Kasey with a K

Adam

Chapter 88

Maxieplus

I was happy with Anne's confession and it brought me to ask myself how I felt for Kasey. The only difference is he feels the same way about me, so it's not a toxic relationship. Mitchell was too young and nothing good becomes of that, and he does have to shoulder some of the blame. His youth was a barrier, and for him it was fun, for Anne it was serious.

I was surprised she had gone to the club, because my life got much better when I stopped going there, but Kasey had a lot to do with that.

I'm not saying the gay clubs are bad, but they are a different kind of world and it's easy to get caught up in the unreality of the place. I will talk to Mitchell and apologise for my outburst, but at the time I wasn't worried about him, it was Anne I had to concentrate on.

I talked to Kasey on the way home he could see I had something on my mind, he thought it a good idea to talk it out, and he already knew it had been a toxic relationship, Anne's reaction to it all confirmed that.

Trish and Joey were in the pool with the kids. They were having a silly day, mum said they were in the pool with their clothes on when she got in and the boys thought it was a good idea and jumped in with them. I made us a coffee and Kasey sat at the table, he had paperwork he wanted to go over with dad.

Trish got out of the pool soaking wet she went behind the tree and changed into a bathrobe. When she walked over she pointed to me.

"You inside." She didn't seem very happy.

I followed her in and Nat looked at us both I looked at her and said.

"I think I'm about to get a good Cindy talking to."

She cracked up laughing then she sang out.

"Good luck honey."

I followed Trish into the bathroom and she sat in my home salon chair. I leaned her back over the sink then I began pampering her.

"So you're happy about all this?"

"Very Adam, I couldn't be happier, even my wedding day was dull compared to this feeling."

"It was."

"Bitch."

"You're welcome." I soaped up her hair and started washing it.

"What are you going to do with all that money?"

"Buy Joey a Lamborghini." She laughed.

"Maybe a Honda."

"I am a little upset, firstly that you didn't tell me, and secondly my aunty hadn't said anything."

"She probably had her reasons baby, and it wasn't up to me to spoil Joey's fun."

"She was very good to me. I stayed with her a lot and I loved her in a way. I don't know what hold they had over her. What she did wasn't all that bad in this day and age it's pretty normal. Maybe they had some dirt on her, maybe they just didn't want her to be happy, but she was always happy around me."

"She loved you and made you the lady you are today."

"She sure did." I wrapped her hair in a towel and asked her how she wanted it styled.

"My normal one Adam, I only did the plaits because of her, she was always doing them for me." I had moved the hairdryer into this room from Adele's apartment bathroom, only because it was top of the range and still had plenty of life left in it. The noise stopped our conversation and as I dried her hair my mind was on my dear old friend. I knew she was back with me again, and loving the attention.

She looked smashing, no hairspray just my natural Trish, she thanked me and I got a lingering hug. I cleaned up while she went to dress.

"And your cabin sex was awesome?"

"Unbelievable, and even better tonight I hope."

"I have done lamb shanks for tonight Adam, the boys will have mashed potato and gravy with veggies. How did you go?"

"Excellent Nat, no Cindy in sight today." I laughed.

"She carries on a bit Adam, but I do love her to bits."

"Are you sure you still want to work here, I worry it's going to be too much for you, that's all?"

"Loving the job, both of them. You're not to worry about me, you will know when I'm busy if you don't see me for a few days. Other than that I will still be around."

"Has Joey asked you to cook for him?"

"No, but I can't do it anyway, far too busy." She laughed aloud.

"I will buy Trish some cooking lessons then."

She laughed louder, then said.

"This is why I love working here. Grab that pot and I'll follow you outside." She took up some plates for the kids and I grabbed the pot.

Kasey looked inside, and then he rubbed his hands together, he must be hungry.

Dad was signing some paperwork and Joey was watching them, his robe had come apart and I so wanted to lick his chest hair.

Billy had heard all about Sam's new book, so it was a sleepover so he could hear about the magical boy. I got the feeling Kasey will buy dad a copy because he can't stay over every night.

Trish arrived and Joey stared at her like it was their first meeting. She sat next to me and patted my hand, then she dished up a nice lamb shank.

