Glass Houses

Chapter 2

Brian fumbled for the phone hoping to grab it before it woke Justin. “What!?” he demanded as he placed it against his ear.

“Pop?”

“Gus, what’s wrong?” Brian asked sitting up in bed. Worry was his first reaction.

“Did I wake you up?”

“Yes, you fucking woke me up,” Brian grumbled. “Hold on for a minute.” He headed for the bathroom on his crutches, holding the portable phone clumsily in one hand with the crossbar of his crutch. It was impossible to talk and walk at the same time. “Why are you calling at 5:30 in the morning?” Brian demanded as he got inside the bathroom. “You better be in jail or lying in a gutter somewhere.” Brian could tell by the sound of Gus’ voice that this wasn’t an emergency, but he didn’t appreciate being woken up at this ungodly hour.

“Sorry, Pop,” Gus said contritely. “I just passed the general store. I’ll be at your place in ten minutes.”

“What?”

“Yeah, I should have been there yesterday for the beginning of the construction. I’m documenting it for Uncle John. You knew that, didn’t you?”

“Of course I fucking knew that,” Brian snapped as he took his morning piss.

“Well, Mom really wanted a little more time with me, so I decided to stay an extra day with her and Candy.”

Brian felt his anger melt away. “Did you have a good visit?” he asked.

“Yeah, it was great. She and Candy are doing good.”

“I thought they seemed good at the Memorial Day barbecue.”

“They said they had a good time. I hear you and Justin aren’t in such great shape. Why didn’t you tell me?” Gus asked pointedly.

“I didn’t want you to worry,” Brian said as he went back into the bedroom and found some shorts to put on. He headed for the kitchen to start the coffee. Justin was still asleep.

“You should have told me about your injuries,” Gus said. “I would have come home.”

“To do what?” Brian asked pouring water into the coffeemaker.

“Get things for you, take you to doctor’s appointments…”

“We have all the help we need, and Nurse Briana’s nose would have been out of joint with anyone else taking over her job of looking after us.”

Gus chuckled. “I bet she’s all over you.”

“You got that right,” Brian snorted. “But she’s also been a big help.”

“That’s great,” Gus replied. “I’m just coming up to the gate for the lane,” he announced.

Brian hobbled over to the intercom and released the gate.

“Thanks, Pop, I’ll be at the house in a minute.”

Brian smiled to himself as he cut the connection with his son. He used his crutches to go to the front door of the house. He opened it and went outside. He could see Gus’ black Jeep making its way up the lane. The vehicle came to a stop in front of Edna’s Treasures and Gus hopped out. Brian’s breath caught in his throat for a moment. His son looked so much like he used to, and getting out of the black Jeep…Brian felt like he was in a time warp.

“Aren’t you glad to see me?” Gus asked when Brian merely stood there staring at him as he approached.

Brian gave himself a shake. “Yeah, I am,” Brian said softly, pulling his son into a warm hug. “But don’t call me at fucking 5:30 in the morning.”

“Yes, sir,” Gus replied with a laugh. They headed inside.

“Why did you feel the necessity of calling so early, and what the fuck time did you leave Pittsburgh if you’re here before six?”

“I should have been here yesterday to document the students starting their first day of the internship. If I didn’t come early, I’d miss the second day too.”

“Okay, so why not call your Uncle John?”

“I didn’t want to wake him.”

“Great!” Brian said with a snarl as he poured them each a coffee.

Gus chuckled as he fixed his coffee. “I knew you’d want to know that I was here.”

“And you wanted some breakfast,” Brian added knowingly.

“Well, yeah, but I guess I won’t be getting that with you on crutches,” Gus said as his father sat down at the kitchen table and leaned the crutches against the wall.

“I can still cook.”

“But you don’t need to. I can have some cereal or something…”

“I said I can cook,” Brian stated firmly.

“What if you tell me what to do and I cook. I could use a lesson. I’m sort of pathetic when it comes to cooking.”

“So Ray does the cooking?”

Gus grinned. “Yeah, he’s pretty good. But we eat out a lot.”

“Junk food?” Gus nodded sheepishly. “That stuff’ll kill ya.”

“Well maybe,” Gus admitted.

“So let’s make you a proper breakfast,” Brian said.

“I’ll do everything,” Gus volunteered. “You just tell me.”

“Okay, let’s start with eggs.”

“Great,” Gus said happily as he took a dozen eggs out of the fridge.

“I don’t think you’ll need all of those,” Brian observed.

“I thought we could cook for everybody.”

“Let’s start with us. If it works out, we’ll try it for everyone else. They should be getting up in about half an hour.”

“Okay,” Gus agreed as he cracked several eggs into a bowl.

“Whisk them to get a lot of air into them,” Brian advised. Gus did as instructed. “Seems like I’ve been teaching a lot of people the secret of my eggs,” Brian added.

“You’ve had help … with your leg?”

“Yeah, Justin and I didn’t really have anything to do for the barbecue. Everyone pitched in.”

