Be Careful What You Wish For

Chapter 17

“Try one, sweetie, you’ll love them,” Emmett encouraged Richie.

Richie tentatively reached for one of the pear and blue cheese pastries. He had avoided tasting them while he helped Emmett make them, but now everybody was gobbling them down at the barbecue, and Emmett really wanted him to try them. Richie picked up one of the puff pastries. Closing his eyes and taking a tentative bite, he began to chew. The pastry melted in his mouth almost immediately. The sweet pear inside was soft and tender and then the blue cheese exploded on his taste buds with a tart, slightly sour taste.

Richie opened his eyes. The whole sensation was … wonderful. “Mmm,” he said, almost a moan of ecstasy. “These are great!”

“See, I knew you’d like them,” Emmett replied his face glowing with pride and love.

“But I hate blue cheese,” Richie said.

“A lot of people do, but the pear and pastry cut the strong flavor of the cheese just enough to make it a lovely contrast in the taste.”

“How … how do you know that?” Richie asked in admiration and surprise at Emmett’s knowledge and expertise.

“Years of cooking and experimenting, seeing what went together and what didn’t. Sometimes the most unexpected things go together.”

“Like them?” Richie asked pointing at Michael and Ben.

Emmett laughed out loud. “I guess you could say that. Ben’s a bookworm and Michael’s a comic book fanatic. Not your most likely pairing.”

“But they seem very happy,” Richie observed. Michael was pushing JR on the swing over at one side of the yard. Ben was standing nearby talking to his husband and JR. They were laughing at something that had just been said.

“They are happy. Just like I hope you’ll be when you get more familiar with this family.”

“I think I’m getting there,” Richie said with a smile. “Could I have another one of those things?”

Emmett’s smile spread across his face. “Of course you can. Take the tray and see if anyone else wants one. That way you can meet more people. Oh, and eat as many of them as you want along the way,” Emmett advised.

Richie grinned and headed over to the group who had arrived while he was talking to Brian down by the stream. The boy wasn’t too much older than him, so he might be a good one to get to know.

Emmett watched Richie walk over to Raph and Hector and Curtis. That was a good sign. He was approaching someone he didn’t know at all, since they hadn’t yet been introduced.

“He’s doing just fine,” Brian whispered in Emmett’s ear.

“Yeah, he is, isn’t he?” Emmett said with a smile. “What did you say to him down at the stream?”

“We just talked, nothing much.”

“Yeah, right,” Emmett scoffed. “And he comes back, tries my pear and blue cheese puffs and walks up to strangers. What did you tell him?”

“I worked my Kinney magic.”

“You’re not going to tell me, are you?”

Brian shook his head. “The barbecue food is almost ready, so get people started on the salads and stuff. The steaks and hamburgers will be at their peak in about five minutes.”

“Yes, master,” Emmett said affectionately, giving Brian a peck to his cheek. “And thank you for whatever you said to Richie, it seems to have made a difference.”

“Are you making out with another man?” Justin asked coming up to them. “What’s got into you today, Kinney?”

“I’ll show you later when everyone’s gone home.” With a waggle of his eyebrows and a peck on Justin’s cheek, Brian went back to his grill, while Justin and Emmett laughed at his antics.

 

*****
 

“So you met the new kid,” JR said to Curtis as they sat side by side in a couple of lawn chairs in the garden. It was their first chance to spend some time alone since they had got there. They were eating salad and burgers.

“Yeah,” Curtis said.

“What’s he like?”

“Haven’t you met him?”

“Just to say hello when we got here,” JR replied.

“He seems okay,” Curtis said reluctantly.

“He’s wearing boy clothes,” JR giggled.

“I noticed.”

“We really shouldn’t be mean to him,” JR said as she watched Richie sitting next to Bree at one of the tables in the garden.

“No, we should give him a chance,” Curtis said. “But he did come right over to me after we got here.”

“So?”

“Do…do you think he’s gay? I don’t want him hitting on me.”

JR laughed long and loud. “Nobody would mistake you for gay, Curtis. You don’t come across that way at all, and believe me I’ve been around enough people of the homosexual persuasion to have a good idea about that.”

“Really?” Curtis asked with a grin.

JR nodded emphatically. “Besides you like girls, don’t’ you? Or have I been wasting my time hanging around with you?” JR teased.

“Not at all,” Curtis assured her. “How do you suppose we ended up straight and are still part of this … family?”

“Just lucky I guess.”

“Yeah.”

“JR, are you almost done?” Bree asked as she marched up to her sister, dragging Richie by the hand.

“Just about. Why?” JR asked as she downed the last mouthful of her burger.

“I’m trying to teach Richie to play soccer, and he needs waaaay more practice,” Bree stated.

“I’m not very good,” Richie admitted.

“Me either,” JR said with a laugh. “Sure, I’ll play. And Curtis is pretty good. How about the girls take on the boys?” she suggested.

“Yeah!” Bree said enthusiastically.

“But…” Curtis began realizing he’d be playing with Richie.

“But…” Richie said, knowing he wouldn’t have the little fireball, Bree, on his side.

