CHAPTER 1 – ALMOST THE AFTERNOON AFTER THE EVENING BEFORE

FAAL

How the fuck can rain be so loud?  It must be rocks being flung at the windows.  I am feeling furry of mouth, painful of head and cold on my right side…where is my lig?

                “Lig?”  I croak

I dare to open an eye, bad idea. 

                “It lives.”

Oh fuck, she sounds far away and pissed, shit what did I do?!  I wince, frown and try to remember.

                “Stop thinking so hard Mr Caveman, you did nothing, want me to put the blinds down so you can try to open your eyes again?”

                “Please.  What time did we go to bed?” 

                “I went to bed about three you came to bed about seven maybe seven thirty.”

The room sinks slowly into a less painful glare.   I open my eyes and I feel like someone has dumped concrete in them.

                “Ouch they look sore, hold on.”

I close my eyes again and hear her pad away, the bed dips under her weight as she brushes my hair off my forehead.

                “Hey.  Have eye drops and Advil, which do you want more?”

                “Are eye drops and a gun an option?”

                “Nope.  Ain’t into necrophilia, crawl to bathroom and sort out that swamp pit of morning breath you have; then I will do your drops and see who else is a-living.”

Once I crawl back into bed, she gently puts in some drops, gives me Advil and promises me coffee in an hour.

ZEE

I head downstairs dreading what I am going to find and it’s not that bad.  I suspect Debs and Jen’s hands in the clean-up.  Considering the amount of people in here it is really quiet.  I finish off the rest of clean-up and decide that after the amount that was sucked back booze wise, nobody is going anywhere today and thanking God it is a public holiday weekend.

                “Hey.”

                “For fuck!”  I squeak as Carl startles me.

He settles on a stool and chuckles quietly.

                “Tell Faal and you are a dead man.  Coffee?”

I pour my special muthafuckaofahangoverbrew and some water.

                “So what time did you get to bed?”  I ask

                “Five thirty.”  Debs croaks as she joins us.

                “Do I want to know what you were doing?”

She and Carl chuckle.

                “Need a hand?”  She offers weakly.

                “Nah, had a feeling it will be an all-nighter.  We are so doing take-out today, though I have got something for Lilah.  You know how her majesty likes her comforts.”

                “What time is it exactly?”  Carl mumbles.

                “Time for you to go back to bed.”  I suggest.

He nods and with no resistance tugs Debs along with him.

I grab a thermos and pour some coffee for Faal and head back to bed.  Faal is slightly more with it when I get there and is very grateful for coffee.  I slide behind him and proceed with his head massage.

                “Lief vir jou.”  He sighs.

                “Love you too.”  I breathe into his ear.

JENNY

I’m so glad that I was allowed to stay here and not go with mom and momma.  We couldn’t go to the Brownstone because Hunter and Matt wanted to do be by themselves, though I am pretty sure after the amount they drank they didn’t do anything else but sleep!  

Speaking of sleeping, Gus is still asleep.  I gave up trying to claim part of the bed, he’s like an octopus when he spreads out and so I ended up with Taylor, who is such a sweetie!  Apparently she told him off for sitting in her and papa’s seat and then called him a sulky face, not the s-word I was looking for but it will do for a 2 year old. 

I’m not sure what happened when we were all sent upstairs but when we came back he was gone, though according to Hank he was calling for Uncle Brian.  Everyone but momma seems happy about it, I can’t understand why she defends him after all he’s done.

THE LOFT  

MEL

Shit fuck.  My head feels like there is an ogre shrieking shrilly at me, oh wait that would be Lindz.

                “Mel!  Ah you’re finally awake?”

She’s standing at the foot of the bed glowering at me.

                “Before you speak, I would advise you not to.  Not until I have a shit load of coffee at least.”

I stagger to the bathroom and shut the door.  Ten minutes later I feel more human and head out to face whatever music she wants to play.

                “How could you all treat Michael like that?  He’s been our friend for years, he’s Jenny’s father for fuck sake!  Just how could you cast him aside the way you did?  I have never been more ashamed of my so called friends in my life…”

                “Lindz do you know what Michael did?”

                “Well, um not…”

                “Right you don’t know do you want me to tell you?”

                “I’m sure he had his reasons and…”

I look at her incredulously.  She is saved from my retort by the loft phone going, suddenly she’s little Miss Sunshine.

                “Why Faal what a pleasant surprise!  Oh of course, we’d love to, what time…oh thanks, shall we bring anything, oh okay just PJs – not quite what I was expecting you to say!  See you then, look forward to it.”

I wait for her to explain what we are looking forward to and why this involves PJs.

                “That was Faal.  We’re invited for take-out and we have to bring our PJs.  They are sending the car for us at half two.  It’s almost 1215, go have a shower so we don’t keep the car waiting.”

                “Why do we need PJs?”  I ask.

She giggles and shrugs.

                “Must be a European thing?”

                “A European…what are you talking about?”

                “Faal is European and…”

                “He’s not European, he’s South African.”

She shrugs again and heads to the bathroom.

“And also married.”  I mutter to myself.

“Sorry what did you say?”  She pokes her head out of the bedroom door.

“Nothing.” 

BROWNSTONE

MATT

                “Want coffee?”

He doesn’t answer.  I roll onto my side and wince as my brain resettles.

                “How you feeling?”  I brush the hair out of his eyes.

                “Like I have been freight trained and then fucked by a rhino without lube.  You?”

                “About the same.  So coffee?”

                “Mmm, oh fuck.  Nodding a bad idea.”  He grumbles.  “Phone’s going.” 

I had put it on silent for which I was thankful.

                “Which parental unit is sober enough?”

                “Mom.  PJTO and the car will pick you up in about 40 minutes.  Have some Advil.”

                “M’kay.  See you soon.”

He looks across at me.

                “PJTO?” 

                “Yep, we’ve got 40 minutes.”

TREEHOUSE

BRIAN

                “Baby, you awake?”

He nods against my chest. 

                “What time is it?”

It takes three attempts to get my phone and I snort.

                “What?”

                “One and Faal says come to the pool it will make us feel better.”

                “Two blow jobs, one rim job and a sling fuck?”  He mumbles.

                “Hey, I proposed!”

                “That was Thursday.  Ouch!  No pinching the ass!”

I feel him smile against my chest and snuggle deeper.

                “And…you can edge me for an hour?”

                “Deal.”

I run my fingers through his hair and smile and then swinging my legs round carry him to the bathroom.

KITCHEN

ZEE

I try not to smirk as Emmy Lou comes in. 

                “Advil or maybe a claw hammer so I can knock myself out again.” 

                “No bubbles?”

                “Excuse me!”  He dashes from the room.

                “What on earth did you say to him?” 

Alice comes in looking remarkably refreshed.

                “Bubbles.  How’s your hand?”

                “Blissfully sore.”  She smirks.

                “What are we prepping for lunch I suppose?”

                “Nothing, going to do take-out.  Oh meant to give these to you.” 

Handing her the set of PJs, I chivvy her upstairs to change, ignoring her objections and let her know that George is on his way and I will send him up when he arrives as he also has a set.

                “Okay, now I can do bubbles!”  Emmy Lou announces and heads to the fridge.

                “Emmy Lou, you are a gal after my own heart.  Think there’s a pink open.”

He brings out glasses and pours generously.

                “So what’s the plan Madam Chef?”

                “No cheffing today, take-out, PJs and chill.  Faal’s in the pool and I think I just heard Brian and Justin.  Methinks some rounding up of the troops is called for, people should be here by half three.  I had already thought ahead and prepped some nibbles to tide us over.”

                “Define nibbles?”  He quirks a hopeful brow.

                “Yes Emmy Lou, short rib spring rolls are included.”

BRIDGE STREET HOTEL LIBERTY AVENUE

MICHAEL

This is a joke this has to be a joke.

TREEHOUSE

FAAL

                “How’s everyone feeling?” 

We are lounging by the pool, the kids are in the hot tub being supervised by Ben, Jen and Tucker and the groans that abound make me smile.  Emmy Lou and Zee are already on bubbles, so that’s a good sign.  The boys and I have been doing laps and I feel much better.

                “So are you getting him an engagement ring?”  Blake asks.

                “Of course he is or he’ll answer to me!”  Jen calls out.

Brian smiles ruefully.

                “Are you going for diamonds and have you any ideas on dates?”  I ask.

                “Definitely diamonds in the engagement ring but maybe not the wedding band and summer.”

 Justin pipes up from Brian’s lap, he gets a kiss on the top of his head for that.

                “Oh great that gives us enough time then.  Where…”

                “Faal.  Shush.  I mean it shush.”  Zee calls out.

I blush and mouth apologies.  Looks are exchanged.

                “Okay what are you two planning?”  Debs is coming back to her usual vigour.

                “Nothing, not a damn thing!”  I bluster blushing harder.

                “You are so busted.  Just tell us.  Besides you know how picky Brian is.  And also he really doesn’t like surprises so just spill.”  Carl advises.

                “See!  This is why I didn’t want to tell you because you get over excited and ruin stuff.”  Zee grumps.

                “Spill.”  Brian tells me firmly.

                “Seriously!  You are on the couch.  Can we just tell you one bit and leave the rest?”  She asks.

They exchange looks and nod.

                “Well since you started to spill, you can go get it.”  She chides shaking her head.

I grin at her and go to the office and come down with a portfolio and open it over Justin’s legs.  As everyone gathers round there is a gasp of admiration from Justin.  

                “Where is this place it looks gorgeous?”  Brian is looking in awe at the lush greenery, the sandy beach and the sapphire blue sea.

                “What’s that?”  Jenny asks pointing at a building.

                “The Glasshouse.  Where we are hoping you will spend your honeymoon…”

                “What!”  Justin squeals wiggling in Brian’s lap causing him to inhale sharply.

                “It is only accessible by boat or plane and there’s year round sunshine and it is just off the coast of South Africa…”  I trail off embarrassed by the looks they are giving me.

                “You own this place?  You’re not serious?”  Brian is blinking rapidly.

                “Yes and yes.”   Zee replies.

Justin is now sniffling and Brian looks away.

                “I’m going with yes on that then?”  I ask quietly.

They just nod.

                “This definitely calls for more bubbles!”  Emmy Lou announces.  “Everyone to the libations!”

We all start to head upstairs but Brian calls me back.

                “I don’t…we don’t…”

                “Then don’t.  It is our pleasure.”  I push him ahead so that he doesn’t see my tears.

THE LOFT

LINDZ

                “Mel.  I’m just going to pop out.  I’m not sure that my PJs are suitable for today.”

She shrugs and waves me off.  I head out to the stores.  At least it’s stopped raining.  I’m thinking about what happened last night.  I have never seen them or Jenny so vicious.  I know that Michael can be whiny but for them to cast him out like that.  I am pretty sure whatever he did wasn’t all that bad, despite their great pronouncements and damnations, which seemed to be highly orchestrated as Zee never said a word during the entire thing.  She’s a very lucky woman to have landed Faal, wonder how she did that.

Having found the perfect set I head back.  I hate having to be buzzed in by the desk clerk and am even more resentful that Hunter has a key, maybe I can persuade him to let me have a copy of it. 

                “Mel.  How you feeling?  What time did we get home last night?”

She looks at me in surprise.

                “Much better and about three this morning.  Are you okay?”

                “Yes of course why?”

                “Uh earlier?”

                “Let’s not discuss that now, time to get ready.”

TREEHOUSE

 JUSTIN

                “Are those…”

                “Yes short rib spring rolls, which are not ready to be heated up yet and any pouting you are barred from the kitchen understood!”  Alice demands.

I bat my eyelashes, she is unmoved.  Damn my twink power must be fading.

                “Okay everyone, time for PJs, we will order once Mel, Lindz and the boys get here.”  Zee calls.

                “Aren’t David, Charles and Hank coming?”  Carl asks.

Zee starts to laugh.

                “Nope, Hank thought it was a great idea to get into a drinking game with Matt and Hunter…it wasn’t.  They’re flying back later this evening so they are trying to sober him up.  David sounded like hell it has to be said and apparently Charles wants to sue you Drew for endangering his liver.”

                “Oh God I forgot about that!”  Tucker guffaws.

Drew looks round in bewilderment.

                “What?”

                “Don’t you remember?  You gave him a little pick-me-up at about two this morning, without telling him it was brandy, rum, vodka and whisky!”

                “Oh fuck, I didn’t!”

Tucker nods his shoulders shaking.

                “And then made him hold it in his mouth whilst you smoked it…” 

                “Oh shit, then what?!”  Drew moans.

                “He swallowed.  Then said, he said ‘look daddy, I’ve swallowed, I’m a good little bottom boy’!”

                “Never!  He never said that!”  Emmy Lou shrieks with laughter.

                “Oh yeah.”  Tucker replies.

We are all shaking with laughter when the boys come in, they must have been making out in the car on the way here as they both look well and truly kissed.

                “Seriously Matt what is it with you and marking my grandson?”  Deb teases.

Hunter blushes bright red and grabs a glass muttering about boundaries.

                “He tastes good.”  Matt replies

Faal sprays his drink across the counter.

                “His neck, I mean his neck!  Oh for…dad!  Come on let’s go change!”

Laughter follows them upstairs, I wrap my arms round Brian and help myself to some of his champagne. 

                “You okay?”  He mumbles into my hair.

I nod and think I feel like a million bucks.

BRIDGE STREET HOTEL LIBERTY AVENUE

MICHAEL

Aha I knew it!  That’s Brian’s ring tone.  I shall let him beg for a bit.

                “Michael Novotny Bruckner speaking.”

                “Mr Novotny Bruckner this is James from the restorer, Captain Astro will be ready on Tuesday for delivery.  So shall we deliver it to the pick-up address?”

                “Oh right.  Yes that’s fine, what’s the estimated time?   Right thanks.  See you then.” 

I had forgotten that I had used the same ringtone for them.  Oh well never mind at least the Captain is coming back where he belongs.  I take my phone in the bathroom and hit the shower.

CAR ON THE WAY TO THE TREEHOUSE

MEL

                “Lindz we really need to talk about the Jenny and Michael situation.”

                “What situation, there isn’t one.  He’s her father and he will continue to be so.”

                “Uh, didn’t you hear us last night?  She…”

                “Was just acting out, no doubt playing up to an audience, she gets that from him, once everything is calmer and we get back home it will be fine.”

I just blink at her and shake my head, regretting it slightly as the Advil has not quite kicked in yet.

                “Oh my God, I hadn’t realised how beautiful Faal’s house is.”  She purrs as we come the driveway.

I have to nod in agreement it is beautiful even in this atrocious weather.  We dash to the door and Alice lets us in. 

                “Ladies, hello!  How are we feeling?”

Lindz goes to hand over her coat, which Alice ignores.  I have to hide my smirk.

                “Fine, fine.  How about you?”  I start to grin.

                “What?  What’s that smile for?”  She challenges me.

                “Wind your body, wiggle your belly, dip and go down in the new stylee…”

                “Oh God no!”  She shrieks covering her face with her hands.  “Please don’t!”

I start to giggle at the image of Alice shaking her thing alongside Ems and Blake to Apache Indian.

                “I don’t have much money but you can have what I have to forget that.”  She begs.

Faal comes up behind her and kisses her cheek.

                “Keep your money, we filmed it.  George wants a copy.” 

                “No!  I hate you all.”  She cries and goes to find George.

                “For a guy who was double shooting with Tucker you are looking mightily chipper.”  I smile.

                “Double shooting…well that explains the kidneys.  Went for a swim, it always clears the cobwebs.”

                “In this weather, that’s very brave of you.”  Lindz gently curls her hair around her ear.

                “Come on ladies, let’s join the others.  Mel you want to go change?”  He asks.

I nod and he calls Jenny to show me where to go, Lindz had decided to wear her PJs immediately, so she heads straight to the lounge. 

                “Hey sweetheart how you feeling?”  I sweep her into a hug.

                “Better a whole lot better.  Mom, will you help me with papa adopting me?” 

                “Let’s wait until we get home, no honey listen, give it two weeks and if that’s still what you want then that’s what we’ll do, okay do we have a deal?”

                “Okay deal.  Let’s do a lawyer shake to be sure.”  She demands.

                “You are definitely a Marcus.”  I chuckle.

She heads downstairs and I get changed.  I am not sure why we couldn’t wear our ordinary clothes but am going with the flow.  Once I make it downstairs, it becomes clear that this is a regular thing.  They are all in virtually the same style of PJs but in different colours. 

                “So you guys do this a lot then?”  I tease.

                “Yep once a month and an overnight.  Zee cooks and then Sunday it’s either leftovers to reheat or take-out.  Speaking of which, shouldn’t we put them on?”  Emmett comments.

Zee nods and is followed out by Debs, Jen, Alice and Emmett. 

                “Want the hair of the dog that bit you?”  Faal asks us.

                “Which breed was the last one?”  I groan.

                “For you that would be vodka for Lindz it was white wine.”  He replies

                “No vodka for me, just wine I think.  Lindz?”

                “Wine for me please, thank you Faal.” 

                “So…”  She begins and I have a horrible feeling I know where she is going.

                “Uh Faal you said you went swimming to clear the cobwebs?”  I interrupt.

                “Oh yes so you did, how could you swim in this weather?”

He shakes his head.

                “No we have a pool in the basement.”

                “Really!  I would love to see it!”  She leaps up like a gazelle.

                “Sure come on, Mel you coming?”

I shake my head having secured some of the blanket from Jenny I am more than comfortable where I am.

FAAL

Dammit I had hoped she would come with us, oh well best make this quick.  She starts to follow me downstairs.

                “Um maybe you should put the pool shoes on, it’s quite slippy down here.”

She shakes her head and smiles.

                “I have been around enough pools to have my sea legs.” 

I shrug and continue.

                “Wow how long is it?”  She breathes.

                “With both and the hot tub in the middle, the length of the house.” 

She heads towards the end but pauses when she spots the portfolio.

                “Oh what’s this?  Do you have an artistic bow in your quiver?”  She tilts her head to one side.

                “No.  I don’t have the eye for that or the patience.  I am an in-and-out get results kinda guy.”

                “I’ll bet.”  She smiles, sits down on the edge of the lounger and starts to flick through the portfolio.

                “Actually Lindz…that’s private so…”

She blushes and hands it back to me.

                “Sorry Faal, it’s just when I see a portfolio my artistic fervour spikes up.  Hope I didn’t offend you.”

                “Nope.  Let’s go back upstairs, yes?”

She nods and stands and starts to follow me up.

                “Oh be careful there is a wet…”

Before I can finish my sentence she lets out a scream and there is a loud splash. 

                “Lindz!  Lindz!  Are you okay?!”

She surfaces spluttering and flailing about. 

                “Swim to the side, Lindz swim to the side!  Zee!”  I bellow.

My bellow brings almost every one down.  But as Lindz starts to get out she suddenly sinks back in the water.

                “Lindz, come on get out of there!”  Ted calls out.

                “I can’t!”  She whimpers ducking down lower.

                “Why on earth not…oh I see, literally!”  Emmett chortles.

All eyes turn to Lindz who is bright red, it would appear that her PJs are showing everything.

                “Okay everyone who is not called Mel out!”  Zee orders. 

She heads to get a towel and hands it to her.

                “I’ll sort out something for her to wear.  Okay?”  She tells her.

Mel nods and tries really hard not to smile.  The rest of us leave her to it stifling our laughter until we are at least in the lounge.

MEL

                “Okay you can get out now.  What on earth happened?”

She wraps the towel round herself and coughs a bit.

                “Slipped...”  She grouses shivering.

                “Hey Mel, got a robe for her.  Will rustle up some sweats.  Look if she wants a shower take her upstairs, where you got changed there is a bathroom next door.  If not then, there’s a hairdryer in that changing room for her to use.”

I nod and take the robe.  She’s biting her lip and studiously avoiding looking in Lindz’s direction and leaves quickly with Lindz looking at her retreating back furiously.

                “What’s that look for?”

                “She.  She!  I am right here, she could’ve spoken to me directly or at least looked at me!”

                “Lindz you are virtually naked, she’s being respectful to your modesty!  So what are you going to do?  Shower or just get changed?”

                “Shower.”  She gripes and follows me upstairs.

BRIAN

I don’t think I have ever seen something so funny in my life.  When we got upstairs, and sent the kids up to play in the other lounge, we had to shut the lounge door because we were laughing so hard. 

                “I told her to wear the pool shoes but she said she has her sea legs.  And when she asked if I have an artistic quiver in my bow and starts talking about artistic fervour spiking I was like what?  Such a strange way to talk.”

I look at Faal and think how he can be so clueless.

                “Uh Faal, you do realise she’s flirting with you right?”  I tell him.

                “What?  No I have been flirted with before and that’s not it.”  He says firmly.

                “She’s a WASP and WASPs play coy.”  Jen advises.

                “Nope, seen coy and that wasn’t it either.  It was more predatory.  Yes predatory.  Strange woman.”

Mel comes in and grins.

                “She will be another 20 minutes or so – do you think you will have laughed it out by then?”

We shake our heads solemnly before bursting out laughing again.  When Lindz comes down she is wearing sweats and doesn’t look happy about it.

                “I’ve been meaning to ask where you all got those lovely PJs from and these blankets.” 

She’s looking at Faal as she takes the seat next to him.

                “My lig got them…”

                “Lig?”  She queries.

                “Light.  My light.”

                “Oh how quaint.  How long have you two been together, you seem to be still in the honeymoon stage?”

                “Why does everyone say that?”  He grumbles.

                “The nickname for a start.  Do she have one for you?”

Out of the corner of my eye I see Mel roll her eyes and shake her head.

                “Yep, geliefde and 17…”

                “Geliefde and 17 months?  That’s a long honeymoon stage.”  She takes a sip of wine.

                “Beloved and years.”

I bury my head in Justin’s hair when she snorts into her drink.

                “Stop it.”  He whispers trying not to giggle himself.

                “Lindz how long have you been with Mel?”  Faal asks

                “Almost 10 years.”

                “Lovely.  What made you fall for her?”  Faal asks starting to shift away from her lean.

Jeez Lindz get a clue!

Before she can answer, Zee goes over and hands a large glass of red to him.

                “And this is?”  He asks inhaling deeply.

                “Chocolate Box.”

                “Lief vir jou.”  He sighs then he pulls her down into his lap and kisses her deeply.

                “Hmm, methinks about a 6.5 maybe 7; quite tame for you two.” 

Emmy Lou teases when they come up for air.  Zee tries to get up but Faal tightens his grip and shakes his head at her, so she shrugs and makes herself comfortable.

                “Oh I think it was enough to get the message across.”  Ted remarks dryly.

DINER

MICHAEL

Ma doesn’t seem to be in yet, I call out to Kiki as she goes past.

                “Where’s ma today, what time’s her shift?”

                “She’s not working today.”

                “Oh.  Okay.”

As I head towards the house I spot David’s crony, he’s not looking particularly great right now, I almost feel sorry for him.

                “Trouble in paradise?  You can’t say you weren’t warned.  Run off already has he?”  I smirk.

He rolls his eyes and sighs.

                “No.  I don’t need to be warned.  And he’s in the car with Hank.  Now excuse me I have a life to lead, with him, which is more than I can say for you.”

                “I have a life and once I am through with…”

                “Again, I warn you against finishing that threat.  David has done nothing wrong, nor has Hank.”

He heads down the street to the car and gets in.  What does Hank have to do with anything?

CHARLES

                “Just bumped into the imbecile.  Seriously David, what on earth did you see in him?”

                “He had a naïve quality back then I guess.  And…”

                “He was easily moulded?”  I suggest.

He has the decency to look somewhat ashamed.  I think that’s why we work, I challenge him every time.

                “Brian is a good looking man.  Justin and he are perfectly matched.”  I comment.

                “Yes and yes they are.”  He looks thoughtful.

                “What, what is it?  You’re not worrying about him and his threat to sue are you?”

                “Not really, though I am worrying about him coming after Hank, not that I think he will but you never know.  It’s just, Hank was saying that Jenny got into a screaming match with Michael and said she no longer wants him to be her father.  I hope I never ever get to that state with my kids.  If it wasn’t for them...”

                “Zee and Faal?”

                “Yeah, the simplest solution is usually the best one.  They are another perfectly matched couple.”

                “Indeed, the way he looks at her and for her when they are apart.  Methinks someone should tell Lindz he only has eyes for Zee, the way she was hanging off his arm at one point.”

                “Please don’t make me laugh I am hurting enough already.”  He groans and leans his head back.

I chuff a laugh and then wince as my hangover makes itself presence felt again.  It was an excellent night and I hope we have made some new friends.  Hank is fast asleep, he is suffering the kind of hangover that only sleep will cure.  Just try and come after him you imbecile, just try.

TREEHOUSE

BEN

                “Uncle Ben you okay?”  Taylor asks looking up at me with her big brown eyes.

                “Yes Taylor I am more than alright why do you ask?”

                “That sulky faced man isn’t coming back is he?  He made you sad the last time he was here.”

I drop a kiss on her head and she giggles and turns in my lap.  She takes my face in her hands and looks at me as seriously as only a two year old can.

                “Yes he did Taylor but he won’t be doing that anymore.”

                “Good.  He was mean.  I don’t like mean people.”  She settles back into my lap.

She is such a sweetheart.

                “Uncle Ben?”

                “Mmm?”

                “If daddy is mean to you, tell me and I will tell him off ‘kay?”

                “’kay Taylor I will.”

The doorbell goes announcing the arrival of food.  Carl waves Zee back into Faal’s lap and tells Ted, Drew, Steve and Blake to help with the food.   Emmy Lou and Tucker set up the low table and put out the cushions and after about 15 minutes they come in with the food; the smells are wonderful. 

We call the kids in and they take their share and head back into the upper lounge.  Taylor decides to go with Jenny after double and triple checking that I will be okay without her.

                “I love that kid.”  I mumble and blush slightly when Steve smiles, I didn’t think he heard that.

We all hunker down round the table and start helping ourselves. 

                “Lindz, are you comfortable with a high level of heat?  Those are ghost pepper wings.”  Zee advises.

Lindz turns to her and smiles tightly.

                “I can take anything hot thank you.” 

                “Lindz, you think jalapeno is hot, ghost pepper is much hotter than that…”  Mel starts.

                “Nonsense I will be fine, how hot can it be?”

                “Over a million Scoville units.”  Zee replies as she forks a wing and takes a bite.

Lindz does the same and at first she seems to be coping well.  Then her eyes widen and she starts to sweat. 

                “Lindz?  You okay, you look a little warm.”  Emmy Lou asks sweetly.

She nods then starts to cough a bit.  Her face goes redder and suddenly she stands up and dashes to the kitchen.

                “Let me see to her.”  Jen says.

JENNIFER

I take a breath and school my features to caring. 

                “Lindsay are you okay?  Have some milk, apparently that’s the best thing for spicy food.”

I pour her a glass and as she reaches for it, I withdraw it slightly from her keen reach.

                “Jennifer?”  She splutters fanning herself.

                “Lindsay, he has steak and lobster at home, why the hell would he want hamburger and crabsticks?  Now drink your milk and rejoin us when you have cooled down a little.”

I head back to the lounge and take Lindsay’s seat, people shift round and so that the only seat available is the one next to Mel, Faal mouths his thanks, and when Lindsay returns she takes her seat with only a mere hint of annoyance. 

                “Look at the size of those prawns!”  Justin drools practically galloping round the table to get one.

                “Brian I suggest you keep him above your waist tonight, there is a shitload of chillies in there and whilst I know you like it hot…”

                “Duly noted.”  Brian raises his glass in thanks.

“I’m trying to find out their supplier, these grilled with the white wine and garlic…”  Faal purrs

                “When you do let me know please sweetie.”  Ems asks. 

                “Faal.  I meant to thank you for flying Jenny and Gus home on your private plane that time. They couldn’t stop gushing about it.  What’s it like?”

Lindsay is now in full simper mode clearly she didn’t receive the message earlier.  Faal feeds Zee another wing.

                “Tell her my darling lig, what is it like owning your own private plane?” 

                “Like owning a car except it flies.”  She replies.

Chuckles go round the table.

                “I would love to see it.”

Faal takes a deep breath and lets it out in a rush, yep he’s reached the end of his tether.

                “Well Lindz, seeing the inside of her plane is not going to happen.”

                “I…”

                “Seriously quit it!  How can you show such blatant disrespect?”  Faal growls.

                “I wasn’t being disrespectful to Zee, I was merely expressing an interest in…”

                “To…oh for fuck!”  Mel snaps.  “Excuse me.”

                “Mel wait!”  Zee calls and follows her out.

                “As I said earlier Lindsay, he has steak and lobster.”

TUESDAY MORNING

DINER

DEBS

                “Ma!  Ma!  Have you seen Brian?”

I’m so startled I almost drop the plates I was holding.

                “Jeez Michael what’s wrong with you?!  No I haven’t.  Well not since earlier…”

                “Oh for fuck sake!  Never mind!”  He runs back out of the diner.

                “What was that about?”  Kiki asks.

                “Not sure but I’m pretty sure I am not going to like it when I find out.”

KINNETIC

MICHAEL

I run up to reception.

                “Bethany, I need…”

                “Ralph could you remove this gentleman.”  Bethany calls without looking at me.

                “Remove…”  I sputter

                “Sure.  Sir this way.”

                “No!  I want to speak to Brian and I am going to fucking speak to Brian!”

                “It’s okay Ralph, Bethany I can take it from here.  What do you want Michael?”

                “Ted!  Can you please explain to me why I can’t get into my store?!”

                “What store is that?”

                “Ted!”

                “What?”  He asks calmly.

                “This joke has gone on long enough.  I need to get in the Captain is being delivered!”

                “Thanks for letting me know.  Ralph could you?”  He walks away making a phone call.

                “I can leave by myself!”  I snap.

                “Thank fuck for that.”  I hear Bethany mutter.

RED CAPE COMICS

MICHAEL

                “Look this has all been a misunderstanding…just give me a few more minutes.”

                “Michael Novotny Bruckner?” 

                “Yes that’s me.”

                “Jason from the restorers.  Where should we put it?”

                “You can put it in that van right over there.  Here’s the paperwork.”  One of the suits in the store says still blocking my way.

Jason looks it over and nods. 

                “Just wait a fucking minute!”

               “All items within or deemed inventory of the store at the time of the default notice are forfeit.”

                “But it wasn’t in the store, it was at the restorers!”  I snarl and try to push past.

One of the suits rattles his ear, frowns and leans against the door.

                “Kindly lower your voice sir, you are drawing unnecessary attention to yourself.  As we have explained three times now.  This is a foreclosure notice and we are collecting everything in or deemed to be ineventorry of the store to be evaluated

                “But…”

                “Excuse me.  Hello?  Yes Mr Schmidt we’ve got it.  Yes he’s right here.  Uh Mr Schmidt for you.”

        “Ted what the fuck!”

