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Chapter 10
I was due to attend a forum of International Bankers in New York, and planned to travel with just Sam and Klaus, with James & another guard being customary in my travel plans. It was a 3 day event, and as Jackson was now fairly snowed under, I left him behind with Jo and a team to work on our Foundations goals. I had never been to New York, and as one of my Adopted brothers lived there I was eager to see him and see what his thoughts were in everything that had eventuated over recent weeks.
I never got sick of the sight of having a private jet. It was stuff of dreams and it never occurred to me that one day I would have my own. It was a late night departure, and I made my way to small, but spacious suite at the rear and thought I would grab a few hours sleep before tackling the comes days. Sleeping in a bed at 40,000 ft certainly felt odd, but yet so right in the scope of things. I managed a good 3 hrs rest before I got up and started to read through the briefing notes, and a speech that had been drafted for me to deliver to the gathering. Reading through the speech I felt old. Older than my years. Whilst it may of represented those prior to me, it didn't represent me, or us now. I placed it aside whilst I thought through an alternative. Sam sat opposite me and asked if he could speak freely. Of course he could, I wanted him to know that our relationship was a two way street and I was to respect him and take anything he had to say on board.
"I wanted to ask, when did you know. When did you know you were into guys." Oh, I thought, one of those conversations I thought. No what I was expecting, but definitely one I was will to help him with.
"I always knew. I never thought otherwise. I would walk in to gym class and get a boner at the thought of my class mates getting changed. I had my first male sexual experience when I was 14 with my best mate after school. I just knew it was right."
I think Sam was a little taken back by this confession. But he pushed on.
"So I know I am gay, but I have never been with another guy. I am shy and I am uncomfortable when it comes to sex. I like older guys, and there is a guy I have a major crush on, but I don't think he knows I exist."
Initially I shit myself, thinking Sam had a crush on me, but my fears were put on hold, when I noticed him eyeing off James, sleeping in a seat 8' away.
"Is it James?" I asked cautiously, not wanting to feel uncomfortable, but at the same time, wanting him to feel reassured and comfortable in my presence.
"Yes" was the whisper like reply I received in response. His facial expression looking of guilt and remorse made me just want to hug him.
"Grab you drink" I said, come back in to my cabin. We can talk more privately there.
Sitting on the banquette in my private cabin, with our feet on the bed, we discussed a whole range of things, including I had no idea the sexual proclivities of my beef cake security lead. James was a very closed book. Whilst he did and would ask me anything, including strip searching me for visible identifiers on my body, I had never asked him a single question, not that I think he would answer, without deflecting it back on to me.
I did remember when he did strip me down, that his bulge in his trousers were looking very impressive. I thought to myself, damn, don't sleep with the help. But yeah, my gaydar wasn't completely broken, and I thought he may have been a friend of Dorothy's at some stage, even if he did only visit from time to time. My suggestion to Sam was to not over think it, and if something were to happen, it would be organic, and just go with the flow. About 10 mins later as I was reading some more documents, Sam's head ended up on my shoulder. Asleep. Dead to the world. I spun him round and placed his head on my lap and let him sleep the rest of the way.
45 mins before landing, a slight knock and James entered and saw me reading and Sam sound asleep. A raised eyebrow in my direction, and a middle finger returned in his. We both let out a single muffled laugh. I slowly freed myself and walked out in to the main cabin, and sat with a coffee as we could see the sun appearing over the horizon and the Atlantic below. A beautiful start to the day. James nodded his head to the bedroom and said, "what gives". "Not what you think, if you think Sam and I are fooling around. Quite the opposite." I explained the conversation and the delicate nature, and that Sam was having man issues and wanted to speak to me about them. My cabin was the only private place.
"Oh, ok" was James reply. "Poor kid. He's certainly got killer looks and a body to die for. I am sure he would have no problems finding a boyfriend."
I raised an eye a smile appeared across my face that left James looking at me in an odd, but untelling expression on his face.
"You. You're the problem. You're the one he wants. You're the one that doesn't notice him."
"Shit. Am I that stupid? How was I know to know Boss." Was his only comment. It's funny I have always lead large teams in my job as a head Marketing Manager, and I have always had good relationships with my people. I always being referred to as Boss, or Bossman or any other word that signified a leadership position. I was Grant. Not abbreviated. Just Grant. Never Mt Morgan. But when James called me Boss on day one, it just seemed right. No one else called me it, and I was fine. We had a mutual respect and understanding. I was Boss, he was James. Or Jim-Bob when I wanted to wind him up.
"James" I started cautiously approached him, "Whilst its none of my business, and you can tell me to butt-the-fuck-out, but are you gay?
"Pretty sure Boss. Not that I have ever acted on it. You see in the military we never told anyone we liked dudes. Never. And then when I got out, I went straight in to Private security and your life is 24/7 go go go. So yeah, I like guys, but I never been with one, in that sorta way, if you know what I mean."
