KIDZ

Chapter 5

“So now what do we do?” Patrick asked his father. They were up in their attic office. John was looking over the notes Patrick had made when they made their walk through his nephew’s new house.

“Now we write up our findings and provide an estimate of how much it will cost for the repairs,” John replied.

“But how do you know what it’ll all cost?” Patrick was fascinated that his father had all this knowledge in his head.

“I know my materials, the labor costs and the approximate length of time it will take to make the repairs. I’m going to prioritize the estimates just in case John and Mary can’t afford to do all the repairs at once. This way they’ll have a choice.”

“Wow. I thought you’d tell them to do it all at the same time,” Patrick exclaimed.

“I guess I could, but Gordon and I decided long ago that that’s not how we wanted to conduct business. You have to remember we started our business in a small town. Money was tight back then, and these were our friends and neighbors. Sometimes we were paid in baked goods for minor repairs we did. Especially after a big storm.”

“People don’t do that anymore.”

“Maybe not, but we still do. It hasn’t hurt our business and a lot of those people have long memories; so do their children.”

“Huh,” Patrick murmured to himself as he looked over his father’s shoulder at the papers on the desk. “What do you recommend first?”

“The roof and the water heater. The furnace is only a few years old so there should be no problem there. I’m thinking they’ll need new siding but that can wait a year or two. We did see some minor termite damage but nothing active. Looks like the previous owner took care of that. I’m going into Pittsburgh later today to see John and his wife. Would you like to tag along?” John asked his son.

“Yeah, I think I would.” It was a Saturday but if his father was going to do work, Patrick would too. A lot of businesses worked through the weekends. John beamed a proud smile at his son for deciding to follow through.

“Let’s go get lunch and then we’ll go,” John suggested as he reviewed his estimates one more time then placed them into his briefcase.

 

*****
 

“Patwick,” Bree crooned as she walked into his kitchen. Patrick was trying to finish his lunch while his dad was confirming their appointment.

“Hey,” Patrick mumbled around his tuna fish sandwich.

“Whatcha doing?” Bree asked coyly, batting her eyes at her Patrick.

“What’s it look like I’m doing?” Patrick snarked in Kinney fashion as he rolled his eyes. Bree ignored the snark and sat in a chair near him. “You want some?” he offered politely.

“No thank you. Dada is making me lunch now,” Bree replied. Patrick nodded then slurped down some milk. “Can you play with me after I eat?”

“No. Me and Dad are going to work,” Patrick said smugly, waiting for Mt. Bree to blow. Bree almost did, but then she remembered some of the rules of conduct that Cynthia had sent to her. Bree knew that if she was serious about working with her dads then she had to abide by the rules.

“Oh,” she said sedately, eyes slightly downcast making Patrick feel about two inches tall.

“But we won’t be too long, we can play when I come home,” Patrick said getting a bright sunny smile in return. “I’ll even practice soccer with you,” he said knowing that Bree had intentions of playing when she went to day camp.

“Oh, thank you, my Patrick!” Bree gushed as she threw her little arms around her best friend in the whole world. Patrick took it like a man.

“Time to go, Sonny Boy,” Patrick heard his father call out from the living room.

“Okay, Dad!” Patrick replied as he rinsed off his dirty dishes and placed them into the dishwasher. “Later, Bree,” Patrick said as he sprinted out toward his father.

“Later,” Bree said as she got down from her chair then went to her own kitchen.

 

*****
 

“Hello?”

“Greetings, Professor. How goes life in the Stepford burbs,” Brian snarked.

“Life is good. How are Bree and Justin?” Ben asked tersely without mentioning Brian. Brian chuckled.

“Message received, Professor, and they’re fine.”

“To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“We received your invitation to your joyous event, and of course we’d be happy to attend.”

“Good, JR loves you.”

“And we love her, but that brings us to our next quandary.”

“Which is?”

“What to get a budding young independent woman. The females in our lives all seem to think the young lady in question deserves a string of cultured pearls with matching earrings.” Brian heard Ben gulp. “I believe if one were to consider such a special gift, it should come from her fathers, not her uncles.” Brian heard Ben sigh with relief.

“But that doesn’t solve our problem. Is there a CD or DVD JR wants or concert tickets? Even Gus is at a loss as to what to get for her. Help us out here, Ben.”

“Sorry, Brian, I haven’t a clue.”

“I’d take her shopping for the Fall collection, but unfortunately your daughter has her father’s fashion sense,” Brian griped good naturedly making Ben laugh.

