Chapter 92
By the end of the week, that swagger got into the swing of things and Conner is starting his short season at the casino. On opening night I arrived with Ray and John in a limo, nothing like putting it out there. Con had insisted I was to have gold service all the way. From what Marty said, Conner's five-week stint at the casino was a complete sellout. He also said fans from across the world were worried he was going to retire, and they were flying in like moths to a flame to catch at least one of his final shows. This time he has cut the performances back to five a week, he doesn't want to destroy his voice before he does the new album.
Conner isn't going to retire he's just going to write more and try to perform less. The limo pulled up and I alighted to the doorman in his livery opening my side door, and we three stepped out and waved to the huge crowd out the front of the casino showroom, Conner is already in his suite so he's not expected to turn up out the front.
I could certainly hear the music as we were shown into the venue and with every step, it got louder and louder. The room was jam-packed I doubt whether there was even any standing room left. The doorman in his big red overcoat and top hat made us follow him down to the front seats. I couldn't believe some people, they clapped as I passed and some even called my name. This is exactly what I didn't want, and my face was burning up as I tried to sink through the floor, I apparently, was making a rather grand entrance.
The tempo quickened as butterflies attacked my gut, everyone was up on their feet expecting Rick Conner's to arrive any second in all the electric confusion. I can't remember when I felt this exhilarated to see my man on stage again, especially after the past month. I felt like I was meeting him for the first time in his music world. It has been an arduous time to get to this moment and I know he's going to knock that ball out of the park once again tonight.
John and Ray moved into the front row with all our friends, Di Andy and Sam even Helen and her mum, and my sister Jenny with beautiful Bobby. Darryl looked so handsome in his suit and Fran had a glittery frock on, she looked very nice. Phil and Dave were waving and I noticed they patted the seat next to them, I'm in for some groping from them I'm sure of it. Jill Adam and Marty will be with Conner. My arm was grabbed and I stopped in my tracks.
"Not you sir."
The doorman said in a very gruff voice, I stared at him and said.
"What's up?"
"Mr. Conners needs to see you."
"What now? he's about to go on." I sort of cracked the shits because he doesn't need to see me, he's just feeling lonely, don't tell me he wants me to watch from the wings again.
I followed him to the side stairs and shrugged as I walked past Rob, he opened his hands like he had no idea what was going on, I was a little bit pissed off. I was taken behind the massive curtains and wasn't shown to the dressing room, I was taken to center stage where I could see everything was at the ready. With the band set up and stagehands at the ready and the doorman passed me a champagne glass then a pretty young lady filled it.
"What's happening?" I asked him.
"This." A chair was placed behind me and I was gently seated, I guess I am the butt of another one of Conner's jokes, again. If he thinks he can embarrass me then he can think again, I stood up the doorman pushed me down. The band got louder and before I knew it the curtains were up and the crowd went ballistic. Smoke fireworks and colored lights flashed before me, somewhere in the background I could hear Conner's voice welcoming everybody, it would have been pre-taped, then without a beg your pardon the music changed into a slow waltz and the doorman pulled me up and danced me around the stage, I did hear my name being called more than once from the audience. He slowly eased me back onto the chair and took his hat and coat off, then the false eyebrows and hair. I really didn't know this time and he's got me again in a compromising position, all I could do was smile when he put the mike to his mouth and turned to the now ballistic audience.
"You get one chance tonight, and one chance only to see into my private space. This man Brenten Walsh is my husband." The crowd cheered and screamed louder.
"And this is how I feel about him." A stool was produced and he started his mini-concert with Us. He had me glued to the spot as he danced in my head the tears flowed the crowd hushed to hang on to his every word. When he finished he said.
"If it wasn't for this man I wouldn't be here with you tonight, as they say, behind every man there is a greater man and that man is my gorgeous husband Brenten Walsh." He stood me up and kissed me.
"Con."
"I don't care anymore, I want them to know you, for just a little moment. Then your mine again."
He escorted me to stage left then I waved and left the stage. I was escorted back to my seat to a barrage of clapping and yelling mostly good wishes, mostly for Conner to come back.