        “We weren’t joking Michael.” 

And so it begins…

CHAPTER 2 – LET THE BUZZING BEGIN

TUESDAY LATE MORNING

KINNETIC

BRIAN

                “Cynthia can you come to my office please?”

                “Sure Brian give me two secs?”

I look across at Ted and wink.  He starts to smirk and I have to bite my lip as Cyn comes into the room.

                “Cynthia I have some news for you, which you may find distressing.”

She sinks slowly into her seat and looks at both of us.

                “Actually, Ted could you…”  I ask realising that I am genuinely choked up.

She has been my right hand woman for years, unfailing and unstinting in her support of me.  Of us.  Me and Justin.

                “Sure Bri.  Um Cyn…”  I watch Ted blink rapidly.

                “Oh fuck, oh no, please no the cancer’s back!  Shit!  What do I need to clear, when does your treatment start?  How much time off, actually you are just going to do exactly what the doctor’s say and then take another 6 months off!”

She is poised ready and waiting but I see her hand shaking.

                “Will you be my best woman?”  I blurt out.

                “Your best?  I’m uh what?”  She looks at me confused.

                “Well Ted is my best man and I want you to be my best woman…”

                “Best man, best woman I don’t under…” 

She looks at Ted, back to me and then at Ted again, who nods and smiles a watery smile.  Then she leaps up and slams both hands on the desk tears streaming down her face.

                “You son of…I…why would you…how could you…I thought…seriously why…oh fuck!  When did you ask him?!”

                “Last Thursday.”  I reply.

                “Last Thursday!”  She squeals.  “Last Thursday!  Over 10 years I have worked for you, you ask him last Thursday and its Tuesday!  Tuesday for fuck sake!   Oooh I could just shake you Brian Aiden Kinney.  You scared the shit out of me!  Thursday!  Seriously Thursday!”

                “Uh Cyn…kinda waiting on your answer here.”

She stops pacing and puts her hands on her hips.

                “What the fuck do you think?!  Of course, of course I will!  Now come here, right this instant and give your best woman a hug!”

I do as I am told and blink back tears of happiness.

                “Now back to work.  I have a wedding to pay for!”  I tell them both.

BRIDGE STREET HOTEL

MICHAEL

                “Yes this is Michael Novotny Bruckner, I am still holding for Adam White.”

                “Adam White speaking.”

                “Finally!  My name is Michael Novotny Bruckner.  I want to challenge a foreclosure notice on my store.”

                “Um okay, interesting opening you had there.  I have a slot at three this afternoon, would that work for you, can you bring all the paperwork that you have.”

                “Yes and also I want to discuss my divorce and to privately sue someone for the return of some money!”

                “Mr, uh Mr Novotny Bruckner, there is no need to shout.  We will do all we can to help you.  See you at three.”

                “Fine.  See you then.”

CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY – BEN’S OFFICE

BEN

I am on the phone when Justin arrives, I wave him into the seat opposite.

                “That’s fine.  I will be there.  Yeah I want this wrapped up as soon as possible.  Thanks bye.  Sorry about that.  Divorce lawyer.  So how are you, you good?”

                “I am fine thanks.  You?”

                “Honestly?  I am so relieved that I am finally able to move on.”

                “Wouldyoubeanusherforme?”  He blurts out.

                “In all of that rush, I think I heard usher.  If you’re asking if I will be one it will be an honour.”

I find myself engulf in a happy hiccupping hug. 

WHITE & SULLIVAN ATTORNEYS AT LAW

ADAM

                “Mr Novotny Bruckner, pleased to meet you.  Please have a seat.”

He sits down with a thump and a heavy sigh.

                “Can I have the paperwork?” 

I take my time reading and just to make sure I read it again.

                “Sorry just to be clear.  You are fighting this in the hopes of winning?”

                “Of course and then there’s the matter…”

                “Let me stop you there.  When you first got this did you take it to a lawyer to have it looked at and explained to you or did you just sign it?”

                “It was drawn up by my daughter’s mother who is a lawyer…”

                “Right.  So you just signed it.”

                “Yes.  I never thought I would be screwed over by her!”

                “I don’t, in fact I know she’s not screwed you over.  The terms and conditions are pretty clear, you miss two payments the store and its contents become the property of Brian Kinney and Justin Taylor, hereinafter referred to as Kinnetic Inc.  This is the first condition.  And it’s in bold.”

                “But I didn’t miss them.  My then husband paid them and…”

                “But the loan is between you and them.  Not you, your then husband and them.”

                “So what are you saying?”

I internalise my annoyance and paste on a sympathetic smile.  Not that I am feeling any, I have heard of Michael Novotny on Liberty Avenue, seen him in action dry humping Kinney’s leg and heard about him bad mouthing Taylor.  Justin Taylor is a nice guy, how he never decked him I will never know.

                “You agreed to the terms when you signed it.  I can look into it further for you but it doesn’t look like you have a case for the foreclosure.  You said something a divorce and about a private lawsuit?”        

                “Yes!  Here’s the paperwork for that.”  He hands it over positively vibrating with eagerness.

I read the paperwork and just want to lock him away where he is only a danger to himself.

                “Like the foreclosure, you don’t seem to have much of a case but I will look further into it.”

He slumps down and I hope to see the last of him.

                “So when will you know if I have anything?  Especially for the divorce, I want to get my due.”

Inside I am saying the moment you get out the door but I reply with.

                “In about a week.”

DINER – EVENING

DEBS

My boys are the happiest I have ever seen them in a long while.  Well most of them, it’s only Ted, Blake and Ben but Faal has just arrived.

                “So how is our LLO?”  Ted teases.

                “LLO?”  I ask coming over with coffee.

                “Lindsey’s latest obsession.”  Ted explains eliciting chuckles.

                “Ugh.  Please.  That was just horrible to experience.  Shudder and heave.  How did she think that would come across as sexy?”

I sit down next to Blake and sigh my feet are killing me, luckily Tuesday is one of our quieter nights.

                “Sore feet, I know just the thing be right back.”  Faal decrees and is gone.

Twenty minutes later he’s back with Carl.

                “Take her home and do what it says on the tin.”

He hands him a gift box and smirks.

TORONTO – MEL & LINDZ’S HOUSE

LINDZ

                “Mel?”  I begin tentatively

                “Oh now that Faal’s not in the room you can see me?”

                “Mel, there is no need to be like that I was being solicitous to our host.”

                “Hosts.  The word you are looking for is hosts!  He is very much and will remain married, didn’t you get that from the brush off he gave you, whilst trying to suck the air out of Zee’s lungs?”

I take a calming breath.

                “Mel, I’m not sure what you saw but there wasn’t anything.  I wasn’t being flirtatious…”

                “Of course you weren’t!”

                “I wasn’t!”

Mel stops what she’s doing and looks at me in a way that I haven’t seen before.

                “You do realise that she was being oh so polite…”

                “Jennifer?  You call what she said to me polite?  Do you know she compared me to a hamburger and crabsticks…?”

                “Paul Newman.”  She scoffs.

                “What?”

                “Paul Newman came out with the legendary comment about having steak at home…”

                “Well anyway, I didn’t appreciate…”

                “No I wasn’t talking about Jennifer I was talking about Zee.  She doesn’t have to fight for Faal because she knows that he loves her and only her, but I think if she has to she will do so, just a heads up.”

She goes upstairs and I pour myself a glass of wine.  I jump when the phone rings.

                “Michael!  How are you?  I have been so worried.”

                “Hey Lindz.  I’m so confused and upset I can’t believe Brian has done this to me.  I haven’t done anything to him, he’s taken my store away from me! I have nowhere to go!”

                “Michael, this will be fine, it is just a minor aberration in the normal order of things.  I will speak to Brian tomorrow, now where are you staying?”

WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON

KINNETIC

BETHANY

                “Kinnetic, this is Bethany how may…”

                “Bethany this is Lindsay Petersen put me through to Brian.”

                “I’m afraid he’s in a meeting at the moment but will be free in about 20 minutes I shall get him to call you back.”

                “I would rather hold.”

                “Uh you want to hold for 20 minutes?”  I wanted to make sure I heard her correctly.

                “Yes.” 

                “Oh okay.”

        “Who wants to hold for 20 minutes?”  Cyn had come back from her meeting and was holding coffee.

        “Lind…”

        “Give me time to get to my desk and put her through to me.”

CYNTHIA

        “Cynthia Morris, how may I help you?”

        “Oh Cynthia, its Lindsey I was holding for Brian.”

        “He’s in a meeting and as Bethany said he won’t be available for the next 20 minutes.”

        “And as I said to Bethany I would rather hold…”

        “No.”

        “No?  What do you mean no?”

        “Well if you want Brian to keep you in the manner to which you have become unreasonably accustomed you are going to have to free up this line, hence the word no.”

        “Now just…”

        “Goodbye Lindsey.”

I hang up and smile.  Oh that felt good to do!

TREEHOUSE

ZEE

I’m brooding about Lindz’s behaviour.  I know I shouldn’t because I’m sure and secure in my marriage but it’s the way she discounted me.  And then there’s idiot wanker boy, he has a vicious streak and will do a lot to get his own back, I have a bad feeling.  I need to blow off some steam.  I flick a text to Faal and head to my workshop.

WORKSHOP – AN HOUR LATER

FAAL

God she is beautiful.  Working in this heat with the sweat running down her back she is beautiful.  I sit down in the corner and watch her work.  She tends to lose herself and not even notice when I am here.  Her tongue is caught between her teeth as she mixes the dye to colour the glass. 

                “Hey.”  I call softly.

She smiles at me and goes back to what she is doing.

                “For the back window?”

She nods and shifts the pane so that the bubbles are more evenly distributed.

                “How long will it take to set?”

                “A day maybe a day and a half.  You hungry?  Want some of those prawns from Sunday not in the mood to cook.”

I nod and take off her gauntlets and pull her in for a kiss.  It starts to rain as we head back so we end up running to the house.

                “What is it?  I know you are brooding, unnecessarily I might add, about that.  But there is something else bothering you.”

                “Yeah just something niggling at the back of my mind.”

                “You order take out for say an hour and I will take your mind off it yes?”

FRIDAY MORNING

BRIDGE STREET HOTEL

MICHAEL

I look at my reflection in the mirror and wince at the slight bruise I have from Alice’s slap.  I can’t believe that Brian let her do that to me.  She’s another one on my shit list.  And I think she needs to know exactly how that feels.

                “Adam White speaking.”

                “Adam its Michael.  Michael Novotny Bruckner.”

                “Ah how are you?”

                “Good, I forgot to tell you when we met that I have someone else I want to sue.  Alice Stephenson, she attacked me on Saturday and I want to sue her for assault.”

                “Assault?  Okay, take it from the top.”

I tell him exactly what happened and when I am finished there is a long silence.

                “Right.  I see.  So you have reported this correct?”

                “Well no not yet, but I will.”

                “Well the first thing to do is report it and then we can issue the relevant paperwork.  I will have to pass this to a colleague though.”

                “Great.  That’s okay.   I will do that now.”

ADAM

He can’t be serious.  He can’t be.  I pick up my briefcase and head to the police station.

                “Hi may I speak to Detective Horvath if he’s available.”

                “Let me check, may I take your name?”

                “Adam White.”

I take a seat and wait.

                “Adam hey, how are you?  To what do I owe this visit?” 

Carl’s gruff voice cuts through my musings.

                “Official business I’m afraid…a heads up.”  I tell him as I follow him back to his office.

He indicates a seat and I take a breath.

                “You know Michael Novotny Bruckner?”

                “Yeah.  My stepson.  Is he okay?” 

                “He’s intending to name you in a lawsuit?”

His eyes widen and he looks surprised.

                “For what I haven’t done anything to that little rat bastard apart from marry his mother!”

                “No, he’s intending to call you as a witness in an assault case he wants us to represent against Alice Stephenson.”

I open my briefcase and tip it on the floor.

                “Oh dear I seem to have dropped that.”

He picks up paper and reads it incredulous.

                “Hang on.”

Ten minutes later he comes back in looking less pissed off.

                “Amazing.  We suddenly have a backlog of cases, this might take some time to get to.”

BRITIN – FRIDAY EVENING

BRIAN

I had just sat down and the beam was almost to my lips when the door went.  Sighing, I head to open it. 

                “Carl.  What’s…who’s this?”

                “We need to talk.  May we come in?”

I step aside and let them in.

                “Is Alice here?  Justin?”

I nod and holler for them it doesn’t take long for them to arrive.

                “This is Adam White from White & Sullivan…”  Carl begins

                “The law firm?”  I ask, they are heavyweights.

He nods and goes onto explain what Michael wants to do, by the time he’s finished Alice is in tears and Justin is pacing like a caged bear.

                “Oh dear I seem to have dropped that.”  Adam mutters and looks away.

Justin pounces and reads it.

                “That never fucking happened!”

                “Wait.  Today’s Friday.  Why now?”  I ask.

                “Look, I’ve told you more than I should; if this gets out I could be disbarred.  I don’t know why he’s coming for Alice maybe because she’s an easier target…I don’t like the guy he seems to get off on being unpleasant.”

                “Thanks.  Do you think...?”

                “From a professional standpoint, he could win, if he got the right lawyer.  Look I have to go.  Have a good evening.”

With that he leaves before turning round and winking.

                “What the fuck do we do now?”  Carl sighs.

                “Boys I am so sorry, but he made me so cross with what he said about you…”

                “Alice stop.  Didn’t you see the wink?  You’ll be fine no matter what.”  I reassure her.

I am not sure she’s totally convinced but that’s all I have for now.

BEN & HUNTER’S HOUSE

BEN

                “Hey finally, what the hell happened to you?!”

Standing in front of me is a facsimile of Steve.  This Steve is dripping wet and hands me a couple off soggy take out bags.

                “Fl-flat tire, ha-had to walk.  Raining.”  He chatters.

I pull him inside.

                “Stay there.  I’ll get you a towel.”

                “If yo-you ca-can keep your l-laughter to a l-low gig-giggle that w-would be gr-great!”

I dump the bags and dash upstairs, when I get back to him he’s not moved and is starting to shiver.

                “Come on shower before you get pneumonia, which is not fun believe me.”

Once we get to the bathroom, I set the shower and go to leave

                “Hot toddy or brandy?”  I ask

                “Both in a very large mug please!”  He calls back.

                “Will leave that and some sweats in Hunter’s room okay?”

                “Thanks!  Give me 15 minutes before you leave the drink yeah?”

                “Sure.”

I head back downstairs and check if the food is salvageable.  It is only just, so I put it in the oven to heat through.  I start the toddy and once it’s done I head upstairs to leave it on the side.  10 minutes later he comes back down. 

                “Food okay?” 

                “Mmm.  Just about.  Want another one?  Where did you leave your car?”

He nods and I hand him the blanket.

                “Top of Liberty Avenue.”

                “Fuck.  Why didn’t you call I would’ve come and got you.”

                “Dead battery.”

He takes the toddy gratefully and shudders. 

                “Let me get that charged for you at least.”  He hands me his phone.

                “It is going to be a stinker.”  He mumbles.

                “Huh?”

                “The cold I am going to get after this.  Oh I hope I don’t give it to Taylor.  Fuck, what am I still doing here, I am compromising your immune system.  Shit!  Look let me call a cab, we can…”

                “Steve!”

He stops rambling.

                “Who says you are going to get a cold, besides it takes at least a day for it to kick in. You’ve only been wet for what an hour?  Look just rest okay, I will go and get some meds and you can take them to forestall any attack okay?”

                “You sure.”

                “I’m sure.  Won’t be long.”

And without thinking I drop a kiss on his forehead and leave.

DINER

DEBS

                “What the hell are you doing out in this weather?!”  I shout at Ben, although he’s dry but still.

                “Need some chicken soup to go.”

                “Sure honey.  You not feeling good?” 

                “Not me, Steve.  He had a flat and walked to mine in the pouring rain.  He’s currently holed up on the sofa fretting about a cold.”

I nod and smile.  I like Steve and I know he likes Ben hopefully Michael hasn’t ruined his heart for anybody else.  I hand him a thermos and he heads out.

BEN & HUNTER’S HOUSE

BEN

                “Here, chicken soup it’s good for the soul.  And the meds.” 

He’s struggling to stay awake but takes them both.

                “Steve, who’s Taylor with?”

                “Um my mom.”

                “Why don’t I call her and ask her to keep her overnight, you are not in a fit state to go anywhere, you can use Hunter’s room.”

He nods tiredly and I make the call.

                “Come on.  Steve wake up and walk you need to go to bed.”

Slowly he trudges upstairs sniffling. 

                “Sorry I was looking forward to our usual food fight.”

                “Not a problem.  We can fight another day.  Now get some sleep.”

                “Mmm.  Ben, stay with me till I fall asleep?”

                “Sure, it won’t take long though with the meds and the toddy.”

I settle down next to him and within 5 minutes his breathing has evened out. 

                “God you are so gorgeous.”  I whisper as I leave the room.

SUNDAY LUNCH TIME

BRITIN

EMMETT

                “Okay Alice what’s going on?  You’ve been as quiet as a mouse and there’s a distinct lack of bubbles being poured.”

                “He’s, that man is suing me for assault.”  She bursts into tears and I sweep her into my arms.

                “What man what are you…you don’t mean Michael do you?”

                “What’s he done now?”  Debs comes in at the moment.

She takes one look at Alice and pulls her into the lounge.

                “What’s he done?  What have I told you about hiding things from me Carl?”

                “It’s not hiding it’s planning a strategy Red.  We have to be care…”

                “Again what’s he done?”  She snaps

                “He’s going after Alice in a lawsuit for assault…”  Justin’s eyes flash with fury.

The room is silent for all of 15 seconds before everyone starts yelling.  Brian’s whistle silences the room. 

                “So what can we do?”  Drewsie is pacing, I love my man when he’s like that.

                “Nothing really until it’s issued.”  Brian sighs.

                “Wait it’s not been issued so how do you know about it.”  Blake asks.

                “Sometimes it pays to have someone in a law office that doesn’t like their client…”  Justin advises.

                “Fucker, that fucker!  You said, didn’t you, my lig, you said something was niggling!”  Faal is bristling with rage.  “I can’t believe that he is going after sweet Alice after the way he treated her the last time!  Ooh if I could have just two seconds alone with him!  I would…”

                “Wait!  What do you mean?”  Blake stops him in mid stride.

                “What?”

                “You said the way he treated Alice, what did he do?”  Blake is animated.

                “Ted…take your man home and fuck his brains out.  You genius!”  Brian cries and dashes out.

10 minutes later, he comes back in with Vince. 

                “Vince would you be willing to make a statement as to what happened when Michael was last here?   How he behaved to Alice?  And can you remember where you dropped him off on Saturday?”

                “Yes, yes and yes.  What’s going on Mr K?  We haven’t wiped the discs yet, want me to stop that?”

                “Fuck yes!  Maybe a pre-emptive strike.  Ted go with him.  May I speak to Joshua Smalling please?” 

                “Who’s Joshua Smalling?”  I ask.

                “Our lawyer.  I’m not…oh my God!”

                “If your man can’t do it ours can!”  Faal growls starting to pace again.

An hour later, we have a statement from Vince, a copy of the disc and a writ raised. 

                “Your move Mikey, let the games begin!  And to the victors, yes that will be us, go the spoils!”   I cry.

THURSDAY – EARLY EVENING

TORONTO – MEL & LINDZ’S HOUSE

JENNY

                “Mom has it been two weeks yet?”

                “No sweetheart, why are you changing your mind?”

                “No but I just want to get things started.”

                “You’re not changing your mind on this then?”

I shake my head but then frown and sigh.

                “It’s just…”

                “Its hard baby I know but some people have to learn the hard way.  And sadly Michael Novotny is one of those people.”

                “But why, why was he so mean to Hunter and to Uncle Justin?”

Mom shrugs her shoulders.

                “The only thing I can think of is that he was, no is, jealous over the relationship Uncle Justin has with…”

                “But they’ve been together for ages.  It’s not as if Uncle Brian would’ve wanted dad is it?”

Mom pauses; when she does that I know I have got it right or close enough.

                “Dad wanted Uncle Brian didn’t he?  And then along came Uncle Justin…”

She smiles and gives me a hug nodding into my hair.

                “Yep that persistent little kid wouldn’t leave him alone.”

                “No he wouldn’t and look where it’s got him.” 

We are both startled by momma’s presence. 

                “With the man he loves.”  I sigh happily.  “And they are getting married isn’t that great!”

                “Yes, it’s great.”  Momma says.  “Just great.”

MEL

                “You young lady have school tomorrow.  So hop to it with you.”

I head downstairs with Lindz trailing in my wake.

                “You’re not serious about her being adopted by Ben are you?”

                “It’s not me it’s her.  It’s her choice…”

                “No that’s not fair on Michael…”

                “He brought the tsarn fun zeyn tokhter [1] upon him let him reap the whirlwind!”

                “Why do you do that?  You know I hate it when you do that!”  She snaps.

                “What channel my inner Jew?  Well I hate it when you interfere in something that has fuck all to do with you but you still do it, so I guess we’re even!”

She opens her mouth but then closes it again before storming back upstairs.

                “Baren [2]!”  I sigh.

LINDZ

                “Michael, how are you?  Oh yet another lecture from Ms Lawyer.  Are you still in the hotel that’s going to eat into your money you know?  Look I want you to tell me what happened for you to be cast aside like this.  I want to understand exactly what we, yes we because I am your friend, are dealing with.”

I tuck my feet under myself and settle down to listen.  When he’s finished I can’t understand it.  None of it sounds bad enough to warrant this treatment.

                “I suspect Justin’s influence in this.  He’s always been jealous of you.  But of course he is!  We’ve been Brian’s friends, best friends, for years and now that Justin’s in his life he doesn’t want to know us.  It’s a WASP isolation tactic, well I am not going to let him do this.  Let me speak to my parents, I think I can help with the accommodation situation.  We have a property, that I’m sure is coming up for renewal and they haven’t got a tenant, actually let me ring them now and I’ll call you back.

                “Hey daddy, it’s Lindsey.  How are you and mommy?  I was wondering if the property in Shadyside is going to come available soon.  It is, great I have a solution for you.”

FRIDAY LUNCHTIME

DINER

BRIAN

                “Debs can you feed the howling monster here before he keels over?”

This earns a kick in my shin from said blonde haired monster.

                “Okay what’ll be?”

                “Oh the big daddy please with an egg on top and…”  Justin’s voice trails off and his eyes narrow.

It doesn’t take a genius to know who’s just walked in.

                “Calm down tiger.  Let him make the first move.”  I whisper.

                “Michael.  Here have a seat over there.”

                “I want to sit here, this booth is available.” 

                “Ah but those people will need it, so…”

I can feel his eyes burn into me as he moves to the other side of the diner but I don’t turn round.

                “So big daddy with an egg on top and for you, want your usual?”  Deb snaps her gum.

                “Yeah can we have it to go?”  Justin asks.

                “No.”  Debs and I say at the same time.

                “You are not being run out of here by that idiot I birthed.”  Debs is firm.

She bustles off to get our order sorted out and I reach across to him. 

                “What else do you think they have planned?”  I ask him rubbing his ring finger, I look forward to seeing his band there.

                “Huh?”

                “Faal and Zee.  They said they would only tell us part so…”

                “Don’t know but can you believe that place?  It is beautiful.   I think I saw a waterfall.”

                “Brian?”

                “Michael what do you want?  I ask not looking up.

                “Can I talk to you alone?”

                “No.  You can return to your table before you lose it.”  Deb tells him.

She waits for him to move and puts our drinks down.

                “Let me deal with this okay?”  She tells me and heads in his direction.

DEBS

                “So what will it be?”

                “Ma come on.”

                “Come on what Michael?  I know you were there on Saturday we spoke to you, out loud and everything, what didn’t you get.  You are Brian are over as friends – and that’s all you ever were friends, it’s over you’ve hurt him one too many times.”

                “He just needs to calm down and listen and it will be fine.”

                “Speaking of fine.  When are you going to pay it?”  Ted’s voice startles us.

                “Ted what are you talking about?”  Michael looks bemused.

                “The money for the food you need to pay that back or I will lodge a complaint for fraud.  You have seven days Michael.  And we are to have a meeting about the store, I will get Bethany to set that up for you, expect her call.”

He heads to join Brian and Justin.   I hear Justin’s distinct giggle and a way to go from Brian, guess he shared.

                “Does it strike you as being fine right now Michael?”  I ask.

He shrugs and looks all puppy eyed at me and I can feel my resolve start to crumble.

                “Debs, table six needs their order taken.”  Kiki calls over.

As I head in that direction she heads to Michael’s table.

KIKI

                “Nice try.  Believe me when I say this.  There is no way your yellow bellied ass is going to hurt her again.  I have cleaned up enough of your shit.  Now what will it be, I promise only to spit in it this time.”

I’m unsurprised when he walks out.  I turn to Debs and blow her a kiss.  I got my girl’s back and no way is he hurting her.

SATURDAY

TREEHOUSE

ZEE

I nibble my lip.  Not altogether sure how to approach this subject, I really want them to come but just in case they say no I have a little gift for them all.

                “Mom can you please explain to dad that there are boundaries that should not be crossed!”

                “I could explain that in English, Dutch, Italian and Afrikaans, which language would you like me to be ignored in?”

He huffs and heads out, Hunter pauses before he leaves.

                “Thanks.”

I look up in surprise as I haven’t actually done anything, at least I don’t think so.

                “What for?”

                “Just thanks okay?  We’re going to Brownstone, in case he hadn’t told you.”

He plants a kiss on my cheek and leaves.

                “What was that about?”  I ask Faal when he comes in he shrugs and smiles.

                “Cooee Madam Chef, the cavalry is here!”  Emmy Lou trills as he marches in with Drew.

Within minutes the whole family have arrived. 

                “Alice is not coming.  George is unwell, just a chest cold so she wants to play nursemaid.”  Justin tells me sticking his nose in the pot and inhaling.  “Ooh Emmy Lou smell!  What’s this?”

                “Korean chicken stew.  And for starters we have stuffed crab claws with a chilli and sesame dip, palate cleanser of sake and mint granita and for pudding red bean cheesecake.”

Justin just stares at me his eyes like saucers. 

                “And…”  He prompts.

                “Already prepped you just need to cook them.  And that goes for you too Emmy Lou.”

I am engulfed in hugs.

                “I think sake Bellini is called for in keeping with the theme.  Mr Sommelier if you please!”

                “Your wish is my command.”  Emmy Lou bows deeply.

With everyone’s glasses filled we head to the lounge and settle down.

                “What’s with the boxes?”  Debs asks.

                “Um, it’s just a little thing from me just in case you say no.”  Faal takes my hand.

                “No to what honey?”

                “Well I know that we are going to be at Britin for Thanksgiving, but I, well we, were wondering if you would like to spend Christmas here, it would be our first one as a family and you’re all family.  If you can’t do that then at least you will have a little something to…”  I trail off

                “Oh my God this is gorgeous!”  Debs had opened her box and taken out the paperweight.  “Where did you get this?”

                “I, um, made it.”

                “You made this!”  Justin turns his in his hand. 

I nod nibble at my lip.

                “So are we having you all over for our first Christmas then?”

The cries of yes bounce of the walls and I let out the breath I had been holding.

                “Right dinner is pretty much ready let’s eat!”

The door knocks and I head to answer it.

                “Alice Stephenson?”

                “Uh.”

                “You’ve been served.”  The man states and hands me an envelope.

                “But…”

                “Yeah heard it before.  You’ve been served.”  He repeats and heads back to his car.

I head back to the lounge.

                “Who was that?  Lig?  Earth to lig who was that, what are you holding?”

                “I just got served.”

                “What!”  Brian shouts.  “Who the fuck and why the fuck?”

                “It’s not for me it’s for Alice.”

                “So he’s gone through with it.”  Debs sighs sadly.

                “Whatever you do don’t open it.  Did he ask for identification or just say her name and hand it to you?”  Carl asks.

                “Said name and handed.”  I reply.  “Tried to say that I wasn’t her but he didn’t listen.”

                “Good.”  Brian retorts.

                “How is this good?”  Jennifer demands.

                “He will have to refile and get it sent again in the meantime we send ours.”  Brian explains.

I look at Debs and see real sadness there.

                “Red?”  Carl nudges her.

                “Do we have to, do we really have to?”  She looks round at us with tears in her eyes.

The room goes quiet as everyone looks at Brian.

WHITE & SULLIVAN – MONDAY MORNING

ADAM

“Mr Novotny Bruckner, what can I do for you this…you’ve done what?  When did you do that?  Who did you get to serve the papers?  Right let me get back to you.”

I rub my temple and collect my briefcase and jacket and head to Archers Process Servers.

BRIDGE STREET HOTEL

MICHAEL

                “Michael Novotny Bruckner speaking?  Oh hello Bethany.  Yes Ted did mention that, yes I am free all day, I can come in now if that works.”

I head to Kinnetic and wonder how Alice is feeling.  I would’ve loved to have seen her face when she got those papers. 

KINNETIC

                “Have a seat.”  Bethany briefly looks up and indicates the sofa.

                “Can’t I…”

                “No.”  She replies brusquely.

For the next hour I wait.

                “Can you let me know what’s keeping Ted?”  I call out to Bethany.

                “I don’t have access to his…ah here he is.”

                “Michael follow me.” 

                “I’m fine, thanks for asking.” 

                “Likewise.”  He responds.

As we enter the conference room, I am surprised to find Alice sitting there alongside Zee and Brian.  Before I can sit down the door opens again. 

                “Have a seat Michael.  And you sir have a seat also.”  Ted indicates.

We both sit down.

                “Did you bring the books for the store or shall we contact your accountant directly?”  Ted asks.

                “No.  I don’t understand why you need to see the…excuse me but who is this guy?” 

                “Paul Crane from Archers Process Servers do you recognise anyone in this room?”  Ted replies.

                “Yes, this lady here.”  He points at Zee.

                “And who is she?”  Ted asks.

                “Alice Stephenson.”  He replies.

                “No that’s Alice.”  I point at her.

                “Oh.  Oh shit!”

                “What, what’s wrong?”  I don’t like the tight smile on Brian’s face.

                “He served the wrong person.  Now Mr Crane could you?”

                “Okay well this is just odd but hey not my problem.  Michael Novotny Bruckner you’ve been served.”

                “What!”  I yell standing up dropping the envelope immediately.

                “Can I go now?”  Paul asks.

Ted nods and he leaves very quickly.

                “You’re not serious!”  I shout at Brian.

                “As serious as you are about suing Alice.”  He replies calmly.

I sit down and under the glare of Zee I start to feel very uncomfortable.

                “And remember you still have to pay the food bill.  Now with regards to the store and its contents…”

                “I want the Captain back, it wasn’t in the store!”

