KIDZ

Chapter 9

By the time Justin caught up with Brian and Bree, they were at the diner sitting in a booth and apparently entertaining the masses, including making nice with the young man that Justin had insulted. He was just getting up to leave when he gave Justin a hesitant smile as he approached the door. Justin smiled back and held the door open for him.

“Thank you for your help at the gallery. I really appreciate it. I hope you attend my next class at PIFA,” Justin said sincerely as the young man walked through the door. He nodded at Justin then continued walking down the street. Justin stared at the man’s retreating back for a moment then joined his family.

“I took the liberty of ordering you a burger with the works,” Brian informed him. “It’s better than eating crow,” Brian snarked as Justin blushed.

“What’s eating crow, Dada? I didn’t see it on the menu,” Bree said.

“No? It was right next to the foot in mouth special,” Brian retorted.

“Huh?”

“Never mind, Sweetheart, it’s a grown up thing,” Justin explained as he put a hand on Bree’s arm. Bree understood the gesture and kept quiet. It was one of those times that made her Dada’s eyebrow arch up and could put a scowl on his face really fast if she and her Daddy weren’t careful.

“I fucked up, didn’t I,” Justin quietly admitted. Brian said nothing as he sipped his coffee. “I got so caught up in me that I forgot that people have feelings. He was paying me a compliment and actually did fix a problem, but I didn’t see that.”

Brian nodded but remained quiet.

“Brian, do you think I’m becoming a...”

“Deeva! Girl, you look good,” a rather flamboyant man loudly greeted a friend, turning heads in the diner.

“If the sequins fit, Sunshine,” Brian murmured. Justin groaned and then conversation was momentarily stalled when the waitress brought their food.

“Justin, what’s wrong? I’ve seen you distracted before but something’s off. You’re feeling all right, aren’t you?” Inwardly, Brian panicked; he took for granted that Justin’s health, other than the occasional bout with allergies, was perfect.

“I’m fine, really,” Justin added when he saw the worried look in the hazel eyes. “Maybe I’ve been working too hard. Maybe I haven’t been working hard enough. I’m not sure. It’s like I have to keep painting but I’m not sure why or what.”

“Maybe that’s because you’re an artist?” Brian made a low “duh” sound. Bree wanted to giggle but decided against it. She quietly nibbled on her grilled cheese sandwich and watched her fathers slowly make each other crazy. Brian watched as Justin attacked his burger.

“Did I tell you that Sidney wants me to do a meet and greet in a new gallery?”

“You may have mentioned it,” Brian replied. “What’s the big deal? You go to galleries all the time.”

“This one’s in Canada, Toronto to be specific. In August. I really want to spend the time with you and Bree. I don’t want to go to Canada.”

“Don't whine, you sound like a spoiled brat,” Brian grumbled.

“Daddy?”

“Hold on a minute, Bree,” Justin snapped. “I sound like a spoiled brat? Weren’t you just complaining a few hours ago about poor widdle you?” Justin growled in a low tone trying not to cause a scene.

“Dada?”

“One moment, Squirt. You’re the one who told me that’s it’s okay to want to spend time at the office.”

“And I meant that, and I also meant it when I said I wanted to spend time with you and Bree there.”

“Why can’t we all go to Canada?” Bree said as she took a pickle off her younger father’s plate.

“What?” both her fathers said at the same time.

“We can go together. Miss Cynthia said there’s a very important client that Dada has to meet in Canada, and Uncle Sidney wants Daddy to see a new gallery. We can have fun! Dada, what do you wear to Canada? It’s summer there too, right? Can I wear my new short set?”

Bree babbled on as they finished their lunches. By the end of the day the lovers were back on track and had three first class tickets to Canada for early August.

 

*****
 

“Hi, Bree,” JR said into her cell phone. She had just returned home from the comic book store and decided it was time for one of her chats with her sister. “How’s your job going?” JR stifled a chuckle as she thought about a nine year old working at Kinnetik or the art gallery.

“Good,” Bree replied.

“Just good?”

“I helped Uncle Ted make more money for Kinnetik,” Bree said. She hoped it didn’t sound like bragging, but she was proud that her Uncle Ted liked her ideas.

“How did you do that?”

“I told him there should be meetings so the different departments at Kinnetik could talk about saving money and see how their savings would affect everybody.”

“You did that?” JR asked in amazement. It actually sounded like Bree knew what she was doing in business.

“Yep.”

“But…”

“I have good ideas … sometimes,” Bree stated.

“Yeah, I guess you do,” JR admitted grudgingly. This was not at all what she had expected when she asked her question.

