Adam
Chapter 93
Maxieplus
We were shown to the big family room and the table was set, homely, not high class. Drinks were offered and I tapped the small box so Mercedes would know where it was on the kitchen bench. We sat with our coffee and Chloe worded her up on the movie she was working on. Ken and Mercedes were disappointed there was no gossip.
"I could make some up, but that wouldn't be fair. The film crew and other actors are all great people. Some are grateful to be associated with the movie, some are also grateful for the work. I try to keep it all real until I have to fall into character, which is easy for me now. Kasey did you bring the Jewellery season?"
"It's on the bench Chloe. Mercedes and Ken, please don't share it with anyone, it won't be released until next year and we don't want any copies handed around."
"We won't Kasey, in fact when we watch it a few times and then we will hand it back."
"There is no need for that, and there's a personal director cut of the first season there also, keep them in your safe if possible."
"Done, and thank you. I can't wait to watch it."
"Now as a thank you for your wonderful portrayal of my dear friend I have something for you Chloe." She stood up and took the box off the bench then handed it to Chloe.
"These are personal gifts Adele had given me over the years, I want you to have them." She handed the box to her.
"Thank you, but I can't take your treasures from you. I am grateful, but please keep them."
Mercedes explained her family situation to her and finished with.
"They will sell them, please look after them. You are more suited to appreciate what they mean than what they are worth." Chloe opened the box and her eyes opened also, she loved every piece she looked at while Mercedes explained how she had acquired them.
"I will look after them for you if you ever change your mind they will come straight back."
"I won't and the second I saw you on screen I knew you were destined to wear these jewels."
Many photos were taken and Mercedes was busy placing some on her socials. Kasey and Ken then got into a conversation about the land, he told them about Wilkinson's rest and Merchant waters, they were more than delighted he was finally doing something with the land, and were chuffed he used their name and was keeping the kilns.
"We are also taking you up on your offer, and will be making another season of the people that built Brisbane, so get ready to be consultants. Our producer will ring you to set up a meeting." Mercedes clapped her hands to her face and I could see a tear, she had to go into the kitchen and I heard her opening the oven, she needed to be distracted so I guess lunch was ready.
Her eyes were red when I caught up with her to lend a hand.
"I thought our family's story would end with us, but you beautiful people will keep it alive. We were right to involve you Adam, all I can say is thank you. Words can't express how happy I am right now."
"It's all our pleasure. I bet when we sat and negotiated terms you didn't think they would be as huge as this."
"I didn't Adam, just the movie would have been enough for me. Adele was right again she said you were super generous. I love that brooch, she gave it to me for Christmas one year."
"I love it also because it was given through love, to someone I love, by someone I truly loved." I hugged her then I took some trays of food out to the dining room.
We sat and talked for ages, the food was wonderful and then the important question was asked.
"I don't suppose you know of any other people that built Brisbane?" Kasey smiled.
"Maybe, I will let you know. But Adam you do have an encyclopedia sitting in your chair occasionally, maybe you should ask her about her life back then, it's not always about the elite people."
"Who?"
"Your Aunty Mary." She grinned.
"What?"
"Not my aunty Mary?" Chloe almost screamed.
"The very same one." Mercedes grinned.
"But she's so down to earth, I don't see any wealth or high living in her home."
I was in shock, so I said nothing.
"You won't either Chloe, what do you know about her Adam?" I found my voice.
"Only that she's a wonderful family mum, and she loves to be pampered now and then at the salon. She and Mal have recently spent a week on the Gold Coast, her kids paid for it. She knew Adele by sight, and she told me one day Chloe was a good choice."
"Then she wouldn't have told you much, that's the way she is and always was. She never spoke out of turn, and never ever had a bad word for anyone."
"Why? Why Aunty Mary?"
"She mentioned to me one day here that she had met you, she thinks the world of you and your staff. She said she always felt special when she was in your salon. Did you ever ask her what she did for a living?"
"Sort of, she once told me she worked in a cafeteria and Adele used to come in occasionally, she didn't say she knew her."
"She did, she knew all of us ladies. Mary ran the Myer cafeteria, she ruled with an iron fist, and whenever we were there she made sure us girls had our privacy, especially Adele, who was very well known. She has stories of that place, you should ask her for her journals."
"She has journals?" Kasey said.
