Lois and Carolyn, thanks for the beta...you’re the greatest! I would also like to thank everyone who previewed the chapters for me.
Chapter 38 - More Arrivals Early Sunday Afternoon…(Day 63) The next to arrive at Debbie’s were Ted and Blake. They slowly approached the sofa to greet Debbie. As Ted was approaching, Daniel stood up. “Now, there’s a face that I remember,” he said quietly as if to himself. “Excuse me,” Ted responded with some confusion, “Have we met? I rarely forget a face.” Emmett thought that he’d better step-in here, “Teddy, meet Daniel Devore. I’m sure that you’ve heard of him.” Ted’s face immediately changed to an expression of recognition, as he knew that this was Michael’s father and the famous Divina Devore. “Ms. Devore, yes, we met several years ago when I was finally able to persuade you to appear for Angels Over Pittsburgh. Thank you, it was a great success. I heard that you were appearing in town. It’s good to see you again,” he rambled, all the while shaking Daniel’s hand. Emmett laughed for it had been a long time since he had seen Ted this flustered. Blake too was amused to see his usually controlled partner, stepping all over himself. Finally Debbie intervened. “Blake, I’d like you to meet Daniel Devore. We went to high school together,” Debbie elaborated. “I’m pleased to meet you, Daniel. And I must apologize for my partner’s unusual behavior,” Blake added. “He’s usually not like this.” “I know,” Daniel said with a smile. “It’s to be expected. It was several years ago that Ted and I met, and then, I was in drag. I’m sure he had no idea what I really looked like. Meeting Divina Devore’s alter ego, does take some getting used to.” “You’re Divina Devore,” Blake said with some surprise, “Now, I understand Ted’s behavior. I’ve seen her image all over town, but the real you looks nothing like her.” “Thank you. At least I know my anonymity is preserved,” Daniel remarked. “And since Divina is soooooo tiring, can we simply make that Daniel?” “Then Daniel it is,” Ted agreed. “Okay, what were you talking about when we arrived? You know that Blake and I hate to be excluded from any gossip. Okay Em, dish!” “Oh we were just looking at pictures from Pride 2000, see?” Emmet t said, holding up one of the pictures of Michael in drag. “I remember that one,” Ted said with a laugh. “We had to practically force that outfit onto Michael, but we all agreed, that he wore it well. Now, we know why.” “And I thought it was all because of me…” Emmett teased, striking a pose. Ted took a moment to whisper to Blake about the events related to the picture that Emmett was holding up. As expected, Blake couldn’t contain his laugh, as he tried to get a better look at the photo. “That’s Michael?” Blake finally asked, still a bit disbelieving. “Michael was a natural talent. Now we have the living proof,” Ted countered with a laugh. “A lot you know,” Emmett teased back, still trying to figure out how to take credit for everything. “Look, yesterday I lived with Gus as Brian’s new assistant. Believe me, I’m sure the staff realized very quickly that except for a few feet in height and a few years in age, there’s very little difference between father and son, at least in the work environment…which is amazing when you remember that Gus is only six years old. But fortunately, Gus liked me and my work, so Brian couldn’t find a reason to fire me, at least not yesterday,” Ted reported. “It’s good to know that your job is safe for the moment,” Blake teased. “You see, Daniel, Brian owns Kinnetik, the biggest advertising agency here in Pittsburgh. Teddy works for him,” Emmett said as a way of explanation. “He also owns Babylon; I’m sure you’ve heard of that club too.” “I see, of course, I know all about Babylon,” Daniel quickly responded. “I couldn’t believe it when I heard what happened to Sap, but I’m glad that Babylon is still around.” Ted and Emmett told Daniel about Proposition 14 and the bombing at Babylon. Everyone decided not to mention t the fact that Michael had been injured. There were some things that he was going to have to find out from Michael directly. “We’re all glad that Babylon is still around, aren’t we, Em?” Ted asked with a smile. Emmett did a little victory dance in reply, and everyone laughed. Daniel sat there looking a bit confused. “But I thought that Gus was