CHAPTER 27 – MISPLACED CONFIDENCE & HOPE.  GIFTS OF FUN, HONESTY, LOVE, THANKS & DOMESTICITY…WELL THE LAST ONE FOR SOME MORE THAN LINDSAY

BLOOM

LINDZ

I’m still staring at the documentation in shock.  She can’t be serious about this.  I’m vaguely aware of someone calling my name.   Stuffing the envelope back in the pouch I feel like screaming, I need to think, I need to get out of here and think.

                “Lyndsay are you in here?” 

It’s Martine.  That’s the last person I need to see, swiftly turning round on the seat, I make a retching and heaving noise and swiftly flush.

                “Uh huh…oh God.”  I groan.

                “Lyndsay!  Are you alright, can you open the door?”  She’s hammering furiously.

                “C-can you get me a glass of water please.”  I stammer.

                “Yeah hold on!” 

She dashes out and I open the door and put my head in my hands, less than a minute later both Martine and Lydia are staring at me with worried expressions.

                “Goodness me you look awful!”  Lydia exclaims.  “Come on drink this slowly, Martine go and hail a cab quickly.”

Lydia watches me drink and then helps me out of the stall, I manage to pick up the envelope and she helps me to my desk and she gathers my things for me. 

                “Lyndsay you look dread…”

                “Sydney…”  Lydia chides him.  “I’m sending her home, ah it looks like the cab’s here, do you have money on you, actually Martine go and get Hunter, and he’ll get her home.”

                “Oh no, that’s not…”  I begin.

                “No arguing, we want to make sure that you get home safely.”

                “Jesus fuck what happened to you?”  Hunter demands.

                “Hunter!  Here’s the company card, use that to come back with once she’s settled okay?” 

Despite my protests, I’m helped to the car and Hunter slides in next to me.  I rest my head on the seat and close my eyes, my head pounding.

                “Lindsay we’re here, come on, do you need help?”

It takes everything not to scream at him so I just shake my head and make my way indoors.

                “Look Hunter I’ll be fine now.  I’ll just go to bed.”

                “Do you want some ginger ale, Zee says it’s good for the stomach?”

                “No thank you, I just want to lie down, please go back to work.  I’ll be fine.”

                “Okay if you’re sure, you really do look like shit, was it something you ate?”

                “Hunter please, I just want to go to bed.”

                “Sorry, yeah, okay oh do you want me to call Mel and let her know.”

                “I’ll deal with that once I’ve had some sleep.” 

                “Alright get better.”

And finally he leaves.  I sink onto the stool and put my head in my hands.  I wait for my heart to stop racing and then take the paperwork out again and take it and a very large glass of wine to the lounge.  Reading through the complaint it says that I promised to help Emily get pregnant and in failing do so caused her emotional distress and hardship.

And then I start to laugh when I realise I have nothing to worry about, there isn’t a judge in the land that would hear this ridiculous lawsuit!  I take a steadying breath and look at which shyster lawyer she went to for this, White & Sullivan, hah!  Oh well not my problem, it’s her money she’s tossing down the drain.  Breach of promise indeed!

Now to enjoy the rest of my day.

STUNT DRIVING SCHOOL – MID AFTERNOON

FAAL

Hah!  I have just beaten Brian in the lap racing only by a tenth of a second but a win is a win in my book. 

We’re having an excellent day.  We’ve been practising donuts, J slide turns, reverse parking at top speed, ramping, driving on two wheels and Ted has been on a high since he got Michael fucked over, though he did get a touch over confident and almost flipped the car when he was aquaplaning.

LEDA

I don’t think I have ever seen her smile that hard in my life.  She’s just smug because she’s done the perfect donut.  We’ve been doing wheelies, stoppies, burnouts, aquaplaning and lap racing.

SHADYSIDE

MICHAEL

I can’t believe they are allowed to do that!  I have to call Lindsay.

                “Lindz its Michael we have a problem!  Where are you?  Oh can I come over?  Right, I’ll be there in about half an hour.”

BROWNSTONE

LINDZ

I let in a very flustered Michael and offer him some wine, which he takes down in one swallow.

                “Now be calm Michael and tell me what’s happened?”

                “This IRS that’s what’s fucking happened!  They’ve garnished my Rage residual money so all our bookings have been cancelled!”

                “What they can’t do that surely?”  I groan.

                “Seems they can, what are we going to do?”

