The Naked Truth

Chapter 4

“Where do you want me to drop you all off?” John asked as he pulled up to the Liberty Diner so that Bobby could meet with Melanie.

“Gallery,” Justin supplied.

“At Lindsay's,” Brian responded as he snapped his cell phone shut.

John felt three sets of eyes turn their gaze toward him.

"I'm going to meet with Gordon at the Village. We have some more projects in the works,” John answered the unspoken question. “Call me when you're ready to be picked up.”

The men all nodded as Bobby got out of the Navigator. Bobby gave them a little wave before turning to go into the diner.

“Hey,” Bobby greeted Mel and JR who were sitting in a booth. They had just finished lunch and JR was getting ready to go back to the store. The diner was relatively quiet, the lunch hour just about over.

“Hi, Uncle Bobby! You gonna help my Mom?” JR asked enthusiastically.

“JR, it's more like I'll be assisting Bobby if he allows me too,” Melanie qualified the statement before Bobby could answer the teen.

“Your mother and I are just going to talk about it,” Bobby stated as he slipped into the seat JR just vacated. JR kissed Bobby on the cheek then went to hug her mother before leaving.

“Whatever,” she said as she rolled her eyes, convinced that adults never said what they really meant. “Later!” she added as she scurried toward the door. “Bye, Lacy!” JR called out then was gone in a flash.

“Damn, where does she get that energy,” Mel mumbled to herself as she saw JR power walk down the street.

“She's a teenager and invincible,” Bobby commented.

“Patrick will be one too in a couple of years,” Mel said.

“Don't remind me. I'm in complete denial,” Bobby said as he picked up the menu that a passing waiter had plopped in front of him. The boys had left the lane before having lunch and now Bobby found he was hungry. “I'll have a burger with the works,” he told the waiter. “And a diet cola,” he quickly added. “I can't be good or all that bad all of the time,” he said to Mel's raised eyebrows. Mel raised her hands in surrender.

“So does this mean the boys are okay with me consulting?” Mel asked getting straight to the point.

“Yes they are, although Emmett was ready to feel guilty about your involvement. However, I told him that you had already discussed it with Lindsay and she seemed to have no problem with it,” Bobby said. “But I have to warn you that I didn't come here alone. Brian's about to storm the castle, so to speak.”

“I wouldn't expect any less from him,” Mel said with resignation.

“It still hurts you that Lindsay and Brian have something special between them, doesn't it?”

“Yeah, it does and for the life of me I can't understand why. After all this time and even after the divorce, it still bothers me that as close as Lindz and I were, she and Brian will always be closer.”

“Maybe because they fell in love when they were so young and impressionable.”

“But he's a fag.”

“And she's a lesbian, but love is love and you can't help who you fall in love with. I'm sure that if their liaison in college had produced a child, Brian would have done 'the right thing' and married her. He would have been loyal even though they eventually would have been miserable. Mel, you've seen it hundreds of times, you never forget your first love no matter how many years have gone by.”

“Leda.”

“Pardon me?”

“Leda, she was my first. It was hot and heavy for years before we realized our goals were not compatible. But you're right, when Leda breezed back into our lives many years ago, there were sparks. Lindsay was jealous.”

“And you and Lindsay got over it.”

“Yes we did. I guess I'll never be as sensible as Lindsay. We both made so many mistakes. We're better off now,” Mel said sadly.

“How's it with you and Lorna?” Bobby asked sincerely.

“Not as good as I hoped it would be. We're great as law partners; we're doing good work. But...”

“But your personal goals may not be as compatible as you thought they were?” Bobby parroted Mel's own words.

“Yeah. And I'm going to have to deal with it when I go back. But that's not why we're here now.”

“You're right. We have a more important issue to talk about,” Bobby said as the lawyers got back to the case that brought them together in the first place. He drew out a legal pad from his pack.

“So how should we approach this?” Bobby asked as he set a second pad in front of Melanie.

Armed with pens the two lawyers got to work.

 

*****
 

Brian banged on the front door once more as Lindsay was just getting to it.

“Keep your fucking shirt on!” she yelled as she opened it, seeing a familiar silhouette through the curtain.

“Hey,” Brian said nonchalantly as he pushed past her and walked to the kitchen. “Coffee,” he demanded then began to rummage though her refrigerator.

“Well, hello to you too,” Lindsay snarked as she put on a new pot of coffee. “And what brings you to our fair burg this fine day?”

“You know, I think you picked up too many bad habits from your former spouse,” Brian replied, his head still in the refrigerator. Lindsay smacked his rump as she took out some bread to make Brian a sandwich. She recognized the signs of a hungry man.

A few minutes later they were sitting at the table having lunch.

“Where are the girls?”

“JR's at the store and Candy is at the GLC.”

“And Gus?”

