Lois, thank you for the beta...you are the greatest!
Chapter 17 – So We Meet Again Early Evening…(Day 20) Michael, Ben, and Hunter were adding the leaf to the table, while Carl, Drew and Calvin Culpepper were arguing over something on television. They took a break to help with the set up of the table and chairs. “Debbie honey, it looks like everyone will be here today. I know you’re glad to have the girls and your lost boys all together again. The house will be full once more.” Carl pointed out. “It’s been good having the girls here this week. I wish they would decide to move back. I hope this week has reminded them about the importance of family,” Deb said with a smile. “Well, JR is growing. Gus has gotten so big. So Toronto must be agreeing with them,” Ben commented, adding napkins to the table. “It’s also good to have Justin back. This is going to make getting out the next issue of Rage so much easier. It’s so much better when we work together, side-by-side,” Michael commented. “Well, I wouldn’t expect to see to much of Justin. He has a lot on his plate. Not to mention dealing with Brian.” Ben said with a laugh. “I think Brian will settle down once he gets used to Justin being here.” Ted commented, walking through the door with Blake in tow and joining the middle of the conversation. “Where is everyone?” “Melanie and Lindsay are resting, I think. They also had some last minute packing to do since they want to leave right after dinner. They should arrive in Toronto late tonight but the kids at least should sleep the entire trip, which should make the drive easier,” Deb clarified. “I can’t believe we’re all together again.” Ted added. “Ok Emmett, quick before Brian and Justin get here. Tell us about the house.” Michael asked. Molly and Jennifer arrived in time to overhear the request. “Wait a minute,” Molly said. Molly quickly joined Hunter in their usual spot to await the details. Both of them had heard so much about the house…now they couldn’t wait for details. “Ok, you can tell us now,” Molly continued, now that she was comfortable. “Words can simply not describe the house.” Emmett began. “You really have to see it.” Jennifer said. “So I think everyone is just going to have to table their curiosity until you’re invited out to see it. Knowing Brian, that means we’re all going to have to be REALLY patient.” Everyone let out a sigh of disappointment at Jennifer’s words, but everyone knew she was right. “You know Jennifer, you haven’t seen it since all the furniture that Justin and Gregory selected was put in place.” Emmett continued. “ They managed to preserve the uncluttered feel, even with all the furniture there.” “I know Justin was worried about that. Especially, since Brian hates clutter.” She responded. “So I’m glad everything worked out.” “I hope we get invited out there soon,” Michael added. “Drew, I heard the grounds are big enough for you and I to run patterns,” Calvin mentioned, joining the discussion. “I heard everything was surrounded by a wooded area,” Drew responded. “So we have to watch out for those trees.” They both laughed. Then Melanie came downstairs and chatted with the group for a while. Eventually, she and Ben drifted outside for a breath of fresh air. “So how has your visit been?” Ben asked, kicking off the conversation between them. “It was a good trip. I think Lindsay and I will come back in about a month. It will be good to see everyone again.” Melanie said suggestively, while secretly hoping that Ben wouldn’t ask for any further details. “Well if you’re willing to travel, Michael and I help out with some of your travel costs. I know that money is tight for you guys, and we do want to help. I pretty sure Brian would cover Lindsay and Gus travel costs, if you ask him. That way you can all fly here, and you won’t have to make that long drive next month. I know Michael is most eager to spoil JR again.” “Thanks Ben for the offer of the money. It will help. Lindsay and I aren’t earning in Canada, what we earned when we were living here. But things are getting better. I really want us to make a life there.” “I know you do. I can’t say I blame you, but just remember that your family is here when you need us.” “I need to ask you something, and I need this discussion to stay just between us. Can you do that?” Melanie quietly asked. “I think I can do that. What’s on your mind?” Ben asked. “How do you deal with the specter of Brian Kinney in