I was kinda speechless and also saddened to hear this. I was part of the reason why he had not acted on his impulses because I kept him working too long. As I made a mental note on this. I finished my coffee and excused my self to go wake sleeping beauty on my couch, and to prepare him for landing. We had a long day ahead.
Our suite at the Waldorf was one of elegance and the concierge was quick off the mark to personally escort us up to our rooms. The Main Suite had two bedrooms, a large sitting room, a dining room, 3 bathrooms, a small kitchen and view that stretched across Central Park. Next to this was similar suite but with 3 bedrooms and a sitting room, which James, Klaus & our other guard where to stay. It was a nice set up. Just after settling, and whilst about to undress and shower, a knock at the door had James on his feet and looking throu the peep whole. Opening the door was the Hotel Manager with a fruit basket and bottle of wine, to welcome us. I hurriedly shoed him along and stripped down and went into the bathroom to pour on the hot water and refresh before meeting with people for the rest of the day. I must have been in their 10 minutes. Washing, scrubbing, singing and shampooing before I was interrupted by Sam. Jackson was on the phone, and urgently wanted to talk with me. Grabbing the phone in a rush of panic, I asked what was wrong. So far everything had gone wrong, so nothing would surprise me now.
"Nothing is wrong, Sam just said you've been in the shower over 15 mins and your singing is terrible and he didn't know how to tell you."
I laughed at the joke at my expense and took it as a sign to get moving. I jumped in to my suit, perfectly tailored in a light wool, bankers blue with a faint pin stripe, white shirt, stunning platinum cuffs, silver tie and a magnificent Platinum Rolex watch which I was just in love with. I really felt like the part, and comfortable in my own skin to pull off what lie ahead.
Chapter 11
Having attended many conferences and the like over the years, I thought this would be no different. I couldn't be more wrong if I tried. Entering the event, I was surprised by the amount of older white men in suits with a tiny spattering of woman, looking dowdy in their beige and grey power suits. Banking, the land of the dead. What I was surprised of when I entered, was that my board of trustee's where all there in their finery sitting at a table, with no space allowed for me. I chose to sit a distance away from them, to give me space, and also to allow me to concentrate on what I was there to do.
The Trustee's board are a family selected board, charged with overseeing the compliance of the business. They are not democratically elected, nor are they there to serve the bank. They are cronies that were selected by my lady grandparents to oversee the bank, and to largely report back on what was happening. Many had served 30-40 years, taking a massive salary with little to no input into the businesses or those they represented. I had an idea, that perhaps wasn't the best, but would certainly would set a precedence in how the organisation would be run in the future.
Listening to various speakers and making many pages of notes, I was called to the podium to deliver an address. An address that had been written for me, and didn't really speak to me, and definitely did not speak for me. I approached the podium, laid out me speech. I looked at the first few lines, cleared my throat, then stopped. I couldn't speak these words. I would be lying to myself. To my core beliefs. Time to take this up a notch I thought.
" Good Morning. For those that don't know me, or are aware of who I am, I am Grant Morgan-Von Garbner, Chairman and Managing Director of Deutsche Volksbank. The oldest financial institution in Germany, and the 5th oldest bank globally. We have been built over the years by my family, and a team of people loyal to my family, and a customer base that serves Germany well. In terms of size we are small, but we are successful. 1200 branches through out Germany, and foot print that plays well to our European neighbours. But we are stale. And we need to change. As the emergence of digital technology is embraced by the banking world, only 2% of our bank is digitally operative and it needs to change, and that change starts now. I have made the decision to remove our current board of Trustee's that have sat back and allowed us to be overtaken by our competitors that has seen our profits languish over the years, and have not bounced back since the 2007 Global Financial Crisis. To me, this spells disaster for our institution, and unfortunately is not with in the keeping of our founders vision for our organisation. Therefore, today, I am announcing that we will actively changing the way we work, who we employ, who we engage with. I am proposing that our bank, with it strong cash reserves will be expanding globally, opening branches where other banks have walked away, and digitizing our ways of working. I will implementing a digital banking team, working with service providers, and growing our foot print, day by day. Our customer deserve this as a starting point. Not being left behind. Modernising a bank was not something I was planning on doing at this age in life, but, now I have been thrust in to it, I must act."
Applause were rapturous and deafening, and I had struck a core. People were waiting for this announcement. As such an important organisation as ours, we had to get with the times. My speech went on to include that we must embrace diversity, reach out to the less fortunate, and take a foot hold in developing nations, not for profit, but to educate and help them reach their potential. I felt proud of what I had delivered, mostly with out notes. I was proud of its reception, and I was pleased I survived it. As I looked around the room, I had noticed that the board of trustee's had left. Their table empty. Gone. I knew there was to be trouble ahead.