Lights flashed bombs went off on stage and from nowhere he appeared with his band behind him in his black jeans white T-shirt and the biggest smile on his face, nothing too outlandish tonight, I thought.
The second song was a cover of 'This is me' from The Greatest Showman. He needed a song to let everyone know he was proud of who he was and this was perfect. He was joined by eight male backup singer-dancers, who by the way had tight black shorts on. I didn't know where to look at first as they perfectly adorned the stage. The audience went ballistic again when they covered Conner with their awesome bodies, he walked out from behind them and he had the same shorts on, I knew he wouldn't go with the jockstraps tonight. The dancers with Conner moved over closer to the audience and toyed with them, he almost lifted the roof off the showroom. The movement on stage was brilliant my eyes were only on Conner, and when I looked him in the eyes they didn't move from my gaze, he was looking for strength and I gave it to him when I suddenly stood up and started clapping. That was all he needed and he moved like liquid oil across that stage getting his message through.
"This is who I'm meant to be, this is me. Look out because here I come"
The song and dance routine had almost caused a stampede on stage, Grant and his security team with the casino's security stopped many men and women trying to get up there. I nearly had a go myself, well I thought about it.
Grant grabbed something and ran on stage it was a pair of hipsters and he made Conner dress, then he lost his jeans with one rip and he had a white pair of shorts on Grant wiggled his ass which turned the volume up a notch or two, then he left towards stage right, much to everyone's disappointment.
He started another song from his last album, the whole place rocked and everyone was dancing. Song three four five and six then Con had to have a break.
The crowd roared even during the interval and it didn't stop until the lights finally went down nearly two hours later. Con looked wonderful under the lights he seemed to have a new confidence about him, he had to defer the opening for fifteen minutes because the audience wouldn't settle down and he wanted to escort me into the venue, himself.
When the speakers blasted out one of his new numbers the place went into rock mode, I could feel the floor vibrating under my feet and when I looked over at my friends they were all in raptures because this is the pinnacle of Conner's success, no real gay themes no attacks and no boos just plain concert arousal. The black hipsters seduced everyone as he sang Ask Me a slower tempo and a much sexier number, the male dancers were standing on small round tables having wardrobe malfunctions, but no rude bits were flashed, what absolute professionals they were. He sang the Disney song and some oldies but the highlight was after he gave a small speech thanking everyone, he told them he wasn't retiring he was going to concentrate more on his songwriting and his albums.
One such album is in the making and he would like to sing one of the songs to them tonight.
His new songs will be so different and Con took the chance when he decided to record the new album, which was to become his new bestseller, thanks to Bray. I watched Bray's reaction when Conner sang the first two lines, he hadn't been warned that he was going to introduce it tonight and his tears flowed down his face and his hands covered his cheeks, he couldn't believe what Conner had done to his music he had taken it to an entirely different level, and with Conners deep voice, the whole ballgame changed for him. It was the purest of rock and it was a very touchable reality. Conner nailed it and the audience went crazy once again, my hands were sore from clapping so much and my heart soared because it knew within an hour or so, that man God would be in my arms again.
"He's pretty fucking good mate, shit Brent I didn't think he was so professional. where did he get his shorts from?"
"Sports store." I laughed at Darryl, I think he's now got a man-crush he was gushing so much in the green room. Conner was held up with the press and I knew he had a cracking hard-on, there were so many people in the green room he couldn't even go to his dressing room to shower and I couldn't wait to lick the sweat off him. I kept licking my lips and winking at him he kept trying to finish his interviews. When he couldn't take it anymore he rushed to my side and grabbed me for a passionate kiss, the cameras went off and that will be the last of it, we are both proud and out for good.
Now to get back to reality, he wanted me to blow him in the limo on the way home, he had kicked John and Ray out, they can get in with Marty, and he made the driver stop at the beach where we held each other and he whispered in my ear that we should go for a walk. I told him he will catch a chill, then he came back to reality so we headed quickly for home. Teddy was still up thanks to Tom and Shane who babysat for us, they will do the concert tomorrow night.
