Blasts From the Past

Chapter 11

“So be ready by four. I’ll be over after a brief meeting,” Brian said into his cell phone as he walked into the Liberty diner.

“No sweat, Pop! I’ve been ready for days,” Gus replied. He was excited to be going to Penn with his dad.

“Down boy, we’ll get there when we get there. I just have to wrap up a few things at the office.”

“Okay, Pop. See you soon.”

“Later, Sonny Boy.” Brian cut the connection as he slid himself into a booth. He looked around the diner, a place that once felt like his second home. The wait staff, except for Lacy, were all strangers to him. The faces of the patrons, what few there were at this odd hour, were all young and there was no one he knew. Brian sighed loudly. The Liberty Diner was now just a part of his past, albeit a very important part.

“Hey, Brian,” Lacy cheerfully greeted her friend and landlord. She had a cup of coffee all ready for him.

“Hi, Lacy, long time no see,” he said then gratefully took a sip of the hot brew. He arched a suspicious brow as he gazed into the cup.

“I know, it’s not Starbucks but I got the boss to agree to a better quality coffee. We have to charge a quarter more but I think it’s worth it.”

“It’s good. And did you actually get them to buy new coffee urns?”

“Yeah, amazing isn’t it. Debbie was after them for years to invest in some new equipment. I think the management got scared of the competition and decided to spruce up the place.”

“What competition?”

“Emmett’s place and the Village diner. Some of the business dropped off for a while but it’s got better lately.”

“So you’re okay?” Brian was worried that Lacy would be out of a job. She had blossomed since taking over the running of the diner from Debbie.

“I’m fine. Actually, I’m better than fine.”

“And Katerina?”

“Doing real well. She’s thinking of going for her masters.”

“Good for her. I’m proud of you both, and Lacy...you do know you both can come to me if either one of you needs anything,” Brian said seriously.

“We know, Brian, and I may take you up on that soon but not now,” Lacy said as she gave the man a hug. “Can I get you anything else?” she asked as she released him.

“No thanks, I won’t be long. Just here for a meeting.”

“With Justin?”

“No, just someone I knew a very long time ago when you were a wee lass.”

Lacy chuckled. “Okay, let me just freshen up your cup. You call me if you need anything.”

“Thank you, Lacy,” Brian said with a warm smile for the young woman. He was very proud of how she had turned her life around. His smile quickly faded as Brandon walked into the diner.

“Mr. Brian Kinney,” Brandon said loudly then plastered on a fake smile. Brian noted that Brandon had really not aged well. Drugs, alcohol and poor diet had taken its toll on a man that was not much older than Justin.

Brian freely admitted to being vain to himself and anybody else who’d ask. He planned on fighting the signs of age with tooth and nail. And so far with a good diet, limiting alcohol, exercise and good genes, Brian was winning the battle. Remaining cancer free and wanting to see his children grow up were very good incentives to keep up the fight. That and having a youthful lover. But it was apparent that Brandon had no such incentives in his life or if he did, he found them a little too late.

“Five minutes, Tierney, start talking,” Brian growled.

Brandon sat, not bothering to order anything. He just began talking. “I’m here with a fact finding team to determine if it’s feasible to open a branch of our company in Pittsburgh. We’re a small IT company. We’ve tried competing with the larger more nationally known companies but honestly, we really can’t compete. But I convinced higher management to go the other way. A small intimate company, with a limited amount of clients. Each client gets more of a personal touch.”

“So what do you want from me, and you have three minutes left.”

“If I can bring Kinnetik on board, it would be a real feather in my cap and a boon to the company. You’re a very important man here. If Kinnetik is signed up then other companies may take a chance on us. And then there are your other branches, of course.”

“Of course. So why all this shit about unfinished business? I don’t deal with innuendo.”

“You’re still one fucking hot stud. I regret not finishing what we started.”

“I don’t do tricks and I don’t do regret. And you have one minute left.”

“Look, let my team come to Kinnetik to analyze your needs. We can discuss your options.”

“Cynthia Morgan and Ted Schmidt are in charge of the day to day running of Kinnetik. Make an appointment with them,” Brian said as he got up from the table. “I’m going out of town for a few days. And your time is up.”

“Brian, please, for old times sake. Let me just get my foot in the door. If after our presentation you and your staff don’t like what we have to offer then we’re out of here. No questions asked, no pressure.”

“Then you’re out of my life?”

“Yes.”

“And what if we like your proposal?”

“I’ll be in charge of the account but you won’t have to see me. It’ll be all business and above board.”

“It better be or I’ll find a way to ruin you if you try to insinuate yourself into my life,” Brian warned. “Give me your card; I’ll tell Schmidt to expect your call.”