“What have you been doing?” Bree asked.

“I worked at the comic store today. I just got home.” JR noted to herself that her day didn’t sound half as exciting or interesting as Bree’s.

“That’s good. Did you sell a lot of comics?”

“Yeah, quite a few.”

“I like comics,” Bree said.

“I never see you reading them,” JR commented.

“I should get Dada to take me to your store and I could get one.”

“That’s a good idea,” JR agreed. “I could help you pick it out.”

“That’s good,” Bree replied enthusiastically.

“Maybe you could come one day after work at Kinnetik,” JR suggested, again finding it hard to keep a straight face about Bree’s so called job.

“I work at Kinnetik in the morning then I work with Daddy at the gallery in the afternoon.”

JR heaved a sigh. “Then come after you’re done at the gallery.”

“Okay,” Bree said.

“See you soon,” JR responded before she cut the connection.

Bree ran out to the sun porch where her fathers were sharing a chaise as they looked at a beautiful sunset through the glass of the porch walls. “Daddy, Dada, do you like comics? JR says I should come to the comic shop and get some from her.”

“Do you think you’ll have time to read them with all your jobs?” Brian asked.

“Oh yes, Dada, I can read them when I come home.”

“That’s good, because I wouldn’t want you shirking your work at Kinnetik to read a comic.”

“Oh no, Dada.”

“Do you want to watch the sunset with us?” Brian asked.

“I think I should get ready for bed, so I can work hard tomorrow,” Bree said.

“Okay.”

“I’m going to put my ‘jamas on. Will you tuck me in?”

“Sure, sweetheart,” Justin replied with a smile.

“You got it, Squirt,” Brian agreed.

Bree ran from the room heading to her bedroom.

“You are so bad, Kinney,” Justin admonished as he squeezed Brian’s arm.

“Why?” Brian asked in surprise.

“Suggesting that Bree would shirk her job to read a comic.”

“She needs to know what’s expected of her,” Brian stated.

“I think she knows full well.”

“Yeah, she does.”

“And she should be able to read a comic if she wants.”

“Okay, okay. One minute she’s a high powered captain of industry, and the next she needs to be tucked into bed,” Brian observed.

“Exactly, and she’s our beautiful daughter all the time,” Justin said pointedly.

“So let’s tuck the little angel in,” Brian suggested as the sun slid behind the horizon.

“Good idea, my big smoosh.”

“I only have good ideas.”

“You are so full of…

“Good ideas?” Brian asked with a smirk.

“Something like that,” Justin laughed. “Come on.” He took Brian’s hand and they headed for Bree’s bedroom.

 

*****
 

As July was quickly approaching its end, plans were being confirmed. Cynthia and Lindsay were speaking daily coordinating Brian and Justin's trip to the northern tundra. Lindsay was finding it a bit frustrating that Cynthia seemed to want to include sightseeing trips for the boys and Bree. Lindsay felt this was a business trip and fought to keep it that way.

“Lighten up, Lindsay, the boys will have plenty of time for business. There's no reason why they can't have a little fun,” Cynthia said trying to remain cool. She didn't remember Lindsay being such a stick in the mud.

“Justin must be rested and have his evenings free to meet potential collectors. It wouldn't look good if he was haggard and run down. Especially since his promotional pictures have him looking young and fresh,” Lindsay tried to explain reasonably.

“Then perhaps you should have updated photos of Justin instead of using pictures of him when he was twenty-two.”

“Are you saying Justin looks old?”

“No, I'm saying he's no longer a young unknown artist. He's a successful mature man in his late thirties who has a daughter and a husband. Allow him to look the part. He should be interacting with his admirers on a more personal level. That was one of his most attractive qualities when he was young, hungry and eager to prove himself,” Cynthia went on to explain. She was a Justin fan, and always had been even when there were forces trying to keep the lovers apart in their early relationship. She had witnessed a few changes in Justin that she didn't like. Cynthia was convinced that Brian wasn't aware of them or if he was, he wasn't willing to confront Justin about it. Brian's Sunshine was nearly perfect in Brian's eyes.

“We don't have time to alter the promo posters now,” Lindsay grumbled.

“Don't worry, I know just what to do,” Cynthia crowed triumphantly.

“Does Brian know you go behind his back to handle Justin's PR?” Lindsay asked.

“Of course he does. Brian knows everything when it comes to promoting his Sunshine. You just take care of Sidney.”

“Sidney is on the brink of retiring; I handle the majority of the gallery's business,” Lindsay did some of her own crowing.

“Be careful, from what I hear, Bree will be taking over the gallery soon, that's after she's finished with Kinnetik,” Cynthia chuckled.