                “It was listed as part of your inventory therefore it is ours and we will contact your accountants directly for the books, no need for you to come back here.”  Brian is still so calm.

                “But Brian…”  I begin to whine and he winces.

                “This is just a courtesy so it doesn’t come as a shock to you when you see it.  Whilst we will be keeping the name, it will be revamped and brought up to modern standards.  And as for the statue, this will be auctioned off, we don’t feel it will be in keeping with the vision we have in mind.  You, of course, can have first refusal at market price.”  Ted explains

                “Market price?”  I echo.  “And what’s with the “we” when do you speak for Brian?” 

                “Red Cape Comics is now part of Kinnetic Inc and I am a shareholder in Kinnetic Inc, therefore I can say we.”  Ted leans back and arches a brow.

                “What happens now?”  I ask.

                “That depends on you Michael.”  Ted leans forward

                “Meaning?”

                “Leave Alice alone and this goes away.”  He indicates the envelope.

I glower at Alice but nod and go to leave.

                “You come after her in any sense, I will destroy you.”  Zee’s voice is glacial.

When I get back to the hotel I decide to call Lindsay.

                “Hi Michael how are you?”

                “They were going to sue me.  But…”

                “Sue you what for?”

                “Because I was going to sue Alice.”

                “But, never mind.  Look I have some good news, the property I was telling you about is available so you can move in whenever you want.  Isn’t that great?”

                “At last something is going right for me.”  I sigh.

                “Michael I have told you before…”

                “And then there’s Zee.”  I gripe.

                “What about her?” 

                “I don’t know ever since they came on the scene Brian and Ben changed.”

                “Michael, you have to trust me, once people know their place things will be fine.”

                “Okay so what’s the address for this new place?”  I ask.

CHAPTER 3 – A NEW HOME FOR MAN…WELL MICHAEL…AND ART

SHADYSIDE RESIDENCE – FRIDAY MORNING

MICHAEL

I pull up outside my new home and I have to say it looks wonderful.  Much better than the place I shared with Ben and Hunter.  It is spacious and light and airy.  Although there doesn’t seem to be much in here, I thought it would come fully furnished. 

                “Hey Lindz its Michael, how are you?”

                “Fine Michael, fine.  Have you settled in yet?”

                “Well there’s not much to settle in with.  There’s hardly any furniture not even a bed.”

                “Of course it came…never mind.  This is a chance to make it your own, put your own style on things.” 

“I like this idea, make it totally mine and mine alone.  Thanks Lindz I really appreciate you sticking by me.”

I hang up and walk from room to room.  I know exactly what I am going to do.  I can’t wait for my Honeybun to come stay here, once she’s cooled down of course, according to Lindz she’s still mad about what I said about Hunter.  I bet Faal his baby-daddy’s-daddy told her all about that to discredit me in her eyes, I was just angry at the time I didn’t mean it.

The more I think about what I said to Lindz about Zee and Faal the more I realise I am right.  Before they came along as a gang we were fine.   Okay Brian and I had the odd fight but nothing that couldn’t be worked through.  Or ignored when it came to Boy Wonder until Brian reminded me not to do something.  Lindz is right everyone just needs to know their place in people’s lives.  And I know mine, some people just need reminding.

I make a list of everything I need and head to the bank.  Once I finally get to the counter I give my details and wait and wait.  Finally someone asks to see me in the office.

                “Mr Novotny Bruckner, there seems to be a problem on your account.”

                “What do you mean?”

                “Well you want to take out more money than is in there.”

                “No my husband’s salary should’ve gone in there this week so that coupled with the money I put in there should be enough.” 

                “Ah that would explain the discrepancy, it would appear that your husband’s salary was not deposited.  Until it is or the money comes from another source, we can’t let you take out that amount.”

                “I have another account, my business one you can move the money from there.  I will sort out the other issue.”

                “Great that’s great.  If you can give me the details then I will arrange for the transfer.”

I hand over the details and quietly steam.  Ben and I are going to have words.

I cheer myself by buying stuff for my new home with next day delivery.  Now I can either sleep on the floor with all the bedding or I will have to stay another night in the hotel – I head to the hotel.  I am glad because I could have a bath, shopping is tiring, like Hunter says, how does he do that as a hobby!

SHADYSIDE RESIDENCE – SATURDAY AFTERNOON

Well it is all finally moved in, it is a lot of stuff!  I have finally got things where I want them and now to deal with the Ben problem.

I head to the house and find the door wide open.  There are bits of furniture piled on the lawn.  I can hear voices.

                “No dude that is not the way the unit goes, it goes the other way!”  Hunter groans in frustration.

                “No dude it doesn’t!  Look see where the…oh!  Just shush and respect your elders!”  Carl gripes

                “I respect you just not when it comes to flat pack furniture!  Ouch hey!”   Hunter grouses

                “When your grandma is winding up her arm start ducking, you’d have thought you’d learned that by now!”  Carl is chuckling. 

                “Yeah but she’s quick for…hey ouch didn’t even finish!”  Hunter grumbles

                “I knew what you were gonna say!”  Ma replies laughing

                “Excuse me am I interrupting?!”  I call out.

They all whirl round to face me and immediately the smile leaves Hunter’s face.

                “I’ll be upstairs.”  He mumbles and leaves with Matt close behind.

                “Hun…” 

                “Debbie don’t.  This is the way he wants to deal with him, let’s respect that.  What are you doing here Michael?”  Ben asks.

                “I see you’ve started to redecorate.  It looks good.”

                “Michael, again, what do you want?”

“I came to see you about the banking issue we have.”

                “What banking issue?”

                “Your salary wasn’t paid into our joint account, I had to move money from my other account for some expenses for my new place.  Has your payment date been changed?”

For a few seconds Ben just blinks at me.

                “No and we no longer have a joint account.  I withdrew all of my funds, what is left is yours.  There will be no money being deposited in that account from me.”

                “Why not?”

                “Why not?  Why not?!”  Carl explodes.

                “Carl this has nothing to do with you!  So I would advise you to…”

                “What you would advise me to what?  This isn’t Alice you are dealing with I am more than capable and willing to tear you apart.”  Carl growls.

                “Carl honey, please.”  Ma tugs his arm, he shakes her off and heads upstairs.

I try to hide my smile, seems I still have my mother.

                “In answer to your question Michael, we are getting divorced, my money is no longer our money.  As you have said you still have money from the loan from Brian and Justin gave you including the payments you didn’t make to Jenny’s fund.  So you will have to use that for your expenses until you find another source of income.”  Ben’s tone is cold.

                “But what about the house, it is partly mine…”

                “Where?  Produce the piece of paper that says any part of this house is yours?”  He snaps.

                “I lived here…”

                “Living here doesn’t give you ownership rights.  Now if that’s all you came to say…” 

He heads to the door and waves his hand through.

                “I also wanted to give you my new address, it’s in Shadyside so all post can be sent there.”

                “Fine.  Email it to me.”  He closes the door in my face.

As I head back to the car, I take another look at the pile of wood on the lawn, it looks familiar but I can’t quite place it, I’m sure it will come to me eventually.

BEN

                “Guys he’s gone you can come down now!” 

They come back down and immediately Debs pulls Carl to one side.

“Honey I’m sorry I shouldn’t have done what I did, it sent a mixed message.  It’s my default.  I’m working on it, forgive me.”

“Red, he’s your son and you love him and that will never change but let people deal with him the way he deserves to be dealt with.  Nobody will physically hurt him, no matter how much he deserves it.  But he needs to be told and he needs to hear it and keep hearing it until it sinks in.  Understand?”

She nods and kisses his cheek.

                “Shadyside isn’t that kinda upscale for Michael?  Matt comments.

                “It depends how in the shade he is…”  Hunter drawls.

                “Now that was appalling!”  I chuckle.

UPTOWN GALLERY – WEDNESDAY MORNING

HUNTER

I am on cataloguing duty in the basement today and I don’t mind it, means I can wear my jeans.  There are hundreds if not thousands of paintings here.  I can put on my headphones and just get stuff done.

I have to wear some special gloves so that my sweat doesn’t mark the painting, I remember Michael doing that with a comic book once.  There was a few good times but then it all went to shit.  But I still have Ben and J, Gus and the rest of the family. 

And of course I have Matt, I can’t believe he accepts me for who I am not what I am or what I was.  I love him. 

I need to speak to Zee because I want to do a special meal for him at the loft from scratch, and when I tell her what it’s for I know she won’t tease me or tell Faal, he’s a great guy but has absolutely no boundaries!   Auntie Ems means well but he’ll get too excitable and the next thing the whole family knows.  And will be offering advice.  And after the reverse cowgirl thing never again.

How far back does this gallery fucking go?  Jeez I will be down here all day.  Oh well time for some Jay-Z.

JENNIFER’S CONDO – WEDNESDAY EVENING

TUCKER

                “Jen?  You home?”

                “Here honey, just trying to figure out a place to put this, to show it in its best possible light.”

She is holding the paperweight in her hand and looking round the room; finally settling on over the fireplace.

                “We need to get them something good for Christmas.  But like Brian and Justin what do you get a couple who have and can afford to get anything they want?”

I frown and pull her to sit down next to me.

                “Do you notice that they are always giving?  I think the only thing they want is our time and friendship to them it’s priceless.  But what I wanted to talk to you about is something I heard.  Did you know that the Petersen’s have rented out their property in Shadyside to Michael?”

                “What!  Why on earth…ah I smell Lindsay!  What the hell is daddy’s little princess up to now?  Do you think I should tell Brian and Justin?” 

She worries at her lip.

                “My gut says let this play out a bit.  He’s stupid enough to gloat so let him do so.  I still can’t believe the way she behaved that weekend, it was kinda creepy to watch.  But you handled her good.”

I give her a quick kiss, but she still looks concerned.

                “Not as well as I could.  Where it comes to Zee and Faal, I think she’s got the message so will inevitably turn her gimlet eye back on Brian after all Gus will be 18 soon and the support payments stop and once Justin and he are married well she’s completely cut off.  I think she’s going to come for as much as she can get in the meantime.   But if she goes back after Faal, I’m pretty sure that Zee doesn’t need my help in getting her to back the fuck off.  And if she needs my help, I am more than happy to oblige.”

The coldness in her eyes gives me the shivers…in a good way!

WHITE & SULLIVAN – FRIDAY MORNING

ADAM

                “So let me get this straight Mr Novotny, you…”

                “Novotny Bruckner, I’m still married.”  He corrects me.

                “Mr Novotny Bruck…”

                “But you can call me Michael.” 

                “Fine, fine.  Michael let me understand this you no longer wish to sue Alice Stephenson?  But you are now contesting the food bill for $5,000 they say you ordered?”

                “Yes.”

                “And did you order the food?”

                “Yes.”

I stare at him in bewilderment and think the more time I spend with this guy the more I can feel my intellect plummeting.

                “Why did you order $5000 worth of food and why didn’t mention this when you first came to see me.  The 7 days have more than elapsed so they are going to issue another suit for that.”

                “I have never had them before.  And besides I knew Brian wouldn’t mind its Justin who’s caused this.”

                “Michael, let me tell you something about White & Sullivan.  Started by my grandfather, this firm has an over 100 year history, its reputation is impeccable and we treat our clients with honesty, integrity and respect and in return we expect the same.  You’re aware that we bill you for every appointment you have, every paper we have to file, every single everything?”

                “You’re one of the best that’s why I came to you.” He smiles and nods. 

                “And it’s because we are the best, not one of the best, the best that I can’t in all good consciousness continue to represent you.  Please let me explain.  You will not win.  Not one of them.  Your only hope is that your soon to be ex-husband doesn’t sue you for the money he paid unknowingly on your behalf.  But from what I’ve heard of Professor Bruckner he seems a decent guy, so you might get a slide on that one.  You can take your cases to as many lawyers in the Pittsburgh area as you want but I would advise you not to go with anyone that wants to represent you, because you will not win and they will just take your money.”

                “So what happens now?”  He asks me.

                “You leave my office, I send the final bill we never contact each other again.  Good day to you.”

I go back to my paperwork and it takes him a good 2 minutes to take the hint and leave. 

                “Carol, please put Mr Michael Novotny Bruckner on the hang up list and never allow him in this office again.  Thanks.”

WOODY’S – FRIDAY EVENING

JUSTIN

I think I have become spoilt.  The food in Woody’s just doesn’t do it for me anymore.  I am waiting for Brian to come back with our drinks and for once I am hoping there is no food disc.  Alice wouldn’t do the crab claws when we brought them home and hid them in the freezer, somewhere, if I didn’t love her so much I would threaten her with a pink slip just to find them.

                “Fancy a game?”  Brian nods to the empty pool table.

                “Sure.  Hey what are you doing here?”  I am surprised to see Zee.

                “Being treated for date night.  You guys got drinks?”

                “Yeah, we were going to play pool.  Can you play?”

                “Haven’t played in a while so may be a little rusty.” 

                “Rusty why are you saying rusty?”  Faal asks handing over her drink.

                “Pool.”

                “No absolutely not.”  Faal shakes his head firmly.

                “Why not?”  I am curious.

                “There’s good, there’s great and there’s Zee.”

                “Who hasn’t played in about 5 years might I remind you?”

                “No.”  He repeats.

                “Seriously?”  Brian asks.

                “Yep.  Don’t take her on, you will lose.”

                “Now that’s fighting talk.  Shall we?”  He indicates the table to Zee.

                “Stakes?”  I ask

                “None.  Just for fun.”  She replies.

We head to the table.

                “Stripes or solids and how many games?”  She asks.

                “Solids and best of three.”

                “Ladies first.”

                “Oh no.”  Faal mutters.

Zee makes the perfect break and Brian doesn’t get to go on the table once.  In the 2nd game he pots one ball and in the 3rd again he doesn’t get on the table, and she managed all three games in under half an hour, the small crowd that had gathered were impressed and he only pouted a little.

                “Seriously where the fuck did you learn to play like that?”  He asks.

                “Garrison.  There was a lot of downtime between the skirmishes.”

Faal chuckles and hands Brian a beer.

                “I warned you.”

We grab an empty table.  Suddenly Faal stiffens and narrows his eyes.

                “Take it Michael’s here?”  Brian asks

He nods and mutters something under his breath.

                “And he’s coming over?”  Brian sighs.

Faal nods.

                “Brian may I talk to you?  Alone and outside?”

He nods and follows him out.

BRIAN

                “What?”

                “How have you been?”

                “What.  Do.  You.  Want.”  I spit out.

                “I just want you to know that I will always be your best friend and I know you are doing this to appease Justin and impress your new friends.  When you’re done doing that with them I’ll be waiting like I always have and I always will.”

He steps forward as if to give me a hug but before I could even step back, Emmy Lou arrived and pulled him away.

                “What the hell are you doing Michael?”  He snaps.

                “Going to hug my best friend goodbye of course!”  He retorts shaking off Emmy Lou’s hand.

                “And what best friend would that be?”  I snarl my anger rising and fists curling.

                “Brian.”  Emmy Lou caught the immediate change in my demeanour.  “I do believe Baby wants a word.  And by word I mean you take him home and fuck the hell out of him yes, now and immediately please!”

I take steadying breaths and head to the door to find Justin already standing there with my coat, I take his hand and lead him to the top of the street and wait for the service.

MICHAEL

                “What the hell is wrong with you Emmett?  Brian and I were reconnecting!”

                “Recon…what the fuck are you talking about?  The only way Brian and you were going to reconnect was with his fist to any part of you he could reach!  Leave him alone Michael.  Leave him alone.”

                “As I said to him and I will repeat to you, when he’s finished appeasing Boy Wonder and playing up to his new friends I will be waiting for him!”

                “You are going to be waiting a long time then!  Oh and calling Justin Boy Wonder not good.  Now excuse me I am going to join our dear family friends for drinks!  Be bothersome elsewhere!” 

He shouts at me and then stalks inside. 

 Just as I was about to follow him, I hear someone call Brian’s name, it’s Steve and Ben.  They stop and chat for a while before they head towards Woody’s. 

CAR SERVICE

JUSTIN

                “Look at me Brian.”  I demand.

                “Justin not…”

                “Yes now.  Look at me.”

He turns his head towards me slowly and I can see the regret and pain on his face.

                “I wanted to hit him so badly.  If it wasn’t for Emmy Lou…”

                “Emmy Lou couldn’t have stopped you and you know that, you stopped you.”

I slide into his lap and place both hands in his hair and gaze into his eyes.

                “You stopped you.  You’re Brian Aiden Kinney the man I love and don’t ever forget that.”

I ghost my lips across his before sliding my tongue across.  His breath catches and he slides his hands round my waist.  I pull his lower lip into my mouth and gently suckle before engulfing his mouth holding him still whilst I ravage his mouth.  When the need to breathe becomes necessary he looks somewhat dazed.

I rotate my hips and he lets out a low groan.  I kiss a trail to his ear and nibble his lobe.  I feel his sigh of pleasure in my dick as I keep rotating my hips.  I slowly unbutton his shirt and nibble and suckle on his nipples.  He starts to scramble at the intercom.

                “Vince.  How long until we reach our destination?”  He croaks.

                “Another 15 minutes Mr K.” 

                “Make it 20.”  He gasps as I go back to sucking on his neck.

                “Sure thing Mr K.”

I reach between us and undo his belt and slowly slide my hands into his jeans.

                “Commando how nice.”  I murmur and I stroke his cock slowly.

                “Unh!”

                “Kick off your shoes.”  I order softly.

I slide down his lap and tug his jeans down and off, his cock is hard and leaking.  I push apart his legs and kiss a trail up his thigh before rimming his belly button and kissing a trail down his other thigh.

                “Justin please!”  He whimpers.

                “Hush.  And keep still.”

I breathe on his head lapping up the pre-cum slowly with feather light licks, he thrusts his hips.

                “Keep still or I will stop.”

With great effort he stays his hips and I go back to my slow licking.

                “F-f-fuck Justin please, please!”

I swirl my tongue round his head and then take him down to the root.

                “Oh!  Fuck!  Baby!”  He yelps and bucks his hips.

I grasp his wriggling ass and pull him down further, spreading his legs wider and shuffle back so he’s totally exposed to me.  I kiss and suck his balls before lapping at his hole.

                “Oh God!  Mmm!  Oh God!” 

I work my tongue in.

                “I can’t!  I can’t!”  He cries out as he pushes his feet hard into the floor.

                “You can’t what?”  I ask before taking him down my throat again.

                “K-keep sti-still!  Wh-when you…oh God.  Yes, please yes like that like that!”

Kneeling up I push my jeans down and swiftly enter him.

                “Aaah Justin!  Justin!”  He screams.

I start to thrust.  He puts both feet on the partition and reaches for me.

                “Now, now fuck me please fuck me!”

I snap my hips as much as I could from that angle managing to hit his prostate every time, he grunts and gasps with each thrust.  Suddenly he stiffens.

                “Fuck yes!”  His cum sprays up his belly and chest.

I thrust a couple more time before I groan out my orgasm and slump down across him.

We remain like that for a few minutes until I notice the car has stopped.  I lift my head and slowly withdraw.  Opening the door I notice we are in the garage and Vince has left us a towel and two bottles of water.

I crawl out and pull my jeans up wobbling a little.

                “Are we home?”  Brian croaks from his sprawled position.

                “Yeah.  Stay there.” 

                “Second best thing you said to me tonight.”  He mumbles.

I get back in the car and gently wipe him down and try to clean up the car as best I can.

                “What was the first best thing?” 

He gets out of the car wrapping the towel round himself.

                “That I stopped myself.”

I smile and stand on tiptoes and gently kiss him.  Then gather up his clothes and pull him into the house.

BROWNSTONE

HUNTER

Three whole fucking days of cataloguing has been tiring but there are some awesome pieces in there.  I wish I had a talent like that.  My back is killing me and I cannot wait to get into the bath, which Matt is setting for me, it smells so good in there.

                “Can I come in yet?  I am stiffening up and not in a good way.”  I call out trying to ease my back.

He snorts a laugh and pokes his head out the door.

                “Two minutes.  Take your time getting undressed.”

I change into a robe and sigh heavily outside the door.

                “Jeez okay come on in.” 

                “Finally, what kept you?”  I tease kissing him on his nose.

                “Had to get it perfect.  Now get in and after your soak I will give you a nice deep tissue massage that will get every kink out…”

                “Every kink?”  I groan as the water envelopes me.

                “Well mostly.”  He kisses me deeply before leaving.

After 20 minutes the water begins to cool and I am feeling so relaxed.  I get out and head to the bedroom, where he has set the room up for my massage.  At first it is so uncomfortable that I spend more time wincing and when he says he’s doing it again I try and find a way to say no without hurting his feelings.

                “Um Matt, that was great but…oh!”

                “But what?”  He asks pressing into my shoulders.

                “Mmmmm.  Oh that feels, feels wonderful, can you do that again?”  I murmur

                “It’s the same pressure that I applied the last time just now the muscles are relaxed…”

                “Less talking more press…oh God where did you…oh.”

                “Took a course.”  He plants a kiss in the middle of my shoulder blades.

As he massages my back I melt into the sheets.  He skims over my ass and does my legs, he even does my toes.

                “How’s that feeling?”

                “Ummph.” 

He laughs and then starts to massage my ass and slowly I start to wake up.

                “Um Matt.”  I whimper and start to squirm.

                “Mmm?”

                “I don’t think…oh!”

                “Then stop thinking.”  He whispers in my ear.

SHADYSIDE RESIDENCE – SATURDAY MORNING

MICHAEL

I am so pissed off right now.  It’s not that I don’t like my new home, though the addition of some of my collectibles would make it perfect, I am going to get those back no matter what they say.  

But my annoyance is twofold, one that I am surrounded by breeders and two I overheard in Woody’s last night that not only has Brian asked Cynthia to be his best woman but Boy Wonder asked Ben to be an usher!  I mean seriously what a farce that is! 

I am surprised to hear my door knocking.

                “Yes can I help you?”  I ask the man standing outside.

                “Hi, my name is Joshua I live across the street from you with my wife and stepdaughter.  I wanted to welcome you to the neighbourhood.”

                “Um thank you, I’m Michael, Michael Novotny Bruckner.”

We stand there awkwardly for a few seconds.

                “Would you like to come in?”  I ask.

                “No got to get back to the family.  Nice to meet you.” 

I watch him go back to his house and shut the door.  Breeders are so awkward I think to myself.

BRITIN – SATURDAY EARLY EVENING

BRIAN

                “Lilah, what is it with you and that scarf.  Why do you like it so much?”  I gently try to remove it from her claws.  “Come on Lilah give now.”

She mewls an objection so I stop tugging.  Then she purrs and blinks slowly whilst kneading the scarf, before doing a quick circle to wrap it round her body and closes her eyes.

                “It smells of her favourite human.”  Alice chuckles.

I snicker and follow her from the lounge to the kitchen, she had insisted on cooking for the family a Creole feast so we are all looking forward to that. 

                “Don’t let Justin in here before we do the oysters please!”  She begs.

                “I heard that!”  Justin calls from the hallway.

                “Believe me he doesn’t need any help with his libido.”  I smirk.

                “I know I do your laundry.  And can sometimes hear you if you don’t close the window.  Or are in the stables, the barn, and the garage or by the brook.”  She comments dryly. 

                “Alice!”  Justin’s face is bright red. 

She shrugs and as the doorbell goes heads to open it.

                “You are on bubbles Emmy Lou.”  She tells him.  “Are those the oysters?”

                “Uh huh.  And some prawns.  Faal finally found out where the take out place gets them from.  I heard rumours that they have stocked up for Christmas!”  He trills.

                “Indeed we have.”  Zee confirms coming in with wine and heading back out again.

                “I can’t wait to spend Christmas there.  Oh my God I have just realised something, we can go ice skating!”  Justin is vibrating with happiness.

                “Uh sweetie, as much fun as that would be.  The park is on the other side of the city and would be very crowded.” 

Emmy Lou reminds him.

                “I think, my darling Emmy Lou he is referring to our outside pool.  That’s a great idea.  Remind me to do that tomorrow, gonna start dumping ice.  About a month and a half and weather permitting that should be rock solid.”

Zee dumps an ice box on the table.

                “What’s that?”  I ask.

                “Your supply of prawns.”  She replies.  “Which need to be put in portions.”

By the time most of the family arrive at least 6 extra prawns have made it to the pot.  I shake my head at his innocent expression.

                “Fooling nobody you twat.”

I envelope my fiancée in my arms not just because I love him but they are starting to do the ice plate for the oysters.

                “Brian!”  He whines trying to wriggle out of my embrace.

                “Nope, staying here, you’ve already snuck in the prawns.”

He slumps in defeat but I am not fooled for one second.

                “Please just one.”

                “No.”  Alice and Emmy Lou say at the same time.

                “Why don’t you show them the pictures you have picked for your next show that should take your mind of things?”  I suggest.

                “Oh that would be great.  When is it again?”  Faal asks.

                “January next year.  It’s called Emotions and Passion.”

We all head to the lounge and after setting up the projector, he goes through them commenting on each one.

                “Wowsers!”  Zee exclaims

                “Yeah.  This and that one are my two biggest regrets.”  He sighs sadly.  I give his hand a squeeze.

                “Why they are so…hot.  Brian is that you?”  She asks.

                “Yep.”

                “He’s in both.  One is called The Kiss and the other is Lust.”

                “Why do you regret them, they are beautiful.”  She asks.

                “I don’t have them anymore.  We got into a spectacular row, entirely my fault, and in a fit of pique I sold them and have no idea where they are now.” 

                “I’m sorry.  They should be home with you guys.  Have you tried to find them?”  Faal asks.

                “Unfortunately, my agent at the time was going through cancer treatment and when he passed away the documentation got lost.” 

At the first sniffle, I pull him into my lap, he always get emotional about those paintings. 

                “Let’s see if Alice needs a hand.”  Carl orders and chivvies them all out.

I can feel him shaking and stroke his hair.

                “It’s okay baby it’s okay.  You have the real thing.”  I soothe

                “But they are so personal and…and…”  He hiccups.

Lilah sensing his distress give a small mew of concern and crawls into his lap and rests her head on his hand.

                “The real thing is right here, with a cat called Lilah now who would’ve thought that after that fight?”

He looks at me and I brush the tears off his lashes.

                “Now come on, I’m pretty sure Alice will let you have an oyster now.”

He gives me a small smile and lifts Lilah up, she settles back into her scarf, and we go to join the others.

                “So I need a taster for this prawn, you know just to make sure the salt’s right?  Whoever shall I ask?”

Alice waves the plate nonchalantly.

                “I suppose I could help you out.  If you really need the help.” 

                “Yes Justin, I really need the help.”

The door goes again and this time it is Matt and Hunter.  Matt comes in the kitchen but Hunter goes into the lounge to charge his iPhone.

                “Feeling better?”  I whisper to him.

                “Mmm.”  He kisses my chin.

                “Right everyone let’s go eat!”  Debs calls.

We head to the lounge and obviously Zee and Emmy Lou have been at work.  The table looks gorgeous.

                “Zee why don’t you go into catering, you’re a great cook, work great with Emmy Lou and have a great eye?”  I ask.

                “I cook for the fun of it.”  She replies.

                “I have said to her before she should do this.  But like her glassblowing she is too shy, she shares with a select group, which I am very happy to be a part of.”  Faal kisses her temple.  “The picture and back wall windows in the Treehouse and the windows in The Glasshouse took months to do but they are perfect and…”

                “You did this?” 

I snatch up my phone and show her the lock screen.  It is the picture window in the bedroom we stay in when we are in the Treehouse.  She nods blushing a bit.

                “Can you do stemware?  And how long would a glass take?”  Emmy Lou asks thoughtfully.

                “I can do pretty much anything.  And yes I have done him.”  She smirks.

                “What do you mean you’ve done him, I don’t understand.”  Jennifer looks confused.

Tucker leans over whispers in her ear, a slow blush creeps up her face.

                “Really?!”

                “He away a lot for a while, a gal has needs.”  She shrugs.  “In answer to your question Emmy Lou, depending on the design about a day.  Why?”

                “Let me give it some thought, I have an idea.” 

Emmy Lou smiles that goofy smile of his, what’s he up to?

                “Oh dude I didn’t realise they were yours.”  Hunter says out of the blue.

                “Two things.  One what are you talking about and who are you talking to?”  Debs asks.

                “Justin.  I didn’t realise the pictures were yours.  They are pretty hot.”

                “What pictures?”

                “The ones that were on screen.  Was doing cataloguing this week and they were listed under unknown artist after an estate sale.  Apparently they have been there a while, and…”

                “Which pictures!  Show me!”  Justin shouts.

He pulls Hunter back into the lounge but the pictures aren’t on screen anymore.  I see the disappointment hit him hard.

                “No that’s not them, you need to go back a couple.  Wait.  This one and yeah this one.” 

                “Hunter I need you to be absolutely sure that these are the pictures you saw?”  I tell him.

He sighs heavily and logs onto the Uptown Gallery website.

                “See that one and that one.  They go on general sale on Monday.  What’s the big deal?” He asks.

                “I’m going to call the manager what’s the number…”

                “Justin wait.  If you call then they will shank you price wise, let someone else do it.  Ah Ted, you’ve always wanted a piece of artwork yes?”  Faal asks.

                “First put a reserve on them, to hold them.  And I don’t care if you have to camp out on Sunday night I want them here by 0930 on Monday, understood?”  I tell him firmly.

                “Loud and clear.”  Ted replies.

UPTOWN GALLERY – MONDAY MORNING

TED

The things I do for Brian.  When I first saw the pictures on screen, yeah they were hot but that is nothing compared to real life.  The Kiss shows Brian’s mouth swollen, moist and with a slight smile and the trail of saliva between his and Justin’s lips, you don’t really see it until you are really studying it.   As for Lust, his head is thrown back and his mouth is open in a cry of pleasure but it’s the way it is captured.  You can practically feel the sweat slicking his skin, his eyes are partly closed but you know they are fluttering as pleasure runs through him…and now I have a hard on…great!

BRITIN

JUSTIN

I keep looking at the clock willing 0930 to come quickly, I know Ted won’t be late.  Brian and Alice are as anxious as I am.  Finally I hear a car in the drive and it’s Ted.  Vince helps him bring them in and I tear off the packaging, uncaring of paper cuts. 

I stare at them, touching them, remembering painting them and look at Brian with tears running down my face.

                “They’re home.”

He kisses away my tears before tearing off my clothes.

CHAPTER 4 – RESOLVE IS WEAKENING…THEN SHE CAME ALONG!

NOVEMBER 2014

TREEHOUSE – SATURDAY LATE AFTERNOON

FAAL

I watch the truck back up and dump more ice in the pool.  It is coming along nicely and if this cold weather holds then Justin will get his wish and will be ice skating at Christmas.  He’s such a big kid…but I have to admit that I am looking forward to it too.  And I know that Ben and Hunter are as well.  And it will be something for Hunter to teach Matt, he’s always been afraid the ice would break or he would slice his fingers off.

