Kasey with a K

Chapter 15

On Thursday I was just about ready to start my day when my tribe of gorgeous girls and boys arrived for work, my nerves were on edge because this is the day I get to see my mum again.

I had deliberately styled myself into next month and if I may say so, I looked fabulous.

I stood and watched out the front window as Trish giggled behind me.

"What time is her appointment Adam?" "She doesn't have one, I booked out the morning just in case she got here early, and I have very little this afternoon."

"Good, and if there's anything you need just ask, we are all pretty excited this is going to happen."

"Me too."

Tim arrived and was all smiles as he hugged me and said good luck, I noticed he had been on a high lately I guess Keith has been busy wooing him. I did overhear him saying he was happier than he's ever been. It's not that we don't talk it's just that I have had a lot on these past weeks, he will come to work at the old salon with me, it's closer to the Fed building and he can nip up and have lunch with Keith when he's got time.

"Stay there." Two arms went around me and held me tight, I knew that voice and started to turn.

"No, just stay there for a minute I want to hold you." I let her do it and I also heard some sniffing as mum held me close.

She was swaying from side to side and her grip was locked tight.

"Now, I want you to start from the beginning and tell me everything, face to face." She let go and I turned to see her face again, she hasn't changed one bit, and still as beautiful as ever.

I dropped my head and grabbed her then the tears and the apologies came out from nowhere very fast.

"It's okay son, take a deep breath and let's find somewhere private to talk." I kissed her forehead then walked her back to the tea room introducing her to everyone as we passed.

I made coffee and sat at the table handing her the container full of Nona's biscuits. She still held my hand and was looking into my eyes as I started telling her what had been happening in my life since I last saw her, then I realized something.

"Where's dad?"

"He thought it best I came on my own, you know how he doesn't like emotional people around him. He said he was heading for the airport to have a coffee with your future husband, he likes him a lot I think Steven, or do you want me to call you Adam?" I laughed and said either one was okay with me and yes, I thought dad and Kasey would become good mates they have much the same interests.

"Are you happy?"

"Yes mum, very happy now this is all over and dealt with, I am so sorry mum."

"Don't beat yourself up Adam, it is what it is."

She asked me more questions and I answered truthfully then we got to the fun part, what has she been up to.

"Well if you don't mind can I make a phone call first?"

"Sure mum, that's okay, is it urgent?"

"In a way son, I drove down with a friend who is going to call in on her grandkids, she's sitting in her car waiting for my call, and I want to invite her in." She grinned then dialed her phone number.

"Sally, it's okay you can come in now, ask the nice girl at reception to show you where the tea room is." Then she hung up.

"What's going on mum?"

"Well. You asked me what I had been up to darling, so instead of telling you I thought I would show you."

"Your confusing me."

"Give me a minute."

I waited until a lovely lady with a small boy in her arms poked their heads into the tearoom. I didn't recognize her and mum got up and took the boy and introduced Sally to me, I offered coffee but she was eager to get on her way.

Mum held the little kid on her knees as we said our goodbyes, I think dad will pick her up and drive her home when she's ready.

"Doesn't she want to take her little boy?" I was looking at his adorable face, he seemed really shy but familiar.

"No, I want to introduce this young man to you, Adam this is William, your little brother."

I went numb all over and didn't quite understand what she was saying, this little boy was my brother, how?

"What!?"

"He's your little brother, William say hello to your brother Steven." She kissed his dark hair and he snuggled into her, I think he's also still a bit tired, maybe because he just woke up. "How?"

"I think you can work out the how son, and get those thoughts out of your head he was an unexpected accident, not a replacement. Like you, he has several names, your father calls him Bill." With that, the little kid sat up abruptly and looked at the tea room doorway.

"He's looking for his dad, he calls him Bill, I call him Will, and he's William when he's being naughty." She chuckled.

"But how, how did I miss this, what have I done, how old is he?"

"Two and a half son, he's a big boy now, he can even almost go to the toilet on his own."

"I missed him being born, I missed seeing him as a baby." My tears ran down my cheeks.

"Well you missed all the screaming and shitty nappies son, now you have a well-behaved brother you can spoil, and have for sleepovers if you want."

