Lois and Carolyn, thanks for the beta...you’re the greatest!
Author’s Comments: Hopefully you have read the sidebar about Melanie and Lindsay’s counseling session in Chapter 1 of “More Sessions In Pitts”. Here is another chapter of vignettes to keep our regular story moving along.
Chapter 55 – The Day Continues Late Saturday Morning…(Day 48)
Emmett and Ted
Emmett was on his way to Torso when he passed by Red Cape Comics. Michael was in the store, and Hunter was standing behind the counter. Emmett couldn’t help thinking about the discussion at the breakfast table with Lindsay. Lindsay had interfered more than anyone realized in the relationship with Brian and Justin. As Emmett reflected on everything, he better understood why Brian took the action he did. He made sure they legalized their relationship first, and then told everyone about it later. Emmett understood all that, but still he couldn’t suppress his overriding concern that someone needed to warn Michael. Of course, Emmett knew that he was the gossip queen, but when he assessed the current situation, he realized that too many people already knew about Brian and Justin…none of whom were evidently capable of keeping a simple secret. It had only been 24 hours and look at the number of people who already knew. He wasn’t sure what to do, but Emmett knew that he needed the voice of calm reason, so he walked up Liberty Avenue toward Kinnetik. Emmett realized that Brian must have told Ted the news, because after all, Ted managed the financial affairs for both Brian and Justin, so he figured that Ted was a safe person for him to talk to. After confirming that Ted was, in fact, at the office, Emmett casually asked if he could drop by. Ted, being the ever-faithful friend, agreed to an interruption to his already jam-packed, thanks-to-Brian, Saturday. Ted escorted Emmett to his office. There was a moment of silence between the two friends, each waiting for the other to begin. Then finally Emmett spoke up. “Teddy, you know don’t you?” Emmett began. “I know a lot of things Em, most of which I’m not at liberty to divulge. Would you like to be a tad more specific?” Ted said, believing that thus far he had dodged the first volley. “You know that Brian and Justin legalized their relationship don’t you?” Emmett said, now standing with hands on his hips. “How do you know that?” Ted innocently asked, guessing that living in the house with Debbie and thin walls, might have something to do with it. “Brian and Justin told Debbie. Debbie told Carl. I overheard them. So Debbie confirmed it for me,” Emmett explained matter-of-factly. “I see the gay grapevine is working overtime, as usual,” Ted said with a laugh. “Pray tell, who else knows?” “Let’s see, Debbie told Melanie. Gus talked about toasts last night at Bri-tin. So Melanie told Lindsay. And I think Justin must have told Jennifer,” Emmett relayed. “Since it’s obvious that you already knew. I would guess that Ben and Michael are probably the only ones who don’t know.” “I see that news still has a way of traveling fast around here,” Ted said with a laugh. “This isn’t funny, Teddy. Michael is going to have a fit. You know how possessive he is of Brian. Brian and Justin being legally bound together forever, is Michael’s worst nightmare. Someone has got to tell him,” Emmett demanded. “And who, pray tell, are you planning to assign that unpleasant task,” Ted asked. “ I was hoping….” Em began but couldn’t get any further. “Forget it Em, as fond as I am of Michael, I definitely love my job more. I’m going to stay out of the line of fire on this one. I recommend that you do the same. Michael is a big boy. He accepted their forthcoming marriage easily last year. He’ll do the same thing with this news. After all, nothing has really changed. Brian and Justin have been a couple for a long time now. I just don’t see what difference this legal status change really makes,” Ted reminded him casually. “It shouldn’t make a difference…but trust me…it does,” Emmett acknowledged quietly. “So what are you going to do?” Ted asked cautiously, hoping against hope that the answer was ‘nothing’. “Well, I’m going to take your advice. I’m going to go shopping. That always makes me feel better.” “Excellent idea, Em,” Ted reassured him with a sigh of relief. ***
Brian, Justin, Paul, Jason, Nicky, and Gus
