Brian felt obliged to say. Justin merely smiled then sipped his bottle of water. Brian had briefly contemplated spiking the water with Valium but he would never do that to Justin. And with his luck, Justin would be allergic. Brian sighed and silently prayed to the gods that the show would be successful. Heaven help the world if it wasn’t.

 

*****
 

“Hey, Squirt, we’re almost there,” Brian said softly as he gently shook Bree awake. Bree stretched then opened her eyes. They twinkled with anticipation as she smiled at her elder father. Her younger father was nervously twitching, but at least he was seated and buckling up in preparation for landing.

“Don’t worry, Daddy, it’ll be all right,” Bree counseled her Daddy with all the sage advice of her vast nine years. Justin smiled at his daughter and nodded.

“She’s right, you know, Sunshine,” Brian stated. “Your paintings are brilliant. You’re brilliant. The Northern tundra will be blown away by your brilliance,” Brian stated with confidence.

“From your lips to the gods’ ears,” Justin murmured just before Brian covered Justin’s mouth with his own. Brian kissed Justin, pouring his heart and soul into the kiss.

“It’ll be fine, Justin, you’ll see. Our sister country will love you just as much as your hometown does.” Justin nodded then closed his eyes as he mentally prepared himself for landing.

 

*****
 

Dada says our hotel is big. He says it has a swimming pool and I can go swimming if I want to. It also has an arcade. Maybe Dada will let me play some games. Daddy left me and Dada to go with his paintings to the gallery. A big truck came right up to the plane and we watched the men unload the crates and put them on the truck. I think Daddy was still nervous as his car followed the truck. Dada had a car for us too. The driver is nice. He took all our bags without anyone asking him. Dada says that means the man knows how to do his job right and he’ll get a good tip. I’m not sure what that means but my Dada is happy so that’s all that really matters.

“Ooooo!” Bree gasped.

“What?” Brian asked.

“Toronto is pretty!” Bree exclaimed as she pressed her nose to the glass of the car. Brian smirked as he watched the countryside go by. Brian had booked them into a very prestigious hotel in the middle of the city. It was close enough to the gallery that Justin could walk if he wanted to and near enough to the business district for Brian to conduct Kinnetik business then get back to his family. They hadn’t decided what to do with Bree but she was old enough to stay out of trouble at the gallery while Justin worked.

“We’re going to be here for a couple of weeks, so when we get checked in, I’d like you to unpack and put away your clothes,” Brian stated matter-of-factly.

“No problem, Dada!” Bree assured her father. She was old enough to take care of her clothes correctly. And she was so much like her older father in certain respects. She knew what to do with quality. Brian nodded at her with a wink.

“Wow,” Bree said softly as they pulled up to the big hotel.

“Yeah, wow.” Brian repeated. He was pleasantly surprised with the hotel. “We’ll get settled then meet up with your Daddy,” Brian explained.

“Okay, Dada!” Bree said as their car turned into the circular driveway and slowly approached close to the main doors. Several bellmen scrambled towards them to help get their bags. Brian took care of the driver then took Bree’s hand as they followed their bags to the front desk.

 

*****
 

“Welcome to the Four Seasons Hotel,” the woman behind the desk said cheerfully.

“Brian Kinney.”

“Ah, yes, Mr. Kinney, we’ve been expecting you. The Presidential Suite is all ready.”

“With the connecting room?”

“Of course, just as you requested.”

“Good,” Brian said taking the card and filling out the obligatory information. He handed it and his credit card to the woman when he was done.

“I’ll just run this through and get your room keys,” the woman said.

“Dada,” Bree whispered as she looked up at her father.

“Yes?”

“Are you the president?”

“What?”

“The lady said you’ve got the president’s suite. Are you the president?”

Brian chuckled. “They just call it the Presidential Suite because it’s the most expensive room in the hotel.”

“Oh.”

“It has nothing to do with the president. It’s just the name of the room.”

“Okay,” Bree said softly. She had a lot to learn. Her Dada knew everything.

“Here you are, Mr. Kinney,” the lady said handing some cards to Brian. “Jerry has your luggage and he will show you to your suite. Thank you for choosing the Four Seasons, and if you need anything, just call the front desk.”

Brian nodded and turned to Jerry who was pushing the cart of luggage towards the elevators. Brian took Bree’s hand and followed.

I like this elevator. I can check that my hair is perfect when we’re going out. Dada chooses good hotels.

I hope Daddy is okay with his paintings. We probably should have gone with him, but he gets kind of snippy when he’s nervous like that. Sometimes Dada gets snippy back. Maybe it’s good we didn’t go with Daddy.

I bet our room will be nice. Dada always makes sure we stay at nice places. I wish Gamma Joan could have come with us.

Bree sighed.

“What’s wrong, Squirt?” Brian asked.

“Oh, um,” Bree stammered. She didn’t realize that she had sighed out loud.

“Spit it out,” Brian ordered.

“I was wishing Gamma Joan could be here with us,” Bree said softly. She hoped her Dada wouldn’t be upset or mad that she was thinking that. “We had fun in New York.”

Brian swallowed hard, finding it almost impossible to speak. It always surprised him how memories of his mother could overwhelm him, even after all this time.

Jerry studied the passengers in the elevator as they headed to the thirty-first floor of the hotel. He noted the emotional tension of his two passengers. “You sound like a world traveler, miss,” Jerry said with a smile for Bree.

Bree looked up into the friendly eyes. “I’ve been to London,” she said proudly.

“Wow! I haven’t been hardly anywhere. You’re a lucky little girl.”

Brian smiled wanly as he started to collect himself. “I’m the lucky one,” he whispered brushing his fingers lightly over Bree’s soft hair.

“Here we are, sir,” Jerry said as the elevator pinged and the door opened. He pulled the cart of luggage into the hallway and led them to the nearest door. Brian inserted his door card and they entered.

“Pretty, Dada,” Bree said as she took in the luxurious suite.

“It’ll do,” Brian said. “Those two bags go in the other room. These will be in here,” he instructed as Jerry placed the bags where Brian indicated.

When Jerry had emptied his cart, Brian followed him to the door of the suite. “Thank you,” he said. Jerry nodded understanding that the handsome man meant not only his help with the luggage, but also with what had happened in the elevator. Brian slipped him two twenties.

“Thanks,” Jerry said with a smile. “You have a beautiful daughter.”

“Yes I do.”

Brian closed the door of the suite after Jerry pushed his cart out. He turned to see Bree staring at him from the doorway of her room.

“What’s up?” he asked.

“It seems funny here without Daddy and Gamma…”

“I know, Squirt. Why don’t you unpack and I’ll call Daddy? He should be at the gallery. Maybe he’s ready to come join us.”

“I hope so,” Bree said as she headed back into her room to open her suitcases. She hauled the first of her bags onto the stand against the wall and unzipped it. She opened the top drawer of the dresser and looked at her suitcase.

I wish Gamma Joan was here to help me. She always knew just where to put things so I could find them. But I do have grey bunny. I’m glad I packed him. I didn’t want to carry him through the airport and on the plane. I’m a big girl now. But I like to have grey bunny to hug when I miss my Gamma.

Bree pulled grey bunny from her suitcase and hugged him tight.

“You sit here and help me put my clothes in the right spot,” Bree instructed as she sat grey bunny on the bed so he was facing the dresser. Then she proceeded to unpack. “Should I put my shorts in the drawer or hang them in the closet?” she asked. “Yes of course, they’re better in this drawer,” she agreed with grey bunny, as she placed them carefully in one of the lower drawers. She put all her underwear in the top drawer, along with her hair barrettes and other jewelry including her frog necklace.

“There that’s done,” she said zipping up the empty suitcase and placing it in the closet.

She hoisted her other suitcase onto the spot where she had placed the first bag. This one contained all her dresses and clothes for dinner and other affairs. Carefully she hung them on the hangers in the closet. She was just finishing up when she heard her Dada’s voice calling her.

“Shh,” she said to grey bunny, before running over to hide behind the partially open door of her room.

“Bree,” Brian said pushing open the door of his daughter’s room.

“Boo!” Bree yelled as she popped out from behind the door.

“Are you trying to give me a heart attack?” Brian asked as he held his hand to his chest in mock heart attack mode.

“Oh no, Dada, I just wanted to surprise you.”

“Well you did,” Brian said picking her up and swinging her around in the big room. “How’s your room?” he asked as he set her down and kissed the top of her head.

“Fine, and I unpacked everything.”

“So I see,” Brian observed as he noted the immaculate room. “Where did grey bunny come from?” he asked when he spotted the stuffed animal sitting atop Bree’s bed. “I thought you left him at home.”

“Nope,” Bree replied. “He would have been lonely, and so would I. I packed him.”

“Hm, did he have a good trip?”

“Yep, but it was a little cramped in my suitcase,” Bree said with a mischievous smile. “He helped me get all my clothes in the correct spots.”

“Very good of you, Mr. Bunny,” Brian said bowing in the direction of the big, soft rabbit.

“He’s very helpful.” Bree grinned.

“Apparently.”

“Is Daddy done at the gallery?” Bree asked.

“No, I think he’s having trouble with his paintings. Shall we walk over there and join him?”

“Oh yes, Dada. I’ll help him.”

Brian chuckled. “I know you will, Squirt. Is Mr. Bunny coming?”

“Nope, he’s no good in galleries. He just helps with clothes.”

Brian smiled. “Then let’s go. Maybe we can drag Daddy away for lunch.”

“Yeah, I’m hungry,” Bree stated as she slipped her hand into her father’s.

 

*****
 

Having obtained the easy directions to the gallery and to local eateries, Brian and Bree set off to find their wayward Sunshine. Bree held Brian’s hand tight as they walked through the unfamiliar streets of Toronto. Bree’s trust in her father was implacable as he led them to the gallery. She gazed in wonder at the sights that they passed.

“Dada, look, that building looks like the one in New York! The one they call the Flatiron Building,” Bree explained. Brian looked up to follow Bree’s gaze. She was correct, the building was almost identical. Brian smiled down at his daughter, proud of her and her observant violet-blue eyes. He nodded then looked around to make sure they were going in the right direction. A few more blocks and they were standing in front of the gallery. The building was an older building, not as modern as the Sidney Bloom Gallery but not as old as the museum in London where Justin still had many paintings.

“Dada.” Bree pointed to a brass plaque on the side of the heavy looking door. The Krupp Gallery 2nd floor. Bree and Brian exchanged a look then proceeded into the building and up to the second floor.

“I’m sorry, sir, the gallery isn’t open at this time,” a very prissy woman in a knockoff designer suit said to Brian as he approached the main reception area of the gallery with Bree in tow.

“I’m Brian Kinney and this is my daughter…”

“I’m Briana Victoria Kinney-Taylor,” Bree said before Brian could complete his sentence. Bree emphasized the Taylor portion of her name and gave the woman the patented Brian Kinney glare of not quite death, but the one he used when he decided the person wasn’t worth the effort. Brian sucked in his lips in an effort not to laugh. Bree had learned a lot while she was at Kinnetik.

“Oh, yes,” the woman said with an immediate change in her demeanor. “My name is Alicia Williams,” the woman said as she extended her hand to Brian and then to Bree when he arched a brow. Ms. Williams cleared her throat then continued as she led Bree and Brian into the main gallery. “I’m Mr. Krupp’s assistant. If you need anything during your visit, please don’t hesitate to ask. We’re very excited that Mr. Taylor has decided to make his Canadian debut with us. As you know Toronto is a very forward thinking city,” she said proudly.

Brian merely nodded but remained unimpressed.

“Mr. Taylor will have this hall devoted to his work,” Ms. Williams announced as she opened a thick glass door. Brian was greeted by a lovely poster on an easel bearing Justin’s photo, sporting a sunny and very alluring smile. Brian felt a familiar zing rush through his groin then picked up a brochure from a nearby stand. “Mr. Taylor is toward the end of the hall,” she pointed. “If it’s all right with you, I’ll leave you here. I have many calls to make. You know, those last minute things,” she said in a conspiratorial tone. “I’m sure I’ll be speaking to you soon.” Both Bree and Brian nodded as Alicia Williams left through the door.

Brian handed Bree a brochure of her own then followed the noise to their artist.

“Sunshine,” Brian said when Justin came into view. The frustrated expression on Justin’s face was instantly transformed to a sunny one. Bree ran over to him and threw herself into Justin’s arms. Justin hugged her close, letting her loving kisses wash away his tension.

“Someone’s hungry and would like to have a late lunch with her Daddy,” Brian explained. Before Justin could find any excuses, Brian continued. “And I do believe I could eat as well,” he said with a smirk.

Two sets of deep blue eyes looked up at Brian with awe and amazement.

“I do get hungry on occasion,” Brian confirmed.

“Then I think we should immediately go find lunch,” Justin said after some careful consideration. Bree nodded her head in agreement.

“Good plan, Daddy!” Bree pronounced with her own sunny smile. Brian couldn’t help kissing two creamy faces and the top of their blond heads. As Justin gathered up his messenger bag, Mr. Krupp came over to introduce himself.

“Mr. Kinney, it’s very nice to finally meet you. Marcus Krupp, owner of this establishment,” Krupp stated as he extended his hand. Brian took it as he assessed the man. “I’ve heard some wonderful things about you.” Brian glanced at Justin for a second but received a shake of the blond head. “Your reputation precedes you,” Krupp added making Brian arch a brow. “Allow me to explain,” Krupp went on at Brian’s perplexed expression. “I’m a member of the Toronto Business Association. News of your plan to expand Kinnetik has reached us; we’re hoping you’ll consider opening a branch here.”

“I’m sorry, someone may have misunderstood. I’m here to close a deal with a client, not open up a branch,” Brian tried to clarify.

“No, it’s I who should apologize. Philip Waldon of Waldon Industries is a member of our association. He mentioned your visit and well, combined with Justin’s exhibit, it’s been the talk of Toronto for weeks. If I may ask, when do you meet with Philip?”

“Tomorrow morning,” Brian responded. It was no state secret and he figured if Waldon was that much of a big shot and pleased with Kinnetik, Brian might go home with a few more clients. Brian decided to change tactics, turning on the charm. “May I steal Justin away for a while,” Brian asked with his most endearing smile, the one that melted men’s hearts, gay or straight.

“Of course, we shall have no starving artists here. There are several wonderful restaurants within walking distance or I can call you a cab,” Krupp said. He rattled off several names all of which sounded a bit too upscale for how Justin was feeling at the moment. Brian could tell that his spouse and daughter would be happier in a diner.

“Or if you’re feeling a bit bohemian there’s always Woody’s.”

“Woody’s?!” all three said at the same time. They received their directions and off they went.

“Where are they going?” Alicia asked her boss.

“Woody’s,” Marcus replied.

“Woody’s? Do they really want to go there? And with a little girl?” Alicia asked with disbelief.

“They are gay,” Marcus Krupp stated the obvious.

“But with a little girl.” Alicia made a face of disapproval.

“It’s the middle of the afternoon and Woody’s is family friendly. I’m sure they’ll be all right,” Marcus said with a sigh. He relied on his assistant; they had worked together for many years but sometimes her very conventional views made for interesting confrontations. Marcus used their opposing views to his advantage and they always came up with a successful compromise. They’d get through it, they always did.

 

*****
 

“Brian, do you want to open up a branch of Kinnetik here? You could start out small like you did with N’rgy,” Justin said as he chowed down on a thick juicy burger. The Woody’s on Church Street did indeed remind the boys of their own Woody’s back home. But it had become so popular that during the day families of all sorts of combinations came in for lunch. Bree felt right at home.

“I’m not sure. I’m not opposed to the idea but I don’t think I want to fly back and forth all the time,” Brian said as he stole a French fry off Justin’s plate. Brian was enjoying his roasted turkey sandwich on dark whole wheat, no mayo.

“But if you send the right people, they wouldn’t need you that much. Probably not more than three times a year, and if this exhibit stays here for a while, we can go together. Maybe come up during school holidays so we can bring Bree,” Justin suggested reasonably.

“You have that little gerbil in your head working on overtime, don’t you,” Brian snarked. “Four hours ago you were about to bite my head off, now you’re ready to negotiate a contract for a Toronto version of Kinnetik.” Brian sunk his teeth into his sandwich. Bree was very happy with her grilled cheese sandwich with all the trimmings. She was too busy eating to comment but she was listening.

“I’m not sure. Marcus has been great, even Alicia has been nice, although she’s a little stiff,” Justin replied.

“Stiff? Even I can’t get that stiff,” Brian snorted around a pickle. Justin threw him a look. Brian threw him back a phony smile. “I’ll be nice,” Brian promised. Justin snorted. “So what do you think of the space they gave you?”

“It’s awesome!” Justin said with a big smile. “It’s so light and airy, it shows off the florals perfectly. The back wall is just the backdrop for the larger piece and the nudes will be hanging down from wires.”

“Like the pulley system back home,” Brian observed.

“Yes. When I described the system to Marcus, he thought it was unique so he had them build a series of pulleys that will slowly raise and lower paintings throughout the night,” Justin said excitedly.

“Very innovative, isn’t it, Squirt?” Brian turned to place a kiss on Bree’s pert nose. She laughed then stole a fry off her Daddy’s plate.

Justin put his burger down and gave his recalcitrant partner and daughter an admonishing look. “What’s with you two? Bree, you have your own fries. You don’t have to take mine.”

“No I don’t, Daddy, I ate mine and Dada helped,” Bree said with a smug look. Brian giggled.

“You’re just as bad as she is.” Justin glared at Brian.

“No, he’s not, Daddy. I’m just as bad as Dada! He came first,” Bree explained with a straight face.

Justin paused in mid chew in disbelief. The two most important people in his life were staring back at him with amusement. He shook his head then pushed his plate with the fries toward them.

Up, Up and Away

Chapter 2

Bree skipped along the street between her two parents. Justin and Brian looked at each other and smiled.

“Did we ever have that much energy?” Brian asked.

“I seem to remember fucking all day every day,” Justin said with a waggle of his eyebrows.

Brian grinned at the memory. “Only on the weekends,” he added with his tongue in cheek.

“And every minute that we could find in between.”

“We needed at least an hour,” Brian smirked.

“Braggart.”

“Just saying...”

Justin giggled. “We did have our moments, didn’t we … and we still do.”

“You got that right, Sunshine.”

“Daddy, do you hafta stay at the gallery much longer?” Bree asked

“I don’t know, sweetheart. I’ll see if they’ve followed my instructions while we’ve been gone. Why?”

“I want to do something with you and Dada,” Bree informed them.

“You do? Like what?”

“Does Toronto have a zoo, or a museum or a play we can go to?” Bree asked.

“I’m sure Toronto has all of the above,” Brian stated.

“I could ask at the gallery and see what Marcus might recommend,” Justin suggested.

“Just don’t ask that woman,” Brian warned.

“You mean Alicia?”

“Yeah, Daddy, Miss Williams won’t know nothin’ fun to do,” Bree informed them.

“And how do you know that?”

Bree made a face.  “She has a big stick up her ass,” Bree responded with sincerity.

The mouths of both men dropped open simultaneously as they stopped dead in their tracks.  “Briana Victoria Kinney-Taylor!” they both said emphatically.

“Uh oh,” Bree replied with a frown and a worried look.  She knew she should not have said what she did, but she’d heard her Dada say that about one of his clients at Kinnetik.  That lady was just like Miss Williams, so she had said what she knew to be true.  She also knew from her fathers’ reactions that she was in big trouble.  “Sowwy, Dada, Daddy,” she said in her little girl voice.  Her eyes were glued to the cement of the sidewalk awaiting the reaction she knew was coming.

“Briana,” Justin said firmly, “you know better than to say such a thing.”

Bree was about to apologize again when she thought better of it.  “Even if it’s true, Daddy?” she asked truly wanting to know.

Brian couldn’t stop the snicker that escaped his lips.

“Brian, you’re as bad as she is,” Justin chastised glaring at his husband.

“Where do you think she heard that expression?” Brian asked his horrified husband.

“That doesn’t mean she has to repeat it.”

“I wouldn’t say that to nobody else,” Bree offered.  “I know it’s not polite, but it is true,” she added in her own defense.

“She’s got you there, Sunshine,” Brian said.

“It’s still not polite to say such a thing,” Justin complained.

“I know, Daddy, and I’ll be careful.  I want to have fun in Toronto, and I don’t think Miss Williams is going to tell us good places to go.”

“Okay, but I better not ever hear you say such a thing in front of other people,” Justin threatened.

“I won’t, Daddy.”

“And I don’t want to hear it from you either, Kinney.”

“Certainly not, master,” Brian said contritely.

“Good,” Justin replied.

“And I don’t want to hear it either, Squirt.  Even if I do say it myself … occasionally,” Brian muttered.

“I promise, Dada.  Can I run really fast to your gallery, Daddy?” Bree asked.  “It’s just up there, and I need exercise.”

“Do you now?” Justin asked with a chuckle.  “Okay, but stay on the sidewalk and don’t run into anybody.”

“Yay!” Bree yelled before she took off at breakneck speed towards the art gallery.

“That wasn’t much of a punishment for her,” Justin observed.

“She didn’t do anything so very terrible,” Brian replied.

“Not in your eyes, but if she’d said that at the gallery, I would have been mortified, and they probably would have thrown me and my paintings out,” Justin averred.

“You underestimate your importance, Sunshine,” Brian told his husband as they walked towards the gallery.

“I don’t think so.  But I don’t have an ego the size of France, like someone I know.”

“You should never think small.”

“I don’t think small,” Justin retorted.

Brian didn’t want to pursue that line of thinking.  The last thing he wanted was to fight, and that seemed to be the direction they were heading, so he said, “Bree knows right from wrong.  She’s a smart little girl, and I know she’ll do the right thing.”

“She has such wonderful role models in you and me,” Justin said ruefully as he shook his head.

“Yes she does,” Brian stated clearly.  “We’re honest and straightforward in our lives.  We’re not ashamed of who we are.  Maybe our … my … language isn’t always the best, but Bree knows that I don’t set out to hurt people.”

“We all know you do it for people’s own good.”

“Exactly,” Brian said before sucking in his lips.

“You’re so full of shit …. but you’re also right,” Justin agreed.

“We better get to the gallery.  Bree has disappeared inside.”

“Yeah,” Justin said.  “I’m sure she’ll be fine in the gallery.  They know who she is.”

“They being Miss Stick-up-her-ass Williams.”

“Stop it!” Justin ordered.

“Yes, master.”

Justin grabbed Brian’s hand and dragged him through the front door of the gallery.  There they found their daughter talking to the very woman with the stick up her ass.  Each of them sucked in a breath wondering what Bree was saying to Miss Williams.  They quickly walked over to the pair.

“You really should go up the CN Tower.  There’s a great view from up there,” Miss Williams was explaining.

“Can we do that, Dada?” Bree asked when she saw her fathers.

“I don’t see why not,” Justin said with a smile.  He was relieved.

“And Miss Williams said there is a really good zoo, and we should go to the ROM which is a really big museum and it’s not very far, and there’s a big park that way,” Bree said pointing, “with swings and slides and lots of good stuff, and…”

“Breathe, Squirt,” Brian commanded.

Bree stopped and took a deep breath.  “’Kay, Dada.”

“Good girl.”

“I hope Bree hasn’t been bothering you, Alicia,” Justin said.

“Not at all.  She’s a very well mannered little girl.  That’s to your credit, Mr. Taylor,” Alicia responded stiffly.

“Thank you, but my husband also has a lot to do with it.”

Brian couldn’t help but smirk after their previous conversation.  “I always do my best to educate the child properly,” he said formally.

Justin gave him a not too obvious elbow to the ribs.

“I’m so glad to hear that,” Alicia said.  “Nowadays many children are allowed to run wild.”

“We just let Bree run to the gallery,” Brian said facetiously.

“Huh?” Alicia asked not catching his meaning.

“Oh, nothing really,” Brian said gently.  The woman had been helpful.  “Which way was that park?”

“One block north and two west,” Alicia said precisely.

“Thanks,” Brian replied.  “What do you say we check it out, Squirt?”

“Yes, please,” Bree responded with a sunny smile.

“See you back at the hotel … soon,” Brian said making it clear that he did not want Justin spending every minute of his day at the fucking art gallery.

“Yes, sire,” Justin said softly with a charming grin.  He leaned up and kissed Brian’s cheek.  Miss Williams gave a nod of approval.

“Bye, Daddy,” Bree said reaching up for a hug and a kiss.

“See you later, sweetheart.”

“Come on, Dada, I want to swing and slide and teeter totter and…”

“You can do all of those,” Brian replied as Bree pulled him towards the front door of the gallery, “as long as you promise to breathe.”

“They’re quite charming,” Alicia observed as father and daughter left the building.

“I think so too,” Justin said with a warm smile.  “Thank you for suggesting the park and … the other attractions.”

“You really should take her to Niagara Falls,” Alicia told him.  “It’s only a couple of hours away, and it’s quite magnificent.”

“I’m sure it is,” Justin replied.

“And there’s so many theatre productions right now.  I can suggest the best ones.  I could also look into getting tickets for you.”

“Yes, thank you very much, but I need to get back to my paintings.  I’ll let you know,” Justin said as he quickly walked away.

What had happened to the prissy woman with a stick up her ass?  He shook his head in wonder.

*****

Canada is pretty.  Church Street reminds me of home.  I know Dada thinks so too.  He’s got that smile on his face, the one that he wears when he looks at my Daddy and then they disappear into their room and lock the door.  I asked Patrick what they do in their room all the time.  Patrick’s face just got red and all he told me is ‘adult stuff.’  I guess one day they’ll let me in on the big secret.  I asked Uncle John once and he sorta got red in the face too, and then he picked me up to sit on the counter.  My Uncle John is very strong like my Dada.  He said that my daddies were loving each other and sometimes they needed to do that in private.  I guess that makes sense cause sometimes I like to talk to grey bunny in private.  And sometimes I like to look at my Patrick in private when he’s not looking at me.  My Patrick is very special.

“Not interested,” Brian ground out, but trying to be somewhat polite about it.

“What did that man want, Dada?”

“Just asked for directions,” Brian fibbed.  He didn’t like lying but he wasn’t about to explain cruising or getting hit on to his nine year old daughter.  She’d learn all about that soon enough.  Brian wanted to preserve her innocence and his sanity for a little while longer.

“Oh.  How far is the park?” Bree quickly asked, changing the subject.

“Not far…” Brian began, trying to get his bearings.  “Over there,” he pointed.

“Yay!” Bree shouted urging her father to walk faster.  Brian accommodated her and soon they were at the park.  There were dozens of other kids in the enclosed play area so Brian felt confident enough to let Bree loose.

“Stay within sight,” Brian cautioned her as he found a shady bench. 

“I will!” Bree tossed over her shoulder as she ran for the nearest available swing.

With one eye on Bree, he dug into his man bag for the contract that he was going to have signed in the morning.  Brian wanted to be prepared, he didn’t like surprises.

“Which one’s yours?” a handsome man asked as he sat nearby about an hour later.  Brian quickly checked him out then looked up to reassure himself that Bree was still safely in sight.  Bree caught her Dada’s eye and waved madly at him.  Brian smiled and waved back.

“She’s beautiful.  The one on the top of the big slide is mine,” the stranger said.  Brian looked toward the slide just in time to see a cute red headed boy slide down as fast as he could.  He landed with a thud at the bottom of the slide onto the sand covered cushioned ground.  The kid laughed, obviously doing it on purpose.  He stood, dusted himself off then got back in the line to head down the tall slide again.

“Every time he does that I think he’s going to break his butt then I think to myself, I did the same exact thing here when I was a kid.  I just gotta get over myself, ya know?” 

Brian nodded. “Being a parent makes you rethink a lot of things,” Brian admitted.

“Yes, it does.  I’m Joel, by the way,” Joel said as he held out his hand.  Brian looked at the man for a second but didn’t sense anything menacing.

“Brian,” he said as he shook the proffered hand.  “Where does your son get his hair from?”  Brian asked noting that Joel was a brunet, similar coloring to his own hair.

“My partner’s the bio dad.  We used a surrogate who also had red hair,” Joel said with a smile.  Brian nodded.  He and Justin did the same.  “You too?”  Brian nodded again then took out his wallet.  Joel did the same then the proud dads oohed, ahhed, and cooed over their perfect kids.

“Big age gap,” Joel noted when he saw a photo of Gus.  “Jeez, triplets!”  Joel laughed when he saw a picture of the “Kinney” men, all dressed up looking exceptionally dapper at a formal function.  John, Brian and Gus indeed looked like they were cut from the same cloth.  “Bet that leads to some interesting conversations,” Joel said knowingly. 

Brian snickered.  “Yeah, I had a bit of a rep back home.  My brother got hit on constantly.  Drove him nuts until they realized there were really two of us.  And my brother wasn’t into that life.”

“And your son?”

“He’s in college and doesn’t have time for fooling around.  Besides, he’s exclusive with his boyfriend.”  Brian rolled his eyes when he said boyfriend.  Joel nodded with acknowledgement.  “I know, he’s young but he’s happy.”

“That’s all that matters,” Joel agreed.

There was a lull in the conversation for a while so Brian finished reviewing his contract then safely tucked it into his bag.

“You here on business or pleasure?” Joel asked.  Brian arched a brow.  “I ask because David and I come here practically every day and I’ve never seen you before.”

