Springtime for Justin

Chapter 12

Brian was brushing Bree’s hair and making it perfect for their trip to Pittsburgh to meet Curtis Samuels and the rest of the family at the Liberty Diner.

“Will Curtis like me?” Bree asked out of the blue.

“Of course he’ll like you, Squirt,” Brian said as he added the finishing touches to her hair.

Bree frowned and bit her bottom lip, a practice she had just recently taken up. Brian turned her around to admire his handiwork with her hair. He noticed the lip partly sucked into her mouth.

“What’s wrong?” he asked her gently.

“I might not like Curtis,” she said with the honesty of an almost five year old.

“And why is that?” Brian asked.

“I don’t know. You said Curtis was … different.”

“He’s not so different,” Brian said quickly trying to reassure the little one. “He’s not quite as old as Gus and I’m sure he’ll be on his best behavior.”

Bree sucked on her lip some more. “Gus will be there?”

“Yes, Gus and JR and Hunter.”

“Is that all?”

“No, most of the rest of the family too.”

“Gamma Debbie?”

“Yep.”

“At the diner?”

“That’s right.”

“Okay,” Bree said.

“Just okay?” Brian asked with a chuckle.

Bree bobbed her head in affirmation. “I go. I get my card for Curtis.” She ran out to the sun porch to find the card she had made.

“Are you all done with Bree’s hair?” Justin asked as he came from the bedroom.

“Yeah, are you sure you can afford the time away from your painting to go to this shindig.”

"Now that my allergies aren't driving me insane, I can afford a few hours. And you convinced me I could save my crocus and grape hyacinth, so I don't have to repaint. I am entitled to a life, you know," Justin stated.

“Just so this break doesn’t cut into our time for fucking,” Brian smirked.

“That’s always number one on my list of priorities,” Justin laughed, pulling Brian off his chair and into a passionate kiss to make his point.

“Ready,” Bree said as she bounced back in from the sun porch carrying her card in her hand.

Brian groaned. “Then off to Pittsburgh we go.”

Since John and Bobby were going to be a part of Hunter’s scheme as ‘examples’ of same sex couples, the members of Edna’s Treasures decided to ride into Pittsburgh together with John driving his Navigator. Their conversation was pleasant although very muted.

“Shit!” Brian stated loudly. “We’re going to the fucking diner not a funeral. I’m not going to pretend that I’m something I’m not,” Brian stated the obvious. “How do I get myself into these things?” Brian grumbled. The adults silently agreed with Brian. Brian always had the balls to say what was on his mind.

“What’s wrong, Dada?” Bree wasn’t sure why her Dada was angry.

“Nothing, Squirt. It’s just me shooting off my mouth again,” Brian said calmly trying to waylay any of Bree’s fears. He knew she was already nervous about meeting Curtis. Brian was too.

“Brian, we can turn around and go home,” John said as he glanced at his brother via the rearview mirror.

“No, we can’t let Hunter down. Besides, if Raphael and Hector want to join the ranks of parenthood, who am I to thwart their efforts. And I’d like to hear what Gordon has to say about your ‘Village’ project.”

“It’s not my ‘Village’ project,” John protested.

“No?” Brian asked with an arch of his brow. “I’m not the one who’s ready with all sorts of plans and proposals and ready to sink the family fortune into this project even before he knows that he’s going to get the permits,” Brian snarked nonchalantly.

“I, um...” John sputtered.

“Brian, stop picking on my husband,” Bobby rose to defend his spouse. “You want in just as much as John wants this, if only for John and Hunter’s sake. So quit yer bitchin!”

“Sir, yes, sir!” Brian saluted from the back seat. The conversation for the rest of the ride into the Pitts remained lighthearted.

 

*****
 

Hunter picked up Curtis from the vet clinic at around 1:30; they wanted to get to the diner early to pick out the best spot to observe the ‘family’ as they entered the diner. Raphael and Hector waved them off, hoping that when they met Hunter and Curtis later, they would have cause for celebration.

“What if they don’t like me?” Curtis asked as Hunter parked his Cherokee.

“That’s not the point. We’re here so that you can get an idea of what it would be like living with same sex parents on a more permanent basis.”

“But it would be nice if they liked me,” Curtis mumbled worriedly.

The jingling of the bell over the door announced their arrival into the Liberty Avenue Diner.