I head back to join the family and wink at Emmy Lou and nod at Brian and Justin.

                “So Justin, I was wondering what you think of this?” 

Emmy Lou asks and hands him a piece of paper.

                “What exactly is it?”  He frowns keeping his head down.

                “A glass, a champagne coupe in fact, so from an artist’s point of view what do you think of the style and form, do you think it flows?”

                “It does, I guess but maybe you could change it slightly?”

                “How so?”  He hands Justin at pencil.

                “Well you could make it a bit deeper, the one thing I have always found is that coupes are just that tiny bit too shallow, it’s like one sip and it’s empty.  What do you think Brian?”

                “Uh, oh yes, sorry miles away.  Champagne coupes, always too shallow and too delicate, if only they could be made slightly thicker and…”

                “Okay let’s skip the foreplay and cut to the fuck.  What do you want?”  Zee sighs.  “Your acting is appalling.”

                “You to make our wedding glasses just a set for the family.  I’m only doing this once so it will be a reminder of a momentous occasion…”  Justin rushes out.

I watch her face, the incredulous and touched expression is priceless.

                “Let me see that.” 

She indicates the paper and Justin and Emmy Lou start to sniffle and squeal and sit next to her.  She holds out her hand as if holding a glass, looking thoughtful.

                “We could have a longer and thicker stem and maybe a second lip before the actual cup so that when you’re holding it, the champagne doesn’t get too warm or…”

                “Ooh I like the sound of that.  Warm bubbles bad…”  Emmy Lou nods sagely.

Suddenly she smiles and starts to scribble furiously, then looks round at all of us.

                “What, what is it?”  Justin demands excitedly.

                “Not sure but I have a glimmer of an idea.  Right no more of this, or it won’t be a surprise!”

She pulls me into the kitchen.

                “I love you.”  She whispers before kissing me softly and going to put on the coffee.

I head back to the lounge with the dopiest smile on my face, it gets bigger when she curls into my lap and wiggles to make herself comfortable.  We sit in companionable silence just watching the fire when suddenly Emmy Lou giggles.

                “What’s so funny?”  Brian asks.

                “Not that I am knocking this, but there was a time when I would just be waking up after a night, or actually morning, in Babylon and trying to find a way to either get rid of a trick or cure a hangover.  Or even both.  Now look at us all.”

                “Jeez, I can’t remember the last time I went to Babylon to dance.”  Ted chuckles.

                “Uh Teddy, I was there what you were doing was not dancing.”  Emmy Lou teases.

                “What’s it like?”  Zee asks.

Pairs of astonished eyes look at her.

                “What do you mean what’s it like?  You’ve never been?”  Blake gasps.

                “I have heard stories of your legendary, now retired happily, antics.”  I tease Brian.

He snorts and nuzzles Justin’s neck.

                “Oh God do you remember the King of Babylon contest that David entered?!”  Emmett gasps.

                “David as in David Cameron David?”  Jennifer giggles at the image of him dancing.

                “Yeah I entered him, much to Michael’s embarrassment and annoyance, because I was being an asshole but Justin won.”

                “He won?  What kind of dancing was it?”  Jennifer asks.

                “Pole dancing, with lots of air fuc…thrusting.  And I do believe there was a little evening delight after that wasn’t there?”  Brian teases an embarrassed Justin.

                “So why don’t we go?  I’ve not worked up a sweat on the dancefloor for ages.”  Zee suggests.

We all exchange glances. 

                “And by we, I mean everyone in this room, we can do it on one of our weekends, which would make it either the weekend before after Thanksgiving…” 

                “Oh no I don’t think I could…”  Carl blusters.

                “Nonsense, I’ve always said you’d make one hell of a bear, I think it’s an excellent idea!  Oh come on Carl, you’d love it, we’ll keep you very safe.”  Emmy Lou is wheedling.

                “We can book a stretch hummer, the ones with the TV set to the sports channel.  So if it gets too much for you Carl you can always go back to the car…”  Zee is now batting her eyes at him.

                “TV, sports channel and beer and…I can bail when I want?”  He looks pointedly at Emmy Lou.

                “I will even provide nibbles so that you don’t get hungry.  I promise.”  He crosses his fingers.

                “So we are going to go dancing in Babylon?”  Tucker asks.

                “Looks like it.”  Brian drawls.

                “Well here’s to that then!”  I raise my glass.  “If you think her pool is good…”  I smirk at him.

SHADYSIDE RESIDENCE

MICHAEL

I finally feel settled here, well apart from the Breeders.  Joshua seems a nice guy and his wife, Carrie, and kid, Sarah, are okay I suppose. 

I haven’t seen much of the gang lately and now that I don’t have my store I don’t have much to do.  I have been surfing for collectibles mostly. 

And it seems they have been in touch with my ex-accountant as they called me to ask why I hadn’t told them I no longer had the store.  I said I forgot.  He told me that as the new owners they had the right to look at the books so it would’ve saved him having to sit through an embarrassing phone call.  I hung up on him.  He’s no longer my accountant so he doesn’t get to speak to me like that. 

The rent on this place isn’t too bad, think Lindz got me a special deal.  With the money I still have left of the loan, I can live off that for a while.   I should really save that and look for a job but it’s too cold to trudge out for interviews for jobs I most likely won’t get. 

I had heard and seen the mailman earlier so head out to collect it.  As I look across the street I could’ve sworn I saw Hank, no must have imagined it.

There’s the bill from the lawyers but nothing more.  So Mr Smarty Pants Lawyer was wrong about them issuing another writ for the food bill, maybe he was wrong about other things he said too. 

Just as I’m about to make a cup of coffee my phone rings.

                “Michael Novotny Bruckner speaking.”

                “Hello, this is Paula, I am from Pittsburgh Fine Foods. I was given your contact details by a Ted Schmidt with regards to an outstanding bill.”

                “Who and what outstanding bill?”

                “It seems that there was some charges placed erroneously on the account of Kinnetic Inc and these should be billed to yourself.  I am calling to settle the account as it is long past due.  We need this paid today so as to avoid unnecessary litigation.” 

                “I don’t…”

                “Mr Novotny Bruckner, there are emails that are from you ordering the food, whilst you had authority to order certain items up to a certain date our records show that you ordered extra items and past the authorised date.  And these were delivered to another address on occasion.  As I said to avoid unnecessary litigation this needs to be settled, you would hate to pay court fees on top of the $5,000 you already owe now wouldn’t you?”

Twenty minutes later I have $5K less in my bank and need a friendly voice.

                “Hi oh Jenny, hey Honeybun how are you?” 

                “Mom!  He’s on the phone!” 

I can hear Mel asking who he is.

                “Michael.  How nice of you to finally call.  Is this about the non-arrival of your part the support payment?”  She coldly asks.

                “Where’d Jenny go I wanted to talk to her?  Wait what?  My part?”  

                “She doesn’t want to talk to you Michael?  Yes your part you still have to support your daughter, Ben is doing his bit, you have to do yours, so I expect it by Monday.  Now if you don’t mind.”

                “No wait, can I speak to Lindz instead then?”

                “Lindz?  Uh no, she’s out.  Won’t be back until later.”

                “Oh right, can you get her to call me back then?  Thanks bye.”

MEL & LINDZ HOUSE

MEL

I look at the phone in confusion, since when have Michael and Lindz been speaking buddies?  My thoughts are dragged from that by the sound of an annoyed huff and muttering.

                “So what did he say?”

                “Oh hi Honeybun how are you?  No sorry nothing!  If he had just made an effort and he’s not even called Hunter to apologise to him. I’ve checked.  Whenever he sees him he goes in the opposite direction, Hunter not him, he’s so upset.  I’ve made up my mind for sure, I am going to ask papa to formally adopt me but…”

                “As much as he’s hurt you and Hunter, you don’t want to disown him?”  I ask gently.

                “Not yet.  I want to give him just one more chance.”  She says in a small voice.  “But if he fucks up then we’re done!”  She growls.

                “There’s my girl!” 

We fist bump and hug.

                “What are you two happy about?”  Lindz voice startles us.

                “We’ve come to a decision about Michael.”

                “What does that mean exactly?”  She asks.

                “Sorry, client attorney privilege.  Oh speaking of Michael, he phoned, wants you to call him back.”

                “Yes I will do that later, it’s good for him to know he still has a friend.”

FORTY MINUTES LATER

LINDZ

                “Hi Michael it’s me Lindz?  How’s everything going?  You all settled in now?   Ah yes I had forgotten how family centric that place is.  What do you mean Mel reamed you out, what for?  Oh I see, just make sure you pay it on Monday.  And I think there is going to be good news about this adoption nonsense.  Look I have got to go, I will call you later in the week okay?”

I sigh and head downstairs, luckily the kids are in their rooms.

                “Mel, Michael is having enough problems at the moment, couldn’t you have been a bit gentler with him?”

                “In what respect was I not gentle?”  She looks confused.

                “About the support payments…”

                “Oh well how come Ben can gets his here on time and Michael can’t?  I’m not sure what you are up to Lindz but it worries me that you seem to be more interested in being Michael’s friend than Jenny’s mom.”

                “I’m not it’s just…”

                “You realise that he still has the money he got from Brian and Justin, he has no excuse!  That hotel must be costing him a fortune to stay in…”

                “He’s not in the hotel, he’s in my parents prop…”

                “What!  You have got to be fucking kidding me!”

                “No, I was going to tell you, but only when I knew what was happening with him and Jenny.  And now that seems to be sorted, he’ll have somewhere for Jenny to stay when she visits…”

                “I’m not visiting him!  Not until he makes things better if he even wants to!”  Jenny shouts.

We both whirl round in surprise.

                “Everything is on him now!  He’s got to try and he’s not bothered yet!”

She stomps back upstairs to her room.

                “Bullshit!  This is total bullshit!”  Mel snaps and storms upstairs.

MEL & LINDZ’S HOUSE – NEXT DAY

MEL

Jenny and Gus are out, he wanted to cheer her up after yesterday.  So this should give Lindz and me time to talk, but of course she flounced out this morning so I am sitting here waiting for her return, when my phone rings.

                “Melanie Marcus speaking.”

                “Hi Melanie, its Harry Chase from Chase Donaldson and Harper how are you?  I hope you don’t mind me calling you on a Sunday?”

                “Oh hi Harry.  I’m fine how about you, you’re not disturbing me.”

                “How’s Toronto treating you?”  He asks.

                “Well the winters are a bitch but I can’t complain too much.”

                “Well I’ll come straight to the point.  I’ve always admired your tenacity and fighting spirit when I faced you in court, hence you leading me 5 to 1.  And since I would rather fight with you than against you, there is a partnership vacancy coming up at the end of the year and I wanted to give you first refusal.”

                “What?”  I gasp.

                “Obviously this would mean moving back to good ole Pittsburgh but would you give it some thought at least?”

                “Uh yeah.  I will.  Thanks, oh wait when do you need a decision?”

                “Before Thanksgiving, or latest the first week in December, which would give us time to sort out the paperwork before you, hopefully, start in the New Year.”

I hang up and stare at my phone.  What the actual fuck!

UPTOWN GALLERY – WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON

MATT

                “Hey.” 

Hunter leaps about 10 feet in the air and immediately hangs up.

                “Hey.  What, what are you doing here?”  He looks distinctly uncomfortable and guilty.

                “Lunch?  We arranged to go at one.”  I remind him.

                “Oh yeah, sorry forgot, things on my mind.”

                “So are we going?”  I nod towards the door.

He nods and we head out.  It turns out to be one of the worst lunches ever, he’s barely talking or eating.  I try and think about what I have done or anything that’s worrying him and when he practically runs back to the gallery I have a bad feeling about this.  He’s been like this for the last week.

My gut feeling gets worse when he cancels on me last minute.  I know the signs and this is not good.

TREEHOUSE

MATT

                “What no date with your boy?”  Dad teases.

                “No.” 

Dad turns my face to him and I try to blink back the tears. 

                “What is it?”  He asks gently.

                “I don’t know!  He’s being secretive!  He’s been on the phone a lot and he hangs up when I come in and now he’s cancelled on me on the last minute without a good reason, other than he’s tired!  I think he’s going to dump me!”

The one thing I love about dad is that although he has a robust sense of humour and I complain about his lack of boundaries, he does actually know when to stop.  Pulling me into his arms, he lets me cry, rubbing my back until I stop.

                “Have you asked him if there is a problem?”

                “No, too scared!”

                “How can you deal with a problem if you don’t know what it is?”

I sniffle and know he’s right, but would never tell him that. 

                “Call him and explain your worries and see what he says.”

                “Yeah but not today.”

I head upstairs and shake my head at mom when she looks at me.

FAAL

                “What’s up with Matt?”  Zee asks.

                “He thinks Hunter is going to dump him.”

She sighs in frustration.

                “I told him to be honest.  I told him not to do it this way.  But did he listen, nope, well now look what’s happened?!”

                “What do you mean, you know what’s happening?”  I demand.

She nods and calls for Matt, it takes him a full 10 minutes to come down.

                “Sit down.  And listen, do not say a word, just listen.”  She orders and then dials a number.

                “Hey.”

                “Hey Hunter.  How you doing?”

                “Um okay I guess.  Struggling with the pears.  I don’t know if I’ve got it quite right it looks a little lopsided.  And I think there’s too much sugar.  Fuck!”

                “Hunter, sweetheart can you tell me again why you are doing this?”

                “Because I love your son, it’s his favourite dinner and I want to get this meal right.  He almost caught me ordering the goose legs today, when can you show me how to confit, yeah confit, them…”

                “Sweetie I know my son.  He will be imaging all kinds of shit right now if you start acting differently.  So you guys going to the Brownstone tonight?”

                “Um…”

                “Oh what’s with the um?”

                “I kinda cancelled last minute on him.”

                “Hunter!  How is that helpful?  Look, don’t you think it would be better to let him help?  It will make it more special for you both?”

                “I guess.”

There is a long silence, we all exchange looks.

                “Matt?”

We all jump when he says his name.

                “Wanna come over and I tell you why I’m doing what I’m doing?”

                “Yeah, where are you?”

                “At home.”

                “Okay see you soon.”

                “Okay.  Uh Zee?”

                “Yep.”

                “Nicely done.”

                “That Hunter speak for thank you?”

                “Yeah.  Bye.”

BEN & HUNTER’S HOUSE – 35 MINUTES LATER

HUNTER

I open the door and before I could say anything he captures my mouth and after 10 minutes he lifts his head.

                “So this dinner then?”

                “Sometimes Jenny makes a lot of sense, with the 3 month thing…”  I mumble embarrassed.

                “Yes, yes she does.”  He replies before kissing me again.

SHADYSIDE RESIDENCE – THURSDAY MORNING

MICHAEL

I have a bitch of a headache having been shouted out by Mel for the last 10 minutes.  I forgot to send the support payment and then she had to remind me again, it’s not totally my fault Ben always handled these things if he had reminded me of the date it was due.

I head to the park to clear my head, although it is cold there is sunshine.  I’m brought up short when I see David with Carrie and Sarah, I storm over to them.

                “What the hell are you doing here David?!”  I bellow.

                “I could ask the same of you Michael.  Shouldn’t you be in the store?” He replies coolly.

                “What’s going on here, I could hear you clear across the park Michael.”  Joshua demands.

                “You should keep you and your family away from this charlatan.”  I warn.

                “What are you talking about?”  Joshua snaps.

                “This man is a liar, whatever you do guard your money, and don’t believe anything he says!” 

I shout and smile when Joshua turns to David and frowns

                “David, what is he talking about?”

My smile wavers, David looks totally calm.

                “As you are aware Joshua, I’m bisexual.  Well, I made the mistake of restarting a former relationship with Michael, one I regret deeply.  He gave me some money and after I ended the relationship he wanted it back, naturally I refused as I considered it a gift.”

                “Bi…”  I splutter.

                “And not that it’s any of your business Michael, but since you seem to live round here and we run the risk of bumping into each other, I am here to visit my daughter Sarah.”

                “I think now would be a good time to go back home.”  Joshua mutters and they leave.

Bisexual?  Daughter?  What?!

DINER

KIKI

Ah the yellow bellied asshole has crawled out of his lair.  Debs starts to head towards him but I shake my head.

                “Yes can I help you?”

                “I’m waiting for ma.” 

                “This is my section, her section is busy so again can I help you?”

                “I need a coffee, double espresso.”

I tap the toe of my velvet pump until he looks up and I quirk a perfectly manicured brow.

                “Please?”  He asks begrudgingly.

I nod and head to sort out the miscreant’s order.

Once served, I keep a careful eye on Debs, he keeps looking at her morosely and the only thing he doesn’t do is start crying.  I know she’s going to cave and I can’t stop her all I can do is be there for her when the inevitable shit hits the fan.

DEBS

I know Kiki means well but he’s still my boy but I can do this I can!

                “Michael what are you doing here?  Shouldn’t you be looking for work?”

                “I’m too traumatised to do that!  Besides I still have some money left from them to live on.”  He gripes

I know he’s waiting for me to ask what’s wrong but I don’t.

                “So I understand you are now in Shadyside?  It…”

                “Wow he got to you quickly didn’t he?  Did he gloat about it?”

Kiki edges closer ready to come to my aid if needs be.

                “Look Michael, I don’t know what you are talking about.  The reason I know you are in Shadyside is because you…”

                “Saw David and he took great pleasure in rubbing it in that he is bisexual, regrets restarting our relationship, doesn’t have to give my money back and oh guess what has a daughter!”  He snarls.

                “No actually I was going to say, that you told Ben your new address.  An address I would’ve preferred to have gotten from you directly I might add.”

                “It’s not as if you’ve been in contact!”  He snaps.

                “Contact works both ways Michael!  And again with the mouth!  Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to cover my section!”

As I turn to walk back I see Carl at the counter, he nods, smiles, then blows me a kiss.

BEN & HUNTER’S – WEDNESDAY EVENING

STEVE

I really like the new layout.  Thank fuck they’ve got rid of that ugly unit.  Hunter and Matt took great pleasure in smashing it to smithereens, no prizes for guessing who picked it out.

With the open plan style of the place it looks more homely.  And the massive TV that he has on the wall is a great focal point.  We pooled together and got him that, he was so touched.  It has this special feature that when it’s not being used for watching you can set a screensaver to whatever you want, currently he has a slide show of Tibet.  It’s very soothing.  He’s decorated upstairs, everything just looks so fresh and new.

                “So you ready for our fight?”  He asks holding the remote.

                “What fight?  Oh yeah bring it on!”

He switches on FoodNetwork and within 10 minutes we are having a healthy debate over who got Chopped!

                “There’s no way he should’ve gone!”  I argue swiping the last of the dumplings.

                “Oh please the sauce split and he didn’t even try to fancy up his dessert, Taylor with her eyes closed could’ve done better!” 

I snort and then burst out laughing.

                “Yep you’re right he was awful!  Who the hell puts mackerel with strawberries?!”

                “Ha!  Travel Channel or National Geographic?”  He asks.

                “Actually, I know it’s really lame and you would most likely feel your brain cells run out in horror but Say Yes to the Dress?”

He looks at me.  I feel the blush creeping up my neck.

                “I know I know!  But the trailer for this week’s is really good and I forgot to set it to record and…”

                “I know it’s scripted but there are times I’m screaming at the screen that you aren’t fucking wearing it!”

                “You too!”

He switches to the programme and for the next couple of hours we wince, shout and roll our eyes at the screen. 

                “More wine sir?”  I ask heading to the kitchen

                “Actually my lectures start at 1200 but I still have some papers to grade, so I better not.”

I hadn’t realised how close behind me he was until I turned round and we were face to face. 

I’m not sure who moved first but first it was an arm around a waist.   Then it was hands in hair stroking softly and gently.  The first kiss was almost chaste, wondering how far we were willing to go.  The second kiss involved gently entwining our tongues and then it melded into the third and fourth kiss. 

Our breathing grew heavy and laboured and I started to gently push him back towards the sofa not once did we break contact until we were lying down gazing at each other, each stroking fingers through each other’s hair.

                “I should go.”  I mumble against his lips.

                “Yeah, it’s getting late.”  He murmurs back

                “So next Wednesday still on?”  I whisper in his ear

                “Yeah.” He whispers back in mine.

                “Good.”  I sigh.

TREEHOUSE – SATURDAY EVENING

FAAL

I’m so excited, I haven’t danced at a disco with my lig for ages!  We dance at home all the time but when it is a dance floor, there have been times we’ve not made it home before I pounce or the other way round!

Must remember not to call it a disco or the guys will have my balls.

I can hear Debbie cackling upstairs with the rest of them, we’ve not been allowed to see what our partner is wearing until we head to the car, it’s a silly ritual Zee and I have, that way we just have to go in what we are wearing.

Alice and George, despite our best efforts declined to come with us but we promised full disclosure on Sunday when they came round for lunch.  Hunter and Matt were practising their cooking skills in ahead of their anniversary dinner on Sunday so we wouldn’t see them this weekend.

Okay I hear the clack of heels on wood floors…its show time!

As they come down appreciative whistles abound, everyone pretends not to notice how Ben and Steve look at each other.

But it is when Justin comes down that things start to get interesting.  Brian actually stops talking and slowly looks him up and down.  He’s wearing a silver blue lambskin tee and dark blue suede pants and a heavy belt.

                “First stop the office.”  He murmurs and pulls him into his arms.

Emmett is next wearing a dove grey shirt and sprayed on leather pants that do everything for him.  Drew clears his throat.

Tucker’s eyes pop out of his head when he sees Jennifer.

                “Right we need to have a brandy before we go!”  I cry and turn to the cart to pour them.

                “Uh Faal…”  Blake calls out.

I turn round and freeze.  Zee is wearing a fine chain mail shirt in chocolate brown unbuttoned from the middle, a pair of skin tight jeans in dark tan with milk chocolate thigh high leather boots with a low heel, from a distance she looks naked.

                “Ek kan nie wag om te skil dat julle afgewentel [1].”  I breathe.

                “Ek sal jou vashou aan wat [2].”  She replies with a wink.

                “Told you so.”  Emmy Lou chirrups at her.

                “So uh brandy.”  Carl prompts grinning wolfishly at Debs who blushes furiously.

We quickly drink our drinks and head to the car. 

                “Fuck.”  Ben breathes.  “I know I am all for the environment but that is awesome!”

                “And green too!” I point out and then groan as Zee bends down in front of me to talk to the driver.

                “God gee my krag [3]!”  I mutter and shove her in the car.

When we get to Babylon we head to the front of the line and once inside it parts like the Red Sea to let Brian through to the bar, he speaks briefly to the barman and then leads us to the private area.  He and Justin promptly disappear, with Emmy Lou calling out that they should remember the dry cleaning bill before they get too carried away.

                “I have the feeling that Carl won’t be watching sports tonight!” 

Emmy Lou yells in my ear as we watch Carl and a leather bear get into an animated conversation about cuffs and I think he was asking where he got his waistcoat from!

Soon everyone is enjoying themselves and Brian and Justin are back until Justin bends down in front of Brian and they disappear again but not for as long.

                “Enough fucking let’s dance!”  Zee demands pulling Justin and Emmy Lou along with her.

For the next 2 hours we work up a sweat.  At one point we lose Deb who has to go and reunite a couple.  Jennifer comes rushing back beet red having asked for directions to the bathroom and was directed to the backroom and refused to go anywhere without Tucker for the rest of the night.  Brian and Justin were superglued to each other from the crotch up.  Ben and Steve dance up a storm with Emmy Lou and Drew.  Ted and Blake smiled indulgently at our antics and occasionally made out on the sofa.

                “Can we request a song?”  I yell in Brian’s ear.

He nods and when I tell him he looks perplexed.

                “Trust me!”  I yell.

He heads to the DJ who shrugs and nods

                “He says he’ll play it in about 10 minutes.”  He tells me.

Zee and Justin are still dancing up a storm and when the song Remember Me by Babybird came on, at first the crowd didn’t like it but one by one they started to look at them.  Marvelling at how even though their moves are slightly different they are both undulating and swaying with their eyes closed, lips parted and heads back, totally lost.

                “Who is that and is she seeing anybody?”  I hear a woman ask.

                “Jesus.”  Brian mutters. “What’s that called again?” 

When the song stops, Zee looks up and grins at me, I wrap my arms round her and pull her to the bar.  Brian and Justin start making out.  When they finally come up for air, she is grabbed back by Justin and Emmy Lou for more dancing and before we know it, it is gone four.  We round up the troops.  Carl and Deb had called it a night about two with Carl looking embarrassed when the leather bear insisted on giving him his phone number.  The rest of us staggered back to the car and flopped inside.

                “Definitely a PJTO day!”  Zee mutters into my chest before falling asleep.

DINER – TUESDAY LUNCHTIME

DEBS

It may have taken about 2 days but we have finally recovered from our night in Babylon.  Although Carl and I hardly danced I think he enjoyed it and he’s made a new and interesting friend in the leather bear Grizz.

I look up as the bell goes and Michael comes in.  I haven’t spoken to him since the last time he was here.  Rumour has it that he’s still trying to find a law firm that will take his cases, why he doesn’t just drop this is beyond me. Ben’s been getting frustrated because he’s been slow to respond to his lawyers, clipping him upside his head must have done more damage than I thought, but if he wasn’t so stupid sometimes I wouldn’t have to clip him.

I’m so looking forward to Thanksgiving in a couple of days.  The girls and Gus are coming down.  Which makes me sad about what Michael is going to be doing.  Nobody has said anything but I can’t bear the thought of him spending it by himself, if he would just make the first fucking move at some form of contrition.

The boys come in and immediately head to the back booth without looking in his direction.

JUSTIN

He’s sitting at a table by himself.  I know I hate him with the strength of a thousand suns but Debbie’s heart is breaking and we can all see it but she won’t ask, she won’t put Brian in the position of having to say no.

DEBS

                “So how have you been Michael?”

                “Fine, humiliated but fine.” 

I sit down opposite and hold his hands, he smiles a small smile.

                “Oh for crying out loud!  Would you stop with the pity party already!  All this shit, all of this is your doing!  No don’t you open a mouth on me!  Stop this craziness with the lawsuits and let Ben have his divorce!”  I snarl quietly at him.

                “But…”  He begins to whine.

                “No Michael just do it.  What’re you doing for Thanksgiving?”  I ask cutting across him.

                “Not sure spending it by myself I guess.”  He says quietly.  “Though I would like to see my Honeybun.”

I shake my head at him and sigh.

                “Have you spoken to her?”

                “I’ve tried but she doesn’t want to speak to me.  But Lindz says that…”

                “Debs can we order?”  Brian calls out.

I get up and head to the table.

                “What’ll it be boys?”  I paste on a smile but inside I am crying and screaming.

                “Get Michael.”  Brian says quietly.

                “What…”

                “Don’t make me say it again.” 

I gesture to Michael and he practically sprints to the booth.

                “I am going to say this one time.  Lunch and only lunch, once you finish eating you fuck off.  The only person who wants you there is ma and the only reason you are going to be there is because she didn’t ask.  You so much as breathe wrong…”

                “I understand.”  Michael beams.  “You’ll send a…”

JUSTIN

                “You’re starting to breathe wrong…”  I growl not looking at him.

                “All I was going to…”  He begins

                “Take a fucking cab dumbass!” 

                “Daphne!”  I scream

CHAPTER 5 – HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS…PART ONE

DINER

JUSTIN

I leap out of the booth and grab my best friend.

                “What the fuck?  When the fuck?!”  I ramble, checking her over to make sure she’s really here!

She is she’s really here, I bring her back in to a tight hug.

                “Fiancé and this morning!  Now I really need to breathe!”  She gasps

I look across at Brian who is finding the table very interesting. 

                “Brian?” 

He doesn’t look up but I see a small smile play at his lips and his tongue make its way to his cheek.

                “Daphne?  Daphne!”  Emmy Lou screams and dashes from the door to sweep her into his arms.

Brian finally looks up at me; I quirk an eyebrow and give him a smile.  He grins back.  Message received.

I pull Ted out shove her in next to Brian so that he can say hello and sit next to her. 

                “So uh Brian about Thanksgiving…”  Michael starts.

                “I will let you know what you need to know Michael.” 

Debbie looks at him sternly and slowly he shuffles back to his table.

                “So Daph what will it be, oh where you staying?”  Debbie rattles off pencil poised.

                “Is it just me and Justin eating?  And I’m not sure, I was just told to pack and get to the airport where a ticket would be waiting for me.”

                “In that case you’re staying with us!  Drewsie won’t mind.  And I am sure Justin would like to thank someone for his early Thanksgiving present in his own sweet way…”  Emmy Lou decides

                “Just for tonight though okay?”

They both nod at me.  I can’t believe Daph’s here.  I can’t wait for her to meet Zee and Faal and we have so much to catch up on, though she knows most of it. 

BRIAN

It seems my little blond bombshell is very grateful I arranged that surprise for him.  I am flat on my back in the driver’s seat of the Vette and he’s wrestling with my pants.  

                “To take the edge off.”  He mumbles

                “Oh Christ!” 

I whimper as he takes me down whole, I go from semi-hard to rock hard in seconds.  His tongue swirls along my slit and he sucks the pre-cum up from my ankles.  Then he is furiously sucking, licking and bobbing and stroking my inner thighs, my balls and my stomach all at once.  And all too quickly I explode.

                “Holy mother of fuck!”  I gasp.

He looks very pleased with himself and quickly zips me back up.  I sit upright trying to regulate my breathing, adjust my seat and make myself look presentable.

                “Now go back to work.  Please don’t be late coming…home.” 

He kisses me letting me taste myself and then heads back to the diner.

A few minutes later Ted knocks on the window on my side.

                “Want me to drive?”  He asks.

I just nod.

BRITIN – TUESDAY EVENING

BRIAN

I get home and call out to him, no response.  I check the lounge and the kitchen and he’s not there.  I start to panic and then I hear music.  I head upstairs quickly.  The song from Babylon is playing and there in the middle of our bedroom is Justin, naked swaying to music like he did that night.

He shimmies towards me and loops his arms round my neck and kisses me.  Before he starts rubbing up against me stripping me of my clothes.  I think I have forgotten to breathe.  My clothes are pooled round my ankles all apart from my boxers, which have an ever widening wet patch.

He crawls on the bed and loops his hands into the ties he’s already prepared and spreads his legs.  He has a butt plug in and starts to sway his ass at me.

I almost rip off my pants and kick off my shoes.  I smile as I advance, we lock gazes and before he can say anything I replace the plug quickly with my cock.

                “Oh!”  He jolts forward.

                “How long have you had that in?”  I growl at him holding still with great effort it has to be said

                “About 2 hours!”  He pants and groans and tries to push back.

                “Hold still.”  I growl wanting to savour the moment.

“No!  Make me grateful.  Make me grateful!”  He pants.

