Nuff Rope

Chapter 13


 

“I can’t wait to see Bree,” Justin said as they were in the SUV heading for Bree’s soccer camp.

“Yeah,” Brian said sounding totally disgusted.

“Don’t even try to let on that you’re not excited to see her.

“She’ll probably be wearing high heels and makeup, and look like she’s 25.”

“Of course,” Justin laughed. “High heels and makeup are just what she’ll be wearing to play soccer. And she’s been gone six days, so she’ll have aged at least 20 years.”

Brian turned his eyes from the road long enough to give Justin one of his scary glares. Justin wasn’t having any part of it.

“She’s going to be so happy to see you … us,” Justin added.

“Do you think she’ll remember who we are?” Brian tried to make the question sound sarcastic, but to Justin it merely sounded worried.

“Of course she’ll remember us. She loves her Dada.”

“And her Daddy.”

“Goes without saying.”

They pulled into the parking area at Bree’s camp.

“Dada! Daddy!” a little voice screeched.

As soon as Brian opened the door to the SUV, a tiny blonde flung herself into his arms.

“Squirt,” Brian whispered as he pressed her against his chest. “I missed you.”

“I love you, Dada. I did good. I’m the captain of my soccer team. I made a new friend and the coach wants to meet you.”

“No shit!” Brian said with a chuckle. He was very happy that Bree had been having a good time. But he was even happier to see that she was happy to see them.

“Daddy!” Bree yelled as Justin came around from his side of the vehicle.

“Right here, sweetheart,” Justin said hugging her tight once Brian had released her and passed her on to him.

“I love you, Daddy.”

“I love you right back.”

“Dada, can you meet the coach now?”

“If I must,” Brian replied, his nonchalant veneer firmly back in place. Justin certainly wouldn’t mention the tears in Brian’s eyes as he reluctantly handed Bree to him.

“She’s over there,” Bree said pointing to a tall woman talking to another set of parents. “Come on,” Bree added as she took Brian’s hand and dragged him across the parking lot.

As they approached the rather formidable looking woman, the parents who were talking to her moved on.

“Coach, this is my Dada,” Bree said.

The coach raised her eyebrow and extended her hand.

Brian shook it, saying, “Brian Kinney.”

“Abigail Minton,” the woman said.

“This is my Daddy,” Bree pointed out indicating her other father.

“Justin Taylor,” Justin said as he shook the coach’s hand too.

“Aren’t you the … artist?” Coach Minton asked in surprise.

“That would be me,” Justin replied with a chuckle.

“Very nice to meet you,” the coach said obviously impressed at who Bree’s father was.

“Um, Coach,” Bree piped up. “You said you wanted to meet my Dada not my Daddy.”

“Well, I, um, I’m happy to meet both your parents,” Abigail recovered.

“But this is my Dada,” Bree persisted indicating Brian. “He’s the one who knows everything about soccer.”

“Bree…” Brian half-heartedly protested. He did know a lot about soccer. Maybe not everything, but close.

“Your daughter is one of the best soccer players I’ve seen in a long time,” the coach stated.

“I’m going to Penn State like my brother, but I’m going to play soccer there like my Dada,” Bree informed them.

“I’m sure you will do all of that and more, Bree,” Abigail agreed. “I’ve made Bree captain of one of the teams. You’ll see her play in just a few minutes.”

Brian wore a frown. “Isn’t Bree a little young to be captain?”

“I’m old enough, Dada,” Bree averred.

“Your daughter is not only a good player, she demonstrates excellent leadership qualities. The other girls respect her skill and encouragement. She makes an excellent captain.”

“I see,” Brian said, but it seemed evident that he really didn’t see.

“You better go find your team,” the coach advised. “We’re going to start in a few minutes.”

“’Kay,” Bree said happily. “You’re going to watch me, right?” she asked her fathers.

“Absolutely,” Brian said. Bree gave each of her fathers a hug before running off to get her team organized.

“You don’t like her being captain, do you?” Justin asked as they found some space to put their folding chairs along the side of the playing field.

“I think she’s too young,” Brian said as he sat down.

“The coach doesn’t seem to think so.”

Brian snorted. “Like she knows anything.”

“She must know something if she’s coaching.”

That earned another snort just before the coach walked onto the field with a bullhorn. She welcomed all the family and friends who were in attendance. Then she introduced the captains of the two teams and made a nice fuss over Bree being the youngest captain they had ever had at the camp. Then the game began.

Brian watched with interest. He saw his daughter run rings around most of the other girls. The captain of the other team was almost as good as Bree but she had to be a couple of years older. All the times Brian and the family had played soccer with Bree hadn’t prepared Brian to see how she measured up against girls who were interested in soccer and had obviously played a lot. His daughter was the absolute best. He felt his chest swell with pride and love.

Bree scored a goal during the game, and her team won two to one. That was a good outcome, but Brian was more pleased to see how Bree would talk to a girl who missed a shot or flubbed a kick. Bree offered encouragement and help wherever she could. She especially seemed to be helping one little girl.

