We’re Still Having Fun
Chapter 6
“Linds, would you mind if I drive from here?” Brian asked as they were leaving the General Store with their purchases. Fortunately the store had a supply of insulated bags and foam coolers to protect the ice cream. It was becoming a very typical hot July day. As close as they were to their lane, the ice cream wouldn’t have survived the trip. It would have turned to soup by the time they reached home.
“I don’t mind,” Lindsay replied as she got in the back with Justin and Bree. She glanced over at Justin, who merely shrugged his shoulders. He had no idea what Brian was thinking.
As Brian pulled out onto the road, a thought about the sleeping arrangements came to mind.
“Justin, you forgot about the attic,” Brian remarked.
“In our cottage?”
“No, the B&B.”
“Oh woe is me,” Charles dramatically began. “Relegated to a garret. How the mighty have fallen!” Charles said with flair putting the back of one hand to his forehead.
Brian rolled his eyes as he concentrated on the road. Lindsay and Justin cracked up with laughter.
“Brian’s right, I did forget about that. And Charles, it’s a bit more than a garret. It runs the length of the B&B with a very high ceiling. At one end there’s a bedroom suite with moveable screens for privacy and at the other a small sitting room but it’s the middle that’s perfect for an artist,” Justin explained. “John installed huge windows that allow in a lot of natural light. Lindsay, I think you’ll find it a perfect place to paint. And I guarantee you’ll never be bored or run out of subjects to sketch.”
“Does that include Mr. Kinney?” Charles asked with a sideways glance and lascivious grin.
“We’re here,” Brian announced before the conversation deteriorated any further. He slowly turned off the main road onto the short drive that led to the wrought iron gateway of their own private sanctuary. When they reached the gate Brian punched in his code then drove through when there was sufficient room.
“There’s been some changes since you’ve been here,” Justin said as he leaned forward and gently tapped Brian’s shoulder. Brian knew what Justin was thinking as he slowly inched the car toward the new thatched cottage.
“This is truly impressive,” Charles said in all sincerity. “I’ve stayed in many English villages as well as Irish ones when in search of so called lost masterpieces. This cottage would fit nicely into any of those villages. Did John build this?”
“Yes. But he did have help with the roof,” Brian explained.
“In what way?”
“He went directly to the source.”
“You mean?”
“Dr. Cottage did his research then hired some of the best men in the U.K. to put up that roof and to teach John and his men how to do it. Every once in a while John will fly over or one of the experts will come to the U.S., if some other crazy person wants a thatched roof. John and a few of his men will join the crew to hone their skills.”
“Truly remarkable. Sadly, it’s becoming a dying art. It would be wonderful to see the tradition live on,” Charles said. “That is a rather unusual lawn. I recognize the lavender and if I’m not mistaken, lupines but your ground cover, is that clover?”
“Give the man a cigar!” Brian crowed. “Clover is very low maintenance and very environmentally friendly. The lavender and lupines are also perennials so no replanting.”
“And clover is good for the bees!” Bree interjected.
“That’s right, Squirt,” Brian was quick to agree, making Charles smile. Charles wasn’t the first to notice how Brian shined with pride over his children.
“A little weeding here and there but it’s perfect for the current occupants,” Brian continued.
“Who are?” Charles ventured to ask.
“Debbie and Carl,” Brian replied as he began to drive off, continuing up toward the conjoined cottages.
“Don’t forget Peter, Dada,” Bree reminded him.
“Ah yes, Peter. Debbie’s latest project,” Brian stated.
“Brian,” Justin warned.
Brian sighed. “Debbie has been doing some volunteer work at our local high school. Peter Chang was a troubled young man who needed Debbie’s unrelenting interference. Like some of us in this car, Peter needed… needs Debbie’s love, guidance, and faith to set him on the right path. Between Debbie and Carl, and some others on the lane, whom you’ll meet shortly, Peter will get what he needs,” Brian said gently. Brian felt the back of his neck kissed.