“A little of both.  I’m seeing a client in the morning,” Brian explained as he patted his bag.  “My partner has an art exhibition opening at the end of the week.  We decided to make it a family trip,” Brian said as he flicked his eyes toward Bree.

“Oh man, I thought you looked familiar.  Justin Taylor is your partner, right?  I was privileged to catch a show of his in New York and you were there.  He’s opening up here?!  That’s wonderful; he has a very large fan base here.  I’m sure his work will go over well.”

“Thank you,” Brian could only say.  It still shocked him that he was recognized as well.  Brian got an odd satisfaction from being Justin’s partner instead of Brian Kinney and his blond trick.  Brian snorted to himself.  He had it bad.

The two dads turned their attention back to their kids.

*****

“Would you play on the seesaw with me?” Bree asked coyly, batting her large violet blue eyes at the boy.

“The what?” the red headed boy asked.  Bree pointed.  “Oh, the teeter-totter.”  David nodded his head and they took off quickly running to the seesaw before another set of kids could get to it.

“Where’re you from?” David asked as he held his end of the seesaw while Bree got on.

“America,” Bree said when she was properly seated.

“Where in America?” 

“Pittsburgh,” Bree said.  Most people had heard of Pittsburgh, it was easier to say than trying to explain her little lane.

“Oh.  That’s not too far,” David commented when he got on then leaned back a little to help compensate for differences in their weight.  He pushed off the ground so he could swing upward.  Bree’s feet landed solidly on the ground.  Her strong soccer toned legs easily took the jarring.  She then pushed herself off the ground.

“Are you here with your Mommy?” Bree asked.

“No, my Dad,” David replied, he would have pointed but he had to hang on.

“Me too!” Bree said.  “I’m Briana Victoria Kinney-Taylor, what’s your name?”

“I’m David.  Does everyone call you Briana Victoria Kinney-Taylor?” David said after taking a deep breath.

“Nooo,” Bree said after rolling her eyes.  “They mostly call me Bree.”

“Can I call you Bree?” David politely asked.

“Yes, you may,” Bree said with her best smile.  She liked that David was polite.

They teetered up and down for a while longer then decided they needed to climb on the jungle gym.  As they carefully got off the seesaw, a misdirected soccer ball bounced over the fence and rolled in front of Bree.

“Can you send it back, please?” an older kid shouted at Bree.  Bree got a very competitive gleeful look to her eyes.  She quickly guided the ball closer to the fence with her feet then bounced it high off her knee so she could send the ball back over the fence with her head.  David gaped at her with wide eyes as the older kids cheered.

“You’re good,” the older kid called over to her.  “We’ll be back tomorrow if you want to play,” the kid said noting that Bree really wasn’t wearing clothes for soccer.

“Really?”  Bree wasn’t sure if the kids meant it.  They were several years older.

“Really.  We start practice at ten.  We have a game later but we practice around ten.”

“Okay, but I have to ask my Da…my father,” Bree replied trying to sound a bit older.

“See ya tomorrow,” the kid said sincerely.

“Bye!”  Bree waved.

“You play soccer?” David asked with new respect for the petite blond girl.

“Sure.  My Dada taught me.  He won trophies in college.  I’m going to win them too.”  Bree had trophies that she won in other tournaments but she thought those were for kids.  She wanted a trophy like her father won at Penn State.

Bree and David climbed all over the jungle gym until David’s father called him over.  It was getting close to dinnertime and they had to go.  Bree and David said goodbye and made a tentative play date.  Brian shook Joel’s hand before they parted company.

“Did you have fun?” Brian asked as they began to walk toward the hotel.

“Oh yes, Dada!  I had the bestest time,” Bree beamed.  “My new friend, David, is very nice.  Can we come back tomorrow at ten?  Those kids want me to practice soccer with them.  Pleeezzz, Dada!” Bree pleaded.

“I’m not sure, Squirt.  I have a meeting in the morning,” Brian answered as he stood on the corner of the street deciding which way to go.

“Oh,” Bree said, her face visibly falling.

“Let me think about it and check my schedule before you get all sad, okay, Squirt?”

“Okay, Dada.”  Bree perked up a bit.  If there was a way for Brian Kinney to be in two places at once, he would, especially for Bree.  Bree skipped along by her father’s side back to the hotel.

*****

“Hey, Sunshine!” Brian called out when he entered their hotel suite.  Justin was sitting in the main room studying a brochure from the gallery.

“You’re late, I was sure you’d beat me back,” Justin said as he stood to get a hello kiss from his spouse.  Bree squiggled in between them to get kisses of her own.  “I was about to send out a search party,” Justin teased.

“Miss Thing here, was very busy making friends and organizing soccer practice,” Brian teased back.

“Oh Dada!” Bree said with a roll of her eyes.  “But, Daddy, I did meet a boy named David and he played on the seesaw with me and some older kids do want me to come back in the morning so I can practice with them.  Can I?  Pleeezzz?”  Bree batted her blue eyes at both her parents.

“I don’t have a problem with that but my meeting’s at eight,” Brian explained.  “If I get done fast enough, I can take you.  The office is close by.”

“I can go as your assistant,” Bree suggested, in a very business-like manner.  Justin stifled a laugh.  Brian sucked in his lips.

“Did you bring business-like clothes?” Brian asked in all seriousness.

“Yes, Dada,” Bree assured him.

“Well, then, Miss Bree, you can be my official Kinnetik assistant on this trip,” Brian said as he grabbed Justin’s wrist to check his watch then he picked up the room phone to call Cynthia.  “Cyn, I have Miss Briana Victoria Kinney-Taylor, my assistant, here.  Can you bring her up to speed regarding our client?  Yes, that’s what I said,” Brian responded in answer to Cynthia’s question.  “Just fax it here.”  Brian read off the number the concierge had given him.  There was a fax in the office part of their suite.  “Thanks, Cyn.  I’ll let you know how it goes.  Here she is,” Brian said then handed the phone to Bree.

“Hi, Miss Cynthia,” Bree said into the phone then sat to listen to what Cynthia was telling her.

“Are you sure about this?” Justin asked Brian while Brian changed his clothes.

“No, I’m not sure but the purpose of this trip is to mix business with pleasure and spend time with you and Bree.  Right now this is the best I can come up with.”

“She could come with me,” Justin offered. 

“She could but then she’d grow bored and think of more colorful phrases to describe Miss Williams.  We have a more serious problem to discuss right now,” Brian said before Justin could lecture him about his evil ways.

“What’s that?” Justin asked softly as he wrapped his arms around Brian’s trim waist and leaned his head on Brian’s chest.

“What to do about dinner,” Brian whispered as he hugged back. 

Up, Up and Away

Chapter 3

I’m hungry and my daddies are locked in their room.  I can hear them laughing.  I like it when they’re happy, it makes me happy too.  But I’m hungry, my tummy’s making noises.  Maybe I can get them to notice me.  Daddy told me to take a shower before dinner.  I played a lot at the park, so I was stinky. <giggle>  Dada got that look in his eye when Daddy said the word shower.  Dada thought a shower was a great idea so he grabbed my Daddy’s hand and took him to their room.  I heard their shower go on so I went to take mine.  But they weren’t ready when I came out of my room.

“Quit it, Brian,” Bree heard her Daddy say with a giggle when she stood at their door.  Bree heard her Dada murmur something softly to her Daddy and then her Daddy whispered her Dada’s name.

“Dada?  Daddy?” Bree called out as she knocked on the door. “Dada, I’m hungry.”  All noises stopped coming from her fathers’ room.

“We’ll be right out, Squirt!” Bree heard her Dada say.  Bree smiled to herself then went back to the living room to sit on the sofa and wait.  Within minutes her daddies were in the living room and dressed for dinner.

“Sorry, Baby Girl,” Justin said breathlessly as he leaned down to give Bree a kiss. 

“You ready, Squirt?” Brian asked Bree as he scooped her up into his arms and swung her around.  Bree laughed wildly.  Justin shook his head at Brian’s antics.  Bree continued to laugh until Brian stopped and held the petite child close to his chest.  Bree hugged her father tightly.

For the briefest of moments, Brian allowed himself to revel in his emotions.  Bree was his little girl and growing up fast.  Soon their baby girl would be a ‘tweener’ and soon after that, all grown up.  Brian sighed as he buried his face in Bree’s baby fine strawberry blond hair.  Sensing her Dada just needed a little extra love, Bree hugged him harder.  Brian slowly extended one arm, Justin immediately went to him, completing their little circle.

“Okay?” Justin asked softly then, barely getting a nod in response.

“I’m ready for dinner, Dada,” Bree said quietly.  “Where are we going to eat?” Bree asked, still safe within her father’s strong arms.

“Good question,” Brian said after he cleared his throat.  “We have a very early day tomorrow.”

“This hotel has an excellent restaurant according to their ratings.  Why don’t we go down there?”  Justin suggested.

“Great idea, Sunshine,” Brian said as he gave Justin a squeeze and then a kiss to the top of the blond head.

After giving Bree one more hug and a kiss, Brian gently put her down.  Each taking a hand, the fathers led their daughter out of their room and down to dinner.

***** 

“Good evening, sirs,” the maitre d’ said as the family approached the doorway of the main dining room in the hotel.

“Evening,” Brian replied making it clear to the man that he was the one to deal with.  “Table for three.”

“Do you have a reservation?” the man asked.

“No.”

“Hm.”  The maitre d’ scanned some papers in front of him.  All of the family could see several empty tables just waiting for diners to arrive.  “Perhaps the young lady would be more comfortable at the café than in our main dining area,” he said after a few seconds.

“The young lady likes this place just fine … that is, provided we get seated promptly,” Brian added with emphasis on ‘promptly’.  He wasn’t sure if he was dealing with a homophobe or someone who hated kids.  Either way he didn’t like it.

“Of course, sir,” the man said.  “Follow me.”

Brian gave Justin a look as they proceeded to the designated table.  It was off in a corner, but not in front of the kitchen door which Brian would not have put up with.  He thought the maitre d’ was probably placing them strategically so that they would not be visible to most of the restaurant.

“Is this table satisfactory, sir?” the man asked as he set down the menus at their place settings.

“If the table wasn’t satisfactory, I’d certainly let you know,” Brian stated before pulling out his chair.

The maitre d’ held the chair for Bree, making sure she was close enough to the table once she was seated.  That gave him a slight upgrade from Brian’s first impression of the man.

“Thank you,” Bree said with a smile.

“You’re most welcome,” the maitre d’ replied once he realized that Bree possessed some good manners.

“My name is Briana Victoria Kinney-Taylor,” Bree stated.  “What’s your name?”

The man looked surprised but he quickly replied, “Rudolph.”

Brian groaned inwardly, thinking that Bree would probably make some comment like “Just like the reindeer.” After all that’s what he was thinking.

“Thank you, Mr. Rudolph,” Bree repeated.  “We’re going to be here for several days, so maybe we’ll see you again.  I like to know people’s names.”

Rudolph couldn’t prevent the small smile that curled the corners of his mouth.  “It will be my pleasure to seat you whenever you grace our restaurant, Miss Briana,” Rudolph replied.  He smiled his approval of Bree’s manners at Brian and Justin.

“You can call me Bree, everybody does.”

“Certainly, Miss Bree.”

Bree smiled up at the man, earning a smile in return.  Brian wondered how often Rudolph ever smiled at his customers, or how often he actually had a conversation with them.

“I’ll send your waiter, Shaun, right over,” Rudolph said, “so that you may order drinks if you wish.”  He hustled away after a brief tip of his head.

“Well that was … interesting,” Brian observed as he picked up his menu.

“Interesting?” Justin asked.  “I thought we were going to be turned away.”

“I have to say I did too … for just a moment,” Brian agreed.  “Bree, where did you learn to ask people’s names like that?”  Brian was curious.  It certainly wasn’t something he ever did.  He could have cared less.

“Miss Cynthia told me that I should always introduce myself when clients came into Kinnetik.  It makes them feel more at ease knowing who they are talking to,” Bree explained sensibly.

“Well, you certainly made an impression on Rudolph,” Justin said.

Bree giggled.  “I wanted to ask him if he was named after Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, but I didn’t think that would be polite.”

“Good restraint,” Brian stated with a smile of approval.

Justin gave him a raised eyebrow while Brian merely smirked.

“Good evening, I’ll be serving you tonight,” a youngish man said as he arrived at their table.  “My name is Shaun.”

“Hi, I’m Briana Victoria Kinney-Taylor,” Bree replied.

“Nice to meet you, Miss Briana,” Shaun replied with a genuine smile.  “Would you like anything to drink before your meal?”

“Do you have a nice beer on tap?” Brian asked.

“Alexander Keith is very popular,” Shaun answered.

“I’ll have that.”

“Me too,” Justin said.

“And for the young lady?” Shaun asked.

“What can I have, Dada?” Bree questioned her father, a frown creasing her brow.  She didn’t want water or orange juice.

“We make an excellent Shirley Temple,” Shaun suggested.

“Yes, please,” Bree responded.  She liked the sound of that.

“I’ll be back in a couple of minutes with your drinks,” Shaun stated.  “Oh, and the fish special is pickerel and ribs for the main course.”  Shaun walked away having told his charges their other options.

“I think I’ll have ribs,” Justin said.  “I haven’t had those in a long time.”

“Can I have ribs?” Bree asked.

“They’re awfully messy, Bree,” Justin warned.

“I’ll be careful, Daddy,” Bree promised.  “They sound really good.”

“Okay,” Justin gave in.  “What are you going to have, Brian?”

“I think I’ll try the fish.  I don’t know if I’ve ever had pickerel before.”

“Here are your drinks,” Shaun said as he returned to the table with a tray of glasses.  For my lady,” he added with a bow as he placed a glass full of a red liquid in front of Bree.  “I hope it meets with your approval.”

Bree giggled before taking a sip.  “Yum,” she replied.  “Excellent suggestion.”

“I’m so glad it meets with your approval,” Shaun grinned as he set the two beers in front of the men.  “Are you ready to order?”

“Yes, I believe so,” Brian said.

“I’ll have the pickerel, Justin and Bree will have the ribs.”

“We can make a child sized portion for the young lady, if you wish,” Shaun suggested.

“That would be a good idea,” Brian agreed.

“Yes, we hate to waste food,” Justin added.

“We do?” Brian asked with a raised eyebrow.  “I thought you always enjoyed whatever was left on the plates.”

“A-hole,” Justin mouthed while Shaun stifled a chuckle.

Once they had all their choices made for potatoes and veggies, Shaun headed for the kitchen to place their order.

The Kinney-Taylor family had a leisurely dinner, enjoying all their food.  They talked about plans for the next day, and how Bree would take her soccer clothes in her messenger bag to the business meeting in the morning.  Hopefully, if all went well, Bree would be able to get to her 10 o’clock soccer practice.

“Daddy,” Bree said after a while, “I’m full.  Do you want the rest of my ribs?”

“Sure, sweetheart,” Justin replied, before turning to glare at his smirking husband.  “I hope that pickerel is sitting like a glutinous lump in your gut,” Justin added with pretend malice.

“Actually, it was very light and delicious,” Brian responded with that supercilious look on his face that would make his enemies want to drive a stake through his heart.  Justin merely laughed.  “You are supposed to be duly chastised by my words.  You’re not supposed to laugh,” Brian told him.

“Sorry to disappoint you, O Great King of Snark, but I memorized the Kinney Operating Manual many years ago, and it will take much more than those feeble words to get to me.”

Brian shook his head and grinned at his husband.  Justin smiled regally and enjoyed his moment of triumph.

“Daddy, Dada, you guys are silly,” Bree professed.

“You think so?” Brian asked in mock astonishment.  “I would have thought that you would be onto me like your father is.”

“Huh?” Bree said not getting what her father meant.

“Ignore him, sweetheart,” Justin warned his daughter.  “He is very silly.”

“I thought so,” Bree replied.

Justin finished his daughter’s remaining ribs.  Shaun came to clear their plates.

“Can I offer you coffee or dessert, or an after dinner drink?” Shaun asked.

“I’m stuffed,” Justin said squelching a belch that threatened to escape.

“Me too, Daddy,” Bree agreed.

“Me three,” Brian threw in.  “Just bring us the bill.”

“Of course,” Shaun said balancing his load of plates on his arm.

“I could use some exercise,” Justin said while they waited for the bill.  “Maybe we should go for a walk.”

“I don’t know about that,” Brian said.  “Bree’s had a busy day already.”

“I’m good, Dada.  Let’s walk.”

Brian took the bill from Shaun, noting that Bree’s dinner was half the price of the adult meals.  He appreciated that Shaun had made that effort for them.  He added a generous tip and signed the check.

“I hope to see you again,” Shaun said as he picked up the folder containing the bill.

“Me too,” Bree replied.

Brian and Justin smiled and nodded before they headed to the exit where Rudolph was still at his station.

“I hope you all enjoyed your meal,” he said.

“Oh yes, Mr. Rudolph,” Bree responded.  “I had ribs and a Shirley Temple.”

“Excellent choice,” Rudolph affirmed.

“I enjoyed my meal very much too, thank you,” Justin added.  Brian merely nodded as they left.

They walked up and down the street outside their hotel looking at the bright lights of the city.  They could see the CN Tower lit up in the distance, and they decided that would be a definite stop when they had some free time.

After a walk of a few blocks in each direction they returned to the lobby.  Justin took Bree up to their suite while Brian spoke with the concierge.  He wanted to make some arrangements to do some of the things they had talked about.  He particularly liked the idea of a trip to Niagara Falls, and the concierge provided some possible ways of doing that.  When Brian returned to the suite, Bree was asleep in her room, and Justin was dozing in their bed.  Brian decided an early night was the best thing for all of them.  He headed to the shower.

*****

Brian’s second shower of the evening wasn’t nearly as exciting as his first, but with Bree asleep and Justin almost there, Brian used his time in the shower to meditate over his agenda.  Under the cool water that was sluicing over his body, Brian pondered his situation.  If he was honest with himself he’d have to admit he was a little nervous.  Brian hadn’t been asked to close a deal in a long time.  His people always closed their own contracts but Mr. Waldon had asked for Brian specifically.  Brian’s suspicious nature had made sure he had all the facts on one Philip Waldon, head of Waldon Industries.  Philip Waldon, a self-made millionaire, was the manufacturer of all sorts of components that went into everyday items.  It was Kinnetik’s job to make the components look sexy.  Well if anyone could make a diode look sexy it was Kinnetik!

Brian turned off the water and grabbed a towel to wipe himself down.  He frowned at the towel for a split second; it was good quality but not the best that Brian had in his home.  Brian chuckled to himself.  Gods!  He was a snob.  The once poor trash from the wrong side of the tracks was now such a snob that he was critiquing bath towels.  Brian stared at his reflection in the mirror.

“Not bad,” he murmured at his relatively unlined face.  He turned slightly to examine his profile.  There were a few lines near the corners of his eyes.  He smiled making the lines more prominent.

“Laugh lines.  Who’d ever have thought Brian Kinney would have laugh lines.”  Brian snorted.

Brian went into the bedroom and stood at the edge of the bed for a few minutes.  Justin looked like a lost angel in the large bed, buried under the blanket.  It was August but the air conditioner was keeping the room very cool.  Brian smiled, Justin still look like that sweet seventeen year old trick that never went away.  Brian contemplated getting into bed but decided against it.  He wanted to go over the Waldon contracts and campaign one more time.  He threw on his old faded jeans and a wifebeater then went to the living room area of the suite.  He called room service for a pot of coffee then checked on Bree one more time before opening his briefcase to take out his contracts and laptop. 

Brian was halfway through the contract when there was a gentle knock on the door.

“Room Service!” came the announcement as Brian went to open the door.   Brian smirked and cocked his head as the good looking waiter pushed a cart with a silver coffee service through the door.  The waiter was going over Brian with an appreciative eye.

“On the table,” Brian said with a slight purr.  He could see the waiter take a gulp of air but quickly recovered so that he could set up the tray on the table that Brian was working from.

“Anything else I can do for you, sir?  I’ll be working all night,” the waiter added as he pushed his cart toward the door.

“No thank you,” Brian replied politely as he signed the check then gave the waiter a generous tip for putting up with the teasing.

“If you change your mind, just ask for Gregory,” the waiter said with his sexiest smile.  Brian just nodded as he shut the door behind the waiter then followed the aroma of the fine coffee to the table and to the business at hand.

With all thoughts of flirty waiters gone, Brian poured his first cup, added his pound of sugar and got back to work.

***** 

“What time is it?” a mumbled voice from under the blanket asked.  Brian glanced at the clock on the bedside table.

“Just after one, sorry I woke you,” Brian replied softly as he scooted under the blanket toward Justin.  Brian knew he’d get a good solid six hours sleep; he was very satisfied with the campaign and the contracts.  “Go back to sleep.”

“Love you,” Justin murmured as he leaned close to Brian then kissed the nearest available piece of Brian his lips could find.

“Love you too, Sunshine,” Brian murmured as he wrapped his longer frame around his mate then followed him into sleep.

*****

“Mr. Waldon, Brian Kinney and my assistant Miss Briana Victoria Kinney-Taylor,” Brian boldly told Philip Waldon with an outstretched arm as they were shown into the man’s office.  Waldon stood and stepped around his desk to greet Brian and Bree.

“Mr. Kinney,” Waldon said formally and then extended his hand toward Bree.  “And Miss Kinney-Taylor, very nice to meet you.  I’ve heard good things about you from Cynthia Morgan.”

“Briana is acting as my assistant on this trip,” Brian said proudly and with just enough of an edge in his voice, waiting for the challenge he thought might come.

“It’s very gratifying knowing that your children are interested in your work,” Waldon commented without losing a beat.  “My daughter interned here while she was in high school.  She wants a job when she’s done at university.  She’ll have to earn it, of course.”

“Of course,” Brian agreed. 

Bree stayed quiet, sensing this was an adult moment.  She primly sat in the offered chair, sitting straight up then taking out a small notepad and pen to make notes of the meeting like Cynthia had taught her.  Brian nodded his approval, sitting in his own chair then swinging his briefcase onto his lap.  The meeting commenced with little further fanfare.

“Would you care for a tour of the plant?” Waldon offered after the contracts were signed, sealed and exchanged much to everyone’s satisfaction.

“We have time for a quick one.  Bree has an engagement at ten,” Brian added with mirth.  Waldon raised his eyebrows.  “She made some friends yesterday at the park and they’ve invited her to play soccer,” Brian added.

“I see.  Healthy exercise is a good idea, especially nowadays when kids plant themselves in front of the TV or the computer for hours,” Waldon commented.  “We’ll make this an abbreviated tour so that Miss Briana can make her engagement,” Waldon stated with a twinkle in his eyes.  He and Brian exchanged a knowing look then Bree and Brian followed Waldon through a small part of his plant.

“The labels are color coded,” Bree stated.  For some reason she was drawn to the color of the packaging. 

“Yes, the color indicates the size or the power of the component inside,” the plant foreman explained.

“Oh,” Bree said as she examined the open package the foreman handed to her.  Brian sucked in his lips and waited.  He had noted the look on Bree’s face.  He had seen that look hundreds of times on his own face when he was working out a campaign or on Justin’s face when he had a project in mind.  Brian called it an “aha!” look. 

Bree peered into the box then took out the plain black diode.  “Wouldn’t it be pretty if the diode matched the color of the label?” Bree murmured more to herself than anyone else.

“That’s an interesting idea, Miss Briana,” Waldon said to her.  “And what would we do with colorful components?” he asked in all seriousness.  Bree looked to her father for affirmation. She smiled when Brian nodded.

“Lots of electrical things are made see-through and with lots of colored lights.  It would be pretty if the other com-po-nents matched,” Bree said, carefully pronouncing her words.  “Or maybe toys where all the colors are the same,” Bree murmured.

“That’s a very interesting idea, Miss Briana.  If we decide to pursue that line, we’ll have to cut you in on the proceeds,” Waldon said with a wink.

“Thank you,” Bree said, not quite sure what she was thanking Mr. Waldon for, but it sounded right.

Brian took a quick look at a clock on the wall.  There was just enough time for Bree to change and for them to get a quick snack and then get to the park.  Brian had them driven to the appointment so they wouldn’t have to rush anywhere.

“Thank you, Miss Briana, it was a pleasure meeting you and your father,” Waldon said as he shook her hand.  “I look forward to a very profitable association,” Waldon stated as he firmly shook Brian’s hand.

“Welcome to the Kinnetik family,” Brian said warmly returning the handshake.  As Philip Waldon showed them out, he pointed down the street. 

“There’s a nice friendly diner just at the corner, if Miss Briana would care for a snack before she hits the soccer field.”

“Great idea,” Brian confirmed.  “Thank you again.”  Brian signaled to his driver then led Bree down the street.

Waldon and his foreman watched Kinney and Bree walk down the street.  “You know that is a good idea the kid has,” the foreman said to Waldon.

“Yes, it is.  I’ve seen similar products but didn’t think it was worth making the change, although it wouldn’t be that expensive.  Alison thought we should have gimmicks when we go to the trade shows.  Maybe mock up diodes in different colors with the matching LED lights.”

“Yeah,” the foreman agreed with an enthusiastic smile.  “Could be a sideline toy for our clients,” he added thinking out loud.

“Hmm,” Waldon mumbled as Brian and Bree disappeared from view.

Up, Up and Away

Chapter 4

“They’re over there, Dada.”  Bree pointed to the soccer field filled with kids adjacent to the playground.  “Should I go?” Bree asked her father, a little uncertain of herself.  The kids were strangers and older than her, they certainly were much bigger than Bree.

Brian, who had changed out of his suit at the diner, led Bree toward the soccer field.  They stood at the sidelines for a few minutes watching the kids play.  There was an extra ball leaning up against the fence.  Brian picked it up then took Bree further down the field.

“Let’s show them your stuff, Squirt.  I guarantee they’ll come to you,” Brian said with confidence.

Brian began to put Bree through her paces.  A natural competitiveness had developed between the two of them.  Brian didn’t hold back, but he did shorten his movements to compensate for their size difference.  Within minutes they garnered an audience.

“You’re good,” one of the kids called out to Bree.  “You want to play with us for a while?  Show us some of your moves?”  Bree stopped running and smiled brilliantly.  “You her coach?” the kid asked Brian.  Brian nodded.

“My Da...”

“Yes, I am, and Bree wouldn’t mind practicing with you guys for a while,” Brian said, interrupting before Bree could go on about Brian’s soccer past and trophies.

“Cool!” the kid exclaimed as they all went back to the main practice field.  Brian stood on the sidelines watching his little soccer star run circles around her opponents.

“She’s good,” Joel, the man Brian had met the other day commented from the other side of the fence.

“Yes, she is,” Brian replied honestly as he turned to see Joel.  “Does your son play?”  David was currently on a swing.

“He’s more into hockey,” Joel boasted.  Brian nodded then sighed to himself.  He could handle having a soccer star in the family; he wasn’t too fond of hockey.  “No potential hockey stars in your family?” Joel asked with a smirk.

“Not that I know of.  My son’s a computer geek and my nephew is trying to be Goose Gossage.  Other than him, there’s no sporting stars in the family.”

“No artists?”  Joel cocked his head toward Bree who just happened to score a goal.  Brian cheered as he clapped his hands.

“Actually Bree is quite the little artist.  She likes to paint with her father.  And my son the geek is not only getting his MBA at Penn but he’s also finishing up a degree at PIFA,” Brian said proudly. 

“Talk about over achiever!”

“Yeah, well...”

“Heads up!”  A shout got Brian’s attention just as a wayward ball hurtled toward him.  Brian skillfully deflected the ball with his head back into play.  With that, the practice came to a halt.

“Did you see me, Dada?”  Bree came running over then threw herself into Brian’s arms.

“Yes, I did, Squirt, and you were great,” Brian said as he hugged his sweaty little soccer player.  Bree and Brian said goodbye to the kids as they each gathered up their stuff and walked off the field.  The soccer players let Bree know that she would be welcome at their next practice. 

“Can I, Dada?” Bree asked Brian with large hopeful eyes.

“Let’s consult the family calendar before we make any commitments,” Brian stated.

“Okay, Dada.  Can I play with David for a while?” Bree asked.  She saw David on a swing.

“Sure,” Brian said as he carried her to the playground, not willing to let Bree go just yet.  When they entered the playground, Brian gave Bree a peck to her head then set her free.  Bree ran over to her new friend to play.  “I don’t think I ever had that much energy,” Brian mumbled to himself as he and Joel found an empty bench.  Joel made noises of agreement as he sat to watch the kids play.

*****

“Hey,” Justin greeted Brian as he walked toward the bench Brian and Joel had commandeered.

“Hey,” Brian replied with a smile and a discreet kiss to Justin’s cheek.  “What time is it?” Brian asked as he grabbed Justin’s wrist.  It was close to two.  “I’m surprised someone’s stomach hasn’t complained,” Brian managed to say just as Bree ran over to announce...

“Hi, Daddy!  This is my new friend David and we’re hungry,” Bree exclaimed, her cheeks were flush from exercise.  David smiled shyly as the three fathers laughed.

“I think lunch is a great idea.  It’s actually the reason why I escaped from the gallery.  I think I’ve had enough of Miss Williams for a while,” Justin explained.

