CHAPTER 60 - BELATED BIRTHDAY PRESENTS
SEVEN MONTHS LATER
LINDSAY’S APARTMENT - WEDNESDAY MORNING
LINDSAY
I dump my cases on the floor. I am exhausted but the most important thing is that Michael is gone! Okay, I haven’t got rid of Justin yet but Michael is no longer. He’s had to move out of state because of his continued harassment on the Rage set. I mean I knew he was stupid but I didn’t think he was this stupid!
Another example of the Novotny gene running uncontrolled was getting into a vlogging war with Justin! He took to YouTube to announce that Rage was back on and every day would taunt, as Michael’s whining mantra began to haunt me, him as to what was happening. So of course, Michael had to do the same and went on YouTube himself! He, of course, doesn’t have even a quarter of the finesse or WASP training that Justin has. So he was shot down in flames by Justin and his fans time and time again! As well as Justin going on YouTube, Ginny was dropping bits of the script asking what people thought of the dialogue...I thought it was a genius stroke because that had Michael absolutely spitting. He was almost incandescent when he found out that Brian was also working on the dialogue, especially when he never showed an interest when it was him working on it!
But his final coup de grace was turning up day after day on set. Which would be fine if the set wasn’t in Pittsburgh. Why in the hell would you choose to harass and harangue them here of all places, where you all fucking live?! I mean come on! But at least he got a fuck out of it! During his campaign of stupidity, he managed to meet up with Connor James, who was originally cast as Rage. After they did the deed in New York, he mentioned that he was meeting up with Justin in Pittsburgh to go through the script so they went on a road trip.
He’s only moved to Ohio but he’s not allowed within the state of Pennsylvania as Brian and Justin felt so threatened by him. What a joke but the real kick to his teeth was that Mel also had his parental rights revoked. A slight overreaction I feel to everything he’s done, but whatever. He’s gone and that’s all I care about.
While he’s been making an idiot of himself, I have been busy doing something a bit more conducive to my goals. I have spent six of the last seven months trying to get Justin to see reason over the Rathman Residency. Instead of staying in one fucking place like he was supposed to be, Justin had to be different and yomped his ass all over the country for it while working on Rage as well! I swear the opportunity and prestige the Rathman Residency brings with it is completely wasted on him! If it had been me, I would have taken full advantage of all it has to offer. He gets to live my dream while all of mine has been and continues to be deferred...well, for now that is.
Anyway, as for the collaboration with Sam, I was spitting feathers when I found out that not only was there no way of finding out a damn thing about it, but Sam managed to get married in the interim to that Lavinia creature. He had the nerve to send me an invite but I reacted with dignity and poise when I declined, after I screamed, shouted and swore the place down of course. But at least by sending me the invite, he gave me another means of contacting him, not that he’s responded to my entreaties!
And during all of this planning for our future, I had to come and see Gus and Gum...JR! I couldn’t risk Mel using my absence against me to try and get sole custody. I am going to be seeing him next weekend and I am so looking forward to it. But I’m looking less so with the cloud of going back to the family house hanging over my head! But at least I won’t have Cassia smirking at my failure! She and Mel split up...never thought that would last anyway!
I see that my machine is blinking. Oh yes, this place is all mine now. He’s still on the lease until such time as it needs renewing but by then I will be happily ensconced in Britin as the lady of the manor. Before he was kicked out of the state, I got him to agree to pay a year’s worth of rent, reassuring him that this was so that he would have a place to come home to...as if but it is getting close to the end. I need to move things up a gear.
“Hi Lindsay, its Michael. Can you call me back? I have some news you are going to want to hear.”
“Oh, I doubt that very much!” I scoff as I delete the message.
MICHAEL’S APARTMENT, YOUNGSTOWN OHIO
MICHAEL
I am pacing as I wait for Lindsay to ring me back. That fucking Boy Wonder has completely and utterly got my life and now I can’t even be in the same state as Brian! These last few months have been horrendous and on top of that fucking Connor fucking James gave me syphilis!
