Glass Houses

Chapter 13

“Where have you two been?” Debbie asked Gus and Ray as they came to the table with two loaded plates. The boys dug in as if they hadn’t eaten in years. Their botanical activities had left them ravenous.

“Ummm,” Gus murmured around a hamburger. Ray blushed as he took a sip of iced tea.

“Uh huh,” Debbie said with a knowing smirk. She reached over to swipe a small bit of fern off of Gus’ shoulder. “Don’t let your father know that you’ve been playing hide the sausage in his greenhouse,” she snarked.

“Grandmaw!” Gus yelled with wide eyes. Debbie cackled as Ray hid his face in Gus’ back.

“Don’t do the crime if you can’t stand the heat or some shit like that,” Debbie teased.

“Leave them alone, Maw,” Brian drawled as he walked over holding a plate of salad. “Boys will be boys,” he said as he sat, suddenly ravenous himself after his emotional ordeal.

“You know where they’ve been fu...” Debbie began.

“Gamma Debbie, we’re going to have fireworks!” Bree saved the day as she scurried over with JR and Candy in tow. Debbie scooted over on her bench to make room for the girls. She was delighted to see how well Bree got along with the older girls.

Richie came over holding a pitcher of lemonade to refill glasses as needed. “Thank you, honey,” Debbie said to the young man who was dressed a bit androgynously with just a touch of makeup. He was in stark contrast to Candy in her heavy black Goth look but they certainly didn’t mind nor did the rest of their patchwork family. Richie sat next to Candy who smiled lovingly at him.

“So what are you kids all doing for the summer?” Debbie inquired, looking at each child.

“Working with Uncle John!” Gus said proudly as he scarfed down a hotdog.

“You won’t be working anywhere if you choke. Slow down, Sonny Boy, there’s plenty,” Brian commanded with an arch of his brow. Gus nodded, taking a breath before reaching for his other hotdog.

“I’m working at the store!” JR announced with much pride.

“And I hear you’re doing a fabulous job,” Debbie announced. “But, honey, remember to take time to enjoy yourself. Don’t waste the whole summer working,” Debbie said, punctuating her thoughts with a pointed finger.

“I won’t. But I really love working at the store and I get to meet all sorts of people.”

“Just be careful. You’re still a kid,” Debbie warned. JR nodded, the adults in her life never let her forget that she was still just a kid.

“Deb, some kids just grow up faster than others,” Brian added. JR knew that Brian was pretty self sufficient when he was JR’s age.

“But that’s out of necessity,” Debbie reminded him. Brian nodded in agreement. JR’s circumstances were vastly different from Brian’s humble beginnings.

“Daddy has a lot of nice people to help me and Grandpa has been spending time there too,” JR explained.

“Well, in that case,” Debbie acquiesced just a little.

“I’m going to intern for Bobby this summer,” Ray said with a handsome smile. “I really liked it last year and I learned so much.”

“Well, good for you. I bet your dads are so proud,” Debbie said. Ray smiled brighter.

“Miss Bree, are you going to camp this year?” Debbie asked. She saw Bree’s eyes light up and her pigtails bounced wildly as she nodded vigorously.

“Me and Patrick are going to day camp but not right now. I have to help my daddies with their exercises,” Bree said as she gave her Dada a look.

“She’s been a great therapy assistant,” Brian admitted as he looked across the garden for his partner, Bree’s other patient.

“Uncle Bri,” JR said, “Uncle Justin and Uncle John took mommy to the new house. I think mommy wants to spend some time here,” she said having seen the concerned look on her uncle’s face when he couldn’t locate Justin. JR knew she was right when Brian visibly relaxed.

“What about you, Candy? Any plans for the summer?” Debbie asked the newest member of the family.

“Drawing and painting. I’m taking lessons at the GLC. The center gets these great guest artists. I’m learning so much,” she said with a big smile.

