Emerge Victorious

Chapter 5

“Christopher, what is the problem?” Laura, his wife, shrieked from her own dressing room.

“This fucking tie,” Chris mumbled as he cringed at his wife’s tone. He knew from that tone that he was in deep shit. He did not want to go to wherever he was being forced to go but ‘Grandmama’ had spoken and now he was forced into this suit and tie.

“Christopher!” she yelled again as he heard her heels clicking on the floor coming toward his room. “I asked, what is the problem?”

“My tie,” Chris hissed at the mirror.

“Oh for heaven’s sake. You’ve been tying your own ties for years, why can’t you manage to tie it now?”

“Is it necessary that I attend this thing tonight? I did have plans.”

“Plans? Oh no, your plans do not consist of going to the club. Your plans are to escort me and Grandmama tonight,” Laura spat. “And I don’t like that tie,” she said just as he finally got it tied. “Wear this one,” she said as she looked through his tie rack. She handed Chris her selection then walked out. “We’re going to the Choral Society and then meeting Grandmama at the gallery. Now hurry up.”

Chris muttered several curses under his breath as he proceeded to pull off his tie.

 

*****
 

“Phone call, Ms. Peterson,” one of the gallery assistants whispered into Lindsay’s ear. Lindsay nodded then made a discreet exit from the main gallery to go to her office. She closed the door to cut out the noise and for privacy.

“Hello?”

“Hi.”

“Hello. Do you have your flight information?”

“Yes. I tried you at home but...”

“You could have left it on the machine.” ‘Or sent another fax or email, you bitch,’ Lindsay thought to herself.

“I, uh, um...”

“Let me get my date book,” Lindsay sighed as she opened the drawer to her desk. She could have just written down the information anywhere but Lindsay wanted a moment to gather her strength. “Okay, what’s you flight number? Liberty Air Flight 206, due at 6:30 pm on Tuesday. Fine. Will you be staying at the Plaza?”

“No.”

“No?”

“They’re overbooked, some convention I was told. I’ll be staying at the Days Inn.” Mel gave Lindsay the hotel information.

“Are we meeting at your old office?”

“Uh, no. I’d like to avoid lawyers for this.”

“You, avoiding lawyers. Since you’re a lawyer I imagine that’s all right for you.” Lindsay thought she heard Mel take a deep breath. “However, I prefer taking precautions. Bobby has already offered his services to me and I’m going to see if he’ll be available. I suggest we make a tentative appointment for Wednesday; that way you won’t be so jetlagged.”

“Uh, that’s fine.” Mel wasn’t expecting the confident tone in Lindsay’s voice. “I’ll see you on Wednesday.”

“Linds, I’m sorry to interrupt but we really need you out there,” another assistant stuck his head in her door.

“I’ll be right there,” she responded quickly. “Mel, I really have to go. I’ll see you on Wednesday.” Lindsay cut the connection then quickly rejoined the event.

“Sure,” Mel said to a dead phone.

Unbeknownst to Lindsay and Melanie, the close knit family of Lindsay’s portion of Pittsburgh had rallied. Brian had whispered a strong suggestion to the manager of the Plaza and, since Brian and Kinnetik wheeled a lot of power, the manager took the hint. If a Ms. Melanie Marcus attempted to book a room, the hotel was going to be overbooked. Several of the girls’ mutual friends and acquaintances were either out of town or extremely busy, unable to put Melanie up for a few days. Even Leda had declined to offer an invitation using Jamie’s pregnancy as a good excuse. Leda did not want to get in the middle of Lindsay, and Mel and Jamie certainly did not want to show any pretense of favoritism.

If Melanie Marcus was going to break up the home of Marcus and Peterson, she’d have to do it all on her own.

 

*****

 

“Mommy, do you think he’ll show?” Candy asked her mother who was sitting on a bench away from the crowd. She was sipping some juice from a pretty glass. Other than some dark circles under her eyes that were expertly concealed under her make-up, you couldn’t tell that Janet was sick.

“I really don’t know. Would it matter to you?”

“I think I’d like to meet him, finally,” Candy answered honestly.

“Please don’t count on it, sweetheart. Besides this is your night. I am so proud of you. Sidney said you sold a couple of your pieces and Mrs. Kingsley indicated that her Art Society might be interested in sponsoring you.”

“She’s a little...” Candy didn’t know how to describe the Sarah Kingsley. Neither did Janet; they both giggled in their quiet corner.

“Here you are!” Lindsay exclaimed as she came upon their bench. “I was wondering where you two were. A few more members of the Art Society have arrived and they want to meet.”

