CHAPTER 1 - ALL IS NOT WHAT IT SEEMS

DINER - FRIDAY EVENING

MICHAEL

Where is everyone?! We’re supposed to be eating and then going to Babylon in an hour! The doorbell rings, but again, it is not my friends!

“Honey, why are you glowering? You’re not going to get a man looking like that!” Mom grouses and licks her finger to straighten up my eyebrows. “There….all better. You know, you’re going to prematurely age if you keep scowling like that.”

“Finally!” I sigh as Ted comes in and then huff with annoyance, as he goes back out again!

“Let me go and get them for you, sweetheart.” Ma goes out and I lean back to smile. I love the way she looks after me and fights my battles. Being the son of the Matriarch of Liberty Avenue has its advantages...I know that she will never put anyone above me!

“Ahead of me now! You do not keep my boy waiting!” She barks as Ted and Emmett are pushed towards the booth. I spot the roll of Ted’s eyes and decide to tell her about that later.

“How’s the little prince?” Emmett asks as he sits down.

“Ma! Can we have some food?! Let me call Brian again!” It goes to voicemail, once more, and I shake my head at them. “Still nothing!”

“What’s wrong, honey?” Ma comes over with our food.

“Still trying to get hold of Brian, but he’s not picking up.”

“Oh for god sake!” Ted grumbles and he redeems himself a bit in my eyes.”Let me try him.”

“Okay, Ted.” I smile and start to dig into my food.

“Hi Brian, it’s Ted, can you please get here as soon as you can? Thanks.”

“What did he say?” I ask round a mouthful of burger.

“He’s coming.” He replies.

BRIAN

For fuck sake! If Ted’s calling me, it means that Michael is this close to a slap! I grab my jacket and after locking up, head to the diner. I look at my phone as it buzzes again and this time, it is Debs. I wouldn’t normally ignore her, but I’m only 15 minutes away. She can yell at me then!

As I open the door to the diner, she’s in my face in seconds! “Where the fuck have you been?!”

“And this is your business, why?” I retort.

“Don’t open a mouth with me!”

“Debs! I have told you before, cut that shit out!” I snap, then grin and kiss her on her cheek. As I slide in next to Ted, I jostle him and he smiles, shaking his head. “Sorry.”

“I should hope so too! I’ve been waiting ages!” Michael grumbles.

“I was talking to Ted. So what was so important that you needed to call me about 18 times in two hours?” I growl at Michael.

“I wanted to know where my best…”

“Michael, I don’t…” I reach for my phone as it vibrates. “Kemi, hey...what’s wrong?” The diner goes quiet. “Honey, where are you? Okay, I’m coming!”

“Bri?” Ted asks, already pulling on his jacket. “Where is she? Let me take you.”

“I’m coming with!” Ems declares.

“Honey, what is it?!” Debs demands. “Kiki…”

“Covered, just go!” She replies, almost throwing her purse and coat and purse at her. “Let us know as soon as yeah!”

“Yeah!” She shouts and follows us out.

KIKI

“Want that to go?” I ask and he shakes his head. “Thought not.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?!”

“Well your best friend’s clearly in distress. Surely you should be going with him?”

“They won’t be that long. She’s most likely broken a nail or something. Nothing is going to interrupt our night.”

ALLEGHANY HOSPITAL, A&E - AN HOUR LATER

TED

We run to reception and once we find out where she is, we run to her room. Once there, we are confronted by the spitfire that can only be Kemi Kinney in full defensive mode!

“You are not touching it! No!” She shouts, holding the IV stand like a lance to ward off the nurse, while holding her dislocated shoulder as still as possible and close to her body.

“Miss Kinney, now please... you must be in a lot of pain.” The nurse cajoles.

“Of course, I am. I have dislocated my shoulder! I have read about these things, you know. It’s going to hurt and I mean more than the pain I’m in already. My dad is coming and he’ll…”

“Kemi!” Brian guffaws as he takes in the scene. “Stop being a princess and sit your ass down!”

“I am not…” She stamps her foot and immediately regrets it. “Being a princess!”

“Yes, you are. Now stop this!” Brian tells her firmly and the stand clatters to the floor. He gently manoeuvres her back to the bed. “Can you give us five minutes?” He asks the nurse and she nods then smiles.

“Hurts so much.” She whimpers into his shoulder and I swallow down my tears. This is my goddaughter for fuck sake. I hate to see her in pain!

“What the hell happened, pumpkin?” Ems ask, plumping up the pillows with one hand and holding up a sobbing Debs with the other.

“Was doing a turnpike and fell off! I am determined to nail that fucker!” She grumbles and I notice the beginnings of a black eye.

“Did you hit a wall first?” I ask.

“Yeah, have a bit of a headache.”

“Kemi! Did you tell the doctors this?!” I demand.

“They started to touch my shoulder and…”

“Kemi!” Brian nods at me and I get the nurse back in here. Within fifteen minutes and a lot of swearing, her shoulder is set. We were in there for another two hours before we could finally take her home.

BRITIN

LOUNGE

DEBS

“They are sleeping.” I sigh tiredly, having just checked on Brian and Kemi.

“Debs, go to bed. That’s the whole point of you having a room here!” Ems tells me.

“I will. Ems what am I going to do?”

“What we have been doing for the last 14 years, protecting the Stud and his princess…”

“But Michael…”

“But Michael nothing!” Ems interrupts, sharply.

“Ems!” Ted hisses.

“No!” He gets up and closes the door. “Why should we pretend that he didn’t say what he said about Kemi? Explain to me why we are pretending that he walks on water again?”

“Because we haven’t found him yet!” Debs hisses back. “And the moment we do and get them together, my idiot son is going to know exactly what I think about him!”

BABYLON

MICHAEL

I sit in the booth by myself and try Brian again and again, but it just keeps going to voicemail.

Fucking kid, makes me sick! She always ruins everything!

CHAPTER 2 - GOODBYE AND HELLO...I SAID HELLO!

LATE SATURDAY MORNING

MICHAEL

I was left alone for the rest of the night and I’m still fuming! They didn’t even call to tell me what was wrong with the brat! I look round the apartment to make sure I have everything and head to Ted’s place. I know I could walk but I can’t be bothered, so I head to Ma’s only to find she’s not there, but her car is. I find the keys in the usual place and head to Ted’s; some people would think that leaving the keys where they are is asking for trouble, but nobody would steal that car! When I get to Ted’s, he’s just pulling up.  

“Hey Ted! Where have you been?”

“Crashed at Ems and just dropped Debs off. What did you need?”

“What did...well since we didn’t get to hang out last night, I thought we would go to the diner and then the gym. Let me call…”

“You can do that if you want, but we had a stressful and long night. So I’m going to bed. And don’t phone Brian! He’s on silent and has unplugged the landline. She dislocated her shoulder, in case you were wondering.”

“I was going to ask!” I protest, but he just shakes his head and opens his front door. I follow him in.

“What are you doing, Michael?” He stops me from proceeding further.

“I can watch TV until you wake up and then we go…”

“No, Michael. You need to find your own form of entertainment away from here!”

“Fine.” I grumble and head back to the car. As I drive down the Avenue, I decide to see what Emmett is doing. When I get to his place, I park up and head upstairs to his apartment. I take out his key and open the door, but am surprised to find the chain on. “Emmett! It’s me, Michael! You need to take the chain off so I can get in!” I wait a few minutes before rattling the door to get his attention...still nothing. I slam the door closed to see if that works and it doesn’t, so I head back to the car.

EMMETT

I watch him go back to his car from the corner of the window and heave a sigh of relief, thankful that Ted told me to put the chain on. I jump as my phone rings. No prizes for guessing who. Oh well never mind, I’m still asleep...I put it on silent and go back to bed.

DINER - AN HOUR LATER

DEBS

I smile at Kiki and sip the coffee gratefully. “Let me guess? She’s been trying the turnpike again?” I chuckle and nod. “You got to admire her persistence!”

“She will get it nailed. She’s a Kinney, after all!”  Ernesta, the other waitress, calls out. “Hon, why don’t you catch some more sleep? The hangry crowd aren’t up yet.”

“Who are we talking about?” Michael surprises us by coming out of the back.

“What are you doing back there?” Ernesta demands.

“I was watching some TV. Ma doesn’t mind, do you?” He looks smugly at me for confirmation.

“Well we do!” Kiki retorts before I can reply then holds her hand out for the key to the office.

“Now, Michael!” Ernesta orders.

“But Ma…” He begins, but I shake my head. They are completely right! I have told him that he can’t go back there without me being present. “Fine!” He gripes and hands the key back. “So who were you talking about before?”

“Kemi.” Kiki rolls her eyes. “Who else would we be talking about with the surname Kinney?”

He slides into the booth and nods. “How did she do her shoulder?”

“Turnpike.” I snicker at the memory of her last night. “Also got a black eye. Oh, and the keys for the car…”

He shakes his head. “I need it still; I’m going to Shadyside this evening.”

“So that’s this evening. In case you haven’t noticed, it’s still daytime and I have shopping to do. So give me my keys, Michael.”

“Can you drop it off at mine afterwards?” He gives me his pleading look, holding the keys hostage in supposed supplication.

“No, you collected them this morning, so you can do the same thing this evening. You know what, Ernesta, I think I will take your advice and catch some sleep for a bit.”

“Good! Give me the keys so I can move your Ma’s car.” Ernesta replies and waits for Michael to hand them over. Between the pair of these women, they stop me from killing Michael when he gets the way he gets!

“Call me when the hangry crowd comes in.” I call over my shoulder and hear Michael’s coming behind me.

“What do you want, Michael?”

“Is she going to be okay for the rest of the weekend, do you think?”

“If you are asking me, will Brian be coming out to play, the answer is going to be NO. You know how he gets with Kemi. Now really, I have to get a couple of hours sleep. So go watch TV or whatever…. at your house!”

HOME OF KENYA- FOX-WORTHY, ALABAMA - SATURDAY AFTERNOON

KITCHEN

JUSTIN

I look across at my beautiful daughter and would do anything to take the pain away. Her grandfather, my dad, my supporter and all around good guy has died. Craig Taylor was everything to us. He never judged or was angry when I told him I was pregnant. Yes, he was shocked as any parent would be, but he and mom doted on her from the minute she was born.

“How you guys doing?” Kenya, my penpal turned best friend comes in, rubbing her eyes.

“Okay.” Kendi immediately heads for a hug that only her godmother can give. “I miss him so much.”

“I know darling, I know. But you gotta admit as ways to go out with a bang, he certainly did that!” She quirks her head and gets the laugh she wanted.

“You’re terrible!” I snicker.

“Oh, come on!” She grins shuffling to make some coffee, while Kendi is still holding on. “He came and went! I bet it took ages for them to get that grin off his face!”

“Kenya!” Kendi shrieks, giggling. “That’s my grandfather you are talking about! Can you imagine the sourpuss expressions at the country club when she had to explain just how he died?!”

“Wish I was there when she told them! But she would’ve done it with aplomb, as usual!” I smile. “So the funeral is on Monday and then the will reading on Tuesday.”

“So let’s get cracking. We need to be at the airport in a couple of hours.” Kenya orders, downing the rest of her coffee and putting the cup in the dishwasher. “And yes, for the 400th time, before you ask, I am happy to come with you, and stay as long as you need me to!”

MEL AND LINDSAY’S HOUSE - TORONTO - SAME TIME

LOUNGE

JENNY REBECCA

“But mom, I don’t want to move from Toronto and I especially don’t want to have to share a room with her!”

“I know that.” Mommy tries to placate me. “But we have to live somewhere and it’s only temporary.”

“Why can’t we live in a hotel temporarily instead, then? Kemi is so uncouth.”

“Hey, that’s my sister you’re talking about!” Gus snaps, making me jump. He’s very protective of Kemi.

“Well compared to me, she’s…”

“Jenny, enough! Apologise immediately.” Mom orders me and I mutter my apologies. “I didn’t hear that!”

“Mel, she said sorry. I heard her.” Mommy tells her.

“Well I didn’t, so say it and mean it, Jenny!”

“Sorry for calling Kemi uncouth.” I tell Gus, mentally adding even though she is!

“Of course, you are.” He retorts. “I’m going to phone dad to finalise the arrangements. Any message that I can pass onto him? You know like thanks for letting us stay with you, for example?” He looks meaningfully at mommy and me.

“Gus, we shouldn’t have to thank him for this. You are…”

“His son, his firstborn and it’s his duty to provide for me. Did I get that right? And speaking of rights…”

MEL

I roll my eyes at him bringing this up again! “Gus, we have given him his rights back and…”

“Still expect him to support Jenny, even though she continually dumps down on his biological daughter.”

“You know her father was anonymous!” Lindsay interjects.

“Which you chose to do! Look…” He sighs. “The fact remains that you two should be the ones doing it, not Dad. I hope you stick to your promise to do so now that we’re moving. He’s got Kemi to look after and with you both going to be…”

“Well, whose fault is that? He has a drunken one night…sorry, weekend fuckfest...” Lindsay sniffs in disgust and I cringe. I may not like, okay I don’t like Brian Kinney, but her attitude is not helpful!

“Fault?! Did you just say fault? Well, I bet he had a much better time getting her as opposed to the way you got me and Jenny!” He snarls and stomps upstairs.

“He is far too much like his father sometimes!” I grumble.

“I like Uncle Brian. He spoils me, well he tries to, but Kemi won’t let him!” Jenny Rebecca twists her mouth in frustration. The amount of times, when we’ve made our way back to the Pitts that Kemi, according to Jenny, has stopped her from getting the things she wants, is galling! Lindsay strokes Jenny’s hair.

“Come on darling, let’s go and finish packing, shall we?”

“I suppose so, but before that, I’m going to call my friends to say goodbye to them. I don’t know what they are going to do without me to guide them!” She decries and I fight not to roll my eyes.

As I am left to double check the lounge before we move back to Pittsburgh, I wonder if Kemi had been Lindsay’s would she be this pious. She has always wanted a sibling for Gus, but Brian said no. He pointed out that he agreed to do it once and that’s all he was doing. So when he found out he was pregnant, it was such a shock! Of all the people to get knocked up, the Stud of Liberty Avenue would’ve been the last one anyone thought of, especially when he barely showed for 7 months!!

When Michael found out, he went ballistic. I’m still not sure if it was because he got pregnant or that his ‘Brian doesn’t bottom’ ideals were blown out of the water. And the fact that Brian didn’t know who the father was and it was a one weekend long fuckfest, made it worse! Naturally, Lindsay assumed that she would be bringing up the child, but she got even more of a shock when he announced that he would bring her up himself. She was spitting feathers! Michael tried to change his mind, but to no avail. For the last two months of his pregnancy, he was barely speaking to him. And while Brian sort of understood, he was still hurt at Michael’s attitude.

It was love at first sight when Kemi was born, pretty much like the way he looked when he saw Gus for the first time. They are only two months apart! Lindsay did not like sharing the limelight with a pregnant Brian Kinney! Ted made such a fuss over him, going to all his appointments that he ended up being his birthing partner. A lot of people on the Avenue were proud of Ted, but really pissed at Michael, including me, if I am honest! Never one to quit beating a dead horse, Lindsay tried to convince him to donate again two years after Kemi and Gus were born, but again, he told her no. So we went down the insemination route, with me carrying this time. Although Jenny looks like me, she is all Lindsay when it comes to being spoilt! I am so glad we didn’t go for Michael as we were originally going to do. I shudder to think what our lives would have become!

But now after 5 years in Toronto, we are moving back. As loathed as I am to admit it, Gus is right. We can’t keep relying on Brian for Jenny’s support and upkeep. Although he has more than enough money, it wasn’t his decision to have another mouth to feed, but ours. We’re both going to be working when we get back to Pittsburgh and it’s time we woman up and start doing it all ourselves!

TAYLOR’S HOUSE - TUESDAY MORNING

LOUNGE

JUSTIN

The funeral was well attended and very touching. Kendi got through her reading brilliantly and I’m so glad that we took the time away right after his death. The amount of well-wishers, who suddenly came out of the woodwork was irritating. Vultures circling carrion Kenya called them. She has been excellent at keeping people away. Nobody wants to mess with a brawler from Alabama...her words, not mine!

I’m suddenly Mr Popular with a delightful daughter, who is a credit to the Taylor name now that I have inherited the house and the business as opposed to the freak of nature who had a bastard child. Mom has already moved to Cape Cod. She has proper friends there so she’s escaped. But Kendi and I have to come back and sort this out. Luckily, it’s the summer and she’s off school so we don’t have that to contend with as well.

Kendi wants to scope out the area, especially the infamous Liberty Avenue. Despite living in Pennsylvania, I never returned to Liberty Avenue after that weekend! Kenya wants to see it too so they’re going tomorrow.

DINER - WEDNESDAY MID-MORNING

BRIAN

She looks so proud of herself! Not many girls would be pleased to have a black eye and a shoulder in a sling, but Kemi is not most girls. Debs has been trying to cover up her eye, but she’s not having it. Gus is meeting us here in a few minutes and she’s excited to show off her battle scars! She was relieved when she didn’t end up sharing her room with LP Junior, as she has taking to calling Jenny. They ended up in a hotel, which surprisingly enough they paid for! I have to admit that there are times I wholeheartedly agree with that statement. She’s definitely Lindsay’s child as opposed to Mel’s. At least, Mel pulls her up on stuff.

“Dad, I’m going to the bathroom. Grandma, can you help?!” She calls out and Debs bustles in after her.

The door opens and Michael comes in. He almost runs to the booth, smiling. “Hiya, you’re finally out and about?!”

“Yeah, she’s off the painkillers and was going stir crazy!” I laugh.

“I’ll bet. So can we meet at Woody’s tonight, then?” He looks hopeful.

“I’ll see. I’m not happy to leave her too long by her…”

“Can’t Mel or Lindsay come over and look after her until you get home? You must need a break, too?!” He argues.

“Michael, they've only just got back and are settling in…”

“What about Ma?” He suggests.

“What about me?” Ma comes out, but with no Kemi in tow and I frown. “She’s fine. Just a little tired, so is lying down for a bit.”

“You can look after Kemi for tonight so that Brian can come out with us, can’t you? You love spending time with your granddaughter, don’t you?” Michael’s wheedling, yet demanding voice is grating on my nerves.

“Honest Debs, you don’t have to…” But she shakes her head, making Michael’s smile widen.

“No, you go out tonight, you’ve earned a break! That’s an order!”

“See? Sorted!” Michael crows and I catch the head shake of Ernesta and hide my smirk. “I’ll be round at seven then.”

“Why come round? I’ll just meet you at Woody’s.” I tell him firmly. He tends not to leave the loft once he’s in there!

“Okay, I suppose. So let’s order!”

GUS

I can’t wait to see Kemi! She refused to send me pictures of her battle scars as she wants to show me face to face. As I walk down Liberty Avenue, it feels so good to be home!

“Hey Kemi! Hey!” I shout at her as she crosses the road with someone I don’t know and run to catch them up. “So you don’t have any battle scars!” I tease and punch her arm. The next thing I know, I am doubled over winded as she punches me in the stomach.

“What the hell are you doing?!” She shouts at me. “How dare you punch someone you don’t even know?!”

“Kendi, what the hell happened?! Who is this creep?!” The woman, who had walked ahead, comes running back.

“I don’t know! He just punched me and…”

“What do you mean you don’t know?!” I finally get my breath back then stand up properly and find myself staring at the outraged expression of someone, who is not Kemi! “Wait a second...who the fuck are you and why do you have my sister’s face?!”

CHAPTER 3 - AND THIS IS…THEN THEY MEET AGAIN

KENYA

“So this is how you treat your sister?!” I snarl, getting right into this little punk’s face and he wisely backs up! But is still staring at Kendi.

“Kenya, come on let’s just go back home! I’ve had enough of this place!”

“No wait! Please can you just come to the diner? It’s just over there, please?!”

“And why should we do that? So your friends can finish off the job!”

“My dad is in there…” He is still just staring.

“Great! I want to meet the father who teaches his kid that it’s okay to hit!”

“Me too!” Kendi exclaims. “Will you stop staring at me like that?! It’s creeping me out!”

He nods, but then pulls out his phone. Immediately, I snatch it off him. He goes to say something but my death glare stops him. “Diner! Now!”

DINER

GUS

This is not happening! This is not happening! I walk quickly with the very scary woman, practically breathing down my neck and we’re at the diner in a minute. “Dad…!” I call out.

“Who’s the father of this thug?!” Scary Lady bellows, silencing the diner... but that’s not the only reason everyone is staring.

“Two things. Why are you calling my son a thug?! And why do you have his phone?!” Dad comes out from the office, his voice low and angry.

“Where’s Kemi, dad?!” I demand, rushing to get between him and Scary Lady!

“I’m here. Why is everyone fucking shouting?!”

“Holy mother of fuck.” Scary Lady breathes and then looks behind her.

“See?!” I exclaim.

“Come out.” She tells Kemi and she steps out from behind her.

“Oh my god!” Kemi, who does have battle scars is bug eyed, staring at the other girl. “You look exactly like me!”

“Except my eyes are blue.” She replies. “Yours are green.”

“Uh, here’s your phone.” Scary Lady hands it back to me and I almost drop it, looking between the two doppelgangers.

“Dad...say something.” I whisper.

“What did he call you?” He asks, quietly.

“Kendi.” She replies slowly, walking up to the pair of them. “What happened to you?”

“Tried to do a turnpike and failed again...skateboard hit me in the face and then I hit the wall dislocating my shoulder.” Kemi replies as they circle each other.

“Why is it so quiet in...holy fucking shit!” Uncle Michael exclaims as he comes out from the back. I can’t help the frisson of joy it gives me because I know exactly how he feels about Kemi and how she feels about him!

“Okay, sorry I just can’t get my head round it.” Scary Lady says. “I’ve called J…”

“Justin!” Dad exclaims, “His name is Justin!”

“Ooh, what the hell did I take last night?! I am seeing double!” Emmy Lou exclaims.

“Okay, everyone that looks like a Kinney, is a Kinney or came with a Kemi lookalike in the office now!” Grandma orders, having regained the power of speech.

As we start to follow grandma in, Ernesta calls out. “Michael, where are you going?”

“He’s my best friend! Where do…”

“Suddenly you remember that?!” She snipes “Sit down!” She comes round the counter and he scurries back to the booth.

“Ernie, can I have a double espresso please!” Emmy Lou calls out.

“Emmett, where are you going?” Michael demands.

“Where’d you think?! Where the gossip is!”

“You go ahead, Ems. Will bring it in a sec!”

OFFICE

BRIAN

I try for the third time to use my phone, but Ems stops me. “I’ll call him.” He takes his out and calls Ted.

“Sorry, Kenya.”

“What?” I frown at the less angry lady.

“My name is Kenya. This is Kendi. Jesus, this is unreal.”

“Brian and this is Emmett, Debs, Gus and Kemi.” I reply.

“When’s your birthday?” Kemi asks her sister.

“August 13th. I was born on a Friday.”

“Wh...what time?” Debs asks, taking my hand as I start to tremble.

“1:57pm.”

“Christ, same face, same day but 2 minutes apart.” Debs looks at me with tears in her eyes.

“BRIAN!” Ted shouts as he bursts in. “What…” He stops and stares. “Jesus. Twins?!”

