The Letters

Chapter 6 (February- March)
 

 



April 2, 2022

Most Reverend Colm O’Hara
Bishop of St Anthony’s RC Church
Pittsburgh, PA

Your Excellency,

Another month here on the lane and I’m no closer to a decision now than I was when you first granted me my sabbatical. No, that’s wrong, I know what my heart wants me to do but as responsible adults, our hearts don’t always make the rules.

My hosts survived Valentine’s Day and so too they survived St. Patrick’s Day. Brian and Justin had business in New York City so they sought permission to take Bree out of school for the week so that she could see the parade and the sights. I’ve only been to St. Patrick’s Cathedral once in my life as a young priest so I asked to come along. My hosts didn’t hesitate to say yes but they warned me that I might be put to use as chaperon for one Briana Victoria Kinney-Taylor!

New York is a marvelous city, there’s always something going on and somehow I found myself right in the middle of it...

With respect,

Thomas
 

*****
 

“What are you doing?” Brian asked as Bree marched into his bedroom and began to rummage through his closet and drawers. Brian was on the bed reading a contract. He looked up over the document to watch Bree examine his ties and shirts.

“I’m choosing,” Bree replied.

“Choosing,” Brian repeated.

“That’s right.” Bree studied a tie.

“Okay, I’ll bite, what are you choosing?” Brian asked as he rested the contract on his stomach.

“Your clothes to wear at the parade,” Bree answered matter-of-factly.

“I see,” Brian said finally getting it. Everything Bree removed from the closet was some sort of shade of green. “And who says we’re going to the parade?”

“We havta go to the parade, Dada. And I want to wear the green hat set Gamma Joan gave me!” A few years before her death Joan had given Bree a shamrock green tam with a white scarf and gloves trimmed with the same green as the tam. Bree never got to wear it when she was with Joan. Bree stood in front of Brian’s bed with her hands on her hips. Brian knew that look and steeled himself for what would come next. “And you and Daddy havta wear green too and go with me. And Uncle Thomas,” Bree demanded.

“And is Uncle Thomas aware of the plans you’ve made for him?” Brian said coolly with an arch of his brow.

“Yes,” Bree said with authority. “And I told him that Mr. Todd can come too. I like Mr. Todd, he’s funny.”

“Oh yeah, that Mr. Todd’s a laugh a minute,” Brian snarked to himself. “Well, General Squirt, I suppose we should discuss these plans of yours, shouldn’t we?” Brian said as he gestured for Bree to climb up to sit next to him. “You do realize that your father and I are going to New York for business and we promised your teacher that you will be writing a report on your experiences.”

“I will; I’m going to write all about the parade and the people at N’rgy,” Bree promised.

As Brian and Bree discussed their plans Justin walked into the room. “There you are; I was wondering where you both disappeared to,” Justin said with a smile.

“Bree and I have been discussing the itinerary for our trip. Apparently she has things worked out to the nth degree,” Brian explained.

“Does that include my trips to the gallery in SoHo?” Justin asked with a twinkle in his eyes.

“Apparently,” Brian replied as he sucked in his lips. Justin laughed. He had no doubt that Bree had a comprehensive plan worked out for all of them.

“Well, I have the time. Let’s go over this itinerary of yours,” Justin said as he got onto the bed sitting next to his spouse and daughter. He and Brian exchanged warm loving smiles as Bree took over the conversation.

 

*****
 

“Tom, I can’t just take off for a week and go to New York to sightsee,” Todd exclaimed as he stormed into the B&B where Tom was looking over his meager wardrobe for the trip.

“Of course you can,” Tom said ignoring all Todd’s bluster.

“Oh I can, can I? And who’s supposed to take care of the business while I’m gallivanting in the Big Apple?”

“Your staff. You have a great bunch of people working for you at the garden center. They can handle things for a week. You deserve a real vacation,” Tom said.

“I guess so.”

“No guessing about it. You’re the boss, you’re allowed some time off.”

“Fine,” Todd said, resigned to the idea. “What are you doing?” he asked as he watched Tom pick up an article of clothing then put it down on the bed with a sigh.

“I have nothing to wear.”

“What’s wrong with these?” Todd asked as he pointed to the jeans and shirts on the bed.

“They’re at least ten years old if not more. A priest doesn’t have to keep up with the latest fashion.”

“Neither does a landscaper,” Todd agreed. “I have no clue what’s in fashion or not.”

“And who knows if we’ll take in a show or go to some nice restaurant while we’re there. Maybe I should ask Brian, he certainly knows his fashion.”

“Oh no, I am not going to look like a poster boy for GQ,” Todd protested loudly.

“Emmett?”

“And look like I’m going to a pride parade! No, not Emmett. I like him a lot but he has a fickle fashion sense.”

“I know … Bobby! He always looks smart without being pretentious. I’d ask John but it seems this is the start of his busy season,” Tom stated.

“Yes, the construction business coincides with mine. We slow down in the winter then pick up in the spring. Which is why this isn’t a good idea for me to go,” Todd grumbled.

“No excuses,” Tom said waggling a finger under Todd’s nose. “You’re coming with me and that’s final.”

