Legal Artistry

by Andrew Grey

  "Sure, and I've done research in Germanic libraries. They use a different system than here in the US. I'm not sure what sort of system the museum uses exactly, but I think I can be of help, if not with the research itself, then the language, at least,” Dieter explained as they walked to the cars. “Are we still on for Saturday?” he asked.

  "Definitely,” Gerald answered as he opened his car door. Dieter wanted to kiss him good night, but wasn't sure that was a good idea in front of Harold and Christine's house. After getting into his car, Dieter was about to start the engine when he heard a tapping on his window. He lowered the glass, and Gerald leaned into the car, giving him a kiss good night. “I wish it was Saturday already."

  "Me too,” Dieter answered, his body tingling from the energy in the kiss. Gerald moved away from the car, and Dieter pulled out of the driveway and onto the street, smiling the entire drive home.

  * * * *

  Dieter had done his best to keep himself busy, but he'd been looking forward to Saturday all week and it was finally here. “Tyler, would you like something to drink?” Dieter asked as he pushed open the attic door, carrying a couple sodas.

  "You're a godsend,” Tyler told him as he took the cold drink Dieter offered and began gulping it almost before he'd opened the can. “I placed the things I'm interested in near the door, and here's a list of what I'm willing to pay for each item. I've still got half the attic left. Your Gramps had an amazing eye. I've found boxes full of Baccarat crystal and some amazing pieces of Roseville pottery.” Tyler pulled another box from the row he was working on, setting it on the work table he'd brought with him, and began unpacking, letting out a whistle when he pulled out a vase painted with an angel. “Look at this. It's porcelain, hand-painted, probably nineteenth century, European, signed, and absolutely exquisite. This wouldn't have been looked at twice twenty years ago, but now I'd sell it for two thousand dollars and I'll have customers fighting over it.” Tyler handed the vase to Dieter. “You don't want to sell this. Put it in your living room. You'll never see another one as long as you live."

  Dieter took the vase out of the attic, placing it in his Gram's old room for the time being before returning to the attic, where Tyler had moved on to yet another box. Dieter started going through the things Tyler had set aside, making sure there wasn't anything he wanted. “We'll need to wrap this up in about an hour,” Dieter explained as he peered down the list of items Tyler had made, his eyes widening at some of the values Tyler was going to pay him.

  "That's fine. I'm about done for today. I set aside a few things I want you to pay special attention to before letting them go.” Tyler motioned to a few boxes off by themselves. “What are you and Gerald doing this evening?"

  "I don't know. He said it was a surprise,” Dieter answered as he heard the phone ringing downstairs. Hurrying away, he answered the phone in the upstairs hall.

  "Dieter, it's Gerald. I'm sorry to spring this on you, but....” Dieter felt his stomach sink. “I'd planned to take you out, but my mother called and the family has decided to get together for dinner, and my presence is strongly requested. I was wondering if you'd like to go with me. You don't have to, and I'll understand, but I'll be in hot water if I don't show.” Gerald didn't sound particularly happy. “My dad's celebrating winning some big case, and all the little ones have to be there to prop up his fragile ego.” Dieter chuckled at Gerald's mocking tone.

  "Of course I'll go,” Dieter answered, a little disappointed that he wouldn't be alone with Gerald, but he would get to meet his family. “Are you still going to be here at six?"

  "A little earlier, if that's okay?” Gerald asked, and Dieter said that was fine before hanging up and returning to the attic.

  Thankfully, Tyler was finishing up, and Dieter helped him carry down the things he was willing to buy. After making multiple trips down the stairs, Tyler had him make a final check of each item, and they agreed on the price, haggling a little over a few items. “Just drop a check by when you get the chance."

  "I will, and if there are any items in the area I set aside for you that you would like to sell, let me know. Of course I'll give you a good price, but I think you'll be pleased you held onto them, especially the desk set."

  "Thanks,” Dieter said. He really had no idea what these things were worth, and he knew Tyler was being very fair. “I'll help you carry these to your truck, and then I need to get ready. Gerald is coming early, and I'm going to meet his family,” Dieter said nervously, remembering that Gerald's family were all lawyers and doctors. He hoped he fit in.

  "Don't be nervous,” Tyler told him reassuringly. “You're going to be just fine, so have fun tonight and don't worry about it."