“Really?!” They both say at the same time and then laugh.

“This is Ted. He’s Kemi’s godfather.” Ems introduces him. “These two are Kenya and she’s Kendi.”

“And I’m her godmother.” Kenya smiles and then her phone rings. “No, you have to come now! We’re at Liberty Avenue Diner...you have to see this for yourself. Justin, just get here!”

“Why not send a picture?” I ask Kendi.

“He doesn’t have a camera on his phone.” She rolls her eyes and wrinkles her nose. “That is definitely going to change!”

“Okay… when you get here, ask for Debs.”

“How long is dad going to be?” Kendi asks then stares at Gus. “Wait, you’re my brother!”

“Shit! I have another sister! Do you have any brothers?” He asks hopefully, but his face falls when she shakes her head.

When the door opens, Ernesta comes in with coffee and brandy. I can see Michael hovering, but Debs shuts the door firmly when Ernesta leaves.

“Shall I be mother?” I ask and then chuckle at what I said.

“You smile the same.” Ted tells them.

We’re sitting in silence, trying to absorb everything when we hear Michael shouting at someone, saying he can’t go back there. “I believe your dad has arrived.” Kenya intones and gets up.

KENYA

When I step back into the diner, Michael is blocking the way. “Can you move please?” I ask, politely.

“No, nobody is getting back there!” He states over his shoulder. “Especially this pushy princess!” He sneers.

“Michael...?” Kemi starts to protest.

“Kendi, what happened?!” Justin shouts, as he pushes past him and then stops. “You have green eyes!” He looks incredulously at me. “Seriously Kenya, what the fuck is…”

“Hi dad.” Kendi comes out, smiling and Justin gapes.

“Hi Justin.” Brian comes out and Justin faints.

AN HOUR LATER

JUSTIN

I must have been very stressed! I think to myself and open my eyes but immediately close them again! I open one slowly and there, grinning with tears in her eyes, is an unbruised Kendi standing next to a bruised Kendi.

“What happened?” I mumble. “And who am I lying on?!”

“Hi, my name is Debs.” I look up at her and smile.

Suddenly she breaks into a huge grin. “Holy shit! Sunshine!” She screams, sitting me upright and pulling me into her arms in seconds. “I can’t believe it!”

“Sunshine?” Kenya echoes and helps wrest me out of her grip.

“Yeah! No way would I ever forget that smile!” She cackles. “So you went to Babylon and met Brian, did you?”

“Ma! Let me in!” The loudmouth shouts.

“No!” A guy yells back. “Now drink this sweetie, I am Emmett.” I take the glass with brown liquid and on discovering its brandy, knock it back quickly.

“So let me get this straight... You got pregnant, too?” I look incredulously at Brian, who just nods. “How the hell are they so alike?!”

“SOME FUCKING ONE TELL ME WHAT IS GOING ON?!” The loudmouth comes in after a young boy.

“Meet the man that knocked up the Stud of Liberty Avenue and his daughter.” Debs laughs.

“No! Two of them?! Seriously?!” He froths.

“Yes, two of them!” The young boy shouts at him. “They are carbon copies of each other, apart from the eyes. I’m Gus by the way, his son and their elder brother!”

“Justin” I smile at him, he so looks like Brian. “Wow you sure were busy 14 years ago!” I laugh nervously and Brian gives me an equally nervous smile.

“Are you sure she’s his?!” He screeches. “It could be a scam!”

“Ex-fucking-cuse me!” Kendi bellows. “Who the hell are you and how dare you cast aspersions on my dad like that?! Keep talking and I’m going to knock you on your ass so hard, you won’t sit down for a week!”

EMMETT

“I believe she has just provided an answer to your question, Michael. There is no mistaking that temper!” I laugh. “But in all seriousness, let’s leave them be. Come-come, you four, sorry Gus, five go back to the loft…”

“Hang on, what about Kenya? She’s got to come too!” Kendi objects.

“And me!” Michael has recovered from his shock at the way he was just spoken too.

“No, there is nobody but them!” I tell him firmly.

“Did you drive here or take a cab?” Brian asks him.

“Cab. Actually, can we not do the loft?” Justin blushes, no doubt, at the memory of what they did that weekend and Brian holds back his trademark smirk. “Shut up!” He chides him, but does start to smile.

“So where shall we go then?” Michael tries again.

“Nowhere! You’re not coming near my grandpa’s house!” Kendi shouts.

“Kendi, calm yourself sweets, but Emmett is right. You guys need to do this on your own.” Kenya looks at her watch. “Right... where is a good place for a gal to get a drink?!”

“With me and Teddy!” I declare.

“Done and done, let’s go!” She grins.

“Wait for me!” Michael states. “I need the bathroom; I won’t be long!”

“Okay, Michael.” I sigh and he dashes out.

“One second.” Debs smirks and follows him out. She’s back less than two minutes later, smiling. “Oh dear, he seems to have gotten locked in…”

As we run out of the diner, I turn back to see the kids, jabbering away excitedly. Brian and Justin keep giving each other quick looks and shy smiles.

“He’s the only one.” Kenya tells me and I frown. “He’s not bottomed for anyone else since.”

“Because he’s afraid of getting pregnant again?” Ted asks.

 “No. Because he didn’t want to taint the memory.” She replies.

CHAPTER 4 - TENTATIVE FOUNDATIONS AND THEY FIND OUT

DINER

MICHAEL

“What do you mean they’re gone? Where’d they go?!” I demand of Ma.

“I don’t know. Kenya said she was desperate for a drink and...”

“You really need to get that lock checked! Supposing there was a fire?” I interrupt. “Let me call to see where they are. I still don’t believe it!” I try Emmett’s, but it goes straight to voicemail as does Ted’s. “They’re not picking up. What a day... Brian is so going to need that drink tonight!”

“Michael, surely you’re not that stupid?” Kiki scoffs.

“What?”

“He’s just met his other daughter and the father of said daughter again. This is not something they can discuss in a couple of hours! You aren’t going to see him for the rest of the day. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if we didn’t see them for the rest of the week.”

“Brian will meet me tonight!” I assert firmly and smirk in my surety. “Right, I am going to go home. Gotta get some sleep in advance of the hard night’s drinking we’re going to be having. So glad, I booked tomorrow off!”

“Thought you booked that because of the convention you were going to?” Ma asks and I grimace at her.

“Well that, too. Still don’t see why I can’t use the car.”

“Because Kiki is using it and before you bitch again, she asked first. Now go and get that much crowed about sleep! Wouldn’t want you flagging part way through the evening, would we?”

As I head back to my place, I have three thoughts: First, I must suggest a DNA test to Brian...he’s got to protect himself; second, how is Lindsay going to react to this; and, finally, I feel like Ma was being sarcastic!

TAYLOR RESIDENCE - 90 MINUTES LATER

GUS

It is so surreal! But Kendi and Kemi have clicked straight away. Can’t wait for LP Jnr to meet her! I gasp at that realisation and everyone looks at me.

“Your moms and Jenny?” Dad asks dryly.

“Yeah. I think we should call before someone else does.” Kemi rolls her eyes.

“Mr Shouty Man, by any chance?” Kendi scowls. “What is his problem? Who is he to you uh...oh what do I call you?”

We all look at each other.

“That’s a good point.” Justin rubs his nose and I snicker. “What?”

“Kemi does that a lot when she’s thinking hard about something.” Dad explains and then just stares at Kendi, who rolls her tongue in her cheek and I burst out laughing.

“Let me guess, you do that?” She grins at dad and he just nods.

“So what do we call the pair of you?” Kemi demands, having given up the nose rubbing in annoyance. “We can't call you by your first names because that is just wrong, but dad right now is…”

“Too soon?” Dad and Justin asks at the same time and then smile at each other.

“Oh, I know! How about you call my dad pa and I call your dad pop? I’ve always wanted to call dad that, but he bitched that it sounds like he has gas.” Kemi declares.

“Everyone happy with that?” Dad asks and we all nod. “And now to let Lindsay and Mel in on our news before Michael, or Mr Shouty Man, calls them and puts his slant on things!”

“Um, before you do that. What do I call you, Justin?” I ask quietly. “I mean, if I can call…”

“Of course, you can! You’re her brother so you can call me Papa J.”

“Oh, I like that!” I hi-five Kemi and then Kendi puts her hand up so I hi-five her, too!

“Why does he have a side at all?” Kendi demands, still riled by Michael's treatment of Papa J. She was so cool, earlier!

“Because that’s what he does. He thinks he has the right to have a say in everything, especially when it comes to dad. He and LP Jnr sure have a lot in common!” Kemi grumbles.

“LP Jnr? Who’s that?” Papa J frowns.

“Oh, you have so much to find out! But quick question: is this where you guys live?” Kemi looks around.

“No, we live in Fox Chapel. We’re here to close up grandpa’s...oh shit! Grandma!” Kendi exclaims. “Dad, we have to call her now!”

“Right, let’s go make some calls.” Dad orders. “Then I think something to eat is called for.”

“Agreed. We can use my dad’s office. It’s big enough for the two of us. This way. You three can get to know each other a bit more, but no family telling before we get back. Understand?”

“But I can tell her about grand…”

“Of course you can, sweets .” Papa J and brushes Kendi’s cheek.

“He’s dead, isn’t he?” Kemi asks, immediately looping her arm through Kendi’s when she nods. “Want to tell me about him? He obviously meant a lot to you…”

“Yeah, you’d have loved him.”

“Let’s leave them to that. The longer I wait to tell her, the more she’s going to sulk!” Dad rolls his eyes and follows Papa J out.

STATION - SAME TIME

KENYA

I look at Ted and Emmett and know what they are thinking, I am thinking the same. “There is no way they are not sisters, is there?”

“Nope.” Ted replies.  “But, now please don’t get upset…”

“DNA test?” I smile at him and his shoulders droop, in relief. “Justin Taylor is a very wealthy man and has just inherited his father’s estate.”

“Likewise for Brian. He’s the Founder and President of Kinnetic…”

“So tell me about him? Why was he called the Stud of Liberty Avenue and what’s with the blatherskite?”

“Blatherskite?!” Emmett giggles. “Sounds great, but what exactly is it?”

“A person who goes on at great length without making much sense.” I answer and sigh happily as the food arrives. “Okay, I judge places by two things, wings and fries, but those nachos look so good…”

“Nachos? Where?” Emmett looks where I am pointing. “Oh yeah, excuse me can we have one lot of nachos too please?” He flags down the waitress before resuming the conversation.

I listen as they describe how Brian was before that fateful lost weekend. Apparently, the blatherskite was on the verge of calling the FBI to track him down when he staggered into Debs house, covered in hickeys and with a shit eating grin! And on top of that, he didn’t tell anybody about the weekend itself... just said he drank a lot, fucked a lot and slept very little!

“So they’ve been friends for a long time, then?”

“He’s his best friend...when it suits him.” Emmett intones darkly.

“Meaning?” I sit back and watch them exchange looks before Ted sighs crossly. “Justin is more than capable of taking care of himself and Kendi, but he’s my best friend and if I have to become the BAB…”

“BAB?” They echo.

“Birmingham Alabama Brawler, then I want to know why.”

“He’s not...no, let me start that again. Blather...I mean Michael, has had Brian to himself since they were teens and he got used to that. Then when Gus was born, he lost a bit of Brian’s attention, but that was fine because Gus lives with his mothers, Lindsay and Melanie, and there is a whole lot of history there. But then Kemi came along, and that was it, Michael was 3rd in line and he doesn’t like that at all!” Ted finishes with Emmett, nodding.

“He doesn’t like her, then?” I ask carefully.

“Their relationship is not the best, neither is the one with Gus, but that was slightly better because they were in Toronto. But now they’ve moved back here and it’s going to be interesting to say the least. And, of course there’s the mini hellion that is Jenny Rebecca…”

“Who’s she?” I swipe the last piece of pork belly from the nachos and Ted’s face falls. So I signal the waitress for another plate. “Better?”

“Yes thank you, this is good!”

Emmett looks at me. “Bet not a drop sticks to you either! As for the mini hellion, she’s Gus’s sister. Mel’s her mother and…”

“Brian’s the dad?”

“Oh, fuck no!” Emmett shrieks. “It was bad enough for her that he’s Gus’s father. Lindsay is one of Brian’s closest…”

“Leeches?” Ted snickers.

“Ted, hush!” Emmett swats him. “Now before we proceed further on this, what are you going to call me? Because I feel that you and I have bonded.”

“What do you prefer?”

“Ems, Emmy or Emmy Lou.”

“Ems it is, and you can call me Nya - pronounced Nia. Because of the similarities in our names, Justin calls me that. I’m only Kenya if I’m in trouble, he’s sad or he needs me to hold him back!”

“So proceed with the leech, I mean Lindsay, Teddy.”

“I think that Nya needs to get the full effect when she meets them to form her own opinion because meet them she will...and I suspect very quickly!”

HILTON HOTEL, PITTSBURGH - AN HOUR LATER

MEL AND LINDSAY’S SUITE

MEL

“Do you want to talk about it?” I ask carefully. She’s been very quiet since coming back from storming out after Brian’s phone call. She didn’t say what it was about, only that she needed to go because she was in immense distress by his continued selfishness!

“Yes, I am somewhat calmer now.” She clips out. “Now, Jenny darling, please can you join us?” Jenny darling is watching a movie with her headphones on and she’s been told about that before.

“Jenny Rebecca!” I shout and she jumps then pulls one behind her ear with a disgruntled expression. “Movie off. We want to talk to you.”

“Is this a family discussion? Shouldn’t we wait for Gus?”

Ah, this must be a good movie then. She’s one for always knowing things before Gus does.

“Yes, it is and he already knows.” Lindsay bites out.

“How? What?” She demands in that takes-after-mommy imperious tone. “Why hasn’t he told us whatever it is?!”

“Because he’s with his father and sisters.” She retorts.

“Sisters? What do you mean sisters?” I demand.

“It seems that, subject to DNA testing, the other attendee of their fuckfest weekend also carried the male pregnancy gene and had a daughter, too! They bumped into each other on Liberty Avenue and now they are holed up somewhere getting to know each other!”

“You are kidding?!” I sit down hard.

“No! I would not joke about something like this, especially when it impacts our children…”

“Child...singular...Jenny is our responsibility, remember?” I correct her sharply.

“Brian doesn’t mind and…”

“We promised Gus and we’re following through with that!” I catch the eye roll of Jenny and turn to her. “And what’s wrong with keeping a promise to Gus, Jenny? You would expect, no demand, the same thing, wouldn’t you?” She looks sulky, but says nothing. “So what happens now?”

“Well I want to meet these people for a start, but first I need to speak to Michael! He’s bound to be with him and can tell us where they are right now.”

Oh great! We’re in for another episode of the Spider and her pesky ass Fly!

MICHAEL

I have been trying Brian since I woke up an hour ago and his fucking phone is constantly going to voicemail! I rush to answer my phone when it rings, but it’s a fuming Lindsay.

“Lindsay, I saw them! And the bastard’s child threatened me. Where are you now? This needs telling face to face! Okay, I will see you in 20 minutes. Exactly! He’s not thinking about how this impacts us at all!”

TAYLOR RESIDENCE, OFFICE

BRIAN

“Did it go the way you thought it would?” Justin asks quietly as I rub my temple. I nod. “But at least, you got there first. So that’s something, right?”

“Yeah, but they are still going to raise merry hell about it. How’d your mom take it?”

“She is, and my dad was, always supportive. She’s in Cape Cod so she’s flying back next weekend.”

“Come on, let’s go see what they are up to.” I stand up and we reach the door at the same time. “After you, it’s your house.”

“You just want to watch my ass, don’t you?” He chuckles.

“Oh yeah!” I smile. “Just to see if it’s like I remember…that’s one thing I never forgot from that weekend. Well that and the...”

“We’re hungry!” Kemi interrupts and I can see Justin blush and feel the heat on my face. She grins. “You reminiscing, dad?”

“Shut up! Or I shall make you eat a salad and you know I will.”

“Sass you...me, never!” She snickers as she leads us back to the lounge.

“It will be a green bean salad with rocket if you don’t stop chuckling!”

“Stopping, definitely stopping!” She looks soberly at me and I almost buy it!

“She gets that from you!” I tell him and he smiles.

CHAPTER 5 - YOU SAY CURIOUS WE SAY MEDDLESOME...VERY MEDDLESOME!

HILTON HOTEL - AN HOUR LATER

MEL AND LINDSAY’S SUITE

MEL

I’m so glad, he got caught in traffic. It has given me a bit of time to get my head round this latest development! The hard knocking signals his arrival and he storms in like he’s trying to rescue Captain Astro from the nefarious clutches of some lame-brain-named villain!

“Michael, how are you?” I ask, unable to resist the dig.

“How do you think I am?!” He sits down hard.

“Hello, Uncle Michael!” Jenny trills, coming to sit next to him.

“Hey Jenny. How are you, sweetheart?” He smiles at her and she preens under his attention.

“Upset over this news!” She whimpers. “If it’s true, I’m going to be even more left out than before.”

“You’re not going to be left out, Jenny. You’re going to be treated exactly the same way you were before. Stop being melodramatic!” I have reached my limit with her whining about how she never gets the things she wants, when she wants them.

“Besides, there is no proof that this is Brian’s child. We have to persuade him to have a DNA test, not just take the word of some pretty princess.” Michael’s voice is dripping with jealousy, but of what? He has always expressed relief that he doesn’t carry the male pregnancy gene!

“Thankfully, I managed to persuade him to do that already and…” Lindsay begins.

“You did? I thought it was Brian, who said that he and the other father agreed to this before he called you.”

She blushes...yeah Lindsay you tend to forget you live with an attorney, who has a snap-trap-locks it in mind!

“I’m sure mommy was going to suggest that to Uncle Brian, but he read her mind. He’s very clever.” Jenny chirrups, earning a Miss Congeniality smile from Lindsay.

“So what do we do now?” Michael demands.

“Well, nothing.” I reply calmly and all three of them look incredulous. “There is no point in you getting your panties in a bunch over something that might be the case, although judging by what Ted said…”

“Ted? When did you speak to Ted?!” Lindsay demands, testily.

“While you and Jenny were downstairs having your calming drinks…” I begin and hold up my hand to stop her interrupting. “He said that there is a 99.9% chance that she’s Justin’s and Kendi is Brian’s.”

“Justin? Is that his name? Did he give a surname?” She asks excitedly with that gleam in her eye.

“No. Just said his…”

“Wait, he would had to have registered the birth!” Michael declares excitedly. “And back then it was rarer for men to have babies. There can’t be too many kids with that name, so we can look it up!”

“We would need her date of birth!” Jenny bounces to get the laptop and I shake my head, waiting for them to be stymied by bureaucracy.

TAYLOR RESIDENCE - AN HOUR LATER

JUSTIN

We ordered take-out so that we could really talk. I have just finished plating up with Kemi when my phone beeps and it’s Nya, telling me that she’s going to do some shopping with Emmett while Ted has gone back to work.

We carry the Chinese back to the lounge and I try not to remember the last time I ate food with Brian. “So what do you want to know?” I ask Kemi and she chews quickly.

“Well obviously not how we came to be, but what happened after you and dad left each other?”

“We didn’t leave each other; we left the loft.” Brian corrects her while winking at me. “And went to the diner, where your pop here inhaled his body weight in waffles before I was summoned to grandma’s to prove that I was alive!”

“Huh?” Kendi frowns.

“Michael was concerned about my whereabouts.” He recalls ruefully.

“You say concerned, I say fixated to the point that you might wake up one day with a GPS tag on.” Kemi grumbles, crossly.

“Kemi.” Brian warns.

“Well, he does! Every time dad is out of his sight and he can’t find him at the diner, at home or at work, he blows up his phone. So glad that I got the lo…” She immediately stops talking.

“You got what?” Brian slowly puts his chopsticks down.

“The locks to the loft changed.” She says, locking eyes with him. Kendi whistles and Gus just stares at her. “He kept coming in to wait for you. He’d be there before I’d get home from school, just helping himself to our food, watching TV... that kind of stuff and mostly ignoring me. That I was fine with, but you don’t come into our home and lord it over me like you belong there, telling me to go downstairs and shit like that so you could watch your crappy shows in peace! That’s what he did all the time.”

“I didn’t know that. Why didn’t you tell me?” His face softens.

“I found the solution and went with it.” She replies quietly. “Do I have to have the salad?”

“No, but you must tell me things like that, okay?” She nods. “As a matter of interest, how did he take it?”

She smirks. “Remember when he had that horrible cold, or the bubonic plague, as he described it?” He starts to chuckle and nods. “He was sitting outside the building on one of the coldest days of the year for three hours, wearing not very winter appropriate clothing. I saw him shivering there…”

“And you went round the back? I assume there is a backdoor?” Kendi snickers.

“Fuck yeah!” She laughs.

“Oh my God, you need to apologise to your grandmother. She was fetching and carrying for him for an entire week!”

“Okay. I will apologise to her, but not him!”

“Deal.” Brian starts to laugh.

“Oh hang on…Justin Taylor speaking. Yes, this is Justin Taylor. It’s who, sorry? Oh. Um yes, you can...oh wait, I don’t have email on my phone...hang on. Do any of you have email on your phone?”

“I do.” Gus replies. “Gmail okay?”

“Perfect. Hello. Yes can you send it to my Gmail account please? Thank you, bye.” I hang up frowning and take Gus’s phone.

“Papa J, you okay?”

“Not sure.” I nibble on my nail as I wait for the mail to come through and quickly open it when it beeps. As I read it, I start to get pissed. “What’s your friend’s surname?”

“Which one? Michael?” Brian replies.

“Yeah.” I can feel my anger rising.

“Novotny.”

“Read this...” I hand him the phone and his eyes widen. “Is it him?”

“Yeah, it looks like it! Fucking hell and I bet anything, he’s with Lindsay right now. Hold on a second!” He pulls out his phone and after a quick conversation, nods at me. “Yep, they are all together!” He growls.

“What’s going on, pa?” Kendi demands, going around to check over his shoulder. “What’s the MPREG Registry?”

“When you were born, it wasn’t as common for men to have babies and some babies didn’t survive. So all births and deaths had to be registered, naming the child and…”

“The father!” Gus huffs. “He’s trying to find out who you are?!”

“See? This is why I changed the locks!” Kemi spits triumphantly.

“He can’t find out anything without my permission. When you were first born, a simple verbal confirmation with social security number would’ve gotten whoever the information that they wanted. People weren’t as tolerant as they supposedly are now. But with the high profile male carriers, more security was needed. So they require written and verbal permission from the father before any information can be given out.” I take a breath. “Call Kenya and ask her to come back here. Where are you staying, Gus?”

“Hilton Hotel Downtown.”

“Kenya, it’s dad...no, he’s fine but he’s good and mad. Can you come back? I’ll explain when you get here.” She hangs up looking worried, but I stroke her cheek and she smiles. “She’s on her way.”

“Come on, let’s go! They want to meet me, then meet me they shall!” I growl.

“I’ll see you guys soon, I hope.” Gus stands up sighing sadly.

“Gus, where are you going?” I ask.

“I’m not going home now?” He looks hopeful.

“No, you’ve got a sister and Nya to get to know. We won’t be long. Only open for Nya, understand?”

