Little Cabin on the Lane

Chapter 9

 

“Hey,” Justin said as he opened the door of Edna’s Treasures to Faith, Bree’s music teacher.

“Good afternoon,” Faith replied formally.

“I’m afraid the bus must be a little late today,” Justin said. “Bree hasn’t come home from school yet.”

“Figures,” Faith said making a face. “When I’m early, my student is late.”

“Would you like a cup of tea or coffee until she gets here?” Justin asked trying to be polite. Faith had never been an easy person to take to, but she did a great job teaching Bree the piano so that was the main thing.

“Coffee, please,” Faith replied.

“Great, I just made a pot,” Justin replied heading for the kitchen.

“You look like you’ve been painting,” Faith observed.

“I have been,” Justin said with a smile, looking down at his paint spattered clothes. I’ve been on a roll lately.” He picked up a mug and the pot of coffee and poured for Faith. He handed the mug to his guest.

“I’d love to see what you’re doing,” Faith said as she took a sip of Brian’s wonderful coffee blend. She always had some of his delicious coffee when she was teaching Bree. It was one of the best parts of coming to Edna’s Treasures – that and the precocious little girl she was teaching. She had learned to respect and even like Bree who did practice hard. That was always evident when Faith asked the girl to play whatever they had been working on.

Justin thought about her request. He wasn’t fond of letting outsiders see his incomplete pieces, but this one was so different from what he usually painted. It might be interesting to see Faith’s reaction to the painting. Maybe it would be a good idea to get an impartial opinion. “If you’d like to see it,” Justin said, “it’s all set up in the sun porch. It’s not nearly finished but I think you’ll get the idea.”

Faith stood up ready to see a Justin Taylor painting in progress. She carried her mug of coffee as she followed Justin out to the sun porch.

“Before you look at it,” Justin said, “I should warn you that it’s not anything like my usual work.”

“Oh?” Faith reacted. “I can’t wait to see it.”

“I’d appreciate your honesty,” Justin added as he led her around to the best place to get a good view of the canvas.

“Oh my!” Faith gasped as she looked at Justin’s work. She stood back taking in the wreck that was the log cabin John had taken Justin to see. The painting hit some chord in her heart the instant she looked at it. Then she saw the piece of broken glass in the window of the cabin. She moved closer and studied the small scene that was reflected in that piece of glass. Finally she stood up and moved back to survey the whole canvas again.

“You kind of gasped when you first looked at the painting,” Justin said uncertainly. He wasn’t sure if she hated it or really liked it. Faith wasn’t the easiest person to read. “Why did you do that?”

“Um…” Faith said, but she hesitated to continue.

“Please, I’d like to know,” Justin requested.

“When I first looked at this, it reminded me of where I grew up … in Cleveland.”

“You lived in a log cabin in Cleveland?” Justin asked confused.

Faith laughed. She actually had quite a pleasant laugh when it was sincere as it seemed to be now. “Oh my goodness, no,” she said. “We lived in an old apartment building in the center of the city. I went back there a few years ago to see it. It was all rundown, empty, abandoned.”

“So it was the feel of the building that struck you?” Justin asked.

“Yes, exactly,” Faith agreed. “I could feel that this place had been a home, but it had been abandoned and left to fall into ruin. It’s so sad when that happens.”

“Yes it is.”

“You really captured that feeling. It hit me as soon as I looked at the painting.”

“That’s good. I was hoping that would be the effect,” Justin explained. “What did you think of the scene in the shard of glass?”

“I love that idea,” Faith said. “But…”

“But what?” Justin asked with a frown. There was obviously something that Faith didn’t like.

“Um…I’m no authority on art.”

“Perhaps not, but there’s something that bothered you.” Justin tried to encourage her to speak. He really wanted her opinion.

“Well,” Faith began, “when I looked at the little scene in the glass, it was so lovely to see what the cabin would have looked like when it was being used. But … I wanted to see the people who lived there. You don’t have any people.”

Justin smiled widely. “That’s exactly what I had been thinking before you got here. That would make the cabin more real. The viewer would be more able to relate to the scene if we could see the family who lived there.”

“Exactly – family,” Faith concurred.

