Ask Me

Ask Me 62

Maxieplus

"Good morning baby."

Nope, nothing coming from our kid again this morning. I put the coffee on and made him some toast. John yoo hooed at the back door and he had made an egg and bacon pie so I cut off a slice and shoved it in Ted's mouth. He chewed it a few times but when he realized it wasn't toast he spat it back onto the plate... I made the toast.

"I think you and Conner have an appointment with the architect this morning don't you?"

"Yes around eleven then we are going across to Go Ship to see Bob."

"Well Ray is going to meet you there so I'll take Ted to school and do the pick up, have you made any suggestion notes?"

"Plenty, I wanted to talk to Con last night about it but as you know other things were happening. I will chat to him before we go." I smiled.

"So?"

"So what?"

"Tell me." He smiled.

"Oh I just thought instead of just opening up my old apartment and making it bigger it makes more sense to open the whole lot, like there are six on each floor so reduce them to three. I want Con and I to take half the entire top floor. It would be easier for the builders to work with and what an awesome view of the park and city."

"That sounds better, do you think he will go along with it?"

"I think so, if we can join all the flats it will decrease the amount of course, instead of thirty there will be fourteen but they would all look a lot better especially for re-sale value and we could expand the balcony's across the whole apartment complex for extra floor space," I added.

"Then on the ground floor we can put in a small mall, the Laundromat can be relocated to the back of the building and maybe a nice coffee shop and some boutique shops maybe at the front."

"That sounds brilliant Brent, I'm with you on that score, it's a lot of work but it will look stunning." John sounded enthused.

"Well Ray's the money man, he will have to do some figures whether it's worth doing or not. I'm sure the apartment's prices will double even triple when they are done, so much more floor space and of course each flat will then have awesome views."

"Good stick to your guns and don't let either of them bully you, your idea is great." He smiled as he poured me another coffee and shoved another piece of toast into Ted's mouth.

Con arrived and he wasn't scratching his balls this time, he had actually put his jeans on.

"Good morning baby." I kissed him and poured his coffee.

"Good morning." He kissed John and Ted then me again but a little longer this time.

He sat there and listened while John and I talked about school and how we were going to handle it. He said leave it up to him...so we did.

At the architects we had more coffee and Ray was showing him photos of the building then the original plans. He was a young gun his name was Mal; he is quite in demand so John had told me this morning. I wanted to get Cody's brother in law Jamie to do it but it's not practical as he has to be at the build a lot and commuting isn't really his thing I heard.

Con sat back with his hands behind his head and watched as Ray got the guy up to speed.

"Almost ninety per cent of the building will be empty when the time comes and the last apartment only has a month left on their lease so it won't be a problem."

"Okay now I want your ideas on how you see this building finished, what you need to add or subtract and I also need to know how much free hand you are going to give me," Mal asked.

They both looked at me.

"Well Brent did you come up with anything?" Ray asked.

I heard a muffled laugh coming from Con's corner. I blushed and opened my backpack. For the next hour I explained what I had in mind and Malcolm agreed with me fully then did some figures and looked on the computer.

"Yes you're quite right with the overhaul and you are suggesting these apartments would be worth millions on the market. The site is awesome, you can't buy anything that close to the city under three million so you all have a goldmine sitting right on the fringe of the city."

He added,

"I take it you want top notch fittings and all the whistles and bells in technology?"

"Yes and you have a free hand but we would like to have the last say Mal, don't overdo it on the Teck side. There's a lot of stuff that can go wrong and we would be forever fixing things" I replied.

"Great." He smiled.

"Now Mr. Richards and Ray do you have your suggestions?"

"Nope fully blank on that score." Con smirked.

"Me too Mal sorry." Ray said too quickly as he raised his brows.

"Well if you think of anything just let me know, I can get started on this immediately. This is going to be my crowning glory, thanks guys for trusting me with it." He smiled.

We left the building and went for another coffee and Ray and Con couldn't stop laughing, the buggers got me again, as if I thought it would be any other way.

"What do you really think of my idea to trash sixteen apartments Ray?"

"Awesome Brent, muffin Con?"

"Thank you yes I will, Brent want one?"

They fucking ignored my question; right, if it doesn't look any good I will blame them.

Ray had to get back to work so Con and I drove around to the other side of the city, then I parked outside the flats. We walked around the park and found our seat. It seems like ages since we just sat and looked at nature. I didn't feel sad or reflective; maybe it is a good thing to stay away for long periods. "You okay babe?" Con was concerned.

