Hormonal Shift

Chapter 10

“Where are you?”

“Almost to the bistro,” JR replied into her phone as she strode along the sidewalk. She pulled her coat closer around her neck as the brisk wind almost took her breath away.

“Did you have to meet them there? That’s our place.”

“Auntie Emm should be there, and I know I can count on him for support. Mama thought it would be better to meet somewhere public. That might keep Dad from throwing a hissy fit.”

“Are you sure you want to do this?” Jacqueline asked worriedly. “We could just take off and go to Bora Bora ... or somewhere.”

“I’ve barely been out of Pittsburgh. I don’t think Bora Bora is in my future,” JR said with a sigh.

“Anything is possible with me, sweet thing,” Jacqueline said forcefully.

JR smiled brightly. “It’s freezing out here. I’m almost at the bistro. I better go.”

“Okay, but call as soon as it’s over, and if your father gets too ... critical, just leave.”

“Yes, dear,” JR said before cutting the connection.

She drew in a deep breath and pushed open the door of the bistro. Her mother and father were seated at a table in a quiet corner. By their gestures and facial expressions they were not happy. They might have been fighting before they looked up when she entered.

“Honeybun!” Michael exclaimed when he saw her. She looked at the false smile on his face and knew immediately that this was not going to be easy.

“Dad,” she replied brusquely as he gave her a kiss on the cheek.

“I was so worried when you didn’t come home last night.”

“I had ... other things to do,” JR said carefully.

“With that woman!?” Michael asked or stated or yelled. JR wasn’t sure which.

“Sit down, sweetheart,” Melanie said gently. She gave Michael a look.

“I’m not staying if this is an inquisition or a tirade against Jacqueline,” JR declared, and she meant it. She would not put up with them making disparaging and ugly remarks about her girlfriend.

“We just want to talk to you,” Melanie said looking pointedly at Michael. Michael sat down his arms crossed on his chest. JR knew that posture all too well.

“I said I would talk, but I’m not going to argue,” JR stated. “If you agree to that, I’ll stay.”

Both Melanie and Michael nodded. JR sat down at the table with them.

“So what do you want to talk about?” JR asked coyly.

“Pfffft,” Michael snorted. “Like you don’t know.”

“Dad, I’m happy. I like Jacqueline a lot, and I wish you could be happy for me.”

“You may be happy now, but with the reputation that this woman has, how long is that going to last?” Michael demanded.

“I don’t know the answer to that, but I intend to enjoy it for as long as it does last.”

“You don’t know what you’re getting yourself into.”

“How am I ever going to find that out, if you keep me away from everyone? I need to live my life,” JR said.

“You’re so young...”

“And Jacqueline’s so old,” JR said completing her father’s sentence. “It will be what it will be.”

“We don’t want you to get hurt, sweetheart,” Melanie said gently. “That’s all we’re trying to say.”

“I’ve heard that before, and I haven’t got hurt yet. Maybe I won’t. The only thing that hurts is that you don’t seem to think I have any judgment or understanding about what I’m doing.”

“Well you don’t,” Michael declared.

JR’s lips clamped tight into a straight line. That was exactly what she did not want to hear.

“Michael, that’s not helping,” Melanie cautioned.

“He doesn’t care!” JR said feeling anger rise. “He thinks I’m a baby and useless and... Oh, fuck it!” she said pushing back her chair and standing up. “I’m leaving.”

“JR, please don’t,” Melanie begged. Michael remained silent.

“Sorry, Mama, but this is futile. There’s no talking to him.” JR started towards the door of the bistro when she saw Jacqueline standing there. JR ran into her arms.

“I had a feeling it wouldn’t go well,” Jacqueline whispered as she hugged JR.

“You were right,” JR replied trying to keep tears from falling. She had actually been foolish enough to think that she and her mother could talk some sense into her father.