Michael’s life?” “You never ask easy questions do you?” “No. I guess I don’t. Sometimes Brian and Lindsay are so close I just can’t deal with it.” “Look, Melanie. I’m not sure I can help. I know that Brian and Michael have a history. I will admit that sometimes Michael goes overboard. But Michael is like Debbie. They overpower and consume the ones they love. Brian and Michael are like brothers; they love each other. But, I know Michael loves me, and I guess I’m secure enough in that love that I don’t feel I have to compete with Brian for Michael affection. Michael still tries to keep Brian as some sort of trophy of his misspent youth, but Brian has changed. That simple fact has upset the delicate balance for Michael and probably does for Lindsay too. Neither of them ever expected Brian to grow up. So you see them looking longingly at Brian. It’s not that they want to be with Brian. It’s that they want the Brian of the past back…because they knew how to handle that Brian. This Brian is a bit of mystery for them. But Melanie, the old Brian is gone forever.” “I see what you mean. I hadn’t thought about it that way. Thanks.” Melanie and Ben went for a walk to talk about this a bit more before going back inside. *** “Jennifer, what did you think about Justin getting to exhibit for the opening of a new wing of the gallery?” Lindsay asked. “Things are really opening up for him aren’t they?” “Yes, and not only does he have the exhibit in Cincinnati, but he also has another show in New York at about the same time. I’m really excited for him. I really proud of all his success, but I have to admit, I really glad he’s back in the area. After all, he’s still my baby,” Jennifer remarked. “Mom, please don’t let Justin hear you say that, or we’ll never see him again. He’ll be so grossed out, he’ll hibernate to that mansion,” Molly pointed out, while she and Hunter exchanged glances. Everybody laughed. Ben and Melanie returned about this time. “What’s so funny?” Ben asked. “Mom still thinks of Justin as her baby. Yuk!” Molly repeated. “I like to think when Gus is 25 or so, I guess I’ll probably still think of him as my baby,” Lindsay said reflecting. “Absolutely, I still think of Michael as my baby,” Debbie added to the conversation. “And there in lies the first problem,” Hunter added with a laugh. Everyone else laughed too…well, except for Michael, who scrunched up his face and scowled, making everyone else laugh harder. *** The door suddenly opened and Gus ran in followed by Brian and Justin. “The main event has arrived,” Hunter whispered to Molly. “Things are about to get interesting.” Molly quietly laughed and waited for the action to begin. “I see you’re fashionably late…as usual,” Ted commented. “How else am I supposed to make my grand entrance?” Brian quipped. Gus ran into the room, said a quick hi to everyone, and made a beeline for Emmett. “Auntie Em, I’ve been waiting to see you,” Gus began. “I’m right here, Gus. What’s going on?” Emmett mistakenly asked, greeting Gus with tickles and hugs. “I saw ponies. I petted them. I fed them carrots. I sat on a pony. I had fun.” “You did. That sounds like fun.” “It was. I had a cowboy hat. Dad and Jus rode too. On ponies that were bigger than mine. Dad’s was the color of Justin’s hair. Justin’s was the color of Dad’s hair. We had fun.” There was a collective gasp from everyone present. Then everyone was asking the same question, “Brian, you were riding a horse?????” Justin just snickered, which caused Brian to scowl at him. “I don’t know why you’re all reacting this way. The house has stables, so of course I was riding,” Brian said with bravado. Then everyone was a buzz about this new piece of information about the house. Gus continued, not wanting his tale interrupted by these unnecessary details. “Dad and Justin said we could go riding again. I had so much fun.” “Well that’s great,” Emmett finally said, when he could get in a word edgewise. Jennifer took pity on Emmett and asked Gus another question: “So Gus, how do you like your room?” “I love my room. Justin got me big bear,” Gus explained, using his arm spread to indicate the size of the teddy bear. “I have a big room with toys and books and everything. I have a big bed. I slept in my room last night. We watched that movie again. I fell asleep. Dad carried me to my room.” “Wow Gus, you’ve been really busy. Did you have a good visit with Justin and your Dad?” Blake managed