Up, Up and Away

Chapter 1

 

Bree’s POV is in italics all through this story.

 

*****

My Daddy’s worried. He’s been fussing with his paintings from the minute the pilot said we could walk around the plane. I never been on a private plane before and the pilot said it was okay to look out of the windows. Dada said I wasn’t to run around. He gave me the look, eyebrow and all, so I guess he’s serious. Besides, it’s a little scary being on this plane but I’m not gonna say anything. I’m gonna be brave for my Dada.

But Daddy...

I don’t understand, we went to England and New York for his shows, why is this one different? I don’t understand daddies sometimes. Daddy keeps checking the crates; Dada keeps checking Daddy. Daddy doesn’t know but I know. I know ‘the look’ that Dada makes when he’s worried about Daddy. I think Daddy knows too but he’s too worried to notice right now. Daddies, they make a big thing outta nothing.

Maybe I’ll just draw for a while. Dada said the flight won’t take very long, we’re only going to Canada. He said dis-em-barking with the paintings would take longer than the actual flight. And my Dada should know cause he knows everything! My Dada is the smartest Dada in the whole world.

Bree smiled to herself.

My Dada is smart and handsome. My Daddy is pretty just like his paintings and his drawings. I know cause I heard lots of people say that my Daddy is very pretty. They call my Dada gorg-e-ous. I thought only ladies could be gorg-e-ous, but I guess since a lady called my Dada gorg-e-ous it must be true. I don’t understand but that’s okay. I guess my Gus and Uncle John must be gorg-e-ous too cause they look like my Dada.

Bree giggled softly.

Boys are not supposed to be gorg-e-ous.

“What’s so funny?” Brian asked his daughter with a slight arch to his brow. Bree turned her sketch pad around to show him. She had been drawing doodles, some of which were amusing caricatures of animals. Brian smiled then went back to his book that he was pretending to read.

I hope I like Canada. I wonder if there’s stuff for kids to do.

Bree yawned as her eyelids drooped. Brian caught the sketch pad before it dropped to the floor of the plane. He made sure Bree was buckled in then gently lowered her seat back as he arranged her small blanket around her. He smiled at his precious angel in all of her sleeping innocence. Now if he could get his other angel to go to sleep or at least calm down, but no dice. As they approached the airport, Justin seemed to become more nervous.

“It won’t be long, Sunshine,” Brian felt obliged to say. Justin merely smiled then sipped his bottle of water. Brian had briefly contemplated spiking the water with Valium but he would never do that to Justin. And with his luck, Justin would be allergic. Brian sighed and silently prayed to the gods that the show would be successful. Heaven help the world if it wasn’t.

 

*****
 

“Hey, Squirt, we’re almost there,” Brian said softly as he gently shook Bree awake. Bree stretched then opened her eyes. They twinkled with anticipation as she smiled at her elder father. Her younger father was nervously twitching, but at least he was seated and buckling up in preparation for landing.

“Don’t worry, Daddy, it’ll be all right,” Bree counseled her Daddy with all the sage advice of her vast nine years. Justin smiled at his daughter and nodded.

“She’s right, you know, Sunshine,” Brian stated. “Your paintings are brilliant. You’re brilliant. The Northern tundra will be blown away by your brilliance,” Brian stated with confidence.

“From your lips to the gods’ ears,” Justin murmured just before Brian covered Justin’s mouth with his own. Brian kissed Justin, pouring his heart and soul into the kiss.

“It’ll be fine, Justin, you’ll see. Our sister country will love you just as much as your hometown does.” Justin nodded then closed his eyes as he mentally prepared himself for landing.

 

*****
 

Dada says our hotel is big. He says it has a swimming pool and I can go swimming if I want to. It also has an arcade. Maybe Dada will let me play some games. Daddy left me and Dada to go with his paintings to the gallery. A big truck came right up to the plane and we watched the men unload the crates and put them on the truck. I think Daddy was still nervous as his car followed the truck. Dada had a car for us too. The driver is nice. He took all our bags without anyone asking him. Dada says that means the man knows how to do his job right and he’ll get a good tip. I’m not sure what that means but my Dada is happy so that’s all that really matters.

