Adam 34.
As the days went by my table had been almost cleared and Sam, Kase, and I worked on the projects, I glued some hair to the white sheet of cardboard, Kasey glued some pictures of his ranking colors and Sam wrote what they meant next to them, I had photographs, and Kasey had cannons, which I felt were a little too blunt for the under fives class. I had tips for hair care and how to cut hair Kase had a plan of attack drawn out then he added photos of a tank or two.
"Don't you think it's too much for the kids to understand Kase?"
"They have to learn sometime Adam, Sammy do you think your class would love this project?"
"Oh yes daddy, it's the best I have seen of course they love it."
I was miffed, and it was then I knew I had failed.
"Haven't you a speech to write?" That will put him off his game.
"Already done." He grinned.
"Homework?"
"Doing it now." His smile got wider.
I huffed and went on with my very pretty project. Maybe the young ladies in his class will like it.
It was after a note was sent home for Kasey for him to appear at their bring your father to school day, I stamped my foot and cried foul.
"Dad they like yours too, they said it was the prettiest." Sam and Kasey both giggled.
After that shocking wake-up call, it was time to concentrate on Wilson and Eva, they were nearing their wedding day.
Outfits had been bought or hired, Sams little white suit was out of this world he looked amazing in it. Not to be left out Billy was also fitted out in one the same, they were having two page boys, and I knew there wouldn't be any trouble, both boys were excited and practiced together until they got their walking with holding a cushion right. Dad was busy, he never seemed to be around when I went to the fed building, Kasey had moved back into his office again because he said it was too scary being alone in the apartment, I think he's bored, but dad had given him a few more projects to follow up and when I would visit his desk and floor were loaded with sheets of paper. I was warned not to stand on anything so the first time I called I stood in the corner while Kase took my ass into his care.
The wedding will be awesome, Eva will look radiant because Marko will do her curls and I will do the boys, so much for being the head hairdo man, but I wasn't put off he is the best at weddings and Eva knew that. Trish and Anne were to be bridesmaids with Janice who had flown up with Trev for the weekend. They stayed at Trisha's place and we had a sort of hens night which included the boy's bucks party, no one was interested in going out and getting plastered. Eva had the traditional bridal veil on and received many gifts, some left her blushing and Wilson was very interested in the sexy items. It was so good to see Janice and Trev, although we talk on the phone every other day it's still good to see them face to face. They bought us up on all the news, they had moved from her mum's place and are now living in their flat near to the salon, and most importantly they had put aside that dreadful day with the explosion and have moved on beautifully. Tim and Keith had arrived together. I didn't know how much the staff knew or Kasey's workmates, but I did know Trish knew about them being a couple, they kept their distance but stared at each other often. The big surprise was when the boys, Dirk, Heath, and Ethan from the other salon arrived in their skimpy shorts and started their dirty dancing with Eva and Wilson with a little bit of Trish and me mixed in. Kasey watched them through slitted eyes as the boys started to strip what little clothes they had on, off.
"Kids in the room boys, keep it clean." I heard Kasey say, they moaned then two of them joined the kids on the sofa watching an action movie. It was an incident-free night and I managed to get Trev and Janice on their own for a quiet talk. When everything was packed up a worse for wear Wilson with Eva returned to their apartment and the rest of the party followed to go on home.
Kasey and my father had found a spot at the table and were deep in conversation, Kase was making more notes and the general was feeding him information. When they all left the computer was turned on and Kasey started typing stuff. Mum was ready for bed and the kids were fast asleep when I looked in. I kissed mum goodnight then Kasey, I didn't kiss dad I just rubbed his back.
I spent most of the night alone and when Kasey crawled into bed I felt whole again and dropped off.
