Before the Fall

Chapter 3




“Dada,” Bree whispered as she raised up on her knees to get closer to Brian’s ear. The family was seated at several tables in one of the smaller ballrooms Brian had rented for brunch the day after PRIDE. “I hafta go to the bathroom,” Bree whispered.

“Okay, Squirt, let’s go,” Brian said as he wiped his mouth with his napkin. He and Justin exchanged a knowing look as Brian cocked his head toward the door. Justin nodded his understanding.

“Do you need any help?” Brian asked just outside the family restroom near the hotel lobby.

“No, Dada,” Bree assured her father. Brian nodded in resignation as his all too fast growing baby girl walked into the restroom all by herself.

“I’ll be right outside, Squirt,” he said as the door began to swing closed.

“Okay, Dada!” Brian heard. To keep himself occupied, Brian walked the few steps toward the side of the gift shop. Through the windows he could see the fashionable, if not overpriced, clothing for sale, and a bevy of sparkling trinkets on display. There were brooches made from glittering semi-precious stones, earrings, and bracelets. There were strings of colorful beads and pendants in every color and shape including...

“Oooo, Dada, look at the pretty green froggie necklace!” Bree said as she came up behind Brian.

“You would notice that one. Did you wash your hands?”

“Yes, I did. Dada, can I have it? I don’t have no froggie necklaces.”

“You don’t have any froggie necklaces.”

“That’s right, Dada.”

“Bree.”

“Pleeez.”

“Briana, we’re not here to do shopping.”

“I know, Dada, but it reminds me of...” Bree began in a small voice as she looked longingly at the pendant then down at her sandals.

“What does it remind you of?” Brian asked as he squatted down in front of his daughter. Brian took her little hands into his.

“Home, Dada. The froggie reminds me of the frogs at our stream,” Bree said. Brian drew the little girl into his arms. “Please, Dada. I won’t break it and I’ll only wear it for special times. And, and...”

“Okay, Squirt,” Brian said as he hugged her tighter. “Ugh!” he groaned as he stood up with Bree in his arms. “You are getting so big,” Brian said as he nosed her pigtails. “Come on, let’s go get you a frog,” Brian grumbled, making Bree giggle. She knew her Dada’s grumble meant he really wasn’t angry.

“Oh, thank you, Dada!” Bree said as she wrapped her arms around her father’s neck, kissing his cheek. Brian blushed as the saleswoman smiled fondly at the obviously indulgent father buying his daughter the shiny trinket.

“Would the young lady like to wear it now or shall I wrap it?” the woman asked, recognizing Brian as one of Pittsburgh’s prominent businessmen.

“Oh Dada!” Bree said with her violet blue eyes opened wide; she hugged Brian tighter.

“She’ll wear it,” Brian managed to say as he put Bree down so that he could do the honors. He gave the saleswoman his room information so that he could be billed for the necklace.

“There’s a mirror, if the young lady would care to see how she looks wearing the necklace. I think the frog has found a good home,” the woman said as she pointed to the mirror at the edge of the counter.

Brian picked Bree back up so that she could see herself and the necklace. Bree gasped with delight.

“It’s so pretty,” Bree exclaimed as she touched the pendant where it hung against her chest.

“Bri?” Justin called out from the doorway before Brian could make any comment. Justin had become a little concerned at Brian and Bree’s prolonged absence so he went looking for them. “What’s going on? I got worried about you two,” Justin said, smiling and shaking his head. He had a good idea of exactly what happened. “What did you do, Brian?” Justin asked with only the slightest tone of admonishment in his voice.

“Look, Daddy, Dada got me a froggie necklace!” Bree said showing off her necklace and beaming a bright, sunny smile.

“He did? It’s beautiful, Sweetheart,” Justin said as he held out his arms for Bree.

Brian transferred their daughter to Justin then stepped back slightly to admire his blond beauties. Slipping his hand into his pocket, Brian took out his phone. He was unable to resist taking a picture of Bree and Justin and their matching smiles.

“And you’re such a pushover,” Justin said to his spouse.

“The necklace does suit your daughter,” the saleswoman felt obligated to say in Brian’s defense.

