To Have & to Hold Forever
This story is a sequel to "Sickness & Health, Good Times & Bad", along with other stories in the "Together Forever" Series. You don't have to read those stories first, but this story will make more sense if you do.
Brian and Justin are established partners raising five children together.
I don't own the original QAF characters just the situations I create. No copyright infringement intended.
Chapter 41
Eventually the stars of the show, Lily & Liam, fell asleep. Grandmom Jen had purchased a playpen, anticipating overnight visits. It was set up in her bedroom with a brand-new baby monitor. She and Grandpop Tucker took the sleeping twins upstairs. They were waited to be sure the babies were settled before they went back downstairs.
Jennifer and Debbie had worked together on the lunch menu so that meant there was plenty of food. Alice and John made a Christening sheet cake. Mr and Mrs Chanders came to the luncheon, and she brought a cake, one of Justin's favorites – carrot cake with cream cheese icing.
Josh, Jay and Joe were all enjoying a movie and pizza to celebrate the end of summer since school was starting next week. Bill and David had organized this outing well before the christening date was announced. Peter was given the option to go along but preferred to make it a "family day".
He was enjoying a conversation about accounting with Ted. Peter was taking an advanced accounting course the first semester, so he looked forward to getting some real-life examples from Ted.
John and Patrick went down to the rec room for a ping pong match against Molly and Mark. Blake was having a "tea party" with Nina and JR. Jennifer had cleaned up Molly's childhood table and chairs and purchased a new tea set.
Brian, Greg, Rusty, Charlie and Tucker were sitting together and laughing. Roxanne was chatting with the Chanders, Alice and Viola. Emmett, Justin and Daphne were huddled together. Granny, Debbie and Jennifer were talking with Father Bolton and Jennifer's minister.
Gus and Kevin had been sitting out on the deck and reading together when Kevin decided they needed juice boxes. He told Gus he would go get them. He spotted Grandpop Tucker and headed his way. Kevin reached up and pulled Tucker's hand which made him look down.
"Hey Pal. What can I do for you?"
"Gus and me are thirsty. Can you please get us juice boxes, orange would be good."
Tucker smiled and started toward the kitchen with Kevin. Roxanne saw what happened and hurried over.
"Kevin, Tucker was involved in a discussion. You should have asked Daddy or me to get something to drink."
"But Mommy, this is Grandpop Tucker's house. He knows just where the juice boxes are kept. He always gets us juice boxes when Gus and me stay here. He doesn't mind."
A delighted Tucker smiled and put a hand on Kevin's shoulder.
"That's right Kevin. You know I am in charge of juice boxes at this house. I made sure we had plenty of the kind you and Gus like best."
A triumphant Kevin gave his mother an "I told you so" look which made Tucker chuckle. Roxanne just shrugged. Kevin looked up at Tucker.
"Grandpop Tucker is the bestest grandpop. He always does fun stuff with me and Gus when we stay here. I love him."
Tucker picked up Kevin to deliver a kiss on the cheek.
"You know Pal that I love you too."
Kevin smiled and nodded his head before he and Tucker went to the kitchen. Tucker gave Kevin two juice boxes and some cookies in a bag for Kevin to carry out to the deck
"Those cookies are okay for both you and Gus to eat."
Kevin had a big smile on his face. "Thanks Grandpop Tucker."
Tucker also had a big smile on his face as he returned to the group he had briefly left. He was a little surprised to hear the doorbell. He started to answer but Jennifer gave him a wave as she walked out of the room.
Jennifer was shocked by who was standing on her front stoop. It was her ex-mother-in-law. Jennifer gave a survey of the sidewalk and street in front of her house, looking for Ken.
"Janet! What are you doing here today?"
"Hello Jennifer. I need to talk to you."
Both women could hear voices and laughter from the crowd in the other rooms. Janet looked uncomfortable.
"I didn't expect you to have company. I'm sorry to intrude."
"Is Ken with you?"
"No. That was one of the things I wanted to talk about. Ken and I separated. I don't see us going back together this time. Ken would say I have become unreasonable. I would say I have decided to speak my mind. I have been a follower for too long, time to lead my own life."
Jennifer was shocked again by that revelation.
"How did you get here?"
Janet smiled.
"I've taken a room in an extended stay motel. It only took one change of buses to get here."
Jennifer felt like the surprises just kept coming. She didn't feel like she could just turn Janet away. She stepped back into the foyer.
