Adam
Chapter 74
Maxieplus
Kasey was over the moon when he heard they were calling her after him, he did deliver her so it made sense, but I had the feeling they had already decided on that name long ago.
No one was allowed to pick her up and Eva got very tired so we decided to leave them to it. On the way out we encountered a mob of familiar faces all wanting to see her. Trish was the spokeswoman so I collectively sent them all a photo.
"She's sleeping with her mum and dad, we were asked to come back tomorrow."
"That's too bad, we are here to see her now." Trish barged into the room followed by my eager staff.
"Let's go baby, Joe we will see you at home."
He smiled at Kasey and me, I felt Joe had mischief on his mind, but I knew Trish wouldn't allow children just yet. When she's ready to start a family she will let him know, but as she said she's having too much fun with him to even contemplate it. I don't blame her, he is a mighty finelooking fun park to have around. And so is my Kasey.
Sam headed for the sofa and I made him some milk and biscuits, mum and dad must have come back because my keys were sitting on the bench with a note.
'We will try it.' It was in mum's handwriting and by the way Sam was screaming down the phone, Billy was telling him they were moving in with us.
I messaged Dad a thank you and will ring Mum later on.
Kasey started doing some paperwork and I opened a wine, then sat on the balcony. It's not the same now the big windows across it seemed to close the area off, but I still had time to silently talk to my Adele. I told her we were moving into her home. I imagined Sam running through the halls laughing and sent her all the good thoughts in my head. I sort of told her I could smell her perfume at the house and thanked her for letting me know I would be welcome. This is the second last talk I will have with her in this apartment, the next one will be just before I close another chapter in my life and the front door behind me. I will renew our talks when I find the perfect spot at the house, her presence will be felt everywhere there.
His big arms went around me as he slipped in behind, he poured us both a drink and started nibbling at my ear.
"Happy my Adam?"
"Very happy my Kasey. I think Sam is happy also by the way he's yelling."
"He is, and life is perfect."
"It is." He squeezed me closer and kept up with his neck licks, boy am I in for it tonight.
Sam's excitement was never-ending, he wanted to pack straight away and I wasn't to forget his bathers for the big pool. Billy is already packing and he's bringing all his toys for them to play with.
"When we settle in, you can maybe turn the basement into a playroom," I told Kasey.
"He will get scared down there." He laughed.
"So you have seen it?"
"First thing I looked at when Jimmy took me there."
"What is your decision?"
"Adam, it's already a home theatre. I think we will leave it that way. There are other rooms they can play in but I doubt whether they will have time, too much exploring to do, too many trees to climb, too much fresh air."
"And you will help them do it?"
"Exactly right, but I haven't been fully into the attic yet, maybe they might like to play up there."
"Attic?"
"It's full of old junk Adam, you are going to have so much fun cleaning it out."
"What's in it?"
"Furniture, boxes and trunks of stuff I didn't look at."
"Another museum."
"I won't know until you go through it all." He grinned.
As I said earlier, his attack was relentless, my body wasn't my own when we went to bed the uniform was tried on but not for long, apparently my husband likes to be fully nude when he's making love to me.
Mum was still a little uncertain when I rang her, she had made a list of things she wanted to bring to the house, but a lot of stuff would be left at the old one.
Everything in the summerhouse was new even the beds so now she has a headache of getting rid of twenty-six years of collecting stuff in her home. I told her to leave it there and they could use the old house as a holiday one. Bill will still miss his friends and maybe they could spend a weekend there occasionally, like we do with the cabin.
"Your father has plans Adam, he hasn't told me yet but I know he has."
"Leave it to him then mum, nothing is urgent you may not even like it at the new place, then you go back home."
"You don't believe that do you?"
"No." I giggled. I was dead certain she would slip into living there easily. All that matters to her is her family will be with her, even better that I am just next door.
The next week we all went into hyperdrive, Eva and bub were visited every day by everyone from the salon and extended families, she stayed there five days then she came home, and you know who insisted he had to help because little Casey doesn't know how to play with bears yet, so he has to show her. Trish and I stood at the doorway of our new house and directed the moving men to the appropriate rooms, my most treasured goods rode with me and in the back of Jimmy's car which Kasey parked way down in the garage then he covered it.
