Green Eyed Monster

Chapter 3

“You have some interesting friends,” Michael said as he stood next to Brian while Brian was grilling the first round of meat.

“That we do,” Brian agreed as he neatly arranged the large platter of hotdogs and hamburgers. He had learned long ago that no matter what he grilled throughout the day or how stuffed everyone claimed to get, there was always room for one more hotdog or burger. Plus, the kids usually polished off this platter within minutes from when it was taken out of his hands. Brian caught Richie’s eye and slightly raised the laden platter. Richie smiled as he hurried over.

“Go feed the younguns,” Brian teased as he handed the platter to the pretty young man, who for today, was wearing masculine clothing.

“Sure, Uncle Brian,” Richie acknowledged as he turned to walk away. Before he did, Michael grabbed the uppermost hotdog off the pile and took a large bite.

“Nice, Mikey, soon you’ll be stealing candy from babies,” Brian snarked. “So what’s got your knickers in a knot today?” Brian poured himself a large lemonade from a nearby pitcher. His backyard fairies knew from experience that it was hot work standing by the grill for most of the day and Brian truly enjoyed doing it but he needed fluids. Beer wasn’t the best option.

“That Seamus guy.”

“What about him?”

“He’s in my room.”

“Excuse me?”

“He’s in my room,” Michael repeated with his usual whine.

“Michael, make sense before I smack you with my spatula,” Brian growled as he brandished his large grilling spatula in the air.

“Your friends Seamus and Albert are staying in my rooms at the big cottage,” Michael clarified through gritted teeth.

Brian studied his ‘friend’ then looked over to where Seamus and Albert were sitting. They had chosen a nice quiet table under a large umbrella close to the edge of the garden near the tree line. With them were Riley and Danny as well as Claire, Steve, Jennifer and Seth. Brian deduced that since the four couples were somewhat mature and formed their relationships later in life, plus somehow had gotten sucked up into his cwazy wittle family, that they were all kindred spirits. They had a lot in common.

“Michael, the big cottage as you call it, was built so that any of you lot can come up here, stay as long as you like and not crowd my house. It was fun for a while but we need our space and Justin needs the sun porch as his studio. No one has assigned rooms at the inn. It’s first come first served.”

“But, me and Ben stayed there for months; it’s like ours,” Michael huffed then crossed his arms across his chest.

“You look like you’re five. Quit it,” Brian commanded. Just then Brian had a thought, a somewhat awful thought but he needed to voice it. “Michael, do you want your own cottage up here?” Michael looked up at Brian in shock. “Yes, you heard me. We have plenty of space and now that JR is getting older and has practically taken over the shop, you and Ben can take real vacations, not just a long weekend here and there.” Brian searched his friend’s eyes. Since Michael’s illness some of the fire had gone out. Brian surmised that a lot of it was due to the slow recovery and the fact that Michael was having trouble coping with JR getting older. JR, like the rest of the children, was growing up. The next generation was ready to take their rightful places. Neither he nor Michael was ready for retirement anytime soon, but eventually...

“Our own cottage?” Michael asked with renewed happiness in his voice.

“Yes, maybe across from Emmett. Near the gate. That way I don’t have to hear you and Ben go at it all the time. It’s bad enough I hear Rachel and George when the wind is right.” Brian gave an exaggerated shudder. “Hetero sex. Yuck. Worse, old hetero sex.”

“They’re not that old. Rachel’s younger than you!” Michael said with a laugh. “Besides, Mom and Carl still have sex. Talk about old!” Michael made a face. The friends burst out laughing and that warmed Brian’s heart.

“You okay now,” Brian asked as he leaned down to kiss the side of Michael’s face. “I’ll always love you.”

“I know. I love you too, and I’ll talk to Ben about the cottage. I like the idea.”

“Good. Now get out of here so I can go back to grilling for this motley crew,” Brian said as he waved the dreaded spatula in the air again. Michael laughed as he feigned fear then trotted back to his spouse.

“Justin’s going to kill me,” Brian muttered to himself, as he accepted a large tray of steaks and chicken from John and began to grill and plot.

 

*****
 

“She’s very pretty,” Lindsay grumbled.

“Who is?” Justin asked as he brought a large pitcher of iced tea over to where Lindsay was sitting. “And why are you hiding in here?” Lindsay was in the sun porch.

“I was feeling overheated so I thought I’d cool off before going back outside.” The truth was Lindsay was beginning to feel her age which she’d never admit. Summer was not giving up without a fight, not so with Lindsay’s body. Outwardly, she remained fit, trim and lovely but she and Brian were the same age. As the summer heat flashed, so did Lindsay, with her own hot flashes. It angered and saddened her. She could no longer compete with women like Susanna. Pretty, intelligent and still able to have children. Lindsay was a bit jealous.

