(picture to the right is Jonah)

 Chapter 3

 Finn

 "Did you talk to Liam about working with you yesterday?"  Benji asked as he pulled a bunch of fruit out of the fridge and started cutting it up for our breakfast.  I was at the stove about to cook us up some scrambled eggs.  Ajax was long gone to the office as he had an early breakfast meeting.

"No, Jonah came before I had a chance and you're right, he's very overprotective of him and I figured I'd wait until Liam got to know me a little better and then ask him without Jonah looking over his shoulder."

Benji chuckled, "yeah, Jonah can be a bit intimidating when it comes to Liam.  Liam had a rough childhood, well, in one way or another all four of them did, but Liam was the smallest and always seemed the most vulnerable, so they’ve always looked after him."

"Where's his mother now?"  I asked.  Benji's face fell and he looked a little uncomfortable.  He was quiet for a few moments, "it's okay Benji, you don't have to tell me."

"No…it's not that…it's just…" he turned and looked at me seriously, "it's just really sad & horrible.  Brett and Liam's father was really abusive, mostly towards their mother, but to the boys too.  I don't know all the details, but he was eventually arrested and sent to jail after he beat up their mother so badly that she was in the hospital for a week.  He got out after 2 years for 'good behaviour,' the prison forgot to inform Lynette and he showed up at her job; she was working a late night shift and when she went to catch a subway home he pulled her into an alleyway and beat, raped and killed her.  Someone heard her screaming, called the police, but it was too late, she was already…it was too late, all they could do was keep him from getting away before the police came."

"Oh my god!" I was so stunned I didn't know what to say. 

"I know," Benji breathed out.  "Aiden's grandparents took them in until Brett was old enough to get a job and their own place to live, thank goodness, I would have hated seeing any of those boys separated when they needed each other so much."

"Yeah, no doubt.  My situation was nothing compared to that.  Those poor kids."

"Yeah…Oh! Finn!  Dude!  Don't burn the eggs!" Benji suddenly called out.

"Ah!"  I quickly lifted the pan up and used my spatula to flip them over.  "All good."

I thought about Liam as we ate, "you know, I was going to go visit a few galleries today, maybe I'll see if Liam wants to go with and ask him then about working with me."

"You can borrow my car, Liam can meet us at the Boy's Club and while I work, you two can go check out the galleries.  I have a built in GPS, so just write down all the addresses before you go."

"Cool, should I call him?"

"Nah, he hates talking on the phone, I'll text him for you after breakfast."

After we cleaned up the kitchen I went to my studio to do some painting while Benji was doing some reading that his friend Joe had recommended for the classes he was taking next semester.  About an hour later he came out to the boathouse to let me know that after several texts, reassurances and encouragement, he had convinced Liam to come with me this afternoon.

"Great, I won't put any pressure on him to talk or anything," I promised, "I know what it's like to be shy."  The rest of the morning went quickly as it always does when I'm painting and before I knew it we were on our way.  When we arrived at the Boy's Club, Liam was waiting just inside the front door on a bench.  Benji greeted him with a quick half hug, which the small boy shied away from, but I knew Benji couldn’t help it.  My best friend and adopted brother had the biggest heart of anyone I knew and always wanted to let the ones he cared about know it.

"Here are the keys Little Dude, just meet me back here by 6:00 and we're good," he said tossing me the car keys.  Liam giggled a little and we both looked over at him.

"I know right?" I said to the small boy, "I'm way taller than him now and he still calls me that!"  I scoffed with a grin.

"Not 'way taller', barely an inch!" Benji objected

"Two inches at least!" I countered.  Benji rolled his eyes, but still held a grin.

"I'm off to work, you guys have fun, stay out of trouble and no taking Liam to any bars," Benji called out as he left.  Liam's eyes went wide.

"Don't worry Liam, I'm more interested in art galleries than bars," I assured him, "let's get going, yeah?"  The blue eyed cutie hopped up and nodded.  He had a small backpack with him which I'm sure held his sketchbook and pencils, so much like me at that age.

I plunked our first destination into the GPS and we were on our way.  I began telling Liam about the artist whose work we were going to see first.  I had a list from one of my art professors at Cooper Union of several good painters he wanted me to check out.  I also had two galleries to stop into to introduce myself; the ones who were interested in showing my new work when it was ready.

