Chapter 19
Over the next few weeks I rang mum every night until we almost ran out of things to talk about, I talked to Billy about that cartoon dog and dad about the great thing he did for us all, he didn't apologize for the interference and he was very happy with the outcome.
The day Kasey was allowed to leave his post he was so excited we made love at least four times in-between him organizing his paperwork and checking the internet connection hundreds of times, he was well and truly ready. I don't think he slept the night before he started, he was so worked up. He tried to talk to me several times during the night but I was so tired from the days romps all I wanted to do was sleep.
The next morning I slept in and there was no Kasey in bed with me. He must have risen early and when I went to find him he was sitting at his laptop with his earphones on talking away. His school day had started remotely and he was introducing himself to the class online. A big grin moved across his face and he leaned over and wrote something on a piece of paper.
`Put something on baby, this class is live.' I looked down and all I had on was my underwear so I crept back to the bedroom to put a top and shorts on.
I made more coffee and listened to Kasey and his classmate's talk, I learned a few little snippets of news I hadn't known before, and when he spoke I nearly leaned over to kiss him, his voice was deep and wonderful to hear. >From what I could understand of his classmates they were all wanting to know all about his military experience more than his legal mind, he was happy to part with some funny stories. There were twelve in his class and his professor was a very nice looking older man in his fifties maybe.
They finally had a break for morning tea and Kase set the egg timer to remind him to return in a half-hour. I had his late breakfast warming in the oven and I made loads of toast, we have to keep his energy levels up. He kissed me and felt me all over, but yesterday had exhausted him so today was a no sex day, although I feel tonight will be different.
"So are they nice?"
"Yes Adam, they sound like a good bunch of people, they are from all over Australia from all walks of life, even got ourselves a prisoner wanting to study."
"Great, taxpayer-funded schooling for inmates." No more was said on that subject, I was happy that Kasey had met some cool people. We both ate and he was telling me he can't wait to get into the juicy stuff. I thought he wanted sex, but he was talking about work. His first day was an easy one, or so he thought. He was receiving emails and a lot of messages from his teacher and his co-students, one even wanted to know if he was married and yes it was that good looking guy from prison. When it all stopped, he started reading again. I put some washing on then made the bed.
"What's this about?" I stopped on my way through to ask, well I am interested.
"This is my first assignment, I have to fill it out and return it within two hours, forty-eight questions. The rest are from the group." He rubbed his eyes.
"Holy shit, you had better get on with it then."
I left him to read and took my phone into the bedroom. I was composing a note to mum about wanting to meet up at a restaurant during the following week, I think I only got halfway through it and I was fast asleep.
Kasey woke me up two hours later, he had stripped and crawled in with me.
"Did you get it all done?"
"Yes, its afternoon playtime now." His hands and lips aroused every nerve in my body.
After a short play, he again sat at the computer until it was time to shut it down, his classes had finished at five he had answered all the questions from his teacher and mates. He had been sent something to read and he will be questioned on it tomorrow. I asked him if he wanted to go downstairs for dinner he agreed then messaged, Evans and Trish. All of a sudden it was a big rush to get there he was a very hungry schoolboy. They met us in the café and Trish was all smiles, she's immersed herself in the city lifestyle and was saying they were still going to visit Evans folks on the weekend, she will need Saturday off. I didn't mind in the least and Anne was more than capable of taking over the bookings. I tried to ask Evans about the farm but he was still avoiding me, somethings going on I am sure of that.
Their meals were demolished and they were both looking at Trisha's and mine, but we smiled at each other and held onto our plates, they can order more if they want.
I told Kasey he could order some more rolls and some cheese, which he did.
He talked about his first day at school like it was chocolate ice cream, it was so interesting and he will get the results from the questionnaire back tonight. I think it was just one of those brain teasers they give to find out how advanced your brain is.
Trish and I talked about the new business and she said there has been a constant stream of customers coming into Cody's shop, he is doing exceptionally well. I was so pleased for him and the offshoot is, our salon business has almost doubled. She has that shop well in hand and the new old one is now as busy as ever. Tim has received more wigs for a traveling drag show to do, and I still haven't found an apprentice.
