Green Eyed Monster

Chapter 2

“What’s wrong, luv?” Bertie asked Seamus. The sun was peering through the B&B curtains and their room was beginning to warm up but a light breeze kept the heat down. Seamus was restless next to Albert, continually shifting his position on the bed.

“Not sure; I feel I should be doin’ somethin’.”

“Your problem is you don’t know how to relax. You’re on holiday, damn you. There’s no need to be up with the birds preparing breakfast for your guests or cleaning rooms. You’re the guest!” Albert exclaimed.

“Hush,” Seamus grumbled, putting an end to the conversation as he rolled over on his side. He knew Albert was right but Seamus was a stubborn man not unlike another Irishman on the lane.

Seamus and Albert had flown up to Pittsburgh earlier in the week, where they were met at the airport by Emmett. Emmett and his boys had gone to the lane early to help prepare for the Labor Day celebration. Due to a last minute event, Emmett had gone back to Pittsburgh so it made sense for him to pick up Seamus and his “young man,” and bring them along. Emmett was very willing to do so since he and Drew had stayed at the Piece of Plenty several times and had become close to Seamus over the years.

When they arrived at the lane, Seamus and Albert were shown the Edna’s Treasures B&B and had the pick of whatever rooms they wished. They just happened to choose the suite that Ben and Michael had occupied when they spent their extended time on the lane while Michael recovered from his illness. A loud shriek broke through Seamus’ musings.

“What the bloody hell was that?” Bertie asked with a start, sitting up in the bed.

“Sounds like the wee lass. But what the hell was she calling out?” Seamus replied.

“We could throw on some clothes and find out. Emmett did say that everyone would be awake early.” Seamus shrugged his shoulders then nodded in agreement. They quickly washed up, dressed then walked up the lane past the greenhouse and gardens toward the main cottage. Out of courtesy, Seamus knocked on the ajar door but then pushed it open.

“Good morning,” Seamus announced as they stepped into Brian’s end of the cottage.

“Seamus, me lad, would you be wanting a cuppa and breakfast?” Brian called out in his worst accent. He received a couple of groans and a few wadded up napkins thrown at him.

“Thank you,” Bertie answered for them both. “But would you think it rude of me to suggest that you leave the brogue to Seamus. One of you is quite enough,” Albert stated in his most posh Queen’s English. The occupants of the kitchen laughed as Brian generously acquiesced and poured out coffee for the new arrivals.

“By the way,” Albert began as Emmett placed a warm muffin in front of him. “We thought we heard Briana shout. Is everything all right?” Albert asked as he nodded his thanks to Emmett.

“I’m sorry, did she wake you?” Justin asked with embarrassment.

“Not at all,” Seamus replied.

“He’s on holiday but he still rises with the birds,” Bertie commented.

“Brian,” Justin admonished before Brian could make any snarky comments. Brian gave Justin and the kitchen his most innocent look. No one believed it for a second. “Gus came home. Bree was just excited to see him,” Justin stated by way of explanation.

“Did they not get to spend time with each other over the Summer?” Seamus asked as he enjoyed his fresh melon.

“Both Bree and Gus worked for most of the Summer and then we went to Canada for business,” Justin further explained. “Gus had left for college by the time we came back with Bree.” Bertie and Seamus nodded with understanding.

“Pardon, but isn’t Miss Briana a trifle young to be working?” Albert asked as gently as he could. He understood that she was only nine.

“Not according to Bree,” Brian mumbled at the same time as Bree declared, “No I’m not.” Brian and his “mini me” glared at each other while those in the room snickered.

“I was an intern,” Bree began. “I helped my Daddy at the gallery and then I worked for Miss Cynthia and my Dada at Kinnetik,” Bree stated emphatically.

“Actually, she did quite well,” Brian added. “She has her father’s artistic eye,” Brian said proudly. “She did very well at both the gallery and the agency. Gus has been working at Kinnetik for years. If I’m lucky, he’ll take over the business one day,” Brian said with equal pride for his oldest child. Said child took that opportunity to come into the kitchen scrounging for food.

“Did I hear my name?” Gus asked as he plucked Bree off her chair, sat himself down with Bree on his lap then stuffed a muffin into his mouth.

“Seamus, Albert, this insolent young man is my son, Gus Peterson-Kinney.” Brian made the formal introductions. Gus reached over his sister’s shoulders to shake hands with the newest members of the family.

“Have you gotten the official tour of the lane yet?” Gus asked the men.

“Yes, we have, thank you,” Seamus answered. “Your lane is truly wonderful. Each home is unique and yet they blend so well with each other and the countryside.”

“Your gardens are remarkable,” Bertie commented. “In fact the whole lane reminds me of a quaint English village.” Brian beamed with pride; that was the very effect he and John were trying to achieve. “I can see why you wouldn’t want to leave it.”

“You must find hundreds of inspirational ideas for your art,” Seamus commented toward Justin.

“Justin finds beauty wherever he goes,” Brian said with a soft smile for his spouse, getting a Sunshine smile as his reward. For a moment, nothing existed except for Brian and Justin as they held each other’s gaze.