As I finished my speech and was returning to my seat, many people raised up to shake my hand, and congratulate me on my efforts. It was a good feeling. I signalled to James at the back of the room to come to our table. I needed a favour. When he arrived, I said to him,
"Take Sam back to the hotel. I want the complete board of Trustee's stripped of any access to emails, files, people. They are not to be allowed to enter any premisies nor are they to communicate with anyone in our offices. If they have mobile devices in our name, cut them off. NOW."
As they left, Klaus raised an eyebrow and looked at me with a smirk. I had come to rely heavily on Klaus, and trusted him always. "Well Herr, that's an interesting way of moving forward. About time someone had the balls to make the decision. I am forever in your service." I grabbed his arm and gave it a tight squeeze. "At least someone likes it." I said with half a smile.
As the day progressed I met up with several people for lunch and was invited to many dinners, meetings and events whilst I was in New York. Many I wanted to attend, but I was time restricted and needed to get home. As the we moved in to the formal dinner, it was still just Klaus and I, and I had received some texts from James and Sam through out the day. As we had the second guard here still, James was ok that we stayed with out him. "Thanks dad" was the text to that message I replied. It was nearing 10pm by the time we finished, and we hopped in to the car waiting for us, and returned to the hotel. I was beat. Exhausted. I entered the suite, and the lights were off. Strange I thought considering I knew Sam had returned. As I approached his room, I could hear moaning, which I couldn't work out if they were pleasure or pain.
As I slowly opened his door, what I witnessed was not something I was expecting. Laying on his back completely naked was James. His 7" cock standing straight up and my god, it was thick, like a beer can. Sitting on his face, was Sam, eyes closed, as James ate his arse as if it was a fresh picked peach from Georgia in the summer sun. I slowly closed the door and returned to my bedroom. Hoping they hadn't seen me.
Morning came and as I was sitting in the restaurant down stairs enjoying Breakfast, a very sheepishly Sam joined me. With out say a word to him I just looked at him and grinned. "Morning Sunshine" I offered. "hey Grant" He replied. "Sorry I wasn't awake when you got back. I was exhausted from a long day." "yeah, that's OK. Some days can be long, especially if you don't get enough sleep." Who was I to embarrass the lad. He worked hard, he had some fun. I was yet to see James, which was odd, as he normally is the first face I see of a morning. His off sider had accompanied to Breakfast. I asked Sam if he had seen James this morning, "No, why would I?" a little to hurried was his response. My insides were churning with laughter. But I would wait till I was told. Not letting on I knew anything.
As we were finishing Breakfast and about to leave, James came scurrying in. Looking like he hadn't slept. He apologised that he wasn't there in the morning, as he had a long night working on my requests and had overslept. Aha, yeah right, I thought to myself.
Sitting in the car on our way to day two, I asked where we were at with the Trustee's. In complete confidence James & Sam informed me that they had all been taken care of, with letters sent outlining their termination, and a notice of forward payment of three months' severance for their work. I was happy with this. To move forward I had to introduce new blood. I had to get youth and experience on board, not more of the same. I needed a team that I could share my vision with, and have people component of helping deliver it, as I for sure did not have a clue as to how this all worked.
Jackson called, and it was so good to hear his voice. As always he could make smile from a million miles away. His calming influence on me was the complete opposite in personality to what I was. I was more reactionary, more likely to explode. He was the tug that guided the liner safely to port. I could tell that he was excited at what he was doing. I could hear in his voice that he was eager to do what was right, and that he was willing to do what ever it took. Jo shared his same enthusiasm and I could hear in the background Jo firing off ideas to those around them. This was pleasing no end.
I had organised to see my adopted brother Steven whilst I was in town, and in part I was looking forward to it. 10 years older than me, out of all my sibilings he was the only one that never treated me like shit. Whilst we never that close, I think age had more to do with it than anything else. He'd divorced years ago, moved to NYC to further his career and had never really returned to Australia for anything. My parents always spoke of him as a saint, and world traveller who held such important roles. They idealised him, and I was not sure why.
As we broke for lunch, I walked outside and saw Steven standing there. He looked his usual self. Immaculately dressed. Hair perfect. His tall lean muscular frame not changed in 40 years I thought. He waved me over, and as I approached I stuck out my hand as if to shake, whilst he chose to embrace me for a hug. He suggest a restaurant a block up the street. Agreeing, I nodded towards James, and said, as long as its for three.....He comes everywhere with me. Steve got the message and was fine. As we sat and orders taken, he looked at me and all he said was "Sorry". The look on his face had a sense of meaning and a sense of sorrow. Further digging he admitted to knowing about my adoption and the terms behind it. He had had several arguments over the years with his parents over telling me, but the financial pull my adoption had on the family, was always to powerful for him to speak out. Eventually he told me that his move to America was largely in part to his disagreement with the way his parents were treating me, and he was sick of it. The shame, embarrassment and heartache he felt every time he looked at me growing up had become to much to bare. Rather than fight it anymore, he chose to leave Australia.