Eva will move in with Wilson this weekend and Hargraves had a great send off and was transferred to Canberra, he was very excited about his new teaching position.
We had a good night and Evans wanted to continue in our apartment but Kasey put him off saying he had work to do. The first thing he did when we got in was to kiss me, then he headed for the laptop. I made us coffee and watched a smile cross his face as he read through his assignment.
"Top of the class a hundred percent correct."
"Was that for the questionnaire?"
"Yes baby, it was easy."
"How did the others go?"
"Doesn't say."
"Okay I'm going to do some paperwork of my own, so can I sit here quietly?"
"Yep, but take your clothes off."
He jumped up and stripped naked, I wondered if he would like to go to a nudist colony for a weekend. I did the same and as soon as I sat down to do the shop orders his leg crossed mine and he groaned.
I finished my list of lotions and potions to order and he was furiously tapping away with a great grin on his face. Suddenly he bashed one of the poor keys for the last time and yelled.
"Piece of cake, fucking aced it." He stood up and his manly bits were very chubby so I had to have a good feel.
"So it was easy then?"
"Yes this one was, but I think it will get harder as we go on, I got three days to read seven chapters of this book." He shuffled his books around and found the right one.
"Well you had better get to it then, I'm going to bed it's past ten."
He looked at his watch, at me, the bedroom, then he ran to the bathroom to have a shower, I win again and I wasn't far behind him. For the next hour, I had to do everything for my star student even try on some daggy old school days underwear, which seemed to take him to another level of excitement.
I had to go into work today and he was preparing to start reading the textbook in his spare time, He will have classes but I'm sure he will fit it all in somehow. I cooked breakfast this morning I wanted to make sure he at least had one meal under his belt, even though he said he would grab something later.
I started walking up the street towards the salon and halfway there I was poked in the back, as I turned I came face to face with Shannon the commander's secretary.
"Good morning Adam do you mind if I tag along with you?"
"Not at all, I got to call into the bakery on the way."
"Cool."
"How's the commander?"
"Yep Kevin's well and it looks like Tim is moving in with him from what I hear. It's good he has someone to cuddle at night."
"You don't?" Meaning I didn't know whether he was gay or straight he might be married.
"No, I live alone I'm the only one in the group not getting some it seems."
"You poor boy, you will have to rectify that situation." He didn't say anything else so I didn't pry.
"How's Kasey I haven't seen him for a while."
"He's good, he's at home in front of the computer studying."
"The lawyer thing, he will be very good in that role."
"I reckon he will too."
I left him at the bakery doors, he crossed the road and I went to get some buns. I didn't know what to think about him, on one hand, he makes me nervous, but on the other, I think he's just feeling a bit lonely.
When I received the takeaway bag I then went to the salon and opened the door. Same scented smells with a hint of newness. I leaned against the door and took it all in, it was beautiful in my world and again I thanked Adele quietly for helping me get to this place. After turning on all the appliances I looked in the book it was full today, I don't mind because the day goes faster when we are busy.
"Good morning boss." Tim swanned in the door.
"Good morning Tim, have you moved in yet?" he stared at me, he knows I know when he's lying.
"Yes, last night and it was fantastic." He giggled.
"Good, I hope you two will be very happy together."
"Thank you, I know we will." He headed for the tea room.
My staff arrived and we all set up our stations then the customers started arriving.
Eva was first off the rank her client wanted streaks so she set about washing her hair. My first client was a lovely lady called Tess, she saves all her extra tips from waitressing to have her hair done for special occasions, and tonight is a special one because her boyfriend is taking her to a fancy restaurant to maybe pop the question. I took extra care trimming her long locks then I got Tim to help me roll it up so we could put some volume in it. I sat her under the dryer and started my next client, just a layered haircut easy for me.
While I waited for my next one I checked Tess's hair, I will give her another ten minutes. James was eyeing me off and when he saw an opening he darted my way.
"Adam, have you found an apprentice yet?" "No James I'm still looking." I didn't want to admit I was being really lazy about it, I miss Janice running around for us.
