Adam
Chapter 76
Maxieplus
I was sitting in our tea room and thinking about you know who. It took him some time to weed out some ideas from our friends but he got there. There is no way Kasey would sit still at a lavish dinner looking like a penguin. That was acceptable in Adele's day because it was the done thing. But these days business is done either at a barbeque or on the golf course. Trish poked her head in and said I had a valued customer waiting, Lynnie had washed her hair and she was now being seated. I wiped my hands and went to greet my greatest achievement, Susan. She looked fabulous in a red suit with white polka dots all over, and red pearls around her neck with lipstick to match, she looked very special.
"Is he sick of the look yet?"
"Adam if I knew back then what I know now I would have done it when I was fifteen, Stefano can't keep his hands off me." She giggled.
"Good, so we are doing the same style?"
"Maybe not so much hair off this time, just a little change."
"Marko, are you busy?"
"No Adam, what's up, hi Susan."
"Hi Marko good to see you again."
"Kiddo we need some input, we need to keep a bit of length I am up for suggestions."
"Let me see, Susan is your husband Australian?"
"Yes Marko, born here but his parents are Italian like mine."
"So he has an Italian background, interesting."
"What have you come up with?"
"I think you should stay the same, Sophia but a little longer let's not spoil the fantasy and it is your perfect look."
Susan looked at me and said.
"Can I pull it off with longer hair?"
"Oh yes, for sure you can."
"Can I get Marko to do it?" She didn't beg but she winked at me.
"Of course, it is your choice."
"Good because I need to talk to you while he works on it."
"Oh?"
"We need to talk about docks and investment companies."
"How the hell do you know about all that?"
"The town is buzzing with gossip Adam haven't you heard any?"
"No, I leave it all up to Kasey."
I pulled the trolly chair over and offered her a coffee, she declined and Marko smiled. I hope he doesn't think he can take my muse off me permanently.
"Tell me what you have heard?"
"That the new port area will be financed partly by the Banks trust, which you, Kasey Joe Sam, and your dad are board members. You are gearing up to start smooching investors soon I think, and everyone that is anyone will be lining up to give you their money. I heard it's a good deal and the big plus is that Kasey is very trustworthy."
"That's true Susan, we were going to start it off with a big elegant dinner party, but that has been knocked on the head for a more family-friendly day by the pool."
"So I can bring the kids?"
"Of course you can, the men can talk business while we talk and watch the kids."
"Can Stefano and I come on our own before the event?"
"Anytime lovely, it will be a great day and I need to get into that man's head for ideas on what he likes in a woman."
"He knows exactly what he likes Adam, me." She chuckled.
"So why the interest, if I may ask?"
"Stefano's family are in shipping they are always looking for investments around the world."
"What?"
"He's in shipping, a lot of those tankers that come into the docks are owned by his family, did you think I was a poor cousin?"
"No, not at all. I know you don't buy cheap but you did say one day he wanted to get you a housekeeper nanny and you resisted. I assumed you didn't want to burden his finances."
"That was all me Adam. I wanted to look after our kids, at that time I was trying to keep everything real."
I laughed and looked at her and said.
"Well up go your prices then. How does next Saturday sound?"
"Perfect, Steff is badgering me to get an invitation, and Adam?"
"Yes?"
"He knows a good deal when he hears one, so tell that man of yours to keep it real and honest."
"He will be doing that with everyone, I guarantee it."
I had been watching Marko, sometimes he gets a little ambitious but this time he took his time. He pulled out the dryer and started on the waves I could see it was another big triumph, her hair fell in delicate waves to her shoulders.
"I'll tell Steff to wear his micro speedos too."
"Have you had my house bugged, how do you know we had that conversation just this morning?"
"Just a guess Adam." She smiled.
"Who do you know?"
"That would be telling."
"Trish?" I yelled.
"What?"
"Come here."
"Oh my god it's stunning, Marko you're too good for this salon its amazing." She beamed.
"Can you do Sophia's makeup?"
"No Adam, Gloria come here." She yelled, it was an Italian day in the salon and I couldn't stop laughing, the only thing missing was our dear Zena.
