Emerging

Chapter 2

 

As Brian and Bree were finishing up their dinner, Emmett kept his distance from their booth. No easy task since the bistro wasn’t very large and the booth was Emmett’s special booth closest to the counter.

“Dada,” Bree whispered as she leaned closer to her father.

“Yes, Squirt?” Brian leaned forward as he whispered back.

“I hafta go to the bathroom,” Bree said as discreetly as she could.

“Do you need help?”

“No, Dada,” Bree replied confidently as she hopped down from the bench and made her way to the restrooms. No sooner was Bree’s seat vacated, than Emmett plopped his ass into it.

“What the fuck is wrong with you?” he demanded. “You haven’t been this snippy since the Fiddler moved in on your Sunshine. Now before I have to get rough with you, spill.” If Emmett was capable of arching his eyebrow, he would have. Brian sighed then gave Emmett the fast abridged version of Candy, and Justin’s plans for her, before Bree came back. He also added the bit about the ‘missing’ Craig.

“Well, fuck me!” Emmett exclaimed.

“Not in this lifetime,” Brian snarked then shrugged apologetically. “I will support Justin, no matter what he does. And I agree, the girl will need someone to be responsible for her until she’s legal and able to be on her own. And I admit, I gave Justin the impression that I’d welcome the girl into our house but...”

“Upon reflection, you realize that only one little girl belongs at Edna’s Treasures,” Emmett voiced it out loud. Brian nodded. “And now you don’t know what to say to Justin.” Brian nodded again. “Honey, what happened in the past when you weren’t straight with Justin? And I use the term straight, loosely.”

“It fucked up our lives,” Brian replied, ignoring the straight crack.

“Exactly. You pushed hard and he...”

“Argued then eventually took the hint.”

“Bri, I understand Justin’s need to rescue this girl. I’d feel the same way. I did feel the same way then I was blessed with a beautiful son. But this is Hobbs.”

“I know.” Before they could continue their conversation, Bree returned to the table.

“Dada, you and Auntie Emm friends again?” Bree asked sweetly, with her eyes opened wide and looking so much like her daddy. Brian scooped her up into his lap.

“Yes, Squirt, Emm and I are friends again,” Brian whispered into the soft strawberry blond hair. He looked up over her head into Emmett’s eyes; the intense hazel eyes apologized and thanked his friend at the same time. Emmett nodded with a smile in acknowledgment.

“That’s good, Dada. Cuz I love Auntie Emm.”

“I know you do. So do I,” Brian admitted softly. But not soft enough. Emmett sniffled with happy tears. “Get a grip, Honeycutt,” Brian growled.

“I always knew you cared,” Emmett teased. “And don’t call me Honeycutt!”

“Let’s go, Bree, your Daddy is probably wondering where we are.”

“Oh pshaw,” Emm said, waving his wrist. “He expects you to be fashionably late.”

“But not that late,” father and daughter said in unison making them all laugh.

“Then get out of my bistro and I’ll see you both at the gallery,” Emmett declared with authority. “I’m doing the catering so I’ll be there soon,” he added proudly.

“Of course you are, and there’s none better to do it,” Brian added his backhanded compliment as he gently pushed Bree off his lap so they could go.

“See you later, Auntie Emm,” Bree said as she reached up for the tall queen. Emmett picked her up to give her a loud smooch and a hug.

“You take care of your Dada for me and keep him in a good mood,” Emmett whispered loudly. “You know how grumpy he gets when people fawn all over your Daddy.” Emmett gave Bree a wink.

“I will, Auntie Emm,” Bree agreed ignoring Brian’s snort. Emmett put Bree down, smoothed her dress then brushed the invisible lint off of Brian’s impeccably clad shoulder sending them both on their way.

“I think this calls for a minor miracle from the fairy godmother,” Emm said to himself as he watched Bree and Brian leave the bistro. Emmett took out his cell phone to make some calls.

 

*****
 

“Well, it’s about fucking time you showed up,” Debbie griped as Brian and Bree walked through the gallery doors. She gave a Bree a lipsticky kiss then sent her off with a pat to her fanny. Bree was all too familiar with the gallery and took off to find her family members she knew would be there. “Our Sunshine was getting nervous,” Debbie admonished Brian with a kiss then a light smack to his cheek.

