Holiday Happenings

This story is a sequel to "Sickness & Health, Good Times & Bad". You don't have to read that story first but this story will make more sense if you do.

Brian and Justin are established partners, sharing custody of Gus and raising Brian's nephews. This is how they I think they would celebrate fall & winter holidays.

I don't own the characters just the situations.

Chapter 14

Brian and Justin were having breakfast when the nephews came downstairs on Friday morning. Alice had arrived early to get breakfast ready before Brian and Justin left for the airport. Brian reminded John & Peter that they were in charge of food service to Joan. Alice said she and Charlie would take care of dinner for Joan on Saturday and Sunday so Jennifer didn't have to be concerned about feeding her.

John & Peter got picked up for school by Mary Gardner & Josh. Brian told them to behave for Mother Taylor and they told the Uncles to have fun in New York. Peter gave Justin a hug and said he hoped his show was a big success. Brian smirked at Justin as the boys left the kitchen. Justin just smiled in return.

The town car arrived to take Brian and Justin to the airport shortly after the boys left. Since Liberty Air was a customer of Kinnetik they moved quickly through check in and security. Brian and Justin relaxed in the airline club room until their plane was ready for boarding. They settled into their seats in first class and sipped mimosas until the plane was ready to leave the gate.

When their plane arrived at LaGuardia in New York Brian and Justin claimed their luggage and another town car took them across the bridge and into Manhattan. Justin got dropped at the art gallery in SoHo while Brian continued on to their hotel. After he checked in at the hotel Brian unpacked the clothes he & Justin would wear at the show and sent them down to be pressed. Once that was taken care of Brian headed off to some of his favorite clothing stores.

Justin made a final check on the display of his art and met briefly with his agent, Charlotte. He was not the only artist being shown at this show. The gallery owner just moved to this location and it was really kind of a favor to him that Justin agreed to participate in this "Grand Opening" show. Justin had told Charlotte not to schedule any shows after June next year but hadn't said why. Charlotte assumed that Brian and Justin has some summer vacation plans.

Now Justin told Charlotte about the babies. He was surprised and annoyed by her reaction. Charlotte was not pleased. She said she thought it was a mistake to interrupt his career when it was going so well. She also hoped he was going to get a full time nanny so this career interruption wouldn't drag on too long.

Justin was NOT pleased.

"Charlotte, our new children are way more important to me than displaying my art. I still plan to participate in shows once my home life settles down but the children will remain my priority.

If you don't feel like you can deal with that change in my priorities than we may as well terminate our relationship effective after whatever you have currently set up for me. I appreciate all your help but I am in charge of my life and my career and I don't owe you any explanations for my choices.

I have zero desire to continue this discussion. You think about if you want to continue as my agent under my terms and let me know what you decide."

Charlotte started to say something but Justin held up his hand.

"This discussion is over!"

Justin walked over to the gallery owner and started to talk with him. Charlotte grabbed her briefcase and left the gallery. A short time later Justin got a cab to the hotel. Brian was not back from his shopping excursion so Justin took a hot shower to relax and climbed into bed for a nap.

When Brian returned to the hotel the front desk clerk intercepted him to say their clothes were ready but the "Do not Disturb" sign had been posted on the door so they weren't able to deliver them. Brian said he would take them upstairs with him. Brian smiled when he went into the bedroom of their suite and saw Justin in bed. As quietly as possible he hung the clothes in the closet. When he stepped back into the bedroom Justin was looking over at him with a smile.

Somehow without any words being exchanged Brian sensed something was not okay with his partner.

"Everything satisfactory at the gallery?"

Justin ignored the question.

"Why are you still fully dressed and all the way across the room?"

Brian smiled and divested himself of his clothing as he walked over to the bed where Justin had thrown back the sheet and was waiting for him. Later in the shower Brian tried again.

"So everything was good at the gallery?"

Justin smirked at him.

"You are relentless! Charlotte and I just had a little disagreement. It's not a big deal."

Brian just looked at Justin for a few moments.

"Okay if that's the way you want to play this. I'll play along."