He has organized cleaners to come and do both apartments and I said my final farewells to my home, Adele, and my old view. I did get teary but Kasey's kisses calmed me down once again. Sam went ape shit he was into everything as I tried to set up his room first. I was placing familiar stuff on his bedside table again and his money box's into the bottom of the wardrobe. I placed a carton over them so it would all be hidden. Kasey had promised him when he got the time he would have a safe installed so he could put his precious things in it.
Trish and Joe were working full-on to get their new apartment ready, so the house was a busy one. Mum said they will move next weekend she said there was no hurry. Kasey had done two things before we moved, he hired a swimming instructor for Sam and Billy and had started interviewing prospective housekeepers. I told him to hold off on the help, I wanted to see if we handled the everyday running first but he insisted we needed someone professional.
Eva and Wilson had called by she needed to get out of the house and I got more cuddles from bubs, she was more interested in sucking on her fists than me. Wilson let it drop that when Eva was more mobile they will be moving to the new house, he think's it would be better for them all, and he would commute.
I offered to build another summerhouse out the back but they all laughed so much I shut up.
I didn't rush to place my things into the house I took my time, picking the spots I wanted to use. The only item in the display cases was Evan's bag, I liked looking at it. The first night I heard the house settle, some creaks in the roof and floors and my son moaning.
"He can't sleep Kase, go and get him." He did that for me and when he snuggled in we all slept soundly. The new surroundings will keep us alert through the night, unfamiliar territory, old house, all of that. The only thing I was thankful for was we didn't have noisy neighbour's and our lodgers downstairs were never heard up in the bedrooms.
We did cook and had a pizza night, everything was easy. Trish let me know when Joe was taking her out to dinner, so Kasey, Sam, and I sat and had fish and chips in front of the TV as a treat.
Mum and Dad's moving team arrived in two army trucks and twelve guys to help with the unloading. Billy and Sam had a list and the first thing to do was to have a swim. Joe and Dad supervised from their banana lounges and Mum sorted through the many boxes she had packed. She finally found the coffee machine and plugged it in. I found her sitting at her table she looked a bit lost.
"It will all fall into place mum, Rome wasn't built in a day."
"What have I done?"
"Made the right choice, and now I am experienced in settling in, I suggest Sam has a sleepover tonight to settle Billy down, old houses creak." I laughed.
"I have bought too much stuff Stephen I don't need most of it."
"Then store it in the garage and take it back to your old home slowly."
"I guess I will have to, the cupboards are full of crockery, pots, and pans better than my old stuff."
"I hear you mum, we had to store a lot of stuff too, there's still plenty of room."
"Has Trish and Joe settled in?"
"First day, they worked their asses off to put everything away, Joes reasoning was if it was all cleaned up they would have time for themselves."
"They wouldn't have that much anyway."
"No they didn't mum, Trish hates clutter."
I looked out at the pool dad and Joe were deep in conversation and the kids were still in the shallows splashing around. Kasey was talking to Jude for some time and I saw them shake hands. A pretty good-looking guy strolled into the pool area and the kids screamed.
"Uncle Jimmy come in."
He dropped his robe and dived into the pool.
"Wow!" I heard at full volume.
"Kaseys organized a swim instructor for the boys."
"That's good, saves me worrying about it. Billy knows how to swim, but I much prefer he stays in the shallow end for now. He needs to be taught safety rules and things."
"I believe it's a full-on lesson, the guy does everything."
"Darling, can I ask you what Kasey has in mind for your father, he's not telling me anything, only that I will like the idea."
I looked at my mum and couldn't resist, she has a way of getting secrets out of me.
"Dad is going to leave the military when his tenure as governor general runs out, it's either you all go live in Indonesia or he comes to work with us."
She sat back and breathed out, I could see her whole body relax so I got up and made another pot of coffee.
"Mum I will tell you what I know that dad doesn't yet. Jimmy is handing over his seat on the Banks trust board to Dad, he likes and trusts him. Ultimately Jim will have the last say on anything important but Dad gets to vote on everything on the table, for that, he will get a big wage rise, more than what the military pays, and with full benefits."
