Across the Pond
Chapter 8
JR was in the kitchen staring at a cold, dry coffeemaker. With everything that happened, the girls had neglected to set up the coffeemaker before retiring the previous night. While JR was contemplating life, including the current lack of coffee, the doorbell rang.
“I’ll get it,” Jacq called out. Within a few moments, Jacq joined JR in the kitchen.
“Who’s at the door?” asked JR, still studying the empty coffee pot.
“en.”
“Who?” JR asked as she turned to face her spouse. Her eyebrows almost rose up to her forehead.
Jacq quickly swallowed, trying not to choke on the large muffin that she was hungrily devouring. “Ben,” Jacq replied. “I left him in the living room.”
“You let him bribe you with Auntie Emm’s muffins?”
“How do you know where Ben got the muffins?” Jacq asked as she took another bite.
“Oh please, I grew up on those,” JR stated as she took the muffin out of Jacq’s hand to take a bite. Chewing then quickly swallowing, JR continued. “I can’t believe you let him in the house,” JR griped.
“I’m hungry, I’m tired, and I have no fucking clue what day it is, and did I mention that I’m hungry,” Jacq succinctly stated before rescuing her muffin, taking another large bite then attending to the coffeemaker. “He’s your father, you go talk to him. And be nice,” Jacq asserted.
JR stomped a foot then reluctantly went into the living room. Ben stood as JR entered the room. He held out the basket of muffins as a peace offering. JR peered into the basket, rummaged around then took out her favorite muffin and took a bite.
“I’m still not talking to you,” JR said around a mouthful.
“That’s all right, but are you willing to listen?” asked Ben. JR nodded. She grabbed the basket before making herself comfortable in her favorite chair.
“I care about him; I will never stop caring but we haven’t been a real married couple for several years. We’ve tried; I’ve tried, but nothing seemed to work. I tried getting him to go to couples counseling, but he found every excuse not to go. After a while, it just became my own therapy. My only regret is that I couldn’t convince him to seek medical attention. Maybe if he went to his doctor on a regular basis, this episode could have been avoided.”
A familiar ‘ding’ from the kitchen and the delicious aroma of freshly brewed coffee offered a brief and possibly welcomed pause in the one sided conversation. Jacq came out of the kitchen with a tray containing the carafe, mugs, and fixings for the desired beverage.
“Thank you,” Ben politely said when Jacq handed him a mug. There was an awkward silence when Ben announced that he was going abroad. “I’m leaving tomorrow and have an open return ticket.” He abruptly stood nearly spilling his coffee. “I’m sorry, I just need a little time to myself,” he said sadly. “I hope someday you’ll forgive me.” Placing his barely touched coffee back on the tray, Ben headed for the door.
“Wait!” JR jumped up and ran to the door, straight into Ben’s arms. “Have you seen him?” JR asked as she hugged Ben tight. He hugged back.
“Yes, and I’m going there now. I’ll spend time with him tomorrow before I go. I’m all packed, I’ll leave for the airport from the hospital. I’ll make sure his doctors have a way to reach me,” said Ben as he tightly squeezed JR. “Please forgive me,” he whispered.
“There’s nothing to forgive. I know you loved him and were faithful. I’m sorry he never appreciated what he had with you,” JR admitted with wisdom. Ben pushed her back so that he could look into her eyes. He saw sincerity gazing back.
“Thank you. That love applies to you too. I know how proud he was…is, of you. I’m sorry that he didn’t always express it as he should,” Ben gently said. “I’m very proud of you. I should’ve had more faith that you’d be able to accomplish everything you wanted to do and not pressure you into going to college. All that wasted time on arguing when I should’ve supported you.”
“Forget it, and just so you know I have been taking a few more online business courses,” JR announced. Ben smiled brightly then hugged her closer to him. “Go, before I get all mushy,” JR said. Ben gave her a peck on the head before letting her go.
“I plan on going to Paris then spending some time hiding in Brian’s new castle,” Ben teased. “But if you need me, I’ll be on the next plane home,” Ben promised.
“You’ll love it there at the mansion, just beware of Hudson and her rules,” JR said with a laugh.
With a final squeeze and a nod to Jacq, Ben left their home. JR followed him out to the porch.
“I’m proud of you,” said Jacq as she joined her spouse on the porch to wave goodbye.
“For what?”
“For realizing that the decisions Ben is making are not easy. He’s probably dealing with a lot of guilt. He’s a good man and shouldn’t have to feel guilty. I’m sure that you just made him feel a hell of a lot better knowing that you aren’t angry with him,” said Jacq.
Turning into Jacq’s arms, JR said, “Thank you.”
Breathing in the crisp morning air, the girls retreated into their home and prepared for their day.