Candy gave Lindsay a startled look.

“It’ll be all right. They just want to ask you about the inspiration for your pieces,” Lindsay reassured the frightened emerging artist.

“Go on, sweetheart. This is what you came here for. I’ll be all right sitting here,” Janet nodded.

“But I feel bad leaving you all alone,” Candy told her mother. Just then Emmett made an appearance.

“Hi! Hi! Hi!” He swooped into their corner. “Hello ladies, may I offer you some refreshments?” he flamboyantly asked as he held out a tray of his most famous delicacies.

“Not for me,” Lindsay said. “I was just about to bring Candy over to speak with Mrs. Kingsley and her Art Society.”

“Well, then I’ll just keep Miss Janet company while you two hobnob with society,” Emmett said with his nose up in the air. The ladies laughed as he took up residence on the bench next to Janet. He winked at Lindsay who then spirited Candy away. Candy went willingly now that her mother wouldn’t be alone.

“Thank you, Emmett,” Janet said as she took a canapé.

“For what, honey?” Emmett asked coyly.

“I know what you’re doing and I appreciate it. Candy was reluctant to leave me by myself.”

“She’s a good girl. You’ve raised her right.”

“Oh I hope so. Being a single mother isn’t easy but we’ve been lucky.”

“Lucky?”

“Yes, I haven’t always been sick. We did have some great times together.”

“And I’m sure you’ll have more,” Emmett said as he patted her hand. Janet neither confirmed nor denied his statement. “How does Candy like her new school?”

Janet shook her head. “She’s not in school yet,” Janet replied.

“But why not? Richie started just after Labor Day!”

“We, I...” Janet had no idea how to explain.

“She’d be in the same class as JR, I imagine,” Emmett said trying to gain more information about why Candy wasn’t in school.

“I’m so afraid the other children would find out about us and then Candy would be miserable.”

“I don’t understand.”

“My master plan was to contact Cassandra’s father and he’d embrace having an almost grown child and then pay her way in a private school. Most private schools don’t care too much about your background as long as you have the money behind you.”

“But that didn’t happen.”

“No, I couldn’t even get in the front door at his house. So I have no clue where to send her, where she’ll feel safe and fit in. She’s so smart and loves to learn but...”

“Wait, I have an idea and I think the person who I need to speak with is attending this event. Stay right here; I’ll be right back. Oh and to keep you company,” Emmett stretched his neck. “Oh yes, there he is. Oh, Mr. Kinney?” Emmett called over to Brian who scowled at the mister part.

“What do you want, Honeycutt?” Brian growled as he sauntered over to them.

“I have to speak to your dear friend Tannis for a moment and Janet was just about to try one of your favorite treats.” Emmett held out his tray which contained several of his pear and blue cheese canapés. Brian’s eyebrow arched. “Would you mind keeping Miss Janet company and hold the tray?”

“Emmett, I’m an adman not a waiter,” Brian growled.

“Oh p-shaw,” Emmett said as he shoved the tray into Brian’s hands and then made him sit. Janet giggled at the antics. “Tonight you’re a waiter. I’ll only be a moment. You can extol the virtues of my canapés since I know how much you love them.”

“At least I’m in the company of a lovely woman instead of an old queen,” Brian flirted with Janet as Emmett grumbled then flitted away to find Tannis. “And tell my old friend Tannis she still owes me,” he called after Emmett. Brian held the tray in front of Janet and indicated which one she should try. “They really are good,” he whispered as she took one off the tray. “But don’t tell him I said so.” Janet laughed again as she prepared to take a bite.

 

*****
 

“So do you think it’s doable?” Emmett asked the stern looking woman dressed in her finest standing in front of him. Emmett just happened to corner Tannis in front of the Brian’s dick hanging out sketch. It looked all too familiar to Tannis from when she hosted the GLC art show. She twitched as Emmett wouldn’t let them walk to another part of the gallery. A naked Brian-free part of the gallery.

“I don’t see why not. Another student is always welcome.”

“But I don’t think she’s a lesbian or bi.”

“That’s not the point of our school. It’s a school that offers an education to children who have been affected by an LGBT issue, and I think the daughter of, of, that person has certainly been affected.”

“I can tell you that she doesn't have a prejudiced bone in her body,” Emmett assured Tannis.

“Emmett, we all have some prejudices; it’s how we act upon them that is all that matters. Tell Ms. Cummings to come by as soon as she can. We can get Candy enrolled quickly before she loses any more time.”

“Would it be permissible for Richie and me to introduce Candy and Janet around to the school and center?”

“I think that’s a great idea. It’ll be less daunting to have friends present. What about the tuition? We can offer a discount based on income but we do have overhead.”

