Emerge Victorious

Chapter 4

“Did you get Ray to the airport?” Lindsay asked as Gus came into the house.

“Yes, he’s on his way. I miss him already.”

Lindsay smiled. She remembered young love, actually that love had been Brian Kinney, before they both realized what they really were. Lindsay turned to her son. “Sometimes it’s good to miss people. It makes us appreciate them more.”

“Do you appreciate Mama more because she’s gone?” Gus asked.

Lindsay screwed up her face. “That isn’t what I meant.”

“I know, but I can still hope, can’t I?”

“I think your mother and I are really finished this time.”

“When does she arrive to settle things?”

“Next week,” Lindsay said with a sigh. “I just got an email from her saying when she will arrive. I hope she doesn’t expect me to pick her up from the airport.”

“I doubt she will,” Gus replied. “You know I’ll be at university when she comes. Should I come home? I could be here with you.”

“Don’t be silly, Gus. You’re leaving tomorrow. You have to settle in for the school year. I’ll be just fine.”

“I … I really don’t like you being alone here.”

“This is my home. I’m fine,” Lindsay said again, hoping her voice sounded convincing.

“I know, but it will be the first time you’ve seen her since…”

“Since she dumped me?” Lindsay asked with a strange look on her face.

“Do they call it dumping when you’re married?”

“I think they call it divorce,” Lindsay corrected. “I should choose my words more carefully,” she added sarcastically.

“Mom…”

“It’s okay, Gus, really, it is.”

Gus thought she was protesting too much, but what could he say? “I need to give Pop and Bree a call,” Gus said deciding he wasn’t getting anywhere with his mother.

“Sure, you go ahead. I’ll fix us some dinner … if you can stay.”

“I can stay. I’ll be down right after I make my calls.”

Lindsay nodded and headed for the kitchen. Gus went upstairs to his room. He pulled out his phone, sat on the edge of his bed and hit the familiar speed dial number.

“Pop?”

“Yes, Sonny Boy, are you ready to tackle higher education?

“I think so,” Gus chuckled. “I’m not sure it’s ready for me though.”

“You drive carefully tomorrow,” Brian ordered. Even though Gus had his Jeep and had acted responsibly so far, he would be traveling on his own. Brian didn’t want anything to happen to him.

“I promised I would, Pop. Ray would kill me if I got into an accident.”

“I’d help him.”

Gus laughed. “I’ll be careful. Um, Pop…”

“Yes.”

“I’m still worried about Mom. Are you going to be around when Mama arrives?”

“I could arrange to be,” Brian said. “When does she get here?”

“Mom just said Mama had emailed her about it, but she didn’t say exactly when, just that she would be here next week.”

“A fucking email! I suppose Mel’s dialing finger is broken,” Brian griped. “Can you find out when she arrives?”

“I will, and I’ll let you know.”

“Good, I can always go ruffle a few feathers at Kinnetik. That way, if your mother needs me, I’ll be nearby.”

“Thanks, Dad.”

“There’s a little girl here, who looks vaguely familiar. She keeps patting my arm wanting to take the phone.”

“Could it possibly be Briana Victoria Kinney-Taylor?” Gus joked.

“Hm,” Brian said. “Is your name Briana Victoria Kinney-Taylor?” Gus could hear his father teasing his sister. “She’s nodding her head so fast that it might fall off her neck,” Brian explained with a chuckle. “Have a good trip and call me when you get there,” he added. “Here’s your sister.”

“Gus?” Bree’s voice came on the line.

“Yes, short stuff.”

“I miss you.”

“I miss you too.”

“Can I come to Penn State with you?” Bree pleaded.

“Not this year.”

“You said that last year, but that man promised that I could go to school there.”

“You mean the dean? I think he meant you could go to Penn in a few years.”

“It’s not fair,” Bree declared.

“What’s not fair?”

“Everybody gets to go away, and I hafta stay here.”