“I agree,” Justin confirmed. “Thank you.” Justin put Bree down then took her hand. “Bri, let’s get back before everyone leaves.” Brian took Bree’s other hand.

“What do you say to the nice lady, Squirt?”

“Thank you,” Bree said politely.

“You’re very welcome,” the woman replied sincerely, as the Kinney-Taylor family left the shop to finish brunch with their guests.



*****



“So where the fuck have you been?” Debbie demanded as the Kinney-Taylor family returned to their table in the ballroom.

“We had business to attend to,” Brian said with a wicked wink at Bree and Justin.

“Yeah, business,” Bree agreed, bobbing her head and touching her new froggie necklace before sitting down in her chair.

“Is that new, Bree?” Richie asked craning his neck to see Bree’s newest possession.

“Yes,” Bree said proudly, “my Dada just got it for me. It reminds me of home.”

“It’s beautiful,” Richie said with a wistful look in his eye. The look was not lost on Emmett.

“You look lovely, sweetheart,” Jennifer said proudly. “That necklace seems to remind me of Brian’s favorite kind of wildlife.”

Brian gave his mother-in-law a mock glare before sitting down.

“Yeah, he fell in love with the poisonous tree frogs in Central America,” Bobby piped up.

“But this is like the froggies at our house,” Bree stated firmly.

“And very fine frogs they are,” John added, reaching over and patting Bree’s head.

“I know, Unca John,” Bree stated. “Dada loves them.” She gave her father that sunny Taylor smile, and Brian couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Frogs are very important in the eco-system of our planet,” Raph contributed. He and his family had been invited to the brunch as well.

“If you say so, O great veterinarian,” Brian joked.

“I do say so,” Raph replied with a smile. He knew Brian wasn’t at all as afraid of frogs as he often let on. Everyone knew. But Brian’s aversion to frogs was still a standing joke in the family.

“I need to go to the restroom,” Richie whispered to Emmett.

“Go ahead, sweetie, we’ll be here when you get back,” Emmett said to his son.

As Richie excused himself from the table, Jennifer elbowed Seth. Seth looked at Richie’s back fading out the door of the ballroom. He shrugged, but got to his feet. He quickly made his way out the door.

In the restroom, Seth splashed some water on his face as he waited for Richie to come out of a stall. There didn’t seem to be anyone else in the facility. Seth heard a toilet flush, and then a stall door opened.

“Oh,” Richie said in surprise. “Hi, Mr. Seth.”

“You remember my name?” Seth asked.

“Sure, I’m good with names,” Richie said as he started washing his hands. “You’re Mr. Justin’s stepfather, aren’t you?”

“Well, I guess I am,” Seth replied. He wasn’t used to being referred to in that way.

“Were you waiting for me?” Richie asked, seeing that Seth made no move to use the toilet or urinal.

“Yes,” Seth said honestly.

“Why?” Richie felt a shiver of worry run up his spine. Had he done something bad? Were they going to tell him they didn’t want him at family gatherings?

“Richie. Richie!” Seth repeated.

“Oh, yeah, sorry,” Richie said when he finally heard his name. He ripped off some paper towel and dried his hands. “Have I done something wrong?”

“No, nothing’s wrong,” Seth said shaking his head. “My beautiful wife in her infinite wisdom felt that I should talk to you.”

“About what?” Richie asked with a frown. He tossed the used paper towel into the bin.

“That was exactly what I asked Jennifer when she suggested this.”

“What did she say?”

“She said she thought I could offer you some advice.”

“Do I need advice?”

Seth chuckled. “Apparently not.”

Richie smiled. “What would you tell me if you were going to have this talk with me?” Richie’s eyes sparkled with mischief.

Seth liked this kid the more he saw of him. “I thought I’d tell you that this cwazy wittle family is made up of all kinds.”

“I kind of figured that out,” Richie said. “What kind are you?” He grinned impishly.

“Sometimes I think I’m the token straight guy,” Seth laughed. “But Carl and I have to share that title.”

“Do you mind being singled out as that?” Richie asked, his face a study in seriousness.

“No, I don’t mind. It’s kind of nice to have a special designation.”