"Yes but more so diaries, she kept them all as a keepsake, who she met who she served, who was in and who was out. But never an unkind word that's why Adele trusted her, and later on us younger ladies."
"But she's a mum and homemaker."
"She's much more than that Kasey, she got to meet all the stars and models. Some still send her Christmas cards to this day. She was more than a mother she was our confidant. Someone to talk to when we were down, someone to hug us when we missed our mums. Everyone loved her because she kept our secrets." She smiled then went on.
"Think about it Kasey, the people that built Brisbane weren't only the builders, designers and tile makers. They were the everyday people like Mary who propped it up, saw that the job was done properly, and mended fences when needed. I know Adele adored her, and on many occasions, she invited her and Mal to dinner or a gala opening, but they always declined, it was far above her pay grade, so Mary thought. She has always been sensible and simple, but she does know things because she lived through that life with us."
"My god Mercedes, you have opened another can of worms. I never thought about the series like that, it makes so much sense to show the other side of Brisbane." Kasey was excited.
"How the hell do we get her to open up?" She looked at Chloe and said.
"She adores you, I doubt she would ever refuse a request from you dear girl." Chloe went quiet.
"Why the cafeteria, what was so special about that?" I asked.
"It was Myers, they held a lot of fashion parades and had the best celebrities at their functions. The best cafeteria where ladies and gents could dine in private. It was the top meeting place in Queensland and the other states."
"Does it still exist?" Kasey asked.
"Sadly no, it's been closed for years now, and done over many times. There are photos, you should ask Mary when you catch up with her next time, Chloe."
"I don't like to use her like that Mercedes, she's a fan and friend. Please Kasey don't ask me to scout for you."
"I won't Chloe, but Adam will."
"What? why me all the time?"
"Because you're so good at it." The laughter started about then.
"Tell me the truth, did she put you up to this"
"No I promise, I sit with her occasionally when life gets a bit unbearable, she comes here for afternoon tea sometimes, or I go to her home. She mentioned the diaries one day, and she said she sometimes reads them to bring back the old times. I know she still keeps them in her garden shed." She smiled at me.
"Something else we will have to discuss Mr Casey, my payment."
"I am so blessed Adam." He grinned.
The excitement of our little gem Mary was discussed more, and Mercedes mentioned a few people she thought we would be interested in, one family owned the steelworks but sadly there was no family existing today who would have preserved the memories. I was also given the task of researching them.
"Oh, and I have a suggestion also Kasey." Ken offered.
"What is that Ken?"
"The new breed of Brisbane. People that are still building the city today. I hope you have kept records of your contributions." He laughed at Kaseys shocked face. Yes I will run that one by Mick for sure, Kasey's life would
make a great story.
Chloe was going to Trish and Joey's for dinner but I doubt she would be eating much, the luncheon was laced with food. Kasey drove into the garage and she wanted to see Sam and Billy before she left, so they went out the back and Kasey and I ended up in the kitchen where mum was.
"How did you go boys?"
"Good mum, I doubt we will be eating tonight, is there something on for the kids?"
"Yes. I just popped one of Nat's meals in the oven."
"Chloe was happy with her present and we got a new series."
"Tell me." Kasey went outside to see Sam while I related the afternoon's events.
The kids were taken across the road so Georgio could watch them practise diving in the big pool. We followed behind with the big pot, which will save Trish from ordering pizza.
Her new lamp was on and Chloe was taking photos to send to her mum, she was warming what I deemed, that cold space beautifully.
Dad started talking about the build to Kasey and Joey, he said the commander had it all covered, but sometimes it's the on site workers that start stealing stuff, not the local louts. He has only one entrance to the building and trucks are searched on entry and exit. I was pleased that Keith had it all sorted.
Chloe was telling Trish about Mercedes's generosity, then I told her about Aunty Mary. She was just as blown away as we were, while the girlie catch-up was happening we all had our eyes on Georgio diving.
"Is the romance still strong Chloe?" I asked.
"Yes, more than ever Adam, he's the one, and I can't wait to marry him."
"You what?"
"He asked me after a month, I thought it was too soon but caved in. So I guess I have a wedding to plan." She smiled and then waved at him.
"A big or small one?"
