Emerging

Chapter 8

 

“You’re awfully quiet,” Danny noted as they were driving back to the city. Riley hadn’t come to any conclusions about the cottage other than agreeing it was perfect.

“I’m afraid I’ll say something wrong,” Riley responding coolly.

“We’ve put you on the spot, haven't we? I thought that might happen. I did warn the family that we shouldn’t try to pressure you or anyone else. I do apologize.”

“No need to apologize,” Riley’s tone softened. “The cottage is beautiful, built with such love and care. It would be an honor to own it. I’m just not sure if I’m worthy of it.”

“Why?”

“I have no idea. I’ve been such a gloomy gus for so long that I don’t know how to enjoy myself anymore.”

“Then take a chance and let me help,” Danny said with a coy smile.

“I think I’d like that,” Riley responded as he patted Danny’s leg. They drove back to the city in an easy silence.

 

*****
 

“Thank you for meeting me here,” Lindsay said as she gave Leda a private tour of the gallery.

“I was surprised by your call. I could have sworn you wanted to speak with Jamie.”

“I was a little surprised myself when I didn’t see Jamie at Justin’s opening. I know we sent out an invitation.”

“That was my fault,” Leda explained. “I put my foot down and made her choose. She could come to his or go to The Emerging Artists Show, not both.”

“Is Jamie all right?” Lindsay asked with sincere concern.

“Yes, the stubborn little bi... I’m sorry, not many people know but Jamie is pregnant.”

“Oh my, congratulations!" Lindsay blurted out then gently asked, "She’s not having problems, is she?”

“No, she’s healthy as a horse. Too healthy. The doctor says Jamie can do anything she wants to and Jamie wants to do everything. Which includes sitting on the top of ladders to work on her projects.”

“She is young.”

“Don’t remind me. I feel like her mother sometimes.” Lindsay chuckled. “Not funny. Now I know how Brian feels. How does he keep up with Justin?” Leda sighed.

“Actually, I think it’s the way around. Brian never seems to tire of anything he sets his mind to. No matter what people think of him, you have to admire his tenacity.”

“Stubbornness, more likely.”

“That too.” Lindsay smiled knowingly.

“But that’s not why you called...to discuss Brian, I mean.”

“No, it isn’t. Please come into my office,” Lindsay asked then led Leda toward the back of the gallery. Leda sat in a comfortable chair while Lindsay fluttered around with coffee cups. When she finally settled, she took a deep breath.

“Only the family knows this but Mel and I have split up.” Leda said nothing. She knew of their explosive on again off again past. “This time it’s for real. Mel moved out to Oregon and she has a new lover.”

“Shit!”

“Yes, well, she was never one to waste any time. She sees an opportunity and takes it.”

“That’s what originally attracted me to her,” Leda admitted. “Sorry, that was unkind.”

“No, you were just being honest and I appreciate that. I’m tired of fooling myself or looking at life through rose colored glasses. It's about fucking time I face certain facts. Mel and I were over years ago. It was just convenience that kept us together.”

“What about your house?” Leda had done extensive work on it to turn the attic into a studio for Lindsay.

“I plan on buying out Mel.”

“Sooo, why the call to me? You seem to have worked out things.”

“I’m not so sure; I guess I wanted your input. You’ve known Mel for a long time and frankly I’m surrounded by so many men that I’ve forgotten what it’s like to associate with women,” Lindsay smiled.

“I grant you that. Your family is a little one sided. You need to get out more. I bet most of your associates are either gallery related or are friends of Mel.” Lindsay nodded. It was true. She spent a lot of her time being Melanie’s trophy wife when it came to her law practice functions.

“Jamie says you’re still an adjunct professor at PIFA. She’s dragged me to many a LGBT function during the course of the semester. I’ve never seen you at any of them.”

“No, I could never convince Mel to go with me, and JR couldn’t be left alone.”

“What about JR? Did she go to Oregon?”

“No, she decided to stay here with her father.”

“So you have no excuse not to participate in the next function.”

“No, I don’t suppose I do.”

“Good, I’ll mention it to Jamie.”

“She will be at the opening, won’t she? She has a number of large pieces entered. The colors are so vibrant, so full of life,” Lindsay said with a serene smile. “Now, I know why. You’ve made her happy. You look happy too.”

“I am. Funny, I’ve always been on my own. It still hits me sometimes when I wake up next to her that I’m really not alone anymore.”

“I hope you appreciate it,” Lindsay warned.

“I do. Every minute of every day, I do.” There was a lull in the conversation. Leda stood up. “I’ve taken up enough of your time. I am sorry that your life with Mel had to end that way but maybe it’s the beginning of a new life for you. A life you can approach on your own terms.”

“Yeah, I think it is. Thank you. And please extend my good wishes to Jamie. She really is very talented and passionate. She'll be a great mother. You too.”

“Thank you, I will, and it’ll please her knowing you think that highly of her.”

Leda and Lindsay hugged then Lindsay showed her out.