Gus stifled a laugh. “You got to go to England,” he reminded her.

“That was a long time ago,” Bree whined.

“Sorry, short stuff, I can’t take you with me, but I’ll be home to see you before you know it. I want to hear a new song on the piano too.”

“Okaaayy,” Bree said not sounding happy.

“I love you,” Gus told her.

“I love you too.”

“Talk to you soon.”

“’Kay,” Bree said with resignation.

Gus cut the connection. He then hit another number on speed dial. “JR?”

“Hi, Gus.”

“Are you going to be around for Mom when your mother arrives next week?”

“She’s your mother too,” JR reminded him.

“It doesn’t feel much like it at the moment.”

“I know what you mean,” JR agreed. “I do want to see Mama. It’s been … a long time since she was here.”

“Yeah.”

“I’ll make sure I’m around, Gus.”

“Thanks, and let me know if you find out anything, or if … it doesn’t go so well,” Gus advised.

“You think they’re going to fight?” JR asked in shock.

“I honestly don’t know what to expect. I think Mom’s going to need lots of support.”

“Okay, Gus, drive carefully tomorrow.”

Gus sighed. “I will. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

Gus hit ‘end’ on his phone. He drew in a deep breath and dialed once more. “Mama?”

“Hello, Gus. How are you?” Melanie asked.

“I’m fine. How are you?”

“You … you sound so formal.”

“How should I sound?”

“You’re angry.”

“What did you expect? Should I give you a medal for breaking up our family?” Gus asked bitterly.

“That’s not fair.”

“Fair! Don’t talk to me about fair.” Gus could feel himself getting angrier and angrier as he talked to his mother.

“If you called to yell at me, I’m hanging up,” Melanie threatened.

“I … I’m sorry. I called to find out when you arrive in Pittsburgh.”

“Wednesday afternoon, next week, why?”

“I’d like to be here, but I’ll be at university.”

“Oh yes, I’m sorry you won’t be there.” Gus knew she hadn’t even thought about that until he had mentioned it. “You leave for Penn State tomorrow?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, drive carefully.”

“Right,” Gus said with a major sigh. “Bye.”

“Bye, Gus.”

Gus cut the connection and tossed the phone onto his bed. No wonder people called her a bitch. He stared up at the ceiling for a minute wondering what he should do. With no answers forthcoming, he stood up and called downstairs, “Need any help, Mom?”

“Sure, sweetheart, come join me.”

That was all he could do for now. He ran down the stairs.

 

*****
 

“Ladies and Gentlemen, honored guests and members of the fourth estate. The Sidney Bloom Gallery is proud to present our Emerging Artists Show!” Sidney announced loudly and with flare in the foyer of the gallery. Lindsay and Justin were smiling at his side. The gallery erupted with applause. Sidney, Lindsay and Justin greeted their guests as they began to fan out to take in the exhibits.

“Oh my dear, dear Sidney,” the Sarah Kingsley gushed, “this is so exciting! I’m hoping to see some real talent here tonight and to meet some of our emerging artists! You know how fond my Art Society Committee is of our local talent. We’re all looking forward to the next young deserving artist to sponsor now that our dear Justin Taylor and Ethan Gold no longer need our sponsorship!”

It took all of Sidney’s resolve not to roll his eyes at the notion that Justin or Ethan ever needed any of Sarah or her committee’s help to become world renowned artists in their specialty. However, Sidney would never smite Sarah Kingsley or her committee, who consisted of several of the wealthiest matrons in Pennsylvania. Sidney’s mother raised no fool.

“My dear, Sarah!” Sidney returned the greeting in kind. They hugged and air kissed for the press. Sidney threw a quick glare over Sarah’s shoulder at his assistant and resident artist as they giggled at Sidney. Lindsay and Justin made a hasty escape into the main room of the gallery before Sarah could capture them as well. They realized each would have to spend some time in her presence, but they both agreed Sidney deserved first honors.

