Lois and Carolyn, thanks for the beta...you’re the greatest!
Author’s comments: If all the references to the muffins don’t seem familiar, please see Chapter 42 of “Talisman Of Time” to refresh you memory.
Chapter 51 – Dinnertime at Debbie’s (Sidebar) Early Friday Evening…(Day 47) After the limo arrived at Debbie’s, Carl and Em helped bring in the luggage from the limo while Lindsay and Melanie immediately greeted Debbie with hugs and kisses. Jenny wasn’t too sure she was interested in a hug at this point, so she immediately hid behind Melanie for protection. “She’s just tired, Deb, you have to give her a few minutes,” Lindsay explained. “Sure,” Debbie agreed sadly. Melanie and Lindsay made themselves comfortable in the living room to relax. “So how was your flight?” Debbie casually asked. “It was a lot easier than driving,” Melanie quickly admitted. “The limo Brian arranged helped too. Although I must admit that even with the limo, it felt good to find Brian waiting for us at the airport when we landed.” “Oh, you saw Brian?” Debbie asked. “Was Justin with him?” “No, Justin had already left earlier to take Paul and Jason back to their house. Brian met us alone…or rather he met us with Nicky.” Emmett and Carl came back in the room and joined everyone. “You should have seen Gus and Nicky when they first saw each other. They were so cute. And I think Jenny has a new love interest,” Lindsay recounted with her usual romantic enthusiasm, “In fact, she seems to be quite taken with Nicky.” Emmett picked up Jenny, who broke into a smile at seeing Em. “Well Miss Jenny, I see that you have excellent taste at such a young age. Was it the curls or the freckles that attracted you?” Jenny didn’t answer, but she laughed and buried her head into Emmett’s shoulder. “I have to admit, Nicky is a cutie. He’s going to grow up and break a lot of hearts,” Lindsay admitted. “So Brian was there. How did he seem to you?” Debbie innocently asked, still hoping to find out what Lindsay and Melanie knew. “We didn’t spend a lot of time with him. He and Gus were glad to see each other, of course. And then Gus asked the inevitable question about where’s Justin, so they were off,” Melanie explained. “So Brian left the airport alone with both Nicky and Gus?” Debbie asked, trying to form a mental image of this unlikely group. “Do you think the kids will be ok?” “Brian is pretty used to handling Gus. He’s spent lots of time with him lately. And evidently he’s spent lots of time with Nicky too. Both kids seemed to adore being with him,” Melanie added. “I guess he’s now on his way out to the house,” Lindsay said, “Do you think that with Paul and Jason being in town, we might actually get invited out to the house for a visit?” Lindsay asked aloud, as she was really hoping for this invitation. Emmett could see the way this conversation was going and he wanted to do his part to help his friends. “I don’t know…Brian and Justin have been really busy. They’ve been out of town all week. They just got back from New York themselves,” Emmett patiently explained. “It’s wonderful that Justin’s career is doing so well. I knew it was a good idea for him to take his art to the next level in New York,” Lindsay commented, being extremely proud of herself, “He’s going to be really successful if he doesn’t lose focus.” Emmett picked up on this new piece of information. So Lindsay was responsible for Justin going off to New York. He should have known that this wasn’t a decision that Brian and Justin would arrive at without undue outside pressure. Emmett started to worry that Lindsay was about to stir up more trouble. “What do you mean by lose focus?” he asked hesitantly. “You know, he shouldn’t let Brian or anything else distract him from his art,” Lindsay confidently explained. Emmett, Carl, and Debbie just looked at each other, exchanging silent messages. Emmett wasn’t ready to let things drop. “Since when has Brian been a distraction? He’s always been most supportive of Justin’s art,” he reminded her. “I mean that Brian keeps luring Justin out to the mansion, when he should be locked away in his New York studio painting. Or at least in New York making those all-important contacts that will further his career,” Lindsay explained. “Gee Lindsay, how on earth has Justin managed this last year without your guidance and protection?” Emmett said sarcastically. “From where I sit, Justin seems to be doing just fine with his career.” Lindsay heard the subtle reprimand imbedded in what Emmett had said. She looked over at Melanie and read the nonverbal warning in her expression too, so Lindsay immediately let the subject drop. Debbie thought that since some time had passed, it was now time to make another try to get Jenny to come to her. So Debbie simply smiled and held her arms opened. Emmett lowered Jenny back down to the floor. This time Jenny was willing to run into Debbie’s waiting arms. “That’s better,” Debbie said with a laugh as she hugged and tickled her granddaughter, before placing her on her lap. “Why don’t you girls go freshen up and get settled? Dinner is almost ready. I’m sure you must be starved after your long flight,” Debbie said cheerfully. “Thanks Deb,” Melanie said, picking up