We’re Still Having Fun

 

Chapter 4

 

 

 

Colorful metallic balloons plus more glitter descended when their song ended.  Justin gave Brian a mischievous grin as his hand flicked toward the backroom.  Brian arched a brow and for a nanosecond Justin thought Brian would go for it.  But then Brian leaned in close to Justin’s ear and in a breathy whisper that sent a zing straight to Justin’s cock, Brian said, “I think we’ve had enough PDA's for one night.  Let’s save it for our suite.  What do you say, Sunshine?”

Justin leaned back so he could see his husband’s eyes and nodded in agreement.  Then he reached up, grabbed Brian’s neck bringing him down for a crushing kiss.  They broke only when the need for air became necessary.  They stared into each other’s eyes for a moment then Brian lifted his boy and swung him around as they laughed themselves silly.

“Your parents are unbelievable,” Jacqueline commented up in the VIP lounge as they watched the lovers below.  Gus and Bree turned their eyes toward her.  She raised her hands up in surrender.  “I mean that in only the best sense.  No one but Brian and Justin could ever pull that off.  Just how old is your father?” Jacqueline tried to ask.  She was met with four people shaking their heads, waving arms and hands.  “What?”

“We don’t use the “o” word when speaking about Brian Kinney,” Ray explained.  Bree, Gus, and JR nodded in agreement.

“Ah,” Jacqueline commented, deciding that discretion was certainly the better road to take.

Within a few minutes Justin was back in the lounge.

“Where’s Pop?” Gus said as he handed Justin a bottle of water. 

Justin beamed a grateful smile and took several sips before explaining.  “Brian wanted to thank the staff before we left for the night.  We’ll take one car back to the hotel and you guys can leave whenever you want.  The other car is yours for the night,” Justin said indicating both couples. 

Brian returned to the lounge to say good night.  He received an enthusiastic hug and kiss from JR, a restrained handshake from Jacqueline, and bear hugs and claps on the back from Gus and Ray.

“Only you, Pop,” Gus exclaimed as he bussed his father’s cheek. 

Brian blushed slightly as he shrugged his shoulders.  “Bree and Justin wanted to go,” he murmured back. 

Gus just shook his head.  “Good night, Pop!”

“Good night, Sonny Boy!”  With that, Brian lifted his drowsy daughter then with Justin, made their way out of Babylon.

“That’s going to be fodder for the gossip hounds for a while,” Justin commented as they settled into the car.  He had Bree on his lap.

“Sometimes this burgh needs to be rattled.  Speaking about rattled.  When is Justin Taylor going to rattle the art world with a new show?” Brian asked.

“Good question.  I may have an answer tomorrow.  Chaaarles should be here.  Lindsay wants me to stop by the gallery sometime tomorrow.  Or later today,” Justin qualified his answer as he looked at his watch.  It was after two in the morning.

It was a short ride to their hotel and they were soon tucking a sleeping Bree into her bed.  The boys showered, washing away the sweat and smell of the club and then they were soon tucked up close in bed as well.

“I had fun tonight,” Justin whispered in the dark as he nibbled on Brian’s chin.

“So did I,” Brian admitted.

“Really?”

“Really.  It’s not like I go clubbing every night or try to relive my youth on a regular basis.  It’s been years since we’ve done something like this. Where is it written that I can’t share moments like this with my family?”

“Nowhere.  You’re entitled to shake your booty whenever you want to,” Justin said emphatically.  “And that song!”

“Ridiculously romantic?”

“I’m afraid so.”

“So what are you going to do about it, Sunshine?” Brian whispered as he gently kissed Justin’s face.

“Make love to you,” Justin replied.

Those were the last words said until morning.

 

*****  

 

“Hi, you’re up early,” Justin said to Ray as he sat next to Justin at the counter.  They were both at the Liberty diner.

“I could say the same about you,” Ray mumbled.  “And no one should look so good in the morning.” 

Justin laughed.  “I think you need coffee,” he said as he waved over the waitress.  “What time did you guys leave the club?”