“There’s a nice diner not too far from here or we can go back to Woody’s?” Brian suggested.

“They do make a mean burger,” Joel stated with authority.  David nodded.

“Woody’s it is,” Justin said as they gathered up their things and walked out of the park.

*****

The small group was crowded around a table at Woody’s, everyone munching on a burger, except for Brian who had ordered his usual turkey on whole wheat with no mayo.  He was, however, snatching a French fry every now and then off Bree’s plate.

“So what do you do, Joel?” Justin asked when he slowed down enough to swallow and clear his mouth.

“I’m a writer.”

“A writer?” Justin questioned.  “What kind of books?”

“Mostly children’s books at the moment, but like any writer, I have a great American novel that I’m working on.”  Joel gave a nervous little chuckle as he admitted this.

“What’s it about?” Justin asked as he finished off his burger.

“I really feel funny discussing it with someone I don’t know very well.  It’s very personal,” Joel said softly.  He seemed to regret not being able to be more forthright.

“I understand,” Justin replied quickly.  “My artwork is very personal.”

“But you don’t mind putting my di… bodily parts out there for the world to see,” Brian threw in.

“Yeah, like you’re so bashful,” Justin said with a grin.  Brian smirked in reply.

“I’ve seen some of your paintings of your husband,” Joel said with a grin.  Brian groaned.  “You’re quite beautiful, Mr. Kinney.”

“If you’ve seen my … parts, you can at least call me Brian.”

“Of course … Brian.”

I wish they’d talk about something other than Dada’s body.  I know what he looks like, but strangers always seem to talk about those pictures.  They wink and laugh.  I don’t like it.  My Daddy paints lots of other things that are just as good, or maybe better.

I wish there was something me and David could do while they talk.  Maybe he has some ideas.

Bree leaned over and whispered to David.  After a moment she sat up and smiled.

“Dada?”

“Yes, Squirt.”

“David and me don’t want to listen to you talk about body parts.  He said he’ll show me how to play pool.  Can I, Dada, please?”

“Do you play pool, David?” Brian asked.

“Yes, sir.  My dads taught me.”

“Be careful that you don’t rip the felt,” Joel cautioned his son.  “You may need a chair for Bree.”

“I don’t need no chair,” Bree protested.

“Yes you do, Squirt, and listen to what David tells you,” Brian admonished.  He fully intended keeping a close eye on his daughter and her new “teacher”.

They all watched as David took Bree to an empty table.  He selected cues for them and set up the balls.  They could see David explaining what he was doing and how to hold the cue.  Bree climbed up on a chair so that she could lean over the table and line up a shot.  David had her break, and she did not a half bad job of it.  She looked at her Dada for approval and he winked at her in reply.

“They’ll be fine,” Joel said.  “David’s been playing for over a year.  He’s getting quite good at it.”

The men sat back and relaxed, each keeping one eye on the children.

“So, what’s your partner’s name?” Justin asked.

Joel took a drink of his Diet Coke.  “Andrew.”

“What does he do?” Brian decided to ask.

“Andrew is an accountant.”

“An accountant?” Brian said with disbelief.

“Yes, an accountant,” Joel replied rather testily.  “Is that a problem?”

“No, no, not at all,” Brian reassured him.  “One of our … friends is an accountant.”

“Our good friend, Ted, is an accountant,” Justin corrected.  “He works at Kinnetik with Brian.”

“How do you find working with friends?” Joel asked.  “I could see where that might cause some problems.”

“Ted is indispensible.  He’s the CFO at Kinnetik.  He also does a lot more than that.  I’d say he’s one of the most valuable people who work for me,” Brian said honestly.

“That’s quite a testimonial,” Joel observed.

“Yeah, I guess it is,” Brian responded as he thought about what he had just revealed about Ted’s value to him at Kinnetik.  And that said nothing about his value as a friend.

*****

David’s really good at pool.  I’m much taller when I’m up on this chair.  I wonder if I can learn to play pool while we’re in Toronto, and then I can beat my Patrick when we go home.  I’d like that.

I think my cue is too long, but they don’t have anything shorter.  David says I can do it though.  I guess I just have to try harder.

“Let the cue slide in and out of your fingers till you get the feel of it,” David instructed.

Bree tried what the boy suggested.  It felt funny but she saw the logic of what he was having her do.

“When do I get to hit a ball?” Bree asked after a couple of minutes of practicing with the cue.

“In a minute,” David said as he watched her.  Bree kept sliding the cue between her fingers.  “That’s good,” David finally said.  “Now point your cue at that ball.”  David pointed at a colorful ball that Bree was to try to hit.

“How do you know which one to pick?” Bree asked while she tried to get the cue lined up with the ball he had pointed to.

“You’ll learn to look at the whole table and pick which balls you can get in the pocket real easy.”

“Oh.  Should I try to hit the ball now?”

“No.”

“Why not?” Bree asked with a frown.

“If I drew a line along your pool cue and followed it to the ball and then beyond, where would it end up?” he asked.

“Um…”  Bree studied what he was talking about.  “It would hit that side over there.”  Bree pointed to where she thought the ball would go.

“That’s right,” David agreed.  “But that’s not where you want it to go.  We want to get it in that pocket over there.”

“Oh.”  Bree rethought what she was doing and how she was aiming at the ball.

“My dad says it’s all a matter of mathematics,” David stated sagely.

“That’s what my Patrick says about throwing a baseball sometimes,” Bree added.  She pointed the cue, drew back and hit the ball.  It almost went into the pocket, but hit at just the wrong angle and bounced away.  “Bad,” Bree said dejectedly.

“That’s pretty good, Bree.  Sometimes people can’t make it go anywhere on their first try.”

“So I did good?”

“You did very good.”

“Thanks,” Bree said giving David one of her best smiles.  Pleased with what she had accomplished, Bree sat down on her chair.  “Do you have a grandma?” Bree asked.

David shook his head.  “My dads told me that their parents are all gone.”

“Oh.  My Dada’s mother passed away last year.  I miss her so much.  We used to travel together.  She went to New York with me.  We did lots of stuff together.”

“That’s too bad.”

“Yeah,” Bree agreed.

“Is the lesson over?” Brian asked as he approached the pool table.

“I hit the ball and almost got it in the … pocket,” Bree informed him.

“That’s good, Squirt.  It’s not easy to get it to go where you want it to when you’re just starting.”

“She did good,” David said.

“Sounds like she had a good teacher,” Brian said ruffling David’s red hair.

“Do you want to play?” Bree asked.

“Not right now.  Daddy has to get back to the gallery,” Brian explained.

“It’s time to go,” Joel told his son as he and Justin joined them. “We were thinking about taking David to Niagara Falls this weekend,” he added.  “Would you be interested in joining us?”

“It’s my opening at the gallery,” Justin said.  “I’ll have to be there all day Saturday, and part of Sunday.”

“That’s too bad.”

“You could scope out the good things for us to do,” Brian suggested.

“Actually, I’d love to come to your opening if you have a spare ticket or two,” Joel hinted to Justin.

“I can certainly arrange that,” Justin said with a smile.  “I’d love to have you come, and bring Andrew of course.”

“That would be wonderful.  Maybe we can work out something else about going to Niagara Falls.  That would be a fun day if we all went together.”

Brian raised an eyebrow at Joel’s suggestion, but Justin seemed in complete agreement.  It looked like they were going to have some travel companions.  “Come on, Squirt, we need to get your Daddy back to the gallery.

*****

“There you are!”  Marcus Krupp greeted Justin, et al as they walked through the gallery doors.  “I thought you may have gotten lost.  I have a surprise for you,” Krupp gushed as he took Justin’s elbow and steered him away from Brian and Bree.  Bree wasn’t sure what to make of it but waited to see how her elder father was going to react.

“The press,” was all Krupp said with an ear to ear grin.  Justin just stared up at the man.  “Yes, my boy, the press is all ready to get an exclusive interview with you,” Krupp said eagerly.

“I’m not dressed for the press,” Justin murmured as he looked down at his grubby old t-shirt and cargo pants.  He was dressed for moving and shifting paintings around not for impressing art critics and journalists.  At home, Sidney and Kinnetik carefully handled the gallery’s publicity.  In London, Charles Higgins had everything well planned so that Justin wouldn’t have any surprises.  Justin wasn’t prepared.

Brian snarled softly to himself; he could see Justin’s anxiety level rise again.  Things seemed to be happening very haphazardly and not at all to Brian’s liking.

“Mr. Krupp,” Brian began as he subtly disengaged Krupp from Justin then steered the exuberant man slightly away. “Kinnetik handles the PR for the Bloom Gallery; I’m very familiar with the press.  Justin, well, you know how these temperamental artists can be,” Brian said in hushed tones and a conspiratorial wink to Krupp.  “He needs a few moments to prepare and clean up a little,” Brian whispered.

“I see,” Krupp said as he seriously considered Brian’s suggestion.  “Hmm, maybe I was a little hasty.  We’re just so proud to have Justin Taylor here, I may have gotten a little carried away,” Krupp admitted.

“Understandable,” Brian commiserated.  “Give me a few minutes with Justin.  I’m sure the press would love a sneak preview but you mustn’t give away the whole show,” Brian cautioned.

“Oh no, of course not!  Everything is covered except for the florals.  We made no promises,” Krupp assured Brian.

“Good man!” Brian schmoozed so not to make the situation any more difficult or offend their host.  “Do you think you can give us about fifteen minutes?” Brian asked.

“I’m sure I can keep the press occupied for that time,” Krupp said with a knowing smile.

“Good, then Justin will make his entrance in fifteen,” Brian said as he grabbed Justin and Bree and shoved them in the nearest ladies room.  He quickly took out his cell phone to dial up the driver of their car.

“Brian, this is the ladies room!” Justin started to protest.

“I know,” Brian said to Justin and then into his phone, “Pull up in front.”  Brian snapped his phone shut.  “Bree help your Daddy wash up.”  Justin was a little dusty.  “And take off that t-shirt.  I’ll be right back.”  Brian flew out the door while Justin took off his soiled shirt and began to wash his face.

As promised, Brian was back in a few minutes and carrying the garments he and Bree wore several hours earlier at their meeting with Philip Waldon.

“This isn’t going to work,” Justin whined.

“Yes, it will,” Brian reassured him as Brian checked out the dainty toiletries that were artfully arranged in elegant baskets in the lounge area of the restroom.  “Bree, dampen some of those towels,” Brian commanded as he took charge.  Bree had her Dada’s eye for fashion and trusted Brian to know how to fix things.  She dutifully followed her father’s instructions. 

Within ten minutes, Justin was cleaned up.  His face, slightly flushed from being scrubbed, gave him a glow.  He was wearing Brian’s designer shirt, with the sleeves neatly rolled up and the bottom tucked into the waist of the cargos.  It gave Justin a sophisticated but casual look.  Brian added his tie, but made it slightly loose around Justin’s neck.  Brian’s belt finished off the look.

Brian pushed Justin back to scrutinize his handiwork.

“Good, Dada!” Bree added her approval.

“Mmm, needs one more thing,” Brian mumbled then grabbed Bree’s bag to rummage through it.  “Yes!” Brian exclaimed as he gave Bree a grateful kiss for being her little fashionista self.

Brian took out a comb and a small tube of hair gel from Bree’s bag.  He quickly dampened Justin’s hair, slicked it back then added a little gel to keep the blond locks in place.

“Yes!” both Bree and Brian exclaimed as they high fived and turned Justin around so he could see himself in the large mirror. 

“Wow,” was the only thing Justin could say at his transformation.  The uncertain expression on his face gave way to a more confident one.

“The rest is up to you, Sunshine.  You’ve handled the press hundreds of times before,” Brian said as he stepped behind his mate and gazed at Justin in the mirror.  “You can do this.”

Brian sported a confident smirk, his eyebrow slightly arched.  Justin thought that the look was one of Brian’s sexiest looks.  Brian’s look was a combination of confidence, sex appeal and ‘I don’t give a fuck.’ 

Justin took a deep breath then nodded.  “Where will you guys be?” Justin asked just before he left the rest room.

“Bree and I will get cleaned up then wait for you.  This is your show, Justin, we’re just window dressing,” Brian said as he shooed Justin out the door.  Bree and Brian took a few minutes to get cleaned up and change into the clothes they wore that morning.  Brian slipped his suit jacket over the undershirt he had worn then packed up their stuff.

“Ready, Squirt?” Brian called out.  Bree had taken her clothes into one of the stalls to change.

“Ready, Dada!” Bree replied.  She had taken her hair out of her ponytail to comb it.  Brian gave the fine strawberry blond hair a little brush then replaced the clip.  They turned to look at themselves in the mirror.

“Perfect!” they said in unison then laughed.  Then they left the ladies room to lend their support to the most important person in their lives.

 *****

“He’s quite amazing, isn’t he,” Ms. Williams stated as she stood off to one side and watched as Justin had the press eating out of his hands.

“Yes, he is,” Brian agreed as he watched Justin in full artist mode explain where his inspirations had come from and his vivid use of color.  The photographers kept snapping away as reporters from different papers and publications came forward to ask their questions.  Justin’s polite country club beginnings did his mother proud as he graciously answered every question.  Bree smiled approvingly as she stood holding Brian’s hand.

“You must be very proud of him,” Ms. Williams commented.

“More than you can ever know,” Brian said wistfully. 

“I read his bio.  Was it true?  His injury,” Ms. Williams asked tactfully, giving Bree a glance.

“Yes,” Brian answered seriously.  “But that was a long time ago and he has moved beyond it.”

“I didn’t mean to offend,” Ms. Williams said.

“You didn’t, it’s just something we rarely talk about now.  It’s there, it’s always there and it’s in his art but he’s so much more than that,” Brian said with admiration and love.

“Yes, I can see that,” Ms. Williams said with a smile.  “He’s lucky to have someone who loves him so much,” she observed.

“I’m the lucky one,” Brian admitted.

There was a smattering of applause as the session ended.  “That’s my cue.  It’s over,” Ms. Williams explained as she went to assist Krupp in showing the members of the fifth estate out of the gallery.

“How was I?” Justin asked as he rejoined his family.  He leaned up to give Brian a kiss then leaned down to give one to Bree.

“Perfect!” Bree and Brian said in unison.  They all laughed then after a brief review of the next day’s agenda, Brian, Justin and Bree left the gallery to go back to the hotel.

Up, Up and Away

Chapter 5

“Brian…Brian…Brian!”

“What the fuck!”  Brian rolled over and cracked open an eye.  Justin was sitting on the side of the bed clutching at his stomach.  “What’s going on?” Brian asked with a worried tone as he sat up in bed.

“Have you got any antacid?” Justin requested.

“You’re sick?”

“No, I just felt like sitting on the edge of the bed in the middle of the night while my stomach cramps,” Justin retorted, but he felt too shitty to put much force behind his words.

“Do you need a doctor?”

“I need a TUMS.”

“You know what TUMS…”

“If you say SMUT, I’m going to puke all over you,” Justin threatened as he threw Brian an evil look.

“I think we should call the front desk and ask for a doctor,” Brian said.

“Will you shut the fuck up and get me an antacid.  Don’t you have some in your toiletry case?”

“I might.”

Brian headed for the bathroom and returned with a small bottle of TUMS.  He tossed the bottle to Justin who quickly opened it and took two tablets.  Brian watched his husband carefully, looking for signs that he should be taking Justin to the hospital.

Brian picked up the bottle.  “Don’t you have a bottle like this in your case?”

“I did, but I used them all.”

“All?  How many of these have you been downing?” he asked concerned.

“My stomach has been churning over this show,” Justin said by way of explanation.

“That doesn’t answer my question.”

“I don’t know how many.  I just feel crampy and nauseous a lot of the time.  I wish I had never agreed to do this fucking show.”

“You don’t have to do it if you don’t want to,” Brian told him.

“I signed a contract.”

“We can get out of it.”

“It would cost the earth.”

“We can cover it.”

“But … I don’t want to get a reputation as a welcher.  My word means something.”  Justin lay back on the bed.  Apparently the pain in his stomach had eased.

“Are you feeling better?”  Justin nodded.  “Why has this show got you so worked up?  You’ve been like a bear with a sore paw ever since we started getting ready for it.”

Justin shook his head.  “I don’t know why it’s different.  It just is.  I’m … afraid something bad is going to happen.”

“To your paintings, to your show, to you…?” Brian asked.

“I don’t know.  Maybe, any or all of the above.”

Brian sat down on the bed.  “Is this a gut feeling?”

“Yeah.”

“How’s your real gut now?”

“Better.”

“SMUT is always good for what ails ya.”

Justin laughed in spite of himself.  “Apparently you are correct.”

“I don’t like what this show is doing to you.”

“It was just indigestion,” Justin stated.

“Maybe so, but it shouldn’t be happening.”

“I’ll be fine.”

“You better be.”

“Aw, you care,” Justin said with a mischievous grin.

“And sometimes I wonder why I do,” Brian griped, not at all pleased by Justin’s frivolous answer.

“You know you love me,” Justin said rolling over and pulling Brian down on top of him.  “And I want you to show me just how much.”

“My pleasure, Sunshine.”

“Mine too.”

*****

“What the fuck time is it?” Brian asked as he opened his eyes and saw by the amount of light streaming into their bedroom that it was probably much later than it should be.  They had been fucking for a good portion of the night.

Justin groaned and looked at the clock.  “Shit!  It’s almost nine.  I’m going to be late.”

“Since when does a gallery put you on a schedule?  Technically you don’t have to be there at all until the opening.”

“Which is tomorrow,” Justin reminded him as he threw back the sheet and got out of bed.

“I wonder what Bree has been doing,” Brian said as he too got up.  “Usually she’d be pounding on our door long before this.”  He threw on some clothes.  “You don’t think she’s…”

“Oh fuck!” Justin replied.  He pulled on some sweatpants and raced to the bedroom door.  He fumbled with the lock and finally got it to open.  “Bree!” he shouted as he ran into the main room of the suite.  He skidded to a stop when he realized what was before him.  His mouth dropped open at the sight.

Bree sat at the dining room table which was situated to one side of the main room.  She had obviously had breakfast since empty plates were all around her.  She was reading a newspaper.  She looked up nonchalantly as Justin burst into the room.

“Good morning, Daddy,” she said with a big smile.

“Wha…What are you doing?” Justin asked when he got his voice to work.  Brian came up behind him and squeezed his shoulder.

“Reading the paper,” Bree responded as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

“How long have you been up, Squirt?” Brian asked.

“Forever,” was the brusque reply.

“Why didn’t you call us?”

“I did,” Bree stated emphatically.  “I knocked on your door a million times, but you wouldn’t answer.”

“I guess we were really tired,” Justin said sheepishly.  He glanced up at Brian who merely smirked.

“Real tired,” Brian said for emphasis.  Justin gave him a gentle elbow to the ribs.

“So, how did you get breakfast?” Justin asked as he nodded towards the empty plates on the table.

“I was real hungry,” Bree replied.

“But where did the food come from?” Justin persisted.

“I called room service.”

“You did?” Justin asked in amazement.

“Daddy, I know how to read,” Bree stated as if she was talking to a small child.  “I read the menu and then I called the number it said to call for room service.”

“And they brought it just like that?” Brian demanded.  He was annoyed that they would indulge a child.

“They didn’t want to … at first.  They asked to speak to you or Daddy.”

“And what did you say?” Brian continued.

“I said you were sleeping and that I was real hungry.  I told them you would be very mad if I starved to death in their hotel.”

Brian tried unsuccessfully to stifle a laugh.  That was his resourceful little daughter.  She could do anything.

“So what did you have for breakfast?” Justin asked.

“I had fruit cocktail, scrambled eggs, orange juice and whole wheat toast,” Bree said proudly.

“That’s a very healthy breakfast,” Justin told his daughter.

“I know, Daddy.  I thought I might like French toast, but I remembered that you said sugar isn’t good for me, and French toast is really sweet.”

“That was very wise of you, Squirt,” Brian said proudly.

“Thank you, Dada.”

“How would you like to order breakfast for Daddy and me while we go take a shower?”

“Sure, Dada,” Bree replied with a huge Taylor smile.  “What would you like?”

“Order us something healthy,” Justin said earning a smile from Brian.  “But throw in a side of bacon.”

“Pork-a-holic,” Brian teased as they turned to leave the room.

“Dada, look at this,” Bree said pointing to the newspaper.  Brian went over to the table.  New topiary garden opening, he read from the page.  “Can we go there?” Bree asked.  “It looks real neat.”

“Let Daddy and me get our shower, and then we’ll discuss it over breakfast.”

“Okay, Dada,” Bree agreed.

The two men headed for the shower.  Bree picked up the room service menu and made her selections.  She called down and told the person she was talking to that she was Briana Victoria Kinney-Taylor from the Presidential Suite, and she was ordering breakfast for her fathers.  She got immediate attention.  When she was finished with her order, she decided to add one more item.

“And I’d like a big bowl of fresh strawberries – good ones,” she added.

“Of course, miss,” was the reply. 

She loved strawberries and it was a long time since her own breakfast.

*****

“Justin is your presence really required at the gallery today or is this just your paranoia acting up as well as your stomach,” Brian asked as their car pulled up in front of the Krupp gallery.

Justin took a moment to consider his mate’s question and Bree’s pleading look.  “The paintings are all hung,” Justin murmured to himself.

“So what is left for you to do today?” Brian asked with a stern look.  “The paintings are up; the PR has been long done and the reporters got to you already.  Why can’t you spend some time with us?”  Brian wanted Justin to take a break.  He needed it; Justin’s stomach needed it.  He deserved it.  There was no logical reason for Justin to spend any more time at the gallery until the opening.  The concierge at their hotel highly recommended the topiary display which was a yearly event.  And the weather was perfect.

“Okay, let me run in and let Marcus and Miss Williams know,” Justin said as he opened the car door.  Brian nodded with approval and Bree smiled.

“Yay!” she said as she bounced in her seat.  “Hurry, Daddy,” Bree urged.  “Dada, do you think he means it?” Bree asked pensively.

“I hope so,” Brian replied as he reached over to take Bree’s hand.  Brian flipped through the colorful brochure that described the topiary garden.  The large creatures were whimsical as well as superbly crafted.  Brian was looking forwarded to spending a leisurely day looking at them with his family.  The sound of the car door opening and Justin sliding in next to him broke Brian out of his reverie.

“Marcus agreed with you,” Justin said with a grin.  “I don’t have to be here until tomorrow night,” Justin confirmed.

“Good,” Brian said as he directed their driver to take them to the topiary garden.

*****

“Ooooo!” Bree exclaimed, sounding so much like her Auntie Emm, as she walked through the gates to the garden.  Brian and Justin exchanged looks and smiles as they followed closely behind their daughter.

“Dada, can I go look?” Bree begged.  There were so many different displays that Bree couldn’t decide which one to go to first.  Brian and Justin took a quick look around the grounds and judged them safe enough.

“Go ahead but stay within sight, please,” Brian said.

“Thank you, Dada!” Bree said brightly then sprinted over to the nearest display which was a large pond with topiary ducks taking flight.

Brian steered Justin over to a nearby bench and had him sit while he got them a couple bottles of water.  Justin closed his eyes and held his head up to the sun.

“Okay?” Brian asked gently as he approached.

“Yeah,” Justin said softly as he opened his eyes and took the offered water.  “This was a good idea,” Justin said in between sips.  Bree ran over to borrow her fathers’ digital camera then ran back to take pictures of the “seals.”

“She’s having fun,” Brian commented as he watched Bree set up her shot, looking a lot like Gus when he was in full photographer’s mode.  Brian pointed at her and smirked.

“She looks like Gus,” Justin said, reading his spouse’s thoughts.  “I didn’t realize how much she picked up from him.”

“I didn’t realize how much she picked up from all of us,” Brian admitted.

“What do you mean?” Justin asked.  Brian told him about some of the ideas Bree came up with during her brief stint at Kinnetik and her thoughts at Waldon Industries.  “Wow!” was all that Justin could say.

“Both Ted and Cynthia agree that our daughter is brilliant, and both she and Gus will be able to take over Kinnetik with no problems.  Providing that they want to,” Brian qualified. 

“Gus, will,” Justin confirmed.  “He’s said many times that he really wants to follow in your footsteps.”  Justin looked down at Brian’s size 12’s and giggled.  “At least he can fit in your Pradas.”

“Hey, you know what they say about men with big feet,” Brian quipped with a smug smile.

“Yeah, yeah,” Justin snorted.  Bree ran back to them so she could get a drink then ran to take more pictures.  “It’s so nice here.”

“Thinking of becoming a citizen?  We can legally marry like Mikey and Ben.”

“No, I just like the quiet,” Justin said wistfully.  “My stomach likes it too,” he said as he patted his tummy which wasn’t giving him any trouble at the moment.

“Spill, Sunshine, what the fuck’s been going on with you lately?  You’ve been pissing off some of your fans and seem to have suddenly lost your confidence in your work.  What’s been going on in that little blond head of yours?” Brian asked as he gave Justin’s head a gentle poke.

“I honestly don’t know, Bri.  I have so many things in my head that I want to paint; it’s like there aren’t enough hours in the day.”  Justin sounded so much like a little boy that it almost broke Brian’s heart.

They sat quietly, sipping their water and occasionally touching hands.

“I think you need a vacation,” Brian finally stated.

“We’re on vacation.”

“No, we’re just taking a break while we’re working.  I’m talking about an honest to gods real vacation.  No work, no sketch pad, no injuries, no walk through memory lane.  Just you, me, maybe the Squirt, on an all inclusive beach resort somewhere before school starts.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, really.  We’ve barely survived a year from hell, Sunshine.  We deserve this.  YOU deserve this. You’ve been taking care of me since Joanie died. It’s time I take care of you.” 

Justin shook his head.  “I didn’t take care of you.”

“Yes, you did and I freely admit it.  From last Thanksgiving through Christmas all the way up to my birthday,” Brian stated.

“You said the ‘B’ word,” Justin teased as he bumped Brian’s shoulder.

“Yeah, well, I had a birthday.  Justin, if I get on the phone now, I can have us sunning ourselves on a beach within a week.  We do the opening, you suck up to the deep pockets and be nice to all of your fans then we’re outta here,” Brian said with a new determination.  “We haven’t had a real family vacation in a very long time.”

“We’re always working,” Justin murmured.

“Yes, we are.  We just need a few days to recharge.  Then the Squirt goes back to school, I go back to work and you paint, without…”

“Without feeling so desperate about it,” Justin finished Brian’s thought.

“Sounds like we have a plan, Sunshine,” Brian said with a smile, turning on the charm.  Justin visibly relaxed as he leaned on Brian.

“Dada!  Daddy!  Come and see,” Bree said as she ran up to their bench holding out both hands.  Justin packed up their water bottles then the dads took one hand each to follow where Bree led them.

*****

The little family wandered through the topiaries admiring the beautiful, and sometimes humorous creations.  Bree had mapped out her route.  She wanted her daddies to see all the things she had already checked out.

“Look at the owl, Daddy,” Bree gushed.  “He’s so cute.  I love his face.  Isn’t he great, Dada?”

 “Hm, impressive,” Brian agreed. 

“And see the dragon,” Bree continued.

“He’s really big,” Bree informed them.  “How come his wings aren’t green like the rest of him?” she asked.

“Maybe he’s a baby dragon,” Justin suggested, “and his wings haven’t had time to fully develop.”

“More likely they haven’t figured out how to get the plants to grow over those frames,” Brian stated, the cynic in him coming through.

Bree frowned and looked up at her Dada.  “Are there really dragons?” she asked in all seriousness.

Brian opened his mouth to tell her that there were no such things, but Justin had something to say on the matter and jumped in before Brian could get a word out.

“Dragons have been in stories since the beginning of time,” Justin explained.  “I think they live in our imaginations.  They are such fierce and dominating creatures.  They are the stuff of myth.”

Bree studied her younger father’s face.  She wasn’t sure if she fully understood what had been said, but she wanted to believe in dragons, especially this one.  “I think you’re right, Daddy,” she said.

Brian glanced at Justin who responded with a warning look that told Brian not to contradict him.

“There’s a real special topiary over here, Dada,” Bree stated as she dragged her older father around the dragon.  “You’ll like it.”

Brian stopped in his tracks as he saw where Bree was leading him.  “I don’t believe it,” he said in mock horror.

“It’s real, Dada.  It’s just for you,” Bree added with a big grin as they all studied the creation in front of them.

“It better not hop off that lily pad,” Brian said seriously.

“Silly Dada,” Bree chastised.  “The topiaries can’t move.”

“I don’t know,” Brian replied shaking his head.  “It looks pretty real.”

“You are such a…” Justin began.

“What?” Brian demanded with a glare.

“Wuss,” Justin decided.

“Am not,” Brian countered.

“Clown.” Justin tried another descriptive word.

“Un unh.”

“Asshole,” Justin mouthed so that Bree wouldn’t see.

Brian merely grinned and nodded.

Bree and Justin had a good laugh at the silliness of one Brian A. Kinney.