“Seems I have no choice in the matter,” Todd said while he made a play for the waggling digit. “Is Bobby around? If we’re going to update our wardrobes we better do it soon. We’re leaving at the end of the week.”

“Then let’s talk to Bobby. Maybe we can meet him in Harrisburg,” Tom suggested. Todd agreed as Tom pulled out his cell phone.

 

*****
 

“Hi, guys,” Bobby called out. He waved to Tom and Todd as they walked up to meet him. “You made good time,” Bobby said as he held out his hand to each man to shake.

“Thanks for taking the time to help us shop,” Tom said with a blush.

“Not a problem. I needed a break and hey, I’m a partner. If I can’t take advantage of that every once in a while, what good is it?” Bobby commented with a twinkle in his eye. Everyone who knew Bobby knew that he worked like a dog for his clients and rarely took a lot of time off.

“So I hear you’ve both decided to go to New York City to soak up some St. Patrick’s Day atmosphere,” Bobby said with a laugh.

“Yes,” Todd growled out, still not convinced he should be going.

“What’s up with him?” Bobby asked Tom while pointing a thumb at Todd.

“He doesn’t think he should be taking time off from work for a trip to New York,” Tom explained while ignoring Todd’s dirty looks and glares. Tom and Bobby continued to discuss the virtues of taking time off for oneself and the restorative powers of a little me time while Bobby led the men through the mall to his favorite men’s store.

“Whoa,” Todd exclaimed as they walked into the posh looking store. “I think this is a little above my pay grade.”

“Um, Bobby, I’m afraid I have to agree with Todd. A priest doesn’t make much to begin with, and I’m living off my savings at this time,” Tom explained.

“Guys, trust me on this. We’re going to pick out a few items that you can mix and match and not go over your budget. One nice suit, a sport coat, jeans and some shirts, all classic styles that you can wear for many years to come,” Bobby assured the apprehensive men.

“David, these are the friends I told you about,” Bobby said to the salesman who had come over to greet them. “I want you to make them look pretty.” Bobby gave David a wink and a nod. David laughed as he guided the terrified men toward the back so he could take measurements. Bobby laughed out loud as the men shuffled along as if heading toward a firing squad.

 

*****
 

“Bobby, I have to hand it to you, you know of what you speak,” Tom said as they walked toward the car carrying their purchases. “I love everything you and David picked out and it was all very affordable.”

Todd nodded in agreement. “I think we’re ready for our trip,” he said, finally getting into the spirit of things and eliciting a brilliant smile from Tom.

 

*****
 

“Come on boy,” John called out for Beau. John held the door open on the Navigator so that Beau could jump in. Beau went willingly but gave his master a leery look. “Easy, boy, we’re not going to the vet,” John said reassuring the big dog. Beau looked back skeptically but settled himself on the seat all the same.

Within the hour Beau and John pulled up to a familiar farm of sorts. John parked, hopped out of the truck then watched Beau jump out and sniff the air. John smiled as he and Beau walked toward a building.

 

*****
 

The plane dipped lower as it banked in preparation for the landing at JFK airport. Brian had arranged for his little group to sit in the first class section of the Liberty Air flight that was about to land. They filled most of the small first class section on the regional jet. Bree was across the aisle from Justin, sitting with her taller father. She was behaving like a miniature adult, sipping her drink which would be collected momentarily.

“Dada,” Bree said to her father, “how much longer until we land?”

“Soon, Squirt. You’re all buckled in?”

“Yes, Dada.”

“Good girl.”

“I can’t wait to get to the hotel and see the parade,” Bree gushed.

“May I have your glass?” the handsome flight attendant asked. Bree handed him her glass. “I hope you enjoyed the flight,” he said to Brian.

“It was … fine,” Brian responded trying to remember the man’s name. He had introduced himself when they first got on board. “Darryl,” Brian added taking a stab at remembering the man’s name.

“Dijon, like the mustard,” the steward corrected.

“Right,” Brian said before the man proceeded down the cabin making his collection of items before landing.

“He’s interested,” Justin observed from across the aisle.

“In the old days I might have been interested too,” Brian replied.

“But not now?”

“Not in the least.”

Justin’s smile was radiant.

 

*****
 

“I’m ready, Daddy, Dada,” Bree called as she tapped on the door of her fathers’ bedroom in the suite of the hotel. “Are you guys ready?”

“Just about, sweetheart,” Justin replied as he opened the door to his daughter.

“How do I look?” Bree asked twirling around on her patent leather shoes. Her emerald green tam was perched jauntily on the side of her head and her white scarf swirled out from her petite body as she spun.

“You look mahvelous!” Brian stated as he came up behind his husband.

“Huh?” Bree said with a frown.

“Simply marvelous,” Brian repeated.

Bree grinned. “You look mahvelous too, Dada,” Bree said. “You too, Daddy.”

“Then let’s go wow them on Fifth Avenue,” Brian said.

“We’re not in the parade, are we, Dada?” Bree asked in all innocence.

“No, Squirt,” Brian chuckled, “although … we look good enough to be leading the whole damn thing.”

