Chapter 14
We didn't fly commercial, we were secured onto a military plane, not the big carrier ones a small one. The three boys came with us including the commander. The two-hour flight was swift and we were fed some sandwiches, but no alcoholic drinks just water or coffee. After landing at Fairbane the military airport, we were picked up by a bus and carried to a hotel in the heart of the city where we had our very own rooms. Evans, Wilson, and Hargraves were Kasey's back-ups, they were as pleased as punch he was getting this award, and they agreed wholeheartedly Kasey deserved it for what he did. The commander certainly thought he was deserving because it was Kase that worked out Lloyd had set a bomb in the salon, he was the one that figured it out the same way as I did, then he put two and two together.
We have one night to relax, and tomorrow we go to the Military base, which is also the academy where Kasey did his training. He would have been decorated at Government house but it was closed for renovations, so it was held at the base, which he was happy about. Keeping it low key was Kase's thing, and he was still embarrassed about it all.
We had thrown a small party when we heard the news officially, and everyone that was there thought he was deserving of the accolade. I had the hotel press his uniform, not quite full battle gear just his basic gear and a hat. He looked adorable and he couldn't stop blushing which made him even more boyish like. We were picked up again before lunch and carted off to the base.
I have been here before when I was young, dad used to bring me here. I think he thought it might inspire me to join up when I could, but the only excitement I felt at the time was in my pants as I perved on the many hunky recruits.
There was coffee and teapots set up with sandwiches and cakes for afters and Kasey was escorted from my side to a large reception room by the four guys, it sort of looked out of place here at the base, but it had been styled nicely and didn't feel military-like, even the chairs were plush red velvet. I sat up the back because I am only an observer, but I was as excited as a kid at a fun park. Kasey was seated with three others who were also getting bravery medals today.
A man opened the proceedings with a small speech then a surprise guest appeared out of nowhere, the military guys immediately stood to attention and saluted General Sutton as he walked out from the side curtain. He saluted back and told them all to stand at ease. I hadn't expected him to even be there, and I couldn't help thinking he looked so familiar and good, my tummy was in knots and my heart beat faster.
This is the first time in almost three years I have seen him, and he hasn't changed one bit, my heart fluttered when he smiled and he was as handsome as ever when he did that. He gave a small speech and then the medals were brought out. Kasey was turning around looking at me, maybe he thinks I am going to walk out or something. I wouldn't do that to him, this is his day and whatever beef I have with my parents comes in second place. When he did it for the fifth time I gave him the thumbs up and smiled so he would know I was okay with it all.
The first military guy got his award for saving five people from a burning car, he just happened to be walking past and started pulling the occupants out, no casualties and everyone was relatively unhurt. My father pinned the medal on his uniform and shook his hand, then a photographer took a few photos. The next was an older guy he had something to do with a woman who had a heart attack in the city, he resuscitated her for forty minutes until the ambulance finally arrived, then rode with her to the hospital to make sure she was okay. I think that was her sitting at the back opposite me because she held a tissue to her face, the clapping started again as his photo was taken, and the lady was escorted to the dais to have hers done with the three of them.
Then there was Kasey, he saved many lives that day including mine, and when his name was read out the room went crazy, the commander and his team yelled, clapped, and patted him on the back as his face got redder and redder. He tripped on the step as he hit the dais and saluted standing to attention in one flawless move. His hand was shaken and the General read out his report, it was long and spot on and when it finished he also pinned a medal onto Kasey's chest. The photos will be good if anything else a least I get a good one of Kase with my dad, the two men in my life that made me feel the safest. It was on for young and old after that, his team wanted a photo and my father obliged them smiling at their antics. Another small speech and it was all over, time for a coffee and some cake.
I couldn't get near to Kasey to shake his hand he was busy having more photos taken with the other two recipients for a newspaper. I stood well back and thought my dad would have pressing business elsewhere and would soon leave. I was wrong, I looked over and saw him in a deep conversation with the commander.
