I rolled on my stomach as he massaged the sun screen into my skin with slow, kneading movements, and I let out a small groan in appreciation. A quick slap on my ass brought me out of my lustful thoughts as Isaac stretched out next to me. For the life of me I could not understand how the man never burned or tanned. No matter how much sun he got, his skin always stayed the beautiful complexion I loved. For one day he might get just a little pink, and by the next it was gone. It was frustrating, but life wasn't fair.
*****
We spent the rest of our weekend lazing around the house, making love and ordering delivery for dinner. Andy and Abby were expected home around dinnertime Sunday, and we planned on ordering pizza. A weekend of not cooking or worrying about the house or other responsibilities was a pleasant change from our routine.
Growing up, and when I lived in New York, I stayed away from pizza as much as possible. Eating with your hands was frowned upon in my family. Even on the rare occasion when I had fried chicken, I ate it with a knife and fork. Now, eating with my fingers was messy and fun.
Sunday morning was our last round of noisy, unbridled sex, and it was my turn to be fucked into the mattress. Afterward, we cleaned up and met Jason and Mickey at Haight and Ashbury for our canvassing assignment. We were assigned several blocks where we went door to door talking to those who would listen and leaving handouts in mailboxes if no one was home.
Tired but satisfied at the number of people we met who supported Harvey, we returned home later that afternoon. When I surveyed the kitchen and living room, I was shocked. Our clean and tidy home had takeout containers on the coffee table and dishes in the sink. We really had been distracted the past few days, and I screamed for Isaac to stop what he was doing and help me.
"Sebby, relax. If the house is a little messy, it's nothing to freak out about. We'll clean it up just fine." He slipped his arms around my waist and gave me a peck on the lips. Now I felt like a fool.
"Sorry." I buried my head in his shoulder and sighed. "I'm being just a tiny bit anal, aren't I?"
Nibbling on my earlobe he whispered in my ear. "Yes, and not in a good way." He kissed the top of my head before letting go and waving his hands in the air. "We can do a quick cleanup and all will be well. Now, what do you want me to do to help clear this horrible disaster?"
I don't know why I was so nervous. It was as if we didn't clean up the evidence of our weekend Andy and Abby would know what we were up to. Ridiculous as it seemed, occasional old habits could rear their ugly heads.
*****
It was just after six when we heard Abby's old Chevy Bel Air station wagon pull up in front of the house. Her husband bought it for her new in 1963 and she never had the heart to part with it after all this time. I went to the door to greet them while Isaac ordered the pizzas.
Andy bounded up the steps with his knapsack. "It was great! I have to show you the Lone Cypress I sketched." He dropped his backpack and began to flip open his sketch pad. He looked behind me. "Carmel and Monterey are unbelievable! It was all so pretty, Sebastian. Where's Isaac? I want him to see what I did."
I waved to Abby as she calmly made her way up the walk with a smile. "Andy, remember to breathe." His face was priceless, and I wished at that moment I had a camera. He looked every bit his youth and the beauty of his innocence at that moment was priceless. "Don't you think we should help Abby unload her car?"
"Nah, she said we could do it later." Looking over my shoulder, he grinned. "Isaac! Look what I drew."
When he reached the pencil sketch on his pad, I couldn't believe it. The intricate detail of a simple tree on an outcropping was gorgeous. The shading of the ocean and sky backdrop was serene and let you focus on the subject. Andy was indeed developing his talent.
"Andy, that's great. I remember this from a trip years ago. You did the Cypress justice." Isaac ruffled Andy's hair. "I will unload the wagon. Why don't you guys settle in and get ready for dinner? Pizza should be here in forty minutes." He gave Abby a kiss on the cheek as he made his way to the curb.
"Abby, you look wonderful. I am assuming from Andy's exuberance you both had a wonderful time."
She pulled me into a hug, "My dear. It was so peaceful and relaxing. The muse was with us for the whole visit. It may not be as quaint and charming a place as I remembered, but Carmel is still beautiful."
