Adam
Chapter 91
Maxieplus
The food kept coming and each time we served ourselves, it was a delicious pot roast and veggies with lots of gravy and mash. I looked at Kasey his plate was piled high, another of his favourite foods. I couldn't keep up with them so I only took what I needed. There was so much of it, and I could always return for seconds. Kasey and Ken talked about the build after dessert, Sam would love this one I might try it. Frozen berries, ice cream, chocolate, broken pavlova pieces and cream on top a sort of Rocky road concoction.
"Now the boys are going to discuss business. Would you like a tour?"
"I surely would my lady, lead the way."
We left Ken and Kasey at the table, he had opened another wine so I guess I will be driving home. We went from room to room, her tastes were similar to mine, and the antiques were stunning, hand-picked and expensive.
"I inherited most of it from my grandmother she was nuts about antiques. How is our dear Jimmy these days? I hear he's on a trip with his new man,"
"He's very much loving life, and the trip. We all miss him though."
"He and Johnny were a pair years ago. Adele wouldn't hear a bad word against them. I know Jimmy loved her for that."
"He did, he has a great respect for her."
"She was one in a million, she got me into modelling but it didn't last, that beast of a husband of mine wanted kids." I laughed.
"And you didn't?"
"Yes plenty, but we stopped at four." She took me into a salon-style room and bid me to sit with her for a minute. The room was immaculately decorated and the marble floor shimmered.
"She knew Adam,"
"She knew what?"
"About Johnny, she knew he was still alive."
"What?" My tears threatened to appear.
"Adele spoke to me about it one day, she had just returned from a job in Europe. She had found some of Fred's letters at their holiday home in Spain. It broke her heart to lose him twice but she never told Fred, his heart was breaking much worse. She decided this was Fred's pain to deal with. She knew he was doing this for her. When he passed she became a recluse, she only let certain people into her life. You and I along with Jimmy. We were the only ones she spoke to after that. Her sister was included but she had a better more friendlier connection with us."
"I didn't know that, how did you find out I knew about it?" I looked up at her and could feel the heat in my eyes.
"She told me she went to Fred's office after he died and found the journals and letters. She spent two days in it reading everything then she placed it back into the desk and locked the lofts up. By this time his business was done and the employees he had, were paid out. I knew you would find them when you went through it. I couldn't say anything to Jimmy because only I knew, and it would have killed him she had kept that secret from him."
"It was a big risk."
"When Jimmy told me he had handed you the keys to reopen it, I panicked and had you investigated. I was confident you would either destroy or remove the letters. Jim doesn't know Adam."
"It played with my head for weeks, I got Kasey to destroy them in the end I couldn't have them around me anymore." So many tears finally flowed.
"Wipe your tears away Adam, she loved you very much, and you alone brought her out of her mourning. She would get so excited when she had to go to the salon, and don't be mad, but she did have you checked out more than once."
"I know she would have, but I didn't want any of this. I only ever wanted to sit and listen to her wonderful stories. It was my eye colour that attracted her, they are the same as Johnnies."
"True, but you also had that special something she saw in you. That driving force to take everything that is thrown at you and toss it back at your abusers, that was Johnny to a T."
"Was he fiercely protective of her?"
"Yes, he was very much like you Adam, you do the same with your man I believe. What I have for you is a carton of personal memories, photos, trinkets, things she has given me over the years. I want you to have them because my kids will probably sell or toss everything out when I'm gone. The younger ones don't care for history like you do. I want you to treasure the memories, like I did. I want to keep her memory alive for as long as I can into the future. You, my dear boy have done that for me by creating that very special museum and the documentaries."
"It was hard, but I am proud of it all. But you can't give me your memories."
"I am giving them to you, maybe you might add some of it to her showcases, how is the jewellery season coming along?" I had got upset again and she was trying to change the subject. I took a deep breath and collected my thoughts.
"It's all finished and locked away, it will be another massive hit."
"Chloe was a wonderful choice for the lead role, is she as nice as Adele?" I took a deep breath and adjusted my mind back to the present.
"When I first met her I thought she was just another spoilt brat, but it turned out she was still grieving her fathers death, and she had rebelled a bit. The minute we mentioned the series she changed, she has changed so much. Her whole life is about her family now, she does a lot for charity work, but will never appear in any movie that doesn't concern Adele or her era."
"That limits her Adam."