"Come in Janet. Let's go into my home office and talk."
"I really am sorry to intrude. I guess I should have called first."
Tucker was aware that Jennifer had not returned. He excused himself and went out in the hall. He spotted Jennifer and Janet walking into the office. He went back into the living room and went over to Justin.
"Hey could I steal you away for a minute."
A slightly confused Justin smiled and followed Tucker into the empty kitchen. Justin's eyes went wide when Tucker told him about Janet's arrival. He gave Tucker a quick thank you and headed to the office.
A seriously annoyed Justin opened the office door and went inside without knocking. He confronted his grandmother.
"How did you know?"
Jennifer started to say something, but Justin waved her off. Janet had no idea what Justin was talking about and wasn't sure what to say.
"How did you find out about Liam and Lily being christened and why did you think it was appropriate for you to show up here today?"
Realizing that Justin thought she was again trying to force herself into the situation, Janet started to cry. Jennifer was the only one in the room who understood the entire situation.
"Justin. Janet didn't know about the christening. She came here to talk to me; she was surprised I had company. I haven't told her about why we are all here today.
She came to tell me that she and Ken have separated."
Janet looked over at her grandson.
"Justin I'm so sorry to barge in today. I know this looks like another sneak attack to you, but I swear to you that was never my intent. I had no idea anything special was happening today.
I sincerely want to apologize to you. My family has treated you badly. You were correct when you said we abandoned you. I don't mean this as an excuse, but I spent my life following your grandfather's lead. It was the way I was raised. I loved Ken and we had a wonderful life raising our two sons.
When your father told us his side of what happened between you and him and your mother, Ken supported him, accepted what he had to say without question. Just as I had done our whole life together, I fell into line.
I suggested calling Jennifer and talking to her about what happened. Craig was so sure that you and your mother would realize your mistakes and come back to him. His father agreed. We all know Brad and your mother never got along. She was too independent for him. I felt he wasn't so much on Craig's side as he was anxious to cut off all contact."
His grandmother looked so sad, and he had sensed her regret at their ill-fated lunch, that Justin's expression softened.
"I'm sorry if I was harsh but I thought you had found out about the christening and that was why you came here. I'm sorry you and Ken couldn't work things out."
Janet shrugged.
"I very much doubt there will any reconciliation. Ken is determined that I remain agreeable to everything he says and does. I've realized that doesn't really work for me anymore. I suppose I can't blame him for being surprised and disappointed. I fulfilled the role assigned me for many years. Now I find myself alone in the world. Brad and Ken actually staged a sort of intervention to convince me to continue to, and I quote, fulfill my traditional role of wife and mother."
Jennifer put her arms around her former mother-in law.
"I know it is hard, but I truly believe you are doing the right thing. I'll help in any way I can."
Lily let everyone know she was awake via the baby monitor. Molly, who had just appeared after the ping pong game, said that she and Emmett would go up and change the babies. Tucker volunteered to prepare the bottles. Brian followed Tucker into the kitchen.
"Where are Justin and Jennifer?"
Tucker frowned before answering.
"Janet Taylor showed up. That was who was at the front door. She and Jennifer went into the office to talk. Justin joined them. Not sure what is going on in there."
Brian nodded and headed to Jennifer's home office. He gave a quick knock on the door and went inside. All three occupants turned in his direction.
Brian looked directly at his partner.
"OUR babies have signaled they are awake and hungry."
Justin came across the room and stood next to Brian.
"Brian this is Craig's mother, Mrs Taylor."
Janet smiled at Brian.
"Hello Brian. I'm glad to meet you after all this time."
Brian looked at Justin.
"So what's going on? How did she find out about the christening?"
Janet answered.
"Brian, I didn't know about the christening today. I don't want to cause any problem. I just hope to reconnect with my family."
"I have heard this same thing about not wanting to cause a problem or any trouble from other members of your family. I've heard the desire to reconnect as a family. Each time I have watched Justin be hopeful about your family's intentions. I understand he has lots of happy memories of when he was a cherished part of your family, so he keeps trying to believe what you people tell him.
From my perspective what is see is that each time he is left disappointed and sad and frankly I am fucking sick of it! You, your husband, and your sons abandoned Justin. When he was near death from the bashing not one of you even sent a card or called his distraught mother to offer support or sympathy. He emerged from his coma, an emotionally damaged frightened young man and not one of you gave a fuck about him.