                “It feels like the world just doesn’t want us to go to New York!  There must be something we can do, there is no way in fuck that Ben and especially Mel are going and we aren’t.  Oh wait, just ask Brian for the money back for the treats and we use that to pay for the flights, the hotel and the spa and then forego the treats, we’ll just say we didn’t want to impose on that…”

                “Lindz you genius!  So from memory the hotel, spa and flights, were round about $3500 right?  So when I get the money back from Brian I cover that and you cover the spending money deal?”

                “Of course, I can rustle up a bit of money, I have a bit of savings.  But let’s keep this little set back to ourselves for now.  Every time we say something out loud about this trip something goes wrong.  So let’s whisper shall we…to New York.”

                “To New York.”  He whispers back.

DINER

DEBS

                “Hi Jen what you doing here?”  I give her a kiss on both cheeks.

                “Not here long, just wondered what you’re doing this evening?”

                “Not much, was going to have a quiet night in to be honest.  Carl’s out with the boys so won’t be expecting him till much later, why?”

                “Can you come over to mine say about six and then drive me to Zee’s if I have to go by myself I won’t do it?” 

                “Won’t do what, what’s going on?”

                “Just promise me, you’ll come I’ll explain later.”

                “Sure I’ll be there.”

BRITIN

STUDIO

JUSTIN

                “Okay Milo, I don’t know about you but I’m done for the day, let’s go find some food.”

At the mention of food Milo hops down and trots eagerly to the kitchen and is rapidly followed by Lilah who chirrups at Alice to get her attention.

                “Oh hey guys, hungry?  There’s still some leftover rib roast if you want that, can do you a French dip sandwich?  Just to tide you over until this evening.”

                “That would be perfect.  I’ll sort the furballs out.”

We prepare the food in happy silence, although ever so often I catch her glancing at me.

                “What is it?”  I ask.

                “Why didn’t you go with them?  And don’t tell me you just didn’t feel like it.  Don’t lie to an old coot like me, especially an old coot like me who prepares your food…”

                “Because, because I was worried about me being jolted about so much…”

                “Thought so, did you tell Brian that?” 

                “No, I just said I had a lot of painting to do.”

She sighs heavily.

                “Tell him that’s why you didn’t want to go.”

                “What does it matter now?”

                “Because you lied, ah-ah…yes you did.  He can’t comfort you if you don’t tell him you’re scared.  They should be finished by now…”

I kiss her cheek and head to his study taking a deep breath

“Hey Sunshine, how’d the painting go?  You missed an excellent day!  You guys go ahead, a beam, yeah a double, be right there.”

“I’m glad you enjoyed it.  Um Br-Brian.”

“Baby what’s wrong, why are you upset?”

“I was scared of hitting my head again so…”

“I know.  Do you want me to come home?”

“No, no I’m fine honest, I just wanted to tell you that that’s all.  I’m sorry I didn’t…”

“Shush twat, now go enjoy the rest of your evening…oh and Justin please give Alice an extra kiss from me for kicking your ass.”

“I will.   Later.”  I giggle.

“Later.” 

JENNIFER’S CONDO – EARLY EVENING

I can do this, it’s absolutely fine I can do this!  I take a deep breath and head to the car, I’m surprised to find the service car waiting for me with Debs and Emmy Lou inside.

                “Okay so here’s the thing…”  I begin.

By the time we get to the Treehouse Debbie was cackling so hard her mascara was running.

JERNIGAN’S SCOTCH & TOBACCO BAR

FAAL

Jeez this place is nice, Brian is in his element with his fat cigar and Carl can see the game from where we are.  All in all this has been an excellent birthday and here come the girls!  I don’t think I have seen Mel smile so much in my life!

TREEHOUSE

JUSTIN

I’m staring at my mother in shock.

                “You’re going to do what?”  I ask her again.

                “Get casted.”  She says bringing herself to her full height and giving me the eye.  “Problem?”

                “But, you, you can’t!”

                “Why the fuck not?”  Debs asks sipping on her wine.

                “I’m with Justin it’s so…so undignified.”  Lindz sniffs.

We all turn to look at her as if she’s the epitome of dignity!  And that seals it for mom.

                “Come on Zee, let’s leave these prudes to it.”

                “We’re not prudes mother it’s just I could’ve lived without knowing that!”

                “Well now you know time to get over it, or you can make Brian a nice present…”

                “Ooh now there’s an idea!”  Emmy Lou sits upright grinning.  “How does it work exactly?”