"She visits her mum at the farm whenever she gets the chance, she also calls in on her special fans for coffee, and to make their day. She's a simple girl, and so full of grateful gestures. But she still won't go overseas or appear in any other movies."
"So is the movie rumour true?"
"And that's why my home is full of cameras." I smiled.
"Thank God you have a basement." I laughed and she went on.
"That's better, now to the important stuff, the land the boys are discussing is our old family property, we want to unload it before we pass. It will save the kids from fighting over possessions, don't get me wrong they adore us and we love them so much. But we cannot stand the sibling rivalry, so we are off loading some unused properties."
"You know Kasey is an honest man, you have had him checked out. The housing estate and canals are just an idea at the moment."
"The price reflects our wishes for it to go to someone wanting to do it justice. There are two prices, one for other buyers, and one for family. What do you prefer Adam?"
"Family Mercedes, you certainly are family." I slumped.
"Good answer which brings me to our next project, my grandmothers, mothers and my journals, plus many old scrapbooks. I think your husband should do something with them."
'"Another series?"
"Yes, and I want Chloe to play our friend Adele again."
"He will be doing one on Cody Mitchell's family next."
"He's a wonderful boy, his grandparents were the same. If your man wants a different perspective, just ask him to ring me. And don't worry the Wilkinson family helped build Brisbane also, all the flooring, ironwork, and tiles came from our factories."
"I will read them, and rest assured it will be placed on Kasey's to-do list."
"And I would like a copy of the jewellery season, the full season mind you. It won't go to anyone else I promise you that."
"One copy coming up, along with one series about your family." I again smiled, but she wasn't finished.
"Do you think you could bear to lend me Chloe for afternoon tea sometime?"
"One lovely afternoon tea coming up. I will come with her."
I smiled and now our business has been completed. She stood up and I escorted her out to the family room. Kasey was looking at the paperwork and shaking his head. Ken kissed his wife and she nodded then smiled. That's a secret sign if I ever saw one.
"I am sorry Kasey, that one is for other buyers." He took the proposal off him and opened his briefcase, he took out another folder.
"This is the one for our family members."
Kasey took one look at it and stared at me, his eyes were accusing me of doing something underhanded. I stared at Mercedes and she started laughing.
"Well son, what do you think?"
"We will take it, my God we will take it. Bloody hell Adam what did you do?"
"It's not what I did Kasey, it's what you are going to do."
Mercedes gave me the thumbs up. They shook hands and agreed that Walsham's men will do the land transfer. That rounded off our night and Ken took hold of a large box while Kasey took several more, they placed them in our trunk. I drove back home and felt so enriched meeting this wonderful family, which I am sure we will be seeing more of on a regular basis. The deal Kasey got was awesome, almost half the estate agents value of the land according to him. His smile didn't leave his face until I had relieved him of pent-up man-juice, haggling always turns him on. He took me in his arms and spooned me, then whispered.
"What has this cost me?" I giggled
"A full copy of the new Adele series, and a new series about the Wilkinson family helping to build Brisbane. The books are journals of their lives from the start, I reckon they are worth a read. Oh, and an afternoon tea with Chloe."
"You can start reading tomorrow." He smiled.
"We have to discuss my wages."
He dry-humped me a few times and I turned slightly to look at him.
"Payment accepted, I will take it in instalments."
"Pay as you go sort of thing Adam with an a?"
"Definitely."
"Thank you."
I didn't have time to collect my first day's payment because the kids wanted to see if we were home. So they screamed up the staircase calling our names. Kasey was tickled while I went to shower. They know better than to tickle me, after all, I am a serious dad and brother. I dressed and he gave me a sad face, I hope this payment system doesn't become a chore. Mum was sitting out the back eating her breakfast, I could see the kids had already eaten by the used kiddy plates.
"How did it go?"
"Mum, they are wonderful people and I did what had to be done. Mercedes and I cemented the deal in private. Kasey has bought the land at a good price
it cost him a copy of the new series, a promise to look at another story and an invitation to become part of their family."
"Excellent son, see I knew you could do it."
"They are so down to earth. We served ourselves and jackets and ties were discarded. Simple food but delicious."
"They know what they are doing, they did have you checked out thoroughly."
"I guess they did." I made some eggs.
"Where are Trish and Joey?"
"They spent last night in their new house."
"Oh," My heart sank again.
"Adam they will be moving in today I think. Please don't get all twisted up, it's only across the road."
"I'm not mum, it's just that I will miss them."
