FINDING DARIN
PART 21
When they turned off the main road into the long driveway, which led to the house, Brady turned to Darin and asked, "Why are we stopping here? I thought we had reservations for seven."
"I wanted to show you something," Darin replied casually. "I stopped out here the other day and I saw something I think you might like."
"If this is a joke, it’s not funny," Brady said crossly.
Darin pulled Brady’s left hand to his mouth and kissed the back of his knuckles. "Don’t you trust me?" he asked sincerely. He was trying not to smile and give away the surprise.
"You know I trust you," Brady answered, becoming rather irritated. "Just tell me why we’re stopping here."
Pulling up to the open door of the garage, Darin turned off the engine and opened his car door. "Close your eyes," he said softly. "I have a surprise for you." He walked around to Brady’s door and opened it. Reaching for his hand he pulled him to his feet. "Please, just close your eyes and I’ll show you your surprise."
"If it’s what I think it is, I’ve already seen it," Brady joked. "Besides, I’m hungry."
"I promise, as soon as I show you this, we’ll go eat. Now close your eyes, please," Darin insisted.
"Okay," Brady finally agreed, closing his eyes and holding out his hand for Darin to take.
Darin led him, eyes closed, through the garage and out onto the patio. Once they were outside, he told Brady to open his eyes. "Surprise!" his friends shouted as he looked around.
"What is all this?" he asked, stunned. A large group of their friends were gathered on the patio, Tony and Tim, Randi and Lisa, Jake and David, Mike and a few other people that Brady didn’t recognize. He stood there for several moments, surveying the scene. The patio was decorated with hundreds of brightly colored balloons and paper lanterns were strung between the main house and the cottage. "Darin, what’s going on?" he asked again.
Darin didn’t answer. Instead, he took Brady in his arms, kissed him and hugged him close, tears slipping across his handsome face. Finally, after a few moments, he leaned back and looked into Brady’s eyes. "Happy Birthday, Babe," he whispered. Then, he did something that caught even himself by surprise. He knelt down on one knee and, holding a house key in his hand, looked up at Brady and asked, "Brady Tortellino, would you give me the honor of sharing this home with me, now and forever?"
There was a weird silence that fell over everyone. Brady stared into Darin’s deep brown eyes and began to cry. Finally, he leaned down and kissed Darin. Not a passionate kiss, but a kiss that was filled with love, none the less. Dropping to his knees in front of Darin, he whispered, "Nothing would make me happier."
"He said yes!" Darin shouted as they both rose to their feet. Their friends clapped and cheered. To Brady, he whispered, "I love you with all my heart."
Brady just smiled and said, "Ditto." Then he wrapped his arms around Darin and kissed him. This time the kiss was filled with passion.
After several minutes, Tim cleared his throat and said, "Gees, guys. Get a room!" Then he punched a button on the CD player and ‘Happy, Happy Birthday Baby’ began playing. Darin hugged the birthday boy and kissed his forehead while the others crowded around, offering hugs and congratulations.
Jake guided the two toward one of three long buffet tables that were set up near the garage. From inside the cottage, Tony appeared carrying a large cake. It was decorated with pink and yellow roses and ‘Happy Birthday Brady’ written in burgundy script. Twenty-six candles glowed atop the beautiful confection and seven porcelain sheep figures adorned the plate. Once again, Tim inserted a CD into the player and pushed the play button. ‘Happy Birthday’ began as everyone joined in singing,
"Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday, Dear Brady,
Happy Birthday to you."
"Oh, Darin, it’s beautiful," Brady gasped. Kissing him on the cheek, he added, "Thank you so much."
"Don’t thank me for the cake," Darin replied, "Jake did that," he added as the song finished.
"Make a wish! Make a wish!" everyone chanted.
The cake was set on the table next to where Brady stood. He turned to face the group of friends and said, "I feel like so many of my wishes have come true already so I’m not sure what I should wish for."
"Just blow out the damn candles!" Tim shouted. While everyone laughed, Brady did just that.
