Adam 66
Maxieplus
Our weekend away was great, a lot had been said and done and I fought with my conscience over Sam's parents. My ankle improved and with the aid of the painkillers I managed to hand the walking stick back to June before we left. Much hugging and kissing were done then we all drove in convoy back to Brisbane. I told mum I would see her Saturday at the carnival, and because Kasey wasn't going overseas he will be now accompanying us.
The next morning I walked into the salon and loaded up with my sweet smells, the buns were fresh and the urn was turned on. I sat and buttered a bun and looked around, it was like an old friend that hugs you I loved being here so much. Gloria was first in and she and I sat and talked about the filming that was done yesterday. She said Chloe looked the spitting image of Adele, and the filming, although not scripted, she could see where the two guys were going with it, as Chloe talked her head off about the famous people she had met, all from memory.
Jimmy had been there to distribute the jewelry and make sure they were put away in the right places after the shoot. They also got him into a conversation with Chloe on the big sofa.
"You both will be paid for your time and talents baby, how long were you there for?"
"Don't worry about that, it was all our pleasure, even though Marko didn't have to do much to her hair, he kept the mood fun."
"The film crew will let Kasey know anyway, you will be paid, and handsomely Gloria. The Banks trust fund is picking up the tab."
"Thank you Adam." She smiled.
"How is Peters?"
"Wonderful Adam, I feel shivers down my spine when I am with him."
"I see, must be love."
"No Adam, we are trying not to fall into that trap."
"Then you're not winning baby, it's written all over your face."
The rest of my crew was arriving so we left it at that. Trish waved her ring around and everyone was jealous, it did sparkle a lot.
"I sent Joe's mum some flowers to thank her. She will get them today." I looked at Eva she rolled her eyes in unison with mine. With Eva and myself, it wasn't our friend we were laughing at, it was another bride to be to contend with in the salon.
Ethan looked good today, he had tight jeans on with a white tank top, quite butch looking, if he can't beat me in the fashion department he will try to beat Tim in the beefcake category, but he has a long way to go.
I told Marco he would be paid and he did the same he said he didn't do much and was glad to be involved.
"Now what have we got in mind for Chloe's revenge Trish?"
"Let's just say I have a friend who works high up at Myers who is going to help me get it set up, then we go shopping." She walked off and I was none the wiser.
"Hey, I haven't finished with you yet."
"Yes you have, get to work."
I took a walk in soldier, he looked like he hadn't slept for a week.
"Just had two weeks off Adam, I need a shave and a good clean-up before I go back in tomorrow."
"Been lighting the candle at both ends have you?"
"Sure have, my skin is itchy and my balls are blue can you help me?"
"With the hair and itch but not the blue balls I'm afraid." I laughed. He is a regular and knows about Kasey and me.
I did laugh a little louder and longer because Ethan was watching us.
When Kasey came in for lunch we had pies, and he had cheques for Gloria and Marco. I overheard him say to James they could afford a microwave now. I wondered if they had everything they needed, Anne would have been the one to talk to but I have Lynnie also now and keep forgetting about her. I will ask her what their place is like and if they needed anything.
"Is Sam okay?" I turned back to Kasey
"Yes Adam, he left me standing there on my own he was excited to tell everyone about his excellent weekend away." He smiled.
"Good, I hope they aren't getting sick of him.
"They were all waiting for him apparently, he tells great stories."
"Can I ask you something?"
"Yes baby anything."
"Do you think they believe him?"
"Some do but not all, the hippo still has to be seen to be believed. He has photos but they aren't real."
"Do they cost much?"
"Yes, a bomb."
"Oh."
"I will order a smaller one this afternoon but we had better run it past the head girl first."
"Good."
We sat at the table and I had placed my foot where it belonged, he grabbed it without much discomfort. By the time he is ready to go, he will be all horned up.
"I have to go to Joe's office for a meeting, it looks like his accountant wants me to explain myself." He smiled.
"Well buy some condoms on your way."
"What?"
"Sorry, have a great time." I kissed him deeply and he left with a big package in his pants and a smile on his face, so there Ethan that's how it's done. My next inquiry was with Lynnie. I sidled up to her while she sorted out the dyes and asked her to keep this conversation quiet. Her eyes lit up and she was eager to give me the information I required. Looks like Kasey and I will be going shopping again soon, I had forgotten when I left home it was a struggle to get some furniture together.