I went and helped Isaac by grabbing Andy's bag and a few odds and ends, while my honey brought in Abby's art supplies and her overnight bag. We had a key to her flat and Isaac dropped her things upstairs before joining us. When he arrived, I was pouring wine and handing out soft drinks for Abby and Andy. Abby passed on the wine, saying she wanted a clear head to finish making notes of their trip.
"Your young man has a real eye for detail and shading. His drawing of The Lone Cypress is a bit rough, but then I left him on his own. He has the makings of a real artist. Along with that, he was excellent company this weekend."
Andy could barely contain himself. "I had lots of fun. We went on the Seventeen Mile Drive and wow, those houses were awesome. I even saw the house where that kid actress, Shirley Temple, lived. Her movies were kind of corny, but she had a nice house."
"Andy!" Abby gave him a light thump on the head. "I will have you know that 'kid actress' was one of the biggest stars in the country. Those movies were important to lift people's spirits from the depression."
He looked at Abby and shrunk at her comments. "Sorry."
"Child." She rested a hand on his arm. "You need to be more considerate in what you say. You'll learn. Now… do we have cookies or something for dessert? I have brownies upstairs."
The doorbell rang and Isaac got up to answer. "Sorry, Abby. We picked up chocolate chip cookies while we were out this weekend." I went to grab the dinner plates and napkins from the dining room table, deciding we were all comfortable in the living room.
"Boys, I have been giving thought to Andy's talent. I think it would be good to expose him to the different mediums and areas of art he may not be aware of. There is the city's Museum of Modern Art, the Palace of Legion of Honor, and other galleries we could visit. There are several artists I'd like him to meet. Andy may find an interest besides painting."
I looked at Isaac and he was as shocked as I was. "Ummm… okay?"
Abby laughed, "Sebastian, Isaac, his talent is raw, but it is there. I want him to have every opportunity to explore it. We talked on the way here. It might be years of study, but Andy wants to do this."
"Can I Sebastian, Isaac?"
I was still dumbfounded by the revelation, but Isaac answered. "Of course, Andy."
CHAPTER TEN
Our Family
Isaac
I was riding the bus back from the civic center to the clinic. My Monday routine was doing intake at the clinic, but they had moved a case up to later this week and the attorney asked if I could do some additional research, so I was returning from the Hastings Law Library. My thoughts drifted over the past two and half years. We had established a pleasant routine before someone turned our world upside down and both of us couldn't be happier. Our lives were good with just the two of us, but there was little challenge to our routine. Now, with Andy in our lives, a level of excitement and additional meaning was added to our lives. The little redheaded bugger was now a member of our family. We only wished he could legally be our son. Unfortunately, society would not allow us that privilege.
Stepping through the clinic doors the receptionist flagged me down, "Sebastian called. He wants you to call him right away. He says it's important."
I checked my watch, and it was just after one. When I called him late this morning everything was fine. I felt sick to my stomach. "How did he sound?"
She rolled her eyes. "He didn't sound upset. Just call him."
I went to my desk ignoring everyone and called. The operator placed me on hold while they found him. When he came on the line, he was breathless and it sounded like he must have run. "He's mine! I mean he's ours! The court gave
us custody of Andy. I am his legal guardian!" He squealed with delight. "You want to give him the good news?"
"Do you mind?"
"Don't be an ass," he snorted. "Call him and tell him the good news and be sure to tell him to dress nice for dinner. Call Abby and see if she can join us. No. On second thought, tell her she has to join us!"
*****
Sebastian suggested we take Andy to The Bay View Restaurant on top of The Exeter House, but I thought it may be awkward for Andy being in such a fancy place and suggested The Equinox instead. It was a revolving restaurant on top of the Hyatt Regency Hotel at the foot of Market Street. He would get a kick that it rotates, and the food was a simpler fare compared to The Bay View.
When I called the house Andy answered right away, and I asked how he was doing.
“She has me working on algebra and you know I hate math. This stuff is complicated and I suck at it.”
I couldn’t agree with him more, but I also knew he needed it to move on. “Just stick with it and listen to Felicia.” He groaned. “Now, how about some good news? The court approved Sebastian’s guardianship. You are ours now.”