I had stayed right back, basically in the shadows, the guys started talking to me they were just as excited as Kase to be here. He eventually came over and I shook his hand and congratulated him on his award. I looked closely at the medal it was very nice and he wore it proudly for my staff and his team. He said earlier on he will have it framed and I could hang it in the shop if I wanted, I told him it will be hung on our wall at home to remind us how lucky we were that horrible day.
"Adam I would like to introduce you to someone, he wants to meet the man whose business was targeted."
The commander said behind me.
As I turned he added.
"Adam meet General Sutton." I came face to face with my father, his eyes squinted and he said quite loudly.
"Steven?"
The room almost went silent and all eyes were on me or I felt they were.
"Dad," I said quietly then held my hand out to shake his, it was a blur after that because he grabbed me and pulled me into a bear hug and he didn't let go for some time. I wasn't expecting that kind of reception from him, I was about to tell Kasey I would meet him back at the hotel, I would grab a cab.
He let me go and pushed me back a little looking me over, I guess I have changed much over the last few years.
"Steven where the fuck have you been your mother and I have been worried sick, we have been looking for you everywhere, what's with the Adam name?"
"Dad, can we talk about this later, I don't feel well and need to get back to the hotel."
"Don't you dare run from us again, come with me."
It wasn't a request it was an order. I looked at Kasey he was in fits and that red face was replaced by a gigging little boy again.
"Steven?"
"Don't even go there, Lance."
I followed my father to a small waiting room, he sat behind the desk and I sat opposite him.
"It's good to see you again. You have no idea what you have put us through, son, where the fuck have you been?"
"Around, I finished my apprenticeship, and then a dear client left me some money to start up my salon and she also left me somewhere to live. The salon that was blown up was mine."
"Adam?"
"Dad, I took my second name, then had it changed later on. Did you and mum really look for me?" "Yes, we looked everywhere, you just ran out on us, we didn't know whether you were dead or alive. I never in my wildest dreams thought you would change your name." He took a deep breath.
"Why?" He leaned over the desk.
"Why what dad?"
"Why the hell did you disappear, what was that all about?"
I didn't want to go back there, but he has made it impossible for me to shut down again.
"Dad, I told you I was gay, you and mums attitude towards me changed, then you started treating me like I didn't exist, mum used to call me darling, baby boy and other names, and I liked it, but she suddenly stopped saying those words, and you never once called me son after I told you. I thought you no longer loved me because I was gay that's why I left I couldn't stand it anymore, I felt like a stranger, and unwanted in my own home."
He stared at me for a long time then he said.
"You have it so wrong son, so fucking wrong, you should have come to us, we talk, we have always been able to talk. We have missed having you around your mother nearly had a breakdown, she blames herself. Can I tell you something and I don't want you to get mad and walk off again?"
"Yes."
"We were still coming to terms with the gay thing, still in shock if I remember. We hadn't figured it into your lifestyle at all, and it floored us, but we should have known when you insisted you do hairdressing for a career. We weren't mad at you, we weren't disappointed in you, we were not ready for the announcement. We wanted to get our heads around it before we spoke to you about it, we didn't care, but it just came out of the blue. Steven doing what I do for a job and being with thousands of Military guys all day every day, it just never occurred to me you might be gay, it wasn't in my daily lifestyle. Please forgive us and please don't run away again?"
I dropped my head in shame, I was too quick to judge them, and I've lost many good years with them. I wanted to go back and fix it for all of us but of course, that's impossible now.
"I can't fix what I did dad, I wish I could, but I cant. It looks like I was in the wrong for having stupid thoughts and I never thought for one minute I would be dumping something so foreign on you both. I thought you would accept it and we all could move on. I am so sorry dad, and embarrassed I went to so many lengths to hide from you both."
He got up and moved to my side then bent down and hugged me.
"Well you're here now I missed my movie buddy and my son very much." He kissed my head like he's always done, then he sat on the edge of the desk.
"Your husband is very nice son." He grinned.
"WHAT?"