"Not a word Lynnie, I want to do something for them but didn't know what they needed."
"They are doing fine Adam, it's just the set up that's taking them ages. Now Anne has left they are starting to spend more time at home to save up some cash." I hugged her and went back to my station. Trish called me over and asked if I had time to do an urgent root dye, and of course, I did.
"I have placed an order for the cabin salon, we are running short up there." She told me.
"Thank you, is it being delivered here?"
"Yes, we can take it up it's not huge but needed."
I took a lovely lady to my station and she was very appreciative that we could fit her in. I started on her hair and will get Lynnie to wash it first. She said it was filthy because she spent the morning in her garden so we will fix that and she will feel a whole lot better when she leaves.
Joe and Kasey arrived around two, they seemed like they were a little out of sorts. Maybe Kasey asked him for a play and Joe refused, I giggled to myself. After kissing Trish and me they headed for the tea room, I poked my head in and they were arguing about something.
"I take it the meeting didn't go so well?'
"It went well Adam, it's Kasey thats being obstinate."
"I won't work for you Joe, but I will guide your accountant but that is it."
"Convince him Adam please, he has to come work for us we need him." Oh, and what are you going to give me to convince him Joey?
"I am contracted to the military if you want to put me on the payroll as a consultant then that's fine with me."
"No, the Australian milk association needs you, not my dairy."
"Now we get to the problem Joe, I cannot do it I have too much work and study to do."
"Overseas travel Kase."
"No."
"And a definite no from me my friend, he is going nowhere," I said.
Joe sat back and smiled, then he said.
"You two make a good team, I have just seen who runs the show at your house Kasey. Adam have you ever thought about a career change we need a diplomatic person for our global sales team."
"You don't want that, believe me, he will lose more customers than he brings to the table." Kasey knows me so well.
"Ready?"
"It's early."
"I have some shopping to do." I smiled, Kasey loves shopping. So we left Joe there talking to Trish I told Kase what we were shopping for and he said we had a perfectly good tv on the wall at home.
"I want to buy them a new one Kasey a belated getting together present. They have one but it's very small I believe."
"Okay, we get a really big one then."
"That's better."
"And a new fridge."
"Is that all?"
"I think so for now, we can have it delivered Monday I will tell the boys to stay at home." I grinned.
We hit the electrical store and Kasey went into lieutenant mode and got us a good deal on the big items, with a free delivery thrown in.
"What are you going to tell them?"
"Nothing, Eva or Wilson can tell them it's excess items not used for our cabin renovation. Something like that, we can talk to them tonight they are coming for dinner."
"So you don't want us involved then?"
"I would much rather not Kasey, then we can give them some money at some stage. This way they will think it's on the government
and not charity."
We had fun shopping and when we arrived at the kindy
Sam jumped up for his kisses and Kasey carried him home, he was all talk today and couldn't wait to call Billy and tell him.
It mostly wasn't anything big but it was important to Sam.
I have invited Eva and Wilson over tonight so a casserole will fill their bellies, Joe and Trish will be there also.
I chopped up all I needed and then took the meat out of the fridge, Kasey was patiently sitting at the table and Sam was on the phone.
"How long will you be Adam?" I looked at him and immediately walked into the bedroom where he followed and dropped his jeans.
Sometimes I like to tease him a little and to be honest I was hanging out for some before we even left the salon.
"What are you going to do about Joe?"
"Ignore him, he's only wanting to upgrade my position he doesn't know what I have already achieved with the military."
"I had better get Sam to show him your medals and citations."
"He's seen them and he ignores my talents. Probably because he doesn't understand the military"
"More fool him because you are very talented." I kissed him.
"How is your ankle?"
"Better, it's a dull ache now no painkillers are involved today."
"Good, sit down."
I did and my leg automatically hit his crotch, he smiled as he grabbed it.
The doorbell went a few moments later, it was Jimmy he needed to speak to us.
"Uncle Jimmy!" Sam screamed as Jimmy knelt to grab him.
"How are you today Sammy?"