“Where are we going next?” Lindsay asked.
“To see the latest addition to the lane,” Justin said.
Brian maneuvered the car onto the driveway on the far side of the conjoined cottages. Most people rarely saw this side of the cottage. The driveway previously ended just past the cottages at a very large barnlike structure that the boys used to garage their vehicles, and other out buildings used to store extra equipment as needed. It was where Justin had experimented with welding to build his “henge.” Something he hadn’t felt the need to repeat, much to Brian’s relief. Part of the driveway, now widened, gently veered off toward the meadow. The meadow grasses had just about reached their full height. The sunflowers were still growing but many were blooming. Charles and Lindsay felt like they were driving through an ocean of yellow and green.
“Oh my!” Lindsay gasped as she looked around them. The car was nearly hidden by the tall grass.
“Now I understand,” Charles murmured as comprehension became clear regarding Justin’s endless sources of inspiration.
Most of the meadow was flat as was the road but then there was a slight incline as they came to a clearing where the grasses began to naturally thin down.
“Would you look at that!” Charles exclaimed as the newest cottage came into view.
Brian drove onto the circular driveway, slowly circumventing the new cottage until the car came to rest behind Alex and Glen’s van.
“Justin, this cottage is lovely but a little unusual,” Charles remarked.
“In what way? Although, I have to admit, the owners are a bit unusual too,” Justin replied with a chuckle.
“I’m not sure how to describe it,” Charles stated, slightly perplexed. Before he could go on Alex stepped out from the front door.
“Welcome back! Hey, what’s with the car? And where’s the Jeep? Did you trade it in along with your son and his partner?” Alex joked as he leaned into Brian’s window. He waved at Lindsay.
“I can’t get rid of my son that easily, although I may have to fire his partner,” Brian growled.
“That sounds like the beginning of an interesting story but I think I’ll wait to hear it another time,” Alex said when a Brian death glare was aimed in his direction. “Would you like a tour?”
“I’d love one,” Charles was quick to respond.
Brian redirected his glare. “Another time,” Brian began. “We bought tons of ice cream. This is just a quick tour of the lane and the new cottages for Charles Higgins. He and Lindsay will be staying at the B&B. Charles, this is Alex Wilder. He’s a happily married man so keep your hands above the waist. Besides I thought you batted for the other team.”
“I do but it doesn’t mean I can’t look or I don’t appreciate beauty in all forms.”
“You and my wayward spouse will get along just fine,” Alex stated. “You share a similar philosophy.”
“Where is the great and powerful Oz?” Brian quipped.
“With Craig. He’s made good progress over the last few days. He’s motivated to go home and has been spending some quality time with Taylor and Molly. He’s been asking for you, Miss Bree,” Alex said.
“Can I bring him ice cream, Dr. Alex?” Bree asked. The hope in her voice was evident.
“I think he’d like that after today’s workout. Glen should be just about finished with his session. I’ll call over and let your grandmothers know that you’re back and that you’ll be bringing a reward for all of Craig’s hard work. Will that be all right?” Alex said to Bree but really he was directing his question to Justin and Brian.
Alex noted Brian’s hands clenching at the steering wheel several times. Brian relaxed a little when he felt Justin gently caress the side of his face then he nodded to Alex.
“Yes, Baby Girl, we’ll go over now,” Justin nervously said. Before Justin sat back, Brian reached back for Justin’s hand and brought it to his lips.
“Miss Bree, do you think there’s enough ice cream for me and Glen too?” Alex asked with a wink to Brian. Charles wasn’t quite sure what was going on but knew enough to keep quiet.
“Oh yes, Dr. Alex, Dada bought lots!”
“Excellent! I’ll drive over in the van after I call,” Alex said waving his phone in the air as he stepped back into the cottage to fetch his keys. A few minutes later he was out the door and giving Brian the thumbs up. Brian started up the car then followed Alex to the B&B.