"This is awesome Nat, I love the way you do these." Mum said.

"Recipes on the bench, Trish you may like to take a copy for your new kitchen." I chuckled.

"I can cook, I just haven't had to in the past six months."

"Good, then we will be over to sample it," Kasey said.

"And Kasey, there will be no sleepovers for you and Joe."

"What?"

"I know what you are up to," She winked at me.

"We have to talk about Anne at some stage Trish. She's meeting her boyfriend's mum next weekend. She's doing it tough and she is a hairdresser. Pete wants to bring her to the city to live. I told Anne if she thought she was up to scratch we might give her a try."

"And if it all goes belly up again?" I hadn't thought of that.

"We think long and hard about hiring her."

"Leave it to me, I think I have an idea."

"Want to vote?"

"Yes." We slapped hands.

She didn't say what she had in mind but she did disappear for two hours the next day. Joey was on top of the world and couldn't stop smiling on the way to work, he almost took Trisha's dress off her with his eyes.

I guess that cabin has come in handy in more ways than one.

The boys had kept Kasey from me last night, he had to read a whole chapter because they were so engrossed. I will buy the movies for them and they can watch it. Trish left for the north side salon, and I suspected she already knew what we were going to do.

I potted around, helped Tim and Marco out the back then we got busy, a group of army guys came in, they didn't have long between jobs so we all manned our stations and all six were done and dusted within fifteen minutes. I had to fight the urge to fuss over the cut, but it is what it is, a cheap cut.

I walked next door and had lunch with Kasey, his desk was loaded with paperwork.

"It's not what you think Adam, these are my original plans, they are now on the computer, all done and dusted."

"So they are there to be filed away?"

"Exactly, Evans is going to do them this afternoon, want to go home?'

"No can do Kase, Trish is out and we have been busy."

"Oh, I might go and sit with Bill or dad then."

"I'll ring you if it changes."

"Adam, what are your thoughts about cruising the river?'

"You won't use it."

"Sam and Billy will love it."

"They want a diving board."

"Oh." He looked disappointed and the brochure for that lovely boat sitting on his desk had given him away.

"Kasey, how about you do it this way. Lease a boat for maybe three months or six. Dock it and see what happens. Admiral Peters will give you driving lessons and when you get your licence we will go for a cruise up the river. If you love it then buy it, if not return it."

"You would let me do that?"

"Of course I would you don't need my permission to do it, just don't lash out on an expensive boat you may never use."

He picked his phone up and said.

"Hello Len, Kasey here, do you lease boats?"

And now I get to cruise up and down the river, hot sun and mosquitos for hours.

Trish was having lunch when I got back, she had bought a bundle of clothes and loads of lasagne for our dinners, and some for the kids to take home, she's celebrating.

"How did you go apart from the shopping?"

"I put it on the business card. Yes I did well Adam, I had heard through the grapevine that Jessie was eager to move over to this side of town and I wanted his thoughts about working here. He does the latest styles and wigs, and he does the men's side of things, a partner for Lynnie. Oh, and he's straight."

"What did you and him decide on?"

"We will move him here anyway, and if Pete's mum is good enough to do short cuts and current styles she can work over there. Kills two or three birds with one stone don't you reckon? What I am really saying is if she works there and things go belly up, at least she will still have a job. If she's here it may be a bit uncomfortable for Anne."

"It will. Will we tell Anne or wait?"

"We wait. We have to suss Gloria out with Ethan, he may get his nose put out of joint having another babe to contend with here."

"He's that good looking is he?"

"Amazing, tall blonde with a body to die for. Tim will be pissed also," She giggled.

"I guess Ethan will be hitting the gym now."

"He has a great style."

"He copies me."

She laughed.

"I know."

"I don't mind he's a great kid."

With that out of the way I looked at my bookings, then I rang Kasey.

"Want to walk me home?"

"See you in five minutes."

He ran through the big fed building foyer and grabbed me just as I arrived. Kasey has no shame so he took me in his arms and kissed me, some groaning and some clapping army guys were standing around their truck. He smiled and we started on home.

