London Calling

Chapter 19

“Do you get up at this ungodly hour every day?” Melanie asked as she entered the dining room of the townhouse. Lindsay had prodded her awake at six-thirty so they could be in the dining room promptly at seven.

“Only if we want to eat,” Brian replied as he filled his plate with scrambled eggs and bacon and dry toast.

“I wanted to sleep all day,” Melanie whined.

“The best thing to counteract jet lag is to get up and do things on this new time schedule,” Justin informed her, as he sat down at the table with his full plate. “It’s the best way to get back in synch.”

“Thank you for that PSA,” Melanie groused as she filled a glass with orange juice. “I see you haven’t changed.”

“Just spreading practical knowledge wherever I find it necessary to do so,” Justin replied with a smirk. Brian kissed his cheek in acknowledgement of his reply to the bitchy broad. Justin smiled back at his husband.

“Here you are, young lady,” Hudson said coming in from the kitchen and setting a bowl of her specially prepared porridge in front of Bree.

“Yummy,” Bree said enthusiastically as she picked up her spoon. Then she added, “Thank you very much, Hudson.”

“Perfect manners,” Hudson said with a pleased smile. “You’re a very cultured young miss.”

“Thank you,” Bree replied, pleased that she had passed Hudson’s test.

Brian and Justin smiled at their daughter. If nothing else, this trip had certainly improved Bree’s manners, and made her aware that manners were important to others as well. And that was all thanks to Hudson.

“So what’s on the agenda for today?” Brian asked looking at Melanie and Lindsay.

“I thought Melanie and JR might like to see Windsor Castle,” Lindsay suggested. “Any of you that would like to come with us are welcome.”

“That might be a good idea,” Brian said thoughtfully. “You don’t have anything else to do for tomorrow’s opening?” he asked his husband.

“Nope,” Justin said. “Thanks to Lindsay and Charles we’re ahead of the game. I just have to show up tomorrow night.”

“Want to see another castle, Squirt?” Brian asked.

“Is it like the other one? Buck-ing-ham?” Bree asked.

“Kind of, Brian replied, “but older.”

Bree frowned. She wasn’t sure she wanted to see another castle, with a silent “t”, she reminded herself. And old buildings were just … old.

“I’d like to go,” Gus said. “They have a museum in the castle, and there’s a famous chapel there.”

“And Stratford-Upon-Avon isn’t too far from there,” Ray piped up hopefully. “Lots of Shakespeare stuff … and Ann Hathaway’s cottage.”

“That sounds good,” Lindsay agreed. “What about you accompanying us, John, Bobby?”

“I’m going to do some research here,” John replied.

“And Poppa and I are going downtown,” Patrick informed them. “Piccadilly Circus.”

“You realize it’s not a real circus, right?” Bobby asked his son.

“I know, Poppa.”

Bree listened to all of this. Nothing really appealed to her. “Dada, you said we could go to the park and play soccer with Ian.”

“I did,” Brian nodded. “Is that what you’d like to do?” Bree nodded. “You’re sure? You don’t want to go to Windsor Castle or downtown?”

Bree shook her head. “Are there more dead people in the old building?” she asked.

“Probably,” Brian replied.

“And Patrick’s seeing a circus that’s not really a circus?”

Brian chuckled. “That’s correct.”

“Then I want to play soccer,” Bree stated definitively.

“Okay,” Brian said with a grin. “Soccer it is.”

“Good,” Bree replied as she finished her last spoonful of porridge.

 

*****
 

Lindsay and Melanie had a very enjoyable day wandering through the public parts of Windsor Castle and the quaint town that was nearby.

Gus took hundreds of photos. He and Ray even managed to escape on their own a few times to have some private time by themselves. JR enjoyed her time with both her mothers. They had lunch in a very nice pub just outside the castle walls.

In the afternoon they wandered through Stratford-Upon-Avon, and had afternoon tea in a cute little shop. The scones were to die for, and the clotted cream was perfect with them, along with homemade raspberry jam.

By the time they returned from their adventures, they had lots to tell those who had decided not to accompany them.

 

*****
 

“Henry, my boy, what’s wrong? You’ve been off your game for weeks,” Charles asked his son. He and Henry were standing off to one side of the gallery to observe the proceedings, dote on a royal when necessary and to supervise the serving of champagne and hors d’oeuvres.