"Across the road son, weren't you listening?" I started laughing.
Kasey was dragged outside and the boys wanted to go and look at the bigger pool as soon as possible, he grabbed a plate and a stack of toast.
"In a minute you two, go put your bathers on."
They ran off screaming once more.
"They might be still asleep."
"They won't be, they will be too excited to sleep. They are probably sitting by the pool sipping on wine."
"I had better go dress then." Mum stood up and smiled.
"Why should the kids have all the fun?" She looked at me, I shut up.
I won't be swimming I will be sitting with my friend complaining that I miss her.
"There are boxes with Joey's name written on them in the garage, we can each take one across," Kase said.
The kids were pulling dad out of the summer house, and now they were trying to convince him to take them to look at the pool, just a look mind you.
"Did you win son?" He was addressing Kase.
"In a big way dad, the deal has been made and now I have to decide what to do with the land."
"I thought you were going the housing estate and canals way."
"Not set in stone dad, get your thinking cap on. I need ideas."
"Can I ask which company bought it?"
"Casey Casey Merchant and Brady construction company. Joey will be happy, Trish not so much." He laughed and then the boys caught his eyes.
"Come on grab grandma and let's go."
He had to go and say that just as mum walked out, she huffed and grabbed towels, threw her head in the air and said.
"You're lucky I love you. Otherwise, you would have seen the back of my hand for that comment."
"Sorry mum." My red-faced husband had blushed.
We all grabbed a carton each and stacked them outside Joey's garage door, then the kids rang the doorbell.
Trish answered and said.
"Yes, can I help you?" In her best snob accent.
"The kids need to see your pool, and we want coffee."
"Come in, and welcome to my humble abode." She smiled.
Joey was sitting by the pool and the boys were trying to convince him that they would be on their best behaviour.
"Okay, you are invited for a swim." More screaming as they ran towards the diving board. Sam was first to jump off it and Billy took his time, he had three goes before he found the courage. It was a scramble to get out and on it again, and this went on all morning.
The house was amazing so bright, and sparkling clean, Trish will love this place, but she won't like the housework.
"How did you go Kasey?" Joey finally asked.
"Deal done, very cheap Joey."
"Good on you, I guess Casey Casey and Casey will own it?" He mentioned the company Kase Sam and I own. Kasey smiled and said.
"No Joey, the build company is going to own it."
He didn't know what to say. I think he expected Kasey to merge it into his own business.
"Wow! he yelled then he grabbed Kasey in his arms and gave him a real man smacker of a kiss. When he finished he winked at me and then said to Trish.
"He's not a bad kisser Trish."
"I know he's very good at it, but don't get too comfortable neighbour."
"Do you know what this means baby?"
"No." Trish was confused.
"You and I both own the new land, more board meetings." She groaned then
Joey did a whoop whoop dance and then he jumped off the diving board. The kids were happy they now have someone to play with and I was devising a plan to get Joey to kiss me. Trish went to make the coffee. I have never seen such a modern kitchen. It had everything that opens and shuts with the touch of a finger. Her built-in coffee machine was lovely, but I felt her bench-top one would be used the most. Five bedrooms six bathrooms, the sixth being downstairs for guests and pool. A big games room and a family room kitchen and dining room across the back. the huge bi-fold doors were electric, and at the push of a button, they automatically folded up. She had everything she needed and more. The tall ceiling had a huge stained glass dome that sprayed colours through the room, the only old thing that was kept in the home. It was the complete opposite to ours, and what we are used to. Blinds that opened and shut with the sun, drapes that automatically closed at dusk, the tech side of it was amazing. After I had a good look around and decided that this was Trisha's utopia, it was so her. We spent lunchtime there and the kids never left that pool, and when the pizzas arrived they sat on the diving board to eat. Joey was on top of the world, and he was working on what to do with all that land. Every now and then he would throw a suggestion out to Kasey.
"Joe, at the moment we own the land, it's not going anywhere and there's no hurry to get anything started. I would like to honour the Wilkinson family in some way."
"You just named the estate." Joe got excited.
"What?"
"Wilkinsons way."
"No Casey's Cove." He smugly answered.
"Merchant Water's." Trish said.
"Keep thinking," Kasey said, Trish glared at him and said.
"Merchant waters, end of."
"Sorry Trish, the working name is Merchant Waters." He laughed his head off.