“So this is the little shit who’s been causing all the ruckus lately!” Debbie screeched loudly. Hunter rolled his eyes at his grandmother as Curtis looked for a place to run and hide. Debbie strode over, gave Hunter a kiss then carefully scrutinized Curtis. “Has he been eating? He’s too skinny,” Debbie commented.

“He has a name, Deb. Curtis, I’d like to introduce you to Mrs. Debbie Novotny-Horvath, my grandmother, and also chief waitress and hostess around here. Deb, this is Curtis Samuels.”

Curtis slowly extended his hand to Debbie. “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Horvath,” Curtis stammered softly.

“Oh, sweetheart.” Debbie latched onto Curtis’ hand then hugged the lost boy to her bosom, rocking Curtis gently in her arms. “You poor little thing, you call me Debbie; you’re one of us now.”

“Deb, ease up, will ya? The kid needs to breathe,” Hunter counseled.

“Oh hush, I know when someone needs a hug.” Debbie slowly relinquished the boy then directed the two to the back booth. “Lacy, will be right over.” Debbie wiped away an errant tear then tended to her other customers.

“That’s your grandmother?” Curtis asked with wide eyes.

“Yup, the one and only. If you have Debbie on your side, the rest is a piece of cake. No one, not anyone, even the cops, will mess with Debbie. Here comes Lacy.”

“Hi, kid, it’s nice to meet you under better circumstances,” Lacy said as she placed two glasses of water on the table for them. “My name is Lacy. I’m glad you met up with Hunter. He saved me and a lot of other kids like us. He won’t steer you wrong.”

“I’m Curtis, and thank you for helping me that day.” Curtis handed Lacy a bag. It held the raincoat, scarf and gloves Lacy had given Curtis. Curtis had them all cleaned before returning them to their rightful owner.

“It’s not necessary...”

“I’m working to pay back everything I, I stole,” Curtis said as he felt his face grow hot.

“You didn’t steal these things; I gave them to you, but I understand. Thank you. So, what’ll you guys have?” Lacy took the pen from behind her ear to take down their order.

The bell jingled; Brian and brood entered.

“Took you long enough, asshole,” Debbie said loudly as she grabbed Brian’s neck to pull him down. She gave him a lipsticky kiss then a cuff to his head.

“Oh, Maw,” Brian griped as his swiped away the lipstick.

“Don’t you ‘oh maw’ me, where are my kids?!” Debbie demanded as she looked past Brian for Bree and Patrick.

“Here we are, Gamma Debbie!” Bree answered as she ran into Debbie’s waiting arms. Bree had Patrick in tow. Debbie stooped over to hug both children.

While the children occupied Debbie, Brian led his family to a booth. They were getting settled as Hunter brought over Curtis and made the introductions. Curtis was amazed, as were many, at the twin-like resemblance the brothers had. Brian had an amused expression at this third meeting with Curtis. John and Bobby greeted the boy warmly. Justin, while polite, remained somewhat aloof. He had not quite gotten over that this boy had attacked his spouse at knifepoint.

Debbie finally let go of Bree and Patrick so they could sit with their parents. She placed their orders then joined Hunter at his table.

The bell jingled as Lindsay, Melanie and JR came in.

“JR!” Bree shouted as she squirmed down from her seat to greet her brother’s sister. The two girls giggled as girls do, age span notwithstanding. The girls liked each other and got along well.

“Melanie!” Brian bellowed, “Where is my son?” Gus hadn’t arrived with them.

“Kinney, keep your shirt on; he’ll be here. He stopped off at the comic book store. Michael saved him a copy of Rage. The latest issue sold out in less than two days. Even with the triple order that someone very smart recommended Michael should order.”

Brian dipped his head at Mel’s compliment. Brian had a feeling that this issue would do well and had urged his friend to triple the order.

“He had to place another order with the printers,” Lindsay said proudly. “Justin, Lacy, Michael’s so happy.” Justin’s smile lit up the diner, so did Lacy’s.

Another jingle signaled the arrival of Gus, Danny, Michael and Ben.

“Hey, Pop!” Gus greeted his father who had gotten up and out of his booth so he could properly greet his son. The Kinney men were almost the same height with the same brunet hair and hazel eyes. Gus’ face held his mother’s serenity and sweet countenance. They were quite striking and beautiful to behold. The boys of Liberty were abuzz with admiration.