Justin carried Nicky downstairs dressed in Paul’s designer shirt. The fit of an adult’s designer shirt on a four-year-old left much to be desired. The shirt reached all the way down to Nicky’s ankles, and Justin had rolled up the sleeves so that Nicky actually had hands available to use. He was really a sight for all to behold. As Justin and Nicky approached Paul, he thought to himself that it was good thing that Justin was carrying Nicky, because Nicky would surely trip on the shirttail. Paul couldn’t resist smiling at the sight of his young son, no matter how improperly dressed he looked. Finally Justin simply held Nicky’s hand allowing him to learn to walk in his new outfit. Nicky struggled to run into Paul’s arms. “Daddy, I’m going to go paint,” Nicky proclaimed, completely unfazed by his unique appearance. “And of course you’re letting me have one final look my designer shirt,” Paul teased with mock sadness, “You’re such a good son.” Paul and Jason each gave Nicky a hug, and he happily disappeared with Gus and Justin into the studio. Justin had already set up the corner of the studio with paints and paper and all sorts of craft toys for Gus and Nicky to work with. Justin dressed Gus in one of Brian’s shirts, and he set the kids free to experiment with everything. Every time that Gus was working on something…Nicky would at first try to copy him. Eventually Nicky got the hang of things, and he was off and running with his own creative ideas. The time passed quickly. Periodically, Justin would look over at the two kids, wondering how he was going to get the spattered paint out of Nicky’s hair. Meanwhile, Justin flipped through his sketchpad and found a drawing of Gus and Nicky. He finally decided to capture this image onto canvas. As Gus and Nicky worked contentedly in their corner, they finished several pictures. As each one was completed, Justin stopped and made sure that they signed and dated their respective works of art. Justin carefully placed each picture on the wall of the studio, so it could be admired. Gus and Nicky were beaming with pride. After an hour, Brian decided that Gus and Nicky had probably had enough time in the studio so he gently knocked on the door. “Gus, would you and Nicky like to go shopping with us?” Brian innocently asked. Two paint covered kids looked at him incredulously. “No Dad, we’re busy. We’re painting with Jus, see?” Gus said, pointing to all their artwork covering to the walls. “I see,” Brian said as he leaned in and kissed Justin gently, before he left the three of them to continue their artistic endeavors in the studio. Once safely in the hallway, Brian couldn’t help laughing all the way back to the kitchen to relate to Paul and Jason, what he had just seen. “I’m afraid, we’ve lost our kids,” Brian tried to relate. “Justin is putting their art work all over the walls. The good news is Justin is at least standing by his easel. Gus and Nicky are working in the corner. It’s only been an hour or so, and they’ve already got paint all over them. I have never seen them happier,” he relayed with a laugh. “At least now Justin will stop giving us the lecture about us limiting Nicky’s creativity. He’s been really concerned about this,” Paul reminded them. “Do you think they’re going to come out and join us for lunch?” Jason asked. “Molly will be here for lunch. Maybe she’ll be able to coax them away from Justin and the paints. But she grew up with Justin and his art, so I wouldn’t be surprised if she joined them in the studio,” Brian added with another laugh. Then his mood suddenly changed. “What’s the matter?” Paul asked, noting the change in demeanor. “Oh no. If Molly joins them in the studio, that means that I’ll probably have to sacrifice another shirt to the cause,” Brian said in horror. “But such a worthy cause,” Jason teased. “The jury’s still out on that one,” Brian replied, “Wait until you two try to finally de-paint Nicky,” he continued to tease. “Then see how worthy the cause is.” “You know Brian, you could have chosen a partner, who was simply a great artist, like I did. Then you could have easily put him to work in the firm,” Paul teased, “But oh no, you had to go for a great artist, who works in all mediums. Things were bound to get messy.” “I do get your point,” Brian teased back, “And it’s really wonderful when Justin has time to work with me at Kinnetik. He’s really easy to work with.” “Except for the international incident…” Jason gently reminded him. “Yeah well, every campaign needs an occasional international intermediary thrown into the mix,” Brian quipped. “It does keep things interesting. In fact, while Justin and I were in New York, I had to unexpectedly deal with the our Italian client again.” “Oh no!” Paul said with a laugh. “How did it go?” “Let me see,” Brian tried to figure out exactly how to word this, “They felt I was uncooperative and lacked the proper sensibilities to deal with their problem, so they demanded the opportunity to make their case to Justin…because with his artistic sensibilities…they thought that he would be more attuned to their dilemma.” Paul and Jason couldn’t stop laughing. “How do you put up with them?” Paul asked. “For all their trouble, they are genuinely fond of Justin. It took me a while to figure out that they just missed him, because once he showed up, they wouldn’t stop fawning all over him. The daughters are almost as bad as Gus. It’s still really embarrassing,” Brian said mockingly. Paul and Jason once again laughed, “How do