“The figures are going to be quite tiny in the glass, but I want to show the father maybe chopping wood while the wife hangs clothes on a line.”

“Oh yes,” Faith gushed. “But there should be a child too, maybe with a stick and wheel. You know those things that could keep the wheel going by turning the stick inside of it.”

“Or maybe a child playing with a little dog,” Justin suggested.

“I’m not really fond of animals,” Faith said, “but yes, I could see that too.”

“Daddy!” Bree called as she raced through the front door of Edna’s Treasures. Patrick was hot on her heels. “Our bus had a flat tire and we had to sit by the side of the road until a big old bus came to get us and it took forever and it was real hot.”

“Breathe, sweetheart, breathe,” Justin said as Bree wrapped herself around her father in a warm hug. “Say hello to Miss Faith while I get you two something to drink.”

“Thank you, Daddy, we’re real thirsty. Hi, Miss Faith.”

“Sounds like you had quite the adventure,” Faith chuckled.

“Tommy Bulmer threw up out the bus window,” Bree informed her music teacher. “It was gross and it smelled awful.”

“Oh dear.”

“Calm down, Bree,” Justin said as he brought a tray holding glasses of juice for Patrick and Bree, plus a couple of bottles of water. “You’re going to make yourself sick too, if you don’t settle down.”

Bree downed the whole glass of juice before handing it back to her father and saying, “More.”

Justin shook his head. “Why don’t you and Patrick go to your rooms and take a quick shower. That will cool you off, and when you come back you can have some water to drink and a cookie. Then Miss Faith would like to get to your lesson.”

“Water?” both Bree and Patrick said, aghast that Justin would offer them water.

“Yes, water. You’re dehydrated most likely. Here’s a bottle of water for each of you, but drink slowly.”

“I like juice,” Bree stated. Patrick nodded in agreement.

“Water, I said,” Justin told them. “Drink some and then go for your showers.”

“Do we hafta?” Bree asked but she took a drink of the water anyway.

“Briana Victoria Kinney-Taylor!” Justin stated.

“Okay, Daddy,” Bree conceded. She didn’t like it when her parents used her full name. It usually meant she would be in big trouble if she didn’t do what they said.

“Get going, you two,” Justin ordered. “Miss Faith has other things to do than wait around for you all day.”

The children each took another drink of water and then ran to their rooms to get their showers.

“Sorry about the delay with your lesson,” Justin apologized.

“That’s okay,” Faith replied. “We’ll shorten it up a bit so that we don’t run too late. It sounds like the children could use some down time after their adventure.”

“Thanks for understanding.”

“No problem, some things are beyond our control. But I must tell you how much I enjoyed seeing your painting.”

“And I must tell you,” Justin replied, “how much I appreciate your feedback. This painting isn’t anything like my usual work, so it was great to hear that it had the desired effect. I’m glad you mentioned including a family. I think that will make the painting even better.”

Faith nodded. “Family is very important.”

“Yes it is.”

“Speaking of which, where’s Mr. Kinney?”

“He’s away on a business trip.”

“Oh, that’s too bad.”

“He’ll be back soon.”

“That’s good.”

“How’s your family?” Justin asked.

“Hope is doing a lot better with her father being home. She’s much easier to get along with.”

“That’s good,” Justin said remembering how Hope had demonstrated quite the attitude when they first met her.

“I … um … admired the way you handled the children when they didn’t want to do as you told them.”

“Thanks, they’re good kids.”

“Yes they are.”

“Daddy, I’m ready for my lesson now,” Bree called from the house. He could hear her tinkling the keys on the piano.

“I guess that’s my call to arms,” Faith said before setting down her coffee mug and heading into the house.

Justin watched her go glad that things were looking better for that family, then he turned to his canvas and began to work the family into his little scene on the shard of glass.

 

*****
 

Tom was sitting on the great rock beside the stream. He remembered telling Brian that this place was magical, not only because of the natural beauty of the place but it seemed to be touched by God. As he gazed out toward the middle of the stream, he recalled the miracle that happened the day he had helped to baptize Briana. Joan had come to the ceremony and that was the beginning of the reconciliation between mother and son. Tom sighed. He had been blessed, becoming a part of Brian’s family. And now Brian was providing him sanctuary, allowing him to get his act together to decide his future.

