Be Careful What You Wish For

Chapter 18

“Hey, kid.”

“My name’s Richie.”

“I know that,” Michael said regretting his choice of words. “My name’s Michael, I’m Ben’s partner,” he added holding out his hand for Richie to shake. “I understand he’s been tutoring you.”

“Yeah,” Richie said shaking the extended hand. “Ben’s great.”

“Yeah, I think he’s pretty great too,” Michael smiled over at Ben who was engaged in a conversation with Debbie and Jennifer. “How are you managing with all the people who are here today? It’s quite a large group.”

“I didn’t think there would be so many.”

“Neither did Brian when he started these get-togethers.”

“Why did he? He doesn’t seem like the friendliest guy.”

Michael chuckled. “That’s what he’d have you believe. But if you ever need help, Brian Kinney’s your guy.”

Richie furrowed his brow at that. Brian had been awfully nice talking to him down by the stream. “I’ll remember that,” Richie said.

“Do you like comic books?”

“I never much thought about it,” Richie said. “I’ve read a few.”

“I often found the answers to my problems in a comic book,” Michael said honestly.

“Really?”

“Yeah, there’s a comic about almost any topic you can think of.”

“Really?” Richie said again.

“I own a comic book shop,” Michael said with a smile. “It’s on Liberty Avenue, not far from the Rainbow School. If you’d like to stop by, I’d be happy to show you some of my favorite comics. There’s even one based on Brian.”

“Brian? Wow!”

“Yeah, it’s called Rage.”

“That sounds appropriate,” Richie grinned.

“At times it is. Justin and I started it years ago, but now Lacy draws it with me.”

“That Lacy over there … with Katerina?”

“That very one. Lacy’s even a character in the comic.”

“Is Katerina?”

“No,” Michael chuckled. “Lacy’s character is called Sateeena. I’m Zephyr.”

“Like the wind?” Richie asked. Michael nodded. “You people sure are weird.”

“I guess we are,” Michael laughed. “I’m thirsty. How about you?”

“I could use another lemonade,” Richie agreed as they made their way to the refreshment table.

 

*****
 

“You really love this swing, don’t you?” Curtis asked as he pushed JR into the air.

“It’s my most favorite, even though Uncle John made one for me at my moms’ cottage.”

“What’s so great about this one?”

“Having you push me on it.” JR smiled at Curtis and Curtis felt his heart melt. He really liked this girl.

“There must be another reason,” Curtis laughed.

“Well, Uncle John would come out here and push me on it and talk to me,” JR said softly.

“What’s so special about that?”

“He made me feel … special,” JR explained. “He always talked to me like I was smart and important and worth spending time with.”

“You’re all those things,” Curtis said emphatically.

JR smiled. “I didn’t always feel like that was true. Uncle John always called me ‘little lady’ and I liked that. I like it that you think I’m special too.”

“I do,” Curtis replied.

“Push me higher. I feel like flying.”

Curtis did his best to oblige.

 

*****
 

“Hi, Richie,” Jennifer said as she approached the young boy.

“Hello, ma’am.”

Jennifer chuckled. “I’m not ma’am, I’m Jennifer.”

“Yeah, I remember that you told me to call you Jennifer, but my parents always told me…” Richie’s voice trailed off.

“What did they tell you?” she asked gently.

“They told me to respect my elders.”

“And do you?”

“Some of them,” Richie admitted. He stared at the grass by his feet.

“That’s what you should do,” Jennifer told him. “You respect the people who earn your respect, but that doesn’t mean you should be disrespectful to anyone. When you call me Jennifer, it’s because I asked you too. That’s not disrespectful, anymore than ‘ma’am’ is respectful, if you don’t really mean it.”

“I see,” Richie whispered finally looking up into Jennifer’s kind, blue eyes.

“Good,” she replied. “Have you enjoyed yourself today?”

“Yeah, everybody’s been nice to me. But…”

“But what?”

“But I’ll never remember all their names.”

Jennifer laughed. “Don’t worry about that. You’ll be around for a long time if Emmett has anything to do with it. You’ll learn the names.”

“You think?” Richie asked with a funny smile on his face. He really liked the part about being around for a long time.