“Did she really find a way for you to save money?” Lindsay asked incredulously.

“Yes she did. And with Ted and Brian's thanks.”

“What about Gus?”

“What about him?”

“How does he feel about his sister taking over?” Lindsay was slightly jealous and found herself fearful that Bree was going to usurp her son’s position at Kinnetik.

“He's tickled pink and wouldn't dream of arguing with her. Gus is just phenomenal. He's been working with some of our best execs and with his artistic background he bridges both worlds. He already has a good business head on his shoulders. When he's ready, he'll easily slip into Brian's Pradas with no problem,” Cynthia assured Lindsay.

“Hmm.”

“Lindsay, I am concerned about Justin.”

“Why?”

“With all that's gone on since their anniversary and Joan's death, most of the attention has been focused on Brian and Bree.”

“Don't you think they deserved it?”

“Of course they do, but Justin has been used to being coddled and sheltered by Brian, Sidney and the rest of us, including you.”

“I have no idea what you're talking about.”

“Don't play the dumb blond with me. He's an artist, we all let him get away with his idiosyncrasies so that he can be free to create his masterpieces. He needs to get in touch with the real world before he becomes too spoiled.”

“I don't think his family will allow Justin to become too spoiled.”

“True, but I'm sure it won't be Brian putting Justin in his place, more likely it will be Bree.” Cynthia left it at that. The two women got back to finalizing the itinerary.

 

*****
 

“Daddy?”

“Yes, sweetheart.”

“What did those ladies want?” Bree asked her younger father as they walked into the gallery. Justin had been stopped just outside by several women who clambered around Justin trying to get him to sign their Sidney Bloom Gallery brochures.

“They wanted my autograph,” Justin said with a long suffering sigh. He was an artist not a rock star.

“And your problem with that is?” Bree suddenly morphed into Debbie including the hands on hips.

“I, I...” Justin stammered, he wasn’t quite sure how to answer his very disapproving daughter. “I'm not that important,” Justin admitted.

“Of course, you're important,” Bree said solemnly.

“But not like the president or the pope or...” Justin stammered.

“Daddy, you make people smile,” Bree tried to explained to her father. “You make people cry too. Uncle Sidney says that you make people feel. And that's very important.”

“I guess so,” Justin sighed. He knew he was being asinine. People paid good money for his work. They wouldn't if his work wasn't good or didn't touch them in some personal way.

“Daddy, Uncle Sidney told me what the little stickers on your paintings mean and the color codes. Your paintings cost a lot!” Bree exclaimed, spreading out her arms for emphasis. “You should be more nice to people who like your art!” she said with a stamp of one dainty foot. Bree immediately regretted stamping her foot. She was supposed to be more mature, especially if she wanted to continue working at the gallery or at Kinnetik.

Justin stared at his daughter momentarily.

“You're right, Sweetheart, I should be. My paintings do cost a lot and I should be more appreciative of that and of the people who buy them. Thank you, Baby Girl, for reminding me.”

“So next time someone wants your autograph...?”

“I will sign and be very, very nice,” Justin assured his daughter.

“That's my good Daddy,” Bree said with a brilliant smile. Justin squatted down to hug her then scooped her up into his arms. “I've a got a great idea, before Aunt Lindsay or Uncle Sidney put me to work, let's go to the comic book store. We can pick up some comics that you might like,” Justin suggested.

“Okay, Daddy!” Bree agreed. Before they were seen, Justin and Bree made their escape.

 

*****
 

“JR!” Bree screeched as she entered the comic book store. She ran over to give her sister a hug.

“What are you doing here?” JR asked as she returned the enthusiastic hug.

“You said I should get a comic book,” Bree replied, slightly perplexed at JR's question.

“Oh. What kind of comic do you want?”

“I don't know, the last one I had was the Rage diversity comic that went with the DVD. But I read some of Ashley’s.” Bree walked over to the wall of comics; some of them had almost naked people on them. “Maybe I should ask my Daddy,” Bree mumbled to herself. Justin was leaning on the counter looking over the latest illustrations from Lacy and Candy.

“Daddy?”

“Yes, Baby Girl.”

“Can you help me pick out a comic book?” Bree stood on her tippy toes while pulling her Daddy down closer to her. “Some of them have naked people on the front,” she whispered into her father's ear.

“I see,” Justin whispered back trying not to smirk. “That is a problem,” he agreed. “I think we can ask JR where the not naked people comics are,” Justin suggested. Bree nodded in agreement.

About twenty minutes later, Bree had several nine year old girl appropriate comics.

