Lois and Carolyn, thanks for the beta...you’re the greatest!
Sorry to make you wait so long for this chapter. I hope, because it is a longer chapter, that I can be forgiven.
I want to send Holiday Wishes to everyone...I hope that you're enjoying a great holiday with family and friends.
And the story continues....
Chapter 60 – The Remix, Part 2
Saturday Afternoon…(Day 48)
Brian, Justin, Paul, Jason, Jennifer, Lindsay, Melanie, and Molly
When Lindsay and Justin returned to the living room, only Brian and Melanie were there.
“Where’s everyone?” Justin quietly asked.
Brian reached up and pulled Justin into his lap, “Missing your own personal entourage, are you?” Brian teased. “Paul and Molly convinced the kids to take a short nap. Jason is in the kitchen annoying Teres.”
Melanie and Lindsay started thanking Justin for inviting them to lunch and for allowing them to see the house. They were in the process of teasing Brian about the great gossip about the house that they would be able to share with everyone during Sunday dinner tomorrow.
Before Brian had a chance to make his well-chosen objection, the doorbell rang.
“Now who could that be?” Justin asked as Brian got up to answer the door.
Brian found an apologetic Jennifer waiting for him. “Mother Taylor,” Brian said, giving Jennifer a gentle kiss on the cheek.
“Hi Brian…I decided to take you up on your invitation. I just finished with my client. It took a lot longer than I expected, but everyone signed off on the deal so here I am. Am I too late? Did I miss everything?” Jennifer asked.
“Everyone’s still here. C’mon in. I know you must be hungry,” Brian said in response, gently steering her down the hallway. “Don’t worry, we did manage to hide a few morsels from Justin,” he added with a laugh.
“Mom hi,” Justin said, giving his mother a hug. He was truly surprised, but pleased, to see her. Melanie and Lindsay greeted her as well.
“Why don’t we move this to the dining room table so Mother Taylor doesn’t have to eat alone?” Brian suggested. Everyone reassembled first in the kitchen.
“It’s good to see you again, Jason,” Jennifer said with a smile. Then she called out, “Hi Teres. I see that they’re keeping you busy as always.”
“Not too busy,” Teres responded with a smile, “And they even provided me with a great assistant. I really can’t complain,” she added with a laugh as she looked at Jason.
Teres and Jason showed Jennifer the food selections and helped her fix her plate and select her bowl of soup.
Then everyone congregated back at the dining room table where Jennifer noticed that evidently a few of the others must have been hungry, too, because they managed to fix themselves a few morsels for their own plates…obviously so that Jennifer wouldn’t have to be eating alone.
“Where’s Molly?” Jennifer asked, making herself comfortable at the table.
“She and Paul are settling Gus and Nicky down for a nap. Gus has a riding lesson in a few hours. They didn’t want him to fall while he’s riding,” Brian quipped.
“Good idea,” Jennifer said with a laugh.
Everyone was chatting easily when Paul and Molly came back to join them, grabbing snacks of their own.
“Gus and Nicky were so afraid that they’d miss something that they didn’t want to take a nap,” Paul teased, “But they’ve had such a busy day that they finally had to give in to sleep.”
“Mom, what are you doing here?” Molly said with surprise, slowly starting to move in the direction of Brian for safety…just in case.
Jennifer laughed. “You thought you could escape me, did you?” she teased. Everyone laughed at Molly’s surprise at finding her mother there. “There’s no need to hide behind Brian,” she continuing teasing.
“Mom!” Molly protested with a laugh.
As easy conversation returned among everyone, Paul reached for the pictures of Nicky’s party to show them to Molly and Jennifer. Melanie and Lindsay were particularly interested too. Jason took pleasure in recounting the entire day of festivities in great detail.
“Of course, you realize that you’re missing the running commentary courtesy of Nicky and Gus, so I’m sure this picture show leaves much to be desired,” Paul added with a laugh.
A little later in the conversation, Melanie said something that caught everyone by surprise.
“You know Jennifer…Lindsay and I are beginning to think about moving…maybe even back to the States,” Melanie said cautiously.