"Small, I want what Joey and Trish had, family and friends only. The honeymoon in Italy will be my first real holiday overseas." She has been to London, Paris, and New York but I doubt they were holidays for her, so I knew what she meant.
"Do you need a hand?"
"Not at the moment Trish, it's early days and mum has only just started."
"I see."
"You are my head bridesmaid, I will wear Adele's dress. Joey will give me away, the kids will be ring bearers, Kasey will be best man anything I have forgotten"
"No, it sounds perfect."
"Trish, you will be involved, but please let mum have her day, she has looked forward to this forever."
"Done." Trish hugged her.
"When do you think this will all happen?"
"We haven't decided, Georgio wants to bring his mum over for it. I need to talk to Mick and Kasey, and Adam I will need your backyard, it's perfect."
"I thought you might get married in a big church."
"I want to be married where my brother was, in your backyard." She squeezed Trish's hand.
"And no talking, you are the first to know."
"Our lips are sealed."
He came over and kissed her, and asked if she had told us. She smiled and said yes, and now she has to talk to her brother then his best man.
"We will both do that, Georgio can distract Kasey." She laughed then winked at me, again, why me?
Joey screamed and grabbed her he was so happy to hear her news he didn't know what to say. Kasey sat and smiled along with dad and mum. While the boys talked to her mum came over and asked if we had already started on the plans.
"No mum, she doesn't want us involved, she has her own very excited mum."
"I was going to suggest that."
"No, you weren't you already had your notebook and pencil out." I laughed at her face.
"Coffee?" She offered.
We all said yes.
Chloe had to look at her schedule and her next port of call was Mick's office, but I am sure the movie filming would be well ahead of its due date, the crew can work on Mercedes in the meantime.
The kids ate and so did Joey, mum, and dad, but we just picked at the garlic bread. The rest was placed in the fridge for their dinner tomorrow night.
After Sam rang Billy they read a few pages of their book. It was time for lights out so we tucked him and his book in. Kasey and I had a wine on the balcony, and then when we slipped between the sheets, we negotiated my wages.
I had a list of things to do today, I had to see Mick about the journals and Bill about Kasey. I also wanted to talk to Trish about Aunty Mary. On my way upstairs I noticed a sign that the floor under Kasey's was up for lease, the military must be downsizing to the lower levels. I know when dad left, his floor halved in office space. Maybe Kasey should lease it for the production company.
"She stays here Mick, end of."
"She comes with us, we need her more than you."
"She stays here, now get out."
"Whoah slow down, what's happening guys?" I said.
Kasey looked me up and down I had dressed to impress today, that always throws him off his game.
"Your mother, she is coming with the production company." It only took me a second to realise what was happening.
"You leased the lower floor?"
"Yes Adam, I'm moving and expanding the production company downstairs."
"And Alice comes with us."
"Go and suck a dick Mick, she stays here," Kasey yelled. I closed the door.
"Stop it. Ladies in the next office be quiet you two. Now both of you sit down."
"Yes sir." Mick saluted.
When they went quiet I called mum in.
"We need to solve a dispute mum, Kasey is moving the production down one level, Mick wants you to go with them. Please tell them what you want to do?"
"Easy son, Jenny will head up the new department she is more than capable, and she loves the production boys. I will only go down there to help her set it all up and to help find more staff."
"But you already know what we do here, we need you."
"You need Jenny Mick. She's the one that supervises your office girls, I only oversee it all."
"What?"
"You didn't think I worked did you?" She started laughing.
"End of," Kasey said. They shook hands and Mick started telling mum what he was looking for. She sat patiently then when he finished she said.
"Done. But no hot dog vending machines."
"More staff more responsibility Mike, maybe a small raise will make you feel better." Kasey was baiting him.
"I will take that raise and raise you double, for the amount of slave work I do for you."
"Would you take a company loan with little interest rates attached to it? Maybe it's time you bought your own place and found a boyfriend, you are way too uptight my friend."
"Done." They shook hands again. Mick left with a very big grin on his face, he can now hand back Joey's keys to his flat, or buy it off him.
Of course I gave Joey the heads up that Mike might be in the market to buy soon, it's the perfect opportunity for him to sell it off.
With that out of the way Kasey and I did have a small laugh at his openness, and he admitted he had been thinking about the loan side of the company for some time. Now he has to make it happen.