I fixed a time to come over and her two little boys will have a ball, maybe we can start with face painting. I was also planning a menu for Natalie, of course it will be an Italian one. Susan was off to her favourite shop, she had tied a scarf over her hair and with her vintage dark sunglasses she oozed movie star and was giving Chloe a good run for her money. You think you know someone and then they throw you a curve ball, I will research Stefano's family name when I get the time. Better still I will get Kasey to do it. I sent him a message with all the relevant details and told him to keep Saturday free.
He didn't answer me back I guess he's busy. It was one hour later he came into the salon, I was almost dragged to the tea room and then kissed wildly he missed me.
"Can I get Lynnie to go get me a salad roll?"
"Yes get me one also, I haven't eaten yet."
He gladly did the chore and was back in no time.
"Tell me why?"
"Because she loves you and she will fetch your lunch." I grinned
"Why the message about the Bartoli family?"
"Remember Susan, my Sophia Loren muse?"
"Yes, she was at Eva's farewell party."
"She's married to Stefano Bartoli, she was in this morning and mentioned he was hanging out to invest in our company."
"Billionaires Adam, his family are billionaires, shipping magnates."
"That's where I get mixed up Kase, she's so normal and genuinely middle class acting."
"She comes from a poorer family Adam, they met at college they were both brought up in Australia neither is pretentious, and they do not flaunt their wealth around. He is a director, the big money belongs to his grandfather, and they want to invest?"
"She has insisted you talk to him first and separately from the other potential investors. So I invited them for a small family day this Saturday. She wants to bring the kids for a swim and he's going to wear his micro speedos." I grinned.
"Adam, you knew that was a joke didn't you?"
"Yes, but how do you feel about buying a pair?"
"On the way home." He kissed me again.
"So how many investors do you need?"
"I won't know until we get some offers."
"You have something in mind haven't you?"
"I can sweeten the deal with an offer for them to lease and develop the docks."
"She did mention the mooring docks, but can they park their ships there?"
"No room for those monsters, but there is room for tourist boats or private cruisers."
"You're getting a bit ahead of yourself my Kasey, let's just wait and see."
"I know I am and I don't know anything about restoring mooring docks."
"I love you so much."
"Do you have to work today?"
"I can walk home with you."
Lynnie arrived and we ate our meal, I told Trish we were going shopping and I would see her at home. He ducked into the sports store and teased me with a pair of micro swimmers, with his shopping out of the way we headed for home and our bed. He was kissing my nipples and I felt the afterglow of an amazing love making session.
"It's now important we talk to Cody and Dan before we talk to Stefano, do you think they will mind if we call in tonight?"
"Why?"
"Because if it goes the way I think it will, I doubt we will need any more investors. I want them to have the option of accepting the offer or not"
"I will ring him soon, they aren't that far from Brisbane, and Sam will love their beach."
"We better take Billy too or we could just slip away on our own."
"Maybe we shouldn't take a crowd Kase, maybe just us so we can talk business."
"Okay, Sam can have a sleepover."
"Joe will want to come."
"Joe has work to do tonight with dad, he's going to teach him about handling a board meeting."
"Why?"
"Because he doesn't know the rules of play, I know there's just us on the board but we have the upper hand, and I want dad to feel like he's completely capable."
"So all these meetings with dad are to make him feel included?"
"Got it in one my Adam with and a."
He was nudging me with his hips again so I suppose he wants to try for round two, I wasn't completely opposed to the idea.
When we had finished and showered, I rang Cody and everything was fine. I explained what we had in mind and he asked to speak to Kasey.
He walked downstairs still talking on the phone and headed into his office. I went to see if the boys were home from school.
"Daddy!" Sam screamed from the pool I leaned down to collect a kiss and one from Billy they were eagerly awaiting Georgio's appearance.
Mum and dad were sitting watching them and I poured a wine because I was also eager to watch the show, no not Georgio, well yes maybe a little bit.
"He's loading me up with so much information I don't know where I am at the moment," Dad said.
"He's trying to get you to feel more comfortable, the information is a sideline."
"I have been to many meetings Adam, I know how to handle myself."
"Not in the real world dad, its a bit different from giving orders to talking to execs."