It was obvious that Liam had never stepped into a gallery before, I was pretty sure he probably hadn't been in any museums either so I decided that at some point soon I would take him to a few to show him some art history.

Liam looked around, his eyes full of wonder and amazement.  We looked at charcoal drawings and paintings and I tried my best to explain the different techniques we could see just as I was shown.  I met the gallery owner who told us a little bit about the painter who was originally from Mexico but had moved to this part of California when he was a boy.  It was a true rags to riches story and I hoped Liam would see that with  enough drive he could take his talent as far as he wanted.

We visited three galleries before my stomach started to growl.  I'd had a bit to eat before I left, but it wouldn't be enough to last until dinner and I was sure Liam had to be hungry too, so we stopped at a 50's style diner that Benji had told me about.  Liam hadn't yet said a word to me, yet we seemed to communicate fine with nods and head shakes.

"Are you hungry Liam," I asked as we sat down.  He shrugged his shoulders and then shook his head no.

"Did you have lunch earlier?"  He looked away and shrugged his shoulders a little again.

"Well I'm hungry and I'd be really embarrassed eating alone, so I want you to look at the menu and choose something. Would that be okay?  Otherwise I'll look really stupid," I chuckled.

Liam turned his head to the  menu that the waitress had given him just as she popped over to ask us what we'd like to drink.  I looked down at Liam, but he was focused on looking at all the choices.  "Liam, do you want chocolate milk?" I asked, knowing he liked that.  His eyes popped up and he nodded enthusiastically.  "Two large chocolate milks," I said to the waitress, "and we'll just need a minute with the menus."

"Anything look good?" I asked after a little while.  Liam pointed to a grilled cheese sandwich.  The waitress came over and I ordered Liam a grilled cheese with fries and a bowl of fruit and I ordered myself a western sandwich.  "Can you bring his fruit right away and then the sandwich after?" I asked.

"Sure thing hun, is this your little brother?" she asked with that 'isn't he so cute' voice.

"No, Liam's my new friend," I explained as I watched the boy blush, "we're both artists so we're spending the afternoon visiting galleries to get some ideas."

"Awww, that's so sweet," she cooed before she went back to get Liam's fruit.  When she returned she placed it in front of the small boy and actually got a small smile out of him.

"You don't have to eat it all," I said, "I just knew Benji would want me to make sure you got a healthy lunch." 

"I love fruit," he whispered as he picked up a fork. 

I wanted to fist pump, I finally got him to talk to me!  But I just smiled, not making a big deal about it.

"Liam, I have a bit of a problem," I began.  The small boy looked up as he chewed a mouthful of pineapple, his eyes full of concern.  "You see, I'm using Ajax and Benji's boathouse as a temporary studio and I have a lot of paintings to work on. I could really use an assistant; someone to help stretch canvases while I work, clean brushes, help me keep the place neat and clean.  The job doesn't pay much," Benji had warned me not to offer too much money or he would think it was charity, "but I was hoping you might be interested.  I'd teach you how to do it all and the basics of painting too, we could kind of work together, I'll make you a painting area too…it gets really lonely in my studio sometimes."

Liam looked at me from behind his wall of hair, chewed his lips slightly contemplating.  "What do you think?" I asked.  "I'd really like to work with you and I could really use your help." 

Tilting his head he quietly asked me, "How would I get there?"

"Benji and I would worry about that, so you don't have to.  Either he or I will pick you up, or if it's convenient your brother can drive you…and one of us will take you home at the end of the day…so will you do it?"

"I have to ask Brett first."

"Okay, you ask him and then text me.  Okay?"  He handed me his phone and I put my name and number in his contacts and sent myself a text so I'd have his as well.

After lunch we went to a few more galleries including one I hoped to show my stuff in called Catalyst.   The owner was a very flamboyant man in his late forties.  Francisco was very nice, but way over the top and I think he overwhelmed Liam fawning over him and practically squeezing his cheeks.  Poor Liam eyes wide as he tried to hide behind me until I was able to distract the man with questions on some of the paintings he was exhibiting.  He was good friends with Kristian from The Clearing Gallery in Brooklyn and said that if I was willing, as soon as I was ready he would schedule a show for me.