They got dressed in the clothes Brian has selected for both of them. Justin in a gray suit with a teal silk polo. Brian in his trademark black suit with a red dress shirt and tie. Brian checked out his favorite blond. He was pleased that the color of his polo brought out the blue of Justin's eyes. Brian had carefully selected the shirt for just that purpose.

Justin smiled at his partner.

"So do I pass inspection?"

Brian pulled Justin into a tight hug and kiss.

"You know you always look wonderful to me. However these clothes suit you to perfection!"

Justin laughed.

"So will me looking good mean more of my art will sell?"

"Your talent will make your art sell but it never hurts to look good."

Justin smiled and Brian smiled back at him before giving him a slap to the ass.

"It's a good thing I sooo adore you Sunshine!"

Justin put his arm around Brian's waist as they walked to the elevators. A town car was waiting at the front entrance to take them to the gallery.

They arrived early and walked around the gallery sipping their glasses of champagne. Justin and the other artists got together and discussed the show while Brian checked his email on his cell phone. Brian noticed that Charlotte was avoiding Justin and he knew Justin would explain what was going on when he was ready.

When the doors opened the gallery quickly filled up. Charlotte came over to help Justin with the press. Brian observing from across the room could see the tension between Charlotte and Justin. He doubted that anyone else would notice but remained curious about the cause of the tension.

Brian was shocked to see Debbie and Carl walk through the gallery doors. He hurried over to say hello. Debbie was, for her, conservatively dressed with a sparkly silver top and black velour pants. Debbie had a firm grip on Carl's arm. Brian could see the redhead was a little nervous and trying to be on her best behavior.

He smiled as he gave her a hug and shook Carl's hand.

"This is a big surprise!"

Debbie smiled.

"It is Carl's idea. He rented a hotel room for the weekend and got us tickets for a Broadway show tomorrow night. It's an early Christmas present."

Brian knew that Debbie's kitchen was getting remodeled this weekend. Carl was in charge of getting her out of town but Brian didn't know New York was the chosen destination.

"How did you guys get here?"

Carl shrugged and looked a little embarrassed.

"We took the bus. The hotel room and the play tickets kind of ate up my budget."

Debbie smiled and squeezed Carl's arm.

"I enjoyed the bus ride. You know I don't get out of Pittsburgh too often so I like seeing the scenery when I do."

Justin spotted Debbie and left Charlotte and the art columnist he had been talking to. He had a huge smile on his face and gave Debbie a big hug.

"Wow! This is so great to see you guys. You are going to have to have dinner with Brian and me tonight. Brian made reservations at some fancy restaurant but he can change the reservation to four."

He turned to Brian.

"Right? You can change the reservations."

Brian nodded and walked away to call the restaurant on his cell. Justin linked arms with Debbie and Carl and walked them around the gallery. Charlotte came over to ask him to continue the conversation with the columnist but was told that she should handle it.

Debbie immediately said they didn't want to interfere and Justin should go back to his conversation. Justin smirked and said the columnist was a bore and he would rather spend time with Debbie and Carl.

Brian managed to change their dinner reservations and called Liberty Air and bought tickets for Carl & Debbie to fly back to Pittsburgh on the same flight as him and Justin on Sunday afternoon.

Charlotte spotted Brian standing alone and walked over to him.

"Justin told me about the babies. I guess he told you about my reaction."

Brian shrugged.

"No he didn't mention it to me."

"I told him that I thought this was the wrong time to take a break from his art. I hope you are going to hire a full time nanny so Justin can still paint and I can schedule shows for him. It might not be easy for him to come back after a break and still enjoy the same popularity."

Brian now understood what was bothering Justin.

"That is Justin's decision to make. Having children is really important to him. I am one hundred percent sure that a full time nanny is not part of our plan. We want to raise our babies ourselves."

"This is very unfair to me. I have worked hard to make Justin a success and now he just decides to walk away from the career I have built for him."

Much to Charlotte's amazement Brian laughed.

