We’re Still Having Fun
Chapter 3
The following day was a rest and recovery day for Craig. He didn’t want to admit it but Craig was grateful that Glen hadn’t scheduled any therapy for the day and in fact he had specifically instructed Craig not to do anything more strenuous than walking. So Craig donned a light t-shirt and sweat pants planning to slowly stroll down to the cottage with the white picket fence and then back to the B&B. The operative word being slowly. Besides, he had to walk off Emmett’s scrumptious popovers.
As Craig opened the front door of the B&B he was greeted by his daughter and grandson.
“Hi, Dad,” Molly said cheerfully, giving her father a peck to his cheek.
“Hi, Grandpa,” Taylor called out. Taylor was all smiles and ready to take on the day.
“Hello, young man,” Craig replied. “You’re out early.”
“Not really, we just waited for a decent time to come over. Owen had to go into the city for a few hours so I thought I’d spend some time with you. Are you going out?”
“Just going to take a slow walk down the lane. Would you like to join me?” Craig asked.
“Sure,” Molly replied. She hadn’t spent nearly enough time with her father and sometimes she really missed him. “Taylor, do you want to take a walk with me and Grandpa or do you want to stay here with Grandma Jen and Grandma Susan?”
The young boy wasn’t sure what he wanted to do. He knew his Grandpa wasn’t moving very fast and there were always good things to eat wherever his Grandmas were. After careful deliberation Taylor decided to stay at the large cottage. Molly went inside to briefly speak with the adults then joined her dad outside who was carefully about to make his way down the path to the road.
“Ready?” Molly asked her father.
“As I ever will be,” Craig replied. With cane in hand, Craig stepped down the low curb to the road. Very pleased with himself, Craig looked up to smile at Molly. That’s when he noticed that another couple were walking toward the lane from the large log cabin on the opposite side of the lane.
“We know those men,” Craig stated, trying to keep the homophobia out of his voice but not doing a very good job of it.
“Of course we do, I’ve known them since I was a kid. Ben is a professor and Michael owns the comic book store on Liberty Avenue. They also live here when they’re on vacation,” Molly said nonchalantly.
“That’s some cabin,” Craig had to admit from what little he could see of it. From this angle, most of the cabin was hidden, blending into the tree line.
“Yes, it is. John does great work.”
“John?”
“You know, John Anderson, Brian’s brother. He's an architect and builder. He designed the cabin and his company built it. Just like he built everything else on this lane except for the large house at the top but he did move it here. Oh yeah, he also moved the cottage that’s attached to the sun porch.” Molly quickly explained even though she knew her father must have known the history behind the lane. Edna Treasure’s Lane had become almost as legendary as its inhabitants.
“Why didn’t I know this?” Craig asked. They had almost made it to Emmett’s cottage.
“You were told but most likely you never paid attention. Ben and Michael will gladly give you a tour of their cabin if you ask,” Molly said sweetly.
Craig grumbled and cursed under his breath which Molly ignored.
They made it to Emmett’s cottage and Craig was ready to turn around. Just as he did Glen came racing up, his arms pumping madly as he steered his special racing wheelchair down the lane. Glen did a 180 without saying a word kicking up gravel and pebbles then raced back up the lane.
“What the hell is he doing?” Craig murmured out loud as he flinched, although he was far away from the spray. Molly just shrugged her shoulders.
Up the lane Michael and Ben were intent on walking toward the stream but got sidetracked by their front garden designed by Brian and now in full bloom. As they got to the road Glen was racing up the lane.
“What the hell is he doing?” Michael grumbled. Ben laughed as Alex came jogging up with Peter in tow.
“He’s in training,” Alex said as he sucked in some air. “Jeez, it’s sickening how in shape he is,” Alex whined.
Ben laughed even harder. “You’re in good shape,” Ben observed.
“For a psychiatrist you mean,” Alex said. “And I’m well aware of the differences between my shape, your shape and his shape,” Alex said as he punctuated his remark by cocking his head toward Ben and Glen.