“JR,” a voice said. “I’m sorry this didn’t turn out better,” Melanie said. “I’m JR’s mother.” She extended her hand towards Jacqueline.

Jacqueline released JR and took the hand to shake briefly. “Nice to meet you ... I think.”

“I certainly hope it is,” Melanie said with a smile. “JR seems to think a lot of you.”

Jacqueline smiled and winked at JR. “She’s becoming very important to me.”

“Until you move on to the next unsuspecting victim,” Michael said sourly. He had quietly moved up behind them.

“JR is not a victim,” Jacqueline said defiantly. “But I’m sure you don’t believe that. You’ve already decided how bad I am for your daughter. Let’s go, JR.”

“I won’t be home in the foreseeable future,” JR said trying to sound both confident and defiant, as she fought back tears. She took Jacqueline’s hand and they walked out of the bistro together, leaving Michael with his mouth hanging open in shock.

 

*****
 

“Hellooo-ooo,” Emmett singsonged as he pulled back the heavy loft door then slid it shut with a slam.

Brian heaved an exasperated sigh. The boys were expecting Gus so they weren’t naked but they were lounging in bed, sucking face and generally enjoying some quiet time together.

“How does he do that?” Brian growled as he took one last nibble at Justin’s kiss swollen lips.

Justin giggled. “Do what?” he asked innocently.

“Walk in when we’re in the middle of something.”

“He doesn’t always and we weren’t really in the middle of something.”

“Close enough,” Brian said as he rearranged his hardened dick in his jeans.

“We couldn’t have done anything; Gus is on his way over,” Justin explained logically.

“Gus knows better than to barge in. He’d be discreet and wait in the kitchen until we were finished like a good little queer boy.”

“I’m sure,” Justin snarked as he rolled off the bed and headed for the bathroom to clean up.

Brian sighed again, put his game face on then went to greet their so-called friend.

“What do you want?” Brian grumped as he walked down the stairs and with his usual grace, glided toward the kitchen where Emmett was making a fresh pot of coffee. “Sure, help yourself,” Brian said with sarcasm as he watched Emmett take over his kitchen.

“Don’t mind if I do,” Emmett replied, ignoring the sneer and glares like he always did then expertly worked the coffeemaker.

“To what do we owe the displeasure?”

“I got a call from Drew,” Emmett announced with a grin.

“And?”

“He should be home tomorrow.”

“Well thank the fucking gods! It’s about time he came home. Maybe you’ll stop looking like you’ve lost your best friend,” Brian grumbled as he took out the coffee mugs.

“He is my best friend, besides you, of course.”

“Of course.”

“He made me promise to hear him out and not jump to conclusions.” Brian snorted. “I can do that,” Emmett stated. Brian snorted louder. Emmett was saved from further insult by Justin who breezed into the kitchen to give their friend a big hug.

“How are you, Emm?” Justin cheerfully asked.

“Better, honey, so much better now that my Drewsie is coming home.” Brian rolled his eyes and got an elbow in his ribs.

“We’re so happy for you,” Justin exclaimed with a big grin.

“Yeah, happy,” Brian mumbled as he stepped slightly away from Justin.

“Any plans for dinner tonight?” Justin politely asked. “Gus is home; he’s coming over to talk to us. I want to make something special,” Justin said as he stuck his head in the refrigerator to peruse his stock.

“Oh sweetie, how nice of you to ask but this is family time,” Emmett said.

“Emm, you are family,” Justin stated, taking his head out of the fridge for a moment to catch Emmett’s eye. He briefly glared at his spouse to ward off any comments. Brian wisely held up his hands in surrender and held his tongue.

“If you’re sure.”

“I’m sure. You can help me cook because I have no idea what to make,” Justin said as he pondered the menu.

“Don’t worry, honey, I have plenty of stuff downstairs. We can have fun shopping in my refrigerator and constructing a meal fit for a king! Several kings and a queen,” Emmett said, tossing a pointed look toward Brian. Brian glared as Justin burst out laughing. Taking Emmett’s arm, Justin led the tall man out of the loft, leaving the door open behind them, before Brian could explode.