“Hello,” Tom heard as he watched the water ripple over the rocks. He turned to a see a handsome face smiling at him.

“Hi, Bobby, how are you?”

“Very well,” Bobby replied as he moved in closer to sit next to Tom. “More importantly, how are you doing? Any revelations?”

“Several but I’m not sure if they’re of any help.”

“Would you like to talk about it, maybe kick them around to see what conclusions you can make?”

“Thank you but I’m not ready to say them out loud yet.”

“No problem,” Bobby said as he patted Tom’s arm. “I’m here if you need me or you can speak with John, he has a very logical mind.” Bobby grinned.

“I’m sure he does.” Tom chuckled. He looked out to the stream and then back to Bobby. “Where does this go?” Tom pointed to the water.

“I’ve never really fully explored it more than a few hundred yards. Beau has. I think he considers the stream part of his territory. He follows it to the cottage John had renovated for the girls.”

“Danny and Riley live there now,” Tom stated. Bobby nodded. “What about the land on the other side of the stream, who owns it?” Tom pointed directly across from where they were sitting.

“Brian; all of us really but it’s easier to have one person as principle owner. Why? Are you interested in setting up camp?” Bobby joked.

“Maybe just a little exploration.”

“Well, enjoy. Just be careful, I really don’t know what’s beyond that tree line. If you’re serious, take Beau with you. I’d hate to have to send out a search party if you got lost.”

“Great idea, thank you. And thank you for letting me stay here.”

“We love having you.” Bobby jumped down off the rock, ready to go back to the house. “Tom, it’s really none of my business but you and Todd, I think he believed he and Gerry were in it for the long haul.”

“I know; we’ve talked about it. We seem to talk about everything…and nothing. You have my word that my intentions are honorable. Nothing has passed between us except for a lot of talk, a few hugs and one or two chaste kisses.” Bobby nodded. “While I’ve been trying to figure out how I might best serve my Lord, Todd’s been trying to figure out why he hasn’t been able to maintain a lasting relationship.”

“Any conclusions? For Todd, I mean.”

“Not really. He took me to the Honey Bear the other night. Do you know it?”

Bobby laughed and filled in Tom about the Honey Bear.

“Small world,” Tom commented. “Well we had a great time and Todd was hit on by several young men, but he seems to think that being with someone younger is wrong.”

“I wonder where he got that impression?” Bobby smiled.

“Beats the heck out of me. From what I can see, there are a lot of advantages of having a younger lover.” Tom smiled coyly making Bobby laugh.

“Perhaps I should talk to him,” Bobby said.

“Perhaps you should,” Tom agreed. Bobby turned to head for the path back to the cottage.

“Tom, if you’re planning to take that walk then you should go now, it’ll be dark soon.” Tom shook his head.

“No, I think I’ll go tomorrow morning. I’ll pack up a few things including water and a flashlight, and I’ll definitely take Beau.”

“Sounds like a plan. I’ll leave you to your contemplation,” Bobby said as he continued on the path. Tom nodded then turned to stare out toward the stream.

 

*****
 

“Hello?”

“Hey, Sunshine!”

“Brian!”

“The one and only.”

“Do you know where you are?” Justin teased.

“Yup and I even know the date and time,” Brian boasted.

“Wow, I’m impressed. How did your Kinnetik Isles function go?”

“Very well, I’m happy to report. Theodore will be pleased. I can almost hear the revenue adding up as we speak. Shane has built up a nice little business here with little help from me.”

“I’m sure he doesn’t see it that way. Your backing and the Kinnetik name certainly had a major impact on the business. How is Chaaarles?”

“Looking good for an old man,” Brian teased.

“He’s not that much older than you, you know.”

“I know; he had to beat the ladies away with a stick, a few men too.”

“Do I have to have a talk with Lindsay?

“Nope, they’re cool. I spoke to her and they still have the hots for each other. He’s planning to attend the Emerging Artists show to get some ideas for his own gallery, and they’ll boink like rabbits.”

