The Naked Truth

Chapter 3

“Mel?” Lindsay was surprised to see her ex standing on the front porch so early in the morning. Lindsay was still in her robe, half dressed for her day at the gallery.

“I’m sorry, I guess I should have called first,” Mel said contritely.

“It’s all right,” Lindsay said as she stepped aside. “Would you like to come in, we’re about to have breakfast.”

“Uh, I’m not sure,” Mel suddenly lost her nerve. She had come over hoping to take JR out to breakfast before JR went to the comic book store.

“Please, we have plenty and JR would love it.”

“If it’s not too much trouble,” Mel said hesitantly as she stepped over the threshold of her former home.

“No trouble at all,” Lindsay reassured Melanie. For a moment Melanie thought she felt something from her former spouse and lover, but it was all too fleeting for her to be sure. Lindsay led the way toward the dining room.

“Mama!” JR shrieked as Mel walked into the room. JR jumped up to give her mother a hug. Melanie reveled in the embrace.

“Your mother invited me to stay for breakfast if that’s okay with you,” Mel stated before she sat at the table. Melanie noted a few things had changed in the room. There were several more pieces of Lindsay’s artwork hanging on the walls, as well as some of Justin’s. She also noted some other new additions, the style was similar to Justin’s but not quite the same. Mel realized that the artist was Candy. Candy bounded into the room in full Goth regalia, sporting a conglomeration of beads around her neck made up of mostly sparkling black crystals.

“That’s an interesting necklace,” Mel commented as she automatically sat across from Lindsay in her old spot. Lindsay handed her a plate and a set of silverware as Candy handed her a napkin.

“Thank you. We found the beads while we were out antiquing and I put this together,” Candy said proudly.

“Mom took us all out for a drive when we were staying on the lane,” JR explained. “We found all sorts of stuff,” JR proudly announced. The girls laughed as if sharing an inside joke. Lindsay smiled at them and at the memory.

“It’s amazing what you can find when you just take the time to look,” Lindsay added. She didn’t notice the pained expression that flashed across Mel’s face. Mel never had the patience for that sort of stuff.

For the next half hour the girls regaled Melanie about all their finds and what they did with them.

“And Nina,” Candy said making quote marks in the air when she said ‘Nina’, “found this real pretty string of green beads. She sewed them onto a dress she was making.”

“Nina?” Mel looked at them.

“Richie,” they all said at the same time then giggled including Lindsay.

“Richie’s alter ego,” Lindsay went on to say.

“Oh yes, Richie. How’s he doing?” Mel asked. She remembered her part in helping Emmett and Drew to be able to foster the young man.

“He’s doing very well,” Lindsay said. “Drew and Emm have petitioned the court to allow them to formally adopt him. So far Richie’s parents have shown little interest in him. He’s doing well in school and personally.”

“Really? Who’s their lawyer?” Mel asked without thinking.

“Bobby,” Lindsay replied.

“But he’s not... I’m sorry, I guess it’s none of my business,” Mel said softly.

“Mama?” JR looked up at her mother, concern in her eyes. Mel glanced at Lindsay and received a nod. Mel put down her toast to gather her thoughts.

“Adoption is not an easy process especially for gay men. But the difficulty here lies in the fact that Richie’s parents are alive and from what I remember they’re well off and can provide what the court may deem a better environment for their son,” Mel said choosing her words carefully.

“But, they’re the ones who threw him out,” Candy said, her eyes glittering with unshed tears.

“We know, honey,” Lindsay said softly. “But Mel’s right. It won’t be easy for Emm and Drew, and while Bobby is a very good lawyer, he doesn’t specialize in adoptions.”

“How can we help?” JR took up the gauntlet.

“I’m not sure but we’re Richie’s friends and we can be there for him and for Emmett and Drew,” Lindsay stated emphatically.

“Um, do you think Bobby would allow me to help?” Melanie asked.

“Could you, Mama?” JR asked with a broad smile on her face.

“I’d like to if you think Bobby wouldn’t mind. I am familiar with Richie’s case and if we’re lucky we might get Judge Schultz to hear the case. Um, I have some free time on my hands,” Mel added when Lindsay gazed at her with curiosity.

“But wouldn’t she have to recuse herself?” Lindsay asked then smiled at Mel’s incredulous look. Lindsay shrugged her shoulders then mouthed ‘fuck a lawyer...’ Mel giggled as she remembered when Lindsay first said that phrase.