Lindsay’s son,” Daniel commented. “He is, but he’s Brian’s son too. When Lindsay wanted to have a child, they asked Brian to be the donor. Once Gus was born, Brian fell hopelessly in love with his son, so now Gus has two dads, Brian and Justin, as well as two mommies, Melanie and Lindsay,” Emmett explained. Then he started to rummage again through his box. “Here’s a picture of Brian and Gus at Pride. Oh and here’s a picture of Brian and Justin from the same pride. See they’re dancing.” “They make a handsome couple,” Daniel remarked. “I’m really looking forward to meeting them,” he added. “And Daniel, when Melanie wanted to have a child, this time they asked Michael to be the father. That’s how your granddaughter, Jenny Rebecca, came to be,” Ted explained. “So it appears that I have quite an extended family to get to know, don’t I?” Daniel mumbled, almost to himself. He paused a moment to take it all in. After a lifetime of being alone, he now had an extended family. Changing the subject, Debbie too started to mumble to herself, “I wonder if we’ll hear about Gus’ day at Kinnetik the way we heard about the camping adventure at the mansion.” “I’m not sure. Justin showed up later in the day and took Brian and Gus horseback riding, so it’s hard to know what actually made the greatest impression on Gus,” Ted answered. “Well, I can tell you that there’s a painting at the mansion, showing Brian and Gus riding together, so I guess Brian has a reputation to uphold too,” Emmett suggested. “Maybe… “Debbie answered. “But this is clearly Sunshine’s handiwork. I just know it.” “Of course, it is. Who else could get Brian Kinney on horseback besides Justin? But let’s keep that our little secret,” Ted insisted. Everybody laughed. “Well, let me go and put dinner in the oven. I wonder where everyone is,” Debbie said to herself, while walking into the kitchen. “Here, let me give you a hand,” Emmett said, falling in step behind her. Daniel continued to talk with Blake and Ted until the front door started to open. Someone obviously had a key, and Daniel had to wonder, who was entering now. Lindsay and Melanie entered and looked at the unusual assortment of people clustered in the area of the sofa. They paused for just a moment to try to figure out what was going on. They said a quick hello to everyone, and then, Melanie took over the questioning. “Blake, I’ll talk to you since I’m not sure that I can trust Ted at this moment,” she teased. “Okay, tell me what’s going on?” Blake smiled and stepped in to make the introductions. “Lindsay…Melanie, I’d like you to meet Daniel Devore. He and Debbie went to high school together. Daniel, this is Lindsay and Melanie. Lindsay is an artist. Melanie is a lawyer and likes to interrogate everyone,” he added with a smile. Melanie thought for a moment, then quickly recognized the name, “My goodness, you do look exactly like Michael,” she quickly blurted out, without thinking. Then she smiled from embarrassment. “You’ll have to forgive my partner,” Lindsay said, “Hi, I’m Lindsay, and these last few days, we’ve heard a lot about you. It’s so good to finally meet you.” “Why, thank you Lindsay. It’s good to meet you too,” Daniel said, gently shaking her hand. “We were talking about you earlier. Let me see, you have a son named Gus.” “That’s right,” Lindsay answered. “We also have a daughter named Jenny Rebecca, who happens to be Michael’s daughter, making her your granddaughter.” “Yes…and it’s very good to meet you Daniel,” Melanie finally said. “Please forgive my manners.” “No problem,” Daniel responded smiling. “I understand that I take some getting used to.” Then he paused for a moment and finally said, “So, you’re the mother of my granddaughter.” “Yes,” Melanie confirmed before she asked, “Is Jenny Rebecca taking a nap upstairs, or is she still at Michael’s?” “Can we please not mention JR and Michael in the same breath?” Hunter strongly requested. “And what’s that supposed to mean?” Melanie asked. If this statement had been made by anyone other than Hunter, she would have been concerned. But knowing what a smart ass Hunter could be, she simply took the comment in stride. Of course, that didn’t stop her from firing a question back at him, “By the way, what are you doing here anyway?” “Don’t ask me what I’m doing here,” Hunter challenged back. “When the question