Jenny. Then Jenny, Melanie, and Lindsay headed upstairs. When they were gone, Debbie grabbed both Carl and Emmett by the fronts of their shirts and pulled them close to her, “I expect you both to remember to keep your fucking mouths shut about what we know, do I make myself clear?” In fear for their lives at that moment, Emmett and Carl quickly agreed by nodding yes. “Good,” Debbie said with a smile as she finally released them. Ben and Michael arrived at Debbie’s, just as she was releasing Carl and Emmett. “What’s going on?” Michael asked, making his way over to kiss his mother. “Nothing you little shit, why would you think something’s going on?” Debbie asked with a hint of guilt in her voice. “Judging by the strange things in the living room, it looks like Melanie and Lindsay are already here,” Ben commented with a laugh. He leaned down and kissed Debbie too, “How are you?” he asked. “Just fine, Ben. Yes, they just arrived a few minutes ago. They’re upstairs freshening up. You two are just in time, are you staying for dinner?” Debbie asked. “Sure,” Michael quickly agreed. “Hunter is tied up studying…or so he says…so it looks like it’s just me and Ben, and you know how we love your cooking.” “Why don’t you and Ben wash your hands, then you can help me set the table,” Debbie instructed. “Sure Mom, no problem,” Michael willingly agreed, as he and Ben approached the sink. “I heard that Paul and Jason are in town too. I guess that means we should have a rather large crowd here for Sunday dinner,” Debbie said joyfully. “That reminds me, I need to call Brian and Justin and remind them to bring Paul, Jason, and Nicky to Sunday dinner. It’s been ages since we’ve seen them. I’ve always liked Paul, even back when he and Brian were in school together. Now he and Jason seem like a really nice couple. And of course, I’m just dying to see Nicky. ” “You need to do that, Honey,” Carl agreed. “You should probably give them a call after dinner.” “Has anyone talked to Brian?” Michael asked. “I haven’t been able to reach him.” “He and Sunshine were at the Diner earlier this afternoon. It seems Sunshine had a craving for one of my lemon squares, so they walked down from Brian’s office. They looked really happy,” Debbie relayed with a smile. “I just wonder why Brian hasn’t returned any of my calls,” Michael started to complain. “You know how Brian is, he probably figured he’d see you over the weekend. He and Justin just got back into town, and with houseguests and all…he’s probably kind of busy,” Emmett pointed out. “But I’m sure you’ll see him soon.” “Yes, Paul and Jason and Nicky are all visiting this weekend in addition to Gus,” Debbie added, “Brian and Justin probably have their hands full.” “They were all just together in Cincinnati last weekend,” Michael said thoughtfully, “Why on earth are they visiting so soon. You would think they would get tired of each other,” he continued to consider aloud. “I think Paul and Jason are here so that Nicky can have a play date with Gus,” Emmett added, thinking he should try to clear things up before Michael had a drama queen moment. “Although there are rumors afloat that Miss Jenny might already have a new love interest,” Emmett teased, “So I wouldn’t be surprised if they were around a lot more from now on.” “What are you talking about?” Michael asked, not liking the sound of Brian having more frequent houseguests. After all, Brian was his best friend and Michael was not sure he wanted to share Brian’s time any more than he already had to. “I heard that once Miss Jenny took one look at Nicky…it was like in the movies,” Em continued. “I think she’s a little young for Michael to be worried,” Ben teased. “Don’t you?” “I don’t know,” Lindsay said re-entering the room with Jenny in her arms. “Nicky is quite a cutie. How are you Michael…Ben?” Lindsay said, giving them each a kiss. “First crush already?” Michael said, “How are you my little Honeybunch?” he asked, taking a smiling Jenny from Lindsay’s arms. At this point, Debbie called everyone into dinner, and they settled in at the table, with Michael placing Jenny’s high chair between himself and Melanie...and with Ben sitting on the other side of him. “Where’s Gus?” Michael finally asked, once they were all settled. “He’s with Brian of course?” Lindsay quipped. “I know that Linds! What I’m asking, is how did Gus get to Brian? Since Brian works all the time, did you drop Gus off at Brian’s office on your way here?” Michael asked sarcastically. “No, Brian and Nicky were waiting for us at the airport. That’s how Jenny had her love-at-first-sight moment with Nicky,” Lindsay said wistfully, reflecting again on the romantic moment. “Lindsay, please!” Melanie interrupted. “Lindsay is such a romantic! I think that Jenny just watched Gus hug Nicky…so she just copied him. Don’t worry Michael, Emmett doesn’t have to start planning our daughter’s wedding yet,” she said with a laugh. “Brian was at the airport?” Michael asked with complete surprise, “But I thought Brian made arrangements for a limo for you guys.” “He did, and the limo and driver sure made things easier for us, but Brian was there too,” Melanie added as a way explanation. “I must admit seeing him there to