“Okay, dad. Don’t get arrested please!”

“I always warn first. You know that.”

HILTON HOTEL - AN HOUR LATER

MEL AND LINDSAY’S SUITE

MICHAEL

“I knew Kiki was wrong!” I crow as I wait for Brian to come. “And here he is!”

“Let me get it!” Lindsay calls out. “It is our suite, after all. And I want to speak to him before you take him off!”

She opens the door and I hear her say his name. Then she asks who someone is, so I go to see.

“The name is Justin and I want to know why in fuck you…” He hisses at me. “...are asking for information about our child!”

“Wh-what?” I stammer and look at Brian, who doesn’t say anything.

“You requested information on our child from the MPREG Registry and they contacted me to get my permission to give it. So I thought I would come round and tell you that you will find out about our daughter when we are good and ready to fucking tell you! Try that shit again and I shall, to paraphrase our daughter...knock you on your ass so hard you won’t sit down or piss straight for a fucking week! Do you understand?!”

JUSTIN

“Now just a minute! You don’t come into our…”

“Shut up, Lindsay!” Brian snaps. “Take on board what he said, Michael, and know that he speaks for both of us here! And in case you’ve not figured it out, the drinks you were planning on us having tonight are cancelled!”

“Come on Brian, we’ve got children to get back to.”

“Wait, where’s Gus?!” Lindsay demands.

“Getting to know his sister, of course. Where else do you expect him to be?! And know this, Lindsay, is it?” I pause and look her up and down sure that I smell pure, stinking WASP. “Give Gus any, and I mean any shit and you will answer to me! Come on Brian, let’s go!”

I hear the bang of the door as I stalk to the lift and then footsteps behind me as Brian runs to catch up to me.

“That was fucking hot!” He growls in my ear.

“Oh, Christ! Don’t! I believe that’s what you said the first time!” I whimper and as the lift doors open we find it empty.

“Stairs! We are definitely taking the stairs!” He orders and pulls me to the stairwell.

MEL AND LINDSAY’S SUITE - 40 MINUTES LATER

MEL

Well that was fun to watch! They are both still bitching about it and looking stunned but, in Lindsay’s case, pale as well.

“How’d that work out for you, then?” I ask them.

“Did you know about this?!” Michael demands.

“Oh yes and for your information, I know his surname.” I laugh at their incredulous expressions.

“How do you know that?!” Lindsay is almost puce with fury.

“Simple. I phoned up Gus, you know our son, and asked him to ask his dad if he could tell us Justin’s surname and Brian said he could.”

“So, what is it?!” Michael demands.

“Taylor, Justin Cole Taylor of Fox Chapel.” Lindsay’s face almost goes through the floor. “Yes Lindsay, that Justin Cole Taylor of Fox Chapel…”

“What’s so big and important about him?” Michael sneers and Lindsay almost breaks her neck, whipping her head round.

“In WASP terms, his family is the equivalent of the Asian Giant Hornet and Lindsay’s family...well, isn’t. And after the things you said about him, all those years ago, Lindsay...” I scold her and try to and suppress my mirth. Looks like her chickens are finally coming home to roost...again!

“Excuse me, I need to make a call.” This time, I can’t control the chuckle that escapes as there are no prizes for guessing exactly who she’s about to phone. Her goose is cooked, Justin is going to serve it and she is going to choke!

BEDROOM

LINDSAY

I pace and wipe my suddenly clammy hand on my skirt. “Mother, it’s me, Lindsay. Fine, fine, yes it’s wonderful to be back in Pittsburgh. Look, the reason for my call, do you remember that teen male pregnancy about 15 years ago?” I groan as she blathers about something about her badminton friends. “Mother, sorry to interrupt but I have to go to dinner soon...the male preg...was it Justin Cole Taylor?” I swallow hard and thank her, saying a weak goodbye after she confirms what Mel has said.

I sink onto the bed, hoping and praying that his mother and father, if they are still alive, don’t remember me. I remember the very public dressing down I got from his father and being banned from their very prestigious cotillion dance after describing him as a freak of nature with loose morals! My jealousy over him having the support of his parents while he was quite obviously gay, never chafed as much as in that moment. It was a testament to me of how different we were in station. It wasn’t until later that I realized just how low on the proverbial food chain my family was, and still, is. Because of that banishment, Lynette went and she met her husband and has been living the Life of Riley ever since while I’m stuck here with Melanie! Not only that, but my career hopes were forever tarnished because I had the temerity to speak everyone else’s true thoughts. No one would hire me for fear of incurring the wrath of one of the most prominent families in Pittsburgh. Ultimately, it made the move to Toronto that much easier since I was stuck in a low-paying job, while my son was considered a bastard in the interim.

But how I loved being pregnant, especially with Brian Kinney’s child. However, I was yet again, in the shadow of someone else and that had to be Brian, of all fucking people! I wanted to bask in the notoriety of being the mother to his child. When he proudly decided to keep the little freak he birthed, I was so hurt. But Mel seemed weirdly proud of his decision, pointing out that this is Brian ‘The Stud of Liberty Avenue’ Kinney, who is stepping up and taking responsibility instead of fucking and sucking all over the place. He completely changed overnight! And of course, the fucking Avenue had to support their king, while I was struggling with Gus on my own as Mel worked. He had reams of people on standby to help with babysitting and the like. Okay, I will admit that when we were on the Avenue, they never treated Gus any different, but they never called me to offer any help!

After two years, my anguish settled down until I wanted another baby and I wanted my do over with Brian as the father. To my mind, he owed me for hogging the spotlight and attention from me the last time. His vehement objection to fathering a second child for us cut me to the quick, especially when he said he would never put himself in the position of being a walking bank account for me again. I never told Mel that as she kept harping on about us supporting ourselves, without having to rely on him all the time. But when Jenny was born, he thawed a little and I used that to my advantage to make him help take care of Jenny as well. Although, not being biologically related, it was still as if she had Brian Kinney as a father to some extent. But now with this new little madam and her high-profile ingrate of a father’s arrival, it will be even more apparent that he doesn’t owe Jenny, or me for that matter, a fucking thing!

But with every disappointment is hidden luck. Gus is my chance to finally be as connected as the Taylors are, and I have no compunction in using him to be so. Perhaps Justin’s daughter is less barroom brawler in her attitude than Kemi; a bit more refined in her manner since she was born into a life of privilege. I shall encourage Jenny to befriend her at all costs, especially if she wants the finer things in life, just as she and I deserve. It should be as easy to mold that young mind as it has been with my daughter, especially since she’s never had a true mother’s influence. And Mel will either come aboard or be left by the wayside; it’s her choice. But either way, I will have what the fuck I want for once in my life...power, prestige and a purse to rival Lynette’s, and all at the expense of fucking Brian and Justin. Time to make nice!

CHAPTER 6 - PARENTING AND LAYING DOWN THE LAW

STAIRWELL - HILTON HOTEL, DOWNTOWN

BRIAN

“Can we stop a minute?!” I ask as he trots down the stairs.

“What’s wrong?” He stops and comes back up to join me on the landing.

“Get behind me. You’re bouncing...and I’m finding it difficult to concentrate and don’t want to break my neck!” I snicker.

“Oh.” He goes red and then smiles. “And you’d rather I was distracted by your butt, would you?”

“Yep. And the longer we talk about distraction, the harder I am finding it not to occupy your mouth with something else.”  I tease him.

“Oh, what would that be with then?” He teases back.

“How bad do you want to know?” I ask, stepping towards him fully expecting him to step back, but he doesn’t.

“How bad do you want to tell me?” He counters; we just stare at each other daring... no willing, the other to make a move.

“It’s going to happen, we know that.” He whispers and I nod. “But could we at least wait until we have the DNA results, even though we both know they are ours.”

“Agreed.” I whisper against his mouth.

“Good.” He whispers against mine. “Now come on, we have to get back. After you, sir.” He orders. “And do not put a rush on the results!”

“Fucker!” I laugh.

“And you know how well!” He giggles.

TAYLOR RESIDENCE - AN HOUR LATER

LOUNGE

NYA

We have had a high old time, getting to know each other. Gus has been filling us in about his mothers, sister and Uncle Michael. When they told me what Michael tried to do, I was livid and called Jennifer to let her know. So she’s coming down on Thursday so she can have a word with people! I love it when she does that!

“They’re back and there’s no police following them!” Kemi rushes to the door and practically drags them in. “Tell us everything! But, wait... set the scene, first!”

“Pretty much your pop let them have it. Told them in no uncertain terms that we will tell them about you when we want to.” Brian explains. “Oh and Gus, if you mom gives you any shit, let Papa J know. He’s already told her that she will answer to him.”

“Okay. Thanks. Oh by the way, why would momma want to know your surname, Papa J?”

“Don’t know...oh my god!” Justin looks closely at Gus. “Your mother is Lindsay Peterson?!”

“Yes. Why are you saying it like that?” Gus looks worried and slightly defensive.

“Because I know her. Her and her family.” He sits down and looks at me. “I need to call mom.”

“I have already after what Michael did. What’s occur...oh fuck, it’s her!” I declare.

“Can you please explain what is going on?” Brian sounds exasperated.

“When I got pregnant, like I said my parents were very supportive. But others within our social community, weren’t so much. She and her parents were one of them. She made the mistake of being insulting about me during one of my parents’ dinners; called me a freak of nature with loose morals, and my dad defended me. But I was so stressed out about everything that I left to go and stay with Nya until after Kendi was born. She was only banned from the cotillon then. But when she said that I had most probably been sent away in disgrace, it was the last straw for my parents and they banned her from any event they organised, which also means she was in the wilderness for years. At the risk of blowing our familial trumpet, our family has a lot more societal clout that hers does or ever will.”

“Christ!” Brian exclaims. “Wonder what she said about me behind my back?”

“Oh dad, I’m so sorry” Gus goes over to comfort Brian, who looks very hurt.

“Not your fault, Sonny Boy. I thought she was just being prickly because I wouldn’t give Kemi to her to bring up with you.”

“What?!” Gus gasps. “I didn’t know that.”

“Oh I am so glad you said no, dad.” Kemi squeezes his hand.

“So am I, but that didn’t stop her asking two years later if I would be a donor for them again.”

“Dad.” Gus pauses and takes a deep breath. “Did you really say no to donating because it would be momma carrying?”

He looks up in surprise. “No! I said I was only going to do it once and then Kemi came along. Who told you I said that?”

“Mom did. Well she didn’t tell me that specifically, but she told momma during one of their rows. And I overheard.”

“I don’t want to be around someone like that!” Kendi declares firmly and Justin shakes his head. “Why do I have to be around...oh, we won’t be able to see Gus, right?”

“How can she get away with keeping Gus away from us? We’ve only just met!” Kemi sniffs.

“Nobody is keeping anyone from anyone.” I interrupt and they all turn to look at me. “I’ve always wanted to meet the person who made my best friend miserable. So let’s do this!”

“Huh?” Kemi frowns.

“Get everyone round for dinner, Friday, so we can get a proper measure of her.”

“I am so disappointed in her.” Gus sighs and his phone rings. “Speak of the devil.” He grumbles. But before he can speak to her, Brian takes the phone off him.

“Yes Lindsay, what is it? He’s with his me, his Papa J and his sisters so he’s perfectly fine. He wants to get to know them some more so he’s coming to the loft and I will drop him off tomorrow. No Lindsay, I said I will drop him off tomorrow and that’s final! Your mom…?” He hands the phone back, but Gus shakes his head. “He’s busy at the moment. I’ll make sure he phones you before he goes to bed or first thing. Bye.”

“You realise she’s going to go to the loft?” Gus sighs. “Especially if Uncle Michael is still with them.”

“Fuck.” Brian sighs.

“Why not stay here?” I suggest. “Kendi has clothes for Kemi and you just need PJs and a toothbrush. Go the loft first thing and that’s that.”

Three pairs of hopeful teenage eyes lock onto their fathers. “I’m good with that.” Justin replies and Brian nods.

“Great, now that’s settled.” I declare. “Now go get him some stuff and me a large bottle of red!”

“Yes ma’am.” Brian salutes me and he and Justin walk out, chuckling.

HILTON DOWNTOWN

MEL AND LINDSAY’S SUITE

MEL

I don’t think I have ever seen her so shellshocked. Brian was on speaker during the call so we all heard how he spoke to her. “I can’t believe he is virtually holding Gus hostage, using…”

“Lindsay, stop right there! He is doing no such thing and I…”

“Let’s go the loft and collect my son. I will not be spoken to like that by the likes of him! You’ll have to stay Mel, as someone needs to look after Jenny. Come on, Michael!”

“Oh mommy, can’t I go too? I love the loft.” Jenny pipes up and looks appealingly at her.

“Okay, darling.”

“We can’t.” He sneers.

“Why not? You have keys, don’t you?” Lindsay frowns.

“No, the locks were changed and he’s still not given me my set yet, despite my many reminders…”

“When did that happen?” I ask.

“About six months ago. Remember when I had pneumonia? Well it was then.”

“That’s not like Uncle Brian. He normally gives you what you want.” Jenny points out.

“Well, I’ve not asked him directly; I’ve reminded Kemi to tell him. Still don’t know why they were changed in the first place.” He folds his arms and gripes, as usual. I start to laugh and they all look at me confused. “What’s so funny?”

“First, you didn’t have pneumonia you had a heavy cold. And secondly, you barely acknowledge and sometimes make your disdain of her so clear, except of course in front of Brian. Tell me why would she remind her dad to give you keys to her home, so you can come and go at will?”

“That...that little…” He splutters wisely to a stop when I glare at him, but looks furious at being gotten the better of.

“Oh, it’s Gus.” I pick up my phone. “You having fun? Great…” I step away from Lindsay’s reaching hand. “As far as I know, we’re not doing anything on Friday evening. Why? Okay, tell us tomorrow. Sleep well.”

“Why didn’t you let me speak to him?!” Lindsay demands.

“He went before I could ask. Now, speaking of going, Michael…”

“What?”

“Good night.” I say pointedly, heading to the door and hold it open. “No doubt, we will see you soon.”

“Oh. Well, goodnight then.” He gets up and makes his way out and I shut the door before he can say anything else.

“Jenny, go and get ready for bed please.” I tell her.

“But I want to stay up and talk about what’s happening.” She pouts.

“I’m sure your mommy will tell you what’s been said in her own sweet way. Now go and do as I ask.”

“Promise to tell me everything, mommy?” She looks at her.

“Mel, why can’t she stay? It saves me repeating it.” Lindsay argues.

“Because it’s time for her to go to bed.” I reply, simply.

“I bet Gus isn’t going to bed now.” She grumbles and is still sitting down. I am about to give her a warning.

“What Gus is doing right now is irrelevant. This is the time you normally go to bed, so do as I say now or I shall take away your tablet for the weekend!”

“Mel, that’s a bit much!” Lindsay objects, but I’m not budging.

“I’m going!” She snipes. “Goodnight mommy, sleep well if you can.” She kisses her on the cheek and heads to her bedroom.

Oh no little girl, you are not doing that!

“Won’t be long. We need to talk.” I tell Lindsay and picking up the tablet follow Jenny in. She’s muttering crossly and about to phone one of her friends, no doubt to bitch about the unfairness of it all. She looks up at me and reaches for her tablet. “Thank you for bringing it in.” She says gracelessly.

“I wasn’t. I’m taking your phone, too. So hand it over.” I demand and put my hand out for it and lock eyes with her.

“But…”

“For every second you pout and defy me, I will add an extra day.” I tell her and she quickly hands it over.

“Sleep well, if you can.” I reply tartly and she gives me a grim smile.

I close the door behind me and laugh at the muffled scream she lets out into the pillow. Now to deal with the other little madam!

“Mel, what are you doing with those?” She demands.

“Confiscated them. I will put them in the safe for three days. As for…”

“Mel, I’m very tired. Let’s talk in the morning. Do you want me to put them in for you?”

“Yes I would, but I doubt you will. I will put them in myself. You go and rest.” She glares at me before flouncing to the bedroom and slamming the door hard. “And goodnight to you, too.” I snipe at the closed door before heading downstairs to the reception to use their safe instead.

THE LOFT - THURSDAY MID-MORNING

LOUNGE

BRIAN

“Was a bit of a day, wasn’t it?” I ask Gus, who’s been quiet since we left them.

“Yeah.” He sighs.

“What’s up?” I nudge him.

“It’s weird. I have another sister, who I have known for less than a day and I found out what mom was like before. She’s lied to momma and I worry about how she and Jenny are going to be with Kendi.”

“How’d you mean be with Kendi? Why would they treat her any different to how she treats Kemi?” He look incredulous at me. “Okay, okay, Jenny can be a little grabby and…”

“A little grabby?! Come on, dad! Remember when it was Kemi’s birthday a couple of years back and she got a stack of presents? She bitched all the way back to Toronto and I mean all the way. Mom wanted to take her shopping to cheer her up, but momma said no. So come her birthday, she had this massive party and guess who she forgot to invite?”

“Not that she would’ve gone anyway but I’m going to guess Kemi?”

“Exactly! And then spent the entire party, scrutinising each and every present to make sure it was the newest model. But Kemi most likely has the latest model of that, why can’t I have it? Thank goodness that they are going to be catering to her whims now and not you. Personally, I think they should’ve been from the outset, so maybe they won’t be so inclined to give her what she wants all the time. Momma promised, now that she and mom have jobs that they are going to do it and not ask you for stuff...”

“She promised?” I am surprised by that.

“Yeah. Mom wasn’t happy that I made them promise, but tough nuts. Now that you have your rights back, you shouldn’t have to support a child that’s not yours!” He declares vehemently. “And I know you don’t mind, but I mind dad. I think they take advantage of you and that’s not fair. If it were the other way around, trust me they wouldn’t be so generous.”

“How long has this been pissing you off?” I ask.

“Since I began to notice that they went to you, especially mom, for anything and everything that Jenny wanted that she deemed essentials.” He sighs crossly. “And new trainers are not essential just because her best friend has a pair!”

“Trainers?!” I can’t help but laugh at the truly indignant expression on his face. “How much were these essential trainers?”

$385.00.” He replies and I am no longer laughing.

“How much?”

“Yeah. She was really pleased with them. So much so that she would only wear them for best and by the time best came along, they were too small!”

“Come on, let’s get you back to your mother's. She’s called me six times already.”

“And how many times has Uncle Michael called you?” He asks, snickering.

“Six. I’m waiting for the exasperated call from grandma before I call him back!”

“You know, he’s most probably bitching in the diner or has gone back to their hotel.”

“Well if he’s there when we get there, we'll kill two birds with one stone...and bingo! Hey Debs, we’re just on our way to their hotel. Oh he’s over there, is he? Look, can you do me a favour and call the rest of the family? We’re having dinner on Friday night. Yeah at Britin for about eight. Okay, later.”

HILTON DOWNTOWN - TWO HOURS LATER

DINING ROOM

MEL

“I don’t see why we couldn’t stay in the room.” Michael complains. “Or go to the diner.”

“Because he said that Gus wants to eat and they were already on their way here.” I reiterate for the third fucking time! “And here they come.”

“Hi momma, mom, Jenny and Uncle Michael. How are you all?”

“Fine Gus, how was your evening?” I ask while Brian’s supposed best friends glare at him and Jenny looks sorrowful.

“Oh, it was great! We were up late, talking about everything and anything. She’s had such a fascinating life! She’s travelled the world with her dad and her godmother is the coolest woman!”

“I’ll bet.” I laugh. “Now sit down and order. Brian, are you staying or…”

“No, I’ve got to meet Justin and the girls at the hospital.”

“Is something wrong?” I ask.

“Got to check on Kemi’s shoulder. Oh by the way, what are you guys doing on Friday evening?”

“Nothing, why?” Lindsay finally deigns to talk.

“Having a family dinner at Britin. See you at eight. Bye y’all. Sonny Boy, be good.”

As he sweeps out, all eyes turn to Gus. “Well what do you have to say for yourself?” Lindsay demands and I catch the slight smirk on Jenny’s face.

“What should I be saying?” Gus looks puzzled.

“You were rude to me last night and for that you are going to…”

“Stop, Lindsay! How was Gus rude to you? He never even spoke to you.” I ask.

“That’s how he was rude to me; he never spoke to me!” She declares, haughtily.

“And let me guess... you want to take away his tablet and phone for 3 days, just like I did to Jenny? Well no, I am not going to let you do that! Jenny was rude; Gus was busy last night, and most likely wrapped up in all the excitement. He called you this morning and said he was coming back and what time. There was no rudeness as we were both on the phone and you know I would’ve said something.”

“That sends out the wrong message.” Michael unwisely interjects. “By…”

“When you are disciplining your child, you get a say on that. Until such time as that comes to pass, zip it!” I bark at him, thankful that we are tucked in a private corner. “In fact, why are you here exactly?”

“I wanted to meet Brian and when Lindsay told me he was coming here…” He trails off.

“Yet all you did was stare at him.” I put my napkin down on the table and look at an astounded Gus. “You want to eat that upstairs, then have a shower and change?”

“Uh yes, please momma.”

“Great. Let me speak to the waiter. I won’t be long.” I get up and just as I step away from the table, I hear Jenny call him momma’s little pet. I return to the table immediately. “So Lindsay, name calling, something we agreed would not be tolerated... what are you going to do about that?”

“She’s just frustrated about…” She begins to defend as usual.

“She’s just grounded for the rest of the week and not allowed out of the hotel. Apart from the dinner.” I tell her sharply and wait for her to protest.

“Okay, Mel.” She replies icily.

“And that is on top of her confiscation of her tablet and phone.”

“But mom…!” Jenny cries out with tears in her eyes...oh you have learned from your mommy, have you?

“Come on, Gus. Let’s get you upstairs.”

LINDSAY

I watch the two of them leave in disbelief. “Don’t worry, darling. I will talk to mom and it will be fine.”

“Well, I’m going to go back to the store. I haven’t been at Britin for ages! When was the last time we all went there together?”

“Easter for the BBQ…” Jenny tells us, picking at her breakfast.

“Wow. Well, hopefully it won’t be so long between visits next time. I could get quite comfortable there. Why he needed such a big place like that is beyond me!” Michael gathers his things and with a quick wave is gone.

“Was it really Easter that we were last there?” I frown.

“Yeah that was it and she and Gus got to bring their friends and I couldn’t! You see? This is what I mean, mommy!”

“Darling, don’t get yourself so stressed out. Now with regards to your potential new sister, I would advise you to align yourself with her as she sounds like a much better version of Kemi. Someone who has travelled the world with her father, has to have a certain degree of refinement and good breeding.”

“Can I get a new outfit for the dinner?”

“I don’t see why not. Now come on, let’s go upstairs. Mom should’ve calmed down by now.”

DR CHARLES FOSTER PRACTICE - TWO HOURS LATER

“That looks great, Kemi. You should be able to take that off in a week.”

“Yes! Ouch!” She winces as she unwisely tries a fist pump.

“Now, this eye is looking good as well and should be faded by next week, too. Now was there anything else?” I look up at Brian, who has a smirk playing on his face.

“Yeah, there is just one thing. Let me go and get it.” He stands up and Kemi is also smirking. I shrug and wait. “It’s this.” Brian drawls and I look up and drop my cup of coffee on the floor.

