OUTSIDE TORONTO AIRPORT - THREE HOURS LATER

MICHAEL

“There! There he is! Bri...what the hell is she doing here?!” I turn to Ma and Ben. While he shrugs, she looks as pissed off as I do. “Where have you been?!” I demand of Brian as they finally reach us.

“On a plane waiting for it to....” He begins to reply when Ben interrupts.

“You know where he was, Michael. He was in a holding pattern. Now can we go to the hotel?”

“Why are you here? Shouldn’t you have gone either straight to the hotel or to see Gus and Jenny?” He snaps as he walks ahead of us. The branding bitch doesn’t say a word to any of us, just walks beside him, carrying his case.

“I did suggest that but they wanted to wait.” Ben grumbles.

“Why is she here?!” Ma demands.

“Because she’s my driver and Cyn insisted. Thank goodness she did, because I am in no fit state to drive after that flight from hell.”

“This is us, Mr Kinney.” She stops by a two seater.

“Why have you booked that?! How are all of us going to fit in there?!” Ma exclaims, glaring at him.

“I did not book this. Cynthia did. Now excuse me, I have to be useful and go and see my son!”

“But what about us?! Actually, what about them three? Ben, Ma and whatever she’s called can go in another car. Give me the keys and I’ll drive, Brian.”

She doesn’t say anything, just puts his case in the trunk as he gets in. Then she gets into the driver’s side, before she turns to look at me. “I am the named driver as is Mr Kinney. You are not, therefore, you are not driving. Mr Kinney sir, please do up your seatbelt. Where are we going?”

Brian pulls out a phone and Ma and I exchange incredulous looks. “I thought yours was broken?!”

“It is. That’s my phone.” She retorts.

“Come on you two let’s go and book a car, like I said we should have done two hours ago!”

“But…!” I protest.

“Babe! Let’s go, please? We can argue with Brian later.”

I am about to say something to Brian, but she guns the engine and is gone. “Where the hell are we supposed to go?!” I yell as they disappear into the distance. “For fuck sake!” I snatch my phone out of my pocket and then stop in annoyance. “Can’t even call him! So annoying!”

“Come on, honey. Like Ben says, we can deal with the useless asshole later. Let’s just get to where we need to be!”

INSIDE THE MINI ROADSTER

DAPHNE

Mr Kinney and I exchange smiles. He had caught me up on the plane so I gave him my phone when we landed. He looked so relieved. “What did she say?” I ask as he grimaces at his screen.

“Temp was 100.9, but it’s coming down. They are going to discharge him this evening. So we might as well go to the hotel first. Where did she book?”

“Festival Suites. We should be there in an hour.”

“Okay.” He’s quiet for a bit before he clears his throat. “What’s your background? I mean, the Taser and the…”

“Army brat who followed in her dad’s footsteps. As for the Taser, I’ve always had one, two very overprotective brothers.” I smile at him. “Discharged on medical grounds. Injured my back and can’t carry the full kit around. Have secretarial skills. Have known Shelley for years and here I am.”

“I see.” He settles back down a bit. “First, things first. I respect anyone that does military service, so please call me Brian. And secondly, what did you think of Ben?”

“Brian, it is; I prefer Daph. Like you said, it takes a big man to admit to being that and say it out loud.” I answer cautiously and he frowns. “I would need to know more of the background to make an informed decision.”

“What do you need to know?”

“What was he like to fuck?” I grin at him and for the first time in hours, he smiles.

NOVOTNY-BRUCKNER’S CAR - SAME TIME

BEN

Jesus, was I like this? They have not stopped bitching about Brian since we left Kinnetic!

“What do you think, Ben?” Michael demands.

“What about, Babe? Sorry was concentrating on the driving.” And trying not to use a ball gag on you both.

“Brian’s tone to us earlier...”

“He’s most probably worried about Gus and…”

“Brian doesn’t worry. He’s most probably trying to wonder where to get his ass sewn up by the time we’ve finished with him!” Debs bridles.

“Why should you rip him a new one? It’s not his fault that his phone is broken, is it?”

“That’s if that’s what happened.” Michael retorts.

“Why shouldn’t it be? Brian doesn’t lie, remember? It was you who told me that. In fact, it is you that always tells me that.”

“Since when do…” He begins.

“And his reaction was blind panic when he heard about Gus, not the reaction of a man that doesn’t care.”

“True, I suppose.” He concedes before smiling at me. “I’m so glad we’re back to where we were. I am still a bit cross about you and Brian but that is in the past, and it is right?”

“It had better be!” Debs snaps.

“Brian doesn’t do repeats. And even if he did, he definitely wouldn’t come after me.”

“Yeah, true, not now that you are the way you are.” Michael says smugly and I roll my eyes, trying not to flinch as he puts his hand on my thigh.