“Not much later than you.  We came here for a late night snack then got talking.  We sent the girls home in the car and we walked back to the loft since it’s so close.”

“Brian and I did that a lot.”

“Not to be nosy but why are you here?”

“I was in the mood for their coffee and lemon bars.  I’m going to the gallery in a while; I just needed a little me time.  I left Bree and Brian sleeping.”

“Yeah, Gus was wheezing away too.  Oh, wait, am I disturbing you?” Ray asked as he was about to move to another part of the diner.

“No, of course not.”

“Good.  Can I ask you something?  Something about Brian.”

“Okay but if it’s too personal I reserve the right not to answer.”

“It’s nothing like that, it’s more about Gus, but he and Brian are so much alike.”

“That they are.  Go on, ask.”

“Brian gets moody, doesn’t he?”

Justin studied Ray’s face before he answered.

“Spending time at the loft is putting thoughts in Gus’ head,” Justin guessed.  Ray stared at him with wide eyes.  “And I’m thinking you’re not ready to leave New York just yet.”

“I knew you were a great artist and all, but since when did you become a psychic?” Ray asked. 

Justin laughed.  “I just know my Kinney men.  Ray, go with your instincts.  You two are still young and you’re making waves at N’rgy, and North and even at Isles.  Kinnetik will be here when you’re ready.  Until then you’re needed elsewhere.  You’re both needed elsewhere.  So allow him his moody moments but don’t let them go on for too long.  Give him a kick in the ass when he needs it then move on.  Believe me, he’ll appreciate it later,” Justin explained.

“What do you get out of it?”

“More than I could have ever imagined.  I get a happy Kinney.  You must know all about a happy Kinney?” Justin asked with a gleam in his eyes. 

Ray blushed as he nodded.  He got a couple of coffees to go along with breakfast sandwiches.

“See you later and thanks,” Ray said as he hurried out the door heading back to the loft.

Justin smiled, shaking his head.  He ordered another coffee, his lemon bars, some of the diner’s fancier pastries then headed for the gallery.

 

*****

 

Meanwhile back on the lane, Craig Taylor was starting to get restless.  He wanted to go home.  His ability to tolerate homos, as he mentally referred to most of the inhabitants of the lane, had long ago reached its limit.

"Susan," Craig said as he walked carefully into the living room of the B&B.

"Yes, dear," Susan replied from the kitchen.  She was pouring herself a cup of coffee.

"Where is everyone?"  Craig had finished up his exercises with Glen, and was fresh from a shower.  He felt good not having to have someone watch him while he showered.  He was getting steadier on his feet each day.

"They needed a break, so they all went into town to shop and have lunch.

"Hmmph!" Craig responded.

"I thought you might like to spend some time alone with me," Susan said with a crooked little smile.  "We haven't been alone in weeks."

Craig studied his lovely wife.  Sometimes he wondered what she saw in him.  She was quite a bit younger and didn't need to be saddled with an old invalid like him.  "That would be nice," Craig said softly.

Susan smiled.  "Would you like a cup of coffee?"

"That sounds ... lovely."

"Have a seat at the table and I'll bring it over."

Craig turned and sat carefully as Glen had trained him.  He let out a sigh when he was settled.

"Here you go ... just the way you like it," Susan said as she placed the coffee mugs on the table and sat down across the table from her husband.  "Are you tired?" she asked giving Craig's hand a little squeeze.  She had heard the sigh.

"I'm sick of being dependent on other people," Craig griped before he took a sip of the coffee.  "I'm sick of being here."

"I understand," she replied.  "It's been a long haul, and certainly not easy for you.  Glen works you pretty hard sometimes."

"Yes he does."

"But you're improving all the time."

Craig nodded as he sipped some more coffee.  "There wouldn't be any of those popover things, would there?" he asked after a minute.

Susan shook her head.  "You weren't very nice to Emmett.  He hasn't brought any more popovers."

"Too bad," Craig sighed.