“That’s wonderful, sweetheart!” Debbie sincerely gushed. “And you, honey? Are you doing anything special this summer,” Deb asked Richie.

“Emm introduced me to the owners of Torso and they’ve allowed me to sell some of my clothes on consignment,” Richie said shyly.

“Honey!” Debbie jumped up, ignoring the slight ache in her back from her earlier exploits on Brian’s kitchen floor, to give the boy a hug.

“Deb! Deb! He’s turning blue, not a good look for him,” Brian snarked as he gently tried to disengage Debbie’s arms from around the thin young man.

“Oh shut up,” Debbie growled at Brian as she loosened her grip on Richie but not the hug. “I’m just so proud of all my kids.”

 

*****
 

The day wore on and the sun gradually lowered in the sky. Some of the kids, mostly Bree, were getting antsy about the fireworks. They could hardly wait. Darkness was still quite a ways away.

John noticed that JR was sitting on the swing all by herself. He walked over to her. “Need a push, little lady?” he asked.

“No, I’m just thinking.”

“A little fresh air clears the head,” John advised as he gave her a gentle shove sending her forward a bit.

JR let herself be pushed higher and higher for a couple of minutes. “I still love this swing,” she said as John let her come back down lower.

“I’m glad. Some things shouldn’t be forgotten as we get older.”

“Not old enough,” JR muttered.

“What was that?” John asked realizing that they might be getting to the heart of the matter.

“Everybody treats me like a kid,” JR vented, “and I’m sick of it.”

“Do I treat you like a kid?” John asked.

“No, other than pushing me on the swing … which I still like,” JR said with a smile for her uncle.

“So what’s the problem?”

“I like running the store for my dad, but everyone thinks I’m too young to do it alone, and I don’t want to go to college. I just want to run the store, and I’m really good at it too.”

“I’ve heard that you are.”

“You have?”

“You may think nobody notices, but Michael, Ben, Danny, and Debbie have all commented on what a great job you do at the store. Brian said you had some great ideas for marketing it too.”

“Really?”

“Yes,” John said honestly.

“Tha…That’s great,” JR replied, somewhat stunned to hear this. “So, I don’t really need to go to college,” she said triumphantly.

“I didn’t say that.”

“You’re going to take their side too, aren’t you?” JR accused.

“I’m not taking anyone’s side.” JR screwed up her face. “I think you should do both,” John advised her.

“Both what?” JR asked with a frown.

“Run the store and go to college.”

“How can I do that?”

“Ray’s doing it. He works with his father and he goes to school. He’s decided he wants to be a lawyer instead of just working in real estate with his father. He wouldn’t have known that if he didn’t take the opportunities offered to him. He loves working with Bobby.”

“Oh.”

“You should take advantage of all the opportunities that come your way. You may find something you love even more than the comic book store if you go to college.” JR shook her head in denial. “Or, if you don’t, you can learn how to handle the media empire that you’ll create with all your talent and brains.”

JR beamed at him. “How do you always know just the right thing to say?” she asked.

“I do have my PhD, you know” John replied with a Kinney smirk.

JR burst out laughing.

 

*****
 

“Hey, kiddo,” Debbie said as she plopped down beside Justin in a lawn chair. He appeared to be watching the soccer game that some of the guests were involved in. Bree was showing off her soccer prowess, and some of the kids of the workmen were giving her a run for her money. It kept her occupied until the fireworks would begin. Debbie had waited till Justin was alone, wanting to speak to him since Brian’s upsetting revelations.

“Hey, Deb,” Justin replied distractedly. He certainly wasn’t concentrating on the game, Debbie noted.

“How ya doing?” she asked.

“Not too bad,” Justin replied. He wasn’t prepared to reveal anything about what was going on. He could barely deal with it himself. He didn’t want Debbie thrown into the mix.

Debbie studied Justin for a minute. She could see the worry in his eyes. Things were definitely not good with her Sunshine. “He’s worried about you.”