But if he did, I most definitely wouldn’t say no.

MEL AND LINDSAY’S HOUSE - EARLY EVENING

LINDSAY

“What a day!” I whisper to Mel as Gus has finally settled down to sleep.

“Yeah, not good. Come on, let’s go downstairs. I need a drink.” I nod and follow her to the lounge and sink into the sofa. “Red, white or stronger?”

“Stronger, definitely stronger. Do you have any idea of what time Brian is getting here? Did he say?”

“He was going to come tonight, but I told him to come tomorrow. At least, Gus will be awake then.” I frown at her. “He needs to rest. So do we. But first, we need to eat.”

“That’s not what I am frowning for. I’m frowning because Brian’s phone is broken. How have you been speaking to him?”

“He used Daphne’s phone. Cynthia texted the number to me so I would recognise it.”

“Who’s Daphne and why is Cynthia texting you? I’m Gus’s mother. I should have that information!”

“We’re both his mothers. As for Daphne, she’s his driver and you would have to ask Cynthia about her reasoning.”

“He has a driver now?” I sigh at his extravagance. “He does spend his money on the most frivolous of things!”

“It’s his money to spend.”

“What’s that supposed mean?”

“Exactly what I said. It’s his money and he gets to decide how he spends it. And if he wants to get himself a driver, then that’s his prerogative.”

“It’s very unusual for you to be championing Brian.”

“It’s been an unusual day! Now I’m going to order take-out so why don’t you jump in the shower?”

I drain my glass and head upstairs.

MEL

I hang up on the Thai place and roll my neck. I cannot wait to see how she talks her way out of this. How they both do.

DINER - GRAVEYARD SHIFT

DELORES

“Have you heard from Brian?” I ask Carl as I clean up around him.

“Yeah. He’s been discharged and he’s going to see him tomorrow.” He drains his cup and rather sweetly rinses it out. “Come on, I’ll give you a lift.”

“No, it’s fine. I can take the cab that...okay, let me get my coat. Jeez, you spend way too many Mondays with Brian. You’ve got that glare down pat!”

As I collect my things, I try not to smile too much!

OUTSIDE FESTIVAL SUITES HOTEL - NEXT DAY

BEN

“Very fancy schmancy!” Debs declares as we wait in our car for them to come out.

Michael looks at his watch again. “Where are they?” He gripes.

“You said he told you they would be down in 10 minutes.” I sigh. “Which was five minutes ago.”

“Are you okay? You seem to be in a very contrary mood today.” Debs asks and Michael almost gets a slap when he nods in agreement!

“I’m fine. Just anxious about Gus, that’s all.”

“Why? He’s been discharged and they wouldn’t have done that if they didn’t think he was alright.”

“Yes, but we don’t know what we’re dealing with. It could be something that spreads and…”

“Oh for fuck sake! Stay in the car then if you are so worried about your oh so precious immune system!” Michael spits and then gets out of the car. With a nasty look from Debs, she follows him. Less than five minutes later, they are coming out of the hotel and looking pleased with themselves. I am relieved when they both get in the back.

“They’re just checking out. I placed a call to his room and reamed him out. As per usual, he hears me and he comes running!” Debs cackles.

“And me, Ma. We both can call him to heel.” Michael asserts.

“Well, aren’t you two all powerful?” I retort and glare at them in the mirror. “And as for your comment before Michael, I am more worried about him giving it to Jenny. You do remember Jenny, don’t you?”

They exchange looks, but I cut off what he was going to say by switching on the radio as Daphne and Brian come out and head to their car.

MEL AND LINDSAY’S HOUSE - AN HOUR LATER

LINDSAY

Mercifully, Gus’s temperature dropped right down overnight, but he does have a bad cold. I head to the door when I see Brian and Daphne get out of the car. I am relieved when it is just them. It makes the conversation we are going to have so much more easier.

“You’re finally here!” I state coldly before turning to Daphne. “Hi, I’m Lindsay, the mother of Gus and you’re Daphne, I understand.” She nods and shakes my proffered hand. “Well down there, if you head that way, this road takes you to the theatre district. If you…”

“She’s coming in.” Brian interjects. “I’m using her phone. I can’t contact her when I’m ready to leave.”

“Brian…” I sigh.

“Hey, Lindsay!” Ben calls out and I wave at him.

“Well come on in, then.” I say gracelessly and lead them back inside.

“Mel! They’re…”

“I’m going to see Gus.” Brian heads to the stairs, taking them two at a time and I quickly follow.

I spot Mel in Jenny’s room, step in and close the door. “He’s brought Michael, Ben and Debs with him. Are you going to use this opportunity to speak to Michael about the support he owes?”

“Yes, the one thing we will be discussing is his money.” She replies tersely. “Now come on little one, let’s go see your daddy, your papa and grandma.”