I try Lindsay again but this time on her cell. “Lindsay! Finally! Where have you been?! I have been calling the house for weeks! What do you mean at the collaboration events? All this time?! Well like I said on my message, I have news. I know when the premiere of Rage is going to be. It’s in two months. My attorney says I can get that shit fuck of a restraining order modified because they can, if I give notice of my arrival, go to one of their many houses elsewhere so that I can come back to the Pitts.”
LINDSAY’S APARTMENT
LINDSAY
After I hang up, I am furious! There is no fucking way he is coming back! No fucking way! I have worked too hard for this! All those negative posts on his videos and hacking his accounts... well not hacking since he gave me the password, the fool. But I used his account to send those emails. This and everything else I’ve done will not be for naught!
BRIAN AND JUSTIN’S VILLA, ROME - THURSDAY MORNING
DEBS
I am trying not to give Jennifer the stink eye over this! The villa is absolutely beautiful!
“I was asked by my sons to say nothing. Come on Debs, you would’ve done the same thing.” She tells me again as we walk up to the front door.
“Okay, I would’ve done the same.” I concede but before I can knock I think I hear the voice of Gus asking his daddy to hurry up and open the door already!
“Hi Ma.” Brian looks wary as he opens the door and I feel his relief as I haul him into my arms. And Gus burrows into Jen’s.
“Where is my Sunshine?” I bellow.
“Grandma ssssh!” Gus demands. “You must be less noisy.”
“Gamma! Ganna!” Gummy cries out when she sees us and runs as fast as she can arms outstretched.
“Uh Jen?” I pick her up and kiss her cheek.
“I had no idea they would both be here.” She replies. “Why do we need to be less noisy, Gus?”
“Because you’ll wake my birthday presents.” He replies.
“Brian?”
“Follow me.” Is his response.
As we tote our grandkids across the marbled reception into the decked area we both, because this is clearly a surprise to her too, come stock still.
“Bah…” I stutter as I put Gummy down and look at Jen.
“Are you seeing...?” She asks and I nod.
“Come and sit down.” Brian orders and mutely we do as we are told.
“Babies? As in two of them?” Jennifer whispers to me and I nod.
Brian and Justin pick up the babies from their bassinets and sit on either side of us.
“You ready?” Justin asks Jen. She, like me, has tears running down her face, and like me reaches up. “Mom meet Harper.”
I look up at Brian and cry harder when he places the baby in my arms. “Ma, meet Lee.”
“Aren’t they pretty?” Gus smiles.
“Yes, yes they are. Now explain!” I demand.
Justin goes to sit in Brian’s lap, grinning like a loon. “They were a couple of weeks early so they gave us a fright! But they are thriving. And we have one more favour to ask you.”
“What’s that?” Jennifer sniffs. “Oh boys they are just so beautiful. Debs let’s swap! So when did Daphne get pregnant? Tell us everything.”
“Gus, go ahead. You can say this bit...” He tells him grinning.
“Ruthie gave me my Birthday Gummies like I asked! Now Ben can have cuddles and Hunner can too! Although they were a little late but daddy ‘splained that to me.” Gus strokes Harper’s foot gently. “Gummy likes them too, not sure she should be sucking their toes but they don’t seem to mind.”
“Ruthie? Ruth got…” I exchange stunned looks with Jen. “Ruth? As in our friend Ruth?”
“Yep and we need you to keep this quiet until we return to Pittsburgh. You’re the first ones to know that it’s Ruth. Ted and Emmy Lou know but they think that we asked Daphne. They found the sonogram picture in Justin’s case and she took the hit for Ruth.”
“So Ruth was pregnant at the ceremony?” Jen questions. “What? At least three months?”
“Dead on, we had the sonogram the day before. Then she moved to N’Awlins to be with her mom because she started to show. Typical Ruth, she didn’t even notice.” Brian laughs.
“Can you at least let me tell Carl?” I beg. “I promise he won’t tell anybody else.”