should be, what are you teaching your kids in Toronto?” he asked with attitude. “What the fuck are you talking about?” Melanie asked, wondering where the conversation was leading. Hunter couldn’t wait to elaborate, using his fingers for emphasis. “First, Gus gives you the silent treatment and then refuses to eat his cereal in the six-year olds version of a protest hunger strike.” He began. Melanie and Lindsay both rolled their eyes, but Hunter was now on a roll. He’d had no intention of dropping this subject until he could make his point. He quickly moved on the next finger for emphasis and was clearly ready to continue, when Lindsay cut him off with a question. “Is there a point here, Hunter?” Lindsay asked patiently, “Or, are you just being your normal annoying self?” “Oh. there’s a point!” Hunter insisted. “Well, will you get to it?” Melanie chimed in, definitely egging him on. “Look, I’ve had a hard day. Will you two let me finish?” he protested. “Sorry…” Lindsay said with a smile. “Now, this morning,” Hunter continued, striking his finger as he spoke, “I was called in to rescue Michael from his daughter!” “What?” Lindsay asked with complete surprise. “It seems that Michael tried to feed Jenny some Cap’n Crunch cereal for breakfast. JR threw a tantrum. Michael couldn’t calm her down, so I was called in to the rescue,” he said, pausing for a moment, for effect, before continuing. “I eventually gathered up Jenny and brought her safely here where she happily enjoyed Cheerios with Carl, this morning, as if nothing had happened.” Hunter finally took a breath and sighed, “I do think you have a true drama princess-in-training there…don’t you agree Grandfather?” Daniel was about to comment, but Melanie interrupted. “I see…so it’s you, Daniel, that I have to thank for these dramatic moments, courtesy of a two year old,” Melanie teased. “Now I fully understand where your granddaughter gets it from. I thought that she got it from Michael or maybe Debbie, but now I know the truth. I’m sure she has a touch of Divina Devore buried somewhere inside.” “I’ll bet the whining may be Michael, but somehow I think the drama is pure Divina,” Ted added with a laugh. Daniel just smiled and shook his head at the accusations. Then he started mumbling, “Come and meet the family, Debbie suggested. I should have known there was more to it than just a simple family dinner. She just wanted to be sure that each of you had a chance to take a shot at me,” he protested. “But, can’t you see that I’m quiet and shy? Divina is the culprit. She’s the one that you obviously need to take these matters up with. Surely, you can see that I’m just an innocent bystander,” Daniel tried to explain in his own defense and to everyone’s amusement. “And how do you suppose that we take these matters up with Divina?” Lindsay quipped, with her hands on her hips. “I’m not sure. Based on what I’m experiencing here today on her behalf,” Daniel answered, “I think Divina’s retirement is truly imminent.” “Now Grandfather, don’t do anything rash! Pay no attention to these two dykes,” Hunter said, gesturing toward Lindsay and Melanie as he spoke. “Divina can’t retire before I get to see her perform,” he reminded him. Daniel held his head in his hands with a mock gesture of exasperation. “Does it ever end?” he muttered. When he looked up, everyone was trying to hide their laughter. “So, is my little protester-in-training upstairs taking a nap?” Melanie finally asked. “Emmett mentioned that Carl left earlier to take JR to the park. I would guess that they should be returning soon…since it’s almost dinner time.” Hunter reminded them. “You two have been gone a long time. How was your day?” he asked in singsong fashion. “Not that it’s any of your business,” Melanie quipped, “We stopped by to see Lindsay’s parents.” “How did that go?” Ted asked. “Thankfully, it was a short visit,” Melanie said. “And they told us that Lynette is getting married again,” Lindsay shared with everyone. “That was quick, less than two years. She definitely keeps beating her old records,” Ted pointed out. “This would be number four, am I right?” “Yes, and this time I was told that my presence at this wedding would not be required.” Lindsay added sadly. “Well, after what happened last time…” Ted said, remembering the reactions of the reception attendees