Wedding Bell Blues

Chapter 7

May 2007

All the turmoil and queen outs at the Anderson farm seemed to have subsided and faded away as the month of May dawned sunny and bright. The constant rain of April gave way to warm, spring days with lots of sun and gentle breezes. The clearing by the stream that had been a bog for the month of April gradually dried up and returned to its former splendor. Spring flowers started to bloom and the grass was a brilliant green. Life was beginning anew for another year.

Ever since Bobby and John had been locked in the barn, they had found each other again. They now remembered why they were getting married in the first place and didn't dwell on the problems of organizing the actual celebration. All they cared about was being together. The love between the two was palpable to all who encountered them together.

Brian, however, missed the almost daily phone calls from his brother, but he had to admit that he was able to get a lot more accomplished at work when he wasn't being constantly interrupted. With about a month left until the wedding, he hoped things would continue to go along smoothly for all concerned.

During the second week of May, he sat at his desk one morning staring at an ad campaign that just wasn't working. He had been playing with this stupid hair care product for days and hadn't come up with any good ideas at all. Everything he had tried seemed too ridiculous for words. Maybe it was because it was a brightener and toner for gray or white hair. The manufacturer had decided that there was a market out there for youthful middle aged, gray haired old ladies who wanted someone, probably a man, to notice that their hair was more shiny and glowing with the use of this product. He needed to come up with a name and a campaign. The tentative name was "Silver Glisten", but Brian hated that fucking name, and was beginning to wonder why he had agreed to take on this account. What the fuck did he know about middle aged women? He shuddered. He only really knew two - Deb and his mother. He couldn't see either one of them using this fucking product.

Brian dropped the latest board he had been looking at on the floor. It made a considerable bang as it landed. It was a fucking piece of shit, and he knew it. Leaning back in his chair he rubbed his palms across his eyes. He needed a break from all this crap. He leaned forward and called up his e-mails. He had been waiting for a reply for a few days. And there it was - a message from OBP. Brian quickly opened it. It read:

Brian,

Thank you for the invitation and the generous offer to put me up in Pittsburgh. I have been looking at flights and considering my options. I haven't made a decision yet but I will in the next few days, and I'll let you know.

OBP

Brian smiled. He certainly hoped OBP would accept his invitation. And then it dawned on him. He kicked the board he had dropped on the floor over to the side. He pulled his chair up to his desk, and started to work on the campaign.

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As Brian was furiously working on his ad campaign, Justin found himself buried under a dozen half completed projects. The Spring semester was rapidly coming to an end and that meant all of his projects had to be completed and submitted on time for him to receive full credit. Plus he had that special commission for Claire. Justin had something in mind for the gift for John and Bobby but he was afraid that if he started it, he would never concentrate on school.

Brian and Justin were both so busy that they barely had time for each other. They'd meet up late in the evening after work and school, wolf down dinner; kiss then collapse in an exhausted heap in bed. None of Liberty knew that the legendary cock and its partner the infamous ass hadn't connected in weeks. John and Bobby may have become reacquainted but Brian and Justin found that their connection was limited to spooning as they slept and hurried kisses in the morning as they got ready to start their day. Neither man complained; they both knew by June, the rush would be over and they would spend some needed alone time together. And Brian had some definite ideas about that.

John had asked Brian his advice about the honeymoon trip. He didn't really care where they went as long as it was romantic and gay friendly. Brian began to protest saying he was the last man anyone should go to for advice about romance, but John insisted. Brian couldn't refuse his brother. For a fleeting moment Brian contemplated making the trip a double honeymoon except for all the jokes that the two couples would be the brunt of. Apparently the family was under the impression that neither couple was really happy unless they were engaged in synchronized fucking. Brian nixed the idea and booked the honeymooning couple on a Gay Alaskan cruise. Then he booked two weeks for himself and Justin at the Casa Condesa in Acapulco. He and his blond needed some serious get reacquainted time.

Toward the Memorial Day weekend all of the wedding plans had been finalized including the dreaded seating arrangements. Emmett was having the tent, chairs and tables shipped to the farm and stored in the barn. With Claire and Hunter to supervise, Emmett didn't need to drive up there, besides Sam had driven to Pittsburgh for the long weekend. With everything in place including the catering and minister, all that was left was the rehearsal. John and Bobby had hoped they could do it during the long weekend. But Justin wanted to take advantage of the three days to finish off all his projects and start on Claire's commission. Hunter also added his two cents worth stating that he too had finals to prepare for. With nothing to do John and Bobby decided on a pre-honeymoon honeymoon. They took the opportunity to spend the time at the cottage and began to move some of their possessions into it. They made the decision to make the cottage their home.

