Listen to Your Heart

Chapter 6

Brian was just about to go inside to take a well-earned shower when the sound of running feet stopped him.

“Dada, we had a great time at Isles,” Bree announced as she ran through the gate and straight into her father’s arms.  “I like the German proposal.”

“I like it too.” Brian smiled down at Bree as she looked up at him with her smile at full blast.  Brian couldn’t help but hug her tighter.  “The plants have been potted.  They need to settle then I’ll finish them tomorrow,” Brian explained to Bree.

“Can we see them?” Bree asked as the rest of the family came into the yard.

“Of course, but the grass might be damp.  We tested the sprinkler system,” Brian cautioned.

“Okay,” Bree said as she herded Peter and Ashley toward the entrance to the park.  Justin, Lindsay, and Susanna were watching as Bree was explaining about the flowers, taking off her sneakers.  She carefully removed her socks, tucking them into her sneakers.  Then she took off, running as fast as she could, loving the thick grass beneath her feet.

Ashley watched her best friend running in circles and making figure eights then stopping short when she reached a new plant or new topiary so she could examine it.  “Come on!” Bree shouted, urging her friends to enjoy the park and see the plants.  Ashley nodded then bent down to take off her own sneakers when she noticed Peter staring down at his own shoes.

“What’s wrong?” Ashley asked.

“I’ve never walk around barefoot outside,” Peter confessed.

“Yes, you have; you’ve been in the stream lots of times,” said Ashley.

“Yeah, but this is different,” said Peter. Reluctantly Peter took off his shoes and socks, setting them next to Ashley’s sneakers.  He cautiously wiggled his toes with suspicion like the grass might bite his feet.

Ashley waited patiently, knowing not to push; then when she thought the time was right, she held out her hand.  Peter studied his bare feet for a moment then studied Ashley’s. Her toes were painted pink, the same as Bree’s. He smiled then took Ashley’s hand.  Hand in hand they went to find Bree and explore the park.

“They’re sweet together,” Lindsay commented.

“Isn’t Peter gay?” Susanna asked, almost in a whisper.

“There’s gay and then there’s gay,” Brian said with a smirk, winking at Lindsay. 

“What does that mean?” Susanna asked.  Before Brian could respond, Lindsay jumped in.

“I’ll explain later,” said Lindsay as she walked into the park, slipping off her high heels as soon as she touched grass.  Susanna just stared at Lindsay.

“I love my daughter and of course, I think she’s special, but Briana is on a different level,” Susanna murmured.

“Why do you say that?” Brian asked.

“I was watching Bree interact with the employees at Isles,” Susanna began.  “It amazed me how at home Bree felt there.  She was upstairs where the artists were working admiring the posters when she stopped in front of a particular board.  The artist joined her.  I could tell the artist wasn’t happy with her work.  I thought the artwork was wonderful.  Bree tilted her head, pointed a little then it looked like she made some suggestions.  The artist stared for a few seconds then grinned.  She quickly went to her computer, did something then a printer spit out a poster.  The artist grabbed it then quickly placed it on the easel over the original board.  She and Bree both cheered.  To me, the poster looked exactly like the original.”

“But…” Brian began.

“When I peeked at the original, I finally saw the subtle changes.  The font had changed and color was slightly more intense,” Susanna explained.  Brian and Justin smiled.  “It’s like Bree just knew.”

“She’s her daddy’s daughter,” Brian said with a grin.  “She knows her colors.”

“She’s also her dada’s daughter,” Justin pointed out.  “Ronald was getting a bit frustrated with the ad he was working on.  Shane made him take a break.  Bree picked up the copy, read it then wrote a suggestion on a sticky note.  When Ronald returned to his desk, he let out a loud whoop.  I found out Bree added just a few words but something must have clicked.  Shane said it was some of Ronald’s best work.  Ronald made sure Bree received her credit.”

Brian beamed with pride.

“Bree is very talented but she’s not full of herself,” Susanna stated.