“Are you thinking of moving back to Pittsburgh?” Jennifer asked with renewed interest. “I’m sure Debbie and Michael would love it if you moved back.”
“We’re honestly just starting to think about it so of course, we’re going to ask you all not to say anything to the rest of the family,” Melanie cautiously said in response. “We really haven’t decided anything yet,” she said quietly.
Everyone, including Molly, made the ‘zipping of the lips’ motion with their hands, and Melanie and Lindsay couldn’t resist laughing. Having received everyone’s vow of silence, Melanie continued. “But, to be completely honest, we’d really like a city with more to offer than Pittsburgh…some place with more opportunities.”
“Like New York?” Brian asked curiously, momentarily thinking about his own upcoming plans with Justin. Melanie and Brian exchanged knowing smiles.
“Not quite that many opportunities,” Lindsay said with a laugh. “Maybe something in between.”
“You mean like Cincinnati?” Jason mindlessly volunteered.
“Cincinnati?” Melanie said with surprise.
“It’s sure worked for me,” Paul joyfully replied. “After grad school, I gave New York a try, but it was too much for me. I didn’t like it so I took what I’d learned there and moved back to Cincinnati. I have never regretted that decision. Of course, opening the agency and having Jason come on board made things perfect. Well, you know the rest… and now we have Nicky. Cincinnati is a great place to raise a family,” Paul reiterated.
“And based on the results of the last election, it’s a gay friendly city. They did pass sweeping anti-discrimination legislation,” Jason reminded everyone. “It’s not San Francisco, I know, and they don’t recognize gay marriage yet, but I can tell you it’s a great place to live,” he added for good measure.
“I did hear about the election,” Lindsay remarked. “And judging by the pictures of Nicky’s party, there obviously seems to be a large gay community. I can see why you love it,” she said with a smile.
“Oh, all of our friends aren’t gay,” Jason quickly clarified. “But our gay and straight friends have spent so much time mixed together, that they found that they genuinely liked each other. That’s why everybody showed up for Nicky’s birthday. They all knew it was going to be a chance to all get together and have an all day party. And thanks to Justin that is exactly what is was.”
“Exactly! They’ll be talking about that particular party for some time to come,” Paul added with a laugh.
Paul received a glare from Justin, and he quickly decided to change the subject.
“You’re coming back for the gallery opening, aren’t you?” Paul asked, with his mind already filling with suggestions. “You can’t miss Justin’s big show,” he added for emphasis.
“We haven’t really talked about it,” Lindsay said hesitantly, ashamed that she’d been so consumed with her own dramas that she hadn’t focused on Justin’s achievements.
“But, it goes without saying that when our favorite artist has a show…” Melanie added with a smile.
“That’s great! Why don’t you plan on staying a few extra days and let us show you around?” Paul suggested.
“That’s an interesting idea,” Lindsay said thoughtfully.
“Actually Linds, I was going to ask for a favor,” Justin meekly began. “I don’t know if you’ll have the time, but I could use some help with my show. It would mean a lot to me if you could be there to help me set up. You know so much more about shows and stuff than I do,” Justin continued.
“Do you mean that, Justin?” Lindsay gushed, “I mean…I thought after…what I did…I just thought…I’m sorry. I would love to help you set up.”
“Wow!” Melanie remarked, “That’s quite an honor to be asked by the darling of the art world to help him set up for his major show,” she couldn’t resist and opportunity to fondly tease both her partner and Justin.
“Yes, it is,” Lindsay whispered, still thinking about her actions a year ago. She realized how lucky she was that Brian and Justin still counted her among their friends.
Lindsay managed to find a smile for Justin although she felt very ashamed of herself for some of the things that she had done and the feelings that she once had.
“Wait until you meet ‘the moms’ and my dad,” Jason said eagerly. “They adopted Brian and Justin ages ago. They’re already in love with Gus. For some reason my mom and Paul’s mom hang out together all the time. The family wonders what mischief ‘the moms’ get into when we’re not around.”
