Lois and Carolyn, thanks for the beta...you’re the greatest!
Chapter 69 – The Gathering Sunday Afternoon…(Day 49) Debbie was moving quickly around the kitchen when Emmett breezed into the room. “Where’s everybody?” he asked casually. “The girls left right after breakfast. JR and Carl seem to be having a love fest there in the living room. So that just leaves you and me,” Deb responded with a laugh. “I’ll take that as hint that you might like some help…be still my little beating heart,” Emmett teased, clutching his chest for dramatic effect. “Don’t be a little shit! Of course, everything is under control, but I wouldn’t mind a little company while I work,” she responded. “Just teasing, Deb,” Emmett reassured her with a laugh. “Just let me grab a cup of coffee, and I’m all yours.” Emmett reached for a cup from the cabinet shelf and poured a cup of coffee. “Can I pour one for you?” he asked. Debbie shook her head no so Emmett settled down at the kitchen table to continue talking with Debbie. While Emmett was sipping his coffee, a Danish appeared beside his cup. Emmett smiled and said “Thank you.” “Well, this has surely been a weekend to remember,” Debbie began with a laugh. “I know, just think that shortly there will be a house full people here for dinner. I’m so looking forward to it. You know how much I just love parties,” Emmett gushed. Debbie shook her head. “That’s not what I mean. I’m talking about Brian and Sunshine.” “Oh yes, there is that too…Brian and Justin were even at Babylon last night along with Paul and Jason,” Emmett informed her. “They were?” Debbie reacted with some surprise. “If they were at Babylon, I wonder who was watching the kids,” she muttered almost as if talking to herself. “Jennifer and Molly stayed overnight at the mansion so that everyone could have a night out.” Emmett relished telling this tidbit of information. “I heard something about how they were going to watch movies all night...” “So Jennifer and Molly were out at the house too? Is there anyone who wasn’t visiting Brian and Justin yesterday? Lindsay practically begged for an invitation until she wore down poor Sunshine into inviting her and Melanie out for lunch. I wonder how they managed to handle lunch with everything that Sunshine has going on at the moment?” “I don’t know about lunch, but Brian invited me to stay for dinner. From the looks of things, I would say that Teres must have had a very busy day,” Emmett gushed. “Teres?” “Teres and Thomas take care of the house while Brian and Justin are traveling. Of course, from what I heard, Teres often likes to handle the meals for them too. Gus even pointed out that Teres always fixes a special meal whenever he and Brian go riding. All during dinner, Gus and Nicky couldn’t stop talking about their riding adventure with Brian and Justin.” “You’ve got to be kidding?” “No! And it appears that father and son ride together often. In fact,” Emmett once again gushed, “Justin even captured their riding in a painting. Gus tried to describe it to Lindsay on the phone yesterday morning, but I saw the real thing for myself. There can no longer be any doubt about Brian and his riding…not with that painting over their mantel,” he added with a laugh. Debbie couldn’t resist a laugh and a shake of her head as she contemplated the image of Brian Kinney on horseback. “Somehow I see Sunshine’s hand in this adventure.” “And wait until you see Nicky,” Emmett gushed. “He’s such a little cutie! And he and Gus together are something to watch as they boss each other around.” “It sounds like you had a good time too. I wondered where you suddenly disappeared to yesterday.” “Yes, I drove out to the house to deal with Justin….” Emmett started to explain. “How dare he not tell me about him and Brian! What was I suppose to do, read it in the papers today like the rest of Pittsburgh…I don’t think so. So I went out to confront the twink in-person.” Emmett couldn’t resist a smile. “But then everyone showed up at Babylon…Brian, Justin, Paul, Jason, Ben, and Michael, and the gay grapevine got wind of things. Now everybody knows the news.” “Ben and Michael were at Babylon?” Debbie asked with some surprise. “Yep. Ben was spouting his usual wisdom about the natives using dance to relieve tension.” “Oh yes, we’ll we’ve all heard that one before.” “Ben and I got a chance to dance together. We haven’t done that in a long time.” “If Ben and Michael were at Babylon…then everything must be ok between them. I’ve been so worried.” Debbie said, letting out a long sigh of relief. “Michael is really having trouble with Brian’s decision regarding Sunshine. At least now, I guess I can stop worrying.” “Ben and Michael were there, but things are still a little tense between them. Things are also a little tense between Michael and Brian. Paul and Jason were spending most of the evening