you think they’re going to take the news of your legal partnership? It will probably be published in the New York papers, won’t it?” Jason curiously asked. “Nothing’s really changed. They’ve known we were a couple for quite some time,” Brian said casually. “Of course, the daughters will be drama princesses about it, I’m sure. Every time we have a meeting, I now have to hear about their slowly mending broken hearts because Justin chose me instead of one of them. It’s just never ending.” “Yes, but now when they have disputes with you they can legally appeal to Justin because now, he really is your equal partner in Kinnetik,” Paul reminded him. “They’ll probably try it a few more times. Then Justin will remind them how much trouble he can actually be. I’m not really worried. Things will sort themselves out,” Brian said with a knowing smile. Paul decided to change the subject. “So you think that Molly will join them in the studio?” “Yeah, but fortunately, Melanie and Lindsay will be here, so at least we’ll have someone to talk to,” Brian confessed. “That’s good. It’s been a long time since we’ve all been together,” Paul said wistfully. Moments later, Brian, Paul, and Jason were sitting in the kitchen crafting their menu and grocery list for lunch today when Teres quietly entered. “Brian, what are you doing in the kitchen?” she teased, as if this was the beginning of the apocalypse. “Contrary to popular opinion, Teres, I do know my way around a kitchen. Maybe not this kitchen yet, but I’m working on it,” he teased. “We’re having a few friends over for an impromptu lunch, so the three of us were trying to plan things,” Brian tried to explain. Teres tried to use all of the restraint at her disposal to contain the laughter that was about to erupt. “Please, may I join you,” she calmly asked, taking a seat. “You know Brian, I thought we’d agreed that you and Justin would leave complex meals to me from now on,” she gently reminded him. “But this was so last minute…” Brian began as a way of explanation. “I couldn’t ask you…” “I’ll take care of it. Just tell me how many people?” Teres said, shaking her head. “Plan on seven adults and two kids,” Brian said with a sigh. “Plus you never know who else will suddenly drop by.” “No problem,” Teres said with a laugh. “But just for laughs, why don’t you three show me what you were planning?” Brian, Paul, and Jason filled Teres in on their plans so far. Paul and Brian were quick to remind her that they did this for a living, so she was supposed to be suitably impressed. Teres reminded them that they did complex events. She was thinking more about a simple lunch…buffet-style…assorted selections. “Teres, just so you know, Paul and I are taking you back to Cincinnati with us,” Jason said, wrapping his arms around her shoulders. “You’re a genius.” “Ok, so we went a bit overboard,” Brian finally acknowledged, “It probably comes from hanging around with Justin.” “That may be true. I’ve heard bits and pieces about Nicky’s birthday party,” Teres admitted. “Well, I’ll fill you in on all the gory details when we’re alone,” Jason teased. “I’d like that,” Teres said with a smile. “Now, why don’t you just continue to visit? I have everything covered. I’ll be back shortly.” Teres walked a few steps towards the door then she stopped, “I take it that Justin and the little ones are busy in his studio?” she asked with a smile. Brian nodded yes with a laugh, “We may never see them again,” he teased. “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure that they eat too,” she calmly assured them. “Thanks,” Brian said with a laugh. A few minutes later, Thomas appeared in the kitchen. Brian asked his help in hanging the painting in his study. Thomas followed his lead. As they passed through the living room, Thomas immediately noticed the painting over the mantel. “I see your last horseback riding adventure has been captured on canvas,” he said with a smile. “Justin is a wonderful artist.” They finally reached the study, and Thomas saw the new painting. He couldn’t resist teasing Brian just a little more. “I see that you’re often a model for Justin’s painting. I don’t know a lot about art, but I see that Justin has done an excellent job capturing your likeness.” “I’ll be sure to tell him,” Brian said with a slight laugh. “Ok so, I’m going to hang this one here for a while until I think of a better place to put it.” “Let me go get some tools and hardware. I’ll be right back,” Thomas said, as he was leaving. “I like Thomas and Teres,” Jason said. “They manage to tease the great Brian Kinney and live to tell about it.” “They know they have me over a barrel. I couldn’t possibly run this house without them. They are crazy about Justin, and a bit overprotective too as he gets ready for his shows. So at the moment I seem to be their foible,” Brian said with a shrug. A few minutes later, the painting of ‘Brian among the rumpled sheets’ was added to a wall of his study. Brian looked around and thought to himself, ‘he was going to really enjoy working from home’. ***