“Yesssss!”
His excitement tugged at my heart. The fact he was just as happy to be with us meant everything. “We’ll be home by six, be ready. Dress nice, but be yourself. This is your night.”
“Where are we going?”
Should I tell him? Hell, why not? “You remember the story Ryan told at the party about his first date with Leland? The rotating restaurant?”
“Cool!”
“See you at six, kid. And remember, dress nice, but it’s your night, so also be yourself.” It was his night to shine and there was no way we would let him hide who he was.
*****
Sebastian stopped by the center and we walked home, or more accurately, floated, what with the good news. Strolling in the beautiful sunshine we held hands and smiled at everyone we passed. We arrived home just before six, and when we opened the door Andy greeted us with the brightest outfit I had ever seen.
He was wearing a pink shirt, red denim pants, and his red boots, gleaming from a fresh coat of polish. To cap it off, he had an orange silk scarf, which he must have borrowed from Abby, around his neck that draped down to his waist.
"How do I look?"
His earnest expression made me pause.
Glancing at Sebastian who was suppressing a grin I had to smile. "Well, it is bright." Andy's face fell. "Andy, it suits you perfectly. You look very nice." Sebastian nudged me with an elbow.
Sebastian ran a finger across Andy's forehead moving a loose curl from his face. "You look nice. From what I remember of Ryan's description of the restaurant, you will fit right in."
"Great! Can we go?"
He patted Andy on the shoulder, then lifted the edge of the scarf, running it though his fingers. "Give us a few minutes to freshen up, then we can leave. I like the scarf. Maybe you'll let me borrow it some time. We can't let you look this nice, and we accompany you like we came from the office."
"I'm sure Abby will lend it to you." His grin was priceless.
When we returned, Andy was on the porch talking to Abby. We were wearing blazers, slacks and white shirts, not wanting to upstage Andy or Abby in what I was sure would be a stunning outfit. She wore a pale blue caftan with a plain gold belt, and gold sandals. I'd never seen her so dressed up, and she looked stunning. "Andy, I wouldn't miss this for the world. This is a special day. Now the three of you are a family."
Turning her attention to us, she smiled. "Andy looks so bright today I thought I might need sunglasses. Isn't he handsome?" She stroked his hair, leaning down to give him a kiss on the top of his head. "Why don't we take my wagon? There's more room."
Noticing the faintest whiff of pot I offered to drive.
She grinned as her cheeks flushed. "I was going to suggest that."
*****
We parked in the hotel garage and took the escalator to the lobby of the hotel when I heard, "Oh shit!"
Looking down at Andy he covered his mouth and was beet red. "What do you think, Andy?" I gave him a little grin to let him know I wasn't mad.
"This place is so…, I mean… wow!"
They terraced the open atrium inward. It left a wide-open space for the restaurant and reception area with an unobstructed view to the ceiling which, based on my count, was fifteen floors. All the walkways for the rooms overlooked the courtyard. Natural light spilled in from the countless windows, and plants were everywhere. They even hung from the walkways. Yes, this was definitely a wow space.
"Look!"
Andy was pointing to the glass elevators where you could look out over the open space while riding up to your room. A bellman walked up to us and gave Andy the once over and his face looked like he had sucked on a lemon. With a tight expression he looked at me, "Can I help you?"
Sebastian piled on the charm. "Yes, we have reservations for dinner at the Equinox."
The man pointed to the bank of elevators. "Right over there, sir. There is an express elevator direct to the restaurant."
"The boy has a wonderful fashion sense, doesn't he?" Sebastian looked at the man and I waited.
"Yes, sir. Very… colorful."
As we walked away, I chuckled. "Good one."
"I recognized that look and I won't put up with it being directed at our family."
Riding up the elevator, Andy stayed by the glass looking down at the lobby. When we arrived at the restaurant, I had to stifle a laugh. Andy was dressed to match the interior. Red was everywhere. The carpeting, tables, and seating were all slightly different shades of the same color. We stepped into the restaurant and I noticed the slow rotation of the floor against the elevator.