"Will, settle down daddies coming, later on, talk to Adam for a while." The kid looked at me then smiled and again snuggled into her armpit.

"I can't believe you and dad had another baby, this is awesome, a baby brother I dreamed of having one years ago, but I didn't think it would ever happen."

"Neither did your father and me son, we never used contraceptives."

"MUM!"

"So now you know what I have been doing apart from crying my eyes out because you left us. And the reason things changed at home was because I was changing. I didn't realize I was pregnant until after you left, that's why I was a little off with everyone, not just you."

"Sorry mum, I wasn't thinking straight back then." I took her hand and offered Will a biscuit, kids love biscuits I think.

His tiny hand reached out and he placed it in his mouth, I think Nona has another fan.

"Is it okay if he hangs with us for a while, he's no trouble and I really need my hair done."

"Of course the staff will love to have him in here, how about we give him the works too?"

"Okay it is looking a little shabby, he hates getting it cut, the last time I tried he screamed the house down, if I didn't know any better he wanted it to look like yours."

"He doesn't know me."

"He sort of does son, we make him say goodnight to you in his prayers and he has a photo of you by his bed, Adam."

"Really?"

"Yes really."

I looked at him again his biscuit was half gone and he smiled at me.

"Steven." He pointed.

"Yes, Steven. Pleased to meet you my little brother William."

"Bill,"

"Okay Bill or Billy?" He laughed.

"Billy silly, silly Billy is me."

His chuckle got louder.

"Okay come on let's get you both sorted out."

I went to pick him up and he giggled again then I took both of them over to the wash troughs.

"I won't be a minute." I went to find Trish she was talking to a client about our charges, the lady said she worked at the ironworks down the street. Trish opened her folder and said.

"That will be eighty dollars for local workers Yvonne."

"Really, that's so cheap can you book me in, anytime will do, I am the boss so I can come at any time."

"Done, tomorrow at ten am okay with you?"

"Certainly is Trish, and thank you so much, and thank you too, Adam." She smiled at me, but I hadn't met her until now, the word must be getting around.

"Trish, can you help me now?"

"Sure boss, what's up?"

"Can you wash and trim my little brother's hair?"

She's good with kids, and I think I just shocked her a bit because she also stared at me.

"Brother?"

"After thought I didn't know about, his names Will, Bill, Billy or William when he's being naughty." I laughed as we walked over to do our thing.

"Now Billy, this is your aunty Trish, she's going to be looking after you today. Trish, we need a wash and a trim, just a little shaping, he doesn't like getting it cut." I smirked at her.

She hesitated then got down on her haunches to speak to him face to face.

"Thanks, Adam. Now Billy how do you like your hair done?" He smiled at me then pointed at my hair.

"Like your brothers, okay we can do a mini version and when it grows longer it will be the same"

He giggled at her then she lifted him up onto the kid's seat.

"Just like you, you never would let me cut your hair, it was as if you knew I would muck it up" Mum laughed.

"Come on, lean back while I wash this mess." I laughed with her, it was so good to hear it again.

Billy never stopped laughing, and when his hair was partially dried he wanted to explore, poor Trish chased him around the salon to the delight of that little kid who was laughing at her attempt to lasso him.

Eva grabbed him and threw her smock over his head I heard her say.

"Be very quiet and the nasty old woman won't catch you." Trish almost yelled at her but she passed by calling his name, Billy escaped then ran for mum who was now sitting at my station. I put my scissors down because they were sharp then I grabbed him and plonked him into the chair next door. He was having fun with us all, but Trish was all over it like chocolate to ice cream.

"Okay silly Billy, how about I fix your hair, and then we can play some more." He quietened down and Trish fussed over his longish dark locks, she only snipped a bit here and there and it looked much neater by the time she finished. With kids you have to get their attention first then be very swift with the cutting, it's over before they realize it's even started.

"He's beautiful mum, thank you for bringing him into this world." She stroked my arm as I applied more dye. I wrapped it up in plastic and sat with her again in the tea room while Billy talked to the girls and some of the customers.

"He's his father's son all right Adam, I can't separate them when they are in the same room, you were the same kiddo. I knew where to look for you because I only had to look for John."

"Well I did look up to him a lot mum, he was and still is my hero."