“Ooooo!” Bree gasped.

“What?” Brian asked.

“Toronto is pretty!” Bree exclaimed as she pressed her nose to the glass of the car. Brian smirked as he watched the countryside go by. Brian had booked them into a very prestigious hotel in the middle of the city. It was close enough to the gallery that Justin could walk if he wanted to and near enough to the business district for Brian to conduct Kinnetik business then get back to his family. They hadn’t decided what to do with Bree but she was old enough to stay out of trouble at the gallery while Justin worked.

“We’re going to be here for a couple of weeks, so when we get checked in, I’d like you to unpack and put away your clothes,” Brian stated matter-of-factly.

“No problem, Dada!” Bree assured her father. She was old enough to take care of her clothes correctly. And she was so much like her older father in certain respects. She knew what to do with quality. Brian nodded at her with a wink.

“Wow,” Bree said softly as they pulled up to the big hotel.

“Yeah, wow.” Brian repeated. He was pleasantly surprised with the hotel. “We’ll get settled then meet up with your Daddy,” Brian explained.

“Okay, Dada!” Bree said as their car turned into the circular driveway and slowly approached close to the main doors. Several bellmen scrambled towards them to help get their bags. Brian took care of the driver then took Bree’s hand as they followed their bags to the front desk.

 

*****
 

“Welcome to the Four Seasons Hotel,” the woman behind the desk said cheerfully.

“Brian Kinney.”

“Ah, yes, Mr. Kinney, we’ve been expecting you. The Presidential Suite is all ready.”

“With the connecting room?”

“Of course, just as you requested.”

“Good,” Brian said taking the card and filling out the obligatory information. He handed it and his credit card to the woman when he was done.

“I’ll just run this through and get your room keys,” the woman said.

“Dada,” Bree whispered as she looked up at her father.

“Yes?”

“Are you the president?”

“What?”

“The lady said you’ve got the president’s suite. Are you the president?”

Brian chuckled. “They just call it the Presidential Suite because it’s the most expensive room in the hotel.”

“Oh.”

“It has nothing to do with the president. It’s just the name of the room.”

“Okay,” Bree said softly. She had a lot to learn. Her Dada knew everything.

“Here you are, Mr. Kinney,” the lady said handing some cards to Brian. “Jerry has your luggage and he will show you to your suite. Thank you for choosing the Four Seasons, and if you need anything, just call the front desk.”

Brian nodded and turned to Jerry who was pushing the cart of luggage towards the elevators. Brian took Bree’s hand and followed.

I like this elevator. I can check that my hair is perfect when we’re going out. Dada chooses good hotels.

I hope Daddy is okay with his paintings. We probably should have gone with him, but he gets kind of snippy when he’s nervous like that. Sometimes Dada gets snippy back. Maybe it’s good we didn’t go with Daddy.

I bet our room will be nice. Dada always makes sure we stay at nice places. I wish Gamma Joan could have come with us.

Bree sighed.

“What’s wrong, squirt?” Brian asked.

“Oh, um,” Bree stammered. She didn’t realize that she had sighed out loud.

“Spit it out,” Brian ordered.

“I was wishing Gamma Joan could be here with us,” Bree said softly. She hoped her Dada wouldn’t be upset or mad that she was thinking that. “We had fun in New York.”

Brian swallowed hard, finding it almost impossible to speak. It always surprised him how memories of his mother could overwhelm him, even after all this time.

Jerry studied the passengers in the elevator as they headed to the thirty-first floor of the hotel. He noted the emotional tension of his two passengers. “You sound like a world traveler, miss,” Jerry said with a smile for Bree.

Bree looked up into the friendly eyes. “I’ve been to London,” she said proudly.

“Wow! I haven’t been hardly anywhere. You’re a lucky little girl.”

Brian smiled wanly as he started to collect himself. “I’m the lucky one,” he whispered brushing his fingers lightly over Bree’s soft hair.

“Here we are, sir,” Jerry said as the elevator pinged and the door opened. He pulled the cart of luggage into the hallway and led them to the nearest door. Brian inserted his door card and they entered.