When the game was over, Bree came running over to her fathers followed by the little girl who Bree had been talking to so much during the game.

“We won!” Bree said triumphantly.

“That you did, Squirt,” Brian said with a big smile. “Good game.”

“Dada and Daddy, this is my friend Meghan,” Bree said.

“Hello, Meghan,” both fathers replied.

“I got to go find my parents,” Meghan said. “Nice to meet you.” She ran over to some people who seemed to be waiting for her.

“They have cookies,” Bree said. “Over there.”

“Cookies it is,” Brian agreed as he followed Bree to the refreshment table.

 

*****
 

It wasn’t long until Brian and Justin were on the road again, heading for Patrick’s camp.

“You feeling better about Bree being captain?” Justin asked after they drove for a bit in silence.

“I guess,” Brian sighed. “She’s an amazing little girl.”

“She’s our amazing little girl.”

“Yeah, she is, isn’t she?” Brian smiled.

“She didn’t forget who you were,” Justin reminded Brian gently.

“Yeah,” Brian agreed. They drove on in silence until they arrived at Patrick’s camp.

Patrick was happy to see them, and wanted to know if they had heard from his dads. Justin informed him that John and Bobby were having a good time, but missed Patrick enormously. Patrick admitted that he missed his dads too. He introduced them to Tom, his new friend, and Tom’s parents.

Soon the game began, with Patrick pitching for his team. Patrick did a good job, giving up just one run, on a homer. He also made a great play on a line drive back to the pitcher’s mound. He caught the ball and threw to first for a double play on the runner who had headed for second. Patrick’s team won 4-1.

“Great game, Little Red,” Brian said as he ruffled Patrick’s hair after the game.

“Thanks, Uncle Bri,” Patrick replied with a big smile.

“Your dads are going to be so sorry they missed your game,” Justin said.

“They’re coming next weekend, aren’t they?” Patrick asked.

“I don’t think a monsoon could keep them away,” Brian said. Patrick giggled. “That was a great play on the line drive.”

“Yeah, I missed one like that the first day we played. I got this,” Patrick informed them as he lifted his shirt. They could see the yellowish area that had faded from purple during the course of the week.

“Shit!” Brian reacted. “That must have hurt.”

“It did,” Patrick said with a smile, “for a while. I’m fine now.”

“Brave lad,” Brian said giving his nephew a hug.

“Thanks,” Patrick mumbled into Brian’s chest. “They have refreshments,” he suggested.

“Great! More cookies,” Brian griped as he and Justin followed Patrick to the refreshment table.

 

*****
 

With the first week of being on their own almost over, Brian was looking forward to the second. Even though he was enjoying the freedom of having Justin all to himself, Brian found he wasn’t ready to cope with the ‘empty nest’ feelings he was experiencing. Brian enjoyed his full house and at the moment, it was only he and Beau contemplating their empty nest.

“Dad?” Brian heard Gus say as he answered his cell phone.

“What’s wrong?” Brian asked.

“Everything.”

“Define, everything,” Brian said trying to remain calm, pinching the bridge of his nose.

“I’m sorry, Dad. I really am. I kept thinking orange is the new blue. That that meant something. The colors of the ad looked gross,” Gus babbled. “I didn’t know they were chosen for a reason, so I...”

“You took it upon yourself to change the colors,” Brian surmised as he was trying to follow his son's train of rambling thought.

“Yes. Stacey didn’t call you?”

“No, not yet. Perhaps she thought you’d like to fess up first. What was the result of your thoughtfulness,” Brian snarked.

“The client was pissed and ready to walk out. But Uncle Ken stepped in.”

“You mean he schmoozed.”

“Yeah, and I apologized. I told the client that it was all my idea and that Stac, uh, Ms. Manning had no clue about what I did.”

“Who was the client?” Brian had a sinking feeling in his gut. Eyeconic Eyeglasses were spreading their wings and attempting to break into the New York City market. They didn’t have to use Kinnetik, but wanted to give N’rgy the first shot at the ad.

“Eye...”

“Fucking hell!” Brian said, cutting off Gus. The smug Eyeconics bitch was still in charge and still a bitch. Brian walked to the refrigerator to get himself a beer. He really wanted something stronger but he needed to keep a clear head. Gus’ mumblings brought Brian back to the problem at hand. “What did you just say?”

“Am I fired?”

“Did Stacey fire you?”

“No, not yet.”

“Then until your boss says otherwise, you are still an employee of Kinnetik N’rgy.”

“Thanks, Dad.”

“Don’t thank me. If it were up to me, your ass would be on the next bus outta there. Gus, you should have known better.”

“I know. Dad, can I ask you something?”

“Something else work related?”

“No. Boyfriend related.”

‘Almost as bad,’ Brian thought to himself. “Go ahead,” Brian said taking another gulp of his beer.

“You and Jus, it wasn’t always good, was it?”