"I think that Justin is the one has worked hardest to make his career a success. I have no idea what is going through your mind but these children are very important to Justin and me. Because of Justin's immense talent I have no doubt that when he decides to turn his full attention back to his art he will be welcomed back by the public and the art community. You need to get a grip lady!"

Brian walked away leaving a stunned Charlotte behind.

Justin left Debbie and Carl at the refreshment table when Brandon, the gallery owner, came over to him.

"Justin! Great news, we have already sold two of your paintings. I really appreciate you making time for this show."

Justin smiled.

"That's great. I'm glad to be here for your grand opening at the new location. This seems like a great space, I think you'll do well here."

"Well I know your name brought in more traffic so it was worth cutting my take on your sales."

Justin was wide eyed.

"What?"

"Ahh I don't want to cause any problems. Charlotte told me that you wanted me to cut my commission on your sales since you agreed to participate on such short notice."

"I agreed to participate as a favor to you. You took a chance on me in the early days and gave me a show. I'm just trying to repay your kindness. There is no need for you to cut your share of the sales. Charlotte was out of line to request that. Have an amendment to the contract written up and I'll sign it."

Brandon glanced to where Charlotte was standing.

"That really isn't necessary. I really don't want cause any problem with you and Charlotte."

"She caused the problem, don't worry about it."

Justin grabbed a glass of champagne and walked over to Brian. Brian put his arm around Justin's shoulders. He could feel the tension in his partner's body.

"Charlotte told me about her reaction to the babies' arrival. So I know why you are upset."

Justin sighed.

"That's just part of it. I think it is time for Charlotte and me to end our professional relationship."

Brian took a sip of champagne.

"Does she know?"

"Not yet."

"Well she is headed this way."

Justin drained his champagne as Charlotte walked up to the two men. Before she could say anything Justin spoke up.

"We need to talk but not right now. Meet me tomorrow for lunch at our hotel. I'll make a one o'clock reservation."

Charlotte started to say something but Justin cut her off.

"Tomorrow!"

Justin saw a writer for one of the art magazine that he enjoyed reading and walked over to where she was standing. Charlotte started to say something to Brian but he put up his hand.

"This is between you and Justin. I have nothing to do with your relationship."

Charlotte walked over to where Justin and the writer were talking and was able to join their conversation.

The show went well and Charlotte did her best to be helpful to Justin who was extremely professional to her. Charlotte got the message loud & clear that Justin was pissed. Justin said he would see her tomorrow before he left with Brian, Debbie & Carl.

Debbie & Carl were somewhat overwhelmed by the restaurant where Brian had made reservations. Justin had eaten there before with Brian so he gave Debbie a smile and assured her it was just a restaurant so there was no need to feel self-conscious. Debbie did discretely use a tissue to get rid of her gum.

Brian was horrified when he told Debbie & Carl that he bought tickets for them to fly back to Pittsburgh and Debbie burst into tears while telling him that he was "so fucking generous" and giving him a big kiss on the cheek. Carl and Justin smiled while they enjoyed the show as Brian used a napkin to remove Debbie's lipstick from his cheek.

Back in Washington Township, PA Jennifer arrived at the house shortly before Charlie was ready to leave to pick up the boys at school. She had a suitcase with clothes for her & Tucker a grocery bag with the ingredients for jambalaya. Alice put the tea kettle on the stove and Charlie took the suitcase up to the big guest room as Jenifer put her groceries in the refrigerator.

When Charlie left for school pickup Alice and Jennifer settled down at the kitchen table for tea & cookies. The two women chatted easily about awaiting the arrival of the two newest members of the family, the care & feeding of Joan Kinney and Christmas preparations.

When they heard the boys come through the front door Jennifer smiled and got up from the table. She stood with open arms as John & Peter raced into the kitchen. She hugged both boys delivering kisses on their cheeks. Grandmom Jen suggest the boys go upstairs and change out of their school clothes. When they came down they could have tea and cookies and tell her all about what was happening in their lives.

