Not So Zen Ben

Chapter 5

Brian was grilling up a storm when JR and Jacqueline entered the backyard.

"JR!!!!" Bree screeched as she saw her sister.  JR smiled just before she was clutched in a bear hug by her no longer tiny sister.

"Whoa," JR grunted as she hugged Bree back.  "You're getting to be so grown up."

"Not as grown up as you," Bree pouted as she finally released JR from the hug.

"I don't think you're going to catch up to me," JR laughed.

"I know, but it never hurts to hope..."

"Jacqueline, you remember Bree," JR said.  When there was no rely, JR turned to see what her lover was doing.  "Jacqueline," she repeated.  "Jacqueline!"

Jacqueline's eyes were focused on Brian Kinney who was flipping burgers on the grill.  He was wearing a pair of tight cut-off shorts and a tank top.  For someone his age he looked mighty fine.

"Jacqueline!" JR barked.

"Oh, what?  What is it?" Jacqueline stammered.

"I asked you if you remembered my sister, Bree."

"Oh, yeah, Bree, hi."

"What is wrong with you?" JR asked with a frown.

"Just enjoying the scenery," Jacqueline replied.

JR shook her head.  "Is Gus here?" she asked looking around and hoping to see her brother.

"No, he left a few days ago.  They went to Toronto and then they're going to Europe, Paris I think," Bree explained.  "I wish I could go to Paris."

"Someday, sweetie, someday," JR said giving her a gentle hug.

"But why not now?"

"You better talk to your dads about that," JR advised.

"Maybe I will," Bree said.

"We should go speak to our hosts," Jacqueline said.

"There's Justin," JR replied as she saw Justin come out of the sun porch with a tray of nibbles.  "He's got food, and I'm hungry.  See you later, Bree."

Jacqueline and JR walked over to Justin to give him the cooler of ice cream.  He had hugs for each of them before taking the cooler inside.  They grabbed some veggies from Justin's tray and Jacqueline led the way over to the barbecue.

"Why, if it isn't Mr. Brian Kinney, the chef," Jacqueline said coyly.

Brian snorted before he smiled at the two girls.  "I'm hardly a chef, but I'll settle for the title of barbecue master."

"Ooh, how master-ful of you," Jacqueline laughed.

"How are you doing, JR?" Brian asked as he hugged her.

"Much better now that I'm here."

"Good, the steaks are almost done, and there's burgers for those with a less discriminating palate," Brian said giving Jacqueline a look.

It was Jacqueline's turn to snort.  "I like my steak medium rare."

"Your wish is my command," Brian responded.  "The steaks will be ready in a couple of minutes.  Why don't you head on in and find a spot at the table in the sun porch.  I'm sure Justin or John will get you a drink."

"Sounds good," JR said before the girls headed for the porch.

"Dinner's almost ready," Brian called out to Bree who was on the swing and Patrick was pushing her.

Patrick stopped pushing and let the swing slow down.  Bree made no move to get off.

"Are you coming?" Patrick asked.

"Don't know."

Patrick looked at Bree's face as he came around from behind the swing.  He immediately saw the frown.  "What's wrong?"

"I want to do something ... grown up."

"Grown up?  What do you mean?"

"Gus is going to Europe.  I want to go too."

"I'd like to go there too," Patrick said with a smile, "but that's not going to happen."

"Why not?"

"I have baseball and then school."

"I have soccer, but I still want to go."

"Maybe in a couple of years."

"And maybe never," Bree pouted.  "Gus gets to do everything."

"He's an adult." 

Bree scowled at him.  "And I'm a baby."

"You're not a baby, but you're sure acting like one right now."

"Hey!" Bree exclaimed insulted by Patrick's words.  She gave him a swat on the arm.

"Well you are."

"Am not."

"Are so."

"Whoa, you two!" Brian called over as he headed for the sun porch door with a platter of his burgers and steaks.  "What's going on?"

"Bree wants to go to Europe," Patrick informed his uncle.

"What?" Brian demanded.

"She wants to go Europe," Patrick repeated when Bree didn't say anything.

"Briana Victoria, what are you talking about?"

Bree continued to scowl at both of them.  Then her face softened and she smiled a little bit.  "I just want to do something grown up, Dada," she said softly.