“Wha…?” I stammer and stare. “When did you have her?!” I demand.

“I didn’t. Meet Kendi and her father, Justin Taylor.” Brian smiles.

“He-hello...pleased to meet you both. So you both got pregnant?!” They nod, grinning. “How are they so alike if different fathers carried them?” I reach for my reference book and find the relevant section. “Well I’ll be damned. It’s possible but incredibly rare…”

“What?”

“During um congress...maybe not in front of the…”

“They’ll only ask us so you might as well tell them too.” Justin grins as two blonde heads bob up and down.

“You must have both dropped eggs at the same time and they both must have split and there you go.”

“Yeah, maybe could’ve lived without knowing that much detail.” Kemi grimaces.

“So who’s older?”

“Me by 2 minutes.” Kendi smirks.

“Only because dad was being a drama queen and refused to have his oh so precious Armani vest cut off him.”

“Armani vest?” Kendi teases him.

“Yes Armani…Arm-a-ni. And Armani does not get ripped, cut or torn.”

“Yes, it does.” Justin winks at him and licks his lips.

“So about the DNA test. We’d like to have them.” Brian shakes his head at him. “Just to be sure. There’s no rush on them though and…”

“What do you mean no rush? Pinprick from the fathers and the children and 20 minutes later, voila.” I reply. The room goes quiet. “Times have changed, especially now that men can carry. All of a sudden these laws, which women have been campaigning about for years, have come into effect!” I shake my head ruefully. “So am I doing this?”

“Yeah. Definitely.” Brian replies.

BRITIN - FRIDAY EVENING

LOUNGE

BRIAN

What a whirlwind this has been! Everyone is here and we’re just waiting for Nya to come with the special guests for the evening. Gus has been telling us that Jenny got into so much trouble with Mel, she’s grounded until Sunday and Lindsay’s plans to get her a new outfit for the dinner were thwarted.

Speaking of Lindsay, I need to talk trainers with her and now is as good a time as any.

“Lindsay, Mel can I have a word please?”

“Of course, Brian.” She pastes a smile on her face, having been a sourpuss since she got here. Mel has been scarily friendly, but what I’m going to say will most likely change that.

I lead them to the study and shut the door. “It’s about Jenny...more specifically the $385 trainers that were bought for her and unworn until they were too small.”

“How did...?” Lindsay begins, but then is cut off by Mel.

“$385 for trainers?! The ones that you got her and she’s never worn them; they cost that much?”

“They were Chloe…”

“I don’t care who they belong to or what the hell they were! She’s not worn them and now they can’t fit her! I am so sorry, Brian. If I had known about this, you most certainly wouldn’t have provided the money for them. Excuse me a minute!” She stalks out the room and Lindsay glares at me. I hold her gaze. Mel comes back in with Jenny, who looks at us all. “I want you to hear this so that we are all clear. From this point on, you will not, neither of you, go to Brian for money to buy things. If you want something, Jenny, you will ask either me or your mommy. We are your parents and we will give you the things you need and things you want when we can afford them. Brian, if Lindsay comes to you for anything that is not Gus related, can you let me know please?”

“Absolutely.” I reply. “I take it you want the room for a bit?”

“Oh, yes please.” She grimaces.

I saunter out and feel not a trace of guilt. Kemi would never ask for $385 fucking trainers and if she did, she would insist on doing some chores to pay towards it! I begin to wonder what other essentials I have been paying for.

MEL

“When we get to the house on Monday and after we’ve unpacked, the first thing you are doing, Lindsay is giving Brian the money for those trainers back and putting those trainers on eBay. Or wherever. Before you pout, stomp or scream, they don’t fit you anymore, Jenny. So they are just gathering dust....”

“But mom, I’ve never even worn them!” She cries.

“Well you should’ve when you had the chance.”

“Mel, you’ve been punishing Jenny a bit harshly these last few days and…”

“Because she deserved the punishment! And this is not punishment; it is common sense. And before you say anything about Brian not minding, he clearly did or he wouldn’t have mentioned it.” I see lights coming up the drive. “Now let’s go have some fun, shall we? After you two...and put on your party faces, seems like the rest of their guests have arrived.”

JUSTIN

I am just about to knock when the door it is pulled open and a grinning Gus drags the girls inside. “No, really. We’ve got the cases, thanks, please go on ahead!” I shout after them as they bound up the stairs.

“Good to see the novelty hasn’t worn off.” Nya chuckles as she carries in Kendi’s case.

“Gus, come back down and take the case please!” Brian shouts up the stairs. Gus comes down, looking sheepish. “And all of you come back down straight afterwards.”

“Yes dad.” He replies, bounding up the stairs. “At least, she packs light!” He calls back over his shoulder.

“There’s another two!” Nya calls up and he stops. “No seriously, another two. Yeah, for two nights, three cases...don’t ask.”

“You going to be okay with two teenage girls by yourself?” I ask Brian and he looks smug.

“Ah, but I won’t be by myself.” I frown. “Wait and see, grasshopper, wait and see.”

The kids come down and finally, we head into the lounge. Everyone turns to face us.

“It’s so weird seeing two of them.” Emmett says. “But hello, my darlings. Welcome to Britin!”

“Emmett, this isn’t your house.” Michael grumbles from the sofa.

“It’s not yours either, so take your feet off the table.” Brian orders and Michael looks surprised, but does as he’s told.

“And speaking of houses and more importantly, the loft. I have asked Kemi for six months to remind you about my new set of keys for the loft, but she keeps forgetting to tell you so…”

“No, she doesn't. I don’t think it’s appropriate or necessary for you to have a key now that Kemi’s at an age when she can look after herself. I mean, the times you were there when she came home from school was just to make sure she was safe, wasn’t it?” Brian replies with one eyebrow raised.

“Yes. Yes of course, it was.” Michael mutters a deep blush, staining his cheeks.

“Good, that’s settled then.”

“Now the only people you haven’t met, Kendi, are Lindsay, Mel and Jenny. Jenny’s Mel’s daughter, and she’s 12.”

“Hi Kendi, nice to meet you.” Mel smiles as does Lindsay, but Jenny is just gawping.

“Jenny darling, say hello.”

“He-hello. I can’t believe how alike you look. Do you take after her in every way?” She asks and I can see Kemi start to tense up.

“We’re twins. I’m my person and she’s hers. Nice to meet you, what do I call you?”

“Uh, Jenny.”

“I think she’s talking to Mel and Lindsay, Jenny. Well what does she call you?” I ask and introduce myself to Mel properly.

“Aunt Mel and Aunt Lindsay will be fine.” Mel replies before tilting her head. “So who are you?”

“Kenya, but most of my friends call...” She starts to reply.

“Kenya, as in Africa?” Jenny snarks.

“Jenny!” Lindsay gasps. “I’m so sorry, Kenya!”

“I’m sure. But to answer your question, yes as in Africa, Jenny. Where I am not from before you ask. I’m from Birmingham Alabama and my folks liked the name for me. This should be a fun evening.” She smiles tightly...oh she is pissed! She absolutely hates rudeness in children!

“Okay people, let’s go eat, I’m starved!” Debs announces.

“I’m so sorry to keep everyone waiting! I just had to take that phone call! Thank you for letting me use the study, Brian.”

“You’re more than welcome.” Brian replies while everyone stares at the new visitor.

“Now I have heard so much about you all in the little time I’ve known about Kemi. I feel I know all of you already!” She gushes.

“That’s great sweetheart, but who are you?” Debs asks.

“Oh sorry, my manners! Jennifer, I’m Jennifer Taylor, Justin’s mother. And very proud grandmother of these two beautiful girls.” Mom beams at everyone. “Now let me guess please? You have to be Debs, um, Blake, Ted, oh you must be Emmett, Mel, Jenny, Gus and I have already met as it were. You, I think are called Mingrel, I’ve never heard of a name like that, where is it from? Oh who are you? I can’t remember you being described to me.”

“Oh, I’m Lindsay, Lindsay Peterson, I’m Gus’s mother.” She smiles at mom and shakes her hand.

“Nice to meet you. Nice to meet you all. So like Debs said, let’s eat!”

“Uh excuse me, but my name is Michael.”

“That’s nice, dear.” Mom replies and then turns to Debs. “Do you need some help?”

“Oh honey, I don’t want you to get…”

“Lead the way.” Mom orders.

“Wait for me, I helped too!” Emmett calls out and runs after them.

“Let’s go sit.” Brian tells us and we follow him to the dining room.

“This smell divine.” Mom says as she comes in with a steam pot of something. “What is it?”

“Coke beef short ribs.” Debs replies. “They’re Kemi’s favourites!”

“And the plum crispy chicken wings are Kendi’s.” Nya replies and then glares in the face of the eye roll from Jenny. “Maybe the next time we do a big dinner Jenny, we can have your favourite things, hmmm?”

“That would be nice, wouldn’t it Jenny?” Lindsay trills.

“Yes mommy that would be nice.” She replies with as much grace as a dead haddock.

“Now come on people, let’s dig in!” Debs demands. “Lots of napkins will be needed for this!”

An hour later, the table is cleared and we are very happily stuffed. And everyone has been telling Mom about themselves.

“So tell us about yourself, Jennifer?” Mel requests.

“I used to live in Pittsburgh, but now I live in Cape Cod, following the death of my husband, Craig.”

“Oh shit, Sunshine. I didn’t know that!” Debs exclaims. “I’m sorry.”

“We all are.” Ted tells me and there’s nodding from most people.

“It’s okay, he went out happy!” She chuckles and it takes a few minutes for people to catch on and they start to laugh. “I’m part Welsh on my grandfather’s side and the rest is good ole fashioned American. And he had an interesting phrase, peidiwch byth ag anghofio caredigrwydd na maddau bach…”

“Is any of that filthy?” Kemi asks.

“No.”

“Oh shame, but what does it mean then?”

“Never forget a kindness nor forgive a slight. He lived by it and instilled the same in me. But now onto more important things, tell us now!” Mom demands.

“Tell us what? What’s going on?” Ted asks nervously.

“We had the DNA tests done.” I begin and then nod at Brian.

“And they’re ours.” He replies, grinning.

“As if they could be anybody fucking else’s!” Nya exclaims. “Congratulations, you’re a dad...again!”

“Oh Bri, that’s wonderful. So wonderful!” Ted exclaims, starting to blubber. “I’m so sorry, excuse me a minute. I need to compose myself.” He scurries out and Blake follows.

“Why don’t you four go to the media room and watch a movie?” Brian tells the kids and they start to slowly file out. “We will tell you the edited bits later, now go!”

“Okay, we’re going!” Gus laughs and closes the door behind him.

The room goes quiet as we all absorb what we knew to be true. Ted and Blake come back in both with red eyes.

“You okay, Schmidt?”

“Yes Bri, thank you.” He smiles.

“Okay, let’s discuss the elephant in the room, shall we?” Nya leans back in her chair and twirls her glass in her hand.

“What’s that?” I ask confused.

“Who knocked up who first, of course?!” She demands

“Nya!” Mom exclaims.

“What? It’s not as if you don’t want to know.” She grins back.

“True!” She giggles. “But not today. But we will find out. Now let’s go join our wonderful granddaughters, Debs.”

“Oh, fuck me! I’m a grandma again! I need brandy!” She links arms with mom and they walk out laughing.

HILTON DOWNTOWN - SATURDAY AFTERNOON

MEL AND LINDSAY’S SUITE

BEDROOM

LINDSAY

While part of me is insulted that she doesn’t remember me, the other part is hugely relieved! Now to put my plan in place. I shall be a good wife and give Brian the money back for the trainers as per her edict. I am thinking longer term as I sink back into the pillows and drift back off to sleep.

MICHAEL’S APARTMENT - SAME TIME

MICHAEL

I can’t believe I wasn’t allowed to stay last night and Ma was! This is not how you treat your best friend!

TAYLOR RESIDENCE - SAME TIME

LOUNGE

JENNIFER

“She’s not aged at all well.” I comment and Nya looks up from her crossword.

“Who hasn’t?” She asks.

“Lindsay. She’s aged terribly.”

“Oh I see. So what are we going to do about that little salope?”

“Salope? Oh bitch, I keep forgetting that you know French. Let her get comfortable. And as for her grasping little protégé, I say let the girls deal with her.”

“But I get to bring out BAB…”

“Oh yes, you do indeed, my darling girl. You do indeed!”

OFFICE

JUSTIN

“Well all hell is about to break loose. That is one very unhappy momma bear and as for Nya, she’s just itching for go-time.”

“I’ll bet. Oh by the way, I spoke to Mel and Lindsay about the trainers for Jenny and…” Brian smiles.

“What trainers for Jenny?”

“Lindsay asked for $385 for an essential piece of equipment for Jenny and they turned out to be a pair of Chloe trainers.”

My jaw drops. “$385 for a pair of trainers?!”

“Which she never wore and grew out of.” He replied grimly.

“Jesus. Kendi would never ask for something like that! And if she wanted it, she would have a business plan and a projected chores list to earn them and she would earn them before I bought whatever it is she wanted.”

“Kemi’s the same. She really, and I mean really, wanted this new skateboard but it was $300 so she sold a couple of her old ones and presented me with the money as a put-towards-it.”

“How the hell have we managed to raise such put together girls?” I giggle.

“Don’t.” He states.

“What? What did I say?”

“You didn’t. You giggled. Don’t giggle.”

“But it was funny. So when I find something funny, I giggle.” I point out and watch him close and lock the office door.

“Come here.” He whispers and I think I must have flown as I find myself wrapped in the arms I have longed to hold me for 14 years.

“Just one.” He murmurs and I nod and meet him halfway, and yes, he tastes exactly the same...perfect!

http://crushmag-online.com/recipe/old-school-coke-beef-short-ribs/

http://crushmag-online.com/recipe/crispy-plum-basted-chicken-wings/?cat=chicken-poultry

CHAPTER 7 - BONDING, TALKING BRAIDING AND BEING OUTSTANDING

BRIAN

Our heavy breathing and moans of delight are the only sounds in the room. As he starts to wrap his legs round my waist, I slide to the floor. His skin is softer than I remember, but he kisses the same. Impeccably! As my butt hits the floor, I adjust my position so I’m lying on top of him, and I’m assailed by the memory of our very first kiss. He had me pinned against the loft door...I feel soft tugging and lift my head so we can take in some air.

“You gave me hickeys that took a week to fade.” I remind him.

“That’s because you gave me a hickey on my dick.” He replied pointedly.

“Oh yeah.” I grin. “At least it was somewhere discreet. Debs had to teach me how to cover them up.”

“We should really get up.” He murmurs and rolls his hips.

“We should.” I concur, but neither us make a move.

“Are we going to kiss again or...go back to work? I have got to go to New York in a week for a venture capital meeting and...what?”

“I’ve just realised, I don’t know what you do?”

“Apart from…” He rolls his hips again and I bite my lip. “...I turn you on a bit?”

“Yes, but obviously more than a bit.” I grind my hips to prove my point and his breath catches.

“I run JCT Venture Capital, Inc.” I am surprised and impressed. “Yeah, Kenya and I started it when I was waiting for Kendi to arrive. Our parents gave us some pointers, capital and we chose wisely.”

“So the JCT...Justin Cole Taylor?”

“Yep.” He scrunches up his nose. “I don’t remember you being this heavy…”

“Fuck off!” I grumble before reluctantly getting off him and helping him up. “Why only JCT?

“Thank you. She didn’t want to be named. Though we own it 50/50, I’m the face and she’s my very brilliant Ted. So what do you do?”

“I started Kinnetic and…”

“As in the advertising company? You’re fucking with me?!” He exclaims.

“Nope. Why?”

“I was going to approach you when you first started to see if you would be interested in some capital. But Nya said no, as she didn’t want to go into advertising. But then she changed her mind about a year later when Vanguard came looking for…”

“Vanguard as in Gardner Vance?”  He nods. “So you, you bastard, kept him afloat for a year?!”

“Sorry…” He takes my hand and kisses each finger. “Better?”

“I suppose.” I pout. “I got all of his clients when he finally went under, so I forgive you. So when exactly are you going to New York?”

“Monday after next. Let me guess... you’re going there as well?”

“Yeah, but the week after. But I can move my trip so that the girls can be together. I’m sure I can get Debs to look after them.”

“No need. Nya can do it since she’s going to be looking after Kendi anyway. I have about four days’ worth of meetings, with six small IT firms; they approached us. What about you?”

“Three and a half. I have factored in a day and a half worth of shopping.”

“A day and a half of shopping?! Oh God, Kendi would love that! She’s obsessed with clothes, shoes and makeup, not that she wears much of the latter. Too young, I think.”

“Kemi must get her tomboyishness from you, then.” I stroke his cheek, marvelling at how smooth it still is. “Why don’t we have them come over for the end of that week? Would Nya be happy to bring them?”

“Of course, but what about Gus? He’s off school now. We can’t really…”

“Let me speak to the moms. Gus and Jenny would have to come too. But I got the impression that Nya is not feeling Jenny.” I raise an eyebrow and am unsurprised when he nods.

“Nya is a stickler for good manners. She doesn’t take any sass whatsoever. Should be an interesting trip, if it does happen.”

“Oh, trust me. Jenny will be there if Gus is there, if only to save Mel from the litany of whining that will happen if she doesn’t go.”

“I’ll bet.” He snickers. “So we’re seriously going to New York together next Sunday?”

“Yeah and we’ve got to sync diaries, too. Why don’t we do that now - set up a family sharing calendar that the kids can see as well?”

“Cool.”

JUSTIN

“And you are getting a proper phone. How do you function without email or camera?” He looks so scandalised.

“Because generally Kendi is with me or with Nya. Want to sit over here and we do it....the calendar I mean? I have a double screen.” He nods and brings over his laptop and after three hours, we have finally got a family calendar set up. He’s also ordered us all the same phones and our assistants have been introduced.

“Are you going to get a phone for Gus? If so, can we go halves?” I ask shyly.

“You don’t have to…”

“I know, but he’s her brother. Then again, we have the Jenny problem… ”

“Which is down to Mel and Lindsay to sort out. Okay?”

“Okay.”

MEL AND LINDSAY’S HOUSE - MONDAY LATE AFTERNOON

OFFICE

MEL

She can glower as much as she wants about me standing over her shoulder, watching her return the money to Brian. Jenny was inconsolable when her trainers were snapped up within minutes of them going on the site. She was even more devastated when she found out that she wasn’t going to get to keep the money. Hmph, the very idea!

“There! Are you satisfied now?” Lindsay snipes while she strokes the head of a sobbing and sniffling Jenny, which is resting in her lap.

“Very much so. Now Jenny, stop this! You had a chance to wear them and you didn’t. Have you finished unpacking your room yet?”

“I-I have a few more things to do.” She whimpers.

“Then go and do them, then you can help Gus with dinner.” She pauses for a nanosecond before heading to her room. “Hopefully she will get over this quickly. It’s just a pair of sneakers.”

“But to her, it’s not! It’s a symbolic thing that…”

“At aged 12 she should not have entertained the idea of asking for, nor should you have gotten the money from Brian. When we get the money for them, we will put it in the home account and use it for its proper purpose.”

“Moms, where are you?!” Gus calls out.

“Office!” I call back and have to chuckle as he lopes in excitedly, waving his phone at me.

“It’s dad. He wants to ask you both something; let me put it on speaker.”

“Brian, you’ve got both of us and Gus. So what’s got him so excited?”

“Justin and I have a business trip to New York next week. We’ve got meetings for four days and then some free time. We’re going to get Nya to bring the girls over and want to bring Gus to get some new clothes and…”

“THAT IS SO UNFAIR!” Jenny screams from the doorway, with tears flowing down her face. “I KNEW THIS WOULD HAPPEN!!”

“Jenny, be quiet!” Brian orders. She is so surprised as he’s never spoken to her like that before, she shuts up immediately. “If you had let me finish, I was going to ask if you both could come. You’d travel with Nya, Jennifer and Emmett. If your mothers agree.”

“I think that’s fine.” Lindsay says quickly and looks challengingly at me.

“Brian, this is fine for Gus…”

“It’s fine for both of them Mel!” Lindsay interrupts sharply.

“Brian, we will have to call you back regarding Jenny. She seems to be having an adjustment issue.”

“Okay, we will sort out the flights and let you know the details for Jenny....”

“Let us know…” Lindsay begins, clearly having a goldfish moment in respect of our conversation on Friday night! But before she can continue, I cut off the call.

“So am I going to New York, then?” Jenny asks carefully.

“It depends on how you behave this week.” I reply crisply and hold up my hand. “And the same goes for Gus.”

“I will be so good! So very good!” She cries in delight and skips out of the room.

“She’s cheered up, I see.” I remark dryly as Gus holds in his snigger and makes his face impassive. “So anything else?”

“Yeah, Dad and Papa J have set up a family sharing calendar for us 5.  I think it’s a good idea for us to do that, too.”

“Oh what an excellent idea!” Lindsay enthuses. “Can you give us access to theirs as well?”

“Um, I’m not sure that dad would want that.” Gus says carefully.

“And why not?” She demands, her voice brittle and combative.

“Because, well um, it’s for him, Papa J, Double K and me and you don’t really need to know their whereabouts, do you?”

“I don’t see why not!” She bridles.

“Because, Lindz…” I try to soothe. “When we set up our family sharing calendar, we will put Gus’s stuff in there instead. We don’t need to know the minutiae of their lives, do we?”

“But what if there is an emergency?” She tries.

“How about we put dads in for when he’s travelling but nothing for Papa J and Double K?” Gus offers, but I can see he really doesn’t want that; he just knows his mother all too well.

“Why can’t…” Lindsay tries again but I’ve had enough.

“You’ve never expressed an interest in what Kemi was doing before, why do you want to see it now?” I ask though I suspect I know the answer. This has nothing to do with Kemi and everything to do with Justin and, possibly, Kendi.

“The suggestion has only just been made, Mel and…”

“Well let’s ask Brian and Justin. Their decision is final, okay?”

“I’ll just send the email.” She says quickly.

“Mom, dad said no and Justin agrees. Dad also said he doesn’t need to be in our calendar either.” Gus shows her his phone and she looks most put out. “So, can I set up ours then?”

“Do you have access to their calendar now?” She tries again with that gleam in her eye.

“No mom, I don’t. But when I do, I’m sorry, but I am going to respect their wishes and keep it private. I would do the same for us if you wanted me to do that.”

“Fine!” She finally concedes and heads upstairs to finish unpacking.

Gus and I exchange knowing looks, but keep our own counsel.

MICHAEL’S APARTMENT - THURSDAY LATE AFTERNOON

I have been doing stock inventory for the last few days and I am so glad that it is over! I need a drink, to hang out with my boys, shoot some pool and catch up. I place a call to Emmett and he’s in need of a Cosmo or two as well. Soon, much to my surprise everyone has confirmed and I can’t quite believe my luck! I decide to have a long hot shower and then head to the diner to have something to eat before meeting them.