“Hey, Sonny Boy,” Brian stated as he bussed his son’s temple.

“GUUSSS!” The little girl, with a shout worthy of Debbie, streaked over to her brother.

“Hey, short stuff.” Gus swept his little sister into his arms then twirled her around as she giggled with delight.

Hunter leaned over to Curtis explaining each connection the extended family held. Gus joined his sister in his father’s booth as Ben, Michael and Danny joined Hunter and Curtis.

The afternoon was calm and pleasant. Unbeknownst to Curtis, he was being warmly accepted into the fold. The bell jingled again announcing Joan, Jennifer and Seth’s arrival. They were each greeted enthusiastically by everyone. Joan beamed as Bree and Gus paid particular attention to her.

“Gamma Joan, you coming to my birthday party?” Bree asked sweetly.

“Of course, Briana, I wouldn’t miss it. Your Gamma Jennifer and her gentleman have already offered to drive me. We’ll all be there.”

Bree gave Joan a brilliant smile then went to thank her Gamma Jenn.

As the family socialized, the conversation naturally led to Bree’s up and coming birthday party.

“Justin, Sidney really wants you to be at the opening in Chicago,” Lindsay reminded Justin.

“I know, Linds, but it’s just so hard. I’ll be home for her real birthday but I want to be there with all of our family and friends. That means so much to me. It’s important, and Linds, my father is coming,” Justin confided.

“Oh Justin, that’s wonderful. Of course you have to be there. I’ll speak to Sidney.”

“Try to make him understand, Lindsay. This may never happen again. I have to be there.”

“I will, Justin.” Justin needed a little air. Lindsay watched as he walked out the diner door.

“What just happened?” Brian asked Lindsay. He had witnessed the whole exchange.

“Bree’s birthday party. Justin just told me that Craig is coming. Brian, Justin really needs to be at that gallery opening. The timing is so right, especially with Rage’s popularity still strong.”

“But...”

“I know, that’s the point. Lacy has been groomed by Justin. So many young artists are encouraged by Justin’s success and his encouragement of them. As Sidney put it, Justin’s successes are all our successes. But he can’t be in two places at once, can he?”

“Linds, what time is the opening?”

“It’s set for nine that Saturday night. Sidney and the gallery owner will be there doing their usual speeches then introducing the featured artists.”

“Justin will be up last?”

“Yes.”

“So that should be by ten.”

“Probably, you know how long winded Sidney can be at times. But even you can’t work a miracle of time,” Lindsay said as she gave Brian a kiss to his cheek.

“Maybe, I can,” Brian mumbled then went to find his spouse.

“Are all these people related in some way?” Curtis whispered to Hunter.

“Yes, we are,” Hunter said proudly.

“Curtis, we can be an intimidating bunch,” Ben added. “They scared me too, when I first met them.” Ben smiled warmly. His gentle tones were very calming to Curtis.

“Yeah, especially my Ma,” Michael contributed. “She didn’t think Ben and I were a good match but we’ve been married for thirteen years now.”

“Married?” Curtis asked in wonderment. So many of the kids Curtis went to school with came from broken homes and they were supposed to be ‘normal’.

“Yes, we got married when we went to Canada,” Ben stated with pride. “Lindsay and Melanie had a commitment ceremony as did John and Bobby and Brian and Justin. We’ve all been together for a lot of years.”

“Ben and Michael adopted me and gave me the first real home I ever had,” Hunter said with so much love in his voice. “It’s not easy having two fathers. They were always fussing at me,” Hunter groused but the love in his voice gave away his true sentiments.

“Us, not easy! I could tell you stories,” Michael protested.

“But you won’t, will you, daddy dearest?” Hunter joked as he batted his eyes at Michael. Michael just rolled his. Curtis looked at Danny for an explanation.

“Don’t look at me, I just recently joined this family and I’m only the grandfather,” Danny laughed.

“Boy, this is confusing.” Curtis shook his head.

Melanie then came over to speak with her client. “Curtis, Karen and Hunter have been giving me progress reports. You’ve worked off your debts and are catching up with your school work. I’m impressed,” Melanie stated with her usual business-like manner.

“I’m trying, Miss Melanie.”

