“When I See You Smile”
“I’m sorry Sunshine, I’m not going to make it home on time,” Brian said into his cell.
It was Christmas Eve and Brian was stuck in Atlanta when a freak ice storm shut down the city and airport. He along with hundreds of holiday travelers were wondering if they’d ever make it home for Christmas dinner. Kinnetik had a new client that insisted that if they really wanted their business, the great Brian Kinney had to come to them to close the deal. Brian did and the deal was closed but at what cost?
“Okay,” Justin said bravely but Brian could hear the disappointment in his voice. It was their turn to host Christmas this year. Briton was truly a winter wonderland. The driveway was lined with small animated snowmen and candy cane lights. The twenty foot tree that adorned the foyer was complete with old fashioned bubble lights and a vintage angel tree topper.
Brian and Justin didn’t have the time to do it all themselves so they did the next best thing, they hired Pittsburgh’s number one party planner and their best friend to take care of it all. And did he! There wasn’t any inch of Briton that was left unadorned in vintage gold, silver, green, and red. There was even an antique menorah on the mantle in honor of Melanie.
Everything was set for dinner on Christmas Day with their whole cwazy widdle family. Except the unofficial head of the family wouldn’t be there.
“Promise me you’ll save a plate for me,” Brian teased.
“I promise,” Justin said. “Can you get a hotel room?” Justin hated the thought of Brian having to sit it out at the airport. Brian shook his head as he whispered, no. He’d have to tough it out like everyone else.
“They keep playing that old song, 'I’ll Be Home For Christmas',” Brian grumbled. It made the fact that he was going to miss the big day with his family all the harder to take.
“What song?” Justin asked. The song was a little before Justin’s time. Brian sighed as he rolled his eyes.
They talked nonsense for a few more minutes before Brian decided to shop around for something more comfortable to wear. Since he thought he was only going to be in town for the day, Brian only had the suit on his back and his briefcase.
“I’ll call when I get on a plane,” Brian said. “Later.”
“Later.”
*****
The taxi drove up Briton’s driveway; the snowmen waving a sad hello. A quiet and subdued Brian got out, paying the driver then slowly walking to the front door. The huge house was aglow with Christmas lights. Brian was sporting a two day old beard and his whole body ached from sleeping in airport chairs. He wasn’t in the best of moods. He not only missed the holiday, he missed spending time with his son.
Brian opened the door. Justin stood in front of the tree, his arms opened wide and smiling his biggest sunshine smile ever. Brian dropped his belongings on the floor and immediately went to Justin who engulfed Brian in a fierce hug.
“Thank you,” Brian murmured into the sweet smelling golden hair.
“For what?”
“Your smile,” Brian said as he gave Justin a kiss, pouring his heart, soul, and apology into it.
When they came up for air Justin led Brian into the dining room. That’s when Brian realized they weren’t alone. The table was elegantly laden with their finest dinnerware and all the platters and serving dishes brimming with their Christmas feast. Brian stood there staring as his friends and family cheered, wishing him a Merry Christmas. Gus ran to Brian to give him a hug.
As Brian approached the table he turned and there was that smile. And it was all, all right.
*****
When I See You Smile- Bad English
Sometimes I wonder how I'd ever make it through
Through this world without having you
I just wouldn't have a clue
'Cause sometimes it seems like this world's closing in on me
And there's no way of breaking free
And then I see you reach for me
Sometimes I wanna give up, wanna give in
I wanna quit the fight
And then I see you baby
And everything's alright, everything's alright
When I see you smile, I can face the world
Oh, oh
You know I can do anything
When I see you smile, I see a ray of light
Oh, oh
I see it shining right through the rain
When I see you smile
Baby when I see you smile at me
Oh, yeah
Baby there's nothing in this world that could ever do
What a touch of your hand can do
It's like nothing that I ever knew
Hey
And when the rain is falling, I don't feel it
'Cause you're here with me now
And one look at you baby
Is all I'll ever need, all I'll ever need
Sometimes I wanna give up, I wanna give in
I wanna quit the fight
Then one look at you baby
And everything's alright
Hey, everything's alright
It's alright