“I know,” Jennifer replied.

“Justin’s your son, isn’t he?”

“Yes, he is, and I’m very proud of him.”

“What about his father?” Richie asked, remembering what Brian had told him. He couldn’t help but wish his own parents were like Jennifer.

“Craig doesn’t have a lot to do with Justin. There’s some hard feeling there.”

“Was that Justin’s father with you when you came in? You both hugged Justin and you were laughing and joking.”

“That man is my husband, not Justin’s father,” Jennifer said adamantly. “I divorced Craig Taylor a long time ago. He was an asshole … pardon my French.”

“I … I’m sorry.”

“You don’t need to be, Richie,” Jennifer said gently calming down after her outburst. “My husband is Seth Harris and he’s a wonderful man. If you have a chance to talk to him, I’d highly recommend it.” Richie nodded but still looked slightly upset at having caused Jennifer agitation. “Maybe I should mention that Justin’s father kicked him out of our home when he found out that Justin was gay.”

“Just like my parents did with me.”

“I suppose there is a lot of similarity.”

“Mr. Brian said everybody in the family had a story.”

“We all have things to deal with, and they’re not always visible,” Jennifer advised.

“I have a lot to learn,” Richie said.

“And that will continue until the day you die. But enough of this philosophical discussion. Let’s get some pie,” Jennifer said with a grin.

Richie nodded and followed her into the sun porch.

 

*****
 

The sun had a lot of time yet before setting but some of the guests were starting to pack it up. They did not want to impose on the family of Edna’s Treasures or wear out their welcome. John and Gordon’s crew were packing up their grills and dealing with the port-a-potties, much to Brian’s sublime happiness. Joan had gone back to Rachel’s house to lie down for a while before the inevitable party after the party would begin. The rest of the family was beginning to clean up the yard and garden.

Brian watched as John’s men methodically loaded up their trucks, efficiently and effectively working in concert. As the men with significant others, partners and children began to leave the lane, John and Gordon had a pleasant word of friendship or support for each of them. Brian marveled at his brother’s ease and friendliness. John seemed to know everyone’s name and position in the construction company. Each man got a handshake or a clap on the back. The wives got a kiss on the cheek and the children’s hair was fondly ruffled.

Hunter beamed with pride as many of the younger members of the construction company were his kids. Hunter hadn’t lost any back to the streets since the clinic began getting the kids off the streets, and he had every intention of keeping it that way.

Brian had a fond wink and a smile for ‘muscles’ and ‘sweetheart’ as they left; both men blushed from Brian’s attentions.

“Oof,” Brian let out when Justin swatted him in the gut.

“What’s up with you today besides the obvious? Are you in a mid-life crisis or getting the seven-year itch or something? Your testosterone levels are off the chart,” Justin declared hiding his laughter as he made Brian squirm for a while. Justin was well aware of Brian’s fidelity; however, Justin enjoyed seeing the stud at work then paying the price for it later.

“I refuse to get old enough to have a mid-life crisis,” Brian announced with a straight face. “And in case you haven’t noticed, we’re way beyond the seven-year itch.”

“How do you figure that?”

“We’ve been officially a happy homo couple for nine years now. Nineteen, if you count waaay back to the beginning of time when this little blond twink became my stalker that never left,” Brian said with a smirk. Justin couldn’t help sporting one of his brightest and sunniest smiles. Brian, the man who would never admit celebrating an anniversary just mentioned theirs. Justin played it cool.

“Oh, I never thought of it that way. However, that doesn’t excuse your behavior today. You’ve been hitting on every man in the yard.”

“No I haven’t, Sunshine. I haven’t hit on Seth and Carl,” Brian declared with a smirk, stroking a nonexistent beard. “You know, I always had a bear fantasy. You think Carl would...” Before Brian went on, he took off back to the garden with Justin hot on his heels. The family laughed at their antics.

“Is Mr. Justin really angry at Mr. Brian?” Richie asked Emmett in a whisper.

“I’ll get you, Kinney!” Justin shouted. “I know where you sleep!” Brian stopped just long enough to tease Justin then took off again.