No kids this morning but a lot of giggling from mums bedroom was heard. I put the coffee on and then tried to clean up some more mess that hadn't been done last night. The boys ran out and flopped on the couch, the tv was on instantly so I went over and kissed them both good morning. Mum was next and I hugged her she said dad was having an extra ten minutes like Kasey is doing. We had plenty of time before we had to get ready, the wedding doesn't start until two, and I didn't have to be at the salon until ten. I moved Kasey's computer out of my way as I sat down, the screen burst into life and I got a glimpse of what he had been working on. The photos were a horror story I tried not to look but was drawn in, he wasn't working on drug cartels this was all about people smuggling in particular children trafficking, I almost unloaded my stomach as I stared at the screen. Mum nudged me and was asking what was wrong. I quickly snapped the screen down and said.
"Nothing."
"You shouldn't snoop son, no good comes of it." She smiled.
"Couldn't help it, mum the screen lit up when I moved it." I wasn't mad with Kasey or dad, but I did feel some pain that he has to look at these photos, especially the way they both feel about kids. I will stay ignorant because I won't be dragged into that world, sure I know it happens, but like most people I ignore it, and in my head, I acknowledge I would leave it to the professionals. Kasey wasn't one of them he shouldn't even be mixed up in it.
He came out in his army-issue shorts which were fine with me but he was also scratching his nuts as he yawned, mum moaned.
"Did you just moan at my husband?"
"Yes dear, I may be your mother, but I'm also not dead son." She giggled.
"Stevie Stevie, can we have some toast with some beans please?"
"Sure little brother coming up." Mum placed her hand on mine and said.
"I'll get it."
"You just want to have a closer look don't you?"
She giggled again and said yes.
Kasey was wandering around the kitchen and mum scooted past him to start breakfast. He came over and kissed me, then the boys, and sat in his usual spot, unconsciously he lifted the screen, moaned, and shut the computer down. He stared at me for a while, I was so flat and I couldn't look him in the eye, not that I felt guilty I felt sick inside. He took my hand and kissed it then he sipped his drink, looked over at the tv then whispered.
"I love you Adam with an a, with all my heart love you." He squeezed my hand I said nothing because I didn't know what to say. I downed my coffee and went to help mum, then I took the box of empty bottles downstairs to the garbage bin. He didn't follow me because the boys had noticed I was leaving and came for a ride, or two.
When I arrived back dad was at the table and both of them stared at me.
"Go have a shower mum I can roll your hair, dad, you need to shave and grow your hair an inch longer." I laughed, breaking the silence I had placed myself into. I know dad would never grow his hair longer he's old forces through and through. The kids will be fine I can gel their hair and Kasey just needs a good brush and comb. The food was delicious and the men got extra large big breakfasts, mum and I had smaller ones, which hit the spot nicely. Billy and Sam loved their beans and Kasey pinched my last piece of bacon.
Doesn't matter he's a growing boy.
I cleaned up and started the dishwasher then mum went to shower and I went to find the rollers. Arms that are constantly holding me now held my waist and a man whispered.
"If for one minute, I thought you looked at my computer I will move it all to the office." My head dropped and I answered.
"Well, you had better move it all there then."
"You did see it?"
"It burst into life when I moved it, how the hell do you get to the stage of people smuggling from drug running?'
"They are one of the same Adam, they happen in unison. Usually, the people involved are the same people that have their mitts on everything illegal. Please do not look again Adam I will try to be more careful in the future." He kissed the back of my neck.
"So you won't move fully to the office?'
"Not this time."
"I'm sorry baby, it was an accident but I don't want Sam to see any of that stuff, he's had enough of it all."
"He won't, I will lock it up. Now, how about we shower and you can polish my knob it has to look its best for today." I was grateful he didn't throw me off the balcony and was even more grateful he wanted me to do the polishing.
I found a scarf to place over mum's curlers then readied everyone to follow me to the salon. The kids won't be dressed until just before the photos, we don't want any mishaps, especially with white suits.