"Better than ever Con, no memories are flooding back and thank you for saving me, I wanted so much to go back home to you but I couldn't do it on my own." I smiled at him.

"Well it was so fucking hard to do, I just wanted you back home and in my arms."

`We got there in the end, no more sad talk Con, let's go over and look at our flats."

He nodded and as we walked past a big tree he pulled me in behind it and kissed me.

On the way to Go Ship I asked Con if he thought renting the flats out was a better option than selling them, I had concerns that Ted wouldn't own the whole building just the penthouse in the end.

"Leave that to Ray baby, I think he has plans of leasing the apartments like the ones in Sydney, they make a shit load of money."

"Oh good, I didn't want Ted to miss out that's all."

Con looked at me and smiled.

"Ted will never miss out Brent, we are his parents and he can have anything he wants within reason, but have you noticed he never really asks for anything, he's a bloody good kid."

"He is, isn't he?" I dreamily said.

At Go Ship, Helen nearly squashed me with her hugs.

"Long time no see boss, did you get the flats sorted out?" She laughed.

"I miss you too honey and yes I think they liked my ideas. Is Bob around?"

"I will page him, he's in the warehouse fixing some things up and won't be long, Rob's in his office and Sam's hard at work." Ray poked his head out of his office and we headed in Sam's direction.

"Come and have coffee with us Sam, I'll call Rob."

"Sure guys won't be a minute."

"There's your coffee son just the way you like it, nice and hot." The tea lady passed my cup to me and she had a large plate of biscuits she put on the table. When she was done she looked at Con and pulled out a pair of scissors from her apron.

"Snip, snip, today young man?"

"No! Keep those bloody things away from me will ya." Con feigned panic.

"Okay son just joking. Boy he's lost his sense of humor over the past couple of months, what a grouch." She laughed as she wheeled her trolley out of Bob's office.

I reckon that Go Ship is the only company left in Australia that has a tea lady, Ray insisted she come with us from Ricon and there's a story there I think.

"Hey guys long time no see, what's up?" Both Bob and Sam came into the room.

"Not a lot Bob just wanting some family time that's all, how's Jen and Conner?"

"Just great, he's so big now and walking, slash running everywhere, it's hard to keep up with him."

"We will come over in the next week to see them, been too long this time," Conner said.

"Conner no toys please, promise me," Bobby whined.

"No toys Bob, I promise."

Bob gave him a funny look then huffed.

Con had his fingers crossed behind his back, maybe no toys but there's plenty of other stuff he can buy.

Rob arrived and hugged us both; we asked about Adam and he said he was fine. They both were hitting the gym a lot because Adam thought Rob was putting on weight.

"I'm not, it's Adam that's put on a kilo or two but he blames me anyway." He chuckled.

"Well tell him I said he can order bigger uniforms if he likes." I grinned.

"He hardly ever wears them Brent, you know that."

"Con do you think we should change that casual rule to more formal?'

"No fucking way lover, I don't want Adam chasing after me complaining, the dress code stands."

"But Con it would look so nice for the company's image."

"Drop it." He looked sternly at me. I think he's a little scared of Adam.

"What's Jen been up to Bob, I hardly hear from her nowadays?"

"She's good Brent, your parent's divorce is finalized and I think your mum got the better deal because your dad ended up with a small flat out in Ormond, from what I hear he's not a happy camper." He laughed.

Stupid man could have had anything he wanted if he had been a proper dad to me. I didn't feel sorry for either of them and after what dad had tried to do to me at Chadstone shopping center I don't care anymore what happens to them.

"Deep in thought Brent?"

"Nah Bob just going over old wounds, all's good, did Ray tell you about the flats?"

"Yes he said you had it all organized." He smirked.

Just as I thought we would say our goodbyes, Adam swept into the room. Rob's eyes lit up and it was so good to see him.

"What's this I hear about you having a party at the beach house next weekend?"

"Well we do own it Adam, it's not exclusively yours you know." I looked down at him.

"We wanted to go there next weekend, I have a new bathing suit I want to show off."

"Well from what I hear it should be a neck to knee one otherwise your flabby bits will show."

His face went red and he glared at Rob.

"I'll get to you later young man. So we will be there Friday night, do you want us to do anything?" He stood his ground.

"Sorry we can't get into it until Saturday morning so you will just have to stay home." I stood mine.

"The tenants cancelled so we will be there Friday, won't we Rob?"

"Umm yes hon, well maybe we shouldn't go, maybe the following weekend." He went red.