“Huh?”

“Brian’s worried about you.”

“Has he been spilling our private business to everyone?” Justin accused.

“No, honey, he just needed to get it off his chest.”

“Fuck!” Justin muttered.

“You don’t have to talk to me about it,” Debbie said softly. “I know it’s private, and I don’t know all the details…”

“But…?” Justin said knowing there was more to come.

“But you should talk to someone.”

“Like who?” Justin asked looking into her eyes.

“Whoever you feel comfortable talking to … a professional.”

“A shrink?” Justin asked in horror.

“If that would work for you.”

“Well it doesn’t work for me,” Justin declared.

“Then someone else,” Debbie said. “You’ll explode if you don’t let it out.”

“How…how would you know?”

“I know, believe me. I’ve lashed out enough times when I was confused and worried and upset.” She thought about the slap in the kitchen and shuddered. “More than once Brian has taken the brunt of it.”

“I…I’m not lashing out.”

“There are different ways of lashing out, Sunshine. Just think about getting some help.” Debbie stood up. “I think it’s almost time for the fireworks.”

Justin barely heard her. He was dealing with his own internal fireworks. He had a lot to think about.

 

*****
 

The sun finally set low enough in the horizon so that the fireworks show could begin. Ralph and his crew had helped to set up several viewing areas where the guests could get the full effect of the show and stay well out of the ‘blast’ site. Debbie and Carl chose to watch the show from the comfort of the sun porch. Bree, although very excited to watch her very own personal fireworks show, decided to also watch it from the sun porch safely nestled between her fathers.

Ralph and his men had set up huge speakers connected to the computer that would guide the display. Gus had been helpful to Ralph and his men since he knew the terrain, so Ralph had let Gus in on some of the ‘family’ secrets of coordinating the music with the fireworks. Special permits had to be obtained from the town even though the display was going to be done on private land. The town elders had asked if Ralph wouldn’t mind setting something up for their little village, for a fee of course. So Ralph assigned some of his men to oblige them.

With their emergency fire suppression equipment at the ready, Ralph began the show.

Candy wanted to watch from the meadow. Lindsay, JR, and Richie sat with her adding their support. Gus and Ray lent their support as well. Ray was enjoying his time with his ‘sisters’ having grown up with only a brother. He found the girls fun and amusing especially when JR mercilessly teased Gus and Gus took it. Patrick and his dads, as well as many of John’s men and their families, were watching from the meadow.

“Oh!” Debbie exclaimed as the national anthem began and the first rockets were launched into the sky bursting into red, white and blue stars. Carl grabbed her hand, silent tears of pride streamed down his face. He had served his country as a young man before serving his city as a cop.

The volume increased as the recognizable music of John Philip Sousa filled the countryside. Ralph smiled to himself as he heard the guests gasp, ooo and ahh with amazement and appreciation as more rockets shot up and exploded into elaborate floral patterns.

Bree excitedly stomped her little feet as she grabbed onto her fathers’ hands. She laughed with such innocence and glee that her fathers and everyone around her couldn’t help but smile. Justin looked over Bree’s head to gaze into Brian’s eyes. Brian leaned down to kiss Justin’s sweet lips; love and concern filled the dark hazel eyes. As if will alone could work miracles, Brian silently pleaded with his spouse. Justin nodded, sitting up straighter, flexing his left hand. He pulled an exercise ball out of his pocket and as he watched the display, Justin did his prescribed exercises.

“Is there anything that man can’t do or arrange?” Gerry asked Todd. They had strolled into the greenhouse and decided to watch the show from there. Sitting on one of the benches, they had a clear view of the sky through the glass roof of the greenhouse.

“Who, Brian?” Todd asked. Gerry nodded. A loud ‘boom’ overhead brought their attention back to the fireworks. They unconsciously oooed and aahhed just like everyone else.

“He does seem to know how to get things done,” Todd said.