“Yes, she does seem to march to her own drums,” Ben agreed.

“Speaking about that, has JR mentioned furthering her education?” Brian asked almost in a whisper. It was a sore subject for Michael and Melanie who both had hopes that JR would go to college.

“She’s decided to try community collage but not until January,” Ben said through gritted teeth. “We were hoping she’d enroll in the Fall. She wants to work fulltime at the store.”

“She does have a head for retail,” Brian stated hoping he sounded encouraging and not sarcastic.

“Yes, it does appear so,” Ben conceded.

“But you were hoping she’d aspire to some sort of greatness.” Brian heard Ben sigh. “You know there is no shame to owning a business and being involved in the day to day running of it.”

“Are you speaking from experience?”

“I was thinking more of Michael,” Brian retorted. “He’s built a great business.”

“I know but...”

“Ben, let it go. JR knows what she wants to do with her life, that’s more than 90% of the kids her age. If you push too hard it may backfire.”

“Since when did you become an expert regarding teenagers?” Brian cleared his throat...loudly. Brian heard the smacking of flesh on flesh as Ben popped himself in the forehead. “Yes, your little Mary Sunshine.”

“Not to mention Gus, although Gus’ dramas were nothing compared to Justin’s, except for that criminal who tried to ingratiate himself into our family.”

“Whatever happened to that guy?”

“Still rotting away in jail somewhere, I hope. The point, Professor, is give JR a little breathing room, but make it clear that you’re there for her so when she changes her mind and decides that there might be something to higher education, you will support her,” Brian said wisely.

“Thanks, Brian.”

“Don’t mention it. But I still don’t have any clue what to get JR.”

“I’ll snoop around and get back to you.”

“Thanks, Professor. Let’s do lunch soon. I’ll be spending time, a lot of time, in the Pitts this summer.”

“Trouble at Kinnetik?”

“If we’re doing our jobs right, there should not be trouble at Kinnetik. No, my daughter who thinks she’s ready to win a Clio wants to go to work.”

“She’s a little young, don’t you think?”

“This is Briana Victoria Kinney-Taylor we’re talking about.”

“Pardon me.”

“Yeah, well you can imagine the conversations around our dinner table lately. We compromised. Bree will spend mornings at Kinnetik then the afternoons with Justin at the gallery.”

“You’re serious.”

“As the clap.”

“That’s incredible.”

“That’s one way of looking at it. Personally, I was hoping she’d decide to stay a little girl for a little while longer. Whatever happened to kids just wanting to play?”

“She’s a special little girl, Brian. She’s your daughter.”

“You say that as if it’s a good thing.”

“Don’t. Don’t start with that self deprecating attitude of yours. You’re beyond that. You’ve spent years redeeming what you think is your horrific past, and we all know that’s bullshit. You’re a very good father and a good friend. Bree is following her fathers’ examples. She wants to learn from you, let her.”

“I want her to be a kid.”

“And she will be. She’s going to camp, isn’t she?”

“Yes, for two weeks first.”

“Good. You know, you and Justin do have to travel sometimes for business. There’s no reason why you can’t take Bree with you.” Ben heard the sound of flesh smacking flesh; he laughed. “Bye, Brian.”

“See ya, Professor.” Brian hung up the phone. He still didn’t have a clue about what to get JR for graduation, but an idea was forming in his head regarding the latter part of the summer.

“Oh Sunshine!” Brian singsonged as he went to track down his spouse.

 

*****
 

“Hello, Claire,” John greeted his sister as she opened the door.

“Hi,” she replied then quickly gave Patrick the once over. She didn’t understand why John kept bringing the boy with him. John gave Patrick a subtle nudge with his elbow.

“Hi, Aunt Claire,” Patrick quickly added. Claire just smiled at the boy.

“Mom, who’s at the door?” they heard from inside the house.

“It’s your Uncle John and your cousin,” Claire called over her shoulder then stepped aside to allow John and Patrick into the house. The younger John came to the foyer to greet his uncle.

“Are you still…” John began to tease his uncle like he did years ago but then quickly changed his mind. “Um, going to give us an estimate?” John looked around knowing his wife was close by.

“Yes, I have it here,” John replied, keeping things professional. Patrick didn’t understand the sudden tension he felt but remained quiet, taking his cues from his father. “You remember Patrick, don’t you? I don’t believe you got a chance to speak to each other at Joan’s funeral.”