*****
“Yo, shopkeep!” Brian said as he breezed into the comic book store then loudly smacked the corner of the counter with his hand. He grabbed the latest Rage issue and flopped himself into the comfy chair that was against the wall. JR rolled her eyes as she tended to a customer while her assistant was stocking shelves and refilling comic displays.
“Ignore him; we all do,” JR sweetly said to her customer. She noted that both her customer and her assistant were ogling the stunning Brian. Brian had spent the last few days in the city at Kinnetik seeing clients, reviewing contracts, and generally terrorizing his premier branch before he and the family flew off to London. He was dressed to impress and had certainly made an impression on the young men in the shop.
JR rolled her eyes again, murmuring something about gay men and their appetites. After her customer left, JR introduced Jordon, her assistant.
“Jordon, I’m not sure you met my uncle, Brian Kinney. Uncle Bri, Jordon is my assistant; he was in charge when Jacq and I went on our honeymoon.”
“The Brian Kinney, the Liberty Avenue, Babylon, Brian Kinney?” Jordon asked with awe and admiration as he extended his hand. Brian gave him the patented Kinney leer and a firm handshake. JR thought Jordon was going to melt into a pile of goo.
“Uncle Bri, stop it before I rat you out to Uncle Justin. Jordon, why don’t you go into the storeroom and inventory something,” JR commanded. “You still got it,” JR proudly stated when Jordon was out of earshot. They both giggled.
“Come here,” Brian said as he opened his arms. JR quickly moved into Brian’s strong embrace. She always felt safe within her uncle’s arms. “You okay?”
“Yes. I’m worried about dad but most of all I’m worried about Grandma Deb. She puts up a good front but she looks like she’s aged twenty years. If anything happens to her, I don’t know what I’d do,” JR cried. Brian held her tighter.
“She’s tougher than she looks,” Brian said, trying to convince himself. JR nodded half convinced but the alternative was unthinkable.
“Uncle Bri, Jacq wants to take over the bill for the private nurses,” JR informed him.
“They don’t come cheap.”
“I know. She did her research but she’s insisting. Spouted something about being a true partnership when we got married and that you covered the cost long enough, yadda yadda. The doctors have been discussing long term plans for Daddy so the need for the nurses might not last too long but until then, we want to do our part. Besides, Jacq will be saving on rent soon.”
“She finally took Drew up on his business proposal?” Brian asked.
“You know about that?”
“Of course I do, I know everything, and I think it’s a good deal. She won’t lose any customers, probably will gain more. There’s ample parking in the Village, there are a variety of other shops, plus two good eateries. Besides, John and I have had our eyes on the part of town where Jacq’s store is currently located. Her landlord is a fucking idiot, and that’s putting it politely. He’s got prime real estate and he’s not taking care of it. I’m surprised Jacq hadn’t pulled out of there years ago.”
“She confessed that she had been thinking about it for some time but got a little distracted by wedding plans,” JR said with a smirk.
“I’m sure whatever she decides to do will work out. Your husband’s a she-wolf,” Brian snarked.
“Behave,” JR admonished but gave Brian a peck on the cheek. “I know,” she whispered in confidence.
“Listen, Justin will be bringing everyone to the city later today. Lacy’s letting me take over the diner tonight for dinner; we’ll be leaving for the airport from there. Please come, Bree misses you.”
“I can’t wait,” JR said with a bright smile.
“And bring the she-wolf with you,” said Brian as he headed for the door.
“Can I come out now?” Jordon called out from the storeroom.
“Yes,” both JR and Brian shouted then laughed.
“Later!” Brian said as he left the building.
*****
The invasion of the Liberty diner went off like a well thought out battle plan. General Kinney conscribed his spy network, Emmett, Ted, and Hunter, to spread the word to the family, close associates and other Liberty regulars. To guarantee that Debbie and Carl would be there, Brian pulled out his secret weapon…Bree! A strategically placed phone call from one desperate grandchild rendered a promise by Debbie that she would take a break from her vigil to join the festivities at the diner. Another quick call from Hunter to his Dr. Nick, ensured that Debbie and Carl would be properly escorted to the diner. All was set for a Kinney-Taylor send off and more importantly, a show of family support for Debbie and Carl.