                “When Faal did it he was nervous but you’re protected, then the silicon added, once it’s on and then hardens its fine.”

                “You have a glass cast of Faal’s chest?”  Lindz’s eyes light up.

                “Yeah, that’s the part of his body I did of him!”  I snark rolling my eyes.

                “Well there’s…excuse me.  Hello Mel, Mel I can barely hear you!” 

She leaves the room to take the call and five minutes later she’s back in looking furious.

                “Well I have to go now as Mel has decided to stay out longer, so I shall leave you to your evening.  Good night.”

She stalks out to the car she had only just vacated 30 minutes ago…and we all heave a sigh of relief.

                “Well Jen, you going to do it, or you going to let Mr Prude and Ms Prissy Knickers spoil your fun!”

Debs cackles helping herself to another glass of wine, she grins at me and I begin to smile.

                “You gonna do it aren’t you Sunshine?”

                “Only if Emmy Lou does it too!”

                “If you guys are serious about this, then no more booze for now.  I’ll cast Jen first that won’t take long, and you two put a couple of calls in.”

                “Calls?”  Emmy Lou looks confused.

                “Ems!”  Debs sighs exasperated.

                “Oh!”

Thirty minutes later mom comes back, looking a little flustered.

                “Well?”  Debs demands.

                “It was warm and that’s all I’m saying!”

                “Okay who’s first?”  Zee asks.

                “Me before I change my mind!”  I follow her out and put in a call to Brian.  “Hey stud, I feeling a little neglected…”

Mom’s right it did feel warm and I surprisingly enough wasn’t remotely embarrassed as she coated me with silicon, whilst I was talking to Brian!   Emmy Lou looks to be backing out but he steels himself was he is triple assured that nothing gets burnt.

LOUNGE

ZEE

                “So what happens next?”  Debs asks

                “Well the moulds harden and then I fill them up, you can have them plain glass or coloured, for you boys maybe grooves or nodules for that…”

Before I could finish the door is flung open and Brian is in the doorway.

                “You two home now!  Justin in the first car and Emmy Lou, Drew’s car is behind that.  The others are still out so will be home later.  Good night, see you Sunday!”

Deb, Jennifer and I exchange looks as he sweeps them outside practically carrying Justin to the car and burst out laughing.

JAMES STREET GASTROPUB & SPEAKEASY – SUNDAY LUNCH TIME

FAAL

We have commandeered a table in the corner, it’s a nice place and food looks good but Zee is a little flat, not only could we not get into Speakeasy but Meat and Potatoes couldn’t do accommodate us either

                “Please lig don’t be disappointed about this, it was not meant to be, now come have a cocktail.  We will order take out and you can have lobster and the Kobe strip steak…”

She scrunches her nose up at me and nods.  We are all having pre-lunch cocktails and the kids are at the Treehouse with Alice and George looking after them, despite them saying they would be fine on their own.

Leda and Mel are regaling Debs and Jennifer with their motor biking exploits and Lindz is looking bored and furious, when suddenly she gets up and waves.

                “Michael!  Michael over here!”  She calls out.

We all look at her in bewilderment and annoyance.

                “What he’s joining us for lunch as usual isn’t he?”

                “Yes but this isn’t lunch.  And it is polite etiquette that he’s invited by the person hosting the lunch not the guest.”  Jennifer points out.

                “Well he’s here now so let’s not make a big deal out of it.”  She blushes

                “Hi everyone, fancy place.”  He sits down next to Lindz

                “Okay who wants another drink?”  Brian asks and everyone nods giving him their orders. 

                “Back in a bit, though I might need some help in about 5 minutes…”  He calls out.

But before Justin could get up Michael was up and running after him like a greyhound, he sighs.

                “Ga je naar huis met hem…you go home with him.”  I whisper and I get a small smile.

BAR

BRIAN

                “Hi we’re that table over there left hand corner?  Can we place an order it’s going to be big though, do you have a tray I can use?”

                “It’s okay Brian I can help you.”  Michael is practically sitting in my pocket, I move away a bit.

The barman notices my expression and winks

                “We do a table service sir?”  The barman smiles at me.

                “Even better.  It’s okay Michael you can go and sit back down, I don’t need your help to read this out, though you could let me know the table number?” 

As he heads back, I sigh in relief. 