"I want to go see the loft Adam do you mind?"

"Not at all, I want to see it too."

We ducked around the corner to the entrance way and he turned the lift on with his key and took us up to the lofts.

Nothing had changed except there were cameras hanging from the ceiling, some things were behind glass cases and some areas were roped off. It was eerie

He walked me through the rooms and we watched a few ghost tours.

"They have done a wonderful job Kasey. Fred would be proud of them."

"He would Adam, the curator said they will have a big opening in three weeks, the advertising will start tomorrow."

"It will do well," As I said that I heard a rustle of paper from a distant desk and knew Fred was happy. Something I haven't done is visit their grave, not since the funeral where I stood back trying to be unseen. I will make a day to take some flowers out to the cemetery.

A face flashed on the wall and Chloe started talking, she was beautiful and dressed as Adele, we watched the five-minute address then she disappeared. I heard Billy and Sam's laugh as they ran through the empty building and then I got spooked and wanted to leave. Kasey turned everything off and held me in the lift down to the ground floor. He locked it all up and I vowed I wouldn't step inside it again.

"Are you all right Adam?"

"Yes, I found it a little spooky, I hope the customers don't shy away from it."

"It is what it is, a time long gone by, a snapshot of a different era. Spooky yes, but some people like that, and I am sure you weren't spooked because of the ruffling paper. I think you were unnerved by Billy and Sam running through it. Adam, they are different boys, not like Jimmy and Johnny their lives will be a lot different, they have us to guide them on the way and nothing's going to happen to us." He kissed me and held me, and as per usual he was right.

"Now shake your head and let's go home."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome."

We walked home and ended up in bed, the one thing about Kasey, he does distract me from the important things in life, but what he was doing to me is also important.

We showered and dressed then went downstairs, no Nat today so I took something out of the freezer and he helped me put a big casserole together.

"Has Joey finalised the house?"

"Not yet Adam, the owners are moving out on the weekend it will be vacant for a month or so."

"He should offer to rent it, all he has to do is get some insurance sorted."

"I think he's leaving it all up to Trish. By the way, the statue you are going to give them for a housewarming."

"Yes, I thought seeing Trish had looked after it at the apartment it should go to her."

"I don't want you to do that, if anything happens to it things may get messy between the two of you. Can I make a suggestion?"

"Yes of course you can."

"Why don't we buy her a good one off the net, there are sites that sell deco or nouveau statues, then she will have her very own, not something borrowed. And I want yours to go to 'The Salon' where it will be safe."

"I get your point, where do we look?"

"Online auction houses. We will get the best we can."

"Okay, I bow to your wisdom, dear husband. I will start looking tomorrow."

"You do that."

I popped the casserole in the oven then dropped my jeans, he followed me out to the pool and we dived in. After swimming around for a few minutes the expected kissing arrived and he sighed.

"I love you Adam with an a, so very much."

"Me too you Kasey with a k."

"If all this new stuff I am giving you gets out of control, please can you tell me?"

"I will, it's the movie I am most worried about. I don't want to stuff it up it's too important."

"Talk to the director and producer Adam, they will guide you."

"Who is directing?"

"Mick, he's already done the two Adele series he knows her back to front."

"Okay. I will talk to Mick at length to get his ideas. And the producer is he coming from the movie industry?"

"No, the other producer is very well known to you, and he will listen to your ideas." He grinned.

"So you think dad can play Fred Banks?"

"I think the older Fred, yes, the younger we will look for, and he won't be me."

"Thank you, and I had a thought the other day, for the younger Fred but I will get back to you on that one."

"He won't have a lot of lines, but he will be in a lot of the scenes."

"Who is writing the screenplay?"

"Mick and his men. They will have a list of characters for you to play with and a storyline for you to read. Then a script and that's where you come in, it's important that you research, remember, or imagine what happened back then. Jimmy is on standby to talk to you anytime."

"So you don't want to be involved?"

"Only if you get stuck, and I wouldn't mind seeing who you have come up with. My name will be in the credits but yours will feature."

"Done."

"There's something else."

"What now?"

"A lot of the filming will be done here."