DINER - TWO HOURS LATER

DEBS

I am trying very hard not to be a proud grandmother! Jennifer has gone back to Cape Cod, but has decided to move back for the summer. So she will be coming back to help Nya with the trip to New York. The reason I am proud is because Kemi finally nailed the turnpike! The moment she was out of her sling she tried again, with Kendi’s assistance, and she did it! Kemi is now introducing Kendi to everyone in the diner that doesn’t know about her. There was a lot of double-taking. This week has been bittersweet for them both as they went to pay their respects to Craig and Vic and begrudgingly to Brian’s father. His mother and sister both disowned him when he got pregnant, but came sniffing back around when Kinnetic hit it big. He told them to fuck off!

“Hey, Debs!” Nya calls as she comes in, scratching her head and looking slightly testy.

“Honey, you okay?” I frown.

“Yeah, rows need redoing.” She grumbles. “It takes for fucking ever.”

“Sorry, I don’t understand!” I call out, approaching with a pot of Brian’s special coffee when I see Ems coming in. “What rows?”

“Her cornrows, grandma.” Kendi explains, scrutinising Nya’s hair. “Yeah, definitely needs to be done. I’ll undo them tonight and give you a deep protein masque and then rebraid it tomorrow. Actually, why don’t we go back now and start it?”

“Seriously, I didn’t understand a word you just said.” I grumble with a smile.

“Nya’s hair needs to be cornrowed, as in plaited tight to her skull. It needs to be done every six weeks or so because as it grows the plait loosens…”

“Hold it, you can do that?” Ernie comes over quickly. “Can you do anyone’s hair?”

“Yes, Aunt Abi, Nya’s mom, taught me. It’s really easy once you get a rhythm.”

“So that’s all your own hair?” Kemi asks her in wonder, and she nods. “Can you teach me how to do it?”

“Sure. So are we going now, then?” Kendi asks and then grimaces as Michael strides up to the back booth completely oblivious to, or more accurately ignoring, their presence.

Nya nods and they swiftly exit.

Sighing, Ems gets up and with a resigned look goes to join him, muttering that having Cosmos intravenously should be his constitutional right!

I notice the pinched expression on Ernie’s face. “I know, I know…”

“Tell him, before someone else does.” She warns. “The words themselves now, might mean nothing, but the fact you kept it from him will hurt like hell.”

MICHAEL

“Hey Emmett, where did you spring up from? I didn’t see you come in.”

“Of course, you didn’t Michael. You were too busy watching for Brian to come in, but completely forgetting that he’s meeting us at Woody’s.”

“I wasn’t.” I retort.

“So you were deliberately ignoring the twins and Nya then?”

“Where were they? I didn’t…”

“They come as a pair now, Michael…”

“Twins generally do, Emmett.” I point out.

“No, not the girls. I’m talking about Brian and Kemi. They come as a pair.”

“I know that, but she doesn’t have to have her own way all the time.”

“She didn’t have her own way, if you are bitching about her dislocating shoulder!” He snaps.

“About that... You guys still owe me an apology.” I snipe.

“For what?”

“Leaving me in Babylon all night by myself.”

“You made the choice to remain here...and no, we are not going to continue this discussion! Now, I need a Cosmo more than I need to hear you blather. So let’s go to Woody’s.”

Blather?!

Forty silent minutes later, we get there and it's just Ted and Blake but at least the pool table is free.

“Is everything okay with you two?” Blake asks.

“Why wouldn’t it be?” I reply, but notice that Emmett is distinctly off with me.

“Bri! Over...hi!” Ted gasps and I turn to see what he’s looking at and I can’t fucking believe it. He’s only gone and brought him!

“Uh, Brian, why is he here?” I demand.

“Because he’s the father of my daughters and he never got to see the Avenue before.” He smirks at Justin, who smacks him in the stomach.

“What do you mean he never got to see the Avenue? Isn’t it where you picked up this trick?”

“I didn’t pick him up as you so sweetly put it, he came to my rescue.” Brian retorts.

“And he made such a dashing damsel in distress, too!” Justin laughs and I can feel my annoyance build.

“What the fuck are you talking about? He saw the Avenue…”

“Again, he saw in here and then the loft, where he saw the ceiling, the mattress, the shower wall, the sofa, a pylon.”

“I see it’s cumming back to you.” Emmett snickers. “So come on, how the fuck did he save you?”

“He stopped me from drinking…” Brian begins.

“Like fuck he did! This little twink stopped you, the Stud of Liberty Avenue, from drinking? How?”

“I stopped him from drinking a roofied drink... And I didn’t know he was the Stud of Liberty Avenue. All I saw was a gorgeous guy about to get taken advantage of and not in a positive life affirming way.”

“So then what happened?” Blake asks, all ears...as if anyone would drug Brian!

“I told him not to drink it. The guy, who bought the drink told me to fuck off and I told him if there was nothing wrong with the drink then he should take a big ole slug and he refused.”

“So this little spitfire told him again to drink it and again he refused. So when...”

I turn to Justin. “Congratulations. You’re a step up from a pity fuck. He’s thanked you now so we, his friends, want some private time with him. So…”

“And he, as the father of my goddaughter, is going nowhere!” Ted growls. “If his presence is a problem, then you can leave!”

I gape at Ted. He’s never spoken to me like that before. “Ted, I am…”

“Either staying and shutting the hell up so we can hear the rest of the story or leaving...pick one.” He retorts and everyone looks at me. I give a pointed sigh and rest against the pool table. “You were saying, Bri.” Ted prompts.

“So the guy steps up to the Spitfire. This guy is about his height but he’s all muscle and prods him in the chest, so Spitfire slugs him. And at first the guy doesn’t move or nothing, but then his eyes just start to roll and he falls like tree in the forest.”

“Wait!” Emmett squeals. “I heard about that! That was you?!” He looks at the blonde with what... admiration?!

“So you got a lucky punch…” I snort and roll my eyes.

“No lucky punch at all. I’m a trained boxer.” He retorts. “I know how to hit.”

“Wow. Can you teach me?!” Emmett pleads.

“No, sorry…”

“Forgotten everything, have you?” I taunt him.

“Not at all. I can’t teach because I may teach him wrongly. He’d need to speak to the person who taught me and that would be Nya.”

“Nya taught you to box?” Brian looks surprised.

“Yeah, she’s been boxing since she was...uh six...she’s a trainer in her spare time. She also taught Kendi. If you want she could…”

“We want. Kemi definitely and Gus, he would love that.”

“Okay, we’ll discuss it over the weekend.”

“Cool, now let’s shoot some pool.” Brian orders.

“Finally!” I grouse and then spot my lace is undone. When I come up again, I paste a smile on my face. “So we’re in pairs, right? Sorry Justin, but as his best…”

“Calling stripes. Want to break, Bri?” Ted asks.

“Sure.”

“Wait, what’s happened?” I demand.

“It’s Brian and Justin vs Ted and Blake. We play the winner.” Emmett explains.

And for the rest of the evening, Brian and I don’t speak...and I am fucking furious!

MEL AND LINDSAY’S HOUSE - SATURDAY AFTERNOON

OFFICE

LINDSAY

“I said Jenny should get the money from the sale of her sneakers to take as spending money for her trip.” I repeat, looking at Mel and daring her to contradict me.

“Lindz, she does not need $300 in spending money. She is only 12 years old and she’s only there for two days. Jenny and Gus will each get 100 dollars and that will be plenty.” Mel counters.

“But the twins will get whatever they want and Jenny will feel left out. Gus will also be spoiled by his dad as usual. That is really harsh on Jenny and she deserves nice things, too!”

“How do you know that? You have no idea how Brian and Justin bring up the twins. But that is neither here nor there. We are Jenny’s parents and we will treat her as we see fit...Gus is Brian’s son so he has the right to gift him with what he chooses. The twins are none of our business; we are not their parents. $100 each and that’s it. Now I am done with this conversation!” Mel glares at me.

But I am far from done! “Mel, imagine being Jenny. She sees what the girls are getting at the drop of a hat and…”

“Read that!” She snaps and hands over a piece of paper. It’s an email from Brian and Justin.

“What’s this?” I demand.

“Read it and find out.” She doesn’t look up from her file.

I read it and feel aggrieved. “How is any of this fair on Jenny? Just because it’s Gus getting the new phone and clothes, it doesn’t make it any the less unfair! Why does Gus get that and Jenny doesn’t?!” I protest.

“Lindsay, Gus was always going to go on a shopping trip with his dad for new clothes. We had already discussed this. The location is irrelevant. And once again, your goldfish memory has conveniently forgotten that Jenny had a shopping trip before we moved back to Pittsburgh. That was less than a month ago and not once did Gus complain.” She takes a breath. “And as for the phone, it clearly states in black and white, this is because Justin needed a new phone and Gus is due an upgrade anyway. Now, whether you like it or not, Jenny is not part of their family, but Gus is! And before you start to stake a claim as the mother, remember Brian has his rights and that considerably weakens your position. If you want to get Jenny a new phone to salve her wounded ego, then take the money out of your bank account to do so! Jenny has a tablet and a phone, Gus just has a phone and he was happy with that…”

“Then he can sell his old phone, can’t he?”

“Why the hell is he selling his old phone?!” She glares at me.

“Well like Jenny’s trainers it doesn’t fit him now, does it?” I snap back and her face contorts in fury. Big mistake....huge!

“He is not selling his phone. Now, as I said they get $100 each, and Jenny is going there by the skin of her teeth. If you give Jenny extra money, then I will do the same for Gus. As you well know, Jenny is one for oneupmanship. Now, we both have first days this week so let’s have a nice relaxing weekend.”

“Fine.” I snipe and start to walk out.

“Lindsay, one other thing…”

“What’s that?” I sigh crossly.

“Kendi is part Kinney and part WASP. So she most definitely has a perfectly honed bullshit detector! You would do well to remember that.”

CHAPTER 8 - YOU NEED A LOT LESS SASSINESS!

BRITIN - SAME TIME

KEMI

She has got to be kidding! “It can’t be!” I just walk round Nya as we sit in the garden. “This is all yours!”

“Yes, I’ve been growing it since I got hair, trimmed never cut.” She smiles at me.

“Please may I take a photo of you Aunt Nya?” I ask shyly. Nya is so pretty and I have to admit that I am a little intimidated by her.

“Of course, you can! Why on earth would you think you couldn’t?”

“Well to be honest, you give dad a run for his money on the death glare. And when Kendi told me you taught her and pop how to box, well…”

“Have a seat Kemi and let me explain me to you. I don’t think I am intimidating. I just have a strong sense of right and wrong, and I have no problem, not one, correcting someone’s behaviour. For example, I don’t believe it’s right for a child to demand and get what they want. I raised Kendi with Justin and we both have the same ethos. You earn what you want. And as long as you’re not rude, you’re kind to others and treat people the way you want to be treated, we’ll be fine.” I heave a sigh of relief and give her a hug. “Now, help me fluff up my ‘fro so you can take the picture!”

MEL AND LINDSAY’S HOUSE - SUNDAY MORNING

JENNY’S BEDROOM

JENNY

I carefully check over my case to make sure I have everything I need. I check the amount of the money I have to take on Friday. I have $150 and a list of things I want. I can’t wait to get to Macy’s and get some make-up!

“Gus?!” I call and after an age, he finally comes in!

“Yes.”

“Do you know what we are doing on Friday?” He shakes his head. “You must have some idea, after all you have that shared calendar thing going on.”

“No, I don’t know. All it says is New York.” He sighs and then frowns.

“What’s wrong?” I approach him and try to see his screen, but he shields it from me. “Why can’t I help?”

“Because you’re not good at algebra.” He replies. “Maybe I could ask Aunt Nya. She’s good with numbers.”

“Why not ask Uncle Ted? He’s good with numbers, too. Maybe he would be upset that you are cosying up to Nya.”

“Did she say you could call her that?” He looks surprised.

“Not yet, but she will. It’s a girlie thing.” I reply smoothly.

“Of course, it is.” He snickers. “Was that all you wanted to know about New York?”

“No, I wanted to know how much money you are taking.”

“Momma gave me $100 so that…”

“I have an extra $50.” I crow and wait for his reaction, but there is none. He’s concentrating on his screen again. “Gus, did you hear me?”

“Yeah. Well that’s nice for you. Look Jenny, I really need to speak to Aunt Nya...and I am not cosying up to her. Uncle Ted is on a plane with dad and Papa J, so I can’t ask him and I need to know before tomorrow.”

“Gus! Can you come down please?!” Mommy shouts up the stairs. “You have a package from your father.”

He heads down to get, no doubt, his brand spanking new phone. I can just about take Gus getting stuff from his dad because I’m used to that. But now that I can’t ask Uncle Brian for the same things that Kemi gets, I find it frustrating. Mommy said that I should be patient because once I’m best friends with Kendi, the world is our oyster. When we get downstairs, he just takes the parcel and tucks it under his arm.

“Aren’t you going to open it?” Mommy asks.

“Not yet; I can do it later. Right now, I need to sort out this algebra problem. Excuse me. Hey Aunt Nya, how good are you at algebra?” He bursts out laughing. “Okay when she’s back, can you get her to call me? Thanks, later.”

“What’s so funny?” Mom asks as she comes out of the kitchen.

“She hates algebra and dropped it as fast as she could. But Kendi is good at it, so she’s going to call me back. But she wants to talk to you both before we go to NYC.”

“Speaking of the Big Apple, mommy, can I get some makeup from Macy’s like Clarins or even MAC?”

“Where are you going that you need make-up?” Mom frowns and inwardly, I sigh.

“Nowhere, but I would like it.”

“If you want but when it comes to lipstick, it has to be clear. You are far too young for coloured lipsticks.”

“Mom, I’m nearly 13 and…”

“Far too young.” She turns to Gus. “Did Nya say what she wanted? Gus? Gus?”

“Holy crap!” He breathes. ”Look at that hair!” He turns his phone around and mom whistles.

“You gotta admit, she’s a beautiful woman.” Mom smiles. “But scary as hell when crossed I should imagine!”

“Oh yeah! She’s scary alright! The first time I met Kendi and thought she was Kemi, when I punched her arm, Nya was up in my face in seconds!”

“I didn’t know that.” Mommy frowns. “Why wasn’t I told about her threatening behaviour?”

“Lindz, she was most likely defending Kendi. Gus said he mistook her for Kemi.”

“I still should’ve been told.” Mommy rightly points out. “And she had better not do it again!”

“Okay Lindz, but please let me be there when you tell her.” Mom laughs as does Gus.

JUSTIN’S PRIVATE PLANE

JUSTIN

“Oh, stop pouting!” I laugh at the look on Brian’s face.

“A fucking airplane!” He grouses before going back to his laptop.

“In fairness, you should grouse at Nya. She hates commercial planes, so when we made our first billion, she got this.”

“This is awesome!” Ted stretches out.

“Justin, what do you want me to do with the projection figures for iSoft Inc?” Hunter asks, looking up from his screen.

“Send them to Nya. She can double check them and then prepare the finance pack.

He nods enthusiastically and goes back to work. I like Hunter. He’s 18 and smart as a whip and, unlike most teens, keen to learn. He’s an intern in the finance department and Nya insisted he come on this trip. Okay there is slight nepotism because he’s a distant cousin’s son on mom’s side, but he’s been given no special favours.

“Hunter, when are you scheduled to fly back?”

“Thursday afternoon. Why?”

“Do you want to stay until Friday? Hang a second. Brian, maybe Hunter and Gus can hang out? As much as I suspect Gus loves Emmy, he’s going to be surrounded by girls.”

“Who’s Gus?” Hunter looks up.

“My son, he’s 14 and like you, judging by that pile of games, a complete games geek. I think that’s a good idea. You wouldn’t mind?”

“Nah, it would be cool to actually play against someone in the real world on these trips.” He smiles.

“Okay, we’ll call Gus when we land and you guys can connect.”

“Great.”

The rest of the flight is spent playing footsie with Brian until he stopped pouting over the fact that I have a plane!

The meetings for both of us were very successful, Hunter was very nervous about his being in charge of his first meeting. But between Brian, Ted and I, we coached him and he nailed it. He and Gus spoke a couple of times and seem to get on really well. We finished our meetings on Wednesday night, so Thursday is all ours. I was planning on sleeping in, but instead I hear a knock at the door. After checking the peephole, I open the door to find Brian, leaning nonchalantly, against the jamb.

W HOTEL - THURSDAY MORNING

JUSTIN’S BEDROOM

“Good morning Spitfire.”

“Morning Dashing Damsel.” I tease him and he grins ruefully. “Want to come in?”

“Actually, since there is a bed in there and you’re just wearing that...” He licks his lips and I adjust my robe. “I think it might be best if we breakfasted downstairs, don’t you?”

“Infinitely.” We lock eyes and it takes everything within me, not to drag him into the room by his perfect-fitting jeans. “You need to go downstairs.”

“Okay, Spitfire. Since you can’t seem to control yourself, I shall remove myself from your temptation! Don’t be too long though; I am actually hungry!”

“Arrogant prick!” I call out after him and he turns round to cup his dick at me.

DINER - LUNCHTIME

LINDSAY

I look incredulously at Mel. “She wants to know what?”

“She wants to know if there is anything that Jenny is not allowed to buy…”

“Why would Kenya need to know that?” Michael asks.

“Because she’s most likely going to be the one out shopping with them. Didn’t you read the itinerary, Lindz? Emmett and Jennifer are going to have beauty appointments so it’s going to be Justin, Brian and Nya with the girls. Oh that reminds me, I must get Hunter’s number off of Gus before he goes.”

“Who’s Hunter and where is Gus going?” Michael asks.

“Hunter is an intern in Justin’s business and Gus is going to New York with his sisters, his dad, Papa J, Ems, Jennifer and Nya.” Mel tells him.

“Brian and Justin are in New York...together? Why?!” He looks annoyed. “I know he said he was travelling, but I had no idea Justin was going with him.”

“Justin didn’t go with Brian. Brian went with Justin.” Debs comes over with our order. “Brian moved his trip, so they are there until Sunday lunchtime.”

“But we were supposed to be meeting up tomorrow night. Forgetting his friends already I see.” Michael gripes.

“That’s rich coming from you!” Debs snaps. “You barely spoke to him for the last two months of his pregnancy!”

“That was different and I was still his friend. He seems to be trying to drop me!”

“Might that be because you were a queenly bitch the last time he saw you?” Emmett’s voice drips sarcasm.

“I wasn’t being a queenly bitch, Emmett. I just didn’t see why Justin had to be there on our night. I was looking forward to it just being us. In fact, if anyone was a bitch it was Ted!”

“Ted wasn’t being a bitch; he was reciprocating. Now, I didn’t come here to waste my time telling you to act with civility where Justin is concerned, as you will lose a battle with him…”

“Oh stop being such a crawl-ass, Emmett! Mel, Lindz I will see you later. Bye Ma!” Michael grouses and storms out.

“Handled with his usual aplomb.” Debs laughs. “I thought you were flying today. What are you doing here, Ems?”

“We are, but I came here to ask what it was that you wanted, Mel?”

“Oh yes!” Mel exclaims. “It’s the Illamasqua Hydra Veil Primer, Beyond Powder in OMG…”

“Hmmm, I think that maybe Epic would be better.” Jennifer says as she approaches.

“Jennifer, how lovely to see you again! Are you looking forward to the trip?” I ask, ignoring the eye roll from Mel.

“Yes Lindsay, I am. Though we have to conduct a bit of business first. That’s one of the problems with being one of the Trustees of a multi-billion dollar company. So much documentation to sign!” I frown and she smiles at me. “It’s JCT Venture Capital, Inc, which is the company that Justin and Kenya set up as teenagers. They’ve just signed up 4 more companies, over the last few days.” She turns to look at Mel carefully. “Yes, definitely Epic for you. Did I hear you say you need Hunter’s number?” Mel nods. “Oh, I can give that to you. He’s a very nice boy. Here you go. Now we really have to make our way Britin and then to the airport, Ems.”

“Of course. I’ll just let Nya know we’re on our way.” He pulls out his phone and makes a quick call. “Seriously cannot wait to get to New York, haven’t been there in ages! Are you ready, sweetie?” Jennifer nods and with a quick kiss to the cheek of Debs and wave at the rest of us, they sweep out.

“I really hope they behave themselves out there.” Mel sighs.

“Why wouldn’t they?” I ask, picking at my napkin.

“I’ll see you later, Lindsay. I am not dignifying that with an answer.” She grouses and flounces out.

“Now what did she call that company again? Ah yes! JCT Venture Capital Inc. Well, let’s just see what you’ve been up to while you’ve been gone, shall we?” I smirk to myself.

PITTSBURGH AIRPORT - THREE HOURS LATER

JENNIFER

This is going to be interesting. Nya has been struggling to keep a lid on her annoyance with Jenny since she arrived last night. Apparently, she keeps muscling in between Kemi and Kendi, trying to push Kemi out. Now she’s giving her serious side eye because she’s linked arms with Kendi and they are chattering away.

“Um Nya, why are we going this way?”

“Jenny, did I say you could call me that?”

“No, but you said that your friends call you Nya and…”

“My friends who are adults.” She returns crisply.

“Oh, so Kenya why are we…”

“Jenny, you need to call her either Aunt Kenya or Aunt Nya. You can’t call her by her first name. It is not done by one so young.” Emmy tells her firmly. “Now try the question again with the appropriate salutation.” She goes red and glares at him. “And you will not look at me like that either! You are not with your mother Lindsay, who will let you get away with this lack of manners!”

She raises one shoulder in a dismissive shrug and carries on walking towards Nya. “As I was saying, Aunt Nya, why are we going this way?”

“Jenny Marcus Peterson, come here this instant!” Emmett stops walking and points at a spot in front of his feet and she slowly approaches. “I want an apology from you immediately!”

“I apologise Uncle Emmett…” She says just on the right side of graceful.

“Good, now let us proceed.”

“The plane is over here, Jenny. That’s why we’re going this way.” Kendi explains.

“Plane? What do you mean plane?” Emmy demands. “Oh no, don’t tell me! You’ve got a…”

“Yep a private plane, Ems.” Ted laughs behind him. “You should’ve seen Brian’s face when he saw it.”

“Ooh I wonder how much trouble Spitfire got in for that?!” Ems giggles.

“I can’t believe you didn’t tell us, Kemi!” Jenny exclaims, looking at the plane in awe.

“I didn’t know either.” Kemi is looking suspiciously at a suddenly quiet Kendi.

“Rubbish! You must have known. You’re sisters after all, aren’t you?! Can we get on now?”

“Jenny.” Ted turns to her. “Why are you speaking to Kemi like that?”

“She kept a secret from us…” She protests.

“No, she said she didn’t know and I believe her!” Gus defends, stunned by the viciousness of Jenny’s tone. “And it’s a great surprise!”

“And she didn’t know, just like Uncle Brian didn’t know!” Kendi snaps at her. “And don’t speak to her like that in front of me ever again!”

“I’m sorry, Kendi. I was just…”

“It’s not me you should be apologising to. It’s Kemi, after all you called her a liar!”

“Kendi, settle down slugger. Jenny, she’s right. You need to apologise to Kemi, and we’re not getting on the plane until you do.” Nya interjects and Jenny’s jaw drops.

“Jenny, come on, just say sorry. You’re holding us up!” Gus pleads.

“Sorry, Kemi. I shouldn’t have said that.” Jenny grudgingly apologies.

“Good enough?” Nya looks at Kemi, who nods. “Right, let’s get going then.”