“Don’t worry about that,” Emmett winked at Tannis. “I believe our Mr. Kinney may have an idea or two.” Emmett gave a toothy grin as Tannis groaned as if in pain. Emmett glanced at the several naked Brian paintings over Tannis’ shoulder with a sigh.

Tannis followed Emmett’s eyes then winced at how close she was standing to Brian’s dick. She gave a shudder then stalked off.

“All set! If you’re up to it tomorrow, Richie and I will take you and Candy to the Rainbow School and get Candy registered,” Emmett brightly announced to Janet and Brian.

“Rainbow School?”

“It’s a legitimate school hosted by our local GLC. All are welcomed. Consider it a private school.”

“But I don’t have the...”

“Janet,” Brian began before Emmett could. “The GLC has many backers offering scholarships and tuition assistance. Don’t worry about the money. Candy belongs in school. Both Justin and Lindsay have been talking about the possibility of Candy enrolling in PIFA when she’s ready. That won’t happen if she can’t keep up her grades. They have very high standards.” Emmett furiously nodded his head in agreement.

“I see I have no choice in the matter,” Janet conceded. Brian and Emmett were both wearing matching determined expressions.

“Now that that’s all settled. Can I get you more juice?” Emmett asked brightly as Brian put the tray again in front of Janet offering her another treat. The woman laughed at their solicitude then allowed them to care for her.

 

*****
 

“Yolanda, don’t tell me you’re all alone tonight?” Sarah asked her friend and fellow committee member.

“No, Sarah dear, but I couldn’t be in two places at once so I sent my dear granddaughter to attend the Choral Society meeting in my stead. She’ll be arriving a little later.”

“It’s so good to have cooperative family.”

“I agree. Your Sharon has always made herself available for these necessary meetings.”

“True. Now let me introduce you to some of our new artists. There are two young women in particular I insist you meet,” Sarah said as she waved her hand at Lindsay.

Lindsay, understanding the ‘signal’ trooped Jamie and Candy toward the committee ladies. “It’s show time!” Lindsay whispered to Jamie and Candy.

“Hey Sunshine,” Brian said as he walked up to Justin who was again surrounded by the press and artists who had pieces in the show. He handed Justin a cola.

“Hey.” Justin took a long drink. “Thanks. I’ve been talking my head off.”

“Then it’s time for a break. I happen to like your head just where it is.”

“Where have you been hiding?”

“Not hiding, just babysitting.”

“Babysitting?”

“Not really, I was sitting with Janet. Emmett was arranging to have Candy enrolled at the Rainbow School. And Candy is being introduced to the committee,” Brian explained what had transpired.

“Yeah, I think Sarah and her committee have adopted Jamie and Candy.” Brian winced. “Brian.” Justin gave his mate a poignant look.

“Not saying a word. As long as it works out for Jamie and Candy.”

“Ditto.”

“Can we leave yet?”

“Not yet. Have some patience.”

“I can be patient but not...”

“When it comes to you having your dick sucked,” Justin whispered closely. Brian smirked.

“It has been a while and I’m in the mood for some essence of Sunshine,” Brian purred suggestively into Justin’s ear.

“That’s not fair. And I can’t leave just yet.”

“The gods are against me.”

“You’re whining. Go have more of Emmett’s canapés. You’ll feel better.”

“The only way I’ll feel better is when you tell me I can take you home and fuck you into the mattress.”

“Just a little while longer. Now behave.”

“Yes, dear,” Brian said in his falsetto voice as he went to go bother Emmett.

 

*****
 

“What do these dots on my pictures mean?” Candy asked Lindsay who was affixing a red sticker to her last painting.

“It means that all of your paintings and sketches have been sold,” Lindsay informed the young artist.

“You’re kidding me!”

“No, she’s not, young lady, you have sold out,” Sidney reiterated. “And there are several requests for special commissions.”

“But I’m not good enough,” Candy protested.

“You most certainly are good enough and the proof is in the pudding, so to speak. A Rage afficionado purchased your comic inspired sketches. A Justin Taylor fan purchased your ‘Henge’ painting. There’s a buyer for almost everything. My dear young lady, this is the Sidney Bloom Gallery! We are at the forefront of modern art. Our patrons are always seeking to invest in the next Andy Warhol. And at the Sidney Bloom Gallery you may be assured to find him or her as the case may be,” Sidney said with much flare and conviction.

“Wow,” was all that Candy could respond with.

“Yes, wow. Now if you and your mother would come to my office we can discuss some business.” Sidney turned to go to his office as Lindsay went to get Janet from her bench.