Up, Up and Away

Chapter 6

Brian came out of the shower in their hotel room.  He was wrapping a towel around his hips, but he came to such an abrupt stop at the sight in front of him that he almost dropped it.  He felt his cock swell and tent the front of the towel as he adjusted it and folded a corner in to hold it in place.  The thought of ripping it off and attacking the blond vision in front of him was most difficult to ignore, but he didn’t think this would be the best moment to make a move like that.  Something about the intensity of the look on Justin’s face told him to bide his time.

Trying not to groan in need, Brian walked up behind his husband who was staring into the large mirror above the dresser.  “Hey,” he said gently.

“Um, hi,” Justin replied uncertainly.

“What are you doing?”

“Trying to decide if I should wear this for the opening.  What do you think?”

Brian studied his husband’s reflection in the mirror.  Justin was wearing dark brown trousers that fitted him perfectly.  They were slim and hugged his delicious bottom.  Brian felt his dick jump in anticipation as he surveyed that delectable region.  Atop the brown slacks, Justin wore a caramel colored cashmere turtleneck.  It looked so warm, so soft, and it added to the glow that seemed to emanate from Justin.

Brian couldn’t help but wonder if other people saw the same glow he did.  Or was it love that made his mate seem so ethereal, surreal almost, so otherworldly?  And yet Justin was there, flesh and bone – such wonderful flesh too.  The towel tented out even further.

“Your little friend is poking me in the butt,” Justin said with a chuckle, breaking the intense moment between them.

“Not so little!”

Justin laughed.  “So, what do you think?  How do I look?”

“You look like a world famous artist,” Brian stated analytically.

“Is that all?”

“You look like a million bucks.”

“Hm, not a billion?”

“Let me revise that statement.  You look like a trillion dollars.”

“Better.  What else?” Justin asked with a twinkle in his eye.

“You look like the man I am going to fuck so hard…”

“Ah, you finally figured it out,” Justin said with a big grin.  “Let me get out of these clothes and you can have your way with me, you big, mean, sexy man.”

Brian growled as he reached for the fly of Justin’s slacks.

“Uh, uh, uh,” Justin chided batting Brian’s hands away.  “I have to wear these tonight.  If you take them off, they’ll end up in a heap on the floor, and I’ll have to choose something else that might not make me look like a trillion dollar, world famous artist who is about to be fucked.”

“Hey, not fucked, fucked by me,” Brian admonished.

“I stand corrected.”

“You better get out of those fucking clothes before I rip them off,” Brian warned.  His cock ached and he knew he was reaching the limit of his patience.

Justin decided to make his husband suffer a little more.  He slowly slid the zipper of his trousers down.  Then he unbuttoned the top of the pants.  His hands grasped the waistband and slowly Justin slid the slacks down his legs.

Brian watched with undisguised lust.  He was hoping Justin had gone commando, but luck wasn’t with him.  He watched as Justin’s tighty-whitey’s came into view.  Justin turned slightly as his slacks dropped to the floor.  As he bent over to retrieve them, Justin made sure to give Brian a clear view of the ass he seemed so eager to claim.  Brian groaned at his antics.

Justin smiled to himself, but wiped it from his face as he stood up and carefully shook out his trousers before laying them over a chair.  He turned back to Brian and pulled his sweater over his head making sure to muss his hair.  He knew how much Brian enjoyed running his fingers through it.

He slid his hands down his chest making sure to circle his nipples with the palms of his hands.  The nubs stood out hard and firm as his hands continued on down to his underwear.  He inserted his thumbs on each side of his underwear and slowly slid them down almost to his cock.  He looked up at Brian from under his lashes and knew he was pushing his luck making Brian wait.  Justin’s dick was hard and straining to be free of the material that held it.  Justin pulled the underwear out from his body to get it over his thick and rigid cock.

With a final shove the underwear was on the floor.  Suddenly Justin found himself on the bed with Brian on top of him, the wind pretty much knocked out of him.  Brian was lubing up and staring at Justin with utter need written all over his face.

“Ready?” Brian growled.  Justin nodded.

Without any preparation, but lots of lube, Brian drove home.  Justin cried out at the initial pain – the pain/pleasure thing worth the trade off of the initial hurt.  Brian waited until Justin calmed.  Once he was sure Justin was ready, he began a hard, fierce rhythm that soon had them both panting and sweating.

“Oh my fucking god!” Justin gasped as he did his best to hold onto some semblance of sanity … and the bed.

“Now!” Brian commanded as he felt Justin shoot his cum between them.  That sent Brian over the edge, and he came long and hard into the velvet warmth of the man he loved.

Some time passed before either of them knew where they were.

“Dada, Daddy!” came a voice from the other side of their bedroom door.

Brian groaned and opened his eyes.

Knocking followed another repetition of their names.

“What is it, Squirt?” Brian asked as Justin began to show signs of life.

“I finished my book and there’s nothing on television and I’m getting hungry, and I think Daddy needs to have dinner before we go to the opening, and I want you to tell me if I look all right.”

Brian smiled.  “It’s good you stopped to breathe, Squirt.  Daddy and I are going to shower.  We’ll be out in a few minutes, okay?”

“I guess so,” Bree said with a huge sigh.  “But hurry.”

“No room service,” Brian cautioned.

“I’m real hungry, so hurry up,” Bree replied.

“We won’t be long,” Brian said.  “Get up, Sunshine.  We have a hungry little girl and an opening to go too.”

“Can’t we just stay here?” Justin pleaded.

“We came all the way to Canada for this opening, so you better show up.”  Brian took Justin’s wrist and hauled him out of the bed.  He then dragged his reluctant spouse into the bathroom.

Bree went to sit on the sofa in the big main room.  She didn’t feel like watching TV, and she was really hungry.  After a couple of minutes she went to get grey bunny.  She climbed back onto the sofa cuddling grey bunny against her chest.

My daddies sure sleep a lot.  I thought kids were supposed to sleep a lot more than adults, but my daddies are different.  I wonder if they’re really sleeping, because sometimes they make noises that I don’t understand.  I wish they would hurry up.  I’m hungry.  I hope we go someplace good for dinner. 

My Daddy needs to have some food before he meets all those people.  I think he’s still worried, but his paintings look really good in the gallery.  He shouldn’t worry.  It’s not good for adults to worry.

I worry about my daddies sometimes.  They really need me to help them, like saying that we should take this trip. They couldn’t think of that by themselves.  I like going on trips with my daddies.  They’re lots of fun … most of the time.  Except when they’re in their room making weird noises.

I hope they hurry up.  Oops, the door is opening.

“I love you, grey bunny,” Bree said before she turned to face her fathers.

*****

Deciding to dine in the hotel's restaurant gave our trio time to have a nice leisurely dinner.  The maitre d’ remembered them (and who wouldn't?), so they were seated promptly and a basket of warm rolls immediately placed on the table.  Their waiter approached the table with a Shirley Temple in hand and placed it in front of Bree.

“Oh thank you!” Bree exclaimed as she took a dainty sip.  Brian smirked to himself, apparently the wait staff had fallen under Bree's spell, that and the hefty tip Brian left in their wake.

They perused their menus, ordered then settled back to enjoy their meal.

“Dada, do I look all right?” Bree asked as they waited for dessert.  Bree was in the mood for a small dish of ice cream while her dads shared a fresh fruit compote.  She was wearing one of the sophisticated skirt sets that she wore at Kinnetik.

“Beautiful, Baby Girl,” Justin assured Bree.

“Dada?”  Bree wanted her older father's approval as well.  Brian was still having difficulty with the simple fact that their daughter was growing up.  “Dada?”  Bree asked again.  Brian felt his shin kicked.

“Miss Briana Victoria Kinney-Taylor, it would be my supreme honor to escort the loveliest and most sophisticated young lady it has ever been my pleasure to know to the opening tonight,” Brian said gallantly.  He knew he said the right thing when the smiles from both his blonds lit up the room.

They finished dinner then went back to their suite for some last minute primping.

*****

“Daddy, do you think that David and his daddies will be there?” Bree asked hopefully.

“I'm not sure,” Justin mumbled as he looked out the window of their car.  Even though the gallery was close, Brian decided to have them driven.  Justin was already nervous and not paying much attention to Bree.

“I gave David's father a set of tickets,” Brian reassured Bree.  “He seemed very interested in going,” he said with a pat to his daughter's knee.  Bree smiled pensively as she nodded.  Brian noted that gone were the usual pigtails.  Bree's hair was up and held in place with her blinged “B” hair clip.  Brian pondered how she was able to do it without help.  He set that mystery aside and labeled it a “girl thing.”

“Did you give tickets to Mr. Waldon?” Bree inquired, all of a sudden sounding very much like Brian's assistant.

“Yes ma'am, I did,” Brian replied.

“Good, Dada.  That's very good public relations,” Bree stated with authority.

“Thank you, Miss Bree,” Brian said with a smirk.

“Daddy, do you promise to be nice to your fans?” Bree asked as their car pulled up in front of the gallery.  They were early but there was already a long line of art fans waiting to enter, along with several photographers.  And if Brian was not mistaken, a news van was parked down the street.  His Sunshine was about to make the local news.

“Maybe I shouldn't have worn this turtleneck,” Justin mumbled, ignoring Bree's question.

“It's summer weight and you know you're always cold in galleries,” Brian commented.

“I'm sweating already,” Justin snapped back.

“Chill, Sunshine,” Brian growled.  “Take a breath, plaster a smile on your face and BE NICE!”  Justin took a deep breath as he took Brian's hand.  Brian gave Justin's hand a reassuring squeeze.  For good measure, Brian leaned over and planted a deep kiss onto Justin's lips.

“Your work is brilliant,” Brian whispered as Justin was attempting to clear his kiss-addled head.  “You're brilliant, just have fun tonight and I promise when this is all over I'll take you away on a well deserved vacation,” Brian promised.  Justin nodded then opened the limo door.

As Justin stepped out from the car, photographers were clicking away at him.  The line of art fans were all waving programs at Justin in hopes of an autograph.  Bree tugged on Justin's hand and gave him a poignant look, the same look was on Brian's face.  Bree dug into her small bag and came up with a marker.  She thrust it into her father's hand and gave his tush a little shove.  Brian snickered as Justin rolled his eyes but got the hint.  He walked the line, signing programs and small posters.  He had kind words for his fans and from the smiles he was getting, Justin Taylor was pleasing the crowd.  Marcus Krupp stood at the door of the gallery with a very happy look on his face.  He glanced at his watch then came out to usher his star inside.  Brian and Bree followed closely behind.  As Ms. Williams led Justin, Brian and Bree into Justin's main hall, Marcus addressed the waiting crowd.

“Thank you, ladies and gentlemen.  The Krupp Gallery welcomes you and is proud to bring you this exclusive showing of Justin Taylor's latest work.  Please come in and enjoy this wonderful exhibit.”  The crowd applauded then slowly entered the gallery in an orderly fashion.

*****

Daddy looks a whole lot better and he was very nice to everyone outside, even that lady who gave Daddy a hug.  I think Daddy was scared for a minute.  I'd be scared too if a stranger grabbed me even if it was only to give me a hug.  I don't think I'd like it very much, but my Dada was watching.  Dada would never let anything bad happen to Daddy or me.  Dada had his serious face on; I always feel safe with my Dada.  I know Daddy feels safe too.

Oooo!  Daddy's paintings look sooo pretty.  The flower paintings are slowly moving up and down like a merry-go-round so you can see each one of them.  It reminds me of the easels in the sun porch back home.  I miss my home.

“Are you okay, Squirt?” Brian asked when he noticed the slight frown on Bree's face.

“I'm okay, Dada, just thinking about home,” Bree replied honestly.  Brian guided Bree to a relatively quiet corner.

“You homesick?” Brian asked as he squatted down to be at eye level with his daughter.

“A little,” Bree said in a small voice. 

“We've accomplished what we set out to do.  We can go home in a few days, okay?  But I'd like to ask you something first,” Brian said in a very serious tone.

“What Dada?” 

Brian scooped her up and found a nearby bench.  He sat with Bree perched on his knees.  “Since Grandma Joan passed away, your father has done a lot to take care of us, hasn't he?” 

Bree thought about it for a moment before answering.  “Yes, Dada.  Daddy took care of us all through last winter and our birthdays.”

“Yes, he did.  I think it's time we took care of him.  Daddy needs a break, someplace quiet to go to where he can rest and do nothing, even if it's for only a few days.  Do you agree?”

“Yes, Dada,” Bree said as she nodded.

“So now my next question is just as serious.  Would you like to come with us or stay home with your uncles and Patrick?”

Bree took her time thinking about her answer.  She really loved traveling with her daddies but sometimes...

“I think I want to go home.  Canada is pretty but I miss Ashley and my Patrick.  Besides, I think Daddy needs you,” Bree said giving her father a look.  Brian drew Bree close for a hug.

“I am the luckiest Dada in the whole world,” Brian whispered into Bree's hair.  He released her after a moment.  “Ready to be our artist's supportive family?”

“Ready, Dada!” 

Brian set Bree down.  They smoothed out their clothes, straightened their spines then went back out into the main gallery.

“Mr. Kinney,” Joel said as he approached Brian, his hand held out. 

“It's Brian,” Brian reminded him as he shook Joel's hand.  “I'm glad you could make it.  Are your son and your partner here?” Brian asked.  “Bree was looking forward to seeing David again.”  Bree was wearing a hopeful expression.

“Yes, they are.  They're currently watching the Fractal movie.  What an interesting concept,” Joel commented.  Bree slipped away, walking toward the part of the gallery that had been set up for the Fractal movie.

“Yes, it certainly made for an interesting time at home while Justin was putting that together.  My son Gus was involved as well,” Brian said in passing.

“Does Justin always involve your family in his projects?” Joel asked as they wandered over to the sketches and paintings of 'The Nudes.'  There were many of Brian.  Joel was obviously very appreciative of Brian's impressive assets.  “Is this you?”  Joel indicated a sketch of a seated man.

“That's my brother,” Brian replied with a smirk.  “John's very conservative; it took a lot of convincing to get him to drop trou for Justin.  My brother-in-law, on the other hand, had no problem with it,” Brian said as he indicated the study of Bobby's muscles in motion as he was pitching baseballs.

“Wow!  That's your brother-in-law?”  Joel gulped.  “Um, you have a very beautiful family.”

“In more ways than one,” Brian agreed.  “Joel, you had mentioned a side trip to Niagara Falls, are you still interested in going?  My family can really use the distraction.”

“Yes.  How much longer are you planning to be in Canada?”

“Not much longer.  Justin is obligated to make an appearance here tomorrow night and then technically we're free,” Brian explained while working out the logistics in his head

“Can we make a tentative date for Wednesday?  This will be an all day trip.”

“Wednesday works for us.  And then we'll return and I can take Bree and Justin home,” Brian said more to himself than Joel.

“Great!  Would you like to meet my partner?”

“Sure,” Brian said then followed Joel through the gallery.

*****

“Do you like it?” Bree asked David as they were looking at a painting of the volcano Kilauea.  Justin had captured the fire and majesty of the volcano with his bold strokes of red and orange.

“I guess so,” David replied, not sounding impressed at all.

“Daddy used his oil paints on this one so he could layer and blend the colors,” Bree explained.

“Oh.”  David didn't seem to care even though Bree smiled her best smile and batted her violet blue eyes at him.  “Are you going to the park tomorrow?”

“Maybe.  Will you be there?” 

“I don't know.  Maybe not, my dads have stuff to do,” David said as he walked away to look at photographs done by another artist.

“Oh,” Bree said softly, her face crestfallen and her little heart broken.  She sighed then went to go find her daddies.

“Miss Briana, it's so nice to see you again,” Philip Waldon greeted Bree enthusiastically as she approached her fathers.  Taking a page out of her elder father's book, Bree put on her game face and greeted Waldon cordially.

“Mr. Waldon, it's very nice to see you too,” Bree said carefully enunciating her words.  “Are you enjoying yourself?”  Brian and Justin stood by, letting Bree run the show.  Justin was beaming with pride.  Brian was just as proud of Bree but better at maintaining his nonchalant exterior.

“Yes, I am.  May I introduce my wife, Irene.”

“Very nice to meet you, Mrs. Waldon.  My name is Briana Victoria Kinney-Taylor,” Bree said formally as she took Mrs. Waldon's hand.

“It's very nice to meet you, Miss Briana.  Your father says that you've been working at Kinnetik this summer and also with your father at his art gallery.  That's very industrious of you,” Irene Waldon commented.

“Thank you.  I want to learn all I can about my fathers' businesses,” Bree affirmed.

“Your fathers must be very proud of you,” Irene Waldon stated as she glanced at Brian and Justin who were nodding.

“I'm very proud of my daddies,” Bree said as she beamed back.

“Please excuse me,” Justin interjected.  “I think Mr. Krupp needs me.  Thank you for coming,” Justin said as he again shook hands with his spouse's new client before joining Marcus who was scowling.  “Marcus, is something wrong?”

“I'm not sure.  One of the critics seems to have an objection to one of your sketches.”

“Which sketch?” Justin asked as he reached out his hand, subconsciously searching for Brian.  Justin suddenly needed Brian's unwavering strength. 

“The one of the little girl sitting on the rock near the stream,” Krupp said.

“But that's...”  Justin didn't get to finish his thought.  A very irate woman stomped over.

“Mr. Krupp,” the lady quietly sneered.  “You're a very reputable art dealer.  I've known you for years, but since when are you in the child porn business?”

Up, Up and Away

Chapter 7

“My dear Helena, what are you talking about?”  Marcus Krupp nervously asked.  He was hoping she would keep her voice down.  That’s all he needed, to be accused of dealing in pornographic materials.

“This, this drawing that’s trying to pass itself off as art,” Helena Warwick growled.  While Krupp was stuttering out an explanation, Justin quietly sidled up to them.

“May I ask what your objection to the piece is?” Justin asked in a very calm manner.  With his hair slicked back, Justin wasn’t easily recognizable.  Helena Warwick briefly looked Justin up and down then dismissed him as a non-entity.

“The child is naked,” she whispered.

“As are most of the models in this study,” Justin stated.  “Have you objections to the other pieces?”  He slowly wandered down the aisle that showcased the nude and semi-nude subjects, stopping at the studies of Bobby and Brian.  Justin inwardly chuckled at the double take Ms. Warwick made.  She obviously had an eye for beauty.

“Of course not, they’re adults.  They can give permission.  This is a small child, she’s at risk for exploitation,” Helena stated with authority.  Justin took a cleansing breath before attempting to confront the irritating woman.

“I grant that the child is young, but not that young, and believe me, if she had voiced any objection, the sketch would not have been included in the grouping,” Justin began.

“Young man, I don’t wish to argue with you but what could you possibly know about it?” 

Before Justin could go any further…

“Hello, my name is Briana Victoria Kinney-Taylor,” Bree said with as much authority and confidence as she could muster.  She noticed the woman scowling at her daddy so she walked over to find out the problem.  This gallery wasn’t like the others Bree had been to; she had had enough.  Being polite, Bree extended her hand.  Ms. Warwick took it automatically.

“Helena Warwick, Toronto Arts and Leisure.  You posed for this?”

“Sort of,” Bree answered honestly.

“What does that mean?” 

“It means, I asked my daddy if I could put my feet in the water.  He said yes but that I shouldn’t get my clothes wet,” Bree stated.

“So?”  Ms. Warwick still had no clue.  “I don’t see what that has to do with anything.”

“So, I took them off,” Bree said succinctly. 

“What better way to ensure her clothes stayed dry,” Brian purred as he turned his bedroom eyes onto the woman.  He had sauntered over to give Justin support.

“Brian Kinney, the subject’s other father,” Brian said as he extended his hand.  Ms. Warwick looked up into the gorgeous eyes and nearly melted as she took Brian’s warm strong hand.

“Other father?” Helena sputtered.

“Justin Taylor,” Justin introduced himself.  “Bree’s other father,” he said with a brilliant smile that was matched by one on Bree’s face.  She extended her arms; Justin scooped Bree up into his arms, kissing her button nose and eliciting a giggle.

“Well, I see it was all in good fun,” Ms. Warwick said, looking back and forth to each father.  Bree obviously knew her own mind.  “Mr. Taylor, I’m a great admirer of yours,” Ms. Warwick went on as if nothing had happened at all.  “Please tell me about your inspiration for your other pieces,” Ms. Warwick asked, clearing her throat demurely as they passed one of Brian’s sketches; Brian in all his glory, standing amidst his garden.  The contrast of the delicate and colorful flowers against the raw tanned masculine power of Brian was…

“Stunning,” Helena exclaimed as they slowly walked up and down each aisle with Justin giving a running commentary.

“He’s amazing,” Marcus Krupp murmured mostly to himself.

“Yes, he is,” Brian agreed as they hung back, letting Justin run the show.

“She’s normally not this uptight,” Marcus explained, indicating Helena with a tip of his head.   

“It was bound to happen eventually,” Brian said with a small sigh.  Marcus looked up at the man.  “Justin’s been drawing me naked from almost the moment we met.  He’s been painting Bree from the minute we brought her home.”  Brian paused as he stared at Bree’s painting.  Her little tush just visible as she sat perched on the rock.  He reached out, almost caressing the image.  “He sees a beautiful form where the rest of the world sees a naked baby.”

“Not the whole world just those with narrow minds,” Marcus assured Brian.  “Justin has captured the human form in all its variety,” Marcus went on as they stood in front of the sketch of Debbie, Emmett and some of the construction workers.  “He has a rare gift.”

“What gift is that?” Brian asked unnecessarily.  He already knew the answer.

“Justin Taylor can see into your soul.” 

Brian nodded with a gentle smile then they continued to follow Justin down the aisle.

*****  

Joel and David walked into the lobby of the hotel where Brian and Justin were staying.  They approached the desk and asked for Mr. Kinney’s room.  The clerk buzzed Brian to tell him that their guests were in the lobby.  Joel and David sat down on the big couch in the lounge area and waited.

After a couple of minutes, David said, “Dad, do we have to go to Niagara Falls?”

“I thought you’d enjoy the trip,” Joel replied with a frown.

“I don’t want to spend all day with that girl.”

“Bree?” Joel asked in surprise.  “She’s very nice.  I thought you liked her.”

“She makes googly eyes at me all the time.  I don’t like it.”  Joel tried not to chuckle but a small one escaped.  “It’s not funny,” David protested.

“Bree and her dads will be going back to the States soon, so let’s have a good time today.”

“I’ll try,” David said with a sigh.

The elevator doors opened and Bree and her fathers stepped out.  They saw Joel across the lobby and walked over.

“Didn’t your partner come with you?” Brian asked when he saw only Joel and his son.

“Um, he thought he better work today.”

“What was it he does again?” Brian asked with a frown.  He had not been impressed with the man when he met him at Justin’s opening.

“Your car is out front, Mr. Kinney,” the bellman came over to inform the group.

“Thank you,” Brian said slipping the man a tip.

“Let’s get going,” Justin said taking Bree’s hand and heading for the front doors of the hotel.

The trip to Niagara Falls in the back of the limo was rather quiet.  Joel seemed reluctant to talk about himself or his partner.  Bree and David eyed each other warily.  Justin and Brian watched the countryside pass by, not sure why they had agreed to this trip in the first place.

Finally they arrived at the Falls.  They arranged with their driver to drop them off, go find a parking spot and wait for them to call when they wished to go to lunch.  Everyone got out of the car and approached the roaring cataract.  They stood by the metal railing that kept the tourists a sensible distance from the edge of the falls.  Looking at the majestic waters as they cascaded over the falls, made them all realize the power of the water they were viewing.

“It’s so big,” Bree said in awe.

“It certainly is,” Brian agreed.

They all stood staring, listening to the sound of the water and taking in how powerful the falls were.

“Dad, can I look through one of those telescopes?” David asked.

Joel looked at the binoculars mounted on stands along the edge of the escarpment.  “There’s one available over there,” he said, as he and his son headed in that direction.

“Can I see too, Daddy?” Bree asked.

“It looks like all the other binoculars are in use.  Let’s go with David and Joel.  You can share,” Justin suggested as they followed the other two.

Brian stayed where he was admiring the scenery.  He could see why this had been a popular tourist destination for as long as he could remember.  It truly was a natural wonder.  He pulled out his camera and started snapping pictures.  Before long Joel joined him.

“Where are the kids?” Brian asked.

“Justin is feeding the slot on the binoculars,” Joel said.

“Care to tell me what’s going on?” Brian asked cryptically.

“What…what do you mean?”

“You know – long silences, failure to answer questions, you hardly spent any time together with your partner at Justin’s opening, you’re here while your partner is ‘at work’.”  Brian made air quotes around his carefully chosen words.

“We’re … having some problems,” Joel admitted reluctantly.

Brian nodded.  “I suspected as much.”

“How…how do you and Justin do it?  You’ve been together for a long time.”

“Damned if I know.  I’m no relationship expert.”

“But it takes two of you to make a relationship.  You must have some part in it,” Joel said looking into Brian’s eyes.

“I love him,” Brian replied.  It was the simplest but most honest answer he could give.  “And he loves me.  That gets us through anything.”

“You sound so sure of that,” Joel said shaking his head.

“I am sure of it, but apparently you’re not…”

“I just don’t know anymore,” Joel admitted.  “We don’t seem to be happy.”

“Then maybe it’s time to reassess your situation,” Brian advised.  “But think long and hard, and decide what your true feelings are.  Then talk about it with him.”

“I’m not very good at talking,” Joel said.

Brian snorted.  “I used to hate talking … especially about feelings.  I was the worst talker in the universe.”

“But now…”

“Justin taught me that it didn’t so much matter what we said as the fact that we were talking.  Eventually we could get to the real problem or issue and it would all work out in the end.  It wasn’t easy though, especially not at first.  I really sucked at it.”

“Justin is very special.”

“We definitely agree on that,” Brian replied.

“Dada, look down there,” Bree said as she rushed over to her older father.  “There’s a boat down at the bottom of the falls.”

“What?” Brian asked turning to look.

“It’s called the Maid of the Mist,” Joel informed them.  “You can ride on it almost under the falls.  You have to wear a yellow rain slicker cause the mist will soak you right though.”

“Can we do that, Dada, can we?”

“Hm,” Brian said thinking about Bree’s request.

“If you want to do it, we should call ahead and reserve a space,” Joel said.  “I’ve never done it.  It might be fun.  Would you like to go on the Maid of the Mist, David?” Joel asked as his son and Justin joined them.

“Sure, Dad,” David agreed.

“Let’s go for lunch and then we can look into this boat ride,” Brian said pulling out his cell phone to call their driver.

With the help of the concierge at their hotel Brian had arranged for them to have a sumptuous lunch at Fallsview Casino.  They had reserved a table overlooking the falls.  They could do some gambling if they chose after lunch or go on the boat ride.

They were soon at lunch enjoying some delicious fare.  Bree sipped her glass of milk and studied David.

I don’t know why David doesn’t like me.  I like him.  He’s not nearly as nice as I thought he was.  He hardly let me look through the binoculars at all, even though Daddy added two of those big coins they use here in Canada. 

I tried to hold his hand while we were looking over the railing, but he always yanks it away.  My Patrick would never do that.  I like Patrick much better than David.

Bree smiled to herself as she began to realize that she didn’t care nearly as much whether David liked her or not.  A few days ago that had been important, but not anymore.  She would be going home soon.

“What are you smiling at, sweetheart?” Justin asked.

“I was thinking about going home.  I can tell Patrick and Ashley all about our trip.”

“They’ll be jealous.”

“They’ll be happy that I had a good time,” Bree corrected her father.  She looked pointedly at David who immediately turned away and studied the view out the window.  The restaurant overlooked the Falls and their table presented a spectacular panorama.

By the end of their leisurely lunch, arrangements had been made for the Maid of the Mist trip.  Their car and driver picked them up and dropped them off at the entrance to the boat.

As they went aboard, they were handed a package containing a blue plastic poncho.

“I thought you said we got a yellow slicker,” Brian told Joel.

“I’ve seen pictures, and that’s what the passengers were always wearing,” Joel replied.

“We stopped using those a few years ago.  These are disposable,” the young woman handing them out explained.

“Very environmentally friendly,” Brian said sarcastically.

“It’s better than catching something from an improperly cleaned rubber coat,” the girl replied.  Obviously she had heard this complaint before.

“I was looking forward to seeing you in a yellow slicker,” Joel joked with Brian and Justin.  “The little hat that went with it was adorable too.”

“Instead we get this piece of crap with a hood that will totally ruin my hair,” Brian retorted.

“Mine too, Dada,” Bree agreed.

“You could not pull it up, and have soaking wet hair,” Justin reminded his two prima donnas.

Brian and Bree glared at him.  They all got decked out in their plastic as the boat pulled out into the Niagara River.

Soon they were approaching the Falls, feeling the power and noise of the thousands of gallons of water that flooded over it every minute.  Everyone pulled up their hoods and was glad of their poncho when they were drenched by the mist.

“I see why they call this the Maid of the Mist,” Brian called out to Justin above the roar.

Justin merely nodded as the boat got even closer to the plunging waters.

Bree was standing beside David and instinctively took hold of his hand as the boat swayed in the current.  He shook her off and moved closer to his father.  Bree felt tears well up in her eyes, but she fought them back.  Even if no one would know because her face was wet with mist, she refused to let David make her cry.  She took her older father’s hand instead.

When the boat trip was over and faces dried off, they all decided it was time to go home.  They had seen enough for one day.