"Really good Uncle Jimmy are you here for dinner?"
"We will see kiddo, I need to talk to your papa."
"Oh, business talking, I will talk to you later then."
"We will baby."
He got up and looked at me then said.
"Will it be long?"
"Yes, he has to fit the whole weekend in, sorry."
"That's fine I don't mind." He rolled his eyes.
"Now the reason I'm here is we have had a request from Myer city to display advertising for our documentary in their store. They have heard about it and wanted to know if we would like some free pre-movie advertising."
"I see, so they just want a poster to put up in the store?"
"Yes Adam, I think it will be good for the museum, and Myer is a big supporter of the Brisbane arts. I know it's early days yet but maybe something to tease the public interest."
"We could go one better and send Chloe and a film crew into Myer with the Adele Banks coffee table books and she can sign them under the said poster."
"What a great idea Adam, can I ring Roger back and ask him?"
"You had better lock it in for the future then, Kasey is it all okay?"
He looked at me, no he stared at me his mind was ticking over but he did agree.
"Yes by all means any free advertising is good for our venture. Did they say when they wanted it?"
"In a couple of weeks and the poster will be displayed for three months, I don't know about the signing will Chloe go for it?"
"She is under contract to do any advertising or interviewing for the show, so yes she will do it," Kasey said.
"We vote then, I say yes."
We both said yes and Kasey sang out.
"Sam say yes for papa."
"Yes, papa." He giggled and so did we.
"Casserole tonight you are staying for dinner?"
"Yes I certainly will be Adam, that casserole is tops."
He looked at Sam and started for the couch, Sam started talking as soon as he sat down.
"What are you up to?"
"I don't know what you mean."
"None of this adds up."
"Don't know maybe you can ask Trish, but not in front of Joe."
"Why would Trish know?"
"She has a friend called Roger that works at Myers, isn't that where Joe's ex works?" I smiled. He grunted looked at his phone and thought better of it, he will speak to her tonight.
"This is for Chloe, not Joe or Trish. Let us just go with the flow."
"I trust you Adam."
"I love you my Kasey with a k." I had to go and peel some potatoes, then put them on the stove we can have that with the casserole, it makes it go further.
The pressure cooker steamed away and Trish and Joe arrived, Eva and Wilson were five minutes later. The wine was opened and Jimmy was now at the table with Sam on his knees.
"Now Eva can you do me a big favor tomorrow?"
"Of course Adam."
"Marko and James are still trying to set up a home and lack some important items. Kasey and I have purchased said items and they will be delivered Monday."
"What sort of items?"
"A tv and a fridge freezer."
"Are we all putting in?"
"No, we talk about that later on. I would like you to casually ask them if they would like a new tv and fridge. Just say it is excess items from our build that weren't used. Tell them the government has paid for them and if they would like them you will get them delivered to their place Monday."
"I understand Adam, you have bought them a present but don't want them to know."
"Yes, later on, we can get together and maybe put in some money to give to them, like a belated housewarming gift."
"I have had so much going on lately that I forgot they had moved in together, awesome I'm in," Trish said.
"Me too, and I know Chloe will pitch in." Joe's face lit up.
"Good we can discuss it later, the tv and fridge are the big items they need for now."
We talked about the kids some more, it seems that everyone around them is doing fine but they can't get ahead, they need a leg up that's for sure.
The food was ready and Eva helped me put it out, Trish was busy talking to Jimmy and Sam. All eyes were on me so I said.
"Ladies and children first, then the rest is yours."
The stampede started after Jimmy got his bowl, Kasey won as he pushed the others aside to get to the pot.
"She has thrown herself into this project Joe, the ladies at the museum are amazed at her knowledge," Jimmy was saying.
"Who?"
"Chloe, she knows a lot more than Adam and me, she has read everything she could put her hands on."
"That's my sister, she never does anything by halves. I often thought she would make a good researcher, she was always looking up something online for school."
"Well she's doing a great job, they were thinking about offering her a job at the museum, but I talked them out of it. She's either going to be a wonderful actress or she stays right where she belongs at Adele's museum."
We all agreed she is throwing herself into the acting role and has the looks and personality to be a good actress.
"Listen to us, organizing Chloe's life for her." I laughed.