FLIGHT TO NEW YORK - 40 MINUTES LATER

EMMY

Ooh that little madam! How dare she talk to my sweet Kemi, let alone me or Nya like that?!

“Champagne, sir?” The air steward asks.

“Oh yes please!” I take it with a smile and feel the tension slipping away with every sip.

“This is going to be an interesting trip with those three?” Jennifer smiles at me over her glass.

“I’ll say. She’s in for a very rude awakening.” I sit back in my seat and smile.

“Why?”

“She thinks that they get whatever and whenever they want, but that’s not true.” I laugh. “Well it’s definitely not the case with Kemi.”

“Or Kendi. Now, explain Spitfire to me.”

“Oh, well…” I turn to her and fill her in some of Brian and Justin’s almost total recall.

MACY’S, HERALD SQUARE, NYC - FRIDAY MID-MORNING

NYA

She has been trying everything to get that blush rose MAC lipstick, but Gus has thwarted her at every turn. First, it was for mommy, then mom and now some aged aunt six times removed on her mother’s side. Brian and Justin keep rolling their eyes, but it’s not their place to correct her behaviour.

“Jenny, can you please just get the clear lipstick that momma said you can get so we can get out of here? We’ve been here for an hour now.” Gus whines and Hunter is looking at me mouthing do something!

“It has to be the right sort of clear, it can’t be…” She begins.

“Excuse me Miss, but how old are you?” The consultant asks.

“Almost 13.” She preens.

“I see. While you’re still making your choices, I will just serve this other cust…”

“But I need your help still.” She lectures. “Whoever it is will have to wait!”

“Jenny, pick the correct lipstick or leave without one.” Brian calls out and that does the trick.

Everyone sighs in relief as we head upstairs to the designer wear department for their actual shopping. Kendi needs a few formal dresses as she has the Taylor Junior Cotillion in a couple of months, so Kemi will have to get dresses and shoes for that. I hear the dulcet tones of Emmy floating up the escalator and have to smile. He’s an absolute doll.

“Right, we are going to split up. I’ll take the girls.” Jennifer orders. “And you take the boys Brian. Hunter needs extra length in his trousers because he’s so lanky. If you could tell them to charge it to the Taylor Family Charge, we have an account here. OK?”

“Yes ma’am.” Brian smirks and saunters off with a resigned looking Justin, trailing behind him.

“He’s going to hate every second of that!” Kendi laughs and Justin’s shoulders drop lower and lower the further away he gets from us.

“Oh, I don’t know. I’m pretty sure Brian will make it worth his while.” Jennifer laughs and winks at me. “Okay, little ladies let’s go. Nya, will you do Kemi and I do Kendi?”

“What about me?” Jenny whines and I can see Jennifer’s eye twitch.

“What about you? My granddaughters have to get formal dresses for events already in their calendars. If you are invited then your mothers will get them for you. Now this is going to take long enough without you complaining.”

Jenny wisely keeps her mouth shut for the rest of the time we were in the store!

APPLE STORE - FOUR HOURS LATER

GUS

This is the part of the trip I have been dreading. I know she’s going to pitch a fit when I go to pay for this. Yes I got $100 but I have been saving my pocket money to get this Apple MacBook Pro and dad said that if I did well on my exams, he would do half.

“So what are you buying in here, Uncle Brian?” She asks.

“I’m not, but Gus is. Which one is it?”

“That one...

“Why don’t you get the 17” screen instead?” He peers at it. “That’s what I have at work.”

“Because I haven’t saved up enough for it. The 15 will…”

“It won’t. Just get the 17” and then you can wash the cars for a month - deal?”

“Inside and out?” I hedge.

“Outside only. Do we have a deal?” He smirks.

“Yeah, we do. I’ll put it down.” I grin.

“Uncle Brian, why don’t you just give it to him? Why should he wash the cars?” Jenny frowns.

“Because that’s not how we do things. If he wants things, he has to work for them. I agreed to pay half for this if he did well on his exams and behaved himself for his mothers. He did and so he gets what he wants. Same with Kemi. She loves owls and like Gus, if she behaved, did well on her exams, and got a good report card, she can have two owlets and…”

“What?!” Kemi gasps and dad and Papa J start laughing.

“Told you she’d forgotten!” Dad nudges him.

“Dad, seriously?! Seriously?!” She squeals, flinging her arms round him. “Guess what Kendi loves too!”

“What do I love, too?” Kendi comes back with Jennifer.

“Owls.” Kemi is near exploding with excitement.

“I love them and have been in love with them since Harry Potter! Why are we talking about owls?”

“Because dad is getting me two and we can share! I had completely forgotten that we made that deal!”

“Ahem!” Nya clears her throat and Jennifer is smiling. “Hunter, here you go.”

“What’s that?” He looks warily at the envelope, but takes it.

“Your ass is mine now!” She growls at him and he rips open the envelope. “I expect my assistant to be at my beck and call without complaint!”

“You’re kidding, I get to work with you?!” He quickly reads it. “I can’t believe it.”

“Believe it. You’ve worked hard and earned it! Now this calls for a cocktail or four, doesn’t it Emmy.”

“Yes, I’m rather parched!” He laughs, stroking his throat and coughing.

W HOTEL BAR - AN HOUR LATER

JENNY

I can’t believe that Gus and Kemi do anything for their things. That is such bullshit and I will prove it! “How come Kendi gets to share the owlets?” I ask Uncle Brian.

“Because it’s what Kemi wants to do.” Aunt Nya replies, narrowing her eyes at me. I shrug at her and turn back to Uncle Brian. “Jenny.” She calls out, but I ignore her.

“Uncle Brian?” I tap him on his arm as he is listening to Justin. “Justin, can you stop speaking for a minute? I want Uncle Brian to answer the question.”

“Good afternoon, may I speak to Melanie Marcus please? Yes, of course, Kenya Fox-Worthy. Hey Mel, how are you? Well, we have had a few problems with Jenny. She’s pushed her way between Kemi and Kendi, yes I mean literally. She has been disrespectful by calling myself and Justin by our first names despite Emmy telling her not to. She’s called Kemi a liar and spoke harshly to her. She’s trying to get Gus into trouble over his new MacBook Pro. Quite frankly, she’s ruining this trip for the rest of us. Could you speak to her please?”

I turn back to her and laugh. “You called my mother?! Oh that’s the oldest trick in the book, I don’t believe you…you don’t have her number for a start!”

“Jenny.” Mom’s cold voice stuns me into silence.  Everyone hears as the phone was put in speaker, “Of course, she has my number. And is what she said true?”

“M-mom, I…”

“Will be on the next flight home. I shall meet you at the airport and you and I are going to have yet, another long chat! But before you go upstairs and pack with Aunt Jennifer, you will apologise immediately for your behaviour.”

“I’m sorry! I don’t want to go home! Mom, if I could just explain...” I beg, but am interrupted in my pleading.

“Tough. Because of your behaviour, you're ruining the fun for everybody else, so home you go!” Aunt Jennifer snaps. “Mel, I’ve got the ticket. I shall change it, while she packs.”

“Thank you, Jennifer. Jenny, I shall see you later. Everyone else, have a good weekend.”

“Bye, Mel.” Aunt Jennifer answers. “Right, let’s go!”

“But…” I blubber. “I really am sorry. I am!”

“Only because you’re going home!” Kendi snaps. “Grandma, do you need me to help you to help her pack? You know how quick I can be!”

“Slugger, wanna go home too?” Jennifer asks.

“No Ma’am!” Kendi says immediately and Jennifer smiles, but that drops as she turns back to me.

“Move it!” She orders.

I still don’t believe that I am going home so decide to play along, but four hours later I am back at home. Not only is mom mad, but mommy is too. In fact, she’s so mad that she’s taken my lipstick away! That is just so not fucking fair...this is all Kenya’s fault!!!

W HOTEL - SUNDAY MORNING

BRIAN’S SUITE

Once Jenny went, everyone relaxed and had a great time. But now it’s time for the big announcement and her not being here makes it so much sweeter.

“Can I have your attention for a minute?” They all look expectantly at me. “Kemi and Kendi, I want to show you something. Now I want you to react calmly as it is Sunday morning and I was on Beam, okay?”

“Want some more coffee, papa?” Kendi asks, but Justin waves her back into her seat with a smile.

“When you get back to Britin, these will be waiting for you.”

Instead of squealing, I get stunned silence. “Which brings me to the logistical problem of having an aviary with owlets.”

“DAD! SERIOUSLY! SERIOUSLY! YOU PROMISE!”

“Kemi, volume.” Nya whimpers from her tender-headed-nothing-to-do-with-braids position on the sofa, next to a wincing Emmy.

“Sorry, Aunt Nya.” She whispers.

“Yes, I promise. We’re moving to Britin permanently.” I turn to Gus.” Now you need to update your room, it hasn’t been done in a while, okay Sonny Boy?”

“Yeah great!”

“I will accessorise your bathroom, so you don’t need to use my $50 bottle of conditioner for slickness that does not apply to your head.”

“DAD!” Gus cringes and Hunter guffaws.

“Now Kendi, where Kemi’s room is next to the new games room, that was the old library, there is another room, you can either use that or…”

“Can I use that pop? As much as I love Kemi, she’s messy!”

“I am not messy! I am carefully disorganised.” She protests. “So that games room upstairs is for us three, right? And as long as we keep it clean and tidy and get parental approval for what goes in it, right?”

“Maybe, but I was thinking you might like this?”

“Dad, that is truly awesome! I call dibs for Sunday night!” Gus yells.

“Hey!” Kendi throws a cushion at him.

“Um, question.” Emmy croaks. “Where is Spitfire going to sleep?”

“Wherever he wants.” I reply and feel the wink he gives in my dick!

“And you know where that is Hot Rod.” Justin licks his lips.

CHAPTER 9 - POPPING AND REALISATION POINTS

BRIAN’S SUITE - AN HOUR LATER

BRIAN

Nya and Emmy have taken the girls for a last minute shopping trip. If Jenny had behaved, she would’ve gotten the $200 that Jennifer had for her. Despite knowing who her mother is, she is all about fairness. But then Jenny did her LP Jnr impression and that was it. Gus and Hunter have bonded very quickly and are playing games in Gus’s room.

I’m on the phone when the knocking starts. Pulling open the door, I see Justin and wave him in. Mouthing Ted at him, I point at the sofa and he sits down while I go back to listening to Ted. Ten minutes later, I feel the phone being taken out of my hand.

“Ted, can he call you back in an hour? Great... thanks!”

“What…”

“I get it, I really do. We are taking the slow route, but I need something! You can’t kiss me like that just once, bring back memories and tease me and then nothing! That is not fair! It’s been 14 fucking years since I had the best sex of my life and..”

“Justin…” I call out as he paces and rants.

“...Fourteen fuckless, well not entirely fuckless, but definitely bottomless years, and I ache, seriously ache right now! Do you know how many times I have wanked since we reconnected?! I’m getting callouses! I think…”

“Justin!” I say louder but he is on a roll!

”...if you could just say roundabout when we would…”

“JUSTIN!” I bellow.

“What?!” He yells back.

“Stop talking and queening out and come here!” I order and he is in my arms in seconds. “Now calm down and let me tell you something.” I order and then I kiss him. Five tongue filled minutes later, I am kneading his ass and he is grinding up against me.

“More...need...” He whimpers.

“I got you.” I whisper and carry him to the sofa. Lifting up his top, I kiss his stomach and gently run my finger along his scar. Mine is slightly lower down. I unbutton his pants and shuffle them down. He’s still not grown into that cock...the size queen in me is so happy! As I wrap my hand round said cock, he purrs and I go back to kissing him. Ten minutes later, he’s bucking and shuddering on the sofa and groaning and moaning into my mouth.  

“That was…” He pants.

“The edge taken off?” I chuckle and adjust my damp pants.

“Did you…?” He starts to sit up but I wave him back down, while nodding, I grab a towel and clean him off then help him to sit up. “I need a shower.”

“We both do. But for you not here.” I tease him and he smiles ruefully. “Was it all you remembered?” I ask quietly as he rests his head against my chest and I stroke his sweaty hair.

“And more.” He replies before hauling himself upright. We walk hand in hand to the door and I kiss him softly as I let him out. Then laugh at his tired stumble.

“Justin…” He stops and looks back. “...your room is the other way.”

“Fucker!” He mutters as he goes past me.

“And you know how well!” I call out and get the finger...how rude!

PLANE BACK TO PITTSBURGH - SIX HOURS LATER

KEMI

I have been watching Dad and Pop for a few hours now and something has changed. Not sure what, but that odd tension has gone. “So what are we going to call them? Kemi? Earth to Kemi?”

“Oh sorry Kendi, wasn’t listening…”

“I noticed. You alright? Is it Jenny and how she was so pushy and everything? When she called you a liar, I wanted to pop her in her mouth. Ooh Aunt Nya was so mad!”

“Oh no, I’m used to her doing what she does. It’s just the dads…”

“You noticed, too?” Gus moves closer and lowers his voice. “They seem to be more relaxed now, don’t they? I wonder why.”

“Took the edge off.” Aunt Nya looks up from her magazine with a smirk.

“Took the...ewwww gross! Why did you tell me that?!” Gus shudders as do we.

“Oh sorry, was that a rhetorical question? My bad.” She sniggers.

“Let’s talk owlets and why you think you should have the games room next Sunday, Gus?” I say firmly and she goes back to her magazine, giggling.

MEL AND LINDSAY’S HOUSE - MONDAY EVENING

LOUNGE

LINDSAY

I couldn’t stay mad at my darling girl for long, so we are friends again. But Mel is another story! She is refusing to let Jenny have the lipstick back. I wish I hadn’t put it where she could see it. I hear the front door open and Gus walks in while gabbing on the phone. He waves and then mouths 2 minutes at me.

“Send me pictures! Can’t wait for next weekend, and no, I am not giving it up. You have Saturday evening; I have Sunday. It’s not my fault you didn’t check the listings, Kemi. Me and the boys are going to watch the game in there...girl free. Nope, you being a tomboy does not make you a boy for the evening! Gotta jet, love you Double K.”

Mel has come in at the end of his sentence and is smiling. “Forgot about the game. So why can’t she watch it with you?”

“He’s being selfish and should…” Jenny starts.

“She has ROR on Saturday night and Kendi is staying. She doesn’t watch sports.”

“Why is Kendi staying at Britin?” I ask and although it is subtle, there is a flinch from Gus.

“Because she can. He is her father, remember?” Mel interjects and Gus relaxes.

Jenny and I exchange knowing looks. Something is going on there. “What’s roar?” I ask.

“It’s the Room of Requirement, as in Harry Potter, at Britin and that takes too long to say. So we call it R-o-R, but it sounds like roar. It’s between their bedrooms; Kendi refused to share. Oh momma, dad wants to talk to you about my room...”

“Your room? What about it?” I ask, frowning. Why would Brian need to ask about Gus’s room here?

“Is Gus getting his room redone already?” Jenny demands.

“Not as far as I am aware.” Mel replies and takes out her phone. “Brian, it’s...okay smartass. What’s this about Gus’s room? Oh right. Sorry we jumped the gun. Hang on, let me go upstairs…” She waves at Gus and he follows.

“What’s going on, mommy?”

“I don’t know, darling. But if Gus is getting his room done, so are you.”

Thirty minutes later, they are back and Gus is grinning. “So basically you want a king bed?”  Mel asks him.

“Yeah, it will be awesome.”

“Now just a minute, Mel. This is definitely unfair!” I protest.

“Why? Jenny doesn’t have a room in Britin. She never has. Gus does and it needs updating. Jenny, come and help with dinner. Gus, go unpack and you set the table after, alright?”

“Yes, momma.” He grabs his things and heads upstairs.

DEBS HOUSE - SUNDAY LUNCHTIME

LOUNGE

DEBS

Now, this is the life! Kendi and Kemi brought me some wigs back and while Kemi is restyling them, Kendi is cornrowing my hair so that Nya can attach the wig properly, so it doesn’t slip. Nya cooked dinner and everyone is very relaxed.

“So Kendi.” Little Miss Madam, as Ems has taken to calling her pipes up. “How was the rest of the trip?”

“Great!” Kemi replies as Kendi is being corrected by Nya. “As well as the top quality wigs we got for grandma Debs, Aunt Nya was all about the no when I told her about the ones she has! We...”

“And where did you get the money for that?!” She snipes.

“It was from the money that Grandma Jen was going to give you Jenny.” Nya answers with just a touch too much relish!

“What?” She gasps.

“Yes. Jennifer had set aside $200 as a treat for you. But you mucked up and lost out. So Debs reaped the benefit. No sweetheart, you’ve done it again, you’re cornrowing backwards, it’s why it’s not lying flat, watch me...”

I had felt something was a little different but now that it’s been redone it feels better. “You guys didn’t need to do that.” I gesture at the fabulous wigs.

“It was going to be spent anyway, why not on you?”

“So did Gus get money too?” Her Junior Miss Imperial demands.

“Yes he did. And it’s in his bank account before you demand that he shares it. Once again, you missed out because you misbehaved and we will have no more of this!” Brian orders.

“Yes Uncle Brian, sorry Uncle Brian.” She smiles at him before turning back to us. “So what else did you do?” Jenny asks sweetly but oh so bitterly.

“We  named them Jericho and Soleil, we can’t wait for you guys to see them! They are so fluffy!”

“What are you talking about?” Lindsay shakes her head and concentrates on the conversation, as opposed to Brian which she usually does when he and his money are in the room!

“The owlets, Aunt Lindsay. Pop got Kemi two and we raising them at…” Kendi starts to explain.

“You can’t raise owls in the loft!” Michael snorts. “Think of your floors! Unless they are on Kemi’s floor, then it won’t matter so much. You are so messy!” He laughs.

“How the hell do you know how messy she is?” Justin growls. “Why were you in her room?!”

Everyone turns to look at Michael. “Answer the question.” Brian and I say at the same time.

“I-I wasn’t! It was just something that Jenny said once, right Jenny?”

“Yes, Uncle Michael, and he’s right. You can’t raise them there.”

“Which is why we are moving to Britin. Permanently.” Brian announces and you can hear a pin drop.

“What?!” Michael gasps. “You’re giving up the loft?! Your fuckpad! Are you crazy?!”

“No, I am not crazy. I am the father of two young teenage daughters and a very knowing and growing son, who do not need to see that. Besides the place is too small for all three of them to be there at once and Britin isn’t…”

“Hang on what do you mean all three of them?” I ask.

“When Gus comes so does Kendi, so they are all together.”

“Oh so, that’s what you meant.” Ems smiles as he brings in some mini cupcakes.

“But what about Jenny?” Lindsay begins her same ole woe is Jenny song. But before she can continue, Mel interrupts.

“What about her, Lindsay…?”

“She’s not mine. Why not apply the same thought process you had with Gus before I got my rights back? Don’t get me wrong, I will still be her Uncle, but what I won’t be is her parent by proxy or benevolent benefactor. Jenny is your daughter and Britin is our home and we decide who stays in it. Now this conversation is done.”

“So I get a key to Britin then?” Michael asks, hopefully.

“No. While our children live there, you don’t get a key.” Justin retorts.

“What the fuck does it have to do with you?!” Michael snaps, the vein beginning to pulse in his forehead…MTT coming!

“I am the father of the Double Ks, the Papa J to Gus and your worst fucking nightmare!”

“As if!” He snorts, crossing his arms.

“Hot Rod, let me in.” He looks at Brian, who stands up and opens his arms. “Now kiss me like you mean it.” He orders and as one we gawp and gasp, wondering how the hell they are breathing, as they devour each other. Well all except one...Michael is almost purple with rage. The squelching noise as they unlip from each other, resonates round the room.

“Because I topped him, when you can’t even get to half base. I have kids with him. I can make him come from him watching me come and because…”

“No doubt, it was a one time top fuck and you got lucky topping him! But you, you’re nothing but a bottom boy! You are no different than me…”

“He is. So different, in that he is my equal. It wasn’t only once, and it will happen again. And with you, it will never happen. Not ever!” Brian retorts.

“I am so fucking out of here! Brian, call me when you have gotten over your delusions and you remember who your real friends are! How could you speak about Jenny like that in front of everyone?! Apart from how upsetting it was for her, think of how Mel and Lindsay…”

“He’s completely right in what he said.” Mel cuts him off from talking and walking. “Brian has been more than supportive where Jenny is concerned. But at the end of the day, she is our child, not his. And how and where we, as parents, bring up our children has nothing to do with you. We are not slighted by his comment... well I’m not, as this had been agreed to before. But sometimes it takes Brian saying and acting out loud, and in your face proud, for some people to face reality!”

“Well said!” Blake applauds. “Now Michael, I do believe you were leaving!”

“Yeah buh-bye, Uncle Michael. See you soon.” Kemi smiles...oh I see Kendi has already taught her that smile.

MICHAEL

As I look round the room, I am surprised to find no solidarity from Lindsay and am disgusted that Twinky Boy is still in Brian’s arms. I will fix him! Not sure how yet, but I will!

CHAPTER 10 - ANOTHER STEP TOWARDS...AND A STEP BACK IN TIME

LINDSAY

I saw the look that Michael gave me. He is on his own with this battle. He may not have liked the kiss, but what I saw was not Justin making a point but Brian doing something he really wanted to do. Oh, this plays wonderfully into my plans for our future! I shall play Cupid to the newly connected lovers and reap the rewards for my services for nurturing their love.

However, I need to rein in Jenny’s sharp tongue. I know she’s hurting because she isn’t getting what we feel is her right, but silence will reap that reward.

The other thing I need to do is make sure that the looks between Mel and Nya don’t mean what I think they mean!

BRITIN - SATURDAY, A WEEK LATER

GUS’S ROOM

HUNTER

“Dude, this is awesome!” I fling myself on the bed and marvel at the colour scheme, especially the wall mural behind his bed.

“What’s with trophies?” I pick one up. “Did you win these?”

“Yeah, for soccer, I take after my dad. As for the mural, it’s for everywhere I want to go whenever I can. The red pins are where I want to go and the green ones are for where I have already been.”

“Ah, and the yellow ones?”

“They’re for when my dad is dead and buried and can’t stop me!” He grins.

“There are a lot of pins. Did he put them in?” He nods and grins, but doesn’t look pissed. “Is it really weird having another Kemi?”

“A bit. You’ve known her how long?”

I met her as part of the Taylor family when she was 3, but she's been part of the business since she was 11.”

“Part of the business?” He looks puzzled.

“Yeah, she is a partial shareholder in the company. Saved all her pocket money from chores for a year to buy the right amount of shares and…”

“Jesus!”

“What?”

“Kemi did the same thing for Kinnetic! That is freaky!” He clears his throat. “Look, don’t take this the wrong way or anything…”

“What?”

“I bought you something. I spotted it and...well here. I’m not hitting on you or...I just saw it....”

I take the large flat package from him and open it carefully and snicker. “That is so me! Thanks, dude! I love it.”

“And for the record, I’m not gay either! But thanks for reminding me to get a haircut!”

“Oh, fuck off! Let’s play!” He laughs and we’re back to being dudes!

THE AVIARY

KENDİ

They are so wonderful and soft. The only icky thing is having to hand feed them. Thank god for gloves! I try not to heave as I feed Soleil another piece of dead mouse...seriously something wrong with chicken?!

