We’re Still Having Fun
Chapter 5
Justin walked into the relatively quiet gallery. It was still early in the morning when most sane people were languishing in bed. He took a moment to scan the main room then followed the unlady-like giggling back to Lindsay’s office.
“Am I interrupting?” Justin asked using his most Brian Kinney tone. He failed at arching an eyebrow but the scowl on his face was a good imitation. Startled, Lindsay jumped, Charles took a casual step back.
“Justin, you scared me,” she gasped as she went to him to help with his bags of goodies. “We have coffee here.”
“I know but I went to the diner and couldn’t resist,” Justin explained with a smile. His face couldn’t hold the false scowl for more than a second or two. “Good morning, Charles.”
“Good morning, dear lad,” Charles replied with an elegant bow and a waggle of his eyebrows.
Justin laughed. “Butter couldn’t melt in your mouth,” he remarked as he handed Charles a pastry.
“I have no idea to what you are referring,” Charles replied trying to muster up the energy to be insulted. Instead he took a good bite out of the pastry. “Delicious!” Charles declared.
“I’ll pass along your compliments to the chef,” Justin stated as he nibbled on his own gooey bun. “I hear you’re on holiday,” Justin began.
“So it would seem,” Charles said with a sigh.
“Are you all right?” Justin asked with concern, all kidding aside.
“I’m fine, just not willing to admit that the years are catching up with me. I’m giving some serious thought to retirement. Let Henry gallivant across Europe in search of new artists and exhibits. I’ve been doing this for nearly forty years and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it,” Charles said with a leer and a wink for Lindsay. “But I think it’s time for a rest.”
Charles sat back to enjoy his coffee and pastry.
“Does Henry know you’re ready for him to take over?” Lindsay asked.
“Not really. I’ve been talking about stepping back for years. He doesn’t listen anymore.”
“Maybe all you need is peace and quiet,” Justin stated. “You’re welcome to stay on the lane for as long as you want. We have plenty of room; we even have indoor plumbing!”
“And it’s not that far from civilization,” Lindsay assured Charles.
“I remember your charming lane very well.”
“So come with me. I need to do a little recharging myself. It’s been a very long time since I just sat and sketched or painted,” Lindsay admitted.
“Then it’s settled. Our meetings are done. Ted and Cynthia are getting impatient with Brian hovering over them. The boys helped renew several contracts and Bree wowed her clients too.”
“How does a child have clients?” Charles asked. “Never mind. She’s your daughter, not to mention her other father’s influence. I’m sure in two years that child will be running the entire empire,” Charles stated with an exaggerated flourish. “When do we leave?”
“If it were up to me I’d leave today. I’m going back to the hotel now to discuss it with Brian. I’ll call you later,” Justin said as he got up ready to leave.
“Let me walk you out,” Lindsay said. Together they walked out to the main gallery, talking about Justin’s latest projects and how he wanted to showcase them. He had spent a lot of time painting the local wildlife. And while he wanted to continue with that subject, Justin was also aching to take on something more edgy like his prop art.
“I’ve always enjoyed being here,” Justin said as he took a slight detour from his path to the door so that he could look at some of the newer works. “Is this Jamie’s?” he asked as they passed a large abstract pastel piece.
“Yes. She said now that they’ve had a child she sees the world differently,” Lindsay commented.
“It’s beautiful. And I understand what she means,” Justin stated. He smiled when they reached the Rage exhibit. “I’m so proud of this.”
“You should be.”
“Not just because of me and Michael but look at Lacy’s contributions and now Candy. The drawings are the same but different. Rage changes through the years just as I hoped he would.”
“And yet he stays the same,” Lindsay added with a serene smile. Justin agreed.
“I’ll call you later,” Justin said as he left.
“Are you sure you want to go to the lane?” Lindsay asked Charles when she came back to the office.
“Why do you ask?”
“I told you about Justin’s father.”
“Grumpy old men don’t scare me. Now all the lovely ladies you’ve mentioned,” Charles said with a wink and a grin.
“Oh you!” Lindsay retorted as they laughed.