keeping Brian and Michael apart.” “That seems odd…why would they do that?” “You know how upset Michael has been since Brian told him the news. It seems that Brian was upset by Michael’s reaction yesterday morning too. Paul and Jason didn’t want Brian upset again. They just wanted Brian and Justin to have a good time dancing. Their scheme worked for a while, but towards the end of the night, Michael and Brian eventually crossed paths at the bar.” “How did that go?” she asked with motherly concern. “I’m afraid that Michael is still holding on to the hope that Brian will apologize to him and try to set things right between them.” Debbie couldn’t help but groan. “I know that earlier in the evening Michael was talking to Lindsay. I hope that she got through to him. Michael has got to stop brooding and simply wish those two boys well. Brian is just not really in the mood for anything else.” “You know that Brian has always forgiven Michael anything. So I wouldn’t worry too much about this…if I were you!” “I have reason to worry. Brian has changed. Michael may have gone too far this time…whining about Sunshine…holding on to hopes of future with Brian. He doesn’t see what he’s doing.” she added. “Ben is a patient man, but I’ll bet that he’s furious this time.” “Michael can’t help it if he’s still holding on to his childhood dreams …” Emmett remarked. “Right now, Ben seems to be trying to understand. Thank goodness, Ben knows how Michael feels about him, and he’s never really seen Brian as a threat so I wouldn’t worry too much. Everything will be ok.” “I’m a mother. It’s my job to worry.” Debbie informed him. Debbie and Emmett continued talking when the front door opened. Jenny Rebecca managed to break free of Carl and immediately projected herself into Hunter’s arms. Hunter laughed and picked her up and cuddled her in his arms. “Hi there, short-stuff,” he teased. “At least someone here is glad to see me.” Jenny Rebecca giggled as she snuggled in closer to Hunter’s chest; he carried her into the kitchen where he leaned down to kiss Debbie. “Hunter, what are you doing here?” she asked mockingly. “According to the grapevine, you’re going to have a lot of people here for dinner. I just thought I’d show you what a good grandson I am and help you set up,” Hunter said with a grin, wondering if anyone was going to buy this line of bullshit. Hunter looked over at Emmett hoping to find support, but instead he just lowered his head and pretended to be very interested in his cup of coffee. “Ah huh,” Debbie said doubtingly, obviously not buying Hunter’s bullshit either. Hunter lowered Jenny Rebecca back down to the floor, and she scampered over to resume playing with Carl. “Even JR isn’t buying that nonsense that you’re spouting,” she teased. “So why are you here?” “Like I told you…” Hunter tried to continue, until he looked at the disbelieving expressions on Debbie and Emmett’s faces and changed his mind. Hunter simply let out a sigh. “I did come to help you set up for dinner,” he re-emphasized, “And to make sure I get a good seat to watch all the action that I know is going to be happening here today. I can hardly wait for Molly to get here.” “I don’t know. Molly and Jennifer were at Brian and Justin’s yesterday. I’m sure they must be exhausted. So don’t be surprised if Jennifer decides that she and Molly need to spend a quiet Sunday at home,” Emmett suggested. “What!” Hunter exclaimed. “Molly was out at the house with Brian? No way! How did that happen? I’m going to have to watch her more closely!” He paused for a moment to consider things then added, “At least now we can hear all about their house” Emmett couldn’t resist. “I don’t know! She and Brian were pretty cozy yesterday. He probably swore her to secrecy. If you want to know about the house, you had better focus on Melanie and Lindsay.” “They were there too. Gheez! So that means that we’re the only one’s who haven’t seen the mansion,” Hunter pointed out, looking at everyone. “Oh, I wouldn’t say that,” Emmett quipped. “I was out there for dinner last night too.” “How did that happen?” Hunter asked in protest. “It’s no big deal. You forget that I helped them get settled in. But of course, professional ethics means that I’m sworn to secrecy,” Emmett couldn’t resist pointing out. “Did you know about this?” Hunter said, looking intensely at Debbie. “Don’t look at me. Lindsay pleaded with Justin until she wrangled and invitation. I’m not worried,” Debbie said convincingly. “I’m sure that Sunshine will invite us out there in due time. But the little shit better not wait too fucking long or I’ll have his balls!” she added as an afterthought. “You know considering how we used to always just drop in on Brian at the loft. I guess he just wanted to spend some alone time with Justin. Although I’ve heard that he’s been trying to lock