The first night of the Justin Taylor exhibition was in full swing. Honored guests, including royalty, local celebrities and the press were invited to this private viewing. Tomorrow night’s event was scheduled for the general public. Brian and Justin were decked out in formal attire, Armani for Brian, and Dolce & Gabbana for Justin. Justin was chatting with a royal cousin who was showing interest in one of Justin’s Old Masters, as Brian stood at Justin’s side beaming proudly.

“What is it, Henry? All of this pretense beginning to get on your nerves or…” Charles looked at the wistful expression on his son’s face, “or is it the artist himself that’s got your knickers in a bunch.”

“Father,” Henry said with exasperation, trying to brush off his father’s intuitive assumption.

“I see. I thought you told me you had never met Taylor prior to his arrival.”

“I didn’t mean to lie to you, Father. We had met briefly in New York several years ago and the encounter, well, let’s just say I wasn’t on my best behavior. Nothing went too far and I was informed by his partner, in no uncertain terms, that the artist in question was off limits.”

“Oh Henry!”

“I know, father, not one of my finer moments. I have learned my lesson.”

“You do understand that I have always accepted and embraced your lifestyle. The alternative is unacceptable and most certainly out of the question. You are my son and I love you dearly. I may not have always approved of your choices but that may in part be my doing.”

“You, Father?”

“Yes, I’m afraid you’ve inherited my knack for choosing the wrong life partner. I failed miserably with your mother and your stepmother and now it seems my current wife is just about done with me.”

“You don’t sound very disappointed.”

“I know, I wonder what that means?” Charles smiled at his son. “Now, what about that violinist you told me about? He seems like a very likable fellow, quite talented too. I’ve had the pleasure of listening to several of his recordings. He does have a way with his instrument.”

“Father!” Henry exclaimed at the obvious double entendre. “If you must know, Ethan and I still see each other on occasion when I’m in Paris but I don’t foresee a long lasting relationship.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Don’t be. He’s a fun distraction but we really don’t have much in common except for one thing,” Henry said as his eyes panned the gallery, landing again on their latest star.

“You can’t mean?”

“Oh yes. Apparently Ethan Gold and Justin Taylor were old schoolmates at the Pittsburgh Institute of Fine Arts. They met at an interesting time in their lives.”

“Can I assume they were more than chums?”

“Yes.”

“Interesting. I always had the impression that Kinney was the only man in Taylor’s life.”

“According to Ethan, for the most part, that’s true, except for the brief dalliance with the budding virtuoso. I’ve never met anyone with such power,” Henry commented about Brian. “From what little Ethan revealed Kinney was never far from Taylor’s mind and heart. Ethan had promised Taylor fidelity then made the ultimate mistake. Taylor terminated their relationship and moved out.”

“Straight back to Kinney?” Charles asked.

Brian was standing by one of his portraits; an attractive countess was shamelessly flirting with him. Brian, the consummate gentleman, was smiling at her jokes as he gently redirected her wandering hands, all the while making eye contact with Justin.

“Not directly, no,” Charles replied.

“Kinney is a sly one.”

“Sly as a fox, Father. From what I’ve learned, our young artist dogged his fox like a champion bloodhound.”

“And landed himself one hell of a partner. Kinney is a very astute businessman, as well as exceptionally handsome. I’m not one for gossip; however, I have the impression from Lindsay that Kinney is worth millions. He would move heaven and earth for his partner and family. He’s footing the bill on the Rutledge townhouse and flew Lindsay’s partner and daughter over for tomorrow’s event.”

Charles and Henry watched as Brian took two glasses of champagne from a passing waiter, offering one to Justin. Brian leaned down to discreetly place a chaste kiss on the golden mop of hair that hid the tiny scar on Justin’s temple. Justin looked up at Brian with big blue eyes brimming with love and admiration.

“Perhaps I may have been wrong about my assessment of who holds the power in their relationship. Kinney appears to be just as enamored with Taylor as Taylor is with Kinney.”

“They have children,” Charles declared the non sequitur.

“Pardon me?”

“They have children. They have made someone a grandparent.”

“Father, where is this going?”

“Son, I’m ready to be a grandfather.”

“I’m gay.”

“And so are they. There is a Gus Kinney listed on the credits of Taylor’s Fractal Movie. According to Lindsay, Gus is her and Kinney’s son. Henry, gay men and women are having children all the time. I’m ready.”

“I’d prefer to have a partner and be settled before I make you a grandfather.”

