Ask Me

Ask Me chapter 96

Maxieplus

Back at the house I let Benny in, talked to Ted about his day then brought in the washing. While I folded it Conner changed the babies and was playing with them on the floor, I think we have birds today because he was whistling.

He then passed them around and sat with me.

"I need your advice."

"Yes, Con."

"Do I tour or not?"

"I would prefer to have you at home, but I know your ego is telling you to do it."

"It's not just that Brent, I have fans that couldn't go to the casino and I feel I owe them so much."

"It won't do much good if your voice goes Con. I would like you to rest for four or five months, rejuvenate yourself, and then be the best you can be when you're on stage. They will understand, and when you do the tour it will mean something to them. You don't want to serve them up a second-rate concert."

"Makes sense baby, how do I tell them?"

"Put out a press release stating you have laryngitis or something, promise a tour when your voice recovers and remind them you want to give them nothing but perfection on their nights."

"Marty will be pissed off."

"Marty will survive, he must be back on his money-grabbing bandwagon again, we had better hit that on the head, maybe he needs a refresher course."

"Maybe, thank you." He kissed me.

"Your welcome."

The kids were dropping off by the time we finished and Teddy was gearing up to watch a DVD in bed on his new device. I don't like it, he has a tv in his room that we placed a one-hour timer on, it shuts itself off because he always goes to sleep. I will get another one for his player I don't want these things going in the kid's rooms at night unsupervised.

After their baths the babies were dressed and put to bed, Ted didn't want a story he wanted his movie, so he snuggled in to watch it. Conner and I had a round of man sex and we cuddled each other to go to sleep.

I woke about twelve and could see the light from his player so I hauled myself out of bed to go turn it off. Ted's bed had become full of bodies, those little tricks, they have escaped and got in with him. I will try and stop that, thank God they didn't hurt themselves climbing over the cot rails.

I looked in on them again in the morning, they were all still fast asleep. Con was awake so I told him to watch them while I went and made coffee. This was not the only time since becoming a father I wished I had a crystal ball, but when John appeared I started gathering information from him on how to keep them in their beds.

"Sorry Brent, I wasn't thinking at the time I knew that player was a no go zone but I thought he would use it when he has sleepovers.

"They have a tv and player for that, can you do me a big favor and borrow it for a few nights, just until I get something sorted out. I don't want the kids to be climbing out of their beds."

"Better buy them some low singles, they are going to do it whether you like it or not, they are boys. Conner was always walking around the house in the small hours, even though he was a little older than the kids he still did it."

"He had an excuse John, the babies don't."

"They do Brent, they love their brother, and mischief is in their dna." He smiled and I started researching small beds for restless boys.

Conner came down the stairs with two ratbags under his wings, and one tired Teddy following behind. He handed them to us and we gave them their morning kisses, one smelt foul the other was wet. I looked at John he stared at me.

"Okay, I will do it then." I put Jack on the kitchen bench and John gasped.

"Just joking." I then placed him on the big changing rug on the floor. Johnny then got the disinfectant out of his cupboard and wiped the bench down.

Teddy had given me a big hug and then the tv burst into life, Conner had made himself a coffee and was looking out the back, scratching his butt in the process, he then moved in next to Ted. I took the washing upstairs and started putting it away, the drawers were packed solid, the kids don't need all these clothes, romper suits are the go nowadays. Anyway, I managed to close the drawers then I did ours. Conner was behind me and was helping in his way, he was tidying up my underwear with his hands down my shorts.

He then went into Ted's room and got the player, handing it to me he said.

"He's agreed for us to look after it for him until he gets a little older."

"Thank you I thought I could count on your support." I kissed him.

"Now do we have to buy the babies a bed each?" I asked him.

"I don't know, all the books say from two years on, or when they outgrow their cots."

Books, what books, where?"

"I meant the internet." he grinned.

"I will ask Di, better still Jenny."

"In the meantime, we can keep an eye on them, it may be a one-off but time will tell, I know little Conner has his very own bed now." He said.

"How do you know?"