“Oh please don’t get them started,” Gus complained as everyone chuckled.

“I think it’s beautiful,” Emmett said with a sniffle. He had been hustling all sorts of picnic ware out of the cupboards and into the sun porch when he caught the tender moment. “Your parents still love each other after all this time,” he declared as he thrust a shopping bag of chips and pretzels at Gus. “Here, help,” Emmett said as he gave Gus and Bree a look.

“Yes, Auntie Emm,” the siblings sing-songed then giggled like the naughty children they were. They excused themselves as they went to help.

“You have beautiful children,” Albert said with a sigh.

“You don’t have children?” Justin asked as he freshened everyone’s cup.

“No, I don’t. I never found the right woman or man until now. And, well, I’m a bit long in the tooth to start having children now,” Bertie admitted. Seamus patted his hand.

“You can borrow ours anytime you like,” Brian said as a whole bunch of people walked through their door.

“Why can’t I ask them to move? It’s our room,” Michael whined to Ben.

“Because it’s not polite and it’s not our room,” Ben hissed back at Michael. “We once occupied those rooms and so can anyone else. Now don’t mention it again,” Ben growled then quickly put on his happy face for the sake of the family.

“Uh oh,” Bobby whispered into John’s ear as they entered the kitchen from the hall. They had been setting up some sporting equipment outside. Bobby caught the looks and the tension between Michael and Ben. John followed Bobby’s gaze.

“I wonder what got his panties in a twist,” John whispered back while stealing a kiss.

“Don’t know, but whatever it is, you know who Michael will expect to fix it,” Bobby said as he reached up to peck at John’s lips. John smirked; he knew very well indeed.

 

*****
 

“Gus…” Bree said as the two children opened and dumped the contents of the several bags of chips and pretzels into large bowls.

“Yes,” Gus replied with a grin. He wondered what Bree would ask him about this time. He was beginning to understand why his father got so jumpy when Bree started asking questions.

“Were you mean when you were like twelve?”

“Mean?”

“Yeah.”

“I’m not sure what you’re getting at, Bree,” Gus said with a frown. He never knew what Bree would come up with and this was no exception.

Bree heaved a sigh. “Were you mean to girls?”

Gus stared at his sister. She seemed very serious about this question. He decided he better treat it seriously in return. “I don’t think so,” he said honestly.

“Don’t you know?” Bree asked with her own frown.

“Um … sometimes we say things that we don’t think are bad, but the person who hears them interprets them very differently,” Gus explained as best he could.

“Oh…” Bree said her forehead creasing as she thought about what her brother had said.

“Just oh?” Gus asked.

“I don’t think Chet was doing that,” Bree stated after due diligence thinking about Chet’s motives.

“And who might Chet be?” Gus asked. “Is he that boy from Canada?”

“No, silly, that was David.”

“Well, pardonnez-moi,” Gus joked.

Bree giggled. “You’re as goofy as the other boys.”

“How many other boys are we talking about?” Gus asked.

Bree stamped her little foot. “Gus, you need to listen carefully. Are you listening?”

Gus stifled a laugh. Bree sounded so much like his father that he could hardly contain himself. “I will listen most carefully, little sister, I promise. Let’s sit down over here and you can tell me all about it.” They had finished filling all the bowls with chips and pretzels. The brother and sister walked over to a chaise and sat down on it together. “Come on, short stuff, tell me what’s going on.”

Bree proceeded to tell her big brother all about Chet and how he was taking up so much of her Patrick’s time and how he always made comments about having to do stuff with her and Ashley and how he was so mean just like David had been and how all boys were stupid.

“I’m glad you stopped long enough to breathe, short stuff,” Gus said with a laugh. “I was starting to get worried.”

Bree made a face at her brother. “It’s not funny,” she declared crossing her arms on her chest.

“Okay, okay, so what do you think we should do?” Gus asked.

“I think we should kick Chet’s ass.”

“We should, should we?” Gus chuckled.

“Yes,” was the definitive answer.

“Bree, Chet’s just a kid, and so is Patrick. Guys like to hang out together.”

“How come?”

“It’s … a guy thing,” Gus said unable to think of a better reason.

“Chet’s mean. Even when Patrick invites us to do stuff with them, Chet makes faces. I know he doesn’t want me and Ashley around.”

Gus slipped his arm around Bree’s back and pulled her into a hug. “Patrick is your cousin and your friend. He would never let anyone hurt you. You know that.”

“Yes,” Bree sniffled, “but he likes Chet too.”

“Isn’t he allowed to have other friends?” Gus asked.

“Well …yeah, I guess, but … they should be nice friends, ones who like me too.”

“But they’re boys, turning into teenagers. I guarantee when they get a few years older, they’re going to want to be your … friend.”

“I don’t see why getting older will make any difference,” Bree griped.

“Trust me it will.”

“Okay, if you say so, but what am I going to do now? Why can’t boys be nice now?” Bree asked snuggling into Gus’ hug and looking up into his eyes.