Brian held the glare until Justin and Emmett were safely out of the loft then he broke into a smile. He continued to smile as he sipped his coffee. It was worth all the elbows in the ribs to see Emmett smiling again.

He decided to make himself useful by adding a couple of leaves into the dining room table. Who knew who else might show up for dinner?

“Kinney, do you have any influence over your friend?” Brian’s smile faded fast as Melanie’s voice grated on him.

“Hello, Melanie. Please come right in and make yourself at home,” Brian snarked. “Help yourself to some coffee and while you’re at it, what the fuck are you talking about?” Brian growled, this time using force.

“Can it, Kinney, I’ve had enough of histrionics for one day.” Mel threw off her coat and scarf then helped herself to the freshly made coffee.

“I distinctly recall you have your own abode in this building where you can shed your skin. Why are you doing it in mine?” Brian asked as he stared at her coat that was thrown over one of the kitchen stools.

“Because I came right up here!”

“Start from the beginning,” Brian acquiesced; it was no use arguing. Brian pinched the bridge of his nose before he freshened up his coffee.

Mel took a deep breath then began. “JR has a girlfriend. Michael and I met her earlier today.”

“It didn’t go well.”

“No. Michael doesn’t like her. He said a few unkind things,” Mel said with a pained expression. “JR got angry then walked out with Jacqueline, announcing she’s not coming home. Michael left in a huff and I’m without children again.” The last few words come out in a whisper that made Brian almost pity Mel. But pity was not what she needed at the moment.

“What did you think of this Jacqueline?” Brian asked.

“I didn’t get the chance to formulate an opinion. It all happened so quickly.”

“Then call JR and invite them both over for dinner. Without Michael!” Brian added for clarity. “Gus is coming over; he hasn’t seen JR in a long time. He’ll get JR and Jacqueline to talk. Justin and Emmett are cooking up who knows what for dinner but you know it’ll be enough to feed a small army. And I have the good stuff chilling,” Brian said as he pointed to his wine cabinet.

Mel seemed to pondered Brian’s proposal. “Why the fuck not!” Mel said. “It can’t get any worse?” Before Brian could respond, Melanie grabbed her stuff and ran out the door. “I’ll call JR then Emm to see if I can bring anything. I’ll be back!”

“I’ll be sure to notify The Times,” Brian muttered to himself as he shook his head. “What the fuck did I just do?” he said out loud as he took out his cell phone to call Gus to give him the heads up.

 

*****
 

“Bri,” came a hesitant call from the doorway.

“Theodore, how’s it hanging?” Brian called back from the other side of his computer screen. He had time to look over some contracts before the hordes descended.

“Just fine, thank you. Um, why is your door open?”

“We’re expecting Gus. Justin and Emm are cooking up a storm. And Mel is trying to get JR over here with her munch… ah, girlfriend. Would you like to join in the fray? Oh and by the way, Emmett’s in a happy place. He spoke to Drew and is expecting him home tomorrow.”

“Wow.”

“That about explains it,” Brian said without lifting his head above the monitor.

“Sure, if you don’t think I’d be intruding.”

“The more the merrier,” Brian said uncharacteristically.

“I’ll call Emm to see if there’s anything I can bring,” Ted said as he stepped back into the hallway. Brian just waved a royal wrist in his general direction.

Some time later Brian heard the elevator squeak its way to the top and the gate lift open.

“Pop?” Gus said as he stepped over the threshold.

“Sonny Boy!” Brian replied as he got up from his desk and went to the door. The Kinney boys gave each other an enthusiastic hug, loudly patting backs. “Shit, you got so tan,” Brian said as he stepped back to get a good look at his son then looked at his own winter pale arms.

“Jealous?” Gus asked with a wide grin.

“Fuck, yeah!”