                “You said left hand corner right sir, just leave the list with me and I’ll get it sorted out for you.  Do you think you will do another order of these, if so I can just run a tab with it?” 

I nod and smile my thanks

“Oh and sir, you can go that way to return to your table…and I would suggest the 3rd stall from the left should you need to hide out.”

I smile at him and text Sunshine, within minutes he’s joined me for a make out session in the bathroom.

When we return, the drinks have just arrived, taking a swig of my Smoked Jazz and notice that Michael seems to have disappeared.

                “Wanted a beer not a cocktail.”  Ted rolls his eyes.

                “Jeez it took ages to get served.  So how was your boys’ day out?”  He asks

                “Great!  I was really spoilt!”  Faal tells him

                “So does everyone want another, then we order from Nakama?”  I ask.

                “Aren’t we eating here?”  Michael asks puzzled.  “Looks like the kind of food I like.”

                “Well since its Faal’s birthday cocktails we are going for something he likes.”  Jennifer tells him coldly.

                “Have you got everyone’s orders Zee?”  I ask so that I can avoid Jennifer stabbing him with her straw.

                “Oh I haven’t made up my mind yet.”  Lindz says playing with the straw in her cocktail.  “I’ll help Michael and then we can order once the drinks arrive.”

                “Uh, Lindz remember the kids, Alice and George need to eat too.”  Mel sighs.

                “Funny you didn’t seem to remember the kids on Friday evening.”  She snipes back.

                “Oh not this again, I had one just one night out with friends and…”

                “Okay, here’s what we’re going to do.  If you’ve not made up your mind in the next 10 minutes then we will just order and you two can do yours separately.  I think that’s fair since you had all of yesterday and this morning to make up your mind…and to let him know where we were going to eat.” 

Jennifer points out and fixes her a look that says don’t-fuck-with-me and she nods.

By the time the next round of drinks arrives, they’ve still not made up their mind. 

                “Oh we still just don’t know what to choose…”  Lindz begins

                “How about main of ‘hurry the fuck up’, a side of ‘don’t put your luck anymore’ oh and dumplings?” 

Debs snaps glowering at her.  Lindz’s face goes pink and she quickly makes their selections.

                “Melanie, Melanie Marcus?”  A voice calls out.

MEL

                “Oh my goodness, Adam, hey how are you?”

I get up to give him a hug and a kiss.

                “I’m very well thanks, what you doing here?”

                “Same as you having a cocktail or two before the grindstone that is the week hits.”

                “Ugh, how’s your caseload; are we facing you this week, if so I’m going to be sending over a lot of cocktails.”

                “Nope.”

Lindz makes a point of clearing her throat and Adam looks at the table.

                “Now I have a thing for beautiful women, and brunettes in particular, please tell me this gorgeous creature isn’t on your team?”  He purrs looking at Leda.

                “Fraid so.”  I shrug almost apologetically but not quite

                “Dammit first you now her, there is no justice in the world.  But can I at least have a name?”

                “Adam this is Leda, Leda, this is Adam White.”

Leda stands up and they shake hands.

                “Though if I were thinking of turning, you’d be the first guy I’d call…” 

                “Hey what about me!”  Faal gripes

                “Right after you of course, right after you.  Because obviously you’d turn me down.”  She teases

                “And there is the little matter of his wife of course Leda.”  Lindz points out sharply.

                “Jeez Lindz, we all know how hot, heavy and hung up on her he is.”  Leda rolls her eyes at Adam.

                “Anyway, listen it was a delight to meet you Leda.  Mel we’ll do lunch sometime this week shall we?”

                “No problem give me a call.”

He makes his way through the crowd and is gone and I cock my eyebrow at Leda, she simply shrugs and smiles back.

                “We’ll do lunch sometime.  Do people still say such a pretentious thing?”  Michael snarks.

We all look at him in surprise.

                “Uh I didn’t think he was being pretentious at all, why did you get that impression?”  Ted asks.

                “He just sounded so up his own ass to me.”  He replies glowering into his drink.

                “I agree Michael, he seemed a little smarmy and the way he was all over you Leda, wasn’t that uncomfortable for you?”

                “Nope, I know what side I bat for and it was only banter.  He seems a nice guy, you face him in court?”

                “Not him but one of his colleagues and I just scraped that win.  Now he’s an entirely different animal.”

                “What do you mean?”  Faal asks.  “Wait before you answer that, can you add pearl, ruby and Asian pear sake to the order or is it too late, thank you my lig.  Now sorry Mel, why is he a different animal?”