to ask, trying to join in the conversation. “I had fun. But I’m going home with Mommy and Mama tonight.” Gus explained reaching to give his mothers a hug, but then immediately running back to grab Brian’s leg. Brian picked Gus up and gave him a hug. Gus squealed with laughter. “So Justin did you get any painting done,” Lindsay asked. Brian scowled at the question, and Justin could feel Brian tense beside him. Justin slid his hand under Brian’s shirt and around his waist. Justin could feel Brian relax. “Yes, Gus and I spent most of yesterday in the studio. We got quite a bit done. “Of course when I got home they were BOTH covered with paint,” Brian added. “Lindsay you should see the size of my studio at the house. It’s actually big enough for me to once again work on large scale canvass.” “You haven’t done those since you had that dingy loft. You remember the one with the 18-flight walk up. But that seems like a lifetime ago,” Michael added. “Well my studio in New York is not much better than that old loft. But I could afford it, and it’s mine. I was fortunate that I didn’t have to share loft space anymore. I tried that for a while. Then I decided to wait tables so I could get my own space. The change was good. I painted better. I got more shows. I sold more paintings. So eventually I didn’t have to wait tables anymore.” “Justin, now that you’re settled. I still need that painting of me,” Drew added. “Just so you don’t forget.” “You still want him to make you a comic book superhero after all? Right Drew?” Brian smirked. “Don’t start, Brian. I was thinking about a portrait of him in his Brown Athletics underwear. I know just the spot for that picture.” Emmett interjected. “We all know what you have in mind, Em. But there are children present.” Brian added with a laugh. “Oh you!” Emmett quipped, hitting Brian on the arm. “Shall we eat?” Debbie asked, calling everyone to the table. *** After dinner, Brian stepped outside for a cigarette. Michael slipped out to join him. “Brian, are you all right.” “Yeah, Why?” “You were rather quiet during dinner.” “Are you kidding? With that crew in there, especially with Justin and Gus at the table, I couldn’t have gotten a word in, anyway. But I’m fine, Mikey.” “You and I haven’t really had a chance to talk. Are you still mad with me?” “Don’t worry I still love you Mikey, you know that. Always have…always will!” “Brian, I missed Justin when he was in New York. He and I talked all the time. But it wasn’t the same. I’m just glad he’s back.” “I know Mikey, I missed him too,” Brian said, almost in a whisper. “Did you and JR have a good visit?” “Yeah, I got a chance to really spoil my daughter. You should see her with Ben. I think because he’s so tall, she keeps staring up at him. Then she loves for him to pick her up.” “I bet she does.” Brian said with a laugh. “Gus really loves Justin, doesn’t he?” Michael said quietly. Brian laughed, “Yes he does. Well, you’ve seen them together.” “Yes I have. Can I ask you a question?” “Sure.” “What is it about Justin?” “What do you mean?” “You’ve known a lot of men. Why did you choose Justin?” “I didn’t choose Justin. He stalked me…remember?” They both laughed. “Who could forget? But seriously.” “All I know Mikey, is he gets me better than I get myself. With you and Lindsay it’s different; we have a history. With Justin it’s so much more. He gave me a reason to break all my rules. And Mikey, I love the me I am when I’m with him. I don’t know how else to explain it to you. Besides you said yourself, I couldn’t go on being an over the hill club boy.” “You’ve got to admit, though, you were the perfect poster boy for perpetual immaturity.” “Yea, I know. But Mikey, I’m so much more than that,” Brian whispered as he leaned over and pressed his forehead to Michael’s. Michael and Brian drifted back inside. *** A while later Justin drifted onto the back porch for a cigarette, and Melanie followed him. “Melanie.” “Hey, Justin. You and I haven’t had a chance to talk all week.” “I know, I’m sorry about that.” “I wanted to thank you in person for the painting. I love it. It’s hanging in my office. It’s like this gentle reminder.” “I’m glad you liked it.” “What made you paint it? What were you thinking?” Justin laughed, “Oh no, not you too. Brian asked me the same question.” “What did you tell him?” “Pretty much what I said to you in the letter.” “ I know that you and Brian don’t hate each other. I also know