"He told me, he loves it and likes sleeping in it each night."

"Well they are the same age almost, maybe we will get some."

By now my shorts were down and I was being relieved of my overnight storage tank. We showered then went downstairs again, I hurried Teddy up then sat to have some toast and another coffee.

John and Ray disappeared, and I did some research on the internet. I heard Curtis banging on a cooking pot, oh hell he's been into John's cupboards again. The big spoon he held wasn't being very cooperative, and I wasn't quick enough, the crying started when that spoon attacked his nose. Conner grabbed him and started commiserating, he took the spoon and jumped on it which brought a giggle from the distressed bubs.

"Daddy daddy me," Jack yelled, he had to punish the spoon for both of them. I spied Benny looking through the back window, he must think we are a bunch of idiots.

My eldest son went off to school with his grandparents and my other two were being entertained by the tv, Conner was entertaining himself until I knelt on the floor he hadn't gotten off yet but he was about to.

Grant arrived and after a few greetings he grabbed Curtis without asking him, he started again because although he's happy to see his uncle, he's happier to watch his tv programs.

"Oops." He grinned.

"Yes oops." I grinned back.

"What are you doing today Conner?"

"I'm supposed to be sitting with Marty but I can't be bothered. I might take a walk down to the market."

"Can we come?" I asked.

"You know I never walk alone Brent, of course, you are coming." He grinned then went into his music room.

"How are things Grant, Mike okay?"

"Yes Brent still making out every night and morning my ass was particularly itchy this morning, my Mike is so big." He smiled then added.

"Is that what you wanted to know?"

"Yes thank you." I poured him a coffee.

It took an hour to get everything together and then we walked down to the market, all I could hear was.

"Froth Froth daddy, hurry."

Yes son but you have to wait for a minute.

"Come on daddy."

I hurried up because if I don't he will scream.

Antonio was sitting at his usual table with Leon and Carlos, he ordered the froth and helped me get the kids into high chairs. Conner had placed his cap on his head and Grant fended off unwanted hands from the big boys.

"How about we do this Leon." I overheard him say.

"What Grant?"

"How about I tell Mike to give you an enema next time you visit him?"

"Will he?" Leon got excited, it was all show.

"If I tell him to he will."

"I will ring and make an appointment for today then." Leon got his phone out and smiled.

"Oh God Antonio help." Poor Grant he's fallen for it.

"Stop it you two, Grant is your guest have some respect."

"Sorry Antonio, sorry Grant."

"That's better."

It was a great catch-up, I can always rely on having a good laugh with the Italians, especially when Conner is in the mix. Sometimes I think Con is crazier in their company, they do bring out the comedian in him.

I went to see their bubs they were napping so I didn't disturb them, they are growing so much and their dark brown curly hair is so gorgeous.

Jack was happy he now has his froth and Curtis is happier he is sitting with his daddy and he is feeding it to him.

Iris came out to say hello and I told her the new ship arrives in a few days. She pulled a chair up and sat with me then whispered.

"A good move Brent, we are overloaded with orders to be shipped to the US, I will hold off as long as I can but I fear we will run out of storage room soon."

"I will talk to John and Ray they want to get them painted first."

"Maybe after the first run Brent, we are in negotiations to have the Australian wine industry's approval to use your ships, let's wait and see but you may need to buy another one. Sending this much stock by air isn't a viable choice now." She smiled and lifted her glass.

"Inside information is always gratefully accepted Iris, your bonus is in the mail."

She giggled and there will be a bonus, what she is doing is a really big favor, but if anyone found out she would probably be hung and quartered by the air freight industry. We talked about babies next and Antonio was as confused as I was with beds. He didn't want the kids roaming around the apartment on their own, but the times his babies have escaped they have either ended up in their bed or Lukas's. He said getting them beds will alleviate the worry about them falling from the cots, but it will also send the message they can roam.

I could hear Conners laugh in the background, the boys had collared him now and a good feel of his goods was in order, but because he had Curtis on his lap they were failing miserably.

"Go out the back, you are annoying our guests," Gianni ordered. They grabbed their drinks and Iris then walked through the shop, complaining.