As soon as Bree was out of the car she was running to the B&B door then disappeared inside. Neither Brian nor Justin were fast enough to stop her.
“Leave her,” Alex gently advised risking Brian’s wrath. “She’s strong and resilient. She won’t let Craig’s attitude get to her.”
“He’s disappointed her before,” Brian mumbled.
“And I’m sure he’ll disappoint her again in the future. Bree’s fathers are unique. While Taylor’s parents are what Craig considers normal. He will always favor Molly and her family until the day he dies.” Alex’s bluntness made Justin reel back for a moment and angered Brian to the point where Brian saw red. But Alex had to be honest. As Charles and Lindsay quietly unpacked the car of their belongings trying not to intrude, Alex grabbed the boys by the wrist.
“Listen to me before you enter that building ready for a fight. Do you trust me?” Alex asked Brian and Justin. Not trusting their voices, the boys nodded.
“Do you trust your daughter?” Again the boys nodded.
“Then believe me when I tell you, that you have raised a remarkable young lady. She’s smart, intuitive, and perceptive. If I didn’t know how much she wants to follow in both of your footsteps I’d steer her toward psychiatry. Yes, she may get hurt. She may even get angry and frustrated at that ornery, homophobic, extremely annoying man,” Alex stated as he tried to keep his voice even. “However, Briana is no longer a baby. When she comes to you and she will come to you with her questions, be honest with her. Tell her the truth. Especially you, Justin. Craig is your father. And even though he may reject you or continue to reject you, it hasn’t stopped you from loving him on some level. And if Briana asks you or if either of you sense that she harbors guilt for wanting to pursue a relationship with Craig while he continues to reject both of you, make sure you impress upon her that you’re both okay with it.”
Alex eased his grip on the boys when he sensed they were digesting what he had told them. He let go of Brian when the man straightened to his full height and had that Brian fucking Kinney air about him. Alex turned his attention toward Justin. This was one of the few times when Alex hated his chosen profession; when he saw the long lasting effects that a cruel parent had upon a child, even an adult child.
Justin closed his eyes for a moment as if reliving painful memories. Brian immediately moved closer, but Alex held up his free hand to allow Justin the chance to work it out on his own. Brian reluctantly complied. After what seemed like an eternity, Justin took a deep breath and opened his eyes. His eyes were clear and determined. Alex immediately released Justin’s wrist as Brian stepped to Justin’s side.
“Brian, here’s the ice cream,” Lindsay casually stated as she handed him one of the coolers. He nodded at her.
“Ready, Sunshine?” Brian asked Justin with a smirk.
“Ready,” Justin replied looking up into strong hazel eyes with confidence.
As the boys led the procession to the B&B door, Brian began to hum. Justin giggled then joined in.
“What the hell are you two humming?” Alex demanded to know. “If I’m not mistaken you were humming the same thing at the barbeque. Of course we saw very little of you at the barbeque and don’t think no one noticed your strange antics. I swear the two of you looked like a pair of bumbling spies.”
Alex stopped dead on the path to the door. “Oh no. Tell me you’re not humming the theme to…” Alex cracked up with laughter when he got the joke. He just shook his head trying to compose himself but failing miserably. Lindsay and Charles remained clueless but figured someone would eventually let them in on the joke.
When they entered the large main room of the B&B with climate control, Glen wheeled over to greet them.
“Hey, Babe!” he said to Alex as he leaned up for a kiss which he readily received. “Welcome home you two. Miss Bree told us you brought us ice cream!” Somehow Glen made that innocent statement sound not so innocent.
“Yes, we did,” Justin said before Brian could protest. He took the cooler out of Brian’s hands and brought it to the kitchen.
“Where’s Bree?” Brian asked.
“With Jennifer and Seth. Craig had a good workout and needed a little lie down before his ice cream. I told him not too long because I don’t want him to stiffen up. He should be out soon. Who is this?” Glen purred as he looked over Charles then up at the distinguished and handsome face. Charles grinned as Brian left Alex to make the introductions and deal with his husband.