"Much the same son, if they get out of line I can settle them down."
"Good, because when Kasey's getting mad you can order him to stand down." I laughed.
"Aunty Chloe," Billy screamed.
And there she was with her gorgeous hunk by her side, her baggy pants and tank top said she was relaxing, and by the way, her beau was staring at her he was smitten by her natural beauty. I can't look at Chloe as herself, I defer to Adele and how much she looks like her now, her inner self matches perfectly with my dear friend.
She kissed me and Georgio dropped his pants, unfortunately, he had board shorts on so apart from his well-rounded chest I had nothing to perve on.
Chloe fixed herself a drink and the boy's excitement lifted a few decibels.
"Sam, remember what I said, we got this," I yelled out to him, he gave me the cutest smile and a thumbs up.
"I will order fish and chips as a treat tonight son."
"No Nat tonight?"
"She's working on that restaurant idea for Kasey. We don't need her every night, but her pizzaswere wonderful."
"For sure mum, and I am glad she made traditional ones."
"Chloe, how's it all going?" I asked.
"Great, as you know already the filming is coming along. I will be sad when it all ends though."
"Then you start on the movie."
"Is that going ahead?"
I laughed and told her to talk to Kasey.
"Honey you won't be out of work for a very long time, your manager has done well by you, any other would have thrown you to the wolves by now."
"I am so grateful for that Adam, I like playing Adele."
"I like it too." I kissed her hand.
"He decided not to wear them because of the kids." I sat up and looked at her.
"Does everyone in Brisbane know about our private conversations?"
"Not everybody Adam, just a few of your trusted friends." She laughed.
"Tell me how you know?"
"Kasey told Joey what was said, he told me, I told Georgio, he rang his cousins in Melbourne and must have told them, they rang the Bartoli boy because they thought it might be a good investment. I guess micro swimmers were mentioned a few times."
"For god's sake, the bush telegraph isn't dead after all, it's still alive. I guess Casey's corporation is the hottest ticket in town." Chloe laughed.
Georgio was getting the boys to paddle their legs while holding the side of the pool, I heard him mention to them they should practice their breathing and I watched Sam intently.
"Don't worry about him Adam, he knows what he's doing," Chloe said.
"I know but I can still worry."
"Me too," Mum said.
Trish and Joe arrived, they had changed into their swimmers and now I will see something decent in Joe's crotch. No, not today, everyone is being conservative, board shorts again.
Of course, it was a different story when Kasey arrived, micro bikini and all, now we are talking.
He dived in and started talking to the kids and Georgio, and then Joey wanted his attention. Trish did a few laps that girl is very elegant in the pool, and then Chloe jumped in splashing Joe as she did.
They giggled and played chase, I could see the boys wanted to join in. Georgio threw his arms in the air and yelled.
"I give up, is this a party or a swimming lesson?" It all calmed down after that rant. Joe got out and grabbed a towel Chloe started talking to Georgio and Trish used the steps, Last but not least Kasey performed beautifully as he pulled himself out, looking like the god he was. He took a bathrobe then came to sit with me. Joe sat on the other side. Trish sat in between his legs.
"How did you go?"I asked Casey.
"No need to go to the shop, I have ordered the fish and chips to be delivered in an hour. Cody and Dan are on board, they aren't using the Never Give Up foundation it's their personal money. I have to shoot off a contract to them tomorrow."
"That's awesome, I'm glad they are included in this venture."
"Well Cody's reasoning is firstly he can trust me, and secondly we have a connection with his grandparents and he would like to invest in something they believed in. They invested a lot Adam, so I think if Susan's husband comes to the party we will have more than enough."
"Really?"
"Yes, If not we go with the original plan and open it up to others " He smiled.
It all does my head in, and it must be a nightmare for Kasey, thankfully he's not on his own. He also told me he has architects and planners at hand, ready for the ground breaking build.
"I had better get some plates out."
"I'll help Adam," Mum said.
We got the table set up and all the sauces and lemons readied, I called the boys to go and shower and Georgio was drying himself off with a towel.
He had his eyes firmly planted on Chloe, and yes we have love.
Kasey wanted to talk to her while we ate, he has had another offer for a movie role and as luck would have it the film will be made in the big sound stages up here in Queensland. He wants her to read the script first.