“Oh yes…speaking of ‘the moms’…Brian, you and Justin are in deep trouble,” Paul warned. “Mom and Katie were threatening to fly here to see you. I tried to calm them down, but you know how they are. They sent their congratulations, but they can’t believe that you would take this major step without inviting them to attend,” Paul added. He knew that he was going to enjoy watching Brian and Justin appear to squirm just a little.
“My sentiments exactly,” Jennifer mumbled without looking up.
“Mom!” Justin protested.
“Let me get this straight,” Brian began to question, “So you all wanted to sit in my attorney’s office for hours while Justin and I signed papers to legally bind ourselves together…is that what you’re telling me?” Brian asked, attempting to fight back.
“I think that’s what mom’s trying to gently tell you, Brian,” Molly added, trying to be helpful.
“Ok, the next time Justin and I become legally bound forever, we’ll be sure to send out invitations,” Brian said with a smirk.
“You do that, Brian,” Jennifer teased. “And we expect invites to any other life-altering event that you and Justin plan,” she insisted.
“Here…here!” everyone else echoed in agreement.
“And what, pray tell, would that be?” Brian asked innocently.
“It doesn’t matter,” Jennifer explained. “My edict is all encompassing…just to be on the safe side.”
Everyone else, once again, nodded to echo their agreement.
“Yes, Mother Taylor,” Brian finally said with a sigh, as leaned over and kissed Jennifer on her cheek.
With that now settled and out of the way, the conversation once again returned to the issue of Cincinnati.
“You know Cincinnati is a pretty good city,” Jennifer continued. “It might be what you’re looking for. I’ll email you some information. In fact, if you tell me a few other cities that you’re thinking about, I’ll be sure to send you information about them too. Then when you’re ultimately ready to make a decision, I can help you with things,” Jennifer added.
“You would do that for us, without saying anything to the rest of the family?” Lindsay asked with surprise, “I know how close you are to Debbie?”
“Why wouldn’t I help, we’re all family now,” Jennifer said with a smile, looking over at Brian.
“Thanks, Jennifer,” Melanie added, letting out a sigh of relief that someone would help them without undue pressure, and Melanie knew that Jennifer would do just that. Lindsay, too, was pleased with the turn of events.
“Oh, don’t let me forget,” Justin said.
“Forget what, Sunshine,” Brian asked.
“I made some interesting sketches of Gus and Nicky when I was in Cincinnati. They were so willing to sit for me…that is…until they fell asleep,” Justin added with a laugh. “Anyway, I might want to turn a few of my sketches into paintings, so I was wondering if you would sign releases.”
“To have our kid featured in a Justin Taylor painting, where do we sign?” Paul teased.
“Of course, you know we’re going to sign too,” Lindsay added.
“Only because if we refused, and Gus found out, he would stage another hunger strike in protest,” Melanie remarked with a laugh.
“Hunger strike,” Jason teased. “Melanie, if he’s doing hunger strikes at 6, what’s he going to do at 18?”
“I don’t want to think about it. This is obviously something he picked up genetically from Brian. Lindsay and I would never do anything like that,” Melanie teased.
“I don’t know, Lindsay was very politically active when we were in college,” Brian pointed out. “And why am I always blamed for everything that Gus does wrong?” Brian asked with a smirk. “Do you give me credit for Gus’ good qualities too?”
“No, those obviously came from Lindsay alone,” Melanie teased in response.
“That’s enough, you two!” Justin said sternly.
Melanie and Brian just smiled at each other. They were obviously getting ready for the next round of sparring when the opportunity presented itself.
“Melanie, Paul and I have been meaning to ask you and Lindsay, how do you manage with two kids day-to-day? Right now, Nicky, alone, is quite a handful,” Jason asked.
“You know we always wanted a houseful of kids. I don’t think we had any idea how much work it was going to be.” Melanie remarked. “In our case childcare seems to fall mostly to Lindsay. She’s much better at handling two kids than I am.”
“So what you’re saying is that with two kids, in order for things to work well, one partner needs to be a stay at home parent?” Paul asked.
