Chapter 70
Ted was settled in with the kids, and everything was going like clockwork. We arrived at the back of the venue and were escorted to the front of the stage to our seats. Phil and Dave did their thing by trying to embarrass me, even groping my jeans and kissing my cheeks. It's been a while since we have been to a concert and I guess like the others they were pumped up on a high. Before the overture was started I was reseated on the aisle next to Grant, he patted my leg I was hoping for more than that.
The lights went down at precisely eight-thirty, and the music started playing Cons warm-up music, I looked over at Jen she was nearly pissing herself she was that excited, and Bob only had eyes for her and a big smile on his gorgeous face as she squeezed his hand.
There was a blackout and the music changed to a Kylie Minogue number called, Better the devil you know. I had seen this on YouTube, but I didn't think Con could pull off the skimpy costume she wore in it. The trapdoor flew open as the lights blazed into life, and Miss Kylie was on stage.
The crowd immediately roared, and everyone was up on their feet going mental, what an unexpected opening. Men in skimpy tight black shorts danced down the aisles of the stadium and as Kylie did her thing on stage the guys stopped and danced with the audience. I was immediately grabbed and turned to dance with one of them. It was Conner, he was hidden amongst the dancers, he had the biggest grin on his face as he danced me around. I was once again speechless, then he dropped me back in my seat and continued his journey onto the stage. He was one of forty guys strutting around and of course, he had the best body out of all of them so I thought.
She finished her number then disappeared with the guy's stage left. That left Conner standing alone center stage. His cap flew off as his opening song started and that bought the crowd to their feet again, the roar was deafening. His bubble butt was again on show to everyone, and his crotch was pumping out his wholesome manly bits. He moved over to our area and gave us all a good show, then he started singing. The curtain behind revealed his backing band and Conner was a god on that stage for the next two numbers. He had a very quick break and a costume change into just black leather pants, now he looked like a rock star.
A small chat and a welcome talk then he was off racing and didn't step off that stage until the interval. The boys were in raptures and took loads of photos Jen couldn't speak she was so worked up and Phil and Dave were checking I still had a fat. Grant had disappeared sometime during the opening.
"That was an awesome opening Brent, bloody hell I don't know where he gets those ideas from," Dave said. "Adam, it's all Adams work, he's such a pervert and he knows Kylie." I laughed at Rob's face. I know Con knew Kylie from way back too, and it was an unexpected lovely surprise, he knows I like her.
When we arrived back to our seats Jen was ushered into the seats behind us, sitting in those seats was the tiny star with her minders. Jen screamed as Kylie invited her to sit with her. I looked around at my sister's face and saw pure excitement as Bob hung over the seat and took loads of photos. They both screamed through the last half of the concert even dancing with each other at one stage.
Con opened the second half with a slow number called 'I chose you.' It was another one of our songs that weren't recorded. I knew he was placing it in his real concert but didn't know he was doing it tonight. It was magic and his stool was placed right in front of us. When the applause died down he was back to being a rock god again and amongst the lights and smoke, he seemed to be on cloud nine, back to his old self again.
The concert was a triumph and as we were all going backstage we were followed by some serious headliners including Elton who had been sitting with Molly and a couple of drop-dead gorgeous princes. I was shown into Con's dressing room and immediately I was grabbed by an exhausted icon.
"Did you like it?" "Did I ever, best concert I've ever seen Con, you are amazing." "Is Jen pumped?" "I think we won't see her for the rest of the night Con, she's been firmly planted with the other stars for the night. He laughed because he wanted that to happen to her. "Do you need any help dressing Con?" "No baby just need you to unzip me that's all." he grinned I got on my knees.
Adam banged on the door just as we finished our business then it was bedlam for the next hour or so. Bob was trying to get Jen to go home but she was still talking to the stars that surrounded her. I think she got some invitations shoved in her hands before she left to go home because she couldn't stop looking at them.
I steered Con to a small non-descript car with Grant in tow. He smiled and kissed me as I placed the blonde wig on his head and we entered the back seat. Grant whisked us off to a tiny flat he had rented for the night and I made love to my Con until he was dead to the world. I couldn't sleep so listened to his breathing for a while then I had to go pee.
