Adam
Chapter 75
Maxieplus
I gave Sam another half hour then it was time for bed. I didn't want to leave him up there on his own so I laid on his bed and waited for him to close his eyes, then I sent Kasey a text to say I would be in our room. I flipped the TV on and watched it for some time, I was thinking I would buy Nat's cookbook and look through it just to get some ideas on what she likes to cook and to put some money into her pocket.
I heard the TV being shut down, my eyes were heavy and I was about to drop off to sleep.
"Everything okay with Natalie, Adam?"
"Wonderful Kasey, you did well."
"Any chance of a thank you present?"
"I don't have the energy baby, perhaps in the morning."
"I can do mornings." He giggled.
Sam slept soundly through the night, he told me at breakfast he loved his big room and then he asked Kasey when his safe would be arriving. Mum called in and of course, Trish and Joe were not far away.
"She is a great cook Kasey are you sure she wants to work domestically?"
"Yes mum, she understands that the restaurant won't open for a year or so. I think she will be good at it and don't forget, the main restaurant will be on the boardwalk the others will be in the housing, at the moment four are earmarked."
"You want her to run all four?" Joe said.
"Yes Joe, I want her to manage four of them. That means she's not only working for us she's also overseeing the restaurants and food shops. Her job entails the hiring and setting up of everything. She will work with a decorator for the interior setup and restaurant decor, an industrial kitchen company, and all sorts of suppliers. Her job started yesterday, she has a big folder with all the stuff she will be doing for the company."
"My God Kasey how did you know she could do all that?"
"Joel and Sylvia told me a lot, and I accessed her university history. She was there for five years learning everything from changing a light bulb to fixing a stubborn dishwasher. Her hunger for knowledge of anything to do with running a restaurant is very valuable to us. She aimed to open her own when she finished up. She joined master chef with the idea of winning. The prize was for her to run her very own restaurant but the small print said she wouldn't be running it just managing the kitchen, so she jumped ship. She got some cash and a book deal."
"Wow, you amaze me every day Kasey, how do you find these people?"
"I talk to people, and they talk to me." He grinned.
"She's a beautiful woman Adam it will be good to have her around." Trish smiled.
"One thing I'm not worried about Trish, is that she's going to hit on my husband or Joe." I looked at her.
"I was thinking that." I knew Trish would be on her guard, and now I can hit her for a six-er.
"She would be more interested in you baby, so Joe I think you should be worried." I burst out laughing, the look on Trish and Joe's faces was priceless.
"Her wife is called Cindy," Mum said.
"How the hell do you know that mum?" I almost screamed.
"We talked." She grinned.
Dad and Billy arrived and two screaming kids raced upstairs to get Sam ready for school.
"Okay we will have to have a quick meeting before she signs our contract, all those in favour of hiring Natalie?" All our arms went up.
One thing I know about my Kasey he is thorough, and she wouldn't get within an inch of that job if he didn't have any confidence in her.
"The reality of the situation is, she works for the construction corp, and she cooks for us as a sideline so when she's busy with corp stuff, can I ask you all to keep the food orders to a minimum." He started laughing.
"I wonder if she can make pizza," Joe said.
"Ask her."
"Why am I here, I can't clean, I can't cook, I can't do the washing."
"You're here to have some fun mum, in the meantime, nannies walk their son and grandkid to school, and pick them up." I laughed.
"By the way mum I have a list of things for you to do in my office," Kasey said.
"My office." Joe corrected him.
"No, my office." Dad roared laughing.
So breakfast was a family affair, and as I sat back I wanted to stay in that bubble forever, the love in the room was felt by everyone. I felt the love again when I went to check on Sam, both boys were in their uniforms and ready to go. A few toys were stuffed in their bags and they collected a much-needed kiss and hug from me.
I know they were disappointed when Kasey had 'stop sliding' rubbers placed on the staircase banister, but it was for their safety. What they do when they are a lot bigger is up to them, and I mean a lot bigger. They played on the staircase a lot with their cars and balls, and I was happy there was so much for them to do at the house.
We all did the same as yesterday, we walked Mum and the boys to the laneway then we went our separate ways to work, Joe then dad then us, and Kasey did the last lap on his own. We bought cakes and filled the containers ready for the staff to have something when they got in.
"Have the boys talked to you about the apartment Trish?"
"Non-stop Adam, I believe they got a private tour of the museum last night so be prepared for questions."