By this time Craig and Molly had walked up to where they were standing. They all watched Glen get to the house at the top of the lane then spin around and head back down.
“Is he nuts?” Craig asked.
“Most definitely but not quite certifiable. And I should know,” Alex stated with amusement. “He’s training,” Alex repeated for Craig and Molly’s benefit. “There’s another Paralympic event coming up soon that he’s entered along with a few of his friends. They’re all very competitive as if you couldn’t tell.”
“Are all his friends, um, like him?” Peter asked hesitantly. He still wasn’t sure how to properly address Glen’s differences. Alex draped an arm over Peter’s shoulders and gave him an encouraging squeeze.
“Not all of them, but yes, the majority of his close friends are disabled. And they’re all addicted to exercise and these crazy games,” Alex said with a laugh.
“Is he human?” Molly teased.
“Oh he’s human, all right,” Alex verified. “All too human, and one who needs to take a water break!”
The last few words came out as a shout as Glen whizzed by. Glen skidded to a halt then turned to look at Alex. Alex waved a bottle of water in the air. Glen wheeled himself over, smiling sweetly at his spouse. He reached out for the water and slowly sipped at it.
Alex touched Glen’s cheek.
“You’re hot.”
“Thank you. You’re hot too,” Glen said as he flirted with Alex.
“Ass. We have to get you out of this heat. Let’s go across to the B&B, it's cooler in there,” Alex suggested.
“Our cabin’s closer.” Michael surprised everyone with his suggestion. “Uh, it’s naturally cooler since it’s surrounded by trees but we do have air conditioning,” Michael tried to explain. “And um, you never got the grand tour,” he said trying to be nice. Ben beamed at him.
“Please come in,” Ben urged with a genuine smile.
Molly took Craig’s arm to lead the procession. They were followed by Alex, Peter, and Glen with Ben and Michael bringing up the rear.
“I’m very proud of you,” Ben whispered into Michael’s ear.
“You are?” Michael asked looking up into Ben’s eyes.
“Yes, I am,” Ben assured his spouse. Michael smiled back. Their reverie was disturbed by the myriad of compliments and questions regarding the front garden design and the overall design of the cabin which Ben and Michael were very pleased to respond to. Ben was especially proud when Michael took the time to speak to Peter when the boy discovered one of Justin’s little hidden paintings.
“This is amazing!” Glen crowed. “Why didn’t we ask for a log cabin?” Glen swirled around to confront his spouse.
“Yeah, right, because Daniel Boone, you are not. We’re very pleased with our little cottage,” Alex stated.
“Yes, we are,” Glen sincerely agreed then stretched up for a kiss which he readily received.
“Must you do that?” they heard Craig grumble.
“Yes!” came back a loud reply by all including Molly. Craig shut his mouth then continued the tour of the marvelous cabin.
*****
“Wow, I still can’t believe your Dad let us stay here all by ourselves,” Ray said again for about the fiftieth time since they arrived in Pittsburgh for their meetings.
Gus and Ray had done a little grocery shopping since nothing edible was kept in the loft and neither one wanted to depend on Brian for their meals. The boys were used to living on their own and paying their own way.
“We’re big boys, he knows we can handle it,” Gus said as he put the perishables into the refrigerator.
Little had changed in the loft since Brian first moved in. The furniture was quality and kept in pristine condition. As time marched on, Brian upgraded the appliances that remained, donating the older appliances whenever he could. Brian’s loft maintained its timeless classic look.
“Besides, he wants us to live here one day,” Gus stated.
“I’m not ready to leave New York,” Ray began. “And you’re not ready to live in your father’s shadow,” Ray quickly stated before Gus could protest.
“What the fuck does that mean?” Gus growled back.
Ray allowed the moody posturing knowing how similar Gus was to his father. Ray had seen Brian react in similar ways.
“It means that in New York you’re Gus Kinney adman, graphic artist, and web designer; same goes for Toronto and London, not Brian Kinney’s son who by the way just happens to also be an adman. Do you understand?”