I decided to skip the rest of the convention that day and spend it with Steve. We sat and talked until late at night. I believed what he said. He had shown me a few letters that he had received from his mother over the years, warning from saying anything. She really was a bitch I thought. How could I ever have not guessed I was adopted. Why had I not thought of it? The why, the how, the who would consume me a lot over the coming years, but right here and now, I was happy to be getting some truthful answers.
At about 10pm, after a few wines, it hit me. Steven. A guy with a strong background in business, a guy I realised I could trust, a guy that felt loyalty to me. Steven. He was the man I needed to head up our banking expansion in to the U.S. Now was not the time to mention it. I needed to talk to a few people, and also let me thought process lead me the whole way through before making a major mistake. It felt right, it made sense.
We decided to leave New York the next afternoon. I was tired, emotional, drained & missing the family. I needed loves and hugs, and quiet night in. We arrived back in Munich early evening, and the drive out to the villa relaxing. Turning in to the drive, and watching the drive light up in front of me, was always a special feeling. A place of peace & beauty I thought. Home!
Walking in I was greeted by Paul who informed me that Jackson was out for dinner, and the girls were also out doing some night work for the homeless. As I arrived a day early, unannounced, I laughed to my self. I headed in to the kitchen which was deserted. Damn I thought, $50B in the bank and I gotta make my own dinner, I laughed with some irony. I was actually happy to be alone, although moments later James entered.
"Want some dinner big guy?" I casually asked, "I'm cooking!"
He grinned and looked at me, "As long as you don't try killing me, I'm in."
We chatted as I cooked some steaks and made up a quick salad to go with it. Our conversation was light, enjoyable and fun. I had detected a slight change in James demeaner over the past few days, and I was wondering if it was due in part to something I had witnessed.
Chapter 12
As we ate, and also enjoyed a few wines, my bravado increased and I look at James with a grin from ear to ear, "So...anything you want to share with me? Anything? Maybe a budding romance? Maybe a fling?"
James' face turned bright red. I had never seen him so red, but the grin slowly appearing across his face had me knowing he was ready to spill the beans.
"I think I love him Boss. I know I am crazy, it's only been a few days, but I know. I see him and I want him, I want to protect him, love him and care for him."
"And how does he feel? Have you spoken to him about your feelings? It needs to be two way, not just one. Just be careful you don't get hurt, or hurt one another. I care for you both and am always here, but just be careful."
"Thanks Boss. I appreciate it. If what he has said to me over the last few days are anything, it's pretty mutual. But can I ask how you knew? We were so discreet, not saying a word."
"Well, now it's time for my confession. When I returned to the hotel after dinner, I heard moaning from Sam's room. I gently opened his door and saw him straddling your face as you ate his hole. I must say, it was pretty hot, but also private. So I closed the door and went to bed."
"Oops, well, it definitely wasn't some `Oslo orgy' but yeah, we had a great night."
I laughed at his analogy of the situation but all I could say was `touché' .
At this point we finished our drinks and I suggested a we talk a walk outside before bed. James agreed and lead the way. We had been out for about 20 mins when we both noticed a lump on the ground, closer to the villa on the eastern side. As we approached, it moved, and James in Guard mode, pushed me behind him a drew his weapon. Carefully walking closer, we could hear what appeared to be sounds of pain and someone, or something struggling.
Just as we got with in 6 feet, we could see it was a guy, trying hard to move. He was injured. He needed help. James kicked in to first aid, as called for an ambulance on my cell. The guy was a tabloid photographer who had entered the property via the water, had climbed a tree opposite my bedroom, and was planning to take pics, until the branch he was resting on had snapped and he had fallen 30 feet breaking what appeared to be a leg and an arm, as well as smashing thousands of dollars of camera equipment.
I was angry. I wanted to boot the shit out of the parasite and break his other leg, but James quietly asked me to go inside and wait. Paul was waiting at the door, advising me an ambulance was on the way. Why could we not just have some privacy in our lives. Why the constant interruptions that made life hell. I was really getting sick of this part of our new lives.
Jackson was behind the ambulance as it came up the drive. Thinking the worst he ran inside, finding me with wine in hand watching the going on's on the lawn. I explained what happened. He agreed with my thoughts, but I held him back. James had everything under control.
You see the Villa was on the shores of a beautiful Lake. We could not fence of the lake for obvious reasons, and I guess you could call it our weak point as far as security went. The road and side facings had 8ft brick walls, mostly covered by foliage, but the lake, the focal point, was wide open. The property say on 15 hectares of mostly manicure gardens and established trees. Apart from the Villa itself, there were 6 "workers" cottages and several smaller outbuildings that made up the property. When built it took hours to get here from Munich and was a family holiday house. Now, with modern roads and transport, it was a 30 min drive in to the city centre of Munich, and an ideal base for us to live, learn and grow.