Gus was at a loss about what more he could tell her. “Have you talked to Pop and Justin about this?” He thought maybe they could sort things out for Bree. Or maybe they couldn’t, but it wouldn’t be his problem any longer.

“Sort of…” Bree replied.

“And what did they say?”

“Nuffin’.”

Gus chuckled. “So, you really haven’t told them how you’re feeling.”

“Well, Daddy’s feeling better, and Dada’s happy because he is. I didn’t want to ruin that.”

“So you’ve been worrying all by yourself.”

Bree nodded against Gus’ chest. “Until you got here. I miss you when you’re not here.”

“And have I helped at all?” Gus asked hoping Bree was feeling a little better.

“Only if you help me kick Chet’s ass.”

“I can’t do that, Bree.”

“I know,” Bree sighed. “I guess I’ll have to do it myself.”

“Bree!”

“I’m kidding. I know I can’t kick anybody,” Bree conceded.

“I’m glad you know that, you little tease.” Gus started tickling his sister.

She was giggling hysterically when Emmett came into the sun porch to see what was taking them so long. He smiled affectionately at the children. Even with the big age gap they had such a close relationship.

 

*****
 

People kept arriving at the lane. Lindsay and her beau, Charles, drove in bringing Candy with them. Lindsay was so excited to see Gus and dragged him into the sun porch at Edna’s Treasures to discuss his plans for the Fall and for school. Charles was left to fend for himself, but he didn’t really mind. He was considered a newbie in the family group, but he had been around long enough to be accepted. He was quite pleased with that fact. He had to admit that he quite enjoyed this strange conglomeration of misfits and highly successful individuals. It was a very interesting group to be a part of.

Charles was talking to Seth and Jennifer when Susanna and Ashley arrived. Bree appeared immediately and whisked her friend away to plot what they would do if Chet and his family decided to come to the party. Bree knew that John and Bobby had invited them, a fact which had not pleased her in the least.

“Susanna, come join us,” Jennifer said as Susanna was looking around the big yard at all the tables of people. She looked a little lost.

“Oh, thanks, I’d love to,” she responded as Seth pulled an extra chair over to their table under one of the trees. “There’s so many people here. It’s overwhelming.”

“This bunch is overwhelming at the best of times,” Jennifer laughed.

“Too true.”

“Have you met Charles?” Jennifer asked. “He’s the director of the National Art Gallery in London, England.”

“Wow!” Susanna responded as she took the hand that Charles held out to her. “I’m impressed.” She smiled and blushed at the handsome man.

“No need to be,” Charles said modestly as he resisted the urge to kiss the hand that Susanna gave him. She was a very attractive woman. “It’s just a job like any other,” he said in his lovely English accent.

“It sounds like a lot more than just a job,” Susanna said with a smile when Charles finally released her hand.

“Would you like some lemonade?” Charles asked. “I was about to go get a drink for myself.”

“Oh, I’d love some,” Susanna replied. “Shall I come with you?”

“Would you like a drink, my dear?” Seth asked his wife. Jennifer shook her head holding up a glass that was half full.

“Then may I escort you to the drink table?” Charles asked holding out his arm for Susanna to take hold of.

Susanna couldn’t stop the nervous little giggle that escaped her lips as she linked her arm through Charles’.

“We won’t be long,” Charles said as he steered Susanna over to the large table holding lemonade, wine, liquor and every manner of soft drink.

Charles poured a lemonade for Susanna when she indicated that was indeed her preference. He got a glass of wine for himself. Susanna took his arm again as they strolled back to Seth and Jennifer with their drinks in hand.

“I can’t believe you’re here in rural Pennsylvania when you run such an important gallery,” Susanna stated. She was very impressed with this man, this gentleman.

“You have an important artist living right here in rural Pennsylvania,” Charles replied with a warm smile for Susanna.

“Yes we do,” Susanna agreed. “I often forget how renowned Justin has become. He’s my friend, and that’s the way I think of him.”

“And well you should. He’s a fine fellow,” Charles said.

“Is that how you got to join this group, through Justin?” Susanna asked as they sauntered along at an easy pace.

“Partly. I also am a … friend of Lindsay’s.”

“Oh, of course, she’s very much part of the art world too.”

“Yes, yes she is,” Charles said. “And what do you do, my dear.”

“I’m a school teacher,” Susanna replied, thinking that it sounded so mundane compared to what Charles did for a living.

“That’s a noble profession.”

“Yes it is,” Susanna said with a warm smile for Charles’ kind comment about teaching. A lot of people dismissed teaching as something you did when you weren’t good at anything else.

“What age group do you teach?”

“High school.”

“They can be challenging,” Charles observed.

“Yes, they can, but I love teaching.”

“That’s wonderful. One should enjoy their job.”

“Yes, one should,” Susanna replied with a lilting giggle.

“You have a wonderful laugh, my dear.”

“Thank you,” Susanna said with a radiant smile. She looked up into Charles’ eyes.

That was how Lindsay first saw them together, and she didn’t like what she saw one little bit.
 

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