Brian arrived and set himself up at the large round table in the back. He stowed his luggage in Lacy’s backroom before sitting at the table and reviewing their itinerary. Smiling at Lacy as she placed a cup of coffee in front of him, Brian took a sip and felt himself become more relaxed and human again. It had already been a long, stressful day for Brian seeing clients, spending time with Michael, and taking care of some last minute details for their trip. He was hoping to be able to sleep on the plane then wake up in full vacation mode to be a supportive loving spouse and dad. It was taking most of Brian’s stubbornness and reserves to dump his fears, doubts, and overall irritableness. He needed this vacation, his family needed this vacation, and they deserved this vacation. As much as he loved Michael, Brian’s family had to come first. The Mikey of his childhood had been gone for a very long time, replaced by a man he hardly knew. It saddened Brian but surrounded by the people who loved and believed in him, Brian knew he’d get over it. He took another sip of Lacy’s excellent coffee, took a deep breath and waited for the chaos of his cwazy widdle family to take over.
“Howdy stranger,” a familiar drawl was heard as the bell over the door tinkled and Emmett strolled in.
“Honeycutt,” Brian said curtly over the rim of his cup. Emmett snorted then plopped himself down in the booth, shimmying his way closer to Brian.
“The gay grapevine has been activated,” Emm whispered. Brian nodded. “And don’t call me Honeycutt,” Emm loudly stated.
“Brian, are you picking on my husband?” Drew asked as he entered then sat next to Emmett. Emm gave Drew a kiss.
“Gag,” came a murmured comment.
“John and Bobby should be here any minute,” Drew said quietly, getting a smirk from Brian. Just then Teddy and Allen came into the diner.
“Schmidt, who’s minding the store?” Brian growled. Ted and Allen took their place next to Drew and Emm.
“I am, Boss!” said Ted as he waved his cell phone. “It’s all good, Bri,” Ted then mumbled. That got an eyebrow and a smile.
Soon the Moms arrived. They took another booth.
“Dada!” The shriek was followed by fast footsteps as Bree sprinted through the diner and into her father’s arms. Fortunately, Brian was quick enough to get out of the booth in time. Justin followed and added himself to the hug. “I missed you, Dada.”
“I missed you,” said Brian in return. “You won’t be saying that in a few weeks,” he predicted.
“Never,” said Bree.
“Never,” said Justin. Brian pecked Bree’s head then gave Justin a proper kiss.
“Gag,” said Hunter as he came through the door. “Hey, Big Guy, when are you going to trade in your old model for a younger one?” Hunter teased.
“Over my dead body,” Justin grumbled as Brian bussed Hunter’s head.
“They’re on the way,” Hunter informed him. Brian smiled.
Lacy and her wait staff were kept busy as more and more of the family and close friends filled the diner. At one point, Justin and Hunter stood up and went behind the counter. Justin got a tray full of glasses while Hunter took a pitcher of water and one of cola. They went around to each table handing out glasses then filling them. Brian looked down at his empty coffee mug and scowled. The devil on his shoulder was planning a hissy fit; the angel on the other shoulder took exception to that. The angel won. Brian stood, sauntered behind the counter, took one carafe of regular coffee and the other of decaf.
“Whoever wants coffee, raise your coffee mug,” Brian commanded. He then went around the diner filling mugs. When he got to the Moms, he poured decaf for Lindsay and regular for Mel. Lindsay gave him a beautiful smile while Mel rolled her eyes. Brian smiled back at Lindsay and stuck his tongue out at Mel then went on his way. He managed to squeeze the last cup into his own mug before returning the carafes.
When JR and Jacq arrived, there was a subtle seating change. The younger generation took over their own booth. Susanna, Ashley’s mother, reading the writing on the wall, sat with Lindsay and Mel.
“It never ceases to amaze me how well JR and Bree get along, as well as how Ashley and Peter have become a part of the family. Even with Gus who’s a generation older than the girls, they’re all so close,” commented Susanna. The Moms agreed; the siblings, who shared no blood between them were as close as siblings could get.
The bell tinkled when Debbie and Carl arrived. Dr. Nick stood out of the way for self preservation.
“Grandma,” shouted Hunter, JR, and Bree. The three jumped up to greet Debbie with hugs and kisses then escorted her and Carl to the larger table. Feeling a bit overwhelmed, Debbie sat with Carl who kept a comforting arm around her shoulders. Menus were soon passed around and orders given. About twenty minutes later the cook started slamming his hand against the bell.
“Keep your fucking shirt on!” came the response from Lacy and Debbie. The whole diner burst into cheers and applause. Brian leaned over to peck Debbie’s cheek.
“You can take the waitress out of the diner…” Brian began.
“But never the diner out of the waitress,” Debbie finished the thought.
“How are you?” Brian asked her.
“Coping or at least trying to cope,” Debbie admitted. “You?”
“Same. I keep wondering how did we miss this? Why didn’t he ask for help? Or seek medical attention? He knows better,” Brian said in frustration.
“Don’t,” said Debbie as she pointed at him. “He’s a grown man. None of this is your fault. It’s no one’s fault. We just have to pray that he will get better. In the meantime, we go on with our lives,” Debbie said wisely.