Another unexpected but very welcomed outcome to the whole pre-wedding brouhaha was Steve and Claire. Hunter observed a very noticeable bounce in Steve's step when Claire came to visit or when Steve spent time at the house discussing the Farm business. One evening during dessert Hunter became impatient with all the sighs and longing looks that were being exchanged between Claire and Steve. Putting down his glass of milk, Hunter gave the would-be couple a kick in the right direction.

"Oh for fuck's sake! Do I have to lock you two in a barn before you guys come to your senses? Steve! Take the woman out for a cup of coffee," Hunter growled impatiently.

John and Bobby snickered as Claire blushed and Steve sputtered, "But we're already having coffee."

Hunter's eyes grew wide. Steve was one of the smartest, wisest men that Hunter knew and now he was reduced to a babbling fool. "Steve, my man, let's start from the top. This is Claire, a very nice, pretty, and single lady. You are a very nice, handsome single man. You both know how smart each other is and you've been good friends for years. Now is there any reason why you two shouldn't get friendlier? No? Good. Now go get your jackets and escort the nice lady to the local diner and buy her a cup of coffee!"

As Hunter went through his tirade, John and Bobby hustled to grab Claire's and Steve's jackets. Thrusting them into the mature couple's hands, the three matchmakers shoved the shocked couple out the door and slammed it shut. Steve helped Claire into her thick sweater then he donned his jacket. Just before he opened the passenger side door for Claire, they saw three faces at the window laughing and giving them the thumbs up sign. Both Claire and Steve shook their heads and shrugged their shoulders then drove away.

"Grown ups! They can be so clueless sometimes. Well, my work here is done and I have studying to do. So will you please keep the fucking noise down," Hunter exclaimed as he went up the stairs to his room. John and Bobby continued laughing as Hunter groused. "I will be so happy when you two move out. I'll finally get a quiet night around here."

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Brian decided to actually take the three days off. His work on the campaign was on schedule and he needed a break. He also wanted to keep an eye on his resident artist. Justin set up his easel by the great loft windows taking advantage of all the light. He had drop clothes to protect Brian's hardwood and he painted and painted until each one of his canvases was completed. Every couple of hours Brian would shove a glass of juice in Justin's hand or a small sandwich. Debbie kept them supplied with lemon bars and even Ben came by with a bag filled with high energy bars. The whole family knew this was crunch time for Justin and they wanted to help. Every once in a while Brian would see the blond streak by as he ran for a potty break then with a relieved look on his face, saunter back to his easels. Brian's artist was a sight to behold and Brian beamed with pride. By the end of the weekend Justin had completed all of his projects and had a good portion of the wedding gift completed too.

"Brian," Justin said as he cleaned his brushes and packed everything up. He could submit all of his assignments the next day and then he would be finished for the summer.

"Yeah."

"Are you busy?"

"No."

"Can we fuck?"

"I think I've forgotten how."

Justin chuckled. "Like that's about to happen."

"I'm totally serious. Can you remember the last time we actually did it?"

"Um … no," Justin admitted. Then the light dawned. "Does that mean that you haven't done it with anybody else?" Justin smiled shyly at Brian. He prayed for the right answer.

"Maybe," Brian smirked. "Or maybe it's just my poor memory these days."

Justin frowned. "Do you mean that you haven't been with anybody else?"

"I believe that's what I said."

"Oh, Brian!" Justin gasped launching himself into Brian's arms. "I love you so much."

"I know, I know. We have this weird, fucked up relationship, but I do care about you so much," Brian said pulling Justin tight against him.

"Back at ya, big guy," Justin whispered. He knew he and Brian had something special, but now there was the likelihood that it was exclusive too, even though they had never promised each other that. He couldn't be happier.

Some time later they were comfortably ensconced in their bed, having fucked until they dropped.

"I see it all came back to you … like riding a bike," Justin giggled as he played with one of Brian's nipples.

"They say elephants never forget."

"Elephants?"

"I don't know. I'm just rambling."

"Is something wrong, Brian?"

"No, not really."

"I get the sense that something's bothering you."

"I don't know," Brian said throwing back the sheet and climbing out of bed. He went into the bathroom to piss. Justin could hear him washing his hands and rummaging around in the medicine cabinet. Justin watched the doorway wondering which Brian would exit from the bathroom.

After a bit Brian came out of the bathroom and walked down the steps without giving Justin a glance. Justin frowned and got up wrapping the sheet around him like a toga. He knew something was wrong before, but now he was positive.

"Brian, what's going on?"

"Nothing, go back to bed."

"Not unless you come with me."

Brian finished the bottle of water he had been drinking from. He walked over to his computer and turned it on. With a sigh he slumped down into the chair facing the computer.

"Are you going to do some work?"