Dad had organized a ride for the day and we piled into the van with our suit bags and frock hangers. Sam screamed because he knew the driver, so he had to sit up front, he was the same one that took him to his first beach and they talked away like old friends for the ten-minute ride. They saluted each other and we all went inside the salon, my smells were on show today and I smiled as I walked in. Eva was being attended to by Marko, a glass of champagne had appeared and one was passed to me. Trev was attending to Janice and Anne had James, Trish was still sitting under the dryer. Tim was there to help me with the boys. I was looking at Marko's work, Eva was going for the princess Margaret look, barrel curls, and a wrap-around tiara she had left it to her bridesmaids to have their hair done how they wanted.
I popped mum under the dryer and the kids watched her and of course, had to warm their hands. They giggled a lot, while Tim grabbed the commander and started on him, he had grown his hair a little so he had something to work with.
Kasey was still a little quiet and was talking to dad, I guess he is wording him up on my snooping. The kids had pulled two seats up and were now watching Marko do a brilliant job on Eva, Janice went for the strands of curls down her back as Trev anchored a wig and started teasing in the curls. Trish will have her hair looking awesome as usual, she isn't a curly girl but she will braid it I think. Mum will look like Elizabeth Taylor she loves that style and so does dad. Anne will also wear some barrel curls that suit her to a T.
"Kasey your up," I said.
He almost ran to my station and as he sat down his legs parted he knows I like a good show while I work. At every opportunity, I rubbed my crotch on his arm and each time he moaned as I gelled his hair into a super style, with a hint of a flip.
Tim grabbed dad next and then I had mum, Eva was finished and her hands were shaking so Trish poured her another drink. It was then Wilson and Evans arrived, bad luck for him to see his bride so early, oh no it's not Eva is doing his hair, I guess she doesn't trust me. There was a lot of kissing coming from my staff today Kasey and I even joined in. The orders started as soon as Trish sat down, Marko grabbed her and yelled.
"Do not touch a thing, leave this to the experts." She laughed because we all knew she was going to do her usual braids.
I finished mum off and dad had to have a good look then he kissed her. Billy was next and then my Sam. They only wanted hairspray it smelled better than the gel and they get to play with the stiff stuff for a long time so they told me. I obliged them and I know I will have to respray them before we leave.
I sat with Kasey and watched Marko do his thing, all my girls looked wonderful, Trisha's hair was swept up into a bun and then the tiny intricate braids were expertly placed in their spots, it looked big but awesome.
I think she was impressed with it, she kept looking in the mirror, and it was Evans that broke her spell.
"You scrub up okay old girl." He kissed her she almost slapped his gorgeous face. I giggled and then the photographer turned up, he didn't need his hair done because he didn't have any. The ladies went to the storeroom the men to the tea room, a lot of fussing and giggling saw Eva being the first to appear, she looked radiant, the dress was stunning and traditional with layers of tulle, Wilson appeared in a black suit and the photos were started. She wanted some on their own in the salon in front of the big deco mirrors, and they will be shining today because we spent yesterday thoroughly cleaning them.
Kasey looked gorgeous and I boned up instantly when he and Evans came out and the others followed, the ladies all looked beautiful and mum looked Hollywood.
My two munchkins were eager to get dressed so mum and I did that. If there are any mishaps we will deal with them.
I don't know how many photos were taken but we all had to be in them in all sorts of combinations. One last drink for all and we were set to go. The church wasn't far away and Wilson came with us, the wedding ladies will follow in a limousine.
The boys ran around the church trying to find anything to play with, it was then I had to settle them down. Kasey still looked at me and I at him, it's the dinner suits that got us going, so out of character but so sexy.
Nona Zena was front and center with Luca she had her hair done yesterday and her sparkling two-piece suit looked so her. She winked at me when I caught her eye then she nodded to Luca indicating he was a very handsome partner for her, and I agreed he was so Italian and so handsome.
The music started and we all took our places, Eva walked up the aisle with her father, and she was a sight to behold. The two kids did a splendid job of guarding the rings and Wilson I'm sure of it had a boner in his tux.