"Can I get my friend to come in, he wants to do hairdressing and no one will give him a chance, he's already very good."
"Boyfriend?"
"No Adam, just a friend I met at the G club, he's getting a bit desperate for work, he lives with his mum and three brothers, he gets the dole but it's not nearly enough for him to exist on his own."
"Well apprenticeships don't pay well either James, will he be able to cope?"
"Yes I think so, I can help, and he's very artistic and has some excellent ideas on styling."
"What's his name?"
"Marko."
"Send him in I want to meet him first, don't tell him it's an interview make it casual otherwise he will be nervous as hell."
"Thank you so much I will get him to come and have lunch with me tomorrow if that's okay?"
"Yes that's fine James, tell me honestly will he fit in because I can try and find him some sort of other work."
"He will be an asset to this salon believe me."
"Good, and thank you for suggesting him to me." He went back to his next client, what a great soul he has helping his friend out. I have to find out a little more but I'm sure if I like Marko I will hire him. Lunchtime came around fast so I sat in the tea room with my sandwich and scanned the local newspaper. I heard someone behind me and I was grabbed abruptly and pulled up, Kasey was holding me.
"I miss you." He kissed me then continued down my neck.
"You could have rung." I laughed.
"I am at lunch so I thought I would come and tell you that I miss you."
"I miss you too Kase, do you want to share my sandwich?"
"No time, got to get back see you when you get home." He disappeared just as fast as he appeared, and I was left laughing into my sanger( (sandwich).
The day did go quickly for me and after I locked up I made my way home, I was surprised to see my man out the front of the building, he was waiting for me to go and have some dinner in the café.
"Why didn't you warm up the food in the fridge?"
"I got waylaid, and before I knew it, it was time for dinner shall we?"
"Of course, can't have you not eating, do you have more classes to do tonight?"
"No, I have to read that textbook though."
"Okay, let's eat first."
"Good I'm starving." He's always starving, anyone would think I don't feed him.
As usual, his food hit the table before mine, we have this sort of pact that's it's okay for him to start dinner without me. I don't mind.
"How was your day?"
"One big essay in the can and delivered, some study into how the court system works, and a class chit chat about the questionnaire I did yesterday. I did well because the others wanted to know how each of us got on. I emailed my results to them and they did the same for me."
"How were their scores?"
"Not as big as mine Adam with an A." He grinned.
"So you were top of the class then?"
"Yes by a mile, but it's early days yet they will catch up. I'm just lucky I went to Duntroon most of it I already know from my training."
"Good, I like to date top students they are more intelligent." I laughed.
"Well Goof was the closest he's intelligent too."
"Whose Goof?" As if I didn't know.
"The inmate. He's quite clever really."
"Not surprising, what's he in for?"
"Embezzlement, two years."
"Really?"
"Yes, apparently he ripped off a lot of bank accounts when he worked for them, just a few million, he's bored in jail so he thought he might do a course." He smiled.
"So he's not a hardened crim then?"
"No Adam, he's quite nice actually."
"Don't get any jail fantasies, mister, be warned."
"I'm going to visit him on the weekend, we all decided to pick his brains and he doesn't get any callers, so I'm taking him some stuff like toothpaste and shit he's going to give me a list."
"Okay Kase whatever you do, don't take any weapons or drugs."
He stared at me and I laughed again, then he smiled he knew I was joking.
Our meal was delicious and we got a small tub of ice cream for afters to take home. He kissed me in the lift then he had my clothes off before I moved past my beautiful security gates. It wasn't going to be a night full of sex he grabbed his book and laid naked on the sofa, I was pulled down and placed on top of him. He stroked my back and hair as he read, I played Cookie Jam on my phone, something I don't do that often.
He put his book down and sighed.
"Is it hard to read?"
"No, not at all I have done four chapters, it all makes sense."
"Good, want some ice cream now?"
"Not yet, move onto your side baby." I did and he began at the nape of my neck while his fingers did an amazing job on my butt.