“No, we didn’t,” John stated as he turned to face his cousin. John had gotten much of his looks and his height from his father and not the Kinney side of his family tree. Patrick, not yet a teen was nearly the same height as young John.

“Hello, nice to see you again,” Patrick said politely as he held out his hand.

“Same here,” John replied as he shook Patrick’s hand. “So what’s the verdict,” John asked as he turned toward his uncle.

“John, why don’t you bring our guests into the kitchen where we can be more comfortable,” Mary said with a certain air. Claire led John and Patrick to the kitchen. John noted that his nephew had moved in a small kitchen table and chairs. “This is temporary,” Mary half explained as she sat at the table.

John placed his briefcase on the table to take out his estimate. About an hour later John and Mary had the results of John’s inspection, in detail.

“Well, that’s interesting,” Mary sputtered not knowing anything else to say.

“I knew we should have gone to Jennifer Harris first,” John grumbled angrily.

“How soon can the repairs begin?” Claire redirected the conversation before John and Mary had time to argue.

“Whenever you give me the word I can have a crew here to start. And as I said, you have time to work on this; it doesn’t all have to be done in one shot. We can do the essentials now and then next year do the rest,” John said amicably. “And please don’t feel obligated to use my company. I recommend you get other estimates.”

Patrick was fascinated by his father. This was an aspect of his dad he never really knew before. He knew his father was what Patrick called the big strong macho type but he never really noticed the businessman part of his father. Patrick was impressed.

“No, of course we’d like to keep the business in the family,” Mary said magnanimously. “How soon can you start?”

Another hour later, the details had been all worked out, and John and Patrick were preparing to leave.

“I’ll walk you out,” John said as he followed his uncle and cousin out the front door. “I’m sorry,” John said softly to his uncle as he leaned against his uncle’s Navigator. His face was red with embarrassment.

“For what?”

“For acting like a homophobic prick. I thought I had gotten over all of that,” John said as he kicked a pebble across the street.

“I can’t blame you for trying to keep the peace between you and your family,” John said as he drew his nephew into a brief hug. “I understand, John, but thank you for telling me. I’m grateful to know you haven’t forgotten all you learned at the Farm.”

“I haven’t and I promise that when my child is born I’ll teach him or her those same lessons, or I’ll send him to the Farm!” John said with a smile making the elder John laugh.

“Now there’s the nephew I remember,” John said as he got into his SUV. Before they drove away, John rolled down the window and stuck his head close to his nephew’s face. “And I’m still a fag,” John whispered. The younger John burst out laughing as his uncle and cousin drove away down the block.

John went back into the house feeling a little lighter and vowing to himself never to allow a child of his to grow up homophobic and intolerant.

 

*****
 

“This isn’t the way home,” Patrick said as he realized they weren’t heading toward the highway.

“Nope, I’m heading to the Village. Gordon should be with Betsie at the flower shop.”

“I don’t understand something.”

“What’s that?”

“Uncle Brian likes to “putter” in his garden,” Patrick said making quote marks in the air when using Brian’s term for gardening. “And Uncle Gordon likes working in the flower shop. I just don’t get it.”

John chuckled. “You mean you don’t get why these big macho men like playing with flowers. Well, some of the best landscapers are men,” John began. Patrick nodded. He had seen some of the landscaping Todd and his people had done; it was impressive. And Patrick couldn’t deny that the gardens of Edna’s Treasures were magnificent.

“I think it’s all a matter of keeping things in perspective,” John tried to explain. “Brian has a lot of responsibilities. There are a lot of people counting on him and his reputation. It’s a big job being Brian Kinney. There are times when Brian Kinney just wants to be Dada or Uncle Bri. And he does that when he’s dressed in overalls and has a shovel in his hands. Then instead of being creative when millions of dollars are at stake and there’s a client to please, Brian can be creative in his garden where the only one he has to please is himself. Does that make any sense?”

“Yeah, I think so. And Uncle Gordon?”

John laughed. “That’s called self preservation. You’ll understand more when you’re married or in a long term committed relationship. Betsie is the one who wears the pants in that family. But don’t tell Gordon I said that. Let him wallow in the illusion that he’s the boss,” John laughed.

“Oh, like Uncle Bri and Uncle Justin,” Patrick said smugly.

“Yup, just like them,” John agreed. “I wouldn’t tell that to Brian either.” John and Patrick cracked up as they pulled up in front of the Village Flower Shoppe. They were still laughing when they strode into the store.