Ray grabbed a shopping bag of supplies meant for the bathroom. He left Gus in the kitchen to finish up and to give Gus time to think things through. Ray knew it just took time for Gus to run it through his head; he’d eventually get it.
After several minutes Gus came into bedroom. Ray was standing in the bathroom admiring the simple elegant design. Gus slowly approached him then encircled Ray into his arms.
“I have to admit, I’d almost kill for a place like this,” Ray said.
“Yeah, we’d never be able to afford something like this in New York.”
“That’s assuming you could find something like this in New York,” Ray countered.
“True,” Gus agreed. “I have a thought,” he began.
“Only one?” Ray teased. That got Ray pinched, tickled, tackled, thrown onto the bed then thoroughly kissed. “Okay, okay, I give up. You know you’re a bully sometimes,” Ray said breathlessly when they came up for air.
“But you love me anyway?”
“You know I do. So what was your thought?” Ray asked with a gleam in his eyes.
“I get it, about us, me, not being ready to move here right now but you do see us living here sometime in the future, don’t you?”
“Yes, I do,” Ray assured him. “As silly as it seems, New York is not home base for Kinnetik. It begins here. Eventually Brian will retire, for real. So will Cynthia and Ted but I think your dad will step back first.”
“And my mother,” Gus added.
“Eventually. But I think she likes what she’s doing too much to stop working.”
“Yeah, if I’m not careful Momma Mel may want a branch of her own,” Gus predicted.
“Would that be a bad thing?”
“Maybe not,” Gus said gently with a smile. “She’s earned it. She has absolutely no artistic sense but she’s smart. I never appreciated how smart she really is until I grew up and watched her in action,” Gus said with admiration. “Typical kid, huh?”
“Yup!” Ray agreed as he pecked Gus’ nose. “Hey, we don’t have to make any decisions now but I promise when the time is right, I’d be honored to live here with you. Was that your thought?”
“Partly.”
“What’s the other part?”
“This,” Gus said as he gestured toward the loft in general. “I can’t see the loft looking any different.” All of a sudden Gus became unsure, that was a lot to ask of Ray to not only uproot himself but to also not change what would eventually become his new home. Maybe it was too much to ask. Suddenly Gus felt Ray’s fingers lift up his chin.
“Look at me,” Ray insisted. “Furniture doesn’t make a place a home, it’s the people who live in it that make the home. When Brian Kinney lived here he made this place a legend now it’s just a beautiful loft. When we’re ready, we’ll make our home and we’ll be the luckiest guys on the planet because look where we get to live!” Ray smiled brightly as he gestured toward the loft.
“I love you,” Gus said as he drew Ray up into his arms.
“I love you too!”
They clung to each other both contemplating a wild round of lovemaking when loud rumblings emanated from their stomachs. That’s when Gus’ cell went off.
“Hey, Pop. Yeah, we could eat,” Gus said shaking his head at his father’s impeccable timing. Ray chuckled. “What? Babylon? Aren’t you too o… Whoa! No! Not the “o” word, never the “o” word. Sure I think we can find something to wear. What about Bree? Oh yeah, I forgot about that. What kind of food are you in the mood for? I’m a little tired of the hotel food. The diner?” Gus looked at Ray who nodded in agreement. “Sure. Meet you there in thirty. Bye, Pop!”
“So I guess we’re going to Babylon later?” Ray asked the obvious.
“Yeah,” Gus snorted out. “Bree wants to go.”
“Bree? Isn’t she too young?”
“Dear old Pop, pointed out that he owns the fucking place and he can do whatever the fuck he wants to do,” Gus said making quote marks in the air.
The boys kissed as they got up off the bed to rummage through their clothes looking for something suitable to wear.
“Yeah, but still, you know what goes on in places like this, no matter how careful your dad’s staff is,” Ray stated.
“I know. He said he called JR and Jacqueline and Pop’s arranging a VIP box. Bree will never be alone and there’s a private restroom that only we can access.”