Alice busied herself with dinner preparation but listened as the boys competed to tell their adventures to Grandmom Jen who was delighted to hear them. The house phone rang, Alice answered and told Jennifer that Roxanne O'Brien was on the phone for her. Jennifer was a little surprised as she went over to take the phone from Alice.

"Hello Roxanne. What's up?"

"Hello Jennifer. I'm sorry to bother you but I have a little issue here."

"What's wrong dear?"

"Well when Patrick came home he mentioned that you were staying at Brian and Justin's house this weekend. As soon as Kevin heard that he asked if he could come over and visit you and Gus. I explained that you were probably busy enough already but he is inconsolable. I hate to ask but could we bring him over for just a quick visit tomorrow or Sunday?"

Jennifer had a big smile on her face.

"Kevin is such a little sweetheart! I'm sure Gus would be happy to see him. Bring him over after lunch. I am making my jambalaya for supper. Kevin and Gus can help me with that and he can stay for dinner. In fact why not bring some clothes and he can spend the night."

"Oh that is too much Jennifer. He can just come over for the afternoon. You have enough on your hands with the boys and Brian's mother."

"I insist dear! Kevin and Gus get along so well they will entertain each other. Kevin has stayed here before without any issue. All we have to do is pull out the trundle on Gus's bed. I don't want Patrick to feel left out. He can come too if he wants."

Roxanne laughed.

"You're a glutton for punishment. Actually Patrick and Greg have their annual shopping day planned for tomorrow."

"Well than you will have the whole day to get your holiday preparations done. I will be surrounded by some of the most important men in my life for the weekend. So we will both have a good day!"

Roxanne thanked Jennifer and hug up. As Jennifer hung up the phone Tucker and Gus walked into the kitchen. Gus raced over to get a hug and kiss from his Grandmom. Tucker patiently waited for his turn to get a hug & kiss. Alice delivered a new pot of tea and two more mugs to the kitchen table.

All her men knew that Jennifer enjoyed tea and cookies along with conversations. Gus seized the opportunity to let everyone know about his week at school. He yelled "Hooray" when Grandmom Jen told him Kevin was coming over tomorrow and staying overnight.

When most of the school stories had been told Gus was sent upstairs to change out of his school clothes. After he changed Peter was going to help him with his homework in the study. John went up to his room to begin his homework. Charlie and Tucker headed to the media room.

Jennifer decided this was the right time for her to go out and say hello to Joan. She told Alice where she was going and strolled out the patio doors and over to the pool house. She knocked on the sliding glass door before going inside. Joan Kinney looked up from her bible and was surprised to see Jennifer Taylor standing there by the door.

"Hello Mrs Kinney. I hope I'm not disturbing you. I just wanted to come out and say hello. I think you know I am here for the weekend to look after the boys."

Joan nodded and for a moment Jennifer thought she wasn't going to say anything.

"Yes Mrs Taylor, my grandsons told me you would be coming for the weekend. I was surprised you weren't attending your son's art show in New York."

"Justin has had a lot of shows. I used to try and attend his shows but there got to be too many of them. This is really just a small show that he is doing as a favor for the gallery owner. The building where his gallery used to be got sold so he had to move. This is kind of a grand opening at his new location and he asked a few of his favorite artists to participate."

"Well I could have overseen John and Peter for the weekend. It is a shame you have to disrupt your life and come here to stay."

Jennifer smiled.

"Oh I enjoy spending time with the boys. Gus is here for the weekend and a little friend of his is coming tomorrow to spend the night. I think that might have been a lot for you to cope with."

Joan simply nodded and looked down at her bible. Jennifer realized she was dismissed and smiled as she said to let her know if there was anything Joan needed.

Once she was outside Jennifer chuckled as she thought how grateful she was that she didn't have much contact with Joan Kinney. Back in the kitchen Jennifer just rolled her eyes at Alice who laughed.

Alice was putting the finishing touches on dinner when she prepared Joan's tray. John & Peter took the food out to the pool house. Alice with Jennifer's help dished up the roast beef, twice baked potatoes and roasted vegetables.