On the ride back, Justin leaned against Brian.  “I would have liked to see you in that yellow slicker and cute little hat,” he whispered to Brian.

Brian snorted, but also smiled and kissed Justin’s nose.  “I’d rather see you in nothing at all,” he whispered back.

“That can be arranged.”

Both men smiled conspiratorially as Joel watched them, envying what they had, and what he apparently was missing with his partner.

*****

Bree was asleep by the time they finally got back to the hotel.  Having dropped Joel and his son off first, Brian and Justin bid the driver goodnight, giving him an extra tip for his excellent care of Brian’s precious cargo.

“She’s out cold,” Brian said as he secured their bedroom door and began stripping off his clothes, slowly walking to the bed.

“Not surprising,” Justin replied.  He was sitting up in the bed surrounded by a dozen newspapers and art magazines.  Marcus Krupp sent Justin the reviews from opening night.  “Not only did she close your deal with Waldon Industries, she saved my ass at the gallery.”  Justin waved the Toronto Arts and Leisure magazine in the air. 

“Not to mention soccer star extraordinaire and sightseeing tour guide,” Brian added as he crawled naked across the bed toward Justin.  “Our little social butterfly is exhausted,” Brian said as he swept the papers off the bed.

“Hey, I was reading those,” Justin complained with a smirk.

“And they all say how phenomenal you are, even Ms. Helena Bonham-Carter says you’re brilliant.”  Justin laughed as Brian nibbled at his chin.

“Helena Warwick, you jerk!”

“Oh yeah,” Brian teased.  “The papers will still be there in the morning.  Right now you have more important things to do,” Brian whispered into the shell of Justin’s ear.

“What things?” Justin asked as he wrapped his arms around Brian.

“Making love to me, things,” Brian answered as he kissed Justin, pouring his heart and soul into the kiss.

“A very important thing indeed,” Justin agreed. 

Up, Up and Away

Chapter 8 Epilogue

In spite of Brian’s desire to take Justin and Bree home, Justin owed the gallery another meet and greet day.  So while Justin was fulfilling his contractual responsibilities, Brian made their travel arrangements.

I think Dada’s a little worried about my Daddy.  He really wants to go home; I want to go home too but I can wait.  I know my Dada will take care of everything.

“Dada?”  Bree watched her father’s fingers fly across his laptop keyboard.

“What is it, Squirt?”

“What are you doing?” Bree asked as she hugged her grey bunny close.

“Confirming our trip back home and my vacation with your Daddy,” Brian said as he looked up to see a set of deep violet blue eyes staring back at him.  “You remember what we discussed at the gallery.”

“Yes, Dada,” Bree said as she nodded her head; her baby fine hair flew in all directions.  “I want to go home to see my Patrick and Ashley and you want to take Daddy away some place nice and quiet where you can take care of him.”

“You are so right, Squirt,” Brian confirmed as he drew the petite child into a hug.  He smoothed down Bree’s hair with his hands.  “Are you sure you’re okay with staying home with your uncles and Patrick?  I already sent an email to Ashley’s mom inviting Ashley to stay at the cottage.”

“Really?!” Bree asked with joy.  She bounced up and down in her father’s arms.

“Really.  You’ve been such a good girl this summer helping at Kinnetik and at the gallery.  You worked very hard; you deserve a reward.”

“Oh thank you, Dada,” Bree said as she threw her arms around Brian’s neck.

“Thank you, Squirt,” Brian whispered into Bree’s ear.  A chime sounded on Brian’s computer.  He picked up Bree and sat her on his lap then pulled up his email.  “Ashley’s mom is all for it.  She says that Ashley is jumping up and down as we speak.”  Brian chuckled as he could feel Bree’s growing excitement.  “Would you like to speak with Ashley?” Brian asked.

“Oh yes!”  Brian pulled out his cell phone, dialed Ashley’s number then handed the phone to Bree.  A happy squeal confirmed that Bree and Ashley were talking as Bree ran into her room.  Brian dialed John’s number from the room phone.

“Hey, big bro,” Brian said when John answered.

“Hey!” John answered enthusiastically.  “I got your text and I have no problem looking after the princess and her friend.  Patrick’s looking forward to it as well.”  Brian snorted at that.  “Yeah, I know,” John chuckled.  “My son won’t admit it, and you never heard it from me, but Patrick really misses Bree.  And he loves Ashley too.  We’ll be fine for a week or two or however long you want to take Justin away.  He deserves some time off.”

“Thanks, John.  I was hoping you were going to say that.”

“How was the show?”

“Successful, eventually.”

“Eventually?”

“Let’s just say, Bree saved the day.”

“Sounds like a good story,” John said.  “You want to share?”  Brian sighed; sharing wasn’t his strong suit but he did anyway.

“Remind me, just how old is Bree again?”  John laughed.

“Yeah, yeah.  The point is that Justin is tired and he deserves some pampering.”

“Yes, he does,” John agreed.

“He held me together, when old Joanie died,” Brian whispered.  “He kept me and Bree sane.  I have to do this for him.”

“You’ll get no argument from me, Bri.  What does Bree say?”

“She wants me to take care of her Daddy.”

“Very perceptive child. Then you take care of Justin and leave Bree to us,” John agreed.

“Thank you,” Brian said with a slight hitch in his voice. 

“Anytime, Brian, you know that.  When are you guys coming home?”

“Tomorrow.  We fly into Pittsburgh then we’ll drive home.  After we drop Bree off, we’ll repack and then fly out again.”

“Why don’t I pack for you and meet you guys at the loft.  I’ll pick up the princess and you guys can rest a little before your next flight.”

“You’d do that?” Brian asked incredulously.

“Of course I will.  Just tell me what you’ll need and I’ll pack it,” John stated with confidence.  He knew Brian and Justin well enough, including their little idiosyncrasies; he’d know what to pack.  A half an hour later, Brian was confident with his plan to take his Sunshine away.

*****

“I’m all packed, Daddy,” Bree said as she stood in the doorway of her fathers’ bedroom in the suite of the hotel.

“That’s good, sweetheart,” Justin replied as he added some clothes to his own suitcase.  “Did you check all the drawers and the bathroom?”

“Yep.”

“Good girl,” Justin told her with a smile.

“When do we leave?”

“The car will be here in about twenty minutes,” Brian said as he glanced at the clock beside the bed.  He had come out of the bathroom, as he spoke.  He placed his toiletry kit in his suitcase.

“I’m going to read my book,” Bree said as she turned away and headed for the living room area.

“Hm,” Brian said.

“You’re not fucking me,” Justin replied as he reorganized some items in his suitcase.

“You want to waste a good twenty minutes?” Brian asked.

“Are you always horny?”

“Yes.”

Justin shook his head.  “You are incorrigible.”

“Do you know how many times you have told me that?” Brian asked with a smirk.  “I am incorrigible.  We both know it.  This is the result.”  Brian squeezed his hardening cock through his jeans.  “Now, what are we going to do about it?”

Justin watched fascinated.  Brian would always be young and beautiful, just like Michael had labeled him so many years ago.  And not surprisingly, Brian could always turn him on.  A smile played at the corners of Justin’s mouth.  “Bathroom, now!” he ordered.

Brian grabbed Justin’s hand, glanced quickly at Bree who was sitting on the sofa holding her book, pulled Justin into the bathroom and locked the door.  Brian’s hard cock sprang free and proud, as he shoved his jeans down.  Justin’s beautiful ass appeared when Brian turned him against the sink and yanked Justin’s cargo pants down to his knees.  The rest was so familiar and so good and so … necessary.

“Never enough,” Brian whispered into Justin’s ear as he pounded that still magnificent ass.

*****

Bree heard her fathers rush into the bathroom.

I wonder what they do in there together.  I like to go to the bathroom by myself.  Maybe they’re washing up one more time, or they are spraying on cologne.  My daddies always smell so good.

Bree set her book down on the sofa.

I’m glad we’re going home.  I want to see Patrick and Ashley and my uncles and … everybody.  I miss them.

I won’t miss that stupid David.  He’s mean.  I’m going to tell Patrick about him.  Someday Patrick will come up here and kick David’s ass.  It would serve David right for being mean to me.  Or maybe I could kick his ass myself.  He’s not so big.

Bree giggled to herself as she envisioned her pink sandal connecting with David’s rump.  Her enjoyable fantasy was interrupted by a knock on the door of the suite.  Bree looked into the bedroom, but her fathers were still in the bathroom.  They’d been in there a long time.  She wondered if the person who knocked on the door was the driver of their car, but he usually waited for them downstairs.  She walked over to the door.

“Who is it?” she called out.

“Joel McCormick and David,” came the reply.

“Oh, um, just a minute,” Bree said.  She ran to the bathroom and knocked on the door.  “Daddy, Dada, Mr. McCormick and David are here.  Should I let them in?”

A loud grunt could be heard from behind the door.

“Yeah, Squirt, let them in.  We’ll be right out,” her Dada replied rather breathlessly.

“’Kay.”

Bree ran back to the door and opened it.  She gave David a withering look, but then said sweetly, “Please come in.  My daddies will be right out.”

David and his father walked to the sofa.  Bree quickly picked up her book and set it on the coffee table.  The two visitors sat down.

Joel noted the book that Bree had apparently been reading.  “I brought you a copy of my latest book,” he said.  “I think it will be a bit young for you, Bree, but I thought you might enjoy having a copy of it.”

Bree took the bag that Joel handed her and pulled out a book called Froggie Goes to Court.  “That’s a funny name for a story,” she said as she looked at the front cover.

“It was written after I had to go to court for a parking ticket.  It’s meant to teach children a little about how the judicial system works.  Froggie gets a ticket for jaywalking,” Joel explained.

“Oh,” Bree said.  She thought it sounded rather boring.  “Thank you,” she said politely.  “I’ll read it on the plane.”  She placed it back in the gift bag Joel had brought it in.  She struggled to think of a new topic of conversation.  But she was saved from having to do that when her fathers thankfully arrived from the bathroom.

“Joel,” Brian said, “we didn’t expect to see you again.”  He had managed to get his jeans back on, and the sweat wiped from his brow.  The glow on his face was harder to cover up.

“I hope that doesn’t mean that you’re not happy to see me now,” Joel replied looking quizzically at the two men.

“Um, we’re leaving for the airport in about three minutes,” Justin said, pointedly studying his watch.

“Well then…” Joel began. “I, um, just wanted to say goodbye, and thank you for all your advice.  Andrew and I had a talk last night.  I hope things are going to improve.”

“That’s good,” Justin said cheerfully.

“David, say goodbye to Bree.  We better be on our way.”

“Bye,” David said.

“Goodbye, David,” Bree responded in her best grownup manner.  She so wanted to kick his ass.

David and his father beat a hasty retreat.  Brian closed the door behind them.

“Who the fuck would have thought we’d end up being marriage counselors?” he demanded.

“We are not marriage counselors, and it sounds like things are far from settled between Joel and Andrew,” Justin chimed in.

“I’m glad I won’t have to see David no more,” Bree stated.  “I don’t like him.”

“It’s too bad he didn’t turn out to be nicer to you,” Justin commiserated.

“It’s okay, Daddy.  I’m glad I found out what he was like.  I won’t miss him at all.”

“Good girl,” Brian interjected giving his smart daughter a smile.

“I would have liked to kick his ass, though,” Bree couldn’t help but add.

“Bree!” Justin said.

“He would have deserved it,” Brian chuckled as he agreed with his daughter.  He and Bree smiled knowingly at each other.

“Now I have two incorrigibles to deal with,” Justin said shaking his head.

“These incorrigibles need to get to the airport,” Brian stated firmly.  “Grab your bags and let’s get the fuck out of the Great White North!”

*****

My daddies are quiet.  I know they’re happy going home.  I can’t wait to see Ashley and Patrick.  Ashley’s mommy is going to let Ashley stay at the cottage with me for at least a week!  We’re going to have so much fun.  And my Patrick will be there and Beau and Uncle John and Uncle Bobby and…

“Baby Girl, what are you smiling about?” Justin asked gently.  They were almost home and he was feeling a lot better.

“Home,” Bree answered simply as she smiled at her daddy.

“Are you all right with me and Dada going away for a while?” Justin asked as he lifted Bree from her seat and sat her on his lap.  She rested her body against her Daddy’s chest.

“Yes, Daddy.  You and Dada have fun some place.  Some place nice and warm and quiet and peaceful and…”  Justin giggled.

“I get the picture.  But it’s so late in the season, I wonder where your Dada found us something?”

“Does it matter, Daddy?” Bree asked with a wisdom far beyond her years.

“No, I guess it really doesn’t matter.  As long as I’m with your Dada, I know it will be perfect.”

“You’re so smart, Daddy,” Bree said as she patted Justin’s hand.

“If I am it’s because I learned it all from you and your Dada,” Justin said in all honesty as he hugged his daughter closer.  They stayed that way until the pilot told them to take their seats for landing.

*****

“Shit, Brian, it’s fucking hot!” Justin exclaimed as they left the terminal.

“Yeah, well, it’s August and we’re in Florida.  But I have it on good authority that the air conditioners are working all the way from the airport to our destination,” Brian informed his aggravated spouse.  Brian grabbed Justin’s wrist to check the time, then shouldering their duffle bags.  John had packed very light for them.  Brian assured John that he intended to do nothing more strenuous than hang around a pool or a beach for the next week and a half. 

“It had better be,” Justin grumbled as he tried to rein in his annoyance.  He knew Brian was doing everything he could and that the arrangements were made very quickly.  “Are we renting a car or…”

Before Justin could finish his question, a van pulled up to them.

“Get in!” a familiar voice commanded when the passenger side window slid down and the side door opened.  Brian grinned at Justin’s slightly shocked expression.  “Will you be moving your arses anytime soon? I won’t be coolin’ off all of St. Augustine, will I now!” Seamus chided them.

Brian laughed as he gave Justin a little shove to get him moving.  They quickly piled into the van as Seamus closed the window and Brian pulled the door shut.  The air conditioner was indeed working very well.  They settled back into the seat as Seamus pulled away from the curb.

“To the Piece of Plenty, Seamus, and don’t spare the horses,” Brian quipped as he took Justin’s hand and brought it to his lips.  He was rewarded with one of the brightest sunshine smiles he had ever seen.

“Aye, sir,” Seamus replied as he stepped down on the accelerator, taking his charges to the B&B.

-tbc-

Fun In The Sun

Chapter 1

“Like what you see, Sunshine?” Brian purred as he felt Justin looking down at him.  Justin smiled. Even with his eyes closed, Brian knew Justin was staring at him.

“Always,” Justin softly replied as he gently drew his finger down the bridge of Brian’s nose, over the coral colored lips then tapped the prominent chin.  Brian’s relatively unlined face and taut, trim abdomen belied Brian’s age.  The only hint of Brian’s true age came from the laugh lines near his eyes and the few grays at his temples.

They were resting between rounds.  The B&B was quiet, with only Seamus and one permanent guest in residence whose room was on the other side of the B&B.  The boys were situated in a quaint room with a large feather bed that took up most of the room.  The only other furniture in the room was a wicker chair near the window, a dresser and a small bedside night stand.  Happily for Brian, they had their own, albeit small, bathroom.

The room was perfect!

“What’s your plan?” Justin quietly asked, not wishing to disturb their reverie.

“Plan?”

“Agenda, itinerary, for our vacation,” Justin clarified.  Brian opened his eyes as he rolled onto his side to face his mate.

“My plan,” Brian began as he kissed Justin’s nose.  “Agenda.”  Brian kissed Justin’s temple.  “Itinerary.”  Brian kissed Justin’s lips, nibbling on the full lower lip.  “Is to only leave this bed when absolutely necessary for our survival.”  Brian rolled onto Justin, blanketing the younger man with his body, their foreheads touching.  Justin wrapped his arms around Brian’s torso and threw one leg over the back of Brian’s thighs.  They were sticky and in need of a shower but neither man seemed to care.

“Good plan,” Justin agreed as they kissed.  As their kiss deepened, they made love once more.

*****

“What’s that noise?”  A low rumbling broke through the quiet of their room.

“I do believe that’s your stomach, Sunshine.  Perhaps it’s trying to tell you something,” Brian stated the obvious.

“When was the last time we ate?” Justin asked as he stretched, wiggling his toes, luxuriating on the large bed.  Brian grabbed Justin’s wrist to look at his watch.

“About twelve hours ago.  It’s a wonder you haven’t wasted away,” Brian teased.  Justin made a lame attempt at swatting Brian’s chest.  “My poor little boy, not even enough muscle power to connect,” Brian snickered. 

Justin snorted.

“I suppose you want me to feed you?”

“Food sounds good but we really need to shower,” Justin said as he sniffed the air.  “Phew, we really stink.”

“Not just us; it smells like the backroom of Babylon in here.  Maybe we should ask Seamus for some air freshener.”

“Maybe, or maybe we should go out and buy some ourselves,” Justin strongly suggested.

“Yes, dear,” Brian squeaked.  He stretched his long body then sat up to get out of bed.  “Come on, Sunshine, up and at ‘em.  Let’s shower and then find you food.  Got to keep the furnace stoked,” Brian said as he offered his hand to Justin.  Justin took it then found himself in Brian’s arms and his ass patted.  Justin looked up into the bright hazel eyes that twinkled mischievously at him.

“Love you, Sunshine,” Brian whispered to the man in his arms.  Justin graced Brian with a smile then led him into the shower.

*****

“I wonder what’s open now?  Most of the town closes early,” Justin commented as they quietly headed down the stairs toward the front door.

“We can try that ale house on the main road,” Brian suggested.

“Sounds good to me,” Justin replied as he looked around the B&B.  “Is it my imagination or has Seamus made some improvements to the house?” 

“Yup.  Seamus has made quite a few improvements, notably the central air conditioning,” Brian replied knowingly.

“I thought something was different.  The house is nice and cool and very quiet,” Justin agreed.  “And nothing to detract from the view.”  Justin stopped short just before the front door; he turned to glare at his spouse who bumped into him.  “And how do you know what improvements Seamus has made?”  Brian gave him an innocent shrug.

Justin waited.

“A lot of Kinnetik employees have vacationed here over the years and I’ve recommended the B&B to many of our clients.  I know that Emmett and Drew have stayed here a few times, as have Ted and Allen.  Even the littlest hustler and his doctor have spent time here,” Brian smirked.

“Don’t call him that,” Justin admonished his recalcitrant spouse.

“The master of social work,” Brian corrected himself as he urged Justin out the door. “I know for a fact that Gordon brought Betsie here too,” Brian said with a waggle of his eyebrows.  Justin laughed as he shook his head.

“So what you’re telling me is that the Piece of Plenty has become the Southeastern Mecca for our family.”

“Something like that.  When Seamus wanted to update the house without changing the ambiance of the place, he called John.”

“He called the right man for the job,” Justin said with a nod.  “The house is just the way I remembered it.  It would have been a shame if it was modernized too much.  I love this place.  We had a good time here when we first visited with Bree.”

“She was toddler,” Brian murmured, smiling at the memory.  “That was a good trip.”

“My father’s idiocy notwithstanding.”

“It just made the trip all the more interesting,” Brian snarked, as they walked the quiet streets of St. Augustine.  When they got to the ale house they were shown to a nice table that overlooked the water.  “I like this place,” Brian commented as he studied his menu.

“Mmm, so do I,” Justin agreed.

The waiter took their orders for drinks and brought them a basket of breadsticks.

“This is nice,” Justin said wistfully as he nibbled a breadstick.

“Yes, it is.  Not too touristy either,” Brian remarked.

“It wouldn’t be, this late in the season.  School starts soon.  I guess we should go shopping for school supplies when we get home,” Justin said making a mental note to himself.

“Got it covered, Sunshine.  The Squirt’s going with Ashley,” Brian announced smugly.

“So who’s driving?  Wait, let me guess, one of them will steer while the other works the pedals,” Justin teased.  Brian didn’t bother with a response, he just glared over his micro-brew.  Justin snickered.  “I get it, Susanna’s taking them.  I expect there’ll be a lot of matching pink outfits,” Justin sighed.  Brian nodded.

They were quiet for a few minutes until their dinner arrived.  Justin began eating with gusto making Brian very happy.  Brian swore that Justin must have dropped a few pounds over the last couple of weeks.  Their conversation resumed when Justin came up for air.

“Why, Bri?” Justin asked cryptically.

“Why what?”

“This vacation.”

“What about it?”

“Why now?  And if you answer me with another question, you’re sleeping on the porch,” Justin said with a glare.  Brian chuckled as he reached over to pat Justin’s hand.

“You needed it.”  Justin stared at Brian.  “Justin, since Jo...ever since my mother died you’ve been a rock of support to me and Bree.  You kept me sane and have been a stabilizing force in Bree’s life since the funeral.  In the bad old days, I would have locked myself away and probably remained in a drugged or drunken stupor for at least a month.”

“No you wouldn’t have,” Justin tried to be encouraging. 

Brian snorted.  “We both know that’s a lie.  The point is that you deserve a medal, but since I have no influence over the President of these United States, Bree agreed that I should take you away on a nice quiet vacation.  Quiet being the operative word.  No crowds to please, no waterfalls, no ignorant art critics, volcanoes or riptides, and if you want to sketch, you do it because it’ll make you happy.” 

Justin’s smile lit up the room.  “You and Bree agreed on this?”

“Of course,” Brian said smugly.

“Then who am I to argue.”

It was dark by the time the boys got back to the B&B.  Seamus heard the door open and invited them into his rooms for a nightcap.  They sat out on the balcony sipping a cool crisp white wine.  It was hot but there was a cool breeze coming off the water.

“Thank you, Seamus,” Justin said after a while.

“For what, me lad?”

“For everything.  For giving us such a great room.  For keeping this place just as I remembered.  For it being so relaxing.”

“You give me a lot more credit then I deserve, lad, but I’ll take the compliment as intended.  Although it’s I who should be thankful to the both of you and to your lovely family.  You’ve kept my rooms full for years now with their visits and recommendations.  I may have to take on a partner to help me run the place.”                                       

“You’d give up your control?” Brian asked with an arch of his brow.

“Nah, but the Good Book did say something about getting thee a companion.  I may have found one,” Seamus stated with a gleam in his eyes.

“Oooo,” both Brian and Justin squeed at the same time, sounding so much like a certain fairy godmother of theirs.

“Tell Uncle Brian all about him.”  Brian paused then asked soberly.  “He is a him, isn’t he?”

“Yes, he’s a he,” Seamus chuckled.  “He’s a mature man, a self-made man who retired early and was looking for a small place like this to retire to.  He was even thinking of opening his own establishment.  He booked a room here to get the feel of the place.  We got to talking and nature took its course.  He’s English but I’ve learned to overlook it,” Seamus teased.

They laughed then offered up a little toast as Seamus refilled their glasses.

“Not to throw a monkey wrench into it but did you have him checked out?” Brian asked in all seriousness.

“Brian,” Justin admonished. 

Seamus waved his hand.  “Yes, Da.  I still have some connections across the pond, as it were.  He’s legit,” Seamus assured them.

“Then I say, enjoy yourself, play safe and no tricks after midnight,” Brian said with a straight face as he leaned back in his chair and genteelly sipped his wine.  Justin shook his head as Seamus laughed with delight.

*****

“You’re so bad,” Justin said as they crawled under the sheets.

“What do you mean?” Brian asked in all innocence.

“Asking Seamus if he checked out his new boyfriend.”

“What’s so bad about that?  Justin, Seamus has a good thing going here.  He’s smack in the middle of town.  The building is solid and Seamus has more than a few bucks in the bank.  I’d hate to see someone with a pretty face bat his eyes then take Seamus for all he’s worth,” Brian stated with his usual straightforwardness.

“Well, if you put it that way.”

“Jus, Seamus is a good man.  I consider him a friend.  I just want to make sure no one takes advantage of him.” 

Justin smiled softly as Brian turned off the light on the dresser then got into bed next to him.  “Seamus is not the only good man here,” Justin said in the dark.

“Shhh, no ruining my rep,” Brian said as he snuggled closer to the younger man.

“Too late, your rep’s been ruined for years.”

“Damn.  How about this rep?” Brian asked as he ground his hard cock into Justin’s.  “Is this rep ruined too?”

“Never,” Justin replied as he ground himself back.  They frotted for a while then allowed nature to take its course.

*****

“Hey,” Justin murmured with a smile as he stretched and gave himself a satisfying scratch.

“Hey yourself,” Brian replied as he sat in the chair by the window, his reading glasses perched on his nose as he read the local paper, sipping coffee.  It was early enough, before the humidity became a factor, that the window was open allowing a light breeze to air out the room.

“Did I miss breakfast?” Justin asked as he tried to focus on his watch.

“It’s still early; we have plenty of time for breakfast.”

“Where’d the coffee come from?” Justin asked as he sat up in the bed.  Brian pointed to a carafe on the dresser.  Justin got up to fix himself a cup of morning nectar then quickly got back into bed.  “Do you have an ‘in’ with the owner?”  Justin teased as he sipped his brew.

“You might say that.  Seamus was up with the gulls.  I heard puttering around and went down,” Brian explained.  “He’s given us carte blanche in his kitchen.”

“Good to know.  How long have you been awake?”

“A couple of hours,” Brian said.  He had already showered and dressed.

“We’re supposed to be on vacation.”

“Years of habit, Sunshine,” Brian said as he took another sip of coffee.  “And I could say the same for you.  We have nowhere to be, you can go back to sleep,” Brian suggested.

“I’ve had enough sleep for now.  I think I’d like to walk around the town before it gets too hot, but after I take a shower,” Justin said as he lifted the sheets and took a whiff.  Brian chuckled as Justin wrinkled his nose in disgust.  “I think we wore out the sheets already.”

“No kidding.  Well, the sooner we get out of here the faster the maid will come in and fix the bed.”  Justin nodded, finishing his coffee then heading for their bathroom.  By the time he came out, Brian had stripped the bed and was ready to go.

*****

“It’s nice out,” Justin commented as they strolled hand in hand, not giving a rat’s ass about other people’s opinions.  Besides, they weren’t the only same sex couple in town.

“Yes, it is,” Brian agreed behind his dark glasses.

The boys had breakfasted on some of Seamus’ famous berry fruit cocktail and thick slices of buttered toast.  Well, Justin did, Brian stuck with the fruit and one slice of dry toast.  Then they were ready to take in the sights or just enjoy the day.

They were walking towards the fort when Justin turned to face Brian.  “Thank you.”

“For what, Sunshine?”

“For bringing me here.  We’ve been here for less than twenty-four hours and I already feel so much better.  My stomach’s been tied up in knots for weeks now.”

“I know.  Even Lindsay’s been bitching at me.  She seems to think that I can wave a magic wand over you and instantly fix you,” Brian smirked behind his shades.

“Your ‘wand’ does appear to have magical qualities,” Justin said with a smile.

“So true,” Brian retorted nonchalantly.  “A stud’s work is never done,” he added with a put upon sigh.

“You’re so full of it,” Justin commented as he purchased the admission tickets for the fort.

“Not yet,” Brian stated as he leaned down to whisper into Justin’s ear.  “But maybe tonight I will be,” Brian purred sending shivers up Justin’s spine.  “You’re so easy,” Brian laughed, throwing his arm over Justin’s shoulder as they walked under the arched entranceway and into the fort.

*****

“I wonder how Bree is getting along?” Justin asked as they cooled off in a local sweet shop with ice cream and sorbet.

“Why don’t you call her and find out,” Brian suggested.  “You know you want to and we do have these marvelous things called cell phones,” Brian snarked.  Justin pitched a balled up napkin at his spouse before taking out his phone.  Brian smiled sweetly at Justin as he had another spoonful of his raspberry sorbet.

“Hi, John.  We’re fine.  How’s... Baby Girl!” Justin said enthusiastically into the phone.  Brian just shook his head.  Like father like daughter, separated for less than a day and yet they both carry on as if they hadn’t seen each other for years.  Brian smiled, imagining Bree jumping up and down, tugging on John’s sleeve, demanding to speak with her Daddy.

“Someone wants to say hello,” Justin said after a while, handing his phone to Brian.

“Hey, Squirt, you behaving for Uncle John?”

“Oh yes, Dada!  Is the vacation working?”

“Yes, it is,” Brian replied with confidence.

“That’s good.  You take good care of my Daddy,” Bree commanded.

“I promise I will,” Brian assured his daughter.

“I know you will, Dada.  I love you, Dada.”

“I love you too, Squirt.  Have fun with Ashley.”

“I will.  Here’s Uncle John,” Bree said as she handed the phone back to her uncle.  Brian could hear her running back out calling for Ashley.

“I take it she’s having fun with Ashley?” Brian asked John. 

John laughed.  “They’ve been attached at the hip since Susanna dropped her off last night.  She’s a great kid.  How’s everything?”

“Hot.”

“Is that your commentary regarding the weather or the sex?” John laughed.

“Both,” Brian replied.

“Keep up the good work,” John said.

“I will,” Brian assured his brother before they hung up.

“She sounded happy to hear from us,” Justin commented.

“Of course she’s happy to hear from us, we’re her bestest parents.”  Brian gave Justin a smug smile.  Justin laughed at Brian’s antics making Brian’s heart soar. 

“What did you promise her?”

“To take good care of you.  And am I?”