"Lieutenant Kasey, he's a real fine catch, extremely intelligent too so I'm told."
"DAD?"
"Well he is son, Keith was telling me you and he are shacked up together, have been for a few month's now."
"He's a good man dad, he treats me well, and he's a little like you, he loves to give the orders." I laughed that broke the moment.
"So you married a man just like your dad eh?"
"Yes, but we are not married yet. And congratulations on your promotion to Lieutenant General, well-done dad."
"You know about that?"
"I know a lot of things dad, I've never been too far away, and I read a lot." He smiled.
He then pulled out his mobile phone and pressed some numbers smiling again to himself.
"Talk to your mother, she may be incoherent for a few minutes but remember you are her little boy and she's so desperately missed you." He passed the ringing phone to me. My hands shook as I put it to my ear.
"Mum?"
He patted me on the shoulder as my tears started to flow then closed the door behind him. I hung onto every sound my mum was making on the other end, and the call took over an hour to complete, my mum loves to talk.
While I was doing that Kasey snuck in to make sure I was okay, he also kissed my head then left me to it.
When I finally emerged I looked for my dad and handed his phone back to him, my eyes were so red and sore from crying I had to go to the bathroom, lucky I bought some drops with me. He cornered me over at the washbasin, I didn't have time to turn around as kisses rained down on the back of my neck, Kasey was going to get it when we get home, all this Military testosterone has got me all worked up.
"I missed you Steven with an S."
"Forget it Lance with an L, I like the other names."
"So Adams just a made up name then?" he smiled.
"It's my middle name, I've always liked it."
"Now I have two boyfriends to know, which one am I going to get when we get home?" "You're getting Adam, now and forever. And by the way, my dad wants us to get married as soon as possible, he doesn't want his son to be a wanton slut."
"Done, now can we have some cake, if Keith's left any that is?" "Of course we can, and I will introduce you properly to my father."
"Oh, shaking in my boots my love. I hope he's not going to give me any orders."
"He won't, but I will, let's eat something then go home and fuck."
He had the door open in a second and I was met with a big plate of food, my father winked then moved over to our side.
"Is she okay?"
"Yes dad, she's coming into town Thursday to have her hair done."
"I had better drive her then."
"You bet you are, and you could do with a makeover too." I laughed at his straight face.
"Lieutenant Kasey, I have heard great things about you from your commander, we have to talk about this lawyer thing when we get the time, the Military is starved of good lawyers, and we do have a great university you can attend."
He grinned at me while he spoke to Kasey.
"Not going to happen, dad, he likes studying at home, on the internet, I can keep my eye on him then."
"More like a bit of study and lots of looks son."
"Stop it you two, you are going to give me a complex, Adam how about we move back to Canberra?" Poor Kasey I think he was in awe of my father.
I laughed so much I nearly fainted, my sandwiches fell apart on the plate so I placed it back on the table.
"Canberra? not on your sweet nelly lieutenant." I answered.
The standoff was broken with my parents, and Kasey was really happy because his mum turns up tomorrow, and he will have two mums and one real sane dad to talk to. I hope we can become a big family again I have missed out on so much. I told him about my conversation with mum, she was so shocked I felt that way and begged me to keep in touch until we can meet on Thursday, I had promised her I would ring every night, we really did have so much to talk about.
I pulled my underwear on and headed for the bathroom, Kasey still had his army shirt on and it was all crumpled up, so much for getting it nicely pressed, he had attacked from the rear as soon as the hotel door was open and didn't stop until the enemy was fully satisfied.
I did my toilet thing and met him face to face as he was going to the bathroom, he grabbed me and kissed me for ages, pushing me up against the wall with a little force, he had my t-shirt up over my head and started on my nipples, I squirmed and said quietly.
"Not again Kase, I'm drained. Let's wait for a while until I can fully enjoy it."
He stepped back and saluted me, then he pushed past and I could hear the trickle of pee being unloaded into the toilet bowl.
"I'm starving Adam, can we go and eat?"
"For sure Kase, what do you feel like?"