“Possibly but if Richie’s parents decide to keep things quiet then maybe they’d allow her to preside over the proceedings.”

“Moms, in English, please,” JR scowled at Mel and Lindsay. The moms blushed. Both girls looked back and forth at the women.

Lindsay went on to explain, in English, “What your mother means is that in some cases, adoptions can be very public, messy affairs.”

“In this case,” Mel took up where Lindsay ended, “Richie’s parents not only disapproved of his lifestyle choices, they were embarrassed by them. So in wanting to keep things quiet...”

“They may not argue about the judge or that it was Emmett and Drew wanting to adopted their son,” Lindsay finished off Mel’s thought. Melanie nodded.

“Ooohhh,” both girls sing-songed.

“So that would be good for Richie, right?” Candy said receiving nods from the women.

“And maybe if they saw Nina at the proceedings it just might cinch it,” JR said with an almost evil smirk.

“JR,” the moms growled at their devious daughter. In an instant the evil smirk became one of total innocence. The women sighed and the girls broke out into fits of laughter.

 

*****
 

“Sooo, big bro, are you going to let our little Mary Sunshine paint you in the all-together?” Brian teased as he saw John flipping trough Justin’s sketch pad. He had picked it up as he walked through the sun porch. John jumped not seeing Brian who was up in his balcony office.

“I’m not sure. What’s there to paint? You and I are so similar; can’t he paint your body and put my head on it?”

“That’s like painting a tiger with the head of a zebra. We may look alike at first glance but anyone can spot the differences,” Brian said as he walked down the spiral staircase. “You have an all right body, nothing to be embarrassed about,” Brian conceded. “Just ask your hubby,” he further teased.

John gave Brian his own version of the Kinney death glare. Brian was impervious to it so he continued, “Besides, your spouse is contributing to the project as we speak.”

“You’re kidding?” John asked as he looked into his brother’s eyes.

“Nope. The kids are at Rachel’s, conveniently helping her in the yard while Justin’s working his own magic in ours.” Brian guided John outside toward the pitching/batting cage that Bobby had set up for himself and Patrick.

Standing out of the way where they wouldn’t be observed or interrupt the artist and model, the Kinney brothers watched. Bobby was naked standing at the far end of the cage, a bucket of balls at his feet. Justin had a video camera hanging from his neck and a sketch pad in his hands.

“What’s he doing?” John whispered.

“As Justin put it, he wants to capture Bobby’s muscles in motion, hence the camera. I think he plans a series of sketches on the one page.”

“Oh. And Bobby doesn’t have a problem with this?”

“Apparently not,” Brian said with a most appreciative leer.

“Hey,” John growled as he ribbed Brian with an elbow.

“He’s not my type,” Brian assured his brother. “My type runs to short, blond and good with his hands.”

“As opposed to short, red-headed and good with his hands?” John said noting that each of Bobby’s throws was right on target.

“Something like that,” Brian confirmed. The brothers looked at each other and smiled. They knew they both had the right partners. “Come on, let’s go back inside. I’ll buy you a coffee.”

The brothers made a discreet retreat.

“Yeah, about that.”

“What are you talking about?” Brian didn’t think John’s remark was about the pot of coffee in his kitchen.

“During the construction of the greenhouse and cottage, the coffee man.”

“What about him?”

“When I was about to pay him, he told me that someone had beaten me to it.”

“Is that right?”

“You wouldn’t know anything about that, would you?”

“Not a clue,” Brian smirked. Okay, so a little white lie wasn’t really a lie, was it?

“Uh huh,” John said as he followed his brother into the kitchen. “I’m on to you, Kinney.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Brian said as he poured them some coffee.

 

*****
 

“Mama, are you really going to help Richie?” JR asked as Mel parked in front of the comic book store.

“I’d like to but I have to ask first. Bobby is in charge.”

“Oh. Do you think he’ll let you?”

“All I can do is ask, sweetheart.”

“But you will ask.”

“I promise. I’m still licensed to practice here and I’ve handled a lot of adoptions, besides being familiar with this case. Bobby is a good lawyer but he’s a corporate lawyer. As far as I know he hasn’t handled adoptions.”

“But a lawyer is a lawyer.”