"Then we move in with Joey and Trish."

Did I just see him smile, Trish is going to love this.

We waded around a bit and he wasn't telling me anything new, he want's this movie to be all ours. Using our memories and our very own people, but with a more seasoned film crew, or maybe not. The first screams came from the back of the house, and the boys, shoes and all, jumped in the pool. A new thing they do but not good for their leather school shoes. They drowned us with their splashing and mum stood by the side of the pool and smiled.

"Try and undress them, I will get their bathers." She walked off.

"Dad we are the best at marbles today, Billy and I are at the top."

"That's excellent son and little brother." I pulled Billy in and kissed him then I straightened his hair, it was in his eyes. I really didn't have anyone in mind for the Fred Banks junior role, but I will keep looking, I just wanted to sound like I was doing my job.

We undressed the boys and lifted them up onto the steps, mum put their bathers on, and they jumped back in. Kasey was giving them a piggyback ride around the pool, and I watched and hoped it would be my turn next.

"Have you started dinner son?"

"Yes mum, casserole. Trish went to Northside and got a heap of lasagna we can have that tomorrow night."

"Good, I wasn't looking forward to cooking."

"All's good, we are covered for a few days."

Trish and Joey came in with dad and he went to change, Joey dropped his suit pants and jumped in.

"Uncle Joey when are you moving?" Billy sang out.

"I don't know, but soon why?"

"We want to come and see your diving board."

"Only see it?"

"Maybe one jump off it." They both giggled.

"You will be the first to know, and we have the same rules as here."

It must have given Kasey an idea he lifted Billy onto his shoulders and made him stand up, then he jumped into the water. Then it was Sam's turn so I went to dry off and sit with the ladies.

"When are you moving Trish?"

"We don't know, there's no hurry. I hope you haven't rented out our flat already,"

"No nothing like that, we will keep it empty, and from what Kasey just told me some of the movie will be made here, so we will have to move in with you."

"Will we have to move?" Mum asked.

"I doubt it mum, they would only film in the house I would think."

"I will miss your cooking." She smiled.

"It's no problem mum, I don't mind."

"Good."

I think she's taking this office executive job a bit too seriously.

Kasey had bought dad the Harry Potter series and they will try and keep it to one chapter a night so they are in sync. The boys opened the package and although they didn't surprise us they both started reading it from the start.

"Problem solved, they can read you know." Mum said.

"I thought it was better if I read to him."

"Not anymore Kasey, they will have so much to discuss now." She laughed.

She's having a good night, so I went to get dinner ready. Trish helped me empty the pot into a big serving dish then took the utensils out.

The feeding frenzy started after the kids selected what they wanted to eat, potatoes and a little meat. Dad and Kasey were discussing business, he had to go to the build and check out the finished apartments.

Kasey got up and went inside, then he came back with a set of keys.

"Have a look at this one dad, and you may as well take mum with you."

"Why son?"

"Your signing bonus, it's beautiful."

"What?"

"You did know you got a bonus didn't you?"

"No, this is too generous son, I won't accept it."

"You have already signed the title dad, can't go back now."

"Kasey we don't want all this, and no, we won't move there. It's too far away from work and school." Mum looked at him.

"Rent it out that's what we are doing with ours."

"And us, is ours nice Kase?"

"Perfect Joey, Adam and I had a lot of fun on your family room floor when we were there."

"My God, is anything safe around you two anymore?" Trish laughed.

"Well we only have your new home to christen and I think we are up to date."

"When do I get our keys?"

Kasey handed over a second set and Joey wanted to go see it straight away.

In the morning mum tried to persuade me to take the apartment back, but I reminded her that it was Kasey's choice, and dad does a lot for the business, why wouldn't he be included.

To make her feel better I told her that he got them wholesale.

"How was your new place Trish?"

"Bloody awesome mum, the views are wonderful."

"Okay, I will go with dad today and check them out." Mum relented because she did agree on one thing, dad does do a lot for Kasey.

My day was slow but Lynnie was busy, I manned the troughs because she had customers. James helped her and I washed hair. Anne was gearing up for her weekend away, and talking to Trish about what she should pack.