  "I'll try,” Dieter promised before helping Tyler carry out the boxes. After saying good-bye, he hurried inside to clean up and get ready for his date.

  Jumping in the shower, Dieter thought of Gerald, wishing he were with him right now. With soapy hands rubbing over his skin, Dieter closed his eyes, wondering how Gerald's hands would feel on his skin. He'd longed to feel the touch of another man, to know if what he'd imagined could be made real. His hands became Gerald's hands, touching him, stroking his skin and stoking his desire. Why Gerald enthralled him so he couldn't say, but he did, and Dieter found himself thinking of little else when he was alone. Dieter's hand slid along his shaft, stroking, grip tightening just the way he liked it. In his mind, Gerald knew just perfect ways to touch, to tease. Dieter's other hand stroked down his back, palm caressing his butt, finger teasing at the tender, sensitive skin of his opening. Warm water sluiced over him as he imagined Gerald touching and stroking instead of his own hand. Stepping out of the water, Dieter opened his eyes, stopping what he was doing. The real Gerald was taking him to meet his family, and afterward Dieter intended to invite him home, hopefully to see if the real Gerald was better than his imagination. Concentrating on his washing, rather than other things, Dieter finished his shower a bit frustrated, but definitely eager for his date with Gerald.

  After turning off the water, Dieter stepped out of the shower, still excited and more than a little nervous. Drying himself, Dieter walked to his room, dressing carefully. Gerald had said that the partygoers included his family, and Dieter wanted to make a nice impression, but he also wanted to be comfortable in the summer heat. Choosing a light pair of slacks, he stepped into them and pulled on a light blue shirt. Checking the clock, Dieter picked up his pace as he realized he was very nearly late.

  Once he'd finished dressing, he made a quick pass through the house and his bedroom as he heard the doorbell ring. Smiling, he answered it, and was immediately greeted with an equally pleased smile as well as a kiss. “I'll be right back,” Dieter said, retrieving a small box before leaving the house with Gerald. “What is your family like?” Dieter asked once he was seated in Gerald's passenger seat.

  The driver's door closed and Gerald started the car, pulling away from the curb. “My oldest brother, Angus, thinks he's the family conscience and the harbinger of all that's right and proper. He can be downright sanctimonious and thinks he knows what's best for everyone. He can also be one of the most generous people I know, but it always comes with a price. My second brother, Henry, is quiet and thoughtful. Getting an opinion or anything out of him is like pulling teeth, but when he does offer an opinion or thought, it's usually incredibly insightful. My sister, Doreen, is a doctor of internal medicine and incredibly gifted, but takes after Angus and my father in that she knows everything.” Gerald looked across the seat at him, swallowing hard. “I'm afraid I may be throwing you to the wolves, but I know they'll all like you, especially my youngest sister, Mary. She's the one I'm closest to, and she's the most talented of all of us."

  "She's the concert pianist?” Dieter asked as Gerald entered the freeway and the car sped up, heading north toward the suburbs.

  "Yes. She loves it and she's making quite a name for herself. There's also my father, Gene, and my mother, Elora. I know I talk about my family as tho
ugh they're harsh, but they really aren't, just a bit driven. I guess that's the best way I could describe them. I know they're all going to love you,” Gerald told him, and Dieter wanted to believe it.

  They rode quietly for a while until Gerald exited the freeway and began weaving through suburban streets. Gerald made a final turn down a residential street, pulling into the driveway of a huge modern house that made Dieter gasp. Nothing looked right about it, all angles and sharp lines. “Is this your parents’ home?” Dieter asked as he turned to Gerald.

  "No. This is where Angus lives. My parents still have the house we grew up in, but it isn't big enough for my brothers and sisters, their wives, and children. In addition to knowing what's best for everyone, Angus has to be the center of attention,” Gerald said, and Dieter heard him sigh as he opened the car door. Dieter got out of the car, still carrying the small box, and right away, two boys about eight years old ran up to the car.

  "Uncle Gerry, look what we found,” they chimed delightedly, each holding up a large frog before turning to Dieter. “Who's this?"

  "Kyle and Peter, this is Dieter,” Gerald said with an indulgent grin. “These two are Henry and Joanne's twin sons."