"We couldn't get him to go Brent, he kept saying he will call the cops and dob us in for locking him in his bedroom." Tom laughed.
"It's okay I wanted to see him anyway." Conner had him lifted on his hip and he started telling him how the concert went as he sipped on his water, his throat must be numb by now.
I moved in behind Ted and kissed his neck then Conner held us not wanting to let go for many minutes.
"Did the babies go down okay?"
"Yes Brent they went to sleep on the floor so we checked them out then put them to bed, we have been watching the avengers movies, so there won't be any nightmares from Teddy.
"Thank you." I kissed them both, they are growing so much and I was sad because I was now looking at two young men, they were not boys anymore.
Ray and john started to hand out drinks, just a couple, then we will all go to bed, I can't wait.
Conner talked quietly to Teddy as we related the concert highlights to the boys they were excited to go but they won't see a repeat of my awful entrance.
The television had highlights and showed a little of the intro I didn't mind I'm in this for keeps and I can't hold Conner back just because I don't like the limelight. The boys were tired and went home after some hugs and kisses Ray and John left and Teddy was put to bed, he was dog tired.
Conner went to shower and I stopped him, I was desperate for his smells and I didn't care because nothing is offensive where he is concerned, nothing. He smiled at me then did a slow strip, he had a black jock strap on and I pushed him back on the bed then went to work. I had forgotten he starred tonight and with all that extra work he had done he didn't have time to take a minute for himself to wind down. As I went to work on him he went to sleep, so I did a lot of kissing and licking but it was futile, he was exhausted.
My present arrived around five, Con had backed up to me and was trying to accommodate my stiff. With me being half asleep I lingered until he really backed up and I slipped in, I was awake now and thoroughly enjoyed my trip down memory lane. After getting him off I listened for the boys and yes they were both awake. Conner wanted to hold me some more, so I went to get them and after checking them out they were placed into our bed, maybe they will go back to sleep but I doubt it, Jack had decided to slap Conner's face so I laughed as I held Curtis close.
Teddy came to see what was going on and he also joined us, I love these moments nothing else matters in my world except these babies and my husband.
They did have a small nap, and I moved to Conner's side then I made him go back to sleep. Around six I got up went to make a coffee. I let Benny in and sat with him for a while, he was asking me how it all went so I told him, we sometimes have a long heart-to-heart talk and I recon he understands me, well he is a good listener.
John yawned when he arrived and Ray did the same shortly after.
"What have you got on today?"
"Nothing much Brent we thought we might go and have a talk to Bobby and Daryl, they will have to go to Singapore to buy the ship."
"I might come with you, Conner will be resting and I don't want the boys disturbing him."
"Good idea, they all want to see them anyway, or we can take them and you can stay with Conner."
"Umm, what a very nice thought Ray." And it was a nice thought, spending the day with my husband alone is a rare thing.
"Let's see what he's got on first."
John handed me my pills and I took them then I had a coffee, Conner came down with the giggling kids and Teddy hugged everyone then headed for the tv. Jack wanted me and his little head rested on my chest as Conner kissed me. Curtis was deciding what he would like for breakfast with Johnny.
"What have you got on today Con, do you have to go in for rehearsals?" I asked.
"No baby, I thought I might hang around here."
"John and Ray want to take the boys into Go ship for a couple of hours I was thinking I will stay home with you." He winked at me and said.
"That's a brilliant idea Brent, when are you leaving Ray?"
"In an hour or so you randy buggers."
"Daddy." Teddy sang out.
"Tv."
We looked and there it was Cons concert was being shown, just snippets and a longer one with him singing Bray's song. The announcer was telling the public if it was any indication of what his new album will be like he has another major hit under his belt. Ted jumped up and down then he was picked up by Conner, he kissed him a hundred times to congratulate him for being on tv, in Ted's world that's the bomb.
I readied the babies and kissed them goodbye then we got Ted into the car and took him to school, he was in a big rush because he might be asked to talk about his daddies concert on tv. As soon as the front door was closed Conner had me on all fours and I was breathing heavily, when I looked up Benny was watching us from the back windows, yes Ben this is how it's done doggy style.