“Probably at the loft, packing. He's leaving soon,” Lindsay explained. Brian nodded.

“Are you okay?” Brian asked.

Lindsay knew what he meant. “Yes, I am.” Brian arched a brow. “I am, really.”

Brian examined his friend's face for a moment. Then he got up from his chair to give Lindsay a hug.

“I wish she could have been this sincere and loving when we were together.”

Brian heard the words from his chest as Lindsay quietly cried. Brian said nothing as he hugged Lindsay harder and let her cry it all out.

 

*****
 

“Justin, my boy!” Sidney called out from behind a large display easel. “Good to see you. How is my number one artist? All in one piece I hope?” Sidney scrutinized Justin carefully.

“Yes, Sidney, Humpty Dumpty is all back together,” Justin said as he flexed both arms as proof.

“Wonderful. Your floral paintings are selling like hot cakes. And...” Sidney leaned in closer to Justin changing his voice to a whisper. “I just got off the phone; there's a Paris gallery that wants several of your 'Old Masters' to show.”

“Paris!” Justin shouted, his laughter filled the gallery.

“Yes, my boy, and your Fractal paintings including the video. They did not want to be outdone by the stuffy old British,” Sidney said with an exaggerated fake French accent. They both broke out into laughter. “Come into my office, my lad, so we may discuss your future.” Sidney patted Justin on the back as they walked to his office.

 

*****
 

“Hey, John-boy, you ready to do some honest to goodness building or are you still putzing around the countryside looking for more cottages to build or restore?” Gordon, John's friend and long time business partner greeted the architect as he walked into the Village Floral Shoppe.

John stopped long enough to greet the owner of said shop, Betsie, Gordon's wife and ruler, before answering his partner. “How long have you let this reprobate live?”

“I've allowed him a long and happy life for nearly thirty years,” Betsie answered with a chuckle. She was used to the banter after all these years. She welcomed it. It was rare for friends to be in business for so long without a cross word between them. They did good work together and had each other's back.

“Are you here to save me from my demon wife?” Gordon asked as he stepped from around the counter of the store. He kissed his wife's cheek.

“Yes, if Betsie gives me permission,” John replied kissing Betsie's other cheek.

“Get out, both of you!” Betsie said as she waved a pruning shear at the men.

“Run for your lives!” both men shouted as they quickly exited the store. Betsie's laughter followed them out.

“You're one lucky man, Gordon Smith,” John exclaimed.

“Don't I know it. Don't know where I'd be without my Betsie,” Gordon confirmed as they walked to the Village Diner for some lunch and a conference regarding new projects.

 

*****
 

“So you think we have a good chance?” Bobby said as he looked over their copious notes.

“I believe so. The Crosses haven’t expressed any interest in their son since Richie moved out,” Mel replied.

“Thrown out more like it,” Bobby grumbled as he read over the original case file. “But we should be prepared for a fight in any event. I’ll have an investigator dig a little deeper into the Crosses background just in case they want to cause trouble. The Crosses have very successful careers so they do have the means to put up a fight if they want to, but Emmett and Drew aren’t chopped liver either.”

“But I still believe it won’t go that far. Besides, we’re not talking about adopting a baby or young child. Richie’s what, fourteen now? He’s old enough to know what he wants for himself. A judge will take that into account,” Mel said then stopped. Her silence became deafening.

“What is it?” Bobby asked. He had an idea of the answer.

“JR’s fifteen.”

“Yes, she is.”

“She’s old enough to know what she wants for herself.”

“Yes.”

Mel lowered her head. “And she wouldn’t want to move from Pittsburgh, even if I painted her room her favorite colors or bought her a new computer.”

“No, she wouldn’t.” Mel glared at the red-head. “Melanie, the truth is that JR loves her parents, all of her parents and it wouldn’t be fair to her to make her choose. Sometimes, it’s better for everyone to just let it alone. You can see that, can’t you?” Mel nodded. “And Portland isn’t all that far away, is it?” Mel shook her head. “Then plan your life around her school holidays and make the effort to come back here to visit. No one will think any less of you. In fact, I’m sure they’ll all be pleasantly surprised.”

“What about Brian? Do you think he’ll allow me more access to Gus?” Melanie tried to keep the defiance out of her voice.

“Melanie, Gus is almost twenty; Brian couldn’t keep Gus away from you even if he tried. And has he?”

“Has he, what?”

“Has Brian ever really kept you away from Gus or was it the other way around,” Bobby asked gently.

“How dare you!” Mel growled then sat back. After a while Bobby saw Mel’s shoulders slump. “You must think I’m such a bitch.” Bobby smirked. “Yeah, yeah, I know. I haven’t done much to endear myself to the family.”

“We can change all that,” Bobby said as he waved his legal pad in the air.

“Bobby, I’m not doing this for recognition. There’s a young man whose future is at stake here.”