"It's only two nights Anne, just the essentials and If I know the country like I do, keep it simple, no labels or sparkles."

"Pete did say his mum was pretty normal."

"Then keep it normal for now, there will be plenty of time to dress up if she moves to the city."

"Then there's that, I have to suss out her skills I can't have just anyone working at Northside."

Good girl, and now I have to go and talk to Ethan.

"Can I see you for a moment Ethan?"

"Sure Adam, here or in the tea room?"

"Tea room."

"So what's up?"

"If Pete's mum goes to work at Northside, we will move Jessie over here, he wants to move to this suburb."

"Jessie?" He stared at me.

"Is there a problem because if there is, he won't be coming here."

"No not at all, it's just that he's gorgeous."

"Okay, he's apparently straight so is that going to annoy you?"

"No, why would it. Like a lot of people around here a bit of lust is thrown around every now and then. He's a nice guy, he comes to the club with his mates occasionally. I haven't sat down and had a good talk to him, but he seems fine."

"So you won't be throwing yourself across the salon to mount him?"

"Of course not, what kind of a guy do you think I am?"

"You're human Ethan, and I understand about lust more than you think. I did it for a while with Kasey."

"I heard, he was shy back then, so I hear."

"He was."

"Talking about lust are you going to talk to Tim also?"

"Yes, Jessie is good with wigs so he has now got himself a helper."

"Please don't take this the wrong way Adam, but I have seen you watch his ass on more than one occasion." He grinned.

"I'm only human Ethan." I started laughing.

"So am I."

I left it at that, then I went to talk to Admiral Peters and Gloria. He had popped in because he had nothing better to do, she was doing a shoulder massage, but unfortunately his white t-shirt was still on.

"Hi Admiral, how are things?"

"Good Adam, and you?"

"Yes I'm good has Gloria told you yet?"

"Yes we discussed it, I still don't know, there are queens out there that would relish a bit of drama outing me to the world."

"Since when is that going to bother you?"

"It doesn't, but I have never liked being singled out Adam." I smiled at her.

"Oh alright, I will do the movie sheesh can't a girl be coy sometimes?'

"In your case, no."

"Now listen I am thinking of getting Jessie to come over here to work, do you know him?"

"Sort of, no problem Adam it will be good to have an extra hand."

"Okay has my husband been in touch with you Admiral?"

"Yes, he wants to learn how to drive a boat." He laughed.

"I see and what was decided?"

"I told him we don't drive boats in the river, we cruise them, and yes I will give him lessons."

"I hope he sticks to it, it's an expensive pastime."

"He said he was going to lease one first."

"Good, just make sure he puts his life jacket on."

It was about then my next client came through the doorway.

I was looking at a God, his hair was longer and his body had filled out, he had grown quite a few inches, and his smile was cheeky but forced.

"Mitchell, it's so good to see you again." I didn't hug him just placed my hand on his shoulder.

Anne did a double take and then she did something I hadn't expected.

"Mitch, it's good to see you." She walked up and hugged him, I could see Ethan nearly fainting.

"Close your mouth Ethan," Gloria sang out.

"Good to see you both again. Uncle Adam have you got time to sort me out?"

"Of course I have young man, follow me," I winked at Trish this will be interesting.

I took him to the troughs and smiled at him.

"It must have been hard to walk in here today?"

"It was, but I have bridges to mend and friends I missed."

"Then start talking, how have you been, how is University, How's dad and more importantly how are you?"

"I get good grades Uncle, and uni is a breeze. Lucy is going great guns she's got a full calendar which frees me up to study. I want this Uncle Adam, not so much a year or so ago, but now I get it."

"Then you are forgiven and please don't be a stranger come in all you want."

"I am sorry, I didn't want everything to end the way it did."

"Mitchell, it's not all your fault, Anne has to take a lot of the blame too. Are you going to talk to her?"

"Yes, I need to move on, there's been a shadow over my head and I want to make her feel better, and myself."

"Well I for one have your back, and you look so awesome, any girlfriends?"