Conner fell on me and I crashed to the floor exhausted, we lay there for ages and he gently kissed my back and neck. His hand slipped down to my bum and he started rubbing it, I crawled over to the couch and let him have his way again, it was a little more comfortable for me.
The issues I had earlier on about being the bottom all the time had resolved themselves, and we decided to just go with the flow, and whoever wanted it would have it, I actually learned to like it and sometimes I even craved it, and because we were the only two at home I didn't hold off with the foul expletives. We laid around for an hour just touching and kissing then finally went to shower.
The babies came home full of news and John and Ray were more confident in our decision to go ahead with the new ship, we talked while I settled the kids down and listened to their stories about their big day out, Curtis was the first to close his eyes and Jack fought like crazy but succumbed in the end as I stroked his back.
I made more coffee and sat with the men, we talked about what had transpired and said that Daryl and Ray would go to Singapore, the brains and the money, Bob will stay here to keep his eyes on everything especially my sister and his unborn child.
"Are you going, John?"
"Yes at the moment Brent, I don't want to leave you on your own, but I would like to get some shopping in, things are different there are so many shopping centers to trawl through." He smiled.
"Maybe Fran would like to go with you, and please don't worry about me I will be fine."
"We thought about asking her but there's Bubby, he will still be in school."
"It's only a week and the flight isn't that long."
"I will ask her then," Ray said.
I smiled because Fran is going to love her little holiday and I know Bubby will be hanging around the stock exchange for some tips. I laughed to myself then felt a hand on my crotch, bloody hell Conner am I ever going to survive these concerts, they do make him a little randy, it must be all that male testosterone on stage with him.
He packed his jock and got himself ready to go to do another concert, I am not going so he will be lonely, I know this because he almost begged me to go with him. We kissed and Marty rang the doorbell, he and Grant were ready to go into the city, Adam will be there to prepare his outfits and to maybe boost his ego a bit, no chance of that.
After he hugged the babies he left me standing at the doorway, we will leave soon because we have to pick Ted up.
Thankfully Jill will be at the Casino with Adam they have got a temp in to do the flight attendant job, you know the job I did many months ago or was that years. John packed the picnic basket and I went upstairs to change. I looked into Ted's bedroom as I passed he still had our posters on his wall and nan's photo by the bed had been replaced with a nice one of all of us as a family, grandad's included. Nans was now on his dressing table. I haven't spoken about her to him for ages now, I guess the memories are fading which is a good thing for him. I am not saying he's forgotten her, he's just kept her in his heart, and over time he will be thinking about her fondly without hurting. I felt a cold chill then I shook my body and continued downstairs, the boys were awake and the grandad's were ready. I grabbed my phone and we all walked out to the car.
Ray drove today and I sat in the back, I like to do that because I get my kids to myself again, but John put a kid's song on and they started singing along to the tune. I was surprised because they knew most of the words and they sing pretty well also. If Conner ever needs more backup singers these little guys are his go too's.
Fran and Andy were there and I heard the bell go off as I sat down at the table and was greeted by them. I was a little sad now because I knew Conner wouldn't be coming here for the next few days, he will have a bit of time off each week so I guess he will come by then if he's not in the studio recording.
"Fran, we have to send Daryl over to Singapore soon to look at ships, would you and Bubby like to go with him?" John asked.
"I would love to but my son has school."
"Take him with you, he's learned everything he needs to, and I believe Mrs. Green has him doing the filing and some tutoring, he needs a little pat on the back for being so clever," I said.
"Okay I will talk to her tomorrow," She cringed.
"Just choose your words very carefully Fran." Andy laughed.
The boys rushed over and just for today they are apparently without a trainer, Grant will be at the casino with Conner. I saw two security men hovering I guess they have their orders because track pants were dropped and they started herding the kids onto the oval. But we haven't started yet, Bubby was in a twist about something so I watched him gather his men and stand in front of Ray.
"Two weeks cooling off period, we have no deal, Mr. Ray." Fran was quick to hand the money back, and the contract.
"What's going on Mr. Bubby, we have a deal a solid one too."
"We don't sign five-year contracts, we want year by year."
