Green Eyed Monster

Chapter 4

The soccer game came to an abrupt end when Chet, claiming the need of the “facilities”, stomped off the field. Several players were in need of fuel and the elders were itching to start up a game of softball. So the kids left the field to find food and other forms of play while the next group of sportsmen and women prepared the field for softball.

Bree ran up to her elder father and threw her sweaty little self into his arms. Brian had finally taken a well deserved break from the grill. He knew he’d be cooking a bit later when everyone got their second wind and were hungry again, but for now he sat under a large umbrella with a large iced tea.

“Have you finished thrashing your opponent?” Brian whispered in his daughter’s ear. Bree beamed at her father as she nodded furiously. “Go inside, wash your face then find Ashley. If it’s all right with Ashley’s mom, you can take Beau down to the stream with you and dip your toes in the water.”

“If Miss Susanna comes with us can we go in a little deeper?”

“Yes, you may. Or maybe JR and Candy would like to go too. Have a little girl time,” Brian suggested. Bree appeared to seriously consider Brian’s suggestion then gave him an even brighter smile. He knew that sometimes girls needed time to themselves for an “I hate all men,” or in this case, boys, dish session.

Bree gave Brian a kiss and a hug then went off to find the girls. He watched as Bree sprinted over to Ashley who was sitting with her mom. When Susanna nodded, the girls took off to find JR and Candy. JR and Candy were in their own little huddle at a table close to the sun porch. Brian watched all four girls go into the cottage then emerge a few minutes later with towels and wearing different clothes. The four of them took off toward the stream with Beau leading the way.

“What did you say to her?” John asked as he sat himself down in a chair next to his brother.

“I suggested she wash up, grab the girls and head for the stream for a bitch session.”

“You did not!” John looked appalled.

“I may have put it slightly differently but in essence that’s exactly what I suggested.”

“What the hell does a nine year old girl have to bitch about?” John asked.

“Boys,” Gus answered as he walked up to them and sat in a nearby chair. “She wanted to know why some boys were mean and if I was mean when I was younger. I really didn’t know what to say to her.”

“You grew up in a house of women; you were never mean to girls,” Brian stated. “Besides, with Debbie around, at the first mean thing that might have slipped from your mouth, she would have smacked the side of your head,” Brian said, unconsciously rubbing the side of his head, having being the recipient of many a head smack.

“Whereas Bree is growing up in a house of boys,” John stated the obvious.

“We’re not mean,” Brian said.

“No, we’re not but she sees life from a different perspective,” John reminded him. “It’s not any better or worse, just different,” John assured Brian with a pat to his arm. John knew that Brian had occasional doubts about their somewhat secluded life on the lane. And that Bree might suffer from it. “Patrick is thriving here. And so is Bree,” John said giving Brian a poignant look.

“She’s cool, Pop, really. Patrick may have to pretend to hate girls like the rest of his friends but he’ll always love Bree, and this won’t last long,” Gus said with wisdom. “They’ll work it out but we may have a more pressing problem.” Gus had lowered his voice and moved in closer to consult the Kinney men. John and Brian leaned in closer to listen to Gus.

“It’s Brett,” Gus began.

“Cindy’s Brett?” John asked. Gus nodded. “What about him?”

“He’s been flirting with everyone.”

“Everyone?” Brian asked with an arch of his brow.

“Every male everyone, when he thinks Cindy isn’t looking. He came onto me again. He nearly came in his pants when Drew was helping Emmett move some tables over by the B&B. You know how Drew likes to tease Emmett by flexing his muscles. And he practically had to roll his tongue back into his mouth when Ben walked by. And these guys are old!”

Brian and John scowled at Gus.

“You know what I mean. I feel bad for Cindy. Do you know if she’s serious about him,” Gus asked. The Kinney men weren’t sure.

Just then a loud ruckus on the playing field caught their attention. The Kinney men stood and then laughed as Bobby was chased off the field with the cries of “No fair!” following him. Bobby trotted over to the Kinney boys then plopped himself down on the grass beside them. John handed Bobby a cold beer.

“What was that all about?” John asked.

“Aaa, those wusses just can’t take the competition,” Bobby said smugly. John smiled proudly as he ruffled his spouse’s fiery red hair. Brian wasn’t the only one who went to school on an athletic scholarship. “What’s up with the worried faces?” Bobby asked when he noticed their expressions.

“Um, well, uh...” Gus stammered.

“It’s a little difficult to, um, explain,” John shrugged not knowing how to bring up the subject regarding Brett’s indiscretions.