The last gallery, Juntado, was managed by a very handsome man in his mid-thirties named Garrett.  He had contacted me in New York when he'd heard from a friend that I was moving back to L.A.  The gallery was incredible, a very eclectic mix of many artistic mediums; painting, drawings, photography and sculpture.  It also included a large studio space where people could take art lessons, artists could offer workshops and there was even some space for young or upcoming artists who couldn't afford a studio of their own. I loved the gallery practically the minute I walked in, but after speaking with Garrett I knew this was the place I wanted to show my work, if  he'd have me.  As we walked around Liam flitted from piece to piece in his own quiet excitement, but never too far from my side.  Garrett smiled fondly at him.  "A budding artist," I told him, "I'm trying to convince him to be my new assistant."

"He might like to come to one of the workshops for young teens," he commented and I smiled as Liam walked around an abstract sculpture, inspecting it with a perplexed look on his face.

"Who told you about me?" I asked curiously.  Neither Declan or my professor had told me about this gallery and from my research it was fairly new, having opened about a year and a half ago, but it seemed very successful.

"I actually heard about you from a friend of a friend who had seen your show in New York and was very impressed.  We're always looking for new artists who are pushing the boundaries of art, unique in some way.  Your portfolio is very impressive and you have a fresh and progressive eye about you.  I really enjoyed your collaboration with the sculptor Elliott Eriksen, we purchased two of his sculptures from The Clearing for the gallery's collection, but all of your paintings were already sold."

"Well I have several more sketches of his work I plan to paint…"

"I hope I can convince you to show them here," he quickly asked.

"I really like Juntado, it seems like a gallery I can relate to, so yes, I'd love to show them here."

"You're welcome to use any studio space as well."

"I have a place right now, but I'll keep that in mind."  Garrett gave me his card and we made a plan meet for lunch in a few weeks to discuss my progress and when I might want to schedule my first showing.

"Are you ready to head back now Liam?"

"Mhm," he said with a nod.  We headed back to Benji's car and a half hour later pulled up to the Boy's Club.  I saw a guy with dark hair sitting on the steps reading a magazine.  When Liam saw him he sat right up with a wide grin.  "Brett!" he squeaked.

"Is that your older brother?"  He replied with a happy nod.  "Shall we talk to him about you becoming my assistant?"

"Okay."

After I parked, Liam opened the door and ran over to his brother, jumping into his arms.  "Hey Leelee," he said affectionately as I made my way there.  Liam stayed in his lap and rested his head on his big brother's shoulder.

"Hi, you must be Brett," I said as I approached, holding my hand out. "I'm Finn, Benji's friend."

"Hi, yeah, Benji told me about you.  Thanks for taking Liam with you today."  He looked down at his brother, "Did you have fun Liam?  Did you like seeing the galleries?"

"Yeah, they were really cool…um…Finn said he'd teach me how to paint if it's okay with you…annn…I can be his assistant."  Brett looked up at me.

"I asked Liam if he would come help me," I explained, "I'm working on several paintings for a show and I could really use an assistant.  I paint in the mornings and then in the afternoon I could work with him, teach him the basics, as a trade for his help, plus I would pay him for his time too…just for the summer, until school starts up again."

Brett looked back down at Liam who smiled up at his brother brightly.  "You really want to do this?" he asked him skeptically?  Liam nodded, "I guess it's okay, I mean, better than you hanging around the apartment by yourself while we work since you don't like to come here alone."

"Benji or I will pick him up, I'm staying with he and Ajax until I get my own apartment," he said "I could use his car until I find a decent used one."

"Some of the time, depending on my work schedule, I can give him rides too or Jonah can borrow my car.  I might also have some leads on a car, the shop where I work also sells used cars…um, when do you want him to start?"

"How about Monday?"

We set up our plans and I exchanged cell numbers with Brett as well before Benji came bounding out the door with a huge grin on his face.

"What's got you all giddy," I asked.  His face turned red as the other boys watched him with amusement.

"I'm just excited to see you, I'm still getting used to having you here!" He blurted out, grabbing me in a hearty hug.  "I've also ate too much chocolate ice cream and I'm really hyper, you'd better drive home."  He turned to Liam and Brett, "you guys want to come over for a barbecue tonight? I feel like hamburgers and hot dogs…and potato salad…and…what else Finn?"

"Corn on the cob!" I suggested, "and watermelon…and…"

"Apple pie?" a small voice added, much to our delight. 

"With vanilla ice cream!" I whisper shouted to Liam.  He looked up at his big brother and swiped his hair away from his eyes.

"Please?  Can we Brett?"