“Oh Maw,” he countered with his own obligatory kiss to her cheek. “The boy is never nervous in a gallery. You know it’s all a big act. He’s at home here.”

“Maybe, but he kept muttering that this show feels different,” Debbie said as she rubbed off the lipstick stain on Brian’s cheek. “And I have to admit, this does feel a little different from his other shows.”

“How?”

“More personal somehow. I remember some of his early work, especially the ones after the...” She hesitated to bring up the painful memories surrounding the bashing.

“Deb, that was a very long time ago. He’s gotten over it.”

“Some memories don’t go completely away. Did you know he included some sketches of the Fiddler?”

“No, but it doesn’t surprise me. He doesn’t often include me in his decisions of what to paint. I trust him. And the point of this show is to chronicle where he his head was at then, and where it is now.”

“True. But he thought he was in love with that snake and it shows in his paintings.”

Brian couldn’t say anything; he knew Ethan had broken Justin’s heart. So had he. “Deb, just don’t make a big deal over it, okay. It’s art and it’s Justin being honest, coming to terms with that part of his life.” Debbie nodded then dropped the subject. “Where is our little Sunshine?” Brian asked straining his neck to look over the crowd.

“Holding court over by that sketch of your dick,” she replied with a big grin. “He seems to think it requires special attention.”

“And so it does,” Brian smirked. Debbie rolled her eyes. “Some of my fans may want to abscond with it,” Brian boasted.

“Still an asshole I see. Glad to know that some things never change. And I thought he sold that sketch.”

“He did,” Brian answered too quickly.

“Uh huh,” Debbie snorted suspiciously but let that subject drop as well. “Well, fuck me!” Deb said as she stared at the couple who had just come through the door. Brian followed her line of sight. “Is this your doing?”

“Not me, but I sense the work of our fairy godmother.”

“He’s almost as good as you. Well, let me at the fucker. I’ll make sure he behaves himself,” Debbie said as she threw back her shoulders before marching over to greet Susan and Craig.

“You do that, Deb. You can also make sure I don’t kill him,” Brian added with a growl. Deb nodded then stormed over to Susan and Craig.

“Where’s Ma going?” Michael asked as he came over to greet Brian. Brian leaned down to give Michael a kiss then cocked his head toward the door.

Michael scowled. “What’s he doing here?”

“He is the father of the artist.”

“Yeah, but...”

“Let it go, Mikey. I need a glass of something,” Brian said as he grabbed a couple glasses of champagne from a hovering ‘waitress’. “Now, what the fuck is going on between Mel and Linds?” Brian asked Michael, effectively distracting his friend from Craig.

“She’s not coming back,” Michael replied with a sigh.

“Good. Now I don’t have to pretend to like the bitch. What about JR?” The girl in question was bouncing with delight as she and Bree, hand in hand, were giving tours to some of the patrons.

“I’m not sure. So far Mel hasn’t pushed for JR to join her. But I know Mel’s not happy with the idea of JR staying in Pittsburgh. I got a letter from Mel’s lawyer. Lindsay got one too.”

“Fuck! Is the bitch going to fight for custody?” Brian was about to pull out his checkbook. Michael knew the look and stopped him.

“No. I think Mel realizes that JR is old enough to make some decisions on her own. But Lindsay isn’t taking it very well.”

“I told her...”

“Bri, leave it alone,” Michael said in an uncharacteristic fit of wisdom. “Lindsay has to get over this on her own. You can’t fix everything.” Michael looked up into the hazel eyes that he had loved for most of his life. Brian leaned down, his forehead against Michael’s.

“I know Mikey. I just don’t like it when she hurts.”

“I know, Bri,” Michael whispered. “Come on, I heard the boy wonder has your dick plastered all over the walls again. You can give me a guided tour.” Michael chuckled.

“In your dreams,” Brian snarked.

“Yeah,” Michael laughed. Taking Brian’s arm, Michael took Brian over to the displays.