She was teasing but I didn't mind the name, at least Joey gets a mention this time, and if I agree, he might kiss me?
Our time with our friends was up, and after Joe, dad and Kasey dragged more cartons across the road the boys needed a bath and Trish needed an afternoon nap. They complained a bit on the way home but I know Kasey had taken charge. I had caught him looking at diving boards on his phone.
We showered while mum bathed the boys, and when we arrived in our kitchen Nat was there.
"Nat, it's so good to see you."
"I thought I would drop these meals by."
"There's no need for that, we just had pizza at Joe and Trisha's so it will be a light dinner."
"Some easy meals Adam, just pop them in the oven and warm them through. I had to try out my new restaurant kitchen, so I cooked a few meals." She grinned.
"And is it everything you expected?" Kasey asked.
"And more, it is just the best."
Kasey looked at the four big trays and nodded, I guess he approved. She made us all coffee and then sat out the back with us. The boys were already eyeing the pool off, but mum placed their books in their hands and they started reading.
"Nat, how are Cindy's decorating skills?"
"She has one of the best eyes for detail I have ever seen apart from mums. Why?"
"Do you think she would style our new apartment?"
"She would jump at the chance."
"I will give you a set of keys and she can go look at it, we need everything that a high-quality apartment needs, it will be leased out to corporations, business people or rich holidaymakers."
"I will ask her, she did help me with the restaurant layout, so you know she's good."
"Well I want to hear her ideas, should I ring her?"
"No, she will jump at the chance. I can word her up on what you want."
"And that is?"
"Corporate leasing, top shelf furniture, room for a couple of kids, she will know what you want. I am guessing you are targeting the rich and famous?"
"Exactly what we want Nat," Kasey said.
"I can't wait to see it, is the view spectacular?"
"It certainly is."
"When you get time start on another restaurant. It will be built over the water, much the same kitchen similar to what you have now, but the decor can be Marine like. Think steak and seafood." I looked at her, then Kasey.
"Just getting it started Adam, then Nat has plenty of time to do her thing."
"Where is it going to be?" She asked.
"Eight miles up the coast, the old Wilkinson ceramics property. We might be putting a housing estate in there with connecting canals to the river."
"Wow, when did this appear?"
"Last night." He laughed.
"I will start on it when I get the time, and I will talk to Cindy about the styling job."
"Thank you Nat, but don't ignore the new restaurant, there is plenty of time."
"I won't."
She had to go and we talked for ages about the canals, he said it would be a mammoth task. I wanted him to take me there to have a look one day, it would be nice to see what I am working with.
"It has it's very own dock too." He grinned.
"What do you need it for?"
"I'm going to sell it to Steff, he might do something with it."
"But he's already part of the company."
"I want him to have something of his own to play with, no interference from us other investors."
"That's very generous Kasey, but won't it distract from the estate having big ships moored there?"
"Maybe I won't then, maybe I will demolish the docks and build a marina."
"You're all over the place today." I leaned back and kissed him.
"It's early days Adam, we have to go and see it first."
"We can do that tomorrow."
"I miss having Trish and Joey here." He was reflective.
"So do I, maybe they won't like living in a big house. They might even move back in with us."
"I doubt it, I think Joe's got a family in mind." Mum said.
"What do you know?"
"Nothing son, it's just that it's obvious why they bought the place."
"Really?"
"They don't need so much room but put a couple of kids in there and they will need it all. Normally when newlyweds get their first home it's small, and as children arrive they migrate to bigger digs."
"Did you and dad do that?"
"We lived in a caravan the first year, it was fun." She smiled.
"I see, then you bought the house?"
"When I got pregnant with you we did darling."
"So you think Joey is planning a big family?"
"It looks that way."
"Poor Trish I had better warn her."
They laughed.
Dad had been quiet throughout the conversation, but every now and then he would make a note in his diary. He has no interest in my Trish being plagued with pregnancies for the next five years.
"The cost to do the canals will be heavy Kasey. Do you need them?" He said out of the blue.
"It is just a thought, they seem to be pretty popular up here and command heavy land prices. What have you come up with?"
"Not a lot son, the housing estate is a good idea, the canals would have to be dredged out, and keep in mind they will probably have to be done each year when finished."
"More cost to the residents. Keep going."
"That's as far as I got son, but I did have a thought. Why don't we approach the military to blow the channels into the soil, training and all that. That would save a lot of money and time hiring diggers, and manpower."
"Is that legal?"
