Chapter 143
After what I would describe as a good first week back, I was ready to return to work. Work had become my `thing' in recent years, and whilst I had cut back, I still have certain things that were more passion than work. My airline was one of those things.
I had insisted Michael return to university, as he'd had far to much time away, and really, I needed a break from him. Having him shadow me everywhere, sleep with me, I was becoming slightly closed in by him, and whilst unintentional, I needed that space.
It seemed normal to have my driver drop me at the foyer to the building that housed the airline in downtown Sydney, and whilst it wasn't my first choice of corporate headquarters, for now it was a stop gap, and I really didn't want the upheaval of staff after having just acquired the airline. Baby steps I reminded myself.
The opening of the doors of the executive floor, Jane was waiting at the elevator for me and embraced me in a hug. It was a big move for Jane, knowing how she wasn't a fan of personal affection. I hugged her back, it was good to see her. In fact, it was good for me to be back.
"Without sounding pushy, I am actually heading into a fleet meeting, I was hoping you'd join me if you felt up to it." She cautioned
"Up to it?" I exclaimed "Jane darling, I wouldn't be here if I couldn't give you 110%" I said as she lead the way to the board room.
Walking in there were a few surprised faces to see me enter. My arrival was unplanned and caught many off guard. They were about to discuss arrivals of our new jets which were due with the first one in the coming days.
"So, our first A350, where is it off to?" I asked excitedly.
"Well, sir, we are having a few issues, we are struggling to get slot spaces around the globe due to the increase in travel post the pandemic" said the General Manager of scheduling.
"So, what is our plan?" I asked
Silence filled the room. No one had a plan. As Jane cleared her throat I raised my hand in a motion to stop her.
"Ok, I have 200 planes on order. The first one is basically on its way, and we have no international slots to fly her?"
"Yes" Jane said "We keep getting stonewalled and being told we have Australia's national carrier threatening to pull out if we fly to their Airports. Many are scared of taking on an unknown airline."
"OK, I guess I am going to have to go sell our soul overseas! I will leave in the morning and keep in contact. I need the heads of sales, ticketing, Marketing and People all ready to meet me at the Airport, general aviation at 6am in the Morning. They can each bring an assistant, and we will gone until we are done. Am I clear"
Still more silence filled the room, and I think the Senior Leadership Team thought I was bonkers. But no. I wasn't about to fail.
I stood and left the office. The marketing man in me had just been delivered his biggest project to date.
Arriving home I had my team pack me a few bags, I was not sure where I was going.
"Sam, Sam, get in here" I yelled from my room.
"I need appointments with the CEO's of Airports in Singapore, New Zealand, Thailand, Hong Kong. Stuff it, just get my foot in the door anywhere around the world in the next few weeks. Preferably 15hr flying distance from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane"
"Can I ask what is going on?"
"How do you feel like a global tour with me?"
"Of course, but can I just get an idea?"
"I need slots. As many as possible, and whilst you are at it, I want to teleconference with every regional Airport in Australia. We are about to make air travel fair for everyone, even if it bankrupts me"
"OK, on to it. I will just let James know."
"Sorry, I shouldn't be an absolute shit. I probably should leave you here to man the phones, and I will bring Michelle. Since we don't have Jackson, she's a little redundant."
It stopped me in my tracks. I had not thought of the implications to those around me in loosing Jackson. I hadn't even spoken to Michelle and she must be feeling very anxious about her employment. I felt bad. I felt like I had let those around me down through my own self pity. I needed more self awareness.
"Sam, do you know where Michelle is at the moment?"
"Not sure, I could find out. Chris should know."
"Thanks"
The conversation had knocked the wind out of me slightly and I was wandering around my room when Chris entered.
"Hey boss, you looking for Shelly?"
"Yeah, I wanted to have a talk with her."
"It's ok boss. She knows she's losing her job, shes prepared for it."
"What? No. Where is she"
"At home"
"Get the car, lets go"
The 5 min drive to their apartment was mostly quiet. I was trying to figure out what to say, and Chris was distracted by the `Crazy Australians who drive on the wrong side of the road' as he would say. Pulling up we took the elevator to the penthouse.
"How did you score a penthouse." I asked
"I have a crazy generous boss" he smiled.
As the door opened, I could look from one side of Bondi beach to the other. A spectacular view I had to admit.
"Wow, look at that" I gasped
"I'm learning how to surf, poorly, but trying" Chris chimed in.
Just as he said that, a pregnant Michelle walked in.
