We’re Still Having Fun
Epilogue - August 2025
It was just about August when Glen gave Craig the official heave ho, um, his blessings to go home and continue his physical therapy on an outpatient basis. Glen made all the arrangements plus arranged for the removal and or transfer of any essential equipment. Craig still needed his “high” chair but he no longer needed a hospital bed or the home gym equipment. The B&B transformed back to the quaint but larger cottage it was originally intended to be.
The lane was slowly losing its “summer” tenants. Owen Jr. had already returned to Pittsburgh some time in July; Molly and Taylor were also packing up. Molly was ready to return to work and Taylor was heading for day camp before the start of the new school season. Molly and her family planned to return for the long Labor Day weekend.
Jennifer and Seth were contemplating leaving the lane after Craig and Susan. However Jenn wanted to spend some “tension free” days with Justin, Bree and the boys. She wanted to actually enjoy her time away from home rather than playing referee.
True to his word, Emmett stayed on the lane popping in and out of the B&B with an endless supply of popovers and other goodies keeping “the beast” sated and rewarded. Drew was never far behind to make sure that Craig remained civil when Emmett’s flames burned slightly above Craig’s tolerance level. Not that Emmett wasn’t totally equipped to handle any situation; Emmett was more than capable of handling a homophobic bastard like Craig. Emmett had experienced worse in his life, but Craig was Justin’s father and that meant something to Emmett. And to Drew. Emmett was a sensitive old softie. Drew saw the hurt in Emmett’s eyes every time Craig made a biting remark about homosexuality or when Craig slipped, and he thought no one heard him wish that Justin had a “normal” family like Molly.
Emmett cried and raged in private then cooked up another batch of perfect popovers. Drew stood by Emmett’s side, glaring at Craig, daring him to make one crack at Emmett then later secretly going over to Ben’s cabin where he and Ben pumped iron until their arms couldn’t move.
Lindsay and Charles were eventually fully informed of all the shenanigans that had been going on since the July 4th barbeque. They found it both amusing and sad that Brian and all his look-alikes had to keep themselves hidden just to avoid upsetting Craig.
Charles was on his best behavior around Craig and Craig appeared to be charmed by the debonair Englishman. One rainy afternoon they struck up a conversation regarding some of the National Gallery’s popular exhibits. Charles was responding to emails so he decided to give Craig a virtual tour of the gallery on his laptop. Needless to say Craig was impressed and a bit more than embarrassed. Even after all the years Justin had been actively pursuing his art, Craig still had no clue just how popular and sought after a Justin Taylor original really was. But never let it be said that Charles Higgins couldn’t be subtle. He started out slowly, zooming in on the classic old masters in another part of the gallery then easing into the room devoted to Justin Taylor. Craig couldn’t help but be affected by what he had seen.
And for a few days in that amazing summer, Justin got to spend a little time with the father he remembered as a child. It would have to be enough, for now.
Michael was itching to get back to Pittsburgh. He loved that cabin that he whined and wheedled to get, but all the peace and quiet was beginning to get to him. He missed his store. He missed his house and his neighbors. And he missed JR. Hunter and his Dr. Nick had come for a visit and were planning to stay a few weeks. So Michael decided to stay at the cabin a little longer before going back to the city. However, Michael had no intention of spending the entire summer at the cabin.
Ben had other ideas. The end of July meant the end of his one and only summer class. He was looking forward to the break; to a month of walking around in nothing but t-shirts and shorts; to reading for pleasure and perhaps finally beginning an outline for a new novel. Ben had an idea for a book floating around in his head for months. He called his old publisher about it on a whim; she approved and urged him to get something down for her to look over. Ben made up a million excuses to put it off, but now that his class was finished, and surrounded by the tranquility of the lane, he had no more excuses. Besides, now Ben wanted to write.
Michael, on the other hand was being an ass. Michael had more or less gotten over his jealousy of Glen but somehow it had transferred onto Drew. Michael couldn’t seem to grasp the concept that when one is benching a couple hundred pounds of bone crunching metal, one is not thinking of having sex with one’s spotter. One is concentrating on lifting the weight and of how not to become crushed!
Ben’s peace and tranquility was unfortunately interrupted on several occasions by unavoidable arguments with Michael.
The residents of the thatched cottage appeared to have settled into contentment mode. Peter’s internship with Anderson Construction was finished for the summer. He thoroughly enjoyed his time even though for the most part he was a “gofer.” Peter came away from the experience with a new focus. He finally found something that he thought he’d like to pursue as a career. And while Patrick loved the designing aspect of his father’s profession, Peter seemed drawn to the construction side of things. Peter and Patrick were developing a friendship over architecture. Plus Peter no longer felt self-conscious around Patrick or hanging out with Patrick’s friends. Debbie and Carl continued to bring Peter to the local LGBT youth center on a regular basis.