“Oh, for fuck’s sake,” Brian grumbled. “Brett’s been cruising anything with a dick all afternoon,” Brian spat out.

“Nice going, Pop,” Gus said as he smacked his own eyes shut and shook his head.

John just looked down as he groaned. “You have some way with words, little bro,” John growled.

“That’s why I’m good at what I do. I believe in truth in advertising,” Brian stated sarcastically. Then the Kinney men began to argue amongst themselves about just how they should break the news to Cindy.

“Shut up!” Bobby demanded as he tried to think. It suddenly became very quiet in their little patch of the yard.

 

*****
 

“How did an Englishman get involved with this lot?” Albert asked Charles when they found themselves at the salad table in the sun porch at the same time.

“I could ask you the same,” Charles responded as he added more of Debbie’s excellent potato salad to his plate.

“They’re very friendly,” Albert said with a shrug.

“I agree.”

“You seem to be very friendly yourself,” Albert stated.

“You noticed.”

“So did several others,” Albert retorted as he poured a little vinaigrette dressing over his greens. “May I offer you some advice, one Englishman to another?” Charles nodded. “I’ve only spent a few days getting to know these fine people and I’ve found that they’re fiercely devoted to one another. Like all families, they have their squabbles but hurt one and you may have a lynch mob on your hands.”

“Duly noted,” Charles nodded. He was well aware that his cavalier ways had gotten him into trouble in the past.

“Are you serious about the lady?” Albert asked.

“I could be. She’s a rare find these days. Beauty, brains, talented in her own right. She has good instincts, which in our business, is crucial. But we do have an ocean between us.”

“Then be honest with her. I suspect the lady would appreciate it. And while you’re a guest of this family,” Albert said as he cocked his head toward the mass of people in the yard. “Be respectful.”

Charles gave him a coy smile. “May I ask, how did you get involved with them?”

“I think they adopted my partner,” Albert laughed. “Something about his brogue, I suspect.” Albert chuckled.

“That’s another thing,” Charles began, hinting at the centuries old rift between the English and the Irish. Albert held up a hand and shook his head.

“Matters of the heart are more important than silly politics. And at our age, I’d rather listen to my heart. You should too,” Albert stated as he turned to leave.

 

*****
 

“Anne, dear, we have so many acquaintances in common,” Sharon Brenner said as she patted Anne’s hand. “Why are you living way out here? Wouldn’t you be more comfortable in the city?” Sharon was still a bit of a snob but the family overlooked it.

“We’re only here for the summer. My husband’s family has property closer to Bridgeton and well, you know,” Anne began as she leaned in closer to whisper. “One must give the appearance of liking one’s in-laws,” she said with a put upon sigh.

“Oh I do understand,” Sharon agreed. She loved Molly and her dear little grandson. Sharon knew Molly made her son very happy but sometimes old habits died hard.

The ladies had decided to take a table away from the main crowd. Sarah Kingsley was holding court nearby. Several family members including Justin and Lindsay were sitting with her discussing upcoming cultural events. Sarah sat on the boards of many cultural committees as did Lindsay. They were discussing a possible expansion of the Bloom Gallery and other joint ventures with PIFA. Ted was also included in the impromptu conference not only as a distinguished Pittsburgh businessman but as the representative of Kinnetik. Brian and Kinnetik supported the arts. He offered Kinnetik’s services pro bono on a continual basis.

“Mrs. Brenner,” Anne offered respects to the elder lady.

“Sharon, please,” Sharon insisted.

“Thank you. Sharon, these, people are quite, unusual,” Anne said, not wanting to offend but feeling out of her element.

“That’s putting it mildly,” Sharon chuckled. “Yes, they are an eclectic bunch. Let me put your mind at ease. If your darling son intends on keeping his friendship with sweet Patrick then allow me to give you the who’s who of this family.”

“Oh please, any help will be appreciated. My poor Chet is a remarkable young man but for some reason he has few friends. And he does seem to like Patrick.”

For the next thirty minutes Sharon gave Anne the rundown of each family member, what they did for a living and their importance to Pittsburgh.

“Excuse me, that body builder is a professor at Carnegie Mellon?” Anne stared at Ben as he walked by holding a tray of empty pitchers.

“Oh yes, and a published author. And Emmett over there is Pittsburgh’s number one rated event planner.”

“Emmett. Emmett Honeycutt! I tried to engage him for my holiday party last year but I waited too long. He was fully booked. I was so disappointed. But he was so kind though, and set me up with one of his competitors. I was shocked. They did a lovely job but it wasn’t Emmett.”

