Chapter 18

 

 

Day 12

"Come on kids, time to go!" Bobby called out; he and John were going to drop the children off at school then drive into Pittsburgh for their long weekend date. As the kids skidded to a halt in Brian's kitchen, he and Justin were there to see them off.

"Be good at school," Justin said as he handed the kids their lunchboxes.

"Aunt Rachel is going to pick you up. She decided that she's tired of her own girls and wants to borrow you two for the night. She said something about renting movies and popcorn and..." Brian didn't get the chance to finish his statement. The kids had cut him off with their squeals of glee. They were jumping up and down with excitement.

"And behave yourself at Aunt Rachel's," John reminded them, calming them sufficiently to get them into his Navigator, after, of course, many kisses all around.

Brian and Justin waved the group goodbye.

 

*****

 

"That was nice of your sister to take the kids. She really didn't have to," John commented as he got into the SUV after escorting the children to class.

"She loves those kids and her girls are getting too big to get all excited about a Disney film," Bobby remarked.

"Bobby, do you regret not having another child?" John asked before he pulled out into traffic. John was going to turn fifty-one this year and didn't think he could handle a newborn.

"John, I have absolutely no regrets. I think Patrick is enough. Between him and Bree, we certainly have no dull moments in our lives. And I know what you're thinking, John Anderson-Morrison. You are most certainly NOT old! As soon as we get to the loft, I'm going to prove it," Bobby said to his spouse with an eyebrow waggling leer. He then suggestively ran his hand down John's groin.

"Um, we'll have none of that while I'm driving," John said reasonably.

"Ah, but you're not driving yet."

"But I will be in a second and I want to get to Pittsburgh in one piece. So kept your hands to yourself while I'm driving," John stated very authoritatively, arching the Kinney brow. Bobby chuckled as he placed his hands in his lap with an exaggerated plop.

"Be bossy all you want now, Mr. Anderson. When I get you to the loft, your ass is mine!" Bobby said smugly as he settled back into his seat like the good passenger he was. John smiled knowingly.

 

*****

 

"I'm going to miss this place and you, Seamus Griffin," Melanie said unexpectedly as Seamus placed the heavier pieces of luggage in the trunk of their rented car.

"And I you, Melanie Marcus," Seamus replied.

"We really appreciated your hospitality," Lindsay chimed in.

"It was mine to give, beautiful lady," Seamus said as he kissed Lindsay's hand.

"I think Seamus is having that Blarney Stone problem again," Melanie quipped then laughed.

"Not at all. I speak the purest of truth. This humble hovel has never been graced with such beautiful guests before."

"Except for Brian Kinney," the girls said in unison and all three laughed.

"We better get going. We've had a wonderful time. Thank you, Seamus," Lindsay said as she gave the owner of the Piece of Plenty a kiss on the cheek then got into the car.

"I think we'll be coming back," Melanie said with a smile.

"It would be an honor," Seamus said with a little bow. "And next time, bring your children and those special men with their children. Make it a whole family affair!" Seamus said as he waved at the girls.

"We will!" the girls said as Mel pulled out onto the street and waved back.

As they got onto the highway, Lindsay commented, "I did have a good time."

"So did I."

"I would like to come back someday."

"So would I, and bring the kids before we're not cool enough to be seen with."

"I bet the guys would love it like Seamus suggested."

"Maybe, and maybe Michael and Ben too."

"That sounds like a wonderful idea," Lindsay said very happy that Mel had included Michael and Ben. "I think that's a great idea," she repeated as she sat back in her seat.

 

*****

 

At the vet clinic in Pittsburgh, Raphael was not at all pleased.

"Raph, what's bothering you?" Hector, Raph's partner in the clinic and life partner as well, asked the tall vet.

"We got another anonymous donation this morning," Raph said, as he looked down at the packet of crumpled bills in his hand.

"No note?"

"No, but I have a feeling this money is supposed to go to the care of Matty."

"Matty? You named the cat Matty? Why?"

"Because I couldn't keep calling the cat, 'cat.' And Matty seemed appropriate. I nearly had to shave the poor thing bald because it was so matted."

"How's she doing?"

"Better. Still underweight but at least she's not dehydrated or infested anymore. It's going to take a while before she'll eat on her own. For now we still have to hand feed her."

"That money, you really using it toward her care?"

"No. Something told me I shouldn't. I have it all in a special envelope in the safe."

"Maybe you should go to the police," Hector suggested softly.

"Maybe. Maybe I'll speak to Carl Horvath first. He seemed like a very level headed sort of man. I'll ask his opinion."

"Good idea. Let me know and I'll go with you." Hector gave his partner a discreet kiss then they heard an alarm go off.

"Warning, warning, bullshit alert!" Someone had pressed the button on the 'The Bullshit Button Alert' Raph had received from Santa at Christmas. It was situated on the front counter, much to the amusement of the clinic employees and customers.