"You were saying you were sick of being here and being dependent on others.  Are you getting cabin fever?"

"I want to go home."

"And miss the next batch of popovers?" Susan asked with a mischievous grin.

Craig smiled in spite of himself.  "If I could sleep in my own bed and eat your cooking, I'd be a happy man."

"Why, that might be the sweetest thing you've ever said to me," Susan said in surprise.

Craig shook his head.  "I'm sure I don't tell you often enough how lucky I am to have you at my side, in spite of all the things we might disagree about."

Susan mulled this over.  This was a side of Craig Taylor that few got to see.  This was the man she loved.  She cleared her throat of the lump that had suddenly appeared there.  "Did you ask Glen when we could go home?"

"He doesn't think I'm quite ready ... yet," Craig said sadly.  "But I think I've made great progress."

"I think you have too," Susan agreed.  "However, I would like you to be a little stronger and surer on your feet.  If you were to fall, I would not be able to help you up."

"Those are practically Glen's words," Craig said with a raised eyebrow.

"I asked him when we could go home too," Susan admitted.

"You did?"

"We've been here a long time.  With all the setbacks you had, it's been necessary, but I'm ready to go home."

"Me too," Craig agreed giving his wife's hand a squeeze.

"Can you stand a few more days and then we can leave?"

"I'll be okay," Craig stated.  He would have liked to leave today, but he also knew that Glen was probably right.  He wasn't quite himself yet, but that was coming.  He stared out the window for a couple of minutes.  "I wonder if I'll see that ungrateful son of mine before I leave."

"That's the first time you've mentioned him," Susan observed.

"I thought he'd be here when I arrived."

"With Brian."

"God no.  With Bree."

"I think they have stayed away so as not to upset you," Susan explained.

"Is my son joined at the ... you know what, with that impossible man?" Craig demanded.

"They are married."

"Like that really means anything," Craig scoffed.

"They've been together longer than we have," Susan reminded him.

"God knows why."

"Probably because they love each other just like we do."

"We'll have to agree to disagree on that one."

"Then why do you think they're still together?" Susan asked.  She was curious to hear her husband's answer.

"I haven't a fucking clue.  Probably some evil twist of fate to make my life a misery."

"It's not always about you, you know," Susan said with a shrug of her shoulders.  They would never agree about Brian and Justin.

"Well it should be," Craig declared.

Susan laughed out loud.  "It's been all about you since we came here."

"I suppose it has," Craig said as he thought about what everyone had done for him since his operation.  He hadn't given it much thought before.  He had mostly felt like a prisoner in the B&B.  "I guess I should thank ... some people."

"There were a lot of people who rallied around you," Susan reminded him.  "I didn't know what I was going to do after your operation.  The whole family stepped up, not the least of whom was your son."

"My son?"

"Justin offered to have you come here as soon as I explained the situation."

"He did?"

"Yes, he offered immediately."

"Without consulting you know who?"

"Without even thinking about it."

"Really?" Craig asked in surprise.

Susan nodded.  "You don't give Justin enough credit."

"Hmm," Craig said thoughtfully.

"Hi, hi, hi!" Emmett called out as he came through the front door of the B&B.  "I come bearing popovers."  He stopped short when he saw that Craig and Susan seemed to be the only occupants of the B&B.

"Popovers are always welcome here," Craig said.

"And so are you, Emmett," Susan added, giving her husband a scathing look.  Craig tried to look contrite.

"You enjoyed the popovers?" Emmett asked placing a basket of same on the table.

"He would have eaten a dozen if he had them," Susan said scooping up the basket and placing only one in front of her husband.  "Join us for coffee," Susan offered.

"Um, if that's okay?" Emmett asked.

"Anyone who can make these things is welcome," Craig said as he took a big bite of his popover.

Emmett gave Craig a glance before sitting down at the table.  He knew Craig Taylor would never welcome a big old homo like him, but at least his popovers gave him an opening.  "How is your therapy progressing?" Emmett asked trying to make conversation.

