Joan VS The State of Liberty
Chapter 2
"Brian, we're going and you're getting dressed up."
"Justin, why do we have to get dressed up in these corny costumes and since when have you become so bossy?"
"Brian, we've been through this, all of this."
"Humor me."
"Shit. Okay, one last time then get your skinny butt dressed! This is the last night of the show and Sidney will announce the grand total of the auction results. Because it's two days before Halloween, Emmett wanted this to be themed. So we're all going in period costumes. Claire, John and Bobby will be there. John and Bobby are coming back here with us and Claire will stay with my mom. Steve and Bill are also coming to accept the check for the farm. Has this sunk into your thick head?"
"Fine!"
"Fine!"
"Justin?"
"What!?"
"You know they're all going to think we're them."
"I know."
"And this doesn't feel weird to you?"
"It does but ever since I saw those sketches and that painting...Brian, I know Kinney is your ancestor and maybe there's a remote possibility that I may be related to Patrick but it goes way beyond that. I feel what they feel. I..."
"Say it, Justin"
"I love like they love. I need to know more about them. What they did, how they lived. Do you have any idea what I mean?"
"Yeah, come here, little boy. I do know. And I'll help if I can."
"Thank you."
"But only if you help me into this ridiculous costume. And why does John get to be Davy Crockett?"
"Uh, cause he had an authentic buckskin suit?"
"And what the hell is Bobby going as? With all that red hair he could be Debbie's twin."
"You're not that far off."
"What?"
"Emmett got to Bobby."
"Oh no. He's not."
"Oh yeah. In drag as John's companion, a lady companion."
"Ya know something Sunshine? I just may have fun this evening after all. And they're coming back here after? I'd love to watch John peel all those clothes off of Bobby."
"Hey!"
"Don't worry, I said watch. I'll be doing my own peeling off of your clothes, nice and slow."
"Yeah?"
"Uh huh."
"Mmm, can't wait."
"Hold that thought, let's get dressed and get this show on the road, Sunshine. Our public awaits!"
=============================================
Joan sat in her car conveniently parked a few spaces down from the Sidney Bloom Gallery. She had seen the posters of the gala. She could read as well or better than any of the homosexuals who would be attending the fancy dress ball. But no one had invited her. No one had enough consideration for her to issue a simple request for her to appear. This exhibit honored Jack's family, her family. She had lived with the miserable old bastard all those years and she didn't even rate an invitation.
She had waited for Sidney Bloom or that Lindsay woman to ask her, but they had carefully avoided doing that. She had desperately wanted them to ask so that she could tell them she wouldn't be caught dead at such an event. She had the words all planned out in her head. Her comments would have been scathing, would have shown them the godlessness of their ways. But they hadn't given her that opportunity.
So here she sat in her car watching all the fags and important people of Pittsburgh waltzing into the exhibit. That was the mayor who just went in. She was sure of it. It should be her meeting the mayor not Claire and Brian.
She had watched Claire go in earlier dressed like some southern belle in a hooped skirt. She was on the arm of a rather nice looking man. Joan had no idea who this man was, but he seemed very solicitous of her daughter. And they had even brought those two bratty children. Although they didn't seem nearly as out of control as she thought they were. She was going to have to spend more time at Claire's house and find out just what was going on.
That Novotny woman had arrived with her son and two other men. They all looked quite elegant in their suits and she wore a red dress. One of the men looked like a child. Perhaps Michael was interested in children just like her own son was. They were all going to burn in Hell.
There had been plenty of colorful characters. Some looked like riverboat gamblers and some like pioneers. One group that appeared to be women of ill repute had really caught her attention. They looked like they should be in a brothel in the old west. But the strange thing was that one or two of them appeared to be men dressed as women. The whole thing was so depraved.
And then Brian had arrived just before the mayor. He had worn an elegant suit from another time and that blond young man was with him. Joan had had a moment's heart palpitation as she realized how much the two looked like that painting in the exhibit. It had given her chills.
Then Brian had pulled Justin, yes that was his name, into his arms and had kissed him right in the middle of the street for the whole world to see. And nobody had seemed to mind. People had either smiled at them or had merely hurried by. She didn't know what the world was coming to.
Another couple had gotten out of the SUV with Brian. A man who looked an awful lot like her son, but was dressed in buckskin, had arrived with Brian and his young man. Joan looked at the tall, handsome man wondering who he was and why he resembled Brian so closely. Then the man, dressed like Davy Crockett from the old TV show, had helped a young woman with red hair out of the other side of the SUV. She had on a big hooped skirt too, and the man had taken her hand and kissed her in the same way that Brian kissed that boy. Joan had shuddered and wished that that man who so resembled her son could have been her son. He had a girlfriend and would have a normal family, not the travesty of a life that Brian was leading.