"And you think going to Europe would be grown up?" he asked.

"Yes."

"Well, I doubt that's going to happen," Brian said trying to be gentle.

"But Gus is going."

"Gus and Ray are going on business," Brian clarified.

"I could go on business," Bree said hopefully.

"Do you have some clients in Europe that I'm not aware of?"

Patrick stifled a giggle.

"No," Bree said indignantly, "but I might get some new clients if I went."

"Is that so?"

"Yes."

"Well, at the moment a trip to Europe is not in the works, and my steaks are getting cold. Let's go."

Bree slid off the swing and started following her father towards the sun porch.  "But maybe later?" she said hopefully.

"We'll see," Brian said as he opened the door.

"That means no," Patrick whispered to Bree.

"Shut up.  I know what it means, but I'm not done yet," she said forcefully as they entered the porch.

Patrick shook his head thinking about his crazy cousin, as he found a place at the table.  He wouldn't be surprised if Bree got to go to Europe.  Bree usually got what she wanted.

The dinner was small by Edna's Treasures Lane standards.  It was just the families from the two cottages and JR and Jacqueline.  They ate ravenously at first.  Jacqueline said she didn't think she'd ever had a better steak, even at the best restaurants in Pittsburgh or Philadelphia.  Her steak was perfectly cooked.  Justin had made a huge bowl of salad with lots of local vegetables.  Everything in the salad was crisp and delicious, and Justin had made both a vinaigrette and a green goddess dressing, so everyone could choose the flavor they liked best.

"We saw the new cottage out in the meadow," JR said as she was taking a little more salad.  "Who does that belong to?"

"Alex and Glen," Justin said.  "They're coming tomorrow night for another barbecue, so you should come too so you can meet them."

"More steak?" Jacqueline asked.

"That could be arranged," Brian said with a smirk, “but I'll also be cooking some local sausage."

"Local sausage?" Jacqueline asked.

"Yeah, there's a farmer over by Bridgeton who makes his own sausage," Bobby said.  "It's deeelicious.  I'll place my order for two right now."

"Are they that good?" JR asked.

"Better," John informed her.

"Okay, I'll try one too," JR said.  Jacqueline nodded in agreement.  "I thought Ben might join us for dinner tonight," JR added.

"He does sometimes, but other evenings if he's writing, he stays at the log cabin," Bobby explained.

"You didn't visit him yet?" John asked.

"We didn't want to disturb him," Jacqueline said.

"And I don't want him to think I'm here to get him to go back to Pittsburgh," JR added.

"Isn't that why you're here?" Brian asked pointedly.

"No, it's not," JR declared.  "I'd like to talk to him about what happened between him and dad, but I'm not going to pressure him one way or the other."

"Good," Brian said as he stood up and started clearing the table.

Bree began to help him.  Justin looked at Brian who winked and shrugged.  They gathered up plates and Brian hoisted the heavy tray and carried it to the kitchen.  Bree followed him with the salad bowl.

"You can't butter me up, Squirt," Brian said when they were alone in the kitchen.

"I know, Dada."

"Then why are you helping like this?"

"Because I wanted to."

"And...?"

"Because if there's a possibility that I might go to Europe, then all the goodwill I can create can't hurt my chances."

Brian laughed out loud.  "I can't fault your reasoning."

"Thank you, father."

"Father?"

"I am growing up," Bree said with a little grin.

"Don't I know it.  Let's get the ice cream out to the hungry hordes."

"Yes, father."

*****

Ben had heard JR’s car drive up a few hours ago; he wondered why she hadn’t visited.  Then again he was being a hermit of sorts.  Perhaps JR was waiting for a “formal” invitation.  He also smelled the enticing aromas from Brian’s grill.  There were times Ben wished he was more of a carnivore but over the years Ben had developed a routine.  He was convinced that sticking to that routine was keeping him healthy.  Fortunately for Ben his family was extremely understanding.  When Brian knew Ben would be joining them at dinner, Brian always had fresh fish or free range chicken on the menu.  If Ben was in a vegetarian mood, there was always enough vegetables to keep him happy.  Ben truly thought of himself as blessed with a wonderful extended family.  Now if only his immediate family, namely one Michael Charles Novotny could be more understanding.

