Cottages

Chapter 5

“Hi, Bree,” JR said into her phone. “How are you?”

“Good,” Bree said, and waited for JR to ask her something else.

“What have you been doing?”

Bree smiled into the phone. “My Dada took me to your moms’ cottage and we planned the gardens,” she said proudly.

“You did?” JR asked with a frown. She’d only been out to the cottage once, and she never got to do anything but look around.

“Yep, and I told Dada that there should be a swing for you.”

JR smiled. “That was nice of you, Bree. But I don’t know how much time I’ll get to spend at the cottage.”

“Dada said it will be very pretty when it’s done. You should go there.”

“I will,” JR replied, but she wasn’t sure how much time her mothers would actually have to be there, especially with her. “I should go, Bree.”

“Bye, JR.” Bree handed the phone to her father who was standing beside her, listening to the whole conversation.

“Doesn’t JR think she’ll get to spend much time at the cottage, Squirt?” Brian asked as he set the phone back on its base.

“Nope, she doesn’t think she’ll be there very often, but she was happy you’re going to make her a swing.”

Brian smiled. “I’m glad she’s happy about the swing,” Brian replied, but he frowned wondering if Lindsay and Melanie were going to keep the cottage just for themselves.

 

*****
 

“Hi, Gus, have you got time to talk?”

“Yeah, JR, is something wrong?”

“Not exactly.”

“Why don’t you tell me what’s going on … exactly?”

“You know the moms are renovating that cottage?”

“Yeah, I know,” Gus replied. He could hear the disdain in JR’s voice. “Don’t you like the cottage?”

“It’s all right.”

“Come on, kid, tell me what’s up?”

“They’re acting all lovey-dovey, and it’s sickening,” JR sighed.

“Isn’t that better than having them yelling at each other?”

“Well … yeah,” JR admitted.

“Then be thankful for small mercies,” Gus chuckled.

“But…”

“But what?”

“They’ve only let me see the place once.”

“So?”

“They go out there as often as they can.”

“I’m sure they’re just checking on the renovations.”

“But I could go with them…”

“They don’t ask you?”

“No.”

“Maybe they want this to be their place, you know…”

“A lovenest.”

“Lovenest?”

“That’s what they call it?”

Gus laughed. “Okaaay!”

“Bree’s been to the cottage as much as I have, and she told Uncle Brian to make me a swing and I probably won’t ever get to use it,” JR whined. She hated sounding whiny, but that was how she felt.

“I think you’re overreacting,” Gus said gently.

“Am not!”

“I don’t want to fight, JR. Why don’t you just wait and see what happens?”

“What else am I going to do?” she asked bitterly.

“Complain to me.”

“Well … yeah. I have to have someone to complain to.”

“Look, I’ll talk to my Pop about it, and see what he says. Will that help?”

“Maybe.”

“Well, that’s the best I can do.”

“Okay, thanks, Gus.”

“Feel any better?”

“A little,” she admitted. She was feeling better. Maybe Uncle Brian would be able to talk some sense into her moms. “How’s Ray?” she asked, knowing that would get to Gus.

“He’s good.”

JR could hear the smile on Gus’ face. “You’ve got it bad, haven’t you?”

“To quote you … maybe.”

“I love you, Gus.”

“Love you too. Talk to you soon.” Gus cut the connection. Maybe now was a good time to call Ray. Anytime was a good time to call Ray. He hit his speed dial.

 

*****
 

“Hi,” John said as he walked into Bobby’s office in Harrisburg.

“I’m sorry sir, but you must make an appointment,” Bobby said dryly as he leaned back in his chair. John held up his hands in surrender.

“Would a nice romantic lunch at the best steakhouse in town, get me anywhere?” John asked sincerely.

“Maybe. But I must warn you that, although I haven’t seen much of him lately, my husband is rather a jealous, possessive sort. He has been known to defend my honor,” Bobby said with a flirtatious smile.

“He must love you very much,” John said softly, his eyes shining with love.

“Yes, I’m sure he does.”

“You doubt his love?” John asked with concern.

“Never but I am worried about him.”

“Why?”

“He’s been very secretive lately.”