"Yes we had better stop that, she may have other ideas," Trish said.
"What do you know baby?' Joe asked her.
"Nothing Joe, just that she may have another path she wants to pursue."
"Oh by the way Jimmy has some good news for you all."
He looked at me and I added.
"Poster?"
"Oh yes." He told them what Myer was up to and I watched Trisha's face, that slight smile wasn't very subtle and when she looked at me she mouthed.
"Bam."
"Have you decided what poster you will be using? Like will it be Chloe's image or Adeles?" Kasey said.
"Chloe's Kasey, she is the star, Adele is the story," Trish said.
"Very good my lady, I have to write that one down," Jimmy said.
"Do you want me to organize the poster, Jimmy?" Kasey offered.
"No, we can get it done at the museum they have the right tools."
"How big?" I was stirring Trish, she interrupted my fun by saying.
"It should be about three by six something that can be seen from all angles, a full-length photo with the writing to the side I should think, away from Chloe's face."
"Perfect," I said.
"Okay you lot, listen up, this is the way we are going to play it." She slapped her hand on the table.
"What?" Joe was surprised at Trisha's words.
"I can't keep Adam's big mouth shut for too long so I think it's better that you all know what I am up to."
"What are you up to Trish?' Kasey smiled.
"Joe this doesn't and does concern you. But it is between your ex, Chloe, and me. Your ex gave Chloe such a bad time when you were with her, so I am helping her out with a little bit of sisterly revenge."
"I think you should let sleeping dogs lay Trish. Chloe can handle herself." Joe looked a bit angry.
"She can't Joey, it's unfinished business she needs to deal with. Joe, she was so mad with you she gave you headaches purposely. It wasn't all about your dad, it was the bitch you were seeing that was riding her ass. Now I have the opportunity to help my future sister-in-law, and I am, going to help her."
"Sorry Trish my lovely, what have you got planned?" He sat back in his box.
"My friend Roger was very interested in the story I told him about Adele, and Chloe doing the film. He and I thought a big poster would be appropriate for Myers to display, for the future documentary. Adam's suggestion for a book signing day or two is just icing on the cake."
"So how does this involve Christine?" Joe asked.
"The Revlon counter is opposite where the poster will be displayed. She gets to look at the star of the show every day, maybe even say hello to her one day. She will know Chloe isn't someone to mess with, and neither am I."
"Fuck me Trish, and I'm going to marry you? I don't suppose you want a job in our sales department do you?" He started laughing his head off.
"Revenge is sweet my lovely, hopefully, I won't have to use my skills on you."
"You won't, I promise you, you won't. This is so mint, god I love you." Then the kissing started, Eva and I pulled faces. Kasey Wilson and Jimmy laughed, she did explain to Jimmy he had been set up but we needed his permission to go ahead with it all.
The night was another wonderful family one, Jimmy put Sam to bed and even read him a story. We kissed him good night and he was fast asleep not long after. I had the chance to look in his cubby hole, the food had disappeared and was now a piggy bank and a plastic bag full of little toys and some bank notes with rubber bands around them. I looked at Kasey and he winked. He told me later Sam had a word with him and now he thought all the bad men had gone, so he didn't have to worry about escaping. My heart leaped when he told me, then his hand was placed on my head and I was pushed further down the bed.
So we had two exciting projects on the table, Eva will fix one tomorrow and Trish will fix the other in a week or two.
Kasey has fixed Sam's concerns and I don't need fixing, but that could change at any time.
The boys, Marko and James couldn't help themselves, they almost ran around the salon to tell everyone their good fortune, Eva had a smile on her face the size of a half moon and I couldn't have been happier for them. These two items were their main worries, and I thanked Lynnie and told her to keep her silence on the subject. She is a wonderful soul and agreed it should be our secret.
Marko babbled on most of the day and couldn't wait for Monday to arrive, they had bought a microwave with his bonus money and all they had to get now was some odds and ends that they can afford. Tim was worded up and he was eager to put some money in for a housewarming for the kids. I will organize that later on, we had better let them settle down some before it is done. They do get bonus's from the salon, especially Marko his talent is worth a lot to me, and they will do just fine.