He grabs the headboard and I grab his hips holding him tight and start to move.

                “Brian!  Harder.  Oh.  Fuck.  Harder.  Yes.  Yes.  I am so uh, oh, fuck, grateful.  Faster.  Please.  Faster!”

I keep thrusting and grunting out his name like a mantra.

                “Oh God now, please let me, please let me come!” 

He cries out twisting in my grasp, I am sure there are going to a multitude of bruises.

                “Wearing.  A.  Cock.  Ring.”  I gasp out.

                “Y-yes, please Brian please!”

I reach blindly down and snap it off.  He clamps down and we both explode at the same time.

                “You’re welcome.” 

I groan and we collapse on the bed in a heap of tangled limbs and happiness.

MEL & LINDZ HOUSE – TUESDAY EVENING

LINDZ

There is definitely something up with Mel, she seems really happy for some reason. 

I’ll admit that I’m in a bad mood but that’s because my parents called to berate me, me for fuck sake, for Michael’s behaviour.  Apparently, he was shouting in the park at another neighbour causing embarrassment, I had to promise I would speak to him about “time and place”, but at least they backed off their threat to evict him.  He needs somewhere for Jenny to visit. 

She is still being a bit of a brat about this row.  I’m not sure what it’s about as he never mentioned anything to me, just said that she lit into him the moment he got there, when he made an innocent comment.

                “So are we all packed for Pittsburgh?”  I ask her

We are flying out on Wednesday afternoon and heading straight to Britin, which will give me time to add my personal touches to the table, I definitely think we need a seating plan.

                “Mel are you okay?”

She nods and goes out humming, since when does she hum?  Something is definitely up, I don’t like deviousness or secret agendas.

BEN & HUNTER’S HOUSE – WEDNESDAY EARLY EVENING

HUNTER

Dad’s so embarrassed.  It’s funny.  He wasn’t expecting me to come back so quickly.  So when I came in and found him and Steve making out on the sofa it was a bit of a surprise for all of us.  The way they sprang apart!

I head back down having got what I wanted from my bedroom.

                “Uh Hunter, what you saw there, um…”  Dad stammers.

                “Well it’s just that we want to take things slow and…”  Steve is blushing from head to toe.

                “Guys, we all know, and figured you are taking it slow and will tell us when you want to.”

They look at each other in astonishment.

                “If it matters, I’m happy for you both.  And I’m glad you doing it your way.”

                “Of course it matters, you are one of the most important people in my life…”  Dad begins.

                “Then it’s all good in the hood dude all good in the hood.  Now go back to sucking face.”

I smirk and make sure I lock the door on my way out.

BRITIN

BRIAN

                “So what time’s Daph getting here?”

                “In about 20 minutes.  Um Brian, really thank you, but why?”

                “It’s because she doesn’t like Michael and hasn’t had her say yet.  And this way we limit the witnesses.”

                “Brian…”

I sigh and take him into my arms.

                “Because I love you and I know that you’re not totally happy with him coming here.  And everyone deserves to have their best friend with them so you have yours and I have mine.”

                “Huh?”  He looks confused and hurt.

                “You, you twat!”

He blushes scarlet and buries his face in my chest squeezing me tightly.  We are brought out of reverie by the door going.

                “Dad, papa how you guys doing?!”  Gus calls out immediately coming to hug us after Alice.

Jenny runs up for a hug and too.  George helps Mel and Lindz with their cases and once everyone is settled in their rooms they rejoin us in the lounge.

                “So Brian, how many people are we having for dinner tomorrow?”  Lindz asks settling into the sofa.

Justin and I exchange looks.

                “Well unless you have invited people we don’t know about, then Brian and I have about 14 people coming.”  Justin replies sweetly.

The doorbell goes again.

                “And I do believe that’s a few of our guests now.” 

He gets up and goes to the door to lets in Daphne, Emmy Lou, Drew, Jennifer, Tucker, Molly, Hunter and Matt.

                “Hunter!”  Jenny squeals and dashes to greet her brother.

                “Hey J!”

                “You never said you would be here.  Matt hi!”

                “Hey best friend here, missing out if you please!”  Gus jokingly grumbles.

Lindz face is a picture of confusion and annoyance.

        “Hi Melanie, Lindsay how have you been?”  Daphne asks politely.

        “Fine thank you Daphne.  I’m not sure if you remember my son Gus, he was quite young when you last saw him and I’m not sure you’ve even met Jenny Rebecca?”  Lindsay is in full WASP mode.

        “Momma of course Gus and I know Aunt Daph!”  Jenny sighs and rolls her eyes.

This seems to catch both Mel and Lindz off guard.

                “How?”  Mel asks.

                “FaceTimed with her loads of times.  And a couple of times when we went to New York we met up.” Jenny replies airily.  “Now Aunt Daph are you in the room next to me because remember you promised to do my toes?”

                “I think so and never fear I haven’t forgotten my Chanel…I have Rouge Noir or Peridot, which would you like?”  Daph giggles.

                “Ooh is Rouge Noir the one from Pulp Fiction?  I think that on my toes and Peridot on my fingers until I have to go to school of course.”  Jenny decides

                “Do I want to know how you know about Pulp Fiction?”  Mel asks warily.

                “No.”  Jenny replies simply.

                “Fair enough.”  Mel shrugs smiling.

                “Wait, where’s everyone else?”  I ask.

                “They were about 20 minutes behind.  They had to repack the boots when there was a bubbles breakdown between…”  Drew begins.

                “In other words, they over packed and had to take some back to the house so they could fit in the rest?”

                “Ding-ding.”  He replies smiling.

Right on cue the doorbell goes again and Deb, Carl, Blake, Ted, Steve, Ben, Zee and Faal all pile in carrying boxes of champagne, wine and a few ice boxes.  The latter are quickly squired away before Justin or Emmy Lou could go and assist them…I had to hold on to Justin and Drew body blocked Emmy Lou…neither of them were happy and took to a corner to plan a strategy.

                “You won’t find them so just sit down and enjoy the rest of the evening.  Emmy Lou and Debs remember kitchen at 0700, all other helpers from 0900.  Goodnight everyone.”  Alice smiles and leaves.

                “Yes Aunt Daph we get a lie in!”  Jenny crows.

                “So you are the famous Daphne or may I call you Daph?”  Faal asks.

Daphne looks up at him and I have never seen her look so awestruck apart from that time she saw me naked.

                “Uh…”  Was all she managed to get out as she scrambled to her feet

                “I’m Faal and this is…wait I’ll be back.”

                “Please tell me he is straight!”  She gasps at Justin.

                “He is.”  He replies.

                “And also married.”  Lindz calls out coolly.

                “Now she remembers.”  Justin mutters.

                “Of course he is!”  Daphne gripes.

Faal comes back in with Zee.

                “As I was saying, I’m Faal and this is my lig Zee.  Zee this is Daphne.”

They both look at each other carefully and then envelope each other in a hug.

                “Nice to meet you.”  Zee smiles at her

                “Likewise.”  Daph grins back.

                “Need some help my lig?”  Faal asks.

She shakes her head and heads back to where she was.  After about 20 minutes, I notice she’s not returned.

                “What’s Zee doing?  And what is that wonderful smell?”  I call out to Faal.

Immediately Justin is off like a rocket before I could stop him.

                “You had to ask?”  Faal gripes

Two minutes later he comes back in with a large mug and a sandwich.  He makes his way carefully over and settles back in my lap.

                “What is that?”  I ask.

                “Roasted vegetable soup with grilled cheese and bacon toastie dunkers.  Careful it’s hot.” 

He warns slowly lifting the mug, I take a sip and once again wonder why she’s not in catering.

                “Clearly you came back and just sat down.”  Zee scoffs from the doorway.  “If anybody else wants some, do feel free to help themselves.  The toasties are best made before you pour the soup so it has at least some time to cool, molten cheese not good.”

                “Isn’t it a little late for cheese toasties?”  Lindz asks.

                “You don’t have to eat them Lindz, just have the soup.”  Mel responds and heads to the kitchen.

Pretty soon we are all sipping and dunking, I manage not to comment on the fact that to make her point Lindz has a small cup of soup and no toastie and is clearly regretting it. 

She wants to cut off her nose to spite her face that’s her problem.

THANKSGIVING DAY

BRIAN

                “Oh.  Baby.  Oh like that!  Yes!  Please!  Please!”  I cry hoarsely as his thrusts into me.

I am on my elbows and knees ass high and so pleased our room is soundproofed.

                “Mmm, you feel so good!  So oh good!  H-how close?”  He pants.

                “N-now!  Fuuuuckkkk!”  I yelp.

                “God!”  He screams and collapses on my back.

Slowly we come back to earth and he rolls off me.

                “What time is it?”  He croaks.

                “Time for sleep.”  I mumble and pull him into my arms to hell with the wet spot.

KITCHEN – 0700

ALICE

I know it’s vindictive of me but ever since Brian told me that he was coming I have wanted to prepare a special plate just for him, but I shall take the higher ground and not do that.  Just.  Happily George and Vince are going to be here for lunch too.  I like Vince, he may look like a breeze block but he’s got a heart of gold and is fiercely loyal to the boys and if that man causes any problems he will have him out in seconds.

I think I hear my troops coming down, time to start breakfast.  I am hoping to persuade Zee to do the candied bacon she told me about.  But if she does that then we will definitely have to keep Justin out of the kitchen, where he puts it lord alone knows.

                “Morning happy Thanksgiving my darling Alice!”  Emmy Lou trills and twirls me around.

                “And to you my dear sweet Emmy Lou.” 

                “What are we chopped liver?”  Debs gripes good naturedly.

                “Right.  Shall we?”  I ask

Two hours later, Daphne, Jenny, Mel, Faal and Ben come down to help with the laying of the table and putting out of the presents.  I love the way Justin has done the decorations, Brian always indulges him at Thanksgiving actually Brian indulges him all the time.

                “Jenny why are you walking like that?”  Ben asks.

                “I don’t want to smudge my toes papa?”

                “Um you’re still in your pyjamas, wouldn’t it have been a better idea to do your toes after your shower?”

                “Papa this is the base coat.”  She sighs.

                “Of course how silly of me.”  He shakes his head and ruffles her hair. 

I look at the time, if we want to keep on schedule then people need to come down for breakfast soon.

                “How far away are we?”  Emmy Lou asks.

                “About 30 minutes, if we start knocking up now, it should be perfectly done.”  Zee advises.

                “Well boys and girls let’s start knocking up!”  Mel calls and heads upstairs.

Mostly everyone is down on time, I notice that Lindz came down 15 minutes later than anyone else, as if she wanted to make a grand entrance.  The only thing that happened was that her breakfast had to be put in the oven and it got a bit dried out.

                “Okay who’s on clean up?”  Carl calls out wiping his mouth.

                “We agreed that the kids would do breakfast stuff.”  Brian calls out from the head of the table.

                “So hop to it.  Lindz can wash up her plate when she’s done.”  Debs instructs.

I try to hide my smirk when Lindz gets that pinched look again like she got when she realised that nobody waited for her at breakfast.

                “Who hasn’t showered?”  Steve asks.

All of the kids put their hands up as well as Daphne and Carl.

                “So once you guys finish in here, then get showered and we can open presents!”  He suggests

Never have I seen kids move so fast!

MATT

                “Hey you okay, I mean about him coming and all?”

I noticed he had been quiet at breakfast.

                “Yeah I guess.”  He answers quietly

                “You’ve folded that six times.  Remember what happened over our anniversary dinner when we didn’t talk.  Talk to me.”

                “Supposing he says something and I lose it?  I have so much anger for him that’s why I keep walking away from him because I know he will say that one thing that will tip me over the edge.  I didn’t do anything bad to him!”

I pull him into my arms and let him cry and for every tear I hate Michael Novotny.  I hadn’t heard Jenny come in and when she tugged at his hand and held it tight my heart broke.

                “In order to get to you he has to come through Matt, Aunt Zee, Uncle Faal, Uncle Brian, Uncle Justin, papa, both sets of grandparents, Aunt Daph, Gus, Alice and then me and in order to get to me he has to come through mom, you’re safe.  Now you are going to have a fantastic Thanksgiving Day but before you do that, is it me or are papa and Steve getting schmoopy!”

                “I caught them making out!”  He wipes his nose and grins.

                “Again the talking thing!”  I grouse.

FAAL

                “Okay what was that about?”

Zee looks up at me in surprise.

                “What?”

                “You and Daph last night. What was that?”

                “She thinks you’re hot understandably because you are…”

                “And…”

                “And nothing.”

                “Zaden.”

                “She recognises a fellow devil’s hellcat and will do nothing about it.”

I smile and kiss the side of her neck.

MEL

“What time’s Michael getting here?”  Lindz asks

                “For lunch.  I think that’s about two?” 

                “But he’s going to miss the presents.” 

                “Lindz I don’t think anybody is going to be giving him presents.”

                “But he’ll have one for Jenny…”

                “Then she can open it later.  From what I understand, he’s here for lunch and then he goes.”

                “Why would he do that?  Oh I see, this is Justin’s doing.”

                “What’s with the tone?  Actually it has nothing to do with Justin, it was Brian’s decision and he only made that to make Debs happy.”

                “You seem to be in the know about this.” 

                “Well he did ask if we would be okay with it and gave us reasons why he was going to do it.”

                “Why wasn’t I consulted?”

        “Well when I said we, I meant Jenny, he asked her and she spoke to me about it.”

        “But I’m Jenny’s momma.”

I snort and leave the room.

LOUNGE

BRIAN

Finally everyone is here that matters.  As every minute ticks by I can feel myself getting tenser, but then I look at the unbridled joy on Justin’s face and I lower my shoulders.

“Okay present time!”  Justin calls.

The kids get theirs first and they are overjoyed.  Gus gets driving lessons, Jenny and Molly get a spa weekend each, Matt gets surfing lessons and Hunter gets a cooking weekend.

“Oh I forgot here’s your finder’s fee.”  I give him an envelope.

“Finder’s fee?”  Lindz looks puzzled but Ben smiles.

“Yeah Hunter found two of Justin’s missing paintings and it’s customary to pay a finder’s fee.” 

I explain, Vince nods at me from the doorway.

“Oh before you open that can you help Vince with a couple of packages for me?”

        “Sure.” 

He follows Vince outside and I indicate that we should follow quickly and quietly.  When he sees the motocross bike he stops, he looks at me, then Justin and then Ben.

        “No.”  He whispers.

        “Matt helped pick it out.”  I tell him.

        “I…so what’s i-in the envelope?”  He sniffles.

        “Certificate of ownership.”  Justin answers.  “You don’t know how happy you made us when you found them.  This is the least we could do.”

        “Sheesh it’s getting chilly out here, why don’t we all go inside?”  

Carl orders and we leave Matt and Hunter alone.

                “So what pictures did he find?”  Lindz asks.

Justin shows her the slides.

                “Oh gosh, these are incredible, where are they now?”  She is positively drooling

                “Nowhere that concerns you.”  I tell her firmly and I bask in the Sunshine smile I get.

Matt and Vince come back in and I hear the roar of the engine of Hunter putting the bike in the garage.

The adults get presents by which I mean that Justin, Zee, Faal and I all got together having given the others strict instructions that we didn’t want anything from them.  Alice and George try to give their tickets to Hawaii back to us.  Daph burst into tears at the diamond earrings...she can’t travel much with her residency.  Carl and Debs are speechless at the tickets to Aruba.  Jennifer and Tucker get tickets to Baha.  Ben and Steve get separate tickets to Aspen as well as one for Taylor but we know they are going together.  Ted and Blake get tickets to any opera in Italy.  Emmy Lou and Drew got tickets to see an NFL game in London and Mel and Lindz get tickets to San Francisco.  I can’t help but bridle at the unimpressed expression on Lindz’s face.

KITCHEN

JUSTIN

                “This is my house and I demand to know what is in the ice boxes!”

                “Isn’t it sweet how he thinks that will work?”  Alice jokes with Zee.

                “Oh come on!  Normally I have asked at least four times and tried to sneak a look twice!”

                “Okay.  You know how much you love short rib and duck?”  Zee sighs.

                “Yes!”

                “Well we’re not having that.”  Alice replies

I almost scream in frustration and stomp back to the lounge.

                “Any luck?”  Emmy Lou whispers.

                “No.”  I grunt.

                “What are you two boys chattering about?”  Lindz comes over.

                “We’re trying to find out what’s for Thanksgiving Lunch but they won’t tell us.”  I sigh.

                “Well that’s just irresponsible, someone could be allergic to something.”  She exclaims

I exchange a look with Emmy Lou.

                “Lindz.   Zee and Alice have been cooking for us for months and are well aware of the allergies people have.  Daph why don’t you try?”  I call out.

She waves a bottle of nail polish at me and goes back to painting Jenny’s toes, whilst mom and Mel do each other’s.

                “How about we send Carl, you know the grandfatherly approach.”  Emmy Lou suggests

                “Oh no you are not getting me involved.  Why can’t you two just wait like normal people?”

                “Yeah right!  Like you don’t share the tastings!”  I tease, he merely shrugs and pours more brandy.

                “Tucker they wouldn’t suspect Tucker!”  Emmy Lou exclaims

                “One word.  Couch.”  Mom calls out.

                “Why don’t I just go and ask them, they will tell me.” 

With that Lindz gets up and heads to the kitchen.

                “Oh there is no way on earth I am missing this!”  Faal snickers quietly.

We follow him out and hide on either side of the doorway.  Ben has to carry Jenny as her toes are still wet and the pigeon toed walk from Jennifer and Mel slow them down a bit but we get there just in time for Lindz to try and open a pot, neither Alice nor Zee are in there but then Zee comes back.

                “And you want what exactly?”  Zee drawls.

                “It’s customary to let people know what they are eating before it is served, just in case the food isn’t to their taste or their standard.”

                “Really?” 

                “Yes.”

                “It’s also customary not to try to sit on the face of a husband in front of his wife or yours.”

                “I don’t know who you are used to dealing with but I am more than capable…”

                “No, no you are not.  You couldn’t take me on.  You see the thing is Faal is mine, he neither wants nor needs anything your sluggish twat has to offer.  This level of persistence is only cute in puppies and kittens, you are neither puppy nor kitten nor cute.  If you think you can take on this devil hellcat you come ahead but know this you have come into this battle of wits unarmed and that was a foolish endeavour.”

We use the stunned silence in the kitchen to make our way quickly back to the lounge.

                “How could she do that to me?”  Faal breathes.

                “I’m gonna stay right here until dinner’s ready.”  I snuggle back in Brian’s arms.

                “Yeah, me too.  It has knives, Korin ones but knives nevertheless!”  Emmy Lou shudders.

                “Aunt Daph, can I say any of that to anybody that annoys me?”  Jenny whispers loudly.

                “Not really.”  Daph whispers back.

                “It was pretty cool what she said?”  Jenny giggles.  “I got the feeling she was defending mom too.”

                “It was and she was.”  Daph smiles.  “You definitely get your brains from her side of the family.”

When Lindz comes back in but she is looking a little shaken and teary eyed but they soon dry when nobody asks what is wrong.

ZEE

Okay Faal has that really fucked off look on his face.  Shit!  But she was practically goo-goo eying him right in front of me.

                “With me.”  He demands.

Out of the corner of my eye I see Lindz smirk. 

We make it to the mud room and he spins round to face me.

                “How could you?!”  He demands.

                “Now just…”

                “How could you do that and then wear this, what time is it?  Shit fuck!  Tomorrow morning you are going to be walking funny.  In the meantime come here.”

FAAL

I head back to the lounge.  Everyone looks at me. 

                “What?”

                “Nice lipstick.”

                “You know your mom, she likes to mark her territory.”

Before anyone could say anything the doorbell goes.  I watch Brian take a deep breath and squeeze Justin’s hand.

                “I’ll get it!”  Daphne states firmly.

DAPHNE

I take a deep breath and open the door.  Michael is standing there beaming.  Oh I see he has read way too much into this already. 

                “Remember this is only lunch, once you’ve eaten you are gone understand?”

                “Daphne would you let me in already!”

                “No Michael I need you to say you understand this is not a welcome back, this is a “because of Debs”, Debs your mother, you still need to make it up to everyone you hurt.  Whenever I say the word “breathing” you shut the fuck up about whatever you are talking about understand?”

                “Daphne!”

                “This was a yes or no question not a Daphne question.  Do you understand?”  I demand.

                “Yes.  Can I get come in now?”

                “You better understand or I will get Lilah to shit in your food.  And then make you eat it!”  I snarl.

I step back and let him enter at the same time Alice comes out and he tries to hand over his coat and it ends up on the floor.

                “Okay folks dinner is served!”  She hollers

DINING ROOM

BRIAN

The room, as usual thanks to Emmy Lou, Zee and Alice looks beautiful.  Apparently, Justin was allowed to choose a colour scheme and they went with the rest.  The seating plan was such that Michael was by the door and Vince was opposite him.

                “Right ladies and gentlemen!  There is a homage to the normal Thanksgiving Lunch but this is Zee and she doesn’t do normal.”  Faal cries out.

I hear a harshly muttered “breathing” from Daphne.

                “And so without further ado.  The first course!”

Zee, Debs and Alice come in and hand them round.

                “Finally!  Okay so what’s this?”  Justin demands.

                “Scallop, prawn and lobster pot pie with spiced Asian prawn.” 

As everyone digs in the heady aroma of the seafood and the cream sauce fills the room.  This time even Michael eats and I can tell he’s enjoying it.  Justin is pouting because I got two prawns, when I point out that the other one is most likely for him he swipes it off my plate very quickly.  Once that is finished Carl stands.

                “In an homage to the normal fare we have Dinner in a Cup or as better known as the second course!”

                “Oh my lig, how long did it take you to chop this up so finely?”  Faal asks her.

Michael snorts and gets another harshly whispered “breathing” from Daphne.

                “Wait is this a full turkey dinner just chopped into very small dice?”  Mel asks.  Zee nods and smiles.

                “Seriously Ems get the pad off the table!”  Drew berates gently.

Despite the richness of the dishes they are also light, I have a feeling the main course is going to be special and once that is cleared Jenny stands.

                “For a, um, epi-epic, wait I got this.  Epicurean, is that right, delight.  A palate cleanser.”

We are presented with silver eggs and nobody quite knows what to do.

                “What the…”

                “Breathing!”

                “Life the lids.”  Alice tells us

What’s inside is a cold boiled egg.  We all look at each other.

                “Now taste them?”  She demands.

Whilst it looks like a boiled egg it definitely isn’t.  The “white” is an oyster mushroom mousse and the yolk is, judging by Emmy Lou’s expression, enoki his new favourite mushroom.

                “Mom how is it yellow?”

                “Touch of saffron.”

                “Please I am begging you!”  Emmy Lou groans.

                “Yes this you can have.” Zee says after a nod from Faal.

Once the whole table is cleared away, George and Vince leave and the first thing that hits the room is the smell. 

                “Hog roast!”  Justin squeals.

                “Close.  Suckling pig, but for Mel we have done crispy aromatic lamb.”  Zee grins.

                “Fuck that give me the pig!”  She giggles and swiftly apologises to Jenny.

Two suckling pigs are brought out and the fixings put around them and every one digs in. 

                “Yep that’s a food baby.”  Hunter pats his stomach happily.

                “I have to say I preferred the more traditional Thanksgiving dinner.”  Lindz remarks.

The room goes quiet.

                “Then why’d you eat it?”  Vince asks.

                “I beg your pardon?”  Lindz blusters.

                “Why’d you eat it?”  He repeats.

                “Now who do you…”  Michael interrupts

                “BREATHING!  Both of you shut the fuck up!   Sorry Vince not you.  This has been a lovely meal and considering your behaviours, yes I am talking to you too Lindsay, they have still welcomed you into their home on this special day.  Now be fucking grateful, polite and quiet!”  Jennifer snaps.

MEL

Suppose now is as good as time as any.

                “Whilst there is a lull in the conversation, I have an announcement.”

Everyone turns to look at me and I take a deep breath.

                “A month ago I was approached with a partnership offer that starts in January and I have been mulling it over weighing up the pros and cons and I have decided to accept contingent on the agreement of my family.”

                “Mel?”  Lindz begins.

                “Let me finish.  It is a full partnership with the Chase, Donaldson and Draper, and I have decided to accept contingent on the agreement of my family.”

                “Oh yes!”  Zee cheers.

                “And why are you so happy about it?”  Lindz snaps at her.

                “Well one they’re our lawyers, business not personal, and they only hire the best.  And two they’re based in Pittsburgh.” 

Zee replies smugly.

It takes a few minutes for it to sink in and the first person to speak is Jenny.

                “We would move back to Pittsburgh?”

                “That’s the plan.”  I reply

Lindz stands up and embraces me.

                “Oh sweetheart why didn’t you say.  Of course, I think you should take it.  I never really wanted to go to Toronto in the first place.  We are finally coming home.”

                “My honeybun is finally coming home!”  Michael cheers.

                “Ugh.  I hate that nickname.”  Jenny grumbles.

                “Wait where are we going to live?”  Lindz exclaims and then turns to Brian expectantly.

ZEE

I see it and there is no way on this fucking earth she is going to get in there.

                “Well as I see it there is only one solution?”

                “Of course there is.” 

Lindz simpers and pushing her hair behind her ear and smiling at Brian and Justin.  Like she knows she’s won.

                “I’m so glad you agree.  You can have the Brownstone for six weeks.  Britin is too far in that wrong direction, the loft is too small, and The Treehouse is not an option so that leaves the Brownstone.   There are nearby schools for you to look at to enrol Jenny and Gus.  Mel is within walking distance of work until you guys can afford a car.  There are plenty of galleries that you can put your resume into and they are surrounded by grandparents, fathers, aunts and uncles.  And their friends they made here are this side of town not the Britin side.  And if the boys wants privacy they go to the loft.  And if after six weeks you’ve not found anything, then you simply look for a smaller place for the two of you, the kids will be fine.”

I take a sip of my wine and level my gaze at Lindz.

                “Yes there’s your parents property in Shadyside for example that could easily suit you and Mel if push comes to shove.”  Jennifer chimes in

                “Zee are you sure?”  Mel asks in surprise.

                “Absolutely.  It’s standing there empty most of the time.  Obviously there will be conditions on the occupancy, which must be strictly adhered to.”

                “Whatever we need to do we will do.”  Mel cries.

                “But…”  Michael and Lindz say at the same time.

                “That’s settled then.  Let me have a date and we go from there.”  I hug Mel.

                “I can’t believe it you’re moving back!  I am so happy.”  Ben smiles.

                “Okay time for dessert!  But this needs to be had in front of a roaring fire.  So scoot!” 

They all head off to the lounge, except for Brian and Justin.

                “You didn’t have to do that.”  Justin gives me a tremulous smile.  “But we’re very glad you did.”

                “But why did you?”  Brian asks.

                “Because she wouldn’t have left Britin once she got in.”

Jennifer’s low voice startles us.

“I saw that glint in her eye, nicely done.  Are you sure you aren’t part WASP?”

“No pure hellcat with maybe just a dash of Cerberus.”  I reply.

“Who’s Cerberus?”  Jennifer asks.

“The three headed creature that guards the gates of hell so the dead can’t leave.”  Justin replies.

                “Oh.”

Just as I leave with the pudding tray I hear Brian whisper.

                “My sonny boy is coming home.”

The molten chocolate puddings and a hot toddy shot of brandy go down well and dessert passes without incident.

BRIAN

I think that is the slowest I have ever seen Michael eat a pudding.  Well that tactic is not going to work.

                “Zee and Alice that was exquisite.  Let’s clear so we can drop into our food comas.”

They all take their bowls back into the kitchen with Michael trailing behind. 

                “What time’s your cab coming?”  Ma asks.

                “I haven’t booked one.  I wasn’t sure what time it would finish.” 

                “Michael you don’t have that luck to push!  Why didn’t you book one and then you’d only have to move the pick-up time?  It’s going to take ages for one to come now.”  She snaps.

He gives a small shrug.  I know his game and I could feel my temper starting to rise and  see Justin starting to tense up.

                “Don’t worry Mrs H, I’d planned on this.  I’ll drive him back.”  Vince chimes in.  “What’s the address?”

                “Michael’s going now!”  I call out.  “Those who want to say goodbye come and do so.”

Lindz comes out and hugs him goodbye, she whispers something in his ear and for once I wish I could lip read.  Vince holds the door open.

                “Come on I want to get back to the party.”  He commands and with that they are gone.

                “Brian, I don’t think that was fair, after all he…”

                “Made his bed he can lie in it Lindz!”  I snap.  “If you are so worried about his wellbeing I can always call Vince back and you two can celebrate the rest of Thanksgiving at his place?”

She narrows her eyes at me but says nothing, then goes back to the lounge.

                “Christmas should be interesting.”  Justin comments sliding his arms around my waist.

                “You don’t think she’d take Zee on again and on home turf after that bitch slapping from earlier?”

                “She’s a WASP and a determined one.  Of course she will!”

I chuckle before kissing him deeply.

                “Enough sucking face, we’ve got board games to play!”  Daph yells out.

                “Happy Thanksgiving baby.”  I whisper

                “You too.”

CHAPTER 6 – HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS…INTERLUDE

THANKSGIVING EVENING - BRITIN

VINCE

Fuck me the man can whine without actually speaking, how is that possible.  He just sat in the back of the car with his arms folded staring out the window radiating resentment.  I’m glad of the silence, after he pushed Alice I wanted to smack him.  How people with the class and of Mr K and Mr T ended up with him as a friend I don’t know.  And as for that blonde lady, well she was just rude.  Zee handled her like a pro, all nice and quiet like, but I don’t think that lady will listen, well more fool her. 

I know I was working today, on trash duty, but the food was so nice.  Zee said she would leave a pudding, I wanted to stay away from all booze until that man was out the door, and I watched her pour at least half a bottle of whisky in the sponge alone!

Now I am off duty thank fuck for that, time to hunt down that pudding.  I head to the lounge.

                “Well Mr K, I’ll bid you and your folks’ goodnight.”  I tell him

                “Thanks Vince for dropping him off, you didn’t have to do that.”  Mrs H gives me a small smile.

                “Yes I did.”  I smile back.

                “Are you sure you won’t join us?”  Mr K asks.

I shake my head and smile at the invite but I am bone tired and there is a big game on tonight.

                “Thanks again.  And Zee, the food despite what some folks thought was beautiful.”

They all say goodnight to me and I start to head to my room.

                “Vince!  Wait!”  Zee calls out.  “Your pudding.  It’s in the back oven right at the back, it’s been warming on low for the last hour it should be perfect by now.”

                “Thanks Zee, goodnight.”

                “Goodnight.”

ZEE

                “Fuck, brandy shot!”  I call him back and pour it for him.

I head back to the lounge and pretend I hadn’t noticed the admiring glance that Daph gave Vince as he turned round to leave.  And I’m sure I’m not the only one that noticed.