"Oh, I suppose you spoke to your manager did you?"
"Yes and you cant hold us to this contract until it is amended."
"Yeah, we don't agree with it, at all grandad." Go Teddy.
Ray looked it over with a slight grin on his face, then he scratched out the small print and initialed it.
"Is that better?"
"Thank you Mr. Ray it's a pleasure to do business with you." He haded the money back to Fran and the contract then shook Ray's hand.
"We now have a deal."
Andy and I were laughing our asses off and the babies started also they wanted to play ball with the kids, but not until the security guys were welcomed. Teddy screamed.
"Pile on." They all raced onto the oval and took them both down and started jumping on them much to their surprise. They were a couple of nice guys who laughed their way through training getting some tips off Teddy and his gang as they went.
"We run the oval now." He told them, and they did.
My little boys played ball, they sometimes try and run the oval but get tired very quickly because I chase them and that makes it more fun.
My phone rang and Conner was pumped, he said he was also tired and needed a ten-minute power nap then some food. I told him the club contract is now binding and he asked if the security guys are looking after the kids right. I assured him they were and I was getting a mighty fine view of them from where I sat.
He told me from tomorrow he will be at the park he only had to go in early today to fine-tune something, but from tomorrow he will be with us.
"So you won't be needed so early baby." I was pleased but should be more supportive of him.
"Not unless something crucial happens, it's plain sailing from here on."
"Well have a good night my love and I will see you when you get home."
"As soon as I can Brent, be ready for anything."
"Oh, I will be ready and waiting, sir." I smiled and hung up, all eyes were on me.
"So sue me, Conner gets very fruity on that stage."
I ignored the laughing and reminded Fran to go talk to Mrs. Green, one of the security guards had started laughing.
"What's up?" I asked.
"We got homework today it was so cool, we feel like we are back at school."
Andy cracked up and wouldn't stop until Ray shoved a bun in his mouth, the guys turned out to be very nice and they shared our food and told us about their children, we insisted they should bring them here some afternoons.
We got back into the car and Teddy sang along with his brothers, another one for the backup group I think. The babies screamed when they arrived and ran down the hallway, they are looking for Conner, my heart sank a little because the house was empty. It always feels empty when he's not home, I guess we have to put up with it. While John distracted them I talked to Teddy about his day at school, everything is all right with him and he's learning lots of things. He asked if he could go on an excursion with his class and rummaged through his backpack to hand me the details and consent form, which I will gladly sign. It was a trip to the museum in the city, the first of many, I resigned myself to lose him for the day, but he will be happy that's all that matters.
"We need to take some lunch and water daddy, can I take my phone to get some pictures to show you?"
"Of course you can, just make sure there's enough room on your phone and it's fully charged." I smiled. He was excited to be going, and I couldn't be happier it is happening. I never wanted to go on any school excursions I wasn't a team player just a bit of a loner back then.
"Do you know about the museum baby, has your teacher told you about it?'
"Yes daddy I know all about it, they have some dinosaurs there and some stuffed birds and things."
"Well take notice just in case you get some questions back in class." I kissed his head and went to sign the paperwork after I read through it.
John had made coffee and I could smell one of his awesome casseroles cooking away in the oven.
"We will book a seat for Fran and Bubbie, she won't have any trouble getting him the time off school Brent."
"Yes, are you all flying business class?"
"Yes, and we will organise four days on the hop on hop off bus for them to explore."
"Good." I showed Ray the school consent form and he looked it over and smiled.
"I wish their teacher good luck with twenty-five screaming kids on board." He then chuckled. The kids were playing with some toys they found and Curtis was making truck sounds as he whizzed his tow truck around, Jack had some lego and was building a tall skyscraper. I went out the back to see how Benny was and he decided that today was the day he would forgive the kids and started playing with them. John gave him a biscuit Curtis helped him eat it, I jumped up again and took it out of his mouth. Then I went to find half of one each and they joined Benny again who ate most of their biscuits. Yes, just a normal family and if I don't get rid of this lonely feeling I will fall down that slippery slope.