to Lindsay’s toast to her sister and her public marriage proposal to Melanie. “Well, Em and I tried to tell you that we weren’t sure about the groom…” he reminded her. “Well, it appears that you were right. He was caught with one of the servants. I understand that it’s a family scandal,” Melanie suggested. “Of course, it still doesn’t change their attitude about Lindsay and me,” she added quietly. “How long have you two been together?” Daniel asked. “Almost twelve years and still counting,” Lindsay answered. “And your sister’s been married 3 times in the same period?” Daniel continued his questioning. “That’s amazing. It just goes to prove that it takes a lot of work to make a relationship last,” Daniel pointed out. “I know that the storybooks tell you about happily ever after, but they never mention how hard you have to work at it…all the time.” “Spoken by someone who knows?” Melanie asked quietly. “No, but I’ve had the advantage of watching friends make their relationships work. I was just an observer. You two are to be congratulated.” Daniel added. “You’re right it’s never easy. We find that we have to work at it every day,” Lindsay confirmed. “And still after all this time, it still doesn’t take much to pull everything off track,” Melanie added. At that moment, Debbie strolled into the living room. “Where is Carl? He knows what time dinner is. Now, where do you suppose he is?” “Emmett said the park, but I agree that JR couldn’t play this long. So I’m sure that he’ll be here shortly, probably carrying a sleeping JR in his arms,” Hunter teased. Debbie found a picture of JR and handed it to Daniel, “Our granddaughter is perfect, see here’s a picture of her and her dad.” “I see that she looks so much like Michael,” Daniel commented. “Just the way that Michael looks so much like you,” Hunter commented with uncharacteristic sentimentality. Just then the front door opened once again. In came a skipping Jenny Rebecca. She was immediately followed by Carl, who was trying to hold on to her hand. And directly behind Carl was someone very recognizable…Ben. Everyone fell silent, for they were pleasantly surprised to see Ben. He’d been skipping family dinners for the last few weeks. They all silently felt it was good that he was back. Jenny ran over to Melanie and received a hug in return. Debbie stepped in. “Hi, Ben,” she said, wrapping him in one of her usual bear hugs. Then she immediately turned her attention to Carl, “Well, it’s about time that you got back. I was just about to call the station to have an APB put out for you,” she teased. Carl walked over and kissed Debbie, “I do love it when you talk cop to me! It’s such a turn on,” he added. “Carl!” Debbie squealed her complaint, as everyone else tried to hide their laughter. Emmett heard the laughter, so he came back in to the living room to see what was going on. “You might want to hide back in the kitchen, Em; Carl and Debbie are having verbal foreplay,” Lindsay teased. “You seem to forget that I live here; there’s nothing new there,” Emmett quipped. “Hi Ben, it’s good to see you.” “Thanks Em, I’ve missed you too.” Ben responded. “Carl, will you stop nibbling on my ear. I have an important introduction to make,” Debbie insisted, trying to move out of Carl’s grasp. “Ben, I’d like you to meet Michael’s father, Daniel Devore. Daniel this is Ben Bruckner, Michael’s husband. They got married in Canada a few years ago.” “We’re estranged at the moment,” Ben was quick to point out. “But I’m very glad to meet you, Daniel. You have no idea how excited Michael is that you’re going to get to know each other at last. “ “It won’t happen overnight, but I must admit that I’m looking forward to it too,“ Daniel confirmed. “So Carl, did you run into Ben at the park?” Emmett asked, changing the subject. “No, Jenny and I went to the park and played for a while. She likes the slides and the swings. Then, we stopped by to see Ben. She curled up in Ben’s lap and was asleep in no time. Then, Ben and I watched part of the game together. You know, it’s no fun watching sports all alone. Finally, when Jenny’s nap was over, I convinced him to come with me to dinner, and here we are,“ Carl explained. “Good work, Carl,” Debbie said. “Ben was coming to dinner anyway, weren’t you Ben?” “Absolutely! After all, I was summoned,” Ben reminded her. “I