As the paramedics were stabilising our latest guest, the police arrived and he was formally charged. We were hoping to keep it out of the media, and the police assured us from their end that they would take care of it. More unwanted media was the last thing any of us had wanted. James' dealing with the police was on point as usual, and I knew he would handle the most delicate of details, with discretion.
Returning to the Villa, James was now done for the night, and he looked at me and said, "Well Boss, if there is nothing else for me, I might so for wonder over and see if Sam is safe." Jackson looked at me with a raised eyebrow, and I just winked back. He knew I knew more.
As we walked up stairs to our rooms, We talked about past days work and adventure. I filled him in on the whole Sam/James thing, much to his delight. I then wanted to share my thoughts with him about Steven. Jackson was the one person aware of the depth of my family history. I told him everything we'd discussed in New York, and what my thoughts and plans were. Jackson agreed. He too thought Steven would be the best fit both for our new direction and also for us personally, knowing now everything he knew.
Sleep came fast. Being back in my bed, that amazing soft but firm mattress and those feather pillows. My head felt it was floating in the clouds, as Jackson nuzzled in close to sleep, as we always had.
As morning came, so did a new day of work. I knew I had to go in to Munich and work from the office to start to get my head around things. So far I had avoided it, instead making senior members come to the villa to see me. Now I needed to make an appearance. I was looking forward to it.
Pulling up outside this beautiful 17th century building, I never expected something so beautiful to be my office. The flip side was that I was also aware that this building was a sign of days past, and probably one of the reasons we had not progressed. James jumped out and opened the door for me, and as I made my way to the foyer, many people stopped and nodded toward me in acknowledgment of my arrival.
My Office was on the 10th floor, and I was greeted by a matronly woman in her early 60's who appeared to run my office for me. Inga seemed very officiant, but maybe a little unwilling to change. Whilst she did an excellent job, she was lead by direction, not a leader from experience. Time would tell how we would work together. She had worked for my family for 45 years, and service was to be commended. I sat behind my desk and logged in to my emails and schedule to see what the day had install.
Sam appeared less than 5 min later delivering me a ton of files he wanted me to see. I can safely say that Inga was not impressed by Sam's arrival. I had had a second desk installed in my outer office for Sam. Whilst Inga was my office Manager, my day to day keeper of my schedule in Munich, Sam was my Executive assistant of everything. Travel, Meetings, social. Sam knew weeks before me what my next move was. His input invaluable, and more so, personally selected by Klaus, who had become my main business confidant.
I gave Inga my brothers details and asked her to track him down and get him on the line. Not because I was lazy, but I had no idea how to use the antiquated phone on my desk, and Cell reception was shit in side my office. Within 5 mins she had him on the line.
"Hi Steve, have you got a minute to talk?" I asked casually.
"Of course. Is anything wrong? Are you ok?"
"fine' I replied. "I wanted to talk business with you, if that's ok. Nothing urgent, we can talk later if you're tied up at all."
"No no, now is fine." He responded with a sense of curiosity in his voice.
"Well as you may or may not have read, I delivered a speech to the International Banking Forum the other day about our plans to create a more global presence for Deutsche Volksbank. A part of that strategy would be taking the bank to North America, South America & starting up community banking in Central America with lower socio-economic communities, and helping them start up their own business. I was wondering if you were free for the next 10 years or so, to head up our Amercia's division."
Steve was silent. I eventually yelled out HELLO down the phone line thinking I may have been cut off. Eventually he started to voice concerns. Whilst he was an accountant, it didn't make him a banker. Whilst he knew New York well, he didn't know America. And whilst he knew I was adopted, what would his mother say. All valid points I let him know, and then I played my cards.
"You have an MBA from Sydney Uni, you have been a successful multifaceted business leader for 30 years. You know people, you're smart, but more importantly, I can trust you, and that is the key issue for me. I will make sure you have all the support you need. But what I need is someone I can trust, who can call me out on any bullshit, speak openly and frank with me, and also help change the way the world does business. It's not always about making money, it is about doing the right thing. Are you in?"
"Yep, you got me. Give me a few weeks to finish up my current projects, and I will come over and we can start to plan." Was his response.
"By the way, I knew you would say yes, so whilst on the call I had my assistant send you a contract. If you don't think the remuneration is enough, let me know and I am sure we can work something out."
Steven obviously had his email open as the documents arrived. "Fuck off. Fuck me. Nah, that can't be right." He said
"I thought it was fair, but I can see what we can do." I replied knowing what he really meant.
"I can't take that sort of money from you, you'll go broke." Was his reply.
"Steven, I have a personal wealth of $50b USD. I have a bank that has cash reserves in the vicinity of $150B USD. I think I have enough money to pay you that, and I think you deserve it. So shut up, take the money, and let's move on. I like to protect those that protect me."
" I will never let you down." He said. "I know" was my only reply, before the phone line dropped out.