The number of people streaming into the gallery was thinning out. Maybe most of the people going to the party had arrived. She debated getting out of the car and going to see what was happening inside. As she had her hand on the door, she saw Beryl Gardiner and her son all dressed up hurrying down the sidewalk to the gallery. They must have had to park far away and now they were late.
Joan took her hand off the door handle. As much as she would like to see what was going on inside, she would not risk Beryl seeing her on the outside looking in. That would be just too humiliating.
With a sigh Joan started the engine. She would go home and open a bottle of wine and pray for the souls of all the poor deluded people in that gallery. As she pulled out of her parking space she understood why some people took a gun and shot all the people who had wronged them. She had never felt so bitter in all her life.
When Joan got home she was seething. She was a Kinney; she had every right to be there. Joan had put up with Jack's drunkenness and carousing for years. He had humiliated her with his wanton behavior. Joan was owed this. Joan had so many unanswered questions.
Who was that man who looked so much like Brian? And where did all these paintings come from? And if there was any money to be made, why wasn't she consulted as to where the money was going? And what brought Claire and Brian together? Joan had to find out.
It was still early. According to the poster, the gala started at eight and would go on until the final auction results were to be announced at ten, then the party would continue to at least midnight. It was only 8:30. If she could find a costume she could sneak in. Then Joan remembered her great grandmother's wedding dress. It was the only thing she had left from her side of the family. When she married Jack, her family had all but ostracized her.
In her closet, safely stored in a box and wrapped in tissue was the dress. It may have been white or a cream color but it had now aged to a beautiful ecru. The fine silk cloth was still intact, the lace still perfect, with dainty pearl buttons. Joan had beige shoes and she managed to find an old mask, a left over from Halloweens long gone by. The elastic had disintegrated but Joan found some white ribbon that she could attach. In an hour's time, Joan looked like she stepped out of a Victorian painting. Finding a small purse, Joan took her wallet and keys and went back to the Bloom gallery.
The gala at the gallery was in full swing. Emmett had outdone himself again. Fine wine and spirits were flowing. The canapés were scrumptious. Friends and family of all the artists were having their picture taken by the press who were covering the event. Joan had slipped in and accepted a glass of wine from a very tall waitress, well, Joan thought she was a waitress. At that point Joan had no idea who was male or who was female. What she was sure of was that her children, who were sharing a laugh together, had somehow become friends and she had no idea how that had come about.
Brian had no inkling that his mother had made her appearance. If he had he surely would have spoken to her but he didn't know. Brian mingled with the best of them and knew when to hang back as Justin was photographed for an art rag and interviewed about how he helped to find the lost Kinneys. Joan Kinney quietly hovered in the background as Justin told his tale about finding the art book and the farm. He mentioned Claire Anderson and John Anderson as being related to Jack but no details. Justin then went into the story of finding a trunk in an attic, the sketches, and the letters that led to the finding of the paintings. Joan absorbed all she could and was beginning to piece together the rest.
While Joan was gathering knowledge, Brian was beginning to feel weary. He had had a long day at Kinnetik, clients to pacify, Gus to pacify and then Justin to pacify, all demanding Brian's attention. And demanding that he dress up like some long dead artist and schmooze with Pittsburgh's elite. He again found his way to the end of the gallery where the portrait of Kinney and Patrick was displayed.
Brian sat on the small bench opposite the painting to gaze and admire it. There was much to admire about the painting and about the men in the painting. Justin joined him. He couldn't help his excitement about the evening and soon the painting would be coming home with them. Joan hid behind a large sculpture and overheard their conversation.
"Brian? Why are you hiding?"
"I'm not hiding, just needed a little quiet. It's been a long day. Is it time for the presentation?"
"Not yet, but soon. I love this painting! Don't you love this painting? Look how bold he painted the flora, the trees, the stream, even the boulder he's sitting on. And yet see how softly he painted Patrick, the boldness framing Patrick like a fortress around him. Kinney loved him so much, he wanted to protect him."
"Yes he did."
"I can't wait until we take it home. Where should we hang it?"
"I don't know but I'm sure you'll find the perfect place for it."
"Brian, is anything wrong?"
"No, Justin, nothing's wrong."
"Brian."
"Nothing's changed."
"I don't understand, what's not changed?"
"The world. Since Kinney painted this, nothing's changed. We still have very few rights, we can't marry, not that I would get married but it would be nice to have that right. He had to run away to be with the man he loved. You, you almost died. Gus, what if he turns out to be gay. What kind of world will be waiting for him?"
"Oh Brian, so much has changed. We wouldn't be here having this conversation in this gallery if nothing changed. And look at all these people. They're all here bidding on Kinney's paintings because he was a wonderful artist. Gay or not, his paintings touched something in everyone who sees them. The ones of his family, the landscapes, he painted with passion, with love. And he loved. And Patrick loved him and so did Martha. Things have changed and they will continue to change. And if Gus turns out to be gay, we'll be there for him, to help him."