"Did Jimmy take them?" I was concerned they would have to pay.
"Yes, he's quite fond of our staff, when is he leaving?"
"Soon I think. I will miss him when he goes, but I know he has to."
"He was telling James he's going to lay on the beach and let the waves roll over him, that's after he gets sunburnt I believe." She chuckled.
I didn't ask Trish if she is going to be uncomfortable around Nat, I know they will become good friends. Like all our friends she slips into a situation without a blink of an eye.
The staff started arriving and once again they all kissed and hugged us
then started raving about their tour last night. I have no idea why because Marco and James have seen it before, but Lynnie and Anne haven't.
It was Anne who babbled on the most, she was telling me she even got to see all those gorgeous dresses out the back and the jewellery, so much gorgeous jewellery. They went on and on so I walked out into the salon and opened the front door. My first client was a very nice lieutenant, he had paperwork in hand and was on his way to see Dad. I felt sorry for him because he had the furthest walk to work. I will suggest something to him later on, dad's big office was huge and that whole floor was littered with empty offices. It seems appropriate that he take it over, he can't have Freds but he can have the whole floor below.
The day went well for the salon and my staff, they were all happy and the buzz was they had heard a rumour about some fancy dinner party coming up. I guess I can thank Jimmy for that. I told them it would be a few months away and to keep their glad rags (best clothes) at the ready.
My last client was another private, he wanted a short back and sides I didn't argue with him because he was military through and through so he didn't get the works, but he got the standard discount.
Kasey hadn't met me for lunch, he rang and said he was snowed under and would get something from the cafe. I worry that he has taken on too much even though he seems to thrive on it. I do know one thing he will need more staff, and soon.
We locked up then Trish and I started for home.
"I will bring the car tomorrow Adam, I have to go to the north side salon in the morning, just some invoices to sign and staff to talk to."
"Good, do you want me to come?"
"No all's good." I heard running behind me and when I looked I was face to face with the most handsome man in the world, Kasey had run from his office to catch up with us.
"So what was more important than having lunch with your husband?"
"Sorry baby, people to interview for some newly created jobs."
"Well you do need more staff Kasey, you can't do everything on your own. What kind of staff are you looking for?"
"I urgently need a couple of office workers to do the filing and the mundane office work. Mick and his men are snowed under looking after the endless amount of paperwork that seems to go with a production company. Plus they look after the enormous amount of paperwork that comes with the construction business. Mick will be leaving the forces in a month and the other two I will have a month later, but I need some staff so I can split the two jobs they are doing now, so the paperwork can be handled and Mick and his men can concentrate on the whole company. In other words, their jobs will get much easier."
"What a nightmare."
"It is, but if my plans go well, everything should be up and running smoothly in a few months."
"Well for what it's worth Kasey don't run yourself into the ground, and while you're at it, look at the lease on the floor below Fred's offices, when dad leaves there will be plenty of room for the separate companies."
"There is no lease, it's just a month-to-month at the moment. I need to talk to Dad tonight to see if he is willing to move downstairs for a month or two."
"So you have already thought about it then?"
"Adam I am well ahead of you." He laughed.
"Sam was sent home early so we don't have to pick him up, the school reported a gas leak, so Mum went to get them."
"Was it serious?"
"I don't think so Kase, she said it turned out to be nothing, but they sent the kids home anyway." Joe joined us and we left him and Trish to their kissing, in public really?
"I so want to make love to you at the moment Adam."
"Me too Kasey but we have things to do when we get home, while you talk to dad I will talk to mum, and I think Trish is heading to bed early by the looks of it. The only ones missing out will be us."
"We have to rectify that Adam, can we sneak up to the cabin on our own on the weekend?"
"I can arrange that if you want, or when we get in. I'm going to have a bath after I talk to mum."
"Walk faster." He upped his step to military and I was lost in his wake.
We did just that, I told everyone I was filthy and wanted a bath, nothing unusual for me to have one after work. The boys were in the pool so I didn't have to worry about them, and Nat had cooked but was nowhere to be seen. I ran the bath and Kasey started edging me as soon as the tap was turned on.
He opened a bottle of wine and poured the drinks. I threw my salts in the tub,
then I dropped my underwear. I spent the next five minutes giving Kasey head then it was on for young and old in the tub.
It was like old times and we spoke about how we were drifting apart and not connecting like we used to. I had sat in his lap and was facing him as we talked.