“Girls versus boys, that’s how it is,” JR said as she stood up. “Come on, sis, let’s beat the pants off them there boys.”

“Yeah, beat their pants off,” Bree agreed as she ran over to retrieve her soccer ball that was lying at the side of the lawn.

 

*****
 

“YAY!” Emmett squealed bouncing up and down and clapping his hands. Richie had just managed to put the soccer ball through the makeshift posts. He had scored a goal.

The whole family had ended up watching the little game of soccer. Gus and Ray had joined in, Gus taking Richie and Curtis’ team since he was the better player. Ray had joined Bree and JR. He didn’t seem to mind being on the girls’ team. Bree had scored two goals and Ray one. Gus had scored a goal and now Richie had too on an excellent pass from Curtis who set up the goal perfectly.

“I declare this game complete,” Brian called. “Time for a rest and something to drink.” He could see that all the kids were tired and hot from being in the sun. They had had their fun and now it was time to sit down.

“Yay! We won!” Bree yelled hugging JR and then Ray who picked her up and swung her around.

“I knew I got the best team,” Ray crowed.

The family applauded as Emmett went over to congratulate Richie on scoring a goal.

“It was a pretty good one,” Richie admitted as Emmett and Drew each gave him a hug. “Thanks to Curtis for that great pass,” he added.

“No problem. You could be pretty good at this game,” Curtis said giving Richie a pat on the back.

The boy smiled at the compliment. He knew he wasn’t anywhere near as good at soccer as Bree was, but he had enjoyed playing and it was great to score a goal. “Thanks,” Richie said.

“You did good, Richie,” Bree said giving her new friend a high five. “But we were better.”

Gus choked back a laugh. His sister was something else. “Next time we obliterate you, short stuff,” he bragged.

“I don’t think so,” Bree said crossing her arms defiantly.

“Girls rule, and you’ll just have to live with it,” JR said taking Curtis’ hand and walking towards the sun porch for a much needed drink of lemonade.

“Yeah, we’ll see,” Gus called after her. “When did that happen?” he asked Bree, looking at the two holding hands.

“JR’s gaga over Curtis,” Bree explained. “She always tells me what she did with him when we talk on the phone.”

“Is that right?” Gus asked skeptically. Bree bobbed her head and grinned. “Hey, when did you lose that tooth?”

“A week ago. I wished you were here so I could show you. I’m growing up,” Bree said proudly.

“But not too fast,” Gus replied picking up his petite sister. “I like you just the way you are.”

“I love you, Gus. I wish you were here all the time.”

“Naw,” Gus said, “you’d get tired of me if I was around all the time.”

“No I wouldn’t,” Bree told him emphatically.

“Let’s get you some lemonade.”

“Okay, and we can tell Patrick what a wuss he is for not playing soccer with us,” Bree said. “He likes baseball better than soccer. Can you believe it? He doesn’t know how great a game soccer is. I tried to show him, but…” And Bree continued her tirade about Patrick all the way to the lemonade table.

 

*****
 

“Don’t forget to leave room for dessert!” Emmett said as he sashayed up to the buffet table in the porch.

Hector and Raphael were filling up their plates with some pieces of Brian’s expertly grilled chicken. Scattered about in wonderfully colorful arrangements were dishes that held various vegetables cut in spears so they didn’t require forks. Next to the vegetables were stacks of tiny cups ready to be filled with the thick dipping dressing of one’s choice. Raph had a thing for blue cheese while Hector loved a thousand island.

“Emm, I think you guys went overboard again,” Raph commented at the table filled with food.

“Nonsense. A good host must be prepared.”

“I can safely say that you and the boys are more than prepared,” Hector reassured the man. “But I will leave room for dessert,” Hector reassured Emmett.

“May I ask your opinion?” Emmett ventured as he pretended to adjust a platter. His eyes flicked back and forth from Raph to Hector.

“Sure,” Raph replied.

“How long did it take before Curtis was at ease with you?”

“Several months,” Raph answered honestly. “He had some trust issues at first.”

“Such as?”

“Our sexual orientation, for starters,” Hector said as he popped a cherry tomato in his mouth. “Curtis is straight; his last foster home was anti-everything.”

“But he was open and honest with his misgivings and also very brave. I think the fact that his grandfather was a strong influence early in his life made all the difference. Curtis has the ability to take in all the facts first before he passes judgment. Is Richie straight?”

“No, but I don’t believe he’s entirely gay. He knows he likes boys but a pretty girl can sway him.”

“He’s how old?” Hector asked.

“Thirteen.”

“There’s no need to rush him into any declarations of orientation,” Raph said wisely. “There’s plenty of time for that.” Emmett nodded then placed a scoop of homemade potato salad on his plate. Raph chuckled as Hector gave Emm the puppy dog eyes. Emmett placed a scoop of potato salad on his plate as well.

“Dessert!” Emmett called after them as they walked back outside.

Emmett walked out to one of the shaded tables with a large pitcher of lemonade. “Can I interest any of you ladies in a glass?” Emmett asked as he held up the pitcher. Joan was sitting under the umbrella being fussed over by Claire, Debbie and Jennifer.

“I can use a refill,” Joan said.

