The Gus Diaries

Part 72

Wedding I
 

Uncle Emmett has taken over our house and is driving Dad crazy -- or at least it would seem that way if I didn’t know they were such good friends.

It’s only a few days until Grandma Jen and Tucker get married, and Dad and Pop will be saying something in front of all the guests to show that they’re married, too. It’s kind of confusing. Pop said to think of it as if they’re renewing their vows.

All I know is that everyone always seems to be running around Britin these days, and Jeff and I are trying to stay out of it as much as possible -- which isn’t so easy since we’re both best men.

While Dad and Pop aren’t fighting like they were last week, the two of them are clearly uptight, especially Dad. This is certainly the seamier side of wedding preparations. It seems like everyone is being short with each other.

This morning was a perfect example. I was just cleaning up after eating breakfast. Dad was still reading the paper and drinking his second cup of coffee while Pop was out with Grandma Jen running another in a long string of errands. At that moment, the fabulous party planner, better known as my Uncle Emmett, flew into Dad’s path.

“Emmett, why the fuck are you always here? The wedding isn’t for four days. How fucking long does it take to put up a few chairs, some goddamn flowers and a canopy?”

“Brian, I’ll have you know that when I have to transform a setting not intended for such an occasion, it takes much more planning and labor, not to mention the artistic eye of an expert.”

“I live with an artist, let his eye lead your artistic eye in half the time.”

“Why don’t you move to another part of the house or go out so you don’t get so huffy?” Emmett was grinning -- wrong move.

“You want me out so you can add to this circus, not to mention your damn bottom line.”

“Leave my bottom line out of this.” Emmett winked at Dad. To say the least, Dad was not amused. “You have enough money to buy and sell all of us.”

“At least you’re not bringing in Golden Gardenias this time.”

“Well...”

I have no idea what a Golden Gardenia is, but for some reason Dad raised his eyebrow at Uncle Emmett’s obvious avoidance.

“You can’t be serious, you’re bringing in those ridiculously expensive things that will die about an hour and a half after the fucking ceremony, for a renewing of vows!”

“Now, now, don’t get your knickers in a knot. I’m just bringing in one small bunch for the boutonnieres. Let’s call it a special gift to Justin -- he doesn’t know.”

Dad looked at Uncle Emmett and suddenly his face changed dramatically. He went from pissed off to really soft, nodded and added a quiet, “Thank you. I’m glad you thought of it.”

“That’s my job.” Uncle Em threw his hand out in a rather grand and amusing way.

“You know it’s more than that, and I really appreciate it.”

I left the room, but then when they continued to talk, I couldn’t help stopping to listen -- must be the investigative reporter in me. I sat on the staircase and leaned back to relax.

Uncle Emmett’s voice grew more even and he toned it down a bit. “Brian, may I join you? Let me get you a cup of tea; I’m making some for myself.”

“I hate that crap; don’t we have any coffee in the pot?”

“This is a special blend. Just trust me and drink.”

“Last time someone said that to me about a cup of tea, it tasted like yak shit.”

“And you would know how yak shit tastes?” Dad laughed. “So what’s got you so upset?”

“What are you, my psychiatrist?”

“I’ll hang my shingle outside tomorrow, but for now what gives?”

There seemed to be silence. I could picture Dad staring at his cup of tea, not knowing how to express himself. It really makes me sad when I know there’s something wrong with him, and he can’t get it out.

“Brian, I may have been hired to arrange the most fabulous double wedding Pittsburgh and West Virginia have ever seen, but I sense that something else is wrong. You and Justin have been married almost two years. For you, this is just a formality. So dish, and I don’t mean about the weather.”

“Fucking queens have to be so damn sensitive.”

“Yeah, well, it’s part of my charm.”

“I heard from two uninvited guests right after your illustrious announcement went into the Pittsburgh Gazette.”

“Uninvited guests?” Uncle Emmett was clearly interested, and I must say so was I.

“Yes. First I heard from my nephew, John. The one who clearly takes after his maternal grandfather and his father.”

“That doesn’t sound good.”

“It’s not.”

“Wait a minute, I thought you and your sister were getting along.”

“We are, she’s been getting her chemo treatments regularly and staying with my sane nephew, Peter.”

“So, where does the less sane young man come into play?”

Dad huffed, “That’s a generous description. The evil spawn just learned that Claire put the house up on the market and he’s flipped out.” Shit, even I knew that could be trouble.