I had gone shopping one lunchtime with Kasey, at my vintage shops and bought Lynnie a gorgeous bracelet, she likes to wear them, and sometimes we can hear them clink in the salon. The one we got was white enameled gold and she adored it. I told her it was to be kept quiet also.
Sam was a very special ongoing project. I was happy he had put all his stash back in the kitchen pantry, and one night I got him to bring all his money out and we three counted it. He has a lot of cash and plenty of coins. I asked him what he was going to do with it and he said it was a secret, he had some stuff to do soon. Kasey tried to tell him it would be much better if he invested it, but he doesn't know investments yet, so he will keep it hidden away for now.
On Thursday afternoon, Trish disappeared and said she will be picking Sam up from kindy, no explanations but I guessed it had something to do with Kasey and me.
I worked through to five and when I got home there were two presents on the table with a card that said. Thank you from Sam.
We made a big fuss and he sat at the table and grinned, I got a beautiful midnight blue satin shirt, and Kasey some bikini underwear. He knows us so well. He said the underwear was what his daddy loved the best, and the shirt his papa loves the best. I noticed when he went to bed another bear had arrived at our house, one dressed in an army uniform, he was to be called, lieutenant bear.
His pile of money had been tidied up and Trish had helped him put it in envelopes, the coins had miraculously been changed into notes at the bank they visited. Trish got an extra hug and Kasey's eyes were watering, I think Sam has finally realized that his papa does know everything and he should believe what he says.
My shirt took pride of place in the wardrobe and I will wear it to work tomorrow with a big smile on my face, Kasey couldn't wait to give us a showing and made a fuss when Sam giggled along with a wide-eyed Joe.
My man is a hunk in bikini underwear, he even waved it at Joey, Trish said she would get him some.
"How did he smuggle all that coin out of the apartment Trish?"
"We came home first, I had to write down sizes and collect all his money, then he insisted we go to the bank and then shopping. It was a great couple of hours spent with him he's such a pleasure to be around."
"Thank you."
"I was forced to stand on the balcony while he did his job collecting information. I guessed he was going to buy us something but I didn't know what. He knows us so well Adam."
"He certainly does, maybe we had better tone it down a bit."
"Soon baby, but for now let's not spoil his fun." He laughed.
"What are you two up to on the weekend?" I asked.
"I'm taking Trish to the farm then we might stay at the cabin if that's okay?"
"Sure is Joe, we are going to a carnival Saturday and maybe come up after that, or we can stay at home this weekend."
"I think we will stay home Adam, there's a lot to do here that I have neglected."
"Like what?'
"The vacuuming, bed changes washing, dusting things like that." Kasey is in a cleaning mood.
"All done Kasey, why do you want to stay home?'
"I have work to do, they are sending back the laws to be adjusted so I thought I would concentrate on that."
"We might stay at mum's Saturday night then, give her a chance to use her new fire pit."
"Okay, that's fine with me."
"It's a double bed Kasey."
"Even better." He grinned.
"Looks like you will have the cabin to yourself, don't forget the McDonalds."
"We won't, and I'm sure pizza will be on the menu again." Joe smiled, he does like pizza.
"The salon won't be open Trish not until the first weekend of next month, so I will leave it up to you if you get any blow-ins."
"I have two bookings for Sunday, just kids so everything will go smoothly."
"Well enjoy your weekend." I smiled.
I knew Kasey had set it up so Trish and Joe get to be alone at the cabin, what he is doing with the border laws is ongoing he told me it could take months he wouldn't have finished with it all just yet.
It was like a staged play as I readied Sam to go to mum's place, he knew already he wasn't going to the cabin or farm. He also let it slip that his uncle Joe had slipped him a twenty dollar note to stay away this weekend, Trish had told me Joe wanted his mum to come there and they will talk about the wedding with her first, then Chloe then us. She certainly has her priorities right that girl of mine.
Before next weekend we are going to the museum so she can take some photos of Adele's wedding dress, a full circled calf-length lace, and net skirt. The veil was short, below the shoulder. There is also a tiara with her name on it to complete the look. I think Eva is going to attempt barrel curls but I argued she should keep her hair natural. Little did she know I already have Cody Mitchell onto it, vintage but Trish. As much as I loved Adele I wanted my friend to have her
very own design and dress. He will email me the sketches when it's finished. With all her protesting about not interfering in Evan's family mess, she sure is doing a fine job of Joe's problem with his sister, it must be true love it can't be anything else, can it?