“I don’t think Michael or Debs would like it if you called Ben papa in front of them.”

“Since when do I care what they like?” She retorts. “Is Brian in with Gus?” I nod. “Okay, let me get this little one to say hi to him first. Once she’s with those three, he won’t get a look in! Why not make some coffee for our guests?”

I dig my nails into my palms in frustration. I wanted to speak to Brian now, but pasting a smile on my face, I follow her out and go to make some coffee.

GUS’S ROOM

MEL

I smile as I come in and see Brian and Gus, looking at something in Gus’s lap. “What you got there, Gus?”

“A picature, Momma. Daddy said someone drawded it for me to make me feel better.” He croaks.

“Picture. It’s pronounced picture, Sonny Boy. Would you like to show it to Momma while I say hello to Jenny?” He nods and I sit down next to him. Jenny immediately clambers into Brian’s lap.

“Oh, that is so sweet! We have to have that framed! Who drawded, I mean drew it?”

“I’m not sure.” Brian looks rueful. “But I will find out.”

“Speaking of finding out, does her phone have a record feature?” He nods. “Use it if you are alone with Lindsay. Okay?”

He sighs. “Welcome to the dark side.”

“Pardon?”

“That’s what Cyn told me to do as well.”

I hear the stairs creak and Lindsay pokes her head round the door. “Have coffee for Brian and I am just about holding back her grandma and father. Perhaps you should take them both down before they explode.”

“Come on you two, let’s go downstairs and let Mommy and Daddy talk for a bit. Don’t be long though.”

LINDSAY

I place the mug on the table and wait for the door to close. “Care to explain yourself?”

“What’s there to explain?” He replies stiffly. “My phone broke, so I didn’t get your messages. Care to explain yourself?”

“What are you talking about?” I glower at him.

“When did Gus get sick?”

“When I called you. Now before you say anything else, we need to talk about this arrangement we have, whereby I go through Ted now for anything support related. I am not happy about that and would rather deal with you directly. As you know, the expenses are so high and we wouldn't want to have a reason for us to say no about Gus's next visit to Pittsburgh, now would we?”

“Why would you say no? You wouldn’t be paying for it, and you certainly wouldn’t be bringing him. I would be.”

“You? Why would you do that?” I demand.

“Because I can and I want to.”

I decide to try another tack. “Brian, you are just upset at the moment and…”

“Are you guys coming down, now?!” Mel calls up and he strides passed me.

“Yeah!” He calls out before returning to collect his mug. “Shall we?”

“We will talk about this later!” I insist.

“Yeah, I look forward to that!” He snipes as he stalks out.

LOUNGE

DAPHNE

I have the cool box on my lap and twice Gus has looked at it and then me. He has his father’s eyes.

“What have you two been doing up there for so long? Revisiting the past?” The Gimp laughs, but he’s the only one.

“Not cool, Michael.” Mel retorts. “And speaking of not cool, where’s the support money you’ve been promising me?”

“I don’t have my bank card on me.” He replies. “Brian, can you pay and then I pay you back?”

All eyes turn to him and he takes the cool box off me with a small smile.

“Brian, did you hear me?” The Gimp demands.

“Yes, and the answer is no.” He replies bluntly. “And no to you too, Lindsay.”

“No to me? What are you saying no to me for? I’ve not asked you for anything.” She grits out.

“Then you don’t mind not getting your way? Good.”

“Perhaps you didn't hear Michael correctly.” Ben begins and I slowly turn to look at him, wishing I had carried my larger Taser. Seems that he has played Brian for a fool! “He said he would pay you back and you will, won’t you Babe?”

“Yes, I just said that.” The Gimp snipes. “So Mel, if you can speak to Brian and…”

“No. The money has to come from you, not Brian. He’s not Jenny’s dad. You are, though only when it suits you.”

There is an astonished silence.

“Mel, may I have a bowl please?”

“A bowl? What do you want a bowl for ass...as a matter of interest?” Drag Queen quickly amends.

“So that I can give Gus, and maybe Jenny, if Mel’s okay with that, some ice cream.”

“Ice cream?!” Lindsay exclaims. “Brian, he’s got a heavy cold. He doesn't need ice cream; he needs warmth and nourishment...something like oatmeal.”

“Nourishment comes in many guises.” I point out. “It is a proven medical fact that the coolness of ice cream on a sore throat is very soothing. As it is on the gums of teething toddlers and I do believe I see a little tooth in there.”

Mel smiles at me. “I’ll just get the bowls then.”

We sit in silence as Mel goes to collect them. DQ and The Gimp are both glowering at Brian, who is concentrating on Gus. I look across at Ben and he has an interesting expression on his face.