“It’ll be gar-gar time soon enough and you’ll become the bronzed god once more,” Gus quipped.

“And risk the skin cancer PSA from Justin. These days I have to wear some sort of protection.”

“TMI, Pop,” Gus teased. Brian ruffled his hair. “Where is everyone?” Gus asked as he looked around the quiet loft.

“Downstairs cooking. I’m surprised you didn’t see them.”

“I came through the basement. There’s some stuff I stored down there that I wanted to get. But whatever they’re cooking it smells good. I caught a whiff of it as I came up. Should I ask who’s coming to dinner?”

“The cooking Bobsey twins,” Brian began. “Justin and Emmett,” he explained at Gus’ confused look. Gus nodded. “Probably Richie and Candy.”

“Candy?”

“She stays at Emm’s when your Mom’s travelling. Teddy’ll be here and Mel. And your sister. She may be bringing her girlfriend,” Brian said making a face.

“What’s with the face?”

“I’m surrounded by lesbians.”

“No you’re not. You want a beer?” Gus asked as he gravitated toward the refrigerator. He knew his father had to have something good and cold in there.

“Sure; it’s after five somewhere in the world.”

“Yeah, like here, and since when do you care?”

“Since my partner is the queen of PSA's and has a direct line to my doctor.”

“You all right?” Gus asked with genuine concern as he handed his father a beer.

“I’m fine.”

“And Justin keeps you that way,” Gus said with a smile.

Brian smiled back. It was true. He had a lot of incentive to stay healthy, some of it standing tall right in front of him. He reached over to buss Gus’ temple with a kiss.

“Dad, I really want to talk to you about something. It’s important.” Gus studied the bottle in his hand.

“You can tell me anything.”

“I know, I just don’t want to disappoint you.”

“You can never do that, Gus. I’ve been proud of you since the day you were born. I might not have always shown it or said it but you are a fine young man. You worked hard, accomplished so much and never let money influence you. You’ve never really taken advantage of being the boss’ son.”

“Dad...”

“Teenage crap that didn’t last long. You got your shit together quick.”

“Dad, before everyone gets here...”

“Gus!” Melanie called out from the door. She quickly shoved a huge bowl of salad into Brian’s arms as she grabbed her son then drew him in for a long hug. Gus hadn’t seen his mother for ages so he relished in her embrace. “My god, you’re so tall and so tan. So handsome,” Mel said ignoring the smug smirk on Brian’s face. She pulled Gus off toward the alcove so they could catch up.

Brian glared at the salad in his arms then placed it on the table.

“Bri?” Brian heard Ted’s whiny call.

“Come on in,” Brian said.

Ted entered the loft with a huge platter of nicely cut vegetables and cheese with dip. He set it on the coffee table but not before getting an okay nod from Brian. “Is Gus here?” Brian pointed toward the alcove. “Ah, I’ll wait until Mel’s done. Do you know if he plans to work at Kinnetik?” Brian shrugged. As much as he wanted his son to step in, Brian new that Gus needed to find his own way. Ted nodded in understanding.

A buzz from the intercom broke their silence. Brian went to answer the door.

“Yeah?”

“Uncle Bri, It’s me,” JR said softly. Brian hit the door release.

“Watch out for fireworks,” Brian warned Ted. Ted wasn’t quite sure what to make of this warning but took heed anyway. “Drink?” Brian asked as he waved a bottle of some very expensive sparkling water at Ted.

“Sure,” he answered as he magically produced a container of fresh cut lemons and limes from somewhere. Brian stared for a moment then found Ted a nice crystal glass.

 

*****
 

“Uncle Bri?” Jacqueline queried as they stepped into the elevator.

“Long story. He’s not really my uncle but I guess he’s something cause he’s my brother’s father,” JR tried to explain and only succeeded in confusing the issue more. “He’s great, you’ll love him and he can fix anything.”

“Even your parents?”