“Honey, they’re just playing. Those two are so in love.” Emmett smiled fondly at his friends then continued to take a large bowl toward the house. “They’re just trying to get out of clean up duty,” Emmett said knowingly then winked at Richie who chuckled.

Justin chased Brian around the garden tables and patches of tall flowers. Brian led Justin on a merry chase, letting his blond catch up to him in the meadow. Feigning right, Brian did a 180 right into Justin’s arms. The two toppled over onto the soft grass.

“Should we check on them?” Richie asked with concern.

Debbie who was watching the horseplay, made a declaration. “The meadow’s off limits for at least a half hour!” she shouted. The family laughed then went about their business.

 

*****
 

“So tell me more about this asshole who’s been bugging you?” Gus asked Ray as they leaned against a tall tree near the stream. The boys had found some quiet time for themselves.

“Not much to tell. Me and Wayne have been friends since the second grade. I used to have a crush on him, but he’s straight. All of a sudden he’s become bi-curious and been hitting on me. I wish I was like your Pop; he knows how to handle himself.”

“Yeah, and half the men in Pittsburgh.”

“Only the gay half, Gus.”

“Your dads know the score. Can’t you talk to them about it?”

“It’s embarrassing,” Ray said blushing a bright red.

“Not as embarrassing as turning down the guy before he makes a fool of himself. Unless, of course, you don’t want to turn him down.”

“Gus, I don’t want any other guy but you. He just makes me nervous.”

“Then I give you permission to be an asshole just one time.”

“What?”

“Look we’re really just kids, right? We’re not ready for commitment rings.”

“Yet.”

“Yet. It’s just that shit happens. I don’t want you walking around with a big guilt trip. One slip is human, two is becoming a habit. So you have one get out of jail free card before I get tough on your ass.”

“Yeah?” Ray said leaning in with a sultry grin and a waggle of his eyebrows.

“You’re a freak; do you know that?” Gus laughed, as he smushed Ray’s face making him fall over. The fight was on with Ray and Gus enjoying every minute of it.

 

*****
 

Brian and Justin picked themselves up off the field, dusting off the grass and dirt. And no, they didn’t have sex although the urge was strong enough. They kissed and rolled around, grinding their groins against each other. However, their bigger heads took precedence over the smaller ones. With promises of uninterrupted lovemaking later when they went to bed, the boys got back to their guests.

“That was quick.” Ted took delight in teasing as the boys came back into the porch. They each were carrying empty bowls and platters. “You don’t have a problem with your...” Ted said as he pointed toward Brian’s crotch.

“What?!” Brian growled. Those present snickered.

“It’s a known fact that as men age they sometimes have problems with their...” Melanie made a twirling motion with her finger that was pointed in the general direction of Brian’s dick.

“Hey! I do not have a problem with my, my....” Brian looked around at all the young ears in the room. “With my parts, thank you very much. And what is this, pick on Brian Kinney afternoon? I just grilled my wittle fingers to the bone for you people.” Brian looked down at his hard working hands. “I think I ruined my manicure,” he mumbled as he examined his nails.

“I have a great woman in town who does wonders with my nails,” Emmett offered. He was busy putting out a new tray of edibles made for snacking.

Before Brian could make any comment, Bree decided that her audience was just the right size for a concert. She moved her pink piano toward a sunny patch, took out her music and began to regale the family with a variety of songs. The family was duly impressed with her talents as evidenced by their rousing applause. Bree stood up to humbly receive the adulation.

The remainder of the evening was spent with the family quietly catching up with family gossip and news.

“Will you be cooking your renowned breakfast for us in the morning?” Emmett asked Brian. They were in the kitchen preparing pots of coffee and tea to go with the third round of desserts that Emmett had just brought out.

“Honeycutt, how can you think of breakfast? I feel like I’m about to explode,” Brian complained.

“You barely eat enough to keep a bird alive, let alone explode. Besides, I’m talking about tomorrow morning.”

“If you promise not to barge in here at the crack of dawn, I will cook whatever you wish. Within reason,” Brian quickly added before Emmett could take advantage of Brian’s generosity.

“Yes, your majesty,” Emmett replied as he placed the coffee and tea on a large tray. “Brian, do you think Richie had fun today?” Emmett really needed to hear Brian’s opinion.