"You look good Adam, not gay at all," Evans whispered to me and I started giggling, the looks I got were not nice.
"Stop it." I nudged him.
"Be quiet," Billy called out.
"Sorry." Evans blushed.
They were married in a simple ceremony and we all had to sign the certificate and then we headed for the reception rooms which were only next door. The party started just as we all entered. Drinks were handed to us and finger food was offered, the kids liked that the best. Speeches were made, and Kasey did an excellent job, Eva's mum and dad welcomed the Wilson family to theirs and Trish roasted Eva to her heart's content, but it was all in good fun. The wedding dance happened and then we all partnered up, I haven't had a real dance with Kasey before but he was good at it, but later on, when the tempo changed he showed me who he was by bum dancing his way through the songs. I wanted to take a small movie but he wouldn't let me go, he said we could do that later on when he does his private show.
The food was excellent and the bride was tipsy, and so was Zena. She is a very naughty lady, and she and Luca did a dirty dancing number to perfection, she winked at me when she walked past and I heard poor Luca scream several times throughout the night.
Evans couldn't stand it any longer he and Trish left just after the bride and groom did, he said he wanted to check her braids out. Mum and dad left they were going home to their place because dad had an early morning meeting up near their suburb. Kasey Sam and I followed and I finally got my private dance from him, it was awesome.
There was no computer tonight just Kaseys moaning and by the time I turned the bedside light off he was laying there with a big goofy grin on his face, he pulled me in then we closed our eyes.
He was back in front of the computer the next day, and while Sam and I played some games on the balcony he had his head stuck in the web.
Back and forth the emails went until it drove me nuts so I eventually put the tv on and we watched a movie. It would have been nice to do something with the whole family today.
The meetings behind closed doors started the next day and thank god Sam had kindy and I had work. The three casuals were in today and everyone was talking about the wedding. She did look like a fairy princess and Anne had plenty of photos to hand around, she had them printed off and will fill an album for Eva and Wilson.
Tim had to call into the theatre to check the wigs so he won't be around until after lunch, I took up the slack and did the walk-ins. I have to get an apprentice in and another two full-timers. I had asked the casuals but they weren't interested, they had kids to think about. I called a staff meeting at lunchtime and told everyone to keep their eyes out for someone to fill the three spots.
I didn't have to wait too long because the next morning a well-groomed kid dropped her cv onto the reception desk. I smiled at her then opened it, her name was Lynnie and all her cv said was. "Marko's cousin" I looked at her and the questions I had in mind flew out the window, the two words said it all.
"When can you start?"
"Tomorrow, what time?"
"Eight am."
"Thank you Mr. Adam."
"Just Adam will do Lynnie." She looked over at Marko and they both gave each other the thumbs up.
"I guess that's settled then, we will see you in the morning, just one thing before you go."
"Yes, Adam?"
"Can you wash hair?"
"Like a pro." She left laughing and I sidled up to Marko.
"Is she as good as you?"
"No, but she's as good as Trish Anne and Eva, but not you and me, thank you Adam, we were all getting worried you had forgotten about hiring a new apprentice."
"In the future just ask will you, she can wash hair that's a good start."
"And cut and blow dry with brush, many things, her mum is a hairdresser too."
"Does she need work?"
"No Adam she works in the suburbs, I did ask, but she likes it there."
"Okay and thank you, and if you hear of anyone please send them in."
"I will." He winked.
My next appointment called by and he had rolls today, I was beginning to think he had forgotten me.
"So you have closed the computer down for the day then,"
"No Adam, I have school this afternoon." He smiled.
"So no more dad stuff?"
"Just the finishing touches Adam, come out the back will you."
He couldn't wait to collect some kisses from me so I gave him several.
"So it's school today."
"Only revision Adam, I have to switch my brain off the military stuff to Uni, business, what I have to do is minimal, then we have the big exam but that's months away."
"You're that far ahead Kase?"