“I hope so but I know he’ll be on my side. I wonder if Bree will be here?” JR mumbled.

“Bree?”

“My sister, well not really but...”

“Let’s leave it at that.” Jacqueline wasn’t sure if she could take another explanation at the moment. She was always nervous meeting new people. Her severe looks and abruptness had a way of turning people off, but JR somehow wasn’t affected by it and called her out on it too.

When they got to the loft floor JR quickly opened and shut the gate. She caught a glimpse of Brian in the doorway and immediately threw herself into his arms for a hug. As much as Brian wanted to dislike the emotionalism he always found himself returning JR’s affections. He wasn’t sure why, maybe because he always thought JR got the short end of the stick when it came to her parentage, plus JR always was kind to Bree in spite of their age difference. Whatever the reason, Brian would always make himself available for JR.

“Uncle Bri,” JR began hesitantly, “this is my girlfriend, Jacqueline Archer.”

Jacqueline stepped up to shake Brian’s extended hand. As they did, they both recognised each other in more ways than one. First, as predators; secondly as highly successful business people in their respective fields.

“JR, you never told me that your Uncle Bri is Brian Kinney,” Jacqueline purred.

“You know each other?” JR asked. Brian shook his head as Jacqueline answered for them both.

“Only by reputation,” Jacqueline stated.

“Very nice to finally meet you,” Brian said in a low voice. Kinnetik had been interested in winning Archer Bikes advertising contract but it went to Vangard. Brian happened to know the campaign wasn’t that successful.

Jacqueline nodded but didn’t say anything.

“Please come in. Dinner should be served soon, I think. Would you like a drink? JR, Gus is here with your mother.” Brian played host as he pointed toward the alcove. JR excused herself to visit with her brother and mom.

“Gus?” Jacqueline asked as she accepted a glass of wine.

“My son, JR’s brother.”

“I thought Michael...”

“Michael is JR’s father and a long time friend. Although I use the term, friend, loosely,” Brian quickly added. “We share a common past.”

Brian stepped back to truly take a good look at Jacqueline. “You’re older than JR by several years.” Not an accusation, merely a statement of fact.

“From what I’ve read, you’re older than your partner.”

“True but Justin was, is, more mature than I’ll ever be. JR is an intelligent young woman but is a combination of her heritage. Very passionate, emotional and easily hurt. Don’t hurt her, Ms. Archer, I’m very fond of her,” Brian warned.

“I have no intention of hurting her. It appears she gets enough of that from her father. No one has ever gotten to me like JR has. And you’re right about her passion. I can see how she would love deeply. But she’s not a child.”

“I didn’t say she was but she does have several very protective parents and you haven’t met her grandmother.”

“I don’t think I have.”

“Believe me, you’d know it if you did. For now, let’s enjoy the evening. Melanie isn’t so bad,” Brian said as he pinched the bridge of his nose. “I think you two have a lot in common besides JR. Just keep on her good side.”

“I’ll take that under advisement. And when you have the time, I’d like to talk business.” Brian smiled as he gave Jacqueline his card.

“Jacqueline!” JR called out as she waved her over to the alcove.

“You’re on,” Brian said. “Be honest, with them and JR. They value honesty above all else.” Jacqueline nodded at Brian as she walked over to join JR and her family.

“Was that...?” Ted whispered.

“Yup, the elusive Jacqueline Archer of Archer Bikes. Wunderkind of local businesses.”

“She’s so young.”

“Same age as me when I first got into advertising. She’s a shark, don’t forget that.”

“I won’t. What about JR?”

“We’ll keep an eye on her.”

“You better let Debbie know.”

“Yeah but I have a funny feeling she may already know,” Brian stated and Ted agreed.

Further thoughts on the subject were stalled by the sound of the elevator gates opening, shutting then descending and the squeaky wheels of a cart rolling into the loft.

“Sunshine! Long time no see,” Brian teased as Justin pushed the cart toward the kitchen. Justin leaned up for a kiss. Brian immediately complied then began to roll the cart toward the table to unload.