“I don’t like being singled out,” Richie admitted. “I tried to hide and be ordinary, be normal, for so long, but it didn’t work.” The boy looked so sad.

Seth placed his hand on Richie’s shoulder. “Hiding, and trying to be something you’re not, will never make you happy, Richie.”

“I guess,” Richie sighed.

“I know. The people in this family will do their best to support you and help you be what you’re meant to be,” Seth stated.

“But … how do I know what I’m supposed to be?”

“Did you feel good during the parade?” Richie nodded. “Were you happy?”

“Yes.”

“Then I would say that you know a little something about what you’re meant to be.”

Richie looked thoughtful as he stared at Seth. “Maybe you’re right … and maybe your wife is a pretty smart woman,” he added with a big grin.

“You better believe she is.”

“We should go back,” Richie said starting towards the door.

“Richie.”

“Yes.” The young boy turned back toward Seth.

“If you ever want to talk, you know how to reach me.”

“Thanks, I’ll remember that,” Richie said as he pulled the restroom door open and they both exited the room.



*****



“Where’s Emmett?” Richie asked as he took his place at the table.

“He’ll be back in a couple of minutes,” Ted informed him.

“Where did he go?”

“Can’t tell you,” Drew said, “or we’d have to kill you.”

Richie frowned and then smiled. He was sure Emmett would return. He had promised to be there when he got back. Richie ate some of the fruit on his plate while he waited. He saw JR and Curtis talking to each other. He kind of wished he was at the table with them, but you couldn’t have everything. He looked over at Bree who smiled at him and touched her froggie necklace. Richie couldn’t help but think how lucky she was to have two parents who loved her and bought her everything she wanted.

“Richie, honey, I got something for you.” Emmett’s voice brought Richie from his reverie back to the reality of the Plaza ballroom.

“You did, what?”

“Open it,” Emmett said with a big grin, as he handed a small box to Richie.

“What is it?” Richie asked excitedly. He could feel his heart pounding. He couldn’t imagine what Emmett had got him.

“Open it and see,” Emmett encouraged him.

Richie gently lifted the lid of the box. He pulled the cotton batting from the top of whatever was inside. A little gasp escaped his lips, and then he just stared into the box.

“Where did you get this?” he asked in awe.

“From the same shop that Bree’s necklace came from,” Emmett explained.

“What is it, Richie?” Bree asked moving over to Richie’s table to see what he had received.

“It’s beautiful,” Richie said. He lifted the piece of jewelry from the box. “It’s a beautiful silver bracelet.”

“Ooh, nice,” Bree said.

“Try it on,” Emmett suggested. “Let me help you.” Emmett took the silver ID bracelet from Richie and undid the clasp. He carefully did it up around Richie’s slim wrist. “The lady in the store said we can have some links taken out if it’s too big. And we can get it engraved with your name if you like.”

“My name?”

“Yes, Richie or Richard or … I had thought maybe 1st PRIDE.”

“First PRIDE,” Richie repeated. “I like that.”

“Oooh, I hoped you would. You can wear it till we’re ready to leave the hotel, and then we’ll drop it off at the shop to get it engraved.”

Richie stared at his wrist and the lovely piece of silver that now adorned it. Tears threatened to fall. “I … I don’t know what to say, Emmett. Thank you so much. It’s … wonderful.”

“My pleasure, Richie,” Emmett replied as the two hugged … hard.

“Can I have a piece of that?” Drew asked, and Richie was happy to oblige with a big hug.

“You’re both so kind to me.”

“We love you, sweetie. We wanted your first PRIDE to be special.”

“It has been,” Richie said. He glanced over at Seth who gave him a quiet thumbs up. Maybe being singled out in this family wasn’t so bad after all.



*****



“So what are you two boys doing for the Summer?” Debbie asked as she cornered Gus and Ray at the buffet table. The growing teens were loading up ‘thirds’ before the wait staff began to clear off the tables. “Besides eating your way through to the Fall, I mean,” Debbie added as she spied their full plates.

“Oh, Grandmaw,” Gus teased as he shoved a strip of crispy bacon in his mouth.