On my way back I opened the curtains and there was a wonderful view of the city skyline. Opening the balcony door I leaned on the railing and took it all in. Memories of the past caught up with me as Cons arms went around my waist. "I don't think I can perform again tonight, but I want to hold you like this." I groaned as he held me tightly until the moment left and we settled back into bed.
The banging on the door woke me, it was Adam and Rob, he was there to start getting Conner ready for today's concert. We still had plenty of time and I was excited to see our Teddy again. I had rung John and Ray, the boys had a really good night and were super excited about today's event.
Conner showered and dressed, then he exercised his voice on the balcony for all to hear. Adam had bought breakfast and we tucked in. "I want you to wear the leather pants and the dinner jacket today Conner, a white t-shirt I think.""Pervert," I said out of the corner of my mouth. Rob started laughing as Adam glared at me for my indiscretion.
"Well you did a wonderful job last night Adam, he looked awesome." I quickly said. "That's better," he replied. "Where's Marty?" "On the phone to Di, where else" "Oh, I hope everything's fine at home I must ring her." "Yes she's having a ball fixing up the house, and Jade is loving looking after the kids." "She should be doing some modeling, she's a gorgeous kid." I offered. "All in good time Brent, I have a plan," Adam smirked at me. "Spill it." I hate secrets. "She's agreed to be on the cover of Conner's next album." I was so pleased for her, that will catapult her into the modeling world
quick smart.
We all arrived at the concert hall and found our seats, Teddy sat with his mates in the front row. They were over-excited and I mused that they might just go to sleep during it. There was a tap on the shoulder and I was instantly swept away by Grant to backstage left. The music was turned up and I could hear Cons intro music start. "Just for the first number baby, I want you up here," Conner said in my ear, he had crept up behind me. I placed my hand on his shoulder and nodded my understanding. After a loud round of applause, he entered the stage and headed for the single stool. He quietened the crowd down then I heard. "My daddy look Bubby, my daddy." It was Ted telling everyone that he was Conner's son. The laughter was warming then he began to sing 'Us'.
I was taken on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, some bad some good as he caressed my ears and heart. I had no idea how long I stood there but he was already onto his second song by the time I came down to earth.
I was shown to my seat and when I leaned over I hugged Teddy from behind. How I got this lucky was beyond me, but I felt every word that was coming out of Cons mouth. This is what he was born to do, not the other noisy concerts.
When he sang the theme song from the woodland friend's movie Ted got up and started dancing Shaun and bubs joined in. The music stopped as Con held his hand up. He then motioned the three to join him on stage. Grant helped them go come up the side stairs.
The boys were nearly pissing themselves as they stood by Conner. He had a few words with them, they nodded then he began again. The three boys danced all over the stage, and it worked beautifully because the other two were following Teddy around because he knew the steps quite well. It was a children's song and it worked wonderfully.
It bought the house down, all the kids in the audience knew the words and all I could hear were their voices mixed in with Cons. He finished his first set then lifted the boys down off the stage to Rob and Phil they got an extra special round of applause. He then disappeared into that void.
It was different from his rock concerts and as I have said before I love him like this, he is awesome. Ted and his mates were jumping up and down, I picked him up and told him he did well. He said Bubby and Shaun were looking forward to getting their five hundred dollar pay packet. I couldn't stop laughing poor Con, that cost him big time.
There was something different about this concert, it was aimed at a different crowd, the younger under sixteens, and the older crowd that doesn't like the loud full-on rock concert. He starred and the applause went on for many long minutes. He looked wrung out at the end but nothing serious. I would almost automatically know by just looking at him. We all went backstage and were greeted by a gorgeous smiling rock star, he had laid on food and drinks for everyone at the after-party. Jenny was again bailed up by some celebrities, and again Bob was left holding the baby.