"And we have a winner!" Raphael and Hector said together then laughed as they went out to greet their customer.

 

*****

 

"Mikey?"

"Hey Bri, you're up early."

"I'm always up, Mikey, you know that."

"Yeah, I know. What can I do for you?"

"Just confirming that you're going to get the girls tonight."

"Yup, all set. I'll have plenty of time after I lock up the store."

"You may want to track their flight; they're predicting more snow."

"Yeah, well, we know all about snow, don't we, Bri."

"That we do, Mikey. Um, Michael, what are you going to tell the girls about all the repairs that were done? Some things they won't notice right away but they may notice the new microwave."

"New microwave? What new microwave? Brian, what else happened in that house?"

"Well, you see there was a short and John had the electrician rewire stuff and...Michael, Michael? Hey, Mikey!"

"Excuse me, who is this please?" Danny had reported into the Comic Book Store for the day. There were no more disasters, no more workmen at Muncherville, so he thought he'd put in a few hours before the kids got home. He noticed Michael staring off into space with the phone in his hand.

"This is Brian Kinney, who is this?" Brian said a little concerned and a little annoyed.

"Oh Brian, it's Danny."

"Danny? What happened to Mikey? We were talking about the repairs and then he stopped talking."

"I think he's a little in shock. Don't worry, Brian, I'll explain everything to him so he'll be able to explain things to the girls."

"Danny, maybe you should call Ben and explain things. Considering the weight of their suitcases, Ben should go with Mikey to get the girls. All those muscles have to be good for something."

"Mmm," Danny mumbled in appreciation of Ben's muscular physique.

"Down boy, no lusting after your son-in-law. Has Michael regained consciousness?"

"Yes," Danny chuckled then handed the phone back to Michael.

"Michael, you okay?" Brian asked with concern.

"Brian, tell me the truth, all the repairs to the girls' house, how much did it cost you?"

"Michael, money doesn't matter."

"I know, Brian, but my daughter lives there and I want to contribute, Now, how much?"

"Aboutsixthousand," Brian mumbled very quickly.

"What? I didn't get that."

"About six thousand," Brian said a little clearer.

"DOLLARS?!" Mikey screamed into the phone.

"No, rubles, of course dollars."

"Where am I going to get money like that?"

"Michael, it's done. Don't worry about it."

"But it's going to take me a lifetime to pay off half of that, Bri. Everything I have is sunk into the store."

"Michael, it's all taken care of. I never asked for you to pay me back."

"But, Brian..."

"Michael, you're my best friend and I love the girls and the kids. You know I'd do anything..."

"You love Mel?"

"Well, I wouldn't go that far but I tolerate her for Lindsay and JR's sake."

"But I want to help."

"Then we'll work it out, I just don't want Gus to hear Melanie curse me out all night long."

"She won't, I promise. And if she does, I'll sic Ma on her!"

"A man after my own heart." The boys shared a good laugh.

"Um, Bri, did Justin tell you about him giving up Rage?"

"Yes, he did."

"And about Lacy?"

"I suggested it."

"You did?"

"Yes, Michael. Look, you and Justin have been butting heads over Rage for years. It wouldn't be so bad if we were still in the Pitts but we're not and his art, well, you know."

"Yeah, I know."

"It's a good idea, Mikey. Lacy is good and it'll give the comic a whole new perspective. And Justin won't just walk away. He'll be there for Lacy and you."

"Promise?"

"I promise. So you have any idea what you're going to say to the girls?"

"No, but I'll come up with something."

"I bet you will. See ya, Mikey."

"See ya, Brian."

 

*****

 

John and Bobby got to the loft by ten. They were both hungry and in need of coffee but neither of them wanted to stop along the way. Besides, John had a little something planned.

"We're here," John said as he rolled back the heavy metal door, then placed their duffel bags inside.

"What smells so heavenly?" Bobby asked as he came in, looking around as he did.

"Surprise!" John said with a cute lopsided grin and a twinkle in his eye.

Emmett and his good fairies had done it again. His special coffee blend was just finishing its drip into the pot. There was a basket of muffins, popovers and fruit tarts on the counter. The refrigerator was stocked with all of their favorite foods, all ready to be heated up. And flickering through the bedroom slats, candles could be seen, dozens of vanilla scented candles to add warmth to a cold Pittsburgh morning.

Bobby decided to show his appreciation for his lover's ingenuity by indulging in a high protein appetizer before their breakfast. John rolled the door shut as Bobby captured his lips, slid them both to the floor then proceeded to have his way with his lover.

 

*****

 

As evening descended in the land of Liberty and its surrounding environs, the weather took a slight turn for the worse. It kept most of the denizens of Liberty off the street or scurrying for home to keep warm. Saturday's news wouldn't announce any muggings.