“And what are you two giggling about?” Betsie asked as she received a respectful peck on the cheek from both John and Patrick.

“Oh, nothing earth shattering. Patrick and I agree that looks can be very deceiving when it comes to identifying the true head of a household,” John stated. Betsie nodded knowingly.

“Very true,” Betsie graciously agreed. “Are you boys here to see Gordon? He’s out back unloading a truck.” Betsie pointed toward the back of the shop. John and Patrick thanked the woman then went into the back.

“John Boy, grab that box, will ya,” Gordon called out as he pointed to a box on the ground with his elbow.

“I got it, Dad,” Patrick said as he tried to exert his manhood. Patrick didn’t think a box of flowers could be very heavy. John nodded then grabbed another box from the truck.

“Gordo, are you sure you don’t want to be back in New York walking the steel. I think that woman of yours is making you work harder than you ever did doing construction alone,” John teased.

“You know you may be right, Johnny my lad. Maybe I should ask her for a raise,” Gordon replied matter-of-factly. When he turned to unpack the first box he saw his wife give him the eye. “On second thought, she’d put me in a higher tax bracket. I’m fine where I am,” Gordon said contritely as Betsie nodded her head then went back into the main store. John chuckled and Patrick snickered.

“You’re learning your father’s bad habits,” Gordon teased Patrick who had the good graces to blush. “Now, you didn’t drive all the way over here to rile up my Betsie, did you?”

John shook his head then dug into his briefcase to give Gordon a copy of his nephew’s estimate.

“Some of this is at cost,” Gordon muttered.

“I know,” John agreed. “I’d like to use some of Hunter’s graduates and maybe some Farm alumni as well. It’s not a difficult job.”

“You’re the bossman. I’ll put together a list of names for you to look over. We had some good kids working on the greenhouse and the big cottage on your lane. Let’s see how they do on a real house,” Gordon said as he ran his hand through his hair.

“Sounds like a plan. Monday?” John asked.

“Monday it is,” Gordon agreed. “Patrick, you going to be your dad’s shadow this summer?”

“Yes, sir,” Patrick said with a smile.

“Good boy, then I’ll see you soon,” Gordon said with a pleased smile.

“Gordon?” they heard Betsie call from the store.

“Coming!” Gordon replied. “My master’s voice,” he said with a quirk of his month. John and Patrick laughed, said goodbye to Gordon and Betsie, and then were on their way back to Edna’s Treasures.

 

*****
 

The following Monday began the last week of high school for JR, Curtis, Candy and Richie. Only two days remained until the graduation ceremony.

“Hey.”

“Hi, Richie,” Candy said with a smile as her friend approached her locker where she was packing some books into her backpack.

“Starting to clear out your locker?” Richie asked.

“Yeah, there’s not many days left in the school year.”

“I’ll be happy to have school finished and the summer to work on my designs.”

“Me too. I’m working on a new idea for Rage,” Candy said proudly.

“Oh, what’s that?”

“Can’t tell you.”

“Why not?” Richie asked feeling a little hurt that Candy wouldn’t confide in him.

“It’s a surprise.”

“What kind of surprise?”

“If I told you that, you might figure it out,” Candy said mysteriously. “Suffice it to say that it has to do with a new character for the comic.”

“So why can’t you tell me. I wouldn’t reveal anything about it.”

“I know, but I want it to be a surprise.”

“Okay,” Richie said but he wasn’t at all happy about this.

“I think you’ll like it. Just be patient,” Candy said gently, realizing that Richie had expected her to tell him about her new idea like she did with most things. She didn’t want him to be mad or hurt.

“If you say so,” Richie agreed grudgingly.

“How’s JR’s graduation outfit coming?” Candy asked, effectively changing the topic.

Richie’s face lit up immediately. “She’s going to love it. It’s a turquoise sundress with big cream flowers. It will be beautiful for the graduation ceremony.” Richie smiled proudly.

“Has she seen it yet?” Candy asked.

“Yeah, just the dress, when I fitted it on her, but the whole outfit wasn’t finished. She liked the dress, but it didn’t have any of the accessories,” Richie explained. “I added a little cream shrug to wear over it, and a belt. Now it’s all put together and it looks great. I’m taking it over to the comic store so she can try it on. Want to come with me?”

“Sure,” Candy said before she picked up her backpack and they headed to the door of the school at the GLC.
 

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