I sit back and take a sip of my drink.

                “Adam is a trust fund kid.  Doesn’t need to work but still does because he loves being a lawyer.  He always prosecutes.  He has a 97% strike rate.  In lawsuits he never takes on a case that he can’t win and if he says you can’t win don’t bother going anywhere else.”

                “Yeah, I’ve dealt with him a few times.”  Carl agrees sipping his Sazerac.  “He’s Brian in lawyer form”

Brian raises his glass and Lindz rolls her eyes.

                “Mel you say that about Harry Chase too.”

                “No I say about Harry that he will say you might win, Adam will say you can’t.”

                “So why not go and work for him then?”  Lindz snipes.

                “I would if I could, but there is no partnership available at White & Sullivan they are like gold dust covered hen’s teeth.  When you’re in there, you’d be a fool to leave.”

Lindz coughs into her drink.

                “What did you say?”

                “Gold dust covered hen’s teeth.”  Ted repeats chuckling

                “No who did you say he works for?”

                “He’s the White in White & Sullivan.”  I reply.  “God help anyone that he goes after.”

                “You okay Lindz?”  Blake asks.  “You’ve gone very pale.”

                “Yes, yes I’m fine maybe a little over hungry.”  She mutters.

TREEHOUSE

KITCHEN

ALICE

                “Good grief how much did you order and what’s with all the bottles of sake?”

                “Ask the birthday boy.  Strange, they were ordered immediately after Michael turned up.” 

        “Speaking of whom, how the hell is he here, even Jenny was surprised…and between you and me, disappointed.”

        “Lindsay.”

        “Ah.”

        “Okay let’s get them fed, we would’ve been here earlier but some…”

        “Say no more.”  I chuckle.

Pretty soon the low table is out and we are eating in the lounge, the food is so good, though some people aren’t enjoying it as much as others.  Michael is barely eating, he’s too busy glowering at Blake and Lindsay is seething because Leda is talking to Faal and Zee doesn’t’ seem to be bothered.

Suddenly Jenny freezes then slowly reaches her phone.  Mel was about to say something when Gus gapes and points to the other end of the table where Justin was staring at a blue box on his plate.

The room goes quiet.

                “Br-Brian.”

                “Open it.”

He shakes his head and moves back from the table sniffling and then dashes out of the room. 

                “Wha-what just…?”  Brian stammers

Seconds later Justin was back and wiping his hands on his pants.

                “H-had to wash my hands.  S-s-sorry.”

                “Twat!”

We all heave a sigh of relief as he opens the box and then the crying really starts.

                “M-m-mom.”  He whimpers.

                “Oh my God Brian, it’s beautiful!”  Jennifer exclaims.

                “Can I put it on now Sunshine?”  Brian asks quietly.

He nods and holds out his shaking hand.

                “You are to take it off when you paint or I will spank the shit out of you!”  Brian orders.

                “That’s the only time I will take it off.”  He hiccups

                “When we get married you can move it to your right hand okay?”

He nods burying himself in Brian’s chest.

                “When did you get this done?”  Mel asks

                “I started on the design the day after I asked him.”

                “What are the stones, diamonds?”  Blake asks.  “They are such pretty colours, blue, green, yellow, red and chocolate.”

This leads to more tears.

                “What?  What did I say?”  Blake asks Ted who too looks a little emotional

                “Nothing Blake it’s not you, it’s just something I said and I didn’t think he heard me.”

                “I always hear you Sunshine.”

Out of the corner of my eye I see Michael sitting stock still and taking advantage of this I raise my glass

                “Well a toast is called for.  To the happy couple and their lives together.”

We all kneel up and raise our glasses.

                “To the happy couple and their lives together!”

                “Now let me see it properly!”  Jenny demands.  “What did he hear Uncle Justin?”

Justin looks up at her and smiles.

                “Sorry Jenny that’s between him and me, let’s just say it’s very schmoopy!”

MICHAEL

I can’t believe that just happened.

                “Okay let’s clear this lot up and celebrate with bubbles properly!”  Emmy Lou smiles.

                “So Justin will you be getting Brian an engagement ring too?”  I demand

                “No…”

                “Why not?”  I ask although I am relieved.

                “I don’t want any other ring apart from my wedding ring.  He wanted an engagement ring and I got it designed for him…”

                “Aww but Uncle Brian, you’ve got to get something to signify that you’re engaged!”  Jenny sighs.