  Dieter said hello, and both boys looked at him as though they were trying to figure something out. “Are you Uncle Gerald's boyfriend?” one of the boys asked, the other nodding as though he wanted to know as well.

  Dieter looked to Gerald, not quite sure how he should answer, as both boys looked at him with muddy faces and big blue eyes, waiting for an answer. “Yes,” Gerald answered, “Dieter is my boyfriend, and you two better get those frogs back where you found them and your faces washed before your mother or grandmother see you. You both know what your mother will say.” Both boys nodded and raced toward the edge of the property, where Dieter could see tall grasses and what looked like a pond of some kind. “They're great kids,” Gerald commented softly as they watched them for a few seconds before walking up toward the house.

  As they approached, Dieter heard laughter and music drift around the gray wood-sided house, and he followed Gerald around the side to the backyard. “Gerald,” an older woman said, rushing toward them. They hugged warmly, and Dieter stood out of the way, not wanting to intrude.

  "Mom, this is Dieter,” Gerald said, and Dieter stepped forward, shaking her hand before giving her the small box.

  "Thank you,” she said taking the box. “It's nice to meet you,” she told him genuinely before peeking into the box, her eyes widening. “These look lovely, thank you. That's very thoughtful."

  "It's a pleasure to meet you as well, Mrs. Young,” Dieter responded, pleased that Gerald's mother liked the chocolates. He'd originally planned to give them to Gerald, but changed his mind when their plans changed.

  "Please call me Elora,” she replied warmly, and Dieter felt himself smile.

  "Gerald, you finally made it,” a deep voice said from behind them, devoid of mirth.

  "Dieter, this is my father, Gene,” Gerald said. They shook hands, but Dieter noticed that other than nodding to one another, there was no other greeting. Elora took her husband's arm, guiding him away as Gerald was nearly knocked off his feet by a small wisp of a woman.

  "Gerry,” she squealed as she hugged him. “Thank God, you're here. The know-it-alls are driving me crazy,” she stage-whispered, looking at one of the umbrella-shaded tables before turning to Dieter.

  "Dieter, this is my sister, Mary,” Gerald said happily. Dieter found himself being hugged exuberantly, and he returned her embrace carefully. She was so slight, he was afraid he might hurt her.

  "It's nice to meet you,” Dieter said while he was still being hugged, looking at Gerald over her shoulder.

  "Mary, he's my boyfriend, so you can't steal him away,” he teased, and she giggled softly. “She tried once."

  "I did not. I just thought Hank was cute, and I'd had a little too much to drink.” She colored and the giggles got louder. “I know I shouldn't have sat on his lap,” she added as the giggles died away. “So, how did you meet my brother?"

  "We met at Dance All Night a few weeks ago. Dieter is an amazing dancer, and he caught my attention right away,” Gerald answered for him, throwing a look that said, “I'll tell you later.” Gerald touched his back lightly, and Dieter moved slightly closer, liking the way Gerald's hand felt. “I suppose we should take the plunge and introduce you to the rest of the family.” Gerald guided him toward the table Mary had indicated earlier.

  As they approached, the conversation dwindled off and heads turned in their direction. For a second Dieter shifted under their gazes, feeling uncomfortable. “This is Dieter,” Gerald began.

  "Yes, we heard, your boyfriend,” a woman scoffed, and since she looked a bit like Gerald, Dieter assumed it was Doreen, the other sister.

  "I didn't know they taught bigotry in medical school,” Gerald retorted, “or did you simply major in closed-minded arrogance.” Gerald's retort was fast and biting. Dieter nearly winced, but did his best to ignore the remark. Maybe this was a thing among Gerald's family. Dieter turned and saw Gerald glaring at his sister. “The welcome wagon is Doreen, and the man next to her is her husband Jules.” He stood up, and Dieter shook hands with the darkly handsome, tall man. “This is my brother Henry and his wife, Joanne. We met their sons earlier.” Again, Dieter shook hands and exchanged greetings. “The man at the grill is my brother Angus.” Gerald waved, and Dieter saw the man half wave in return. “His wife is probably inside, and last, but not least, is Mary's fiance, Reggie."