"I've wanted this for her for ages Brent, but I couldn't figure out how to make it happen." "Leave that to us, Bobby, she's having a ball but I can't for the life of me bring myself to tell her that Elton has canceled our dinner." "That's a shame." "Well his kids come first, and Molly's back in hospital again." "Nothing serious I hope." "I don't think so he's still getting over that fall he had a few years back." "Must have been bad for him." "I think it was Bobby. I don't think he's running at a hundred percent, but he will get there." "I will tell her, and I want you to encourage her to go for a less demanding job when she gets back home too." He grinned. "Why Bob, I thought she was happy where she is working." "No, she has to go back in a month and is dreading leaving Conner in a care center. I must admit I'm not too happy about it either." "Does she have to work?" "No, but she wants to, I can't talk her out of it." He looked at me with hope in his eyes. "Leave it to me, brother." I had no idea what I was going to do, but who knows anything can happen when we get back. We gathered up our tribe, and after some hugging, we told Con we would see him at home, sooner rather than later.
I wanted Ted to have a nap for ten minutes but he and his mates beat us to it on the way home, they were all asleep when we parked under the hotel. Putting him to bed was easy he hadn't stirred once on the way up, and as I tucked him in I kissed his forehead then reflected on his simple beauty.
I was sitting on the balcony when Conner came in on his own, he was pumped up and as I leaned him on the balustrade his jeans slipped down around his ankles and I made love to him in the open air. "God I needed that baby, I am so horned up." "Good then we might give it another run tonight, want something to eat?" "No, I need you to hold me though." Which I gladly did for the next hour, he had gone to sleep on the sun lounge. No concert tonight but for the next two nights, he will be a rock star again.
Andy and Sam were in their element they had been to see three popular shows at the west end and were saving up the others to see on Broadway when they get there. Adam had found a small theatre around the corner from the hotel and they were going to see a new show tonight so we had Shaun for the few hours.
The boys argued with Conner about their pay and he laughed his head off all through it. It was after the third 'no can do' they called in the big guns. Bubby and his parents arrived shortly after, and Bubby took charge.
"You have to pay us." "Why?" "Because we worked our butts off for you." "No you didn't, you danced around and had some fun and we didn't have a contract, so there." Con giggled. "We can sue under the child labor act." "What?" "We will Mr. Conner's, but if you settle now its five hundred .... each, and that will be in US dollars please." "Brent help." "Do you want cash or a check Mr. Bubby?" I asked as I stifled my laugh. "Cash by the end of the business today." Bubby had a wicked smile on his face by now. "Cash it is, just let me go to the bank. I won't be long."
He hi fived his mates and his dad stared at him for a long time. "You can't pay him that. I won't allow it." Bubby's eyes went wide and he stopped in his tracks.
"We don't mind Daryl they did contribute to the concert. Con was just having fun with them." I said. "Well, I don't want you to pay Bubs that. What you do with the others is your business but my son won't be paid especially five hundred dollars." "But daddy." "No buts my beautiful little matey. I've told you before you're not going in hard enough, and we won't settle for five hundred." He winked. I could see Bubs smiles coming back, he knows what's coming next.
"We will settle for one thousand US though, and that's each Mr. Conner's if you don't mind." He roared laughing along with Con and me, he's such a card, and Bubby was very happy again. I can see where he gets it from, his dad.
Conner didn't mind one bit. It was worth it for the entertainment value alone. I will transfer some money into their accounts, later on. I don't know how Sam and Andy will take it though. The boys again were all sitting in front of the computer, Mr. Bubby was tapping away with a smile on his face. They had made some more money then he asked Ray to show him how to buy stocks again.
He sat with him then I heard him say. "Its a gamble Bubby, where did you hear about these shares?" "I read the stock market pages in this mornings paper, and these are the best." "Don't believe everything you read bub, and I think you're buying too many."
Bubby tapped away again ignoring Ray who threw his arms up in the air. The two boys had been watching all this and were so in awe of their mate.
"Now we will wait and see if I did okay with my decisions." They slapped hands then moved over to the sofa in front of the TV. "Where's Shane and Tom?" "Phil and Dave took them shopping with Tan, they wanted to look at some jeans and shirts," John said as he put the finishing touches to our dinner. "Good I want them to shop till they drop, it will occupy them for a few hours." I smiled. I did want them to have a big spend up because who knows when they will get back to London again.