"He said he was thinking about being an ambassador somewhere but it wasn't decided, I was dreading it. So he's going to leave the military at long last?"
"Yes Mum, he talks to Kasey a lot and Kasey wants him on the board because he also trusts him and needs him, dad has a lot of contacts and he is a very good negotiator."
"At long last he can help me with your brother."
"Another reason he wants to leave the army. There is something else Mum."
She sipped her coffee and I went on.
"Mum we need both you and Dad as a couple, these corporate dinner parties will be crucial in how the new company is handled. The guests will be some military, and some very influential businessmen and investors. We are relying on your skills to make sure those parties are run at a maximum high level of elegance, caterers, menus, table linen, and service that is where you come in. Mum I do hair and Kasey is the brains, but neither of us knows how to set a table properly or fold a napkin, we need you."
"Holy hell Stephen, what have you got me into?"
"Mum, you have been to many formal gatherings in your life, surely you have picked up a few tricks, the job will be good for you and it comes with a card for you to use. We want elegant Cody Mitchell gowns and swanky dinner suits for the men Trish will be involved because of Joe, and she needs to look elegant like you will. Kasey and I recon you and Trish will be our trump cards at these gatherings. I know it will mostly be business, but we have to break it up with a bit of glitz. We also know that girlfriends and wives will be here with their men, and if Kasey is right, most of the business discussed won't be between the men, it will be the ladies that influence their men."
"Yes I believe you are right son, can I do it, I don't know. But I sure as hell will make a good effort to help you all out."
"Thank you, now forget your pottery and think elegance, join a few napkin folding classes, and mum the word 'class' is what we expect from you and Trish. With your gowns I want no expense spared, so I will ask Cody to make some one-offs for you both. Your jewellery will be on loan from the museum we don't want fake, you have to spend money to make money, so Kasey says."
"Do you think Cody will do it, I believe he's pretty busy nowadays."
"He will, and he will invest when you charm him at our first dinner party."
"How many people can we seat at that table son?"
"Twenty-four mum, there will be six of us and eighteen investors and partners, maybe less but the table shrinks apparently."
"I am glad of one thing son, your father finally coming to his senses and leaving the military."
'"He's like Kasey he has to be told when it's time to move on, and I think Kase convinced him he's needed elsewhere." I laughed.
"Let's go look at the crockery son, I need to get a start on it all. For now, I will buy off the shelf one offs."
"And dad has to be fully outfitted tuxedos and all, but Cody has a great off the peg range. And mum it won't happen until after we have settled in, please wait before you say anything to Dad he has a meeting with Walsham and us on Monday. He knows we are going to offer him a job, but he doesn't know it will be on the board of directors. I would wait for him to tell you."
"At least I know what the secrecy is all about now, I promise I won't say anything."
She made more coffee and grabbed a tray to take it out to the boys. She also found some biscuits.
We sat in the sun and the boys came to have some milk and cookies, Sam was wide-eyed and couldn't believe his luck, he told me his list had grown bigger since Billy had arrived.
"So is there anything you want to tell me?" I asked my husband.
"No Adam, this is nice here isn't it."
"Jude?"
"Oh, that." He laughed.
"Tell me."
"He has a granddaughter who is a chef, she is desperately looking for work and I told him to send her here, we might have something for her."
I groaned.
"What baby?"
"I like it when it's just us that's all, now I have to make a new friend just so I can eat."
"Okay, she will cook for us maybe four nights a week, she will do our washing, dry and fold or iron or take to the dry cleaners. Mum will be dropping Sam at school and picking him up as required, so no complaining. We will still do that but sometimes it's not convenient, so she can do it sometimes. Natalie will supervise the dinner parties from the kitchen and with her contacts, she will organise the catering. I believe she has already won master chef and is publishing a new cookbook."
"Why would she want to work for us, why doesn't she open a restaurant?"
"Because the job she has here promises her the manager's position at our new restaurant when it is opened, and she's broke." He smiled.
"You mean when it's built."
"Yes, so we will have her here for two years maybe. I have to see if she's happy with that first, but she will be on call for this place, as needed."
"So she won't be a live-in chef?"
"No Adam and quite frankly apart from the formal nights I doubt whether she will be used a lot." That was his downfall, I knew bloody well that Kasey would have her cooking for us every night.