                “Does anyone have any aspirin?  The food was a bit too alcohol heavy and I can feel the beginnings of a headache.”  Lindz groans.

                “Sure we have some upstairs come on.”  Mel takes her hand and leads her out.

BRITIN – MEL & LINDZ’S ROOM

LINDZ

                “So that was fun?”

                “It was but I am stuffed.”  Mel groans and loosens her buttons on her trousers.

                “I was being sarcastic!”  I snap

                “Okay in what way wasn’t it fun for you?”  She sighs.

I gape at her and throw my hands up in the air.

                “Let me see!  I was ignored at breakfast.  I was insulted by Zee in the kitchen.  I was scolded for attempting to voice my professional opinion on some art – if it wasn’t for me he wouldn’t have got where he was!  I was berated by a man mountain when I only voiced my opinion over the food, which I maintain should’ve been more traditional.  I was verbally abused in an unprovoked attack by Jennifer and finally I was snapped at by Brian for wanting to defend Michael who has been his best friend and childhood supporter!  And on top of that you spring the move to Pittsburgh on me in front of everyone!  And now we have to rely on the charitable hospitality of Zee who by the way doesn’t like me!  That, Mel, is how it wasn’t fun for me!”

She takes a sip of her wine and rubs her stomach thoughtfully. 

                “Okay from the top.  You were late coming down, we were all told what time breakfast was so that the schedule could be stuck to.  You are trying to seduce her husband.  The pictures are none of your business – and again if it wasn’t for you Brian wouldn’t have been miserable all that time.  You were rude about the food – if you wanted it more traditional you should’ve cooked it.  You were making sly digs and trying to insinuate yourself as Lady of the Manor the moment you got here.  Michael is only a friend and supporter when it suits Michael – he tried so hard to chat to Jenny don’t you think, in between making cow-eyes at Brian and glowering at Steve and Ben?  You said you didn’t want to move to Toronto in the first place so why is moving back such a big deal.  Zee is clearly just trying to help us out – despite the fact that you are trying to seduce her husband.  How is any of you feeling this “not been fun” not been a result of your actions?”

She waits for me to say something and I am too speechless with fury to speak for a minute.

        “Melanie, you have made my headache worse, so I am having an early night.  I’m sure in this vast mansion there is someone else you can sleep!”

        “Fine.”  She replies and walks out.

Fine!  That’s all she says!  I pace the room in an effort to calm down.  But it’s no good.  I can’t let her have the last word, I stomp downstairs but she’s already in the lounge.  Fuck!  I stomp back upstairs and decide to call Michael.

                “Hey Michael its Lindz.  How are you?  Did you have as an uncomfortable time as I did?  I see what you mean about Zee, she really has got her feet under the table here hasn’t she but if she thinks she’s getting her hooks into Brian she can think again.  I don’t know how Faal puts up with her.  Anyway, enough about that.  Isn’t it great about us coming back to the Pitts.  Okay we’ll have to rough it in Zee’s little Brownstone but it won’t be for long.  I think I will take my time and ease myself back into the gallery scene round here, now that Mel is being made partner I don’t have to worry about working too much.  I know isn’t it great?  Of course you will have an input into where Jenny goes to school you are her father after all.  It has to be a place that is equidistance between your place and Britin of course.  Are you back here tomorrow?  Oh that’s a shame.  It’s just that we were given presents from Brian and Justin today, they said that it was from Zee and Faal too but I doubt she contributed, I have to say I was most disappointed that we only got tickets for San Francisco, I am one of his best friends and the mother of his child for heaven sake!  And just a minute…”

I look out into the corridor as I thought I heard a floorboard creak but there was nobody there.

                “Anyway as I was saying…”  I continue and shut the door.

DAPHNE

Oh fuck that!  You come after my girl, I’ll shove your eyeballs so far down your throat you’ll see me tear out your heart!  It’s on!

I quietly make my way back downstairs and sit back next to Alice, I must have been a little antsy still when she asks me to help her with the second lot of “pudding”, as she had to tell me twice, which of course wakes Justin right up.

                “Second pudding, there’s more food?  Okay the buttons are being opened.”  

He mumbles from Brian’s lap.

                “Not exactly, just some hot coffees, which I think will round of the evening perfectly.” 

Zee stretches and stands up, asking who wants some?  Jenny’s hand shoots up and she looks hopefully between her mom and Ben, they nod.  Gus looks at his dads and Hunter and Matt look at their fathers.

                “So everyone then?  Oh where’s Lindz?  Do you think she’ll want some?”  She asks Mel.

                “No.  She said she was calling it an early night.”  Mel replies and snuggles up with Jenny.

                “Yeah that’s what she’s doing.”  I mutter under my breath.

We follow her to the kitchen where she gets out some beautiful heavy set glass mugs.  Shaped like a fat tear drop wider at the top.  They are coloured a delicate silvery gold, with a copper coloured glass handle.

                “Okay fellow devil hellcat spill, what’s got you so riled?”  She asks casually.

                “Just something that, ugh, woman said to Michael.”

                “When?”  Mel surprised us all.

                “She was on the phone to him earlier.”  I tell her.

                “And she wonders why I don’t tell her shit!” 

She snarls and stalks to the stairs but then changes her mind and comes back in.

                “What exactly did she say?” 

                “About Zee not getting her hooks into Brian, how she doesn’t know how Faal puts up with her, how disappointed she was to only get tickets to San Francisco, how now that you’re partner she doesn’t have to rush to get a job oh and the best bit that the school that Jenny goes to will have to be “equidistance” between his place and Britin.”

                “Did she, did she indeed?”  Mel mutters angrily.

                “Methinks some tough love is called for.”  Alice murmurs.

                “You are so right Alice.”  Mel sighs.

                “Okay seriously enough of bullshitters and funsuckers.  Let’s get these in!”  Zee demands.

We had back the lounge with the pots of coffee and the mugs.  And of course the famous cookies that Justin has been telling me about, Zee said that there’s a box in my room to take back to NYC with me.  Yes!

The kids want to watch a movie so we send them to the media room with strict instructions to be careful and despite her maturity to remember Jenny’s age.

Soon it’s just us adults and when Carl swiftly moves to the cart for the brandy and waves it around we all nod.

JUSTIN

                “These mugs are gorgeous Alice, where did you get them from?”  Brian asks.  “They have the perfect weight and despite the coffee being boiling hot the outside is cool, how do they do that?”

                “Oh my goodness the coffee is lovely, but I don’t get the same buzz, why is that?”  Jennifer asks.

                “The cream and the Kahlua liqueur disguise the fact that it’s decaf.”  Alice replies.

                “Seriously, Alice where did you get them from?  Such an unusual colour.”  Brian asks again.

                “I didn’t, Zee brought them with her.”  Alice replies.

Before anything else could be said Lindz appears.

                “Oh that smells wonderful!  I would love a cup of coffee.”  She coos

                “No Lindsay, you can’t.”  Daph’s voice is flat and hard.

                “Uh and why not?”

                “Pills and liquor don’t mix.”  She replies.  “And this has loads in it.  That’s why you went upstairs earlier remember because of the headache it gave you.”

Pink spots appear on Lindz’s cheeks.

                “I can do you a cup of Earl Grey?”  Alice offers.

                “Yes that…”  Lindz starts to sit down.

                “Come now Lindsay, surely you could make yourself a cup of tea?”  Faal asks sweetly.

                “Well I don’t know where things are kept…”  She begins.

                “There are tea caddies, are they called caddies here, on the counter.  And Earl Grey has a distinctive smell, so just keep opening and sniffing, you know like a dog after its bone.  And the mugs are in plain sight.  So just fill the kettle, wait for the water to boil, put the teabag in the mug, pour over the hot water and then come join us yes?”  Faal smiles at her.

                “Thank you but no, I think I will just make my tea and go back up.  Mel, please try not to disturb me when you come back to bed.”  She says tightly.

                “I won’t.  Daphne and I are going to share tonight, though I suspect Jenny will creep in at some point.  Sleep well.”

She replies and makes a big deal of pouring herself another mug of coffee and inhaling it deeply.

                “Oh Lindz before you go.  What time is shall we start?”  Faal asks.

                “Start?”

                “Yes, those who didn’t do anything today, do it tomorrow.  I look forward to assisting you, so what time would you like the troops, as you my dear Lady of Manor are in charge.” 

Faal smiles that smile again.

                “I-uh, didn’t realise.  Um how about 1200?”

                “Great but isn’t that a little late for breakfast?”

                “Breakfast?”

                “Yes, they did breakfast, lunch and evening munchies, we should do the same.  It’s only fair is it not?”

I keep my eyes trained on the floor because I know from the trembling of Brian that he is barely holding it together and if I look at Emmy Lou I will lose it.

                “Well our flights…”

                “Aren’t until Saturday lunch time, it will be fine.”  Mel smiles sweetly.

                “Okay then.  How about seven?”  She grinds out.

                “Whatever you say milady.” 

She turns heel and starts to stomp to the kitchen.

                “Momma, you’re up are you feeling better?” Jenny calls out.  

                “Yes, yes honey I’m a bit better, just going to make a cup of tea.” 

                “Oh great I’ll join you.  Well goodnight all, it was an awesome day, do you want me to shut these doors for you?”  Jenny asks.

                “Please sweetheart, and make sure that momma gets right back to bed.”  Mel kisses her cheek.

                “Will do.  Come momma you are the patient, I’m the nurse, to bed with you!  I’ll bring it up”

With that the doors are firmly shut on Lindz’s objections.

And it takes about 10 seconds for the room to erupt in laughter.  After about five minute we settle down.

                “Okay why?”  I ask Faal.

                “She insulted my lig and nobody but nobody does that.”

                “You know she’s going to think that’s hot and keep coming after you?”  Mel asks quietly.

                “That’s as maybe.  But let me ask you something, why do you put up with this?”

                “I love her.”  She answers quietly.

                “But do you like her?”  Blake takes her hand.

                “Sometimes I do.”

                “Mel, you have to love and like someone all the time and the first person that should be is you.  Because if you don’t who will?”  Faal pulls her into a hug.

                “You are a very lucky lady.”  She says to Zee with a watery smile.

                “Fuck luck.  Look at him, he’s gorgeous and most woman and a few men want to fuck him, but he comes home to me, why because we’re happy in the silences.  Actually maybe that doesn’t make sense.  What I mean is…”

                “No I get it.  I once said to Lindz that the one thing Jews can’t stand is silence.  But thinking about it now it’s the silent treatment I can’t stand.”

                “Nobody does silent better than a WASP.”  Jennifer comments.

                “We’re not always happy!  We fight like a starving lion and hyena over a carcass!” 

Faal chuckles and blows Zee a kiss, she scowls back at him and then pokes out her tongue.

                “Why aren’t I enough?”  She hiccups.

                “For you or for her?”  He asks.

                “A bit of topic for a minute but why is she calling Michael?  You’d think after the shit he pulled she would be defending that little cub, not that she’s not capable of defending herself of course, she’s part Marcus after all.”  Daph snickers.

                “It does seem odd.  After what he said about Hunter and Justin.  I will never forgive him for that and felt ashamed after the way we treated Brian after the anniversary party.”  Ben adds.

                “Hunter and Justin?  What did he say about Hunter and Justin?”  Daph looks round angrily.

                “Daph please?”  I beg.

                “Someone tell me!”  She demands.

                “He said that Ben always put that diseased bastard first, meaning Hunter, and said that Brian should’ve left Justin in the parking garage.”  Drew answers.  “What it’s not me she’s mad at!”

She takes a step back like she’s been struck and takes deep gulping breaths

                “Oh.  Oh my God, he said, said that! I think I’m going…”

                “With me now!”  Alice drags her out of the room.

                “Brian!  Is that.  Is that why you hit him, why the fuck didn’t you say something!  I’m sorry if I had known!”  Mel cries.

Brian smiles a small smile

                “It’s over, I’m marrying him and that’s all that matter to me.”

                “Like fuck is it!”  Daph snarls.  “He will pay, for every single fucking word he will pay!”

She guns down the brandy Drew pours for her and waves the glass for another.

                “Look what we need to do, if I may be so bold, is to let whatever they want to play out, play out.  We know they are doing something, so let’s just see what it is.”  Tucker suggests

                “I don’t know and I also don’t know why she’s let him rent her parents’ place.”  Jennifer murmurs.

                “How did?”  Mel gasps.

                “The WASP network, nothing gets news around quicker.”  Tucker chuckles.

                “How does he afford Shadyside even with a friends’ discount it must be a pretty penny.”  Ted asks

                “And then there’s David.”  Debs chimes in.

                “David?”  Brian asks he had been very quiet during this discussion, unnervingly so.

                “Yeah apparently, he’s bisexual and his daughter is in the Pitts, in Shadyside to be precise.  Michael bumped into him and I think reacted in a very calm and rational way!”  She replies dryly.

There were gasps at this news.  The only people not to react were Zee and Faal.

                “You knew?”  I ask her.

                “About him being bisexual and the kid, yes, not where she was.  It was not our news to tell – no offence Debs you told in context of course.”  Zee strokes her arm soothingly.

Through all this time, Ted was quiet.  I nudge Brian and nod at Ted.

                “Ted?”  Brian calls out.

                “Mmm?”

                “I can hear the wheels turning from over here.”  He smirks.

                “You know you were right about me Mel.” 

                “Right about what?”

                “When I was on crystal you were right in every way.”

                “Okay thanks.  But not quite sure where you’re going with this…” 

                “And also Tucker is right.  Let them do what they think, or more importantly Lindz thinks, they can get away with, just keep the backlash this side of legal please, and yes Daphne I am talking to you.”

BLACK FRIDAY

DAPH’S ROOM

MEL

I’ve slept the best night’s sleep in months not because of the comfy bed and the amount of booze but because I let go.  I just let go.

                “Mel?  You awake?”  Daph whispers.

                “Yes.”

                “It’s Black Friday today.”  She turns to look at me with a mischievous smile on her face.

                “Okay.”

                “So it wouldn’t be totally unreasonable for those who are not helping milady to oh I don’t know go shopping would it?”

I start to giggle knowing how much that would annoy Lindz…well hun welcome to my world!

                “After all you will need a new briefcase for your new job and all…”

                “An excellent idea!”

She sits up and then clambers out of bed and heads to the bathroom within minutes both she and Jenny are back in the bed. 

MASTER BEDROOM

BRIAN

                “You do know this is going to be a disaster?  Lindz cooking I mean?”

He looks up at me and stills his fingers, which had been drawing nice patterns on my chest, I sniffle.

He chuckles and begins again.

                “Yep but it is going to be worth…hang on.”

He reaches for his phone and then grins, when he shows it to me I get him to forward it to me.

                “Yes twat we’re happy in the silences too, now stop the hamsters.”  He mutters.

ZEE & FAAL’S ROOM

FAAL

Zee is still asleep sprawled across my body.  She had a long day yesterday and I am so proud of her, though do regret letting Emmy Lou have the cold mousse egg.  My phone goes and I chuckle.

                “Lig, wake up my darling.”

I start to push the blanket down her body as soon as the cold air hits her eyes pop open.

                “This had better be good, my back is…”  She stops talking when she sees the text.

MEL & LINDZ’S ROOM

LINDZ

What the hell is that noise?  I want to shove Mel out of bed to check but find nothing but space on her side of the bed.

                “Good morning Lindz time to get up and cook!”  Faal’s cheery voice comes through the door.

Well at least there’s a silver lining to this day!

10 minutes later I head downstairs and I am greeted by expectant faces. 

                “Where’s Alice?”  I murmur reaching for the coffee and still smarting from not having any last night.

                “At home having a lie in, she said that she will see us at breakfast.  She’s left a couple of chickens and there’s loads of veggies and other stuff.”

Blake is awfully cheery for this early in the morning.

                “What about the food from yesterday, surely we can just heat that up for lunch?”

                “No, no, we can’t.  It has to be fresh food.”  Justin calls from the door.

                “Uh Lindz the machine.”  Blake points behind me.

I hadn’t noticed that the machine was still running when I pulled the jug out and now it is spreading over the counter.

                “Shit!”  I snap.

                “Fuck Lindz.  Marble, Italian marble that takes on stains!  Here!”  Justin throws a cloth at me.

                “Good morning troops, milady.  How are you all this morning, ready to serve the masses?”

I was all set to bitch him out but then I take in the sight of him. How the fuck did that bitch land him seriously!

                “Yes, let’s go!”

If she thinks I am going to fail at this she’s got another think coming.  I start giving instructions frying off bacon and soon the kitchen is a well-oiled machine of activity…and then it isn’t.

For some reason the oven doesn’t seem to want to come on.  No matter what button I press nothing happens.  I was all set to call Alice when Faal leans across me and flicks the switch on the plug.  I smile at him gratefully and put the bacon in there to warm. 

                “Okay I need you Blake to check how people want their eggs done.” 

                “Are you sure you want to do that, wouldn’t it be easier just to do an omelette or maybe no eggs at all?” 

I give him a look and he slinks off to ask the question, when he returns he is biting his lip.

                “What?”  I demand.

                “Three don’t want any.  Four want scrambled – two wet and two dry.  Four want poached – soft set and three want boiled – one soft, one medium soft and one hard.”

They are doing this on purpose, well I am not going to be beaten. 

                “Fine.  Not a problem.  Faal can you help me?” 

                “Sure.  Not a problem.  Lindz where are the rest of the eggs?”

                “What?”

                “Well for scrambled you need at least two per person, so we are short on eggs.”

                “There are almost 16 eggs here how are we short?”

                “I was just looking forward to the apple cake that Mel raved about and I know you will need eggs for that.  I’ve never had apple cake before.”   He sighs.

I pat him consolingly.

                “Maybe next time.”  I murmur.

                “Oh wait found some!”  Matt calls out from the larder.

Of course you have I think to myself.  After about 2 hours breakfast is finally served.

                “Well dig in everyone this looks scrumptious.”  I take my seat.

And then I taste the bacon.

                “Momma why does the bacon taste like this and why is it cold?”  Jenny asks.

                “Lindsay, why didn’t you call me if you didn’t understand the setting on the oven?”  Alice asks, pushing her plate away.

                “I understood the settings perfectly Alice thank you.” 

                “Really.  Well it seems to me that you put the oven on clean.”  She gets up and heads to the kitchen.

                “Well that’s going to set you back timing wise.  I shall leave you instructions for the oven in the mud room just in case it isn’t done by the time you want to start lunch.  You might want to consider a stew and a roast just as a back-up.  Well I’m going back to the cottage, call me when lunch is done.”

With that she gets up and leaves.  I could’ve sworn I put the oven on warm!

The rest of breakfast is eaten in silence.

                “Hunter, Matt and Gus, you’re on dishes.”  I order.

                “But mom…”  Gus begins to whine.

                “The kids did the dishes yesterday so they are exempt today.”   Carl reminds me.

I smile tightly at him and with the help of him, Blake and Ted start to clear.

An hour later we come out of the kitchen to find most of them milling by the door.

                “Where are you going?”  I ask Mel

                “Well since its Black Friday, Emmy Lou, Brian, Zee, Mel, Debs and I are going shopping.  Mel needs a new briefcase and I have got to get some more of those notebooks.” 

Daphne murmurs checking the list in her hand.

                “I’m going to go to my studio to paint.”  Justin replies and heads upstairs.

                “Need brushes?”  Brian calls out.

                “Oh yes please you know the ones you like.  And can you get the furballs some more catnip.  And that massage oil and honey dust.”  He calls back.

                “Brushes, catnip, massage oil and honey dust added to the list.”  Daphne shouts back.  “Now come on Vince is waiting!  Wait what’s honey dust?”

                “I’ll tell you in the car.”  Brian smirks.

                “We.”  Hunter begins indicating to Jenny, Gus, Matt and Ben.  “Are going to test my bike.”

                “So what time should we be home for Lindz?”  Brian asks.

                “About three I guess.” 

I mutter and head upstairs to shower this is going to be a long day.

CAR SERVICE

VINCE

                “Where to Mr K?  And up or down?”

                “The Diner.  I need to get some food in these ladies before they keel over.  Nobody can shop on an empty stomach!  And down please I am sure the ladies will want to converse.”  I tell him.

                “Speaking of food, poor baby is going to be starving!”  Emmett shakes his head.

                “Oh no he’ll be fine.  He’ll just go to the cottage.”  Mr K chuckles

                “Okay so spill what’s honey dust?”  Daphne bounces in her seat.

                “Exactly what is says on the tin.  Edible body powder flavoured with honey.  Can you put 3 no make it 4 pots on your list.”

When we get to the diner they ask if I want anything, I ask for a bacon sandwich and a coffee.  Mr K doesn’t leave the car but does as for a French roast coffee.  He catches my frown.

                “Justin found this place up the road from that does great coffee.  Not even Mrs H drinks coffee here.”

I nod and settle down to wait and thankfully there isn’t too long, it’s not that I am uncomfortable in Mr K’s presence but I missed breakfast.

                “Oh this is good!”  Daphne moans round her bacon and egg sandwich.

                “Yeah I called ahead and Kiki had them on standby.”  Mrs H cackles.

                “Right are we finished?”  Mr K asks having finished off the bacon sandwich he didn’t want.

                “Hell yeah, I want this legendary BKE I have been hearing about!”  Zee smiles.

                “What’s that?”  The brown haired lady asks

                “You don’t know what the BKE is…uh…”  I realise I don’t know her name.

                “I’ve just thought of something, Vince this is Mel and Mel this is Vince, she’s Lindsay’s wife, the blonde lady.  Please excuse me I thought you had been introduced.”  Mr K is such a classy guy.

                “Nice to meet you and no I don’t.”

                “Oh honey you are in for a treat!”  Emmett cries.

FOUR HOURS LATER

CAR SERVICE

DAPHNE

                “Brian, Zee this is too much!  You’ve already got me…”

                “I’m not above using duct tape.”  Zee warns with a big smile.

                “Okay, alright, these notebooks are going to last me my entire residency!”

                “Daph again duct tape.”  Brian raises an eyebrow

                “Okay shutting up about that now.  So Debs who was that guy you were talking to?”

                “The leather bear oh that’s Grizz, Carl’s new friend, he’s going to help me get a decent leather jacket for him.”

                “Carl has a leather bear friend?”

                “Yes he met him when we went to Babylon.”  Emmy Lou chuckles. 

I sat enthralled as they tell me all about Babylon and their PJTO the next day. 

                “Oh that’s a point, you down for Christmas.”  Zee asks.

                “Nah folks aren’t here and besides…”

                “You clearly misheard me.  I said you’re not you.  If you think I am going to let my fellow devil hellcat miss out on the show you can think again.”

                “But…”

                “Private plane.”  She shrugs.

                “Huh.”

                “As in we have a.  Nothing will chap her lips more than having to share, especially when you will be wearing this!” 

She pulls out a dark green, suede coat, with a fur trim in a lighter green and fur lined.  I had been admiring and trying to justify it.  But then I got my sensible head on and reluctantly left it.

                “How did…”

                “It’s not from just her, it’s from all of us.  You’ve been Justin’s rock for all of his life, you’ve been there for him through everything, you’ve been a constant supporter of their relationship and you will defend them to the end.  The least we can do is buy you a damn coat!”  Emmy Lou is sniffling.

                “When did you get it?”  I hiccup.

                “I spotted you looking at it a few times and then I could see you trying to work out the math.  Do you have tissues in here?”  Brian hands him a box.

                “So whilst you were getting the notebooks.”  Debs brushes her tears from her face.  “Ems went and got it.  If it’s not the correct size, let us know.  Okay honey?”

I take a deep swallow and then bawled like a baby on Mel’s shoulder.

CHAPTER 7 – HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS…ZEE’S LITTLE BROWNSTONE…YEAH RIGHT!

PITTSBURGH AIRPORT – SATURDAY AFTERNOON

GUS

                “So dad in a month’s time, we won’t be doing this anymore isn’t that great?”

Dad gave me his version of the sunshine smile.

                “Did you have a good time Sonny Boy?  I don’t want you to think I was…”

                “Dad don’t even go there.  Of course I had a good time!  So it looks like Jenny’s going to be a big sister?”

                “Wh…oh I see, seems like it.  Well they’ve not said anything officially to us but…”

                “Hunter said he caught them making out.”  He snickers.

                “Caught who making out?”  Mom asks startling us.

                “Vince and Daphne.”  I reply quickly.

Dad looks at me in surprise.

                “Well she didn’t waste her time.  Wouldn’t have thought he was her type, thought she would go for someone with more intellect.  Each to their own I suppose.  Now…”

                “What do you mean about not wasting her time and how do you know he’s not smart?” 

I hate it when she judges people without knowing them.  Before she could speak they are announcing our flights.  Jenny bounces over to hug dad goodbye.

                “Less than 30 sleeps and we are home!  I can’t wait for Christmas.  Bye Uncle Brian love you!” 

She gives him a big squeeze and tries to pretend she’s not crying.  Momma and papa come over and I hug papa tightly, he’s going to have a bit of a tough day because Aunt Daph is going today as well.   I can see he’s starting to lose it.

                “Well time for us to go.  We will call you soon to discuss schools.  I will let Lindz handle that, you don’t mind do you?”

                “No of course not.”  Mom smiles at her.

                “Thanks for everything, I mean it, thank you.”

Momma says and gives dad a kiss on the cheek and a squeeze on his arm, both mom and I stood there with our mouths open. 

                “Don’t mention it…ever.”  Dad growls and then smirks.

                “Bye dad.” 

I sniffle into his chest and he smooths my hair.

                “Allergies?”  He whispers.

                “Yep.”  I whisper back.

                “Well Brian, talk to you soon but soon we will be home.”

Mom calls back as we head through the gates.

LINDZ

                “What was that about Mel?”

                “What was what about?”

                “Thanking Brian for everything?”

                “Can’t I show gratitude for him putting up with us and the…”

                “Putting up with us.  He is not putting up with us!  I’m the mother of his child.”  I hiss so as not to draw too much attention to us.  “And one of…”

                “His oldest friends.  Who should’ve been more appreciative for the tickets to San Francisco during Mardi Gras, the wine tasting in the Napa Valley and the spa bookings don’t you think?”  She sighs.

                “What I didn’t see anything like that…”

                “No you just looked in the envelope and saw what you wanted as usual.  Look I’m tired and we’ve got a shitload to do between now and Christmas.  All I want to do for the rest of the day is sleep, we can pick this up tomorrow.  Come on guys let’s go”

GUS

Jesus they can’t even make it a day without fucking arguing.  And I am still pissed that she thinks that Vince isn’t smart.  I must give J a heads up about that.  I don’t think it’s a good idea that they know about Uncle Ben and Steve yet.  I’m not sure how Uncle Michael is going to react, he’s still being a jerk about the divorce.  Dad said he would tell exactly why Uncle Michael and he are no longer best friends, it must’ve been pretty bad, it even had Nana Jen swearing and she never does.

                “Hey J.  Did you have a good time?”

                “Oh yes the best.  Mom says I can keep my toenails painted until the weekend.  I’m a bit bummed that I have to take my fingernails off though.”

I smile, for someone who is as feisty and tomboyish as her, she is in touch with her girlie side!

                “I’ve just thought.  We’ll have to make a list of all the things that we do here that we have to find in the Pitts.  For a start there’s your roller derby and my chess club and I want to join the motocross club and what else?” 

                “Got pen and paper, let’s make a list.”  She suggests.

PITTSBURGH AIRPORT

JUSTIN

                “Have you got everything Daph?”

                “Justin!  I have packed and travelled by myself before.  I have everything!”

                “I know, okay that’s your flight.  Call me when you get there okay.”

                “I will I promise.  Now go before we both start!  See you at Christmas time!  Love you both!”

With that she scurries away.

                “Don’t look back.”  I whisper and she doesn’t.

We head to the car and Vince is waiting for us.

                “Straight home and up Mr K?”  He asks.

                “Please Vince, thank you.”

I don’t say or do anything, I just want to keep it together until I get back to my studio, and then I feel his fingers brush my cheek.  I bite my lip.  He tugs my hand and then I am in lap sobbing my heart out.

                “What’s brought this on?  You’ve never been like this before?”  He asks into my hair.

                “It’s just never over, why can’t they just let us be fucking happy?” 

I feel him shrug as he rubs my back and I start to calm down.

                “You want to hear something funny?”  He snorts.

I nod into his chest and wipe my face.

                “Gus is a smart boy.”

                “Is there a punchline to that?”  I ask looking up at him.

                “Yeah.  He was telling me that Hunter caught Ben and Steve making out and Lindz arrived just in time to catch the end and asked who was making out.  And he said Vince and Daph.”

                “What!  Why?”

                “And then he lit into her a bit when she questioned Vince’s intellect and questioned Daph’s morality.”

                “Lindz is questioning Daph’s morality when she cheated on Mel and was willing to marry a guy for “his green card”.”

                “Yep.”

I start to giggle.

                “You’re right that is funny.”

TREEHOUSE

FAAL

                “Thank God we are home.  Don’t get me wrong I love the guys but Lindz is another matter!  I thought I had problems with boundaries!”

Zee chuckles and wraps her arms round me then groans rubbing her back.

                “Okay you’ve done enough this weekend.  Time for a Jacuzzi bath and then I will do something about your back.  Oh did we manage to get leftovers.”

                “Mmm, some of the suckling pig although I think the lamb was a midnight feast for Justin and Daph.”

I snort softly, she’s still not moved.

                “What is it?”

                “I love you.”

                “This I know…”

                “No I really love you.  The way you were with Mel.”

                “She deserves happiness.  You can see how emotionally worn down she is, I think coming back here will work out better for Mel than Lindz thinks.”

This time she looks up at me and frowns.

                “Up in Canada she’s on her own, no back up, but Lindz has, or thinks she has, Brian and holds that over Mel like a cudgel.  With us at her back, the balance of power is more…uh…balanced.  Yes?”

                “Yes geliefde it is indeed.  Now time for you to do your thang and unkink your wife’s back.”

BRITIN – SAME AFTERNOON

ALICE

That is the last time that woman works in my kitchen – I spent a good twenty minutes getting that stain out of the counter, lucky Brian didn’t see it.  How Mel eats any of the damn food she makes is a mystery, has the woman heard of salt!  I’m not wasteful but there was no way that was staying in my fridge, I have my standards!

And poor Lilah didn’t get as much salmon over the weekend because she ate most of it.  It was lucky it was Debs who stopped her and not Brian, nobody takes food from his majesty.

                “Hey Alice.”  Justin comes into the kitchen and I can tell he’s been crying.

                “Right you go wash your face and I will prepare some rolls for you…”

                “Not chicken right?”

I give him the look and he backs slowly out.

                “Oh there’s some soup in the freezer, I can do that instead?”  I call out.

                “Can you do the dunkers?  And we save the pig for later?”  Brian asks ruffling his hair as he passes.