"Pizza, I saw a nice looking Italian place just down the road we can go there."
"Pizza it is then." I walked in and turned the shower on.
We dressed and started up to the restaurant almost arm in arm, my legs were a lot better, the redness will disappear soon and Kasey's wound was now a bright red line and it will also nearly disappear. I heard some shouting, it was the four men running behind us.
"Where are you going?" Evans said.
"Over to that Italian place, we want pizza."
"Okay, guys lets go." So they followed us across the road.
It had been a nice day and Kasey's bravery medal shone in the late sunshine so we grabbed a big table outside. The menus were passed around and Kase wanted a large size, the others followed suit, and so did I, I was hungry.
I had wanted Kase to change to his civvies when we were getting dressed but he insisted he had to stay in uniform until his feet touched down in Brisbane. I didn't mind because I liked him in his uniform, so much is left to the imagination except his ass that was magnificent in anything. Drinks were ordered and toasts were made as the boys celebrated Kasey's award.
Pizzas were bought out and the noise dimmed a little while the guys ate, it was a race to see who finished theirs first, while Kasey didn't win, he did help me with mine. I think the guys were disappointed they didn't get an extra piece so Wilson ordered two more and another round of drinks. In the meantime a military car pulled up and my father stepped out, he was in civvies, and talk about luck the extra pizzas turned up at the same time, one was pushed over to him which he devoured.
They didn't order another one they all looked tired and stuffed full. My father was talking to the commander and he also told me he was flying back to Brisbane with us. He laughed when he told me my mum said she was going to the hairdressers for a do before she meets with you because she didn't want me to see the state of her hair. I will put her straight next time I ring, which will be tonight.
I wanted Kasey to get to know him and I think if they become mates they will have a lot in common and Kasey will have someone to confide in whose older and wiser. I didn't have to push them together they began a conversation as soon as the commander finished and it didn't let up until we got back to the hotel.
"I will see you both tomorrow, goodnight sons."
It didn't go unnoticed and a smile creased Kasey's lips when he saluted and said his goodnights.
I rang mum as soon as we got back to the hotel, another two hours and I was exhausted.
The trip back to Brisbane was awesome, it was good to have all the men around me, and they didn't stop talking and laughing throughout the flight, Kasey and my dad in particular. I think they have organized a buddy date with some old war movies along the line. I did overhear dad say to him that I was my mother's son and he was lucky to get noticed sometimes. I smiled because he knew he was my hero when I was younger.
We said our goodbyes and headed home with the promise we would catch up when we all settled down, which will be Thursday when mum arrives. Kasey's mum had moved her suitcases in and was standing in the kitchen cooking when we came in.
"I guess that fuck is out of the question now," Kasey whispered to me giggling.
"Mum, good to see you." He hugged her and her other arm went out to hold me too.
"Chris dropped me off a few hours ago, the floors have been wiped over, the washings on, and there's corned beef in the pot for dinner." She smiled.
"We don't expect you to work while you're here Carol, but thank you," I said.
"Don't fuss, I am used to it Adam, how did it all go?"
"Fantastic mum, we had a great time away."
"The award ceremony son, I know you both would have had a good time." She grinned.
Kasey dug deep into his knapsack and pulled out the box that held his medal, he handed it to her to see. She opened it and smiled.
"I'm so bloody proud of you son, this is well deserved." She took the medal out and held it up to the light.
"Beautiful, just beautiful it's a shame your father wasn't there to appreciate it."
"I'm glad he wasn't there, I got to meet Adams father instead."
"So your talking again Adam?"
"Yes Carol, I got it so wrong with them, I guess maturity is a good thing to have sometimes."
"Well, that's good because grudges are hard to drop once they get under your skin." I made us some coffee while Kasey and Carol sat at the table to talk.
"How was dad when you went back, mum?"
"The same miserable ass hole he's always been son, we didn't say a word to each other. I just packed what I wanted and left the rest, it was cleansing to walk out that front door and not look back. I won't be needing anything from the house and my lawyer said your father will probably go for it in the settlement, but I don't care he can't get any money at all if he gets the house."