Brandon rose immediately and handed Brian his business card. “That’s my cell phone number and we’re staying at the Plaza. Please let Mr. Schmidt know I’ll call him in the morning to arrange an appointment.”

Brian nodded and was about to leave but something made him turn back. “What happened to you? You were...not bad looking back then.” Brian didn’t think Brandon would give him an honest answer.

“I, uh, had a partner for a short time a few years back. I thought I found ‘the one’,” Brandon said, making quote marks in the air.

When Brandon stopped talking, Brian pushed. “So what happened?”

“Tricks and drugs happened and he found the pin number to my bank card. He nearly wiped me out. I lost it, big time; sank real low. Drugs, booze, too many carbs and not enough exercise; stress of almost losing my job. What I did lose was my hair and my looks. By the time I forced myself out of the gutter it was too late.”

Brian had no words for Brandon. He knew Brandon had to want to remain clean and sober.

“I was lucky; my company has an EPA program. I got help and stayed clean. With the help of a personal trainer, I’m slowly getting back into shape but it isn’t easy.” Brian nodded in agreement. “I’m not looking for a handout, Brian. I work for a legitimate business, just give me a chance to prove it to you.”

Brian arched his brow then walked out of the diner. “Schmidt!” Brian bellowed as he walked through the main office of Kinnetik.

“Yes, Boss!” Teddy replied.

“Here,” Brian said as he handed Brandon’s business card over to his CFO. “He’s going to call to make an appointment. I’d like you and Cynthia to hear him out then get back to me.”

“You got it, Boss!”

“And Ted....”

“Yes, Brian?”

“I’m...I’m very proud of you,” Brian said softly as he squeezed Ted’s shoulder. Ted stood with his mouth hanging open as Brian went into his office to retrieve his briefcase. “Close your mouth, Theodore, before you catch flies,” Brian quipped as he left Kinnetik to get Gus then go home.

 

*****
 

“Hey.”

“Hey, Sunshine.”

“You sound like you’re in a good mood,” Justin said.

“I am.”

“And what may have caused this happy circumstance?”

“I met with Brandon Tierney today.”

“Oh?” Justin asked warily. He wasn’t sure what Brandon wanted with Brian, but he didn’t think it could be anything good. He had hardly expected Brian to be all cheerful after the meeting took place.

“Yeah, he made me an offer I couldn’t refuse.”

“He what…? Offer? What do you mean?”

“I suddenly decided I like a man in a toupee, so we’re running away to Ibiza tomorrow. I’m on my way home to pack.”

Justin felt his blood run cold for a split second, until he realized that there was no way Brian meant what he was saying. Brian was putting him on. “When you get here, you’ll find your Armani’s and Prada’s shredded and strewn across the front lawn.”

“Sunshine! I thought you’d be glad to see the back of me.”

“Keep this up and I just might be,” Justin said but he had to laugh. “How did it go with Brandon … really?”

“Fine, he works for an IT company and they want a shot at getting Kinnetik for a client.”

“You mean he wasn’t after you?” Justin asked in surprise. He was under no illusion about how many men, and women, found Brian attractive. The man had aged spectacularly.

“I didn’t say that,” Brian chuckled. “He’d still like a shot, but it ain’t gonna happen.”

“Because you love me so much,” Justin said. He hoped Brian could hear the big smile on his face.

“Daddy, Daddy! Me, me,” a little voice wailed.

“Is that the Squirt?” Brian laughed.

“Yes, she wants to talk to you. She’s standing beside me smacking my hand and yanking at my arm.”

“Put her on.”

“Not till you answer what I just said.”

“Tell her to stop smacking your hand,” Brian said with an evil grin into the phone.

“Not that, asshole!”

“Yes, I turned down the toupeed, out of shape, not aging well, Brandon Tierney because I love only you, Sunshine. Are you happy now?”

“Ecstatic!” Justin laughed. “Here’s your daughter.” He handed the phone to Bree.

“I’m ready for our trip, Dada. When are you coming home?” Bree asked.

“Soon, Squirt.”

“I’m ready to go.”

Brian chuckled. “I bet you are. I’m on my way to pick up Gus.”

“Good!”

“I’ll see you very soon.”

“Bye, Dada.”

Brian closed his cell phone and shook his head. He had great kids.

It wasn’t long before he pulled up in front of the Muncher Mansion. He turned off the ‘Vette and climbed out. As he started up the front walk the door of the house slammed open.

“You and that fucking Jamie are always sequestered together at the goddam gallery,” Melanie shrieked. “You can’t even get home in time to make sure Gus has everything packed for his trip.” She stomped past Brian without so much as a sideways glance.

Brian stepped off the walk to let her go by. He was about to say something when he saw a furious and red-faced Lindsay appear in the doorway.