Brian shrugged and didn't answer. He clicked and scrolled with the mouse. Justin knew he needed to find out what was going on inside the ever enigmatic brain of Brian Kinney. He walked over to Brian and stood behind the chair. He wrapped his arms around Brian's neck from behind and kissed the top of his head.

"What are you doing?" Brian asked as he continued to move through screens on the computer, apparently looking for something.

"Killing you with kindness."

Brian snorted. "Look where that got me last time."

"I believe it got you your son and Mel and Lindz back together."

Brian let out a long sigh. He stared at the computer screen before finally saying, "Are you happy, Justin?"

"Happy? Yes, of course," Justin replied quickly. "Aren't you?"

"I guess. It's not an easy concept for me."

"Brian, it's not a concept. It's a feeling."

"I look at John and Bobby and how happy they are, and I wonder if I'm doing everything wrong. Am I spoiling it for you?"

"You're not spoiling anything," Justin replied emphatically. He moved around Brian grabbing the man's chin so that he could force Brian to look at him. Worried hazel eyes stared at him. "I'm happy, Brian. I'm where I want to be. I'm with the person I want. Stop overthinking everything."

"Sometimes I can't stop myself."

"Come back to bed and I'll make you forget."

"Think you can?"

"I know I can." Justin grabbed Brian's hand and pulled him to his feet. He dragged Brian, with little resistance, back up to their bed where he made a valiant attempt to obliterate all doubts from Brian's mind.

The next morning both men were trying to get all their papers and projects organized so that they could get to school and to work. Brian had run off copies of his new ad campaign. They would become boards when he got to the office. He flipped through them pleased with his work.

"What's that?" Justin asked as he came back up having taken one load of his paintings down to the Cherokee.

"My next ad campaign."

"Let's see."

"Aren't the models a little old?" Justin asked with a frown.

"Not for hair care for gray hair."

"That's what you've been working on?" Justin giggled.

"What?" Brian asked in his best offended tone.

"It isn't your usual cup of tea."

"You can say that again."

"So what did you do? These women may be my mother's age, but they look great."

"I thought so too. I also like the name I came up with for their products," Brian smirked.

"Oh yeah, what is it?"

"Old Broad Hair Care."

"Are you fucking serious?" Justin sputtered. "They'll never go for that."

"See, you thought it was funny. I'm going to convince them that the kind of women who will use their products are the kind of women like Edna who have spunk and panache and know that they're sexy even though they may have aged a little."

Justin stared at Brian in wonder. He knew his partner would be able to do it too. "That … that just might work."

"No 'might' about it," Brian said confidently.

"How did you come up with that name?" Justin asked as he picked up his last load of work to carry downstairs.

Brian gathered his papers and stuffed them in his briefcase. "If everything goes as planned, I'll show you tonight."

"I can hardly wait," Justin replied as he carried his work into the elevator while Brian locked the door of the loft.

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When Justin arrived home from school he was in a good mood. His projects had been well received by the professors. Of course, he didn't have marks for them, but it seemed like they were going to get good results for him. He was pleased with what he had accomplished.

Justin hadn't expected Brian to be home, but as he waited for him to appear, he couldn't help but think back to Brian's black mood of the day before. Sometimes he didn't know what would come over Brian. It was like there was this great sadness someplace inside him, and it would overwhelm him. Then he would start doubting himself. He hated when Brian got like that. And that was when he truly hated Joan Kinney for what she had done to Brian, she and her fucking husband.

He knew that John's impending wedding had had a strange effect on Brian. He wondered if Brian might be second guessing himself, questioning some of his basic beliefs about marriage. They had never really discussed it, at least not at any length. Justin knew that Brian thought marriage was all a farce, and yet he had helped John and Bobby organize their wedding and was helping in every way humanly possible to make their commitment ceremony as perfect as it could be.

Justin let out a sigh. He had always known Brian was a complicated man, but it was only occasionally that the fact was driven home to him. There was still so much he had to learn. But all that aside, he knew that Brian had the biggest, softest heart of anyone he had ever met. The man did his best to cover it up, but Justin had witnessed it time and time again. God, he loved that man.

He looked at his watch and noted that it was after seven. He wondered if he should call Brian, but decided against it. He knew Brian had had that big presentation for "Old Broad Hair Care" late that day. He chuckled at the name. He could hardly wait to find out how he had come up with the name. Maybe the meeting had run long, or maybe they hadn't liked Brian's work. Whatever the reason, Justin decided that it might be best to wait.

He walked over to his commission for John and Bobby and decided to work on it while he waited. He had depressed himself enough. He picked up a brush and started mixing colors.

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Justin was totally wrapped up in his painting when the loft door slid back. He scarcely paid any attention as he continued to paint John's face, so much like Brian's, yet different. He heard some movement and almost looked up, but he wanted to get a few more brush strokes done before he stopped.