                “I do he’s called a fiancé.”

                “No dad, Jenny’s right you should have some form of jewellery.”  Gus tells him.  “Can I look at the ring again?”

                “If it means that much to you two how about a watch?”  Brian suggests

                “No, it has to be a ring…”

                “Gus, I don’t…”  I try to interrupt.

                “Wait hear me out, the stones are small enough and he calls you Stud…so…?”

                “Gus that’s genius!  An earring!  Uncle Brian you can get an earring with the same diamonds that Uncle Justin has!”  Jenny is clapping her hands and bouncing up and down.

                “Jenny if your Uncle doesn’t…”  I try again to stop this conversation

                “Brian…I mean Stud, please?”  Justin looks at him.

                “The things I do for you, first getting my toenails painted now getting my ear pierced, just the one, anything else?”  Brian smiles down at the twink who waggles his eyebrows at him.  “Excuse us, we’ll be back in an hour or two.”

                “Dad!”  Gus cries out.

                “Sonny Boy it was your earring idea that got him this way.”

                “Daaaad!”

FAAL

Zee is looking carefully at me and then she picks up a cushion and smacks me with it twice.

                “Zee what on earth did you do that for!”  Drew cries out.

                “Because he says he can’t keep secrets and he’s proved it on many occasion but this one, you absolute bastard!  Oh you are so on the couch!  And I mean the one in the workshop!”

She starts to bash me in earnest.

                “Jenny a little help please, your Uncle Faal deserves a damn good thrashing!”

                “Jenny, don’t help!  Before they explain what is going on.”  Carl stalls her eagerness

                “What did he have over you to keep you quiet?” 

She demands now using two cushions and swinging like a windmill in a gale.

                “Hey guys a little help!”  I cry out.

                “Not if you ever want to eat here again!”  She tells them.

                “Uncle!  Uncle!  Uncle!  I yield!” 

                “Yielding and telling or just yielding?”  She halts her battering.

                “Yielding and telling.”  I giggle

                “Start now or I bring out the sofa pads…”

                “I helped Brian get the diamonds for the engagement ring.”  I pant out

                “What?”  Debs gasps.

                “South Africa has some of the most beautiful diamonds in the world and I know a guy so when he told me the colours he wanted, I put them in touch with each other and he may have shown me the ring first…”

                “Yes, yes I figured that out!  Now what did he have over you?”  She raises the cushions again.

                “Well he said, if I told on him, then he would tell on me.”  I tell her softly.  “Here.” 

I hand her a pouch and she drops the cushions and sits down.

                “What the fuck have you done?” 

She whispers shaking and open the pouch, tipping the two stones into her hand, one purple and one orange.

                “Wow Uncle Faal.”  Jenny says picking one up and twirling it in the light.  “What a pretty crystal.”

                “Um Jenny, sweetheart, that’s a diamond.”  Carl tells her

Jenny freezes.

                “A diamond?  A proper for real diamond?”  She gasps and very carefully puts it back in Zee’s hand.

                “Yep.  I thought you might want to get them made into something for the wedding.”  I tell her.

                “But why?”  She asks.

                “Because you gave us this house, because of you we have this family and because I love you.  Now we have something else to do.  Kids, here you go.”

I hand them each a bag.

                “Dad what’s this for?”

                “Helping at the launch party.  Now open them.  They’re all from the same brand but different designs.”

                “Longines are you kidding me, you got us Longines watches!”  Matt yells flinging himself into my chest.

                “We.  Me, your mom, Drew and Emmy Lou, got you Longines watches.”  I correct

                “Do you like them?”  Emmy Lou asks worriedly.

They all nod, I think they are all a bit too surprised to say anything.

                “Jenny and Gus, you are not wearing those to school!”  Mel tells them firmly.

                “But mom!”  Gus begins to whine.  “I want to show my friends.”

                “Then take a picture of it and show them that.  I mean it, if you wear them to school I will take them off you if you’re lucky enough that someone else hasn’t understand?” 

                “Here Uncle Faal.”  Gus sighs and hands his watch back and nudges Jenny to do the same.

                “Gus!  Jenny!  That’s so rude!  Faal, I’m so…”  Lindz snaps.

                “No mom we’re not being rude.”  Gus interrupts.  “We’re avoiding temptation, when we want to wear them we simply get Hunter or Matt to bring them to us.”