Justin in his studio all weekend so that he could get some painting done. I also heard that Justin keeps finding reasons not to be there. So something tells me that Brian is not going to be in the best of moods when we see him later today,” Emmett related. “You know how Brian hates to have his plans go awry.” “Don’t worry about Brian...Sunshine has been handling him since he was seventeen,” Debbie added with a laugh, “I’m sure that he’ll be just fine.” “Enough about the blond,” Hunter protested, “Now what do you need me to do to help?” he asked, always eager to change the subject. Debbie and Emmett smiled knowingly at each other. Some thing never changed. As Hunter and Emmett began rearranging the furniture, Debbie realized that Emmett was right. It was going to be a party. Debbie was looking forward to seeing Brian and Justin. She was also looking forward to having everyone there…her whole little Liberty Avenue family and then some. She thought for a moment and realized that it had been quite a while since she had seen Paul and Jason…and after everything that she’d heard, Debbie was definitely looking forward to meeting Nicky too. While all this activity was underway, another visitor walked through the door and was immediately greeted by Carl. “Drew, I didn’t know that you were in town,” he said, hugging Drew Boyd as he walked into the room. “Drew? That can’t be right.” Emmett commented, standing up to check things out. “Drewsie’s in Dallas…he isn’t due back until midweek.” “I don’t think so…” Debbie responded, accepting a hug from Drew. “How’s my favorite stud-muffin?” she cooed. “Great, now that I’m here. The grapevine has it that big things are happening here in Pittsburgh. You know how I like to be where the action is?” Drew teased, as he released Debbie. “So I decided to fly back early to investigate for myself. How’s it going Hunter?” “Great, Drew. I think it’s awesome that you’re back,” Hunter said, greeting his idol. “So Em, did you miss me?” he asked, wrapping his arms around Emmett, and throwing Emmett over his shoulder. “Well, I guess I’ll see everyone later,” Emmett commented from his upside down position as Drew carried him upstairs, leaving Carl and Debbie and Hunter behind laughing. *** Jenny Rebecca had worn herself out so Carl had her nestled in his arms as he lounged in his favorite chair reading Jenny Rebecca a story. She was almost asleep when Lindsay and Melanie returned and took in the touching scene. “It looks like someone is ready for a nap,” Lindsay said, reaching for her daughter. Jenny protested snuggling closer to Carl. “Leave her alone,” Carl said gently. “She’ll probably be asleep in a few minutes anyway.” “When did you become so smart,” Melanie teased. “I’ll admit it’s been a while, but I raised kids too, you know. I even have grandkids,” he reminded them. Melanie and Lindsay talked with Carl about his family. Carl mentioned that both his son and daughter had agreed to bring their families to Pittsburgh for the Christmas, and he was really looking forward to seeing them. He was also looking forward to his family getting to know everyone in this Pittsburgh family. Carl talked about how much his life had changed since a certain redhead came into his life. “Oh yes, the guys at the precinct keep asking when they can have another rematch with the Liberty Balls. You know that first match that we had made a big difference in how they see gays. They’re saying that they wanted to do it again.” “That first match was fun. I just wish that we’d won,” Lindsay revealed with determination. “I’m sure we will win the next time, but when did you get so competitive?” Melanie teased. “I always like to win,” Lindsay teased, “You know that.” “Maybe….” At that point Drew and Emmett returned and greeted Lindsay and Melanie. Melanie looked over at her sleeping daughter, and gently lifted her into to arms. “I’m going to take her upstairs so she can get a nap in before dinner.” “I’ll come with you,” Lindsay said, leaving Carl and Emmett and Drew in the living room together. “Maybe we can get a short nap too. I don’t want to miss anything; from what I can tell there’s going to be some gathering here later.” *** Hunter finally finished arranging things as per Debbie’s instructions, so he joined Carl in the living room to watch television. “What are you watching?” Hunter asked. “Another one of those crime shows, where the detective, who looks like a supermodel, manages to chase the suspect and solve the crime in less than a half hour…all without a single hair being out of place,” Carl relayed. Hunter couldn’t’ resist a laugh for he had heard this particular tirade of Carl’s every time a police dramas was on the television. “So that means you’re going to check out the game now that Drew is here?” “Absolutely!” Carl added with a laugh. “I can’t believe I was watching