“Then hurry up, Henry. You and I aren’t getting any younger.” Having made his suggestion to Henry, Charles patted his son on the shoulder then went into the main gallery to hobnob with the gentry.

 

*****
 

“My feet are killing me,” Lindsay complained as she, Brian and Justin were driven back to the townhouse. She was rolling her slightly swollen ankles hesitating to remove her heels.

“I’ve never understood why women insist on wearing those things,” Brian commented looking down at her feet.

“They make me look tall and slim.”

“Lindz, in case you haven’t noticed, you’re already tall and slim,” he said stating the obvious.

“Are you sure you’re gay? Emmett would understand.”

“It wouldn’t surprise me if he owns a pair like those,” Brian mumbled making Lindsay and Justin laugh. “It went well tonight,” Brian commented after they quieted.

“Yes, it did,” Lindsay agreed. “What do you think, Justin?” Lindsay asked as she looked around Brian at Justin.

“I think I’m ready to go home,” Justin said with an exhausted sigh as he leaned his head onto Brian’s shoulder.

“Then we’ll go home,” Brian assured his spouse as he snaked his arm around Justin.

 

*****
 

The next morning, Hudson forgave Brian, Justin and Lindsay’s lack of attendance at the breakfast table. When they had returned to the townhouse from the opening, it was well after three in the morning. The rest of the family came to breakfast then went about their business with their usual efficiency. Hudson had special trays made up and at the appropriate time, the trays were sent up to Brian and Justin’s room. Lindsay had made other arrangements.

“This is it, Sunshine. One more night and we can go home,” Brian stated as he put the morning newspaper down to pick up his coffee cup. The first of the reviews about London’s latest sensation were glowing.

“I don’t think we can leave right away, but we can send everyone home then follow when we’re sure I’m no longer needed here,” Justin replied as he peeled then sectioned an orange. He gave a few sections to Brian before eating a succulent wedge himself.

“That makes a lot of sense. We all have open return tickets. We can send the kids home with John and Bobby then follow when we’re ready. I’d like you to meet Shane and see the new branch.”

“I’d like that,” Justin said with a big smile. They continued to eat their brunch at a leisurely pace, mentally preparing themselves for the night’s events.

 

*****
 

“Bloody Hell, there’s three of them!” Adele exclaimed as Brian, John and Gus wandered through the gallery just before the doors officially opened for the night’s festivities. Several of the gallery staff had fallen in lust with Brian’s portraits and were equally awed by the man himself. They began hyperventilating at the sight of John and the younger Kinney.

The Kinney men smirked then arched that famous brow at the adulation.

“Mr. Taylor, how has London been treating you?” a member of the Fleet Street brigade asked.

“Your city is amazing and your people warm and friendly. My family and I are forever grateful.” Justin was genuine with his praise. He was then photographed wearing one of his most brilliant smiles. The London press had a new shining star.

“Justin, may I speak to you?” Henry asked. Justin had just handed a small plate of sweet treats to Bree to share with Patrick as they sat in the ‘amphitheater’ to watch the Fractal movie.

Justin nodded somewhat hesitantly.

“I promise you, my intent is innocent. Actually I wanted to apologize for my behavior back then. It wasn’t very gentlemanly.”

“Henry, nothing happened and what little that did, I was as equally at fault. I was selfish and feeling sorry for myself. You’re a very attractive man. I was flattered by your attention. It was wrong of me.”

“I’m envious,” Henry admitted.

“Why?”

“You’re beautiful, talented and blessed with a wonderful family. My poor father is begging me to make him a grandfather,” Henry said with a chuckle.

“Does Charles know about you?”

“Yes, he’s always known. In spite of my globetrotting ways, my father and I have always been close. As soon as I realized what I was feeling and could put a name to it, I confided in him. He loves me and only wants for my happiness.”

“I’m envious,” Justin said wistfully.

“Why?”

“My father and I are on very shaky ground. He threw me out when I wouldn’t conform to his way of thinking and refused to give up my deviant lifestyle and give up Brian. It’s gotten better over the years but that’s only because of our daughter. He’s afraid he’ll be totally cut out of Bree’s life. Be grateful that you have such an accepting father.”

“I am. Will you be heading back to the States soon?”

“I hope so,” Justin sighed then quickly apologized. “I didn’t mean that the way it came out. This has been the experience of a lifetime for me and my family. I wouldn’t have changed a thing but I love my cottage back home and the kids need to go back to school. I’m ready.”