"Same with Will, he won't go to sleep without a phone call if his daddy is away, and I meant what I said Adam, he says goodnight to you every night. He's not quite sure at the moment, but I bet you a dollar when he gets back home he will head straight for that photo of you."

"I was maybe younger in it mum."

"Yes but you still look the same."

"Okay now let's get you sorted out."

I took mum and washed her hair off again, I had made it a darker shade, I then looked at the shape of her face, I could see someone in there but couldn't quite put my finger on it, Eva saw me and came over and whispered.

"Think Elizabeth Taylor in Cat on a hot tin roof."

"Bingo."

It was then I wished I had done something about the vintage clothing store, I could have given my mum a total new makeover.

I started cutting her hair and as it fell around her shoulders she gasped and said.

"Not too short son."

"Leave this to me, you know the expert hairstylist." I giggled, then Billy wanted up to have a closer look at what I was doing to his mum.

He took a handful of cut hair then he threw it on the floor, he was helping his older brother.

I fussed around for the next hour, her hair looked stunning she nearly cried when she saw it.

"You really are the talented one in the family Adam, this is the best style I have ever had, thank you."

"My pleasure mum, now another coffee, and I want to talk to Billy for a while if I may."

His eyes lit up and I picked him up he giggled as I slipped another half biscuit to him.

Janice poked her head in and asked if we needed our lunch ordered. We looked at the menu and picked what we thought we would like, but after she left we had visitors so I rang her to add some extras.

Billy struggled down from my knees and ran into the shop then I heard him yelling and when I went to the doorway there was my dad and boyfriend walking down the salon. Billy was swooped up into dad's big arms and kisses were raining onto his face.

"Your hair looks beautiful Bill."

He shook his head from side to side and said

"No."

"Yes it is, it looks really lovely, just like your brothers." But he wasn't convinced, I could see the confusion on Kasey's face so I sidled up to him and said.

"Our new brother William, Bill, Billy, Will you can pick a name, he has several, like us apparently." I laughed and kissed his confused cheek.

"Did you like your surprise son?"

"Oh dad, just the best, he is beautiful and I can't wait to get to know him a lot better, why didn't you tell me the other day?"

"We wanted to surprise you son."

"Well surprise me, you did dad, this is wonderful."

"Steven, look daddy Steven." He pointed to me.

"Yes Bill, your brother Steven, it's good to see you again son. WOW!" He yelled when he saw my mum's hair, she did look good.

"That's a great hairdo Alice, well done my boy its nearly as beautiful as Bills." He grinned at my brother.

He gave me a man hug and sat with bubs at the table. He started telling him about Trish, and the haircut and she chased him around, he had lots of fun.

I sat with Kasey and held his hand under the table.

"How was your catch up with your future father in law?"

"Good Adam with an A, he's still trying to convince me to go to Canberra to do my schooling."

"And did he?"

"Well, I don't know yet, we have to talk, and don't forget I have already paid for the online University."

"Better do that one then, we don't want to be splashing money around unnecessarily."

"He can do both, hands-on and computer studies son, they will both be a little different and he will get more instruction than just the one type of schooling." Dad smiled at Kasey.

"John, leave the boy alone, if he's comfortable doing it at home then let him be." Mum is on my side.

"I thought it would be better for him and of course he will stay with the Military but have a different role that's all."

"Dad, can I ask you a question?"

"Yes, son."

"Will he still be attached to the squad or will he be moved over to the legal department?"

"Moved son, we can't have him being placed in danger not with the brain he has, yes Kasey I read your history and for what it's worth you are wasted in your current role. You really should be doing something about scaling the ranks, from what I have read the recommendations to have you moved to Captain are plenty, why did you refuse the test?"

Kasey went red, I know there was a reason, another secret I assume.

"General Sutton, with all due respect I will keep that private, maybe one day I will tell you but for now I'm happy with Lieutenant."

"So it's a big secret," I asked.

"Not really, you already know why, you met him."

Kasey was pulling himself back because of his father, I guessed he was doing that deliberately so as not to give his dad anymore bragging rights with his mates down the pub.

"And how is your father Kasey?"

"Uh?"

"Your father, you know the guy that was in the army for a few years a long time ago." Dad laughed.