                “Are you absolutely sure, because we will check with Mel and Lindz to make sure that you are getting them for the right reasons?”

They both nod.

CARL

                “Okay you lot scoot to your den what time are the cars coming?  Zee, what, where’d she go?”

                “Oh she’s in the workshop, when she’s very emotional she goes there.”  Faal replies.

                “Yeah getting two diamonds would make me emotional too.”  Red chuckles

                “Yeah but I wouldn’t be working that emotion off in the workshop though.”  Lela smirks.

                “Well some people are a bit more refined than most.”  Lindsay snarks

                “Refined?  Really?”  Leda growls

                “Would you like me to spell it for you?”  Lindsay smirks

                “Oh I can spell it, I just wonder if you know the exact definition and how to act that way, because from what I’ve heard and what I’ve seen, today you have no clue.”  Leda snaps back.

                “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

                “Well let’s see, you invite a guest to someone else’s birthday cocktails; your delaying tactics over the food order by playing the damsel in distress…oh what shall I do halp-halp, pretending like you’re Penelope Pitstop running from The Claw; your annoyance that Adam didn’t pay you a blind bit of notice; your constant glowering at me whilst I was talking to Faal over lunch…honey I’ve known him longer and if he wanted to talk to you he would, think on that…and finally your piece de resistance, you couldn’t even bring yourself to toast one of your oldest and dearest friends and father of your child on his engagement.” 

                “Excuse me, I was standing next to Lindz and she raised her glass!”  Michael defends her

                “But neither of you said the words!”  Leda rebukes him.  “And don’t let me get started on you!”

Leda takes a steadying breath and stands up and looking at Faal.

                “Workshop you said?” 

                “Yep, take this out with you.”  He hands her some beer.

                “Wait up Leda, I’ve never seen her in action.”  Mel calls out.

                “Mel!  Aren’t you going to say anything to defend me?”  Lindsay demands.

                “Why was anything she said not true?”  She asks.

When Lindsay doesn’t answer she walks out.

                “You really know how to suck the fun out of a room don’t you?”  Tucker tells her.

                “At least my idea of fun isn’t getting my tits cast in glass!”  Lindsay snaps.

                “Lindsay!”  Red snarls.  “For crying out loud shut up!”

                “Red you…you?”  I sputter.

She opens her mouth and then closes it again with a sigh and then nods.

                “Ma!”  Michael shrieks.  “How could you?”

                “What’s it got to do with…”

                “That’s very noble of you Debbie but there’s no need.  It was me.”  Jennifer tells us.

                “What!”  Ben gapes at her.  “Jennifer you sly fox you.”

                “Jen, you’ve really had it done?”  Tucker is staring at her in awe.

She nods shyly and bites on her lip.

                “Can I see it?”  He breathes

                “Well since it’s a time for confessions…uh Drewsie the reason for the call on Friday was I had a casting too of um…”  Ems grins.

                “Wait is that why you went early?  Did Justin?”  Ben gasps.

                “Did Justin what?”  Brian’s voice halts the conversation.

                “Get casted?!”  Blake answers before anyone could stop him.

                “Casted?  Sunshine you, you called me on Friday for that?!”

Justin is blushing all over and stammering.  Out of the corner of my eye I see the smug look on Michael’s face.

                “Again, a couple of hours!”  Brian calls out and hoists him over his shoulder.

                “But Brian don’t you think that kind of thing tasteless and tacky…”  Michael blusters

                “Nope…now Sunshine you are going to tell me exactly what this involves.”

WORKSHOP

LEDA

                “Mel, now that I am somewhat calmer.  I’m sorry for firing a rocket up her ass just then but she was just so fucking snooty about it all.  Like butter wouldn’t melt.”

                “Ah what did Widdle Miss Windsay do this time?”  Zee snorts.

                “Accused me of having a lack of refinement.”  I huff.  “Me, lacking in refinement as if!”

I then crack the beer open on the table and take down half the bottle, which has the desire effect, Zee is laughing.

                “So let’s see them.”  I nudge her gently.

She hands me the diamonds, they are beautiful uncut but polished, one is purple and the other orange.

                “Wow what are you going to have done?”

                “Nothing with the purple one, but the orange I shall get earrings and maybe a ring.”

                “Why not the purple one?”  Mel asks turning it gently in her fingers.

                “It’s my favourite colour in the world and…to me that’s perfect the way it is.  Christ I’m off again!”

