They Say It's Your Birthday

Chapter 2

“We got an invitation today,” Susan said as she greeted her husband who had just returned from work.

“To what?”

“Look at it and you’ll see,” Susan replied. She handed Craig an envelope.

Craig looked at the return address and made a face. “What do they want now?” he asked derisively. Susan made no reply. Craig pulled out the invitation. He immediately recognized Bree’s distinctive rainbow on the front of the invitation. What surprised him, however, was the picture of himself and Susan, also on the front. It looked like it had been taken at Bree’s extravaganza birthday party a few years ago. Craig couldn’t help but wonder what mind numbing blowout of a party his granddaughter’s overindulgent parents would be hosting this time.

Slowly he opened the card. Inside, Bree’s distinctive printing was neatly arranged on the page. “Why can’t they use regular cards?” Craig wondered aloud.

“I think it’s sweet that they make them,” Susan contributed. “And most of it is Bree’s work.”

Craig scanned the invitation looking for what hotel would hold the occasion, or if they would be subjected to a circus in the Pittsburgh Penguins home arena. “Shit!” he said as he continued reading.

“What?”

“It’s at their place.”

“Of course it’s at Edna’s Treasures. That’s Bree’s home.”

“What does this mean – Grandparents’ Dinner Party?” Craig asked as he read the card again.

“It sounds like all Bree’s grandparents are being invited,” Susan supplied.

“Why would they do that?” Craig asked with a frown. “Is it some kind of slap in the face to Joan since she won’t be there?”

“Craig, how can you say such a thing?” Susan chastised. “I think it’s a lovely idea.”

“You would! We’ll have to go to their house and make nice with all the fags.”

“If it’s the grandparents who are invited, there won’t be any fags, as you so lovingly call them, except for your son and his husband.”

Craig made a face. “Yeah, him!”

“Craig, we are going!”

“Yes, dear.”

*****

Seth came into the kitchen where Jennifer was making them some dinner. He handed her an envelope.

“What’s this?”

“I didn’t open it, but by the return address, I’d say it’s from your son.”

“Hm,” Jennifer said as she turned down the pork chops she was making and opened the envelope. “Not from my son, from my granddaughter.”

“Bree?”

“Yes, it’s a handmade card. And look, it has her little rainbow on it.” Jennifer showed it to Seth as they both admired a picture of them together that had been pasted on the front of the card. Jennifer opened the invitation. “We’re invited to a Grandparents’ Dinner Party for Bree’s birthday,” Jennifer said.

“Grandparents?” Seth asked. “Isn’t that a little strange considering what happened to Joan?”

“Maybe she wants to celebrate with all the rest of us while we’re still here,” Jennifer said with a gentle smile.

“You’re going to be here for a long time, darling,” Seth assured her.

“But some of her other grandparents are getting up there. Debbie is almost Joan’s age, and Claire is no spring chicken.”

“True,” Seth agreed.

“I think it will be lovely, and much more intimate than some of the other affairs at Edna’s Treasures.”

“I bet it will be just perfect,” Seth said as he kissed her cheek.

Jennifer grinned. “I think it will too.”

*****

“Hello,” Brian said as he picked up the phone in the kitchen.

“How the hell are you?” a loud voice demanded.

“I’m fine … Maw,” Brian replied, carefully considering his use of the word “Maw” before he said it. It seemed right since quite a bit of time had passed since his own mother’s death.

“I just got that adorable invitation from your little sweetie pie.”

Brian couldn’t help but smile. Debbie always knew how to bring out the best in him, and her heart was always in the right place even when she was smacking him upside the head. “I assume you’ll be able to attend,” Brian said formally.

“I’ve checked my social calendar and I happen to be free,” Debbie teased.

“That’s good.”

“Brian,” Debbie said with a serious tone to her voice. “Are you sure this is a good time to be having a Grandparents’ Dinner so soon after Joan…”

“It wasn’t my idea, Deb. Bree wanted this kind of dinner party for her birthday. It was all her idea.”

“I wonder why,” Debbie said.

“I think she’s still missing Joan, and she would like all of you around her so that she knows you’re safe and sound.”

“And also know how much we all love her.”

“That would be part of it,” Brian agreed.

“She’s an amazing little girl.”

“I say that to myself every day.”

“You and Justin have done such a wonderful job with her,” Debbie gushed.

Brian swallowed before he could speak. “Thanks, that means a lot to hear you say it.”

“Carl and I love you all so much. And I can’t thank you enough for everything you did for Michael while he was living on the lane.”

“How’s he doing these days?”

“Just fine. He works every day, but I make him take the weekends off and rest. He and Ben are doing some bike riding now that the weather’s better.”

“Good, he was a lazy bag of bones while he was here,” Brian said sticking his tongue firmly into his cheek as he waited for Debbie’s reply. A loud cackle resounded in his ear causing him to take the receiver away.

“You are so full of shit,” Debbie laughed. “I know you loved having him there.”

“I’m just glad he’s well,” Brian said sincerely.