"Liar." I giggled.
"It will be fun Adam, no ironing no cooking just you looking good for me when I get home."
"Yes sir, I can do that."
"You will also be doing the documentary and we still have to finish off Fred's offices."
"I thought it was done."
"No, the museum has to document every inch of the paperwork in the lofts it will take some time yet."
"Oh, I thought they would open as is."
"No it all has to be cataloged, big job Adam but we have a lot of footage in the can already."
"Do you think we could have one of those elegant parties for my staff?"
"The first one, let's dress them up and use them as guinea pigs." He smiled.
"And Mike and his crew?"
"Yes and them also tuxedos and glitter, on us."
"It will cost a lot."
"The company has plenty and as I said, you have to spend money to make money, of course. Chloe will be the guest of honour and maybe we should invite Cody and Dan, our first investors." He grinned, I can see it all now Cody is much more suited to my staff than any toffee-nosed millionaire. I might dangle a carrot under his nose and invite Zena and her gorgeous Luca.
"I am already planning my attack." I smiled and he pulled me back to have another cuddle.
This world isn't what I envisaged it to be, I was guided by Adele at first then Kasey, it is all blind chance I am here. Trish felt the same, we are hair stylists not part of the elite crowd. Kasey fell into it like an old boot he knows things, so I have to fake my way through it all, hoping I'm doing the right thing. Eating with the right cutlery saying the right words, I had no idea, and I am so out of my depth, maybe I should come up with a better plan.
After the pizzas arrived we all sat at the big table under the verandah, I asked Sam if he would like a sleepover at Billy's house and he screamed yes. They ran off to explore more and last I saw them they were finally climbing up a tree.
"I will get a tree house built Adam, they need their own space," Kasey whispered.
"Kasey there's something I was thinking about, well I have been thinking about it for months now. Do you think Billy and Sam have a sort of connection?"
"Yes, you are not alone with your thoughts, they have a connection, but that connection is yet to be determined. They are still young but if the sleepovers continue after they turn eleven or so then you will have your answer."
"I want to document it, like take loads of photos of them for the future."
"You already do, and so does mum, and me and dad, there are heaps of memories for them to look back on."
"Good." I had no idea how they would turn out but the arts classes might be a big indication."
Jimmy was happy again and he smiled all night as he played with the kids. After everyone went home and I settled down I looked around the house again and then at the cartons I had to unpack. The two big display cases that framed the fireplace only had one item in them, Evan's handbag so I ripped open a carton and started on my rehousing. I had found the switch for the lights that highlighted the cases and as I added another perfume bottle or vase they shined in the light. I did three cartons while Kasey worked on some papers until he was tired and ready for bed. The sweeping staircase beckoned us to take its steps to our bedroom, and after a long slow man suck, we finally went to sleep.
It was like living in a museum, around every corner was something new, or something we had overlooked in our rush to settle in. I had looked through the basement and there were four rooms down there, one theatre room and three storage rooms, one had a pool table and bar in it so Kase gets his man cave after all. There was so much going on that he and Joe hadn't even disappeared down there to play a game. I spoke at length to Trish, she was in my mindset she wasn't built for elegant get-togethers, but she wasn't against getting dolled up, especially with Joe by her side.
Monday came too soon and it was mum and dad that walked Billy and Sam to school, we were a crowd when we left but mum had found a laneway that ended up on the school grounds, so they went one way and we all said our goodbyes and went straight ahead.
They had to enrol Bill, the excitement around the breakfast table had been electric. Trish and I both decided to walk to work it will keep us fit, and Joe will be dropped off at his office on the way. Kasey, when available, will walk with us and then alone to his office. It felt strange going to the bakery and salon from a different angle, we walked past the fed building which nowadays was a much more settled arrangement, with no whistles and no horrible men.
I had to go to a board meeting at eleven but managed four clients in between Marco, Anne, and James relating how they had enjoyed their dinner at the cafe downstairs. I felt a pang of jealousy but I couldn't tell them to shut up about it because they were so excited to have moved in. I also learned that Lynnie will be with them by next weekend.