"It's the government, of course it's legal." He laughed.
"We will need a plan, some sort of picture of where they are placed."
"No son, one canal with mooring docks, the homes on it will command big prices, and it can get a little cheaper as it gets further away. Anyone that wants a boat can rent docks at the mouth of a man-made river, maybe throw in an island or two for picnics."
"I see your vision dad, can you do me a sketch, better still come with us tomorrow and have a good look around."
"Done, now mother it's time to get that kid of ours into bed." Billy's eyes were almost closing he had read himself almost to sleep. Dad took him and Kasey took Sam upstairs, he was tucked in by me and then I closed the house up. Kasey opened the wine and we sat on our balcony.
"We have to make a copy of the jewellery series."
"I will get Mick onto it, they can do a special cover. I'm too tired tonight to worry about it but I will bring the cartons in from the car tomorrow."
"I want to go through Mercedes memory boxes."
"Is the land going to be a headache, I mean we can just sit on it and sell it off
in years to come." He offered.
"Or we can develop it and get it off the books, surely it will make enough to almost wipe the Bank's trust loan."
"I am glad you are thinking my way Adam."
"Always Kasey."
As usual in the morning kids were running around the house, toys were on the staircase again and I could hear mum out the back yelling
"NO!" She was trying to feed them but they wanted a morning swim.
"Sam, have your breakfast and do what you're told," I yelled from the kitchen.
They were quiet when I arrived and winked at mum.
"They won't settle down."
"They had better otherwise there will be no visiting Uncle Joey again." They started eating and now and then Sam would look at me, our secret smile put his mind at ease.
"Are you coming for a ride with us today mum?"
"No son, too much work to do, but I would like to see some photos."
"Done, why are you busy?"
"Not so much busy. It's just that I don't want to be a part time manager I should be there come rain or shine."
"I hope that wasn't a dig at me."
"No son, you have done well to get time for yourself whenever you want. I have to keep my eye on the ladies. The guys generate a lot of paperwork especially now the build is up and running."
"Point taken."
"Well, your a sight for sore eyes." I looked up and Trish and Joey had turned up.
"We came for breakfast, no eggs in our fridge," Joe said.
"Help yourselves." I smiled.
"Cool, my cupboards are bare we will have to do some kitchen shopping sometime today." Trish looked at me.
"Don't look at me, get mum to make you a list of what essentials you will need."
"What do you like to cook Trish?" Mum asked, Trish groaned.
Kasey was finished with whatever he was doing and gave them both a hug.
"I had better eat before the neighbours devour it all." He smiled at me.
Joey pushed him out of the way and started making toast.
"Let me get that for you Kasey."
"Thank you Joey,"
"What have you been doing?" I asked my man.
"Bringing those cartons in, I put them in the bedroom."
"Good I will read them in my balcony office."
"I thought you might."
I made some eggs and bacon for him and then he sat down with his big plate of food. The boys had finished and were eyeing the pool off.
"You know the rules, no swimming for half an hour after eating, and certainly not before school." I said.
"Read your books," Mum suggested and they moaned, but they did have their eyes on Joey.
"Any pool." I reminded them.
"That house is beautiful Joe and Trish, I know you both are going to be very happy over there." Mum said.
"We will, it's so quiet. I slept like a log." Trish answered.
Kasey told Joe we were going out to look at the new property today, and of course he's coming with us. Trish wasn't that enthused to accompany us and like mum, she said she would look at the photos. I sent the disgruntled twosome to get dressed for school and Sam has orders to clean his toys off the staircase. We cleaned up and checked everything was locked up. On the way to school, Joe asked many questions until Kasey grabbed him and they stopped walking.
"Joe, it is new. It hasn't been decided what we do with it yet, but I will listen to your suggestions. After we look at it you will need to come up with something brilliant."
Joey saluted him then had to go and say it.
"Shopping centre, a huge one with plenty of shops."
"See you don't need me to come up with an idea, that's almost perfect."
Joey straightened up and I saw him smirk, at least he added to Kasey's list.
My morning was slow until they arrived to pick me up, dad, Joe, and Kase were all eager to go and see what he had purchased. Kasey drove and Joey sat in the front with him he prattled on about big rents coming from his shops and I could see Kasey smiling.
"What is mum doing today, dad?"
"Taking Trish shopping, she needs food and mums an expert on filling cupboards." He laughed.
"Poor Trish, that will lighten her bank account, starting from scratch."