Randi, Jake and Lisa set about putting trays of sliced deli meats, buns and assorted salads onto the table, while Darin took Brady to view the house. "Don’t go too far," Jake warned, "We’re eating as soon as it’s all set up." Tony wheeled a large cooler, filled with soft drinks and beer, from the garage and opened it. Several guests picked cans from amid the ice and water.
"We’ll be right back," Darin promised, leading Brady up the stairs to the master bedroom. Sliding the door open, he stepped into the immense space. The room seemed even larger with the carpet and wallpaper removed. "I thought your bed could go over there, under the windows," he said, pointing to the far wall. "What colors should we go with in here?"
"Are you sure you want to keep that old thing?" Brady questioned, "The stuff from your house is so much nicer, aren’t you gonna keep some of it?"
Hugging the younger man, Darin replied, "Most of that stuff was wedding gifts. Jan and I never put much thought into furnishing that house. I want
us to furnish this home
together."
Their hug was interrupted by a knock on the door. "Sorry to bother you," Steve said, sliding the door open. "We’re gonna take off now," he added.
"Don’t go yet," Darin insisted. "Brady, I want you to meet Steve. He’s the one who’s been doing the renovations on the house," he added. "Steve, this is my partner, Brady."
"Happy to meet you," Steve replied shaking Brady’s hand. "So, you like the house?"
"I love it," Brady answered, pulling Steve close and giving him a tight bear hug. "You’ve done a wonderful job. Please, stay and eat with us."
"We don’t want to intrude," Steve said, stepping back.
"No, really, I’d like you to stay," Brady said.
"Okay, if you insist," Steve accepted the invitation.
"I insist," Darin stated. Then, looking at Brady, he smiled and corrected, "
We insist. Come, walk with us for a minute." The three of them proceeded to tour the house and view the work that had been completed.
"The windows are all double insulated," Steve pointed out. "We actually didn’t have to add any insulation to what’s already in these walls. You got yourself a really good house here," he added.
"I always thought so," Brady said, smiling at Darin.
"As soon as you decide on paint colors and wallpaper, my boy Luke is ready to start in here," Steve said. "I left some samples and paint chips in the kitchen.
"I’ll look at them after we eat," Brady promised. "Which one is Luke?"
"The hot young one with the spiky blond hair and the nice tan," Darin replied.
Steve made a fist and drew back like he was going to punch Darin. "Careful, I’ll whoop your ass," he laughed.
"Hey, bring it on, old man," Darin joked, punching Steve lightly on the shoulder.
"You guys are weird," Brady said, joining in the laughter.
While they walked through the house, Steve shared some ideas for remodeling the laundry room to add another bathroom. "It would save you a lot of headaches since the one in the hallway doesn’t have a shower," he stated.
"Plus, if we do it right," Darin said grinning, "We could make it as much a playroom as a bathroom."
Brady swatted Darin’s arm. "Would you behave?" he giggled.
"I was thinking the same thing," Steve added, his grin rivaling Darin’s. "A kinda, locker room, thing. I could even put in a couple urinals along that wall there." He pointed to the long wall just inside the door.
"Hell, drill a couple glory holes and we’re in business," Darin said, laughing again.
"Oh, I see I’m gonna have to watch you two," Brady scolded.
"Seriously, though," Steve advised, "There’s already a drain in the floor over there and it would be nothing to tap into that sewer line over there. Then, we could put in a block shower there, and a sink and toilet, or two," he winked at Brady and smiled, "Over there. Then, we could partition off that section there for your laundry room. You’d still have plenty of room for two washers and dryers along that back wall and a folding table here." He indicated where everything would go while Darin studied the room, trying to visualize what Steve was saying.
"I think it would work," Darin agreed. "Do we need any more permits for that?"
"You’re not changing the dimensions of the existing structure so, no," Steve told him.
Brady shook his head and smiled. "Then, let’s do it," he said as Darin put his arm across his shoulders and hugged him.
"Come and get it!" Tim hollered from the top of the stairs.
As they scrambled up the steps, Darin asked Steve, "How hard would it be to paint the brick on the front of the house?"