“Yes, you are; the very bestest of care,” Justin stated making Brian smirk.

“Are you finished?” Brian asked indicating the ice cream.

“I’m done.”

“Then let’s walk it off,” Brian suggested.  They left the sweet shop, slowly walking toward the older more residential part of the town.

“Everything is so peaceful,” Justin observed.  Brian nodded.  “It kinda reminds me of our lane.”

“A little.  Not as hot of course.”  Brian meant the weather.

“Mmm.  We could have stayed at home.”

“No, we couldn’t have,” Brian stated sternly.

“Why?”  Brian’s tone made Justin stop in his tracks and look at Brian.

“Because, as much as we would have promised ourselves not to answer the phone or tend to any business or handle a Bree crisis or a lane happening or any of the other thousands of things that could possibly happen with our cwazy wittle family, taking you away seemed to be the best choice.  It’s a vacation, meaning to vacate, to get away and I don’t give a shit if we become bored to tears, we’re staying here for at least a week, maybe longer.  I have open return tickets.”

“You did this all for me?” Justin asked, his blue eye shimmering with unshed tears.  Brian gently palmed the side of Justin’s face, swiping his thumb across the cheekbone.

“I’d do anything for you, Sunshine,” Brian murmured solemnly.  Justin leaned into Brian’s hand, his eyes darting around for a brief second.  He leaned up to peck Brian’s lips, the unsaid promise of more shining in the deep blue eyes. 

Brian nodded then they continued their walk.

Fun In The Sun

Chapter 2

“I just talked to my daddies,” Bree said proudly as she skipped into the backyard of Edna’s Treasures where Patrick and Ashley were throwing a stick which Beau was only too happy to retrieve.

“How’s your Daddy?” Patrick asked as they all sat down in some lawn chairs under the big tree.

“Dada says he’s taking care of him.  I think Daddy’s doing good,” Bree responded.  “He really needed a vacation.”  She had told her cousin and her friend all about her trip to Toronto, and also about how uptight and worried her Daddy had been about his art show.

“That’s good,” Ashley told Bree.  “My mommy would like to have a vacation,” she said with a little sadness in her voice.

“Isn’t she having a vacation while you’re here this week?” Patrick asked with the Kinney smirk.

Bree gave her cousin the glare of death.  Patrick’s smirk disappeared immediately.

Beau walked over to Bree and dropped the stick they had been throwing for him.  He knew instinctively that the fun was over for now.  He laid his big head in Bree’s lap.  She ruffled the fur around his neck and Beau looked up at her with sorrowful eyes.  He was glad to have his young mistress home, but he wondered where his other masters were.  He missed them.

“It’s okay, Beau,” Bree stated.  Instinctively, just like Beau, she understood what was going on with the big dog.  “My daddies will be home soon.”  Beau gave a groan and laid down beside Bree’s chair to observe his young charges.

“Why didn’t you go with them?” Patrick asked.  He would have gone with his dads if he had been invited.

“I think they needed alone time,” Bree said.

“What’s alone time?” Ashley asked in all innocence.

“It’s like when they go in their bedroom and lock the door,” Bree replied.

“What do they do in there?” Ashley inquired.  Not having her father in her life, or her mother in a relationship, Ashley had no experience with this concept.  Her mother’s bedroom door was always open to her.

“I don’t really know, and somebody won’t tell me,” Bree stated pointedly as she looked at Patrick with accusing eyes.  Patrick blushed.

“I don’t get it,” Ashley said.

“They’re loving each other,” Bree added, parroting what Uncle John had told her.

“Oh,” Ashley said.  She still didn’t get it, but apparently she wasn’t going to receive any better answer.  “Grown ups are funny.”

“You can say that again,” Bree agreed.

“Especially Aunt Claire,” Patrick piped up.

“Why is she funny?” Bree asked.

“She sure isn’t funny to make you laugh.”

“Then why is she funny?”

“She’s weird,” Patrick said as he thought about how to answer the question more completely.  “Every time me and Dad went to her son’s house, she acted real strange.  She’d stare at me like she couldn’t believe I was real.”

“Did she think you were a ghost or something?” Ashley asked.

“She kind of did.”

“What do you mean?” Bree asked.  “You’re not dead.  You can’t be a ghost.”

Patrick frowned.  “It was like she couldn’t believe I was real.  She kept looking at me like she was waiting for me to do something … bad.”

“Why would she want you to do something bad?” Bree wanted to know.

“I don’t think she wanted me to, but she thought I would.”

“That is weird,” Bree agreed.  “I tried to like her when she came here for those days a long time ago, but she never really let me.  She always looked at me funny too, now that I remember how she was.”

“I’m just glad we don’t have to go back to see her anymore,” Patrick stated.

“So what are we going to do for this afternoon?” Bree asked.  “I think we should ask Uncle John to take us horseback riding.”

“That would be fun,” Ashley agreed, getting excited about the prospect of being on a horse again.  She wasn’t the best rider, but she liked to be up high and ride along looking at the scenery.

“Dad’s working from home today, so I don’t think he can take us,” Patrick informed them.

“Poop,” Bree responded.  She really wanted to go horseback riding.  “We could ask him,” she suggested coyly.

“Sure, go ahead and ask him,” Patrick said, “but he won’t be able to do it.”

Bree frowned, but she was also determined.  Just then John came out of the sun porch.

“Uncle John, Uncle John!” Bree called leaping from her chair and rushing to her uncle so she could throw her arms around him.

“That’s the kind of greeting I like,” John said with a big smile as he hugged the petite girl back.

“I love you,” Bree added for good measure.

“I love you too, princess.”

“Uncle John, we decided we’d like to go horseback riding.”  Bree smiled and batted her violet eyes at her uncle.

Patrick shook his head as he watched the shenanigans of his favorite cousin.

“I think that could be arranged.  When would you like to go?”

“Now,” Bree declared with a coy smile.

“I don’t think that’s possible,” said John.  “I’m waiting for an important phone call, so I can’t leave the house.”

“But can’t you use your cell phone?” Bree asked appearing suitably sad and subdued by her uncle’s news.

“Afraid not.  I have to have some plans in front of me when I talk to this client, so that we can agree to some changes.”

“Oh,” Bree said dejectedly.  “I really wanted to go horseback riding.”  She stared at her uncle with her big eyes, pleading silently with him to change his mind.  That sometimes worked on her Daddy, and rarely on her Dada, but it was worth a try.

John frowned and looked worried.  He wanted his charges to be happy, but he could hardly read and revise plans for a building while sitting in a saddle.  “What about another day?” he asked.

“I really wanted to go today,” Bree replied, trying to find a voice that wasn’t too whiny, but would make her uncle aware of how much she really wanted to go.  She stared at the ground not letting herself look at her uncle.

John felt bad that his princess was not happy.  He struggled to come up with some plan that would allow him to meet her wishes, but he couldn’t think of anything.  He looked over at Patrick for some help. 

His son sat with a strange look on his face, watching the interaction between his father and Bree intently.  John willed his son to come to his rescue and say something that would make Bree feel better.  Patrick gave his father a curious little smile and merely shrugged.

That was when it hit John.  He was being played … by a nine year old.  He studied the little girl in front of him.  She refused to look up, but John had the distinct impression that she was waiting for him to buckle under her pressure.

He cleared his throat.  “You really wanted to go today, did you?” John asked.

“Oh yes, Uncle John,” Bree said sincerely, finally looking up into his eyes.  John could see the hope evident in the violet eyes before him.  She thought she was going to get her way.

“And no other day would be as good?”

Bree shook her head.  “We really, really wanted to go today,” she said with all sincerity.

“Hm,” John said rubbing his chin.  “I’d be happy to take you tomorrow, but I can’t do it today.  I guess that means you don’t want to go at all.  Have you three got plans for tomorrow?”

Bree’s mouth dropped open.  This was not at all the outcome that she had expected.  “Oh no, Uncle John, we don’t have anything planned for today or tomorrow.  That’s why we wanted to go riding.”

“I see.  Then tomorrow would be all right?  I could call the farm and arrange it for tomorrow morning when it’s cooler.  Would that work for you three?”

Bree looked at the others who both nodded enthusiastically.  “I guess that’s okay, Uncle John.”  She still wanted to go today, but it didn’t look like her womanly wiles were working on her uncle.

“I’m glad we could come up with a plan that will work for all of us,” John said with a smile.  “Is everybody happy?”

“Yes, Mr. John, thank you,” Ashley said politely.

“I’m good, Dad,” Patrick threw in.  He grinned at his dad who gave him a conspiratorial wink.

“Thank you, Uncle John,” Bree said contritely.

“Do I get a hug?” John asked.

“Sure.”  Bree put her arms around her uncle’s neck when he bent down.

“Don’t try to manipulate me, princess.  It won’t work,” John whispered in her ear, before standing up and heading towards the sun porch.  “I’ll make that call to the farm now,” he added in a loud voice before he disappeared into the house.

“Poop!” Bree said as she flopped into the lawn chair where she had been sitting before.

“My dad’s smart,” Patrick said proudly.

Bree gave him a sour look.

“I thought you were going to get him to take us horseback riding today,” Ashley stated with a smile for her best friend.

“I thought so too,” Bree agreed.  She didn’t like not getting her way.

“You can’t always have your own way,” Patrick informed them.

“I usually do get my own way.”

Patrick tried not to chuckle.  He knew Bree was right.  Her fathers, and everyone else at Edna’s Treasures, usually gave in to the little dynamo.  It was good to see her not get what she wanted for once.  Patrick wasn’t quite sure why that pleased him as much as it did, but he had enjoyed seeing his dad best his cousin.

“So, what are we going to do now?” Bree asked with a major pout.

“You’re the one with all the good ideas,” Patrick joked.

“I think we should call Gus or JR,” Bree stated confidently.

“And why would we call them?” Patrick asked.

“They have lots of good ideas.”

“Such as?”

“How do I know until I ask them,” Bree said petulantly.

“Why don’t we go to the stream?” Ashley asked hopefully.  “We could dangle our feet in the water.  It would be really cool.”

“Okay,” Bree agreed brightening up.

“We should ask first,” Patrick interjected as the girls stood up.

“We’re not going swimming,” Bree protested.  “We’re just going to put our feet in the water.”

“I still think we should tell Dad.”

“He won’t care,” Bree declared.

“Um, Bree, I think he will.”

Bree looked at Patrick and then ignored him.  “Let’s go,” she said to Ashley.  “The scaredy cat can stay here by himself.”

“Bree!” Patrick protested.

“That wasn’t nice, Bree,” Ashley advised.

“I don’t care.  Let’s go.”  Bree headed towards the path to the stream.  She could do this all by herself if she had to.  Uncle John wasn’t going to stop her.

“You should tell your father,” Ashley whispered to Patrick before she started after he friend.

Patrick looked back and forth between the house and the girls.  He didn’t want to make Bree mad at him, but he knew that his father would be mad if they went to the stream without telling him.  While he stood there, the girls disappeared behind the Wendy house.  Patrick ran towards the sun porch to get his father.

A couple of minutes later Patrick and his father caught up with the wayward girls.  They were stopped dead in their tracks by a growling Beau who blocked their path.

“Just what do you young ladies think you are doing?” John demanded.

“Going to the stream,” Bree said defiantly.  “But Beau won’t get out of the way.”

“Good Beau,” John approved.  “You both know better than to go to the stream without permission.”

“Ashley told me to get you,” Patrick piped up.  “It’s not her fault.”

“So, Miss Briana, you’ve decided to take matters into your own hands since your trip to Toronto,” John said shaking his head.

“I’m not a baby.  I helped my Dada sign a deal in Toronto and I helped Daddy with his paintings and the whole trip was my idea and I want to go to the stream and I want to go horseback riding, but nobody will let me do nothin’.”

“Breathe, Bree,” John advised.

“I don’t want to breathe.  I want to do something fun.  I want my daddies.”

“Bree, they’ve only been gone a couple of days,” Patrick informed her.

“I don’t care.  I want them back.”

“I thought you were happy they had gone on this trip,” John said not understanding what had set off this series of unprecedented events.

“I … I am happy for them,” Bree said tears starting to well up in her eyes.  But…I…I…”

“You what?  Tell me what’s wrong?” John asked.

“I want to make some decisions.  I don’t want to always have to do what everybody else tells me to do,” Bree wailed as the tears fell in earnest.

“Bree, sweetheart,” John said squatting down in front of the distraught girl, “you aren’t old enough to make all the decisions I’m sure you’d like to make, but maybe we could sit down and plan the rest of the week.  That way you can choose and decide what you want to do and what you don’t want to do.  How would that be?”

“B…Better,” Bree said between gulps for air.

“Do you two agree to that?”

“Yes,” Patrick and Ashley both agreed.  They hated seeing Bree cry, but they didn’t know what to do about it.

“I need to go back to the house and finish making some notes that I was jotting down when Patrick came to get me.  But as soon as I’m finished we’ll all sit down together.”

“That sounds good, Dad,” Patrick agreed.  He put his arm around Bree’s shoulders hoping she wouldn’t shrug him off.  To his surprise she leaned against him.  “It’ll be okay, Bree,” he said gently.

“Yeah, it will be okay,” Ashley repeated.  She slipped her hand into Bree’s.

Beau gave a little woof and nuzzled Bree from behind.

“I’m still mad at you, Beau,” Bree stated petulantly.

“He was only doing his job,” John advised as they started walking towards the house.  “I think you should forgive Beau.”

Bree took a deep breath and wiped at her tears.  “Sowwy, Beau,” she said in her little girl voice.

“Woof,” Beau replied bounding around the little group and licking Bree’s hand.  She bent down to pet the big dog.  He licked all over her face making her giggle.

“It’s okay, Beau,” Bree said.  “I know you were trying to help.  I just didn’t like you interfering.”

John smiled to himself as he led the way to the house.  It looked like the crisis had been averted.  He wondered how many more there would be before his brother came home.  “What do you say to some lemonade when we get back to the house?”

“Sounds good,” Patrick said.

“Sure,” Ashley agreed. 

“Okay,” Bree said with a little sniffle.

“While we’re drinking our lemonade we could call JR and see what fun things she might suggest for us to do,” Patrick offered.

John rolled his eyes.  He didn’t need any more suggestions of things to do, but he wasn’t going to say anything yet.  This situation was over, and he would deal with the next one when it arose.  He didn’t want to have to call Brian and Justin, and tell them that their daughter was hysterical and they better come home.

John looked at his watch.  He wondered how much longer it would be before Bobby got home.  He could use some back up.

*****

Bree, Patrick and Ashley sat in the sun porch sipping their lemonade.

“So what did JR tell you to do?” Patrick asked.  Bree had called her sister before they sat down in the sun porch.

“She said we should come to the comic book store and get a comic.”

“I’ve never read a comic,” Ashley admitted.

“You haven’t?” Bree asked in surprise.  Ashley shook her head looking a little sheepish about this admission.  “Then we should definitely go to the comic store.”

“What else?” Patrick wanted to know.

“I think we should go to McDonald’s one day,” Bree suggested cheerfully.

“Do we have to?” Patrick asked with a sigh.

“Why don’t you want to go?”

“I’m too big for that playhouse.”

“Oh?”  Bree was surprised, but she remembered that it had been hard for Patrick the last time they were at McDonald’s.  “Then why don’t we see if we can go to a nice restaurant one night?  I had this neat cocktail in Toronto called a Shirley Temple.  It was soooo good!”

“You had a cocktail?” Ashley asked her eyes very big with surprise.

“It’s a cocktail for kids, Ashley.  It’s okay to have it, and it was delicious.”

“Oh, okay.”

“I could go for that,” Patrick added.

“We can go horseback riding tomorrow, maybe to the stream for a swim if it’s hot tomorrow afternoon,” Bree suggested.

“Sounds good,” Patrick agreed.

“My mom was going to take us shopping for school,” Ashley reminded them. 

“Right,” Bree stated.  “We need to find out what day she wants to do that.”

“I could call her,” Ashley suggested.

“Okay, use the phone in the kitchen.”

Ashley skipped off to the kitchen to make her call.  Bree looked thoughtful for a moment.  “I’m choosing all the things we do,” she said with a frown.

“You wanted to make your own decisions,” Patrick reminded her.

“Yeah, but you guys should get to do something you want to do.”

“You think so?” Patrick asked using his Kinney smirk again. 

Bree decided she didn’t much like it when he did that.  “You should get a say and so should Ashley.”

“A say in what?” Ashley wanted to know when she returned from the kitchen.

“I think you and Patrick should each choose one thing you want to do while my daddies are away.”

“Oh?  Do you know what you want to do, Patrick?”

“Not yet, but it should be a rule that the others have to agree even if they don’t really want to do it.”

“Okay,” Ashley said.

“Okaaay,” Bree agreed reluctantly.  She didn’t like the idea of a day of baseball practice, but she supposed she could put up with it if that was what Patrick really wanted.

“My mom wants to go shopping day after tomorrow,” Ashley informed them.

“Okay, then you guys need to decide what you want to do on the rest of the days.”

They all sat back with their lemonades and tried to think of fun things they wanted to pursue.

Fun In the Sun

Chapter 3

The boys rented a car and took a drive down the highway that skirted the edge of the Atlantic Ocean.  The day was slightly overcast which helped to keep the temperature down to tolerable levels.  Brian was driving as Justin sat back and watched the countryside go by.

“Hey, Bri, did you ever want to own a motorcycle?” Justin asked as about the tenth bike whizzed by.

“Yeah, for about fifteen seconds but then I decided it was much safer to do a biker rather than own the bike.”

“What do you mean?”

“Can’t break my neck falling off a biker, can I?” Brian snarked, making Justin crack up.

“You’re incorrigible, do you know that?”

“So I’ve been told.  I do look good in leather, though,” Brian said immodestly.

“That you do.  Hmm.”

“What?”

“I’m trying to picture you in leather chaps and nothing else.”  Justin waggled his eyebrows.

“Keep dreaming, Sonny Boy.  You, on the other hand have the perfect ass and dick for chaps!”  Brian grinned, his jeans suddenly feeling at least three sizes too small.  He stole a lascivious look at his mate.

“Eyes on the road, old man.  You can dream about my wardrobe later,” Justin said as he patted Brian’s thigh.

“You could help me with that,” Brian said indicating his hard on.

“And get arrested for lewd behavior?  I don’t think so.  Just think cool thoughts,” Justin helpfully suggested.  He laughed when Brian grumbled a curse.  “Pull over,” Justin requested after a few minutes.  Brian slowed down then pulled up behind a long line of cars that were also parked on the side of the road.

“What’s going on over there?”

“Sand castles,” Justin announced with awe as he got out of the car.  They carefully crossed the two lane highway to get to the beach where dozens of people were watching artisans turn the beach sand into magnificent structures.  “Beautiful,” he murmured.

“Do you mind if we watch for a while?” Justin asked Brian with a childlike abandon.  Brian simply smiled as he donned his dark glasses then made a “go-ahead” gesture with his hand.  Justin took off to explore; the artist could not resist.

Brian watched Justin wander down the beach and spend time at each exhibit.  After a while Brian bought a couple of bottles of water from a street vendor and brought one to Justin.  

“Thanks,” Justin said as he took a good long swig.  “Wow, this is so good.”

“Coming from you, that’s a real compliment,” the artist said when he realized who the admirer was.  “I love your stuff,” the young man said.

“Thanks.  Justin Taylor,” Justin said, sticking out his hand.

“Warren Grimms,” Warren said returning the handshake.  “Are you here for a show?” 

“Vacation,” Justin stated.

“The judging is in two days.  If you’re still around, maybe you’ll vote for me,” Warren said with an award winning smile.  Justin laughed as he shook the hopeful sculptor’s hand and then walked to the next sand castle.

“You wouldn’t think there’s enough sand on this beach to make these,” Brian commented as they leisurely strolled to the next construction.

“There isn’t,” Justin said as he pointed.  Brian followed Justin’s finger.  “Apparently they truck it in then after the contest, they truck it back out.  They try not to upset the surrounding eco system.”

“And how do you know all this?”

“I asked,” Justin said smugly.

When they came across an exhibit that featured a very well built muscular man, Brian expressed his appreciation.

“You do know it’s only sand?”  Justin murmured as he nudged Brian with his shoulder.  Brian snorted as he led the way toward the last exhibit.  Justin giggled loudly when he noticed the distasteful expression on Brian’s face.

“The gods are against me, Sunshine,” Brian sighed as they sidled up to a huge sand bullfrog! Justin laughed even louder.

*****

“Well, look what the cat dragged in!” Seamus announced aloud as Brian and Justin let themselves into the communal kitchen at the end of their day.  Searching the refrigerator for something cool to drink, they found a large pitcher of homemade lemonade.  The guys poured out three glasses.  “Had a good day, did ye, lads?”

“Very nice,” Justin replied with a satisfied smile as he took a sip.

“Not bad,” Brian stated blandly as he held the cold glass to his forehead.  He drank down his lemonade in one long gulp then quickly washed out his glass.  “I need a shower,” he grumbled as he placed the glass in the dish rack then left the kitchen.

“What bit his ass?” Seamus asked with an amused smile as he watched Brian stomp away.

“He had a run in with a very large sandy frog,” Justin said as he laughed.  He then explained the joke to Seamus.  Brian smiled to himself as the sound of Justin’s gleeful laughter followed him up the stairs and toward their room.

*****

“Where shall we go for dinner tonight?” Justin asked as he breezed into their room.

“Where would you like to go?” Brian asked with a low rumble.  He was freshly showered and stretched out on top of their bed in all his naked glory.  Justin came to a sudden halt, taking in the sight of his still picture perfect spouse.

“Nowhere,” Justin replied as he quickly stripped then pounced.

*****

It was minutes to ten at night when the boys realized that they really needed supper, their stomachs giving them loud reminders.  They quickly showered, threw on clothes then raced down the stairs.  They were stopped at the door by a note taped to the glass.

“This was a quiet, respectable establishment before you boys came to visit.  Now if you be finished shoutin’ down the rafters, there be a pair of chicken salads with your names on ‘em in the refrigerator.  Eat them quietly and with my blessin’s.  I think they heard you two in Daytona!  S.”

Justin blushed as he reread the note. 

“He’s onto us, Sunshine,” Brian giggled softly as he pushed Justin toward the kitchen. 

The boys found their salads then proceeded to chow down on their feast.

*****

“I’m surprised you’re up so early after the day you had yesterday,” Seamus stated as he walked into his kitchen to prepare breakfast.  Brian was sitting at one of the tables sipping coffee.  “Where’s your better half?” Seamus asked as he gathered up all the fixings.

“Sleeping,” Brian replied as he pointed toward the ceiling.

“Not surprising, you wore the poor lad out,” Seamus said as he cracked a few eggs into a large bowl.  Brian twitched as he readjusted himself a little in his chair to get more comfortable.  “What?” Seamus asked, noticing Brian’s movements.

“He wore me out,” Brian said with a straight face and a wink.  Seamus stared at Brian for a moment then burst into laughter.  Brian nodded and went back to his coffee.

After a while, Seamus presented Brian with a tray.  On it was a coffee service and breakfast for two.

“What’s this?”

“Isn’t it obvious or has all the blood drained from your head to pool in other parts?  It’s breakfast, you daft man!” 

Brian rolled his eyes.  “I can see it’s breakfast but I didn’t think breakfast in bed was included in the vacation package,” Brian said as he took the tray.

“Seeing as I own the place, I can include whatever I damn well please.  And it pleases me to have you bring up a tray to your young man up there who’s probably wasting away from the workout last night,” Seamus said with a very stern face.

“What about me?” Brian asked indignantly.  “I got a workout too!”

“Do ye not see there be two omelets?” Seamus asked with hands on hip and an exaggerated brogue.  Brian got an overwhelming impression of Debbie; a Debbie who was Irish and male.  He snorted then turned to go when Seamus made a shooing motion with his hands.  “And make sure the lad eats all of it!” he called out to Brian.

“Yeah, yeah,” Brian grumbled as he shook his head then headed up the stairs.  Leaning the tray against the wall, Brian gingerly opened their bedroom door.

“Hey,” a sleepy voice greeted Brian.

“Hey,” Brian replied.  “Hungry?” Brian asked as he entered the room, shutting the door with his foot.  He set the tray down on the dresser while Justin sat up in the bed.

“Starving.”

“We can’t have that,” Brian said as he helped Justin fluff up the pillows then set down the tray. 

“Mmm.  Looks good.”

“Seamus outdid himself.”

“I didn’t think breakfast in bed was part of the service.”

“I’ve been informed and I quote, ‘Seeing as I own the place, I can include whatever I damn well please.’  End quote.”  Justin smiled brilliantly then took a bite out of his toast.

The boys ate their breakfast in bed at a leisurely pace then indulged in high protein desserts.

*****

“What should we do today?”  Justin asked when he opened his eyes for the second time that morning. 

After their large breakfast and some rigorous after breakfast activities, they fell back to sleep.  Brian woke, took the tray down and returned with more coffee.  He was sipping the brew while quietly sitting in the chair by the window.  He was in no hurry to go anywhere or to wake Justin.  Brian was pleased when Justin woke up all on his own.

“I have nothing in mind but whatever we do it won’t be outside.”  Brian cocked his head toward the window.  It was bleak and raining.

“Is there any more coffee?” Justin asked as he sat up.  Brian got up to share his cup. 

“There’s a fresh pot downstairs when we want a refill,” Brian commented.  Brian sat back in the chair and stared out the window.  “I guess we can ask Seamus if there’s someplace interesting to go to.  We have the car for a few more days.”

“Can we just stay here?” Justin asked innocently as he polished off Brian’s coffee.

“Here?” Brian asked with a grin.

“I mean in this house not necessarily in this bed,” Justin patiently explained.

“Tired of me already, Sunshine?”

“Never, but I wouldn’t mind a quiet day reading or sketching,” Justin said with a sigh.

“Then a quiet day we shall have.  Seamus showed me another one of his improvements today.”

“What kind of improvement?” Justin asked, suspicious of his somewhat naughty spouse.

“A very nice improvement.  Why don’t you shower and get dressed then join me in the kitchen.  We’ve slept through lunch but Seamus told me we’re welcome to raid his fridge.”

“Okay,” Justin said, handing back the cup then getting up to go shower.  Brian took the cup and himself down to the kitchen.

“How’s he doing?” Seamus asked.  He was squeezing lemons to make more lemonade.

“Better.  He wants a quiet day.  I’m going to show him your little paradise in paradise,” Brian stated looking slightly distracted.

“What is it, lad?” Seamus asked gently.

“He’s always been the most energetic person I’ve ever known.  I don’t like him looking so tired.  And not just from our ‘workouts.’”

“From what you’ve told me, he’s been going nonstop for almost a year now.  Not surprising he’s stressed.  Brian, I have no one booked until the Labor Day weekend.  Other than myself and my permanent resident, you have the whole house to yourself.  I consider you family, not just paying guests.  You may cook for yourself if that’s your wish or call for takeout.  My house is yours for as long as you want.”

“Thank you, Seamus.  I appreciate that more than you know,” Brian stated, somewhat relieved.

“I do know, lad.  All work and no play, or some such.  He just needs a quiet cozy spot to rid himself of unnecessary noise and allow himself to reconnect with what’s really important,” Seamus said wisely.

Brian stared.  “You’ve been kissin’ that Blarney Stone, haven’t you?”

“Well, I am Irish but you do understand what I’m gettin’ at?” 

“Yes, I do,” Brian acknowledged with a nod.  “Which is why I wanted to get away and not just stay on the lane.”

“Far from the temptation of doing something work-like,” Seamus confirmed.

“Exactly.”

“And if I’m not mistaken, you can benefit from some time away from it all as well.”

“Yes, but not as much as he needs it.”

“But it pleases him to have you with him, enjoying the quiet too.  If you’re relaxed and at peace, he will be too.”

“You’re a wise man, Seamus Griffin,” Brian declared with a thick brogue.

“Aye, and you’re still daft!” Seamus pronounced.  “Now be gone with you, shoo!  Go take your young man out back and when this is ready I’ll bring you out a couple of glasses of fresh lemonade and some nibbles.”

“Sir, yes, sir!”  Brian saluted his host.  Justin was coming down the stairs as Brian left the kitchen.  “Come on, Sunshine, let me show you the Piece of Plenty secret garden.”  Brian took Justin’s hand and led him toward the garden path.

*****

Justin gasped when he saw the small but visually ornate garden at the back of the house.  Seamus had decided to sacrifice most of his parking lot to create a tropical paradise that could be enjoyed from a glass enclosed solarium.  The solarium was cooled by the new central air system and by a large ceiling fan.  One could sit in cool comfort and still enjoy the Florida sun.

“When did he do this?” Justin asked as he practically pressed his nose to the glass.

“A few years ago.  It was one of those improvements he consulted John about.  Seamus wanted something similar to our sun porch,” Brian explained.

“This is amazing!  On cooler days you can sit outside and on really hot days stay in here,” Justin said with approval.

“Or on rainy days,” Brian added.  It was still raining outside.

“But it doesn’t detract from the beauty.  He created a sanctuary,” Justin exclaimed with a sigh as he made himself comfortable on an overstuffed chaise.  He quietly gazed out of the large windows, watching the jewel like raindrops bounce off brightly colored flower petals and deep green leaves.