“He said he needs a roof over his head, or he won’t be able to find a decent job and live a stable life.”

“Oh really. Hmmm, may I remind you that when I left Hazelhurst, there was almost nothing in my wallet but a wish and prayer.”

“Well, obviously some people have more backbone than others. He said he’ll turn up on our doorstep at a most inopportune time, if you get my meaning, bags in hand if I don’t convince Claire to keep the house.”

“I hope you told him where he could stick it -- it would probably do him some good to have something up his ass.”

Dad snorted. “I told him that if he found an inexpensive apartment, I’d supply the first two months rent, but that if he dared come around here, I’d cut him off and have him arrested.”

“What did the little charmer say to that?”

“He actually had the gall to say I wouldn’t do it.”

“And you said...”

“Turn about is fair play.”

“Bravo, Brian.”

“Get your hands off me!” I almost laughed out loud imagining Uncle Emmett spontaneously hugging Dad.

“Oh shut up and let a friend hug you once in a while -- besides Michael. It’s good for the soul and it won’t kill you.”

Dad said nothing, but I have a feeling in the solitude of the kitchen, he let Uncle Emmett give him that hug.

“And your other uninvited contact?”

“Craig.” Shit!

“Justin’s so-called father and Jen’s ex?”

“One in the same.”

“What on earth could he want?”

“He wanted to make it clear that he thought this sham of a double wedding was going to hurt business, and he was going to bring it up to the board while Jen and Tucker were away on their honeymoon.”

“Can he do that?”

“He is still on the board and has quite a bit of stock in the company. Without Jen’s vote or proxy, he might just push through some changes that would go against everything the restructured company stands for.”

“So, spill the beans about what he’s doing.”

“And ruin Jen and Justin’s big day? They’re both so happy. I don’t want to fuck things up for them.”

“Oh, honey, you are in a predicament about that one, but don’t you think they’d want to know?”

Suddenly, the front door opened and in walked Grandma Jen and Pop. They were laughing and holding some large garment bags.

“Hi, Gus, what are you doing sitting on the steps?”

“Just hanging out and relaxing.”

“Wouldn’t you be more comfortable on an actual chair or sofa?”

“That’s okay, Pop, I’m fine.”

“Suit yourself.”

“Justin, I actually think I understand teens less now than when you were that age, if that’s at all possible.”

Pop laughed, “I don’t even try -- it makes it easier.”

“Maybe I should have tried that tactic years ago.”

They both laughed and headed directly into the kitchen.

“Brian, Mom and I picked up all the clothes for the wedding. Check this out.” There was a pause, some rustling of the garment bags and then silence. “Shit, you both look like you lost your best friend. What the fuck is going on?”

“Brian, did something happen to Tucker? Is he okay?”

Uncle Emmett chimed in, “Now, now, ladies. Don’t get overly dramatic.”

Pop chuckled, “That’s good advice from the biggest drama queen of the century.”

“No need to get testy. I think Brian needs to talk with both of you -- and the two of you need to keep level heads.”

“Okay, Brian, what the fuck is going on?”

“Jen, how do you feel about doing business right before your wedding?”

“What?”

“I was hoping to handle something myself, but a good friend made it clear that shouldering everything doesn’t always work.”

“I’ll just be getting back to setting up this extravaganza and making sure a few special boutonnieres are on the way.”

“You do that. And thanks for... well, thanks.”

“No problem, I remember a time or two when you shared your wisdom with me.”

I stood up to start walking upstairs as Uncle Em came out of the kitchen.

“So, Sweetie, how much did you hear?” Busted.

“Plenty.”

“Good. It’s important for you to know what a good, loving man your father is and always has been.”

“I had a feeling.”

“Confirmation’s not a bad thing.” Uncle Emmett winked at me. “Now get going, you wouldn’t want anyone to think you were eavesdropping.”

“I don’t eavesdrop.”

“No, of course not. You just have a healthy amount of curiosity.”

“That’s right.”

Uncle Emmett chuckled all the way to the front living room, mumbling something like, “They’d better watch out for that one -- he’ll be hotter than a pistol by the time he’s eighteen.”

I’m not sure if I should be insulted or complimented, but it didn’t matter. I was just glad that Uncle Emmett was able to get Dad to talk things out.

Now everyone could focus on the big event. At least I knew what Jeff and I would be doing on Valentine’s Day this year. No school dance, no diner, but walking down the aisle at a wedding -- hmmm, maybe someday -- but that’s a whole lifetime away.

[TBC]
 

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