"He's okay General, I don't think I will be seeing much of him from now on, thanks to Adam here." His thumb pointed to me and a big grin appeared on his face.

"Adam, would you like to tell me?" Dad asked.

I looked at Kasey, he started giggling, and he also put his arms out to take Billy who was sort of half talking to him, it must be the uniforms he trusts.

He settled into Kasey's arms as he talked quietly into his ear, I have no idea what they were talking about but he seemed to have taken to him.

I told dad about the dinner and the threats, and I apologized for mentioning his name, but I had to do something drastic.

He roared laughing, he also said Kasey's father had a reputation of being a serial pest, he said he found out after meeting Kase that the guys in the office usually bummed his calls off to some new recruits they were training in difficult phone calls. In fact, they look forward to his calls and others that still think they have some clout. I laughed and looked at my tiny brother he had fallen asleep on Kasey's shoulder, he would make a fine dad one day. I had better find us a couple of kids I suppose.

"So you almost know Kasey's life story then dad?"

"What kind of a father in law would I be if I didn't check out my son's potential husband, nice ring by the way." I lifted my hand to watch it glitter.

We ate almost everything on the table, and as my crew sat with us they were introduced properly to my family, but not Billy he was still very sleepy, having your haircut is so tiresome.

"So when do you want him for a night?"

"What? a night?" I nearly froze.

"Yes son, your father and I would like to have a night to ourselves, he's no trouble and when he gets to know you a little better he will want a sleepover anyway."

"Give me a week or so to get my head around him even being in my life mum, sure we want him but what if something happens?"

"Nothing's going to happen, Adam just put an action movie into the DVD player and he will be as happy as Larry."

I started giggling Kasey said.

"Cool."

They had to go because dad couldn't take his eyes off mum, she did look like a Hollywood star I don't think he's quite worked out which one yet, but he will. We cleaned up the tea room and said our goodbyes then we promised to drive down on the weekend, it's not far just a forty minute ride away down the freeway, so that's easy.

I kissed my still sleeping brother on the forehead and told him I loved him, then did the same to mum and dad got a big hug from both of us. I think Kasey was in a hurry to get home because he was rattling the car keys at me.

I said my thanks to my fellow workers then with Kase in tow I drove us back home, I couldn't cope with work today there was too much to think about. When we got in he sat in front of his laptop, I wasn't amused. Carol was nowhere to be seen but the note she left said she would be home around five.

I was making coffee for the both of us and happen to look at what Kasey was looking at, he was on the bloody Royal Military University in Canberra's site, otherwise called Duntroon.

"Are you seriously thinking about what dad said, doing both at the same time?"

"I wanted to look at the difference between the classes, maybe he has an idea with me doing both of them. I have to do more research, do we have any of that printing paper left?"

"Stay there I'll get you some." Which I did and he immediately started writing down things. I didn't think it was a good idea and anyway he would have to move to Canberra if he's going to go back to Uni. What the hell does he think I'm going to do. It's nice there but dead, it's full of politicians and government workers, there's nothing there for me, I could open another salon, but do I even want to.

"Adam, can you do me a favor?" I handed his coffee to him and sat at the seat opposite.

"Yes, Kasey what is it?" "Can you take your clothes off?"

"No can do baby, your mum will be home soon."

"Oh, that's a shame, I study better when I'm in the nude." He giggled.

Carol came in with bags of shopping in hand, I hadn't done anything about dinner because we had a big lunch. She wasn't hungry anyway she had stopped and had a bite to eat on her shopping trip.

"Did you have a good catch up?"

"Yes Carol and met my little brother."

"Brother?"

"After thought, happened just after I left home, I'm sorry I got it all wrong now I missed his first few years."

"So sad for you baby, but you're in his life now you can make up for it."

My phone went off and there were several messages from mum, heaps of baby pictures and one small movie where Billy had started walking, I had to go out to the balcony to view them because I knew my tears would arrive very soon. He was gorgeous in every way, and as I flipped through the photos I felt a pang of sadness because I knew when he was born he would have been my baby, my buddy, and my best mate.

I finally resurfaced after shaking myself out of a gloomy mood, and Kasey and Carol were talking about his University studies, she was amazed that dad had suggested it and I could hear her urging Kase to at least hear what they have to say. Moneywise it would be better for him to do it in Canberra because everything is free for him. I had that knotty tummy again and felt a little sick, if he goes there's no coming back I won't go with him and I won't be happy doing a long-distance romance, they never work out apparently.