that other stuff in the first place. JR must have changed the channel earlier to watch her cartoon show.” Carl flipped the channel to the game and, as usual, Drew and Carl were soon arguing about the referee’s decisions. A few moments later, Ben arrived. He greeted Debbie and then quickly settled down to join everyone watching the game. “I came early to help rearrange things, but I see that that’s already been done,” Ben commented. “I took care of it,” Hunter announced proudly. “You did?” Ben remarked with some surprise. “What brought his on?” Then he thought for a minute. “So you wanted to set up the best vantage point for watching things today. Just think about the cast of characters you and Molly get to watch this time,” he teased. “Did you see that play?” Drew interrupted. He and Carl immediately started to challenge the referee’s call. “I don’t know why you two watch this stuff. All you do is argue,” Hunter pointed out. “Isn’t it great?” Emmett cooed. “Big burley men focused on a ball. Who can resist?” Everyone turned to look over at Emmett before breaking into laughter. “Are Lindsay and Melanie here?” Ben asked as an afterthought. “Yeah, they went upstairs to put JR down for a nap.” Carl informed them. Then he asked, “Is Michael at the store?” “He went in to check on things. He should be here shortly. Believe me, he doesn’t want to miss any of what’s going on here today,” Ben added. “You realize that this will be the first public appearance of Brian and the blond. I’m going to really need a ring-side seat for this!” Hunter suggested. “I don’t know how to tell you this, kiddo, but Brian and Justin were at Babylon last night with Paul and Jason. So I’m sure by now all of Liberty Avenue must know about them,” Ben suggested. “You went to Babylon?” Carl remarked with some surprise. “It was good to forget about everything and to dance the night away,” Ben responded. “And by the time Michael and I got home last night…we simply fell into bed.” “How were Brian and Justin?” Carl asked. “They seemed the same. Brian kept his arms around Justin most of the night… except for when they were lured onto the dance floor by Jason and Paul. The four of them are funny to watch together,” Ben added. “But they managed to keep the super-couple dancing all night.” *** Ted and Blake were the next to arrive. They quickly went into the kitchen to greet Debbie, and then they settled down in the living room near Hunter. “Did you see the papers?” Blake quietly asked. “Blake,” Ted said gently. “What was that Blake?” Carl asked. “There was an article in the Arts & Entertainment Section of the paper about Brian and Justin’s legal union…complete with a picture and article about the two of them. If they intended to keep their union a secret, that obviously isn’t going to happen now,” Blake added with laugh. “Knowing Brian, he probably planted the article himself,” Carl teased. “Figuring that the publicity would be good for both their careers. After all, he is in advertising.” “No, I definitely know that Brian had nothing to do with this. He and Justin have been too buried to plant this story. I just think that some over zealous reporter picked up the news when their union was registered. Although he didn’t plan the story, I’m sure he’s going to bask in the limelight anyway,” Ted said with a smirk. “So were you out to their house yesterday too?” Hunter asked Ted once he had settled down next to Blake. “Where? Oh you mean out to Brian and Justin’s? Not hardly. Brian has everyone working overtime on projects at the office,” Ted responded. “Why…what did you hear?” “Not much. Emmett was there, but he won’t talk!” Hunter added. “Maybe Mel and Linds can be persuaded to dish. The suspense is killing me.” “I know how you must feel kiddo,” Ben added sympathetically. “But if we just practice patience, we’ll have our chance to see everything for ourselves.” *** Melanie and Lindsay came back down stairs and decided to join Debbie in the kitchen. “Something smells wonderful,” Lindsay said, as she poured herself a glass of juice. “Your cooking is one of things we really miss about not living in Pittsburgh,” Melanie added. “You know you could move back here and have my cooking all the time,” Debbie reminded them. “Not to mention, have the entire family available for babysitting duties.” “I know, Deb,” Melanie said, leaning over to give her a kiss. “I guess I understand why you felt the need to leave, but Pittsburgh has changed. Maybe it’s time for you to reconsider things,” Debbie suggested quietly. “You know how I feel about family.” Lindsay and Melanie just looked at each other and smiled. Debbie noticed the looks but decided not to press her point. “But I’m really glad that you two have decided to visit so often. It’s the next best thing since you seem to like living in Toronto so much,” Debbie