"No, this weekend is free and I want to go."

I stared at him for a long time then I thought I would throw him off his game.

"Adam it will be great if you and Rob could join us at the beach house next weekend, I will be looking forward to it."

I smiled and he looked shocked, yep off his game.

Then I added,

"You will be there Friday so I will get Helen to cancel the cleaners and I will take you up on your offer, you can clean it before we get there, and Adam change the sheets please."

I howled at his face, it looked like it was going to explode.

I left it there and kissed him, then told him he was more than welcome anytime. He collared Rob and they both went somewhere, they had an appointment. We said our good byes and left to go see our baby.

As it turned out Adam had to work that weekend, some dignitaries had to go to Perth for an emergency conference and Rob wouldn't come without him. I'm sure he blames me.

He was in a better mood today when we picked him up, he and Dennis teamed up against Bubby and Sean. Grant wasn't here and Con started to do some exercises with the boys.

Our weekend away arrived and we loaded up the people mover, Tom and Shane were stoked as they get a few days to themselves; I think they will stay in their bedroom all weekend. We did ask Bob and Jen but they were doing something so it turned out it's just the eight of us.

John and Ray took the bungalow and it wasn't long before the boys with our boy were in the spa. I made myself busy while Con went to change, he wanted to hit the beach and get some sun. I wanted to join him so I stripped down and put my new bathers on then my shorts over them and headed for the spa to let the kids know where I would be. They said they would keep an eye on Ted so I grabbed a beach towel and headed Con's way.

When I got there I dropped my shorts and decided to go for a dip, it was a hot day. Conner didn't notice at first then he was suddenly behind me.

"Brent go and cover up, everyone can see what you had for breakfast."

"What's wrong Con, don't you like the new micro look?"

"Yes of course I do but not here, in our room so come on let's get you out of the sun, we can have a nap," he pleaded.

"I want to swim Con, these Speedos are great."

"Brent don't you think they are a little small for you?"

"No don't think so, the guy in the shop said they were a perfect fit."

"I bet he did, now go put your shorts on please before anyone sees you."

I waded into the water and sat down then I waved Conner in, oops I had my micros in my hand, that will get a bigger rise out of him. He clambered over to me.

"Put them on baby, please don't do this to me, we've got all weekend please."

"Don't you like a little naked swimming Con?"

But before he could say anything Grant ran down to the beach. Conner tried to cover me up as I struggled to get the twisted bikinis on but lost the battle when Con took them then threw them onto the beach.

"Conner?"

"Suffer in your jocks I'm going to sunbake." He smirked.

Well that back fired, I had to go deeper so Grant couldn't see me in all my glory. He splashed into the water diving under and when he came up for air he was spluttering,

"Brent!"

"What!" I screamed back, my face was hot as.

"You have nothing on," he yelled.

"Conner did it, he took my bathers and left me here."

"Hey Ray, come and have a look at this."

I thought no you don't, so I swam out further, I guess my white ass was on show to all and sundry.

Ray and John wanted to see what the fuss was all about so they appeared and sat with Conner who by now was in hysterics. Thank you John, I know you're a true friend; he swam out with my shorts and handed them to me.

Then he said,

"At least have some dignity Brent there's children around, really!"

Thanks for your sympathy John I owe you one. With my little plan in tatters I swam for the beach and when I passed Con I kicked sand onto him and muttered,

"Bitch."

"But Con I wanted you to get naked too and come out deeper so we could play a little, I even greased up for you."

"Brent its broad daylight and we are not the only ones on the beach you know, what were you even thinking?"

"Sunstroke Con, I got sunstroke and can't remember a thing." He passed my micro swimmers to me and said,

"I rinsed them out now put them on."

"No I won't, I have to check on Teddy."

"The kids have him, they are playing cards."

"Cards? He doesn't know how to play bloody cards."

"He does now because Bubby and I taught him, now put these on."

"No."

"Put em on," he snarled at me. I obliged him then laid down on the bed with my legs open and he was onto me within seconds. My micros did the job beautifully but I was only expecting a quickie in the surf not a marathon in the bedroom, anyone can do the bedroom thing, it's the surf that got me hot and bothered today.

John had lunch organized and he called everyone to the table. I gave him a sour look as he dumped a large dollop of mashed potato on my plate, yes, so well mannered he is.

Ted was telling me he won three dollars from Tom and asked me if I could bank it for him so I passed it to Con who passed it to Ray, he will bank it.

"Have you got enough for a house yet Ted?" Con asked.