meet us was a welcome sight.” “See, you were worried that Brian was shirking his responsibilities,” Ben said, leaning over to kiss Michael gently on the cheek. “As usual, you had no reason for concern.” “I’m surprised that he can find the time,” Michael began to complain, “After all, he seems to be too busy to call me, his best friend.” Everyone at the table rolled their eyes at this point, for they had all heard this tirade many times. “Looks like both Gus and I are both being neglected,” he added with a pout. “Gus isn’t being neglected,” Melanie said nonchalantly between bites of food. “What’s that supposed to mean?” Michael asked incredulously. “Brian is only a drop-in dad. Of course, Gus is being neglected. Not like my little Honeybunch,” he emphasized with an air of superiority, while tickling Jenny under her chin. “Actually Gus has spent a lot of time with Brian and Justin lately,” Melanie confirmed. “How is that possible?” Michael challenged. “Let’s see,” Lindsay began to ponder aloud. “He came to Toronto a couple of times and played with Gus and Jenny…Gus went to Cincinnati with him and Justin…now he’s here with them at the house. “Brian also talks to Gus weekly. So I wouldn’t say that Gus is neglected at all,” Melanie added with a laugh. “Not to mention that Gus has two full time mommies.” “Good for Brian!” Debbie interrupted, wanting to bring this line of conversation to an end. Michael still wasn’t content, but Jenny demanded his help with a spoonful of food. So he paid attention to his daughter and quickly forgot about everything else. “Last time you were here, you had business to take care of…do you have any special plans for this trip?” Debbie asked. “Just a few things that we wanted to do tomorrow morning,” Melanie said, “If I can convince Michael to pick up Jenny after breakfast tomorrow?” “I’d love to spend time with my Honeybunch,” Michael said, again tickling his nearby daughter under her chin. Ben allowed himself to breathe a sigh of relief. “Well tomorrow is Saturday and Justin’s in town. I guess I should whip up a batch of special muffins…” “Oh no! With Justin and Brian having house guests, you don’t really expect them to show up for brunch,” Michael protested. “Even if Justin is addicted to your muffins…an addiction, I don’t understand, by the way.” “I don’t know. Justin and I still have complex marketing strategies to discuss,” Ben mentioned with a serious tone to his voice. Everyone looked over at him when he made that remark. But only Melanie could find her voice. “Don’t you mean you have to talk with Brian about these things?” Melanie asked, sort of bewildered by Ben’s comment. “Isn’t he the resident expert on these things?” “Not really. Brian seems to have some reservations about our marketing idea. But Justin and I aren’t deterred. Brian isn’t sure about sales since Justin drowns my innocent muffins in butter. Now, Brian may have problems with the idea…but I did notice how many morsels of buttered-muffins he removed from Justin’s plate,” Ben added with a laugh. “Are we talking about the same muffins you gave us to sample the last time we were here?” Lindsay asked with a smile. Everyone started to shake their heads. “Don’t say it, Linds, it’ll hurt Ben’s feelings,” Michael said quickly. “Justin and Hunter seem to be the only ones who like the muffins. Go figure!” “And let’s not forget Brian.” Ben added with a laugh. “We all know how picky Brian is…let’s remember that he ate my muffins too.” “Brian probably ate your muffins because they were on Justin’s plate,” Lindsay teased. “Gus is the that way too. Both of them have the same bad habit. They’ll refuse to eat something…but if that item happens to be on Justin’s plate…they just keep stealing morsels.” Everyone suddenly had the image of Brian, devouring these very fattening muffins drowned in butter, and they couldn’t resist laughing. “So I see that this is a habit that father and son share alike,” Carl said with a laugh. “Who would have ever thought that bad habits like this would be genetic?” “I guess it goes to show, the effect of parental influence,” Ben suggested with a laugh. “No, it can’t be that,” Melanie added with a laugh. “Gus spends most of his time with Lindsay and me, and we both have perfect table manners. Gus doesn’t really spend THAT much time with Brian and Justin. You know I think you’re right…I think this habit must be genetic,” Melanie added with an amount of certainty in her voice. “Just like their strong attraction to Justin. You have to admit, both Brian and Gus are really crazy about Justin.” “That’s for sure,” Emmett agreed. “For both of them…it was love at first sight.” “So you’ve been watching those Lana Turner movies again, huh Em?” Melanie teased. No one could resist a gentle laugh. “I wouldn’t say love at first sight exactly,” Lindsay added, remembering the past. “Certainly not!” Michael corrected. “Justin was just a persistent stalker that eventually just wore Brian down. Justin was the perfect example of the Twink that wouldn’t leave. Brian hasn’t been able to get rid of him in all this time. But Justin still lives in New York, and Brian still lives in Pittsburgh,” he added thoughtfully. “So now I don’t know.” “Can’t you