“Who’s pretty?” Justin asked trying to get back to his original question.

“Susanna,” Lindsay replied.

“Yes, she is. Does that bother you? You’re a beautiful woman.”

“She’s...” Justin followed Lindsay’s gaze. Susanna was outside at one of the smaller tables being “chatted up” by Charles.

“I see. He has a reputation.”

“One he freely admits. Justin, I can’t compete.”

“And why should you. Lindsay, you’re a beautiful, intelligent woman. You’re going to own the art gallery soon. You know how Sidney has been making noises about retiring. He has no one to leave the gallery to. You and he share the same visions regarding art. Are you so much in love with Charles that his flirtations really make that much of a difference? You know there are a lot of men and women who would love to be involved with you.”

Lindsay thought about it for a while. The cool of the porch and the iced tea seemed to have calmed her down. “No, you’re right. I do like Charles a lot. He’s handsome, in a roguish way, and he certainly knows how to treat a woman. He says all the right things, he does all the right things and there’s something about his accent. But I don’t think I want a permanent relationship with him or anyone at the moment. You’re right about Sidney. We’ve been meeting with his lawyer. The gallery will be mine soon.” Justin gave Lindsay a hug of congratulations.

“Can you afford it? We can help,” Justin offered.

“I’m fine. We’re working it out,” Lindsay assured him. “I love my work. I love working with you and all the young artists. You remember Jamie?” Justin nodded. “Motherhood has inspired her and there’s a market for her unusual technique,” Lindsay smiled.

“So what about Charles?” Justin asked.

“We have fun, when he’s in town. And I’ve gone over there a few times. He treats me like royalty. But I suspect he treats most women like that.”

“Maybe you should warn Susanna, in a friendly way,” Justin said mischievously.

“Maybe I should,” Lindsay said with a twinkle in her eye. She finished off her iced tea, steeled her shoulders then marched out of the sun porch toward Susanna.

“Charles will never know what hit him,” Justin chuckled as he went to fill in Brian.

 

*****
 

“Hey,” Justin said as he sidled up to Brian and the grill. “Are you okay over here? Do you want a break?” Brian and his grill were in the shade but it was still hot.

“I’m fine. Just keep me supplied with lemonade,” Brian said as he stole a kiss.

“No problem. Has Lindsay said anything to you about Chaarrles?” Justin asked, exaggerating Charles’ name.

“No, why?”

“Charles is flirting with Susanna and Lindsay’s nose is slightly out of joint about it.”

“Do I need to kill Charles?” Brian asked nonchalantly as he flipped over the chicken.

“Lindsay can take care of herself. She told me she’s not that serious about him.”

“Good. Long distance affairs don’t go very well.”

“Ours did.”

“You weren’t that far away.”

“True.”

“Besides, I have many attributes that Charles doesn’t have, that kept you coming back,” Brian boasted.

“Such as?” Justin asked with a smirk.

Brian leaned down to whisper into Justin’s ear all about his very special attributes. Justin felt himself grow hard then forced himself away from Brian before they got themselves in trouble.

“You’re so easy, Sunshine,” Brian teased. “Seriously, do you think Lindsay will be okay? She’s been through hell with Melanie, Sam was a shit and that Gui person only wanted her for his green card.”

“She’ll be fine. She has other more important things to think about.”

“Speaking about other important things,” Brian began. Justin became suspicious.

“Brian, what did you do?”

“Offered to build a cottage for Michael and Ben,” he said with a shrug.

“Oh. Okay. Where?”

“Across from Emm, near the gate.”

“Hmm, that’s a nice location. A bit close to the turn off by the highway but it’s surrounded by thick trees. If they’re not too set back they won’t hear any traffic.”

“I thought so too,” Brian agreed slightly surprised that Justin wasn’t having a cow.

“Besides, the lane is a little lopsided with the majority of the buildings on our side. There’s only Molly’s on that side of the lane.”

“I thought so too. You’re taking this very well. I did say Michael and Ben, you know pain in the ass Mikey. Mikey who would come over to the loft any time he pleased.”

“Brian, I know why you want to build a place for him and I have no objections. It’s a nice thing to do. Now grill and don’t burn the chicken.” Justin made a shooing motion at Brian.

“Yes, dear,” Brian squeaked as he took the hint and paid attention to his grill. “I love you,” Brian said to Justin’s retreating back.

“I know,” Justin replied smugly as he continued to walk away, giving his ass an extra wiggle knowing the reaction it would get. Justin had his own special attributes.

 

*****
 

John was loading another tray of steaks in the kitchen of Edna’s Treasures when the buzzer went off signaling that someone was at the gate to the lane. With a frown John walked over to the intercom. The lane was packed with people, and he thought that everybody that they truly expected to be there had already arrived.