"You're right, Sebastian. I am dressed for here." Andy couldn't stop grinning.
The hostess looked at us and a genuine smile crossed her lips. "Good evening. Do you have a reservation?"
Sebastian stepped forward. "Dinner for four under the name Montgomery. I reserved a booth next to the windows."
She looked at the list, making a notation. "Please follow me."
Following her with Andy and Abby in front we arrived at a table against a partial wall, giving us privacy on one side.
Andy stepped aside. "Abby. Would you like to sit near the window?"
She shook her head. "I've been here before. It's your night. Sit by the window."
Sebastian and Andy sat by the window. I was more than happy to sit next to the aisle. The rotation may be slow, but if I looked out the window too much, I thought I might hurl.
"Your server will be right with you. Enjoy your meal."
Once the hostess excused herself, I turned my attention to my lover. "You've made me wait until dinner so spill it. What did the lawyer say, exactly?"
Sebastian set down his menu, as all eyes focused on him.
"Arthur said I am now Andy's guardian. That means we are his guardians."
"And?" He kept grinning. "Why did it happen so fast? We thought it would take several months."
Flagging down a server, Sebastian asked for a glass of water. "The fact that my family is on the social register, the character reference from Leland, and my financial position, all weighed in my favor." Gesturing to Andy he smiled. "Arthur also said that Andy wanting to stay with us, and having plans for his education was a big plus."
Before he could continue our waiter arrived.
Abby looked at the menu and grinned. "I'll have a champagne cocktail."
"Ooohhh, that sounds delicious. I'll have one too. Try one, Isaac. Just try one. Please." Sebastian squeezed my hand, and the waiter looked at us, grinning.
"I'll try it. No promises. If I don't like it, I'll order a greyhound. Remember, I'm driving, so only one drink for me."
"Can I have one?" Abby smirked at Andy's request and looked away.
The waiter smiled. "We have the Shirley Temple. It's made with orange juice, ginger ale, and grenadine."
"He'll h
ave that." Sebastian grinned while I held back a laugh. Once the waiter left, I leaned on the table. "No booze until you are old enough to drink."
Abby nudged him with her shoulder. "You'll have plenty of time to have stronger drinks when you get older."
"I guess." He slumped in his seat.
Abby leaned in close and whispered in his ear. "You can have a sip of mine."
Sebastian was staring out the window and, when he turned, I could see he had been laughing. "From what Arthur explained, it was just that with my name, references, and everything in place that it went fast. There was no reason the judge could object. It also happened that the judge's brother is gay." Sebastian winked at me and we all laughed. "Now. What looks good on the menu?"
He looked over at Andy, "You can order whatever you want for dinner. It's your night."
Andy ended up ordering the biggest steak they had and a chocolate shake, in addition to the Shirley Temple. I had the beef stew served in a fisherman's sourdough loaf, Sebastian had the sea bass, and Abby ordered a Waldorf Salad.
Conversation flowed with Andy dominating it. Now that everything was final, he had no qualms about finalizing plans for his schooling, and which museums and galleries he wanted to investigate. He and Abby recently went to the Museum of Modern Art and Andy was fascinated by the acrylic art work. He loved the vibrant colors, and the way you could paint scenes that could pop off the canvas. He also showed interest in expressionism and impressionism which I had no clue what they were.
The conversation veered to the Palace of Legion of Honor which they visited the day before. It had an exhibit of Monet's work. Andy's expression changed when he talked about several paintings in a series called Water Lilies. There was a calm, almost reverent expression on his face when he spoke.
"They were so beautiful. I wanted so badly to touch them. When I first saw them, I told Abby they were the most beautiful paintings I had ever seen. She told me to look closer." Abby sat smiling as he spoke. "When I did, I couldn't believe it. The reflections in the water, the brush strokes, the care in the style! Isaac, Sebastian, it was so cool. There was so much I felt when I looked at it. I want to paint like that. When someone looks at one of my paintings, I want them to feel what I felt when I painted it."
An Unexpected Gift Page 10