“Wow, your dad thinks of everything,” Ray said, impressed.
“Yeah, that’s Brian fucking Kinney.” Gus turned around with his arms out wide. “How do I look?” He was all in black and it fit him like a second skin.
“Hot! Too hot. I’m going to have to beat them off with a stick,” Ray teased.
“You’re not so bad yourself,” Gus said as he looked down his nose at his partner and smirked. Gus didn’t know it but he looked just like his father in the bad old days when Brian and Justin were preparing to go to Babylon.
“What was that “o” word business?” Ray asked.
Gus burst out laughing. “Never say 'old' in reference to Brian Kinney,” was all that Gus would say. Being a very smart and savvy young man, Ray immediately understood.
“Ah, message received and understood,” Ray stated.
The boys checked their pockets for all things essential then they were off.
*****
Later that night when it was time for Babylon, Brian had arranged for a chauffeured car to take them to the club just in case the adults wanted to enjoy themselves with beverages stronger than water. He even arranged for a car for JR and Jacqueline since they agreed to help keep Bree entertained. It was no real hardship on JR’s part since she was thrilled to spend time with the girl she considered her baby sister. Jacqueline just kept shaking her head at how fast Brian could make things happen.
As the time drew closer to leave, Brian became a little anxious, not that anyone except for Justin could tell. A myriad of thoughts swam through his head including the “o” word. Not that he looked a day over thirty-five, of course. But this is Brian Kinney who once thought life ended at thirty. It didn’t help matters that he also chose an all black outfit that fit his still slim stunning physique like a glove. Brian couldn’t help it, it was an automatic thing. And while Justin didn’t wear a t-shirt, he did wear his cargo pants. Some things never changed.
Just before they left their suite Justin took Brian aside and locked them in the bathroom. Brian arched a brow.
“It’s okay,” Justin said as looked up into worried hazel eyes. Justin had a strong grip on Brian’s biceps. “I would never lead you into a situation where you were made to look ridiculous. I promise.”
Brian said nothing. He searched the clear deep blue eyes before him, seeing only truth and confidence within their depths. He nodded and seemed to gain strength from what he saw in Justin’s eyes. Brian straightened to his full height and smirked. Justin saw brief flashes of the Stud of Liberty behind that smirk and knew Brian would be all right.
“Ready for Babylon, Sunshine?”
“Ready!”
The boys led their family to the club.
*****
The limousine deposited its precious cargo in front of Pittsburgh’s most infamous (in only the best sense) club. Brian was pleased, the line was long and wrapped around the block. The bouncers looked sharp with the latest communication technology in their ears aware of what was going on in and out of the club. Brian spared no expense when it came to the safety of his patrons.
“Mr. Kinney, it’s all ready for you,” Bouncer A informed Brian who nodded. Bouncer B spoke into his mic while opening the door. Another bouncer, who happened to be female but just as formidable as her co-workers met them just inside. Ms. Bouncer C led the party to the VIP lounge floor via private elevator. She subtly leaned in to whisper into Brian’s ear. He merely nodded his approval.
“I’m assigned to the VIP floor and at your disposal,” she said for the benefit of everyone else. Gus and Ray were in awe. Bree eyed the tall muscular woman suspiciously. Justin rolled his eyes.
When they got to their private box JR and Jacqueline were already there plus a lovely buffet supplied by Emmett’s catering had been set up. After the greetings were done and the special keycards given out, Gus and Ray made a beeline for the dance floor. Since Gus was rarely in Pittsburgh, only a few guys recognized him. Rarer still, there were one or two “old timers” that remembered Brian. They took one look at Gus and had flashbacks of Brian Kinney and the backroom.
Gus and Ray ignored the looks and whispers, that is if they could hear above the music, and concentrated on each other. They danced close, they danced fast, and they danced slowly. They danced to the techno music. At some point Justin shooed JR and Jacqueline onto the dance floor. He, Brian and Bree had fun watching the girls dance in the middle of all the guys.