“Please Debs, not even Carl. Gus wants to tell the family when we get back.”
I try my cow-eyed look but he’s not buying it. “Alright, but only because of my grandson. I’m not doing you reprobates any secret favours!”
“You mentioned that they were early. What happened?”
Start of flashback
OCHSNER PERKIN ALTERNATIVE BIRTHING CENTRE - 2 MONTHS PRIOR
PARKING LOT
BRIAN
I am willing the cabbie to go faster! Arno is waiting for us in the parking lot right outside. Mama G is in with Ruth, who woke up very early to find herself in labour.
“Arno! Arno!” I shout and can hear the panic in my voice as we both almost fall out of the cab. “What the fuck happened?!”
“We don’t know!” He yells over his shoulder as we run down the corridor to Ruth’s room. “She was a bit stressed about something and woke up to find herself with bad stomach pains. At first she thought it was Braxton Hicks, but Mama G said to get to the hospital! No Justin... here!” He calls him back as he keeps running.
“Wait a moment sir, who are these people?” The nurse demands.
“The fathers! We have already told you the situation and now they are here! Can we please not delay them?!”
“Yes, of course. Right you two with me, let’s get you in scrubs!”
“What about him?” I demand, pointing at Arno. “He’s coming too.”
My mind flashes briefly back to when Gus was sick and they wouldn’t let Mel in. I pray that they will let Arno to come too.
“We can only allow the birth father, I mean fathers in. Sorry.”
“Guys! Just go, I get the next hold, okay?” He orders firmly.
“Okay!” Justin agrees and starts to shove me forward.
“Oh but…!” I hear him start to shout but the door closes.
The first thing we hear is Ruth ordering us to the head end! Much to our relief!
“Who’s the doctor?” Justin demands.
“That would....holy fuck almighty...be the guy between my legs!” Ruth growls and Justin goes redder than I have ever seen.
“Twat.”
“Yeah, that’s where he is!” Ruth snickers. “Oh dear lord, this fucking hurts!”
“It’s perfectly normal, just try to relax. All you have to do is just find your focus and…” The doctor wisely shuts his mouth when the room goes quiet and all of the women give him the death glare. “Yes, well, I’ll just get back to…”
“Yeah if you could please!” Mama G shakes her head. “All you have to do indeed!”
“Safe to fucking...ow! Say that this is definitely a one-shot deal!” Ruth groans.
“Okay, you ready to push?!” The doctor calls up.
“No, I’m waiting for a fucking bus!” Ruth grumbles quietly.
Two hours later, we are both sitting stunned and looking down at our beautiful daughters.
“By the by, it’s twins!” Ruth quips tiredly. “We found out on Thursday. Someone neglected to mention that twins run in our family.”
We are hearing the words but they are just not sinking in yet! Another ten minutes pass before I remember Arno!
“Shit! We have to introduce them to their godfather!”
“Who are they?” Mama G asks quietly. “Do you have any names before she goes to sleep?” She strokes the hair off Ruth’s forehead and she gives a very exhausted smile.
“We were going to call her Harper after Harper Lee, but now they can both be named in her honour. What do you think, daddy?” I ask a quietly stunned Justin.
“Perfect, just perfect.” He whispers. “Harper looks like you, definitely has your nose.”
“Let’s go introduce them.” I hiccup and we carry our daughters to the window.
End of flashback
JENNIFER
“So where is Ruth now? I have spoken to her a few times, but...wow just wow!”
“She’s heading back to Pittsburgh tomorrow. She’s been recovering in New York with Arno. But she’s getting crazy wanting to come home for her beloved babies.” Justin laughs.
Both Debs and I freeze and look at each other. “Her beloved babies?” I repeat.
“Uh-huh. Gus, can you get Ganna the cloth please? Someone is blowing bubbles.” Justin coos.
“Yes papa, Lee is always doing that. It’s funny!” He smiles as he hands me the cloth.
“Justin, sweetheart about Ruth and her beloved babies? What do you mean when you say that?”