“Oh I know. We have a standing booking with him,” Sharon proudly said. Anne looked a little bilious then changed the subject.

“You mentioned that this lane is owned by Brian Kinney.”

“Yes, he and his brother.”

“But isn’t he the chef?”

“Chef?”

“When we first arrived, we were introduced to a Brian and then he handed me a steak. Perfectly grilled, by the way. I thought he was the chef. You’re telling me he owns all this?” Anne was aghast.

“My dear Anne, if you want to get along in this society you must pay closer attention,” Sharon advised. After her years as a member of the family, she was learning. “And of course there’s Justin Taylor!”

Just then Brian glided past them toward the table where Sarah Kingsley had taken temporary ownership. Brian had decided he smelled too much like barbecue for his liking so he had ducked inside to take a quick shower and to change clothes. Casually dressed in his well worn jeans and t-shirt, Brian Kinney still turned the heads of both sexes as he walked through the yard.

“Ladies,” he purred as he dipped his head toward them and smiled while he sauntered past.

“I know he’s gay but he can still make my heart flutter,” Sharon said with a sigh.

“He’s gay?” Anne asked.

“Oh Anne, you must get with the program!” Sharon began to educate the younger woman more intensely.

 

*****
 

“My dear Miss Sarah,” Brian said boldly with a southern drawl as he gently took hold of Sarah’s hand and kissed it while giving the elderly lady his best flirting expression. She laughed and batted him away.

“You are such a flirt,” she said as she blushed.

“I appreciate beauty when I see it,” Brian stated. Before anyone could refute his statement, Brian sat as he continued, “This is a party not a committee meeting! May I freshen your drink or bring you something?”

“I’m fine, thank you, Brian dear. And you are so right, this is a party. But I prefer discussing art in this lovely setting rather than an impersonal boardroom.” Sarah also knew the importance of flirty persuasion.

“Then I’ll leave you to it,” Brian said as he stood and took Sarah’s hand again to bow over it. He smiled fondly at Lindsay, glowered at Ted, then gently kissed Justin’s cheek before sauntering away.

“He does have a bit of the devil in him, doesn’t he?” Sarah said with a smile as they all watched Brian walk away to mingle with other family.

“You can say that again.”

“You don’t know the half of it.”

“That’s an understatement.”

This was the three part chorus Sarah received in return. They all laughed then got back to their discussion before Brian had interrupted.

 

*****
 

“Cindy.”

“Don’t say it, Mom,” Cindy said as Rachel and Bobby approached her.

“Don’t say what, sweetheart?” Rachel asked.

“Mom, I’m not blind or an idiot although sometimes I’m a fool.”

“Never a fool,” Rachel said as she hugged her daughter. Bobby sidled up to them in support.

“He’s gay isn’t he, or at least bi-curious. I should have known when our romantic evenings together weren’t so romantic. He’s nice, takes me to the right places and says the right things but there’s no substance behind it. And after growing up in this family I should have recognized the signs.”

“Sometimes we see only what we want to see,” Bobby commented.

“Is that the lawyer talking or my uncle?”

“Both. Would you like us to rough him up for you?” Bobby said with a smirk. Rachel nodded yes while Cindy snorted.

“As an officer of the court, wouldn’t you have to report yourself?” Cindy teased.

“Yes, but it would be worth it. John and Gus would be happy to help, not to mention Brian.”

“Do they know?” Cindy didn’t like that the whole family knew.

“They’re the ones who told me. They won’t say a word. I promise.” Bobby held up his hand to swear his oath.

“Do you want me and your father to speak to Brett? We’ll tell him off,” Rachel vowed, her eyes shooting venom.

“No thanks, Mom. I’ll take care of it. The fact that I’m not that broken up about it should be an indication that he wasn’t the “one.” I just don’t like to be lied to. If all he wanted was friendship, he should have said. I love you both,” Cindy said as she gave her mother a hug and her uncle a kiss. They watched her go to confront Brett.

“Children,” Rachel sighed. “You never stop being a parent no matter how old they get.”

“Yeah,” Bobby agreed.

“What’s wrong?” Rachel’s motherly instincts were at high alert.

“Patrick is discovering that some of his friends want to hang out with just the guys and that his best friend, who’s a little strawberry blond spitfire, is not considered one of the guys. He’s torn. He loves Bree so much but sometimes guys just want to be with guys.”

“And Bree hasn’t learned that yet,” Rachel said. “Hmm, where is Bree?”

“Down by the stream with the girls.”

“As a mother of girls and as once a girl myself, I think I qualify to give advice regarding girl stuff. Maybe I’ll go to the stream.”