By the time we were ready for bed he had finished his assignment, he has another day and a half yet so he said he will read it again tomorrow. I headed for the shower and he locked up. We went to bed and held each other until we went off to sleep.
I wanted to ask him about Shannon, like did he know his story or should I leave it alone. Maybe tomorrow when I have more time.
I left him with his head stuck in his book, he was still very excited and looking forward to his day, I made him up some lunch so he didn't have to do it and left at my appointed time. My day wasn't so busy today, and no Kasey at lunchtime but I did see Shannon, he was back for another shave.
"How are you today?"
"Good Adam, that's some apartment you live in its bloody brilliant." "And you saw the inside how?" I was a bit shocked he was being so casual about it, and what the hell was he doing in my home.
"I had to drop off some paperwork for Kasey, he showed me around its awesome."
"Well it is an art form in itself, how was Kase, studying hard?"
"I think so, I didn't get a coffee and just a quick tour I think he was talking to someone on the computer."
"Probably his teacher or classmates they all have a lot to learn."
"He will romp it in Adam, he was always the brainy one at Duntroon."
I gave him his close shave, and I did for one Nanosecond think about strangling him for intruding, if he wanted Kasey to have paperwork why didn't he drop it off here for me to take home. Nothing much else was said except I did ask what the papers were for and he told me they were for his promotion. I got him sorted out and felt a bit guilty, Kasey can have anyone he likes in our home I was being a little bit selfish.
"When we have more time you can come up for dinner, but at the moment it's a bit unorganized."
"That would be great Adam, I will look forward to it."
He left with a smile on his face and I went about organizing my next customer. I was halfway through when a cute little twink came in and was talking to Eva, this would be Marko. James walked over to greet him and they disappeared into the tea room, I excused myself and went to talk to Eva.
"Do you know him?" "Yes Adam I met him at the G club a month or so ago, he's a nice kid."
"Okay, is there something I should know about him?"
"Not that I know, he's a nice kid, why do you ask?"
"Nothing, it's just that James asked me to give him a try out for the apprenticeship. I told him to invite him here for lunch so I could get a sense of his commitment and I wanted it to be kept casual."
"Well, I only met him the once Adam he was very polite to me if that helps."
"Okay, I might give him a try then."
I finished off my client then I went to have lunch.
"James, did you stack that order in the storeroom?"
"Yes Adam, Tim's going to sort it out later on when he gets the time."
They both looked very nervous and I was introduced to a very polite Marko.
"How do you do Mr. Sutton."
"I'm well Mr. Marko, but please call me Adam we are on first names here."
I fixed up my lunch and while it warmed up I placed Zena's biscuits on the table, they both dived in.
"So, James tells me you want to be a hairdresser?"
"Yes Adam, just forever it's been a dream, I'm so jealous of James being able to do it." "Why didn't you go to college?"
"My mum doesn't have any money, otherwise I would have gone there. My only hope is to get an apprenticeship in a salon."
"Okay, so how old are you?"
"Sixteen, but eighteen at the clubs." He giggled, James smiled, and I saw a glint in his eye too. They will make an awesome couple when they realize they are in love with each other.
"Well stick around I may have an offer for you."
His eyes lit up and he immediately looked at James who patted his hand.
"What offer?"
"Well if your not busy today I will pay you some cash in hand to unpack the big order that just came in, then I want you to help me with something."
"Okay yes, of course, I can do that you don't have to pay me it will be my pleasure to help out, I got nothing better to do today."
"Good, have you had lunch yet?" "No, we were just discussing it."
I took a twenty out of my wallet and gave it to him and said.
"You and James go and get some lunch and be back in half an hour or so. James are you busy this afternoon?"
"No, Adam just a couple of trims and a bride is coming in to have a dry run."
"What time is she coming in?"
"At three I think, but I will check."
"Marko, do you have any experience at all doing hair?"
"Just friends and family Adam, they all seem to be happy with what I design for them."
"Design?"
"Yes, I like to think I'm designing their hair, not just cutting and styling. My mum is a qualified hairdresser and she has taught me loads of things and I help her when she's busy she works from home."
"Does she work in our industry now?"