When they all sat down to dinner Gus was careful to grab the seat next to Grandmom Jen. Tucker sat on her other side, John & Peter sat on the other side of the table. Once dinner was on the table Alice & Charlie headed to the cottage.

After dinner in New York, Brian & Justin dropped Debbie & Carl at their hotel before having the limousine deliver them to a dance club they discovered when Justin lived in New York. The danced and relaxed for a couple hours before calling the car to pick them up and take them back to their hotel.

Brian called on the drive back to the hotel and had champagne, strawberries and chocolate sauce delivered to their suite. They took turns using the strawberries as brushes to paint chocolate designs on each other's bodies before licking the chocolate off. There was a lot of laughing before they got down to serious romance.

Their agreement was that when they were in New York Justin got to top. He was very patient and took his time to be sure Brian was relaxed and ready before starting to fuck him. Afterwards they took a shower together where blowjobs were exchanged before falling into bed exhausted.

In Washington Township after dinner everyone watched a video before Jennifer oversaw Gus's bath and read him a story until he drifted off to sleep. When Jennifer came back downstairs she & Tucker challenged John & Peter to a ping pong match. Jennifer & Tucker managed to win 3 games out of 4 before they called it a night.

The next morning in New York City, Brian was up first and ordered breakfast from room service. He woke Justin when the food arrived. Over breakfast Justin told Brian he was going to let Charlotte go as his agent. Her displeasure over the baby news and her altering contract terms with Brandon without consulting Justin had made up his mind. Brian mostly listened silently and nodded his head in agreement.

After breakfast they had another shower with romance before dressing for their afternoon. Brian had some more shopping he wanted to do and Justin wanted to check on how things were going at home and to finalize plans for tonight with Daphne. Once he was done with his calls he went down to his lunch with Charlotte.

Justin was a little early so he sipped a latte while he waited. Charlotte came bustling into the restaurant right on time. The maître d' showed her over to the table. Justin stood and greeted her with a smile. They looked over the menu and ordered before Justin brought up the purpose of the meeting.

"Charlotte we have had a good run but I think it may be time for us to go our own ways. You seem pretty disturbed by me taking time off for the babies so it may be frustrating for you when I do take that time and you have less to do. Also I found out you got Brandon to cut his share of my sales. I am pretty upset that you would do that without consulting me.

I would rather us part now as friends so when our contract expires at the end of the year we won't renew it. Of course, you'll be paid on anything you have set up for the first half of next year."

Charlotte was wide eyed.

"I have made your career and now you want to drop me!"

"You have been an excellent agent and I appreciate all your hard work but I'm not prepared to say you "made" my career. Many of the shows you have arranged have been because a gallery contacted us about having a show.

I am very disappointed at your lack of support for the addition to my family. I am not sure why you had Brandon cut his gallery commission and I don't understand why you didn't tell me. Brandon approached me about this show and I said I would do it as a favor and then you change our normal contract. I feel that impacts my reputation and you don't even tell me about it!"

"I have a problem with only being paid for things in the first half of next year. I have already made contacts for shows in the second half of the year."

Justin frowned.

"Not sure why you did that since I was pretty clear about not wanting anything scheduled after May. I have not approved anything after May. If you have set thing up you need to contact people and let them know I'm not available for any shows after May."

"You not wanting shows in the second half of the year effects my income. I think that is very unfair of you. I depended on you having a full year of shows."

Justin took a deep breath and waited until the waiter served their food.

"That is why I gave you plenty of notice that I wouldn't be available after May. If you ignored my instructions that is just another reason why we need to terminate our professional relationship."

"Does Brian know you are doing this? I mean are you just going to be a full-time boy toy now?"

Charlotte was a little startled by the look Justin was giving her. She had really never seen him angry before.

"Brian and my relationship is none of your business! I find it incredibly unprofessional for you to even comment on my personal life. I think the longer we discuss this the more unpleasant the discussion will become. I am not renewing your contract. Any shows that have been signed for the first half of the year I will honor.

Do NOT negotiate any new contracts! Do NOT have any additional contracts signed! I have asked Brandon to have an addendum drawn up to change his profit share to the standard. If you have negotiated any other contracts that differ from our standard have them changed. Are you clear with what I expect from you?"