"Justin," Brian's soft voice finally broke the silence.

"I'm almost done," Justin replied, adding one more stroke. "There!"

"Justin, turn around."

Justin quickly turned and his breath caught in his throat. "Edna," he gasped rushing forward to hug the old lady who had befriended them in Panama. "Edna," he whispered against her neck. "I'm so happy to see you. How did you get here?"

Edna grinned as Justin released her. "A devilishly handsome man invited me … and well, how could I refuse?" She chuckled as she finished that statement giving Brian a meaningful look.

"Are you here for the wedding, I mean, the commitment ceremony?" Justin asked deciding that he better get the terminology correct.

"That I am. I'm looking forward to seeing John and Bobby. Brian wants to keep it a secret until the actual day."

"They will be so pleased to have you there," Justin gushed giving Edna another hug.

"I certainly hope so," she said with a chuckle. "Or I have come a long way for nothing."

"They're going to love it," Brian stated. "I promised Edna dinner when we got here. What would you like me to order in?"

"You mean you're not cooking for me?" Edna asked with a twinkle in her eye.

Brian winced at her words. "I could try to make you something, but you better have medical insurance just in case."

Edna and Justin both laughed. "You know what I've been thinking about ever since I decided to make this trip?"

The two men looked at her and shook their heads.

"Pizza … with pepperoni and mushrooms … and lots of grease. They make the most God awful pizza in Panama."

Brian groaned. "I'll order one right now," he said hoping he could get out of eating it.

Justin chuckled and whispered to Edna. "His arteries are hardening and he's gained a pound since you mentioned that pizza."

"He's such a drama queen."

"That he is," Justin agreed. "But he's my drama queen."

When they polished off the last piece of pizza, they were all a little tipsy having downed a couple of bottles of wine with their meal. They were feeling mellow and quite content. Brian had even eaten a couple of slices of pizza. Justin had eaten more than half. He let out a large belch as the last bite went down.

"Sorry," he laughed with a sheepish look on his face.

"That's quite all right, Justin. In some countries that's the way to tell your host that you enjoyed the meal." At which point Edna let out a belch to rival Justin's. "Oh my!" she laughed.

"That was a good one, Edna."

"If you two start a belching contest, I'm leaving," Brian said trying to keep a straight face.

"You could join us," Justin suggested.

"Come on, Brian," Edna encouraged him. "You must have a good belch in you."

Brian grinned and let one fly. Both Edna and Justin applauded. Brian made a mock bow. "You are a very bad influence on me, Miss Edna."

"I try my best," Edna giggled.

"No more wine for you," Brian said setting her glass to one side. "You still have to get back to your hotel."

"I thought you were staying here," Justin said.

"There really isn't a place for a lady here," Brian explained. "I wish there was."

"Me too," Edna agreed. "But it's already past my bedtime so call me a cab and I'll head back to the Hilton."

Justin looked at Brian. "I already had Edna check in there before we came here. I can drive you over."

"No need, just call a cab."

"If you're sure."

"I am," she said making sure they knew she really meant it. "And I intend to sleep late tomorrow. No calls until after noon."

"Yes, ma'am," Brian saluted. "I'm really glad you decided to come."

Justin was on the phone calling a taxi. "Five minutes," he said as he hung up.

Each man kissed Edna and they went down in the elevator with her to meet the taxi. When Edna was safely on her way to the hotel, they made their way back to the loft.

"I wish we had room to have Edna here," Justin said.

"I do too, but then we'd have to be quiet when we fuck."

"She wouldn't care."

"You're probably right."

"How did your presentation go today?" Justin asked remembering that Brian was pitching the "Old Broad Hair Care" campaign. "Did they like the name?"

"Not at first."

"But you convinced them?"

"Of course."

"And they left loving it?" Brian nodded tongue in cheek. "Are you going to tell me where you got the idea for that name?"

"Do you know Edna's e-mail name?"

Justin thought Brian was trying to change the subject. "What does that have to do with anything?"

"OBP."

"What?"

"OBP - Old Broad from Panama."

Justin stared at Brian. "You named it after Edna? That was genius."

Brian smirked. "Edna seemed like the embodiment of women who are older but don't feel like they are. She has a young attitude and lives life the way she wants. I couldn't think of a better name for the product than what she calls herself."

"Neither can I," Justin had to agree. "You really are a genius … sometimes."

"Just sometimes?"

"Okay, most of the time."

"Let's get busy while we have our privacy," Brian said as he locked the loft door. "The wedding's almost upon us. We won't have a minute to ourselves once we head up to the Farm."

"Then what are we waiting for?" Justin asked as he pulled Brian down for a kiss.