*****
When Justin returned to their suite at the hotel he found two of his most favorite people still in robes and sitting at the table enjoying a leisurely brunch.
“Hello, Sunshine!” Brian said as he raised his coffee cup as a greeting.
“Hi, Daddy!” Bree imitated her father by raising a glass of juice.
Justin crossed the room to pass out kisses. “Is there any more in the pot?” he asked indicating the coffee.
“I believe I can squeeze out another cup but I can call down for a fresh pot or tea,” Brian offered.
“No, a small cup is fine. I’ve had a couple already.”
“A highly caffeinated Sunshine is not always a happy Sunshine,” Brian teased. Justin stuck his tongue out at Brian, at which Justin’s incorrigible spouse made a very suggestive gesture.
“Later,” Justin remarked. “When are we going home?”
“Whenever you wish. Why?”
“I met with Lindsay and Charles this morning. Charles looks like he needs a vacation.”
“And you offered him the lane?”
“Do you mind?”
“Of course not. He works very hard at promoting Justin Taylor. He deserves a vacation.”
“So does Lindsay,” Justin added.
“Then it’s settled. Besides he’s not getting any younger,” Brian snarked.
“That’s what he said. But no picking on him. Like you said, he’s done a lot over the years to make me successful. It’s about time I show him some gratitude.”
“I’m sure the money you’ve made him has made him very grateful,” Brian said then held up his hands. “Just warn him that not all the people on the lane are pleasant.”
“I think Lindsay will take care of that. How do we want to do this? Will the boys be coming back with us?”
“Good question, McSunshine! Let’s call them,” Brian said as he grabbed his phone, put it on speaker and pressed 2 on his speed dial.
“Pop!” an out of breath voice responded.
“Sonny Boy! Doing anything I wouldn’t do?” Brian teased.
“Is there anything you wouldn’t do?” Gus came back. “Pop? You still there?” he asked when he didn’t hear any reply.
“I was trying to think of something I wouldn’t do,” Brian stated nonchalantly. “I’ll have to get back to you on that.” Brian winked at Justin who merely shook his head.
“Your Dada is being silly,” Justin whispered to Bree. She nodded vigorously in agreement.
“We are contemplating returning to the lane. Your mom and Charles will be coming with us. Are you ready to go back or are you boys enjoying the loft? If Lindsay doesn’t mind driving, we can leave you the Jeep.”
“Seriously?” Gus asked. Ray’s eyes grew wide as he listened.
“You’re grown men and you do live on your own in New York. Of course I‘m serious. Besides I’m sure Cynthia and Ted would rather have you two butting in at Kinnetik instead of me,” Brian said with a pout.
“That’s because you’re a pest and don’t know when to leave well enough alone,” Ray said. Gus stared at Ray for a moment as Brian stared at the phone. “Did I say that out loud?”
“Yes!” both Gus and Brian replied.
Justin burst into giggles. “He’s got your number, Bri,” Justin said trying to catch his breath.
“Am I fired?” Ray asked with a groan.
“Yes!” Brian shouted.
“No, you’re not,” Justin assured Ray. “But in future when putting your boss in his place, don’t forget to add 'sir' at the end. You’ll be in a lot less trouble that way.”
“Yes, sir,” they heard from Ray.
“Don’t encourage him,” Brian growled.
“Oh shush. Enjoy the loft, guys. Just remember to get rid of any food and garbage when you’re ready to leave,” Justin advised.
“We will,” the boys replied.
“Thank you, Pop!” Gus added.
“Thank you, Mr. Kinney, sir!” Ray said.
“Raymond, I suggest you quit while you’re ahead,” Brian growled out.
“Yes, sir,” Ray said before Gus cut the connection.
Brian was about to complain regarding the rampant lack of respect, however Justin had already walked away talking to Lindsay to confirm their plans. Brian sighed.
“Don’t worry, Dada, when I’m all grown up I’ll pretend to be afraid of you at Kinnetik,” Bree reassured her eldest parent. She patted his knee as she went to her room to begin to pack her suitcase.