Susan set a plate and a mug of coffee in front of Emmett.  She refilled Craig's mug and her own.  She provided a plate for her husband who had devoured the first popover in record time.  "We were just talking about going home," she said.

"Really?  Are you ready?" Emmett asked.

"Glen thinks I need to be here a little longer," Craig griped.  "Maybe I should have another popover to build up my strength."  He looked pleadingly at his wife.

"Okay, one more," she agreed.

Craig grabbed another popover and quickly bit off a big piece.  "What are these made of?" Craig asked as he wiped his mouth of the remnants of his buttery bite.

"A lot of stuff that Glen Wilder would not like you to be eating," Emmett replied with an evil grin.

"Something that tastes this good can't be bad for you," Craig said.

"If you say so," Emmett agreed.

"I'd like another," Craig said reaching for the basket that Susan had placed as far away from her husband as the table would allow.

"No," Susan said slapping his hand away.

"But ... they're so good," Craig begged.

Susan looked at Emmett.  "Should I let him have another one?" she asked.

"Only if you make him pay for it later," Emmett replied with a knowing nod.

"Ooh, I like that idea," she said.  "What's it worth to you?" she asked waving the basket of popovers just out of Craig's reach.

"What do you want?" Craig asked.

Susan thought about that.  "I want you to be civil and grateful to all the people on the lane who have helped you through your convalescence."

"All the people?" Craig asked with a frown.

"All!" Susan stated emphatically.

Emmett stifled a chuckle and took a bite of a popover.  He thought it best to keep his mouth shut.

"Well?" Susan demanded.

"Okay, okay, I'll make nice."

"To Brian as well."

"If I see him," Craig mumbled.  He sincerely hoped he didn't see Brian Kinney.

"If you see him, what are you going to do?" Susan asked pointedly.

"I ... I'm going to thank him for letting me rehab on the lane," Craig said grudgingly.

"Good," Susan said holding out the basket of popovers to her husband.  He took one.  "This is the last one for today," Susan stated.

"Okay," Craig agreed as he pulled his popover apart.

"Who knew popovers had such power?" Emmett asked before he ate the last bite of the one he had taken.

"They should be illegal," Susan laughed, "but they do have their uses."  She covered up the rest of the popovers and placed them in the cupboard behind the kitchen counter.

Emmett finished up his coffee.  "I'm glad you're doing so well, Mr. Taylor," he said as he stood up.

"Your popovers make life worth living," Craig mumbled.

Emmett chuckled.  "Glad to hear it.  I'll maybe bring another batch if you're here for a few more days."

"As much as I want to go home, I might stay just for some more popovers."

"Um, don't let me force you to stay," Emmett said hastily.  "I can always make some for the road."

"I might hold you to that," Craig replied.

"See you later, Susan," Emmett said as he headed for the door.

"Thanks for everything, Emmett."  Susan followed him to the front door.

"You're welcome."  Emmett leaned toward Susan to whisper, "I'm glad you got that promise from his grumpy old self over there.  It would mean a lot to Justin to hear some thanks from his father, especially if it didn't involve an insult about Brian."

"I can't promise what he'll say," Susan whispered back.  "He's pretty unpredictable."

"It's still good that you tried to get him to do the right thing."

"I couldn't have done anything without your popovers," Susan said.

"Happy to be of help.  See you later."  Emmett left the B&B.

Susan walked back into the kitchen and sat down across from Craig.  She took a sip of her coffee and didn't say anything.

"What were you two whispering about at the door?" Craig asked.

"The power of popovers."

Craig snorted.  "That guy should be arrested for coercion or bribery or something with those bloody popovers."

"You certainly like them," Susan observed.

"Yeah," Craig agreed.  "Maybe I should have another one."

"Maybe you shouldn't."

Craig shook his head.  "Maybe tomorrow?"

"Maybe tomorrow," Susan said with a warm smile, "especially if you remember what you promised."

"I remember."

"Good."

"I really do want to go home."

"I know," Susan said.  "So do I."

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