Bill once again was at the drop-in centre talking to the guys, so I made the trip on the chance of a meeting with him. The road had been done and the small warehouse restored, it looked awesome. A verandah with lounge chairs had been added across the front and some of the guys were sitting there, chatting away. I said my hellos then walked in, the first thing that itched at my neck were the wolf whistles. I tried to ignore them because they don't know any better and I guess I was a little overdressed today.
"Adam, it's good to see you again. Bill held his hand out and I took it.
"What brings you here?"
"Kasey, it's always Kasey."
"Let me show you through while we talk." He took me into a large dining room, it smelt like lunch was cooking. Long tables and plenty of chairs were set up and the stainless steel kitchen was gleaming as the two cooks went about their business.
The back rooms were toilets storage rooms and showers, I noticed towels stacked up on a shelf and clothes on the other long one.
"They can change their clothes when they want, and their old stuff is either thrown out, or washed. Upstairs there are sleeping quarters for fifteen men, and a games room with offices on the lower floor to the right. We walked through to that area, I wasn't shown upstairs because there were men napping.
"And this is my office so please sit down. Coffee"
"Yes please." He had a machine and mugs so I didn't have to return to the kitchen to get one.
"Now Kasey what's up?"
"It's just he keeps bringing up Sam and I'm worried he still has nightmares about his rescue."
"You're worried about the photo album also."
"Yes." I admitted.
"Tell me, why didn't you look at it?"
"Because I had already read Fred's diary and letters and it threw me into a spin for a week or so. I know what Kasey is dealing with."
"And he knows what you went through, he's trying to understand how it affected you so he can make you feel better Adam."
"It's not about me."
"But in his mind it is. He told me he only had to look at one photo and he knew what you were feeling. He only looked at one Adam, not the whole book. Tell me how did you feel when you read those letters. You did read them all didn't you?" I was taken back to the past, and when I started telling him I couldn't stop. The tears were draining down my face as I word for word poured my feelings out to him. The destruction of a beautiful memory had crept into my mind that awful day. I stopped talking and stared through red eyes at him.
"You have set me up."
"Do you feel any better Adam?"
"I don't know, sort of empty and wrung out."
"That's normal, and to answer your question. Kasey isn't talking to me about any old photo album, he's talking to me about you. He only wants to understand what you went through that day. He said you changed, you lost that spark you used to have, it was turned off. He loves you Adam. More than I have ever seen in one man before, and is desperate to put things right again."
"He does make me right, every day he does something wonderful for me, he only has to hold me."
"But he wants to do more, for you and Sam. He told me at the beginning about your abuse, and your meeting in a hidden away hotel room, he said it was the saddest but happiest day of his life."
"It was mine also."
"He wants to help you get back to where you were Adam, I see you are already improving on your unique look, and you look great."
"Does he have a plan?"
"He plans to erase your memory of anything bad, you haven't even noticed him placing clothes on the bed for you to wear?"
"I just thought he was being helpful."
"He does that because he loves your look, he thinks you can't find that spark he adores anymore, you slip up or have lost interest sometimes, and he wants to help."
"He doesn't need to do that, he takes on so much."
"Does he sleep well now?"
"Yes. he's not as tired or restless."
"He was worried about Sam, he doesn't think he's good enough as a father, but I believe Sam has changed that thought. He looked at the photo to stop you from doing it, and I believe they have been burnt. Let him fuss over you, be yourself again and he will settle down. That streak of grey torments him, it's a reminder that he caused it."
"He didn't, it's natural, worrying yourself grey is an old wives tale."
"Well tell him that, he blames himself for it, be your own man Adam like you were before the loft incident."
"You have given me much to think about Bill, thank you."
"My pleasure and if you want to talk to me again my door is always open."
I hugged him and he said.
"Now for a bit of military action." He walked me to the front porch and we hugged again. I heard him roar behind me as I walked to the car.
"Listen up you lot, you are here for protection and a good meal and a few talks. If you think you are all alone in this world remember this. There are people out there who hurt far worse than you do, so cut the condescending catcalls and smirks when someone different walks into our lives. We are all in this together apart, or we are nothing."
I am glad he didn't say I was their benefactor's husband, but I suppose they will find out soon enough.