"Kasey I'm a mediocre actress, what's happening with Being Adele Banks is mostly documentary, I'm not trained I have no skills." He took both her hands and said.
"Chloe, they want you because of that, they think you're a rare natural actress and that's what they want for the role. I know we are going to make a full movie on Adele but that won't start production until next year so you have time to slip into another role in the meantime."
"I don't know Kase, my life has taken a big shift lately and I don't want to spoil it."
"You will be driven to the set every day and home again. it's only an hour's ride from here at the worst what have you got to lose, please read the script."
"What's it about?"
"Much the same as what you're doing now, The Nancy Wake story, otherwise known as the white mouse. She was in the French resistance in world war two."
"I read about her at school, Kasey her story scared me, so much pain."
"Okay, just read the script twenty-five million plus royalties."
"So much money, I don't deserve that much."
"My lovely girl you deserve twice that much, that's how good you are."
"I will read the script, but you won't be disappointed if I turn it down?"
"Of course not, you are your very own person, I am just the messenger."
"You're more than that Kase, you're my friend."
He didn't answer her just kissed her head and smiled.
Georgio took her other hand and kissed it, and I knew exactly what Chloe will do, she will turn it down.
The kids wanted more swimming after dinner but mum put a stop to it, they both had to get ready for bed. I overheard Sam say to Billy.
"So little time and so much to do Billy."
"What does that mean Sammy?"
"I don't know but my papa says it all the time." They giggled and then ran off to their respective bedrooms to get ready for bed.
We all sat around the pool for an hour or so then Chloe and Georgio said their good nights and they went to bed. In the end, it was just Kase Joe and Trish and me.
"He's going to do just fine Kasey, we have to tone his military attitude down a bit, but he sure does know his negotiation skills," Joe said.
"Yes Joe, we have to get him to tone it down, he's not talking to the troops anymore."
"Have some faith Kase, he will do well, he knows what he has to do. Just give him a chance, something to sink his teeth into, a trial run if I was to be honest." They looked at me.
"He has mum, he has me. Yes, he has to adjust to normal civilian life but I doubt that is what he's worried about. He has twenty or so years of family life he has to catch up on also. In the meantime why don't you give him the security job, setting up the security for the build. He can get together with a company or someone in the military that knows the latest trends, and he can nut out a military-style plan."
"I haven't got that far yet Adam, I was just going to interview a local security company."
"You will need cameras, everywhere on all the floors and in the restaurants, lighting is very important, people need to feel safe in their homes. I reckon you should get him to start up his own security company, exclusive to the dockland, and who knows where it will take him. Being your right-hand man isn't going to satisfy his need to excel in something, he needs something he can do."
Kasey sat back and was thinking about it.
"What do you think Joey?" He finally asked.
"I think Adam is right we will need security before the build starts, there are usually a few robberies on building sites and it costs money to replace. The general is perfect for that and for recruiting the special men we will need for it all."
"We do use the guys sometimes, they volunteer on their days off for extra cash. Maybe as a sideline Georgio can work with him he would know the latest trends."
"Chloe, we can't forget her."
"On a part-time basis Joe, if not, dad can scout around for some staff."
"So we give him his own company Kase?"
"Why not, yes. I will talk to Walsham tomorrow so he can get the papers drawn up. If we do it that way he can start it almost immediately, the forces won't have a problem with that line of business. Well done my Adam." He took my hand then we said our goodnights, Trish and Joey were going to have a final swim, I wanted to stay but Kase wanted his bed.
"I hope this thing will be a great success Kase, I do get a bit worried."
"Don't worry I got this Adam with an a." he kissed me goodnight then moved onto his back, and I fell asleep in his arms.
In the morning mum was already up as usual and the coffee was brewed. I kissed her and we sat to talk before the rest of the crew arrived.
"How is dad feeling?"
"Out of his depth son. He knows what Kasey is trying to do with him but he feels he's not a suit kind of guy. He's always been a leader he thinks sitting in a board room isn't him."
"I think we made plans to fix that last night mum."
"What happened?"