see that you took the summons to heart,” Daniel remarked. “Oh, yeah!” Ben quickly agreed. “I’d be afraid not to.” “I think I get the full picture now,” Daniel added. “See, it really doesn’t take long,” Hunter added. Melanie lifted Jenny Rebecca from her lap, and she and Lindsay brought her over to officially meet Daniel. Usually Jenny doesn’t like strangers, but something about Daniel made her hold out her arms to him. Daniel gingerly took her on his lap to hold her. “Well hello there Jenny,” he said softly. “I’ve heard a lot about you. I’ve really been waiting to meet you,” he added, getting a grin from Jenny in return. As he was holding his granddaughter, he tried to imagine holding Michael when he was that age. Once again Daniel, realized that he had missed a lot. After a few minutes, Jenny was ready to be let go, so Lindsay and Melanie took her back to their seat. But Jenny kept carefully watching Daniel’s every move from across the room. “She’s adorable,” Daniel finally added, watching his granddaughter in return. Debbie and Carl both couldn’t hide their smiles watching the two of them, eyeing each other. “Now, all we have to do is wait for, you know who, to make his grand entrance, and then we can sit down and enjoy dinner.” Debbie pointed out. “I was hoping that Michael would show up, but I guess that was too much to hope for,” she added quietly. “Give it some time, Debbie. Michael has a lot going on,” Lindsay added as if she knew more than she was telling. Daniel leaned over to Hunter and asked, “Who are we waiting for?” “Brian!” everyone said in unison, very glad to change the subject off of Michael. “You have to understand, Grandfather, Brian always has to make a grand entrance,” Hunter explained. “Brian’s always fashionably late,” Lindsay confirmed. Just then the front door opened again. “I take it you were talking about me?” Brian said as he walked through the door. “Of course, you were. What else is there to talk about?” Brian finally walked into the room followed by Gus and Justin as expected, but to everyone’s surprise Jennifer and Molly were with them too. “Well, okay I’m here now. Let’s eat.” Brian bristled. “Not so fast, asshole, let me have a chance to say hello to Jennifer,” Debbie insisted. “And can’t you see that we have a guest.” “There are no guests at family dinners, only family,” Brian clarified with a shake of his head. “I take it you’re the Danny Devore that I’ve heard so much about. It’s good to finally meet you. I’m Brian Kinney.” “I’m glad to meet you, Brian. I understand that I have you to thank for not having to explain a lot of things today,” Daniel replied. “I don’t believe in a lot of drama or bullshit,” Brian quickly said, “So I thought that it would save everyone a lot of time. Welcome to the family,” Brian responded. “This is my partner, Justin…” “Oh yes, you’re the artist. I loved the painting that you did for Michael. It’s truly amazing to see cartoon characters depicted as fine art,” Daniel explained. “Thanks,” Justin said quietly. “So, Michael showed you the painting. I’m glad that you liked it.” Not wanting to be left out of things, Gus walked up to Daniel and extended his little hand. “Hi, I’m Gus,” he simply said. Brian and Justin smiled knowingly at each other. Daniel lowered himself down to Gus’ eye level. “I’m pleased to meet you, Gus, my name is Daniel.” “Daniel,” Gus muttered to himself. Once again, Brian resumed the introductions, “I know that you already know Mother Taylor…“ Jennifer stepped in to complete the introductions, “And, this is my daughter, Molly.” “It’s nice to meet you, Daniel,” Molly said politely. “I’m glad to meet you too, Molly,” Daniel finally said. Then he looked from Molly to Justin. “Your kids look just like you!“ He quickly observed. Both Molly and Justin rolled their eyes at the comment. “How are you, Jennifer?” “I’m great,” Jennifer answered. “I’ve been telling Brian and Justin all about what they missed last night. And…” “Look Jennifer, you can continue this later,” Debbie interrupted. “Now that we’re all here… let’s eat!” she said, wrapping her arms around Gus and Jenny and starting to turn in the direction of the table. “Yes, mother,” Brian answered in sing song fashion, leaning down to give Debbie a kiss. Everyone quickly scattered in different directions to wash their hands for dinner.