see how much in love they are now?” Emmett said wistfully. Debbie cleared her throat, and then she said, “Earth to Emmett!” Emmett realized what he was thinking and simply said, “Sorry…” Everyone else couldn’t help but smile at Emmett’s antics. *** Melanie and Lindsay gave Jenny her bath and helped her settle down for the night. Ben and Michael tucked Jenny in, and Ben read her a bedtime story, and they both kissed her goodnight. “She’s really grown in the month since we’ve seen her,” Michael said sadly. “At this rate she’ll be grown up before we know it.” “I wouldn’t go jumping to conclusions, Michael,” Ben pointed out. “I guess I’m overdoing it, huh?” Michael seemed to realize what he was doing. “Maybe just a bit,” Ben suggested, “But I do understand. You have a beautiful daughter, Michael. I guess we really do need to work a little harder to contribute to her college fund and to see what we can do to help Lindsay and Melanie to raise her. After all, Jenny is your daughter too.” “But I thought that you said, you couldn’t support two households?” Michael said with some irritation. “I can’t support two households, but helping out Melanie and Lindsay support your daughter is what you do when it’s your kid.” Ben explained, “Just like Brian contributes to help support Gus, we should see what we can contribute too,” Ben continued. “What’s the problem? Brian can afford it. Like you said, we can’t.” Michael pouted. “She’s your daughter, Michael. We have to do more than buy her every toy that you can think of,” Ben pointed out. “It’s no longer a question of what you’re required to do by law. It’s a matter of doing what is right. We just have to figure out someway to help.” “I just want my daughter to be happy,” Michael challenged. “She is happy.” “What are you to whispering about?” Debbie asked as she passed by the door. “Just admiring my beautiful daughter,” Michael said. “She is beautiful, isn’t she?” Debbie cooed, “She looks so much like you, especially when she’s sleeping.” “Yeah, you’re so right,” Ben agreed. “I just wish that she lived closer by,” Michael pointed out. “Then I could see her everyday. I wish Mel and Linds would move back to Pittsburgh.” “We all wish that Honey, but we don’t get to decide where those close to us live. We have to be a supportive family and support the girls in their decision about Canada. But you have to admit, they have been really good about making sure that we remain a part of Jenny’s life,” she admitted. “Still, I want to suggest to them while they’re here, that they consider moving back to Pittsburgh. Maybe it’s something that they haven’t thought about,” Michael tried to persuade. “I’m sure they’ve thought about it. I’m sure they miss us as much as we miss them. But, for right now, Toronto is the right place for them. You have to accept that,” Debbie pointed out. Michael continued to grumble as they all went back downstairs to the living room. Debbie reached for the phone and called Brian’s cell phone. Her call rolled over into voice mail, so she left a message about everyone being invited to Sunday dinner. *** Later that night after everyone had settled down for the night, Carl and Debbie were curled up in bed watching late night television. “So do you want to tell me what’s bothering you, or are you going to simply fidget all night?” Carl patiently asked. “I’m not fidgeting. I’m thinking.” Debbie said in response. “What about?” Carl asked even though he already knew the answer. “I’m really worried about how Michael is going to take the news about Brian and Justin,” she began. “You have to admit, legalizing their domestic partnership was a really big step. It’s so final. Brian and Justin are REALLY a couple now. I so wish that Vic were here to see this. He would also know just how to handle this with Michael.” “Vic was also so fond of both Brian and Justin,” Carl added. “I’m sure he’s really happy for them wherever he is. Now why don’t you try to get some sleep? I have a feeling tomorrow is going to be quite a day. “Whatever happens, we’ll all be here for Michael.” “As if Brian and Justin’s legalized domestic partnership weren’t enough,” Debbie continued, “Michael is going to try to get Lindsay and Melanie to move back here to Pittsburgh. He wants to see his daughter more often. If he brings this up to the girls they are bound to become upset. This is going to cause trouble, I can feel it.” “Like I said, we will be here for Michael and help him deal with whatever happens,” Carl assured her again. “Maybe, you’re right,” Debbie finally agreed, switching off the television. They said their goodnights and snuggled together. Now the house was finally quiet, as Melanie once again tried to fall asleep. She thought to herself, ‘Oh Debbie, you forgot this house has paper thin walls. So Michael wants us to move back here. Not in this lifetime…I want more for my daughter than this. And Brian and Justin legalized their domestic partnership. Oh God, this is Lindsay’s worst nightmare. Brian literally just gave everything irrevocably to Justin. All hell is going to break out this weekend. I definitely need to get some sleep.’ Melanie finally settled down and snuggled in closer to her soundly sleeping partner.