“You don’t believe he’s been unfaithful?” John asked in horror. Their little sparring game wasn’t going where he thought it would.

Bobby jumped up from his chair to move to John’s side. “No! I could never contemplate such behavior from him. He’s a very honorable man. But I am worried. He’s been working very hard on some sort of project. I’d like to be of help to him but he doesn’t seem to need me.”

John looked shocked. He had no idea the time spent on his research was affecting his beloved spouse in this way. John took Bobby’s hands into his and gazed into his sad grey-blue eyes.

“Bobby, I had no idea that spending time in the office was making you worry. I thought everyone would like that I was spending time at home.”

“John, your body may have been home but your head has been miles away. I suspect it’s somewhere in the 17th or 18th century. Somewhere romantic like England or Wales, in a thatched cottage.”

“I think you’re right. Bobby, I’m so sorry.”

“Sorry is bullshit but I know you are. And I’m very happy to see you up and out of the attic. I was beginning to think you were turning into a squirrel. I kept imagining I’d wake up and find myself covered in acorns.”

John cracked up at Bobby’s silliness. “Am I forgiven?”

“Yes, you’re forgiven but you can still buy me a steak. I’m done here for the day. We can call home and have the guys or Rachel keep Patrick for a while.”

“Why I declare, Mister Bobby, are you trying to turn my head?” John said in an exaggerated southern accent.

“Is it working?” Bobby responded in a low sexy voice.

“Yes, it is,” John said as his mind began to race. “Bobby, are you really very hungry?” John asked as he gave Bobby his best Brian Kinney sexy come on look.

“N-no,” Bobby stammered. John rarely used that look on him but when he did, it went straight to Bobby’s dick.

“Go grab your briefcase and tell your secretary you’ll be working on a very important consultation for the rest of the afternoon. I have a couple of calls to make.”

Bobby gathered up his stuff and had a quick word with his assistant. He met John just outside his offices. John gave Bobby a discreet peck then guided him to the Navigator.

“Am I being kidnapped?” Bobby asked with a chuckle.

“Considering you are an officer of the court, my answer is no. However, I’m inviting my severely neglected spouse to spend the rest of the day with me and possibly all evening. We can be secluded and sequestered together so I can love you like you deserve.”

Bobby smiled as he sat back against the car seat. He gave himself freely to his spouse.

 

*****
 

“What are we doing here?” Bobby asked as they drove up the drive to Claire’s house. Steve’s truck wasn’t around so they assumed he was at the farm helping with the Fall harvest.

“I had considered driving us to Pittsburgh to stay at the Plaza or Brian’s loft but then I thought what better way to rekindle our love than where it all started.”

“John, we don’t have to rekindle anything. I’ve never stopped loving you.”

“I know but I need to do this,” John explained as he parked and they both got out. Claire came out of the screened porch door holding a large picnic basket and the keys to the cabinet in the barn. John kissed his mother as he took the keys then headed for the barn while Bobby and Claire chatted.

“How are you, sweetheart?” Claire asked her son-in-law.

“At the moment, confused.”

“Don’t be, he loves you.”

“I know and I love him with every fiber in my being. I just don’t understand what he’s been doing.”

“His ‘research’?” Claire said as she made quote marks in the air.

“Yeah. Claire, I’ve seen him do research and immerse himself when he’s designing a new building. But this is different.”

“Honey, just be patient with him. I remember when he finally made the decision to pick his major. He had spent weeks researching and considering all possibilities and contingencies. It all worked out at the end.” At that moment, John came out of the barn carrying a large duffle bag. He kissed his mother again, took the basket then led his husband to the treehouse.

The treehouse was a little overgrown, partially hidden amongst the branches of the old maple tree. However, the little house itself, up in the branches, remained solid and relatively clean. Bobby helped John roll out the air mattress and prepare the fireplace. In about thirty minutes, the lovers had made themselves comfortable and were sipping a mellow red wine.

In the glow from the fireplace, Bobby’s hair seemed a blaze of reds and orange. His pale skin was warm and inviting. John gently caressed his lover’s face then began to undress him. The younger man who was more often the initiator in their lovemaking, understood John’s needs. Bobby was very content to be made love to by his strong, handsome spouse.