 

*****
 

“Hi, Candy,” Lacy greeted the girl who was looking a bit overwhelmed. “This is my partner Katerina.” Lacy introduced the budding artist to her partner.

“Are art shows always this busy?” Candy asked as she shook hands with Lacy and Kat.

“Mostly. But Justin Taylor shows are always extra busy,” Lacy explained.

“I went to one once, his ‘Old Masters’. It was on a school trip. I couldn’t believe how much he breathed life into some of those old paintings. It made me appreciate the masters.”

“I know what you mean. I never really appreciated those old paintings. I didn’t think they were very important until I saw them through Justin’s eyes. He has a way of looking at things differently. I guess that’s what made me want to draw like him. I could get lost in his drawings. I get the same feeling when I draw.”

“Me too,” Candy said with a sigh.

“Hey, it’s the Twins of Triumph!” Lacy said with a laugh as Tre` and Troi` entered the gallery. "Come on; let me introduce you,” Lacy said as they moved toward the boys.

“Okay,” Candy said shyly.

 

*****
 

“Is this your doing?” Brian growled from behind Emmett’s ear as he cocked his head toward Craig and Justin. Craig was being civil to Justin and he practically beamed as Bree jumped into hiss arms. She was peppering her gampa’s face with kisses.

“Sometimes, all it takes is a fairy,” Emmett sighed.

“Quoting old fag movies is unbecoming, even for you.”

“Yes, well, it just fit the moment.”

“Yes it does. Thank you.”

“My my my, Brian Kinney actually saying the words. Has hell frozen over?”

“Not yet. That’ll happen when Craig gets his head out of his ass and acknowledges what a lucky bastard he is.”

“True. Is that the young lady in question?” Emmett nonchalantly pointed toward the goth looking girl.

“I think so. I haven’t met her.”

“Lacy seems to like her. Maybe it’ll work out. Look, Lindsay seems to be in her element.”

“Mmm. I think when Sidney finally retires, the old queen will turn over the reins to Linds.”

“It’s about time. Lindsay can run this place with her eyes closed and one hand tied behind her back. She just needs a little confidence. I don’t think she got much of it at home.”

“No she didn’t. The bitch would only tell Linds what she was doing wrong. Linds kept a steady income streaming into their home. I don’t think Mel ever really appreciated Lindsay’s talents.”

“Well, now that the bitch is dead, so to speak, the princess can blossom into the queen she is.”

“Speaking as a queen, you should know.”

“Oooo, another compliment. Can my heart stand the strain?”

“Enough of this sentimental drivel. You got anything good to eat over there?”

“Oh my, Mr. Kinney expressing an interest in my food. Right this way, sire. I have some of my pear and blue cheese canapés with your name on them.”

“Lead the way, Honeycutt.”

“And don’t call me Honeycutt!”

 

*****
 

“Hey, little bro, nice turn out,” John said with a smile. The Kinney brothers were standing proudly as they greeted friends and family.

“Our little Mary Sunshine has done it again,” Brian retorted.

“As if there was any doubt. Any decisions about the girl?”

“No, not yet,” Brian answered not surprised that John knew all about Justin’s latest ‘project’. “We haven’t discussed it thoroughly.”

“Bobby and I will support whatever you and Justin decide. And I know you haven’t asked me for my opinion, but I don’t think the young lady in question will fit in at Edna’s Treasures.”

“Yeah, I’ve come to a similar conclusion but how do I break it to Justin.”

“Maybe you don’t have to.” John gestured over to Lindsay who appeared to have taken Candy under her wing. Lindsay was being introduced to a very tired looking woman that the boys surmised was Candy’s mother. “She doesn’t look so good.”

“No she doesn’t. From what I gather there’s not much more they can do for her but keep her comfortable.”

“Then let’s make sure the woman is comfortable.” Brian nodded.

 

*****
 

“Hey,” Justin said as he sidled up to his mate. “Sorry, I couldn’t talk to you sooner.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Brian assured Justin then bussed his head. “You’ve been a little busy. Looks like a good turn out.”

“Yeah,” Justin agreed as he scanned the crowd. His usual patrons were there making a show of fawning over his work; all claiming to be his number one supporter. “The Connelly’s are here taking pictures for the paper and interviewing the guests. Richard cornered my father.”