“Okay, that’s enough for Soleil now.” Pop says and I happily take off the gloves. Kemi is with Dad at the moment since she fed them this morning. “You okay?”

“Yeah Pop, well no. It’s the summer and soon I have to go back to school but school is in…”

“It is so scary.” He sighs, dropping his arm across my shoulders.

“What is?” I wrap my arm round his waist.

“How alike you and Kemi are.” He smiles. “She said exactly the same thing to Justin yesterday. We’re going to talk about it as a family. But I am assuming you two want to go to the same school?” I nod. “And this is your first year of high school, so you both want to go to the same one as Gus?” I nod again. “Fine. Gotta get used to the twin thing!”

DINER - SUNDAY EVENING

DEBS

I have had nothing but love for my new wig! I don’t normally work on a Sunday, but Michael came round to bitch and moan about Brian and Justin’s behaviour every day since it happened and I had to escape!

“Office now!” Ernie hisses and stands in front of me. I quickly make my way there, but leave the office door open.

“Yes, can I…”

“Is Ma here?” Michael’s whining tone cuts her off.

“No, she’s not. Do you want to order?”

“No.” He snaps and stomps back out again.

“What was that about?” Kiki asks as she makes sure he is gone.

“Brian and Justin gave us a tongue show that he didn’t appreciate!” I laugh.

“Of course he wouldn’t appreciate it. It’s not…” Ernie snickers.

“He’s over that now…” I interrupt quickly.

“No, he’s not.” Ernie interrupts back. “Michael is not over it. He’s still feeling betrayed.  You really don’t get it, do you?”

I shake my head and she leads me back to the office. “Sit down, Debs. Let me tell you what we see about Michael.”

“I know he whines and what he said was…” I begin.

“That. That is what we see! Despite what he said about Kemi, the fact that you won’t let anyone tell Brian about it until you are ready, to some, well to me, you might as well have said it yourself.”

I gasp in shock and feel the tears prickle in my eyes. “I didn’t think of that.”

“I know.” She replies quietly and takes my hand. “Debs…”

“How do you mean he feels betrayed?”

“Is that a serious question?” We both jump at the sound of Kiki’s voice. “Do you remember how Michael was…”

Start of flashback - 15 years ago - as told by Debs, who was told by Michael and Ted

THE LOFT

BATHROOM

BRIAN

I can’t believe how sick I have been! I sit back and wipe my mouth. Michael hands me a glass of water and Ted wrings out the wash cloth, then heads to the kitchen. I wince when the ice cold cloth hits my forehead and glare at him. “You might have a fever.” He explains and begrudgingly, I have to admit that it does feel good.

“Oh fuck, not again!” I groan and dry heave into the bowl.

“That’s it. I am booking an appointment at the docs for you!” Ted declares, pulling out his phone. “You’ve been like this for months!”

“Brian, for once Ted is right. Maybe that guy from the fuckfest weekend gave you something.” Michael points out grumpily.

As if I didn’t fucking think of that!

I turn to Michael and sigh. “Michael all my tests have come back clean. This is most likely just food poisoning.”

“In order for you to have food poisoning, you would need to eat.” Ted tells me tartly. “You have an appointment in two hours. And I am going with you.”

“Come to Ma’s after and let us know.” Michael says, gathering his things. “I’ve got to go back to the store as inventory waits for no one.”

DOCTOR CHARLES FOSTER’S PRACTICE - TWO HOURS LATER

DR FOSTER

I look at the test and still can’t believe it is Brian Kinney, this is the ultimate top, the Stud of Liberty Avenue and he’s pregnant! I take another test out and redo the test on his blood and urine. I go back to the room and smile reassuringly at him. Twenty minutes later, he is swallowing down his second glass of water.

“You are kidding me right?” He gasps.

“No. I’ve run it twice. Both blood and urine and you are definitely at least 7 months pregnant.”

“Seven months?” His friend echoes, swallowing his water down in one go, before looking incredulously at him. “Seriously, first you are pregnant and second, you still look like that!”

“Just lucky, I guess.” He mutters.

“So what do you want to do?” I ask gently.

“What do you mean, what do I want to do?” He looks confused.

“Do you want to keep the baby?” I smile inwardly at the scandalised expression on his face.

“Of course!!” He and his friend say at the same time.

“Great. Um, are you the other father?” I look at him and they both look nauseated at the idea.

“No, I’m his friend Ted. I’m here for support. I have read up on MPREG and…” He pauses and looks at Brian. “Sometimes the baby doesn’t survive birth. What are the chances of…?”

“Pretty low.” I say quickly and Brian lets out a sigh of relief. “As amazingly enough, because you carried on living the life you were, you’ve helped her to…”

“Her?” They both echo and Brian strokes his still flat stomach unconsciously.

“Yes, you are having a girl.” I smile as he wraps his arms round his stomach.

“Fuck. I mean damn!” He corrects quickly.

“So you need this…” I give him the pack with the vitamins and leaflets. Read them carefully. Follow the instructions implicitly.”

“He will. I will make sure of it!” Ted tells me firmly.

DEBS’ HOUSE - AN HOUR LATER

DEBS

Brian and Ted finally get here. “Where the hell have you been?” I demand, barrelling towards him to give him his customary smack round the head. But Ted gets between the two of us and puts his hands up. “Ted?” I frown and then look at Brian, who looks stunned.

“What time are we hitting Babylon tonight?” Michael asks, but Brian doesn’t reply. “Brian? Hey Brian, I am talking to you!” He shouts.

“Debs, I’m pregnant.” He turns to me and when I look into those shimmering green eyes, I know he’s not kidding.

“Oh fuck, kiddo. Sit down. How many months?” I demand.

“Seven. And…”

“Are you fucking kidding, Brian?! You’re knocked up?!” Michael shouts, slamming down his beer bottle.

“Yeah.” He mutters and looks down at his stomach.

“So what are you going to do?” I ask.

“Give it to Lindsay to raise, of course!” Michael declares. “So I guess you’re on water tonight?”

Ted, Brian and I all turn to stare at him. “Hi, hi!” Ems calls out as he comes through the door.

“What? Just because he’s knocked up doesn’t mean he can’t party still.” He decrees, rolling his eyes and pointing at Brian, scowling.

“Preg...Brian is pregnant?!” Ems shrieks and is immediately by his side, pulling open his jacket and staring at his stomach. “May I?” He asks and Brian nods. He smiles as Ems gently places his hands on his stomach. “Do you know? How many months? Is it from that weekend?”

“Em, she’s a girl, seven months and most likely. One more thing, shut up, Michael! Brian is keeping the baby and it’s none of your damn business anyway.” Ted replies, coming in with water and some pills. “Brian, take these, and you are going home to rest.”

“What for?” Michael demands.

“He’s not going home, Ted.” I tell him firmly and Michael smirks. “He’s going upstairs. I will drop him home tomorrow. Michael, if you want to go to wherever, you do that. But right now, he needs care.” I pull him to his feet, point upstairs and he goes without a word.

End of flashback

KIKI

“And it was him.”

“What was him?” I ask.

“It was him who told the Avenue that Brian was pregnant. You’d have thought it would’ve been Emmy, but nope. It was Michael. He was raging because Brian wouldn’t consider giving Kemi to Lindsay.”

“Holy crap. Brian was so furious when the Avenue made it clear they knew…”

“...and so surprised when they didn’t judge and rallied round him.” Ernie smiles. “Oh god, do you remember his first contraction?!” She snickers.

“Luckily it was Orion, who was holding his hand when it hit. I think he would’ve crushed Ted’s fingers!” I laugh. “And that fucking vest, I mean really!”

“And look what he’s done. He was always going to be a success; he’s Brian Kinney for fuck sake, but she’s a credit to him. Even if she does swear like a nun on a day off!”

BRITIN - AN HOUR LATER

LOUNGE

BRIAN

“Dad, can I ask you something?” Kemi asks, moving her chess piece.

“Yeah.” I frown as I try to work out how the fuck she got to checkmate again!

“That kiss between you and Pop? Did you mean it or was it just for show?”

I sigh and surrender my piece then ignore her smug look. “We meant it. But apart from sex, we know virtually nothing about each other…”

“So you’re courting in reverse?”

“Yeah. No matter what though, he will still be your Pop. Besides we might not even like each other, so we’re taking it super slowly.”

“Okay.”

TAYLOR RESIDENCE - SAME TIME

OFFICE

JUSTIN

“Justin, just call him!” Nya orders and I throw a paper ball at her for snickering.

“And say what?” I twirl my phone.

“Hi, it’s me Justin. About that kiss, I would really like to do that again. And you made me come like gangbusters.”

“Nya!”

“Okay, maybe not that. You like the guy, but you’re scared of finding out that the man you have a major schlong for is not as nice outside of bed as he is in. But I don’t get that feeling off him.”

“Then there’s Kemi and Kendi to consider….”

“You will still be their fathers, so take them out of the equation and think of yourself. You. Like. Him.” She states emphatically.

“Yeah. Yeah, I do.”

“Then call him! Look, why not arrange a 4th July fireworks party? We could hold it here instead of Britin? At least, you are on home ground as it were.”

“True...what’s that look for? Why are you smiling like that?”

“Anderson Dark, Inc.”

“What about them?”

“Brian runs the advertising for them. And Ted has just told me about their dinner next Thursday, which you are already going to. He’s quite a sneaky chap that Ted.”

“So?”

“Jeez, you are dense when you are in heat! Their dinner is next week, so Brian is going to be there as are you. So why not…”

“Okay! Okay, I got it!”

“Thank you! I am now going back to being quietly brilliant!”

KENDI

I grab my phone and make my way back upstairs to my room to call Kemi. “Well what did he say? Oh, that’s nothing. Dad was trying to find a reason to call him. Also, make sure that Pop doesn’t book anything for the Independence Day weekend; we’re having a fireworks party here. That’s all I know. Oh, and another thing, make sure that he is looking super hot next Thursday...bye!” By hook or by crook, we are going to get them together!

CHAPTER 11 - COUGHING, POUNCING AND DANCING

TAYLOR RESIDENCE - THURSDAY EARLY EVENING, A WEEK LATER

JUSTIN’S ROOM

KENDI

Aunt Nya, Grandmom and I try not to laugh as Dad picks up and rejects another tie. “You’d think he’d never been to a client dinner before.” Grandmom laughs.

“Sssh Aunt Jennifer, we are trying to get him out of the house!” Nya snickers.

“Oh this is ridiculous!” I sigh crossly. “Dad, do not even think of changing your suit! Just put this tie with this shirt. This is where you obey the fashionably forward 14 year old daughter you have.” He changes into the shirt and puts on the tie. “Done, you look hot but not like you’re trying to!”

“Thank you, Ms Versace!” He grouses as he admires himself, almost reluctantly, in the mirror.

“I hope you don’t intend to kiss Pop with that mouth.” I smirk.

“She is spending far too much time with you.” He side eyes Aunt Nya.

“Speaking of spending time, we owe Kemi big this weekend.” I sigh.

“Yes, we do indeed.” He shakes his head. “An evening with Jenny, ignoring her while Lindsay tries to instruct her on…”

“Why is Jenny at Britin?” Aunt Nya asks confused.

“She isn’t. Kemi is going over to them. Oh wait, you don’t know. Gus has got a bad cold and was going to be babysitting them over there but now…”

“Oh fuck that!” Aunt Nya declares and reaches for her phone. “Hey Mel, its Nya. How you doing, girlie? Heard that Gus is not well. Kendi wants to come over and…” She nods. “...one sec. Aunt Jennifer, want to go plant a seed?” She grins. “I do believe the cotillion needs to be discussed, doesn’t it?”

“Indeed.”

“What’s going on?” I ask Dad and he chuckles quietly.

“You’ll see.” He replies with a smirk.

MEL AND LINDSAY’S HOME - AN HOUR LATER

LINDSAY

I open the door to the knocking, pulling on my coat at the same time. Now that Nya is coming over, we decided to go out for a drink instead.

“But mommy…” Jenny begins. “I don’t want her here, telling me what to do. She doesn’t like me!”

“She doesn’t like your behaviour, which is completely different.” Mel corrects her sternly. “I want you to behave yourself and above all else do not bother Gus. He’s sleeping now.”

“Such drama for a heavy cold.” She grumbles.

“Jenny! One day you are going to want sympathy from others, now would be a good time to be empathetic…”

“Gus is being pathetic enough for the pair of us!” She laughs.

“Such kindness. This is definitely nurture, not nature…” The cool tones of Jennifer Taylor float through the hallway. “Good evening, ladies. Nya is just parking. How’s Gus?”

“Tired.” Mel grimaces. “He’s been coughing so much that he’s exhausted and…” She pauses as Nya and Kendi come into view. “Hi there, you two. What’s that smell?”

“Our dinner. You ladies get going, we’ll be fine.” Nya comes in carrying a bag.

“What is it exactly? It smells wonderful.” Mel looks embarrassed as her stomach gives a loud rumble.

“Ginger, chilli and sesame sticky wings....” Nya smiles at her, making my hackles rise.

“Mel, we need to get going.” I point out tartly.

“Nya, makes the best wings ever!” Kendi smiles. “Which way is Gus’s room?”

“I’ll…” Jenny begins.

“Hey Kendi…” Gus croaks from the top of the stairs. “That does smell really good.”

“You back to bed!” Kendi orders, going up the stairs. “Where’s Kemi? Kemi!”

“Bathroom.” He replies quietly and starting to come down the stairs, wrapped in his dressing gown.

“How is this going back to bed?” Jennifer demands, meeting him halfway before pausing and putting her hand on his forehead. “That’s not right. Come on down, Gus. Jenny, can you get a blanket for him please.”

“Jennifer?” Mel frowns. “What’s wrong?”

“He’s very warm…” She replies. “Lounge?”

“That way.” She points and starts to take off her coat.

“Gus, have you been sick at all?” Jennifer asks and he nods.

“Gus!” Mel exhorts. “Why didn’t you say?!”

“I just thought it was because I was coughing so much.”  He mumbles from the sofa.

“Lindsay, can you get the thicker blanket for me please?” Mel looks at the blanket that Jenny brought down, shaking her head.

“What’s Kemi doing?” Jenny mutters.

“Cleaning up after me.” Gus blushes. “I didn’t make it to the bathroom the second time.”

“Oh for fuck sake!” Nya grouses and heads upstairs. “Kendi, can you heat the broth up for me please doll? Kemi!”

“Yes Aunt Nya!” Kendi turns to me. “The kitchen please.” She looks expectantly at me.

“Jenny, why don’t you show her the way?” I nod encouragingly.

“Of course, mommy!”

“Hi, Doctor Richards please. This is Melanie Marcus; it’s about my son, Gus.” Mel is pacing as she waits to be put through.

“Lindsay, can you get a thermom…” Jennifer begins only to be interrupted by Kemi, bringing one in and a thicker blanket.

“Don’t be mad at her.” Gus looks imploringly at me. “I asked her not to say anything.”

“She should’ve said something.” I glare at Kemi.

“Mom, I asked her not to and…”

“Gus, conserve your energy.” Mel orders. “Oh hi, Dr Richards. Yes it’s about Gus. He’s running a temperature of…”

“100.8” Jennifer tells her.

“100.8 and has been coughing and been sick...how many times, Gus?”

“Three times today and once yesterday.” He replies and I want to shake him for being so irresponsible!

Mel seems to relax a bit and is nodding. “Okay, light foods and lots of rest. Thanks. Bye.”

“What did he say?” I demand.

“There is a strain of flu going around. Seems our Sonny Boy has caught it.” She sighs, running her hand through his sweaty hair before turning back to Kemi. “What were you doing, sweetheart?”

“Trying to wash the sheets.” Nya replies. “Found her in the bathroom with them.”

“Here.” Kendi comes back in with a bowl of steaming liquid. “Gus, sit up and drink this. All of it.” I have to admit that it does smell wonderful. “We should phone Dad and Pop and let them know what’s happening. But they are not to come back.”

“On it.” Kemi tells her, grabbing her phone.

“Where’s the washing machine? And do you have a basket? Need to get them in.” Nya looks at me.

An hour later, Gus is back in bed having had, and kept down, two bowls of the broth. The girls are upstairs in Jenny’s room.

“Well so much for date night.” I sigh.

“Yeah.” Mel replies.

“That’s the thing with kids they have the ability to slam the breaks on romance. God, I remember when Kendi got the stomach flu.” Nya reminisces. “We were so scared. She just kept being sick and we were convinced she was going...”

“Jesus, how old was she?” Mel asks.

“She was 2. It was horrible and...no, not going back to that memory.” She shudders. “She’s here now.”

“That bad?” Mel asks, taking her hand.

“She almost died.” Jennifer tells us and Nya blinks back tears.

“She inherited Justin’s immune system, in that it is very delicate. She’s allergic to most things…”

“We should call them down soon. We need lots of napkins. Those wings are to be eaten with fingers only.” Nya informs us, standing up and stretching. I catch the appreciative look that Mel gives her.

“I’ll help and Lindsay…”

“Will help Nya and you can get the girls.” I reply tightly.

KITCHEN

I follow her in and watch as she lords it over me in my home. I wait for her to put down the tray of wings. “Ten years.” I growl out.

“Huh?” She looks up at me.

“Don’t do the confused lesbian thing with me! I have been with Mel for over ten years and I have absolutely no intention of allowing you to…”

“Strictly dickly.” She smirks.

“What?”

“Although if I wasn’t and wanted to...she would be mine.”

“I don’t…”

“I’m not gay, Lindsay. I like Mel but not like that.” She regards me coolly. “But like I said if I want something bad enough, I can be very persuasive. We’re the same in that respect, except I have a higher success rate...much, much higher. Shall we eat?”

PIG AND TRUFFLE, GREENSBURG

BRIAN

When Kemi called about Gus, we were fine with not going home. But now as dinner has bored on, we are both regretting it. I look across the table to where he is supposed to be sitting opposite me. Parker Anderson continues to swing his dick about how wonderfully Anderson Dark Inc is doing. I feel my phone vibrate and discreetly take it out. I mouth my apologies and move away from the table, making sure to keep Genevieve Anderson in my sight.

JT: Would it be bad to use Gus as an excuse to leave now before my brain leaks out of my eyes!

BK: No, this is a worthy cause - if I stay one more minute I am going to strangle him with his spleen!

JT: So how do we do this?

BK: You use your twinkliness to get us out of here.

JT: I have twinkliness?

BK: Yep like a diamond, you shine bright.

JT: Just don’t look at me…

BK: I don’t kiss with my eyes open.

JT: Great! Now I’m like a compass near north!

BK: I await my punishment for such an unseemly display of naughtiness

JT: You will suffer the wrath of my tongue and hands!

BK: Get us out of here!

TAYLOR RESIDENCE - AN HOUR LATER

LOUNGE

BRIAN

Oh fuck! Oh fuck! I am lying on the sofa, squirming and groaning. He’s recreating the classic Spiderman kiss. My head is on the armrest and he’s sitting on a chair behind me, kissing me upside down. But it’s his hands...he has undone my pants and they are buried inside, gently fluttering over my cock...it is torture! I pull my mouth away from his.

“Justin!” I protest.

“You are being punished.”

“But…”

“Punished.” He repeats.

“Please...let me...oh God!” I shriek like a girl as he suddenly jerks me quickly and happily to completion.

“2nd time.” He murmurs.

“No, it was the third time when you did that. I was trying to get water out of the fridge at the time. You need to apologise to my cleaner.”

“I shall send flowers.” He whispers as he slides on top of me. “Now shush and be very thoroughly kissed.”

MEL AND LINDSAY’S HOUSE - SAME TIME

LOUNGE

JENNIFER

It has to be perfectly timed. Double K are back down and dozing as Kemi is coming back with us for tonight.

“Nya, have you got your dress ready for the Junior Cotillion?”

“No, not yet. The Givenchy one won’t work this year as it’s just a touch risqué. Can we go shopping? You know me, I have the patience of a…”

“Junior Cotillion? What’s that?” Lindsay leaps in like a spawning salmon!

“It happens once a year, something my darling Craig started years ago. He was my husband, if you remember me saying.” She nods like a lapdog. “Kemi and Kendi are to be presented this year and Nya is Kendi’s chaperone. Brian and Justin will also be there for Gus and Hunter.  It happens on a weekend that Gus is with Brian. It will be so exciting.” I make sure not to look at Nya before I say the next piece. “Mel, I was wondering, if you would like to attend as Kemi’s chaperone?”

“Me?!” She gasps in surprise.

“Yes. Obviously, if you say yes, we will purchase your evening gown. Kemi speaks so highly of you.”

“She does...I-I would be delighted, but want to pay half towards…”

“You will accept and that’s that.” I say firmly and she just nods. “Now it is at the end of July, so let’s put in dates for shopping. We need to allow for alterations of the dress, and trust me, there are always alterations!”

LINDSAY

There is no fucking way that Jenny is missing out on this! No fucking way!

CHAPTER 12 - BOPPING, STOPPING AND SHOPPING

DINER - SATURDAY MID-MORNING

MICHAEL

Nobody has been around much this week, including me. I have been away at a convention that lasted three days. I am looking forward to catching up with the gang. As I enter the diner, I see Ma leaning against the back booth and she’s smiling in my direction, which makes a change from the glowering she was doing before I left.

“Hi, Ma!” I call out as I walk up to her smiling, but the glower is back on her face. “What’s wrong? You were all smiles before.”

“I wasn’t smiling at you though.” She retorts.

“Ma, have I done something wrong? I haven’t been here for the last few days.”

“With me now!” She hisses and I follow her to the office. I look back at Emmett for any clue as to why she’s pissed, but he simply sips his coffee. When we get to the office, she slaps me hard.

“What the fuck?!” I shriek, clutching my cheek.

“I heard what you said and I should’ve done that then!” She seethes.

“What are you talking about?!” I demand.

“You wished that Kemi didn’t survive.”

“I didn’t mean it literally!”

“How else can you mean didn’t survive?” She snaps. “Someone opened my eyes and ears to you and I didn’t like what I saw or heard! Now, that is all I am saying on the subject. I will give my reasons and just hope he forgives me for not telling him.”

“You’re going to tell him?!” I gasp incredulously.

“No, Michael.” She sighs and I almost slump in relief. “But know this... most of the Avenue knows and I’m not going to protect you from the fall out when he finds out. When they both find out!” She holds up her hand when I go to interrupt. “Like I said, I am not going to tell him. But I won’t stop anyone else from doing so, not anymore. It would save you a lot of grief if you did the right thing and told him before anyone else does.”

EMMETT

I think everyone heard that slap connect! About fucking time too! As she comes out, everyone starts talking again. But she’s no fool, which is more than can be said for Michael. He slides in opposite me, resentfully rubbing his cheek...if it was me, he would’ve got a bloody nose!

“I see she’s told you.” I indicate the handprint on his cheek and he goes red, so at least it blends in.

“As I said, I didn’t mean it literally! I was just cross!”

“What about?” I have always wondered why he said what he said and now it’s out in the open, I’m going to fucking well find out.