Jennifer, Molly, and Brian
Brian’s musings were interrupted when the doorbell rang. “It’s started already.” “Hi Brian, I know that we’re a little early,” Jennifer said when he opened the door, “But I have to present an offer to a client nearby. You know how it goes,” she added with a laugh. “Unfortunately, yes I do,” Brian responded. “I have some listings in New York to show you, when you have some time,” Jennifer said with a laugh, thinking ‘when would that ever be’. Brian brushed aside her obvious dig and changed the subject. “Mother Taylor, this may be a trivial thing, but I have to ask, where’s Molly?” Brian gently asked. “Oh, she’s getting her suitcase out of the car, she’ll be right in,” Jennifer relayed. “Suitcase?” Brian asked incredulously. “She said it was ok with you if she stayed overnight,” Jennifer said, “Oh Brian, I’m so sorry!” she said in horror, once she figured out that she had been manipulated by Molly. “It’s fine, Mother Taylor. It’s not as if Justin and I were here alone,” Brian teased. “Besides Nicky and Gus will love it.” “Are you sure?” Jennifer questioned. “Absolutely. So you may as well tell her it’s safe to come in now,” Brian said with a laugh. Jennifer reached back to open the door, and Molly sheepishly entered the foyer. “Molly, just so you know, you’re in a lot a trouble!” Jennifer teased. “Brian, help me,” Molly said, leaning into him for protection, a move so similar to her brother that Brian had to smile. Brian wrapped his arms around her waist. “I understand you invited yourself to stay overnight?” he teased. “How else can I play with Nicky and Gus?” Molly asked resolutely, like the reasoning should have been obvious to everyone. “Well put your suitcase upstairs in YOUR room. I’m sure you already know where it is? Then come back down, and you can say hello to everyone,” Brian suggested. “Mother Taylor, I would introduce you to Nicky, but at the moment he’s been painting with Justin for several hours now, need I say more?” “I get the picture,” Jennifer said with a smile. “Why don’t you come back and visit with us after you finish with your client. I’ll hide a sandwich from Justin for you. We’re only going to be hanging out. Come back and spend some time with Paul and Jason. We’ll probably even have Nicky cleaned up by then,” Brian teased. “I may just do that,” Jennifer said with a laugh, completely surprised by the invitation. “Bye, Mother Taylor, we’re family now,” Brian said, leaning down to give Jennifer a kiss goodbye on the cheek. Jennifer couldn’t resist returning a smile, “I’ll call you later, Brian.” As Jennifer was leaving, Brian’s cell phone started ringing. He quickly answered it. “Brian, it’s Melanie. Lindsay and I just finished our appointment.” Melanie continued talking to give him some idea of their location. “Why don’t you two grab a cup a coffee and relax, I’m on my way to pick you up,” Brian said. “Do you have Jenny with you?” “No, she’s spending the day with Michael and Debbie. She’ll be fine,” Melanie assured him. “I’ll see you in about 30 minutes,” Brian finally said as he ended the call. Jason decided he would stay behind and get to know Molly. Plus he and Molly would be available if Teres happened to need any help. Paul decided to ride with Brian to pick up Lindsay and Melanie. Before he left, Brian gently knocked on the studio door. As Justin opened the door with paintbrush in his hand, Brian reached out and pulled him into an embrace. “Alone at last,” he said, as he reached down and kissed Justin. “Brian, you’re going to get paint all over you,” Justin protested, wriggling free to put the brush back in his studio and covering his work on his easel, before rejoining Brian in the hallway. “Now where were we,” Justin asked, snuggling into Brian arms again, then leaning up to give Brian a kiss. “Much better,” he quipped. “How’s the painting going?” Brian asked. “Well, Gus and Nicky have been painting for hours. The wall of my studio is covered with their work. I can’t believe they were content to stay so long with me in the studio. I thought they would have left ages ago.” “You and paint are a pretty hard combination to beat, especially when they can get paint everywhere. That’s really a treat when you’re a little kid,” Brian said with a laugh. “Did you get any painting done?” Brian hesitantly asked. “A little,” Justin answered, wrinkling up his nose. “But don’t worry about it. I think I’m going to finish up this part I was working on, and then I think I’ll take a break.” “Sounds like a plan. Melanie called. Paul and I are going to pick up them up. Jason is going to stay here, in case he’s needed. Teres insisted on handling lunch. Mother Taylor may be back. It’s just a lazy afternoon at the Taylor-Kinney’s,” Brian said, leaning down to gently kiss his partner again. “So it seems.” Brian was about to leave, when Justin said quietly, “Be sure to stop by and see Michael,” he said sternly. “Sunshine…” Brian protested. “Brian, it’s time,” Justin said quietly. Brian simply closed the studio door without saying a word, but this was a task he was not looking forward to. When he returned to the kitchen, he found Jason and Molly deep in conversation with a sketchpad between them. Brian just shook his head and retrieved Paul to leave for the trip into town. ***