“How did you meet him?” Gerry asked innocently not knowing Todd’s interesting past.

“I, uh…” Todd blushed then took a large breath before being honest with Gerry. He prayed that whatever chance he might have had with the handsome therapist wasn’t going to be squashed by his revelations.

“Guys really did that?” Gerry asked amazed.

“Yeah they did, still do, as far I know. Clubbing and tricking is a way of life for some of us but eventually I grew up. We all did.”

“And Brian, did he go clubbing?”

Todd burst out laughing. “He used to be called the Stud of Liberty Avenue, if that gives you any idea. Every man wanted him and he went through them like a hot knife through butter. Never the same trick twice until he met the trick that never went away.” Todd chuckled as he retold the legendary story that most of the gay world of Pittsburgh knew.

“That’s not the man who I saw make breakfast for his family, comb his daughter’s hair and move heaven and earth so that he could hire me to treat his partner,” Gerry said incredulously. Todd chuckled.

“True. He’s a brilliant businessman; he knows how to get things done and how to motivate his employees and his friends. You know Emmett’s bistro?” Todd asked. Gerry nodded. “Emmett said that if it wasn’t for Brian he never would have gotten it off the ground. I have to admit, that I would have never attempted such a large endeavor as the garden center before I hooked up with Brian. If it wasn’t for him and his tenacity, I would have given up. But he believed in me and instilled such confidence that I wanted to succeed. Don’t get me wrong, he can be a bastard sometimes but he stood by me all the way.”

Gerry nodded. “He does have the power of persuasion, and he seems to be a loyal friend.”

“Very, but don’t cross him, and God forbid you should do something to hurt any of his family. I’ve heard he can be brutal. But he’d do anything for you and he loves his family.”

“I can tell.”

They watched the rest of the show in silence as the music signaled its closure with “God Bless America,” as the last of the rockets were shot into the air exploding into a crescendo of color and sparkle.

“Um, Todd, I never...” Gerry said softly as he subtly leaned toward the cute landscaper.

“It’s been a very long time for me; I don’t want to fuck this up. But I’m very attracted to you,” Todd whispered as he leaned in closer to the handsome therapist, staring at Gerry’s full lips. “Will you punch me if I kiss you?” Todd murmured. Gerry shook his head. Todd leaned up letting his lips lead the way.

Gingerly their lips touched igniting their own set of fireworks.

“Wow!” Gerry exclaimed.

“Oh yeah, wow!” Todd agreed as they gazed into each other’s eyes then kissed again with more confidence.

“I like it,” Gerry murmured.

“Me too,” Todd responded.

And the fireworks continued.

 

*****
 

“Someone is very tired.” Justin smiled as he looked down at the sleepy child in his arms.

The boys were still sitting in the porch as Ralph and his crew began the clean up. John and his men began to clean up the gardens while Emmett and his boys started on the kitchen.

“It’s difficult work being hostess,” Brian said as he caressed his daughter’s strawberry blonde hair.

“I’ll take her, Pop!” Gus volunteered. Brian didn’t need the additional weight on his leg although Bree weighed next to nothing. Justin wasn’t allowed to lift just yet.

“Thank you, Sonny Boy,” Brian said with appreciation. Brian kissed the sleepy child in Gus’ arms before he turned to take Bree to her room. Justin went with them.

“Thank you!” Candy cried out as she ran into the sun porch and threw her arms around Brian. “It was so beautiful,” she said as she hugged the man. “My mom and me...” Candy tried to explain to Brian all that she felt but couldn’t.

“Shh,” Brian whispered as he just held on tight and let Candy get it all out. The family left the porch to give them privacy.

“Will she be all right?” Debbie asked Lindsay as they all went into the kitchen to help Emm and his boys with the clean up.

“I’m sure she will be. Apparently, Janet had taken Candy to Fourth of July fireworks ever since she was a baby. It was a tradition of theirs. I mentioned it to Brian.”