“Or have a large extended family available for babysitting. I will admit things were easier when we lived in Pittsburgh,” Lindsay added. “We had lots of babysitters available, especially Justin. Both Gus and Jenny loved it when he would baby sit for them. For some reason they just responded to him better than anyone else in the family.”
“So you are saying that you think that Gus and Jenny ‘imprinted’ on Justin,” Molly asked with an inquiring expression on her face.
Everyone looked at Molly with complete surprise on their faces.
“Molly?” Jennifer could finally say, “Where did that come from?”
“What?” Molly asked. “Oh please, I watch the Discovery Channel!” she said nonchalantly, causing everyone to burst out laughing.
“Maybe I need to rethink those parental controls,” Jennifer teased.
“Mom!” Molly said in protest.
“Well I’m sure Nicky must have imprinted on Justin and Brian when he was a baby. They stayed with us when Nicky was born. I don’t know what we would have done without them. It would explain why Nicky is so crazy about them even now,” Jason explained. “Besides you saw the pictures at the party…did you how notice how many pictures there are of Nicky snuggling close to Brian and Justin? Did you notice how few pictures there are of Nicky with us?” he made sure to point out.
“I guess that would explain about Gus too,” Lindsay teased, “After all, Justin did rescue Gus from being named Abraham,” she reminded everyone.
“You’re just never going to forget about that, are you?” Melanie protested with a laugh, “As Gus has gotten older and heard the story, I’m not sure that he’ll ever forgive me either.”
“It’s a good thing that Justin saved our kid,” Brian added with a smirk, “Otherwise, he could have been scarred for life. His little life would have been irrevocably ruined,” he continued on mournfully. “Being stuck with a moniker like Abraham.”
“Would you give it a rest, Brian?” Melanie complained, “You were just looking for an opportunity to make things worse.”
Brian clutched his chest in mock horror.
“There are times I worry about Nicky being an only child,” Paul added. “I grew up in a large family,” he added. “My sister is Nicky’s mother, and Gabrielle has two kids, but that’s different…I think,” he added.
“Plus, you’ve got to remember how much both your families are completely devoted to Nicky,” Brian added.
“And I know ‘the moms’ would love another grandchild, but I still don’t know…” Jason added.
“I know what you mean. Gus has suggested on numerous occasions that we send Jenny back to where ever she came from,” Lindsay explained. “This usually happens about the time that Jenny has just knocked down the perfect fort or tower that Gus just built,” Lindsay added with a laugh. “But I think deep down, Gus loves his sister.”
“So Jenny knocks down forts,” Brian quietly mused, “What are you teaching your daughter Melanie? Isn’t she a little young to be so butch?” he quipped.
Melanie was about to fire off her comeback response when Jennifer easily said, “Molly was like that too.”
This new revelation was obviously adding to the total embarrassment of Molly.
“Mom!” Molly protested.
Jennifer paid no attention to her daughter’s complaints. “She wanted to tear down everything that Justin created. But now she’s crazy about her brother,” she continued to tease.
“Well, I wouldn’t go that far,” Molly protested, “Justin is tolerable,” she added. “But Brian is soooooo much easier to deal with,” she added with a laugh.
“Why thank you, Molly!” Brian smirked, sticking his tongue out at Melanie.
“I just think that it must be difficult being an only child,” Paul added.
“I don’t know,” Jason reminded him, “I survived pretty well, but I’ll admit I love that your family is around all the time,” he said smiling over at his partner.
“I don’t know why you’re concerned, you both seem to manage to handle both Gus and Nicky without any problems,” Brian added.
“But that’s because they’re so close in age. There would be a four or five year gap between Nicky and his possible sibling. That would be totally different,” Jason said with a laugh.
“I don’t know,” Jennifer added, “Justin and Molly are eight years apart. And you see how that turned out,” she added with a laugh, looking over at both her children, who were now both scowling at her now.
Brian was definitely amused by the turn of events, and Melanie noticed.
“Ok, Paul, you promised me a tour of the mansion. Why don’t you and I leave them, and you can give me one of your personally guided tours? Melanie suggested.