“I can’t believe it,” Candy said to herself.

“What can’t you believe,” Justin asked as he walked toward her. She pointed at the stickers attached to her work. “Ah.” Justin smiled. “I’ll never forget the first piece I ever sold. I still pinch myself when Sidney tells me someone has made an offer for one of my paintings.”

“You do?”

“Yup. It still amazes me. Look, there’s your mom.” Candy looked over to see Lindsay with her mother. She looked so proud.

“Sidney wants us in his office.”

“Then you shouldn’t keep him waiting,” Justin said as he gave the girl who appeared stuck to the floor a gentle shove toward them.

“Now can we go home? The gallery is beginning to clear out,” Brian whined.

“Soon, I want to be around for Candy and her mother. It looks like she sold everything. Do you know how phenomenal that is? No one sells everything, Bri.”

“You do,” Brian said proudly as he leaned in to give Justin a loving kiss on the temple. “You’re phenomenal. Your passion for life and love shows in everything that you do. Look at Candy’s painting of your henge.”

“I think she captured it.”

“She did but that was only because you threw yourself into that project.”

“Brian, they’re only simple metal structures.”

“There is nothing simple about them. They’re huge and detailed in their own way. And they convey your love of nature and your passion for whimsy.”

“Passion for whimsy? Okay, who are you and what have you done with my Brian Kinney?” Justin giggled. “Passion for whimsy. Did you have too much champagne? Or did you overdose on Emmett’s pear and blue cheese canapés.”

“Neither. I’ve just been absorbing the culture,” Brian stated sounding a bit like Hudson.

“I think you’ve reached your saturation point,” Justin quipped.

The boys walked toward the front of the gallery where Justin began to say goodbye to some of the artists and members of the press. Sharon and Owen Brenner Sr. had come in at some point to view the show and to escort Sarah Kingsley home. The boys found them talking to Susan and Craig Taylor.

“When did he get here?” Justin asked.

“Not a clue.”

“But weren’t you out here?”

“I was in a business meeting with Tannis.”

“Tannis?”

“I’ll explain later, Sunshine, I promise. Let’s find out what the old goat is doing here.”

“Brian.”

“I’ll behave.”

“You better,” Justin threatened then turned a smiling face toward his step-mother and father. “Dad, Susan, I’m glad you made it.”

“So are we,” Susan said graciously as she gave Justin a kiss and shook Brian’s hand. Then she nonchalantly elbowed Craig who shook hands with his son and reluctantly with Brian.

“We ran into Sharon and Owen,” Craig said after he cleared his throat. “And of course, Sarah. I didn’t realize how involved she is with the gallery,” Craig commented as if it was a great revelation.

“Her Art Society committee takes a great interest in new artists,” Justin explained.

Flash cameras went off as more of the honored guests were preparing to leave. They and the press all wanted photographs of and with Justin. Even Craig and Susan were photographed. Brian inconspicuously stood off to one side while the cameras made love to his spouse. Sarah came over to speak with them before the Brenners took her home and she introduced the Taylors to her friend and fellow committee member, Yolanda Reynolds. More photographs were taken for the society pages. And Sarah insisted that Brian stand beside Justin for the pictures. Brian being a little sneaky stood slightly behind Justin so that he was partially obscured by the blond mane. However, Justin managed to move at the last moment, smiling up at Brian and eliciting a loving smile in return. The cameras ate it up.

“Grandmama! Are you here?” Laura came into the main gallery. “There you are, and Mrs. Kingsley! So wonderful to see you!” Laura gushed.

“This can not be little Laura Reynolds,” Sarah returned the greeting in kind. They kissed and hugged as Laura looped her arm through her grandmother’s. Yolanda whispered something into Sarah’s ear that nearly made the woman crack her dentures. Sarah patted Yolanda on the arm as she recovered her composure.

Not making any true connections between her brain and her mouth, Sarah proceeded to introduce Yolanda and Laura to the Taylors. “Yolanda, allow me to introduce Mr. and Mrs. Craig Taylor. They are the proud parents of our Justin Taylor.”

No one bothered to correct Sarah who was too deep into her own world to notice all the Taylors cringing and Brian scowling.

“Yolanda Reynolds is my co-chair of the Art Society Committee. And this is her lovely granddaughter Laura...oh dear, I’ve forgotten your surname. Forgive me, Laura, I’m so bad with names. A little hint, would you, dear.”

“Of course, Mrs. Kingsley. It’s...”

“Hobbs,” both Brian and Justin said at the same time, drowning out Laura, as Chris Hobbs entered the gallery.

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