“That’s Ashley’s influence,” Brian admitted.  “Bree had her moments when she was younger, still does, but Ashley keeps Bree grounded.  Ashley has a good heart and a lot of wisdom.  I can’t think of a better friend for Bree and for Peter.  I can see Ashley’s influence on him too.”  Susanna smiled.  “You are a wonderful mother,” said Brian as he bumped her shoulder with his.  Susanna blushed.

“We have plenty of time before dinner; go enjoy the park,” Justin suggested.  Susanna nodded and took his suggestion.

The boys were finally alone, standing just outside the park.  They smiled at the sounds of the kids having fun in their private sanctuary.  Brian held open his arms, soon they were full of a smiling Sunshine. 

“Did we lose a few people?” Brian asked, noting the absence of Gus, Ray, Ben, and Armand.

“Armand is negotiating for more paintings.  I think he plans to clean out our basement,” explained Justin.  “But don’t say anything to Charles,” warned Justin.  Brian made a lock and key gesture over his lips.

“Does Lindsay know?” asked Brian.

“Yes.  Everyone is aware that mums the word,” said Justin as he made himself more comfortable in Brian’s arms.

“Don’t you want to explore the park, little boy?”

“Not so little,” Justin replied as he hugged his man closer.  “You stink,” said Justin as he deeply inhaled.

“And you’re still a freak,” said Brian, kissing the top of Justin’s head.  “I love you,” Brian murmured into the golden locks.  Justin nestled closer, tucking his head under Brian’s chin.  The lovers stood there just outside the gate to the park relishing in their moments together.

They kissed and kissed, then their kisses began to deepen.

“Let’s take this inside,” Brian suggested.  He felt Justin nodding.  It took them a few moments to release each other.  Neither man wanted to let go but common sense finally took over and they went inside and up to their suite.

*****

Susanna slowly walked through the park.  She found the pops of color pleasing to the eye.  The colorful flowers broke up the monotony of the green lawn and trees in a subtle way.  As she made her way to the middle of the garden, she saw Lindsay resting on the bench; her face turned toward the sun, her long legs stretched out.  Susanna took a few minutes to admire the changes to the rockery, now a true water feature with gently cascading water into the pond in front.  She sat on the edge of the pond watching koi happily swimming in their new home.

“May I join you?” Susanna softly asked, hesitant to disturb Lindsay.

“Of course,” Lindsay said with a smile as she patted the bench.

“I can’t believe he did all of this in just a couple of days,” Susanna commented.  There was no doubt as to who the “he” Susanna referred.

“Brian rarely takes no for answer.  When he sets a goal, he almost always achieves it,” said Lindsay.

“I know,” Susanna said flatly.  She remembered when Brian paid Ashley’s tuition for summer camp.  Susanna was angry at first but finally understood that it was Brian and Justin’s way of giving back to their community.  It was done with love for her daughter.  “It is beautiful,” she commented.

The ladies quietly sat for a while, relishing the warm sun.

“Lindsay, may I ask you a question?”

“Yes, but I reserve the right not to answer if I deem it too personal.”

“Understood.”

“You and Charles, is it serious?”

“No, not really,” Lindsay said with a laugh.  “He’s fun, very gallant, and certainly knows how to treat a lady.  We have a lot in common due to our profession but certainly not for a long term relationship.  I honestly believe he’s still in love with his first wife, Henry’s mother.  But Charles will never admit it.  No, we’re friends, good friends.  Are you attracted to him?”

“Yes, but I’d rather form a bond with someone in my own backyard rather than 3,000 miles away.  I love my life.  It took me a long time to grow confident in myself after the divorce.  I’ve learned a few things about myself and life in general.  I’ve also learned that I want to be present for my daughter.”

“I can understand that,” Lindsay agreed.  “I’m very lucky when it comes to my children.  They’ve grown up smart, strong, and true to themselves.  I’m very proud.”

“So am I,” Susanna said with confidence.  “I wouldn’t mind meeting someone, to be a couple again but my daughter comes first.”