“Your ego hasn’t shrunk over the years,” Justin laughed.

“You’re always telling me I get better every year, so why should my ego get smaller?” Brian asked before sticking his tongue in his cheek.

“Point taken,” Justin replied with a grin.

“Daddy, Dada, we need to go. The parade has started,” Bree said tapping her foot with impatience.

“Okay, sweetheart, we need to pick up Tom and Todd from their room.”

Brian and Justin donned their coats and they headed down the hall to the room that Tom and Todd were sharing. The two men were ready and waiting patiently for their hosts to come get them. They were wearing green shirts under their jackets. Bree gave them her stamp of approval and they headed down in the elevator.

Their hotel was on Fifth Avenue, so they merely had to step outside and wait for the parade to pass by on the street. In the lobby the noise from outside indicated that the parade had already reached their hotel.

“What’s that noise, Dada?” Bree asked.

“I believe that would be the pipes,” Brian informed her as they pushed the revolving door and proceeded through.

“Pipes?”

“Bagpipes.”

Bree covered her ears. “They make a lot of noise.”

Brian chuckled. “You’ll get used to it.”

“I don’t think so, Dada.” But Bree did drop her hands from her ears and listened to the steady cadence of the pipes and drums. After a minute she said, “Maybe they’re not so bad.”

Tom laughed. “They are a rousing sound,” he said. “They used to frighten the enemy during battles in the olden days.”

“I want to see them,” Bree said standing on her tippy toes and straining to see around the people in front of her.

“Here, young missy,” Todd said taking her hand and swinging her up to sit on his shoulder.

Bree giggled. “Oh, thank you, Mister Todd. I can see great now.”

Bree watched the men in their kilts as they passed by. Their kilts swayed back and forth as they walked. The bagpipes resounded up and down the avenue, the sound trapped by the tall buildings.

The group following the pipe band was a contingent of the NYFD. “I like firemen,” Bree said emphatically. “They save people.”

“You got that right, Squirt,” Brian agreed.

Soon another pipe band appeared.

“Ooooh, I love the color of their kilts,” Bree exclaimed.

“She sounds like Emmett,” Brian whispered to his husband, a worried look on his face.

“She’s fine,” Justin countered.

“Do you think there will be purple or pink kilts?” Bree asked hopefully.

“I doubt it,” Brian laughed.

“They should,” Bree stated. “They would be pretty.”

“Just what a man with a bagpipe wants to be called – pretty,” Brian chuckled.

The parade continued with the NY police represented in fine fashion, more fire departments and many more pipe bands. Bree seemed to love the bagpipes by the time their little group had seen enough and was ready to leave.

“I need a drink,” Brian said as the twentieth pipe band marched by. “I have a spot reserved for us in a certain Irish pub I know.”

“That sounds good,” Todd agreed as he gently set Bree down and started rubbing his shoulder which was quite numb from holding the petite girl for over an hour.

“I had the best seat,” Bree said enthusiastically. “Thank you, Mister Todd.”

“You’re very welcome,” Todd smiled. “It was the least I could do.”

“I think you went above and beyond,” Justin said. “Holding Bree for all that time couldn’t have been easy.”

“I’m not heavy, Daddy.”

“I know, sweetheart, but you are growing up. We owe you one, Todd. I couldn’t have held her for all that time.”

“And I’ll treat you to a pint of Guinness as your reward,” Brian declared with a wink.

“Sounds good to me,” Todd said with a smile. He looked at Tom who was smiling at him in return, and the two men followed the Kinney-Taylor family down the street. Todd wished he could hold Tom’s hand, but he thought discretion would be a better idea under the circumstances. So far this had been a great break from the garden center, and he didn’t want to do anything to upset the apple cart.

 

*****
 

With two more days left of their vacation, Tom and Todd wanted to take in a couple of shows. Bree insisted that they dress up to show off their new finery. Brian got the men two sets of tickets, one set for a Friday night show and the other set for a Saturday matinee. Todd’s eyes nearly bugged out of his head when they entered the theater Friday night and were directed to a box.

“He didn’t have to do this,” Todd commented to Tom before the house lights dimmed and the opening music began. Tom understood who the ‘he’ was that Todd was referring to.

“No he didn’t, but Brian Kinney has ways of showing his appreciation, and I guess this is his way of saying thank you for being Bree’s own personal grandstand during the parade.”

“A simple thank you and that pint of Guinness was more than enough. Not to mention footing the bill for most of this trip. I’m not totally destitute; I do earn a decent living,” Todd grumbled.

“Yes, but the money is not the point; God knows Brian has enough of it to sponsor a small country.”

“Then what is the point?” Todd asked.

“The point is, Brian likes you and he trusts you, in business and with his family,” Tom explained. Todd nodded trying to wrap his head around the enigma that is Brian Kinney.

The lights dimmed, Tom leaned over to give Todd a discrete kiss. In the dark the men held hands as the opening overture began.

“Just accept,” Tom whispered into Todd’s ear. Todd nodded, gave Tom’s hand a little squeeze then settled back to enjoy the show.
 

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