"WTF? Why didn't I know" I said hugging her
"You've been a little occupied, and we didn't want to bother you."
"Never. I am thrilled for you. Chris is the father, right" I joked
Chris pushed me, slightly knocking me off my feet, all in good humour, and probably deserved after my comment.
"Seriously, I am thrilled"
"Good, because there was something we wanted to ask you. We know it's a boy. He's due in 4 months, and we'd like to call him Jackson. If it weren't for Jackson, I would never have been employed by you, and I would never had met Chris."
I teared up, I really hadn't thought that through, and she was right. When Jackson was first admitted to hospital in Munich, it was Michelle who cared for him.
"I am really touched. Really, I am. I can't really say much more or I will lose it, so let me just say thank you and leave it at that"
I hugged them both and took a seat. I needed it as my legs were suddenly weak.
"I actually came for a few reasons. The first being to apologise for not talking to you sooner. Chris indicated that you thought you'd be out of a job. Far from it. In fact, I need you now more than previously. I am going away tomorrow on business, not exactly sure where we are going, it's long story. But obviously Chris will be travelling with me, sorry Chris, it's just come up, but I am leaving Sam behind to work here on some projects and I won't have my right hand. I need you to take his place for me."
"Really? I wasn't expecting this. Yes, I'd love the opportunity"
"Good, Settled. Airport 6am" I said before adding, "You have a job for life, both of you do. Do not ever think otherwise. You guys are like family to me."
Hugging Michelle I looked at Chris, "To the bat cave" I said smiling as we left so he could take me home.
"I think Michael is going to be a little sad with me leaving with no notice." I said hoping he'd add some advice.
"You two have become close, I've noticed. Without prying, can ask I what is going on?"
"You can ask all you want, but I am not sure I know."
"Is it rebound?"
"Who? Him or me?"
"Both"
"I wish I knew. We've had sex once in 9 weeks, so it's not exactly a sexual thing. I just don't know"
"Well, he's a big kid. He' like a brother, I am sure he will talk to me soon. He's still fucking angry with Karl. He won't admit it, but he is. Not sure if you know, but it was me he told he was gay. We had been deployed and some guy had broken his heart before leaving. He was fucking angry and anyone who like sideways at him was destroyed. I pulled him aside. Asked him if it was about a girl. He said no, but his eyes teared up. I asked him it was about a guy, and he couldn't answer me. He knew he'd be booted from the Seal Program if they knew he was gay, or bi. But I took it as a yes. I hugged him and told him I didn't care, he was still my god damn best friend in the world. That cemented our brotherhood."
"You really are full of hidden surprises"
`I don't care if a guy likes cock or pussy or both. I am comfortable in my own skin to know what I like, and what and I enjoy, and it's the sweet nectar of a woman."
"Ok ok, I get the picture you sick bastard" I laughed.
Chapter 144
Departing Sydney with a team of Airline executives on my private jet was bittersweet. In reality I would have preferred to take our own jet but as it hadn't arrived yet, time was against us to sure up slots to make a go of this business.
Capt. Don kicked back and let her roar down the run way as the morning sun shimmered off the bay and in the through the windows.
"This is it people, be ready to sell our souls if we need to. We aren't returning unless we have 10 airports minimum." I said to the team who I had not really spent much time with.
Levelling out I pulled them all in to the board room and went over some plans I had worked through the previous evening. Having not worked in the industry they were surprised I knew so much and what the expectations were. I noticed a few smart cookies in the bunch, and one or two who had passed their use by. We were going to make this happen.
"Right, just over two hours until we hit Auckland. Have some breakfast, feed yourself, because the plan is after Auckland, Christchurch, Nadi then arriving in Singapore before bed."
Sitting back in my seat, relaxing and thinking, I knew I was still struggling with my grief, and that would take time, but, throwing myself in to work was a way for me to keep busy, plus I did get enjoyment out of it. For the first time since Jacksons passing, I allowed myself to wonder what my future love life would be like. No one could or would replace Jackson, but, what if I found someone who I could maybe love a little and they love me back. These days it was going to be tricky to see who loved me and not my bank balance. There was Michael, but I wasn't sure where that was heading, or if I wanted it to head anywhere. I loved him, but it was a different love. I wasn't sure it could transpire to a romantic love, and I would never hurt him like that with the temptation.
It was with this thought I did the dreaded. I pulled out my phone and I downloaded Grindr. Jackson and I had used it before, but on his phone when we were looking for a third to play with, but I had never had it. I guess a part of me was curious, and probably a little excited by it.