“I’m proud of you. Hunter, we have to appear before Judge Schultz sometime this week. She wants a progress report as well, and wants to speak with Curtis to see for herself. Can we talk later on? I have more news on Curtis’ inheritance.”

“Inheritance?” Curtis didn’t know he had an inheritance.

“I wanted to get all the details and facts together before I spoke to you and Hunter, but yes. It seems that your grandfather had a life insurance policy and some money put away. He had filed a will naming you as beneficiary. You’re not rich but if invested wisely, you’ll have enough to go to college with and to pay your expenses.”

“But the Hardigans said I was poor.”

“The Hardigans were cruel people, and liars, amongst their other crimes,” Melanie stated with disdain. “Can you both come to my office after school on Monday? I have all the paperwork ready for you to sign. Hunter, since you’re Curtis’ guardian, it’s important you be there.”

“We’ll be there, Mel,” Hunter said all smiles. “Curtis, looks like you life is changing for the better.”

“Yes, it is, Mr. Hunter, thanks to you and Miss Melanie.”

“Curtis, I don’t believe you’ve met all of the kids. Come with me.” Melanie led Curtis over to where all the children were sitting.

John and Bobby took that opportunity to speak with Hunter about the project. Lacy had commandeered Brian along with Katerina who had come into the diner as well. Justin got Michael alone to share his thoughts on the next issue of Rage, and Lacy’s part in it.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” Melanie started out formally, “this is my friend Curtis Samuels. And this my son, Gus.”

Gus stood up to shake Curtis’ hand. “My Pop is Brian Kinney,” Gus stated proudly.

“I know. Mr. Brian is a nice man.”

Melanie snorted but continued with the introductions. “This is my daughter JR.” JR and Curtis shook hands as JR smiled flirtatiously at Curtis. Melanie loudly cleared her throat making JR quickly drop Curtis’ hand. “This young man is Patrick Morrison-Anderson. John and Bobby’s son. John is Brian’s brother."

“Older brother,” Patrick stated with the Kinney swagger. Patrick was very proud of his dads and their place in the family. Patrick grew up sensing how much his uncle Brian loved, respected and looked up to his dad. And how much Brian loved his Poppa too. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“Me too,” Curtis said as he marveled at Patrick’s shocking red hair.

Patrick followed Curtis’ eyes and laughed. He was very wise beyond his years. “I get that from my Poppa.”

Melanie chuckled then ruffled the red mop. “And last but not least is...”

“My name is Miss Briana Victoria Kinney-Taylor, and my Dada said that you were a bad boy, but now you’re a good boy and that we should all be friends. Do you want to be my friend?” Bree stated boldly and loudly enough for the whole diner to hear. The diner became quiet as they all awaited Curtis’ response.

Curtis stared with disbelief at the courageous tiny blond child. “I’d like to be your friend, that is, if you think you could be friends with someone like me,” Curtis said sadly. “I don’t have a real home, or parents, and I did some bad things.”

“Dada says that Dr. Raph and Hector want to be your parents and sometimes I be bad and my daddies still love me and do you want to come to my birthday party? I’m going to be five!” Bree held up her tiny hand with her fingers all splayed out.

Melanie as well as the rest of the diner were doing their darnedest not to all burst out into laughter.

When Curtis hesitated, Bree decided she needed a little help to persuade Curtis. “Dada!” Bree called out and everyone turned to Brian.

“Yes, Squirt,” Brian asked with dignity.

“Can I have the card?”

“Of course, baby.” Brian sauntered over to the table with the air of command and of the stud of old. Of course everyone knew that Brian would do almost anything for his daughter. He reached into his pocket to take out the card Bree made for Curtis. She had placed it in the same envelope with her party invitation.

“Thank you, Dada.” Bree thanked her father politely then turned her most lethal weapon onto Curtis, her violet blue eyes. Brian and Gus shook their heads and groaned. They knew no one could ever resist those eyes.

“For you,” Bree said, as she handed Curtis the card, looking up at him through her long blond lashes. Curtis opened the card to read. “You’ll come to my party?”

Curtis looked over at Brian and Justin for permission. Justin smiled as Brian nodded.

“Yes, I’ll come.”

“Good, ‘cause Auntie Emm makes the best parties....” The family laughed as Bree went on and on about her Auntie Emm and what to expect at her party.

 

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