“Thank you, JR,” Bree said sincerely and gave JR another hug.

“You're welcome,” JR said as she watched Bree skip out of the shop holding her father's hand.

“Daddy?” JR called out to her father who was in the office.

“Yes, Honeybun,” JR heard the reply. JR rolled her eyes.

“Daddy, is it true that Bree told Uncle Ted how to save money?”

“Kinda.” Michael wasn't sure about the details. Ben told him that Drew said that he heard something from Emmett who heard it from Ted that Bree saved Kinnetik a lot of money. Michael was a little put off that Brian hadn't told him about Kinnetik having financial problems. Then again Michael couldn't understand why Brian would allow Bree to work there in the first place. Was Kinnetik going through a rough time if they needed to employ underage employees?

“Well, did she?” JR demanded to know.

“So I was told,” Michael said as he adjusted one of the shelves behind the counter. “Anyway, let's get back to work,” he urged his daughter.

 

*****
 

“Hello, my boy!” Sidney greeted Justin enthusiastically. “And Miss Briana, so good to see you today.” Sidney gave Bree a genuine smile and Bree was happy to give her Uncle Sidney a hug. “Are you ready to work today?” Sidney asked his young charge.

“Yes, Mr. Bloom,” Bree formally replied.

“Excellent! Then we'll let your father and Lindsay go over some details for your trip while I show you what I need you to do.”

“Thank you, Mr. Bloom,” Bree said as she followed her “boss” into his office.

“Justin!” Justin turned at the sound of his name. He quickly plastered a smile on his face as he inwardly groaned. It was “The Sarah Kingsley” and she wasn't alone.

“Mrs. Kingsley!” he cheerfully greeted the woman as they air kissed.

“Sarah, please. After all, we are family!” Sarah emphasized loudly for the benefit of her lady friends.

“Of course. And how are Sharon and Owen Sr.?” he inquired about his sister's in-laws.

“Wonderful, of course, just like my beautiful great grandson,” Sarah crowed for her friends. Justin dutifully nodded.

“What brings you into the gallery today, Sarah?” Justin asked as he extended his arm for her to loop with his. Sarah's posse followed.

“Thank you for asking,” Sarah cooed and then over her shoulder she added for her friends, “He's so attentive! My dear friend Elizabeth has decided to add a Justin Taylor original to her collection. Of course, I insisted on accompanying her to the gallery as well as our dear, dear friends.” The aforementioned ladies nodded.

“I'm honored.” Justin gave them a brilliant smile. “Please allow me to show you around and I'll be very happy to answer any questions that you may have,” Justin said sweetly.

The ladies happily followed their very special guide chattering all the way. Bree, who had been given the task of refilling the informational pamphlets next to each piece, smiled with approval.

 

*****
 

“Brian?” Michael called out immediately when Brian answered his cell phone.

“Hey, Mikey, to what do I owe the pleasure?” Brian asked as he started shoving files in his briefcase. “You need me to name another superhero?”

“No, not right now. Um, Brian, is everything okay with Kinnetik?”

“Never better. Why do you ask?”

“Well, your kids are working there.”

“Yes, and your daughter has been practically running your store for years now. What's your point?”

“The point is that you have a nine year old working at Kinnetik. Is that even legal?” Michael screeched into the phone.

“Michael, who put this bug up your ass? And do I tell you how to run your business?”

“Well, no, not really, but you do help sometimes.”

“Michael, if you must know, Bree wanted to work like Gus and like the rest of the kids in our family. And no, she's not really earning a paycheck, she’s earning experience.”

“Oh. Does she know she's working for free?”

“I didn't say she was working for free, just not earning a paycheck.”

“There's a difference?”

“Yes, Mikey, there's a difference,” Brian snarked as he rolled his eyes.

“Oh. So Kinnetik's not in financial trouble.”

“Financial trouble? Michael, where the fuck did you hear that?”

“Nowhere but I heard something about Bree and money.”

“Bree made a suggestion. Actually it was an idea Cynthia and I implemented years ago that somehow got waylaid. Bree revived the idea. It was viable then and it still is.”

“So you're not losing money,” Michael clarified for himself.

“No, we're not losing money.”

“Okay,” Michael said with a perkier more upbeat tone.

“Daddy, we got a shipment!” Brian heard in the background.

“Coming, Honeybun!” Michael shouted. “I gotta go, Bri. We got a shipment.”

“So I heard. That girl is a Novotny through and through,” Brian chuckled. “Bye, Mikey.”

“Bye, Brian.”

Brian snapped his cell phone shut, finished packing up his briefcase then left Kinnetik to collect his family and go home.
 

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