“As I said.” He frowns before adjusting Gummy on his lap. “She’s getting a 2010 Buick LaCross as a present...she doesn’t know it yet though.”
“Um Justin, I think you need to clarify which babies you are talking about.” Brian smirks.
“Her cars, of course. Which ones would I be talking about?” His forehead creased in confusion.
“The ones in their grandmas’ arms for example.” Brian shakes his head. “Are you sure you scored 1500? Let me reassure you, you two worry warts, Ruth is not going to be anything like that. She gave up her rights to Harper and Lee, the day after the sonogram appointment. It was her present to us.”
“Oh.” Debs sniffs tearfully while nuzzling Harper’s head.
“Right, I take it there is champagne in this place?” I demand and they nod. “Fine, get that opened while I make a phone call to a certain person!”
HEAVENLY RETREATS, PITTSBURGH - AN HOUR LATER
GARAGE
RUTH
I pick up the phone without looking and then burst out laughing as Jen indignantly and tearfully berates me for making her a grandmother again!
“Aren’t they just adorable? Harper has Brian’s nose and eye shape, but Lee definitely has Justin’s mouth. But it’s the eye colour, so glad it’s a combo of the two...a nice kinda sea green. I’ll be back in the Burgh tomorrow thank goodness, picking up the new daddies and grandmas on Saturday...ah whoops, they hadn’t told you yet? Tell them sorry for me! So on a scale of one to mad, how are you two really? Great, so I don’t have to bring an armed guard with me. Nah just me and Arno and he’d be next to useless for a man his size! What do you mean why? He’s scared of you two! See ya!”
BRITIN - SUNDAY AFTERNOON
KITCHEN
BEN
There is something definitely up! Brian and Justin are upstairs no doubt getting to know their bed again! But whatever it is, I think it is a good thing! Life has been great since Michael was kicked out of the state, though it looks like he is on his way back. He got some shark of an attorney, who’s saying that being barred is against his constitutional rights. What about our rights not to deal with the annoying fucker ever again?! But because he has to give notice, for now, of his intention to visit we can at least be prepared for it! So glad that Mel had his rights revoked. He put up a token fight, the fucking piece of shit, but then once again Rage captured his attention, it no longer mattered to him! The funny thing is I don’t think Gummy misses him at all. Talk about an ineffectual parent. It’s more a case of ‘The Inconsequential Sperm Donor!’
I look across at Xavier and it’s so gratifying to know that we’re still together as are Carmine and Hunner, as everyone has taken to calling him now! We think there may be an announcement on the Lucas and Emmy front too because he’s being awfully coy! And Blake said he’s seen him mooning over rings! Sadly, Cassia and Mel split up but have remained very good friends. Such good friends that she actually made Mel ask someone, who Mel of all people was too scared to approach, on a date! We’re meeting her today.
Hunner has come on leaps and bounds, growing in confidence every single day. He’s come so far from the scared kid I once knew! He absolutely loves Chef School and is doing brilliantly. Emmy sometimes takes him on events so that he can practice. I can’t thank Ruth enough for getting him to do that.
Gus and Gummy are playing in the den and are excitedly waiting to see their momma again!
“Mel’s here!” Emmy calls from the lounge. “Shall I get Gus and Gummy? I can’t believe how much she has grown in a month! And ooh, who is that soupcon of sexiness that she’s brought with her? Do you think that’s the one?”
On hearing that Blake goes haring to the door but I easily catch him and carry him back to the kitchen.
“Spoilsport!” He grumbles from Ted’s lap but Ted kisses it all better!
“Hey Mel! And you are?” Emmy coos, having opened the door.
“Leda and you, judging by that outfit and smile, are Emmy?”
“The one and the only! Now come on in!”
“Gus! J...Gummy! Your momma is here!” I call out. “We’re in the kitchen!”
“Momma!” Gus yells, running in and then running out again. “Come on Gummy. No, this way you silly goose!”
“Silly goose?” I repeat grinning.