“Is everything all right, my dear?” Sidney asked Lindsay as she stood next to one of the pieces Jamie had submitted. It was a smaller canvas of a young mother holding an infant. The gentle shades of coloring were truly amazing considering the medium was paper.

“It’s fine, Sidney. I think for the first in my life, I’m fine.”

Sidney gave Lindsay a little kiss to her temple. “I’m very happy to hear it. Now let me update you on our star artiste!” Sidney said with his usual flare as he took Lindsay’s hand and led her to his office.

 

*****
 

“Unca Dust!” a little blond whirlwind screeched as Molly opened her front door for Justin. The whirlwind launched himself into his uncle’s arms. Fortunately, Justin was very experienced at catching blond whirlwinds. They all laughed as Justin carried his nephew into the kitchen.

“I’m glad you called, Mollusk,” Justin teased his sister. “How have you been and why are you home? No work for you to do at Kinnetik?”

“There’s plenty of work and I love it, but I took a few days off to spend with his royal terror before Kinnetik gets inundated with work for the holidays.”

“Where’s Owen?” Justin asked as Molly passed him some toddler safe snacks for Taylor.

“Working.”

“Everything okay between you two. You sounded weird on the phone.”

“We’re fine. That’s not why I called.”

“Why then?” Justin asked suspiciously.

“I ran into Dad, Susan and Bree today at the zoo.”

“Dad wanted to spend the day with her.”

“Yeah, I got that but Bree became a little upset when she realized that Dad gets to see Taylor a lot more than her.”

“Oh fuuu...fudge!”

“Yeah, I know. I wanted to give you the heads up just in case the princess acts weird later.”

“Thanks. It’ll give me time to work on Brian.”

“Brian! Oh fuuudge!”

“Yeah,” Justin agreed.

“Fudge!” Taylor repeated as he threw a handful of crackers into the air then laughed, very pleased with himself. Brother and sister exchanged pensive smiles.

 

*****
 

“Hey, Sunshine,” Brian greeted his mate with a pleased smile as Justin strolled into his office. He sat on the edge of Brian’s desk. “Where have you been hiding out all day long?”

“At the gallery and I visited Molly.”

“How is your sister? I hear a lot of good things about her. I think Cynthia might be grooming her to take over her position.”

“You’re kidding. Molly doesn’t have any advertising experience.”

“Maybe not, but she has a way with people and she’s been picking up the business very quickly.”

“Wow. Does she know?”

“No. Molly needs more experience and maybe some appropriate courses. I’m leaving it up to Cynthia. Sooo, you want to blow this popsicle stand and get dinner?”

“I could eat,” Justin said with a giggle as his stomach concurred.

“Schmidt!” Brian bellowed into the air as he gave Justin a wink. Justin laughed as he rolled his eyes.

“Yes, Bri!” Ted dutifully responded.

“It’s been real, but I have a very demanding spouse and he demands that I...”

“Yes, Bri?” Ted waited for a lewd response.

“That I feed him. So I’m taking the old ball and chain to dinner,” Brian said with a smirk as he snapped his briefcase shut.

“Very good, Bri.” Teddy was truly happy for Brian. Brian had found true balance to his life and Ted couldn’t think of anyone more deserving. “Have a good evening, guys.”

“Bye, Ted,” Justin said cheerfully waving as Brian guided him out.

“Where do you want to go eat?” Brian deferred to Justin as they got into the Cherokee.

“Emmett Too?” Justin suggested. It was Emmett’s full service restaurant in the Village shopping center on the other side of town.

“Sounds like a plan. Drive on, McSunshine,” Brian waved a royal wrist toward the general direction of the restaurant. Justin laughed then pulled out into traffic.

 

*****
 

“There’s Riley and Danny having dinner,” Justin said as they walked into Emmett Too.

“I hope John showed them all the finest features of the cottage. I think Riley would make a not bad owner for it.”

“A not bad owner?” Justin asked with a chuckle.

“You know.”

“Yeah, I know.” They waved to Riley and Danny and then sat down at their table. “Should we ask them what happened?” Justin questioned.

“I don’t think they’d appreciate any pressure,” Brian said wisely.

“I wouldn’t pressure them. I just want to know what Riley thought of the place.”

“He’ll tell us that when he’s ready.”

“I know but…”

“Let’s get some wine.”

Justin heaved sigh. He knew Brian was right, but he wanted to know if Riley was going to buy the cottage. “Get me a glass of white,” Justin said standing up. “I’m going to use the restroom.”

“It’s that way,” Brian pointed. “And the path to the facilities does not take you past their table.” Justin made a face before he set out across the room. “Don’t do it,” Brian advised.

Justin headed directly for Danny and Riley’s table. “Hey, guys, did you get out to see the cottage today?”

“Yes, we did,” Danny replied.

“What did you think of it?” Justin asked looking at Riley.

“It’s a great little place,” Riley said in response.

“I thought you’d like it. Are you going to buy it?”

“I … I don’t know. I’m thinking about it, but…”

“We’d love to have you in the neighborhood,” Justin assured Riley.

“What about your husband?” Riley asked glancing over at Brian who was not looking happy.