“Eiw,” Justin giggled. “When are you coming home so we can boink like rabbits?”

“Soon; I’ve already booked my flight but I’m going to Los Angeles first. I haven’t been out there in a very long time. I might as well see everyone.”

“I agree,” Justin said with a soft sigh. “At least you’ll be on this side of the Atlantic.”

“I promise not to stay too long there but it’s important that I go. Joseph has an agenda bursting at the seams waiting for my arrival.”

“Any Hollywood hotties on that agenda?” Justin teased with just a touch of worry.

“None that can hold a candle to you, Sunshine. You have ruined me for life,” Brian declared in a ridiculously romantic way. Justin gasped. He could hear the teasing in Brian’s voice but he could also hear the love.

“I love you, Brian.”

“Love you too, Sunshine. I’ll email my flight information to you. Oh, and Charles will be sending you a list of requests. The posh haven’t forgotten Justin Taylor.”

“The posh?” Justin laughed at Brian’s use of the local colloquialism.

“That’s what Shane calls them. They have money and they want you. Speaking of wanting you, I miss you and that tight ass of yours.”

Justin chuckled.  “You do have a way with words, Mr. Kinney.”

“That’s why I get paid the big bucks, Taylor. Just be prepared to walk bow-legged for several days after I return,” Brian declared in his most arrogant and ‘studly’ tone.

“Forewarned is forearmed but you should be equally warned,” Justin purred. The lines between top and bottom had blurred over the years but Brian was still the TOP.

“Kiss the Squirt for me, Sunshine,” Brian said softly. The stud had disappeared, leaving Brian the partner, the lover and the father in his place.

“I will,” Justin replied in an equally softer tone. “I miss you, Bri,” Justin whispered.

“Miss you too, Justin. Miss all of you. I’ll be home soon. Later, Sunshine.”

“Later, Bri.”

 

*****
 

“Good morning!” Tom called out to John as John was walking toward the construction site. The crew was all milling around the snack truck getting breakfast and coffee.

“Good morning. Where are you off to?” John asked, spying Tom’s backpack. Bobby had mentioned Tom’s plan.

“To do a little exploring on the other side of the stream. I was wondering if I could get Beau to join me. Bobby thought he’d keep me out of trouble.”

“I think that can be arranged. I’m sure Beau knows all about that section of land. Let me get you his lead and one of our radios. We use them so we’re not constantly shouting over the machinery.”

“Are you sure? I don’t want to impose.”

“No imposition. I’ll leave one with Bobby. They’ll be tuned to a different frequency so if you run into any trouble Bobby can alert us. But you should be all right. Give me five minutes.”

Tom watched John rummage through one of the trucks then sprint up the lane. He was back in a few minutes with Beau bounding around him and with Bobby in tow.

“Okay, here we go,” John said as he gave Bobby and Tom a quick lesson in radio. He then hooked up Beau’s leash. “If you go just behind the meadow…” John pointed to the small meadow of grass that lay between the B&B and Emmett’s cottage. “The stream narrows there. It’ll make it easier for you to cross. Do you have a flashlight?”

“In here, plus some granola bars, water and a few other things,” Tom assured John.

“Good, then you’re all set. Be careful and take your time. I also have some geographical maps of the area. I’m not sure if they’ll help much but they probably can’t hurt,” John said as he handed a small folded packet of papers that were in a water proof baggie to Tom.

“Thank you. That’s much more than I expected,” Tom said as he stuffed the maps in his back pocket and hooked the radio to his belt. He took Beau’s lead from Bobby then took a deep breath. “We’re off!” Tom declared as he and Beau set off toward the woods.

“Are you sure he’ll be all right?” Bobby asked John, as Bobby made sure his radio was on. He gave the talk button a couple of testing clicks and immediately got clicks in return.

“I hope so. I’d hate to be the one to tell Brian that we lost his favorite priest,” John quipped.

“Better you than me,” Bobby replied as he headed back to the cottage.

John stared, swiveling his head back and forth as both men walked away. He looked up to the sky for some divine intervention. Getting nothing obvious, John shrugged his shoulders, got a cup of coffee and a donut then went to work.
 

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