"Not at the moment Adam, I do want one but it will be on my terms when I get there. No more sleeping around for me, I want stability." He chuckled.

"What's so funny, there's nothing wrong with what you want?"

"When I look back I cringe when I remember what I was like, and what I have become."

"You only had some more growing to do Mitchell, life changes daily and may I say, you have only got better with age."

"I hope so." I saw something reflective in his eyes, maybe it is not all over, then I saw it. My perfect younger Fred Banks.

"How are your acting skills Mitch?" He started laughing.

"I am very good at it, didn't you notice that brat of a teen who was acting his way through his life, Lucy taught me well." He laughed again and he was gorgeous.

"Can I take some photos of you?"

"Uncle Adam, haven't you got enough wanking material?"

"No silly boy, I just thought about something and I want to run it by Kasey first. But I need a photo to show him who I am talking about."

"Knock yourself out, I am used to having it taken. At Uni the girls and guys hide behind trees to catch a quick snap of me."

We both laughed it was like old times.

"Now how do you want it today young man?"

"I'll leave it up to you, sober but not military."

"How about some length and a pull back?"

"Pull back?"

"Off the face then I will take some more photos."

"Whatever turns you on Uncle, but remember you're my Uncle, not a potential lover." I have always enjoyed the time I had with Mitchell he's a little more grown up now and has lost that bravery he had a long time ago. It was so nice to have an adult conversation with him. He looked gorgeous when I had finished, a whole new look and he was very happy. Then he wanted to talk to Anne.

I was apprehensive but allowed it, so they walked into the tea room and shut the door. Trish and I went into Tim's room and tried to listen, there was no shouting or accusations being thrown at each other, so we deemed everything was okay. I didn't charge him and his back was straightened as he thanked us all, then he walked out of the salon. Anne had red eyes and I hugged her. While she was close to my ear she whispered.

"I did it I told him about my obsession and toxic thoughts. He understood and said he was way out of his depth, he didn't know what was going on and felt awful when he had to dump me. It's all good Adam, my shrink will be proud of me and I do feel less guilty now."

"Good, do you want to go on home?"

"No, of course not. I'm staying right here, Petes coming in for lunch." She smiled then she kissed me.

I looked at my watch and told Trish I was taking a lunch break, then I went across the road to grab a few meat pies for Kasey and my lunches.

I felt a lot better that Mitchell didn't hate me for what I said to him, and hopefully, as time goes by we will get back to our uncle and nephew status.

After Evans greeted me I looked at his desk, it was covered in paperwork.

"Filing Adam, nothing to see here.'

"Good is he in?"

"Yes. I think I heard his fly unzip."

"Good. lunch." I stuck my finger in my mouth.

I opened the door and Kase was looking out the window. We kissed and he still looked.

"Dreaming about driving up and down the river I see."

"It will be good Adam, we will have so much fun."

"We will, when does it arrive?"

"Tomorrow." I laughed, he doesn't hold back.

"Now, Mr second producer, I have something to show you."

I found Mitchell's photos and he flicked through them.

"Who is this guy he looks familiar."

"Mitchell, he looks like dad in a way, just a shorter haircut and he would be perfect for the younger Fred."

"Mitchell, is he back on the scene?"

"He came in an hour ago everything is good again. Anne had a long talk with him and she's mended a few bridges in her life. He comes from a theatrical background and he is a good actor, I have seen him do it many a time in the salon."

"Well if you think so, is he gay?"

"No, well I don't think so."

"Oh."

"Oh what?"

"I was thinking, I wouldn't mind taking him up the river." He laughed at my face.

"Not worth it Kasey his dick would barely even touch your insides."

"That small is he?"

"According to my sources, he isn't well endowed." He shook his head.

"There's always something Adam with an a. I think I'm nearly in like Flynn, but I suppose now I will have to stay with you."

"You better believe it, Lieutenant Kasey."

We both chuckled and his pie was in his mouth before I even picked mine up.

I have no idea how big Mitchell is in that department, and I don't want to know, do I?

He did unzip his pants and I did get on my knees, so my lunchtime ended in the early afternoon with Kasey smiling at me and wiping some of his juice off my chin.

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