I drove home trying to unpick Bill's words and on the way I called into North Side and bought up big on Cody's latest range. I have to go through my wardrobe and chuck stuff, maybe the vets would like it, or Ethan. Back at the salon, I got Trish to do my hair and it shined as the neglected grey disappeared.
That night when I got home I headed for the bedroom, sweat pants windcheaters sloppy t-shirts and loafers were tossed into cartons and sealed. Yes, the drop-in centre will love this donation, and Ethan will like his gifts. I went through my jeans and realised they were all basic black, all thirteen pairs. Some I have never worn. I packed up the old ones and kept my favourites, then I hung my new stuff up, shirts jackets and underwear were also tossed into bags. I only kept the best of Adam Sutton, the stuff that makes him unique. My belts, I couldn't part with, so I hung my new ones next to them. One in particular was a four-inch wide one with silver squares around it, etched with good luck charms. I will wear that with my new hipsters tomorrow, watch out Kasey, I'm coming back. I knew I looked sloppy sometimes, the sweatpants were more comfortable to hang around the house in, but on reflection, Kasey wears them so much better than me.
Before I went downstairs I changed to skin-tight black stretch jeans, a great handmade grey leather belt with a huge silver buckle, and a skin-tight black muscle top with 'I don't care' stamped on it. My hair was let down from its band and brushed into shape. I added a solid silver charm around my neck, three silver earrings in each ear and bracelets by the pound around my arms, and my rings were also back, I had missed my skull one.
"Adam?" Kasey gulped.
"Has mum decided what we are having for dinner?"
"Adam?" He said again
"What's up, Kasey?"
"Adam come with me." I followed him into the kitchen and he had me over the bench within seconds. He kissed every part of my clothing and I got the feeling this was just the overture. He stood up and smiled at me, leant in and smelled my neck placing the necklace into his mouth and he moaned.
"Chinese tonight."
"I better change then, it gets a bit messy."
"Don't you dare, who cares if you get messy you will always look tasty to me."
"Then I won't then." I smiled.
"You are killing me, I love you so much."
"You also Kasey, I love the way you wear your sweats. I can see everything."
He stood up and looked down his erection was on show to everyone and sundry.
I will go one further tomorrow, and get his name tattooed on my bum.
"Adam?" Mum almost yelled.
"What mum?"
"Nothing, you look very nice, are you going out?"
"No mum. This is normal me dressing for dinner. Dad if you're going to the build anytime soon I have four cartons of old clothes for the drop-in centre."
"I will be there Friday son, and you look lovely tonight."
I had spoken to Trish when she did my hair. She said I had slipped down to Kasey and Ethan's level for some time now, she couldn't work out why. But when she and Joey turned up with our dinner she placed a big smile on her face and said.
"You're back."
Kasey couldn't wait to get me to bed, his eyes never left me all night, and what a night it was, just like old times. My problem now is not to think of myself as a basic father and go back to being Adam Sutton, everyone seems to like him a lot better.
The next day I dressed in Cody's new range, the tight hipster jeans had zips everywhere. Kasey will have fun undoing them. The huge belt sat on my hips, I dangled some leather strips from it down one side then used the extra strips to tie around my neck. Again Kasey was blown away and it was hard to tear myself from his arms. He helped me place the bags and cartons into dads trunk then he dry humped me before we even had breakfast with the family. Sam and Billy wouldn't stop playing with the silver inserts on my belt, and then they wanted to plait the leather strips. My chunky watch glistened in the morning sun and I felt loved and wonderful. My look is a bit out there today (steampunk seventies) a different style mixed with the vintage look, and when I changed into my boots the look was complete. When he dropped me at work I had instructions to come and have lunch with him. I was to bring my appetite with me, along with some ham salad rolls. Ethan and Gloria stared at me as I made coffee, and I could imagine him taking note of the latest trend. I didn't know how much money he had but it costs a bomb to get this kind of look. I will treat him one day soon.
"Ethan I have a carton of unused clothes in Kasey's car, all Cody Mitchell stuff would you like to go through it?"
"Would I? Yes of course I would, thank you for thinking of me."
"Okay. I will get it dropped off here this afternoon." I smiled.
My ego took a beating when I donned my salon apron it covered much of my look. I was back to being normal Adam, but I was smiling a lot. In the end I decided it wasn't what Kasey needed, Bill was wrong. It was all about placing that smile on my face again.
