Legal Artistry (13 page)

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 though 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.

"Dinner,” someone called, and they all raced toward the deck, with Gerald and Dieter letting Kyle and Peter win, to whoops and high fives.

Gerald showed him where he could wash up, and after getting off the worst of the dirt, they returned to the patio, where the food had been set up, and after filling plates, they joined Mary and Elora at a table, while the rest of the adults talked at the other. Kyle and Peter brought their plates so they could sit next to their grandmother.

"It's always like this,” Mary said to him when Dieter peered toward the other table. “They're talking business. They always do."

"Gerald said you were a pianist. That's sounds lovely. I wish I'd learned to play when I was growing up."

"She plays beautifully,” Gerald explained, and Dieter saw Mary blush a little.

"You're totally biased,” Mary countered.

"True,” Gerald retorted, “but that doesn't make it any less true."

Dieter cut a small bite of his steak and began eating as the conversation continued. They asked what he did and where he lived and listened as Dieter explained all the things he'd done to fix up the house. “Gram left it to me, and I wanted to restore it as much as I could."

"Did you do the work yourself?” Elora asked between bites of potato salad.

"Most of it. There were things like electrical work that I couldn't do, but mostly I liked doing it. It let me do something creative with my hands."

Once dinner was over, the tables were cleared, and everyone sat and talked until the sun began to set. Everyone seemed to rise to leave at the same time. Dieter made sure to thank and say good night to everyone, shaking hands with the men and getting hugs from some of the ladies before following Gerald to his car.