“Yes?” John said into the intercom. He hoped it wasn’t somebody trying to crash the party, or someone like Justin’s father who always seemed to put a damper on things.

“Is that you, John? It’s Mitch Larkin. I’m sorry we’re so late, but I hope the party’s still on.”

John smiled. “I’m sure you can hear that the party’s going strong, even from the road.”

“Sounds like you’ve got quite a group of people in there,” Mitch replied.

“More like a mob.”

“May we join the mob?”

“Sure, come to the top of the lane. I’ll help you find a place to park.” John pushed the button to open the gate. He walked back to the counter and finished arranging the tray of steaks. He put them back in the fridge before he walked to the front door of the house.

He could see Mitch’s black BMW slowly making its way up the crowded lane which was lined with parked cars. He waved at Mitch and indicated that he should pull his car onto the grass at the side of his cottage. He knew Brian wouldn’t appreciate a car on the grass there, but these were his guests. He’d deal with the wrath of Brian later.

“Wow!” Mitch said as he got out of his car. “Thanks for the parking spot. I don’t know what we would have done otherwise.”

“Park in Bridgeton,” John said with a laugh as he shook Mitch’s hand. “And walk over.”

Mitch chuckled. “You could be right. Anne wouldn’t like that one little bit,” he whispered to John, as they both watched a tall, statuesque, imperious looking woman get herself out of the BMW.

John sized her up as she straightened her dress. It was far too fancy for a barbecue. She was wearing high heels which would get stuck in the grass. John groaned inwardly deciding that inviting Mitch’s wife might not have been such a good idea. She looked bossy, domineering and not happy to be there.

“Welcome,” John said plastering on a big smile and holding out his hand to the woman.

“I’m Anne,” she replied as she shook his hand briefly, very briefly.

“Where’s Patrick?” Chet asked as he got out of the back of the car.

“He’s around somewhere,” John replied.

“Chet, wait your turn,” Anne said sternly. “I haven’t been properly introduced to this … gentleman.”

“Sorry, dear,” Mitch said quickly. “This is John Anderson, Patrick’s father. I’ve told you about him and his husband, Bobby.”

“Yes, you have.” Anne looked past John and her husband at the cottage from which John had emerged. “This is very … quaint,” she said with a wave of her hand.

“We like it,” John replied. He was beginning to see where Chet got a lot of his attitude from.

“I’m sorry we’re late,” Mitch said. He refrained from adding, ‘Because Anne couldn’t decide what to wear.’

“No problem,” John said. “Most people have been having something to eat. My brother’s barbecuing up a storm. I’d like you to meet him.”

“That would be great,” Mitch agreed.

John led them around the side of the cottage. He stopped for a minute while Anne and Mitch took in the number of tables of people and the expanse of land that lay in front of them.

“This is amazing,” Mitch said with a big smile. “Who would know from the road that all this was up here?”

“We like to keep it our little secret.”

“Not so much a secret,” Anne said tallying up how many more people she would have to meet before the afternoon was over. As she did so, she managed to extricate her high heel from the grass where it was wedged.

John proceeded over to the barbecue grills to introduce Brian to his guests. Anne walked awkwardly, her heels sinking into the grass at every step. Chet followed along obediently.

“Brian, this is Chet and his parents, Mitch and Anne,” John said jovially as he approached the grill where Brian was flipping steaks. He hoped Brian wasn’t in a snarky mood as he often was in the heat of the day when he was grilling.

Brian turned to meet John’s guests. It wasn’t often that his brother invited people to their barbecues. He had told himself to be nice. “Pleasure to meet you all,” he said with a smile.

“Looks like a hot job,” Mitch said.

“It can be.”

“I’m happy to finally meet you,” Mitch said. “I’ve heard a lot about you and your husband. I’ve met your daughter.”

“Bree,” Brian said with a chuckle. “She’s a going concern.”

“I’ve noticed. Where is she?”

“Trying to organize her Labor Day soccer game,” Brian replied. “She’s around here somewhere.”

“Where’s Patrick?” Chet ventured to ask.

“He’s probably with her,” Brian replied. He took note of the face that Chet made, when he said Patrick might be with his daughter. He could see why Bree wasn’t so fond of this lad. “Would you care for a hamburger or a hotdog or a steak? There’s all kinds of salads and drinks in the sun porch.”

“A small steak would suit me – medium rare,” Anne said in much the way she would order steak at a fancy restaurant. Once again she had to pull her high heels from the grass they had sunk into.

“Hi,” Molly said. “I’m Brian’s sister-in-law. I saw you were having trouble with your shoes,” she said to Anne, who made a face much like Chet was prone to do when she heard Molly’s comment. “I made the same mistake way back when,” Molly continued undeterred by Anne’s reaction, “so I brought you a pair of sandals. I think they’ll fit. I wouldn’t want you to ruin such beautiful shoes.”