“No, I, we both made some foolish mistakes. We discovered long ago that we always have to work at our relationship and take nothing for granted. Gus, did something happen between you and Ray?”

“No, but Jeff said something that bothered me and I don’t know what to do about it.”

“What did he say?”

“Remember that creep at PRIDE? The one who was all over Ray at the parade.”

“I remember.”

“Jeff said he spotted Wayne hanging out with some of their friends and that he was boasting that he and Ray had something going on. That they’ve already done it. I didn’t want to say anything to Ray about it.”

“Why?”

“Because, what if...”

“What if it’s true?”

“Yeah,” Gus said so softly that Brian wasn’t sure he heard him.

“Listen to me, Sonny Boy, never assume.” Gus chuckled nervously. “What?”

“You’re the second person this week to offer me the same advice.”

“Very wise advice. Gus, talk to Raymond. Don’t assume you know what’s best for him or your relationship. I did that more times than I care to admit. I pushed Justin away thinking I knew what was best for him. It ultimately led to a lot of misery and wasted time. Don’t make that same mistake. Ray is a smart, sensitive young man and I believe he’s very honest. Be honest with him.”

“Okay, Pop. I’ll talk to him tonight. Damn! I gotta go, my break is over.”

“Gus, make an appointment with Stacey to discuss your performance. Ask her specifically what your tasks are and what her expectations are. N’rgy’s internship job description may be very different from Kinnetik and Part Deux. Then ask her how you can improve.”

“Okay, Dad, I will."

“And promise me you’ll talk to Ray.”

“I promise, Pop, and I don’t lie. Later, Pop.”

“Later, Sonny Boy.” Brian cut the connection, staring at the bottle on the counter. Beau loped into the kitchen and sat near Brian’s stool, looking up at Brian with big soulful eyes.

“I know, Beau; he has to do it on his own. Just as the Squirt has to grow up. But that doesn’t mean I have to like it,” Brian said with a sigh. Beau laid down with a sigh, resting his head on his paws.

“Good idea,” Brian said as he stood, stretching out the kinks. He was feeling some of the effects of his manual labors. Brian walked into the sun porch, positioned one of the chaises so that he could see his garden then laid down for a nap. When he was settled, Beau came in with grey bunny and laid it next to his sleeping master.

 

*****
 

“Brian,” Justin called as he came into the house. There was no answer.

Justin headed to the kitchen where he dropped the groceries he had purchased. He put the milk and meat in the fridge, wondering where Brian could have got to. Having finished the task of putting his purchases away, Justin headed out to the sun porch to see if Brian was outside in his gardens.

Chuckling to himself that Brian would hardly be gardening after his strenuous exercise with the new guy, Matt, at the gardening center, Justin stopped short as he entered the sun porch.

Beau raised his head and looked at Justin, as much as to say, “Be quiet, someone’s sleeping.”

Justin walked over to the chaise where Brian lay sleeping. The grey bunny was pulled against his body, his arm holding it in place on the chaise, as he slept oblivious to being watched. Justin smiled at first. His husband looked so peaceful. Justin knew he had drawn Brian sleeping many times. He loved the vulnerable look on Brian’s face when he slept. The cares of the world, and the demons that Brian had to fight all his life, all faded away when he slept. He looked so content and beautiful today in the warm glow of the summer sun.

After a couple of moments, Justin said gently, “Brian.” Brian stirred slightly. “Brian,” Justin repeated.

“Hm, you’re home,” Brian said his eyes fluttering open.

“Just got here. It’s almost dinner time. Are you hungry?”

Brian stretched, and then winced when some of his muscles grabbed. “I guess I could eat something.”

“I thought we’d have salad and some nice crusty bread that I picked up.” Justin smiled to himself as he realized Brian had sat up still holding the grey bunny on his lap. Brian’s hand ran down the back of the bunny, petting it like it was a real rabbit, as he talked to Justin.

“What are you smiling at?” Brian asked.

Justin glanced at the grey bunny. “That,” he said.

“How did that get here?” Brian asked genuinely surprised.

“I thought you were missing our daughter.”

“I was, but I didn’t bring the bunny out here,” Brian stated.

Beau raised his head and gave a little woof.

“I think our answer to how bunny got here is lying over there on Beau’s bed,” Justin laughed.

“Good dog,” Brian said.

Beau’s ears perked up and his tail gave a wag.

“You are a good dog, Beau,” Justin agreed. “We need you to look after all of us.”

“Don’t tell anybody,” Brian whispered, “but I think Beau misses Bree as much as I do.”

Beau woofed in agreement.

“Come on, big guy. Help me make a salad,” Justin said.

Brian got up from the chaise to follow Justin to the kitchen. He dropped the grey bunny on the chaise. Beau watched them leave then he walked over to the chaise and hopped up on it. He laid down with his head resting against the grey bunny. He had given it to Brian to comfort his master. Now it was his turn to remember the little girl he was missing, along with his other family. Beau fell asleep in an instant.

 

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