“I’m being pressed into service,” Paul quipped with pride. “Why don’t we start with the upstairs first?” Paul was very glad to return to his duties as a tour guide.
“Come on Molly, let’s see if we can get Teres to create a bowl of fruit for us to sketch. At least if we ask her, she’ll know that she’ll get her fruit back. I sure one of her biggest fears is that if Justin asks her for these things, the food will be gone forever,” Jason teased. “Only the empty bowl would be returned to her.”
“Are you done now?” Justin asked with a sigh.
Jason just smiled, being very pleased with himself.
“Sounds like a plan,” Molly said, “I could use some help with my drawing technique.”
“Well, you know you could have asked me…I would have helped,” Justin said sadly.
“You’re a painter,” Molly reminded him. “Jason’s a real artist. Even I know the difference,” Molly explained.
“Remind me to keep her away from the critics,” Justin said with a laugh. “An artist is never appreciated in his own home.”
“Yes, you are. Don’t ever doubt it,” Brian said, wrapping his arms around Justin from behind.
“Come on Lindsay, I know you’ve seen my study and Justin’s studio, but let me show you the rest of the lower level.” Brian suggested. “I figure that should get us upstairs just in time to get Gus and Nicky up from their nap.”
Justin and Jennifer moved into the living room, where she saw the new painting of Gus and Brian on horseback over the mantel.
“Oh Honey,” she gushed, “It’s a beautiful painting.”
“I did this one for Gus. I thought he would put it in his room, but he’s decided he likes it being here…so here it stays,” Justin added with a laugh.
“You know it’s good to see you and Brian so happy,” Jennifer added. “And Molly seems to be having a good time. I wasn’t sure.”
“She and Jason have been bent over a sketch pad every chance they get. I think you may have another artist in the family,” Justin teased.
“Oh no! One of you is quite enough. She doesn’t draw that much at home. I think she just likes Jason,” Jennifer clarified.
“That’s good, she can be his little sister for a while,” Justin teased, “That should put an end to his consideration for another child.”
“I don’t know,” Jennifer countered with a laugh. “I’m glad that I have both you and Molly,” she reassured him.
“That’s because you got to be a stay at home Mom with us. Think about running a business with the two of us around,” Justin suggested.
“Good point,” Jennifer said, laughing at the momentary images of Justin and Molly as little kids, “But I must admit, I did enjoy both of you.”
***
Brian and Lindsay
“I love the media room,” Lindsay gushed, as she was touring the lower level with Brian. “I see that it’s stocked with your classic film collection and, of course, The Yellow Submarine. But I also see Spongebob Squarepants and a collection of kid friendly videos, which obviously are there for Gus,” she teased. “I’m sure he loves that.”
“Don’t be too sure,” Brian remarked, “Justin seems a little too willing to watch those with Gus,” he added with a laugh, “I’m not sure who watches those videos with whom.”
Lindsay smiled at the image of Gus and Justin torturing Brian with these special videos.
“I loved the paintings,” Lindsay had to finally say, “Justin keeps getting better and better. The critics have to notice. At this rate, he’ll have that solo exhibit before he knows it. I heard he’s part of the joint exhibit coming up at the Thornton Gallery in New York.”
“Yes, he has the Thornton Gallery and the Cincinnati Gallery happening back to back. Then I think I’m going to try to steal him away for a vacation. Justin and I were hoping that you would let Gus go with us.”
“I don’t see why not. He loves to travel with you and Justin. Of course, I’ll have to talk to Melanie.”
“Yes, I know.” Brian said with a sigh. Then he quickly changed the subject, “Are you really thinking about relocating?”
“We’re just starting to talk about it. The idea came up during our counseling session. It would be a lot of work, first to find just the right city, and then to actually move there. But I’m sure we could manage…especially with Jennifer’s help.”
Lindsay’s mood suddenly changed.
“Look Brian, about last year. I’m really sorry that I intervened and…” Lindsay said before Brian interrupted her.