I like them, and they don't have any shame, anyone is a fair target in their books, I know because I have been on the receiving end several times.

I moved away and made a phone call to Ray, I told him to hold off on the painting and to contact Iris's winery. He asked why and I said she has containers banking up in her back paddock that need to be removed.

He said he will get with Bobby because he has tons of freight to send already.

I found Iris and whispered.

"Expect a call." She lifted her glass to me.

After having a good look around the market we decided to go on home, I had a niggling feeling something is going to happen at the back of my neck, and I had work to do.

I overheard Gianni telling Conner that his babies loved their pool and were always in it, I think Con is going to try and get our kids to swim more. I was giggling to myself all the way home, John and Ray were there already and lunch had been placed on the table. The babies were being enticed to go in the pool but the tv was on and they were going nowhere.

Lunch was light and Ray talked to me about the conversation I had with Iris.

"I don't know much, only she has a very large order to be shipped, she also

said the wine industry group was looking for ships to America because the air freight is getting too expensive.

"Okay I have Bobby on to it now, he's organized the pickup of Gianni and Cartasso containers and will ring his friend at the wine industry, just to hand on the rates."

"Good, you said he has containers all ready to be shipped?"

"Yes they are mounting up, we had better put off the painting and concentrate on the first shipment."

"I'll leave it to you Ray." I smiled because that's where my knowledge ends.

Conner gave up trying to coax the kids into the pool, so he sat with them and watched cartoons, they eventually dropped off for a nap with their daddy and I sat at the desk and did some more mail. I was getting pretty good at this but I don't want to make it my goal in life to answer fan mail. Putting several letters aside for Conner to read I then made another bundle to be passed onto the school kid team.

I then cleaned up and sat at the table with my cookie jam today, I have no idea where Ray and John have gone maybe they are having some time to themselves. I have to also make plans to go to see the new ship tomorrow, I will ask Ted if he wants to come instead of going to school, he can afford to take a day off.

John came back and he looked a little flushed, I winked at him and he got the scrabble out.

We had just started when Conner poked his head over the sofa and said.

"Can I play?"

"Hurry up it's your turn." John giggled.

I lost the first game, John won, Conner gave up and went for a swim. I looked at him all alone out there and felt sorry for him so I called a halt to the game and joined in.

John had to do the picnic basket anyway.

"We have the new ship tomorrow, do you think you will be able to come?"

"Of course baby, nothing to do tomorrow except write some words and finish that song I have been working on. Are we going to buy some beds for the boys?"

"I don't think so Con, lets's just wait and see maybe they will settle down now Ted isn't up all night."

He took the opportunity to kiss me, there is something very erotic about being in a pool with a very handsome man, so my hands went to work immediately.

At the park I asked Ted if he wanted to go see the new ship, he was unfussed about it. I think he thinks he will miss out on something at school so he asked me to take some photos. That was all good because we won't be that long, I wanted to run off some more of the standard replies, the copier at Go Ship does them at lightning speed. I also needed more vouchers, I had run out.

"Where do I get the food vouchers from Conner?"

"Marty has them in his safe baby I will grab some when I'm there next."

"Thank you."

"They are half price through the foundation, but we still have to account for them."

I was watching the little ones playing with the balls and my eldest running around the field, Curtis fell over, Jack helped him up, he makes me so proud.

While we readied ourselves to go for a run I spied Mrs. Green out of the corner of my eye.

"Hurry up Con she's coming."

"Who?"

"Mrs. Green."

"Oh, let's go."

"You can both stop right there, we need to talk."

"Oh, Mrs. Green we didn't see you sorry."

"You did see me, and Mr. Richards you are very lucky I'm not going to give you homework for lying."

"Thank you." Blushing furiously I almost postured myself.

"Now, can you both take a walk with me?"

"Sure," Con answered.

We started walking along the running track not far maybe fifteen meters or so, she stopped us by the fence.

"Now I have something to discuss with you and I don't want to make a big deal out of it. It concerns Teddy."