Justin laughed. “I did say we.”

“I don’t know,” Riley said shaking his head, “about the cottage I mean.”

“Well, I hope you decide to join us out there. Enjoy your dinner.” Justin walked back to the table where Brian was waiting.

“Are you through shit disturbing?” Brian asked as Justin sat down.

“For now.” Justin picked up his menu and prepared to order.

 

*****
 

“You go up and get her,” Justin said. He pulled the SUV up to the curb outside Craig’s condo.

“What the fuck do you want me to go up there for?”

“Just go.”

With a glare promising death and dismemberment, Brian got out of the vehicle. A few minutes later he rang the bell at Craig’s condo.

“Justin, Bree’s just having a cookie for desser…” Craig stopped mid-word as he came face to face with Brian Kinney. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m picking up my daughter.”

Craig snorted. “She’ll be ready in a minute.”

“Thanks, and you can shut the door if you don’t want me in your fucking apartment.”

Craig bit back a retort. “Come in,” Craig said in a less than gracious manner.

Brian stepped inside and waited as Craig headed for the kitchen.

“Dada!” Bree called a moment later, as she ran out of the kitchen clutching a small plastic container of cookies. “I got cookies for you and daddy.”

“Yum,” Brian said facetiously, bending down to hug Bree. “Ready to go home?”

“Yep.”

“We had a lovely day,” Susan informed Brian. She had followed Bree from the kitchen. Craig apparently had decided to stay in the kitchen.

“That’s good,” Brian said. “Let’s go.” He took Bree’s hand.

“Bye, Gamma Susan. Bye, Gampa,” she called.

A terse “Bye” came from the kitchen and then the door was closed behind them. Brian held back his fury as they rode down in the elevator.

Brian got Bree strapped into her booster seat and they headed for home.

“I saw Auntie Molly today,” Justin said.

“Me too,” Bree replied. Brian kept his mouth shut.

“Molly told me.”

“She had Taylor with her at the zoo.”

“Did that bother you?”

“Kinda.”

“Why? What happened?”

“Gampa Craig forgot I was there,” Bree said with a sigh. “He always forgets I’m there when Taylor’s around.”

“What did he do?” Justin asked glancing in the rearview mirror to check how upset Bree was. She didn’t seem to be too upset.

“He kissed Taylor and made a big fuss.”

“And that made you mad?”

“It made me sad. I don’t like it when Gampa forgets about me.”

“What did you do?”

“I said I wanted to go home.”

“Good girl,” Brian mumbled.

Justin shot him a look. “What happened then, sweetheart?”

“Gampa put Taylor back in his stroller and took me to see the elephants. They’re really big.”

“Yes, they are. And you were okay after that?”

“Yep, we came home and made cookies,” Bree said with a smile. “Then Dada came to get me.”

“So you had a good day?”

“Yes, but I hope we don’t meet Taylor the next time we go to the zoo.”

Brian chuckled. “Are you happy with the story you got about today’s activities and Craig’s actions?” he whispered to Justin.

“She’s the one who’s happy,” Justin whispered back. “That’s what matters.”

Brian merely nodded.

 

*****
 

Some time later Brian went into Bree’s bedroom to tuck her in. He pulled the sheets over her little body and made sure she had grey bunny to keep her company during the night.

“Are you tired?” he asked as he sat down on the edge of her bed.

“Kinda. We walked forever at the zoo.”

“I’m glad you had a nice day,” Brian said sincerely.

“Dada, why am I a girl?” Bree’s face was totally serious.

“You’re a girl because … that’s the way you came out.” Brian knew that was a lame thing to say, but he didn’t know any other way to explain it.

“Why couldn’t I have been a boy?”

“Why would you want to be a boy?”

“Gampa likes boys better.”

Brian did his best not to laugh out loud. A little laugh did escape but he coughed strategically to cover it up. “Um, did you by any chance tell your Grampa Craig that he likes boys better?”

“No, but he does. I wish I was a boy.”

“Then you wouldn’t be my little girl, and I wouldn’t like that at all. Neither would daddy or Gus or JR.”

“Really?”

“Absolutely, one hundred percent.”

“I love you, Dada,” Bree said, reaching up for a hug.

“I love you too, Squirt. Sleep tight.”

“You too, Dada. Night.”

“Night, Squirt.” Brian closed the door behind him.

“Is she okay?” Justin asked when Brian joined him on the chaise out in the sun porch.

“She wanted to know why she couldn’t have been a boy.”

“What did you tell her?” Justin asked, curious to hear Brian’s answer.

“That she wouldn’t be my little girl if she was a boy, and I wouldn’t like that at all, and neither would you.”

“You are the sweetest man,” Justin said kissing Brian’s cheek.

“I have my moments.”

“And only you and I and Bree know about them.”

Brian chuckled. “I like to think that’s how it is, but…”

“The whole world knows your secret.”

“I’m afraid that’s the case, but they’re all too scared of me to admit that they know.”

“And that’s how you like it.”

“Yep.”

They watched the stars come out as darkness fell over Edna’s Treasures.
 

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