The rest of my days was spent talking with divisional heads and leaders with in the business. I had moved into the boardroom as there was more space, better cell reception, and bigger windows that over looked parklands. My team, at Sam's instruction, had pulled together some preliminary plans on how to roll out a simple but effective digital platform that worked as easy on a laptop or desktop as it did on a phone or a tablet. That allowed for the user to use tap'n'go, everyday banking etc. All the things our current competitors were doing, and we weren't. The one thing our competitors was doing that we weren't going to do, was close branches. I wanted to keep people employed, at least for the next 10-15 years I wanted to expand our foot print, not shrink it.
I needed to stretch by lunch time so I took my time and walked floor to floor to floor saying hello to many people, and looking at their working conditions. It was cramped, it was dated, it was not fit for purpose. As I walked in the midday sun I asked James to walk with me as I walked a block around our office building. Two buildings, directly behind were vacant. It gave me an idea. Excitedly I ran back to the office, grabbed some people and told them what I wanted to do. In the interim we would move out of our current offices into a temporary office whilst we gutted the old building and incorporated the two buildings behind. Whilst our old building was majestic & historical, I wanted to modernise the interior whilst being respectful to it's exterior.
By 6pm that evening we had reached an agreement in principle to purchase the two empty buildings from the developer that owned them, and also for them to incorporate them in to our central building.
Chapter 13
As the days turned into week, with less drama, our family was becoming accustomed to our life in Germany. Steven had visited and I had made a few trips across the Atlantic as we worked on increasing our global footprint. Klaus was now heading up our digital transformation, and I hardly saw him as he spent a great deal of time in Silicon Valley working with giant tech firms in our approach to modernising our systems.
Sam & James seemed blissfully happy, and were both keeping a good separation of work and private life as far as I could see. Occasionally there would be a little comment in the office, but hey, I flirted with Jackson every moment I saw him.
One night whilst Jackson was at an equality summit in Paris, I had the delight of having dinner with my two beautiful girls who had decidedly transformed in to two chic young European heiresses with wardrobes, bags and shoes to match. In fact, they have blossomed in more ways than I could describe, and as a parent, I was overwhelmingly filled with pride.
It was an off the cuff comment from Jules that threw me in to deep panic.
"Hey dad", she asked innocently, "What have you planned for dada's birthday?" Dada being what the girls called Jackson. Fuck I thought. Damn. I forgot. In precisely 2 weeks Jackson was 50! How could I forget after the effort he had done to throw me a bash 18months earlier. I had completely forgot as I was so busy.
I grabbed the phone and dialled a friend back in Sydney. Not that I didn't care, but we had left Sydney in a rather hurried state, and I had not really spoken to friends since we arrived. I felt bad, but now was the time to fix it.
"Hey Ross", I said as if we'd only spoken yesterday. "it's your favourite billionaire calling for Germany. I need a favour. I need you to rally the troops and make the date of 15-25 October free. I need their full names, and their passport numbers."
"Well well well", replied Grant sarcastically. "You're alive." Ross and I had known each other from our uni days and in some respect treated each other more like brothers than friends. Accept for a drunken night of passion way back then, we remained firmest of friends, and he was god parent to both our girl who adored their uncle Ross.
"Yeah, yeah", I said, "Bitch me out later but I am desperate. I have been so busy I forgot Jacksons 50th in two weeks, and now I am starting to panic." To which finally he laughed.
"you're lucky I love you. How many people you thinking and where?"
"Fuck, I don't know yet, just the usual crowd, say around 20-25? But I'll need the names in 24hrs, 48hrs max."
"Gee, you always were a bossy bitch, but you know I can work wonders, leave it with me."
Paul was in the dining room as I had made the call and when I looked at him I knew he had something to say. I acknowledged him with a look of pleading.
"Well Herr, If I may, you could always use your private yacht that is moored in Barcelona and perhaps spend a week sailing around the Med sea and visiting some islands etc. Just a thought, but I just run the house, so don't take my word."
"What do you mean Yacht? Since when do I own a yacht?"
"The family has kept a yacht on the Med for generations. They used to throw lavish parties on them, and this particular one is two years old, and madam had only used it once before health declined. At 190m long, It has space for 50 guests and a permanent crew of 75, plus myself as I always have to travel there to assist." He ended with a smile on the last bit.
"Ok, Paul, can I please ask you to make the arrangements for the yacht to be ready for those dates. I will have Sam organise the Air Travel, and then I will surprise Jackson. Girls, not a word to Dada." I cautioned them. Jackson had this uncanny ability of being able to pry state secrets out of the girls, especially on birthdays and Christmas so he knew what I was upto. Not this time buddy. I got you!
The next morning I called Sam in to my office. I was spending more time at home at the moment as space was cramped due to the reconstruction works. I even convinced Inga to work a few days at the Villa so she felt more included, and whilst her service record was amazing, she did deserve some respect and seniority shown to her position.
"So Sam, I need a favour, if I were to try and get 25 people urgently from Sydney to Barcelona and return at short notice, how would I do this?"