"You know if you don't use it you lose it, Kase."
"What do you mean?"
"Well we rarely make love only when we go to bed, and normally we are both too tired to do anything much. We have to make more time for ourselves, do the things we love together. Do it often and do it right. The alternative is we drift apart and become housemates, not lovers."
"I won't let that happen Adam I love you too much. I would give everything up before I let you be on your own. I was just busy today, and I will get busier, but I will always have time for us."
"Ok, I get that you are busy, so do everything in your power to shift the responsibility onto more staff members, make time for yourself first, then us."
The kissing started about then and the big explosion happened five minutes later. We dried off and dressed casually then went to find our boy.
Mum was in the kitchen with Trish and they were getting the dinner sorted. Two big chicken and rice dishes had been left for us it smelt wonderful and because I only had a sandwich for lunch, I was now starving.
Kasey had ventured out the back where Joe and Dad were he made sure Sam and Billy hadn't wrinkled up in the pool then he sat with Dad at the big table. I joined them and Joe almost fell over himself to sit with us.
"So you want me to move son?"
"You know it won't be for long Dad, but I need more space and your office floor is ideal."
"That's okay, there's only the four of us up there and I still have my Canberra office. I have been talking to the PM and he's willing to ease my load while he chooses a replacement, so I have decided that I am staying home and I will use the office here in the interim. I don't have much on my calendar and I only have to attend the swearing-in ceremony then I am free to do my own thing."
"Good, I have so much work for you to do it's piling up."
"And what will I be doing?"
"You will be my eyes and ears, you oversee the buildings and work with the architectural company. I suggest you use your time learning what is expected of them. In other words you will be my right hand man,"
"I can give the orders?"
"That's what I need, I need someone that can push the work forward with no questions."
"What about my acting career?"
"What acting career, you have done your bit for Fred's offices. Of course, if you want to pursue an acting career that is fine with me." Kase grinned.
Dad roared laughing, the kids came over to see what was happening and we both grabbed a towel to dry them off. The food started coming out and they both got their special meals and we ate like kings.
I asked Kasey later on if that job was really what he had in mind for Dad. He laughed again and said he had bigger plans for him than that, he wants Dad to be his full-time personal assistant, and he will use him to bark out the orders he wants done. The boys were readied for bed and it was Billy's turn for a sleepover, so Mum read them their story as they snuggled up, and hopefully, the playing and giggling wouldn't go on for too long.
I made coffee and we sat around talking, Joe was saying it looks like Chloe and Georgio have been making house, he has had a few sleepovers at the farm and Chloe is acting like a moonstruck schoolgirl so his mum says.
Her series will come to a close soon and then we start on season two, but that won't be released until next year. Kasey was telling us that there is so much content around there will be a third season then a movie.
"A movie?' Joe asked.
"Yes Joe, there is always a movie, or two. Then we release the CDs"
"Fuck me Kasey what have you got my sister into?"
"Stardom Joe, it has already been established she is a good actress so maybe our little production company will grow and start making movies."
"Spiderman ones?"
"No Joe we don't have the copyright for that one, but we could do a movie about farmer Joe and his milking machines."
Trish didn't find that funny, but Joe did.
Mum worded us up on what had happened today and she had a text from the school to say it's business as usual tomorrow. She is going to Cody Mitchell's shop in the morning she wants to look at his cocktail frocks. Trish said she would pick her up on the way, or she could call by the salon. They decided that mum will pick her up and if they get stuck we will do the school pick-up.
"That dress of yours might need altering Trish you had better try it on again." I smiled.
"That dress is in my wardrobe here, and it still fits perfectly."
"We had better talk about a date baby."
"I think so Joey, before you all get busy with this construction business."
"At the cabin like we planned?"
"No right here, it's perfect."
"Ok, when?"
"Four weeks." She finally made a date and I think she shocked herself.
"Kasey can you look at your diary for that weekend, I need everyone to be available."
"I can marry you," Dad said.
"You can?" Joe looked at him.
"Yes I am a celebrant, basically I can marry anyone."
They looked at each other and both agreed that dad will marry them.
"Now I have to pick some bridesmaids and a matron of honour."
"Don't look at me I'm not that old." Mum glared.
"No mum I wasn't thinking of you." Trish glared at me.
"You have to be joking." I started laughing.
"There is no other Adam, matron of honour or head bridesmaid, you choose."
"Do I need to wear a frock?"