"We will set dad up with his own security company, he does the dockland security, and will have full control of who he hires and fires. In other words, he will own the company and run it with no interference from us."
She looked at me then she took my hand and squeezed it.
"I knew you would come up with something darling."
"It was just an idea I had mum, he will still be on the board of the Banks trust, and the construction board. Kasey will help him set it all up, then he works for himself."
"More up his alley son, he would enjoy that."
"Well I think Kase is going to talk to him sometime today. Do you have any plans for today?"
"I think I will come with you to the north side salon, I had better get started on
these outfits."
"Good."
"Steven I'm only getting some summer dresses maybe one cocktail frock. I don't want my wardrobe filled with fancy labels I won't wear."
"That's okay mum, there are plenty of designer shops in town you can look at also. What can we do for you mum, you seem like you have given up on your daily interests?"
"Nothing son, I'm just trying to settle in and then I can resume things. Being here is making me lazy, so tomorrow I'm going to my first parent meeting at the school, then, I am coming in for a trim." She smiled.
"So we don't have to worry about you being bored then?"
"No son, I am just getting used to having your dad around all the time."
"Is it a problem?"
"Not at all, it's been a great move son everything will fall into place soon."
Kasey came out with an excited son who kissed me and mum then scooted off to talk to Billy.
"Did you sleep well mum?" Kase asked."
"Did I ever, it's so quiet here, although I suspect Joe and Trish had a late night." She giggled.
"They did."
"What have you got in mind for Saturday?" She asked.
"There will be the four boys, two small and two big." I giggled.
"I can do the face painting, Billy went through a stage where he wanted it done every week so that's one thing off the list. I will talk to Natalie about a luncheon, are you going to invite anyone else?"
"No mum just family, Susan did say they like that the best."
"Good so do I."
Chloe and Georgio arrived, they had just showered, so mum went inside to start breakfast.
"Where are the boys Adam?" She asked.
"In with dad, they won't be long did you sleep well?"
"Sure did, can I ask you something?"
"Yes of course."
"When is Eva and Wilson moving?" I smiled and said.
"They haven't said honey, why?"
"We just thought it was time to get our own place that's all."
"I see, give me a minute." I went up to the bedroom and made up two sets of keys then took them down to hand to them.
"This is only temporary, but you can have our apartment for the time being."
"No, we can wait we don't want to disturb it."
"You will and you can, with our blessing. Nothing to buy just bring your personal items." She took the keys and gave a set to Georgio.
"Thank you Adam, it is much appreciated."
"Now mister Kasey when is my grandpa couch arriving?"
"Soon Adam, Sams been on to me about it, I think we will store those old hard ones in the attic for now."
"Good idea, they are a bit lumpy."
Trish came out with some cutlery and plates so I went to help mum in the kitchen.
"I think Georgio and Chloe are taking it up a notch."
"Well they are in love, whats happened?"
I told her then the doorbell rang so I flew up the passageway to answer it.
"Urgent delivery for Georgio Lombard. Can you sign for it?"
"Of course, thank you." I took the document package and closed the door, I took it out the back and said.
"Delivery for you Georgio." I handed it to him, he passed it on to Kasey.
"Thank you."
"You are welcome, boss."
I didn't ask what was in it, it's probably work-related anyway. Anything past the Bank's trust and I'm a no show when it comes to Kasey's business interests. Dad came out with one kid on his shoulders and one on his back, they were giggling their heads off. I took Sam and he sat on my knees while Billy looked for his mum. Chloe took him up and started asking questions about their night and swimming lessons. They were very eager to talk to her and dad rolled his eyes. I can guess what their conversation was all about with dad this morning.
Mum called and Trish and I moved to help her, she had cooked up a storm so we placed it all on the table. The bread had been placed on a smaller table where the toaster and coffee machine had migrated to. Joe had manned that and the toast was dealt out from the pile he had just made.
"What's on for today Kasey?" He asked.
"I need to go see Walsham then I will be working from home."
"Can I help?"
"Not with this Joe, I need to do this on my own."
"Secret?"
"Yes." He wasn't very forthcoming, maybe the shower will get him to talk.
"I will need your help this afternoon Joey, lugging those bulky sofas up to the loft." Joe had a better idea.