“And he took it and ran,” Debbie finished Lindsay’s thought. “I guess it helped that Briana had the same request.”

“And my Drewsie knew just who to turn to,” Emmett gushed.

“Yes, he did,” Brian agreed as he limped inside with Candy’s arm still wrapped around his waist. Brian extended his hand toward Drew and they shook hands. “You’re the man of the hour,” Brian praised Drew. Emmett quickly wiped his wet hands on a towel then threw himself at his spouse to give him a kiss. The family chuckled as the big tough retired football star melted under the attention.

“Thank you, Mr. Drew,” Candy said shyly.

“You’re quite welcome,” Drew said with a blush to his cheeks.

As Ralph came into the kitchen to say goodbye to the family, several of John’s men and their families were ready to head out as well. Brian, John and Bobby walked their guests out to say goodnight.

“You did an excellent job, Ralph,” Drew said as he clapped the man on the back.

“You made a lot of children very happy,” John added as he shook the fireworks expert’s hand.

“It was all right,” Brian said as he also shook hands with Ralph and included a check for services rendered.

“Happy to oblige. And I’ll pencil you in for next year.” He winked at Drew as he climbed into his truck; his men piled in as he slowly drove down the lane. A caravan of other guests and family were also making their way down the lane behind them.

 

*****
 

It was relatively early considering that some of the other Edna’s Treasure soirées continued well into the night. Emmett and his boys took Ted and Allen with them down the lane. They escorted Lindsay and the girls to Molly’s cottage. Danny and Riley went back to their cottage. Debbie used the excuse of needing coffee to lag behind at the cottage.

“No,” Brian said sternly as he slid a cup of coffee toward Debbie.

“Honey, you know something and I have a right to know. I’m his mother!”

“Deb, I promised.”

“To hell with your promise,” Deb said with some restraint. She knew Bree was in bed asleep.

“When they’re ready to tell you they will.”

“So you admit that there is something to tell.”

“Yes.”

“He’s...oh my God, he’s not...!” Debbie made the assumption and her hand went to her chest.

“No, he’s not,” Brian put down his cup to hug her. “I don’t know all the details, but Ben promised me that as soon as Michael is up to facing you they’re going to explain everything. It’s one of the reasons why John and his men have been working non-stop on the new cottage. Ben is going to take time off and bring Michael here.”

Debbie burst into tears. “My baby,” she cried in Brian’s arms. “I lost my brother, I can’t lose my baby.”

“You won’t lose him. Mikey’s too pig headed to go anywhere fast. He just needs a little rest.”

“And I’ll make sure he’s going to get it, even if it kills me!” Debbie said determinedly.

“That’s the last thing he needs and you know it.”

“Brian Kinney, I am his mother.” She pointed at Brian.

“Like I don’t know that?! You start interfering and Ben will take Michael away.”

“He wouldn’t dare!”

“Debbie, Ben loves Michael just as much if not more than you do. He would do anything to protect him and you know it.”

“Well...”

“Just leave it alone until they talk to you. I’m sure it will be soon.”

“You’re sure?”

“Yes. Now, I’m beat. My fucking foot hurts and I haven’t gotten laid today. I’m going to walk you home to that roving motel of yours so I can go to bed, fuck my partner into oblivion and rest my foot.”

“At least you have your priorities straight.”

“They’re the only straight thing about me,” Brian snarked as he steered the woman out the door and down the lane toward the RV. As they slowly strolled the lane, a lone car made its way up the lane toward them. They watched it park and two people get out.

“Who the fuck is that?” Debbie asked in a low voice.

“Not a fucking clue,” Brian replied.

“Kinney! Where the fuck is my son?!” A shrill voice shattered the night time quiet of the lane.

“Melanie,” Brian and Debbie groaned.

“Best laid plans, kiddo.”

“Yeah.”

They both sighed as they turned to face the music.

-TBC-
 

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