“Yes, but it’s like being a doctor. You wouldn’t go to a dentist if you had heart problems. It’s the same thing. I don’t handle business law, so if I had an issue with taxes or mergers I’d go to a lawyer that had experience with those things.”

“Oh. Uncle Brian says that Uncle Bobby is a very good lawyer so I’m sure he’d want your help.”

Mel stifled a moan at hearing Brian’s name, but some things were bigger than she and Brian Kinney.

“You’ll call him?” JR said meaning Bobby.

“Yes, as soon as I get back to my hotel room. Can I come by and take you to lunch?”

“That’ll be great, Mama!” JR gave her mother a hug before she hopped out of Mel’s rented car and ran into the store. The gate was up and JR knew that her grandmother was already inside. “Later!” JR shouted as she waved at her mother.

“Later,” Mel replied back, realizing that she sounded too much like a certain man that she loved to hate.

 

*****
 

“Morrison,” Bobby said into his cell phone. He had a towel wrapped around his waist and was toweling off his hair. He didn’t remember how sweaty pitching was, even pitching in the nude. He chuckled to himself.

“Bobby, it’s Melanie Marcus. Did I get you at a bad moment?” Mel asked hearing the laughter in Bobby’s voice.

“No, it’s fine, just laughing to myself. What can I do for you?”

“Um, I’m not sure how to ask this but I heard you’re going to handle Richie’s adoption.”

Bobby plopped himself down on his bed. “Wow, news travels fast and all the way to Portland.”

“Yes, news does travel fast but I’m not in Portland. I’m here.”

“Here? Where, here?”

“In Pittsburgh. I’m visiting JR and Gus before school starts.”

“That’s nice. So you heard about the adoption from...?”

“JR, this morning at breakfast with Lindz and the girls.”

“At breakfast...at the diner?”

“No, the house. And, no Bobby, I didn’t sleep over. I knocked on the door to invite JR out for breakfast and I was invited in.”

“Ah. Well, it’s not a state secret. The guys asked if I would consider taking on their case. I told them I’d consider it but I’m obviously not experienced in this type of law. I told them I’d either have to hook up with a lawyer who was and/or do a lot of research first. That’s as far as it’s gotten. Why do you want to know?”

“Well, I was there when Emm and Drew were given permission to foster Richie in the first place, and I’m familiar with his circumstances.”

“Yeah and?”

“I’d like to help, if you think the guys would let me.”

“Help as in, help?”

“Yes. Look, I’ve handled a lot of same sex adoptions and I know about Richie’s parents and their attitude toward their son. I was thinking that we should present it in such a way that they’ll be happy to have the whole thing go away quietly with little fanfare.”

“With little personal embarrassment you mean.”

“That too.”

“Where can we meet?” Bobby asked after a moment’s thought.

“Liberty Diner? I think we should keep this confidential. That’s the last place ultra straight people would think of coming into.”

“And we could spot a straight person a mile away.”

“Something like that.”

“Okay, let me call the guys first. I wouldn’t do anything without Emm and Drew’s permission.”

“I know you wouldn’t. I’ll be waiting for your call either way.”

“All right. I’ll get back to you soon.” Bobby stared at his phone for a minute before he jumped up to get dressed. He needed to speak with John and the guys before he called Emmett and Drew.

 

*****
 

“Are you out of your fucking mind?!” Brian’s voice bounced off the glass ceiling.

“Brian, let Bobby finish,” Justin said calmly. John was helping Brian move some of the tropical trees back into the greenhouse when Bobby found Justin and had him join them in the greenhouse to let them know about Mel’s call.

“As remarkable as it may sound, I think she’s sincere in her offer to help,” Bobby went on to say. “In any case I would have had to consult her or someone just like her. I couldn’t, in all good conscience, take on a case like this by myself.”

“Why?” Justin asked.

“Because I’m not well versed in this type of law. Give me tax regulations or a business contract to check over for loopholes and I’m your man. But this is family law. And an LGBT family. I hate to admit it but Melanie is the expert here.”

“Okaaay,” Brian conceded the point. “But I want to know why Smelly Mel’s back here from hell in the first place.” John rolled his eyes at his brother. Justin just shook his head.

“She’s visiting her kids before school starts,” Bobby supplied.