Emmett and Ben
Meanwhile, Emmett was having trouble shopping. He was really concerned about Michael. His loyalty to Brian and Justin precluded him from personally calling or visiting Michael. Emmett was clearly afraid that he couldn’t restrain himself from blurting out the truth. Ted had been of no significant help…a fact that Emmett found disturbing, for he had always relied on Ted in a crisis. Finally finding no peace and yet desperately needing to shop, Emmett reached for his cell phone. Emmett knew it was time to place a critical call. “Ben, it’s Emmett,” he began once the phone had been answered. “Emmett, are you looking for Michael? He’s not here.” “I sort of know he’s not there, Ben. I need to talk to you about something,” Emmett stated firmly. “Sure, what’s on your mind?” Ben innocently asked. “Ben do you know what a legalized domestic partnership is?” Ben immediately rattled off the entire legislative history of the legalized domestic partnership…including the fact that it was the most the most binding commitment two people could make. After Ben finished his summary, which sounded more like one of his classroom lectures, he waited to see what Emmett would say next. “Wow, Ben, it’s easy to see that you’re up on your law,” Emmett commented. “Was this simply a test of my legal knowledge, or did you have some specific reason for bringing up the legalized domestic partnership?” Ben innocently asked. “Oh, I had a specific reason for bringing it up,” Emmett said, fanning away the vapors, even though no one could see through the phone. “And that would be?” Ben asked haltingly. “Ok Ben, before I tell you, I need you to promise me that you won’t tell another living soul?” Emmett declared. “Sure Emmett, you know I can be trusted to keep your confidence,” Ben reminded him. Emmett took a deep breath. “Brian and Justin signed papers yesterday to legalize their domestic partnership. Their relationship is now sanctioned by law. They are now eternally legally-bound partners,” Emmett managed to say in one breath. “Are you sure?” Ben asked. “Why do you ask me if I’m sure?” Emmett asked in return. “Because I can’t believe that Brian would make a move like that without telling Michael. And if Michael knew, I’m sure he would have said something to me about it,” Ben answered with a laugh. “Now I realize that you’re plugged into the gay grapevine and all, so of course, you hear everything WAY before the rest of us, but on this one, I just think your information may be a little off,” Ben teased. “I thought you might think that, so that’s why I’m calling. I’m not sure if Michael has heard yet. When he does, he going to need you more than ever.” Emmett explained calmly. “But Em, if it’s true, why hasn’t Brian told Michael?” Ben asked with some concern. “From what I understand Brian plans to tell Michael. But, Ben this all only happened yesterday morning. Brian and Justin have been swamped with out of town guests plus Gus since last night. I’m sure he hasn’t had a chance to get away to see Michael. And you’ve got to admit, this isn’t the kind of news that Brian can deliver to Michael by text message, email or phone,” Emmett pointed out. “No, you’ve got a point there,” Ben had to agree. Then he thought for a moment. “You know, Emmett, if it’s true, you have to admit, it’s really great news. Brian finally settling down with Justin has to really be the best news.” “I have to agree with you. We were all hoping for this last year. But things didn’t work out then. Now that makes it all the ‘more sweeter’ that it happened now, don’t you think? Isn’t it romantic?” Emmett began to gush. “Easy, Em,” Ben began to caution. “Even if it’s true…this is still Brian we’re talking about. Romantic may still be a bit strong, but I understand your sentiment,” he added with a laugh. “If it’s true, it’s really big news. Wow! Now, tell me again why you chose to share this juicy bit of gossip with me?” “Ben, how can you ask…we’re family!” Emmett continued to gush. “I will admit, I love gossip as much as the next person, but let’s keep that our little secret. Okay?” Ben quipped. “I can do that, provided you’ll keep mine,” Emmett cooed. “Which is?” Ben had to ask. “You can’t let on to anyone that you know…you promised,” Emmett reminded him sternly. “Emmett, answer something for me. If I have to keep it a secret, why on earth did you tell me?” Ben asked on reconsideration. “I just wanted