you too will spar with each other for a lifetime. I don’t expect that to change. You two are so much alike, it’s inevitable.” “Gee thanks, Justin,” she said sarcastically. “Seriously, you know that Lindsay loves you. You know that Gus loves you. That isn’t going to change. But you have to remember that Brian is very important to both Lindsay and Gus. And no matter what you do, Gus and Lindsay are always going to love Brian. And Melanie, at some point you have to stop fighting and realize that Brian is a good father to Gus. He loves his son.” “I know. As Gus gets older, he has this way of making his opinions known. Did you know he thinks of you as HIS Justin? He staged a hunger strike to see you. It’s beginning to feel like I have a miniature version of Brian in my house sometime. Gus inherited Brian’s stubbornness. But as Gus get older I’ve had to re-examine things. I’ve been doing a lot of thinking.” “Oh? About what?” “I’m going to only admit this to you, but I know that Gus needs both you and Brian in his life. Try as we might, I realize that Lindsay and I can’t do it all. I heard what you said to Lindsay at lunch. It’s just that it’s so hard to accept that Brian has changed.” “I guess Brian’s falling in love with Gus the day he was born kind of ruined your definition of YOUR family. Huh?” Justin asked. “Yeah, I guess it did. But Gus is happier with Brian in his life. So I’m going to have to come to terms with it, I guess. When did you get so smart?” “I keep telling Brian, it’s those paint fumes.” They both started laughing. Melanie reached out and hugged Justin. “Brian is lucky to have you. I hope he realizes it.” “It works both ways, Melanie.” “Take care of yourself. Lindsay and I will be back next month, so you and Brian will have a little visitor again.” “That’s great.” “It will just be for a weekend though. We’ll fly next time, so the trip will be easier.” “I’ll probably still be here.” “Yep, Brian will still have you in exile at the mansion,” Melanie said with a laugh as she turned to go back inside. She then reached out and pulled Justin with her. “Let me get you back inside before Gus and Brian come looking for you.” *** The hour was getting late and Melanie wanted to get on the road back to Toronto. So everyone helped Melanie and Lindsay load everything into their car. Everyone hugged each other goodbye. Michael easily loaded a sleeping JR into her car seat and kissed her goodbye. Gus tried to clamp onto Justin neck. Eventually, Brian was able to peel him away and placed him in the car. Lindsay reassured Gus that they were coming back in a few weeks. So Gus released his death grip on Justin and finally, allowed Brian to place him in the car. “See you soon, Sonny Boy,” Brian said, once again kissing Gus goodbye. “I’ll see you soon.” Gus reached up and hugged his dad, “See you soon, Dad.” Justin leaned in the window to say one more goodbye, “See you next month, Gus.” Gus clapped his hands. Melanie and Lindsay did final hugs with Brian and Justin. And then they were off. As Melanie drove off, she reached for Lindsay’s hand. “I’m glad we made the trip. I love you, Lindsay.” “I love you too.” *** Back at Debbie’s everyone was getting ready to leave. “Dinner was great as usual, Deb.” Justin said, giving Debbie a hug and kiss. “You know I love having you here, Sunshine. Look, I know you’re busy with your painting, but I have some leftovers for you to take home. I don’t want you to wither away while you’re in exile at the house.” “Sunshine, why is it that everyone thinks I’m holding you in exile? How come no one seems to thinks that you’re holding me captive? Huh? What wrong with this picture?” Brian inquired of everyone. “Brian, give it up. I’m the innocent here. Everybody knows that. I think it’s the blond hair.” Justin explained. Everyone laughed. “Are you going to Babylon?” Michael asked Brian. “It’s still pretty early.” Brian at first looked at Michael in complete disbelief. Then he remembered it was Michael, and he accepted that some things never change. Slipping his arm casually around Justin’s waist, Brian simply said, “No Mikey, I’m going to take Sunshine home. We need to get up early tomorrow to work on a project, and I want him well rested. He’s had a rather busy week. Maybe another time.” “Sure.” Michael accepted quietly, leaning into Ben for support. And with that, everyone finally departed for home, and another dinner at Debbie’s came to an end.