“Sarah, have you met Jamie Cunningham?” Sidney asked as he motioned the young artist and teacher over. “This young woman works in a fascinating medium and finds time to teach at the institute, molding new artists.”

“Really? Please tell me more!” Sidney led Sarah and Jamie to Jamie’s pieces, allowing her to explain her process and the inspiration for her work. While the ladies were deep in conversation, Sidney made his own escape to mingle with the other guests.

“Hey, Sunshine,” Brian greeted his spouse. Brian found Justin ‘hiding’ amongst the Rage and other comic inspired exhibits. The younger artists were all milling about in that section comparing styles. They all agreed that Lacy’s superhero renditions were worthy of Justin, and so were those of the unknown C. Hobbs.

“Hey,” Justin responded, giving his favorite model a bright smile. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

“Need rescuing already? This shindig’s barely started.”

“I know. But it started with the Sarah Kingsley declaring to the world that she’s responsible for making me a success.” Brian narrowed his eyes. “Brian, don’t do or say anything to upset her,” Justin added quickly, regretting his comment. “She likes to believe that she and her committee discovered us,” Justin said, making quote marks in the air when he said, discovered. “And in a certain respect, she’s right.”

“But that busybody...”

“Is a wealthy woman with lots of wealthy friends and they do help to connect many artists with the right people. And it’s those people that propel the artists toward success.”

“Okay, I can see your point but you’re the one with the talent and perseverance. And it was Sidney who had all the right connections,” Brian wisely pointed out.

“And it was your faith in me,” Justin said as he lovingly gazed into the hazel eyes he adored so much. “Your faith in me and my talent has never wavered. You pushed...”

“Mostly in the wrong direction,” Brian admitted softly, looking down at his Prada boots.

Justin took Brian’s chin in his hand. “Whenever you pushed, you only had my best interests at heart. I love you, Bri, and it’s all worked out. No apologies, no regrets.” Justin led his spouse behind a large foam core cutout of Rage and Zephyr then proceeded to ram his tongue down Brian’s throat.

“Holy tonsil bath, JT! What was that for?” Brian asked when he was allowed up for air.

“Just reminding you how important you are to me,” Justin replied with a smug smile. He loved having the ability to rock Brian’s world.

“Then why don’t we blow this popsicle stand so that Rage can fly you to his lair and take you on his restorative bed,” Brian murmured suggestively into the blond locks.

“Oh, I so wish I could,” Justin groaned as he thumped his head against Brian’s chest in frustration. “I really wish I could but...”

“You have to make nice-nice with the emerging artists and the Sarah Kingsley,” Brian finished Justin’s statement.

“Yeah.”

“Together?” Brian said, straightening his back and holding out his hand to his spouse.

“Together,” Justin agreed, taking the proffered hand. Hand in hand, they went back to the main gallery to face the press and Sarah Kingsley.

 

*****
 

“You remind me of Brian,” Lindsay chuckled as Leda scowled at the crowd of reporters surrounding Jamie.

“They’re sucking the air out of the room.”

“No, they’re not. Here, have a glass of wine,” Lindsay said as she took two glasses off a tray from a passing waiter then handed one to Leda.

“And that’s another thing. Jamie shouldn’t be drinking.”

“She’s not.”

“Then what’s that glass of pale liquid in her hand?” Leda growled making Lindsay laugh more. She was taking delight in Leda’s cave woman routine.

“White grape juice. I have several bottles set aside for her. All the wait staff have been informed, so don’t worry.”

“I...thank you. After all that happened between us, you’d do that for me? What was Melanie thinking, leaving a wonderful woman like you?”

“I’m not that wonderful. Besides, I wouldn’t harm Jamie or your baby.”

“Lindsay, please, don’t sell yourself short. You are a beautiful, sexy, intelligent woman. And a fantastic mother. If I become half the mother you are, I’ll think myself lucky.”