I'm not sure how you have the gall to keep hurting Justin. I not even sure how any of you can sleep at night with the weight of guilt you should be feeling. Today this house is filled with people who know what an awesome person Justin is. They all love him and respect him and recognize his artistic talents.
In MY opinion you are out of place here. I suggest you join the loathsome Mr Taylor who I assume is lurking outside and get permanently lost! You all disgust me."
Janet was wide eyed with shock. Justin put his arm around Brian's waist and leaned into him. He had never considered how his disappointments with his family affected Brian. Jennifer looked over at her son and his partner and fought the urge to go over and hug them.
Janet realized how wrong Craig and Ken had been about Brian. It was so apparent just how much Brian loved her grandson. She also knew he was right about what he said about disappointing Justin. She had been extremely upset with Ken after the disastrous lunch with Justin and Molly. She was disappointed that he refused to accept any viewpoint but his own. She couldn't stop the tears running down her cheeks.
"Brian, I am so sorry for everything that happened in the past. I know we were wrong in how we acted."
Jennifer handed her former mother-in-law some tissues.
"Janet, I know what Brian will say so I will save him the trouble. Sorry is bullshit."
She turned her attention to Brian who was smirking.
"Brian, Janet has left Ken, so he is not lurking outside. I truly believe that she knew nothing about the christening today. She came to talk to me. She realizes she let herself be guided by other people's opinions and that was a mistake. You know that I agree with you that Justin has gone through enough disappointment, but I really don't feel that Janet will do that."
"Well Mother Taylor, time will tell. I reserve the right to say I told you so."
Justin looked up into Brian's face.
"I would like my grandmother to meet our family today. You have to be on board with that or it can wait until we have time to talk about. Anything to do with our children has to be our joint decision."
Brian smirked.
"You know Sunshine whatever you want is what I want too. If this is important to you, it is okay with me. Again I am reserving the right to tell you I told you so."
Brian leaned down to kiss Justin and gently stroked his cheek. Janet looked at Jennifer who had a smile on her face.
Meanwhile when Gus saw his brother and sister in the living room, he and Kevin went inside. Lily and Liam seemed a little out of sorts with so few unfamiliar faces around them. Gus and Kevin hurried over to talk to them while Molly and Emmett gave them their bottle.
The twins smiled when they heard their big brother's voice. Aunt Molly thanked both boys for making the twins feel secure.
The room went quiet when Jennifer and Janet entered with Justin and Brian behind them. Gus quickly whispered to Kevin.
"That lady with Grandmom Jen might be a mean person. We have to be sure she doesn't try to hurt Lily or Liam."
Both boys turned and stood in front of the twins, Gus took Kevin's hand and had a stern expression on his face. Kevin assumed the same facial expression.
Justin and Brian saw the little boys and smiled; it was obvious they were preparing to protect the twins. Justin squeezed Brian's hand. Janet looked a little confused. Grandmom Jen smiled at Gus and Kevin.
"Everyone this is Janet Taylor, my former mother-in-law. She came to see everyone today. Daddy and Papa thought she should meet the newest members of our family first.
Janet the two guardians are my grandsons Gus and Kevin. Gus is Brian and Justin's oldest son, and Kevin, his brother, and his parents are some of our dearest friends. Of course, you know Molly, the other bottle feeder is Emmett, another dear friend. They are Lilly's godparents."
Jennifer bent down to give Gus and Kevin each a kiss on the cheek. Their trust in Grandmom Jen was absolute so if she said this lady was ok that was good enough for them.
Janet looked down at the twins with an expression of wonder.
"Oh my! They are so beautiful. This is one of the happiest days of my life, to see the future of my family."
Brian and Justin came over to give Gus and Kevin hugs. Granny made her way over.
"Hello Janet. Lily and Liam are magnificent, aren't they? They are so lucky to have such a wonderful big brother. They love Gus so much already!"
Janet picked up on the clue. She and Elizabeth had never been close. Janet understood that the purpose of that remark was so she would recognize Gus.
She smiled at the little boy standing with his fathers.
"Gus. I'm so happy to meet you."
Gus stuck out his hand to shake as his father taught him. Kevin took the hint from his friend and when the lady said hello to him, his hand was extended.
Jennifer led Janet around the room to introduce her to everyone. Janet knew Daphne and her parents; they were coolly polite. She sensed an unease with the other attendees she met. She could see why Jennifer talked about a love family. It was obvious that everyone in this room cared about Justin and Brian and were not ready to accept her as part of the group.