I was disappointed that when I did finally set it up, minus a profile picture, that there was no one on my grid. I realised that 39,000ft up across the middle of the Pacific not to many guys were cruising for cock.
Coming into land I was feeling positive. We had been cleared to use an airbridge attached to the terminal rather than General Aviation as we were guests of the Airport and it was not in use. It was something a little out of the ordinary for a private jet, but its size was ranked in the top 10 private planes in the world.
"Probably about 2hrs Don. Have the crew rest, refuel and then we head south."
"All good Grant. Good luck. Let's kick some goals."
We were greeted at gate by the Airport CEO who, after introductions, walked us through to a board room on gate side so we didn't have to do customs.
As coffee was poured, we started a light conversation about our expansion plans. I turned to our New Zealand plans.
"Trans-Tasman flights are both our countries bread and butter, what I am about to propose to youis a considerable offer that will see us as your number 1 international visitor to land in your airport, and probably bigger than your own national airline. I will now pass over to my team"
As my team spoke about the airline, I realised they were missing a major factor. Passion. They just didn't have it in them. I guess a part of them were apprehensive in front of the boss, but this was the first stop and it sounded like they were at the end of the run.
I interrupted and took charge. "40 flights per week to Auckland, $23 per seat, 5yr contract, purpose-built lounge, our own team at gates and check in, works out around $15m a year."
"40 flights a week? That's a massive increase on existing flights by your competitor. How do you prepose this will work."
"Sydney -- Auckland $149 each way, full service. That's our base price, not a special, our base. 300,000 New Zealanders live in Australia. New Zealand is Australia's largest international holiday destination. Trust me, it will work. I am not in this business to gouge customers. I am in this business to make flying affordable. The simple question is, do we have a deal?"
"Make it $23.50"
"I'll make $23AUD."
"I can work with that." The CEO said as both our teams sat in stunned silence as we negotiated between the two of us. I knew our Australian competitor was paying slightly less than what I offered, but I needed to make a mark. It had worked.
"Well, I will say, I have an airline to sell to the world. Our lawyers will be in touch, and if anything differs from this conversation, please, here is my card. Ring me"
"Certainly. I will say, I was fully intent to say no to you. But, for someone not from the industry, you certainly know your stuff."
"I was expecting you to say no, and I was prepared to offer Christchurch more" I laughed.
"Oh, there's one more thing. I'd like first flights to happen in 60 days."
"Damn, OK, we will do our best."
"Be sure you do" I said as shock hands and waked out of the board room. 45mins. In and out. I hadn't expected that.
Walking back on to the plane, Don was surprised to see us so soon. "I guess that didn't go to good"
"Quite the opposite Don, we are no flying to Auckland! Let's get this bird in the air, my day just got better. Team, board room now" I instructed everyone.
As everyone settled down, I basically told them they were shit. I couldn't sugar coat it. Whilst it hit a nerve, I didn't really care.
"Show some enthusiasm, put some fun in to your presentation. Show some bloody passion" I said to them all. "We have 1:15 before we land next. I want it to be a show stopper!"
Christchurch came and went with no success, they were scared being black banned by our major competitor, I wasn't saddened by it, but it was positive to see the team perform better. It was as we were boarding that Sam rang with a break through. Tokyo were calling. We had a face to face with the CEO of the largest airport in the country in the morning.
"Don, change of plans, Tokyo Hendra is our next stop."
"On to it boss!"
"Buckle down folks, we have 10hrs ahead of us. Get some sleep, eat, rest, chill."
I went in to my bedroom and laid on the bed. I could smell the aroma of Jacksons cologne on the pillows. It didn't make me sad. It comforted me and helped me go to sleep for a few hours.
We met with the Hendra team and were able to score a deal. Whilst not as many slots as we hoped for, it would still make it a very profitable route in the long run with flights from the east and west coast to Tokyo.
As we headed to Singapore we diverted via Hong Kong for an introduction, with no possibility to present, but we had our foot in the door. I suggested after 2 days we spend an additional night in Singapore and regroup and jig our presentation a little. We arrived and I was driven to Raffles where I entered the suite. Chris was looking jet lagged and Michelle like death.
"You OK Kiddo?"
"Yeah, little shit hates flying he just told me"
I laughed and told her to rest.
"Chris, I am just going to stay in and order room service. Get some rest. You look like shit too"
"Thanks Boss."