Ben checked his watch.  If he hurried, he'd make it to the conjoined cottages just in time for dessert.  He had yet to confront “the blond.”  He made himself presentable, looked over his folder, tucked it under his arm then steeled himself to confront Justin.

“Knock, knock!” Ben called out as he let himself in through the front of Brian’s end of the conjoined cottages.

“Sun porch,” came the response from several voices.  Ben walked through the cottage to the porch.

“Dad!” JR called out as she jumped up to give her other father a hug.  Ben returned the hug warmly.

“Hi, Uncle Ben!” Bree said with a cheery smile.

“Hello, Princess; hello, all.  Am I too late for dessert?”

“Not at all,” Justin said.  “I’ll put the kettle on.  We have fresh pies and JR and Jacqueline brought ice cream.”

“Let me help,” Ben said.  Justin smiled as Brian sent Ben a knowing look.

“I really don’t need any help; I’m only turning on the stove under the kettle,” Justin pointed out.

“I know but I wanted to talk to you alone and this seemed like a good opportunity,” Ben said with some hesitance.

“Sounds serious,” Justin remarked.  “Are you all right?”

“I’m fine,” Ben assured Justin.

“And Michael?”

“No change.  He hasn’t called and neither have I.  I guess we both have a stubborn streak.  But I’m honestly not concerned.”

“Really?” Justin said with surprise.

“We’ll get through this; I’m sure we will.  We’ve been joined at the hip for so long, we need this break.  I’m sure we’ll come out stronger.”  Justin nodded.  He wasn’t as convinced as Ben, but it wasn’t any business of Justin's.

“So what did you want to talk about?” Justin asked as the kettle started to whistle.  While their tea steeped Ben made his presentation.

“You’re very quiet,” Ben said gently when he was finished.

“You’ve given me a lot to think about,” Justin replied.  Ben was happy that his idea wasn’t summarily rejected.  “I have a question, maybe more of an observation.”

“Go ahead,” Ben encouraged.

“Why does your story start with me?”

“You mean the night you met Brian?”  Justin nodded again as he slowly looked through Ben’s folder, closely examining every paper as if it was a precious work of art.  “Because as far as I’m concerned, that moment set off a random chain of events that culminates not only on this lane but with all the people you and Brian have touched.”

Justin blushed deeply and giggled.

“I didn’t mean it in that way but yeah, that applies too.”  Ben laughed.

“You boys having a private party?  You know how much I love orgies,” Brian snarked as he entered the kitchen.  He had heard it become quiet after the kettle boiled.  Brian’s curiosity was piqued when he heard the distinctive sound of a Sunshine giggle.  He nonchalantly poured himself a mug of coffee then sat on a stool.

“Did you see this?” Justin asked, pointing to the folder.

“Yes,” came a curt answer.

“What do you think?” Justin asked.

“More importantly, what do you think?” Brian countered.

“I think Ben’s editor will be getting a very boring book,” Justin deadpanned.

“On the contrary, my dear Sunshine, just the chapter of us in the backroom should be worth the advance,” Brian quipped.

“Seriously, Brian, you hate your privacy invaded,” Justin said as he stood in front of his husband and took hold of Brian’s biceps.  “Don’t you remember all the shit we went through with that Hawk guy and that other reporter who wanted to tear our family apart?”

Before Ben could defend his motives, Brian beat him to it.  He reached for Justin to pull him in close.  As he did, he motioned for Ben to go away.  Ben took the hint and retreated to the sun porch.

“But this is Ben, our Zen Ben, I trust him,” Brian stated quietly.  Anxious ocean blue eyes gazed into steadfast hazel ones.

“Has he decided on a title for his book?” Justin asked.

“Ben got permission from the Connolly’s to use The Sunshine Chronicles for the title.  Giving them the proper credit, of course.”

“Of course,” Justin repeated with a smirk.  “Are you really all right with this?”

“This isn’t just our story, it belongs to the whole family, but he promised to let us read it first and to fictionalize it if necessary.  He’s even getting permission slips from everyone involved,” Brian said with tongue in cheek.  “I think this is something Ben needs to do,” he said with seriousness.

“Like my henge?” Justin asked with a coy smile.  Brian kissed his nose.

“Yes.”

“You sound so certain,” Justin stated.