“Alex, you have my sympathies,” Brian murmured as he went into the kitchen in search of coffee. “What is with those guys?” Brian mumbled as he began to ransack the kitchen.
“Hmm?” Justin asked as he stopped the raging bull in the china shop by pointing a finger toward a stool. Brian scowled but obeyed the finger and sat, staying out of harm’s way.
“What’s with those guys is none of your business; it’s just innocent flirtation. You get hit on all the time,” Justin said. “And don’t tell me you don’t.”
“You get hit on too. You have art fan girls, for fuck sake! Don’t think I don’t notice the same faces when you open a new show someplace. Jeez, Justin, they come from the four corners of the universe to see your stuff,” Brian said. “And bearing gifts.”
“Jealous?” Justin teased with a grin.
“Maybe,” Brian replied honestly. “Advertising isn’t known for groupies.”
“Maybe not,” Justin said as he pulled Brian off the stool and into a hug. “However, I happen to know just how many awards Kinnetik has won and continues to win over the years. And many of those so-called gifts contain business cards intended for you. I usually give them to Ted or Cynthia.”
“Are you shitting me?” Brian asked as he leaned back to see Justin’s face.
“Nope. So you see, Big Guy, you have fan girls too!” Justin pronounced with a grin. “Here.” Justin gave Brian a small bowl of vanilla ice cream and slid over a mug of strong coffee.
“Ice cream kisses, Sunshine?” Brian said in a low breathy tone. Brian slowly nibbled on a couple of spoonfuls of ice cream. He then fed Justin.
“A few now and many more later,” Justin promised as he took the spoon from the bowl to feed Brian a little more. Justin leaned up on his toes to nibble Brian’s cold ice cream kissed lips.
Within a flash the bowl was on the counter and the spoon clattered to the floor when Justin leapt into Brian’s arms as their kiss intensified.
“Damn, I wish I was around when those two were a backroom item. That must have been some hot show,” Glen commented as he fanned himself.
“Down boy,” Alex said.
“Hey. HEY! I hate to break up your little love fest. I mean I really, really hate to break it up because it’s doing wonders for my libido, but his royal dampness will be out here any minute,” Glen stated as he wheeled himself closer. “And if he catches so much as a hint of “ode de homo” in the air then we all will have hell to pay.”
Experts on knowing how to play it cool, the boys broke apart and resumed more benign tasks. Brian retrieved the lost spoon, dealing with it then went back to his coffee. While Justin took out more bowls and spoons in anticipation of their ice cream party.
They were a picture of innocence. Yeah, right.
“Hi, Sweetheart!” Jennifer called out as she came down the stairs and greeted her son. Seth and Bree weren’t far behind. Justin genuinely smiled brightly as he gave his mother a hug and a kiss. He kissed Bree on the head as she passed by then gave Seth a warm hug. Justin wasn’t sure if Seth had met Charles so Justin played host.
“Can I have some ice cream, Dada?” Bree asked, seeing the bowls and empty coolers on the counter.
“Of course, Squirt. We put them in the freezer; pick out the one you want and I’ll dish it up. Mother Taylor-ish!” Brian teased when Jennifer came closer to the kitchen area. “Haven’t seen you in a while.”
“I could say the same about you,” Jennifer deadpanned.
“Ice cream?” Brian asked as he held up an ice cream scoop, ignoring her remark.
“Got any black cherry?”
“I think we just might be able to accommodate you,” Brian replied as he hunted through the containers to pick out the one Jennifer requested. “How is he?” Brian asked softly in her ear when she came closer.
“Almost human, but not like Joan,” Jenn said honestly looking up at Brian with sad eyes. Through the years she and Joan had bonded becoming friends and allies. “He’ll never accomplish what Joan did,” Jennifer continued, choosing her words carefully. She held her breath waiting for Brian’s reaction. She watched those soulful hazel eyes scrutinize her own. ‘Those eyes,’ Jenn thought to herself, ‘it’s all in his eyes.’