"Pleeeeaaasse," Benji whined, "go get Aiden and Jonah and meet us at the house in an hour.  Benji and I will stop at the store and pick up everything…bring bathing suits too, the pool hardly gets used, we'll make it a pool party!"

Benji was practically bouncing now and I gave Brett a pleading look.  "Yeah, I'll get the guys and we'll come."

"Yes!" Benji fist pumped, "come on Finn, we need to get the food."  He started running towards the car and I shrugged my shoulder at the boys with a smirk before I followed him.

"Don't worry," I said to them, "he'll calm down by the time you get there."

Forty-five minutes later, with a car full of groceries, we pulled into the driveway.  Benji had texted Ajax and luckily he said yes and came out a few minutes later in jeans and a T-Shirt to help us unload.  Luckily the process of grocery shopping had worked off a little of Benji's high energy, and Ajax's soothing and patient voice helped calm him down the rest of the way.

Everything except the burgers and hot dogs were pre-made, so when the boys came we were able to swim in the pool for a bit before starting the barbeque.  I took the opportunity to show Liam my studio and the other boys followed.  Brett had told Aiden and Jonah about our plans on the way over and I could tell that Jonah was a little distant with me.  He softened a bit when I showed Liam the corner of the studio I had set up for him, a canvas ready, paints and all the supplies he would need were organized on a shelf nearby marked with his name.

As we all headed back to the pool I tapped on Jonah's shoulder and gestured him back.  "Jonah, you don't have anything to worry about.  I just want to help Liam develop his talents as much as I can, just like a lot of people did for me when I was his age.  He's really talented Jonah, he could make a really good living with his art when he's older if he has a little guidance."

"I'm not worried," he replied a bit defensively, "I know he's really good, I don't want to stop him…he's just…" Jonah paused as if trying to find the right word, "fragile.  I don't want him to get hurt."

"I would never hurt him, no one here would," I promised, "and you're welcome here any time, if you want to come have lunch with him, stop in to say hi or just hang out by the pool while we work."   Jonah nodded his head before stepping out of the door.  Aiden and Brett were kicking around a soccer ball while Benji was showing Liam how to start the outdoor grill.

The boys seemed to have fun and the three older ones could certainly eat.  Luckily Benji and I had bought lots of food.  Liam picked at a hotdog, but ate some watermelon and apple pie.  Before they left we packed up all the leftovers, including a few other things that Benji snuck in the bag, for them to take home. 

"Have a good weekend Liam," I said to my small friend, "I'll see you Monday morning."

"Bye Finn," he answered with a small wave.

Ajax, Benji and I went inside to clean the kitchen before going to bed.

"You boys will be on your own for a couple of nights," Ajax said as he started the dishwasher.  "I have to fly to Puerto Vallarta for a business meeting tomorrow."

"When will you be back?" Benji asked.

"Early Sunday afternoon Baby, by lunchtime so we'll have the rest of the day together."

"Okay…Evan and Peter want to meet Finn, is it okay if we go to the club tomorrow night?" Benji asked.

"I don't know Benj, do you think that's a good idea?"

"Everyone there knows I belong to you, none of the Doms would come near me, it's probably the safest place to hang out, Master Phillip will be there, Rob, Gavin.  Please, I promise I'll be on my best behaviour…I'll save my bad behaviour for Sunday night," he added with a smirk.

While I was putting dishes away I noticed Ajax look to me before he returned his attention to Benji.  "It will be fine Sir," Benji said.

"Do you want to go to the club Finn," Ajax asked, "you know what kind of club it is?"

"Yeah Ajax, Benji's told me all about it, I'm fine with it."  He looked at me skeptically.  "Ajax, I'm not that little boy anymore, I can take care of myself…have been for the last 3 years."

"We're just going to have a few drinks with Peter and Evan, maybe dance a bit and then come home early."

Ajax let out a big sigh, "Okay, but I want you to text me hourly until you get home."

"Yes!" Benji whooped before jumping onto Ajax's back.  "You're the best!  Thank you Sir, Sir Studly, Sir Sexilicious, now take me to bed and ravish me, sex me up cowboy, I need it to last the next 2 days."

I rolled my eyes and laughed as Ajax rolled his too with a sigh carrying Benji piggyback off to their bedroom.  "Sigh all you want, but that boner you're packing tells another tale!" I could hear Benji saying as they walked down the hallway.

I grabbed a water bottle and shuffled tiredly off to my room.