"Don't be silly Adam of course you do."
It was a fun night, but I got the feeling Trish wasn't getting into the spirit of the occasion and I know why she's been putting it off, her family.
"That was funny Adam, you wearing a dress would be funny too." Kasey was smiling as we readied ourselves for bed. I snuggled into him his arm went across my shoulders shielding me.
"What are you thinking about?"
"Trish's wedding, she's not happy about it, I can tell."
"Why wouldn't she want to marry Joey Adam?"
"Her family, I think she is ashamed of them."
"Why?"
"Well I have met them, mum dad a brother and two sisters, now if you put them in a room at a party, the food fight would start immediately, fists would be thrown and beer would be drunk in copious amounts, and that's just the girls."
"They aren't very cultured then?"
"Correct, and there is no way she can get married with her two sisters being bridesmaids and her father half drunk walking her up the aisle. I don't think she's very proud of them."
"Joe hasn't met them I know that, she keeps putting it off."
"Well she knows the sisters would be all over him regardless if he's married to her or not, they are a couple of tarts they even tried it with me, but I set them straight so to speak."
"A real quandary Adam what should we do about it?"
"I don't know Kase, what would you do?"
"I would send them five tickets for a long cruise, and say they are first prize in a random lottery. Then I would plan my wedding for when they are away."
I looked at him and kissed his sweet lips, I snuggled in and said.
"I thought you might have a solution." I slept soundly,
Trish was sitting on her own out the back in the morning so I took the pot of coffee out and sat with her.
"Couldn't sleep?"
"I tossed and turned all night."
"You are worried aren't you?"
"I have been avoiding them, and Joe is getting suspicious. I can't tell him I dislike my family he wouldn't understand."
"Leave it to Kasey he has a way with words. He and Joe talk a lot so he can slip it into the conversation."
"The wedding, I am obliged to invite them."
"Not if they are away on a luxury cruise you're not." She looked at me and smiled.
"I thought you would help."
"Not me, Kasey's idea. They will win some prize and when they go we have a wedding to end all weddings." Her head snuggled into my shoulder and she breathed out.
"I had better tell Joe, I hope he understands."
"He will, and he is marrying you, not your family."
"I am excited Adam."
"Tonight we will start planning. I suppose Sam and Billy will want some friends here, I was thinking George, June, and the boys from the hills is a good start."
"Of course, they have to come should we find a hotel for accommodation?"
"I suppose so but there's plenty of room here and a big sleepover would be just the best for the kids."
"Thank you, Adam."
"You are very welcome my friend."
Kasey and Joe arrived and I went to get more coffee, by the time I got back mum and dad were there, and Sam and Billy were eyeing off the pool.
"The instructor will be here today, he's been a bit busy but I believe today is the day," Kasey announced.
Mum and Trish were on breakfast duty, so they left to start the day off.
"Can I talk to you in private for a minute?"
"Yes Joe, want to go for a walk?"
"Follow me." He got up I winked at Kasey and we started for the big tree down the back of the property, Kasey said he's going to have a tree house built in it.
"Has she settled down yet?"
"If you mean her sleepless night, yes. I think it's all been sorted out."
"It's her family isn't it.?"
"Yes, she's been avoiding the wedding because she thinks they will ruin it for you."
"I see, I had the pleasure of meeting them three months ago when I had to fly to Sydney. I made a point of going for a drive to Trisha's hometown."
"So you knocked on their door?"
"Yes and no, I went to their farm with the area manager. He had some contracts for the father to sign for the milk board so I talked him into hand-delivering them. What I saw didn't add up, there was no sign of Trish in that house at all. Her sisters weren't anything like her, in fact, the complete opposite."
"They are, I had the displeasure of staying there for two days a few years back, when I wasn't hiding I was running away from them."
"I got that impression. What's the story?"
"Not really a story Joe, they embarrass Trish, and she's worried they will do the same with your mum and Chloe, especially Chloe. She's been dreading the wedding issue but Kasey will fix that."
"How?"
"I think they are going to win an ocean cruise about the same time as the wedding." He didn't laugh he was only worried about Trish.
"I had better come clean then and tell her what I did."
"Think Cinderella Joe, there are a lot of reasons for Trish's silence on the wedding issue."
"I love her Adam. I want it to be private just us and mum Chloe, personal friends. I don't want a lavish event and this setting is perfect."
"Then tell her, she needs to show off her beautiful dress but I am very sure she doesn't want hundreds here."