As Bobby dozed after their first round, John heard his cell phone vibrate from somewhere under a pile of their clothes.

“Hi....You have impeccable timing but of course you already know that....Sleeping....And Patrick?....Oh, right, Bree’s soccer game....She wasn’t angry that we’re not there, was she?....Her death glare is almost as lethal as yours....Well, as long as she approves, she is the princess....And is my son cool with it too?....Ha!....Perceptive little devil, isn’t he.....I have no idea where he gets it from....Brian, thank you....I promise....Bri, I have to go, he’s waking up....You too, little bro....See you tomorrow.”

John tossed his phone back into the pile of clothes as Bobby stretched under the nest of sleeping bags. The room smelled like wine, fruit and sex. The fire gel canisters in their ceramic log casing crackled like real logs. John opened a couple of windows to allow for ventilation then laid next to Bobby. Bobby wore a serene, satisfied smile. John couldn’t help the smug grin on his face.

“Did I put that smile on your face?” John asked hopefully.

“Yes, you did, as you well know. We haven’t made love like that in a while.”

“That’s my fault.”

“I’m not placing blame. We both lead very busy lives. We’re not like your brother and Justin. They have more opportunity to be together and they thrive that way. Our relationship is different and it’s just the way I like it. So don’t go beating yourself up about it, thinking you’re doing me a disservice. I’m very happy the way we are. But a little extra appearance from the Kinney part of you now and then, isn’t a bad thing. I could get quite used to it.” Bobby said with his own sunny smile. It took John’s breath away.

After a moment of searching Bobby’s eyes, John moved atop the younger man and allowed the Kinney part of him to take over as the lovers began round two.

 

*****
 

“Oh this is beautiful!” Jamie exclaimed as she entered the newly renovated cottage for the first time. The young, excited woman flitted around touching everything as if to verify that it was all real. Leda, along with Jennifer, Gordon, and his wife Betsie, watched with amusement.

“I think she approves,” Jennifer deadpanned. Leda was beginning to feel a little overwhelmed.

“Let’s open the wine,” Betsie said wisely. “I believe it’s after five somewhere in the world.” She handed a bottle to Gordon who did the honors. The kitchen wasn’t fully stocked with supplies, so the Smiths took the liberty of bringing over a few disposable essentials until the women could shop. Emmett, however, had made up a little welcome to the neighborhood care package. It was sitting in the middle of their granite countertop in a basket, two feet across and at least three feet high, brimming with muffins, popovers, fruit and cheese. There was more wine and other essentials in the refrigerator just waiting for a private party.

“It’s all yours,” Jennifer said as she handed the keys and the final paperwork to Leda.

“Everything has been checked and rechecked but feel free to call me if something isn’t to your satisfaction,” Gordon instructed. “On the side of the refrigerator you’ll find my card, as well as Aaron’s who is the electrician and Ronny who’s the plumber. They were part of the team that renovated your cottage. Don’t hesitate to call them if you have a question. Now let me show you what we’ve done.”

Gordon gave Leda the grand tour of her first real home.

“I can’t believe you were able to do this!” Leda said loudly, nearly hugging the large man off his feet.

Gordon had indeed found where the root cellar had once met its outside access. But the access wasn’t a door, it was a tunnel that led upwards to where the car port stood in the back and just to the side of the house. The elderly woman who had originally owned the cottage never drove so when the old makeshift garage had tumbled down, she had cleared the rubble but never replaced the structure. Leda had always toured the country on her bike, taking herself to warmer climates as the seasons changed. She never felt the need for a car. Jamie had a small motorcycle too but being a practical woman living in the Northeast, she owned a car.

In an engineering feat, Gordon and his crew were able to secure the tunnel and make a ramp. Knowing that Leda liked to tinker with her motorcycles, she could bring a bike into the now finished off basement, to work on it when the weather turned cold. The carport offered enough shelter during the rain.

“This is absolutely amazing!” The laundry facilities were also moved and replaced with the latest model as well as the other basic appliances needed to keep a home running. The basement was accessed through the new door in the kitchen.

“I take it you approve?” Gordon muttered.