“That’s good.”

“Yes, it was. It’s great to have everyone together, working as a unit, not bickering … except for Michael.”

“Michael? “Gus asked.

“Yeah, something’s up with him.”

“Have you asked Ben?”

“Kind of.”

“And…?”

“He doesn’t really know. They had a fight while they were here for the barbecue.”

“A fight? Wow, I didn’t think they ever fought.”

“Looks like they do. Put some butter in the frying pan and get it heated up,” Brian advised his son.

Gus did as instructed. “Maybe when your leg is better, you can figure it out.”

“I’m trying to stay out of other people’s business these days.” Brian explained.

Gus chuckled. “You know you’ll get sucked in.”

Brian scowled. “Cook your eggs,” he ordered as he sipped his coffee.

Within a half hour, the family followed their noses to the kitchen. Gus was plating up a huge batch of scrambled eggs while Brian was buttering up a platter of toast.

“3-2-1,” Brian mumbled to himself.

“GUUUUSSSSS!” Bree shrieked as she realized the man at the stove was her brother. She flung herself into Gus’ arms.

“Hey, short stuff,” Gus said as he scooped her up. Gus’ face was immediately peppered with hundreds of kisses. The guys laughed as Bree giggled with delight.

“Hey, you,” Brian began, “breakfast first then get ready for school. You’ll have plenty of time to continue the lovefest with Gus when you get home later.”

“Dada, do I hafta go to school today?” Bree asked from Gus’ arms. She batted her big violet blue eyes at her older father while her little bow lips formed a perfect pout. The men all turned to look at Brian who merely arched a brow as he gave Bree a stern look.

Bree gave a big put upon sigh. “Okay, Dada,” Bree said as she slid out of her brother’s arms. Bree sat in her chair as Brian placed a plate in front of her. The guys chuckled as breakfast commenced and their day began.

 

*****
 

Gus gathered his equipment as the construction crew began to show up. They all gathered around a coffee cart which happened to show up at just the right time.

“Is that guy going to be a permanent fixture on my lane?” Brian grumbled as the cart owner got out of the cab of the truck to open up his cart.

“Only during the construction,” John assured his curmudgeon of a brother. John smiled to himself as he shook his head. Brian seemed to enjoy finding something to complain about. “And he’s discreet. He’ll forget all about the lane once the projects are complete.”

Brian nodded then hobbled over to the cart.

“What can I get ya?” the man asked cheerfully.

“Coffee, black and sweet,” Brian barked. Within seconds the man handed Brian a large cup. Brian took a cautious sip and his brow went up.

“Not bad,” Brian conceded. He then dug into his pocket and pulled out a wad of cash. “For the guys, and do you come back at lunchtime?” Brian asked. The man nodded. “Bring good stuff and give me the bill,” Brian growled.

“Will do,” the man said with a smile as Brian turned to carefully hobble away.

“Hey Pop,” Gus greeted as he made his way to the cart. “Anything good in there?” Gus cocked his head toward the cart.

“Didn’t I see you eat breakfast?”

“I’m a growing boy,” Gus said with a grin.

“I can recommend the coffee.”

“Cool.” Brian waited as Gus made his way to the cart, standing in line until it was his turn. He then joined his father at the side of the lane. Brian could handle his crutches very well but it was difficult with a cup a piping hot coffee in his hand.

“I thought you were going to visit Mel?” Brian asked as Gus sipped his own coffee and bit into a sticky bun.

“Yeah, well, Mama wound up going to some sort of conference with Lorna,” he replied, sounding slightly dejected. “Personally, I think Lorna has a problem with men.”

“She is a dyke,” Brian quipped. “And you think you’re a man, huh?” Brian snarked. Gus turned to face his father then waggled his eyebrows making Brian laugh. “Okay, Sonny Boy. And how is Ray?”

“He’s great. Do you think he can spend some of the summer here? He’s only taking one summer class and he’ll be done in two weeks.”

“If it’s okay with his fathers, it’s fine with me. Clear it with Justin, first.”

“I will, thanks Pop.”

“What about you, no summer classes?”

“This is my summer class,” Gus said as he dug into his bag then waved around his camera. “Uncle John spoke with my advisors. I can use the documentary for PIFA, and the report I’ll write for my business class at Penn. It’s all good, Pop!” Gus said proudly.

“Sounds like you have it all under control, Sonny Boy,” Brian said as he patted Gus on his back.

“Yeah, well Dr. Uncle John did most of the talking but he did make an offer each school couldn’t refuse. He’s smart, Pop, just like you,” Gus said with genuine admiration in his voice.

“Yes, he is,” Brian admitted as he bussed Gus’ head. “Go, make a documentary about architecture,” Brian commanded.

“Okay, Pop,” Gus said with a broad smile. He took his father’s empty cup, tossing it into one of the many trash cans that the crew had set up along the lane. Then Gus met up with John to get further instructions.

“Hey.”