“Thank you, I think,” Brian mumbled to himself then finished his coffee.
“All set. We can leave whenever we want. Lindsay is happy to drive us home,” Justin informed Brian. Seeing Brian’s forlorn expression. Justin gingerly made himself comfortable on Brian’s lap. He kissed and gently nibbled Brian’s lips until the crease above Brian’s eyebrows eased up. “We were only teasing,” Justin murmured.
“I know. But you’re all right, I have been a pest. I’m just not ready to let it all go.”
“And you shouldn’t have to. Just because you can afford to retire doesn’t mean you should. If you’re enjoying what you’re doing there’s no reason to stop doing it. You can work on your own projects and leave Kinnetik to the rest of your people. They’ll find you if they need you. And even if they don’t need you, they always want your opinion. You are Kinnetik and that will never change. Let’s go pack. I’m ready for my own bed.” Justin kissed his spouse and elicited the desired response.
“I haven’t had my shower yet,” Brian remarked. “I could use help washing my back,” he casually mentioned.
“It would be my pleasure to assist you in any way I can,” Justin whispered against Brian’s lips. Their kiss deepened until it became all consuming. “Want you now.” They kissed again before heading for the bathroom for a nice long hot shower.
*****
"Cynthia," Ted said as he crossed the lobby of Kinnetik.
Cynthia turned to see why she was being paged. "What's up?" she asked as she observed the funny look on Ted's face.
"Just had a call from Brian."
"He's coming in to make sure we don't fu...screw up the Eyeconics campaign," Cynthia said with a weary sigh.
"Not exactly."
"Let's go to my office," Cynthia said noting that the receptionist had been listening quite intently to their conversation. Cynthia would have to keep an eye on her in the future. Besides there was no point in letting staff see that there might be less than positive interaction amongst the heads of Kinnetik.
Ted nodded and followed her into the main office. He closed the door behind him. "Did you notice that Dianne was listening to us?" he asked knowing that Cynthia most definitely had noticed.
Cynthia nodded. "She hasn't been here long, but if she doesn't mind her p's and q's. she may not be here much longer. Even Brian noticed."
"Yeah," Ted agreed with a little smile. "Not much gets past Brian Kinney. Everybody thinks he doesn't notice the little people, but that's so not true."
"Brian notices everything," Cynthia stated, "and sometimes that's a pain in my ass."
Ted laughed. "I know."
"So what did his majesty tell you over the phone?"
"He did mention the Eyeconics account. He actually said that he liked what we had done, and to make sure that we kept them happy."
"That's good," Cynthia said relaxing a bit.
"Brian is confident in us running this place, you know," Ted felt compelled to remind her.
"I know," Cynthia sighed. "It's just that he was my boss, still is technically. And when he makes suggestions, I feel like I haven't measured up."
"You measure up," Ted said emphatically. "Don't ever doubt it."
"Thanks, Ted." Cynthia, like every human being, was pleased to be validated by her peer.
"And I also know that Brian thinks you're doing a great job with Kinnetik."
"Too bad he doesn't tell me that more often."
"That's not his way. You know that. But he certainly thinks it and trusts you with the running of the company."
"Does he tell you these things because you're his friend?" Cynthia asked.
Ted made a little face. "Sometimes Brian makes comments when I see him socially, but usually not. I doubt I'm his closest friend."
"That would be Michael, of course," Cynthia said with a rueful smile.
"Not so much anymore, although Michael would tell you that he is."
"Really?"
"Brian and Michael are still friends, don't get me wrong, but Michael has ... issues that have put a little distance between him and Brian."
"Hmm," Cynthia said. "I would never have guessed. Brian never talks about things like that."
"No, he keeps stuff to himself, and that's why he doesn't compliment easily."
"You're right," Cynthia said softly. "I've developed a tough skin over all the years in this business, but not so much where Brian is concerned."
"Me either. I hate to let him down."
"Because he never lets us down," Cynthia observed. Ted nodded in agreement. "Did Brian say if he was coming in tomorrow?"
"Nope, he called to let us know that they are heading back to the lane."