“Thilly gooth!” Gummy lisps. She is gap toothed at the moment and looks and sounds adorable! “Momma! Who’th that?”
“Before I do that, let me look at you my darlings!” She sweeps them both into a hug and I have to blink back tears. We really missed them!
“Tho?” Hunner mimics and waggles his eyebrows.
“Oh for...Leda, this is everyone...well almost. Everyone, this is Leda.”
She grins and waves. “Hi, so where's the King and his Prince?”
Ted sighs. “Did Mel tell you nothing? It was their first night back last night. They might be tired...cough-cough!”
“Oh contraire Teddy, we are more than rested.” Brian smirks and Blake blinks back tears as he is hauled out of Ted’s lap so that Brian can give Ted a hug. “Gus, Ruth and Arno will be here in five minutes, okay? You know what to do?”
“Do?” Mel echoes.
“Okay daddy!”
Brian disappears again and we exchange puzzled looks.
LOUNGE
BRIAN
Lee is not happy. I'm praying she doesn't give her and her sister away by crying! But after an initial crumple face, she decides to be a nice quiet Justin Jnr. equipped with a sunshine smile to melt the coldest heart. They are so good, especially when it comes to not interrupting daddy time….but then again we have quickies down to a fine art! Amongst the many reasons for returning back to Pitts is so that we can get back to long and leisurely fucking! Ruth and Arno are taking them next Saturday. And although we love our children, we can’t wait for the uninhibited sucking and fucking without having to worry about screaming the place down...yeah, I miss that! But we would not change a thing! Although my one saving grace at the moment is that Justin insisted we book into Heavenly. This saved me from suggesting it and having a smug husband teasing me for being ridiculously romantic and a big soppy daddy; as Ruth’s condo is less than a 10 minute drive away!
Justin is still on paternity leave from Rage and I will be as soon as Ted sees them! He and Emmy never asked a word about Daph. So that made keeping Harper and Lee’s arrival a secret much easier...I hated lying by omission, but it had to be done.
“Daddy, Ruthie and Arno are here!” Gus calls out. “Uncle Ben, can you open the door real quickly?!”
BEN
“Gus, what is the matter with you?” I laugh.
“I haven't seen Ruthie in ages!” He jumps up and down and then launches himself at Ruth before she can get in. “Oh Ruthie! I missed you so much! Thank you for that... thank you!”
“Hey Gussie! I missed you too!”
“Hey, can't you see me?” Arno gripes with a smile before Gus leans across to hug him.
“Of course! And Gummy did too, but she’s with momma and Lisa.”
“Leda, she’s Mel’s new friend.” I explain when they frown. “She and Cassia are still friends though.”
“Oh, shame that.”
“Is it now, daddy?” Gus asks Brian when he comes out of the lounge.
“Not yet. Ruth, Arno come in for a minute.”
Gus skips back to the kitchen and settles on his grandpa’s lap.
“Gus!” Brian calls out. “You can do it now!”
“Oh goody!” Gus squirms off Carl’s lap and runs to the entrance of the kitchen. “Now everyone get up and follow me.”
“Gus, what is going on?” Mel laughs.
“Come see!” He giggles and leads us to the lounge. He knocks twice and Arno opens the door.
CARL
“Oh my God!” I breathe and just stare at them! “Daph?! When did…?”
“Christ.” Mel whispers and starts to slowly approach.
“Mel, they’re babies not landmines.” Daph laughs.
“I know but…wow!” She sits next to Daph and gently touches a foot.
“Who are they?”
“Excuse us, but Gus can tell you everything.” Brian smiles proudly at Gus and he nods.
“Everyone, this is Harper and this is Lee.” He introduces them. “They are my Birthday Gummies. Ruthie gave them to me and my daddies.”
Everyone looks at Ruth and she shrugs as if she gave them a pint of milk!
“Wait! So Daph you....” Emmy begins and the claps his hand over his mouth.
“It’s okay, Emmy. The grandmas know everything.” Justin reassures him.