Plenty of guys were dropping in for their quick cuts, Lynnie and Jessie were laughing and joking with the guys as they made their way through a rush of clients. I had the chance to talk to Anne who was on top of the world. Pete had turned into a gem. He treated her just fine and she was genuinely happy again. No sign of Mitchell but I didn't expect him to be a regular client, he was just here to apologise.
Madam Zena was on my list today, she turned up with her signature biscuits which she handed out, I washed her hair today.
"What are we doing for you today my lovely?"
"Burgundy streaks please Adam, Luca loved the last ones I had done, he couldn't take his hands off me."
"Good, they did look nice on you."
"Now, first Miss Anne?"
"She's doing great guns, her man is wonderful to her and it sounds like she likes his mum, so she may move in with them when Pete finds a new place."
"That's a very nice thing, is he handsome?"
"Not as handsome as your Luca, tell me is his station moving?"
"Not that I know Adam, he did say he was getting more men and would need more space. From what I see he only gets the front of the ground floor the back has been boarded up for years. I think he will rent that space also."
"Do you know why he's getting more men?"
"Crime is up in the city, don't you ever read a newspaper"
"No, I don't watch the TV news either, I find it a bit dismal."
"You have taken me off track Mr Adam, I see you are wearing new clothes today."
"I have only upgraded my look honey, nothing to see here."
"I know, but if I can talk Luca into it, we may entertain you one afternoon."
"Dream on."
"Now the most important piece of information I want is. Has Chloe made a decision yet?" I know where this is going.
"Yes, no date, but it was a yes. Her mum is handling the wedding plans, and I am very happy for them both. Zena this is only news between you and me. No talking otherwise she will come down on me like a ton of bricks."
"My lips are sealed, Adam. I was talking to his cousins in Melbourne who mentioned it, so I rang his momma but she hadn't heard anything. I thought it prudent of me to ask you."
"Well, they will get married, but she doesn't want to turn it into a circus."
"Point taken. It must be hard for her to have all that fame."
"It is." I fussed over her hair and when I sprayed it she smiled.
"Another night of lust I think Mr Adam. How does your man feel about your new look?"
"Passionate." I laughed.
It was time to give my husband another show so I went across the road and grabbed the rolls. I guess Evans will want one also, maybe two. Mum was watching me when I walked in, I can't gauge whether she likes my look or is disgusted. no matter there will always be critics.
A wolf whistle or two from the film crew confirmed my decision to strut today, Evan's mouth was open so I dumped two rolls on his desk.
"Have a lovely day." I smiled.
I opened Kasey's office and he stood up, I draped myself on the sofa then he joined me. The sniffing and licking started immediately.
"We can't Kasey, too many eyes and ears."
"Fucking watch me." He found the zips that went from my thighs to the cuff then started kissing my exposed skin. The orgasm was intense, both his and mine. We sat eating our rolls I wasn't allowed to cover up, not until I was about to leave.
"Do you know what's happening with Luca's floor?"
"He's making way for more recruits, they will patrol the city instead of the military, who will still be concentrating on the government buildings."
"More people-friendly then."
"Yes, and there have been more protests in the city lately, the war, women's rights all that sort of stuff. He needs backups."
"He might have a hidden gem behind his station, Zena was telling me it's been boarded up for years."
"I am aware of it Adam. I have held the keys back because I want Evans and dad to look at it first. But I don't expect any nasties maybe storage stuff, maybe empty."
"Okay, then I will wait for your report." I smiled, and then I kissed him deeply, he helped me do up the zips and I shook everything back into place.
"Have a good lunch Adam?" Evan smirked at me.
"Yes thank you, it was very filling."
"I bet it was." I smiled as I made my way down to the ground floor.
The salon had been busy today and I was thrown into the mix as soon as I returned. I took over Gloria's client because she was wanting to have her lunch. A gorgeous Trans sat talking to me about the shows she has done and her life so far. I was intrigued with her story and she mentioned more than once that Gloria's admiral was a hunk and she wouldn't mind bedding him. I now know why Gloria was eager to pass her over, and I also know that Admiral Peters had changed from a player to a devoted lover.
I didn't say anything and she looked good when she paid her account, but nothing compared to our resident redhead.
Donations are gratefully accepted at Nifty