“So that’s why the little shit has been avoiding my calls,” Brian growled, referring to Gus.

“Brian!” Justin did a little growling of his own. Then turning back to Bobby, “So what do you need from us?”

“Melanie and I have never really collaborated before. We’ve consulted, marginally, but not on something like this. I’d welcome your input.”

“I recommend a spear gun,” Brian snorted out.

“Call Emmett and Drew, give it to them straight, so to speak. Reiterate your concerns about being qualified to handle this on your own and remind them that Melanie is eminently qualified. And assure them that you’d still be in charge of their case. I’m sure they’ll agree that this is the best course of action,” John said authoritatively, ignoring his brother’s helpful suggestion.

“Do you know how sexy you are when you’re being professorial?” Bobby remarked with a smirk.

“And if the bullshit gets any deeper in here, we’ll need a bulldozer to get out,” Brian snarked. “Bobby, you do what you need to do to make sure that Richie has a permanent home with our fairy godmother and his quarterback. In the meantime I’m going to the Pitts.”

“Why?” Justin said as he stepped in front of Brian.

“Can’t I visit my son?” Brian asked not so innocently.

“No, you can’t. Spill,” Justin demanded.

“Sunshine...”

“Don’t you Sunshine me!”

“Fine. I want to make sure Mel’s not here to cause trouble and...”

“Make sure Lindsay’s okay,” Justin added. Brian nodded. “Okay, go but don’t you cause any trouble.”

“Moi?”

“Toi. And take a shower first; you smell like a tree,” Justin said as Brian planted a kiss on his cheek then sprinted back to their cottage.

“Don’t worry, I’ll keep an eye on him. I’m going to meet with Mel to discuss the case,” Bobby said as he went back to his own side of the conjoined cottages to call Mel and the boys.

“Great,” John began. “Who’s going to keep an eye on Bobby?” John asked knowing that Bobby could be just as fiery as Brian.

“We could all go,” Justin suggested. John gave him a look. “Wouldn’t be the first time we’ve all ‘helped.’ I’m sure the kids can stay with Rachel for a while longer.”

“Maybe I’ll go take a quick shower.” John took a whiff of himself. “I smell a bit like tree too.” Justin laughed as John took off toward the house, running past Beau.

Beau loped into the greenhouse and sat in front of Justin looking up at his blond haired master with big soulful eyes. Justin bent down to give the big dog’s ears a good scratch.

“You know something, Beau? I’m beginning to think you’re the only sane one on this lane.”

Beau gave a little woof then took off out of the greenhouse to makes his rounds. Justin shrugged his shoulders then sprinted over to Rachel’s house to fill her and the kids in on the plan for the day.

 

*****
 

Beau made one pass around his lane then sat on the grass at the side as John’s Navigator carefully made its way down the driveway and onto the lane. Beau could hear the men inside talking; he heard his name. He knew he was given the responsibility of protecting the lane while his masters were away. Beau stood up and barked, acknowledging the task with which he was entrusted. And reassuring his masters that he would fulfill his job to the best of his ability. The men in the car waved at Beau as they drove down toward the gate.

When the boys were gone, Beau resumed his rounds. He trotted past the greenhouse, stopping to look in the pond. The koi were happily swimming in their manmade pond, flashing gold, orange and red in the sun. Beau stopped to watch for a moment when one fish briefly came up to the surface blowing bubbles at the big dog. Beau sniffed at the air then sneezed, scaring the fish back into the depths of its pond. Beau moved on to the newest house on the lane.

“Hey, Beau,” Michael greeted the dog in a sleep raspy voice. “You checking up on me?”

Michael smiled when Beau rested his chin on Michael’s thigh. Beau sniffed the air. He could tell that there was something not right with this human. It wasn’t as bad as when the human first came to stay on the lane, but the wrongness was still there. Ben came out of the patio door as Michael patted the dog’s head.

“Hey, Babe, can I bring you anything?”

“No thank you, I think I’m ready to go back inside.”

“Was Beau keeping you company?” Ben asked. He too had a friendly pat for the big dog.

“I think he’s making his rounds.”

“He’s a real smart dog.” Beau stood up to move away from Michael so that Ben could help Michael up from his lounge chair. “We’ll see you later, Beau,” Ben said to the dog.

Beau gave a woof of acknowledgment then took off toward the stream to complete his rounds.
 

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