“Okay, here’s the bowls.” Mel comes back in and helps Brian to spoon some into the bowls. Immediately, Jenny squirms off of Michael’s lap and toddles over to her. “Okay little one, hold your horses!”

“Daddy.” Gus croaks. “Can I have all of that?”

“No, Gus, you can only have some…” Lindsay interrupts.

“Lindsay, his Daddy brought him a treat. Eat as much as you can Gus but stop when Daddy says, okay?” Mel orders gently and Gus nods.

“Can I do it Daddy?” He asks, reaching for the spoon. Whatever Lindsay was going to say, Brian stops with a glare and she literally sits on her hands.

Half an hour later, Gus and Jenny are being cleaned up by Brian and I smile as he totes them both upstairs at the same time. When he comes back in, he sits next to Mel while Lindsay frowns.

“Can you leave please?” The Gimp orders me and I look at Brian.

“She stays.” He retorts.

“This is family business, Brian and…”

“She stays or we both go.” He clips out.

“Fine, if you want your staff to find out what an asshole you are, so be it!” DQ barks.

“Of all the things he is, an asshole he is not. Kindly moderate your tone when talking to him and about him in my presence, or I shall do that for you...again.”

“Are you threatening me?!”

“No.”

“Are you going to let her treat me...treat us like this?!” She growls at Brian.

“Yes. She has my permission to treat anyone anyway she sees fit. And you are a very lucky man, Michael. There’s no surveillance cameras in my office, so I can’t prove that you pushed Justin in front of you. But back to the support dilemma you have... It is your dilemma to solve, so solve it.” The Gimp just glares at him before going to speak, but Brian puts up his hand to stop him. “And Lindsay, I am not giving you the money to pay off the credit card bill you ran up.” Brian glares at her. “You lied to me about Gus, and I hate being lied to. From now on, Mel can you liaise with Ted with regards to anything to do with support for Gus?”

“Yes, of course. In fact, I was going to suggest that.” Mel looks at Lindsay coldly. “How many times have I told you to never lie on sickness? There was nothing wrong with Gus the night you left the message for Brian. You want to test the karma god, lie about yourself!”

“I didn’t lie! He did have a temperature!” She asserts testily.

“But you didn’t know that when you called. You didn’t know that until the next day when I told you!” Mel blasts her. “But back to the matter in hand, Lindsay, Michael neither of you are getting money directly from Brian from this point onwards.”

Again, an astonished silence. Then Ben clears his throat. “How about I pay Mel and then Michael can pay the mortgage on the house and the store for the next month instead?”

“But I can’t afford to do both of those payments, Ben.” Gimp whines.

“But you can afford to help your mother out with her non-existent mortgage, can’t you?” His mouth drops open in shock. “For three months. And speaking months, why didn’t you tell me that you had an STD when we first started sleeping together?” His mouth opens wider. “I could’ve compromised my oh so precious immune system. That was such a lovely thing to hear from my husband, by the way. Oh and speaking of husbands, since we are here, you no longer will be in the eyes of any law in the land.”

“What? What’s going on?!” DQ demands.

“These are the dissolution papers for our farce of a marriage. You wanted to know what I was doing for two weeks. Well, it was this. And also putting the house on the market because I am leaving you, Michael. As well as leaving you, I am leaving Pittsburgh. It has too many bad memories for me “

“But...but I thought we were fine; that we were back on track!”

“You thought wrong! I will be moving here. There is a teacher exchange with Carnegie and Toronto University. This gives me an opportunity of a fresh start and to see Jenny when I want, not when you choose to mooch off of Brian to do so.”

“You ungrateful fucking bastard!” The Gimp snarls, standing up and I stand up too...he sits down. “I loved you when…”

“No, you didn’t! Neither of you did! What you do is not love... well, not without conditions. It’s the kind of love I can do without.”

“I never wanted you to…”

“Debs, you’re not telling me something I didn’t already know, so kindly shut the fuck up! And Michael before you chime in, you are not all that and a bucket of fried chicken. It may have been years ago, but the times I had to think back to that night to get off while you were pawing at me...well let’s just say it was a lot more than once...a lot more!” He stands up, taking what seems to be a cleansing breath before he reaches for his coat and drops some keys into The Gimp’s lap. “Mel, may I prevail upon you to give me a number for a cab? They will need the car to get back to the hotel.”

“Um...yeah, not a problem.” She stammers before making her way to the hallway.

“Did you know?!” DQ demands of Brian.

“Nope.” Brian retorts, picking up his coat and nodding at me. “And again, this is his dilemma to solve. Nothing to do with me. Well not outside of Ben’s imagination anyway.”

“Back to the hotel, Brian?” I ask.

“No, to the airport. I have my own dilemma to work on.”

“What’s that?”

“I’ll tell you in the car.” He grins. “Too much nosiness here right now.”