"No daddy not quite, we have to talk next week about interest free loans." I nearly choked on my corned beef.

"Okay baby when you're ready, how much will you need?"

"Con!" I looked at him and shook my head sideways.

"I don't know yet daddy, I have to see if grandpa Ray can give me a balance of my accounts and then I have to talk to Bubby again. He said maybe another hundred dollars should seal the deal." He smiled at Con who I know was bursting with pride. I nudged him under the table and he nudged me back.

"Did Marty get back to you about the Royal performance Con?"

"Thank you Ray for changing the subject...what Royal performance?" I stared at Conner, my fork dropping to the plate.

"No not yet, he's still in talks so I really don't have any information, only they want me to sing at the Queen's jubilee in four months time."

"That's so cool uncle Conner, are you going to do it?" Tom asked. I would have asked but I was still in shock.

"I don't know yet I have to work out whether it's in the school holidays or not, if it is I will but if it isn't I won't, but if I do you and Shane are coming to London with us." The boys slapped hands and had smiles for miles.

I actually didn't mind this one because I would love to go back there again and under different circumstances this time, it's good that he's thinking about taking Ted and me. I will ring Diana and find out the dates tomorrow, she's a friend she will do that for me.

Later in the day when Ted was trying to fleece Tom of some more money I suggested to him to have a game with John because he had plenty of money, he gave me a sly grin.

As for Con I took him for a walk down the beach. He really didn't know anything much except that the invitation had been received and Marty was working on it. I told him my thoughts and he was pleased I didn't go off my rocker at him and it will be nice to show Tom and Shane London, that's if Shane's parents agree. We walked around to a small cove and seeing nobody was around we lay on the beach and made out for a while, Conner looked like he was ready to go again so I dropped my shorts and stood there in the nude. His eyes bugged out as I ran into the water and of course this time he was right behind me, his balls swinging in the wind.

Thoroughly spent we trudged back to the house where John was hard at it playing cards with Ted, I noticed Teddy was doing a little bit of bluffing and John was smirking.

So I leaned over and said,

"Don't forget Johnny he's a kid and he has a house to buy." I giggled as I went to find my man in the shower.

"Fucking five dollars he won, thanks Brent."

I whistled as my eyebrow went up; the other one doesn't work.

"Language Johnny language, have a little class there's children around." Snap!

The boys wanted to go and see a movie at the local theatre but they couldn't take Ted and I didn't want them to babysit, that's not why I invited them, so Grant will drop them off and pick them up after dinner and they can catch the early evening show. It was like a date to them, they showered together then dressed in their best gear and were ready to have a steak sandwich with us before they left. They were excited and I thought that they might sit up the back and make out a bit.

"Just be careful Tom that's all, not everybody's accepting."

"We will dad, just don't forget to pick us up."

I trusted them to do the right thing; there will be plenty of kissing when they get to bed.

Ted started watching cartoons so the five of us chilled on the balcony. Ray and John talked about the plans for the apartments and I listened as they had a big wank over how good it will look. Thanks guys for the input. Conner was smirking at me again; his ass is so mine tonight.

After the kids came home and Ted was fast asleep we headed for our bedroom.

"Try these on Con." I handed him a pair of black micros and he obliged me then I rubbed my hands all over him but unfortunately his bits popped out everywhere so I had to take them off him...now what do I do?

Sometime during the night Ted had crawled in with us, he was restless and his legs ended up over my head so I climbed out and straightened him up. Con woke and saw him so kissed his cheek while patting the blanket around his small body.

Then he did something that wasn't expected, he talked in his sleep but all he said was,

"Nanny." I looked at Con and we both realized this was the first time we had been here since Nan passed away. Shit, shit, shit.

He was nowhere to be found in the morning and when I went out to get coffee John said he had crawled in with them around five. He left Ray and Ted to sleep.

"I think he was doing the rounds last night, he was very restless," I said as I made Con's drink.

"Well he went straight to sleep after he got in Brent, I think he was sleepwalking so we have to watch that, especially here." I slumped.

"Nan was in the bungalow when she passed John and he whispered her name when he got in with us. What the fuck do we do?"

"Okay I get it, leave it to us son, I have a little something we can do tonight after dinner." He smiled but didn't elaborate. Sometime later that morning he disappeared with Grant. They returned just as I was reading a story to Ted and had flowers and a bag with some things in it.

"Later on, when it gets a little dark," he whispered to me.

I tried to talk to Ted about Nan and his worries but he didn't want to talk about it, at one stage he went and laid on the verandah lounge, which was the one Nan used on the deck.