"I has to be done and I expect a full breakfast tomorrow morning when I visit Joe."
"You got it dad." It didn't go unnoticed he called him dad, everyone was happy he finally was comfortable enough to give him that title.
The land was vast, there were some old buildings still on it, a foundry with a magnificent red brick chimney
and some storehouses that still had broken tiles and boxes in them. Kasey had been told to chuck it all out when he clears the property.
"This is huge." Poor Joe said.
"Big enough for a shopping centre?" Kase asked.
"Plenty big enough and parking, and housing estate."
Because the land had been used for business for years there were no trees or made roads just dirt tracks all over it. When I thought about it, a shopping centre would be most welcome, along with houses and a canal. I took photos for mum and Trish to look through, but they were pretty stark.
"If you go ahead Kasey you should leave that brick kiln and chimney here, it would make a great feature." I offered my opinion. He turned to me and winked.
We didn't stay that long he drove us to Northside and we dined at our favourite Italian takeaway place. Joe bought some pasta for dinner tonight and we had all been invited. Arriving back at home with full stomachs we saw mum's car parked over at Trishas. When I looked in the back seat it was full of shopping bags. They were having a coffee and told us they had just finished filling the freezer and would start on the rest soon. I showed them the photos and they had no suggestions, what so ever. After twenty minutes us four went to unload the car and to go get more cartons from our garage to bring over. The girls filled cupboards and I checked she had enough plates for our dinner. Trish was happy she didn't have to cook when Joey placed his takeaway food on the bench. I put it in the oven so all she had to do was turn it on. We left shortly after and I was now eager to read some journals and look through Mercedes's things. I set myself up on the balcony and Kasey started with the earliest journals. I opened the box, it was filled with memories, and there was also a list of contents.
'This brooch was given to me by Adele when I signed my first contract.'
'This snow globe was given to me by Fred and Adele for Christmas in the Alps.'
'Please don't look at these photos on your own. I hesitated to place them in here but it is what it is.' I put that small album aside.
'A diamond ring bought for me in Singapore by Adele'
It went on and I didn't have to unpack it, everything in that box meant something to Mercedes, I can see why she didn't want her family to have it they would have probably sold it all off or shoved it in a drawer somewhere. The jewellery was beautiful, but probably too old for them to wear nowadays. I looked at the list again and thought Chloe would love all this or we could place it in the museum. I picked the small album up and I knew I wasn't going to like the contents, so I put it aside again.
"How do they read Kase?"
"Awesome Adam, there's more to this family than I first suspected. Immigrants, that made something of themselves, these are written by the wives. A first account of business deals, hard work and raising a family in hard times. They started with the land then the kilns and that's as far as I got. How did you go?"
"Trinkets Kasey but thankfully there's a long list, mainly presents given to her from Adele and Fred."
"From what I am reading Mercedes was a lot younger than them, Adele was a sort of mentor. Their parents had a business that Fred or Cody's grandparents used a lot so they were good friends by the looks of it. But I have only skimmed a few books."
"I want to ask you something?"
"Yes my Adam?"
"Can you look through this photo album and if it's sad please don't tell me. I don't want to look because it's hard to not see some things that upset me."
"Sure, what does Mercedes say about it?" I showed him the list. He picked the little album up and flipped slowly through the pages then he placed it on the tiled floor.
"I will destroy it later." That was all he had to say and I knew down deep that they were photos of sadder days.
I shook my head and put the carton down.
"There's some very old jewellery in there, maybe we should ask Mercedes if we can give it to Chloe?"
"Good idea, but keep a piece for Trish and mum, they like that stuff too."
"The rest are going into the museum, they are expensive items and need to be shared but I will talk to Mercedes when I take Chloe there. Is the TV series done?"
"Yes Adam, Mick did that early this morning."
"Did he do a copy for me?"
He stared at me and said.
"Yes." Then he kissed me.
"When is your next meeting with Bill?"
"Tomorrow, I think I will need it."
"Sorry, but I couldn't look at it."
"It's okay Adam, I am happy you didn't."
"Are you going to be alright?"
"Yes, but I want to talk it out with Bill, then I will destroy them."
"Good, I don't want them hanging around." He stood up and moved to the back of my lounge then he pulled me back into him and held me for ages.
The hell my friend had gone through must have been agonizing, yet she never said a word about it, and we will never mention it again.
Donations are always gratefuly accepted at Nifty