“I know that you thought you were doing what was best for Justin. And I’m willing to overlook some of your possible ulterior motives…because it just doesn’t matter anymore. But I will tell you this, Lindsay, I won’t tolerate another round of your ‘good intentions’, do I make myself clear?”
“Perfectly. I’m really sorry, Brian. It won’t happen again.”
“How are things with you and Melanie? How are the counseling sessions going?”
“Melanie and I are trying really hard. Things are getting better. It’s just a slow process. I promise you though, the house isn’t a war zone or anything like that,” Lindsay sought to reassure him.
“That’s good to hear. After all, Gus is getting older, he understands a lot more now than he did when he was just a baby.”
“Gus isn’t focused on Melanie and me, he’s just focused on how to make the days pass more quickly so he can hurry to get back here to be with you and Justin.”
“That’s reasonable don’t you think. Gus likes it when just we guys hang out together,” Brian quipped.
“You have to admit, this mansion is a great place to hang out,” Lindsay said with a laugh.
“Gus doesn’t really care where we are, pretty much, as long as Justin is there. Of course, now he and Nicky are inseparable too.”
“Gus and Nicky do seem to have fun together,” Lindsay added with a laugh, “I saw their artwork on the wall of Justin’s studio.”
“You should have seen them together when we were in Cincinnati. Gus let Nicky boss him around…it’s was so cute. But they must have talked when we weren’t around…because Nicky is suddenly scheming to get Justin to make him Mickey Mouse pancakes.”
Lindsay burst out laughing at the mention of the Mickey Mouse Pancakes.
“Oh no! Justin started that when Gus was just a baby. I offered to make them, but he seems indifferent until Justin comes around to make them for him. He says Justin’s pancakes taste better.”
“Jason experienced the same thing with Nicky. I think Jason said he has problems getting the shape of the pancakes just right.”
“I know Jason and I are both competent artists, but it must take a painter’s hand to get things just right,” Lindsay had to admit. Then she turned to face Brian. “It’s good to see you so relaxed. You look happy Brian…it’s what I’ve always wanted for you.”
Both Brian and Lindsay were quiet for a moment.
“You know I’ll always love you, Linds,” Brian said quietly.
“I know. But you’re so in love with that blond kid in there, it hardly matters,” Lindsay said with a laugh.
“You’re probably right,” Brian confirmed with a smile. Lindsay smiled in return. “Well, we’d better go and tour upstairs. Hopefully we’ll bump into Paul somewhere along the way. There’s not much to see upstairs…just something like seven or eight bedrooms,” Brian added. “Paul could probably make those intriguing.”
“What are you going to do with all those bedrooms?” Lindsay had to ask.
“Somehow, Justin has managed to put most of them to use this weekend. I feel like we had just enough rooms for our guests…planned and unexpected,” Brian teased.
Lindsay couldn’t help laughing as she and Brian headed upstairs.
***
“When Gus is awake you’ll have to ask him to show you his bedroom,” Brian suggested. It’s his private space, and I don’t want to intrude without his permission,” he explained.
Brian quickly showed Lindsay the remaining bedrooms.
“You have plenty of rooms,” Lindsay commented, “You could have the whole family here for a sleep-over,” she teased.
“Now why would I want to do that?” Brian asked incredulously. “One of the nice things about living here…it’s just far enough away so that I don’t have family members dropping in unexpectedly,” he added honestly.
“Not like the loft, is it?” Lindsay thought aloud, “When you were there, Michael and I could pretty much just walk in all the time.”
“No, it’s definitely not like the loft,” Brian assured her. “This feels like home. I don’t know what the loft was. Even when Justin is in New York for a few days at a time, I like to be here. I can actually relax here. It’s so different from the loft,” he admitted.
“I’ve never heard you talk like this before,” Lindsay commented, showing her surprise at what she was hearing. She immediately noticed that Brian was so open and honest. This was a new experience of Brian for her.
“Me either,” Brian smirked and then quickly changed the subject, “I think it’s time to get Gus and Nicky up from their nap. Gus and I have our riding lesson coming up,” he added enthusiastically.