Anne smiled at Molly’s comment. “They are my favorites,” Anne said, “and they cost a fortune.”

“I could tell they were designer,” Molly replied. “When you get your food, please join us at our table over there,” Molly said pointing to where Owen and his parents were seated along with the Sarah Kingsley. Owen waved back at them.

“Isn’t that the Sarah Kingsley?” Anne asked in amazement.

“Yes, she’s my husband’s grandmother.”

“We’d be delighted to join you, my dear,” Anne said as she made the transfer of her shoes. “Things are looking up,” she whispered to her husband.

“Great,” Molly said with a smile. “I’ll take your shoes over to the table if you’d like. Then you don’t have to worry about them while you get your plates.”

“Very nice of you,” Anne said handing the shoes to Molly.

“I have your steak all ready,” Brian said handing a plate containing a small steak to Anne.

“That looks perfect,” Anne said. “I love a man who knows what he’s doing.”

“We aim to please,” Brian responded trying to keep the sarcasm out of his voice. “And what would the men like?” he asked Chet and his father.

Soon the Larkin family was ensconced at Molly’s table. Anne was attempting to convince Sarah Kingsley that they had many acquaintances in common. Mitch was getting to know Owen and Owen Sr. Chet was gobbling down his hamburger and looking rather forlorn.

“Hi,” Patrick and Bree both said as they ran up to the table.

“Hi,” Chet said to Patrick, finally cheering up at the sight of his friend. He ignored Bree.

“Want to play in the soccer game?” Patrick asked his friend. “We need at least one more person.”

“Soccer’s not Patrick’s game,” Mitch said. “Baseball is.”

“I’m good at all sports,” Chet stated haughtily. He really believed that he was, and he would enjoy showing Bree just how good he was.

“Yes, you are very good at everything you do, Chet darling,” Anne agreed giving a reassuring pat to her son’s arm.

“I’ll play,” Chet said with a sneer for Bree.

“Great,” Patrick said, “but, um, Bree’s a really good soccer player.” He thought he better warn his friend.

“Not as good as me,” Chet said confidently. That earned him a proud smile from his mother and a shake of the head from his father.

Patrick looked at Bree. He saw the set of her jaw and the look of determination on her face. This was not going to be pretty.

Soon, the soccer game was underway, adults and children alike fighting for possession of the ball. Chet managed to get the ball from an opponent and he raced down the field knowing without any doubt that he was going to score the first goal of the game. Suddenly a small body came at him from the left side of the field. He glanced over and saw that it was that annoying girl, Bree. He gave her a wicked smile and turned up the speed. He raced for the goal seeing that the way was mostly clear except for the goaltender who didn’t look like he was much opposition.

All of a sudden, he felt someone close behind him. He glanced around and saw that Bree was keeping pace with him. He couldn’t run any faster, and she shouldn’t be able to keep up with him … but she was. He thought about his strategy for scoring the goal. He wanted it to be spectacular. He lined up his shot. As he did so, he felt something touch his leg. He looked down to see Bree’s tiny foot take control of the ball and knock it away to one of her teammates. He had been stripped of the ball. He couldn’t believe it. He stopped running and stood staring as the other team ran the ball back down the field and scored a goal.

“Good try,” Patrick said coming up to his friend.

“Shut up!” Chet retorted.

“But…”

“Leave me alone,” Chet commanded as he ran down the field to get back in the action. He wasn’t going to let that girl show him up. He’d score the next time he had the ball.

However, that was not to be. Every time Chet got the ball, Bree would race after him and take it away. She never scored herself, but her team was leading by three goals. Finally a time out was called.

“Bree,” Brian said as he walked over to where his daughter was drinking water.

“Yes, Dada?” Bree said happily.

“Don’t you think you’ve punished him enough?”

“Huh?”

“You know what I mean.”

“I’m way better at soccer than he is, Dada,” Bree tried to defend her actions. “He deserves to be … hu…”

“Humbled, humiliated, hung out to dry,” Brian supplied.

“Yeah, all of those.”

“You’ve already done so, so give him a break.”

“But, Dada…”

“He’s a guest. This is the first time his family has been here. Give him a chance,” Brian advised.

Bree looked dejected, but she sort of knew her father was right. “I will,” she said grudgingly.

“And Bree,” Brian continued, “there are other ways to make your point.” Brian winked at his daughter.

“There are?” Bree’s brow creased in thought. Then a smile started to play around the edges of her mouth. She knew what she would do. She raced back onto the field and never went near Chet again. Instead, she scored two goals of her own. It turned out to be a very satisfying game for Bree, and not so much for her arch-enemy.
 

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