Maybe I was being a bit selfish, but that's how I felt. I was quite prepared to have Kasey sprawled all over the apartment studying while I worked and cooked, it was a dream to have him here all the time, and yes I am being selfish.

"Why don't you give them a call, maybe go and talk to the dean or whatever, and see what the course entails before you make your mind up."

"I might just do that Adam, we can do with a few days away."

"No can do baby, salons to work and the new one will open next week I have to be there, you go on your own it won't take long." He glared at me, I glared back. Carol was oblivious to our little talk, she got up and took her bags into her room, then I heard the shower going.

"What's the matter?"

"Nothing."

"I know there's something up, want to let me in on it?"

"No." I went and started the washing machine, poor things been working overtime these past weeks.

His big arms went around me as I stood watching it whiz around.

"Now what's up?" I dropped my head because now I'm feeling silly.

"What was the plan before dad got involved?"

"I was going to do the course online, make love to you at playtime, then study late into the night." He kissed my neck.

"And the new plan?"

"I am only thinking about it, I will go to Canberra and get the lowdown on the course, it actually would be great because I will be guaranteed employment while I do it and after I finish."

"I see." I closed the lid and turned to him looking him in the eyes.

"You will let me know won't you, I do have plans of my own. My father doesn't run my life or yours for that matter. It seems that he's much too eager to help you out because you're with me. He wouldn't be doing that with any other recruit I can tell you that right now."

"Well, what do you think I should do then?"

"Grow a spine and tell him thanks but no thanks, you want to do it all on your own. For your own self-esteem, not having it all handed to you on a silver platter."

His jaw dropped as I moved his arm away and went back out to the kitchen. I made myself a sandwich while Kasey sat at the table again staring at me. Nothing else was said and I ate in silence.

"I'm tired I am going to have an early night." I couldn't stand the tension anymore and went to ready myself for bed. He didn't follow me I could hear him tapping away on the computer every now and then. When he finally got into bed he laid on his back and didn't reach for me, I was on my side and a tear or two rolled down my cheek.

"Adam with an A?"

I didn't answer I went to sleep.

I have no idea where that came from but I did know my dad was being over-eager to get to know Kasey, and I am right, he wouldn't help out just anyone. Me being with Kasey shouldn't matter, he's just a regular guy, if I didn't know any better I think my father has other plans for him. He did mention the Captain promotion that Kasey knocked back, maybe he wants to keep him in the military full time. I had my suspicions but I will bide my time, in the end I know I will win, but at what cost.

Carol was up when I appeared in the morning, she was sitting on the balcony writing a list of things to do today, I poked my head out and offered her another coffee which she accepted, and then I said.

"Don't forget to pencil me in for that luncheon sometime before you move out." I smiled at her.

"I haven't forgotten, so much to do so little time, are you still coming to look at units with us this weekend Adam?"

"Of course we are, you don't think Kasey will let you do the negotiations on your own do you?" His arms once again were around me and he whispered in my ear.

"Come back to bed." That's the first sensible thing he's said since we got home yesterday.

"I won't be long." I smiled at him, still feeling foolish.

I got Carol her coffee and one for Kase and myself then headed for the bedroom closing the door behind me, I placed his on his nightstand and mine on my side then slipped between the covers.

"I'm sorry Kasey with a K, I can be a bit over the top sometimes, I know it will be a big leg up for you, but I wanted you to do it on your own that's all, but do whatever you think is best." I snuggled into him.

"Adam with an A, I really don't know what happened last night and I apologize if I upset you, I really do sincerely apologize. Do you think your father is trying to manipulate me?"

At least he's thought about what I said.

"Yes, but I don't know as to what end yet, but I mean to find out."

"He kept saying out at the airport I would make a good teacher, and I must take that Captaincy if I want to go further in the forces." I thought about his answer and then it clicked.

"Bingo." I said softly.

"Eh?"

"He doesn't want you to teach law Kasey he wants you to teach bomb disposal, that's his angle. Sure you can do your law but I bet you in your free time he will have you doing the disposal classes."