"How about we store them in the garage instead."
"Good idea, I need Adam to start going through all those boxes up there and chuck everything that's not needed to make some room, then we can lug the sofas up there." He smiled.
I giggled because Joe didn't get out of anything, but I guess Kase will ask dad and Georgio to help.
That big envelope was tempting me to open it when Kase threw it on the bed, but I resisted my urges and joined him in the shower. He was distracted for a while as I got him off then he was deep in thought.
"What's wrong baby, anything I can do to help?"
"No Adam, I don't even know if there's anything wrong at the moment."
"The parcel?"
"Adam, there may or may not be anything nasty in it but either way it goes I can't tell you what it's about."
"Okay then, I will drop it for now but if it is nasty do you have a backup plan?"
"Sort of baby, but I have a lot of reading and decisions to make before I get into all that."
I left it at that because he's not going to tell me anything. I can assume it has something to do with the build and Georgio's input. I hope it's not something that puts the breaks on his plans for dad.
"I am with you Kasey, whatever it is I will back you one hundred percent."
He looked at me and then kissed me, there's something about kissing a god with minty breath, he makes me feel like it's our first kiss.
"And the game starts." He said quietly as we walked downstairs.
"Papa, when are we going shopping to the couch shop?"
"Tomorrow baby, have you picked a colour?"
"Yes poppa, I get one that has purple in it because that's the colour daddy likes the best."
"So you want one like the old one you picked?"
"Yes daddy but newer, and maybe a little bigger." He grinned.
"Come on son, time for school." He shot up the stairs to get ready and I walked out the back again, Kasey headed for his office with the parcel under his arm.
Chloe and Georgio walked with us to do the drop-off. it was less stressful for her to leave him at the laneway than be surrounded by fans, they were walking on to go look at the apartment and probably will stay there tonight.
Trish and I dropped Joe off then went to the bakery and across the road to work. We had just opened when Jimmy came in, he wanted his hair done and he wanted to talk to me.
"So Adam, do you love it there?"
"Yes, we all love it thank you."
"It's my pleasure, it has been empty for too long. Is Kasey looking after my car?"
"He certainty is, it's got the best spot up the back and it's covered."
"I am leaving on Saturday my boy, I promise I won't stay away for long, and no farewell parties either."
"We will all be sad to see you go, but we understand. If you wouldn't mind a postcard or two would be good."
"Do they still make them?"
"I think so." I giggled.
"I will send plenty for Sam and Billy."
"That is my plan."
"Now we probably will have dinner on Friday night because Kase has a big meeting on Saturday, investors."
"I understand Adam I have just been talking to him about it."
"What did he say?'
"Be there at six." he laughed.
"So, no information out of you today then?"
"Sorry, this is all Kasey's to deal with."
He said his goodbyes to everyone in the salon, no tears just best wishes and he would see them all again, then he left. I was sad to see him go, but I did understand.
His visit put me in a bit of a melancholy mood so I told Trish I was leaving early. I wanted to get a start on that attic, Jimmy had said there were no shocks hidden up there. It was stuff that was packed away from Fred and Adele's parents, so most of it would be old. I also wanted to be closer to Kasey today, just to be a silent supporter. When Sam comes home we will have to explain to him about Jimmy's holiday, he knows he's going but I want to make sure he's all right with it.
The bigger surprise at lunchtime, was when Kasey called in.
I sent Lynnie across the road to get us a couple of meat pies, one for me, two for him. We sat holding hands and I couldn't help myself.
"Was it what you expected?"
"And more Adam, whatever happens, stand by me please."
"I will, you know that."
"Good."
"This afternoon what have you planned?"
"More reading, more research why?"
"I will be coming home early, I want to make a start on the attic."
"Good, did Jimmy say what was up there?"
"Not really, he did say there was a big surprise or two for Sam and the trunks were full of gowns from a past era they belonged to Adeles and Fred's mums and dads, so I am expecting to be dazzled once more."
"It's going to take you weeks."
"Probably, I don't want to spend all my time up there."
"No and when you get to the front gate text me and I will be ready for you."
"Face down?"
"If you want." My dick went into overdrive.
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