continued. “I just want you two to know that if you ever decide to return…your family is still here…you’ll always have a home here.” “Thanks Deb, we do know that,” Melanie added. “Lindsay, how are you holding up?” Debbie asked point blank. “I’m ok,” Lindsay honestly revealed. “Spending yesterday with everyone at the mansion gave me time to accept things. Brian and I have been so close over the years. But I can honestly say that I’m happy for them. They seem really happy.” “How is Gus dealing with the news?” Debbie decided to ask although she could already guess the answer. “You mean aside from the fact that Gus thinks that Brian did all this so that he could have HIS Justin. Oh yeah! Gus is thrilled with the news,” Melanie had to interject. “How is Gus’ play date going with Nicky?” “You should see the two of them together. They are crazy about each other. It’s good to see Gus interact with Nicky. Of course, judging by how they followed Justin around all day, I was beginning to think that Gus and Nicky thought that their play date was with Justin…not with each other,” Lindsay relayed with a laugh. Even Debbie had to laugh at the image of two little kids tagging along behind Justin wherever he went. “You know, when Justin showed me his studio, I noticed that Gus and Nicky had their art work prominently displayed there on his studio walls. They were signed and dated and everything.” Lindsay added. Melanie couldn’t resist. “I heard Paul complaining about having to sacrifice one of his shirts to Nicky’s artistic endeavors. Gus too won’t even finger paint unless he is wearing one of Brian’s designer shirts? Of course, Gus is just copying Justin. Paul is still grumbling about Justin’s bad influence.” “Wait until you see Nicky, Debbie. You’re going to fall in love with him. He’s going to be another little one for you to spoil,” Lindsay added. “Of course, you’re probably going to have to compete with Emmett for Nicky’s attention. Ever since Nicky and Emmett laid eyes each other…it’s been love at first sight.” “Yes, and you and Nicky share a lot in common,” Lindsay added with a laugh. “Starting with a head full of red curls,” Melanie teased. “Of course, Debbie, you understand that Nicky’s red curls are real?” “Are you two done?” Debbie asked, stopping to put her hands on her hips. “Yes,” they both said in unison, trying not to laugh and failing miserably. “What’s so funny?” Emmett asked as he and Drew ventured into the kitchen during a break in the game. “Oh we were just talking about Nicky,” Melanie said with a laugh. “He’s a little cutie isn’t he?” Emmett cooed, “And those red curls….” “Yes, we were just telling Debbie about them,” Melanie teased, starting to laugh again. “That’s enough out of you two,” Debbie said mockingly. “Why don’t you find something useful to do,” she insisted. “Don’t you have to pack or something?” “Already done, Deb,” Lindsay confirmed. “So you can’t get rid of us just yet,” Melanie continued to laugh, “But just to show you that there are no hard feelings, I think we’ll help you with dinner.” “So we’re ready to lend a hand. What would you like us to do? Set the table…maybe?” Lindsay asked. “I’m glad to see that you two are finally going to make yourselves useful,” Debbie said mockingly. “Setting the table is a wonderful place to start.” “Well that’s our cue to get back into the living room,” Drew teased, as he started to move in that direction. “Here take these with you,” Debbie said, reaching in the cabinet and handing them several bag of munchies. “But, don’t you dare spoil your appetites.” “Not a chance,” Drew added, leaning down to give Debbie a kiss. As Lindsay and Melanie were setting the table, they continued to chat easily with Debbie. “I notice that this has been a really busy trip for you. It seems like you were gone more than you were here. We’ve hardly had a chance to just sit and chat this visit,” Debbie pointed out cautiously. “Now Debbie, Lindsay and I know that you enjoy having us around, and it’s great for us to be here. But let’s face it, you only tolerate us so that you and Carl can spoil your granddaughter,” Melanie teased. “I can’t believe how much she has grown in just a month. I can’t deny that I love these visits. So does Michael.” Debbie reminded them. “This thing with Brian may have him a bit distracted for the moment, but never doubt how much he loves his daughter.” “I think in spite of all that’s happening, Jenny Rebecca has been completely spoiled by everyone, Michael and Hunter especially…but also Ben too,” Lindsay added. “We’re so lucky to be part of this family.” “This is definitely a family, isn’t it?” Debbie asked wistfully. “And I love you all to death.” *** This tender moment was interrupted by the bustle of activity in the living room. Carl opened the door as two little whirlwinds named Gus and Nicky projected themselves