“Grandmas? Debs? Jen? How long have you known?” I ask.
“Since Thursday.” Debs admits. “They wouldn’t let me tell you. I did cow-eyes and everything but they wouldn’t budge!”
“Now as per Gus’s wishes, the first to get a hold are Ben and Hunner.” Justin and Brian get up and instruct them to sit down. “Gus wanted them for you.”
I have never seen Hunner so utterly speechless. As he sits down, Gummy approaches. “Hunner, you like?” She asks, pulling off Lee’s sock and kissing her foot.
“Mel, she likes their feet. Not sure why.” Brian chuckles.
“Oh yeah.” He sniffs. “But there will only be one Gummy for me and that’s you.” He kisses her cheek and she clambers between them. “How old are they?”
“Nine weeks. Had them early. The them being a surprise!” Ruth grins tearfully. “They have my hair and some of my colouring but other than that they are pure Brian and Justin. Harper takes after Brian and Lee is all Justin. But they both have the same eyes. Oh and boys, word to the wise, the hair, it’s gonna get long and wide. Think Diana Ross in the 90s.”
Justin frowns. “So like Daph’s?”
“Not quite. I have Cherokee in me. We are talking curls lots of curls! And then of course, there’s the hair grease for their scalp. They’re not going to like it but it has to be done. Basically make sure Mama G is here for the first time you do their hair!”
“Stop teasing us!” Justin grouses.
“She’s not teasing you.” Daph returns sweetly.
I gulp as Ben places Harper in my arms. “Well hello there. My name is Carl but you can call me Ganka when you can speak. Boys, I shall be bringing the gun permits round tomorrow!”
After an hour of cooing and telling all, the Baby TKs are ready for their nap. “May I?” I ask Brian, following him and Justin out.
“Of course you may.” He gently places Harper in my arms and kisses her head. “As you go up the stairs, it’s the second one on the right okay, dad?” Brian asks and we both pause before I swallow down tears and then nod.
“Okay son. We won’t be long.” I’m not even half way up the stairs when the tears start to fall.
Twenty minutes later, I rejoin them and we have champagne and Ems and Hunner are bringing out the food.
“You okay, honey?” Debs asks, squeezing my hand as I sit down.
“Yeah, just stunned that’s all.” I murmur back. “I took loads of pictures! So what are we talking about?”
“Sharing our wedding day.” She smiles tearfully.
“With?” I frown and then it hits me. “Seriously?”
“Yeah, they want them to be christened after our wedding here.”
“Ganka okay?” Gummy asks, holding my hand as the tears of happiness fall.
“Yes Gummy, Ganka okay.” I manage to choke out as Ruth hands me a tissue and a glass of champagne.
“So who is going to be the godparents?” I ask and look around.
“Arno and Daph.” Justin replies and everyone looks surprised.
“Daph we get.” Ted begins tactfully. “But Arno…”
“He gave us his blessing Teddy.” Brian grins at Arno. “Ruth wouldn’t have done this without that.”
“Momma, when am I seeing mommy again?” Gus suddenly pipes up and the room goes quiet. In all of our excitement and shock, we had forgotten about Lindsay!
“Next weekend.” Mel replies carefully.
“Will Uncle Michael be there too?”
“We’re not sure. You know he’s been away on business a lot so he may still be busy.” Mel looks across at Brian.
“Oh okay. But can I tell her about Harper and Lee?”
“Yes of course you can…”
“Good. But we’re still staying at grandma and grandpa’s, aren’t we? It feels such a long time since we did. Oh will our wuffy-fluffies still fit?”
“Yes and yes.” Mel laughs and then turns to a confused looking Leda. “I’ll explain later. Are you doing anything next Sunday?”
“Okay and I am guessing having Sunday lunch or dinner with you guys?”
“It’s a late lunch.” Daph chuckles. “And I cannot wait to see Lindsay again.”
“You’re going to be there?” Blake gives a crafty smile.
“Oh I wouldn’t miss this for the world!” She replies with a wink.