There’s a knock at the door and quickly wiping her eyes, she yells for them to enter.  A bashful looking Jennifer and Tucker come in.

                “Um I was wondering if…”  Tucker stammers

                “Jennifer, you told him?”  I chuckle.

                “No in a roundabout way Lindsay did.”  She grimaces.

                “Christ what the fuck is wrong with her?!”  I snarl.  “Again sugar lips sorry!”

LOUNGE

DEBS

                “Was that necessary?  What did you gain from that?  I just don’t understand you Lindsay.”

                “Excuse me, I need to use the bathroom.”  And she rushes out.

                “Ma you’re in no position to talk, after what, what you did!”

                “She didn’t do anything you moron!  She was trying to help her best friend!”  Steve snaps.

                “Don’t call me a moron you fucking gigolo!”

                “Gigolo, are you kidding me!”  Steve stands up.  “Do you even know what that means?”

“Yes it’s a fancy name for a whore, which is what you are!”

                “Steve, please just leave it!  He’s getting off on you being angry.  After all, you’ve got Ben and we’ve never seen him look happier.  Come on he’s not worth it.”  Blake tells him.

I watch Steve struggle to contain his rage but eventually reasoning wins out and he takes a calming breath.

                “Strike two Michael.”  Faal says.  “That was strike two.”

BROWNSTONE – EARLY MONDAY MORNING

LINDZ

It’s early and I know I should get up and go to work but I’m still wrung out after the events of the weekend, I hear Mel shouting up the stairs to the kids.

                “Gus, Jenny come on!  Come help me with breakfast!”

I hear the sounds of my children dashing downstairs and laughing, sighing I get up and head to the bathroom to brush my teeth and then head downstairs.

                “Mom?  You know our watches can we wear them to all things wedding related?”  Jenny asks.

                “Yes you can.  But the moment you take them off you give them to back to Uncle Faal or Aunt Zee okay?”

I enter the kitchen and watch in surprise as they prepare scrambled eggs, toast, juice and fruit.

                “Mom, the watches are nice and everything but what’s wrong with us wearing them to school and why was Matt so hysterical about them, whose Long Jeans anyway?”  Jenny is doing the toast.

                “Longines…as in long eens…not Long Jeans, doofus!  And it’s the diamonds in the watches that will cause a problem in school.”  Mel tells her.

The knife clatters to the counter and Gus stops pouring the juice.

                “Diamonds?”  He stutters.

                “Yep.  Gus pour the juice.”

                “Isn’t that a little extravagant for them?”  I ask coming in and startling them a bit.

                “That’s what I thought, but then they said that it’s going to happen but they would keep them nice and small.  Has anyone seen my MetroCard I need to go to the city today?”

                “I don’t think I’m happy with Zee spoiling Gus and Jenny like this.”

                “On the dresser in the walk in.  Spoiling?  Momma, you do realise that Hunter and Matt got watches too and it wasn’t just from Aunt Zee it was from Uncle Faal, Uncle Drew and Auntie Ems?”  Jenny protests

                “Yes but still.  I don’t want you to expect stuff like that…”

                “We won’t mom brought us up better than that.”  Jenny chirrups.  Okay so it’s Monday Money Day, hand it over mom!”

She hands her a wrapped bagel and a travel cup of juice.

                “Damn I hoped you’d forgotten, the usual place.  And here’s the shopping list.  Right, I’ve got to go, love you!”

                “Love you good luck in court.”  Jenny calls out.

                “Love you momma!”  Gus mumbles round a mouth full of food.

She grins and ruffles his hair and then is out the door.

                “Oh mom!  Dammit!”  Jenny grouses

                “What baby, can you make it quick?”

                “What time shall I set the pot roast for?”

                “Oh sorry sweetheart, um put the timer on for four it should be perfect by then.  Now seriously outta here!”

                “Mom we can leave the scrambled eggs and toast to warm for you so you can have that before you go to work.  J can you pack me a juice and a nut bar too.  I need to pee!”

He dashes to the bathroom.

                “Monday Money day?”  I ask Jenny.

                “Yeah mom gives us money for lunch on Monday and then we shop on the way home for packed lunches.  Gus come on Tag is going to be here soon and I’m not missing my catch up with Mary Jane before class for you!”

                “Jeez I’m here already and just on time.  See you mom.”

                “Bye momma.”

After the door bangs close, I suddenly feel very uncomfortable.