"Yes, I understand. I can't help thinking that you are sabotaging your career. It will be difficult to get shows booked after you take six months or a year off."

Justin shrugged.

"I own the controlling share of a well know art gallery in Pittsburgh. I realize it is not the same as a gallery in New York but I can still have a show with my art whenever I want."

"I knew this was going to happen when you bought that art gallery!"

"Well if you KNEW it was going to happen you should have planned better for it."

Justin smiled and they ate their lunch in silence. As soon as she was done Charlotte said she would see him later at the gallery and left.

When Brian arrived back at their suite Justin was furiously sketching while sitting with his feet up on the sofa. Brian knew that meant his Sunshine was not happy. He walked over and gave Justin a kiss on the top of his head.

"So lunch didn't go so well?"

Justin put down his sketch pad and Brian sat down beside him. A Justin related his conversation with Charlotte at lunch. When Justin mentioned the term "boy toy" Brian put his arm around Justin and pulled him close.

Justin turned to look directly at Brian.

"Brian, I can handle this. I don't want you attacking Charlotte at the show tonight."

"I won't approach her but if she comes to me and says something like that I am not making any promises."

Justin chuckled.

"Well if she is foolish enough to say that to you she deserves what she gets. Just remember I don't need you to protect me."

Brian smiled.

"But sometimes Sunshine I NEED to protect you."

Brian followed that statement with a kiss and listened to the rest of Justin's recap of his lunch conversation. Brian was going to make it his business to find out what was going on with Charlotte.

Justin finally realized that Brian had returned to their suite empty handed.

"Didn't you buy anything? You don't have any bags."

Brian smirked.

"I don't schlep shopping bags around New York City. I had everything sent to Kinnetik. That way you can't sneak a peek at any potential Christmas gifts."

Justin just laughed which Brian stopped with a passionate kiss.

On Saturday morning in Washington Township John announced he and Peter would take care of breakfast. Gus was delighted to help. He delivered coffee to Grandmom Jen and Tucker sitting at the kitchen table reading the newspaper. When breakfast was ready Gus helped carry thing to the table before claiming his spot next to Jennifer while they ate.

After everyone was done eating Peter delivered some breakfast to the pool house before helping John with clean up. Gus did his bit by carrying everything over to the counter from the table. After he was done his part Gus went upstairs with Tucker to get dressed for the day.

It was a cold but clear day so Tucker decided it would be great to go for a hike, Gus wasn't sure what a "hike" was but was excited to find out. John & Peter agreed a hike was a good idea. Jennifer decided she would enjoy time sitting by the family room fire while her boys hiked.

After the hike, an excited Gus burst through the patio door.

"Grandmom Jen we saw deer footprints in the snow and we found deer poop. The poop was smoking and Tucker told us that meant it was still warm so the deer must have just pooped before we found it. Did you know that a hike is just a walk in the woods? When Daddy and I do that he just says we are going for a walk. He must not know it's called a hike.

We are all starving so we hope lunch will be ready soon."

Jennifer smiled at the excited little boy as he pulled off his hat & gloves and unzipped his coat.

"I did know that a hike was just a long walk. I have some warm soup ready for lunch and the griddle is ready for me to make grilled ham and cheese sandwiches. You go hang up your coat and wash your hands honey and lunch will be ready."

The other three hikers came through the door and got the same message about hanging up their coats and washing their hands. Just as they finished lunch the doorbell rang. Gus jumped up from the table and started to run to the front door.

"That must be Kevin!"

Jennifer called after him to look out the windows before he opened the door.

"I know Grandmom, I'll check it out before I open the door!"

Two squeals of delight let the kitchen occupants know that Kevin had arrived. A smiling Jennifer walked towards the entrance hall. John grilled a sandwich for Joan while Peter put some soup in a bowl. The boys put the food on a tray and took it out to the pool house. They were pleased to be able to do this while Gus was distracted.