“I wish I had my sketch pad with me,” Justin murmured.

“Your wish is my command, Sunshine,” Brian stated as he produced Justin’s messenger bag containing the ubiquitous sketch pad and pencils.

“Thank you,” Justin beamed as he took out his pad and pencils and began to draw.

*****

“Here ya go,” Seamus began as he entered the solarium carrying a tray.

“Shhh.”  Brian held a finger to his mouth.  “He just dropped off,” Brian whispered.

“Ah, did you wear the lad out again?” Seamus teased as he set the tray down on a table and sat close to Brian.

“He wore himself out.”  Brian pointed to the pad that had slipped out of Justin’s hand and landed on the terra cotta tiled floor.  Seamus picked up the pad and began to flip through the drawings.

“You’ve been out here only a few hours and he did all this?” Seamus asked with amazement.  “Unbelievable.”

“Your garden inspired him.  He does his best work when he’s left alone with his own imagination.”

“Even in black and white you can almost imagine a hummingbird wantin’ a sip of nectar.  He has a true gift,” Seamus said with awe.  Seamus reached over to give Brian a pat on the hand then he left the solarium.

Brian sat back on his own chaise to indulge in a little Sunshine watching until he too fell asleep.

Fun In The Sun

Chapter 4

The children rode along behind John as he headed his horse into the path through the trees at the farm.  The occasions when they had gone riding had greatly diminished over time, but they all seemed to love it still.  The riding skills of Bree and Ashley had improved with their age and size.  Patrick had always been very good on a horse.

“Why do you think Patrick invited him?” Bree whispered to Ashley as she got her horse up beside the other girl.

“Maybe he gets sick of being around us girls,” Ashley sagely replied.

“Poop!” Bree commented.  “I get sick of being around men.”

Ashley chuckled.  “That’s why you invite me over,” she reminded her friend.  She gave Bree a wide smile.

“I guess so,” Bree agreed reluctantly.  Bree stared at the young boy on the horse next to her Patrick.  His name was Chet, and Patrick had met him at baseball camp.  He had come to Edna’s Treasures a couple of times while Bree and her fathers were away in Toronto.  Bree wasn’t sure if she liked Chet.  She had liked David … a lot, and then she had found out that he wasn’t really very nice.  The jury was still out on this Chet, but she supposed she could wait and see how things went.  Patrick laughed at something Chet said to him.  Bree felt a twinge of jealousy.  She didn’t like sharing her Patrick.

They rode along in silence until they reached the stream.  John pulled his horse to a stop and dismounted. 

“I thought maybe we could take a break and dip our feet in the stream,” he told the children.  “This is a good spot for that.”

“Good idea, Uncle John,” Bree agreed as he helped her down from her horse.

Everyone got off their horse and tethered the animals in the little meadow near the stream.  There was some shade for the animals, and a rocky projection out into the stream where the humans could sit and dangle their feet in the refreshing water.

“This is nice,” Ashley said as she dipped her toes in the water.

“I’m glad you like it,” John said.  He pulled off his own boots and stuck his feet into the cool water.  “How do you like it, Chet?” he asked.

“It’s okay.”

“Just okay?”

“I have a pool at home,” Chet replied.  “I like to swim in that.”

“But we’re not swimming,” Bree stated.  “This is just to cool off before we continue on.”

Chet gave Bree a condescending look.  “We have air conditioning for that.”

“Not out here, you don’t,” Bree reminded him.

“Um, aren’t we near Grandma’s house?” Patrick asked looking around.  He also hoped to deflect the increasing tension between Bree and Chet.

“Yes, good observation,” John said to his son.  “We can ride over there after we cool off.  I bet she’ll even have some cookies ready for us.”

“Yum,” Bree said happily.  “I haven’t seen Grandma Claire in a long time.”

“When I told her we were going riding today, she told me I better bring you to see her or I’d be in big trouble,” John said with a chuckle.

“I wouldn’t want you to get in trouble, Uncle John,” Bree said sincerely.

“Where’s her house?” Chet asked.

“Over there through the trees, and a little further up the stream,” Patrick explained.  “She makes the best cookies.”

“My mom always buys her cookies,” Chet informed them.

“I make cookies with my Daddy,” Bree contributed.

“And I make them with my mommy … sometimes,” Ashley added.  She didn’t want to be left out.

“Making cookies is for girls,” Chet said disdainfully.  “You don’t bake cookies, do you?” Chet asked Patrick.

Patrick gulped.  He didn’t want to seem like a girl in front of his new friend, but he knew he wasn’t going to lie.  “I bake cookies with Bree sometimes.  She makes really good chocolate chip ones.”

Bree beamed at Patrick.  “Thank you, my Patrick, and we have fun making them.”

“Doesn’t sound like fun to me,” Chet informed them.

“I enjoy making cookies sometimes too,” John decided to add.  He hadn’t seen this side of Chet when the girls weren’t around.  He didn’t like his superior attitude over people of the female persuasion.

Chet shook his head.  “Are we going to ride some more or sit here all day?” he asked.

“You’re in a big rush, Chet,” John said gently.  “In the summer we like to take it slow and easy.”

“I don’t like to waste time.”

“I’d hardly call sitting in the sun relaxing a waste of time.”

Chet shook his head.  He’d like to tell them all what he thought about their idea of relaxing, but he knew he’d get in trouble for being rude.  “I’m sorry if that sounded bad.  I like riding better than sitting here.”

“Okay, son,” John said, “let’s ride over to my mother’s house.”

They all got up and dried their feet on the grass.  They waited a few minutes until the sun did the rest of the drying for them, and then they put their boots back on.  John led the way to his mother’s place.

“Mother!” John called out as they approached the old farmhouse.

“Well it’s about time you got here,” Claire said with a big smile as she came out of the screen porch.

“Grandma Claire!” Bree shouted bouncing in her saddle, hardly able to wait for her uncle to help her down.  She immediately ran to her grandmother as soon as John helped her to the ground.  They exchanged a long, tight hug before Patrick got a chance to hug his grandmother too.

“And Ashley,” Claire said, “I haven’t seen you in months.  My, my, you’re growing up.”

“Thank you, ma’am,” Ashley replied seriously.  She liked it when grownups noted that she was indeed becoming a big girl.

“I told you ages ago to call me grandma.”

“Yes ma’am, I mean grandma.”

Claire pulled Ashley into a warm hug, just as she noted the new person on the scene.  “And who do we have here?”

“This is Chet, grandma,” Patrick said making the introduction.

“Hello, Chet,” Claire responded.

“Hello, ma’am,” Chet said taking his lead from what Ashley had called the lady.

“I met Chet at baseball camp,” Patrick explained.  “He wanted to ride horses with us today.”

“That’s nice,” Claire said sizing up the young man.  “I have some cookies and lemonade all ready for you.  Come on in.”

“Don’t I get a hug?” John asked as they all entered the screen porch.  It was nice and cool under the screening.

“Of course you do,” Claire said with a laugh, giving John a quick hug and a peck on the cheek.  Then she proceeded to pour tall glasses of lemonade.

The children ran inside to wash up following John’s instructions.  When they returned, the lemonades were ready and a big plate of cookies awaited them.  Grabbing a cookie and a glass of lemonade, each child found a seat in the porch.

Claire watched the children carefully as they took a bite of cookie and a sip of lemonade.  “I hope the cookies and lemonade meet with your approval,” she said with a smile.

“I love your oatmeal raisin cookies … grandma,” Ashley replied.

“Me too,” Patrick added.

“You know I love whatever you cook,” Bree stated.  “The lemonade is particularly good today.”

Claire chuckled.  “Sounds like you and your dads must have eaten out quite a bit while you were in Toronto.”

“Oh yes, Grandma Claire.  The hotel had a wonderful restaurant, and the maitre’d was so nice.  His name was Rudolph.”

“You asked his name?” John questioned.

“Yes, Miss Cynthia says it’s always a good idea to introduce yourself and ask people’s names,” Bree explained.

Chet made a sour face but said nothing.

“And how about you, Chet?  Did you enjoy baseball camp?” Claire asked the boy.

“It was okay.”

“Just okay?” Claire asked.

“That seems to be Chet’s favorite expression,” John told his mother with a little shake of his head.

Claire raised an eyebrow.  “What really grabs your attention?” she asked the boy.

“I don’t know.”

“There must be something that gets you excited,” Claire persisted.

“I like my computer games.”

“Computer games?” Claire questioned.

“Yeah, Warcraft is great!”

“Warcraft!  That sounds … depressing,” Claire stated.  She didn’t want to be too critical, but playing at war didn’t seem like a good thing for a young lad to be doing.

“It’s great,” Chet averred.

“I don’t like war,” Bree stated emphatically.

“What do you know about war?” Chet challenged.  “The game’s great.”

Bree made a face.  She was learning not to like this kid, just like what had happened with David in Toronto.  She was about to challenge Chet again when Patrick decided to jump in.

“Dad, can we go up the treehouse?” Patrick asked.

“Sure, just be careful on the ladders,” John said.

“Everyone want to come?” Patrick asked.

The girls both nodded and followed Patrick and Chet out the screen porch door.

“What kind of treehouse is this?” Chet asked Patrick as they made their way across the yard.

“Um, it’s a treehouse, up in a tree.”

“I figured that out,” Chet replied sarcastically.  “I mean is it a bunch of boards stuck together?”

“See for yourself,” Patrick said stopping near the old maple tree and pointing up.

“Wow!” Chet replied as he scanned the complicated structure and the series of ladders leading up to the house at the top.

“It’s really neat inside too,” Bree stated.  “My Daddy painted a mural in it for my brother.”

“Brother?”

“Yes, my brother Gus.  He’s in university,” Bree informed the boy proudly.

“Let’s go up,” Chet said sorry he had bothered to ask.

“Sure,” Patrick agreed.  Then he led the way up the ladders.  At the first landing he stopped so they could look out over the yard of the farmhouse.  “If you look really carefully over there, you can see the stream where we cooled off.”

“Oh yeah,” Chet said as he peered out at the spot Patrick indicated.  “Let’s go to the top.”

They continued to climb and entered the doorway to the main building way up in the tree.

“A fireplace!” Chet exclaimed in amazement. 

“It’s great in the fall or spring when the nights are cold,” Bree informed him as she and Ashley arrived in the main room.

“It really works?” Chet asked.

“Yep,” Patrick replied.  “There’s canisters of gas or something that you put in it and it makes it nice and warm up here.”

“Can we start it up?” Chet asked.

Patrick shook his head.  “My Dad has the canisters in the barn and we never start the fireplace without his help.”

“Oh,” Chet said with disappointment.

“I bet we could stay here some night … if you wanted,” Patrick told his friend.

“Really?”

“Sure.”

“I…um…I’m not sure my parents would let me,” Chet said uncertainly.

“It’s really fun,” Bree told him.  “Patrick and I have stayed up here.”

“All by yourselves?”

“Well, my dads have stayed with us … mostly.”

“Yeah, we played chess and games and told stories,” Patrick said with a grin as he remembered the times they had spent there.  It had been a long time since they had stayed in the treehouse.  He thought it might be fun to stay there with Chet, if his parents let him do it.

“I could ask my parents,” Chet replied uncertainly.  He liked the idea of staying overnight, just him and Patrick.  He hoped the invitation wouldn’t include the girls.

“I’ll ask my dad when we go down,” Patrick volunteered.

“We should take the slide,” Ashley said.  She loved the slide.

“Yeah, let’s go,” Patrick replied.  They all started their way down the ladder to the landing where the slide would take them to the ground.

“That was fun,” Chet said enthusiastically as his feet hit the ground at the bottom of the slide.

“Let’s go talk to my dad about staying overnight,” Patrick said.

The boys ran towards the screen porch while Ashley and Bree were still coming down the slide.

“I think Chet found something that was better than okay,” Ashley said wisely.

“Yeah,” Bree agreed.  “He’s a pain in the … butt, most of the time.  He thinks everything he has is better than ours.”

“Except for the treehouse.”

“Yeah, I’m kinda surprised that he liked it.  I thought he’d want it to have a pool or something.”

Ashley laughed.  “Oh Bree, he’s not that bad.”

“He’s bad enough.”

“Let’s go get some more cookies,” Ashley suggested.

“Good idea.”  The girls ran for the screen porch.

When they came through the door, Patrick and Chet were asking John about the possibility of staying overnight in the treehouse.  John was saying that Chet would have to get permission and then they would try to arrange it.  They went into the kitchen to call Chet’s parents.

Bree grabbed a cookie from the plate that was still heaped high.  She bit off a piece and flopped down on a chaise.  She looked glum.

“What’s up, sweetheart?” Claire asked.

“I bet we’re not invited to stay in the treehouse,” Bree replied sulkily.

“You know you’re always welcome to come stay here, either in the house or the treehouse.  You too, Ashley.”

Ashley smiled at the older woman as she sipped her lemonade.

“That’s not what I mean,” Bree said petulantly.  “Chet and Patrick don’t want us.”

“Sometimes boys want time with other boys,” Claire advised her.

“I wanted to spend time with Patrick while my daddies are away.  Now he’s got Chet!”

Claire tried not to chuckle as she thought about Bree’s dilemma.  “Maybe you and Ashley could stay here in the house while the boys are up in the treehouse.  We could bake cookies, or maybe I could show you how to make my famous apple pie.”

“Maybe,” Bree responded slowly.

“I’d like that,” Ashley chirped up.

“Would you be okay with that, Bree?” Claire asked, sensing that Bree was still not satisfied.

“I guess so,” Bree reluctantly conceded.

“You wanted to be invited to stay in the treehouse with Patrick, didn’t you?” Claire surmised.

“Yeah.  Why do boys have to be such jerks?”

“Sometimes it just goes with the territory,” Claire advised them.

“I met this boy in Canada, and I really liked him … for a while,” Bree informed them.  “Then he turned into a real jerk.”

“What happened?” Claire asked curious about Bree’s experience with boys.  There would be many more experiences with boys to come in the future, she was sure.

“I met David at the park and he played on the slide and seesaw and all kinds of things with me, and then we went to Niagara Falls with him and his father.  He turned weird that day.”

“Why do you think that was?” Claire asked.

“Cause boys are stupid.”

Claire chuckled.  “I bet there was more to it than that.”

“What do you mean, grandma?” Bree asked with a frown.

“Something must have changed to make David act differently.”

Bree frowned again and thought about the question.  She couldn’t think of anything.

“When did he start acting differently?” Ashley asked.  She wanted to figure out what happened too.  She couldn’t imagine anyone being mean to her friend.  Everybody liked Bree, even Chet seemed okay with her.

“I don’t know,” Bree said.  “David taught me to play pool, and … and then I tried to hold his hand.  He shook me off.  I didn’t like that.”

“Maybe he thought you were getting too … attached,” Claire said choosing her words carefully.

“I did like him.”

“Boys of David’s age, your age, aren’t really ready for that kind of thing,” Claire counseled.  “Even if girls are ready, the boys probably aren’t.”

“How come?” Bree asked.

“It’s just how it is,” Claire replied, unable to give a better reason.  “That’s why most women end up with an older man because he’s more likely to be ready for the relationship.”

“Men are complicated,” Bree decreed.

“No more complicated than they think women are.”

“So how do we figure it all out?”

“It’s called living,” Claire said with a smile.

“Okay,” John said as he came back into the screen porch, interrupting the life lesson that was being given.  “We got everything worked out.  It’s time to mount up and head out.”

“Okay, Uncle John,” Bree said as she stood up.  She gave Chet a wary look before they all headed out to the horses.

Fun In the Sun

Chapter 5

“Hey.” 

Brian opened his eyes to the gentle caress of his face and a pair of sparkling blue eyes gazing down at him.  He smiled up at the morning fresh face.  A face that was now free of dark circles under the eyes and worry lines across the forehead.  A few carefree days were all it took to restore the sunshine back into Justin’s face.

The boys had spent the previous day lounging in the solarium.  In between raindrops, they ventured out into the garden to become up close and personal with nature.  Justin took out his colored pencils and began to fill in his charcoal sketch to do the garden justice.  When he completed his drawing, he presented it to Seamus who immediately commissioned a frame for it.

“Hey,” Brian replied, as he reached up to gently tug on a blond lock that had fallen across Justin’s face.

“What shall we do today?” Justin asked.

“Anything you want,” Brian immediately replied.  Justin laid his head down on Brian’s chest listening to the strong heartbeat and feeling the rhythmic breathing.  He felt Brian’s arms envelope him, making Justin feel loved and giving him a sense of security.  Justin inhaled the heady scent of his lover’s skin.

“Can we stay here?”

“In bed?” Brian asked with mirth.  Justin snorted.  “Yes, Sunshine, we can stay right here, in this bed or we can take over the solarium again.  Seamus won’t mind.”  Sunny Florida still wasn’t.

“I don’t think Seamus minds whatever you do.  You being a fellow countryman,” Justin snarked from Brian’s chest.

“Are ya meaning that my ancestors are from the ole sod?” Brian said in an exaggerated brogue.  Justin gave Brian’s chest a little smack then quickly kissed the nearest nipple.

“How long can we stay here?” Justin asked after a while. 

“At the B&B, for as long as you like.  Remember, we have an open return ticket and nothing pressing at home.  But your mini-me will eventually miss you if we stay too long.”

“She’ll miss both of us and we’ll miss her.  I already miss her,” Justin said with a sigh.

“Then whenever you’re ready, I’ll book our flight home.  Bree’s the one who ordered you on this vacation, Sunshine, so she expects that we’ll be away for as long as it takes for you to get back to your old sunny self,” Brian reminded his spouse.

“I would like to be home for the Labor Day weekend.”

“Ah yes, our annual Fall invasion,” Brian grumbled.

“You know you love it,” Justin said as he ran his hand over Brian’s chest, soothing the savage beast.

“You just love watching me sweat my ass off at the grill.”

“That too.  But I love your ass no matter what you’re doing.”

“Isn’t that my line?” Brian said with a smirk.  He angled his head down so he could see Justin’s face as he gave Justin’s ass a pat.  Justin smiled up at him.

“Brian, you must know how fine your ass is,” Justin said with conviction and a waggle of his eyebrows.

“It’s old,” Brian mumbled as he hugged Justin closer hoping that Justin didn’t hear his admission.

“Excuse me?”

“I said, my ass is old,” Brian whined uncharacteristically.  Justin raised his head up off Brian’s chest and stared at the man.

“I can’t believe you said that!”

“It’s true.  My ass is fifty years old.  In another few years it’ll be sagging.”  Brian unconsciously flexed his glutes.  Justin burst out laughing.  “Oh nice, laughing at the aged and infirm.”

“Aged and infirm, my ass!”  Justin exclaimed in between laughter.  “Brian, you will always be young and beautiful no matter how old you are, including your ass.”

“You’re just saying that,” Brian huffed in a fit of pique.

 Justin giggled. “Brian, I can’t decide if you sound more like Michael or Emmett.”  Brian’s eyes opened wide in shock.  “You really don’t realize just how beautiful you are, do you?”  Brian narrowed his eyes.  “I’m not talking about the stud; he will forever remain legendary.  I’m talking about you, the most beautiful, most generous man that I have ever known.  You’d do anything for those you love, and you have, a hundred times over.  And look what you’ve done for me.”

“You’ve done it all on your own, Justin,” Brian whispered around the lump that suddenly grew in his throat.  Justin smiled sweetly as he shook his head.

“We’ve done it together,” Justin wisely stated. 

Brian gave him a small nod then gently pushed Justin’s head back down onto his chest.  Brian had had enough of analysis for one morning.

The boys remained quiet.  Brian was reluctant to release his hold and Justin had no intention of leaving Brian’s warm smooth skin anytime soon.  At some point Brian must have dozed off, Justin could hear the slight wheeze.  He smiled to himself; Justin wasn’t the only one who needed their vacation.  The past year had been difficult for both of them.  But together they had weathered the storm.

As the rain grew heavier, it startled Brian awake.  Justin clung to Brian’s torso like a limpet to comfort him.  He cooed, making nonsensical soothing sounds like he used to do when Bree was a baby until Brian fully wakened.

“How long was I out?” Brian asked with a sleep raspy voice when he realized that he must have fallen asleep.

“Only a few minutes.”

“Do you want to get breakfast?  We still have time,” Brian said clearing his voice as he snuck a peek at Justin’s watch.

“Not yet.  I’m not really hungry.”

“You, not hungry?” Brian teased as he placed his hand on Justin’s forehead.

“Ha ha.  I am hungry, just not for food,” Justin said holding himself up on his hands to look down on Brian.  He gave his eyebrows another little waggle.

“Uh huh.  Me thinks I’m understandin’ your meanin’,” Brian responded in his awful brogue.

“Your accent needs work,” Justin commented as he reached over to the nightstand for the lube.  Brian went to take the tube but Justin stopped him with a shake of his head.  The boys stared at each other for a second.

“Oh yeah, I understand,” Brian murmured with a crooked smile.

Justin shouldered Brian’s long legs and patted the muscular thighs.  He gently prepped his mate, even though on this vacation the boys were sharing the bottom duties.  Brian being Brian was extremely tight and Justin had no wish to injure the love of his life. 

“I’m not fragile, Sunshine,” Brian murmured, reading Justin’s mind.

“I know,” Justin whispered back as he breached the tight ring of muscle.  He slightly leaned back, savoring the moment.  No matter how long they were together, it always overwhelmed Justin when he got to top Brian.  Justin saw the smirk and the twinkle in Brian’s eyes.  Those all knowing hazel eyes that saw deep into Justin’s soul and knew just what Justin was thinking.

Brian bucked, bringing Justin back to the here and now.  Justin took the hint and began to slowly push into Brian until he was balls deep.

“This never gets old,” Justin whispered, his eyes hooded in ecstasy.  Justin leaned in closer, hooking his arms around Brian’s thighs pulling them closer.  “Yes,” he exclaimed as he pumped his hips, picking up the rhythm driving them both toward the edge.

Using all the techniques he learned from Brian, Justin continued making love to his mate.  Angling himself just right, Justin made sure he hit Brian’s sweet spot over and over, relishing in the grunts and groans he was getting in response.  

“Close,” Brian moaned after what seemed like hours; sweat pouring off each man.  Justin bucked his hips faster and harder as he felt Brian’s orgasm hit.  The sight of the pearly cum spurting from Brian’s dick and the feeling of Brian’s ass clenching around Justin’s cock made Justin shout as he came hard.  Justin shuddered, releasing Brian’s legs as he collapsed back onto Brian’s chest in exhaustion.

*****

“Uhhh,” Justin groaned.  Two strong arms stopped him when he attempted to get up.  “What time is it?”

“Half past my bladder bursting,” Brian growled as he held Justin tighter.

“Why can’t I get up?” Justin whispered.

“Because we’re glued,” Brian groaned.  “Really, really glued,” Brian stated, in a tone reminiscent of Bree.  Justin chuckled.  “Ow.”

“Sorry.  So how do we get unglued?”

“I haven’t a fucking clue.  I only know that if we don’t do it soon we’ll have a worse problem than the loss of a few skin cells.”  Brian squirmed a little as he grumbled.

“Lube.”

“What?”

“Can you reach the lube?”

“Yes,” Brian said as he gingerly stretched out an arm and with his fingertips managed to get the tube then hand it to Justin.  Carefully, Justin took a small amount and worked it in between their bodies.  “Fuck, that’s cold.”

“It’ll warm up,” Justin quipped as he slowly pried them apart.

“Thank the gods!” Brian exclaimed as he pushed Justin off then leapt out of their bed, sprinting toward the bathroom.  Justin laughed as the sounds of relief emanated from the small room.  “Oh yeah!”  Justin got up to join Brian. 

“Shower,” Justin heard Brian declare as he disappeared into the shower stall.  After relieving himself, Justin stepped into the shower behind Brian.  Both moaned as the warm water flowed over their bodies.  Silently, Brian took up a soft soapy puff and began to scrub Justin’s skin clean.

*****

“Alive, I see,” Seamus declared as the boys finally appeared in his kitchen.  As they sat at a table, Seamus placed two large mugs of coffee before them.

“Thank you,” Justin politely said.  Brian grunted, briefly waving his mug then taking a large sip.  He sighed as the magic elixir began to take effect.

“At least one of you has manners,” Seamus teased.  “Will you be stayin’ out of bed more than five minutes today so that the poor charwoman can air out your room and change the sheets?” Seamus asked making Justin blush beet red.

Brian laughed.  “Yes, sir,” he replied as he topped off his mug.  “Would ya be preferring me to strip the bed meself?” Brian asked in his terrible brogue.

“Would ya now?  Take pity on the poor woman.”

“I’ll do it,” Justin said as he stood up quickly, looking from Seamus to Brian.  He wasn’t sure if they were serious but he and Brian did tear up the sheets.

“I’m only teasing, lad.  No need for the guests to be doing the housework.  You’re here for a rest,” Seamus said gently, waving Justin back down in his seat.

“I don’t mind, really.  I feel I should be doing something to thank you for your generosity,” Justin said sincerely.

“No, my boy.  You stay, eat up and enjoy the day.  If I know Myra, your room has already been made spic and span and the laundry nearly done.  She’s been with me for years and is wise to the likes of you!” Seamus said as he wiggled a finger in front of Justin’s face.

“If you’re sure.  I really don’t mind helping,” Justin stated.

“I’m sure.”

“The likes of us?”  Brian arched his brow as he spoke.

“Yes, naughty boys who spend their time rolling between the sheets instead of doin’ some worthwhile pursuits,” Seamus teased.

“Rolling between the sheets is a worthwhile pursuit,” Brian nonchalantly quipped as he continued to sip his brew.

“Aye, from yer lips to God’s ears,” Seamus replied with a broad smile.  To that, Brian raised his mug in salute.

“The two of you are incorrigible,” Justin declared as he took his mug into the solarium then settled down to sketch.  Brian smirked.

“I take it, that’s not the first time he’s declared you to be incorrigible,” Seamus commented as he poured himself a cup of coffee.

“Nope, and it won’t be the last.  I think he delight’s in calling me that,” Brian smiled. 

“I think it’s the other way around; you delight in hearing it,” Seamus said wisely.

“You’re probably right.”  Brian fiddled with the mug in front of him for a while.

“You’ll be leaving me soon then,” Seamus observed.

“Yes, I think so.  The Piece of Plenty has worked its magic.  It’s time we went back to the real world.”

“Maybe next time you won’t wait so long to take some time for yourselves,” Seamus suggested. 

“You’re right.  Now that I know the signs, I won’t let it get that far.  The same can be said about you.”

“Me?”

“Yes, you, Seamus Griffin, me lad,” Brian spouted.  “When was the last time you had a vacation?”

“You know, I don’t really remember,” Seamus admitted.

“Then why don’t you and your ‘young man’ take a few days off and join us up on our lane?”  Brian suggested.

“Now who’s kissed the Blarney Stone?”

“I’m serious, Seamus.  We have plenty of room; it wouldn’t be any inconvenience.  We’re having a family gathering over the Labor Day weekend.  You can meet the whole family.  Maybe drum up some more business for yourself,” Brian said with quirk of his mouth.

“You’re really serious?” 

“As the clap.”

“Don’t be sassing me, boy.  But I’ll give it some serious thought and speak to my ‘young man’ about it.  He’s heard a lot about you and your family over the years.  I don’t think he believes half of what I’ve told him.”

“We’re an unbelievable bunch,” Brian said in all honesty as he raided the fridge.

“Out, with ye.  I’ll bring you both a snack,” Seamus said as he began to plan out brunch.  “Will your friend Emmett be there?” Seamus asked before Brian got out of earshot.

“Most likely.”

“Good.  I can use some new ideas for nibbles and such,” Seamus muttered.

Brian shook his head as he took out his cell phone.  It was time to book their tickets home and set the Labor Day weekend festivities in motion.

*****

“Hey,” Brian said softly as he entered the solarium.  Justin was deep in artistic mode.  The tip of his tongue was just peeping out between his lips as he concentrated, capturing a hummingbird that was flitting around an orchid.

The rain had stopped and the sun was lighting up the garden with vivid color.

“Hey,” Justin murmured not really paying too much attention.  Brian didn’t mind.  It was good to see Justin doing the one thing that gave him the most pleasure in the world to do. 

Brian walked in and gently bussed Justin’s head as he passed through the solarium’s outer door and stepped into the garden.  With his quiet grace, the hummingbird paid Brian no attention.  Justin stared at him for a moment, smiled then frantically added more to his sketch.  When the little bird finally flew off after drinking its fill, Brian made a slow turn to gaze at Justin through the window.  Justin stood, leaving his pad and pencils on his seat and went out to the waiting arms of his lover.

“Thank you,” Justin whispered.

“For what?”

“For this, for everything,” Justin replied as he raised up on his toes to kiss Brian.  Their kiss went on and on until the need for a breath became an issue.

“You’re welcome,” Brian replied without snark or insincerity. 

“Do you mind if we sit out here for a while?”

“Not at all,” Brian replied.  They brought out a few chairs and a small folding table.

“Planning a party?” Justin asked.

“No, planning on Seamus,” Brian retorted.  In a few minutes, Seamus came out of the solarium wheeling out a cart.  “Speak of the devil.”

“Shush now,” Seamus admonished while he set things up.  The boys helped and within minutes they were enjoying a last afternoon repast.