"Yes and no, I have three smaller brothers she has to stay home and look out them so she does client's hair at home but not a lot, she can't afford to take me on as an apprentice otherwise she would.."
"Okay, go get your lunch and we can talk some more later on."
A hair designer, well it's not unheard of and I admired his will to stay true to his beliefs.
I wanted to get to know this kid a bit better and as they walked off I wondered if mum needed a full-time job.
I was whisked off to do my next client and missed my Kasey very much, he does that to me all the time.
When the boys were ready, I took Marko into the storage room and told him what I wanted, he understood and began his task in earnest. I went back to have a word with James.
"He's worried his injury will go against him getting a job."
"Why on earth would that matter, and what injury?"
"Some people are rude and cruel, he's taken a lot over the past three years. He lost his foot it in a horrible car accident, thankfully his mum wasn't hurt but his dad was killed." My stomach turned and I felt so sad for him.
"That explains the very slight limp then, and his leg has nothing to do with hairdressing, sorry his hair design." I tried to laugh.
"He takes it very seriously Adam, he's a designer, not a barber."
"I get it James, more than you know." I smiled and had already decided to give Marko a go at it.
"I won't be a minute Eva I have to go to the post office and get some forms."
"For our new apprentice?"
"Yes."
I took off down the road to go and get some forms, I hadn't even got to that simple stage yet. The government will pay half his wages and I will make up the rest. Like Janice, I will be giving him extra cash jobs on top of that, because the kids have to survive and the apprenticeship wage was the lowest on the scale, plus he was so very young.
When he finished his job, it was time for afternoon tea then James's client will be in. I saw a very excited young lady sitting at reception and found out she was the bride wanting ideas on her wedding styling. I sat with her and introduced myself, she knew who I was, she has been in here before.
"Judy I would like you to help me today."
"With what Adam, just say the word."
"Okay I am thinking about hiring a new apprentice he's out the back with James, can I get him to wash your hair and stand-in on your appointment just to watch the process?"
"Of course Adam, no trouble at all coming from this girl."
"And for letting him do that today's trial run is free for you." She was very happy I offered her that, and was eager to get going she had no idea what she wanted but did have a few photos of her dress, it was beautiful, all brides dresses are beautiful.
"I miss you so much."
"I will be home at six, be patient."
"Come home now." He's whining. "Can't do, I am very busy."
"But I miss you." Kasey was lonely and wanted someone to talk to I think.
"You should have offered Shannon a coffee, he would have kept you entertained."
"Oh God, no thanks."
"Go for a walk around the block and clear your head."
"I might actually."
That was it he hung up and I suppose he will go for a walk, he will probably come down to the salon, I went to find Marko.
He was sitting on a stool admiring Tim's work. He had started the oversized wigs for the traveling drag show.
"Now, Marko, how much did mum teach you?"
"Everything Adam, I was homebound for a year, so to entertain me she taught me all she knew, I did help her do some of her clients too."
"Okay, follow me." He did and I took him over to James station.
"James how long before you want Judy?"
"Twenty minutes Adam, she's a little early, must be excited." "She is. Marko can you go get Judy, she's the one with the long blonde tresses and can you take her over to the troughs and wash it for me?" His eyes lit up.
"Sure I can do that, two shampoo's and one conditioner do you want me to dry it?"
"No kiddo just the wash if you wouldn't mind for now, she's agreed to let you sit and watch James work his magic."
"I can roll it if you want James?"
James looked at his eager face and said.
"Grab the station next to me and use the biggest ones then shove her under the dryer for a half-hour." He looked at me and I nodded so he ran off to get Judy. When I looked next they were deep in conversation and Judy was laughing her head off.
He can't stuff up a wash and set, I wanted to watch him at work so I got one of the girls to take my next appointment and sat in my chair pretending I was doing some book work. He breezed through it like a pro but maybe a little too fast, he was eager.
When Judy sat at James's station Marko sat at the empty one next door watching them go through some suggestions. The dress photos were out and being passed around and just about everyone had an opinion on how her hair was going to look for her very special day. I walked over and pulled her now curly hair back from her face and suggested she leave it natural, it will look so gorgeous with some flowers in it.
