Emerge Victorious

Chapter 7

Melanie was walking through the airport toward the main exit. She was only staying for a few days, so to make her life easier, she carried her large shoulder bag and one small overnight bag.

Easier, Mel contemplated. Nothing seemed easy anymore. Her marriage broke up, her son was practically grown, away at college, and her daughter wanted none of her. This wasn’t what she envisioned her life was going to be like when she was a young up and coming lawyer fighting for Gay rights. Now, even some of the members of her own community appeared to want little of her as well. The lusty newness of her relationship with Lorna, both personal and professional, was still satisfying but it couldn’t take away her grief or her guilt. Maybe it never would.

Mel walked toward the row of taxis, got in the first one available then gave her instructions to the driver.

 

*****
 

Finding a neutral place where Lindsay and Melanie could meet to finalize their ‘divorce’ proved more difficult than one would imagine. Mel rejected the gallery, they both wanted nothing to do with the diner, it was bad enough the Liberty Avenue community already knew that the long time couple had finally split. For good this time. They didn’t need to air the details in public. And Mel’s former employer declined to allow her to use her old office. Bobby had come to the rescue. An associate law firm of his firm had a vacant meeting room available and as a courtesy offered the room.

“Do you think she’ll show?” Lindsay looked at her watch for the fiftieth time in ten minutes as she nervously paced the small room.

“She’ll show,” Bobby said confidently as he bit into one of Emmett’s popovers. He had a small basket sent over for them as well as a larger basket filled with an assortment of muffins and popovers for the office as a thank you. Lindsay glared at the red-head.

“How can you eat at a time like this?”

“I’m hungry. I had to do some fast rearranging of my schedule to be here, so I’m going to eat,” the man said taking another bite of the buttery roll.

“I’m sorry,” Lindsay sighed.

“I didn’t mean to snap. It was my fault. I forgot all about this when I said yes to the other meeting. Not to worry. I moved my appointment till tomorrow so I get to go home early today.” Bobby waggled his eyebrows. The familiar expression with all of its implications wasn’t wasted on Lindsay.

“So how is John?”

“He’s mighty fine,” Bobby said with a smug smile.

“You do know that you’ve picked up a lot of bad habits from your in-laws.”

“God, I hope so. Those two never seem to get enough of each other.”

“Jealous much?”

“Nah. John and I do all right.”

“I bet you do. Where the fuck is she?” Lindsay asked looking at her wrist again. She finally sat, pulling out her compact to check her makeup.

“You’re beautiful. She’ll be jealous as all hell,” Bobby reassured her. Just then Melanie burst through the door.

“I am so sorry. I would manage to find the only cab driver who didn’t know the business district and then we got stuck behind a bus for six blocks. Am I very late?” Mel nervously babbled on.

“N-,” Lindsay began but Bobby quickly interrupted her.

“Not too late,” he said with an annoyed glance at his watch. He set down the newspaper he was reading then pushed the basket of muffins at her. He then said, “If you’re ready, I’d like to begin. I believe we can wrap this up within the hour. I’m sure Lindsay has to get back to the gallery.” Bobby glanced at Lindsay. She nodded hesitantly not quite used to seeing Bobby in full lawyer mode. Not many of the family ever had. Most had always gone to Melanie and that was in part because she was in close proximity.

“The gallery?” Mel had almost forgotten that Lindsay still had her job at the gallery.

“Yes, Lindsay has two very successful shows going on right now.” Bobby tapped the Arts and Leisure section of The Times with his fingertip. On the front page there was a picture of Lindsay standing with several of Pittsburgh’s more prominent citizens including Justin, the Sarah Kingsley and the mayor. In an accompanying picture, Sidney Bloom was beaming with pride at Lindsay who was surrounded by her Emerging Artists.

“Oh yes, the gallery,” Mel said giving the paper a second glance then recovering enough to find her voice. “I suppose all that matters is the sale of the cottage. The profits from that will more than cover my half of the house. Were you able to find a buyer?” Mel asked in an accusatory tone.

Very well prepared, Bobby slid a proposal across the table. Mel picked up the document and had to keep her eyes from bugging out of her head. A Mr. Kevin Riley was prepared with a very generous offer. The offer included whatever furniture and appliances the girls didn’t want to take and he even offered to ship Melanie’s desk, recognizing the sentimental value of the piece.