“I realize that. You are very good at what you do and I sincerely believe that Richie is much better off with Emmett and Drew. But it wouldn’t hurt your standing with the family if you help, and we win.” Bobby smiled evilly.

“You’re one scary man, Bobby Morrison,” Mel stated.

“Hey, I’ve learned from the master,” Bobby said with a shrug of his shoulders.

Neither Mel or Bobby had to explain who the master was.

 

*****
 

“You feel better now?”

“Yeah,” Brian said then belched loudly.

“Very attractive,” Lindsay snarked.

“Hey, what good is having a best friend if you can’t let one fly now and then?” Brian asked innocently, looking up at the tall blond with big soulful eyes.

“You are so full of shit, Brian Kinney!” Lindsay laughed as she refilled his coffee cup. Brian reached out to grab Lindsay’s arm. “I’m fine, Bri, really I am. I still miss the good times we had, you know?” Brian nodded. “But unfortunately the bad times and the tension outweighed the good times. Even if Mel decided to move back here...” Brian looked up at Lindsay in horror. “I’m just saying. Even if she did come back to the Pitts, I can’t go back. I’m happy. Even alone, I’m happy. I’ve been thinking of dating again.”

“About fucking time. It isn’t that artist, Sam, whatever the fuck?”

“Auerbach and no, not him. But I have been thinking of taking a walk on the dark side for a change.” Brian’s eyes grew wide for a moment.

“I do declare, Miss Lindsay, now ain’t you the bold one!” Brian said in his best southern drawl.

“Oh stop,” Lindsay retorted then blushed a deep crimson. Brian smelled victory and went in for the kill.

“Soooo, tell your Uncle Brian all about him,” Brian sing-songed. He got up from his chair to corner Lindsay by the coffeemaker.

“Stop it.”

“Tell me. Do I know him?” Brian asked as he got up into Lindsay's face. Lindsay nodded. “Is he hot, for a straight dude?”

“I think so.” Lindsay smiled.

“Please don’t tell me you’re going after some young shit on a motorcycle.” Brian scowled as he referred to Tucker, Jennifer’s fling so many years ago before she came to her senses.

“Heavens no! Charles is a proper gentleman.”

“Charles,” Brian repeated as he searched his memory banks. “Charles Higgins?!” Lindsay blushed again as she nodded. “At least he has good taste. But long distance relationships don’t always work out.”

“I’m not looking for a relationship, just a little romance.”

“Where was I when all this happened?” Brian frowned. He didn’t like being kept out of the loop.

“When Charles came over to present Justin with the Royal letters and commissions, we had lunch several times and found we have a lot in common. You haven’t been spending that much time in Pittsburgh lately. And are you allowed to drive yet?”

“Don’t change the subject. You both certainly have art in common. And he is good looking...”

“For a straight man, yes, I know.”

“Miss Lindsay, has Mister Charles already taken a dip at your well?”

“No. Not that it’s any of your business,” Lindsay said as she pushed on Brian’s chest. “I like him, Brian. He’s very gallant, not pushy and very intelligent. In some ways he reminds me of you.” Brian arched a brow. “He has a wonderful sense of humor and a gentle quietness about him. I feel good when we’re together.”

Brian searched Lindsay’s eyes. “Then go for it. I’ll even pay for the Viagra if necessary. But I won’t be responsible for my actions if he hurts you.”

“He won’t hurt me,” Lindsay said softly as she pecked Brian’s cheek. “Now, since you are here, come with me to the garden center. I want to buy some Fall plants.”

“Sure, since you fed me, it’s the least I can do. And to answer your question, I am allowed to drive if I drive an automatic. But John drove us here today,” Brian explained as they went out to the backyard. “Maybe I should show my face around at Kinnetik more often. Pittsburgh is the flagship branch,” Brian said more to himself than to Lindsay.

They spent the rest of the afternoon talking plants.

 

*****
 

Word quickly got around that the ‘fab’ four were in Pittsburgh. Before they could make an escape back onto the highway, the summons came through via Brian’s cell phone.

“You rang,” Brian snarked into his phone seeing Debbie’s number on the ID.

“You bring my Sunshine over for dinner, Brian Kinney. Do hear me? No excuses,” Debbie screeched. Brian pulled the phone away from his ear to save his eardrum.

“All of Pittsburgh heard you, Deb. And before you say anything else to deafen me, I will be happy to bring YOUR Sunshine over. Are the rest of us invited?” Brian hung up at the barrage of expletives.

John turned at the next block so that he could drive toward Debbie’s house.

“So, we’re having dinner at Debbie’s,” Justin stated the obvious.

“Yes, there is no escaping the inevitable,” Brian sighed. “The gay grapevine has struck again.”

As the boys pulled up to Debbie and Carl’s house, they could see a number of familiar cars parked along the block and in her driveway.