Jennifer insisted that she eat something and assigned Molly to keep her company. Gus and Kevin sang a silly song and danced which had Lily and Liam laughing. Papa and Daddy watched with big smiles. They were pleased that Gus got his brother and sister to perform their newest accomplishment.
Since Gus, JR and Nina were all starting school the next day the party broke up early. Carl offered to drop off Janet at her motel. Jennifer asked Debbie to be pleasant to her ex-mother-in-law. She knew that Debbie was protective of Brian and Justin.
The car ride was dominated by a running narrative from Debbie on what wonderful men Brian and Justin were. How they took in Brian's nephews when their own grandmother refused to help them. What wonderful fathers they were to all their children. How successful both men were in their careers and their generous charitable contributions.
Carl did give a gently squeeze to Debbie's arm in an attempt to reel her in. She gave him a look that let him know she had no intention of altering her conversation. Since Carl didn't disagree with anything she said, Carl just let it go. He did think Janet was probably thinking the bus ride might have been a better option.
Brian, Justin, Gus and the twins were the last to leave Jennifer's townhouse. Everyone got hugs and kisses from Grandmom Jen, and she whispered in Justin's ear that they would talk the next day. Her whispered message to Brian was to thank him for allowing Janet to stay and meet her great grandchildren. He rolled his eyes but gave her a quick kiss on the cheek.
Jennifer reminded them she would see them the next morning. She would be at their house to prepare first day back to school breakfast for Gus.
In the back seat between his two siblings Gus kept up a one side conversation with the babies until they fell asleep. After that he quietly hummed a song to himself and looked out the window.
Since John has left sooner than the uncles, he got home before them. Granny had already gone out to the pool house. John and Peter played fish with Gus until it was time for him to have a snack before his bath and bed.
The next morning Gus was very excited about his first day at a new school. He was thrilled when Grandmom Jen showed up to cook his breakfast. When he and Daddy left for school Grandmom Jen and Papa were feeding Liam and Lily. Gus kissed everyone goodbye and told his brother and sister he loved them.
At school Daddy took Gus to his classroom and met his teacher. After a final hug Gus went over to get acquainted with his new classmates. Brian picked up a happy Gus 5 hours later. On the ride home Gus related everything that happened at school. His new friend Vince had an older brother who played soccer with John. Gus and Vince remembered seeing each other at some of the games. Several kids knew about Peter being the top student of the lower school. No one else had twin siblings and the teacher said maybe Gus could have lily and Liam visit for a show & tell.
Brian chuckled at his excited son. He was glad that Gus seemed so happy at the new school. At home Gus hurried to give Papa and Granny kisses. He also brought Liam and Lily up to date on everything that happened during his first day at school. Gus was looking forward to the next day when John drove him to school.
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On Monday morning Ted put the finishing touches on the Kinnetik weekly financial summary which he emailed to Brian and Cynthia. Next, he screwed up his courage and email Anabel Harper. He brought her up to date on his conversation with Viola and let the lawyer know he and Blake were ready to move forward with adopting Nina.
One of Anabel's assistants emailed back a short time later. Their first step was to get a statement from Viola about why she wanted Nina to be raised by Ted and Blake. What she felt their qualifications were to raise her granddaughter. That assistant asked for permission to contact Viola. Ted agreed but said he wanted to call Viola first to prepare her. When Ted called Viola, she was happy to hear that Ted was moving the adoption process forward.
The assistant also let Ted know that they would want Nina to meet with a child psychologist. He, Blake and Viola had already discussed that prospective meeting and how to prepare Nina for that meeting.
Ted tried his best to concentrate on his work, but he couldn't help thinking about how he and Blake could possibly cope with Nina no longer being a part of their lives. Try as hard as he could Ted couldn't stop thinking this adoption process was going to be brutal battle.
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John and Peter were surprised the next morning when Grandmom Jen appeared to prepare breakfast for their first day of school. They thought yesterday's breakfast counted for their first day breakfast.
Brian observed his nephews and could see how really pleased they were by Jennifer coming again just for them. Gus was, as always, thrilled to see Grandmom Jen. Two mornings in a row was a real treat. Brian could see how John and Peter were happy with Grandmom Jen's attention. He realized he had never had that experience and was glad his nephews were experiencing it. He looked over at Liam and Lilly in their playpen and felt happy that they too would experience pampering from Grandmom Jen that would lead to happy memories their entire life.