The music changed to the thumpa thumpa music that Brian and Justin “grew up” on. Some of the younger men took that as a sign to hit the bar, some took it as a sign to hit the back room. Some just kept on dancing. The “old timers” stuck to the bar wishing they had the balls to be out there dancing.
The kids returned to the VIP box to recoup from their dancing. They attacked the buffet and the bottles of water with gusto.
“Dada, don’t you know how to dance?” Bree sternly asked Brian who was sitting comfortably next to Justin on a sofa.
“Yes, ma’am,” Brian replied.
“And isn’t this your kind of music?” she went further with hands on hips.
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Well,” she stated with narrowed eyes zeroed onto her older father. Brian cleared his throat as he stood.
“Sunshine, would you care to join me for a dance or two?” Brian held his hand out to Justin.
“I thought you’d never ask,” Justin said as he placed his hand into Brian’s and allowed Brian to pull him up. The kids laughed and clapped as the boys left the safety of the box to go down to the dance floor.
Justin led Brian onto the dance floor to a relatively clear spot; his hips began to sway to the music. Naturally gifted with rhythm Justin looked good no matter what his age. Brian swayed slightly but was preoccupied with his graceful partner. When Justin realized he was almost dancing alone he raised his arms then clasped his hands behind Brian’s neck bringing the older man close. Brian was forced to scrunch down. Justin smirked.
And then for a while in a club in Pittsburgh, PA, magic happened. A couple of spotlights found a gorgeous brunet with his beautiful boy with the blond mane. Glitter rained down. The strobes caught their expressions of love and lust for only each other as they danced. Time meant nothing. The years that had passed meant nothing.
They were timeless.
They were magic.
The experienced DJ had a very special B&J mix that he kept on hand for these rare occasions when Brian and Justin came into the club for reasons other than to check the books or to say hello to the staff. He watched his employer carefully waiting for the sign. Brian requested a special song. It was an oldie but apparently meant something to Brian and Justin.
After a few more songs they heard “Let’s Hear It For The Boy” which seemed to delight Justin. He laughed and teased Brian mercilessly throughout the song. Brian held his hand up and made a slashing motion just at the ending of their last dance. The music went silent and the lights went dark for a second. Then the DJ made a brief announcement.
“The management begs your indulgence. A special request by the owner has been made and of course we couldn’t say no to the man who signs our paychecks!”
Everyone laughed and the tension was relieved. But they were curious to know what was going to happen next. This was Babylon which had a reputation for putting on great shows.
A filtered spotlight began to gently glow over Brian and Justin.
“One more song, Sunshine,” Brian whispered into Justin’s ear. Justin’s curiosity was peaked.
“Not one more dance?”
“That too but I want you to sing with me.”
“You don’t sing,” Justin protested. “Well you do but…” Brian laughed.
“I know, not as good as you but I’ve been practicing and I think you know this one. It’s an oldie but it says how I feel. How you made me feel. And I promise you’ll remember this one.” Brian waved his hand one more time and the music began. It indeed was an old song. Almost as old as Justin. And somehow Justin knew exactly what parts to sing as Brian danced him around the dance floor “When I’m With You” by Sheriff.
“I
never needed love
Like I need you
And I never lived for nobody
But I live for you
Ooh babe
Lost in love is what I feel
When I'm with you
Maybe it's the way you touch me
With the warmth of the sun
Maybe it's the way you smile
I come all undone
Ooh babe
Lost in love is what I feel
When I'm with you
Baby ooh I get chills when I'm with you oh
Oh baby my world stands still when I'm with you
When I'm with you
I never cared for nobody
Like I care for you
And I never wanted to share the things
I want to share with you
Ooh babe
Lost in love is what I feel
When I'm with you
Baby ooh I get chills when I'm with you oh
O baby my world stands still when I'm with you oh oh
Baby ooh I get chills when I'm with you oh
O baby my world stands still when I'm with you
When I'm with you
When I'm with you”