“Hey, Ted,” Justin greeted their friend before saying hi to Gus.

“Where’s Emm?” Ted asked. Before Justin could reply there was a greeting from the doorway.

“Hi hi hi, y’all!” Emmett called out with Richie and Candy in tow. The three began to unload another cart with more food and goodies. “Ooooo, guests,” Emmett gushed as he looked around to see who else was present. “I love a good party.”

“Dad, we really have to talk,” Gus said as he sidled up to the table and began to help.

“Gus, it dawned on me that maybe I’ve been pressuring you too much...”

“Dad, no, but me and Ray...”

“If you need time to grow and learn your craft...”

“That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you. I...”

“Kinnetik can wait; the loft can wait. I want you to be happy...”

“Dad...Pop, I...”

Before either of the Kinney men could finish a whole sentence an eardrum shattering squee vibrated the windows. Everyone looked at Emmett then to where he was pointing.

“DREW!” Emmett screamed then ran over to Drew, slamming the man into the door. After an exchange of loud wet kisses which made the kids and Justin giggle with delight while Brian and Mel made gagging noises, Drew and Emm finally came up for air.

“I got on as a standby,” Drew explained as he stepped forward to address the room. “Everyone, I have an announcement to make,” Drew began as he kept an arm around Emmett’s waist. “Five years ago this man consented to marry me and I’ve never been happier or more honored. For the life of me I couldn’t figure out what he saw in me and what I could give the man who wanted nothing from me besides my love. And Babe, you’ll have that until the day I die. Then an opportunity came that I jumped at. Here,” Drew said as he took out something legal looking from his pocket and handed it to Emmett.

“What’s this?” Emmett asked as he looked over the contract. His eyes began to fill with tears of love and joy. “Mel, honey, can you explain this to me?” he asked as he gazed lovingly into his husband’s eyes. he handed the contract over to the petite woman.

“Sure,” Mel said as she took a quick look.

“Pop, what’s going on?” Gus whispered into his father’s ear.

“Watch and be prepared to be deafened again,” Brian said as he led Gus toward the windows. “Gus, what did you want to tell me?”

“Me and Ray, we found an apartment in New York City. I didn’t want to let you down,” Gus said with moistening eyes. Brian drew his son in for a hug.

“You can never let me down. You just make sure he treats you right.”

“I will; I promise,” Gus said suddenly feeling like the weight of the universe was finally off his shoulders. Justin and Ray were right all along. He had the best father in the world.

“When do you leave?”

“Next week, maybe. There’s no rush and I want to spend time with the Moms and my sisters.”

“Lindz won’t be back for a couple of weeks.”

“I know, she’s thinking of stopping in New York first before returning home so I’ll see her there.”

“Seems like you’ve worked it all out, Sonny Boy.”

“I hope so but I can call you, for advice, right?”

“Anytime,” Brian said around the lump that formed in his throat. He was so proud of his son he was about to burst which would be so not a Brian Kinney thing to do. Instead he hugged his son closer, harder and longer.

Another blood curdling scream was heard after Mel explained the contents of the document to Emmett.

“You bought me The Ironmen?!” Emmett shouted.

“A share in the team,” Drew clarified.

“He bought me The Ironmen!” Emmett shouted to the room. Drew just shook his head and laughed as Emmett went around the room to show everyone the contract.

Everyone laughed and passed out several words of congratulation as the dinner party officially commenced. Brian and Justin played host, making sure glasses were filled and plates were heaped with delectables. Family and friends became reacquainted and updated with the latest news in their lives. They were all having a delightful evening until...

“What the fuck is going on here?!” came a shout from the doorway.

Everyone who was in the know, winced. Jacqueline was the only one unaware of her fate.

“And who the fuck are you?” Debbie demanded as she marched through the loft to confront the stranger.



–TBC–

 

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