Brian briefly closed his eyes as he hugged her close. Jenn’s warm body and the scent of her hair felt familiar in Brian’s arms. Out of habit he kissed the side of her temple. A throat cleared and Brian casually released her. He turned back to Jennifer’s ice cream to dish it out for her. Jennifer took the bowl with a sunny smile.
“I thought you batted for the other team,” Charles remarked as he boldly helped himself to several large scoops of chocolate ice cream. “I’m sharing,” he explained when he noted Brian’s eyebrow arch. The brow relaxed, sort of.
“You know I do, but Jennifer is special.”
“That she is,” Charles agreed.
“Also happily married,” came a voice. Brian and Charles turned to see Seth standing there.
“Let me guess, black cherry?” Brian asked.
“Actually I’d prefer pistachio if you have it.”
“Pistachio? You’re a wild man!” They indeed did buy pistachio. Seth went away cautiously happy.
“Hello, everyone,” Susan said as she came out of her suite. “It looks like you’re having a party.”
“Hi, Grandma Susan!”
“Hello, Sweetheart, I missed you! How was your trip?”
“I missed you too,” Bree said as she gave Susan a hug. “Our trip was good. Gus and I saw all our clients and renewed our contracts. Didn’t we, Dada?” Bree stated, suddenly not sounding like a little girl but more like her eldest father.
“You certainly did,” Brian proudly confirmed.
“Aren’t there laws about that sort of thing,” Craig stated as he walked into the kitchen. He still had a cane in his hand but it was obvious he wasn’t relying on it as heavily as before.
“There are also laws about purposely ramming your car into someone else’s,” Brian sneered as he got up close and personal into Craig’s face.
Justin got in between them and put a calming hand on Brian’s chest. Justin felt Brian’s heart pounding and knew instinctively that Craig nearly got clobbered. Brian took Justin’s hand like he did before and brought Justin’s palm to his lips then Brian turned his back on Craig and walked away. Brian continued to dish out ice cream while Justin dealt with Craig. Justin knew Brian would stay close by.
“Bree doesn’t actually do the negotiating, but she met these particular clients several years ago and they fell in love with her. On the anniversary of the contract renewal they ask for Bree to be present,” Justin explained to Craig as he handed him a bowl of strawberry ice cream. Craig stared at the bowl for a moment; he realized that Justin remembered strawberry was Craig's favorite.
“What’s wrong, Grandpa?” Bree asked, her large violet blue eyes looking up at him with love. Craig looked down at Bree and saw Justin, Molly, and Jennifer in her lovely face.
“Nothing, Sweetheart. Let’s go enjoy our ice cream at the table. It’ll be easier for me to sit there,” Craig said. He still had to use his special chair. Bree followed him to the table and made herself comfortable. Justin soon followed with a bowl of strawberry ice cream for Bree. “You like strawberry too?” Craig asked.
“Yes, Grandpa!” Bree replied with a sunny smile. Craig couldn’t help but smile back. Justin made sure Bree had what she needed then was about to leave her with Craig.
“Justin, would you like to join us?” Craig softly asked.
Justin’s eyes searched his father’s; what he found in them was the father of his childhood. Grasping at straws, Justin sat at the table. He had no idea how long Craig would remain civil but Justin would take whatever he could get.
Brian brought Justin a small bowl of ice cream. He gently caressed Justin’s cheek then kissed the top of Bree’s head as he walked back toward the kitchen area.
“I’m proud of you,” Alex whispered as he patted Brian on the back.
“Me too!” Glen said as his hand travelled a little lower, however, Alex got to it in time.
“Out!” Alex commanded as he twirled around Glen’s chair toward the front door.
Seth made himself useful by showing Lindsay and Charles up to the “garret.” Brian, Jennifer, and Susan stayed close by just in case.