“It was just such a shock. He never said he could carry children, he never said that to me, his best friend. It was amazing enough to me that he gave Lindsay Gus, who he is a drop in dad for. But then he got pregnant and wouldn’t give her up, I couldn’t believe it. If it were me then…”

“You have got to be kidding?!” I gasp as realisation begins to dawn. “Oh my…!” I pinch the bridge of my nose. “Michael, you can’t be serious about that? You and Brian as parents?”

“Keep your voice down!” He hisses as he leans in, blushing harder.

“Michael…” I pause to contain my laughter at such a foolish notion. “You’re a bottom. How could that have worked?!”

“I read up about...you know doing it artificially. When he was ready, I just thought…” He grimaces as I start to snicker at the idea. “At least, he would’ve known the father’s name from the get go. This Justin…”

“Wait. As a matter of interest, how would you have put that idea to Brian?”

“We’ve always said we would be with each other in the end…”

“As friends, not parents!” I exclaim. “Michael, it would never work between the two of you. Brian would end up looking after 2 children!”

“I don’t get it.”

“You and whatever spawn of stupidity he would birth because of your seed. Oh dear me, the very idea!”

“What’s wrong with it?!” He snaps, folding his arms. “Okay, so now with the other kid, Candace in the picture now, it won’t happen. But if she wasn’t and Kemi was with Lindsay, it might have…”

“No, just no!” I wipe my eyes. “It would not have worked because you aren’t mature enough to share Brian. That’s has been evidenced repeatedly by your behaviour since Gus was born, then Kemi and now with Kendi’s arrival. You don’t like to share your toys, even the ones that you keep locked away in a cabinet.”

“I can share Brian! He’s not my toy; he’s my best friend!” He maintains crossly.

“Prove it!” I lean back and regard him.

“How?”

“Invite Justin to Babylon tonight.” I smirk at the look of surprise. I unlock my phone and slide it across to him. “I want you to do it now…”

“What now?” Debs comes over, having been eyeballing us from behind the counter.

“Michael reckons he can share Brian, so he’s going to be Mr Magnanimous and invite Justin to Babylon tonight and be absolutely fine with him being there. Won’t you?”

“You underestimate me, Emmett. Now excuse me, I have a call to make! I doubt he will be able to come anyway as he’ll be looking after Kendi.” He goes to stand, but Debs pushes him back down. “Ma…”

“Here and on speaker.” She orders. “Then I will cover the babysitting duties.”

DEBS

I watch the door close behind him as he storms out of the diner, cheeks flaming. “Well what do you think of that?” I ask Ems.

“Not going to happen. He will break in days. That’s the problem with Michael... he’s okay with Brian fucking but he’s not okay with Brian making love and that’s what, I suspect, Brian and Justin did. They made love all weekend.”

“And they will again. Mark my words.” I smirk. “That bubble butt and snake hips in Babylon...especially in the erection section...they won’t be able to control themselves!”

TAYLOR RESIDENCE - 30 MINUTES LATER

OFFICE

JUSTIN

I am just blinking rapidly. This has got to be a joke! I quickly text Emmett, but he confirms that it was Michael on his phone inviting me to join them at Babylon! I don’t even get to call Brian to tell him when he’s calling me to say that Debs has offered to look after the girls so we can shake our tailfeathers.

“Suppose I should get some dancing clothes.” I laugh. “Though I haven’t danced for awhile, what do you mean can I dance? Of course I can! Ooh just you wait and see, just you wait!” I hang up slightly aggrieved...can I dance indeed? Trust me, if there is one thing I can do it’s dance!

MICHAEL’S APARTMENT - LATE AFTERNOON

BEDROOM

MICHAEL

I am sorting through my wardrobe and steaming about what Emmett said and did. There was no need for him to laugh so heartily at the idea of Brian and I being parents. It could’ve happened...it could’ve but now that ship has sailed! I have to admit that having all three of his kids in the Pitts is very tiresome. But I can share Brian, as long as they don’t take up too much of his time. When he was free as a bird, he was much more fun to be around. But now he has responsibilities, he’s become, dare I say it, dull and safe!  I find the perfect top and my best jeans. I snicker as I think to myself, I won’t have a problem sharing Brian because he’s going to be too busy stopping men from hitting on me!

BABYLON - MIDNIGHT

BRIAN

“Okay, I take it back.” I growl hotly in his ear, causing him to shiver and squirm. “You have proved the adage correct…”

“Told you so…” He murmurs into my neck. He is plastered against me and we are swaying to something or other. “I can box; I can sing; I can kiss; I can fuck so ergo, I can dance.”

“Mmm.” I slide my hand up his sweaty back. “You’re nice and wet.”

“All over.” He whispers back and then looks at me seriously. “This we can do. Let’s go do something that we haven’t really done.”

“Talk?”

“Yeah.”

Ten minutes later, we make our way back to the rest of them and Ted gives me a small smile. “You guys going?”

“Yep.” I scan the room for Michael but he’s nowhere to be seen. “Tell Michael I said bye.” I tell Ted and he nods and waves me away.

For once, I am unsure what to do. But my dilemma is solved by a soft hand, sliding into the back of my jeans. After checking it is Justin, I lead him out.

DINER - HALF AN HOUR LATER

ERNIE

When they first came in and headed to one of the few quiet tables, I was surprised...and a little worried...but when he pulled out the chair for Justin, I breathed easier and went about my shift.

BABYLON - SAME TIME

MICHAEL

I can’t believe how much I have been hit on! I come back to the bar with hickeys and kiss bruised lips. “Need…” I pause. “...some lip balm. Do you have any? I seem to have beard burn!”

“You’re gonna have to shout louder than that. He left a while ago.” Ted tells me, smiling. “He said to say bye...so bye.” He drains the rest of his drink and laughs as he heads to the exit.

I look at Emmett. “What happened to Brian?”

“Left with Justin.” He replies. “Face it, Michael. You’ve lost him. You lost him when Brian took mysterious man back to the loft. Then you lost him to Gus, then Kemi, then Kendi and now Justin again.”

No, I haven’t! Nobody gets between me and my best friend...nobody!

DINER

BRIAN

“What is your favourite colour?” I take a sip of my coffee, to this day Ernie won’t tell me where it is from. She uses it to keep me in line!

“Have two. Royal blue and sea green. Yours?”

“Chocolate...not brown, chocolate. And deep burgundy.”

“How did you react when you found out?” He asks.

“I drank a glass of water and said are you kidding me!” I chuckle at the memory. “Ted was an absolute godsend. He came to every appointment, made sure I took my vitamins and…what about you?”

“Panicked. Told my dad first and he told mom.” He frowns. “You said Ted was a godsend. So, Michael wasn’t there?” I shake my head still feeling hurt. “He wanted me to give Kemi up and I wouldn’t...no, I couldn’t.”

“Wow! Some best friend!” He smiles and reaches over to take my hand. “The drugs were excellent, weren’t they?”

“Oh fuck yeah, better than Vicodin or any of Anita’s high grade trail mix.” I snicker.

“Scariest moment with Kemi?”

“Took my eyes off her for two seconds and she was out of sight. She was quick to walk, even quicker to run. Those two words will haunt me forever…where’s Kemi?...I was up for the next two days, couldn’t sleep, had to keep checking she was safe. You?”

“Stomach flu. She was so small and just kept getting sicker and sicker. Turned out she was allergic to one of the medicines. She was in ICU for a while. What was teething like?”

“Horrible. So very horrible. She screamed the place down.”

“Same. It was like having Linda Blair in the house 24/7!”

For the next two hours, we compare daughters and life stories until Ernie shoves us out. “Go reminisce where it started!” She orders laughing as she locks up.

“I can’t believe the time.” He looks at his watch and shifts on his feet. “I really want a bath but…”

“Ah that’s where she gets it from.” I laugh and hold out my hand. “She’s such a water baby so has got a bath. I’m sure she won’t mind her Pop using it. I have some sweats you can sleep in, unless you…”

“I can keep my hands to myself.” He smirks.

“Good to know but I was going to say, unless you want to go home.” I point out and he buries his head in my chest. “So cab is going where?”

“The loft.” He mutters.

THE LOFT - TWENTY MINUTES LATER

KEMI’S BATHROOM

JUSTIN

I cannot believe how much bath products she has! But that is nothing compared to the small swimming pool that is her bath!

“She’s a bit keen on baths.” Brian laughs behind me. “I have to admit that I do like the way she sets them. And that they smell wonderful.”

“You can join me if you want.” I get my answer by him adding some more products. “What’s that?” I ask as he sprinkles in something that smells like caramel.

“No idea, but I love the smell. After you.” He gestures and suddenly, I feel shy. “Want me to turn around? Yours is higher up.”

“My what?”

“C-section scar. I got mine along my pubic bone.”

“Can I see?”

“Sure.” He peels off his pants and I stare at the faint scar that bisects him from side to side.

“I cried, so much, but not as much as my parents. Dad was in bits.”

“Bawled for two hours straight and wouldn’t let anyone touch her, not even the doctors. Ted had to threaten to invoke my POA before I let her go.”

“Did your milk come in?” I look at the floor as I wait for him to answer.

“Yeah.” He tilts up my chin. “It was the weirdest feeling. They are very sensitive still.”

“Mine too. Although it was a weird feeling, I felt so bonded to her.” He nods in agreement and hauls my top over my head and I do the same for him. When we sink into the water, we don’t say anything to each other. All he does is adjust me so that I am resting against his chest. Forty minutes later, we are curled round each other in bed. Before I succumb to sleep, I chuckle softly.

“I do not snore.” He grumbles. “I have a deviated septum, which I refuse to have fixed as it gives me character.”

“Okay…” I yawn once more and snuggle closer. “We’re bringing them back here later yeah?”

“Mmm. Now go to sleep.”

“Night, Mr Gruffalo.”

“Fuck off.” He grouses then snaps off the side-light and pulls me tighter to him.

MEL AND LINDSAY’S HOUSE - FRIDAY AFTERNOON, A WEEK LATER

MEL

Jennifer and Nya have just told us that we’re going to Kleinfeld in New York, one of the most prestigious wedding dress shops in New York if not the world. It took a lot of heavy hinting and harnessing every WASP skill she has, but she and Jenny finally got an invite to the Junior Cotillion.

“New York!” Jenny screams. “We’re going today on the plane, right?!”

“Yes to today, but no to the plane.” Nya answers.

“Why not?” She demands.

“It...”

“Mommy! Quickly we need to book flights! Oh wait, so we fly tonight and then back when?”

“Sunday evening.” Jennifer replies.

“Mommy! We need to do it now!” She orders and pulls a giggling Lindsay into the lounge. I am about to say something, when Nya softly clears her throat. I look across at her and she winks.

An hour later, they have booked flights and a hotel just off Greenwich Village. Jenny has gone upstairs to gloat and pack.

“Oh you should see the place Mel, it is gorgeous! We got the last two seats in premium economy. The Gods must be smiling on us!” Lindsay giggles. “What time's your flight and where are you staying?” She turns to Nya with a cold stare.

“Whenever we want to take off and we’re staying in Justin’s brownstone just off Time Square.”

You could hear a pin drop and a fairy fart.

“What?” Lindsay croaks.

“Our plane is out of commission because of engine trouble but we’ve borrowed a friend’s. Can you give me the address of the hotel? The least we can do is organise a car to be at your beck and call.” Nya answers back just as coldly.

“Mel, are you ready?” Jennifer asks and I nod. She turns to a stunned Lindsay. “What time does your flight land?”

“Seven thirty.” She replies.

“Oh such a shame, you are going to miss the dinner. But the shopping tomorrow will be excellent.”

“Dinner?”

“Yes, we’re going to Spago’s. Now, the Junior Cotillion this year has a theme of Old Hollywood Glamour. So the dresses must have black, blue or white colors, and be modest. No masks though. And the heels low, there can be gloves.” She turns to Nya. “How long till the car gets here?”

“Right about…” her sentence is cut off when there is a beeping. “...now.”

“Ladies, have a very safe flight. We will see you tomorrow. Our appointments are booked from 1000 and take about an hour to two hours for each.” Jennifer smiles and sweeps out followed by Nya, who closes the door behind her.

“Did you know about dinner?” Lindsay demands. “Why didn’t you stop us from booking the tickets and…”

“No, I didn’t. And the person you should be annoyed with is you because you chose to bow down to the whims and demands of a 12 year old girl, instead of actually listening to the person who is organising the event. Now I have to go. I will see you tomorrow.”

KLEINFELD, NEW YORK - SATURDAY MORNING

LINDSAY

It wasn’t the greatest of starts to our New York trip when we got to the airport and spent most of the trip next to a screaming child. But we are here now and I am determined that we are the Belles of the Ball. As we head towards reception, Jenny is gawping at all the dresses.

“Good morning, Lindsay Peterson and Jenny Marcus Peterson.” I state smugly.

“Thank you. If you would like to take a seat, the consultant will be with you shortly.”

Twenty minutes later, I am about to approach the desk again when I hear my name being called. “Finally! We have been waiting for almost 30 minutes.” I point out tartly.

The consultant merely smiles, but offers no apology. “This way please.”

“Excuse me, but you need to apologise for keeping us waiting.” Jenny demands and I feel such pride that she is so keen on propriety.

“Excuse me, Miss Marcus Peterson, but you are a walk-in appointment and I happened to be free.”

“No, that’s not right!” I snap. “We’re in the Jennifer Taylor Party for the Junior Cotillion…”

“That’s not what you told reception. If we had been told that we would have come and collected you immediately. It’s this way instead.”

We follow her in silence and when we get to the room, we’re in for another surprise.

“What happened to you two?” Jennifer asks. “We’ve had to start without you.”

“There was a mix up at reception.” I explain airily before looking around. “So where are Kemi and Kendi?”

“In Pittsburgh, where else would they be?” Jennifer frowns.

“I thought they were buying dresses for the…”

“No, this is for Nya and Mel. Now you must make up time, so please start looking for dresses.”

I want to scream I am so annoyed! I could’ve sworn she said that the girls were getting their dresses today!

“Mommy, come on. I like this one and…”

“Oh Mel...that is gorgeous on you! You simply must get it, you must!” Jennifer exclaims and we turn back to look at her. She does indeed look gorgeous!

“I couldn’t. I really couldn’t. It’s far too much!” She whispers transfixed by her appearance in the mirror.

“That looks lovely, Mel.” I tell her and she smiles at me, finally acknowledging my presence.

“So are you saying yes to the dress?” Jennifer laughs.

“I’m saying yes.” She breathes.

“Nya! Come on out of there. We’ve got things to do!”

“I’m looking for something!” She calls out from the dressing room.

“What?” Jennifer demands.

“The neckline!” She calls back.

“Stop being a twit and get out here!” Mel shouts back, laughing. “The dress looks great on the hanger so it will look even better on you!”

Jenny gasps when Nya comes out. “Mommy, can I have a dress like that?!”

“No Jenny, you cannot. It is far too old for you; you are only 12.” Mel interjects before I can answer.

“But I am blossoming into womanhood and this dress would…”

“Not be bought.” Mel retorts and glares at me for emphasis. “Do we understand each other?”

“Of course.” I reply and Jenny folds her arms while I smile winningly.

“For either of you.” She emphasises and I freeze.

“May I have a quick word, Mel?” I ask, taking her elbow and steering her to the other side. “I will not be embarrassed by you like that!”

“Lindsay, you have bulldozed your way into this. You are not going to play who wore it best as well!” She snipes back. “As for your dresses, the budget is $800 max each. You are not dropping more than that on a dress she will grow out of and you will only wear once!” I gape at her. “Now we have to get to the meeting and…”

“What meeting?” I demand.

“Cotillion meeting. There’s a whole slew of them today and tomorrow. We have to meet the rest of the chaperones, go through the rules and the like. And before you bitch some more, just think of all the society, sorry high society contacts I will be making.”

“Um, Mel excuse me but we really must be going soon.” Jennifer calls out.

“Of course, Jennifer.” She calls over her shoulder before turning back to me. “Remember under $800 each, including accessories and shoes. Do I have your word?”

“You have my word.” I growl out through clenched teeth.

“Good, I will see you both when I can. Apparently, these meetings tend to drag on.”

She kisses us both goodbye and sweeps back into the dressing room. Less than half an hour later, we are alone in the room.

“Mommy, what about this one?” Jenny holds up a skirt and top combo.

“Oh that’s lovely, darling.” I rally myself and then turn to the discreet cough behind me and find myself looking at a lady I hadn’t noticed before. “Yes, can I help you?”

“I’m Felicity, your consultant. That particular outfit is $4,000, for the skirt alone, and I couldn’t help overhear your conversation earlier with your companion…”

“It is very rude to listen in other people’s conversations.” I bridle.

“Of course, madam. However, I can show you some dresses etc within your price point, if you would like me to go shopping for you?”

I boil on the inside but nod. “Yes, why don’t you go do your actual job? Jenny, come on let’s sit down and wait for Fidelity to bring us some appropriate attire.”

“Yes, mommy.”

FELICITY

Oh you have made such a mistake! You want appropriate, I will give you appropriate! I smile as I head to the clearance rack and pick out some appropriate outfits for them to see and try on now...but that doesn’t mean they are going to wear them on the night! Then I spy the perfect ones...the dog dresses of the blow out sale!

“Sarah…” I call out to the other consultant. “Does this dress come in a teen size?”

“As many teen sizes as you want! You can see this monstrosity, can’t you?”

“Yes indeed, I can!” I laugh.

“So today is your last day then?” She smiles sadly at me.

“Yes and I am going out with one fuck of a bang!” I giggle and head back to their ladyships!

CHAPTER 13 - HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY AND HAPPY DANCING...FOR SOME

BRITIN - FRIDAY, TWO WEEKS LATER

KITCHEN

BRIAN

I look around the warzone that is my kitchen with Nya orchestrating the prep. What started off as a small event; has spiralled into this massive thing. Along with our three kids and their rapidly expanding friend base, Jennifer is also coming and has invited some cotillion members, most of whom already know Nya very well.

“So what exactly are we having?” I ask Nya, who is peering into a pot.

“The list is over there. It’s a southern theme and don’t even think of asking me to talk to Emmy. His ear is still buzzing from the flea I put in it!”

“Fuck... You’ve prepped all of this by yourself?” I gasp as I turn over the page.

“Yep.” She smiles at my expression. “Yeah, you are a fatty boy.”

“I beg your pardon!” I exclaim, looking down at my still trim frame.

“Try that.” She forks up a piece of browned fatty meat and I look dubious but she just holds it up to my lips. “I can do this all day. It tastes better hot.”

Sighing I take it in my mouth and it is melt in the mouth delicious! “What is that?” I nod and wait for her to slice another piece and she does so with a grin.

“Short ribs...cooked on the bone and then taken off and diced with the fat retained. Fat is flavour…” She snickers softly. “Do you want a bowl?” I nod. “Seriously, this is why I don’t cook with Kendi. She’s a picker.”

“Nya, can I ask you something really personal?” She nods. “It’s not about the girls or anything.” She waves at me to continue. “Why don’t you go to meetings with Justin?”

“I have a stutter.” She replies, smiling shyly. “And to speak in front of all those folks, makes it worse.”

“A stutter? But you don’t stutter when you’re with us.” I frown. “But why would that stop you from being named in the business?”

“Oh the naming thing. I’m very private. If people find out I’m worth what I’m worth, they get very interested indeed. I am known as BAB when I get hot headed.”

“BAB?”

“Birmingham Alabama Brawler.” She replies, taking the bowl off me and putting in spoonful of slaw in it. “Not sure on the seasoning.”

“Oh, that is so good!” I murmur and then look hopefully at the pot bubbling on the stove. “Um what’s in there?”

“BBQ beans with bacon.” She regards me for a few seconds. “Grab that apron, you don’t get to eat for free at my table!”

MICHAEL’S STORE - LUNCHTIME

MICHAEL

I sigh as yet again, that guy has contacted me. I can’t afford to pay him anymore, and I need to do something to get him to back the fuck off! But what? It would’ve been fine if it wasn’t for fucking mystery-man-no-more-Justin interfering!

“Brian, you are alive!” I gripe into the phone as I haven’t seen nor heard from him in a couple of weeks. “Was there a problem with the children? So where have you been? What the hell were you doing on the East Coast...oh I see. Yes, Emmett did mention it but I would’ve preferred the invitation to have come from my best friend. Speaking of you being my best friend, I need to talk to you about the store and...why won’t you change your mind about investing in it? It is doing really well and...alright, alright! So, what time should I get to Britin...what? So if not Britin, where is the BBQ happening? Oh at their place. Well I don’t know where that is, do I? Brian...did you hear me? What? Okay, can you just call me back with...hello? Brian, are you there?” I can’t believe it...he’s hung up!

MEL AND LINDSAY’S HOUSE - EVENING

LOUNGE

GUS

Oh, we have a major sulk-fest going on between Jenny and Mom! When Jenny heard about the BBQ for 4th July, she wanted to invite some of her friends from Canada, which was fine. What was not fine was that she expected, as per usual, to be spending the weekend at Britin and was hoping to show off to them. She had asked Mom if it was okay and she said, of course, except we’re not having it at Britin. It’s at Papa J’s and Kendi’s. She was furious and asked Mom to get Dad to change it to Britin. But Momma told her off...again...telling her that where people hold their events is up to them.

“What are you doing, Gus?” Momma comes to sit next to me and shakes her head with a smile. “How many cars was it in the end?” She points at the laptop.

“7…” She frowns. “...built up some credit. And I am sorting out the playlist for tomorrow. Do you want to have final approval?”

“You’re a sensible young man, Gus. You’re more than cap…” She pauses as I sigh. “Yeah, of course.” I turn the screen to her, we have some real old school soul, some rap, disco and something called funk. Hunter and I managed to sneak some of our choices in, but mostly it’s been the Double Ks, which is fine as they have great taste.

“Momma, can I tell you something really personal?” She nods. “I can’t dance at all. I mean not even a little bit. And this dance thing at the end of the month, it’s going to be so embarrass…”

“Gus, there will be no dancing in that sense. It is more a waltz thing and…”

“Waltz! That’s even worse, wait... what’s a waltz?” I tap on my keyboard and then groan. “I am not doing that!” She laughs and I elbow her in the ribs. “Not funny.”

“Oh my dear sweet Sonny Boy, let me show you something.” She taps on my screen and brings up a picture of the most enormous dress I have ever seen. “The girls have to wear something like this and it is a Junior Cotillion so all that will happen is you will walk around the girl to a count, of 1-2-3, 1-2-3 and trust me every single one of you are going to be as embarrassed as each other…”

“I won’t be!” Jenny declares, coming in with a smirk. I hate it when she eavesdrops! “I have been practising so I, like Kemi and Kendi, will be perfect.”

“There is a long time between now and the cotillion. Now go and set the table please, Gus.”

“Yes, Momma.” I close down my laptop and am about to leave it on the table when Momma picks it up.

“I’ll put it in your room, sweetheart.” She smiles at me and looks meaningfully at Jenny, who sits back in the seat. “By the way, how much credit did you get for washing those cars?”

I smile. “$400.” Jenny gasps. “I did inside and out.” I laugh quietly at the pinched expression on Jenny’s face. If she did the stuff that we do, then she would have extra pocket money too!

MEL

After I put the laptop away securely, I head to the office and find Lindsay tapping away on the computer. “What you doing?” I ask, rubbing her shoulders as she seems hunched over in tension.