"Leave it with me Sir, and I will come back to you shortly. Let me see what I can do."
"Actually, get the jet ready, I want to make a quick trip to Barcelona."
"Sorry Sir, but she is in Paris with Jackson this week, but what I can do is either book commercial or charter another?"
"No, lets fly commercial for a change, business class, and ASAP. Down today and back tomorrow, me, you, James & Paul. Paul will be staying on a few extra days thou. Can you please make it happen whilst I have Jarrod pack. Not a word to anyone."
Within 3 hrs we were sitting on a flight bound for Barcelona, relaxed and joking. Sam was a magician and always worked everything out fine. I would be lost without him. Upon arriving at the Airport, we were met by a driver in a minivan ready to depart. It wasn't long before we were at the Marina. Paul given the directions as we went. As we pulled up, I could see all these pristine yachts being washed and hosed and polished as their owners would demand.
As we got towards the edge of the pier, I could easily identify which one was ours. Her sheer size and volume dwarfed everything else in sight, and then I saw her name. `Lady Lucia' Lucia was the name of my mother, the boat had been named in her honour, and to be honest, I could not think of a more beautiful name for such majestic vessel.
We were greeted by Captain Szlowvic, a Slavic captain with decades of experience, but only recently started with us. He personally took the time to walk me through and show me everything about the ship, ending up in the owner's stateroom, complete with Jacuzzi on the deck, steam room, 8 headed shower recess, Super King bed and carpet you could just sink in to.
I quickly had the crew assembled and gave them an introduction, although most were aware of who Paul was. I talked about the coming trip, and whilst it was secret, it was to be all about fun. Food, drinks, water sports, festivities and most of all their involvement was paramount. They all appeared to be excited. I was 45 years younger than my grandmother, and I doubt whether she would have given such a brief, if she briefed them at all.
With that said and done, I Said goodbye, and left Paul to work on the planning. The three of us decided to head in to town for a wonder, plus I still needed to organise travel for all from Australia. Sitting in a beautiful café in the sun, I asked Sam for an update as to what was happening.
"Well Sir, I have good and bad news. I can get them here on 4 different flights on two different days in 3 different classes. Being late summer flights are loaded."
" I don't suppose I own a bigger plane somewhere do I?" I knew the G800 was good, but it only carried a max of 18 people. It was just too small.
"Well, if you let me finish, I have a plan. An expensive plan, but a plan."
"How much?"
"$500,000"
My eyes didn't even budge when I heard those numbers these days.
"I'm listening"
"Privatefly.com have a private 787 that seats 40 in style. They are free on the proposed dates. That can leave Sydney, refuel in Dubai and be here in Barcelona within 20hrs. and return is slightly longer with a refuel in Bangkok before arriving in Sydney."
The thought of flying our closest friends on a private 787, around the world for Jacksons birthday, was the most extravagant thing I had done up until now. But the look on their faces would be priceless.
"Book it. Book it now and I will have Ross email you everyone's details."
"They will need prepayment sir; will I organise a transfer?"
"Yep, or here's my Ebony Amex, apparently its unbreakable. Give it a whirl."
At this stage James chirped in "Boss, I have never seen you act so impulsive and extravagant, I saw months come out of your wallet."
This earnt him a quick swat on the arm.
"Oh, by the way, I don't really care what you say, but you two are joining us as a couple for this trip, so make the necessary arrangements and have others do your job, and I am looking at you James."
"Yes Boss. A week on the Med with the perfect lover, how could I say no?"
Sam blushed as he always does, and just got up and gave me a hug. "you're the best Boss."
After some shopping and pottering around, I got bored, and decided to grab a late flight back to Munich, much to Sam's annoyance. Cancelling hotel rooms, changing flights. Nothing was ever easy with me. The world was my oyster, why not enjoy it.
Touching down at 11pm, I was tucked up in bed by Midnight. Then the phone rang. It was Ross. He had all the details I requested but he was getting pushback from friends wanting to know where they were going.
"It's a surprise. I am not telling you, but pack your swimmers." Was all I would say. None of them would believe if I told them what I was planning.
After another hour of catch up, I said goodnight to my friend and passed out.
5am comes to early in the morning. 4hrs sleep and I was a moody animal, and I was desperate for my coffee. I had arrived home a day early and Paul was in Barcelona so know one had been appointed to bring me coffee. So, I got my saggy bum out of bed and made my way down to the kitchen where the smells were always delightful.
"Morning Chef." I said, "Can you please pour me some coffee and whisk me some eggs and toast. I feel like death and I need some food. I need the stamina of a 20 year old injected in to the body of a 50 year old, I laughed.
Our chef was amazing. One day Jackson sat down with him and went through everything we do and don't eat. How the girls like things, but most importantly we told him we were always open to new things, and basically it was his call. All menu's for dinner parties etc were to go through Jackson, and Paul would be involved in all planning. My husband the perfect hostess I would tease him at times.