“Hey,” Brian replied. “Are you allowed to be out of your sling?” Brian asked as he spied Justin's arm out of its harness.

“Yeah, for a little while. I’m going to do some of my exercises and I need to stretch first.” Brian nodded, that sounded right to him. “He looks so much like you,” Justin remarked about Gus.

“Maybe.”

“No maybe about it.”

“Yeah, but he has your disposition and Lindsay’s. Certainly not mine. And not Mel’s, thank the gods.”

“You did good, Bri,” Justin said as he gently leaned into his mate.

“We did good, Sunshine,” Brian said as he kissed Justin’s temple.

They stood for a while, shoulder to shoulder, sort of, watching the organized chaos as the crews continued to mark out the foundations for the greenhouse and the new cottage. A new truck entered the lane and slowly made its way toward them.

“Todd, how’s it going?” Brian called out as Todd jumped down from the truck.

“Fine!” Todd replied with a smirk. If he’d live to be one hundred, Todd would never live that down.

“What are you doing here?” Brian asked.

“Just wanted to get a feel of the place.”

“Nothing much to see yet,” Justin said.

“I know but it helps me to get a perspective. I love the idea of all those tropical plants in the middle of the Pennsylvania countryside. I forgot how much land you have out here,” Todd said as he looked around. “Would you mind if I consult with John? I want to see the area of back wall where the pond will be going.” Brian waved his wrist and Todd walked into the fray.

“He’s gotten so much more confident since last year,” Justin observed.

“Yeah.”

“It’s because of you.” Brian shook his head. “It’s true, Bri. You showed confidence in him and supported him. It’s paid off, just like it does at Kinnetik. You are the master,” Justin said with a twinkle in his eyes.

“Does that mean you’re my slave?” Brian asked with a lascivious grin.

“Wanna find out? The kids are at school and Bobby went to work. The cottage is quiet.” The sound of earth moving equipment punctuated Justin’s statement. “Relatively speaking.”

“And you do have to exercise that arm,” Brian said with a smirk. “I seem to recall that you did exceptionally well with your hand exercises.” Brian waggled his eyebrows.

“I had a very good teacher.”

“It’s a tough job but I think I’m up for the task,” Brian said as he began to quickly hobble his way toward Edna’s Treasures.

“I just bet you are,” Justin laughed as he followed his spouse.

 

*****
 

“Emmett and Drew have offered to let me stay in their cottage for a few days and I’ve decided to accept,” Ben said to Michael as Michael was getting ready to go to the store.

“But why? We’ve never been apart since we got married.”

“Yes we have. You’ve gone away for comic conventions and I’ve had to stay home.”

“That was different. That was for work.”

“I know, Michael. I just want time to myself.”

“Away from me you mean,” Michael grumbled.

“No, Babe, just away from the city. And there’s no reason why you can’t come with me. We’ll have the cottage all to ourselves. This is a very busy time for Emm and Drew. And Richie isn’t finished with school just yet.”

“What about JR?”

“She can stay with Lindsay and Candy. It won’t kill her to spend time with her mother.”

“But the store...”

“You have plenty of people to help you out at the store and I bet if you called Danny he’d pop in to supervise. Joan practically runs his bookstore. And JR will be there after school.” Ben had it all worked out.

“I don’t know,” Michael whined.

“But I do. Michael, I need some time off. Emmett and Drew generously offered their cottage and I’m taking them up on it until the new cottage is built. Brian promised us a suite of rooms all to ourselves and I’m looking forward to it.” Ben sounded very determined.

“I gotta go,” Michael mumbled as he pecked Ben’s lips.

“I’ll pass by the store before I drive up,” Ben stated.

“Okay,” Michael said softly as he grabbed his keys and left the house to get into his car. Before he started the engine, Michael leaned his head against the steering wheel. Michael was feeling tired and lately something was nagging at him. Why was Ben leaving him? And it seemed awfully convenient to go now when Brian was stuck at home. And Michael wondered again why he was always feeling so tired lately? He tried to think when his last physical was and his last HIV test. He couldn’t remember either.

“Maybe it’s time for me to go,” he mumbled to himself. “Shit! What if...” Michael started the car then peeled out into traffic.

 

*****
 

“Emmett, it’s Ben.”

“Hiya, honey!”

“Emm, I’d like to take you up on your offer of the cottage if you don’t mind.”

“Of course not, sweetie. Drewsie and I can’t possibly go up there until the fourth of July. All those June brides and grads, you know. There are fresh sheets on the bed but you’ll have to hit the store before you get there. We cleaned everything out over the weekend.”

“No problem, Emm. Thank you, and please thank Drew for me.”

“Nonsense, honey, you enjoy, put your feet up and commune with nature. Although it might be a little noisy with all the construction going on, but it shouldn’t be too bad at our end of the lane.”

“Thank you, Emm, knowing Brian I’m sure it won’t be too bad.”

“Okay, sweetie. Have fun. Tootles!”

“Bye, Emmett.”

Ben looked around the room for a moment then started to pack.

 

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