"What you doing baby having a nap?"

"No dad just smelling that's all." So I moved in behind him and pulled him into me.

"You a little sad baby?"

"Yes daddy just a little bit, I'm trying to member her smell, I forgot what it was like but Granddad fixes that this morning, he smells just like her."

"Well smell or no smell you know she's in here all the time looking after you don't you?" I patted his heart.

"Yes daddy everybody is looking after me, even Benny, but I sometimes miss Nan, she was my best friend." Con had come out to see what was up and he also lay down so we just lay there not saying anything for a long time.

"Teddy we are getting in the big spa, do you want to come in with us?"

He jumped up and yelled,

"Coming grandpa."

John and Ray had a bigger spa in their bungalow so I think they will keep him busy for a while and that will keep his mind off sad things.

"What's with the flowers baby?"

"I don't know Con, they are John's idea. He said he had a surprise after dinner and I'm thinking maybe candles and flowers in the water, a prayer or two and maybe a song."

Later that day Ted was in front of the TV watching cartoons with Con. John was fussing over dinner and the kids were in the water playing with their things, I suspected.

"Now tonight we all will take Ted down to the waters edge and light some candles for him to put in the sea. Ray will say some words then we will all light some candles too. Con doesn't have to sing but it would be nice, we will tell Ted we all miss Nan and want to have a small remembering ceremony for her."

"That's so nice John, do you think it will work?"

"Yes son, he needs to be reminded he's not alone and that we all miss her."

I worded Con up and the kids when I thought it was safe to go near them. I didn't want to embarrass them, like catching them with stiff luggage. They were on board and Tom thought it was a good idea if we all wear sarongs and do it like in Bali. That's a thought, we had watched ceremonies on the beach there and they were so beautiful. I fished out six sarongs and cut one down for Teddy to wear. I also made some halos out of some leaves and a few wildflowers that grew in the scrub; I didn't go overboard, just something simple.

I spent the later part of the afternoon helping John in the kitchen; he was making a roast lamb and I was watching.

Our meal arrived on one big platter so Con dived in and so did the kids, I made up a plate for Ted and then helped myself and it was so delicious.

We washed up and by that time John had sneaked the flowers and candles down to the shore, we were lucky it was a still night.

I called Ted to the bedroom and told him we were going to have a remembering ceremony for Nan like the ones in Bali. He said cool so I slipped the sarong around his waist and after tying the ends together I tucked them into his shorts. He looked beautiful with his leafy crown on and ran out to show Ray and John and the boys while Con and I did ourselves. I put my white micros on then the wrap; he did the same and I instantly boned up just looking at him. I think he did the same because he was almost humping me like a dog by the time we had finished.

"Conner it's not about us tonight, will you sing a song?"

"Yes baby, I have a special one to sing." He grinned.

We walked hand in hand down to the waters edge and Ray said a few lovely words about how we all missed Nan and we were blessed to have known her and double blessed to have Teddy in our lives. I lit a candle for him to put onto a plastic plate and he pushed it into the sea. It slowly moved out with the current and then six more joined it. John then pulled out a wishing balloon and lit the round thing at the bottom and it filled with hot air, Ted held it and I said, "Make a wish son." Then he let it go up into the sky lighting the area. We then pulled the flowers apart and threw them onto the water and watched them bobbing around towards the candles.

Con started to sing a beautiful love song, one that I have never heard before. He picked Ted up and they both watched the candles disappear into the night. His voice carried over the beach like a gentle caress; its words were holding my heart.

"And when I go to heaven I choose you to be my angel, I choose you," he sang out. I recognized those words he was singing, it was the song we were writing, he said he had almost finished it. Definitely another number one I think for sure.

"Come on boys let's have a party and celebrate," John said and led us back to the house.

We got to the bigger spa and there were hundreds of candles and fairy lights and Ted's face lit up, he didn't know where to look first. I took his sarong off and lifted him into the spa; the kids had already jumped in. Con undid his and I did the same, we dropped them to he floor and

the kids just gawked at us, Tom even whistled.

"Brent have some decency will you." John chuckled.

So much fun was had in that spa, Ted had forgotten his sadness and was splashing around and Shane was teaching him how to swim, but he didn't quite get it yet.

He didn't sleep with us, he slept with the granddads who said he slept soundly and by the morning all was forgotten. We would think twice about taking him there in future. We know his memories will dull over time but for now we just do what we have to do to make him safe and happy.