"Oh?"
"Yeah, seems their work here is done," Ted joked.
"Can't say that I'm sorry to see him go," Cynthia said with a little smirk.
"He probably heard you say that," Ted said with a mischievous glint in his eye.
"What? Where?" Cynthia looked around suspiciously.
"There's no hidden camera," Ted laughed. "I was just joshing."
"Joshing, huh? I might have to fire you for acts of insubordination like that," Cynthia said with a straight face.
"Then I'd have to go to your boss, my friend, Brian Kinney," Ted reminded her with an evil grin.
Cynthia frowned at him. "You're kidding, right?'
"Only if you're kidding about firing me."
"You know I'd never fire you, Ted. You're indispensible."
"A compliment? Wow!"
"Shit! Am I as bad as Brian Kinney?"
Ted smiled as he stood up. "Maybe ... just a little." He let himself out of the office knowing he had won that round. It was always good to feel on top.
*****
"Lindsay and Chaaarles are out front," Justin informed his husband as he got off his phone in their suite at the hotel.
"Let's go," Brian said.
They each picked up their bag and headed to the elevators.
"Daddy, why do you call him Chaaarles?" Bree asked exaggerating the length of Charles' name the way she had heard her father do so many times.
"I don't know. He's British," Justin said with a grin.
The elevator door opened and they got on.
"Should I call him Chaaarles?" she asked. "Is that the British way to say it?"
"That would be Mr. Chaaarles to you, short stuff," Brian stated. Bree giggled.
"No. it's not really British," Justin informed his daughter. "It's just kind of my joke with him."
"So, I shouldn't say his name that way?" Bree asked.
"You are a very perceptive young lady," Brian told his daughter.
"I know, Dada."
They arrived in the lobby and walked out to Lindsay's car under the canopy. Brian had already checked them out of the hotel over the phone. The doorman helped them store their bags in the trunk of Lindsay's car, along with those of Charles and Lindsay. It was a tight fit.
The Taylor-Kinney family slid into the back seat with Miss Bree in the middle. The journey back to Edna's Treasures Lane began. They drove along catching up on what they had been doing since they were last together. Lindsay was disappointed that Gus and Ray were staying in Pittsburgh. That meant that she wouldn't see her son while on the lane unless he decided to come back in the next couple of days.
About halfway to the lane, when there was a lull in the conversation, Bree asked, "Are you staying with us or at the B&B?"
"Oh, I'm not sure," Lindsay said. "Is the B&B full?"
"Craig has one bedroom and Susan has another. They've kept it that way, but I think Dad's probably up to sleeping in a regular bed by now," Justin said. "Mom and Seth are there too, but that should leave room for you guys ... if you don't mind sharing the space ... with my father."
"I don't mind," Lindsay said. "If we stay with you, we'd have to take Gus' room and then move when he and Ray come back, so I think it's the B&B for us, Charles."
"Sounds fine to me," Charles agreed.
"Then can we stop and get some ice cream at the general store?" Bree asked.
"I think Lindsay might agree to that," Justin said to his daughter. "Okay, Lindsay?"
"That's a great idea, Bree," Lindsay told her.
"Can I get some for Grandpa Craig?" she asked her father.
"Um, sure, I guess that can be arranged," Justin said uncertainly.
"I can take it into the B&B," Lindsay volunteered sensing Justin's reluctance to face his father. She was well aware that Brian and Justin had been keeping their distance.
"I want Daddy and me to take it to Grandpa," Bree insisted. "We can, can't we, Daddy?"
"Um, yeah, sure, we can," Justin replied. He gave Brian a 'please help me look'. Brian merely shrugged.
"Well, here's the general store," Lindsay said as she pulled into the lot. "Let's get lots of ice cream," she suggested as they got out of the car. "What's everyone's favorite flavor?"
Lindsay, Charles and Bree headed for the store. Justin hung back.
"You have to face him at some point," Brian said gently.
"I know."
"Might as well be when you're armed with his favorite flavor of ice cream."
"Why doesn't that make me feel any better?" Justin asked as they walked into the general store.