“I guess the gang’s all here,” John observed.

“Including Gus,” Bobby pointed out as the Jeep rounded the corner then slid into a parking spot.

“Where did he learn to drive like that?” Brian growled as Justin snickered.

“Like father like son,” Justin said.

“I do not drive like that!” Brian protested.

“Not now you don’t, but I seem to recall some interesting driving techniques when we first met,” Justin teased.

Before Brian could protest further, they were out of John’s Navigator and greeted by Gus.

“Hey, Pop! Got the summons I see.” Gus was all smiles as they made their way to Debbie’s door. Gus knocked then opened the door.

“Well it’s about fucking time!” Debbie shouted as she maneuvered through the family in her living room to pass out kisses and smacks to Gus and Brian’s cheeks.

“My Sunshine,” Debbie said turning, greeting Justin with a gentle hug and a sweet kiss to his face. “Are you keeping an eye on my Michael?” Debbie asked as she kissed John and Bobby.

“Yes ma’am,” they answered.

“I should be there taking care of him,” Debbie mumbled as she went back into the kitchen. Brian followed her as the other boys greeted the rest of the family that had been summoned.

“Come on, Maw, you know you’d only drive him crazy and he’d get fat on all that pasta. Besides, you taking care of his precious wittle comic book store takes a whole load off his mind,” Brian said loudly as he stuck his head in the refrigerator to grab a beer. He twisted off the cap to take a long pull, leaning against the counter waiting for Debbie to either explode and smack the shit out of him or get with the program. The family held their collective breath.

“Well, if you’re sure I’m helping by working at the store,” Debbie said in that way she had when the truth of the matter was staring at her. “Hey!” Debbie smacked Brian’s wrist as he reached across the counter to pick an olive out of the salad. “Are your hands clean?” she admonished in her motherly way.

The family smiled, all was right in their world. Debbie and Brian were at it again.

 

*****
 

“Hey Squirt,” Brian said softly as he smoothed out Bree’s blanket. The boys had returned to the lane past the kids’ bedtime. Rachel had fed them lunch and dinner and they helped her to bake several batches of cookies and a pie. Brian had delivered a tray of lasagna to Ben and Michael then walked back to his cottage to tuck his sleeping daughter in.

“Dada?” came a sleepy reply.

“I’m here.”

“Love you,” Bree said then sighed contentedly as she snuggled into her pillow.

“Love you too, Squirt,” Brian whispered as he kissed her forehead before leaving the room.

“Is she all right?” Justin asked as Brian entered the sun porch. The boys were relaxing and reviewing the events of the day, enjoying coffee and some of the cookies the kids helped to bake.

“She’s fine,” Brian said with a gentle smile. He snatched up a cookie off of Justin’s plate then took a bite. He sat on one of the chairs then turned his attention to Bobby.

“So what did Smelly Melly have to say?”

“I wish you wouldn’t call her that,” Bobby snickered. “I almost slipped up and said it myself.” The boys laughed then ‘a-hemmed’ and ‘coughed’ themselves back into some sort adult type behavior.

“Well, I was right in accepting her help. Her knowledge of adoption law and what same sex couples are up against in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will be invaluable. We’ve outlined two different approaches for starters.”

“Why two?” Justin asked.

“A plan and a back up plan,” Brian commented as he poured himself more coffee from the carafe on the table.

“How’d you know?” John asked as he handed Brian his own mug for a refill.

“Because it’s something I would do and still do at Kinnetik. We develop an initial campaign and then back up ones that highlight another aspect of what we’re trying to promote.”

“Covering all bases,” Bobby confirmed. “Our hope is that Richie’s family still disapproves of Richie’s lifestyle choices, and rather than become embarrassed by the publicity a same sex adoption may cause they won’t contest the petition.”

“And if they do contest?” Justin asked.

“Then we fight, dirty if we have to.”

“Meaning?” Brian asked.

“The judge will certainly ask Richie about his preference of where he wants to live. His school records alone stand as proof of how well Richie has adjusted to his new life, and we have medical records.”

“What will his medical record prove?” John asked.

“It appears that as Richie entered his pre-teens he began to develop a series of mild anxiety disorders. There was a discussion of possibly medicating him,” Bobby explained.

“Medicating him!” Justin became angry. “That sweet, gentle young man! He’s so creative, have you seen his clothing designs? If Richie is forced to go back to those people it would be criminal!” Justin was up on his feet pacing the sun porch.

“Justin, Bobby won’t let anything happen to Richie.” Brian latched onto his angry spouse trying to calm him.

“I’ll do everything in my power to make sure Richie stays with the people who love and respect him for who he is and don’t vilify him for what he is,” Bobby affirmed. Justin nodded, some of his anger dissipating.

Brian felt Justin relax a little. Then the boys agreed to call it a night.
 

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