Chapter 14
Planning was well under way for Jacksons birthday bash with only days to go. I still had not thought through how I was going to get him to Barcelona. He was still blissfully unaware the we owned a yacht, so that was my trump card, and knowing the architecture and gardens in Barcelona were some of the best in Europe, I had a fair case to suggest a weekend away as a family to celebrate would probably get him over the line.
Our friends were arriving Friday afternoon from Australia, so my plan was to fly down early Saturday morning, that way they would be all on board and ready for the surprise when we arrived. I was getting really excited about both celebrating Jacksons birthday, and also seeing everyone after a few months away.
2 nights before I suggested to Jackson that we might go to Barcelona for the weekend with the girls to celebrate his birthday, and then when time permits, we would organise a bash back in Sydney in the coming months. Whilst he seemed a little disappointed, he agreed, noting some reluctance. Jarrod and Seamus had already packed our luggage with Jackson noting it seemed to be a lot for 3 days.
"Sorry Sir" said Seamus, "I wasn't sure what activities you would doing, so packed etc in case you decided to go out formally or casually during your trip. I'd be happy to re-do it if you prefer." I had tee'd the guys up with what to pack and as usual, they had delivered the goods.
"Oh, You do think of everything, don't you Seamus." Jackson responded. "No, that will be fine. Thank you."
My plan was coming together just fine. I had Sam fly down commercial on the Friday afternoon so he could help Paul welcome everyone, and also so Jackson's suspicions would not be raised. James & Chris were to travel with us, as were the girls detail. Nothing out of the ordinary. These days when traveling we always had a plus one for each of us. Getting used to it was hard, now it was second nature.
Leaving Munich early Saturday, we were up in the air in no time, kicking back and relaxing. Jackson had bought maps and scoured the internet on things he wanted to do on `His' weekend. "Anything you want my dear, its your special trip." I would reply when he mentioned another museum or another Gaudi building or landscaped garden.
Arriving at the Airport, we were met by a driver and van that was taking us to our "hotel" and as we all loaded in the van for the drive in to the city, I was texting Sam and giving him updates. Eventually we pulled up at the Marina and Jackson's face was a little contorted as it wasn't making sense to him. We got out and I said, so a part of your surprise is that a hired a little boat to take us to an island for lunch first up. He looked and me, gave me a hug, and said thanks, as we walked down the pier.
"Wow, look at that beast of a boat on the end. Imagine owning that tank. It looks amazing." Jackson blurted out, not realising yet that that Beast' was indeed the boat we were heading too. As we got closer Jackson was starting to get nervous. Sure there were smaller vessels, but we kept walking past them, until finally we stopped at the gangway to the Lady Lucia'.
Welcome aboard said the captain as Jacksons eyes bulged out of his head.
"Happy Birthday my darling man" I said with a slight tear in my eye. `This is our yacht, and your birthday present. Lets go inside and have a look around."
Jackson slowly lead the way up and was shaking and nervous as he kept looking around. Standing on the aft deck looking at the pool, I could see that he loved it, and was excited. I suggested we go in to the main salon for a drink out of the heat, and as one of the stewards hit the button to open the doors, that's when it all happened.
"SURPRISE!!!!" 30 people yelled from the salon. I thought Jackson was going to faint from the shock. He was blown away by seeing our old friends from Sydney joining us here in Barcelona. He had absolutely no idea I had planned something so extravagant as this.
My first hug was reserved for Ross. "thanks buddy, I owe you for this." I whispered in his ear.
"Nah, bullshit, I am thrilled to be here, and that fucking plane blew us all away. I'm scared to ask how much it cost."
"It cost me nothing to see you all. Try not to think about costs this week, and just enjoy the ride. You'll find it a lot easier. Trust me. It takes time to get used too." Was all I responded.
As we hugged, cried and reacquainted ourselves, mainly everyone asking us a heap of questions, Paul came in and announced were leaving the dock in 5 mins and lunch would be served on the aft in about 20 mins. I thanked Paul and told him not to put up with any crap of any of these people this week, and was allowed to give them a clip across the ear if they stepped out of line. This earnt a hardy round of laughter.
As we made our way out to lunch, the table had been wet and it was beautiful. Jackson at one end, myself at the other, and our nearest and dearest in between. It was so good as the champagne flowed, the wine was poured and food was served course after course after course.
I explained our trip would be 9 days at sea travelling from Barcelona to Split in Croatia with planned stops in Monaco, Nice, Rome, Santorini, Mykonos, Malta and where ever else anyone wanted to suggest. The plane was collecting them in Split to fly them home, and everything between now and then was at our leisure.
After lunch Jackson approached me, slightly tipsy and asked how much the yacht cost me. Nothing I said, apparently I owned it and I didn't even know. My Grandmother commissioned it some years ago, and only used once since it was launched. It's our's babe. We can go wherever we want. You can tell the captain to head to anywhere, and he will do it. That's the power and joy our wealth now brings.