“Pretty, Dada,” Bree said as she took in the luxurious suite.

“It’ll do,” Brian said. “Those two bags go in the other room. These will be in here,” he instructed as Jerry placed the bags where Brian indicated.

When Jerry had emptied his cart, Brian followed him to the door of the suite. “Thank you,” he said. Jerry nodded understanding that the handsome man meant not only his help with the luggage, but also with what had happened in the elevator. Brian slipped him two twenties.

“Thanks,” Jerry said with a smile. “You have a beautiful daughter.”

“Yes I do.”

Brian closed the door of the suite after Jerry pushed his cart out. He turned to see Bree staring at him from the doorway of her room.

“What’s up?” he asked.

“It seems funny here without Daddy and Gamma…”

“I know, squirt. Why don’t you unpack and I’ll call Daddy? He should be at the gallery. Maybe he’s ready to come join us.”

“I hope so,” Bree said as she headed back into her room to open her suitcases. She hauled the first of her bags onto the stand against the wall and unzipped it. She opened the top drawer of the dresser and looked at her suitcase.

I wish Gamma Joan was here to help me. She always knew just where to put things so I could find them. But I do have grey bunny. I’m glad I packed him. I didn’t want to carry him through the airport and on the plane. I’m a big girl now. But I like to have grey bunny to hug when I miss my Gamma.

Bree pulled grey bunny from her suitcase and hugged him tight.

“You sit here and help me put my clothes in the right spot,” Bree instructed as she sat grey bunny on the bed so he was facing the dresser. Then she proceeded to unpack. “Should I put my shorts in the drawer or hang them in the closet?” she asked. “Yes of course, they’re better in this drawer,” she agreed with grey bunny, as she placed them carefully in one of the lower drawers. She put all her underwear in the top drawer, along with her hair barrettes and other jewelry including her frog necklace.

“There that’s done,” she said zipping up the empty suitcase and placing it in the closet.

She hoisted her other suitcase onto the spot where she had placed the first bag. This one contained all her dresses and clothes for dinner and other affairs. Carefully she hung them on the hangers in the closet. She was just finishing up when she heard her Dada’s voice calling her.

“Shh,” she said to grey bunny, before running over to hide behind the partially open door of her room.

“Bree,” Brian said pushing open the door of his daughter’s room.

“Boo!” Bree yelled as she popped out from behind the door.

“Are you trying to give me a heart attack?” Brian asked as he held his hand to his chest in mock heart attack mode.

“Oh no, Dada, I just wanted to surprise you.”

“Well you did,” Brian said picking her up and swinging her around in the big room. “How’s your room?” he asked as he set her down and kissed the top of her head.

“Fine, and I unpacked everything.”

“So I see,” Brian observed as he noted the immaculate room. “Where did grey bunny come from?” he asked when he spotted the stuffed animal sitting atop Bree’s bed. “I thought you left him at home.”

“Nope,” Bree replied. “He would have been lonely, and so would I. I packed him.”

“Hm, did he have a good trip?”

“Yep, but it was a little cramped in my suitcase,” Bree said with a mischievous smile. “He helped me get all my clothes in the correct spots.”

“Very good of you, Mr. Bunny,” Brian said bowing in the direction of the big, soft rabbit.

“He’s very helpful.” Bree grinned.

“Apparently.”

“Is Daddy done at the gallery?” Bree asked.

“No, I think he’s having trouble with his paintings. Shall we walk over there and join him?”

“Oh yes, Dada. I’ll help him.”

Brian chuckled. “I know you will, Squirt. Is Mr. Bunny coming?”

“Nope, he’s no good in galleries. He just helps with clothes.”

Brian smiled. “Then let’s go. Maybe we can drag Daddy away for lunch.”

“Yeah, I’m hungry,” Bree stated as she slipped her hand into her father’s.

 

*****
 

Having obtained the easy directions to the gallery and to local eateries, Brian and Bree set off to find their wayward Sunshine. Bree held Brian’s hand tight as they walked through the unfamiliar streets of Toronto. Bree’s trust in her father was implacable as he led them to the gallery. She gazed in wonder at the sights that they passed.