into the room. Both of them caught sight of Emmett, and they immediately squealed and ran over to greet him. “Auntie Em,” they both said, wrapping their arms around his legs. “A queen could get the vapors from such attention as this,” Emmett teased, while fanning himself. “Hello there Gus,” Carl said, opening his arms for a hug. Gus took a moment to run over and give Carl a big hug before returning back to Emmett’s side. “Who’s your little friend?” At this point, Jennifer and Molly entered. Molly carefully introduced everyone to Nicky, using her best manners. Nicky was glad to meet everyone, but he was most reluctant to be pried away from Emmett’s side. “I see that you have a new love interest,” Drew teased, “I go out of town for a few days…now this. When were you planning to tell me?” Drew’s reaction made everyone laugh. “Ghee Drew, you have to admit that he’s a little young,” Ted countered with a laugh. “So I don’t think that you have anything to worry about…at the moment.” “Jennifer, It’s good to see you. But what on earth are you doing with Gus and Nicky? And where is everyone else?” Ted asked. “Calm down…relax…don’t worry, Brian, Justin, Paul, and Jason are just a few minutes behind me. Nicky and Gus decided to ride into town with Molly and me,” Jennifer reassured them. Jennifer moved into the kitchen to chat with Debbie, while Gus and Nicky made themselves comfortable with Emmett and the others. Molly noticed that Hunter was now sitting apart from everyone else, so she went over to join him. “I see that you got here early,” Molly said quietly. “Are you kidding? With everything going on this weekend, I wanted to be sure that I had a ringside seat to see all the happenings,” Hunter relayed. “I saved you a seat, but of course, then I heard that you spent yesterday at the mansion,” he added with a touch of disappointment in his voice. “Paul and Jason were visiting with Nicky. So Brian wanted me to help so Justin could paint. We had a TV night…we popped popcorn and watched movies until Gus and Nicky fell asleep. I have to admit it was a fun day,” Molly recounted. “You know you could have called me. I would have willingly tagged along,” Hunter said, hoping to instill the proper amount of guilt in his companion. “Hunter, believe me. I was lucky to get invited myself,” Molly reminded him, as she thought about what it took to wrangle that invitation to the mansion and, even more, to get to spend the entire night there. But she was not about to share that information with Hunter…some things were definitely better left unsaid. “Yeah, I bet,” he challenged in disbelief. “Of course, you have an in. After all, the blond…” Hunter began. “Justin had nothing to do with this. Brian was the one,” she said with a self-satisfied grin. “What? Brian? That’s not possible,” he challenged. Molly secretly knew, that little piece of information was going to bother Hunter all day, but she just couldn’t resist. Then she just continued to innocently smile. “Oh it’s possible, all right,” she responded definitively. “And now Brian is related to me too,” she quickly added. “So you seem pretty happy about that news?” he pointed out. “Who wouldn’t be? Now Brian will always be around all the time,” she added. “So I guess there isn’t much chance that he’ll ditch ‘the blond’, huh?” Hunter felt compelled to ask. “I don’t know how to tell you this…No!” she said with a laugh. “I figured…” Hunter said with a deep sigh. He gave himself a moment, and then he immediately changed the subject. “So tell me about the house.” Before Molly could say anything the door opened once again. Michael had arrived. Michael smiled as he noticed that Gus was already here; for he knew that this meant that Brian must have already arrived. He smiled at the prospect of seeing his best friend. But first Michael went into the kitchen to greet Debbie. “I see that you finally got here, you little shit,” she teased, wrapping him in one of her legendary hugs. This was one of those times that Michael really needed a hug, so he let his mother get away with smothering him. “Hi ma,” he said when she finally released him. “From the looks of all the food that you have here, I would say that you have been cooking all day. You must have enough food here to feed an army,” he suggested. Michael stopped to greet Jennifer, Lindsay and Melanie as well. “I would say that’s just about the right description for the number of people, who will be here for dinner…and I must say that I’m fucking looking forward to it,” she added with a broad laugh. “How are you holding up, kiddo?” Debbie asked. “Emmett said that you and Ben were at Babylon last night.” “I’m doing ok,” Michael said sadly. “Ben thought that a night at Babylon would do us both good. Brian was there too,” he added. “I did hear that Sunshine was there with Paul and Jason too,” she