"She is my love, and I don't want to share her or make her feel any less than me or our friends. I want her to be equal in every way."
"She is perfect for you Joe, we all know that, she would never let you down. It's just this family issue we need to attend to, forget the cruise just don't invite them."
"Will she get pissed off?"
"No, but keep in mind she still thinks you want to meet them. Be honest and she will be so relieved."
"Thank you Adam you're a wonderful friend to us both."
"Come on breakfast is ready." I took his hand and squeezed it, we both giggled as we walked back to the others.
"Secret men's business," Joe said as he dived for some bacon and eggs.
The boys were excited to meet their swimming instructor and decided they would stay home from school to wait for him. That plan was quickly knocked on the head and Kasey explained to them why it wasn't possible, they would miss out on playing at school. His reasoning got them thinking and they ran off to get ready for school. Kasey is a good poppa, and he's going to be a great mentor as Sam grows.
Natalie arrived with a big folder under her arm.
"Good morning all, how was your dinner last night?"
"Excellent thank you Nat," Everyone replied.
"I have pizzas and salads tonight, If you wouldn't mind warming them in the oven for me. Kasey can I run these plans past you, I just picked them up from the designers?"
"Of course, coffee?"
"Yes please, that bottle of wine we had last night has made me a little dry." She laughed, then said.
"I will have this and then start the pizzas."
Kasey looked over the plans, I didn't know how much he knew about restaurants and their setups but he was making notes. I asked Nat if she wanted anything else and she said no. So I took myself upstairs to get ready for work. Sam was sitting in his room so I checked him out, he was ready to go.
"Daddy, can I ask you something?"
"Yes son, what would you like to know?"
"If the man that is coming to teach us how to swim lets us drown, will he get into trouble?"
"Sam of course he would, but that isn't going to happen, and anyway Nana will be here to watch you and probably Poppa, he said he was working from home today with grandad."
"Good because I would miss you and poppa."
"We would miss you very much also son. Don't think those thoughts anymore they scare me and you. The man that is coming will show you what to do if you feel like you are drowning it's perfectly safe. But no swimming if there is no one around promise me."
"I Promise daddy."
"Now son, what do we always say?"
"We got this daddy."
He bounced off the bed and grabbed his backpack, I sat back and watched him. Only God knows what would happen if he left us, and now I have an urgent need to watch him all the time.
I changed and did my locks, trimming loose hair I expertly waxed my eyebrows to look natural, then I was ready.
Big hands went around my waist and a crotch planted itself between my bum cheeks, he began kissing me about then.
I won't go into the nitty gritty menu that Kasey had on offer today but I was fully satisfied with the meal he fed me.
"Kase, have you met the guy that coming to teach the kids swimming?'
"Yes Adam, and so have you."
"Uh? Who?"
"Georgio, he's done a lot of things and swimming is one of his passions."
"Great, now I have to worry about you and some hunk in a bikini speedo while I'm at work."
"Do you think he would wear one?" He said a little too eagerly.
"Probably, you know how these Italians are, no shame."
"Adam, Chloe will be with him, they are staying over tonight."
"I see, hence the pizzas I suppose."
"They won't be as good as ours up the hills but they will be interestingly authentic."
"I suppose they will be, I hope they aren't those fashionable ones."
"She has a list of the ones we like Adam, have some faith."
"Oh, and there's something I want you to do sometime today."
"Yes, lieutenant?" I saluted.
"Can you go to that bookstore in the alleyway and buy a book on napkin folding and one for table settings?"
"Done, hasn't mum done anything about it yet?"
"I don't see her practicing, I just want to give her a little push."
I giggled as he changed out of his bathrobe into his jeans and t-shirt.
"What are you doing with dad today?"
"I want to teach him about companies and things, it's time he joined in fully with Joe and me, so he will have a lot to catch up on. I don't think he fully understands what it means to be on two board of directors just yet." He smiled.
"Okay, so you want him to be your offsider?"
"Exactly, I can't have my father-in-law working as a construction manager now can I, and Joe is busy with the milk board you are also busy with your salons so dad is it?"
"I hope it all goes smoothly for you all, I worry you may forget something or do something wrong. Kase there's no graft or government payoffs involved is there?"
"Ye of little faith Adam, you know that's not how I work."
"Just asking."
"Now we have to get Cody and Dan on board next, how about we have a dinner party in a few weeks, can you ring him?"