"Is he in trouble?' I was a bit concerned because he never gets into any trouble.

"No he's not, but his eyes maybe are. His teacher had to move him to the front of the class yesterday because he was complaining he couldn't see the chalkboard. His schoolwork hasn't been affected but we think you should get his eyes checked out."

"He hasn't complained at home, but when he does his homework his eyes are close to his books."

"Maybe he's shortsighted, but I recommend he sees an eye specialist as soon as possible. It may be nothing that a pair of reading glasses will fix but I would like to be sure."

"We will get onto it straight away," Conner said.

"Thank you for bringing it to our attention, and thank his teacher for us," I added.

"We have several kids in his class who have glasses she is aware of the signs. He will be okay but please do that as soon as possible."

"Thank you." We walked back to the table she was offered a date roll but she declined. Before she left she looked at each of us and said.

"Well done, no filthy language today, I'm impressed." She skipped off, her work was done.

Andy let his breath out and said.

"Why is it whenever I see her I want to swear like crazy?"

I laughed and looked at Con, he was looking at Teddy playing on the field.

I reached across the table and took his hand.

"What's wrong Conner?' Ray asked.

"She thinks Ted needs glasses, so we have to go get his eyes checked out."

"No big deal, I have worn them since I was four." Ray smiled at him.

"Where do we go?"

"To my eye specialist, I will make an appointment for tomorrow. He's just up the road it will only take an hour or two."

"We need to talk to him tonight, what are we going to say?"

"That he may need glasses Con, lets's not make a big deal out of it."

We started packing up and Ted was getting some extra hugs off his dad, I hope Con doesn't fuss too much I don't want Ted feeling he's the odd one out.

Back at the house, John put dinner in the oven and Ray helped Ted do his homework. Conner wanted to know how we approach the subject with Teddy, and I told him we don't have to, the grandfathers have got this, he gave me an uncertain smile.

"Well better it comes from someone that knows glasses Con, we don't wear them so our knowledge is limited." I think he accepted my reasoning, and I know Ray will say something.

The babies played on the floor and Benny sat on the couch, we sat at the table with Ted and Ray but were reading fan mail.

"Ted, are you finding it hard to see the board at school?"

"Yes grandad, my teacher moved me to the front of the class yesterday, I can

see it much better now."

"Well how about I take you to see my eye specialist he will know if you need glasses or not."

"Cool grandad, my friend Alex wears them he reckons they are great."

"Well, I have been wearing them for years and can still see perfectly."

"When can we go grandad, I like sitting up in the back with Bubby and Shaun."

"How about you and I go tomorrow morning just for a check-up?"

"Daddy can I go with grandad tomorrow, we got something to do?"

"Of course, you can son, and get some cool ones maybe in your footy colors," I said.

"Can we grandad, can we get those colors?"

"If you need them of course we can now add these up." He shoved a sum in front of him and winked at me.

Conner started laughing so much he had to go upstairs before he made a fool of himself, John and I smirked at each other. It's no big deal, he will only need them for school I haven't noticed anything else he's missing out on.

I opened the computer and looked at the kid's frames, and yes they do make some in his football colors. I was worried it may be something else but I can't talk to Conner about it, he will just blow it out of proportion.

Dinner was scrumptious and the talk around the table was light, Conner wanted to go with Ted and Ray but Ted said he would be okay with his grandad and we could go and see the new ship.

It was quiet when we both settled down, except for some grunts from a round of lovemaking. Then we heard a rustling sound coming from the hallway.

"Isn't Ted too young to masturbate Brent?" He giggled.

"It's not him, it's the boys."

"Well, they are much too young for that."

"I'll get it." I threw back the blanket and walked up to their room. Jack was already out and was helping Curtis to maneuver his feet over the rail.

"And where do you think you are going?"

"Daddy, to Teddy's we sleep with him." Jack my quick thinking son replied.

I took a deep breath then helped Curtis to get onto the floor, then I bent down.

"Just this once k? and don't wake him up." They both signaled no with their heads. Off they went and the giggling started, I poked my head in the door and shushed them. They snuggled in and thankfully Ted didn't move, I am going to have two very tired boys tomorrow.