"Yes, I'm more or less finished, then it's the hands-on year and thousands more law books to be read."
It's always nice when Kasey comes in, he makes my day, my little bit of sunshine for an hour.
He called again later on and we walked down to pick Sam up, he was more than ready to go home and as we walked up the street Kasey dropped a bomb on me.
"I have to go to Canberra with the general tomorrow, so I won't be here for the pickup."
"Oh yes? and what's dear daddy got you involved with now?"
"Just cleaning up loose ends Adam, no biggie. I have to attend a meeting of big wigs and run them through what I had found."
"Okay, that sounds reasonable."
I wasn't too concerned but I have to watch what my dad is doing, and from what I'm seeing he's been dragging Kasey back into full military service under the guise of being a consultant for their legal team. Smuggling isn't part of that team's business but it is part of the armed forces portfolio.
I gave Kasey a very sour look when he pushed the elevator button.
"What's wrong?" He asked me.
"You are being used, I think it's time I had a word with my father about promises and contracts."
"What do you mean?"
"Your job is to study and to become a lawyer, not to do the military's job for them Kasey, it's as plain as the nose on your face dad is using your smarts to run his arm of the government."
"He just wanted my opinion that's all."
"And now you have to give a talk to the top brass about your findings, well done you're now back in the forces, just like that." I snapped my fingers.
He left it alone and I went straight to the kitchen to get Sam a drink and biscuits while he jumped on the couch. Kasey sat at the table again and it was so annoying to watch him do his thing. I won't ask dad to cool it but when this shit is over I will be having a long talk with Kasey, he can't be manipulated like this, he will either fail or burn out.
He wasn't mad with me and I know he took onboard what I had said but with Kasey, it's the chase, it's the catching he loves. He chased and caught me, I guess I am like his prize by the way he looks at me. It bothers me he can't say no to my father and it bothers me more he looks up to him a lot and wants to be just like him. I love my dad but I also know the way he likes to manipulate people being on the other end of it all my childhood, I was coaxed to do a lot of things I didn't want to do, in the light of the moment he is just like Kasey's dad, always giving the orders.
I sat with Sam for a while and we watched some kiddy cartoon then the tap on my shoulder appeared out of nowhere, I looked at Kasey and he indicated I get up. I followed him back to the table and he made me sit down then he sat at his seat again.
"That's better Adam."
"Do you need to take any clothes with you?'
"No, it won't be an overnighter just a two or three-hour meeting." His foot searched my crotch and I opened my legs.
After his foot fondling me for a while he got up and went into his office, he came out with a stack of paperwork and went through them, putting, what I deemed as important papers to the side. His valise will be packed tomorrow, three hours my ass, but for now, I will play the game.
He then called Sam over to do some sums, then it was time for dinner.
Curried sausages are always a winner at my house, and Kasey ate heaps, Sam was very happy with his chicken nuggets and chips. After I cleaned up it was time for a bath and bed.
We all three had a bath and we had to have suds, and Kasey joined us halfway through.
I noticed he had packed his backpack with some spare clothes and asked him.
"You put the seed into my head, Adam it's a just-in-case bag, I don't want to be stuck there without a change of clothes."
"So you think it might go on longer than planned?"
"Yes, there's too much for me to explain in three hours."
"Well, I hope they put you up in a nice hotel."
"They will baby don't stress so much, it's work."
"Yes, I hear that word a lot lately." I wasn't being sarcastic just reflective and probably a little bit mean.
He was picked up at eight and I walked Sam to kindy, then I went to work. Three days later he appeared at our door, Sam screamed and ran to greet him and I smiled because I was right, he looked exhausted and his backpack was placed on the floor as he picked his son up.
"Did you miss me?"
"Yes papa, lots I missed you."
"Well, there's something in my bag for you son, go have a look."
"Yippee."
He then moved my way and looked me in the eyes and said.
"We okay?" How could I say no when I was leaping up and down for him to hold me again?
"Of course we are."