Anyway, we hit the road around nine. Billy was jumping up and down and when Sam met up with him he also jumped then they ran off to Billy's room. Dad was in his civvies and he took our bags upstairs to my old room. Billy and Sam will sleep in Bill's room and Kasey looked a little disappointed that my room was very small.
"I will wear my school underpants to bed, they are very baggy Kasey, and well-used," I whispered in his ear then he moaned.
Coffee was made and after we had a quick catch up the people mover arrived to take us to the carnival.
Sam almost cried because he had never seen such wonders in his life.
Billy has, and he started running off to show his mate these wonders.
"Private Bill, stay with dad." Poor Billy he knows his orders and stood staring at mum who laughed.
"Come on babies, mum will take you on a ride."
She is the better parent and dad laughed as they walked toward the merry-go-round. Kasey bought the tickets and we all got on. The kids were having the best time, I found it less exciting. I guess when you get older the allure of bright lights and carnival music dulls. There was a space surrounded with different food caravans where tables and chairs were set up. Mum and I grabbed coffee and parked our butts at one table, from there we could see where Kase and dad were taking the boys.
"I doubt they will be missing us mum."
"No chance of that son, they will only last a couple of hours before they get tired. I would like to eat here if you don't mind and I have a roast for tonight."
"Great, been a while."
"It has, Billy loves them, especially the potatoes." She grinned, my favorite also. I bought her up to speed about Chloe's filming and Trisha's wedding plans, I also told her about the poster in the Myers store. She chuckled and said.
"Who would have known Trish had it in her,"
"I think it all fell into place mum, she wants Chloe to be in their lives and I guess this is her way of saying she has her back. I think she's telling Chloe sometime this weekend."
"It all sounds like a lot of fun, I better put the book days in my diary it will be good for a chuckle."
"Well according to Kasey he has a lot of work to do tomorrow so Joe and Trish can have the cabin to themselves, I think Chloe is going to be told this while they are there."
"There's something I need to talk to you about Adam."
"Yes mum."
"Your dad was telling me that the UN want Kasey to do something for them and it's massive. I have no idea what, but it will involve him being overseas a lot."
"Not in my lifetime the UN can do their own bloody work. Kasey's not going anywhere. Did dad tell you to tell me?'
"Yes son, he thought it sounds better coming from me, just to be clear Adam, he's fighting for it not to happen he's on our side baby."
"Good, I don't want to pull rank on him." I smiled, I also knew there was no way he would go overseas to work.
"Is dad going to tell him or will he handle it on the quiet?"
"They are insisting they send a rep out to talk to Kasey, your dad's fighting them off."
"Well they better not knock on my door, that will be a shock to their system." I mused.
It was just after that conversation the kids and fathers came back, Sam ran towards me and I picked him up for a cuddle. He was very excited but I knew he would be tired. Billy was the same with mum, she asked him if he was hungry, he said he wanted some pink stuff.
Kasey had heard and he walked off to get the kids some pink fairy floss (cotton candy) I readied the wipes because this will get sticky.
"What would you like to eat Alice?"
"I don't know John, maybe some chips, the kids can join me if they are hungry."
"Anything son?" He looked at me.
"Just a hamburger dad, talk to Kasey he might want something."
I felt it before I looked, a definite slump after three bites of the floss, Sam had fallen asleep so I guess I had better buy some chips for him to have later.
"I have nuggets and chips at home Adam, don't stress about food."
"Thanks mum." I smiled as I took another big bite of my hamburger, I wondered if she would mind if I took some of her chips too.
We bundled two sleeping boys and their fairy floss up and went back to the van to go on home.
Kasey said he had loads of photos and was ready for a nap himself.
I wondered if he was tired or wanted to see me dressed in those horrible Y fronts. They were mum's choice before I put my foot down when I was thirteen, I always hated them they got so baggy after five washes.
As it turned out they sat very well on my body, I had stretched myself, and now they were as good as new. I had my doubts that Kasey loved them on me because I only had them on for a few minutes.
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