In the morning they woke up late, Ted was already showered and dressed he was eager to get to the optometrist. I had checked the nappies they were all clear then I went to look at their cots, maybe beds would be better I don't want them getting into trouble during the night.

It was John that saved me, I told him what had happened and he said he had seen beds with small sides on them, not high off the floor just cute animal beds with a soft mattress. I started researching them, they looked ideal for what we wanted. There has always been a solid gate across the staircase it was deliberately designed so little kids cant climb over it, so the only place they can go is to our room or Teds.

Conner bought them down and they were whiney, I took one and told him he has to have some more sleep, he didn't argue and dropped off not long after so I placed him in the playpen. The other one went off in Ted's lap on the sofa.

"Can we go now, grandad?" Teds is eager to get it over and done with.

"Not yet grandson the doctors just getting out of bed, we have a couple of hours yet."

"But we can wait for him."

"Don't worry Teddy when it's done I will take you to school, you won't miss anything important."

"Okay, then I will wait."

"Ted do you want us dads to come with you?"

"No thanks dad, grandpa knows the best."

I grabbed some more mail and started reading it, all pretty standard stuff then John placed some toast and eggs on the table.

"I think we will postpone Go ship for today maybe we will go tomorrow Con."

"If you think that's better baby,"

"Those two sons of yours will be sleeping half their day away now."

"What have we decided?" He smiled I showed him on the Ipad what I thought were good beds.

"I will get Grant to get a couple, what animals do we want?"

"John do you know where you saw the beds?"

"Yes at the big baby shop in the High street, they weren't that expensive."

"Where are they?"

"In my spare room Brent, I knew they would be perfect." He tried to look nonplussed but the smile gave him away.

"Okay Ted goes with Ray, we assemble two beds and store the cots."

"Mary could do with the cots, Brent." Con smiled.

"We will walk them up to her then."

"But baby I wanted to do some writing today."

"Suck it up Conner, you are a father first, a superstar second we have work to do, John do you have any tools?"

"They come with everything you will need." he laughed.

I smiled at Conner and whispered.

"I will do them if you look out for the kids."

"No, I will help." He didn't look too enthusiastic.

He turned out to be a godsend he could read the instructions very well.

After Ted skipped up the hallway with Ray we set about dismantling the cots. Conner rang Mary and she would be delighted to have them, Grant will send two men to deliver them and set them up.

As Conner read the instructions Grant did the screws and slats, and they both looked gorgeous with animals printed all over them. With luck, they also came with the appropriate linen, which I prepared. They looked beautiful and we pushed them up against the walls which made the room look bigger.

They screamed when they saw them and started jumping up and down on them, hopefully, the novelty won't wear off too soon, and they will stay in bed.

We all got a hug and a thank you off them and then they wanted to get under the covers to try them out.

Conner rang Ray to see how they were going and he finally relaxed because only mild strength glasses were needed at this stage. He told him the hardest part was choosing the correct footy team colors.

He placed Jack on Curtis's bed and laid down with them, I asked them if they loved their new beds and they said, yes now they were just likeTeddy. I smiled then left to go and have a shower, but not with Grant, he went back to work.

When I was dressed I popped my head in once again and all three were asleep. I waited for my son to get home while reading some more letters, thankfully there was nothing too drastic amongst the accolades and gushing notes. I made a stack and that was it, all over for now. Marty said it will become less but it will be constant depending on where his album is on the charts.

My eldest screamed for us as he came through John's place,

"Dad dad, I got them I can sit up the back again." He hugged me and I sat with him.

"Well show me how handsome they make you look." He fumbled around in the carry bag and bought out a black case.

"I got a free case and a cleaner dad," He carefully opened his new purchase and showed me a beautiful pair of glasses that were in his football team colors black and red.

"Well, put them on." He carefully unwrapped them and put them on, he did look very handsome and his smile was wide.

"You look very handsome son, I love them."

"Only to wear in class daddy, not for every time."

"That's correct."