"No, not that." I heard a voice say behind me. I turned and Marko was almost jumping up and down to suggest something.
"Okay not that one, what would you suggest Marko the miracle worker." I had no idea what I had just said would become a reality.
"Can I try something it won't take long just a partial suggestion it's easier to show you."
"Go ahead, do you mind Judy?"
"Not at all Adam, my new pal Marko wont stuff it up."
Marko looked for the right comb then he dived into the bobby pin box and went to work. I watched as he did the top bit and my jaw dropped as he pinned and with ease started making a huge what looked like flower arrangement, not many hairdressers can master this technique but he was blasting through it. I certainly wouldn't even attempt to do something like this, and here we are a sixteen-year-old teaching an old fart like me. He didn't just do a sampling he did the complete creation in under an hour and he had drawn a crowd, even Tim came from out the back to watch.
"My god that's beautiful Marko, its awesome. Yes, that's what I want, I can't believe you created all this for me."
"You're worth it, my friend, and it was my pleasure to design just for you. On the day we can spray the flowers lightly with pastel coloring we will need the names and colors of the flowers you are using in your bouquet" He then looked at my dropped jaw and bowed then said.
"Do I get the job?" I started nodding slightly then faster then I said yes you start tomorrow. I couldn't believe my eyes and I want his mum to come in and work for me too if this is what she's been teaching him. Everyone hugged him and of course, there were tears, he couldn't stop crying and James threw caution to the wind and hugged him lightly. The hair was an artwork in its own right, it looked magnificent, he is a designer for sure. Judy was in tears she loved it so much and she insisted she tip Marko before she left, it was a large tip too.
"What do I need to bring Adam?"
"Just yourself kiddo everything is supplied here, I can't have you cutting yet but I can't wait to see how you handle a pair of scissors, but if your styling or design is anything like that creation I will get you to do the brides and bridesmaids and maybe help Tim out with the wigs sometimes, plus I will give you some cash customers to bulk up your wages." He was nearly in tears and thanked me many times.
"Thank you, Adam. I'm also up to date with my dying and foils and I have loads of flippy flop cuts in my resume."
"What are flippy flop cuts?" I was keen to learn his language.
"Mums take on cheap quick snip haircuts, only six or so cuts, and you're done, it's easy. I will show you one day, but it only works on longer hair like yours, Adam." He giggled and had a great smile, my jaw hit the floor and I couldn't wait to get home and tell Kasey and Trish.
While locking up I heard the bell and groaned, I should learn to lock the front door first, I hope this isn't anyone wanting a last-minute cut. I poked my head out of the tea room door and saw two big blue eyes, so I deemed it safe to go into the salon. I kissed him and then I locked the door.
"Did you miss me?"
"Yes, I was lonely but I got a lot of work done. I come to walk you home."
"Okay I just have to fill the urn I won't be a minute."
That kitchen table groaned and the chairs went flying with my jeans in the opposite direction. He wasn't going to take no for an answer I think he was horned up, in fact I know he was overly horned up. He went the whole nine yards and my legs were over his shoulders and my arms around his waist pulling him tightly to me.
"God I missed you, I love you so much."
"Me too you, my Kasey, that's it, oh that's it just like that."
He wanted to take his time but mother nature had other plans, it was over before he had hardly started. He then got me off and sat in one of the chairs while I dressed, giggling to myself. Somethings got him going today, maybe it was Shannon's visit.
We almost walked home hand in hand and he was telling me all about his day, and instead of reading seven chapters of the textbook, he read fifteen. He said it was an easy read and he understood it all. I asked him when his Uni tutoring will start, he said he hadn't heard but he thought next week. I don't know if he will have the time to go into the University, but he said it will be a breeze.
"So did you eat your lunch?"
"Yes, so if you're not hungry now can we get something delivered later on?"
"Sure we can have you got something to do?"
"Yes, I'm not quite finished Adam, I need you totally in the raw."
He grinned at me, and my poor throbbing ass.
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