****
The party was winding down. Most of the guests had already left when Adam arrived. "Knock, knock," he called as he stepped from the garage onto the patio. It was dark but the Japanese lanterns that were strung between the buildings gave a festive glow to the surroundings.
"Hey, Adam," Darin called. "Glad you could make it."
"I had a bitch of a time finding the place," Adam said, laughing. Looking around, he added, "Very nice!" Handing a small, wrapped package to Brady, he said, "Happy Birthday, Sport. Rodney said you’d like this."
Looking at the tag, which read, ‘From Rodney and Adam,’ he said, "You guys didn’t have to do this. Thanks," he added, tearing the paper and revealing a CD. Holding it for Darin to see, he said, "This is the one who sings that song."
"Which song?" Darin asked.
"The one about the angels," Brady replied. "You remember the one I left in your car."
A huge smile overtook Darin’s handsome face. "Oh, yeah, I remember. I love that song."
"Ya gonna innerduce us?" Tony asked Darin. Reaching his hand toward Adam, he said, "Hey, I’m Tony, ain’t ya’ll jus’ the cutest thang."
Adam stared up at the taller man. "Damn, you’re tall," he said as he shook Tony’s hand. "Shit, I feel like a midget next to you," he continued, smiling.
"Most fellers do," Tony stated, rubbing his hand across Adam’s buzz cut head.
While Darin introduced Adam around, Brady placed the CD into Tim’s player. As the music began, Randi approached and put her arms around him. "Happy Birthday," she said. "I’m glad you got this house."
He hugged her tight. "Thanks," he said, kissing her cheek. "He’s full of surprises, isn’t he," he added, indicating Darin.
She nodded. "He told me he wanted to keep it a secret. You better hang onto this one."
Squeezing her once again, he replied, "I fully intend to."
"So, have you decided on how you’re going to use the grant money yet?" she asked.
"We’re still working out the details but I plan to move the shelter here."
"That’s wonderful," she said, "Just like you talked about when you first looked at this place."
He nodded again. "We drew up papers and formed a corporation, it’s called BraDar Corp, and Darin and I are the executive officers."
How long till the other shelter closes?" she asked.
"We have to be ready to move everything here in two weeks," he answered. "I tried to get them to extend it a couple weeks but they’re firm. If I had to, I suppose I could rent the building for a couple weeks after that but the board won’t let me operate under their name."
"What will they do with all the equipment that’s there?"
"They said they were gonna auction it off but Darin put a proposal together to make them an offer and see if they’ll just sell it to us."
"Sounds like you have it all figured out, huh?"
He smiled, leaned closer and whispered, "It helps to have a rich boyfriend."
She laughed, "You’re awful. But, yeah, it doesn’t hurt."
"By the way, how’s your brother?"
"He’s much better," she returned. "Anxious to get home." She turned away, trying to hide her tears.
Brady put his fingers on her chin and pulled her face back toward his. "What’s wrong?" he urged.
She pulled away. "I’m sorry," she apologized. "I went by his place to pick up his mail and that horrid man told me he’s behind in his rent again."
"How can that be?" Brady inquired.
Pulling a tissue from her pocket, Randi wiped her nose. "I asked him that," she replied. "He told me that he owes almost three months. I asked Rodney about it and he thought he was current."
"That’s not possible," Brady interrupted, "Darin paid what that guy told him was past due…"
"He did what?" she asked, her face turning angry.
"Don’t be mad," Brady urged. "I wasn’t supposed to tell anyone."
"Oh, no, I’m not mad at you…or Darin," she stated. "I’m pissed at that asshole that runs that place. He told me Rodney hasn’t paid anything for three months and that I’d have to pay almost six hundred dollars to bring it current. Rodney told me he paid him two seventy-five, which was what he owed to bring him up to date. Now you’re telling me that Darin paid it as well?"
"That’s what he told me," Brady confirmed. "Let’s ask him. Darin!" he called. "Can you come over here?"
"What’s up?" Darin asked when he and Adam joined them.
"Randi tells me that she went to Rodney’s place and some guy told her he’s behind on his rent," Brady told him.
"That’s impossible," Darin argued, "I paid it ahead."