“This is...” Melanie was stunned. She didn’t think Lindsay was capable of finding a buyer, especially not one so amenable. “Umm, why so much?”

“Mr. Riley wants to take possession as soon as possible to enjoy the cottage before the season changes. He is associated with the philharmonic; rehearsals for the holiday concerts will begin in a couple of months. He won’t have much time to be there during the holidays,” Bobby explained.

“Oh, well, that does sound reasonable.”

“And of course the quicker we can close on the cottage, the quicker Lindsay can buy out your half of the house. You’ll be free to pursue whatever you wish in Portland,” Bobby went on coolly.

“Yes. What about the rest of my things in the house?” She didn’t have much left there. She had been systematically asking Lindsay to pack up her things for shipping.
“With Lindsay’s permission, I’ll drive you over after this meeting. We’ve prepared several cartons. I can help you pack up and then handle the shipping.”

“I thought...” Mel began.

‘Oh yeah,’ Bobby thought to himself. ‘You thought you’d get Lindsay alone then fuck with her head. Not on your life, bitch. I won’t give you the opportunity or the satisfaction.’

“Lindsay has another appointment at the gallery,” Bobby said curtly. “If you’re satisfied with the offer for the cottage then I see no other difficulties. I’m sure you know where to sign,” Bobby said offering Mel a pen.

“What about the children?” Mel added quickly.

“What about them? Gus is of legal age and away at college. His expenses are being provided for by his mother and father. As for JR, Lindsay is prepared to help support her and she will always have a home at the house. However, JR has no intention of leaving her father’s home at this time. You’ll have to make your own arrangements with him.”

“And I suppose you’re representing Michael,” Mel asked in challenge.

“No, that would be a conflict of interest. I believe a Mr. Kurtzman is representing Michael and JR’s interests.”

“But that’s...never mind. The offer for the cottage is more than generous as you are well aware,” Mel said taking the pen in her hand then signing all copies of the documents in all the required places. She passed the documents back to Bobby who then slid them to Lindsay. Bobby handed another pen to Lindsay who signed while trying to maintain a brave face.

“Well, I think that’s it,” Bobby said as he stood to distribute the signed papers to the ladies then he put his own copy in his briefcase. He grabbed another popover and took a large bite. “I think we should let Lindsay get to her appointment while I drive you over to the house,” he said after he swallowed. Lindsay handed Bobby her keys. “I’ll arrange to have the locks changed when we’re finished,” Bobby said while patting Lindsay’s arm. “And I’ll make sure JR has a key as well as Gus.”

“Please give one to Brian, just in case,” Lindsay murmured.

Bobby smiled. “I’ll take care of it.” Bobby then turned his full attention to Melanie, who was thinking that this felt like an episode of the Twilight Zone. “Are you ready to go?”

“Yes,” Mel said softly. She felt compelled to say something to Lindsay but she couldn’t think of anything appropriate to say. What can you say to someone you spent over twenty years with? She shoved her copy of the agreement in her bag then walked out the door that Bobby held open.

“Please wait here a moment,” Bobby requested. He quickly went back into the conference room closing the door behind him. “Are you okay?” Bobby asked Lindsay as he put his arms around her.

“I think so. I just can’t believe...” Another door opened, this one led to a private office attached to the conference room. Brian walked in to take charge of Lindsay as Bobby had arranged. The men exchanged looks. Brian then guided Lindsay into the private office. Bobby left knowing Brian would look after Lindsay.

“Let’s go,” Bobby said as he left the conference room finding Mel waiting in the hall.

Mel nodded then silently followed the red-head out and to his car.

 

*****
 

She walked through the house; most of her personal belongings had already been shipped. There was very little to pack. She went through her desk in their den. There were a couple of personal files she placed in a box. Bobby looked over her shoulder. She showed the documents to him; they were old client files that had nothing to do with Lindsay. Bobby nodded.

“How are John and Patrick?”

“Very well, thank you.”

“JR told me that Brian let Bree go to sleep away camp,” Mel tried to make small talk.

“Yes.” Bobby was having none of it.

“Look, Bobby...”