"I can do better than that, I will be meeting them in his shop tomorrow, we have to sign a contract for the kid's flat. Just our standard agreement that's all."
"Good, do you want me there?"
"If you want to come yes, you can talk to them about investing. But I don't think it's a good idea to talk business while the salon kids are around."
"Maybe you are right, but they can still come to dinner, yes?"
"Yes." I kissed him then we went to chase up our boy. He was sitting at the back table while Billy was showing him how to play naughts and crosses. I sat with mum and she smiled and took my hand.
"I have to buy you a napkin folding book and a table setting one today, I have my orders."
She sat back letting go of her warm touch.
"Darling I want to talk to you and Kasey at some stage, anyone can fold a napkin and set a table, but very few people can emit a genuine family setting. I think Kase is going overboard."
"How mum, please your thoughts are paramount to the success of these dinners." Kasey had overheard her, he had three games with the boys I think he showed them how to win.
"Please pull me up if I say the wrong thing, but I don't think these lavish dinner parties are the way to go."
"Okay, I'm listening." Kase smiled.
"Look I have been to those sorts of dinners many times. The guests are strangers, not only to each other but to the hosts also. They sit around in their stuffy suits looking uncomfortable tugging at their stiff collars all night. Many times I have wanted to scream, take your jackets and ties off and get yourself comfortable for God's sake."
I think I know where this is going, and I agree with her.
"How should we play it then?" Kase spoke.
"Casual dinners son, the ladies will still dress up but the men need to be downgraded to casual wear. The best dinners I have ever been to are the ones where the guys wear whatever they want, they are more relaxed and homely. We are a family, we have kids and some of these investors have grandkids or young kids of their own, they relate to that more than any stuffy dinner party. I suggest you rethink your idea Kasey casual family days out here under the verandah, bring your kids, hire a clown, or a face painting business. Bring your swimmers if you like, family day combined with business. That way they will see our family as solid and genuine, not some stuffy guys that only want their money. The ladies will still dress up because that's what we do, it's an excuse to show off."
"Sounds like you have a plan mum." I took her hand again.
"Well, it's just a suggestion son. Trish and I will dress up but drop the jewellery and the sequinned outfits, summer dresses and a row of pearls, things like that. The other wives will relax because the kids are with them, and we are not trying to be what we deep down know we aren't."
I sat back and looked at Kasey, he was deep in thought and then he nodded his head.
"I don't know how the fancy side of business goes, that's why I suggested formal dinners. But talking business casually is the better option for me, dad and Joe. I think we will go for your plan mum, well done."
"Well I think it could work in your favour son, the only thing you have to sell will be investments, not fake people."
"Joey change of plans, dad in the office. Adam and mum talk to Trish."
It was then that he signed something and handed it to Natalie when she came out.
"This is good to go if you want it that way, I have made a note on the bottom, just a suggestion Nat, it's not set in stone. We get rid of the chandeliers and plush carpets and go with a friendlier relaxed restaurant."
"Thank God." She smiled.
"Your reason?" Kasey asked.
"It was too stuffy, there are plenty of overpriced restaurants in Brisbane as it is, let's make this one more affordable and as Alice says, family-friendly. Not McDonalds just great food and comfort."
"So we ditch these plans then?"
"For sure we keep the kitchen set up, but downgrade the seating areas."
I winked at her.
"See this is what I want, suggestions, we have achieved something better this morning just by taking freely amongst ourselves." He punched the air and screamed.
"This family is rocking it."
It was time for school. Nat left, and mum Trish and I walked the kids up the road.
"Let's hope our wedding goes off as smoothly as this morning's meeting went." Trish was still worried.
"Okay, enough Trish. I love you, but you can be so dumb sometimes," Mum said.
"Amaze me." Trish smiled.
"Have it at the house, pick a day, don't invite old friends or family, and if yours get a whiff of it tell them it's a gay wedding you're organising. You could even invite Marko and James to get married with you."
She started laughing and then said.
"I don't have an answer for you Trish, but you have to pick a date, and you're not so much nervous about your family turning up, it's the wedding itself that's throwing you off kilter. I know my strong women and you are one of them, grow up and tell them they ain't invited, if they get wind of it that is."
"I will consult my wedding planner."
"Whose that Trish?" I had to ask.
"You." She giggled that beautiful sound I had grown to love.
Donations are gratefully received at Nifty.