The ladies experienced a calm silence then Susanna asked one more question.

“You and Melanie?”

Lindsay giggled.  “That’s a story for another day.  Bottom line, we can’t live together but we certainly can’t live without each other.  We date, we share wine, and we occasionally cook dinner together.  We talk about work, the kids; discuss how fucked up the world is in general.  We love each other and let’s leave it at that.”

Susanna smiled and left it at that.

*****

“John, what are you doing here?” Carl asked as he open the front door of Michael’s house.

“I just wanted to let you and Debbie know that the plans to renovate the house have been approved by the city including the permit for the ramp and porch extension,” John explained as Carl showed John into the house.  Debbie had been in the kitchen.

“So fast?” Carl asked.

“You both have friends in high places.  Michael and his store have been in the neighborhood forever.  Debbie, you’ve been a surrogate mother for hundreds of lost boys and girls.  They’ve grown up into men and women with very long memories.  Carl, you were always a fair and honest detective.  The city planners understand the reasons for the renovation and the urgency.  I have crews ready to begin tomorrow but you’ll have to move out for a few weeks.  Come home, back to the lane.  The cottage needs you.  Let JR and Jacq take over for a while,” John suggested.

“A few weeks!  But he’s my son,” Debbie protested.

“Deb, Michael will always be your son,” John said gently.  “But you need a break and so does Carl,” John stated logically. John gave Debbie a pointed look.  She turned to look at Carl, a real long look.  She saw the dark circles under his eyes and if she wasn’t mistaken, his hair looked a little grayer.  She imagined that if she took a long look at herself in the mirror, she’d see someone who had aged ten years during the time that they had been staying in Pittsburgh.

“Babe, the lane isn’t that far away.  JR, Jacq, and the rest of the family are here.  Michael is in a safe place.  The Grassi House has a long list of his emergency contacts.  We’re not abandoning Michael.  When we visit later we can speak to administration and let them know about the house.  They’ll understand the need to vacate the house while it’s being fixed.  No one in their right mind would blame you for taking some time for yourself.  We have a beautiful home that we haven’t seen in a very long time.  I’d like to sleep in my own bed, even if it’s only for a few weeks.”

Debbie contemplated Carl’s words.  She truly let what Carl and John were saying sink in.  It all made sense; and she was tired.  Tired of waiting for some sign that Michael was beginning to participate in the world again, tired of hoping and tired of the disappointment.  She was tired of the city noise.  They both had gotten used to the quiet of the lane.  It was time.

“Okay,” Debbie said.  Carl gave his wife a hug and a chaste kiss.  “Well, let’s start packing,” Debbie declared as she returned to the kitchen, muttering to herself, voicing their plans and making lists of “to dos.”  John and Carl heard a lot of banging pots and pans as Debbie started cleaning up the kitchen.  Carl grinned as John gave him a wink before he let himself out.

Just before John got into his car, he stood just outside the house texting several people.  “We have a go!”  He smiled when he received an immediate reply.  

*****

As soon as the boys closed and locked their bedroom door. They rapidly stripped off their clothes on the way to their ensuite bathroom then stepped into the shower.  They gently soaped each other, kissing, teasing, and playing.  The boys were having fun as they washed and paid homage to each other’s tender and not so tender parts.  Justin took immense pleasure using a soapy puff up, down, and across Brian’s back and shoulders.  Eventually when their fingers and toes began to prune, they left the shower, wrapped up in large soft robes.

Justin placed several thick towels on their bed.  Brian sat with his legs splayed out then patted the space between them.  Justin sat between Brian’s legs so that Brian could towel dry Justin’s hair.  Occasionally, Brian would kiss Justin’s tender neck or his shoulder.  When Justin felt dry enough, he turned and gently urged Brian face down on to the towel covered bedding.  Justin removed Brian’s robe then quickly chose one of Brian’s favorite lotions and poured some into his hands to warm.  Carefully almost methodically, Justin began to massage Brian. 