Adam and Marty came by to collect Conner, he has a big concert tonight and they were going through the song list. It's too late to change it now I don't know why they even bother. I won't be going tonight but I will go to the final one. Tonight I want to have dinner with my son, just us two alone.
"Where are you taking me for dinner son?" "Eh?" "Well, it's customary for the son to take his dad out for dinner when they are overseas." "I don't know daddy, I never did that before." "Well, when you decide where we are going please let me know because I have to dress for the occasion. Maybe you could ask Grandpa if there is any good restaurants in this area." "Oh, I might do that daddy, is McDonald's okay?" "Perfectly okay son." Looks like I'm eating junk food tonight but maybe John will have a better idea.
I watched as he flittered around between the rooms I guess he's getting ideas off everyone, he's so organized that son of mine.
"What's this all about Brent?" Conner came into the bedroom while I had a laydown. "I just thought I would go out for dinner with our son tonight, and maybe have a small chat to him about bad men and sick grandpas. I thought maybe he was still a little nervous about being out of his comfort zone that's all." "Okay, sounds like a plan, do you want me to get Adam onto it for him?" "No Con, if we end up at a hamburger place I would be happy with that. Its only something to do while you're not here and it will give us some time alone." "All right then, but I get scared sometimes too." "You do? well, we had better fix that then Con, what can I do to make you feel safe?" He dropped his shorts and lay face down on the bed. "Do you want the mouth or the other end?" "Mouth please." He moaned his way through a thorough tongue bath. We were lost in it when the knock on the door came. "Are you nearly ready Conner?" Adam sang out. "Ten minutes, now piss off." We went back to what we were doing, I heard giggling.
He kissed and hugged us all before he left, Rob Phil Dave and the three boys are going to the show, I think they want to show off their new outfits. Now to see what my boy has got in mind for our dinner date.
"Has Teddy decided yet Ray?" "Yes son, but don't expect the Sky Garden." He smiled. "What are you all doing tonight?" "I think Sam and Andy have theatre tickets and Fran and Daryl are having an early night. Jen and Bob are doing the same I think and the rest you know."
"Okay, so everyone's set for the night, I'm so excited to be able to have dinner with my son alone." "I bet you are." He grinned again.
We ended up at the Chinese restaurant around the corner from the hotel, which was very nice. My son, with Grant's help, had a limousine ready to pick us up, his grins were so infectious and he looked as proud as punch to take his dad out for dinner, he even wore his little suit.
After the five minute ride, he thanked the driver and escorted me into the restaurant. It was crowded so it must be popular, which means the food will be good. The lady at the desk asked if we had a reservation and Teddy said yes in his name, Teddy Richards.
"Its dads date night tonight, he's organized this himself. I'm so proud of him." I looked down and Ted's fists were tight. "Well young Mr. Richard's your table is waiting for you, and enjoy your meal. Cathy, show Mr. Richard's to his table please."
We followed Cathy to a big round table where all our friends were seated with grins on their faces. I looked at my son and said. "Did you miss anyone?" I heard tittering coming from the table. "No dads enjoy your dinner." He sat with Bubs and Shaun but next to me. John was on my other side and Jen and Bob, Fran and Daryl even Grant were sitting opposite.
"He wanted to invite everybody just in case you got lonely," John whispered into his napkin. I again looked down at my son and mouthed a thank you. He went into a red-faced ball of a lovable little boy then he leaned over and said. "Thank's you all for coming to our dad's night and grandpa John will order the meals for us because we donts know what to have." Little Conner clapped from his high chair I suppose he will be having whatever we all were having.
The food was amazing and the boys tucked into all sorts of finger delights while we adults ate chicken and fried rice until our stomachs nearly burst. My phone rang it was Conner, half time at the concert he was sitting in his dressing room, doing a video call.