“So can I, Emm, honey,” Debbie said as well.

“Ladies?” Emmett looked at Claire and Jennifer as he filled the empty glasses. Claire and Jennifer both smiled their assent.

“Emmett, sit,” Jennifer offered. “You’ve been busy playing host for hours,” Jenn said as she pulled over a nearby chair. Claire filled a glass for him.

“Thank you Miss Claire,” Emm smiled. “So what are we all talking about?”

“How well Joan is recuperating,” Debbie declared as if she was personally responsible for the miracle.

“Did I thank you for all the food you prepared for me?” Joan asked Debbie and Emmett. “I won’t have to cook for months.”

“Honey, anytime you want me to cook for you just ask. No surgery required,” Emmett replied with a smile. “And it was my pleasure to help. May I ask you all something?” Getting nods in return, Emmett went on. “What do you think of Richie?”

“I think he’s been very helpful, last night and today. He’s been very attentive to me,” Joan answered.

“He’s been very patient with the younger kids,” Claire added. “Patrick likes him. Richie seems quiet and thoughtful. Patrick enjoys quiet pursuits at times.”

“He takes after his Daddy John,” Jennifer noted. “Emm, if you’re worried that he won’t fit in with us, don’t. Give him a chance to get to know us. From what you’ve said, he still goes to counseling, so let him find his own way. You and Drew just be supportive.” The ladies all agreed with Jennifer’s assessment and recommendation.

“Speaking about quiet men, how is John getting on with his research? We hardly hear anything from him,” Jennifer said to Claire.

“According to John, it’s going remarkably well. He allowed me to read some of the anecdotal information he’s accrued.”

“Anecdotal?” Emmett asked.

“Apparently he interviewed several cottage owners here, and when he was in England.” Emmett pouted. “Why the long face?”

“He never asked me what I thought about my cottage.”

“Emmett, sweetheart, John needed unbiased opinions. He didn’t interview any of his customers or his family,” Claire added knowing Emmett would object to being called a customer.

“Well, if he wants a biased opinion, I’m his man. I love my cottage!”

“We know, Emm.” Debbie smiled fondly at Emmett.

“Oh well, I must circulate. And if I’m not mistaken, our Mr. Kinney is just about finished grilling his meat,” Emmett said as he waggled his eyebrows at the women. They all turned to see Brian place a huge steak on a platter held by a large muscled man. The man blushed as Brian arched an appraising brow at him, taking in the thick corded muscles of the man’s arms and neck.

“It’s good to know that some things never change,” Jennifer deadpanned.

“Oh I don’t know, there was a time when our little Sunshine took Brian’s flirtations like a good little soldier,” Emmett commented as Justin marched over to the Brian and his grill.

“Now, our little Sunshine isn’t just a soldier,” Debbie noted with a laugh.

“No, he’s the general,” Claire added. The ladies and Emmett laughed as Justin scowled at the muscle man.

“Reminds me of a Chihuahua about to beat up on a St. Bernard,” Emmett murmured making the ladies laugh even harder.

Brian winked at ‘muscles’ then shrugged, sending the large man off with his steak and a salute with his spatula, before he snaked his other arm across Justin’s shoulders. Brian bussed Justin’s temple as Justin led his flirtatious chef away from the heat.

Emmett got up from his chair as Brian and Justin sat at a nearby table, talking.

“I think someone needs something cool, don’t you?” Emmett said as he walked away with his pitcher of lemonade. The ladies laughed, enjoying the relaxing atmosphere and the warm spring day. They began to regale themselves with Brian and Justin stories.

 

*****
 

“Do you want to play?” John asked Richie. They were watching as Drew led several of John’s men in a rousing game of touch football.

“I’m not very good at sports, Mr. John.”

“You did well earlier in the soccer game.”

“I think Bree let me score,” Richie said with a chuckle.

John laughed. “My niece is generous in her own way. Do you have plans for the summer?” John asked trying to get Richie to open up a little.

“Not really. I have a lot of school to make up. Professor Ben is helping me.”

“Ben is a very smart man. I’m sure you’ll catch up, but leave time for fun and time to spend with your family. A very smart person told me that.”

“Really? Who?”

“Him.” John pointed toward the playing field where his baseball pitcher spouse revealed his sporting versatility by intercepting the football and running forty yards to score a touchdown. John cheered along with all of the other spectators.

The winning team congratulated themselves, paraded around like proud peacocks then generously ‘bought’ the losing team the cold beverage of their choice. All in all, everyone had fun.

“Have fun?” John asked Bobby as he jogged off the field to accept slaps on the back and a hug.

“Yeah,” Bobby said with a bright smile. He was breathing hard and sweating but loving the exhilaration.

“You ever miss not going pro?” John asked as they walked back toward the garden to get something cool to drink.

“Sometimes but then if I had, I would have never been around to meet you,” Bobby said as he stretched up to give John a kiss.

“Fun, Richie, remember, fun is very important,” John said with twinkling eyes as he and Bobby walked hand in hand.

“Fun, Mr. John, got it,” Richie said smiling up at the tall man. Richie followed the members of his new family back to the garden.
 

Return to Be Careful What You Wish For