“No, you look. We were never the best of friends but I’ve always maintained a professional respect for you. Your work with the Jason Kemp Center, and advocating for Curtis when Raph and Hector were trying to adopt him was exemplary, but I’m here to protect my client’s interests not to rehash family events. Let’s just get this over with and we can all return to our lives.”

“Fine,” Mel acquiesced. She went through each room looking for anything left behind. Bobby followed her up to the attic. Never seeing it before, it looked like just what it was, a studio. Mel hadn’t seen it in use like this in years. Now, it was filled with Lindsay’s sketches and watercolors. Most of the pictures were of family. JR, Gus, even Bree and Patrick were prominently displayed.

“These are incredible,” Bobby remarked as he focused on a sketch of Bree kicking a soccer ball with Patrick in the background with a baseball in mid toss.

“I never gave her much credit or support when it came to her art,” Mel whispered as she scanned the room. Bobby heard but was polite enough to say nothing. “There’s nothing here that belongs to me,” Melanie said as they left the attic studio.

Mel sorted through the boxes that Lindsay had piled up in the living room. They were mostly filled with Melanie’s clothes and shoes. “I guess that’s it,” she said as she handed her key over to Bobby. It didn’t matter much; she knew Bobby’s threat to change the locks wasn’t an idle one.

“I’ll take you to your hotel.”

“Okay,” Mel said meekly as she took one last look around. They walked out the door. Bobby locked up, pocketing the keys. He escorted Mel to his car then drove to her hotel.

“I’ll send you an email with the tracking numbers of the boxes,” Bobby said as he got out to open the passenger side door for Melanie. “Take care of yourself, Melanie, stay well,” Bobby said holding out his hand. Mel looked down then up into the blue grey eyes. Seeing no malice, Melanie shook his hand. Bobby got back into his car and drove away. Mel took a deep shuddering breath then went inside.

Bobby drove back to Lindsay’s house as quickly as the law and lights would allow. He had arranged for a shipping company to seal the boxes then take them away. He wanted everything done before Lindsay got back home. Brian was also prepared to stay with Lindsay if he felt she couldn’t be left alone. Several of the family and friends had already made lunch and dinner dates with Lindsay to keep her mind occupied until Mel was safely on the next plane out of the Pitts. Many of her friends just wanted to renew their friendships. JR had to be coerced by her father into seeing her mother but in the end JR was going to do what was right. She and her mother were going to have dinner later.

A couple of hours later Bobby locked up Lindsay’s house again. He got back in his car and let out a loud breath. He pulled out his cell phone, hitting two on the speed dial. “It’s done,” he said when the call was answered. “They’re all gone. How is she? Good. Yeah, she was a brave little soldier this morning. Where are you? Okay, I’ll be right over. Order me something, I’m hungry. That’s all I have in common with your Sunshine. Leave my ass out of it!” Bobby cut the connection scowling at his phone for a second then burst out laughing. He started up the engine to drive over to Emmett’s Too.

 

*****
 

“Are you okay?” Brian asked gently.

Lindsay nodded. “I guess.”

“You don’t sound very sure.”

“That would be because I’m kind of numb. I still don’t really believe that it’s all over.”

“You handled it very well from what Bobby said,” Brian told her, hoping to make her feel better.

Lindsay nodded, but looked very thoughtful. After a minute she asked, “Brian, do you think there’s something wrong with me?” They were having a drink at Emmett’s bistro while they waited for Bobby to join them.

“I think you’re a beautiful, capable, intelligent woman, Wendy. Peter is very proud of you, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with you.”

“I guess I finally have to grow up, Peter. Sorry to leave you behind,” Lindsay said with a little twinkle in her eye. She always enjoyed getting one on Brian.

Brian noted the change of tone and was happy to see it. “You grew up a long time ago,” Brian assured her. “I know this is very hard.” He laid his hand on top of hers,

“How come you and Justin can make it work, and I can’t?”

“You did for a long time.”

Lindsay shook her head. “It’s been quite a while since we were really happy,” she admitted. “Are you and Justin happy?”

“Happier than I ever thought I could be, and I think Justin feels the same way,” Brian replied taking her question very seriously. This was not a time to joke.

“I know he feels the same. It’s written all over his face every time he looks at you.”