Justin began with Brian’s hard-working back, shoulders, and arms. He loved the feel of Brian’s sinewy muscles just under the perfect skin.  Justin had to resist the urge to start his massage with Brian’s perfect ass, so Justin kissed the small of Brian’s back as way of an apology.  Brian loved the feel of Justin’s strong hands as he worked his magic across Brian’s back and shoulders.  Justin smiled as he heard Brian’s sighs and soft groans of appreciation.  After a while, Justin made his way slowly down one leg and up the other.  Justin found himself achingly hard.  He leaned down and whispered in Brian’s ear. 

“I want you.”

Brian smiled then slowly moved his legs wider.  Justin carefully prepared Brian then made love to him for the next hour.  When they were ready, Justin came with a loud grunt.  Brian came at the same time with a softer grunt and a satisfied sigh.  Justin collapsed onto Brian’s back and stayed that way for several minutes until he caught his breath.  He smiled when he heard the familiar quiet wheezing noises indicating that Brian had dozed off.  Justin kissed Brian’s shoulder then carefully dismounted to clean up and get a soft cloth to gently clean off Brian.  He partially closed the bathroom door as he caught his smile in the mirror.  Justin was smiling like the Cheshire cat.  If he had the strength, Justin would be doing the “I fucked Brian Kinney dance.”  Justin wiped the grin off his face then casually walked back into the bedroom to tend to Brian.

Justin snuggled close while dragging up a sheet covering them both, Brian spoke in a sleepy whisper, “Did you do the dance, Sunshine?”

“No, too tired,” Justin replied.  “Sleep,” he commanded.

“Yes, dear,” Brian murmured then promptly fell back to sleep.

Justin set the alarm then slept.

The boys woke up a couple hours later, feeling refreshed and smugly proud of themselves.  They laughed and kissed then decided they needed a quick shower.  Quick, being the operative word.  No playing this time other than some well-deserved kisses.

Brian decided to go all out in his choice of business casual, choosing a pair of his favorite Armani slacks coupled with a summer-weight hunter green sweater.  The green of the sweater picked up the green in Brian’s hazel eyes making them almost glow.  Justin decided on a navy Hugo Boss pair of pants and his favorite light blue henley.  The boys looked like they had just stepped out of a fashion magazine.  Brian was more than pleased.  Justin still filled out his slacks in a way that always sent a zing to Brian’s nether regions.  He crossed over to Justin in seconds, sweeping the younger man up into his arms.

“Do we have time to get you dirty,?” Brian asked as he nibbled Justin’s neck and pawed at his pants.

“Not if you want to stay on Hudson’s good side,” Justin said wisely.

“Damn,” Brian swore.  “I’m not in the mood for gruel and moldy bread.”

“Smart man,” Justin concurred.  “Brian, does it bother you that our lives here are basically ruled by a woman?” Justin asked with a serious tone.

“Believe it or not the thought never occurred to me,” replied Brian.  Justin gave him a curious look.  “Justin, for most of my life, I have been “ruled” or influenced by a woman.  If it wasn’t Debbie, it was Lindsay.  Cynthia has been my voice of reason for over thirty years.  And then there’s General Squirt.  She’s been in charge of my life since the minute she was placed in my arms.  No, I have no problem with Hudson,   I wouldn’t have hired her if I did.  A house like this needs to be run like a business.  We may be the owners but Hudson is certainly the CEO.  It costs a fortune to run a house like this and we need someone experienced to be in charge.”

“I wonder if we can make some money by giving tours or renting the dining room out for formal parties,” Justin pondered as they walked down to the main sitting room.  “Maybe high tea in the sitting room.  Now that we’ve been here for a few days, I’ve begun to rethink the Air BnB thing.”

“Those are good ideas,” said Brian.  “Let’s talk to Hudson about it.  If it’s not profitable then we drop it.  But I’m sure there’ll be a lot of networking done during the fete.  And as she once told us, head housekeepers talk.”