“That goes for you too,” said Brian.
“I’ll keep reminding her,” Carl stated. Brian knew Carl would keep a close eye on the situation.
The cook’s bell kept demanding attention and once again Justin and Hunter got up to help. A few more people, mostly men who looked about Brian’s age also got up to help. Brian recognized a few from the bad old days. They were more of Debbie’s “lost boys” and a few girls too. They all came by to see Debbie with words of comfort, encouragement and appreciation of the impact her kindness and guidance made in their lives. Brian had nothing to worry about. Liberty Avenue had a very long memory. Debbie’s extended family would support her.
It was getting late, and most of the diner was devoid of patrons leaving only the immediate family. John had loaded up Brian’s luggage into his big black beast, and he and Bobby were ready to transport the travelers to the airport.
“Brian, it’s time,” John urged his brother. Brian acknowledged then quickly made the rounds, thanking everyone for the part they played. When he came to Debbie, no words were spoken. He kissed her cheek; she kissed his then gently cuffed an ear. Brian and company went to the airport as the rest of the family carried on with their lives.
*****
Nearly a week prior to Brian and his band of travelers boarding their plane, a tall muscular man smiled at the gallery manager as he made his way through the exhibits to the back gallery that was devoted to the work of Justin Taylor. Ben had landed in Paris then settled in at the same bed and breakfast that JR and Jacq had recently vacated. The calm atmosphere and soothing décor were like a balm to Ben’s wounded soul. Ben spent a couple quiet days in his room before venturing out to explore the city. When he came across the familiar art gallery, he spent some time there admiring the beautiful scenes that reminded Ben of happier days on the lane. Ben was surprised that his nude was gone. He wondered if the manager just took it down or if it was sold. He blushed at the thought of a stranger owning that sketch.
As he entered Justin’s room, Ben sat on the bench that was situated in front of the almost life-sized portrait of Brian in the shower. It was the same portrait he had seen years ago when Justin had his first opening in Paris. The portrait was as timeless as the subject.
“Is he still as stunning?” Ben felt a presence enter the room and sit next to him.
“Yes, and age only makes him more so. He’s a little fuller, adding more muscle in the right places. The little touches of grey sprinkled throughout his hair and at the temples only make him more distinguished. He is a loyal and generous friend,” said Ben.
“And his young artist?”
“Not so young, but just as beautiful and youthful looking. They are of one heart.”
They sat in silence for a few moments, admiring the sketches and paintings.
“And you, my friend, what of your heart?”
“My heart is free but it’s complicated.”
“Life is complicated.”
“True. And is your heart free?” Ben asked, wondering if it was too late.
“Yes, it is, I think my heart is hoping for a second chance.”
More silence.
“Have you been in Paris long?”
“Only a few days. I’ll be leaving for London soon.”
“Then allow me to show you my Paris until you leave.”
“I’d like that. Perhaps, you might be free to join me in London.”
“I would be very happy to join you. But first, Paris, the city of lights and love.”
“Armand, it is so good to see you again,” said Ben as he stood, taking Armand with him and into his arms. “So good to see you,” Ben repeated as he hugged Armand. Armand didn’t hesitate to hug back.
Hand in hand they walked through the gallery and out into the Paris evening.
*****
“Dad, are you able to talk?” Gus asked. Brian and family had just landed at Heathrow and were taxiing to the gate.
“Yes, we just landed. Is everything all right?”
“We’re all fine. The house is ready. Stuart and Nathan will be there to pick you up.”
“Okay. So why are my Spidey senses tingling?”
“Because you’re Brian Kinney and you know everything.”
“Spill.”
“Ben’s here.”
“Yeah, and?”
“He brought a friend.”
“A friend friend? Or just a friend?”
“Armand is with him,” Gus clarified.
“The French fry?!”
“Yes, and they’ve been in their suite for days. Hudson just brings in a tray for two then a few hours later, the empty tray is returned to the kitchen. Pop, they’re old! Should they be having that much sex?”
Brian pinched the bridge of his nose before answering. “Gus, Ben and I are the same age.”
“Uh, oops.”
“Is it bothering you and Ray?”
“No, not really. It’s not like we hear them or anything. Hudson is amused by it all. I gave her a little bit of back story on Ben. She seems very understanding. Besides, considering the hours Ray and I keep, we really haven’t seen much of them. And Ben did ask. Ray’s the one who suggested our guest suite rather than upstairs.”
“Makes sense. I hope this works out for Ben. He deserves someone who’ll appreciate him.”
“Agreed.”
“Listen, Sonny Boy, we’re about to deplane. See you soon.”
“Okay, Pop. I really miss you guys. See you soon. Later.”
“Later.”
tbc