Brian snorted. “He must have loved that.”

“Yeah, bluffed his way through it. I don’t care, but Bree’s happier than a pig in shit that he's here. I didn’t realize how much she missed him.”

“It looks like all of her gammas and gampas are here,” Brian remarked. Joan, Claire, Steve, Jennifer, Seth, and Carl were all hovering close by Craig, giving him warning looks. “Your old man won’t get away with any of his shit while they’re here.”

“Thank the gods. What about you? You okay? We haven’t had this big of a show since London.”

“I’m fine, Sunshine. And you deserve this,” Brian said giving Justin a proper kiss. “Go, mingle. Do your artist thing,” Brian said with a dismissive smirk.

“Yes, your majesty,” Justin said with a smile.

“You’re the king tonight, I’m just your vassal.”

“My vassal, huh. Does that mean I get to order you around tonight when we’re alone?” Justin asked with a suggestive waggle of his eyebrows.

“Your wish is my command, my Lord Sunshine.”

“I may like you worshiping at my feet.”

“Then I will worship your feet, your lips,” Brian said with a kiss, “and any other part you wish me to worship,” Brian whispered.

“I love you,” Justin said into Brian’s ear.

“Love you too,” Brian whispered back as he gently pushed Justin away toward his fans. Justin threw a sunshine smile at Brian over his shoulder as he went back to his guests.

“You are one lucky bastard,” Emmett said coming up to Brian and patting his back. Brian could only nod.

 

*****
 

“Great show, isn’t it, Susan,” Debbie said as she walked up to Craig Taylor’s wife. “I’m glad you could get him to come here.” Debbie nodded in Craig’s direction. Bree was still in her Gampa’s arms with her own arms wrapped firmly around his neck.

“He didn’t take too much convincing,” Susan said carefully.

“I bet.”

“He just can’t come to terms with Justin and…”

“His perverted lifestyle,” Debbie supplied when Susan hesitated.

“He really isn’t a bad man,” Susan said defending her husband.

“I fucking know that, or that little girl wouldn’t love him so much.”

Susan nodded. “It’s good to see them together.”

“Yes, it is. Did you see Justin’s latest addition to the show?”

“What do you mean?” Susan asked with a puzzled look on her face.

“It’s over here,” Debbie said, leading Susan over to a small sketch framed and placed off by itself.

Susan gasped. “Is that Edna?” She studied the sketch obviously torn from Justin’s sketchbook. Susan remembered the stories Justin had told her about the boys’ trip to South America, the woman they met and who became so important to them. “You can see how much Justin loved her in the way she’s drawn … so fondly.”

“Yeah,” Debbie said with a big smile. “Do you remember the story about the night we drank ourselves silly?”

“I sure do,” Susan laughed, “although I have trouble believing it.”

“Believe it! She was some woman. She could drink us all under the table.”

“I hope I’m half the woman she is when I get to be her age, if I get to be her age.” Susan had a strained look on her face.

“Nothing’s wrong, is it?” Debbie questioned with a worried look on her face.

“No, nothing physical. But…”

“But what?”

“Sometimes I wonder if anyone will ever feel like that about me,” Susan replied sadly. “I feel like I haven’t accomplished anything.”

“Sounds to me like self pity,” Debbie stated. “And to quote the master, self pity makes my dick soft.”

Susan laughed. “And we all know you have the biggest balls in town.”

It was Debbie’s turn to laugh. “You got that right.”

“I wish I had something more fulfilling to do with my life,” Susan said softly.

“There are all kinds of things you could do,” Debbie informed her. “They always need volunteers at Vic Grassi House.”

“Craig would have a fit…

“If you were hanging around a bunch of fags.”

“You know what he’s like,” Susan tried to explain.

“Don’t even bother trying to defend him,” Debbie replied. “They always need volunteers for hospice care for non-fags, or at any of the hospitals.”

“Hm,” Susan said, “I’ll think about that.”

“And in the meantime, try to get that asshole to see his granddaughter more often.”

Debbie walked away leaving Susan with a lot to think about.
 

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