When Kevin saw Jennifer appear in the entrance hall he ran towards her. Jennifer stooped down and pulled the little boy into a hug. Kevin threw his arms around her neck.

"Hi Grandmom Jen. I love you! Mommy said to thank you for letting me come and visit you and Gus."

Jennifer gave Kevin a kiss on the cheek.

"Sweetheart I am so happy you could come and spend time with us. I am always happy to see you."

Kevin beamed as he turned to his mother in triumph.

"Mommy I told you Grandmom Jen would be happy to see me!"

Roxanne just laughed and set down an overnight bag on the floor.

"Good luck Jennifer. I am going home to enjoy my solitude."

Kevin went over to give his mother a hug and kiss good bye. Roxanne was always a little surprised at how comfortable Kevin was being left at this house. She was still deciding if she liked being so easily replaced or not.

Jennifer Gus and Kevin took his bag up to Gus's bedroom. Kevin was proud to show them his new storybook with Christmas stories that he brought with him for Gus and him to read. Jennifer told the boys it was time to make her jambalaya and she needed their help.

Jennifer handed Gus & Kevin the ingredients out of the refrigerator and they put them on the counter. Next she put a big pot on the stove with the step stool set up by the stove. Jennifer donned an apron and tied aprons on both her helpers. She had brought chef's hats with her for the boys with their names embroidered on the front. Tucker took pictures of the cook and her very happy assistants.

Jennifer chopped things at the counter which she put in a bowl. Gus took the bowl over to the stove and dumped the contents into the pot. Kevin stirred the contents of the pot with a big wooden spoon. Both Gus and Kevin took their duties very seriously. Jennifer was sure she could have assembled the jambalaya twice as quickly without their help but she was happy to share this experience with her two grandsons.

Tucker, John and Peter kept busy playing video games in the media room. Jennifer told Gus and Kevin she didn't know what she would have done without her help since Tucker and the older boys were being no help at all. That made Gus and Kevin laugh even playing games with the big boys was no competition for spending time with Grandmom Jen. Occasionally she would check on the pot's contents and tell Kevin what a wonderful job he was doing at stirring. Gus knelt on a kitchen stool and helped Jennifer shell the shrimp which she cleaned and cut up so Gus could take them over and add it to the pot.

Once all the ingredients were simmering on the stove Jennifer poured herself a glass of wine. She suggested the boys read some stories from Kevin's storybook. The three of them snuggled under an afghan on the family room sofa near the fireplace. Jennifer enjoyed watching Gus help Kevin with any words he had a problem with. He did it without any condescension and both boys smiled broadly when Kevin said the word correctly. She very much enjoyed the experience.

When Brian and Justin arrived at the gallery Brian was impressed by Justin's calm. His partner was obviously not going to let the conflict with his agent affect him. Their first stop was Brandon's office so Justin could sign the contract addendum.

Charlotte arrived just before the doors opened. Brian kept his eyes on her and she appeared to behave normally talking to people about the show. Justin seemed to smile a little too much but Brian doubted than anyone other than himself noticed.

Daphne arrived about an hour after the doors opened looking beautiful and sophisticated in a bright red silk dress that fitted her to perfection. Brian saw her enter and went over to give her a hug and kiss. He told her how beautiful she looked and admired her dress. As always Daphne cheeks blushed at Brian's compliments.

Justin hurried over for his own hug and kiss. The two friends walked around the exhibit arm in arm chatting the whole time. Brian sipped champagne and watched their progress with a benevolent smile on his face. After the tour Daphne joined Brian while Justin continued to schmooze attendees.

Just before before the gallery was due to close for the night the three of them left for dinner where Justin and Daphne talked pretty much non-stop and all three of them laughed a lot. Daphne returned to their hotel with Brian and Justin. Wine was ordered from room service and Brian said he was going to bed while Justin and Daphne drank wine and caught up with each other lives.

Sometime after 3 AM Brian checked on the friends and found them both wearing hotel robes asleep on the sofa in the living room of the suite. He smiled as he returned to the bedroom to get a blanket to cover them before he went back to bed.