"Where is dad?"

"Upstairs with your brothers they got their new beds today." He raced off up the stairs and I heard a lot of laughing.

Ray was as pleased as punch when he grabbed a coffee and sat down.

"They aren't that bad Brent, he's been given exercises to do daily I will help him with them, and they do look nice on him."

"They certainly do, did they cost a bomb?"

"No, the company's medical insurance pays for them anyway, he got two pairs theres another box in there somewhere."

They all came down and the twins ran to greet me, then Ray and John, Ted still had his glasses on and Conner was going to take some photos, God knows how many he has on his phone, I must go through them one day and have a look.

The kids were excited about their new beds and Benny loved them, but not as much as Teddy's bed. Sometime in the future they will get a double bed each so they can spread out, we have the extra room if they want to separate but I feel that won't happen until they are teens. The phone call came through around eight that night, it was Sarah, Jill has had an accident on the staircase and had twisted her ankle, she will be off work for a week or two.

"Is she going to be okay Con?"

"Yes baby but it will stop her from working for a while."

"They will need to get a temp in."

"Yes, Adam isn't all that interested he's too busy with their business anyway so we may have to hire someone."

"Con?"

"Yes?"

"Can I do it?"

"Why?"

"Because I miss the boys and flying, I loved that job."

"But you have a new job, and what about the boys?"

"I don't need to be here all the time, between you three, and me sometimes, the kids will be fine."

"I will miss you."

"I can get Jill to do the mail, she's got to have something to do."

"Did you hear what I said?'

"Yes."

"And?"

"I will miss you too, but at the moment I'm not existing, and think of the fun we used to have flying." I smiled.

"You got two weeks, if it doesn't work out or the kids go crazy missing you then you have to stop, promise me?"

"I promise."

"Well try it on and see if it still fits."

"It does." He stared at me.

"Oh, you want to see it on now?"

"Please."

And through no fault of her own Jill gets a new temp job and I am back where I belong amongst the clouds with my boys.

The flight attendant's uniform was still a very good fit, I will have to press it because Conner went crazy trying to feel me up.

"Please don't make this difficult for me Con, you spend most of your time in the music room anyway and the boys play, watch tv, and sleep mostly. The only problem is when I have an overnighter."

"We will make sure you don't then, I will get Helen onto that."

"I wouldn't mind if you came with me."

"Hum memories baby, I can do memories." He licked my face again.

"When does Jill get out of the hospital?"

"She's at home now."

"I'll get Grant onto delivering the mail to her." I chuckled to myself then sent Adam a message.

"Guess who is the new flight attendant?"

I got a call immediately and a good telling off from him, we bantered back and forth while Conner rang Helen to forward the worksheet to me.

"So Adam, I will be flying with my boys again, while you have to babysit Di's kids."

"No Adam I know nothing about interior design."

"But Adam, I will be sitting with them and maybe I might take a few photos to send to you."

"Goodbye Adam, you are being silly now."

My mood lifted and the house seemed full of excitement at long last. I had to dress up to show the babies because they hadn't seen me in full uniform. They screamed and wanted photos taken.

"Teddy, dad Teddys wall daddy."

"Yes Teddy has a big poster of me on the wall."

"Us too daddy, us want to." I looked at Con he was smiling, that will be his first job, to get some posters done. I suppose they will want one of that rock god also.

"Hey Teddy?"

"Yes daddy."

"Shopping."

Ted laughed.

And just like that, I'm back at my favorite job, although only for a couple of weeks.

I heard the Ipad go off and looked at the mail from Helen.

"Welcome back boss." Was her header note.

It wasn't too bad actually, no overnighters and it looks like I get to go to training quite often. I was so excited I tried not to show it, but couldn't help but punch the air when I saw Tan's name, he was flying on the Sydney run, he will be the third pilot on my first job. I had taken a little moment to myself to remember that terrible time I was kidnapped in Darwin, then I put it to rest because it's in the past and that's where it's going to stay. Conner's arms went around me and he said.

"Happy?"

"Oh yes Con very happy." And I was.