"You reckon?"

"I absolutely positively reckon." I started playing with him and was dying to have a taste of my Kasey, so I started slowly kissing and licking his body as he parted his legs to receive my mouth.

I know my father all too well, if there's something in it for him he will make it happen, and at the moment Kasey is the golden child he never had, he is just being like Kase's father, but this one has a lot more clout. I had a wonderful time playing with my man and when it was all over we decided to shower and to restart our day.

"Do you have to work today Kase?"

"No, I thought I would get a head start on the granny flat and do some research."

"What time are we going tomorrow?"

"I think about nine Chris said, it's not far away."

"Do you think we will have time to call into mums, it's in that area and I would like to see Billy again."

He laughed.

"He's a cute kid Adam, I would have loved a little brother."

"You can share mine, I think he liked you too Kasey."

"He likes my uniform I think, he feels safe because of his father."

"I did think of that, yes dad would be in uniform a lot around him, he was when I was a baby, maybe he associates that with safety."

"Maybe, want to wash my back?"

"Oh yes please." I shuddered.

I was all dressed up and ready for work, Kasey was again in front of the computer when I kissed him goodbye and Carol was getting ready for another shopping day. I will drop her off at the big shopping center down the road, she can take it from there.

"Are you having fun, Carol?"

"It's been years since I have shopped in a city Adam, yes, I'm having a ball. I have to look at beds today, and do you think I should get a one or two-bedroom flat I can't quite make up my mind?"

"Get a two bedder, you are going to have grandkids you know one day, they will want sleepovers." I smiled at her.

"Well after what Lance said last night I should be getting a three-bedroom one."

"Oh yes, and what does your son have to do with kids?"

"He said he wanted four kids, to start with, quintuplets, he was being very specific about it." She laughed and looked sideways at me.

"Are you ready for that Adam?" I gulped and although we had never discussed it, I felt all warm inside.

"Did he tell you how he's going to procure these four children?"

"No, he only said he wanted you to stay home and help him to look after them, but he did add he would advertise for them, I think he was joking you know how he is." She laughed louder, I think I was blushing.

That's my Kasey, he knows best and I wish him all the luck in the world, he's not being too unrealistic is he?

I dropped her off and she said she would bring something home for dinner I wasn't to worry.

When I got to the salon I did my usual thing and set up the tea room, the staff started arriving and it had started to rain again. It will be a dead day, but we will survive.

"Are you happy now?"

"Yes Trish, for a change everything is falling into place and apparently I'm going to be a father soon, Kasey's advertising for some orphans to adopt." I laughed at her shocked face.

"Well, you both had better do a fostering course then." She shot back.

"Yes, well I doubt whether it will happen but I guess we had better be prepared." I laughed again.

I made some toast because I was a little hungry. Tim came in and started talking about his night with Keith and what an amazing man he was, I was so pleased for him and he also said they were starting to hit the gym together, well done Keith no more hiding. I asked about the G club but he didn't think it was a good idea to take him there he might get lost in the back alley with someone else. Yes, Keith would be very popular there, there's almost always some sort of sex going on in the background.

My first client had everyone in stitches and she had a small young man with her, Mitchell is growing fast, and his eyes didn't leave Anne's boobs as she fussed over his now, grown-up hairstyle.

"He's going to be a male slut Adam, I don't know how to reign him in anymore." Lucy laughed.

"A bit like his father mother I think." I winked.

"Hush your mouth, I'm a good girl."

"Yes good to go at any time."

We bantered back and forth for a few minutes then we heard quite loudly too.

"Aunty Anne, are your boobs real?"

Anne nearly wet herself as she ran to the tea room laughing. I could hear her trying to stifle it, but not Lucy and I, we roared laughing, poor Mitchell's face went pink.

"Maybe be a little less obvious next time son."

"Well, I wanted to know, what's the problem anyway?"

"You don't ask ladies that sort of question son, it's too personal."

"But I asked every one of your friends and they all say yes."

I looked at her, maybe some of the drag queens have boobs but certainly not all of them.

As per usual, we had a ball it broke what was to be a drab day up, Mitchell got his answer from Anne when she came back, she stood in front of him and said.

"I am all woman and these puppies are all real." He blushed because I think he had a dirty thought.

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