“I trust Ben,” Brian said.

“I trust him too,” Justin said as he wrapped his arms around his spouse.  “But most importantly, I trust you.  I trust that if Ben’s book becomes too personal or too intrusive, you’ll put an end to it.  Or at the very least, ask him to make it a work of fiction.  It’s not just us.  Justin Taylor and Brian Kinney have public lives.  It’s a matter of record that we can’t deny.  But Brian and Justin also have personal lives to protect, especially the kids.  I won’t have them put under a microscope either.”

“Ben wouldn’t do that.”

“Not intentionally but stuff happens.  We all get carried away with our projects.”

“Like your henge,” Brian said with an arch of his brow.

“Yes,” Justin responded with a kiss to Brian’s nose.  Brian smiled the smile reserved only for Justin as he drew Justin in closer.  “We have guests,” Justin reminded Brian.

“They’re family not guests.  Besides John and Bobby are very good at playing host.”

“But the princess may form a search party soon.”

“Fortunately for us we’re not lost,” Brian stated with a goofy grin.

“You know you’re a freak, right?”

“No more than you, my dear Sunshine.”  Brian reluctantly released Justin but not before planting a searing kiss upon Justin’s lips.

“What was that for?” Justin asked when he caught his breath.

“Complaints?” Brian asked instead.

“Not a one.  I work very hard for your kisses.”  Justin patted Ben’s folder that was on the kitchen counter.

“Yes, you do.  Regrets?”

“None.  No apologies.  No regrets.”

“Good,” Brian said as he stood to top off his coffee before returning to the porch.   “Although, I think I may have to talk to Ben regarding the title.”

“What’s wrong with The Sunshine Chronicles?”

“Nothing, but the way Ben describes it, it sounds more like Chaos Theory to me.”

“And what would you know about Chaos Theory, oh wise one?”

“Everything, my dear Sunshine,” Brian quipped as they entered the porch that was currently occupied by a small portion of their cwazy wittle family.

“Dada, I want to go to Europe!” Bree demanded.

“Everything,” Brian repeated with a sigh.  Justin giggled as he left Brian’s side to tend to their family.

*****

From the minute the boys stepped off the plane and arrived at Kinnetik North they were busy reviewing campaigns and contracts.  By the end of the day they were both tired, hungry and a bit cranky.  Fortunately, the apartment Cynthia had rented for Kinnetik execs was spacious and close by.

“I need a shower and food.  Not necessarily in that order,” Ray griped as he pulled the tie away from his neck and started to unbutton his shirt.

“Ditto!” Gus agreed.  “My feet hurt,” he grumbled.

“Geez, you two sound like you’re a hundred and two!” Melanie exclaimed.  The apartment was large enough for several people to live comfortably.  “Wimps,” she groused as the door buzzer went off. 

Melanie had arranged for dinner to be delivered.  Delicious aromas soon filled the apartment.  The boys mumbled their gratitude around loaded burgers.  With full bellies the boys were quickly losing steam.  Mel took pity on them.

“Go take a shower then get some sleep.  We’ll go over contracts and discuss Shelly in the morning,” Melanie strongly suggested.

“Thanks, Mama,” Gus said with a wide yawn.

“Thank you, Ms. Marcus,” Ray said as he shuffled toward their room.

“Good night, boys,” Mel said shaking her head.

“Night,” they replied.

Melanie put on the kettle.  While she waited for the water to boil she pulled out her phone.

“Kinney.”

“It’s me.”

“Hello me.”

“Can’t you ever converse like a normal human being?”

“Where’s the fun in that?  You didn’t call me just to insult me?”

“Sorry, as much as that would give me pleasure, I called to let you know the boys did well their first day.  They’re exhausted but I’m sure Gus will call in the morning.”

“Thanks.”

“They make a good team those two,” Mel admitted.

“You just come to that conclusion?”

“No, I’ve known it for quite some time, but I preferred to live in ignorant bliss rather than admit my son is in a serious relationship, as well as poised to take over your empire.”

“You also have a daughter who is in a serious relationship and is poised to take over her father’s business.”

“Don’t remind me.”

“Too late!”

“Asshole.”

“Bitch!”

“I think I’ve had enough of this riveting conversation.  Good night, Brian.”

“Night, Mel.”

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