"Give it to him mum, I won't be going home again and I doubt whether Maree will either."
"Me neither son." She laughed, I saw a fire in her eyes and I guess it's been years since it had shown itself.
"Now sandwiches or vegetables?"
"Sandwiches mum, unless Adam wants veggies that is." He looked at me.
"I agree let's make it simple and I don't mind sandwiches, at all."
We talked some more then I had a very important phone call to make, I took Kasey's bag into the bedroom and laid on the bed to talk to my mum.
She wanted to know all about Adele, Meryl, Trish, and mainly about Kasey.
"Your father says he's a lovely young man Steven, are you, happy darling?"
"Yes mum very happy, Kasey does that for me."
"Kasey, your father said his name was Lance?"
"Kasey's his surname, you know what the army's like."
She laughed and I told her I would tell her everything on Thursday. When I got back hot corned beef sandwiches were being made, I kissed Carol on the cheek and thanked her.
"How was she?"
"Good, she called me darling again." I smiled to myself.
"Well sit down, Lance will you get Adam a wine please, and I'll have a small scotch and ice."
"Sure mum, Steven would you like ice too?" He giggled his ass off while he stuck his head in the fridge. I got a very confused look from Carol so I spent the next half hour trying to explain the confusion over names to her, even the Kasey with a C, she laughed along with her very brave son who had been sitting silently eating his dinner.
"Carol do you need anything before we lock up?"
"No thank you, Adam, can I take a couple of these wonderful magazines in to look at?" "Go for it, you can even pick out your new style if you like, and there's a small TV in the wardrobe Kasey can set it up for you if you want."
"No I can do without it, and as for a new style I will leave that up to the experts." She kissed my cheek goodnight and then Kasey's, we were free to do what we wanted before going to sleep. The shower was on before I had my jeans off. He was standing in it bare naked and that grin was evil.
"Tell me again how tight you were back then" He whispered in my ear.
The morning bought Maree to our door early, she was taking Carol out for the day just to familiarise her with the city. Kasey had work, and I needed to get to the new salon, my two favorite customers will be in today, Nona Zena and Meryl. Kasey grabbed me in the bedroom and kissed me goodbye, he didn't want to make a scene in front of his mum, not that she would care anyway.
Maree was more than happy to take her out, and I suspect they were going to look at drapes and bedding, stuff like that. I left in the car and Kase waited for the guys in the café. I think he said they were going to the base outside the city for talks. I drove carefully and parked in my designated car park. Again the smells were welcoming and as I did my morning thing the staff started trickling in, two guys were waiting outside the barbershop, the girls were in and they quickly made their coffees and opened up a little early. Fifteen minutes later there were two more and then our clients started drifting in.
"Good morning Meryl, long time no see, how are you?"
I greeted my friend.
"Good to see you again Adam, how are your legs?"
"Okay now, I can bend them and the scabs are almost non-existent, much better thank you." I sat her at the back troughs and began washing her hair.
"How is your young man, I believe he got a bravery medal a few days ago, well deserved in my book."
"Yes he did, we all went to the ceremony in Canberra, it was nice, and I was and still am very proud of him."
"Are you happy you reunited with your parent's kiddo?"
"Eh? How do you know that?"
"I have my spies, I heard your mum is coming in here Thursday are you happy to have them back Adam?"
"Yes very happy, but embarrassed because I had got the wrong end of the stick with them, and shouldn't have reacted the way I did."
"Good, I believe they are a lovely couple."
"How do you know that?"
"I still have some friends in the military. Adam, don't think I am prying but when Adele passed away I had you thoroughly checked out, not because I thought there was anything amiss, I wanted to know you a bit better that's all. Plus the photo in this morning's paper alerted me to the award so I made a personal phone call." She giggled.