“Charles may have some thoughts on the subject too,” said Justin.

“I wouldn’t be surprised,” snarked Brian.

The boys entered the drawing room to wait for their guest and the rest of the family.

*****

Hudson stealthily entered the drawing room, their guest just behind her.  “Sir, Mr. Higgins has arrived,” said Hudson as she showed their guest into the room.  “The gong will ring in 15 minutes.”

“Charles, welcome,” said Brian as he crossed the floor to shake Charles’ hand. “Did the gallery survive lunch,” asked Brian.

“Most definitely, but now we have a further problem,” said Charles.

“Oh,” said Justin with concern.

“Yes, the staff now expects a Harrods luncheon at least once a week. I'm afraid my budget won't allow such extravagance,” Charles whined.  Brian ignored him.

“May I offer you drink, since you're off the clock?” asked Brian.

“I took the liberty of bringing a little something.  Hudson has it breathing in your dining room,” Charles explained.

Brian, not usually a wine person had learned over the years to appreciate a fine wine.  He was looking forward to it.

In no time the gong rang and the boys escorted Charles to the dining room.

“Please sit anywhere; we have no special seating arrangements,” Justin said as he gestured toward the table.

The table was beautifully set with fine China and crystal glasses.  Brian was definitely impressed. Within minutes the rest of the family entered the dining room.  Brian noticed that Lindsay and Susanna wore lovely summer-weight dresses.  And the girls, also in dresses, had their hair pinned up; Bree wore her special “B” barrette.  Ashley wore her version, an “A”, a gift from Brian and Justin, presented to Susanna for Ashley when the time was right.  The gentlemen all looked suave.  Hudson was beaming a proud smile.  While highly unconventional, her new “family” certainly cleaned up well.

Dinner was simple but elegant and delicious.  Hudson supervised, while Stuart and Nathan pulling double or triple duty, served their guests.  Dinner conversation ran the gambit from life in London and of course, the fete.  What was expected from the hosting house?  Rules, agenda, were there games, and types of food?  Hudson knew the answers but would discreetly reveal them to the “masters” of the house.

“Sir, dessert will be in the drawing room,” Hudson announced.  Brian smiled then he and Justin guided their friends and family to the large drawing room.

Everyone helped themselves to the delicate treats, fresh fruit, and beverages hot and cold.  Pockets of conversation continued as the family sat in comfortable chairs and sofas.

“Justin, my boy, where is this infamous library of yours?” Charles demanded to know.  He was walking around the room studying the paintings and furniture.  Justin looked at Bree who giggled then with the help of Peter, Bree revealed the library.

“Incredible,” Charles exclaimed.  “I knew about the books, of course.  Hudson had supplied me with an inventory when you first purchased the house but seeing them in this wonderful room, it’s almost overwhelming.  And is this an actual television room?” Charles asked as he opened a door toward the back of the library.  The room did have a large television on one side with a large sectional in front for comfortable viewing.  The other end of the room held a desk with a computer.

Charles shook his head then gently closed the door.  When he returned his full attention to the library he saw the tapestry with its bright colors and intricate details.  “There it is,” he murmured as he admired the work.

“Did we properly thank you for having this restored and framed?” Brian asked as he stood next to Charles, equally impressed by the tapestry.

“Yes, you did, my friend,” Charles sincerely confirmed.  “It perfectly reflects the masters of this beautiful house.  The previous owners were good people but kept to themselves. It is wonderful to see the house come alive again,” Charles commented.  “You and your family will make a fine addition to society,” said Charles as he patted Brian on the back then went in search of more coffee.

“Brian, why are you standing here by yourself?” Justin asked as he stepped to Brian’s side.  Brian slipped his hand into Justin’s.

“Just admiring,” said Brian.  His eyes gazed down to Justin’s handsome face then back to the tapestry.

“Yeah,” Justin whispered as he gave Brian’s hand a squeeze.

TBC

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