“Dada, look, that building looks like the one in New York! The one they call the Flatiron Building,” Bree explained. Brian looked up to follow Bree’s gaze. She was correct, the building was almost identical. Brian smiled down at his daughter, proud of her and her observant violet-blue eyes. He nodded then looked around to make sure they were going in the right direction. A few more blocks and they were standing in front of the gallery. The building was an older building, not as modern as the Sidney Bloom Gallery but not as old as the museum in London where Justin still had many paintings.

“Dada.” Bree pointed to a brass plaque on the side of the heavy looking door. The Krupp Gallery 2nd floor. Bree and Brian exchanged a look then proceeded into the building and up to the second floor.

“I’m sorry, sir, the gallery isn’t open at this time,” a very prissy woman in a knockoff designer suit said to Brian as he approached the main reception area of the gallery with Bree in tow.

“I’m Brian Kinney and this is my daughter…”

“I’m Briana Victoria Kinney-Taylor,” Bree said before Brian could complete his sentence. Bree emphasized the Taylor portion of her name and gave the woman the patented Brian Kinney glare of not quite death, but the one he used when he decided the person wasn’t worth the effort. Brian sucked in his lips in an effort not to laugh. Bree had learned a lot while she was at Kinnetik.

“Oh, yes,” the woman said with an immediate change in her demeanor. “My name is Alicia Williams,” the woman said as she extended her hand to Brian and then to Bree when he arched a brow. Ms. Williams cleared her throat then continued as she led Bree and Brian into the main gallery. “I’m Mr. Krupp’s assistant. If you need anything during your visit, please don’t hesitate to ask. We’re very excited that Mr. Taylor has decided to make his Canadian debut with us. As you know Toronto is a very forward thinking city,” she said proudly.

Brian merely nodded but remained unimpressed.

“Mr. Taylor will have this hall devoted to his work,” Ms. Williams announced as she opened a thick glass door. Brian was greeted by a lovely poster on an easel bearing Justin’s photo, sporting a sunny and very alluring smile. Brian felt a familiar zing rush through his groin then picked up a brochure from a nearby stand. “Mr. Taylor is toward the end of the hall,” she pointed. “If it’s all right with you, I’ll leave you here. I have many calls to make. You know, those last minute things,” she said in a conspiratorial tone. “I’m sure I’ll be speaking to you soon.” Both Bree and Brian nodded as Alicia Williams left through the door.

Brian handed Bree a brochure of her own then followed the noise to their artist.

“Sunshine,” Brian said when Justin came into view. The frustrated expression on Justin’s face was instantly transformed to a sunny one. Bree ran over to him and threw herself into Justin’s arms. Justin hugged her close, letting her loving kisses wash away his tension.

“Someone’s hungry and would like to have a late lunch with her Daddy,” Brian explained. Before Justin could find any excuses, Brian continued. “And I do believe I could eat as well,” he said with a smirk.

Two sets of deep blue eyes looked up at Brian with awe and amazement.

“I do get hungry on occasion,” Brian confirmed.

“Then I think we should immediately go find lunch,” Justin said after some careful consideration. Bree nodded her head in agreement.

“Good plan, Daddy!” Bree pronounced with her own sunny smile. Brian couldn’t help kissing two creamy faces and the top of their blond heads. As Justin gathered up his messenger bag, Mr. Krupp came over to introduce himself.

“Mr. Kinney, it’s very nice to finally meet you. Marcus Krupp, owner of this establishment,” Krupp stated as he extended his hand. Brian took it as he assessed the man. “I’ve heard some wonderful things about you.” Brian glanced at Justin for a second but received a shake of the blond head. “Your reputation precedes you,” Krupp added making Brian arch a brow. “Allow me to explain,” Krupp went on at Brian’s perplexed expression. “I’m a member of the Toronto Business Association. News of your plan to expand Kinnetik has reached us; we’re hoping you’ll consider opening a branch here.”

“I’m sorry, someone may have misunderstood. I’m here to close a deal with a client, not open up a branch,” Brian tried to clarify.