“Me too, kiddo, me too,” Debbie stated. “I’m looking forward to Miss Bree’s birthday bash. Tell her Carl and I will definitely be there.”

“She’ll be pleased,” Brian replied.

“What the hell am I going to get her for a gift?” Debbie shrieked as the thought struck her.

Brian laughed at Debbie’s question. “I’ve been asking myself that ever since the idea of this party came up.”

“And have you decided?”

“Fuck no!”

It was Debbie’s turn to laugh. “I don’t have a fucking clue.”

“That makes two of us. Good luck, Deb. We’re all going to need it.”

Brian cut the connection.

*****

The next set of grandparents to respond did so with a phone call to Edna’s Treasures.

“Hello.”

“Brian?”

“Yes, Claire, it’s me,” Brian said with a smile on his face.

“How are you, dear?” Claire asked.

“I’m … doing okay.”

“Okay is good. Sometimes it’s the best we can hope for.”

Brian felt a lump well up in his throat. Claire’s honesty and insight were always so telling. “I miss her,” he whispered.

“We all do, but no one more than you.”

“Maybe one person misses her more.”

“Bree?”

“Yeah, she still gets that sad look on her face every once in a while.”

“That’s to be expected. It doesn’t mean anything is wrong.”

Brian appreciated hearing that. “I hope you and Steve can come to the dinner party.”

“We certainly can. I wouldn’t miss it,” Claire said. “Was it Bree’s idea?”

“Yes it was. How did you know? Everyone else thinks it was some fucked up idea that I dreamed up in my warped little mind.”

“Brian, I know how you love that little girl. You wouldn’t do anything to hurt her … or your mother. I could see Bree deciding that the best tribute to her Gamma Joan would be to have all her other grandparents to dinner. I know there will be discussion of Joan and her influence on Bree’s life when we get together. I think Bree needs to hear that.”

“So do I. You always get to the heart of the matter.”

“I like to think I do,” Claire said with a laugh. “Do you need any help with the party? I can certainly do anything you might want me to do.”

“Thanks, but no, we’ll be fine, and we do have the party planner extraordinaire right down the lane.”

“Of course,” Claire chuckled. “Well, if you decide there’s anything I can do, just let me know.”

“I will, and thanks, Claire.”

“You’re most welcome, dear.”

Brian set the phone back on the base. He did have a wonderful family.

*****

Since Bree’s birthday fell on a Saturday this year, it was decided that the special dinner for her grandparents would be held on that day. The Saturday prior was earmarked Bree’s McDonald’s day. To make it easier, Ashley went home with Bree Friday after school and spent the night. Around noon, Brian piled the kids into his Jeep to drive them to the “big” McDonalds.

“You’re sure you don’t mind if I stay here and paint?” Justin asked Brian before they drove away. Brian leaned out of the car window to peck Justin’s lips.

“Enjoy the solitude. I’ll be fine,” Brian assured Justin. Justin remained unconvinced. A Saturday, at lunchtime, at McDonalds could try the patience of any saint. Brian Kinney was no saint!

“You’re sure?” Justin asked with arms crossed.

“I go prepared for all eventualities, Sunshine.” Brian lifted his own man-bag off of Patrick’s lap. In it he had his laptop and an mp3 player with headphones. He also had a book.

“A real book, how retro,” Justin teased. Brian narrowed his eyes. “All right, I get it, you are prepared. Go forth, have a good time and remember I am sending you off with three children, please come home with three children,” Justin snarked making the kids laugh. Brian arched a brow.

“The same three children,” Justin qualified. Brian snickered.

“You mean I can’t trade them in for better models?” Brian asked.

“No, Dada, I’m the bestest model,” Bree stated with a straight face. Patrick and Ashley nodded their heads in agreement.

“I see.” Brian appeared to be considering the statement. “Then I guess I’ll have to come back with you three.”

“That’s my good Dada!” Bree said with a sunny smile. Justin laughed.

“She’s so onto you, Bri!” Justin smiled brilliantly. “Have fun, behave and try not to eat too much junk,” Justin cautioned as Brian started up the Jeep.

“Okay!” the kids chorused.

“I was talking to Brian,” Justin deadpanned getting a glare in return and loads of giggles from the kids. Brian shook his head.

“Let’s get this show on the road,” Brian declared as he slowly backed down the drive and then onto the lane.

Justin waved as he watched the Jeep go down the lane. He turned and went back into the cottage to take advantage of the quiet.

*****

“What did I get myself into,” Brian mumbled to himself as he stood in line to order. His pained expression was mirrored by several other parents who were also in line waiting to place their orders for their kids. It appeared to Brian that every child was having a birthday celebration in this particular McDonalds.

One large group had reserved the party room. It was taking four parents to carry back the orders. The birthday girl in particular was having a difficult time choosing her birthday treat and was becoming annoying. Brian looked over at his three kids that were sitting at a sunny table toward the front corner of the restaurant and chatting quietly. He offered up a silent prayer of thanks as he stepped up to the counter to give his order. Within minutes he was back at the table with his tray of goodies which included a chicken salad for himself.