to be sure that you were prepared,” Emmett suggested strongly. “Prepared for what?” Ben innocently asked. “You know if Michael hears the news from the gay grapevine before Brian gets a chance to tell him directly, he’s going to have a true drama queen moment,” Emmett suggested. “I just wanted to be sure that you were armed with the facts to cope with it.” “Thank you. I appreciate that. Now all we have to do is keep Michael away from the Diner until Brian has a chance to talk with him,” Ben teased. “Let’s face it, the comic book store’s clientele are unlikely to relay gossip…but the Diner is definitely another story.” “Good point, I hadn’t considered that,” Emmett said wistfully. “Well, let me get back to my muffins. I’ll talk to you later,” Ben said, as he was about to hang up. “Muffins? Ben, are you planning on giving us samples again?” Emmett cautiously asked. “No, No. These are a surprise for Justin, someone who actually appreciates a good muffin,” Ben quipped. “Sure, Ben, whatever you say. I’ll talk to you later.” Emmett said signing off. ***
Molly, Justin, Gus, Nicky, and Jason
There was a gentle knock on Justin’s studio door. Justin opened the door to find Molly standing there. “Justin, can I come in?” Molly quietly asked, knowing full well that her brother’s studio was hallowed ground. “Mollusk, when did you get here?” Justin asked trying not to allow room for his sister to enter, but that didn’t work. “Molly!” Gus said, when he saw who was standing at the door. Gus immediately scrambled to his feet and started to run in the direction of the new object of his attention. Nicky immediately followed suit. Gus felt himself halted mid-stride, which also caused Nicky to stop. Both of them looked up at Justin with this pained expression on their faces. “Whoa there, you two,” Justin said with a laugh. “You have paint everywhere. Wait a minute.” Justin removed the shirts from Gus and Nicky and wiped the excess paint from accessible areas. Then he released the two little dynamos so that they could greet Molly. Molly found herself hugged first by Gus. Then she was introduced to and hugged by Nicky. “Now tell me why you’re here again, Mollusk?” Justin teased. “I’m here to rescue Gus and Nicky from the your studio. I thought they might like to spend some time outside with me,” Molly suggested. “We can hike without going off the property. What do you think guys?” Gus and Nicky looked at Justin, and then at Molly. “Will you be ok if we leave you alone?” Gus asked, wrapping his arms now around Justin. “I think I’ll be fine. You two go ahead and have fun. But let’s see if we can get you de-painted before you go,” Justin teased. So Molly and Justin removed as much paint as possible from the faces, hands, arms, and hair of Gus and Nicky. They helped Justin clean up the corner, and re-hung the kids’ shirts on hooks in the studio. “Those are cool smocks,” Molly teased, “You just don’t see smocks like those everyday.” “Are you done?” Justin asked with mock exasperation. Gus and Nicky kissed Justin goodbye and left with Molly. Molly led Gus and Nicky into the living room where Jason was sitting. “So Molly, you were able to pry the little ones away from Justin,” Jason said with a laugh, “Not an easy feat. Brian and Paul have already left to pick up Melanie and Lindsay. They’ll be back shortly. I thought you and I would stick around in case Teres needs some help.” “We’re going outside for a while,” Molly announced. “Don’t worry, we’ll just be out back.” “If you’re interested, I think there’s a soccer ball near the door,” Jason mentioned. “I also think Thomas is back there too. I’ll give you guys plenty of warning, so you can get cleaned up before lunch or if we need you.” “Great,” Molly said with a big smile. Jason went with Gus and Nicky to help them find warm clothes. Then Molly, Gus and Nicky disappeared out the back door. “I’m going to go check on Justin,” Jason said softly. Jason gently knocked on the door to the studio. “I just came to make sure you’re ok,” Jason teased, “Did you get any painting done?” “I started a new canvas, and things seem to be going ok,” Justin admitted. “Well Molly and the kids are outside. Don’t worry. Thomas is back there too. I’m sticking around to keep Teres company,” Jason admitted with a smile. “That’s good, Teres likes company in the kitchen when she’s working,” Justin pointed out. “I’m only going to do a little bit more on the painting, and then I think I’ll join you. It’s probably time that I took a break. I haven’t been a very good host.” “Are you kidding? There hasn’t been a dull moment since we arrived here. Paul and I are having a ball. This has been a relaxing weekend. And if you get any painting done at all, then Brian’s plan will have worked. So go ahead and paint. I’ll be in the kitchen with Teres,” Jason said. “I’ll also keep an eye on Molly and the kids.” “Thanks,” Justin said, turning back into his studio.