"Well it's a small world, Meryl, I'm not surprised. My mum is coming in on Thursday and I'm hoping dad will come with her and maybe they can stay the night, he's up for Lieutenant General too"
"And he will get it, Adam." That grin was back, what the hell does she know? More to the point who does she know.
I took her over to my station then sent Janice across the road to get two copies of this morning's paper, I wanted to see the photos. I fussed over my friend and we talked more about this job my father will be doing, I didn't think it was that important but she seemed to think he could do great things for Australia in that role. I also decided to Google it and read up on what it's all about.
We talked for the next hour about everything, and I had the feeling there was something she wasn't telling me. She has lost some weight and actually looked sick but her smile never left her face. I didn't think too much on it but now I wished I had.
When she left I had a spare ten minutes so I looked through the newspaper, there were three photos, and Kasey looked so handsome in all of them, the one with him and his men was awesome and the girls rushed over the road to buy their copies. I only wanted the two, one for me and one for Kasey's mum.
Zena flew through the door and handed Trish her plastic container full of biscuits, she started hugging everyone and insisted I show her through the warehouse. She loved it and wanted to know what I was going to do with all that extra space. I told her my plan and she was surprised I hadn't done anything about it yet.
"Give me time Nona, I have been a little busy lately."
"He's not as handsome as my husband Adam, my husband is bigger in the underwear department."
"What the hell are you talking about?"
"Your Kasey, he looks small in that photo my husband is well packed." She affirmed her observation by nodding.
"You are going to be the death of me you know that. Kasey is well looked after down there it's because he's got his military pants on you can't see anything." She shyly looked at me.
"Maybe I will get Luca to pop in here one day and give you a look, then you might believe this old Nona."
"Maybe he won't do that Zena, you might not get him back."
"Well, you do know that Italians are much more well-endowed than you Australians."
"No there not, they are supposed to be better lovers that's all, the size doesn't matter."
"Have it your way Adam, the offer is still there."
I slapped her hand gently and told her to behave herself then I ignored her for the next five minutes while I cut her hair, but I did yell.
"Whoopsie." Now and then and her face started to look a bit worried.
"See what you do to me, you make me do mistakes."
"I hope your joking Adam."
"And I hope you were too my friend, whoops." I giggled.
She looked much fresher when she left and several biscuits lighter, I had cut her hair a little shorter this time and it did suit her.
I have some free time so I began to survey the area a bit more. The suburb was a working man's domain, and by the looks of the warehouses and shops, nothings been done for years in the area. Mainly garages and panel beaters, painters, steel makers, some cafes, and some shops.
There was nothing I was crazy about except the pasta take away shop that did lunches, so I decided to treat myself a lasagne for lunch. The girls behind the counter asked me if I owned the new place, and I told them yes I did. They also wanted to know if anyone could go in because it looked a bit too posh for the area. I put their minds at ease and said they could come anytime and I will make up a special price list for just the local girls, they wanted a card to put in their window and I thought this might be the start of a few new friendships. There were a few guys in there wanting a card also they will come across and get a haircut when needed.
By the time I got back my next appointment was there waiting and talking to Tim and Eva, he looked beautiful in a rugged sort of way but I beckoned him to the kitchen to share my lunch, which he did gladly.
"Do you want me to go get another one?"
"No Kase, there's plenty in here the ladies gave me some extra for my dinner tonight."
"That's generous of them."
"You scratch my back I'll scratch yours type of deal. They will come in and we will do a special price list just for them."
"Good thinking Adam, word will get around like wildfire." He smiled as he some dumped food on his plate.
"Have you heard from your mum and Maree yet?"
"No, I guess they're too busy shopping up a storm. I told mum to use my card but she insisted she uses hers, but we will buy her something nice for a house warming present okay?"
"For sure, is she going to look at bungalows yet?" "Yes Chris is taking her on the weekend, I wouldn't mind going with them." He grinned.
"Well I'm sure we can tag along, and you can do your lawyer thing."
"I am looking forward to it, I might get some freebies thrown in."
"You might Kase, was the meeting boring?"
"Yes, boring as." He smiled then he kissed me.
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