Legal Artistry by Andrew Grey

Bobby. Dieter rang the bell and instantly heard barking. Mark opened the door, and Jolie ran up to Dieter, rolling onto her back to get her belly scratched.
    Dieter knelt down, scratching her belly until she rolled back over and raced back through the house. “Come on through. Dinner's almost ready,” Tyler said before leading them through the entrance hall and into the kitchen. “Mark's out back grilling the steaks,” Tyler explained before pulling the cork out of a bottle of Cabernet. “It shouldn't be much longer.” Tyler poured and handed them both glasses. The back door opened, and Kenny walked in, giving Bobby a hug and kiss before picking up his own glass.
    "How were things today?” Bobby asked his partner softly.
    "Quiet, thank God.” Kenny sighed before turning to Dieter and setting down his glass to exchange brief hugs. “Damn protestors who made big announcements about protesting a military funeral didn't actually show up. Not that I'm really complaining. No family who lost their son overseas should have to deal with those assholes, but we were on alert for trouble all day.” Kenny took a gulp of his wine before sliding an arm around Bobby's waist, obviously happy to be with his lover.
    "I heard about that,” Dieter commented. “That group from Kansas is really screwed up."
    "Yeah, they are,” Kenny agreed. “Let's talk about something better. How's the house coming?” Kenny asked him.
    "Really good. I spent last summer painting the outside, and last winter I got most of the inside rooms repainted and the carpets pulled up. The floors underneath were in great shape. All I needed to do was clean them and put down a coat of finish. Lately I've been doing some landscaping."
    "I saw,” Bobby said after lowering his glass. “It's looking really good.” The back door opened, and Mark came inside carrying a tray of steaks, setting it on the counter. Tyler set a huge bowl of salad on the counter, as well as some fresh fruit, and everyone filled plates as conversation filled the room.
    "By the way, Mark, I almost forgot,” Dieter said once everyone was seated, cutting into the perfectly done steaks. “I met with the lawyer today, and he asked if he could meet with you. He had some questions he hopes you can answer.” Dieter didn't know what good it was going to do, but he was determined to do whatever he could to try to get Gram's paintings back.
    "Sure. When did he want to meet?"
    "Will Saturday work?” Dieter asked.
    "Sure, about four?"
    "He gave me his number. Let me call him and ask.” Dieter pushed back his chair and stepped away from the table so he wouldn't disturb everyone as he placed the call. “Gerald, it's Dieter. I'm with Mark, my artist friend, and he was wondering if four o'clock tomorrow was okay?"
    "The sooner the better,” Gerald answered. “I'm free most of the day,” he offered.
    "At Mark's studio?” Dieter asked, and Gerald agreed. Dieter told him where the studio was located before disconnecting the call. He'd wanted to ask how Gerald was doing and make small talk, but he didn't think that was appropriate. Putting his phone back in his pocket, Dieter rejoined his friends. “He'll meet us at the studio at four,” Dieter told Mark.
    "What's the attorney for?” Bobby asked, and Dieter explained about the paintings and that they were seeing what could be done.
    "No way! The Woman in Blue is your great-grandmother? That's so cool!” Bobby exclaimed in excitement.
    "I guess it is, but the uncool part is that the painting, along with some others, probably belongs to my family. The lawyer's looking into getting them back,” Dieter explained.
    "How's it going?” Mark asked, and Dieter explained what the lawyers had told him already. “I don't think they have much hope at this point, but Gerald is trying to be thorough,” Dieter explained.
    "So this attorney, is he gay?” Bobby asked.
    Dieter chuckled, thinking of the night at the club. “Yes."
    "Is he cute?” Bobby pressed,