“You do that, sis. I think she’d appreciate it. Besides, you do have a vested interest in Patrick’s well being,” Bobby said with a warm smile and a hug for his very special sister. “I love you so much. Every day I have with Patrick is a blessing because of you,” Bobby whispered with tears in his eyes. “I am so very grateful you gave him to us.”

Brother and sister hugged as they both sniffled, trying to get their tears under control.

“I love you too and that husband of yours. I could do no less. Patrick is such a special boy, the best of all of us. Now let me go before I start really crying.” Rachel kissed Bobby’s cheek then started for the path toward the stream.

George, Rachel’s husband, walked over and watched with Bobby as Rachel walked away.

“Everything all right?” he asked.

“Yes. You know something; I have a very remarkable sister.”

“Yes, you do. And she’s just as remarkable as my wife,” George said with a smile. They patted each other on the back as they walked back into the main fray of the family.

 

*****
 

Rachel approached the clearing near the stream. She stopped to watch and listen as the girls were sunning themselves on the big rock. JR made sure her sister and Ashley were in the shady part while she and Candy sat in the sun. They all glowed in the afternoon light, so they must have been covered well with sun screen. Rachel smiled at the sight. It was good that the older girls were taking care of the younger ones.

“That sun feels great after the water,” Candy said turning her face up to the sun.

“Yeah, that stream is always cold,” JR agreed.

“But it feels so good,” Ashley said with a little giggle of delight. She loved being in the water.

Rachel waited for Bree to add a comment, but the petite girl remained silent. That did not seem like the Bree she knew, Rachel decided.

“Hi, girls,” she said stepping into the open. “May I join you?”

“Sure,” Candy replied. “Pull up a hunk of rock.”

Rachel chuckled as she hoisted herself onto the rock next to Candy. “It’s such a beautiful day,” she stated.

“Sure is,” Candy replied.

“I love it here,” Ashley gushed.

“It is pretty special,” JR agreed.

Bree said nothing. She was staring at the stream not paying any attention to what was being said.

“I’m surprised Patrick isn’t here with you,” Rachel observed hoping to get a reaction from Bree.

“He’s probably with that stupid Chet,” Bree said with venom in her voice.

“Oh Chet, you mean Patrick’s new friend?” Rachel asked.

“Yeah,” Bree replied in a sulky voice.

“Did you girls need a little girl time?” Rachel asked as if changing the subject.

“Yeah, it’s nice to get away from the noise and all that testosterone,” JR observed. “Even if most of them are gay.”

All of them laughed at that comment, except Bree and Ashley who didn’t quite get it.

“I’m surprised you didn’t get Cindy and Michelle to join you. You could be doing pedicures right now,” Rachel commented.

“Yeah, group pedicures and manicures are fun, aren’t they, Bree?” JR said trying to draw her sister into the conversation.

“Chet and Patrick would just tell us that it’s girlie stuff and it’s stupid,” Bree responded.

“I don’t think Patrick would say that,” Rachel commented.

“Chet would,” Bree contended.

“I don’t care if it’s girlie stuff,” Candy piped up. “It’s fun.”

“Yeah, I like it too,” Ashley said.

“You like having just the girls, no boys, and doing girlie stuff?” Rachel questioned.

“Yes,” Bree finally admitted. She loved when all the girls got together, especially when Cindy and Michelle could be part of it too.

“Do you think maybe that’s why Chet likes to do things with Patrick … and not include you?” Rachel asked pointedly, staring into Bree’s eyes.

Bree hesitated for a moment. She didn’t like to think that she was doing the same thing right now that Chet had been doing. He had made her so mad. “It’s good for girls to be together,” she declared.

“But it’s not good for boys to be together?” Rachel queried.

“Not when they say bad things about girls,” Bree defended her position.

“And you girls never say anything bad about the boys when you get together … just you girls?”

“Well maybe, once or twice,” JR chuckled.

“Yeah,” Candy agreed with a grin.

“It does work both ways, doesn’t it, girls?” Rachel asked as she slid off the rock. She had planted the seed. All she could do now was wait for it to grow. “I think I’ve had enough sun for now. You girls be careful you don’t get burnt.” Rachel walked away without saying anything more. She had learned a long time ago that telling children something was wrong didn’t always get the desired result. She hoped her roundabout method had accomplished its purpose.

Bree watched her Auntie Rachel walk away and frowned deeply. She knew her aunt was probably right, but she didn’t want to admit it, even to herself. She didn’t want to have to deal with what that admission would imply.
 

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