                “Sure.”

                “Managed to get it out then?”  He brushes his hand over the counter.

I snort and shrug. 

                “She made them didn’t she?”  He asks quietly.

                “Yeah, I don’t think she made the specifically for you, I think it was something she had already done.”

                “Did she take them back?”

I give him the look and he smiles.

                “Good.”

NEW YORK

DAPHNE’S APARTMENT

DAPHNE

                “Hey Justin, I’m home safe and sound.  I still have to unpack, all of my stuff, seriously you guys spoilt me.  I love Zee, Faal and Matt.  Hunter’s a lucky guy!  What?  Gus said what?!  Oh your son is in so much trouble!”

UPTOWN GALLERY – THURSDAY AFTERNOON

HUNTER

I gape at my Lydia, my supervisor.

                “You want to train me to do what?”

                “Be one of our curators.  Obviously, this will mean going to college to study and you’d start at the junior level.  You will get on the job experience, we’ll go to art shows, estates, museums and the like.  You’ve got a good eye and your placings and labelling is excellent.  Your enthusiasm is second to none.  I think you would be brilliant at it if you would just give yourself a chance.”

I worry at my lip.

                “Hunter, you can do this.”  She says.  “All you have to do is want to.  And don’t worry about finding a college, with your SATs you can get anywhere and of course the gallery will cover your fees.”

                “You will?”

                “Of course, that way you’ll feel obligated to stay!”  She smiles at me widely.

                “Of course!  I knew there was a catch! 

                “The best one is of course Carnegie Mellon, but you would ideally need a letter of recommendation for that.”

I beam at her, I don’t think that is going to be a problem at all.

DINER – FRIDAY MORNING

MICHAEL

Lindz called to say she’s been looking into schools this week and will sort out a call for next week between all the parents.  She’s got at least three that are near Shadyside so we will just pick one of those.

                “Michael.  Paging Michael Novotny.  Can Michael Novotny come back to planet earth?” 

I look up at ma.

                “Novotny Bruckner.”  I correct her.

                “But you are going to be going back to Novotny so you might as well start using it now.”

I glare at her.

                “Can I just order please?”

                “So how you feeling about the girls moving back?  Isn’t it great?”

                “Yes of course it is but…”

She sighs and sits down.

                “But what, what possible objection can you have to this?”

                “Well it’s just the Brownstone is awfully far away from Shadyside, I don’t know why they can’t stay at Britin, which is closer for me?”

                “Closer for…!  And what about Mel?”

                “What about Mel?”

                “Her new job is nearer the Brownstone.”

                “She can get a car and drive to work.  Or they can sort a service for her.”  I argue

                “Or you can get a job to put petrol in your car and drive to see your daughter at the Brownstone!”  She snaps.  “That money is not going to last forever!  And I can see why he’s citing irreconcilable differences and unreasonable behaviour!”

                “Thanks!  Good to know that I have my mother’s support!”

                “Debs order up!”

I glare at her retreating back and then grimace when Ben comes in. 

                “Michael.”

                “Ben.”

                “Hey honey, the rest of the boys coming in?”  Ma calls out

                “No it’s just a quick stop off to collect the keys.”

                “Oh yeah hold on.”

She goes out back and then hands them to him and he leaves.

                “So what’ll be?”  She asks me.

                “Why does he need keys to the house for?”  I demand.

                “Who says they are keys to the house?

                “Well what are they for then?”

                “That’s between him and Carl so if you want to know ask one of them.  Now what’s it going to be.”

                “Nothing I am going home!”

I storm out and as I walk up the street I stop in shock and stare.  What the fuck have they done!

RED CAPE COMICS

                “Good afternoon sir.  I’m afraid we aren’t quite open yet, but we will be next week.  I can take your details to invite you to the relaunch event.”

                “Relaunch?”  I stutter.

                “Yes, next Thursday.  Do you want to give me your details?”

I look round what used to be my store.  As well as the new signage they have stripped back to the brickwork and given it some kind of varnish so that it gleams.  There shelves of comics along two walls and at the back are four computers all hi spec.  The flooring is brushed concrete and the collectibles are all along one wall.  My collectibles. 

                “What’s upstairs?”  I ask.

                “Oh that will be revealed at the relaunch, so your details?”

I quickly scribble them down and head out, there is no way in fuck that I am missing that little soiree!

TREEHOUSE – SUNDAY EVENING

HUNTER

Suppose now is good a time as any.

                “Um can I have your attention please?”

All eyes turn to me and I gulp.

                “Lydia, she’s my supervisor at work, offered to train me as a curator and I said yes and I need a letter of recommendation so dad I was wondering if you could write it as I will have to go to college for my degree and did I mention I said yes?”

I sat down quickly and waited.  Nothing nobody said a word.

                “Well say something.”  I demand.

                “Son we would if we understood what you said.  Can you repeat that slowly?”  Grandpa asks.

I said it again and then the smiling starts and grandma Debs and nana Jen both give me hugs.  Matt is just grinning at me and then Brian and Justin start to laugh.

                “What, what so funny about that?”  I huff.

                “No, nothing, we’re not laughing at you.  She is going to pitch a fit when she hears this.”  Justin gasps.

                “Who?”  I ask.

                “Lindz.”  Brian chuckles.

                “Oh yeah I forgot she does that…well when she’s not arguing with Mel and flouncing out sulking according to Gus.  He was really pissed when they were going home that she couldn’t even wait till they got home to start a fight.”

Brian rolls his eyes and sighs heavily.

                “Well this definitely calls for bubbles!”  Auntie Ems calls and heads to the kitchen.

                “Ems you never need an excuse for bubbles!”  Drew calls out.

                “Honey.  One word.  Couch!”  He calls back.

We all burst out laughing at the sheepish expression on Drew’s face.

MEL & LINDZ’S HOUSE – MONDAY MORNING

LINDZ

                “Well when you be available, we have to discuss this as parents Mel!”

                “Lindz I’m aware of that!  All I am saying is that I can’t do that time.  I have a conference call with Harry first, I can do the call afterwards.”

                “So your call with Harry is more important than discussing the educational needs of our children?!”

                “If it wasn’t for Harry we wouldn’t be having this conversation about our children being schooled in Pittsburgh now would we?  Now I have to go, just make the call an hour or so later that’s all I am asking.”

She heads out and for once I can’t find a way dispute that.

BRITIN – WEDNESDAY EVENING

BRIAN

                “Okay is everyone on?”

I get a chorus of yeses.  Lindz had emailed us the list of schools as well as places for their after school activities, so of course little Mr Organised had colour coded them according to the map and emailed it back with the location of their friends as well, so that we had a proper lie of the land.

                “Top 3 are Community Day, St Bede and Reizenstein Middle for both of them, that way…”  Lindz begins.

                “Hang on, who made those choices?”  Mel asks surprised.

                “Well Michael and I have been talking and these seem the best location wise.”

                “For who?”  Ben asks.

                “They’re near Michael for Jenny to visit and close to Britin for Gus to visit.”

                “And what about Mel’s work, their home, their after school activities, their friends not to mention being close to family if we need to pick them up or something.”  He asks.

                “Ben I really don’t…”

                “Whilst I am still paying child support Michael, I really do!”  He snaps.

                “Why can’t we look at the schools where most of the things that Ben mentions are.  And also Lindz you’ve got to remember galleries?”  I point out.

                “Galleries?”

                “There are better galleries the Brownstone side including Sydney Bloom, you didn’t leave under too much of a cloud, so you could go back there.”

Justin says sweetly whilst rolling his eyes at me, I smack him on the arm and then give him a swift kiss, there’s my little tiger.

                “But we prefer…”

                “What you prefer and what makes logical and logistical sense are not the same things.”  Ben sighs.

Hmm, it would seem that being with Steve has given Ben some much needed backbone.

                “So what are you saying?”  Michael demands.

                “Those schools are just not viable options.”  I sigh starting to tense up at that whine.

                “So in other words, if we don’t pick what you want then you won’t pay for it?”  Lindz is shrill.

                “They weren’t going to pay for Jenny and Gus in the first place Lindz.  Okay Gus, yes, but as Jenny’s parents, me, you, Michael and Ben should pay.  They will be leaving at the crack of dawn to get to school, all of which are an hour away by bus, by the time they get home they are going to be exhausted and then there’s their homework…”

                “They can use the service…”  Michael suggests.

                “Which will still take at least 45 minutes to get them there in morning traffic and the drive back home would be longer.  It’s not fair on them.  They will be too exhausted to do anything except go to school and sleep.  No sorry, but Shadyside or any other places near Britin are not an option.”  Mel states firmly.

                “Or Brian could get you guys a car and Lindz can drive them before she goes to work.” 

I snap a pencil, he’s still arguing this fucking point! 

                “No Michael no!”  Mel’s voice is sharp and final.

                “I see you’ve made a decision for us once again Mel.”  Lindz snipes.

                “Hey if you want we can stay in Toronto and this problem goes away!”  She snaps.

There is a beat before Lindz speaks.

                “Okay so the other schools highlighted we haven’t really looked at and we…”

                “Oh I have, I sent you the details on the second attachment.”  Justin chips in.

                “Thanks Justin.  In that case we don’t really need you and Brian to continue on this call.  We will let you know which one we settle on and go from there.  And speaking of going from there, I have a move date for you.  We should be back in Pittsburgh on the 19 December!”

                “What wait, that’s less than 3 weeks away!”  I shout.

                “I know!  We need to sort out movers and everything.  I also need Zee’s number can you email me that?”

                “Sure Justin’s doing it now.  Look sort out the schools and we will sort out the movers for you, it’s the least we can do, you’re bringing my Sonny Boy home!”  I tell her firmly.

                “Okay thanks Brian.” 

                “Yes thank you Peter.”  Lindz sighs.

                “Bye all.”

I grimace and cut off the phone. 

                “We’ve got some calls to make.”  Justin nibbles on his thumb, he’s picked that up from me.

                “Yeah, once I’ve fucked you into the mattress.”  I tell him hoisting him over my shoulder.

He squeals with laughter and tries pathetically to escape.

                “Oh please Mr Caveman be gentle with me!”

TREEHOUSE – THURSDAY MORNING

ZEE

                “This is Zaden.”

                “Zaden, um good morning, this is Lindz, how are you?” 

                “Fine thank you.  Mel called and told me the good news.”

                “Yes isn’t it great.”

There is a silence.

                “You called me Lindz.”

                “Oh yes, yes I did, I just wanted to say, um thank you for letting us stay in your little Brownstone until we get somewhere else…”

                “You’re welcome… Jennifer will be there to hand over the keys, get the tenancy agreement signed and leave you a folder of listings she’s been working on, I’ll be there later in the evening with a hamper, I know the last thing you’d want to do when first move is cook.  Now sorry to cut this short but I have to run.  See you.”

                “You have to admire her tenacity.”  Faal says grimly.

RED CAPE COMICS RELAUNCH NIGHT

MICHAEL

I can’t believe this place and how packed it is.  I head upstairs and am astonished.  They have opened up the wall where there was a small window and there are sofas, a pinball machine – a vintage pinball machine, a snack area and a fancy coffee machine.  And a small movie room next to the bathroom. 

                “So what do you think Michael?”  I brace myself and turn round to face Phil one of my former long term customers.

                “It looks okay.  I suppose.”  I mutter.

                “Okay!  This place is freaking awesome!”  He looks incredulously at me.  “Why’d you sell it, I thought you loved this place?”

                “I had a change in circumstances.”  I grimace.  “Now if you will excuse me, I need to look round a bit more.”

I head towards the display case and want to cry.  All my collectibles are still here, I remember buying each and everyone one of them.  It is so unfair what they have done.

                “I wouldn’t have thought you’d be here.” 

I take a deep breath and turn round to face Matt and scowl.

                “Same can be said about you.  I wouldn’t have thought that this was your kind of thing?”

                “It isn’t but I wanted to see how my suggestions worked out.”

                “Your suggestions?” 

                “Yeah I am studying architecture and design, they showed me how you had it first and asked what I would do.  I’m not into comic books, I find them dull, but even a geek needs to sit the fuck down when they read.”

                “Well done, do you want applause?”  I spit.

                “No, but I do want to tell you something.  You didn’t even try at Thanksgiving, they were in the same room less than 10 feet away and nothing.  You’ve made me do the one thing I hate in life, keep a secret, and I hate you for it.”  He spits back.

MEL & LINDZ HOUSE – 18 DECEMBER 2014 MID MORNING

LINDZ

Oh my God oh my God oh my God!  We are flying in Faal’s private plane, okay its “Zee’s” but I bet he bought it for her.   The house is finally packed up and we are finally going home.  Mel has been running all over the place trying to wrap up her partnership here and I organised the movers.  She was a bit snippy that I hadn’t started putting out feelers for jobs yet but I would like to see the galleries, get a feel for the place, before I put my resume in.

Michael called me and told me what they had done to the store.  Whilst it does sound great they could at least let him run it.  But apparently they got someone else in.  He said that Matt came to him to gloat about that too.  What odd behaviour but he said he held the higher ground and just ignored him.

Well here’s the service to take us to the plane.  I can’t wait!

ZEE & FAAL’S PLANE

PILOT

                “We will now be descending into JFK, could all passengers retake their seats and put their seatbelts on.”

LINDZ

                “Why are we going to JFK?”  I ask Mel.

                “I don’t know maybe refuelling.”  She replies looking out the window.

I take another sip of my champagne, I could get used to this.

The door opens to let someone on maybe they are switching stewardesses.

                “Aunt Daph!”  Jenny screams and leaps out of her seat.

Daphne scoops Jenny into her arms and showers her with kisses.

                “Lindsay, Mel how are you both?”  She smiles at us.

                “Ah Gus, you and I need to have a little chat later my man.”

                “I didn’t know you were coming to Pittsburgh.  Stopping long?”

                “Yeah till the New Year.” 

She takes off her coat and hands it to the stewardess and accepts a glass of champagne.

                “What a beautiful coat, where did you get it?”  I ask.

                “I didn’t.  It was a thank you gift for supporting Justin from the gang.” 

                “How sweet.”  I say

                “Isn’t it though.  Ooh we’re off!”  She squeals excitedly.  “Have you ever flown by private plane before Mel?”

                “No first time.  You?”

                “Me too.”

                “So where will you be staying when you get to Pittsburgh?”  I just know the answer.

                “Britin of course, have to help Alice with the baking and Justin with the decorating.”

                “Of course you do.”  I murmur tightly.

DAPH

Ooh it is killing her that I am here and I get to stay at Britin and she doesn’t.  Good you skanky assed bitch, suck it up!

MEL

I must not look at Daph.  Lindz is vibrating with anger and frustration.  Oh well never mind.

BROWNSTONE

JENNIFER

Daph called and said how pissed off Lindz looked when she got on the plane.  I’m dying to see that coat.  Brian insisted that it was sent on ahead immediately so it didn’t get crushed along with everything else she bought.  I have it on good authority that Zee is in for a nice surprise from a certain husband of hers.

I think I hear the car.  Ah yes they are here.  I’m going to enjoy every minute of this.  I step outside as I want to see her reaction to her little Brownstone all 3 floors of it.

                “Nana Jen!”  Gus is surprised and rushes to hug me as does Jenny.

                “Hi guys how was the flight?”  They start to babble excitedly.

                “Guys can we get inside it’s freezing out here!”  Mel chides.

Lindz has stopped by the car to take out her case and I watch as her eyes take it all on.

                “So which floor is ours?”

                “All of them.  Come on like Mel says its freezing!”

Mel comes to a halt in the kitchen and looks round whistling.

                “The movers have put the boxes in all the relevant rooms and this is the number for the storage company that your furniture is in.  This place is fully furnished.  Here are the listings and the tenancy agreement, could that be signed in the next couple of days and sent back to me.”

All this time Lindz has not said a word after returning from checking out the rest of the floor.

                “Well if that’s all, I shall leave you to your unpacking.  Zee will be here around five.  The boys have the top floor so these two floors are pretty much yours.”

                “Jennifer thank you for meeting us here it really was…”  Mel’s voice breaks.

                “We’re family that’s what we do.”

I kiss her goodbye and give her a quick wink before giving Lindsay a WASP hug.

MEL

                “This place is incredible.  I never thought…”

                “Faal must…”  Lindz began only to be interrupted by Jenny.

                “Aunt Zee decorated it, according to Uncle Faal she has the eye when it comes to decorating.  She did the Treehouse as well.  I’m so pleased to be here.”

She heads to the fridge and looks inside before closing the door again.

                “Momma where’s the food?”

                “What sweetheart sorry was miles away?”

                “The food.”

                “Zee’s bringing that later.”

                “No Aunt Zee is just bringing dinner for this evening, mom asked you to order food to stock the fridge for breakfast…”

                “Lindz, you did order the food right, it’s coming at some point today?”

                “Of course I did!” 

She snaps and rifles through her purse finding what she’s looking she slams it down.

                “That’s great Lindz except the delivery date is for tomorrow between nine and twelve.  Come on Jenny grab your coat let’s go get some basics so that we can at least have breakfast.”  I tell her.

As we head out I am glad of the biting wind so that I can blame that for my tears.

ZEE

                “Hey anybody home?”  I call out when I get there with food.

Mel comes out and pulls me into a hug.

                “Thank you so much for letting us stay here.  It’s beautiful.”

                “Now hush and call Daph she wants to make sure you’re okay.  Right’s where’s Lindz I need to show you both some things.”

                “Lindz can you come a minute!”  She calls out.

I spend time showing the intricacies of the home and resist the temptation to remark on every eye roll Lindz makes.

                “So you have underfloor heating but lighting the fires does make it nice and toasty.”  I tell them.

                “Where would we get the wood?”  Mel asks

                “Too easy.”  I snicker.

I hear the front door open and then there is a thud and a groan.

                “Be right back.  Stay here.”  I order.

I dash back to the kitchen and am greeted by the sight of Matt pinning Hunter to the door and kissing the hell out of him.  Now I am no prude, I have a glass Faal after all, but no mother wants to see her son’s hips snap like that.  Or hear Hunter whisper what he wants to do to him later!

                “You have the loft for that.”  I point out.

                “Mom what are you doing here?!”  Matt squeaks.

                “Moving in day remember?”  I fight the urge to giggle.

                “That’s today?”  Hunter groans and tries to slide his hand out of Matt’s pants without me noticing.

                “Yeah.  And this is where you leave.”  I grin at them.

They bundle out of the door and I decide that wine is called for.  I grab a bottle and glasses from the hamper, shove the corkscrew in my back pocket and rejoin them. 

                “So where was I?  Who’s on opening duty?”  I wave at the bottle at them.

                “Surely you can open a screwcap bottle and talk at the same time.”  Lindz smiles sweetly.

                “I can but the Glen Carlou Gravel Quarry Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, which I know is one of your favourites, doesn’t come in screw cap form, hence the corkscrew.”

                “How did you know about that?”  She asks going bright red.

                “You mentioned it to Faal and Faal mentioned it to me, I thought it would make the perfect welcome to your temporary home gift.  So I can leave you to sort that?”

I hand her the bottle and set the glasses down on the table.

                “Oh who was at the door?”  Mel asks trying to break the tension.

I start to laugh.

                “Sorry that was Matt and Hunter and clearly they missed each other today.” 

                “I don’t…oh they were making out?” 

                “To say the least.”  I snort into my glass.

                “They won’t be doing that here.  They will show me and Mel some respect.  And Gus and Jenny shouldn’t be subjected to that.”  Lindz bridles.

                “Lindsay.  You’re aware that Gus has walked in on Brian and Justin at least once.  Matt and Hunter sucking face and dry humping is nothing on that!  Besides I’ve sent them to the loft for tonight.  You forget that this is his home, he has more right to fuck in it than you do.  And I don’t like the inference that my son is disrespectful.  He knows the rules and abides by them at all times…”

                “Respectful is he?  Well tell that to Michael.”

                “How did we get to him?”  Mel snaps rubbing her temple.

                “He told me about your son gloating about what happened to his comic book store but Michael rose above it and ignored him.”  She responds eyes flashing.

                “That’s not what he told us.”  I’m so close to snapping her neck.

                “And the one thing my son does not do is lie.”  Faal’s quiet voice stuns us into silence.  “And I resent the implication you have made there Lindsay.  Let us show you how to light the fire and leave you to your evening okay?”

Mel nods and Lindz looks horrified at being caught out.

                “So what do we do?”  Mel asks.

                “First pick up the wood.”  Faal instructs.

CHAPTER 8 – ITS CHRISTMAS…TIME FOR GOODWILL TO ALL MANKIND…ALMOST

SHADYSIDE RESIDENCE – 23 DECEMBER 2014

MICHAEL

I have seen David a couple of times now and both times he has ignored me.  Joshua has started to ignore me as well.  I was merely telling the truth as I saw it.

I think I will head into town and get some presents, I will drop them off at Britin and hopefully I get to stay for more than lunch. 

DINER - LUNCHTIME

KIKI

My Little Miss Jenny is back where she belongs as is my other favourite lady Daphne.  Almost the entire group is here, we’ve had to put them in three booths.  We had to corral Debbie into the middle one as she was so excited when she saw them all, though Miss SuckyLemonFace doesn’t look happy.  I suspect the goo-goo eyes she is making at Faal that are being ignored might the reason. 

                “Okay we are ready.  Are we ready?”  I look to the waiters and they nod.

                “So what will it be?”

About an hour later the food is ready. 

DEBS

                “So what’s the plan for today?”

                “Shopping of course what do you think?”  Daph giggles.

                “Some people have embraced modern technology and have shopped online.”  Brian drawls.

                “And some people like the thrill of the hunt and finding those little cute bargains!”  She snarks back.

                “Aunt Daph are you still going to do my toes like last time?”  Jenny asks.

                “Yes I will and your fingers too.”

                “Daddy?”  Taylor whispers a bit too loudly, which means everyone pays attention.

                “Yes?”

                “Can I still get Uncle Ben a present?”

                “Yes you can.”

                “Even the…”

                “Taylor, if you say it, then it won’t be a surprise.”  Steve tells her going bright red.

                “Oh right.  Um daddy?”  She asks again

                “Yes.”  He groans like he knows what’s coming.

                “Can I tell him about your present?”

                “Um that’s a surprise too.  No more talking about presents okay?”  He begs.

                “Okay daddy and Uncle Ben?”

                “Yes Taylor.”

                “You’ll like daddy’s present not as much as mine but you’ll like it.”

Ah out of the mouths of babes and infants I think.

                “Uh who has my string fries?”  Zee calls out

                “Oh that would be me.”  Blake calls out.

                “You hash browns?”  She asks

                “Yep?”  And they swap.

                “So everyone eat up, I have to…”

The words die on my mouth as Michael comes in and immediately adopts the whipped puppy countenance.  Lindsay naturally leaps up to greet him.

                “Michael how lovely to see you, won’t you join us, we’re going Christmas shopping.”

I can hear Justin saying something to Brian behind me.  Jenny looks at her mom and Mel looks at Lindz.

                “What?  Christmas is a time for family and he’s Jenny’s father and despite what you think is still our dear friend and part of this family?”  She argues.

Room is made so he can sit next to his championing queen.

                “So what are you doing for Christmas Michael?”  Lindz asks. 

I can hear the teeth grinding from all sides

                “I was hoping to see my Honeybun so I can give her the present I bought her?”

                “Is that it in the bag, if so I can wrap it up for you and give it to her then?”  Daph asks.

                “Okay you can come, but the same rules apply as they did for Thanksgiving understand?  We will call a service for you so that there’s no repeat of the last time.  Vince is there to enjoy himself.”

Zee fixes Michael a death glare and he nods quickly.

                “Now just a minute.  How do you get to decide what happens?  Britin has…”  Lindz objects.

                “We’re hosting Christmas at the Treehouse, it’s our first one, which is why I get to make the rules.  Anyone flouting them will be kicked out.”  Zee replies tightly.

The look she gives Lindz could stop a charging rhino.

                “So shopping!”  Ems cries out, I suspect so that he can avoid bloodshed.

TREEHOUSE – CHRISTMAS EVE 2014

ZEE

I head out to the pool and check it.  It is harder than diamond, for the last three days a ditch digger has been sitting for about 4 hours at a time, just to be sure it will take the weight, and it’s going to take forever to thaw out.

Most of the family is here.  The only absentees are Mel and Lindz, they had a bit more last minute shopping to do, so will join us later.

Everyone is in the lounge.

                “Okay Justin remember that thing you wanted that involves rock hard ice?” 

He sits bolt upright and grins.

                “Really!” 

                “Really, grab your skates everyone who wants to.  It’s done.  You can have races and stuff like that.”

We trudge outside and I can see the tension in Matt’s body.

                “I’ve got you.”  Hunter tells him.

                “Come on Matt it will be fine.” 

Jenny says gently and waits patiently for him to do up his skates before they both take a hand and hold on tight.

                “The workshop has been set up so that it’s toasty warm, there’s hot chocolate and cookies so enjoy people!  In about an hour I shall bring out Thai green curried sweetcorn soup with crispy wings on the side.  Have fun!”

I smirk as I head back to the house.  I can just hear the hamsters screaming in Justin’s head as they war between the workshop, the kitchen and the pool.

I bank up the fires in all the rooms and make sure their new PJs are laid out, the only reason Lindz got a pair was because of Mel.

After an hour I head out with the thermoses and wings.  The moment Justin sees me he stops skating.  I head to the workshop, where I was unsurprised to find Brian, Carl, Drew, Debs and Jennifer inside sprawled on the cushions and blankets.

                “No skates in the workshop, you’ll fuck up my floor.”  I tell him sternly.

He’s in a quandary so of course Brian finds the solution.

                “Sit down here and put your feet outside and I’ll take your skates off for you.”

Once that’s done he curls up in Brian’s lap and they happily share the soup and wings. 

I leave them to it and head back to the house.  I love the guys but there is something restful about working alone in your kitchen for me.  I pour myself a glass of wine and look over the menus for the evening and tomorrow, it will definitely be leftovers for Boxing Day.

The door goes and I let in Mel and Lindz.  And judging from the tension yet another row has happened.  I show them to their rooms and let them know where everyone else is, mercifully they both head out there. 

I go through the fridges, the store cupboard and the back kitchen making sure everything is accounted for.  After about 2 hours people start to file in, looking rosy cheeked and happy.

                “Did you tarp it?”  I ask knowing they hadn’t.

                “Shit sorry, boys come on!”  Faal calls out.

When they come back 20 minutes later I hand out mulled wine. 

                “Don’t get comfy we have to decorate the trees.”  I tell them.

                “But the tree is done, I was there and everything.”  Faal hiccups cutely.

                “Yeah but the ones on either side the house and the ones on the front lawn haven’t been”

There is silence, okay maybe this wasn’t a good idea.

                “We get to do trees outside?”  Gus is in awe.  “We don’t even have that at Britin!”  He squeals.

                “We will next year.”  Brian reassures him.

                “Okay I have done the basics, like the lights you just have to do the rest.  There are six trees to be done so you have ooh about 3 hours.  Partners or siblings on opposite sides outside except, Alice, George, Brian, Justin, me and Faal.  Alice and George are the judges and you must not peek outside or upstairs.  Brian, Justin, Faal and I get to do the trees on either side of the house.  Vince and Daph you are on making sure nobody steal decorations duty.”

Just under 3 hours later I hear the clatter and chatter of people coming back in.

                “This has been the most awesomest Christmas Eve ever!”  Jenny grins.

        “Right judges please go view your trees and make your decisions but before you go Decorations Monitors were there any shenanigans that we need know of?”  I intone solemnly garnering giggles.

        “No ma’am the rules of the game were strictly adhered too, we chose to ignore the minor infractions of Taylor biting off Santa’s head and Jenny chomping on a candy cane.”

        “Uncle Vince you’re supposed to be my friend!”  Jenny cries out embarrassed.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Lindz start to object but one death glare from Jennifer is all it took to stop her.

                “Then let the judging commence.”  I declare.

20 minutes later, they come back into the kitchen.

                “In the outside tree decoration of left vs right, we declare the winner, oh wait, the winner is facing the house, the left side.”  Alice intones solemnly.

                In the opposite tree decoration of left vs right, we declare the winner, again facing the house, the right side.”  George officiates.

It takes a few minutes for folks to work out who was on what side.  And bragging rights ensue.  Matt is sulking badly as he hates to lose, Mel is grinning as she and Jenny were on the winning side and Tucker is looking horrified.

                “Tucker what’s wrong?”  I ask.

                “Um can I talk to you in private?”

                “Sure.  We can go in the back…”

                “Somewhere a little more private?”  He hisses

I take him into the office on the atrium.  My eyebrows shoot to the top of my skull and I stare at him.

                “She didn’t!”  I gasp

                “Yep and now I have to…”  He whimpers unconsciously covering.

                “No, no you don’t.  It goes into a mould and then I do the rest but obviously after either you or she do the necessary so that we can get a realistic impression.”

I watch him sag in relief and then we head back to the kitchen and wink at Jennifer.

                “Okay seriously people out of my kitchen, shower time and into your PJs.  Go!” 

They all trudge upstairs except Faal.

                “Up young fellah me lad.”  I tell him firmly.

                “I need you to do my back.”  He mumbles against my neck.

                “Faal go.”

He blows a raspberry on my neck and tromps slowly up the stairs.  I check on the stew and make sure the biscuits aren’t getting too dried out.  When Faal comes down and I leave him in the kitchen I head up and have my shower.

By the time I come down almost everyone is down and in the lounge.  I’m unsurprised to find that Brian and Justin are still upstairs having caught the moaning, we really need to sound proof that room, but am surprised that Mel isn’t down yet and Lindz is lounging on the chaise.

                “Where’s Mel?”  I ask her

                “Still getting ready I guess.”  She flicks her hair at me and then I smell it and I am pissed.

                “Wow Lindz I love the smell of your shampoo, what’s it called?”  I ask

                “Oh I didn’t bring any I found some in a cupboard down…”

                “Hey my lig, can you tell me…mmm you smell delicious you’ve been using my shampoo again.” 

He scoops me back into his chest.

                “Oh that’s not me, that’s Lindz here…”

                “What were you doing in our en suite?”  He demands.

Lindz looks like a deer caught in headlights. 

                “That is a gross invasion of our privacy…”  He growls

                “Faal, stop.  Of course this was a just a simple mistake by Lindsay right.  It’s not as if she was creeping around trying to sneak a peek at you naked right?”  Jennifer puts a comforting hand on his arm.

                “Of…of course not.  I really didn’t mean…”  She stammers.

                “I have a solution to this problem.”  Daphne comes over.

Faal is so furious I can feel him shaking, how I wish Brian was here.  I flick a look at Emmy Lou.

                “Faal what is it that you wanted to ask Zee, I’m sure I can help you.”  He trills.

                “Thanks Emmy.”  I call out counting down from a thousand as fast as I can.