Brian smiled. “He is incredible. I’d do just about anything for one of his smiles.”

Lindsay grinned at Brian. “That’s what I want,” she said, “someone for whom I’d do anything to make them happy.”

“You’ll find that person.”

Lindsay shook her head and changed the subject. “I wonder how JR is doing with Mel?”

“She’s a strong girl,” Brian stated. “She’ll be fine.”

“Actually I was more worried about Mel,” Lindsay joked.

Brian smirked. “You have two great kids, Lindsay.”

“Yes, I do. Do you think Gus knew this might happen when he changed his name to yours?”

“I doubt it. He just wanted my name because I’m so adorable.”

Lindsay giggled and swatted his arm just as Bobby joined them.

 

*****
 

“Hello, Michael,” Melanie said as Michael opened the door to his house.

“Mel.”

“May I come in?”

“Certainly,” Michael said stepping back.

“Ben, it’s nice to see you again,” Melanie said as she stepped inside the house and noted that Ben was working at the table in the dining room. “How are you?”

“Not bad.”

Melanie felt the definite chill in the air. Both men had little to say to her, giving the tersest of responses. “Is JR ready to go to dinner?” she asked figuring she should get out of there as soon as possible.

“JR,” Michael called up the stairs.

“I’m coming,” a rather unhappy voice replied. Mel could see JR coming down the stairs very slowly.

“Hi, sweetheart,” Mel said cheerfully.

“Hi, Mama,” JR grudgingly replied.

“Let’s get going.”

“Okay.”

Nobody in this fucking house had more than two words to say to her at any one time. Melanie marched to the front door and waited for JR to join her.

Michael stepped beside his daughter and whispered, “It will be fine, honeybun. Do you have your phone?” JR nodded. “If you need me to come get you, just call.” JR nodded again and walked over to her mother. She let Mel hug her without returning the hug herself.

“I thought we could walk down to the corner and try the restaurant I saw there,” Mel said cheerily.

“Sure,” JR replied. She knew the food was awful there, but she didn’t intend to eat much anyway.

“How is school going?” Melanie asked as they walked along.

“Fine.”

“Are you still seeing Curtis?”

“Yes.”

“Are you two serious?”

“Enough.”

“JR, can you please answer me in more than one word.”

“I’ll try.” Melanie heaved a huge sigh of exasperation at her daughter’s brief response. “Well, that was two words,” JR said wickedly.

Melanie glared at her daughter who refused to meet her eyes. Thankfully they had arrived at the restaurant. Melanie yanked the door open and they entered. When they were seated and had ordered, the waitress brought Mel a martini and JR a Pepsi.

“When did you start drinking Pepsi?” Mel asked. “That’s your father’s drink.”

“Probably around the same time you started drinking martinis,” JR retorted. “Is that your new friend’s drink?”

“JR, that is uncalled for,” Melanie said trying to keep her voice low, when all she wanted to do was scream.

“I didn’t want to come to this dinner, mother. Daddy and Ben made me.”

“Why wouldn’t you want to have dinner with me?”

“Are you going to try to make me move to Portland?”

“No, no, not any time soon anyway.”

“But you might.”

“I know you want to stay with your father.”

“I like it there.”

“Then we’ll leave it like that … for now.”

“I’ll fight you, if you try to make me go to Portland,” JR stated. “I won’t go.”

“Okay, I get the point. I won’t do anything, all right?”

JR nodded and tried very hard to keep the look of satisfaction that she felt from showing on her face. “Okay, if you promise I can stay with daddy.”

“You can stay with Michael, but I would like you to come visit me. You might like Portland.”

“I doubt it,” JR replied. “You could visit me here.”

“I want you to see what my new life is like.”

“I liked our old life.”

Melanie shook her head. She was making no progress at all. “JR, would you be happy if you never saw me again?”

“Never … again?” JR asked uncertainly.

“That’s what I said.”

“Is … is that what you want?”

“No, it’s not what I want,” Melanie said, “but it seems like that’s what you want.”

“I just want to live here in Pittsburgh, and I’d like to have a family again.”

“I’ll always be your family,” Melanie said softly.

“I wish I believed that,” JR said as the waitress brought their dinners.

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