“Did Brian tell you that he invited me and my man to your lane?”

“No, he didn’t.”  Justin threw Brian a poignant look.

“I was just getting to it, Sunshine,” Brian said, innocently batting his eyelashes at Justin.  Justin and Seamus shook their heads.

“We’d love to have you.  Can you come for the Labor Day weekend?”

“I believe we can,” Seamus confirmed.

“If you have any trouble getting a flight, I can...” Brian was about to take out his cell phone to wheel and deal.

“None of that.  I’m quite capable of booking a flight.  Bertie and I will...”

“Bertie?” Brian blurted out.

“Aye, Bertie.  Short for Albert.  Sounds like a bloody royal but don’t hold it against him,” Seamus said making them all laugh.  “It’s all arranged.  We’ll fly up on the Thursday then leave on Wednesday if you don’t mind puttin’ us up.”

“We’d love it!” Justin said with a big smile as Brian looked at Justin fondly.  It warmed Brian’s heart to see Justin enjoying himself and looking forward to something.  “Won’t we, Brian?”

“Yes, Sunshine, we will.”

*****

The boys went to dinner later that night then strolled around the quaint old town.  They came upon the love tree; it had changed little from when they saw it for the first time.  They held hands as they quietly stood in front of it.

No words were necessary.  They kissed then walked back to the Piece of Plenty to retire for the night.  A few days later, they would be back on a plane heading for home.

Fun In The Sun

Chapter 6

“Hi, Dada,” Bree said into the phone.

“Hey, Squirt, are you and Ashley doing okay?” Brian asked.

“Yeah.”

“That doesn’t sound like a resounding yes,” Brian observed.  “Is everything all right?”

“Why are boys so stupid?”

“Uh oh,” Brian reacted.  “What happened?”

“Patrick has a new friend, and he’s weird.”

“I see.”

“I don’t see, Dada.  Boys are stupid,” she repeated.

“Um, would you like to talk to Daddy?”

Bree sighed.  “Sure.”  She didn’t think she was going to get any answers from this source either.

“Hi, sweetheart.”

“Hi, Daddy, are you having fun?”

“Yes, this holiday is just what I needed.  How are you and Ashley doing?”

Bree chose her words carefully.  This vacation was for her Daddy.  What she said to her Dada wasn’t what she was going to say to her other father.  She wanted him to have a good time, and not worry about her.  “We’re good, Daddy.  We’re going shopping with Ashley’s mom today.”

“Buy some cute stuff.  I can’t wait to see it.”

Bree smiled to herself.  She and Ashley would have fun shopping.  And maybe Patrick would too, if he didn’t bring that stupid Chet with him.  “I better go get ready.  You and Dada have a good time.”

“We will, sweetheart.  I love you.”

“Love you too, Daddy.”

Bree handed the phone to Bobby.  It was his day to take care of the kids, and he thought he was a better one to go shopping with Susanna than John would be.

“My mommy’s here!” Ashley shouted as the buzzer indicated a visitor at the end of the lane.

“Better go, Justin.  Susanna just arrived,” Bobby said into the phone before cutting the connection.  He pushed the button to release the gate.  Everyone picked up what they were going to take with them on the day’s shopping expedition.  They walked outside waiting for Susanna’s car to pull up.  Once she arrived and received her hugs, they all got into John’s big SUV which seemed the most convenient vehicle for the number of people and all the impending purchases.

“So what’s the plan for today?” Bobby asked as he headed the SUV down the lane.

“I thought we’d hit Pittsburgh,” Susanna said with a big smile.  “We could start at the mall and then hit some of the specialty shops near Liberty Avenue.  Maybe lunch at the diner.  I always hear you guys talking about it.”

“You want to eat in Gayville?” Bobby asked with a chuckle.

“I think I can handle it, and I hear the burgers are the best.”

“Yum!” Bree agreed.  “I like this plan.”  She looked over at Ashley and Patrick who both nodded their approval.  Bree was very glad that they all seemed to be on the same page.  And she was more than glad that Patrick hadn’t invited Chet to come with them.

They hit the mall first, going to the children’s stores for Bree and Ashley.  They were able to find several outfits that were not exactly the same but had similar colors, including lots of pink and purple.  Bree was happy with what they found, but she also wanted to see what the boutiques along Liberty Avenue might produce. 

They paid for their purchases and headed to one of the big department stores in the mall.  Patrick was tall enough that he could buy clothes either in the boys’ department, using the clothes that were at the upper end of the size scale, or in the men’s department where he could often fit the smaller sizes.

Patrick tried on a few outfits with Bobby making the selections.  They consisted mostly of shirts and jeans with some T-shirts thrown in.  Ashley and Bree nodded their heads when they approved or gave a thumbs down when they didn’t.  Soon Patrick had three things that he had decided on.

“How come all your stuff is blue?” Bree asked as they waited at the checkout for Bobby to pay and the clerk to fold and bag the clothes. 

Patrick looked at the pile of his purchases.  He hadn’t realized that they all were various shades of blue.  “I guess mine are blue for the same reason all yours are pink and purple,” he said giving Bree a self satisfied smile.  He was pleased with himself for thinking that up.

“But pink and purple are two colors,” Bree informed him.  “You only have one color.”

“Hm,” Patrick said.  “Maybe when we go to the boutiques we should each get something that’s a different color from everything we’ve bought so far.”

“Okay,” Bree said with a giggle.  “I can get blue and you can get something pink.”

“I don’t think so!” Patrick protested in horror.

“What’s the matter with pink?”

“It’s … girlie.”

“Is not!”

“Is so!”

“Sometimes my Dada wears a pink shirt.”

“Good for him.”

“You could wear a pink shirt too.”

“No I couldn’t.  I don’t want everybody making fun of me,” Patrick replied.

“Would Chet make fun of you?” Bree asked.

“I don’t know.  And he doesn’t go to our school anyway.”

‘Thank the heavens,’ Bree thought to herself.  “What if you choose another color?” Bree asked after some considered thought.

“Maybe,” Patrick said.  He wasn’t sure what color he might like … other than blue.

“All set,” Bobby told them as he walked away from the counter with the bag of new clothes.  “I vote for lunch.”

“Me too,” Bree agreed.  Patrick and Ashley also chimed their agreement.

Susanna laughed.  “Looks like lunch it is.  Shall we head over to Liberty Avenue?”

“Sounds good,” Bobby replied before leading them out to the SUV.

*****

Once they were all ensconced in the big back booth at the Liberty Diner, Lacy came to the table.

“It’s great to see all of you here.  What are you doing in Pittsburgh?” she asked.

“Clothes shopping for school,” Susanna supplied.

“Did you get anything good?” Lacy asked with a smile.

“Me and Ashley got some outfits that go together,” Bree said proudly.  “They look really cute.”

“Yeah,” Ashley agreed.

“That’s great,” Lacy concurred.  “What about you, Patrick?”

“I got some school clothes,” he replied.

“They’re all blue,” Bree informed Lacy.

“Boys do love blue,” Lacy said with a grin at Patrick.

“See!” Patrick said looking at Bree.  “It isn’t just me.”

“So, what can I get you?” Lacy asked, deciding it might be best to leave the topic of the color of boys’ school clothes for another time.

Everyone placed their orders, all opting for burgers and fries.  While they were waiting for their food, the door to the diner jingled, heralding the entrance of JR, Richie and Candy.  There were excited greetings and hugs as the children saw each other for the first time in a while.

JR, Candy and Richie took the booth next to the Edna’s Treasures group so that they could talk across the back of the seat.

“So what are you guys doing here?” JR asked.

“We’re shopping for school clothes,” Bree told her sister.  “I wish you could come with us.”

“I’m working this afternoon.  Dad and Ben are having some alone time,” JR explained with a wink to her friends.

“My daddies always want alone time too,” Bree said with a little pout.

Richie, Candy and JR giggled.

“I hope they get enough of it while they’re on vacation,” JR said with a sly grin.

“Me too,” Bree agreed.  “But I bet they’ll want more when they come home.”

The teenagers chuckled again.

“What’s so funny?” Bree asked with a frown.  She didn’t think she had made a joke, but there seemed to be something that she wasn’t getting.  Even Patrick was staring at the table with a smile on his face.  He refused to look at Bree.

“Um, I can’t go shopping with you today, but you should take Richie.  He knows how to find all the best stuff in the shops.  And then he accessorizes.  The results are to die for,” JR informed them.

“Would you like to come with us, Richie?” Bree asked batting her eyelashes at the young man.  “Please.”

“Um, sure, yeah, I could go with you,” Richie conceded.  “Who needs the clothes?”

“Well, it’s not me,” Bobby said with a laugh.  “And remember these two are just children,” he added indicating Bree and Ashley.  “We’d like them to look like children when they go to school in September.”

“I’m not a children!” Bree declared.  “I’m a young lady.”

“I stand corrected,” Bobby said with a chuckle.  “We’d like them to look like the young ladies they are.”

“Sure,” Richie replied.  “I’m confident we can find some appropriate stuff.”

“I could use some new clothes too,” Susanna interjected, “but my budget is rather limited.”

“We should check out the consignment shops,” Richie suggested.

“Oh yes, Richie finds the most amazing clothes in those shops.  That’s where my graduation dress came from,” JR gushed.

“I saw the pictures Brian and Justin brought back from the ceremony,” Bobby said.  “You looked wonderful.”

“Thanks, I thought so too,” JR said with a winning smile for Richie.

“I’d love your help, Richie,” Susanna said.

“Then you shall have it,” Richie replied gallantly.

“What are you doing this afternoon, Candy?” Bobby asked.  “If you’re not busy, maybe you could join us too.”

“Sure, I guess I could, if it’s all right with Richie.”

“That would be good,” Richie agreed.

Lacy delivered the burgers for the Edna’s Treasures group and everyone dug in.  There were a few comments made, but mostly everyone simply enjoyed their food.  JR, Candy and Richie managed to finish up their lunches about the same time the others were done.  Once the bills had been paid, they said goodbye to JR who was going back to work.  Then everyone headed for Richie’s favorite consignment shop.

The owner of the consignment store greeted Richie and his friends warmly.  She knew Richie’s tastes and fashion sense.  She was also pleased to have new customers who might spend some considerable money if they all made purchases.

“I’ll let Richie show you around,” the owner said.  “I think he knows my shop better than I do.”

“Um, Richie,” Bree said after looking around for a few minutes.  “Aren’t these clothes … used?”  

“Yes they are.  But that doesn’t mean there aren’t great clothes here,” Richie told her.

“I don’t know if I want to wear clothes that someone else had,” Bree said with concern.

“Lots of people pass on their clothes,” Bobby explained, “when they are finished with them, or they outgrow them.  We sent many of yours and Patrick’s clothes that are too small for you to charities.”

“But I’m not a charity.”

“And these clothes aren’t free,” Richie reminded Bree.  “But you can often find very high quality garments at very affordable prices in these shops.  Some of them have their original sales tags still on them.”

“Oh,” Bree said.

“And you don’t have to buy anything unless you really like it,” Richie advised.  “There are lots more shops with brand new clothes that we can look at later.”

“’Kay,” Bree replied.  She wasn’t sure her Dada would like her shopping here, and she knew he never would shop there.

“Oh, Miss Susanna, look at this,” Richie called to the woman he was trying to help with her wardrobe.

“What is it, Richie?” Susanna asked as she moved over to where he was lifting something from the rack.

“It’s a beautiful Chanel style suit.  And the color is to die for,” Richie said with enthusiasm.

“But it’s … pumpkin.”

“I know.  Isn’t that great?  With your coloring it will look wonderful.”

“I … I never wear oranges,” Susanna protested.

“Auntie Emm wears tangerine … sometimes,” Bree supplied.

“I know this will look wonderful on you.  Go try it on while I find a blouse to go with it,” Richie ordered.

“Are you sure?” Susanna asked uncertainly.

“Absolutely!”

“Okay, I’ll give it a try.”  Susanna went into the change room while Richie searched for a suitable blouse.  Soon he found what he wanted and handed it in to Susanna. 

While Susanna was completing her transformation, Richie found a wonderful chocolate brown dress and a blazer in a rich plum color that would go well with black slacks or skirts. 

Susanna came out of the change room dressed in the suit that Richie had selected.  Bobby let out a wolf whistle before he gave it a thought.  Susanna blushed beet red, but then decided to go with the praise and did a twirl for everybody to see how she looked.

“Mommy, you look so good!” Ashley gushed.

“That’s really spectacular on you,” Candy observed in all honesty.  “Richie has the best eye.”

Richie beamed at his friend.  “I thought that would look great on you.”

Susanna went to the full length mirror and studied how she looked.  She realized that she would never have chosen this suit because of the color.  However, it did make a statement, and she had to admit that she looked better than all right.

“You definitely have to take that,” Richie advised her.  “And try these on.”  He handed her the other outfits he had found.

“It’s too much,” Susanna protested. 

“Just try them on.”

“Okay,” Susanna said and headed for the change room.  She did like the suit … a lot.

Bree tugged at Richie’s hand.  “Can you find something for Patrick that’s not blue?” she asked very seriously.

“Um, I’ll look around, but they don’t have much in this store for children,” Richie said.

“Oh.”

“But there’s a store down the street that has some great kid’s clothes.”

Bree smiled.  “Just don’t pick something pink.  I don’t he’ll try anything on if you try to get him to wear pink.”

“No problem,” Richie said with a conspiratorial wink.

Susanna modeled her outfits which all got great reviews.  She didn’t think she should get all of them, fearing that they would be way over her budget.  However, Richie had the owner total everything up, and to Susanna’s surprise it came to a fraction of what she was expecting to pay.  She got everything she had tried on.

Then the group hit the children’s store down the street, and Richie found some more wonderful things for the children.  This wasn’t a consignment shop, so Bree was happy.  And the prices were quite reasonable.

With a little prodding from Richie, Patrick tried on a plaid shirt that was predominantly yellow and some black acid washed jeans.

“You look really good,” Bree said with a big smile.

“I don’t know.”  Patrick frowned at his reflection in the mirror.

“That looks good, son,” Bobby said.

“You really think so?”

“I do.”

“I do too, but … yellow?” Patrick asked.

“Sometimes we need to step outside the box,” Bobby said.  “Wear it proudly.

Patrick nodded and went to change back into his regular clothes.  He had one more outfit for school.

Ashley and Bree listened to Richie’s explanation of what he thought would suit each of them.  He picked out a turquoise blue slack and top outfit that really complemented Bree’s strawberry blond hair.  He found a lime green similar outfit that Ashley just loved.  The girls were very happy and added this pair of outfits to their already substantial selections.

With many thanks to Richie the Edna’s Lane group headed for home.

“I like your yellow shirt,” Bree said as she sat beside Patrick in the back of the SUV.

“I like your turquoise outfit too,” Patrick replied.

“See, you can wear other colors.”

“You got my blue color,” Patrick said with a grin.

“It looks better on me,” Bree said with a laugh.

“I don’t think turquoise is your color, Patrick,” Ashley advised, “even if it is blue.”

“I agree,” Patrick conceded.  “Turquoise would have been as bad as pink.”

“You’re in-corrigible,” Bree stated.

“Do you even know what that means?” Patrick asked.

“Yes I do,” Bree replied.  “Daddy calls Dada that all the time so I looked it up in the dictionary.”

“What does it mean?” Ashley asked.

“It means that you do stuff that can never be corrected, and you do it even when you know you shouldn’t,” Bree explained in her inimitable fashion.

“So, why am I incorrigible?” Patrick asked.

“Because you would have rather had another blue outfit instead of the yellow shirt,” Bree said with a self satisfied smirk.

“Yeah, I would have,” Patrick admitted.

“But you got the yellow one anyway.”

“Yeah, I figure change is good sometimes.”

Bree smiled at her Patrick.  “I had fun today,” she said.

“And I’m going to have fun tonight,” Patrick averred.  “Dad’s taking me and Chet to stay overnight in the treehouse at grandma’s.”

Bree frowned and made a face.  That wasn’t how she wanted the day to end.

Fun In The Sun

Chapter 7

“Sleeping bags.”

“Check.”

“Toiletries.”

“Check.”

“PJ’s.”

“Check.”

“Snacks.”

“Check,” Patrick said as he shoved the bag with chips and pretzels into the back of his Dad’s SUV.  They were getting ready to go to Grandma Claire’s farm so he and Chet could sleep overnight in the treehouse.

“I think we have everything,” John said.

“What about pillows?” Patrick asked.

“My mother has pillows, but with all of us sleeping over there tonight maybe we should take a couple.  There’s some old ones in the linen closet.  Run and get them, Patrick, as well as the pillowcases from that set of sheets we don’t use on your bed anymore.”

“You mean the ones with the cowboys?” Patrick asked in horror.

“Yeah.”

“But those are for babies.”

“You used them until last year,” John reminded him with a chuckle.

“But not anymore,” Patrick protested.

“They’ll do just fine for sleeping on the floor.”  Patrick shook his head.  “If Chet makes a comment, tell him I made you use them.”

“Okaaay,” Patrick said with a groan.  He ran into the house.

“Uncle John, are you going to check off what me and Ashley are taking?” Bree asked.  She was standing beside the open back of the SUV and had been waiting patiently.

“Didn’t Bobby help you two pack?”

“Yes, but I thought we should do a check like you did with Patrick,” Bree explained.

“Okay,” John agreed.  “Do you have your jammies?”

“Check.”

“Grey bunny?”

“Check.”

“Games to play with Grandma Claire?”

“Check.”

“Change of clothes?”

“Check.”

“Grandma Claire will be glad of that if your baking gets messy.”

“I’m not messy,” Bree protested.  “My Daddy says I’m very neat.”

“You take after your Dada in that regard,” John observed.  Bree nodded proudly.  “Then I guess you have everything.”

“You didn’t ask me about toiletries,” Bree reminded him.

“Ah, yeah, do you have toiletries?”

“Check.”

“Does Ashley have the same as you?” John asked.

“Yes, I do,” Ashley said as she ran up to the car dragging one of Bree’s suitcases behind her.

John took the overnight cases from the girls and added them to the pile of equipment in the back of the SUV.  Patrick returned with the pillows stuffed into the cowboy pillowcases.  John added them to the pile.

“Where’s your dad?” John asked his son.

“He’s coming,” Patrick said.  “He was packing a suitcase for you and him.”

“Hm,” John said.  “You and Chet want to stay in the treehouse by yourselves, don’t you?” John asked.

“Yes, Dad,” Patrick replied with what sounded like an exasperated release of breath.  “We’re not babies.  We can stay by ourselves,” the boy declared.

“I didn’t say you couldn’t,” John said looking at his rather snippy son.  Was this the beginning of the dreaded teenage years?  His son was almost there.

*****

A short time later, John pulled the SUV into Claire’s driveway.  As he stopped the vehicle near the house another car came up the drive.

“That must be Chet,” John said.

“Great!” Patrick said enthusiastically.

“Yippee,” Bree muttered sarcastically.

Ashley giggled as she undid her seatbelt.  Bree gave her a look, and Patrick glared at both of them.

“Hello, Mr. Anderson,” Chet’s father called as he got out of his BMW. 

“It’s John,” John reminded him.  “And this is my husband, Bobby,” he introduced his spouse.  “Bobby, this is Chet’s father, Mitchell Larkin.”

“Ah, nice to finally meet you,” Mitchell said to Bobby as they shook hands.  “And it’s Mitch.  I think you’ve been at work whenever I’ve dropped Chet off at your place.  Chet is very excited about sleeping in the treehouse.  Can I have a look?”

“Sure,” John said, “but I’d like to introduce you to my mother and her husband.”  John could see them waiting patiently just inside the screen porch.  “Mom, Steve, come on out here.”

After introductions were made, John took the boys and their gear along with Chet’s father over to the treehouse.  They each took some of the supplies and climbed the ladders up to the treehouse.  Mitchell was amazed at what he found inside the structure.  He really enjoyed seeing it, and he felt much better about leaving his son to sleep there overnight.

While they were still looking around the treehouse, Steve arrived at the base of the tree.  He called up to them, “Hey guys, lower the basket.  Claire sent some dust rags and cleaning products.”

“That’s my mother,” John laughed as he went out on the balcony to lower the basket and bring up the cleaning supplies.

“Claire said nobody’s slept in there for quite a while, so you better give it a good cleaning,” Steve told him.

“I’m surprised she didn’t climb up and clean it herself.”

“She thought about it,” Steve admitted, “but I think her days of climbing up there are over.  Mine too.”

“Yeah,” John agreed reluctantly.  He didn’t like to think of his mother getting old, but she was.  Just like Joan.  “Tell Mom we’ll make a good job of it,” he said.  That would be the thing that would make his mother happiest.

*****

While the boys were getting settled in, Bobby and the girls went into the big farmhouse kitchen.  Claire sent Steve out to the treehouse with the cleaning supplies she had arranged.  Bobby took the little suitcases upstairs to the bedrooms, while Claire and the girls sat down to discuss what they might bake.

“Pie,” Bree said decisively.

“I thought you might like to make cookies,” Claire said.

“Nope, pie,” Bree stated.  “I know how to make cookies.  I want to make pie.”

“Is that all right with you, Ashley?” Claire asked.

Ashley nodded.  “I don’t know if I can make pie, but I can try.”

“That’s very good,” Claire said with a smile.  “I’m sure we can make a delicious couple of pies.  The boys will be blown away.”

“That’s good, Grandma Claire,” Bree said happily.

“Then let’s get to work.  I have a roast in the oven for dinner, so if we start the pie now, we can put it in when the roast is done.  It can cook while we eat dinner, and then we can have dessert on the screen porch when it cools.  Does that sound like a plan?”

Both girls nodded enthusiastically, before they donned aprons and started the process of making a pie.

When Bobby came downstairs the girls were carefully peeling apples while Claire was rolling out her crust.

“It’s very important that you don’t handle the crust too much,” Claire was saying.  “That makes it tough, and we want it to be light and flaky.”

“When can we make crust?” Bree asked.

“It’s called dough until it’s cooked,” Claire advised.  “Dough can be rather tricky, so maybe next time or the time after.  There’s a lot to learn about making pies.”

“You’re the best teacher, Grandma Claire,” Ashley said with a cheery smile as she finished peeling one apple.

“Would you like me to core them as the girls finish peeling?” Bobby asked.

“Unless you’d rather go help clean the treehouse,” Claire said with a wicked grin.

“Coring sounds good to me,” Bobby said, sitting down at the kitchen table.

Claire laughed.  “I thought it might.”

“What’s coring, Uncle Bobby?” Bree asked.

“I’ll show you.”  Bobby proceeded to quarter Ashley’s peeled apple.  Then he cut off the ends that still had some skin and made a couple of cuts to pop out the seeds and the tough innards of the apple.  “Should I slice as well?”

“Please, but cut them thin,” Claire advised.  She handed him a big bowl and he began to thinly slice the quarters of apple into the bowl.  The girls watched, making mental notes of all that was involved in making the apples ready for the pie.

“What kind of apples are these?” Bree asked as she finished peeling her apple and handed it to Bobby.

“These are Cortlands.  They’re a bit tart to suit me, but we can adjust the sugar.  My favorite ones for pies are Northern Spies, but they aren’t picked until after the first frost,” Claire explained.

“So we have to wait for those?” Bree asked.

“Yes, but they make the best pies.”

“Can I come and make a pie when you have Northern Spies?”

“You certainly may,” Claire affirmed with a smile.

“Me too?” Ashley piped up.

“You too.”

Ashley smiled happily.  “I bet my mommy would like to learn to make pies too.”

“You ask her, Ashley, and if she wants to some, we can have a pie making day,” Claire said.

“That would be great!” Ashley replied.

“How are those apples coming?” Claire asked.

“It’s a lot of apples, Grandma Claire,” Bree advised her.

“I know, but we’re making three pies.”

“We are?”

“Yes, so we’ll need a lot of apples,” Claire told her.  “My dough is ready so I’m going to roll it out and put the bottoms in the pie plates.”

“Just the bottoms?” Bree asked.

“It would be hard to fill the pie with apples if the top was already on,” Claire chuckled.

“Oh yeah,” Bree said blushing.

“That’s okay, Bree,” Bobby said.  “I had to learn how to slice apples properly.  I would have just chopped them up, but Claire likes them evenly sliced and sliced very thin.”

“And I hope that’s just what you’re doing,” Claire told him.

“Yes, ma’am.”  Bobby winked at Bree who giggled.

The pie making went along smoothly until the boys and their fathers returned from the treehouse.  They were carrying the cleaning equipment which John proceeded to put away in the cupboard where his mother always kept it.

“I hope that treehouse is shipshape for the boys,” Claire said.

“We all did a fine job,” John assured her.

“It’s quite a treehouse,” Mitchell stated.

“Yes it is,” Claire agreed.  “I remember when Brian first wanted to build that thing.  He had no experience building anything.”

“But we all worked together and it turned out just fine,” Bobby tossed in.

“Better than fine,” Mitchell said.  “Well, I better get going.”

“Would you like to stay for dinner?” Claire asked.  “I’m about to take the roast out of the oven and put in the pies.”

“Are those apple pies?” Mitchell asked looking with longing at the pies that Claire was laying the top crust on.  “They look wonderful.”

“They sure are apple – homemade apple pie.  So, why don’t you join us?”

“Let me make a phone call and I’ll let you know,” Mitchell said heading to the screen porch as he pulled out his cell phone.

“He has to check with my mom,” Chet stated with a sour look on his face.

“It’s always good to let people know where you are,” John averred.  Chet made no comment.

“John, would you lift the roast out of the oven and let it rest on the back of the stove,” Claire requested.  “Once we crimp the edges of the pies, they’re ready for the oven.”

“What’s crimp?” Ashley asked.

“You squeeze the edges to seal them together,” Bree informed her friend.  She had watched her Grandma Claire make lots of pies and had asked that same question.

“Why don’t you and Ashley each take a pie and I’ll show you how to crimp the edges,” Claire said. 

The girls watched as Claire rippled the edges of the pie shell with her fingers.  They tried to follow suit, but were a lot less successful at it than the older lady.

“Excellent!” Claire said as Bree and Ashley each worked their way around the pie.

“Theirs don’t look as good as yours,” Patrick observed, earning a death glare from Bree.

“The girls are doing just fine for their first time,” Claire corrected her grandson.  “I dare say you and Chet couldn’t do as well.”

Bree beamed at her grandmother, and Patrick looked sheepish.  He hadn’t expected his grandmother to take the girls’ side.

Mitchell returned from the screen porch.  “I’d love to stay for dinner if the offer is still on the table.”

“Most assuredly,” Claire said.  She placed the pies in the oven.  “Now, we do twenty minutes at 425 degrees and then we turn it down for the next forty minutes.

“Why?” Bree asked.

“So it will cook,” Chet piped up, and he and Patrick snickered.

Claire gave them both a look.  “The high heat at the beginning sets the crust so that we don’t get soggy bottoms on the pies,” she explained.  “I’m always glad when you girls ask questions.  It will help you learn more than just blindly following instructions.”

Bree gave Patrick a triumphant look as she listened to Claire’s explanation.  “Do you want me and Ashley to set the table?” she asked.

“That would be lovely.  Dinner should be ready in about half an hour.”

The girls went to collect the cutlery and dishes they would need.

“How be us menfolk have a game of horseshoes?” John asked.

“I’ve never played horseshoes,” Mitch admitted.

“Then it’s time you learned.  Call us when you’re ready for dinner,” John told his mother as the men all headed out through the screen porch.

“Just like men to go off and play some game while us women do the work,” Claire said.

“Yeah, boys are dumb,” Bree agreed.  She and Ashley continued to set the table.

“I didn’t say they were dumb, just … different,” Claire said choosing that word carefully.  She had felt some of the tension between Bree and Patrick and she didn’t much like it.

“How come Patrick doesn’t like me anymore?” Bree said forlornly.  “I didn’t do nuthin’.”

“I’m sure you didn’t,” Claire said reassuringly.  “Patrick is getting to an age where his interests are changing.  He’s growing up.”

“So am I,” Bree stated.

“Yes,” Claire said with a chuckle.  After the table was set and the potatoes and vegetables almost cooked Claire said to the girls, “Go call the menfolk for dinner.”

*****

“That was a fabulous meal, Mrs. McNally,” Mitch said as he cleaned his plate.  Everyone around the table nodded in agreement.

“Mother has always been a great cook,” John said with a warm smile to the woman who had raised him.

“Thank you both, but I cook plain and simple,” Claire replied.

“And delicious,” Mitch added.  Mitch looked at his son and gave a little jerk of his head.

“Thanks for dinner,” Chet said in response.  “It was good.”

“Thanks, Chet, I hope you enjoyed it.  I hope you can stay for pie,” Claire said.  “The girls and I had fun making them and they smelled delicious when I took them out of the oven.  They should be cooled off in a little while.”

“I’d love to,” Mitch said.  Chet didn’t look too pleased that his father was staying.

*****

As the sun began to set, and after everyone had enjoyed the delicious apple pies, John took the boys out to the treehouse to get them settled for the night.  He made sure they had water and snacks and some cards and games.  He left a battery powered lantern so they would have light. 

Chet and Patrick played some cards and then a board game, but soon they snuggled down in their sleeping bags getting ready to sleep.