  "It's nice to meet you, Dieter,” Reggie said as he stood up and shook Dieter's hand. “There are drinks in the coolers over by the door,” Reggie explained, walking over to show them. “Don't let Doreen bother you,” he said as he opened the cooler lid. “She was catty to me when I first met her too. Now she's just an icy bitch,” Reggie added, and Dieter had to stop himself from putting his hand over his mouth. As it was, he turned away so he could laugh quietly.

  "That's my sister you're talking about,” Gerald said seriously before breaking into a smile. “But it's accurate.” They each got beers and sat at another table to talk.

  "I'm surprised you brought Dieter,” Mary said as she sat down next to Reggie. “It's either really brave or really stupid."

  "I'm starting to think stupid,” Gerald said, looking over at the other table. “What's gotten into her, anyway? She's bitchy even for her."

  "She applied for the head of internal medicine at the hospital, and they gave the job to someone else,” Mary said with a hint of amusement. “Like anyone would ever want to work there with her as a boss."

  "Didn't you get along as kids?” Dieter asked before looking around. “I'm sorry, that's none of my business,” he added quickly. He'd always been alone and had often wondered what it would be like to have had brothers and sisters. “It's just that I always wanted someone to play with when I was growing up."

  "As long as they were like Gerry, it would have been great,” Mary said, turning toward the other table. “Henry wasn't bad, just quiet, but the other two were always lording it over us somehow, and it's never really changed,” Mary said, and Dieter saw her shoot daggers at her sister. Dieter looked at Gerald, confused and a little worried, as he wondered just what he'd gotten himself in the middle of. Gerald's family looked like they were a little nuts.

  "So, little bro, you made it.” Dieter turned, looking up at Gerald's brother Angus.

  Gerald stood up, shaking his brother's hand, and Dieter stood as well. “This is Dieter,” Gerald said, and they shook hands, but beyond that Angus seemed to look past him, and Dieter sat back down, wondering who ever taught these people manners. If he treated anyone like that, Dieter knew his Gram would rise out of her grave and snatch him bald, as Auntie Kate used to say.

  "So, when are you going to quit that place you're working and join the family firm?” Angus asked coldly.

  "I'm not. I like what I'm doing, and I've got some interesting cases."

 
; "You do, huh?” Angus pulled out a chair. “We could really use you. We're getting so many clients right now that we could use another attorney. Granted, you'd be doing the junior work at first, but you'd be helping the rest of us."

  Dieter seethed inside at Angus's condescending attitude toward his brother, and Dieter reached under the table, touching Gerald's leg lightly.

  "I don't need your castoffs, Angus. I have my own cases and clients. I'm happy where I am, and I intend to make it on my own instead of riding Dad's coattails."

  Dieter saw Mary snicker behind her hand before bursting into all-out laughter. “I guess he told you, Aggie,” she said.

  Dieter turned to Gerald and saw him glaring at his brother, who returned the stare, both of them looking like they were waiting the other one out. “That's enough, boys,” Elora said as she approached the table. “Angus, go on back to the grill before the steaks burn,” she instructed, and Angus turned without saying a word. “Do you have to antagonize your brother?” she asked, turning to Gerald.

  "Mom, Aggie was doing the antagonizing,” Mary explained. “Gerry just put him in his place.” She stood up, and Dieter watched the two women walk back into the house, their rather heated conversation fading away.

  "I'm sorry about all this,” Gerald said. “My family expects me to fall into line and be what they want me to be, and I guess I feel like I have to fight them because I want to do things my own way."

  "It's okay,” Dieter reassured him as he watched the kids throwing a ball out in the yard. After finishing his beer, Dieter got up and began walking to where the twins were playing, watching as they ran, chased, and tumbled in the grass to the sound of giggles, yells, and laughter.

  "Uncle Gerry, will you play too?” one of the boys called. Dieter wasn't sure which. Turning around, he saw Gerald jogging toward him.

  "Would you like to play?” Gerald asked.

  "Sure, I guess,” Dieter replied, not sure what Gerald had in mind, but he found out soon enough when the ball was kicked over to him, and he began dribble-kicking it around the yard, passing the ball to one of the boys, who kicked it to Gerald. Soon, a sort of impromptu game of soccer sprang up among the four of them, with the ball going all over the place. By the time they were done, both Dieter and Gerald were covered in grass and dirt, both of them laughing as the boys had a ball.