I showered and changed before opening a bottle of wine and sitting on my balcony. I was checking my emails on my phone when I received a Grindr notification.
"You're close by" The message read
"It says you are 50m away. I guess Raffles"
"Correct. Do you have a pic?"
"I do, but not yet. I am on the DL. Not hiding, just discrete"
His picture made him appear to be a Greek god. Tanned, furry, muscled. In a pair of swimming briefs. His attributes reminded me of a young Jackson.
We chatted a bit before I received a dick pic from him. I guess I was stunned but not surprised. I was not this naïve to think men just chatted.
Our conversation turned to sexual preferences and after about 10mins I invited him to my suite.
Nervous and scared I waited for him at arrive and when I got a soft knock on the door I opened it to see this stud standing before me.
I invited him and offered him a wine. God knows I needed another. He was French, visiting Singapore for work. He smelt of a faint waft of sweat that turned me on no end. His green eyes moved me and made my cock come to life, and when he reached in and kissed me and it was just the most explosive thing I had had in recent months. It was a wow moment.
I stood and held his hand as we moved into the bedroom as he slowly undressed me and kissed my body from head to toe. My cock was dripping before he even removed his belt, and when he removed his shirt, his chest glistened in the light of the bedside lamp.
Placing my hand on his bare skin felt so nice. It wasn't like Michael. I was exploring a new man, a new body. I was excited. Removing his pants, his cock was freed to its full 8" of solid uncut meat that was thick and full of veins. I wanted to taste every inch and every time I attempted, he stopped me and teased me more. I was slowly being driven insane.
As I laid back on the bed, exposed and naked, he made his way between my legs. Taking me in his mouth he had me squirming under him. This guy knew the moves. And damn he was good at it. Finally flipping him over, I mad my way down him inch by inch before arriving at his dark mat of pubic hair. It smelt masculine, clean, but slightly stale. The smell you inhale that reminds you you are having sex and I could not get enough of it.
Taking his cock in my mouth I can say it tasted better than it looked. His pre cum was just starting to tease my taste buds and the more I sucked the more he leaked. For someone that loves cum, I was in heaven.
Placing his hands under my pits he pulled me up on his chest to sit upon his cock. Using his own cum and spit he wet my hole enough to make it slick. As I was arching back, I was desperately anticipating his shaft entering me and filling me full. Slowly he held his cock as he guided it to the opening of my willing hole. I pushed back slightly so it was just opening me slightly and ready to take him all in, his next move had my eyes roll back in my head as in one gentle push I felt the whole shaft slide in to me non stop and with out force. I could of cum right then and there, and as he reached down and touched my cock, I squirted my spunk all over his face. It was so fast, but I was so ready to continue on.
Showing him signs that I wasn't done yet, I rocked back and forth on his hard cock as he continued his slow, powerful, long thrusts.
Rolling me on to my side he continued to fuck me for a good 20mins before he whispered something in French in my ears. Taking me in to a massive hug, he pulled me tight as he unloaded deep in my arse, grunting and wriggling as his orgasm reached its full potential leaving him spent.
Laying there, he went to pull out, and I used my arm to keep him in. "There's no rush is there? Stay the night if you want." And that's what he did, I remember falling asleep with a softening cock in me. Sound asleep for the first time in ages.
It was the following morning when Chris and Michelle entered my suite that things became a little awkward.
"Shit sorry boss. Didn't realise you had company. It's 7:30, we were a bit concerned"
"Oh fuck. Um, it's not what you think"
"Its exactly what we think, and that's fine boss" said Michelle as she made her way to the bed.
"Hi, I'm Michelle, Mr Von Garbners assistant. Coffee?"
"Hi, I am Pierre. Yes, Black thanks" Pierre said before the penny dropped. "Von Garbner? As in the banking Von Gabner? Billionaire? Fuck!"
"Yes, the one in the same"
"Fuck. Um, I don't know what to say. Honoured to meet you."
"We kinda went through introductions last night." I laughed
"It didn't trigger. You just said Grant"
"Well, I do have a lot on today, but, if you like to have dinner tonight, I can make time for that. It would have to be here at the hotel though."
"I'd love that."
"I just ask for complete discretion if that is ok."
"I am not one to kiss and tell."
As he said that I through the covers off as Michelle walked in with coffee.
"Don't panic, she's seen worse. And trust me, you have the goods. Just leave them there Michelle, I am going to grab a shower, give me 20 mins"
"Certainly Boss."
"Pierre, care to join me?"
"Definitely" he said as he walked with me to the bathroom.