I had an idea on my mind I might get one of the boys to drive me into the casino and I can ride home with Conner, but I lost that way of thinking because I will miss the kids.
We ate dinner and generally talked about the cargo ship, the kids have eaten and Teddy was watching a show on wildlife so the boys joined him. I could hear him explaining all about the lions and elephants, and while he kept them occupied I went upstairs and showered.
I made sure their beds were ready and paused at my bed and imagined Cons return tonight, he might go to sleep on me, maybe not, depends how he feels.
I sighed and went to join the men.
"You are doing it again Brent, you have to find something to occupy your mind," John said.
"Doing what?"
"Getting all maudlin, he's only four suburbs away you can always go there and watch him."
"I can't do that John, he will think I'm depressed or something."
"He would love it Brent why don't you go, the kids will be fine with us."
I thought again about it, I'm being too clingy again, maybe I will go and stand backstage to watch my man.
In the end, I was tired when I put Ted to bed, the kids had gone off earlier and were all snuggled in. Teddy had some questions about the museum and I told him we would look at it on the big computer tomorrow if he wanted. I read him his story but thought he may be getting a little bit old for even that now, but he doesn't mind, he likes me to hang in his room while he goes to sleep. I turned his night light on and the overhead one to off, then went to strip and hit my pillows. I looked at my watch it was nine-thirty, another two hours then Conner will be in my arms again.
He woke me when he slipped into bed, his arm went across my chest as he kissed me.
"How did it go?"
"Great, no mishaps, and I even got underwear thrown at me, some people don't get that I am already married and in love with my husband."
I licked his nipple because it was almost in my face, then I felt another kiss and I waited but nothing was happening, he drifted off.
It was an hour later when Jack screamed, I flew out of bed and raced to his room, he was in such a state and was so upset.
"Teddy Teddy."
"What's the matter baby, tell daddy, Teddy is asleep in his bed we can go and have a look." He's had a nightmare, something I hated for them to go through. I picked him up and held him very close as he gripped my neck. I took him into Ted's room and there he was, sound asleep.
"Teddy."
"Yes Teddys asleep baby, what's happened?'
"Teddy Lion and Teddy eat."
"No there's no Lions baby, just a dream you were having that's all." He was trying to process it when I heard Curtis stir, he was looking for Jack so I bundled them both up and placed them in our bed, they can sleep with us because nothing's going to happen tonight. I stroked both of them until they drifted off again. Jack's so protective of his brothers even Teddy. I felt sorry for the little fella but it is what it is, and there will be plenty more nightmares to come for him.
"He had a nightmare Con, so I put them in here."
"Oh, are they okay?"
"Yes baby, just a dream it will all be forgotten now its morning. They were watching a wildlife show and Jack dreamt Teddy was being eaten by a lion." I smiled.
"Did it hurt?"
I looked sideways at him and started laughing, somehow he had moved over next to me and the boys were on his other side of the bed, it started about then, his hands moved and I blamed them for my elevated excited state, he then moved down the bed and proceeded to munch away on me, I held his hair and pushed deeper as he bought me to another mind altering orgasm. I did the same to him and couldn't believe the gushing that he produced, it seemed to go on forever.
"Thank you I needed that."
"Get some more sleep baby, will I take the kids?'
"No leave them here, is Ted awake?"
"Don't know, it's a bit early for him."
He was up and in front of the tv when I arrived, Johnny was in the kitchen and I was handed a coffee.
"How did he go?"
"Underwear was thrown at him, maybe they think he doesn't have any, anyway I guess it was a good show." I chuckled as I kissed my eldest boy.
"We had better stick to cartoons when your brothers are with you baby, Jack had another nightmare about Lions."
"I forgot daddy, sorry I won't do that again."
"It's okay baby, just if you want to watch that show can you do it at grandad's place?"
"Okay."
I don't want him feeling guilty for nightmares, kids have them and we can't do a thing about them.
I heard giggling coming down the stairs, Conner dumped them on the couch and then he scratched his balls, he swaggered over to me then gave me a deep probing kiss.
"We go again later, right?" Some attitude is just the best.
I nodded and got a little excited about the prospect.
"Yes sir."