added. “Paul and Jason tried to keep Brian on the dance floor, but he managed to find the time to come over and talk to me…after all, I am his best friend,” Michael reminded everyone. Debbie couldn’t help rolling her eyes at the last statement. Some things never change. “Yes, how well I know that,” Debbie finally added, causing everyone else in the kitchen to smile. “Ma, don’t start! I’ve got enough to deal with right now,” Michael professed. “Baby, what’s wrong?” she asked, now with some concern. “I think we’re going to go join the guys in the living room,” Jennifer suggested. Lindsay and Melanie decided to follow her. Debbie took a seat at the table and waited for Michael to join her. Michael let out a sigh because he really didn’t want to get into this with his mother now. What he really wanted to do was find Brian and talk to him. So Michael didn’t take the offered seat, but he merely continued to stand. Michael shook his head to clear his thoughts. “I don’t want to talk about it now. You and I can talk later,” he said emphatically, giving her a kiss on the cheek. There was no stopping Michael as he immediately headed toward the back door. He stepped out on the back porch and looked around, but Brian obviously wasn’t there. When he stepped back inside, Debbie greeted him with a look of exasperation. “Are you looking for something?” she asked, stating the obvious. “Brian…” Michael responded. “He’s not here yet. You know how he likes to make an entrance,” she reminded him as she resumed the final touches on the salad. Debbie looked at him and noticed that he wasn’t taking this news very well. “You know, you could pick that long face up off the floor….” “All right, Ma,” Michael snapped. “Look I’m going back into the living room and hang out with everyone. You’ll call me if you need me to do anything?” “Sure. No problem,” she uttered, still wondering when Michael’s obsession with Brian would finally end. *** A few moments later, Brian and Justin made their entrance with Paul and Jason in tow. Everyone was really excited to see them all, and there were hugs all around. “So Drew, I see that you made it back into town,” Brian quipped. “Brian, after the news that I heard on the road…I knew I had to come back here immediately to see if the rumors are true. You’ve got to admit…this news is too good to miss,” Drew commented. “But I understand that congrats are in order.” Brian simply smiled and slid his arm around Justin’s waist. “Thanks. We’re both pretty happy about it.” “Drew, be sure that you talk to Jason while we’re here. He’s quite an artist in his own right. Maybe you can bribe him to make a drawing of you that is to your liking,” Brian insisted, pulling Justin back into his arms. Justin leaned into the embrace as he continued to watch Brian and Drew tease each other. Paul and Jason managed to strike up a conversation with Drew, so Brian and Justin excused themselves to go see Debbie. Michael wanted to get up and follow, but Ben gently held him in his seat. When Justin returned, Gus and Nicky came over and forced Justin to sit down near Emmett. “Jus, you have to sit here,” Nicky insisted. He then resumed his position on Emmett lap, while Gus climbed into Justin’s. Jason noticed the happy foursome and had to come over. His sights were definitely set on Emmett. “Emmett, you and my son have been spending an awful lot of time together lately,” he teased, “I think Paul and I would like to know your intentions.” “Don’t you think he’s a little young?” Emmett replied, eyeing Jason with a smile. “I, too, have noticed you huddled again with our son,” Paul teased as he too walked over. “Is there something that you need to tell us?” Drew overheard the conversation and came to Emmett’s rescue. “I’m sorry little one, but your Auntie Em is taken,” he added leaning in to give Emmett a gentle kiss. Gus and Nicky covered their eyes…to everyone’s amusement. Brian came over and to rescue the kids. “Why don’t you two come with me?” he said lifting Gus and Nicky into the air…one kid under each arm.” “Aren’t you going to say hello to me?” Michael asked, already feeling neglected. “We haven’t had a chance to talk.” “Not now, Mikey,” Brian said, heading into the kitchen with one kid under each arm. “My hands are a little full at the moment,” he added over his shoulder. Ben and Hunter immediately noticed the disappointment on Michael’s face. Ben once again wrapped his arms around him. “Is that better?” he asked. Michael leaned into the embrace and simply said, “Lots!” “You have to give him some time…they just arrived,” Ben suggested. “Well now that Brian and Justin are here, I guess we should go wake Jenny so she can join us,” Melanie suggested. “I’ll get her,” Lindsay suggested. “Michael, why don’t you give me a hand?” Michael’s whole demeanor brightened as he followed Lindsay upstairs.