The entire household went outside to wave goodbye to John, Peter and Gus. Next to be picked up would be Josh and then Patrick. Peter had agreed to ride in the middle back seat for the school trips. Daddy and Papa thought that it was too long a day for Gus to wait for the other boys. The lower school had dismissal was half an hour before the upper school. Someone from the house would pick up Gus after school.
When they came back inside, Brian announced he was headed to the study. He shocked Jennifer by giving her a kiss on the cheek and thanking her for making the boys feel so special. Justin had a huge smile on his face. The action was so out of character for Brian that Granny and Alice both brushed tears from their eyes. Jennifer had a smile that rivaled Justin's.
Justin, Jennifer and Alice were all enjoying a second cup of coffee, Granny had tea, while they watched the Lily and Liam show going on in the playpen. Both babies now held onto toys handed to them. They both liked to shake the toys and it seemed to the spectators that they were fascinated by their twin also shaking a toy.
All four adults were chuckling at the Lily and Liam's antics. When the doorbell rang, Justin went to answer. He was surprised by who was standing on the front stoop.
"Brad! Why are you here?"
"Is my mother here?"
Justin shook his head.
"No she isn't here."
Brad stepped inside without waiting for an invitation.
"My mother is missing. She has disappeared, my father and I are terribly upset."
"I have seen her, and I can assure you she is fine."
Jennifer and Granny heard Brad's voice and walked into the entrance hall. Brad was amazed to see Granny.
"Jennifer, Mrs Endicott, hello. I didn't realize you were here. Mrs Endicott, I suppose you are here on a visit."
"Actually Brad, I live here. I'm sure you noticed the new construction across the driveway. Justin and Brian needed more garage space, and they are having an apartment built on the second floor for me to use."
Brad's eyes widened.
"I thought you had settled in California with your daughter."
"Sometimes things change, and we reevaluate our decisions about how to lead our life. I believe your mother has also decided she no longer wants to live with you and your father's bigoted view of life and family. I advise you to respect her decision to live life in a loving and accepting manner."
Brad shook his head.
"My father and I are convinced that Mother's actions are a result of menopause, her thought patterns are disturbed. We need to get her the help she needs. She withdrew all the money from their joint checking account. Dad's checks are all bouncing. It's terribly embarrassing. Luckily his savings account is just in his name."
Jennifer joined the conversation.
"The savings account in just his name! That shows the inequity in their marriage. Janet is entitled to half their property. No doubt Ken was "protecting" her when actually he was controlling her. I suggest you accept the changes Janet is making in her life.
She no longer wants the restricted life Ken prefers. She wants to open herself to life's opportunities and to enjoy her grandchildren and great grandchildren. I plan to assist her in any way I can.
My advice would be to go back to your father. If he wants to accept Janet's ideas about family and acceptance, there may be some hope for a reconciliation. If not, they both need to contact lawyers and work out a property settlement."
Brad was shocked.
"This is just a temporary aberration from my mother. My parents would never divorce. Unlike you, they value the vows they took before god. If you all refuse to help me, get in contact with my mother, I will be forced to go to the police and report her missing. I am afraid it may be some form of dementia that is causing her to behave this way."
Justin laughed.
"Good luck with that Brad. A member of the Pittsburgh police spent time with your mother yesterday. I'm sure he will refute any lies you may want to spread about your mother. The truth is she regrets going along with your father's homophobic views and realizes what her acquiescence has cost her. Now I would like you to leave my home, or I will put in my own call to the police and have you removed."
Brad's final words were "you will regret this" before he stormed out of the house.
Granny, Jennifer and Justin went back to the kitchen. Lily and Liam were asleep. Watched over by Alice. Jennifer called Janet to let her know about Brad's visit. She was surprised at how upset Janet was by the news. Jennifer sensed that Janet was genuinely concerned about what Ken might do. She did say she took the money out of their joint checking account, but she felt like she was entitled to that money.
Jennifer decided to meet Janet for lunch the next day. She planned to help Janet to decide on what her next steps should be.
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Melanie took JR to her first day back at Fort Pitt School. She had no idea how Debbie was affording JR's tuition but was grateful that her daughter didn't have to change schools. Se was well aware that JR had experienced too many changes in her young life.