John and Bobby managed to get up off the floor long enough to enjoy the repast that Emmett had provided. Lunch time included some loving on the sofa. They made it on the bed before, during and after dinner. Dessert was spent in the shower and then again on the bed as well as in the kitchen.

So far their weekend was working out just as they planned!

 

*****

 

"Home sweet home!" Lindsay exclaimed as they turned into their driveway. She had enjoyed her holiday, but was looking forward to her own home and being with her children.

It was after eight in the evening when they finally arrived home. The roads were still icy so Michael and Ben took their time getting the girls home. During that time Michael mentioned a few repairs that had to be done. The girls seemed to take it all in stride and assumed Michael had footed the bill. They pledged to repay him. Michael and Ben said nothing.

"I loved that shower and the bed at the B & B but I can't wait to use my own bathroom and sleep in my own bed," Melanie managed, as she dragged one of the heavy suitcases closer to the basement door. Lindsay was getting an update from Danny about the kids and about the ham in the refrigerator.

"Sounds like heaven! Thank you, Danny, and thank you for being here with the kids."
Lindsay gave the older man a hug and a kiss. They made plans to take Danny out for dinner as a thank you.

"Lindz, I'm going to throw one load into the washer!" Melanie shouted up from the basement as Lindsay sliced up some ham to make sandwiches for dinner. The kids had already eaten and just wanted to hear about their moms' trip.

"Okay!" Lindsay shouted back. She placed several slices of ham on a plate to reheat in the microwave. As she turned, Lindsay missed the look of apprehension that passed between her kids.

"That's odd," Lindsay mumbled, "the chip in the sink enamel is gone. And our microwave never had a revolving plate." The kids' eyes grew larger. Lindsay was just about to ask Gus about it when Melanie came up from the basement.

"Lindz, that rattle in the pipes when the washer is filling is gone and the light switch doesn't click, it just flips on softly." The kids slowly backed out of the kitchen.

"The microwave is different," Lindsay pointed to the appliance. Mel could see the glass plate turning.

"Something's going on here," Mel said with narrowing eyes. They both looked around to notice the kids slinking up the stairs. "Stop right there, you two!"

"We want an explanation," Lindsay added.

Gus and JR gulped, took deep breaths then hastily revealed all the disasters that had come to pass over the past two weeks. The Moms sat on the sofa with a plop, watching their animated children tell their tale. JR was so worried about her part in the microwave disaster and having to re-wire the house that her eyes began to well up with tears.

"Why didn't anyone call us to tell us what was happening?" Lindsay asked calmly. She wasn't angry just concerned that they were left out of the loop.

"We had a meeting," Gus answered.

"What kind of meeting?" Mel asked. She wasn't angry either, just very curious.

"Us, Grandma Deb and Danny, Uncle Mikey and..."

"Brian!" Mel and Linz said at the same time.

"And just what did the ass...um, your father say?" Melanie could feel her blood pressure rising.

"They considered calling you, they all did, but Pop wanted you to enjoy your vacation. He said you both needed the time away. He took care of everything with Uncle John's help and Ronny the plumber and Aaron, the electrician. Danny and John supervised everything. And Mom, Mama, you really needed this vacation. You both look different somehow," Gus commented and JR agreed.

"Please, Mama, don't be mad," JR pleaded.

"I'm not; I'm just glad no one got hurt and the house really hasn't changed," Mel said giving her daughter a hug as she reached out for Gus' hand. "After dinner, Mom and I are going to bed early but I want to spend tomorrow with you. And Gus, I'd really like to see your latest art project."

"Mom and I have our appointment at the nail salon. You could come with us," JR said with hope in her voice.

Melanie smiled. "Sounds like a plan."

The girls ate their supper, locked up the house then went to bed.

"Lindz, he did it again, didn't he?" Mel asked, referring to Brian and his take charge attitude. The girls slid in between their own sheets.

"I suppose he did, but who better to get things done and make sure the best people were on the job," Lindsay stated as she snuggled up against her partner.

"I guess we have to be grateful for that, but is he ever going to be out of our lives?"

"No, he isn't. Can you handle it?"

"Yes, I can," Mel replied then chuckled.

"What's so funny?"

"We spent half of our vacation talking about Brian and we're still talking about him. I wonder if his ears are burning," Melanie said as they both broke out into giggles then into kisses.

 

*****

 

"Brian, you've been fidgeting all night long," Justin exclaimed in frustration.

"I have not," Brian said with almost a pout.

"Yes, you have. Now what's wrong?"

"I don't know. Have you ever had that feeling that someone's been talking about you?"

"No, Brian, I haven't. You know, it's not always about you," Justin said as he drew Brian close to give him a kiss. "And then sometimes..."

"Yes?"

"It is about you," Justin whispered in a lusty voice.

"Somebody's horny tonight," Brian purred into Justin's ear.

"So fix it," Justin murmured as the lovers kissed and kissed and kissed.

-end-

 

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