"And Rodney said he paid it to current," Randi added. "Did you get a receipt?"
"Yeah, I did," Darin assured her.
Adam piped up, "Who are you talking about?"
"The guy who runs the trailer park where my brother lives," Randi said. "He’s saying that he’s behind on his rent but we know he’s not."
"Is his name Henry Davis?" Adam inquired.
"I don’t know his last name but his name’s Henry," Darin answered. "Why? You know him?"
"We’ve had problems with him before. Looks like I’m gonna have to pay him another visit," Adam said, smiling.
Darin placed his hand on Adam’s shoulder. "Oh, let me," he said, smiling. "I promised him that, if he gave Rodney any shit, I’d be back. Looks like I need to follow through on that promise."
"I can’t just let you go out there on your own," Adam replied.
"Then go with me," Darin urged, "But, either way, I’m going to visit that man." His jaw tightened as his anger welled up inside him. "I’m sick and tired of people taking advantage of him. It’s time somebody stood up and said, ‘enough’."
"Why don’t we just go and bring his trailer here?" Brady offered.
Darin looked at him. "Are you sure about that?" he asked.
"Why not? I mean, we’ve got plenty of room. In fact, why not let him stay in the cottage? The doctor said he wants him to have somebody stay with him." He looked at Randi as Lisa walked up behind her and wrapped her arms around her. "This way, he’ll be closer to family."
Darin put one arm over his shoulder and the other over Adam’s and pulled them closer. With his left hand, he motioned for Tim and Tony to join them. "We may not fit the standard mold but, we’re family. And family takes care of each other." All seven of them stood in a circle, their arms linked. They shared a group hug before splitting off and giving each other individual hugs.
"I knew you guys were good people," Adam said, tears in his eyes as he hugged Darin. "I’m so proud to have you think of me as family," he added, standing on his toes to hug Tony around the neck.
"Man, all this huggin’ an’ lovin’ makes me thirsty," Tony said with a laugh. "I need a beer." Rubbing Adam’s head again, he added, "Welcome to tha flock, Bro."
****
It was a very determined group that headed toward Redfield on Sunday. Tony had borrowed his friend, Robert’s, dually pickup and he and Tim led the way. Darin and Brady followed in the Mustang with Randi and Lisa bringing up the rear in Randi’s Ford. Adam waited, at the county line, in his police cruiser until the other three vehicles passed, then he joined them for the drive to The Pines. About half a mile from their destination, they pulled over to discuss their plans.
Randi would go in first, drive directly to the trailer and park in front. She and Lisa would go inside to begin packing up Rodney’s belongings. Tony, Tim and Brady would wait until Henry showed up and they would call Darin, who would then move in and put Henry in his place. Tony and the boys would keep Henry occupied until Darin and Adam arrived. Once they were certain that everyone knew the plan, backward and forward, they drove the short distance to the trailer park.
Arriving at the trailer, Randi and Lisa parked behind Rodney’s beat up Mustang and went inside. Within about five minutes, Henry’s truck pulled up. He marched to the door and pounded on it with his fist. When Lisa opened the door, he hollered, "I thought I told that other gal that nobody was takin’ nothin’ outta here till I got paid for the back rent!" Lisa blocked the door while Randi called Darin and apprised him of the situation.
"I believe it’s being taken care of," Lisa said as Henry tried to push his way inside. Having heard Tony arrive in the truck, she added, "And you’re not welcome in here." He tried, once more to push his way inside she, once again, prevailed.
"The lady said ya’ll wasn’t welcome," Tony warned as he approached from the front carrying a tire iron. He had no intention to actually use the tool, he merely carried it for effect.
"N-Now look, I…I don’t want no trouble," Henry shouted, backing away from the door. Brady and Tim rounded the back of the trailer blocking his retreat. "I…I’ll call the cops!" he warned, pulling a cel phone from his pants pocket. He dropped the phone on the ground and bent over to pick it up, revealing more than a fair amount of butt cleavage in the process. Tony towered over him, glaring and the two younger men stepped forward, trapping him between the trailers.
TO BE CONTINUED