Joe arrived with Kasey and we all went to the bank building together, dad was already there and after I gave him a big hug, we were shown to the boardroom where Jimmy and Walsham were having coffee. I made the drinks and the men started discussing what we would be doing today. Walsham wanted to know how the new place was going and dad, Joe, and Kasey rattled off all the great things they had been doing there.
He laughed at their excited faces then he got serious.
"General welcome, I am looking forward to working with you. This is your contract, Kasey has looked it over with Jimmy, and it is all in order. If you want to get your lawyers to look at it then please do so, but I assure you it is a generous offer. and it's all ship shape." He smiled and handed dad some paperwork.
"What is the job offer, Lieutenant?" He was looking at Kasey.
"A seat on the Banks board, full voting rights and if you want an office we will provide one. In the meantime, we three will use the one back at home. You may have to resign from the military because you will be very busy." He smiled.
"I see." He took the paperwork up and started reading it, he looked at Jimmy and said.
"And you are okay with this?"
"More than okay general," He saluted Dad.
No emotions forth coming but I knew dad was grateful, and maybe holding back on the screaming part. He took a pen and signed and dated it in his stylish hand then he asked if he could have a copy. That was passed over to him by the secretary who was holding back her smiles.
"I sincerely thank you all for this amazing offer gentlemen. I am excited and humbled that you think this much of me and my family. I will endeavour to do my best with all that has been offered. Jimmy, I promise the Adele Banks trust will be well protected for years to come and I will also endeavour to make it a force to be reckoned with." He finally smiled.
"Now that's over dad, can you also sign this, but only after you have left the Military we don't want any repercussions or them thinking you're doing something illegal." Kasey handed over another stack of paperwork.
"What is this?"
"A seat on the board of directors for the Casey, Casey, Merchant and Brady construction corporation. Dad the Banks Trust finances the construction company, it holds forty nine percent of its stocks, you have to be on both boards to be fully included with all the new company's assets and decisions. You won't be an owner but you will be suitably rewarded for your input."
"I am truly blessed this day, I have no more words except I will protect both companies to my utmost abilities, your mother will be so pleased son." He looked at the tears in my eyes and I said.
"Both sons will be absolutely over the moon to have you fully back in their lives." The secretary and Jimmy poured champagne for us all and Joe, although he wasn't on the Banks board he was a board member and investor in the construction company. He opened the meeting with how many apartments he could buy. The laughing didn't stop until we rolled out of the bank to go back to work. Dad had his paperwork tucked under his arm in a big envelope, I envisaged him going straight to Canberra and handing his notice in very soon.
Dad was marching up the street and Kasey matched him step by step, I laughed with Joe at the back. He was saying my dad would be a huge asset to the company and was amazed he kept his composure at the meeting.
"Unlike some people I know." I looked at him.
"We had fun Adam, that's what life is all about, you got to have fun sometimes." He wasn't telling me anything new.
Trish was swept off her feet when we arrived and Joe had felt the need to buy her something, while Kasey went to the fed building with dad, Joe and I had slipped into the alleyways and he bought Trish a beautiful set of vintage earrings, so vintage, so expensive. When they went to have lunch together more screaming came from the tea room.
"Nothing to see here folks, but you might like to go and look at Trisha's ears."
I laughed.
In the course of the afternoon, everyone in that salon had a look at them, I sniffed a lot and lifted my chin when I spoke to her.
"Now lady muck, when can I have your resignation?" She started laughing.
"No chance of that Adam, but I will put these in the safe tonight, let me have this day please." She begged.
I hugged her and told her she was a very lucky girl.
I wanted to leave work early because I missed Sam and needed to pick him up from school.
When I arrived I was pleased to see both boys standing at the gate with mum. They had let Billy sit in on classes and he was now on first-name terms with Sam's friends. Mum led us to the laneway that will take us closer to the house. The boys rattled off what they did today and I smiled at Mum.
"No more phone calls."
"Don't you believe it?" She was right.
"What have you got in mind for dinner?"
"I think I will throw a casserole in the oven mum."
"Good, I will help."
"See it's all working out, we had better make two. Trish and Joe will be here."
She giggled.
My husband was home and Sam jumped on his knee to tell him about his day, then Billy arrived in his bathers.