Emmy Lou and Faal head back to the kitchen.

                “Your solution Daph?”  I ask her through gritted teeth.

                “Lindsay just needs to go wash her hair again, I have some shampoo she can use.”

                “But…”

                “I can lower the oven a bit, how long will it take you to do your hair?”  I ask.

                “About twenty minutes.”  She mumbles.

                “Oh in that case we’ll keep yours warm for you.  Now the quicker you do this the quicker you can come and eat.  Daphne could you?”

With all three of us surrounding her she has no choice but to get up…unless she wants me to pull her up by her hair!  Once she and Daph are out of the room, I dash to the kitchen and pass Daph on the way, she winks at me.

                “Thanks Emmy Lou, uh where is he?” 

He nods to the back kitchen where I hear slamming of the larder door.  I head inside and shut the door behind me.

                “So the line that she cannot cross is shampoo?”  I ask him.

                “How can you be so calm?!”  He snaps.

                “Wie het gesê ek is kalm?  Wraak is 'n gereg beste gedien koud.  En ek glo Daphne se plan om dit te dien. [1]”

He sighs heavily and pulls me into his arms.

                “We’re going to have to throw that out you do know that?”  He mumbles into my neck.

                “Way ahead of you.  Although we could wrap it is up and give it to her as a present.  No, okay then.  Now come on let’s serve up the food.”

He heads back to the lounge and gets everyone to come in, and of course Justin is first in line.

                “Okay so what is it?”  He holds his bowl out like Oliver Twist.

                “What possible rib sticking dish could I do on…”

                “Oxtail and dumplings?!”  He squeals

                “Half a ding.”

He frowns and inhales.

                “Biscuits?”

                “Ding!”

I see the look of worry cross Gus and Jenny’s faces.

                “Okay you two front and centre.  The rule in my house is that you at least have to taste it okay?  You know how I cook so you will be having unusual dishes.”

They nod but still look dubious.  I spoon a little out with a biscuit, two minutes later the bowl is clean.

We all head back to the lounge and start to eat.  Taylor is in her element in her Uncle Ben’s lap sharing his bowl, we had to shred all the meat off so I think he missed gnawing on the bones.  I remember the last time we had oxtail the look on Steve’s face was priceless!

After about 10 minutes Lindz comes back in and we all stare at her.  For instead of the usual soft tresses that she normally sports, her hair is looking distinctly frizzy and a little green and she’s wearing sweats.

                “Um, let me help you to some food.”  I mumble and lead her back to the kitchen

                “What’s this?”  She asks.

                “Beef stew and biscuits.”  I reply.  “Help yourself.”

She helps herself to a small bowl and precedes me to the lounge.

                “Momma…”  Jenny begins.

Oh please God no I beg as I can see Brian and Mel starting to shake.  Justin had to leave the room.  Everyone else suddenly finds the floor or their bowls very interesting.

                “Yes sweetheart?”

                “How do you like the tail…”

I think everyone heaves a sigh of relief on the inside.

                “Tail?”  Her spoon pauses midway to her mouth.

                “Yeah the oxtail, that’s what we’re eating.  And why is your hair green?”

                “What!”  She shrieks and dashes out of the room.

We all turn and look at Daph.

                “Maybe the chemicals in the shampoo for afro hair reacted badly to her hair.”

She shrugs and continues to eat.

                “Yes that must be it.”  I reply.

Once every one is finished Daph and I take the bowls up with help of Jennifer and Debs and we find Justin eating directly from the pot so I send him back into the lounge.  Mel goes to check on Lindz.

                “So, shampoo for afro…jeez Daph what did you do!”  I gasp between giggles.

                “Hey it’s not my fault that her hair doesn’t react kindly to green food dye and washing up liquid.”

                “How the hell didn’t she notice?”  Jen has tears running down her face.

                “Head massages can be mightily distracting…”

                “And what happened to her PJs?”

 Jennifer and Debs are trying to keep their laughter down. 

                “Seems I couldn’t control the shower what with my slippy hands and all…”

                “Lindz is everything okay?”  I hear Tucker ask her.

We quickly dash into the back kitchen to get ourselves together.

                “You can come out now.”  Mel intones dryly from the other side of the door.

We take one look at Mel’s face and at her slow smile we start to laugh.

                “So on a scale of one to mount Hiroshima of hysterical where was she?”  I ask.

                “Oooh about a thousand.  It’s her weapon of mass distraction you see.”  She replies.

                “You okay Mel?”  Jennifer asks kindly.

                “Not right now but in time I will be.  Oh loving the PJs by the way.  Thank you.” 

She heads back to the lounge.

                “I have seen that look before.  It’s the same look Brian got when he showed me the food list.  She’s done, she’s well and truly done.”  Debs sighs.

                “About fucking time.”  Daph mutters.

                “Amen to that.”  I say.

We head back in with hot chocolate, which should round the day off nicely.

                “Okay I think after this we should call it a night.  What do you say?” 

There are nods of agreement.  I hand Brian a thermos as Justin is almost out in a combination of food coma and icescapades. 

                “In fact why not take it up and have done.  Go on.  Good night all.”

                “Oh what time do you want us down?”  Emmy Lou yawns.

                “Same as Thanksgiving, commis down for seven, helpers down for nine.”

                “So Michael will be here for about two then?”  Lindz pipes up.

                “Yes, Michael will be here from about two.”

                “Oh so we’re eating about two?” 

                “No.  Now everyone go up, it’s going to be a long day tomorrow.”

Once everyone is gone.  I start to shut the house down for the night.

                “You’re giving him undeserved chance yes?”  Faal asks.

                “Maybe what Matt said sunk in.”

I roll my eyes at Faal’s incredulous look and sigh.  Pulling out my phone I send a text.

CHRISTMAS DAY

FAAL

                “Geseënde Kersfees my geliefde [2].”

                “Terug na jou [3].”  She mumbles.  “What time is it?” 

                “Six twenty five.  You ready for this?” 

                “Ask me again in 35 minutes.”  She snuggles back into my side.

                “Okay.” 

BRIAN

                “Oh fuck!  Oh Christ!  Yes!” 

I growl out trying to keep the noise down.  Justin collapses against my chest panting hard, he spent most of the time we were fucking biting on a pillow as he rode me.  I said to Zee that I would let her know who our sound proofer guy was. 

                “No wait, don’t, not yet, don’t move yet.”  I whisper into his hair.

                “Happy Christmas Brian, I love you.”  He mumbles as I managed to hoik the blanket over us.

                “Happy Christmas Justin, I love you too.”

DAPH

I have decided as much as I love the girl Jenny takes up far too much room for a person her size! 

                “Jenny, honey wake up.”

                “Is it nine already?”  She sits bolt upright.

                “No but I am falling off the bed move over!”

She giggles and moves, there is a soft knocking at the door and we both look at each other.

                “Come in.”  I call out.

The door opens to reveal Mel.

                “Mom!  Happy Christmas!  Come get in!”  Jenny whispers.

Mel slides in next to her and sighs happily.

                “Happy Christmas baby.  Happy Christmas Daph.”

                “Happy Christmas Jenny and Mel…oh my God!”  I cry out.

                “What? What’s wrong?”  Mel looks round for possible danger.

                “It’s snowing!  On Christmas Day it’s snowing!”  I sniffle.

                “We have got to build ice forts and have snowball fights and…”  Jenny bounces in excitement.

                “When it is slightly later in the day and definitely after breakfast now sleep!”  Mel chuckles.

STEVE

                “Merry Christmas Ben.”

                “Merry Christmas to you too.” 

                “Um this morning?”  I ask.

                “What about it?”

                “Was it…”

                “I will definitely be bottoming again.”

FAAL

                “Ready for this?”  I ask her.

                “Mmm.  Oh my goodness it’s snowing!  Faal it’s…”  She bursts into tears.

                “Hey what is it!”

                “If it snows on Christmas that’s a good sign right?”  She hiccups.

I hope so I really hope so.

KITCHEN

ZEE

                “Commis are we ready?”

                “Yes Madam Chef!”  Emmy Lou, Alice and Debs reply.

                “Food taster are we ready?”

                “Yes Madam Chef!”  George guffaws.

                “Then let us begin.  For the love of… Emmy Lou I will give you the recipes put that away!”

                “I can’t help it!  Why won’t you go into partnership with me?”  He whines.

                “Emmy…”

                “Okay but I am not giving up!”

BRIAN & JUSTIN’S ROOM

JUSTIN

                “Brian.  Did you say it was ridiculously romantic?!”

                “Mmmph.  Wait what did I say what?”  He looks confused.

                “Did you say it was ridiculously romantic?!”  I demand looking intently at him.  “Tell me!”

                “When?” 

                “A-at m-my prom at some point did you say that?”

His eyes widen and he stares at me. 

                “Yeah at the jeep before…”

                “I remember.  Oh God.  I remember!” 

                “When?  How?”  He stammers.

                “I don’t know.  It was like a camera click.” 

                “Oh God baby!” 

KITCHEN

ALICE

                “George for heaven sake stop that!” 

                “What?” 

                “I have been married to you for over 40 years and if you think your old raggedy ass is fooling me with the salmon dropping you are mistaken.  She’s going to be shaped like a barrel by the time New Year comes round!”

He reaches down and picks up Lilah.  Apart from Brian, Justin, me and Vince the one person that Lilah loves is George. 

                “She needs fattening up, she’s way too skinny.”  He gripes.

                “No, no she does not.  Now unless you want your taster title revoked you will stop that.”

                “Sorry Lilah we have been busted.” 

He sets her down and she trots out no doubt to find most important humans in her life.

DEBS

                “How are we for timings?”

                “I think we might need to start knocking up now.  Shall we factor in the 15 minute delay for her ladyship or say fuck it and have done?”   Zee asks

                “Fuck it and have done.”  I reply.

                “Happy Christmas everyone!”  Jenny yells when she comes in.

                “Happy Christmas!”  We all yell back.

                “Actually, I think we have the perfect knocker upper in one Miss Jenny.”  Ems smirks.

                “Go to it sweetheart.”  I tell her.

She is off like a rocket and I almost, but not quite, feel sorry for them.

Fifteen minutes later everyone is down. 

                “Well done Jenny now if you can herd them into the dining room.”  I tell her

                “Come on everyone.  Oh Uncle Brian do you…oh there she is…to the dining room.” 

                “Right we ready?”

Zee starts to bite her lip.

                “Now you stop that shit right now!  You’re an excellent chef, yes I said chef.  You have your reasons for hiding that light under a bushel and I respect that, don’t understand it but respect it.  Now come on folks are hungry.”

She smiles and takes a deep breath.

                “Okay let’s get this done.”

FAAL

I have no idea what she has prepared for today but I am looking forward to it.  Here they come with cloches, that’s a novel touch.  There are already covered dishes on the table

                “Right everyone you kinda know the drill.  Those to the left lift.”  Zee calls out.

Under the cloches are bacon, sausages, roasted tomatoes and toasted soldiers dripping with butter.

                “Those to the right lift.”

Under those is a rice dish with some flaked fish.

                “Okay I know that I might sound weird but it’s called kedgeree and they have it for breakfast a lot in India and..”

                “I have always wanted to try that.”  Brian starts to help himself.

He heads back to his seat and takes a bite.

                “Baby I love you enough to marry you but if you touch my plate I will stab you in the leg with my fork.” 

                “Holy fuck Zee!  Sorry kids!  What’s the fish?”  Debbie sighs after a mouthful.

                “Lobster.” 

                “I think I will stick to the…”

                “What happened to the rule about eating or not eating without comment?”  Gus grouses.

                “Gus!”  Lindz admonishes.

                “What it’s your rule, so why can’t you stick by it?”  He asks at her stubbornly setting his jaw.

                “You’re right lambskin, I-I apologise.”  She smiles tightly at him.

                “Um, Zee I hate to say this but I think you may have forgotten something?”  Emmy Lou looks grave

She chuckles and sighs.

                “Come on then, I can’t carry them by myself.” 

We all look at each other the only people not perturbed are Drew and Brian.

                “Bubbles!  Happy Christmas everyone!  Now just a small glass each before us caterers, yes I am still working on you Zee, head back to the kitchen and the rest of you take advantage of the snow and go work off breakfast.  I expect to see snow boys, forts and hear tales of daring do!  Now into sweats as there is no point having showers now and hop to it!” 

                “Kids are on clean up first though okay?”  Alice orders.  “Except the cloches and the kedgeree dishes, leave those be.”

Never has a table been cleared so fast.  About 20 minutes later I watch Zee cross the garden to her workshop carrying a pot of something followed by George and Emmy Lou. 

KITCHEN

EMMY LOU

                “Ooh if Gus hadn’t got there first I would’ve…”  I snap throwing my hands in the air.

                “Definitely gets that set jaw from his dad.”  Alice chuckles.

                “How’d you think it’s going out there?”  Zee asks.

                “Well judging by the screaming and laughing I think it is going very well indeed.”  Debs smiles.

                “So what’s in the pots in your workshop?”  Alice asks.

                “Oh fuck be right back!”  She cries out and dashes outside

I follow closely behind but as we come out the back door, something catches my eye.  It seems that Lindz isn’t as apologetic as she made out and judging by the redness of Gus’s face, she’s giving him a telling off a bad one.

I watch as he trudges back to wherever he had come from and then as Lindz’s eyes light on Daph.  She starts to pack her snowball, it’s a big one, Daph has her back to her and picks the moment it leaves Lindz’s hand to turn round.  And she’s holding Taylor!  I run as fast as I can and just about manage to take the most of the impact.

                “Emmy Lou what are you doing?!”  Daphne gasps

                “It would appear, that someone started the snowball fight early.  Can you excuse me a minute?”

I stalk to Lindz, who is frozen in place.

                “What the fuck were you thinking?!  If that had hit Taylor do you know what damage that would’ve done?!”

                “I was aiming for Daphne, I didn’t realise she had Taylor, I never would’ve…”

                “You’re lucky that I was the only one that saw that.  And…”

I take a breath because I am trying to channel my inner Liza and celebrate Christmas in style.

                “I have my eye on you Ms Petersen, you come after my girl again…”

I stalk back into the house.

                “Emmy Lou where have you been.”  Alice demands

                “Impromptu snowball fight.”  I shiver.

                “Sweetheart go and change before you catch your death of cold!”  Debs shoves me upstairs.

WORKSHOP

GEORGE

                “What exactly we doing?”  I ask Zee

                “Keeping the soup and hot chocolate warm.”  She replies shifting the pots to various spots in the furnace.

The workshop has been cleaned out to make room for the blankets, cushions and even a couple of couches, in the other corner is a tallboy stacked with warm socks, jumpers and sweats, strategically placed close enough for them to be warmed but not close enough to be set on fire.

                “Can you pass me those trays over there?” 

I hand them to her.

                “What’s that, it smells like...”

                “Bread.  In this heat it should take about 30 minutes tops, think you could stay in here and keep an eye on it.  And the kids, I don’t want them to play on the pool too long.”

I nod and huff as she dashes back to the house and manages to avoid being hit by snowballs.

                “Hi George.  Poor Taylor was getting a little cold.”  Daphne grins at me.

                “Daphne, why don’t you go back outside, I can take care of the little one.  You’ll be okay with Uncle George won’t you Taylor?” 

She nods and allows me to take off her cold things.  Giggling as I tickle her toes.

                “You want some hot chocolate?”  I ask knowing her answer.

Soon she’s starting to doze off so I tuck her up on one of the couches.  Five minutes later the smell of the bread starts to permeate the air.

                “Do I smell bread?”  Faal asks from the doorway.

                “Yep and there’s soup and hot chocolate too?” 

Pretty soon mostly everyone is crowded in the workshop with only Hunter and Matt skating still, first he wouldn’t get on now they can’t get him off.

                “How long have we been out here?”  Mel asks me quietly.

                “About three hours maybe more, why?”

                “The kids seem to have forgotten to ask about presents.”  She whispers.

I snort with laughter as I had forgotten too!

BRIAN

Judging by the way Gus is avoiding Lindz, I would say that she told him off for earlier. 

                “Hey Sonny Boy.  Want to go for a walk?”

He nods and follows me out.

                “Being scolded by a parent no matter what age stings doesn’t it?”

                “But I wasn’t wrong in what I said.”

                “No that’s true.  And I’m proud that you said it but…”

                “But nothing dad, she was going to be rude about Aunt Zee again.  She really does have a problem with her.  Why?  After all she’s done for us letting us stay in the Brownstone and stuff?”

                “Sometimes people see what other people have and resent the fact that they have it.” 

                “Well someone should remind her of two things.  One she’s a lesbian and two even if she wasn’t Uncle Faal loves Aunt Zee to the moon and back and won’t look at anyone else!”

                “You’re a Kinney alright.  Happy Christmas.”

KITCHEN

ZEE

I am finishing off the starter and notice the time.  If we want to have dinner for three people need to get in showers soon.  I call Faal.

                “Hey can you send the kids in for showers?”

Pretty soon they are coming in and head upstairs, it doesn’t take them long to get sorted out and head to the upper lounge.

                “Hey me again.  Half the adults this time and…ah you’re ahead of me, I am going with it saves running the shower twice, not that they are going to fuck in there, even though they are!”

As soon as Carl comes down I call him again and tell him to shut down the workshop and tarp the pool.

Pretty soon everyone is down and in their Christmas outfits.  And like Thanksgiving toenails are being done, by Mel, Jennifer, Daphne and Jenny. 

                “Right everyone set and comfy, I’m heading for the shower won’t be long.”

I have a nice hot shower, put on my favourite oil.  Coming into the bedroom I notice a wrapped parcel.  Opening it I smile, slide into my Christmas outfit and head back downstairs.

                “Oh Zee you look gorgeous where did you get that from?”  Mel coos

                “I have no idea, Santa seemed to have left it when I went upstairs.”

                “You look like you’ve been dipped in honey that is such a great colour on you!”  Emmy Lou cries.

                “I know what looks good on my lig and when I saw it I knew I had to see her in it.”

I make a point of not looking at Lindz but judging by the sly smirk on Mel’s face this has not gone down well.

The doorbell goes and I see Justin flinch.

                “I’ll get it!”  Lindz cries and goes to stand.

                “No, Daph can you do the honours?”  I ask her and give her a wink.

DAPH

I love my girl!  I open the door and stare incredulously at him.  Not only is he beaming like a fool he appears to have come in his PJs.

                “Okay, so why, actually let’s not bother with the stupidity that is in your universe.  Before you come in, just let…”

                “Daphne it is freezing out here, just…”

I slam the door in his face and wait for him to ring the bell again.  His leaning on it brings a few people to the hallway.

                “What’s going on?”  Carl asks.

                “Waiting.”  I reply

                “For what?”  Ted asks.

                “Him to get a clue.”

The ringing stops and then there is just one short burst.

                “I do believe he’s got it, shame really.”  I open the door.  “As I was saying Michael.  Same rules apply that were in place at Thanksgiving.  Now come in and celebrate Christmas.”

                “Happy Christmas Michael, why are you in your pyjamas?”  Blake asks.

                “Well the last time we were here we had a special dinner and we had fancy PJs.  So I thought this would be the same thing…”

                “No it isn’t it really isn’t.”  Blake walks off shaking his head.

I indicate that he should follow and he does so, Carl stops me.

                “What do you think he’s playing at?”  He asks.

                “Oh he’s not playing; he really is that dense.” 

We head back just in time to hear Taylor say.

                “Mr Sulky Face why are you in your jammies?”

                “Drinks!  Wh-who wants what?”  Faal cries out grinning.

                “So Michael the presents, shall I put them under the tree for you? “  Zee asks.

He gets this weird look on his face and grimaces.

                “Sorry Honeybun, Hunter I forgot them as I was late for the service.  I’ll bring them for you later in the week at the Brownstone, okay?”

There is an astonished silence as they exchange looks and nod.  Debs stands and nods at Zee, I exchange looks with Brian and Emmy Lou, we follow Zee out.

                “Is he lying?”  We hear Zee ask.

                “What’s going on?”  I ask

                “I sent Michael a text to say if he doesn’t have presents for both Jenny and Hunter, not to come.  I just called the driver and he said that Michael was running late and did seem flustered, so I really want to give him the benefit of the doubt but…”

                “No he’s lying.”  Emmy Lou sighs.

                “Fine.  Let me show him how I just love to be lied to!” 

Zee gives herself an all over body shake and tells us to go back to the lounge.  Five minutes later she comes back in with a smile on her face.

                “So everyone, time for food!”  Zee calls out.  “And then presents!”

DINING ROOM

ZEE

                “Okay, everyone take your seats!  Let’s bring on the first course.”

I see Michael and Lindz roll their eyes at each other.

                “Oh wait, sorry.  Lindz you are in the wrong seat, you are opposite Jennifer and Michael you’re opposite George and next to Daphne.”

We all wait for them to move, Michael now has a good view of the new little family that Ben has.  Lindz is next to Ted and Tucker and as far away as possible from Gus.

                “I love what you’ve done in here.  The glassware is beautiful Faal, where did you buy such exquisite pieces?”  She simpers.

                “Zee made them, she’s blows, um, glass very well.” 

                “I’ll…”

                “Breathing.”  Vince growls.

                “Right now that everyone is seated correctly.  The first course will now be served, this is ham hock, sausage pies with a cider reduction!”

Everyone is looking at me, I smile and ring the bell.  The door opens and the waiters come in, the room erupts with laughter as they take their positions behind each person with a plate in hand.

                “Waiters?  Lig, seriously?”  Faal chuckles.

                “You do Christmas your way I’ll do Christmas mine.”

                “Hey boyfriend here, eyes front!”  Hunter teases Matt.

                “You have got to give me the name of the company.”  Jennifer calls down.

                “No, no she doesn’t!”  Tucker calls back, this elicits more laughter.

When the first course is finished and cleared away swiftly by the waiters, I stand.

                “The palate cleanser of courgette and cumber salad with pea shoots and hazelnuts.”

Again the waiters sweep in and serve.

                “And for the main event!  The main course of…”

                “Breathing!”  Vince growls

                “I wasn’t…”

                “Just in case.”  Vince retorts and flicks me a wink.

                “You have a choice of roasted goose, rib of beef and salmon.  Now if you could give your waiters your choices, they will bring it to you and you can help yourself to the fixings.”

                “Dad there is no way you can beat this!”  Gus calls down.

                “Are you challenging me sonny boy?”  He quirks an eyebrow

                “Actually that’s not fair, lig had only a month to come up with this, and you will have had a whole year, let’s make it a tighter time frame?”  Faal argues, my hero.

                “Factoring in the wedding I think 4 July you host 4 July but you can’t start planning until April maybe May.”  He suggests.

                “Deal.”

                “And the kids are judges?”

                “Deal.”

                “Ah speaking of the wedding did you say summer for that?”  I ask

                “Yes problem?” 

                “Oh no, it’s just that with Justin’s skin and both your enthusiasm you might want to move your honeymoon as it gets very hot in summer.”  I smile at them.

                “You’ve decided on a honeymoon already, I didn’t know that.”  Lindz interjects.

                “Why would you, you’re not going to be there.”  Mel answers.

                “Yes but we have to make sure that Gus is…”

                “Mom I will be fine.  They went to Thailand for two weeks and I survived.”

                “Thailand, when did you go to Thailand?” 

                “A couple of years ago.  I think Justin is the only person I know who goes on holiday and loses weight no matter what he eats.  Still bitter.”

                “Anyway, so where are you going on honeymoon?”  Her voice is tight and Michael is glowering.

                “Does it have a name, I’m not sure.  You think we should move the honeymoon date?”  He asks.

                “Okay so South Africa is hot as you know.  But when we went to the island, it was way in the 90s and we couldn’t go outside, we did the egg test and yes you could fry it on a rock.”

                “Are you serious Aunt Zee, you fried an egg on a rock?”  Jenny gasps.

                “Yep.  And I would suggest either September or maybe before Easter.”

                “South Africa?  What island have you found Faal?”  Lindz turns to him.

                “Oh I didn’t.  But it’s a tiny thing less than 20 miles across and wide.  We have a house there, so we thought they would like it for their honeymoon, it is only accessible by boat or plane.”

The conversation is stopped by the waiters coming in, Lilah yowls impatiently from under Brian’s chair. 

                “Must we have that cat in here?”  Lindz gripes.

                “Why you have a problem with pussy Lindz?”  I ask taking a sip of my wine.

                “Beskou jouself geklap af teef!”  Faal snorts.

                “What does that mean?”  Lindz asks

                “She’s harming nobody leave her be.”  He replies.

Mains are cleared away and since the meal was rich and filling, I make a suggestion.

                “How about we do presents now and dessert later?”

                “An excellent idea Zee, the food was excellent but I need a breather.”  Carl rubs his stomach.

                “Faal can you take everyone upstairs, um Michael a word.”

FAAL

As I take everyone upstairs, Daphne pulls on my arm.

                “What did you say really?”  She whispers

                “Consider yourself smacked down bitch.”  I whisper back.

                “What’s fuck in Afrikaans?”  She giggles

                “Fok.  But in Dutch it’s neuken – I tend to use that in company.”

                “Seriously, you two are just awesome!”  She gives me a kiss on the cheek.

Michael comes up not looking as harassed as I thought he would be and Zee’s looking very relaxed.

                “Oh my God this room is gorgeous.”  Jennifer sighs.  “You can see clear across the city.”

                “So how do you want to do this?  Kids first or everyone have at it?”  Zee asks.

                “Have at it.  Definitely that.”  I decide.

Pretty soon all the presents are handed out and the unwrapping begins.  There are squeals and cries of delight.  Daphne bursts into tears when she gets the boots she also admired when shopping at Thanksgiving.  Lindz rolls her eyes.  Emmy Lou opens and then closes his present and hiccups and crushes Zee and then me in an embrace.

                “What, what did you get?”  Carl asks.

He points at the box and can’t speak as he’s crying so much.  Carl opens it and then smiles.

                “Here Red have a look.”  He hands her the box.

                “Aww sweetheart you are going to let that little light shine!” 

                “Only for six months though!”  She mutters.  “And Emmy Lou I need to breathe!”

Ben is grinning at Taylor’s present of a stuffed bear with I love you on it.  And immediately puts the watch Steve got him on.  Michael is seething.  Debbie got Carl the jacket she mentioned to us and also Grizz sent him a waistcoat, he blushes to the soles of his feet.  Brian and Justin give Jennifer jewellery. 

                “Um can I have your attention please?”  I call.

Everyone turns round to face me.

                “Now as you know we don’t need anything and I’m pleased that everyone abided by our wishes not to give us anything but I’m sorry my lig, I couldn’t abide by yours.  A little D-bird told me something and so here.”

I hand her the box. 

                “Daph I’m going to kill you!”  She sniffles.

She pulls out her coat, it is purple suede with fur lined cuffs and collar.  She comes over and kisses me hard.

                “You are going to pay for that.  And I ignored you too.”

                “You did?”

                “Hmm.  Check the middle drawer.”

I go over and open it.

                “When?” 

I know I shouldn’t cry but she knows me so well.

                “It’s in August.”

                “Where’s he going?  Mel asks.

                “Australia.”

                “Why aren’t you going with him, I understand that Australia is beautiful.”  Blake asks.

                “He’s always wanted to do the Tough Mudder there and that has no appeal for me whatsoever.  Happy Christmas you lunatic!”

                “Ahem I have three more to share.”  Brian stands up.  “The first one is to give to Mel, if you hadn’t been such a great lawyer Chase Donaldson and Harper wouldn’t have come after you and our sonny boy wouldn’t be here, so here.”

He hands her an envelope and when she opens it, she claps her hand over her mouth and looks at them.  Justin sniffles and nods.

                “Oh my God, oh my God!  I c-can’t accept these!”

                “What, what is it you can’t accept?”  Lindz asks.

                “The entire fall/winter collection for Gucci and Prada.  And vouchers for 3 pairs of shoes each from Manolo and Louboutin.”

                “We had a bit of help from a little D-Bird to get your sizing so they are all waiting for you, all you need to do is to try them on and they are all yours.”

                “Daph!”

                “I know I’m dying twice!  I die happy!”

                “The second on is for Gus.  You’re going to need a car for those driving lessons.  And we know you like those old classic cars.  What we didn’t know was in your grandpa you have a classic car buff and he’s found one.  It needs a lot of work and now you’re here you can work on restoring it with him and Uncle Ben, who has agreed to act as muscle.”

Gus opens his mouth, closes it and then opens it again only to burst into tears.

                “I don’t who to hug first!”  He cries out.

                “Start with your dads and work your way round.”  Alice sniffs.

                “You said there were 3 presents Brian, what’s the last one?” 

Lindz tilts her head her eyes dancing.

                “Ah yes.  That was given to me this morning by Justin.  He’s started to remember the prom.  Only little camera clicks, is that what you called them, but his memory is coming back.”

This sets Emmy Lou off again and Daph, Debs and Jennifer join in, giving them both hugs

“Oh, there’s one more thing.  This is for Vince.”  Justin calls his voice wobbling.

                “What?”  He looks up in surprise.

                “You’ve been with us from the beginning, you’ve been so loyal and protective of us.  We know you don’t like grand gestures but we do know you like good food.  So we’ve booked a table for you and a guest at 12 of the top tables in Pittsburgh, so that’s your dates covered for a year!”

                “Mr K, Mr T, I’m just doing…”

                “Don’t fight it son.  Welcome to the family.”  Carl pats his arm.

                “Uncle Vince can I be your date one time?”  Jenny asks hopefully.

                “Sure sweetpea.”

                “So is that it?  Christmas presents are all done?”  She asks.

I look across at Zee and she is looking coldly calm.  Time to get the kids out.

                “Hey why don’t the grandparents, yes that includes you Tucker, take the kids downstairs to watch a movie?  We’ll clean up in here and join you in a bit.  Oh and boys, one night only and keep it down.”

Once the coast is clear, Brian turns to her.

                “What else is there to give?”  Brian asks her confused.

                “I want to thank Brian for my present.”  Michael chimes in.

                “My what?  I haven’t…”

                “Yes.  Zee told me.”

                “What did she tell you?”  Brian is looking confused.

                “That you let her buy the Captain.”

                “Yes I did but how does that count as a present from me to you?”

                “You know how much that means to me and like my collectibles you haven’t sold them either.”

                “Michael I don’t give a fuck about the statue I just wanted rid of it and as for the collectibles they will still be sold, that’s the whole point of them being displayed so we can sell them.  In fact since the opening we’ve had a fair few pieces go.  And the money has been placed in Jenny’s college fund.  And you whilst on the subject you run the risk of defaulting again.”

                “What do you mean defaulting?  You’ve taken my store.” 

                “That was valued at $40,000 and the collectibles at about $30,000 you still owe the balance of the loan.” 

Ted reminds him, this is something he clearly hadn’t considered.

                “But…but…!”

                “You sound like a goat!”  Daph snickers.