"I guess so. How did you get to be so smart?"
"It's in my genes."
"Mmm, I love what you have in your jeans."
"Watch it Kinney. This isn't the backroom of Babylon."
"You sure? There are enough fags here."
"Behave."
"Moi?"
"Yes, you. You feel better, Mr. Kinney?"
"You always make me feel better, Mr. Taylor. But a kiss would make me feel even better."
"That I can do and I promise, when we get home, I'll make you feel even better."
"I'll hold you to that promise."
"And I'll hold everything else. Come on, old man. Claire will be speaking; she and Sidney will be presenting the check to Steve and Bill. I don't want to miss it."
"Still the bossy bottom."
"Yeah, and you so love me."
"Hh-rumph!"
It was approaching ten and the guests of honor were nearing the podium. On the night of the opening, it was Sidney and Brian who took the lead and made most of the speeches. Tonight Claire Anderson wanted to express her gratitude. Sidney commanded the attention of those in the gallery and then turned it over to Claire.
"Thank you, Sidney, and good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you all for joining us tonight. [Applause.] For those of you who may not know who I am, my name is Claire Anderson and the long lost Kinney paintings and sketches were found in my home. And in, of all places a root cellar! [Chuckles and applause.] Before we get to the good part I must say a deep, heartfelt thank you to the men who made all of this possible; Brian Kinney and Justin Taylor. [Very loud applause.] If it wasn't for their passion for the truth and their bravery none of this would have ever happened. [Applause.]
"Friends and family, some of you already know my family was a family of two, my son John and myself. That is until Brian and Justin burst in upon us and we became a part of a wonderfully large and diverse family. They brought their passion, their strength and their love. Searching for the truth wasn't easy for Brian or for us but just see the results. A man has become true to his nature and has found love. Forty years of questions have been answered. Brothers have found each other and have become friends. An estranged sister has been reunited with her brother. A pair of troubled boys have come to learn tolerance and respect for others. [Applause.] And a special little boy got a beautiful treehouse. [Loud whoops and applause!]
"The money raised by the auction of the Kinney paintings will go to a most worthy cause. To what we call, The Farm. The Farm is a place where for 3 months, troubled youth go to learn, to grow, to find the right path to becoming productive members of society. There, with the help and guidance of Steve, Bill and other counselors, children are shown how to make the right decisions and learn the consequences to their actions. The 'graduates' have turned out to be doctors, lawyers and even our own town's police chief. The proceeds of this auction will make the Farm self sufficient and allow it to help children for many years to come.
"Steve, Bill, will you come up here to accept this check? Sidney, what's the grand total?"
"Claire, I am very proud to hand over this check for 1.8 million dollars, minus my commission of course, to Steve and Bill and to you for The Farm!" [Gasps and an ovation!]
It took several minutes for the thunderous applause to die down. No one imagined that the auction would produce such extraordinary results. Then another major hugfest ensued. By 10:30 the speeches were done and everyone wanted to congratulate the primary players.
Steve, a very practical and smart man, commandeered Ted and Bobby for a few moments in a quiet corner to ask them both for advice. None of them noticed the quiet woman in the lace covered dress standing nearby seemingly admiring a painting.
"Ted, you were very helpful to Claire when she sold off some of the other paintings earlier this year. She made some wise investments. I would like you to consider taking the Farm on as a client. Providing Brian gives his permission; I hear he can be a very demanding employer."
"Steve, I'm honored that you would consider me and I will gladly accept this assignment, uh, with Brian's blessings, of course."
"Of course. Bobby, I know you have several months yet before you graduate but I have all the confidence in the world in you. I know you and your family. You were one of the few good boys that my son knew. When you pass the bar, will you make the Farm your first client?"
"Steve, I don't know what to say."
"Bobby, John told me you've already received offers from some of the best law firms in the state and many close by in Harrisburg. You're good for John; I've never seen him so happy. Consider it, will you?"
"I will, you know I will."
"Now that's settled, I can relax. Do you think I can get a beer, never developed a taste for wine."
Teddy laughed and answered. "I happen to know the caterer intimately; I think we can find you a beer."
"That's way too much information, Ted," Bobby said, laughing loudly. Steve just smiled, rolled his eyes and shook his head then followed his new accountant and lawyer over to Emmett.
Joan was so shocked at what she heard and witnessed that she was literally frozen to the floor. The red headed woman, wasn't. And apparently he/she was involved with that John Anderson person who was Brian's brother. Brian seems to be feared and respected by that Ted person and by several people in attendance. Joan couldn't understand how a blaspheming, godless homosexual could have so much power in the world. Brian was living with that blond boy. Claire Anderson must have known Jack. And that book. That damned book! Joan remembered giving that book to Brian after Jack's funeral. She had hoped it would find its way into a dumpster somewhere but it didn't and now her whole world was flipping over. All of this made her dizzy and she so wanted another glass of wine. But that Kinney stubbornness had rubbed off on her over the years and Joan knew that she would never have another opportunity like this, ever. She was determined to stick it out to the bitter end.