“You’ll be a great mother. You’re intelligent, very enterprising and just as creative as Jamie. Even if it does manifest itself in motorcycle grease. And Jamie is making some valuable contacts.” Lindsay indicated the press and art patrons that were showing interest in Jamie’s work.

“About that.”

“What about it?”

“I’m afraid she’ll wake up one morning and decide she’s better off with them instead of me.”

“Oh now you do remind me of Brian,” Lindsay countered. Leda gave her an incredulous look. “He had a habit of doubting Justin.” Leda’s eyes opened wide. “That didn’t come out right. Brian seemed to think that for Justin to reach his potential, he had to do it away from Brian. And the times they were apart, they were both miserable. They’re truly meant to be together.”

“But they’re so different,” Leda exclaimed as she scanned the room for Jamie. Jamie was giving an interview standing in front of one of her larger pieces. ‘Just like me and Jamie,’ Leda thought.

“Yes, they are, but also alike in so many ways. Especially in the way that counts. Leda, Jamie is committed to you and your relationship.”

“She discussed our relationship with you?” Leda wasn’t too sure how she felt about Lindsay knowing their personal shit.

Lindsay shook her head. “Jamie wanted assurance that spouses were invited to the opening. I assured her that spouses, partners, and family are more than welcome to attend. In fact, we insist upon it. Obviously, Brian attends as many shows as possible. I think he’s attended every one of Justin’s openings except the one he had in Chicago, but Brian hired a helicopter to take Justin to the airport so that he could get to the opening on time.”

“You’re kidding?”

“Nope. The thing landed in the field near their cottage.”

“Talk about devotion.”

“Leda, my point is, don’t second guess how Jamie feels. Talk to her. Brian learned to dump a lot of shit to get to where he is. Don’t ever stop working at your relationship. I think that’s the biggest mistake Melanie and I made. We took things for granted. If I’m ever in another relationship, I won’t make that mistake again.”

Leda nodded as she looked toward Jamie and noticed her glass was almost empty. “Thank you, for everything,” Leda said as she flagged down a waiter. Lindsay watched as Leda walked over to Jamie with another glass of juice. Jamie greeted her with a loving smile.

“You should do that more often,” Brian commented.

“What?” Lindsay smiled serenely up at Brian.

“Smile. It looks good on you.”

“Looks good on you too.”

“Just one of my many qualities.”

“Modesty too.”

“I have many fine qualities.”

“Who told you that?”

“Bree, for one. She thinks I’m a very good Dada.”

“You’re an excellent Dada.”

“Gus thinks I’m hot shit.”

“I’m sure he does,” Lindsay chuckled. “And Justin?”

“He just thinks I’m hot.”

“And you’re a self centered bastard.”

“That too.” They both cracked up into laughter.

“Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For making me feel better. For caring about me.”

“Of course I care about you.”

“I know you care but it’s the way you care. I appreciate it. You and the family have made me feel so loved that I think no matter what happens between me and Mel, I can handle it.”

“Of course you can handle it, Wendy. Because you’re all grown up and the bad Cap’n Hook can never get to you. Besides, you have the fairies on your side. And we fairies always come on top!” Brian stuck his tongue in his cheek making Lindsay laugh.

“Peter, I thought you grew up?”

“That’s a myth,” Brian whispered in her ear then kissed her temple. “I love you, Wendy.”

“I love you too, Peter.” Brian gave her a hug. They both turned when they heard Sidney greet another one of his artists.

“Cassandra! And Ms. Cummings, so happy to see you both. Allow me to introduce you to some of your fellow artists and our guests,” Sidney said as he offered Janet his arm.

“She doesn’t look too tired tonight,” Lindsay murmured. Brian shrugged. The family was beginning to use the word tired as a euphemism for dying. “I better get over there.”

Brian offered Lindsay his arm then escorted her over to Candy and Janet.

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