Henry stuck out his hand for Justin to shake. “Justin Taylor, it’s been an honor and a pleasure meeting and working with you. We look forward to a long and prosperous relationship.”

Justin shook Henry’s hand as he smiled and nodded.

 

*****
 

“Mommy, this has been like a dream,” JR said to Mel. She and the whole family were treated to new outfits especially for the night, at Brian’s insistence. When Mel had tried to protest, Brian complained that he wasn’t trusting a lesbian’s fashion sense. He had never gotten over the knit caps baby Gus had been forced to wear, nor the ones Mel used to sport in their younger days.

Lindsay got Melanie to acquiesce by telling her to shut up and accept the designer outfit that they never would have considered buying for themselves.

“Yes, it has,” Mel admitted. They had all been treated like royalty and Mel loved the opportunity to sightsee but mostly the special time she and JR spent together.

 

*****
 

“Gus, I’m going to miss you,” Ray said as they walked through the gallery rooms, first to examine Justin’s work and then to the rest of the galleries to see the other pieces on display.

“So am I,” Gus said as he ushered Ray into a quiet corner to give him a hug. Ray reached up to give Gus a kiss. “We have a few more days together and then there’s the summer.”

“You think your Dad will let you come to New York for a visit?”

“You know I’m a summer intern at Kinnetik? Well, Pop is thinking of sending me to the other branches for experience and that includes N’rgy.”

Ray let out a ‘whoop’ as they giggled like children, emerging from their corner to rejoin the family.

 

*****
 

“Ready to go home, little man?” John asked Patrick. Patrick was standing in front of a painting of an English cottage. It reminded Patrick of Edna’s Treasures.

“Yeah, Dad. I had the best time but I miss my room and school and Beau and...” John laughed as he gave Patrick a hug.

“I got it. We’ll discuss our return trip at breakfast tomorrow.” Patrick agreed then they returned to the rest of the family.

After breakfast the next morning and travel plans confirmed, Bree wanted to go back to the park to see if Ian was there. She wanted one last game and was hoping to exchange addresses and emails so they could be penpals if Ian agreed. Lindsay and Justin had some gallery business to attend to so Brian and Bree went to the park by themselves. Ian was there, a soccer ball at his feet. Bree ran over to begin their skirmish.

“She’s beautiful,” Henry said as he sat on the bench next to Brian.

“Yes, she is,” Brian agreed. He wasn’t sure what to make of Henry’s appearance so he waited.

“So like her father.”

“That she is.”

“You’re a very lucky man.”

“Yes I am.”

“I wish...”

“Keep your heart open and it’ll happen when you least expect it. It did for me, although I wasn’t a very willing participant at the time. It’ll be different for you,” Brian wisely counseled the younger man.

“You sound very sure of your opinion.”

“I’m never wrong,” Brian stated with confidence.

They sat quietly watching the children at play for the next half hour. The sun was warm for January. After some time a tall distinguished man called out to Ian that it was time to go. Bree took Ian’s hand to lead him to where Brian was sitting. She boldly but politely made the introductions.

“Our children have grown fond of each other,” Ian’s father stated. “I’m amazed that a little American girl is so skillful at football.”

“My Dada was a soccer player; he has trophies,” Bree declared with pride.

“I see, like father like daughter then. And is this your partner?” Ian’s father inquired.

“I’m Henry Higgins. My father runs the London National Gallery. Mr. Kinney’s life partner, Justin Taylor, is currently exhibiting. I hope you and your wife will attend.”

“I’d love to. I’m well acquainted with Taylor’s work. However my former wife finds art boring so I must endure alone unless you would honor me with a private tour. My name is Bennett, Bennett Smythe,” Bennett said as he extended his hand to Henry. Henry took it and felt the sparks fly.

“An unexpected pleasure, isn’t it, Henry?” Brian commented as he arched his brow at Henry. Brian took a business card out to give to Bennett. “Our children want to keep in touch,” Brian said as he ruffled Ian’s hair. The kids said goodbye, promising to write or email. Brian took Bree’s hand as they sauntered away.

“What an interesting man,” Bennett commented as he watched Brian walk away.

“Very perceptive too,” Henry said with a twinkle in his eye.

“Tell me more about the exhibit,” Bennett said smiling as he took Ian’s hand. Henry thought Bennett had a most handsome smile as they all walked along, getting to know each other.

-end-

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