"How is it going?" "Great baby, wish you were here though." I moved the phone over the table and he laughed. "I thought he might just do that, he wasn't sure you wanted to eat with just him alone, but he felt sorry for everyone else." I smiled into the camera. "Well it was a silly idea anyway but it gave him something to do." I almost licked the screen then he had to go his five-minute call had arrived.
There was no limousine to pick us up, so we all walked our meal off back to the hotel. Ted had paid with a credit card Ray had given him and he was the perfect host all night, making sure everyone had their fill. Daryl and Bubby had the takeaway containers, he said he sometimes gets hungry during the night. A direct result of doing shift work.
We said our goodnights and Ted and I closed our door for the last time. "You did very well baby, thank you for our dad's night out." He blushed again and ran to his room to get ready for bed. "Can you read my story tonight dad?" "Of course I can, it will be my pleasure." I smiled as he hopped into bed and got comfortable. I leaned over and kissed him then opened his current story to the page Con had turned the corner down on. It was a big night because I was only into the second paragraph when I heard my little boy's snores.
There was a chill in the air when Conner arrived. I had ordered some take away for him, and we both sat on the balcony while he ate it. I don't know where he puts it all, but I do know it all disappeared over a few grunts and groans.
"I didn't eat at the meet and greet. I knew you would feed me." He kissed me with his greasy lips, then I got him ready for bed. I knew why he was home early it was very overcast outside and that chill in the air meant rain.
Although Con was better nowadays he still liked to cuddle under the covers when a storm hits. All I have to do is hold him close and maybe whisper good sounds in his ears. It hit us around two-thirty, luckily the hotel had double glazing, the thunder was muffled but Con was still uneasy in his sleep. I pulled him in and covered him with the blankets, making sure they were over his ears then I heard Ted stir. "Won't be a moment." I hopped out of bed and went to see if he was okay. He wasn't, so I folded him into my arms and placed him in bed with us. Eventually, when I deemed them both settled, I closed my eyes.
"It's getting better John, but it's like he senses it even when he can't hear it, he feels it." "Maybe Brent and about last night too, don't worry about Teddy being a little timid, all kids are like that at his age. He just needs more cuddles and a firm plan to guide him. Between the four of us, we can get him back to normal." He smiled, I knew he was right and I worry too much because I've never been a dad before.
Conner kissed me thoroughly when I went to the bathroom then he remembered we didn't make love last night, so started fondling my goods. It was nice to have him under the hot shower I washed his hair as he ground up against me.
Ted was eating when we came out, he was actually at the table I think he's got questions. "How was your dad date son?" Con asked. "Good daddy, we ate lots and dad said I was good to organize it. Do you want to have a dad night with me soon?" "Of course I do, that would be ace." Conner kissed his head. "It was good last night dad, I had a bad dream but it went away when I was with you." He looked at me, I felt a tear arriving so looked away. "Well as I said before anytime you want to get in with us you just do it, no even thinking about it, just come in with us." Ted's fists were firing this morning; he was pleased with all our answers.
"How was the concert, Conner?" Ray asked as John loaded up the table with all sorts of breakfast fare. Daryl and Fran with bubs arrived, he warmed his Chinese up in the microwave and sat at the table to destroy it. "I have some more in the fridge if you want it, Daryl." "Good warm it up please Johnny boy." I heard John groan.
Our trip to London was a huge success for Conner and as we soared into the sky towards New York he was on a high. A very different tour this time, he was booked for two concerts and an afternoon matinee then he was free to do what we liked after that.
Daryl was on his phone giving instructions to his second in charge. Ray had organized the money transfer and the ships will be leaving fully loaded to Melbourne within a few days. I had caught up with Tan one afternoon and he starts at Qantas as soon as we get back home, he couldn't wipe that smile off his face and he wouldn't stop thanking us all. He whispered that he still sees Mary occasionally just when he feels the world is closing down around him, but he told me he's happier than he's been in a long time.
Helen had told me in confidence that Tan's mum has started dating an Asian guy who works in our warehouse and it looks like they are going to hit it off beautifully. She also told me the word is he's got a son around Tan's age who is gay, that's their common ground. I don't know how Tan will take it but if I know him he will be as pleased as punch his mums got someone stable in her life.