“No, it’s I who should apologize. Philip Waldon of Waldon Industries is a member of our association. He mentioned your visit and well, combined with Justin’s exhibit, it’s been the talk of Toronto for weeks. If I may ask, when do you meet with Philip?”

“Tomorrow morning,” Brian responded. It was no state secret and he figured if Waldon was that much of a big shot and pleased with Kinnetik, Brian might go home with a few more clients. Brian decided to change tactics, turning on the charm. “May I steal Justin away for a while,” Brian asked with his most endearing smile, the one that melted men’s hearts, gay or straight.

“Of course, we shall have no starving artists here. There are several wonderful restaurants within walking distance or I can call you a cab,” Krupp said. He rattled off several names all of which sounded a bit too upscale for how Justin was feeling at the moment. Brian could tell that his spouse and daughter would be happier in a diner.

“Or if you’re feeling a bit bohemian there’s always Woody’s.”

“Woody’s?!” all three said at the same time. They received their directions and off they went.

“Where are they going?” Alicia asked her boss.

“Woody’s,” Marcus replied.

“Woody’s? Do they really want to go there? And with a little girl?” Alicia asked with disbelief.

“They are gay,” Marcus Krupp stated the obvious.

“But with a little girl.” Alicia made a face of disapproval.

“It’s the middle of the afternoon and Woody’s is family friendly. I’m sure they’ll be all right,” Marcus said with a sigh. He relied on his assistant; they had worked together for many years but sometimes her very conventional views made for interesting confrontations. Marcus used their opposing views to his advantage and they always came up with a successful compromise. They’d get through it, they always did.

 

*****
 

“Brian, do you want to open up a branch of Kinnetik here? You could start out small like you did with N’rgy,” Justin said as he chowed down on a thick juicy burger. The Woody’s on Church Street did indeed remind the boys of their own Woody’s back home. But it had become so popular that during the day families of all sorts of combinations came in for lunch. Bree felt right at home.

“I’m not sure. I’m not opposed to the idea but I don’t think I want to fly back and forth all the time,” Brian said as he stole a French fry off Justin’s plate. Brian was enjoying his roasted turkey sandwich on dark whole wheat, no mayo.

“But if you send the right people, they wouldn’t need you that much. Probably not more than three times a year, and if this exhibit stays here for a while, we can go together. Maybe come up during school holidays so we can bring Bree,” Justin suggested reasonably.

“You have that little gerbil in your head working on overtime, don’t you,” Brian snarked. “Four hours ago you were about to bite my head off, now you’re ready to negotiate a contract for a Toronto version of Kinnetik.” Brian sunk his teeth into his sandwich. Bree was very happy with her grilled cheese sandwich with all the trimmings. She was too busy eating to comment but she was listening.

“I’m not sure. Marcus has been great, even Alicia has been nice, although she’s a little stiff,” Justin replied.

“Stiff? Even I can’t get that stiff,” Brian snorted around a pickle. Justin threw him a look. Brian threw him back a phony smile. “I’ll be nice,” Brian promised. Justin snorted. “So what do you think of the space they gave you?”

“It’s awesome!” Justin said with a big smile. “It’s so light and airy, it shows off the florals perfectly. The back wall is just the backdrop for the larger piece and the nudes will be hanging down from wires.”

“Like the pulley system back home,” Brian observed.

“Yes. When I described the system to Marcus, he thought it was unique so he had them build a series of pulleys that will slowly raise and lower paintings throughout the night,” Justin said excitedly.

“Very innovative, isn’t it, Squirt?” Brian turned to place a kiss on Bree’s pert nose. She laughed then stole a fry off her Daddy’s plate.

Justin put his burger down and gave his recalcitrant partner and daughter an admonishing look. “What’s with you two? Bree, you have your own fries. You don’t have to take mine.”

“No I don’t, Daddy, I ate mine and Dada helped,” Bree said with a smug look. Brian giggled.

“You’re just as bad as she is.” Justin glared at Brian.

“No, he’s not, Daddy. I’m just as bad as Dada! He came first,” Bree explained with a straight face.

Justin paused in mid chew in disbelief. The two most important people in his life were staring back at him with amusement. He shook his head then pushed his plate with the fries toward them.
 

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