“I guess if I need you, you’ll be at Leda’s hotel,” she snapped.

“You won’t need me. You never need me!” Melanie retorted turning and glaring at her spouse.

“But that’s where you’ll be, isn’t it?” Lindsay shot back.

“I’ll be wherever I fucking feel like being. And you’ll be at the gallery with Jamie.” Melanie wheeled around and stormed off down the street.

“Mel!” Lindsay called but all she could see was Melanie’s back as she continued steadfastly down the road.

“I see it’s just another average day in Muncherville,” Brian snarked as he went up onto the porch.

“Shut up, Brian!”

“Is my son ready?”

“Aren’t you going to ask what happened?” Lindsay wanted to know as they went inside. She could use a little sympathy from her old friend.

“Do I have to?”

“Some…sometimes you are so cruel,” Lindsay said heading for the tissue box to wipe her eyes.

“Lindz, I…”

“Don’t bother. Take your son. I’ll be fine.”

“Gus,” Brian said, seeing his son come down the stairs. “Load your bag in the ‘Vette and give your mother and me a few minutes. He tossed the car keys to his son.

Gus looked from his father to his mother and back again. He saw the tears in his mother’s eyes and knew something was wrong. He had heard her and Mama Mel yelling earlier, but they often yelled. That wasn’t anything so unusual. But he could see that clearly this was not usual. “Sure, Pop, I’ll wait outside.”

Brian nodded and Gus went back upstairs to get his things.

“Come into the kitchen, Lindsay,” Brian said gently. He took Lindsay’s elbow and guided her through the dining room and into the kitchen. She sat down at the table. “Tea?” he asked. When she nodded, he started the kettle. “So what is it this time?”

“I … I was supposed to help Gus get ready to go with you this afternoon, but I … I got held up at the gallery. When I got home, Mel had done all the sorting and packing and she was pissed at me. We kind of got into a shouting match,” Lindsay said dabbing at her eyes again.

“I take it that it was Jamie that tied you up at the gallery,” Brian smirked.

“Well…”

Brian raised his hand. “I don’t want details.”

“I wasn’t planning to give you any.”

“And then you had to bring Leda into the mix,” Brian observed.

“I think Mel was with Leda this weekend. Supposedly Melanie was at the office practically all weekend, or so she said.” Lindsay’s face made it clear that she didn’t believe a word of that scenario.

“For your information I happen to know that Leda was not in Pittsburgh this weekend.”

“And how would you know that? And why the fuck are you defending Melanie?”

“Because Leda was at Edna’s Treasures … with me … all weekend, and I never defend Melanie.”

“What … what the fuck are you saying?” Lindsay demanded.

“You heard me.”

“But … you … why?”

“I’m working on Leda’s account at Kinnetik. We were working.”

“Yeah, right. Like I’m going to believe that,” Lindsay scoffed.

“Then don’t believe it. I have to get going.” Brian stood up from his seat at the table just as the kettle started to whistle. “You’ll have to make your own tea,” he said as he disappeared out the kitchen door.

“Hey, Uncle Brian,” JR said when she met him at the bottom of the stairs.

“How’s my girl?” Brian said with a grin.

“Okay … if Mommy and Mama are finished fighting.”

Brian shook his head. The Munchers seemed doomed to never have a calm and happy home. “Mama Mel’s gone out, so I think it’s safe for a while.”

“Good,” JR said.

“Your other mother’s in the kitchen. Maybe you can cheer her up.”

JR sighed. “I’ll try.”

“Good luck, kiddo,” Brian said going out the front door. Gus was half sitting on the hood of the Corvette.

“Hey kid, you wanna remove your ass from my car.”

“Oh, sorry, Pop,” Gus said hurriedly as he stood up. “I was just leaning.”

“Don’t sweat it. The ‘Vette will be yours one day.”

“Tomorrow?” Gus joked.

Brian gave his son a playful smack on the cheek. “Get in.”

They both climbed into the classic sports car and Brian started the engine.

“Is Mom okay?” Gus asked.

“As good as can be expected.”

Gus heaved a noisy sigh. “I wish they could work things out once and for all.”

“Or call it quits,” Brian threw in.

“You think that’s going to happen?” Gus asked with a worried look on his face.

“I don’t know, Sonny Boy. My crystal ball is on the fritz. But I would guess they’ll patch things up after a while. That’s been their history all these years.”

“I’m glad we’re going to Penn. Then I don’t have to listen to them.”

“But your sister does.”

“Yeah, maybe I should get her a sweatshirt or a cap with Penn State on it.”

Brian frowned. He wondered just how rocky things really were between Gus’ two mothers. He hoped this was more of the same old, same old that he had seen a million times before. He stepped down on the gas and headed for the peace of Edna’s Treasures.

 

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