Joan's feet began to move and she glided closer to where Claire Anderson, Debbie, Lindsay and another blond woman were talking.
"Jennifer, all of Justin's paintings have sold," Lindsay boasted.
"I know, I'm so proud of him and so happy he's back in school," Jennifer crowed.
"I bet Brian's happy too. He always wanted Justin to finish his education."
"I know, Lindsay. I think Brian's worse then a mother hen sometimes. He worries about Justin more than I do."
"Don't let him hear you say that, he'll be sulking for days."
"Oh Debbie, he's not that bad," Claire admonished.
"You didn't have to put up with him when Justin went to LA. Bitch, bitch, bitch, worse than an old woman. Or an old queen." The four women roared with laughter.
Brian, whose radar worked as well as his gaydar, suspected that the four most important women in his life were having a good laugh at his expense. He sauntered over.
"And just what's so funny?" Brian glared at all of them.
Claire, who was never intimidated by that Kinney glare, spoke up. "We all are enjoying Justin's good fortune. We're very proud of him. All of his paintings have sold and he's back in school where he belongs."
"Kiddo, we know you want him to be the best homosexual he can be."
Brian continued to glare. He knew that none of them would ever lie to him but he also knew that each one of them had a wicked sense of humor. He arched an eyebrow, snarled a little then sighed. He knew when he was outnumbered. And outnumbered by women. Justin came to his rescue or so he thought.
"Mom, are you picking on my partner?"
"No honey, I would never do that. We were just commenting that we're all very happy that you've decided to go back to school and we know Brian's happy about that too. He worries about you."
"Sunshine, with you at school and doing shifts at the diner, Brian will always know where you are. Then we don't have to put up with his moaning and groaning about his wayward little blond," Debbie said, unsuccessfully hiding a giggle.
"So this IS 'pick on Brian Kinney' night!" Brian snarked. "I need to have a word with Emmett. No more wine for any of you."
"Brian, we're not picking on you. But you do tend to get a little motherly where Justin is concerned," Claire retorted.
Brian stared back at these women who he thought loved him and at the man he could have sworn would have defended him, not that he needed any defending. Brian looked from Lindsay to Jennifer to Claire and to Debbie. Then he glared at Justin expecting some words of defense from his partner. They all cracked up leaving Brian wondering why he put up with any of them. John, seeing his little brother being outdone by the masses came to his rescue.
"Mother, are you picking on my little brother?"
"No, Jackie, I would never do that. We all agreed that Brian can get overly protective of Justin sometimes."
"Oh, well, I do have to agree with you there."
"Et tu, big bro?"
"Just stating the obvious, little bro."
Brian had had enough. The creases in his brow deepened, he sighed his best queenly sigh, and then stomped off.
After a brief chuckle, John made a suggestion. "Justin, I think you better go after him and work some of your magic. Bobby and I are sleeping at the loft tonight and I'm not in the mood for one of Brian's tirades. God that man can bitch."
Justin ran off to sooth Brian's ruffled feathers.
"Do you think Justin will be able to calm Brian; he seems awfully upset."
"Don't worry, Lindsay. I've seen what that boy uses to get Brian to do whatever he wants. Believe me, he'll flash that smile, bat those baby blues, wiggle his rump and Brian will be a goner," John reassured Lindsay.
They all turned and watched as Justin took the long way around the gallery to get to where Brian was sulking. They watched as Justin's round rump had a little added swish and they noticed that Brian saw it too. The furrows in his brow started to lessen. Justin approached and looked up through his lashes to gaze into the darkening hazel eyes. He gently batted his eyelashes while the little boy grin started to widen. When it stretched into his full Sunshine smile, it was all over for Brian. Brian pulled Justin into a strong hug.
"See, that boy has got Brian wrapped around his little finger," John said.
"Yeah, and if we don't get them out of here quick, Justin'll be wrapped around Brian's dick!" Debbie quipped.
"Oh oh," Claire, Jennifer and Lindsay said in unison.
"John, I think you better take them home and now." Brian's hug turned into an embrace, a very serious embrace.
"I think you're right, Mother. I'll call you tomorrow. Now where is Bobby?" John gave each woman a kiss, grabbed his lover then swept Brian and Justin out of there before the Bloom Gallery got a first hand demonstration of the human form in action.
The ladies laughed and agreed it was time to call it a night. The crowd was starting to thin and Emmett's crew was starting to do the clean up. It was a wonderfully successful night.
Joan gulped down the last of her wine then quickly slipped out. She was flabbergasted at all she had heard, witnessed and learned. She had to get home.