The Principal was just inside the front door, welcoming everyone back for the new school year.
"Hello Melanie and JR welcome back. Where's Gus?"
Too late she remembered that Gus's father now had permanent custody of him. She tried to think of a way out but came up blank.
Melanie wasn't sure what to say. JR shrugged.
"He goes to a different school now since he lives with Uncle Jus and Uncle Bri."
Melanie leaned down to give JR a hug and kiss and wish her a good day. The Principal apologized to Mel, who smiled and said she understood.
"Melanie, I did want to check with you. Brian and Justin are still listed as permitted to pick up JR. If you want to change that you can stop by the office and sign a new form."
"I think we'll just leave them on there for right now. They may need to pick her up sometime. Thanks for the reminder."
Mel was on her way to the office before she thought about adding Leda to JR's pick-up list. She could fax a form to the school adding Leda. When Mel walked into the office. she was pleased to see her assistant with a big smile on his face holding up a contract.
The contract had been signed by a very profitable prospect that Mel had been courting for some time. Mel hated to admit that since Lindsay was hospitalized, and Leda was helping at home she was able to fully concentrate on her work. She knew Bernice would be very happy with this new customer.
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On Tuesday afternoon Mark revived a phone call from Larry Buchanan's associate. Alan had given up on the fight for the car. The lawyer told Mark that he could pick up the car from the impound lot on Saturday. Mark asked about costs for the legal service and the impound lot. The associate told him that everything has been taken care of by Mr Taylor and Mr Kinney.
Mark protested that he wanted to pay the expenses. The lawyer chuckled.
"You know the gentlemen better than me. Good luck with trying to pay them back."
Mark admitted that the layer was probably correct. Privately he was determined reimburse Brian and Justin. The whole issue was caused by his father, it wasn't right for Molly's family to pay to straighten it out.
He called Molly about spending another weekend in Pittsburgh. She said they should stay at her mother's townhouse instead of Justin's. It was closer to the impound lot. They decided to leave after their last class on Friday.
Mark mentioned about paying back Justin and Brian. Molly started to laugh, the more he explained about paying them back, the more Molly laughed, finally they just ended the call. Molly imagined the face Brian would make if Mark offered to pay him back and she started laughing again.
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Jennifer arranged to meet Janet for lunch. She brought her up to date on Brad visit to Justin's house. Janet was shocked and apologized for involving Justin in her family issues. She told Jennifer that she and Ken had been arguing ever since their lunch with Molly and Justin.
Janet said she had a friend drive her to Washington DC and took a train from there to Pittsburgh. She suspected that Brad went to the friend and somehow convinced her to tell him where Janet went.
Jennifer told her about Brad suggesting Janet had some mental issues from menopause. Both women chuckled for a moment. After the waitress took their order, Janet took a deep breath.
"Jennifer, I know you find it hard to understand why I let Ken dominate me. Of course, it was not an unusual arrangement for women my age. I was saddened and disappointed when you and Craig divorced but at the same time, I couldn't help admiring you.
If Craig were still alive, I would probably have just continued to follow the dictates of my husband and sons. It just seemed so obvious to me that the poor decisions Craig made in his life really caused him to lose hope and kill himself. The more I tried to get Ken to understand my viewpoint, the more he insisted the problems were you and the children. At first, he just tried to make me think like him. It had always worked in the past.
When I continued to press my point of view Ken tried verbal intimidation and then one day, he slapped me."
Jennifer was wide eyed.
"He physically assaulted you?"
Janet nodded and dabbed her eyes with her napkin.
"Ken never did anything like that before. I was shocked and to some extent I think Ken shocked himself. He said that I had brought that on myself, but I could see he was ashamed. I think he just couldn't accept that I wasn't going to knuckle under; I always had in the past.
I waited for the bruising to fade; before I made arrangements for the ride to DC. I told my friend I was coming to see my great grandchildren. I had her stop at the bank and I took all the money out of our checking account. I didn't know where else to come except here.
I didn't really think Ken would have Brad follow me. I'm so sorry to bring my troubles to you and Justin. I'm not sure where I should go from here."
Jennifer put her hand on Janet's arm. They were both quiet while their waitress delivered their lunch. Jennifer smiled at her former mother-in-law.
"I am speaking only for myself; I want you to understand that I won't be involved in any reconciliation that you and Justin may have. I will caution you that you must fully accept Justin's entire family, or you can't hope to have any sort of relationship with him.