And then there was Alex and Glen. Glen had gotten used to showing up at the B&B several times a week and seeing just how far he could push Craig’s buttons. In some ways he was sad to see the old goat go but for the most part he was just as happy as the rest of the lane. At one point Susan had taken Glen and Alex aside to apologize for all the trouble she and Craig had caused and for disrupting their summer. The boys would hear nothing of it. Their new cottage and beautiful surroundings more than made up for any perceived inconvenience. Besides, the boys loved the challenge. However both Alex and Glen were also pragmatic; they knew what little ground Craig had achieved regarding his outlook on Justin’s sexual orientation would most likely fade over time. They just hoped some of it would survive, if not for Justin then for Bree. Bree loved her grandfather.
Just before Susan and Craig were set to leave, Gus and Ray came back to the lane. They planned on staying for just a few days while they confirmed travel plans. The boys were going back to New York then off to Kinnetik North. After spending time in Canada, the boys would then find out where they were needed next. Both Gus and Ray hoped to go back to London and maybe they’d find time to see Paris.
But before any of that was going to happen, it was time for Craig (and Susan) to leave the lane. Brian and his look-alikes were all very happy to help the Taylors load up their car and wish them well as they left the lane. Craig sat in the main room of the B&B receiving his instructions from Glen while Brian, John, Gus, and Patrick helped Susan.
Craig was a little nervous as one tall brunet with hazel eyes after another strode past him carrying suitcases or equipment specified by Glen. It was the quiet glare and the arched brow that sent an occasional shiver up Craig’s spine. The only one that was a little less intimidating was Patrick. Patrick was just about as tall as the other Kinney men but Patrick hadn’t quite perfected his glare or his ability to sustain the arched brow. But given time, Craig had no doubt Patrick Morrison-Anderson would live up to his Kinney genes. Throw in the fire from his Morrison side and Patrick could be a formidable foe one day.
Craig was happy to leave.
“Brian, I can’t thank you enough for all that you’ve done for us,” Susan sincerely gushed as Brian placed another suitcase into the trunk of their car. “I know the sacrifices and compromises you had to make to accommodate Craig. I’m truly sorry about all of that and very grateful. I don’t think Craig would have fully recovered as well as he has if it weren’t for Glen. And I’ve enjoyed my “chats” with Alex. He’s put so many things into perspective for me. I’m almost afraid to see his bill.”
“Don’t worry…”
“No, Brian, you’ve done enough for us. I’m not helpless nor am I penniless. If there’s a bill to be paid then I expect to see it and I will deal with it. Understood?” Susan said with a stern look in her eyes.
“Yes ma’am,” Brian replied without argument.
With Susan supervising the Kinney men, that left Bree and Justin time to say goodbye to Craig.
“Grandpa, when I come to Pittsburgh, can I visit you?” Bree politely asked and called Pittsburgh by its full name not like her Dada although she had picked up that bad habit.
“Yes, Sweetheart, I think that would be very nice,” Craig replied as he hugged his granddaughter. “If your father doesn’t mind, I’d like that very much,” Craig said. Justin nodded as Charles came over to say goodbye.
“If you ever decide to take your lovely lady wife on holiday to London, please visit the gallery,” Charles said with a gallant flare as he handed one of his business cards to Craig. “I’d personally give you a tour.”
“Thank you. I’ll discuss it with Susan. When I’m fully recovered, I’d really like to see your gallery and London,” Craig sincerely replied as he pocketed the card.
“Then perhaps we shall meet again across the pond as they say,” Charles quipped. “A word of advice from one gentleman to another,” Charles dared then continued before Craig had time to object. “Treasure what you have; you never know when someone or something may permanently take it away. And then it will be too late,” Charles advised flicking his eyes at Bree and Justin before Charles walked into the kitchen area to put on the kettle. All Craig could do was nod.
“Craig, the car’s all packed,” Susan announced as she came into the room.
“I guess that’s my cue,” Craig mumbled as he stood and carefully walked to the door. Glen and Alex followed.
Once outside and safely tucked into the front seat of the car, Craig noticed everyone on the lane was there to see them off. Molly and Taylor were in her car ready to lead Craig and Susan out the gate.