"What are you thinking about?" Conner moved from Ted's side to mine. "Tan and his mum, I was just thinking maybe we could buy her a small holiday in Vietnam just for two when we get back." "And we should do that why?" "Well Tan will be mostly at school and I think from all reports she does a great job for Go ship, plus she's dating again and maybe its a chance to get her and her new boyfriend together without any complications." "I have no idea what you are talking about Brent, but I agree, when we get back I'll get Helen onto it." He grinned as his hand moved to my crotch. "Meet me in the bedroom." He grinned again then got up and left. Just then a sleepy-looking Ted jumped onto my lap.
"Daddy when we go to Disneyland, do you think we can have a picture of Goofy?" "I'm sure we can get one baby, why don't you have a ten-minute nap, you look really tired." "Okays." His head rested on my chest and within minutes he was asleep. Poor Con, I hope he's not in there all horned up and waiting for me. I chuckled to myself. As it happened I fell asleep and from what Con told me later on, so did he.
The flight wasn't as long as the trip to London and we all managed to survive, it was bliss when we were allowed to step onto the tarmac and breathe the fresh air again. The people movers took us to our hotel while Conner maneuvered himself through the throng of fans and newshounds that had met the plane. It was so different from the last tour he was actually enjoying the attention and as he headed for the media room, we headed for our hotel again.
John helped me unpack, he was putting the dirty clothes aside I had been collecting, then he found the laundry bag to leave outside our door. He disappeared with one of Grants men to go find a shop to gather up food supplies.
"Ray, did you get the chance to have a look at the boy's shares?" "I certainly did son, that bubby has some smarts you know, those iffy shares are soaring at the moment. By the looks of it, all three of them will be able to buy a house when they get back." I laughed at that thought, maybe they will buy one together it would be nice for them to stay mates for all their lives. "Why don't you plant a seed into Bubbies head that they should all buy a house together, like start a property group?" "Good idea boss, I will think about it a bit."
He smiled.
After Conner came in we were swarmed by the rest of the crew and the first thing Bubs did was open the laptop. The three of them crowded around it while bubs tapped in his codes and went to work. While this was being done Con had locked us in the bathroom for some quick unloading/ uploading action. I hate him doing that it never feels right, I like it to last a while and you feel like you're made love not just had a quickie. But who am I to complain I get him to myself for at least ten minutes and that's ten minutes I will always cherish.
"How are the stocks baby?" "Good dad, we make loads of money, Bubby's good isn't he dad?" "He certainly is." I smiled as I saw Bubs and Daryl cuddling on the sofa, I suspected bubs was having a little boy moment with his dad. "He's a bit overwhelmed Brent, he knew those shares would be good and when it was confirmed he broke down," Ray whispered. "Well he's done well do you think we should ask him to pull some out for a rainy day?" "Shane's going to talk to him about that son, but I don't think he will because he's clutching this morning's financial times and there are scribbles all over it." he chuckled.
Conner had put his tight shorts and t-shirt on today, he's going casual, and as casual as he looks his glorious muscly legs were rested on mine as John served up a great lasagna and salad for lunch. The three boys with Phil and Dave arrived, and bubs was immediately onto Shane within seconds, his small meltdown over and done with.
"Let's eat first bubs then we can talk." Bubs stared at him like he had said a naughty word. "Or maybe we can talk while we eat." Shane smiled. "That's better." I heard bubs say.
Food was placed on the coffee table for them both as they trawled the stock market, stopping to eat now and then. Tom was watching Shane with love in his eyes and Conner asked him what was his favorite porn movie. Tom, of course, let him have it with both barrels then compiled a list of movies for Conner to watch. I have no idea if they even existed but I'm sure when he gets to the computer Con will look them up.
I wanted to go to Central Park tomorrow, Conner will have to leave and go to his rehearsal around four but I want the boys to practice their football too. Andy and Sam were having a ball and I heard them say they were going to a matinee tomorrow so I offered to look after Shaun. They nearly exhausted themselves in London but still had left some shows to go to in New York.