“Gus is going to intern at his Dad’s Harrisburg branch for July and I’m not so sure what I’m going to do,” Ray began to politely explain as his boyfriend was stuffing his face. “We were going to go back to NY for our PRIDE and then come right back but we changed our plans,” Ray conceded and was silently relieved at their decision. Ray wasn’t in any hurry to meet up with Wayne. There’d be time enough for a confrontation when Ray finally did go home.

“I may have a solution for that,” Bobby said as he approached them, overhearing the conversation. “Part Deux isn’t that far from my office and I could use my own intern for the month.”

“But I don’t know anything about the law,” Ray said.

“You don’t have to. You’re studying business in college, aren’t you?” Bobby asked Ray.

“Yes and engineering.”

“Well, I’m a lawyer that specializes in business contracts and charitable institutions. I think you may find something to relate to. Besides, I don’t think you want to be totally idle. Even Brian does more than just play in his gardens all day. He does do some work,” Bobby teased. He knew very well that Brian had his hands in everything that his branches did even if it was via remote access with his computer.

“Thank you, Mr. Morrison! I’d love to work with you.”

“We’ll keep a log of your hours and your agenda. You can submit it to your advisor when you go back in the Fall and see if you qualify for extra credit.”

“Wow! Thank you!” Ray said with a big smile.

“Thank you, Uncle Bobby,” Gus mumbled around a slice of fruit. Bobby and Debbie chuckled.

“You boys go eat at the table like humans,” Debbie said as she pointed to a table.

“Yes ma’am,” Ray and Gus murmured obediently as they took their bounty to a table to eat properly.

“You know, we’re always comparing Gus to his father but there is one big difference between them,” Debbie said as she and Bobby walked back to their tables.

“What’s that?”

“Their appetites.”

“I’m not so sure about that. They both have healthy appetites; it’s just Gus’ runs more toward food while Brian’s...”

“Runs toward sex,” Debbie snarked.

“Yes but not just any sex,” Bobby said as he smiled fondly at his brother-in-law who was trying to be inconspicuous as he was stealing kisses from Bree and Justin. Bree was sitting on Brian’s lap showing off her new necklace to her daddies.

“You’re right, Brian’s addiction is his Sunshine and his family. How the mighty have fallen.”

“Not fallen, Deb, risen. He’s risen above what he might have been to become what he always had in him. What you, Justin and his brother have encouraged in him. He’s happy, Debbie.”

“I can see that. And I don’t know anyone more deserving,” Debbie said sincerely as she patted Bobby’s cheek before joining Carl.

“And what were you and Debbie conspiring about?” Brian asked with a suspicious arch of his brow.

“Nothing. We both agree that you’ve evolved into a nice human being,” Bobby mentioned smugly and said nothing more on the matter. He and John exchanged loving glances.

Brian took it all in then looked around the room at the members of his cwazy widdle family. It was one of those rare occasions when the family was able to revel in quiet conversation. “You know something, Sunshine?”

“What, Bri?”

“Sometimes I wonder what I did to deserve all this,” Brian said trying to be sarcastic but failing.

“I know.”

“Yeah? What?” Brian smirked at Justin.

“You finally wised up and married me,” Justin said with a straight face.

“Yeah, I did,” Brian whispered as he leaned in to kiss Justin’s lips. Brian frowned when they broke apart. “One thing I’m not so wise about.”

“What’s that?” Justin asked with concern.

“That,” Brian said indicating JR, Michael, Ben and Lindsay. Melanie was conspicuously absent from their little party. JR looked a little lost even though she was happy to be with her father and Curtis. It still hurt that so far there wasn’t any resolution to her differences with her mother. Lindsay wasn’t looking any happier either.

“How many more times are you going to try to fix their marriage? They have to work things out on their own,” Justin said wisely.

“I know but I don’t like to see Lindsay and JR so unhappy.”

“Bri, you've given those two every opportunity to connect and reconnect. It’s up to them to determine if their marriage is worth fighting for. Maybe it’s time for them to finally move on.” Brian nodded sadly. Justin reached up, placing his hand behind Brian’s neck to pull him closer for another kiss. “Take us home,” Justin said.

Brian smiled. It was time for him to take his family home.