“Can we go play, Dada?” Bree asked when she, Ashley and Patrick had finished their Happy Meals.

“You don’t want dessert?” Brian asked.

“Not yet,” Bree answered for all. The other two nodded in agreement.

“We want to play now before it gets too crowded,” Patrick explained. He was really getting too big to play in the ball pit, but it was quiet at the moment and he was skinny enough to get through the tunnels without a problem. He knew he’d have to get out once the other kids wanted to play.

“Okay, be free and be careful.” Brian made a royal wave with his hand toward the play area. “We can have dessert at any time,” he said as the kids scurried to the play area. Bree suddenly stopped then turned back to her father.

“Thank you, Dada!” she said as she threw her little arms around Brian’s neck. “I love you.”

“I love you too, Squirt,” Brian replied, hugging her tightly then kissing her cheek. “Go play now. Have fun,” he said then sent her on her way with a pat to her bum. Brian dug into his bag, pulled out his laptop, turned it on and began to review a few contracts.

“Excuse me, may I sit here for a few minutes,” an attractive woman asked. “I’m waiting for my niece. It’s so noisy in there. I thought I’d wait out here till she’s ready,” the woman explained.

Brian looked over at the ball pit; his kids were still inside the play tunnels. He nodded then went back to his contracts.

“Reading anything good?” the woman asked, flirting shamelessly as she sipped her soda through a straw.

“Just contracts,” Brian replied trying to be polite. Sometimes he would forget how to behave in the straight world. Brian was sheltered at Edna’s Treasures and with Kinnetik business, very few cared about his orientation.

“Are you a lawyer or something?” The woman seemed to perk up, batting her eyes at the attractive man behind the laptop.

“Something,” Brian quipped, not really wanting to explain. He was hoping the woman would just go away.

“Mmm, a man of mystery, I like that,” the woman purred. “I’ve never seen you here before. Are you with someone?” the woman asked as she tried to subtly look around for an unattached female.

“We don’t usually eat junk food. My daughter made a special request today,” Brian replied purposely being ambiguous.

“Daughter; and your wife?” she asked hoping Brian would say he was divorced.

“Home, taking a break.”

“Oh, how nice of you,” she said, obviously disappointed with his answer. She then got up. “I see my niece is ready, I better go. Nice talking to you,” the woman smiled prettily.

“Yes, nice,” Brian replied coolly then returned to his contracts as the woman left the table.

“Hey, Uncle Bri, who was that?” Patrick asked as he took a long sip from his soda cup. He was a little overheated from playing.

“Some woman who was trying to make nice,” Brian snarked.

“And were you nice?” Patrick gave him a look that reminded Brian of one of John’s disapproving looks.

“I was polite,” was all that Brian would say. Patrick nodded. “Are you done in there?” Brian asked referring to the tunnels and pit.

“Yeah. It gets hot in there when it fills up with little kids.”

The party room had emptied out as the kids all crawled through the entrance to the play area. Bree and Ashley were now surrounded by lots of kids just about their age.

“Are the girls ready to leave the torture chamber?” Brian asked his nephew.

“I think so. They’re making their way around the maze one last time.” Brian nodded then began to pack up his stuff.

About ten minutes later, two sweaty red-faced little girls presented themselves to Brian. He was prepared with two bottles of juice. He made them sit and slowly drink to cool themselves down.

“Are we having dessert here?” he asked the kids.

“Can we get ice cream at the general store?” Bree asked; the other two nodded.

“I sense a conspiracy,” Brian smirked but secretly approved. He knew the ice cream at the general store was homemade and with the finest ingredients. He had no objection to a little indulgence at that establishment.

Three little faces smiled up at Brian.

“Come on, let’s go get the good stuff,” Brian commanded. The kids cheered then followed Brian out of the restaurant.

*****

“Mmm, thank you, Dada!” Bree murmured around a spoonful of her favorite ice cream. Patrick and Ashley were making similar happy noises as well. Even Brian allowed himself a small dish of ice cream.

After their treat, Brian dropped Ashley off at her house then took Patrick and Bree home. When they got home, Patrick jumped out of the Jeep, gave his uncle and Bree a hug then trotted into the cottage to find his dads. Brian took Bree’s hand and led her around to the greenhouse.

The greenhouse was always in bloom but with the Spring sun shining through the glass roof, the flowers seemed brighter and their scent intoxicating. Brian brought Bree to the section of the greenhouse that Brian had designated for roses. In a large bright pink and purple glazed pot stood a blooming rose bush.

“Pretty, Dada!” Bree declared as she stuck her nose into a flower. The petals were silky soft and a vibrant shade of pink.

“It’s called Wild Berry Breeze. When I saw it, it reminded me of you,” Brian said in almost a whisper.

“Is this my rose?” Bree asked with awe. Brian nodded.

“Thank you so much, Dada!” Bree gushed as she threw herself into her father’s arms.

Brian sat on a nearby bench, hugging his daughter, surrounded by their flowers and the soothing sounds of the waterfall.

Bree’s rose.