I grabbed him and he smelt my smell once again.
"It's so good to be home baby."
I didn't answer because he started kissing me. I also knew he had things to tell me, he was being very cautious with me tonight. I give Kasey a lot of freedom, I can't help it if he wants to spend all that time with me, but I draw the line when dad tries to take it away from him.
The arguments started the next day, he was on his computer again and just casually mentioned he may be required to go overseas again. I saw this coming and was ready for it.
"You have studies Kasey, no going overseas that's in your contract I believe."
"But I need to be there, it's not my operation I am just the consultant."
"And what kind of consulting will you be doing?" he went red and dropped his head.
"Bomb construction." I threw my coffee into the sink and marched out of our home, I had to cool down before I tackled dad and his cohorts, because I know he has a few in the military, especially Canberra and this is not all his idea.
Thankfully Sam wasn't at home he was at kindy, so I walked around my back lanes and took a lot of deep breaths on the way. I ended up on the pier having coffee just looking out at the river, the rage was real and the disappointment hit home. All my plans have gone out the window, and I have to put up with this for six years, Kasey has a six-year contract and I almost forced him to sign it under false pretenses.
I decided not to invade the federal building today, but I will be having words with my father you can bet your life on it. After an hour of feeling sorry for myself, I deemed Kasey has to take some of the blame for this, he could have said no.
I slowly strolled up to Sam's Kindy I was a little early but I can wait at reception for him, maybe they will let him go early today. As I walked towards the property I saw Kasey walking down towards me, so I made a beeline to a bench and sat down. I didn't want to take this into Sam's sanctuary.
"I have been looking for you for ages, where did you go?"
"I sat on the pier."
"I see, Adam we need to talk about this."
I started laughing, I laughed so hard I started crying then I shook his arm off my shoulders.
"Stop it, Adam."
"What are you going to do about it throw me in the river?"
"Now you are being silly, talk to me."
"About what?"
"Everything, I won't be away that long just a few days." I laughed again shaking my head, just to let him know I didn't believe a word of what he said.
"Your mind is made up, or should I say it was made up for you. Kasey if you think I will put up with this for another six years you can think again. Your contract says you don't go overseas, end of. Now, the way I see it dad and his mates have coerced you into going, and you have gone along with it. Where did you draw the cut-off line Kasey, when did you stop being involved with bomb disposal, then being a lawyer, to again being involved with bombs in a foreign country? When did you change your mind, where did you draw the line, Kasey, tell me because from where I sit, nothing has changed one little bit.?" He couldn't answer that he was stunned by my outburst, so he took my hand and kissed it.
"So we are back to square one again, I took a bullet for this family so you could be what you wanted to be, how fucking stupid was I to think everything would have changed for the better after that day? Go be with your mates and God help you, you don't get involved with blowing anything up."
"It is work, Adam whether I do it online or in person, it's just work."
"It's not just work Kasey it's our lives at stake, if you place us in danger again, you don't come back. I won't back down this time, I won't give up on you, but I am so disappointed how easy you are to manipulate, good luck in the courtrooms you will need it."
"We will talk later when you calm down."
"I have calmed down Kasey, you haven't seen me upset yet and I hope you don't. Let's get Sam and go home I need to be alone." I didn't wait for him to get up I just walked off towards the kindy building.
He was allowed to leave with us and we all walked back home, but mainly in silence. Sam got a ride on Kasey's shoulders and I struggled to find anything nice to say. I didn't want to be that nagging person that picked shit out of everything that happens, so I stayed silent. When we got in I opened a wine and grabbed a glass and started the bath I do my best deep thinking in a nice hot bath.
The irresistible Kasey came in just as I sat down, he wanted to join me and I let him, I can think without talking.
"Are you ever going to talk to me again Adam?"
"Not at the moment Kasey I have things to think about."
"I leave in the morning." I looked at him and my tears threatened to flow and I didn't try to hide them.
Please consider a donation to Nifty