“No slacking, his first appointment is tomorrow afternoon!” Glen shouted at Susan through the car window. He then wagged his finger at Craig who did his best to ignore Glen. Glen noticed and was set to attack when Alex stopped him.
“He’s her problem now; let her deal with him. It’s time to let go,” Alex gently advised placing a loving hand on Glen’s shoulder.
“I hate it when you’re right,” Glen grumbled as he took Alex’s hand into his own.
“I know. I promise to make it up to you as soon as they leave and I know Brian and Justin are all right,” Alex promised.
Glen perked up. “Oooo, can I take you for a ride, doctor?” Glen purred. Alex rolled his eyes but smiled at his incorrigible spouse.
“You are so lucky I love you,” Alex admonished.
“I love it when you’re right,” Glen said with a wink making Alex laugh.
“WAIT!” came a loud shout as Emmett hurried up the road then tapped furiously on Craig’s window. When Craig finally lowered the window, complaining about the heat and losing air conditioning, Emmett thrust a large sack into Craig’s hands. “A little something for the road and later. Bye, ya’ll!” Emmett stated with a large toothy grin as the window ascended. Emmett ignored Craig but waved at Susan who couldn’t help smiling and waving back.
With the pleasantries all concluded, Craig Taylor was finally driving off the lane!
For a few moments no one knew what to say as Craig’s car rounded the little bend that would take him out the gate and out of their lives, so to speak. Justin sighed, loudly, as he turned to give Glen a hug then Alex. Then all of sudden everyone was hugging and breaking out into nervous laughter. Annoyed with the over emotionalism, Brian declared a potluck barbeque for later that evening. Everyone cheered and the little crowd began to slowly disperse as everyone started to go back to their own homes. That’s when Brian started to hum. Justin laughed before he joined in. Then John and Gus began to hum the same tune. With all the laughing, humming, hugs, and back slapping it reminded Debbie of some weird sort of Pride parade.
“Okay, I want to know what the fuck you guys are humming?!” Debbie demanded as she set her feet firmly in the middle of the road.
The boys looked at each other and just shrugged as they started for the conjoined cottages with Glen and Alex in tow. The humming got a little louder.
“I know where you sleep, Kinney!” Debbie shouted as her demands were ignored.
It was Glen who relieved Debbie of her curiosity. “So was your impossible mission a success?” Glen asked above the humming.
The boys stopped then turned towards Glen. The lane family laughed as they all finally got it; it was the theme song from Mission Impossible. Brian and his look-alikes surrounded Glen, all glaring, all with one arched brow.
“Uh, Alex, Babe, a little help here would be nice,” Glen whined as he tried to look through and around the tall men.
“You’re on your own, Honey. One pissed off Brian Kinney is more than enough. Four is way too many for me,” Alex said as he linked arms with Justin and kept walking.
Just then Beau and his pack came barreling down the lane to rescue Glen.
“I’m saved!” Glen declared as the dogs good naturedly yipped and barked. The boys separated as Little Beau stood on his hind legs with his front paws on Glen’s shoulders. Little Beau then showed his love for Glen with lots of wet doggy kisses.
“Um, wait. Get down you beast,” Glen cried out as Little Beau 'protected' his friend. “Yuck. Alex. Alex!” Glen sputtered as he was slimed by the young Beau.
The lane family laughed as they all felt life begin to shift back to normal.
Alex and Brian exchanged places as Alex went back to extricate Glen from Little Beau’s embraces.
“I can’t take you anywhere,” Alex complained. “You need a shower. You smell like a dog.”
“Only if you help,” Glen said as he waggled his eyebrows. Alex smiled brightly as he readily agreed.
Brian draped one arm across Justin’s shoulders as they slowly continued up the lane toward their cottage. They stopped just before the path to their front door. The sun was brilliant up in a nearly cloudless sky and the air was heating up. It would probably turn out to be another scorching day.
Keeping Justin under his arm, Brian turned them as he looked over his sanctuary in the middle of nowhere. Justin placed his hand on Brian’s chest to feel the strong steady heartbeat. He sensed Brian’s inner calmness. Stretching up on his toes, Justin give Brian a loving kiss. Brian reached around to lift Justin higher as their kiss intensified, breaking apart only when air became a necessity.
“So are we still having fun, Big Guy?” Justin asked breathlessly with a mischievous twinkle in those blue eyes. Rich, soulful hazel eyes twinkled back before they began to darken with lust.
“Let’s find out, Sunshine,” Brian challenged as Justin’s feet hit the ground.
Brian grabbed Justin’s hand as they ran for their front door.
-end-