"Come on Sammy, hurry up."
That was the end of the conversation, now I can get my welcome home kiss from Kase.
He walked me down to the kitchen the smells were intoxicating, and he had cooked dinner.
"Full roast beef dinner Adam, with dessert."
A gorgeous looking young woman was standing behind the counter smiling.
"You must be Adam, when you have time can you look at my split ends." She burst out laughing, I stared at Kasey.
"Adam meet Natalie our new cook and sometime housekeeper."
"Well I am very pleased to meet you Natalie, he's got you cooking already I see."
"I had nothing better to do so I noticed the beef in your freezer, not a big deal for me."
"Well thank you, I was just going to do a casserole."
I liked her but I wish Kasey had introduced me earlier I wouldn't have made her work on her first interview.
"Nat offered Adam, no pressure. How about I go and supervise the kids while you two get to know each other better." He winked.
"Yes, and I want to know the story of this beautiful home, especially all those gorgeous items your husband said were yours. You have awesome taste, Adam."
"Oh, those old things I collected them years ago." I tried to play it down because I don't know how to treat staff, this is way out of my comfort zone.
"My mum would differ Adam she says you have the best eye for vintage in Australia."
"And your mum is?"
"Sylvia from Everything Vintage, in the city laneway."
"Sylvia, well it is a small world, I know her well, she helped with the Adele Banks collection. I have bought some serious pieces off her over the years."
"She said you keep her in business." She laughed, I liked this girl she was normal.
"Well?"
"Well, what?"
"Show me I'm dying to see it all."
"Well, you just follow me young lady and I will have a look at that hair when we finish. What time is dinner again?"
"When it's ready Adam, don't rush me."
"Sorry." She almost slapped me on the back as she walked me to the dining room.
She screamed when she saw the statues, swooned at Evan's handbag, and touched all the bottles and vases as I told her their stories. Mum came in and they were introduced they became instant friends, and when Nat told mum she was an expert napkin folder I saw her relax a bit more.
Trish was another hurdle she was a bit aloof at first but when she showed mum and Nat her new earrings, Natalie rolled off a lot of information about them that even I didn't know.
"Years of working at that jewellery shop part time Trish, they are magnificent and suit you like they were tailor-made for you." That got Trish on side. and then we all walked outside to look at her split ends. I whispered to her that she was schmoozing my friends, and she whispered back that I hadn't seen anything yet.
The knowledge she had was enormous, her grandmother had taught her how to cook, her mum had done the same with vintage, and the jeweller had filled her head with glitter, it never ceases to amaze me how Kasey finds these friends for me, and I knew we were going to be good friends.
With her hair cleaned up, Trish decided she had to come into the salon for a good colour change one day. Dad Joe and Kase kept looking at the kitchen.
"Do you need a hand, Nat?" Mum offered.
"If you like Mrs Sutton, but you don't have to."
"Of course we do, Adam, Trish, come with us otherwise the men will start chewing the arms off their chairs."
I winked at Kasey as we walked past there will be no good china tonight I will set the outside table, I figured it would be used a lot at this house.
It was a superb meal and Nat ate with us and we caught up with her master chef days, and how it all fizzled for her six months later.
"It's not what you think, it's a big con job on screen many mistakes were made and many meals were recooked for the cameras. Yeah I won, but it didn't last. I wrote a cookbook which will be out next week but there lies my career."
"Well when the restaurant is open you will have that, but for now you have all of us." Kase smiled again.
We all helped to stack the four dishwashers and clean up, she had to leave and said she would be here at eleven tomorrow, and asked if there was something special she could cook for our dinners.
"Anything other than pork the kids don't like it, and I'm not overly fond that's all." I smiled.
"So you want me to surprise you?"
"Yes please, but don't go to the same trouble you did today keep it simple."
"Did I impress you, Adam?"
"Oh yes, you sure did, very impressive."
"Well I have to go now, Cindy will be waiting."
"Whose Cindy, your daughter?"
"No, my wife." She winked and left laughing at my stunned face.
I went to sit with Kasey outside, he and Joe were talking business and Sam was on the phone to you know who, Billy. No sleepovers tonight but there will be one tomorrow they have things to talk about apparently.
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