“I more than approve. This is like a dream.” Leda was quickly losing the tough exterior that she always showed to the world. Being on her own and fighting the establishment for most of her life had created the walls she hid behind. She was just now finding that some of her walls were unnecessary.

“Gordon, this was so unexpected. Thank you,” Leda said sincerely.

“It was my pleasure. But you really have to thank John. After I had sent him a copy of the original plans to this place, he called me. The boy was so excited he could barely speak. I thought I had one of them heavy breathers on the line or maybe my Betsie had a new man in her life.”

Leda cracked up with laughter. There was one thing she was very sure of in her short acquaintance with Gordon and Betsie, the two of them were a matched pair and nothing could ever change that.

“When I looked at the plans, I only saw squiggles. That boy is a genius. He knew immediately that there was an old tunnel, he just wasn’t sure if it was viable. Turns out we were able to make it usable again. He had his old barn when he was growing up to tinker with his toys. He thought this would come in handy for you.”

“You tell that big hunk of a partner of yours that the next time I see him, he better be prepared for me,” Leda said with a sly twinkle in her eyes. She let the innuendoes lay.

“Yes, ma’am,” was all that Gordon would say. They went back upstairs to continue the tour of the cottage.

 

*****
 

“You scored a goal, Squirt! I’m very proud of you,” Brian said as he gave his little soccer player a hug just after the game. Bree had come running over to Brian who had been allowed to stand on the sidelines. He was an unofficial assistant coach, given his talents on the soccer field.

“But we lost, Dada,” Bree said disappointedly. Her team had lost two to one.

“It’s a team effort, Squirt, and you did your best. You were the only one to get past their goalie and she’s twice your size. Besides, didn’t you have fun?”

“Yes, Dada, I love to play soccer,” Briana answered after she contemplated her Dada’s words.

“Then that’s all that matters. Now, go out there and shake hands with the other team. It shows good sportsmanship.”

“Yes, Dada,” Bree said as she kissed her father’s cheek then scurried back out onto the field. Justin and Patrick slowly made their way down to the field along with the other parents as they waited for their children.

“What was that all about?” Justin asked as he watched Bree shake hands with her opponent’s goalie. The goalie towered over their petite daughter. Bree showed no fear.

“I guess I was informing our daughter that it didn’t matter if you won the game, it was how you played it. She was disappointed that they lost.”

“Uncle Bri,” Patrick began to offer his opinion. “Bree scored the only goal.”

“I know.”

“No, I mean, Bree scored the only goal ever against that goalie. No one has ever gotten past her. She’s a legend.”

“But she’s only in first grade!” Brian and Justin said at the same time.

“And that’s what makes her a legend,” Patrick explained.

“Wow!” the proud fathers said as they looked over at Bree. The coach of the other team was offering her congratulations to the petite blond with the pigtails.

“Wow!” all three of them said again.

 

*****
 

“Are you ever going to let me up?” Bobby asked. He was covered in sweat and cum, looking completely debauched and loving every minute of it.

“I haven’t decided,” John said extremely smugly. He rummaged around in the picnic basket for a couple of bottles of water. He offered a bottle to Bobby who took it gratefully. He was losing body fluids rapidly. “However, I may let you pee over the rail, if necessary.”

“Thank you,” Bobby said with a giggle. He remembered how Gus as a little boy loved to pee with his father over, or rather through, the rails.

“Bobby, I am sorry I’ve neglected you and Patrick,” John apologized again, as he fed a sweet red grape to Bobby. “I’ll try not to do it again.”

“Babe, just answer me something.”

“What?”

“What would you like to do with all the information you’re gathering from your research?”

“I’m not sure.”

“Well, I did a little research too. I found out that you can get your doctorate in architecture.”

“I can? But what would I do my thesis on?”

“What prompted your research?” Bobby answered John’s questions with more questions.

“I was curious why modern businessmen and women wanted to live in a simple cottage.”

“Then that’s what you base your thesis on. Simplicity of living in the modern age.” John’s smile lit up the treehouse.

“I knew I married a most brilliant man!”

“I knew you married one too. Now, make love to your brilliant man.”

“Yes, sir, right away sir,” John said as he peppered kisses all over Bobby’s face. Break time was over, the next round of lovemaking was about to begin.
 

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