For myself, I can see glimpses of my former life. Maybe I should be grateful to Craig for how he treated Justin. I might have stayed with Craig and found myself in a similar position to you.
With Brad and possibly Ken on the prowl, I don't think a motel is the ideal place for you to be staying. I'm sure KT Properties has a couple options for an apartment for you to use. We won't worry about rent for now.
Sorry to be so personal but what is your financial situation?"
Janet smiled.
"According to my calculations, I have enough to stay at the motel and eat, for about 4 months. My social security automatically goes into the checking account I drained. I have to work on opening a bank account and getting the deposit switched. Once I get that deposit that will ease my financial situation.
I am sure I can find a room or studio apartment that I can afford. I would not feel comfortable with you paying my rent."
"Actually I wasn't planning on paying your rent. Justin and Brian have a some rental properties that I manage. I know we have some empty apartments. As long as the building is still profitable, they can afford to forgive rent for a few months. They have provided no or reduced rent to other people, so I know it would be okay.
It may be overly cautious, but I think you need to be somewhere that provides some security. After lunch we are going back to my office."
Janet didn't say anything. She was very grateful not to feel she was all alone. She considered Jennifer, with the backing of her family, more than a match for Brad or Ken.
They chatted about light subject during lunch and after they were done, they walked to Jennifer's office which was only a few blocks away.
They had just found an apartment that they both felt would fit Janet's needs. Jennifer called a company about renting some furniture that could be delivered in a few days. She told Janet they would go the next day to a store and buy kitchen and linen basics. Jennifer's phone buzzed and the receptionist told her that a Brad Taylor was here to see her. Janet looked panicked as Jennifer said to send him back to her office.
Jennifer grabbed her purse and told Janet to sit behind her desk. Jennifer perched on the corner of the desk as Brad walked into the room. He was surprised to see his mother sitting at the desk.
"Mother. I'm glad I found you. You are not acting like yourself. I'm going to take you home to Dad and we can all decide on what our next steps should be. When you cleaned out the checking account that had Dad's checks bouncing. I told him that you weren't thinking straight. He opened new accounts just in his name."
Janet shook her head.
"No Brad I am not going back. I am done being dominated by your father. Jennifer is helping me get settled here in Pittsburgh."
Brad laughed harshly.
That money you took won't last long when you are living on your own. Just how do you plan to live without Dad's money."
Before Janet could say anything, Jennifer looked directly at her former brother-in-law, a man she had never liked or respected.
"Brad, I have always thought you were a horse's ass and now I see that was the correct assessment. Your parents have been married for close to fifty years. There is no "Dad's money" it is all their money, their house, their car, everything belongs to both your parents. We'll be seeing a lawyer about that tomorrow.
This is the 21st century. The time of a meek wife being told what to think and do by her husband is, thankfully, rapidly coming to an end. You father is an abusive husband. Your mother is done with taking abuse."
Brad shrugged.
"One slap in the heat of the moment is NOT abuse."
Jennifer chuckled.
"Sorry Brad. You couldn't be more wrong. Now it is time for you to leave my office or I will call the police hand have you removed."
"This is a place of business you won't call the police."
Brad started across the room. Janet looked a little frightened. Jennifer reached into her purse and pulled out her pepper spray.
"Brad do not take another step this way. The last foolish man that tried to intimidate me got a face full of pepper spray and a knee to the balls. It would delight me to give you the same treatment. After you were down and writhing on the floor, I will call the police and have you arrested. Get out of my office, go back to your asshole father and let him know to contact his own attorney."
Brad took a step forward and Jennifer raised the can, her finger on spray button. Brad stopped.
Jennifer smiled.
"Maybe you aren't quite as stupid as I thought. That is mildly disappointing. Don't worry about your mother getting along until the property settlement. My sons and I have more than capable of taking care of any needs Janet may have."
Brad made a disgusted noise before turning and hurrying out of the office. Jennifer turned to Janet.
"We need to go to the motel and get your things. You are staying at my house until we get you into an apartment."
"Jennifer I never meant to cause you all these problems.'
Jennifer put up a hand to stop her.
"Honestly the chance to put Brad in his place is no problem for me. I wish he had walked toward me. I would have been happy to put him on the floor. I know he is your son, but he is a huge asshole. Anything I can do to annoy him with give me nothing but pleasure."
"Well I wish I could disagree about Brad but I can't."