“Yes, Emmett, I really think he did, but don’t take my word for it. He’s your son, go and ask him,” Brian said with a sincere smile.

“I think I will,” Emmett said giving Brian a fierce hug before taking the tray out to the sun porch.

 

*****
 

The munchers had gone back to their cottage for the night taking JR, Gus and Ray with them, promising that they’d be back in the morning for breakfast. Carl and Debbie shepherded the boys that came with them out to the RV for the night. Steve and Claire escorted Joan and Claire back to Rachel’s. Emm, Drew and Richie drove the Hummer back to their cottage. Allen and Ted were going to spend the night with them. The kids were put to bed, practically asleep before their heads hit their pillows. The boys were relaxing in the porch, winding down before taking themselves to bed as well. John and Bobby were sharing one chaise with Brian and Justin snuggled up together on the other. What better way to end the day?

“I’m amazed that everyone went home already,” Justin commented as he snuggled closer into Brian’s arms.

“They just want to keep on my good side,” Brian snarked. He gently kissed Justin’s head.

“Whatever the reason why everyone left fairly early, I’m grateful for it,” Bobby said as he nipped at John’s lower lip.

“It’s nice to have the whole family here, well most of it anyway,” John added. Conspicuously absent were Craig and Susan and THE Sarah Kingsley. Craig was in one of his ‘no homos’ moods while Sarah decided on cocktails and finger sandwiches with friends rather than barbecue with relatives. “But it’s also nice to have our home back to ourselves.” John nuzzled Bobby’s neck.

The boys relished the quiet, while discussing the events of the day. Then the quiet was shattered by the ringing of the phone.

“It’s ours,” Bobby said as he reached under the chaise for the portable handset of their house phone. Brian arched a brow then grabbed Justin’s wrist to check the time; it was nearing eleven.

“Hello. Yes, one moment, please,” Bobby said, his curiosity peaked. “It’s for you.” Bobby said as he handed the phone to his spouse.

“Hello? Yes, this is John Anderson. Yes, I grew up in Bridgeton. Who is this? Samantha? Samantha Howard! Of course I remember you, how could I not. Of course I remember that summer. It was an exciting time in our lives. We were about to embark on the beginning of our lives. How are you? What have you been doing with yourself? I came back that fall and I was told you moved to California, a special study program, your father said. It’s been over thirty years.”

John gently moved out of Bobby’s embrace to stand up, while he began to pace the floor. As he did Brian got up then Bobby and Justin. John was growing agitated.

“All right, the diner on Main Street. No, I’m having breakfast with my family. Three o’clock. I’ll be there. I need a drink,” John grumbled as he cut the connection then made a beeline to the liquor cabinet in his end of the cottage. He poured himself a shot of scotch, downed it then poured another.

“Babe, what’s going on?” Bobby asked with concern.

“Who the fuck was that?” Brian asked with a little less tact.

“How old are you, Justin?” John asked ignoring Bobby and Brian for the moment.

“Thirty-six, why?” John laughed almost hysterically.

“John, please, you’re scaring me,” Bobby said.

“Slap him,” Brian said as he poured himself a small shot then downed it in sympathy.

“Not being helpful, Bri,” Justin murmured as he poured a small shot for himself and Bobby. He had a funny feeling they were going to need it.

Bobby grabbed John’s arms and spun him around so that he could look into John’s eyes. “Tell me what the fuck is going on!” Bobby said enunciating each syllable.

“That was Samantha Howard; an old girlfriend. I haven’t seen her since I was maybe twenty. I left to work in New York that summer learning the high steel. When I got back to start the fall semester, Samantha was gone. I tried to contact her but her father said she was away concentrating on school. I did the same and I slowly put her out of my mind.” John accepted another small shot from Brian and then he continued. “She wants to meet tomorrow.”

“We heard,” Brian said, waiting for the other shoe to drop.

“And?” Bobby asked impatiently.

“And Patrick may have an older sister,” John growled as he drank his drink then stomped toward the door.

“Shit!” Bobby, Brian and Justin cursed, as they heard the front door slam and a few moments later the roar of John’s Navigator.

TBC

 

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