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Life's Illusions - 10 years on - Chapter 12
On the first night in their new apartment, Royce was snuggled up to Brad in their King size be.
"You're so good to me Brad, you think I'm a good person but I'm not you know, I've done some really bad things to survive, I don't deserve you".
Brad tightened his arms around Royce.
"You only think you're not a good person, you're wrong, you did what was needed to survive, and I'm thankful you did, whatever you had to do kept you safe until we found each other, I love you Royce, you never need worry that's going to change, it won't, I've loved you since long before that night, we've never talked about this but I think you know, I would have killed those guys if they hadn't backed off, that's something else that wont change, no one will ever hurt you again, your life will be happy".
In the dark Brad couldn't see the tears in Royce's eyes.
"I love you Brad, when you're near I feel safe, thank you for loving me".
As they cuddled and their passion increased Royce and Brad christened their new home with a long and passionate lovemaking session taking turns to be the penetrated one, something Brad had never experienced until he met Royce, but it gave him so much extra pleasure knowing it was his beautiful Royce thrusting into him.
Life for Royce had been hard, from as early as he could remember he'd had to fend for himself, a drunken mother and sadist father, they'd seemed to enjoy inflicting pain on Royce at every opportunity.
At 10 years old his grandmother had died, the only person who loved him, suddenly he had nowhere to hide from his parents, life had become one long round of pain, he'd run away and his life on the streets was little better, the beatings at least were short, painful still, but he was paid for them, paid by men who were guilt ridden once they'd emptied their seed into the mouth or tight little ass of a child, he'd learned quickly that his body was his only commodity, he didn't touch drugs or alcohol, kept it clean and healthy, and sold himself on a regular basis.
Although he earned his living in a tough market, Royce was a timid person, he didn't go out of his way to get noticed, often in crowds he would melt back into the shadows, a lifetime of being treated badly had left him with little or no confidence, but he loved to dance and he'd be on the dance floor at every opportunity, losing himself in the music.
The night Royce saved him had been like many others except it was his sixteenth birthday, he'd gone out to celebrate with several other street kids, in a club he'd been spotted by two of his ex punters, both mean aggressive older men, he'd had one experience with them, it had frightened him and he'd vowed never to repeated it, remembering how they'd enjoyed beating him until he'd almost had to crawl home, they'd wanted him to return to their apartment, giving him graphic details of what they intended to do to him, he'd said no, explaining politely it was his birthday and he was not working that night.
Brad spoke to him often, as he did with a few of the street kids, that night they'd been dancing next to each other and high fived to the beat, they'd shared a bottle of water, leaning against each other whilst cooling off between dances, Brad liked Royce, there was no pretence, he didn't hide what he did to survive, he didn't rub it in anyone's face either, in truth Brad more than liked Royce, much more.
As Royce exited the club alone at two am they'd pounced on him, dragged him into an ally next to the club, stripped and beat him, he'd been forced to his knees while they took turns raping his mouth, he'd been screaming in pain as they beat him.
Brad had seen him leave and followed a minute or so later intending to catch up and walk back together the short distance to his apartment before Royce veered off to where he shared a room in a squat.
He'd been a little surprised that Royce had vanished from sight already, expecting to see him further along the road but there was no sign of him.
Resigned to walking alone he'd started towards the main road passing an alleyway a few metres from the door of the club he'd just left, as he passed the alleyway he thought he heard a cry, then another, much louder, someone was in trouble, without a second thought he turned into the alleyway, a few metres in he saw two stocky guys, a lot older than Brad, probably mid forties, one was face fucking a young slim naked guy while the other was rabbit punching him trying to make him bend over, Brad recognised Royce and called out to the men, "Let him go and I won't hurt you".
The one who'd been punching Royce sneered at Brad, "Fuck off or you'll get some of the same".
Leaning down with his eyes still on them Brad grabbed a piece of timber which had broken off a pallet, it was sturdy and about three feet long.
As he approached them the one who'd spoken let go of Royce and headed towards Brad, "I warned you boy, now it looks like you're gonna get fucked up, we'll fuck you after we finish with the boy whore".
He didn't get to say anymore, the timber in Brad's hand a blur as it caught the thug in his overweight mid section before slamming up and connecting with his chin, he was lifted off his feet and flew backwards into a row of trash barrels.
The second thug now threw Royce to the ground, kicking him in the process, advancing on Brad whilst stuffing his limp cock back into his pants he growled, "So you wanna play with fire do you, I'm gonna make you pay for hurting my pal, I'm gonna fuck you up real bad".
Brad was smiling, "I'm giving you warning, leave now and I won't hurt you, if you threaten me, I will defend myself, that could be really bad for you".
The thug laughed as he lashed out, his closed fist aiming for Brads face.
Brad easily dodged the punch, again the timber he held was a blur as it struck the side of his assailants head, felling and rendering him senseless in a matter of seconds.
Gathering Royce up he helped him dress though his shirt was ripped to shreds, Brad took off his coat and used it to cover the boys top half.
"Are you okay to walk?".
Royce grimaced at the pain but nodded yes.
"Come on we'll go to mine it's closer than where you live, I'll get you fixed up and you can spend the night, no ulterior motive I promise".
Royce wasn't in the mood to argue, he was tired, his body ached, but most of all he'd dreamed of this moment for over a year, fantasising that Brad would ask him out on a date.
Royce slept soundly wrapped in Brads strong arms, it was the first night of his new life.
He'd been bathed, massaged, fed and held in strong arms for two days before they finally made long and exhausting love.
On Monday morning when he awoke Brad was already dressed for work, he brought coffee for a sleepy Royce, "Go back to sleep baby, it's early, I have a breakfast meeting at 8.30am, I'll be leaving in a few minutes, there's a key on the counter in the kitchen if you need to go out, I'll be home around five thirty and we'll figure out what to do for dinner then, there's food in the refrigerator, make sure you eat, we need to get a bit of fat on them there skinny bones".
Brad leaned down and kissed Royce goodby before he headed out.
Lying in Brads bed, in Brads apartment, drinking Brads coffee, eating toast from bread he'd found in Brads kitchen, Royce realised he was in love, he was really in love.
Borrowing a t-shirt from the wardrobe he headed out on what would be a busy day.
Heading first to the squat where he shared a room, he'd collected a change of clothes, Royce wasn't typical of the normal dirty street kids, he'd always been fastidious about hygiene and looking good, his daytime clothes were good quality, some designer, but mostly they were good quality knock offs of designer gear, his nighttime working gear was a little more slutty but that just went with the territory for a working boy.
After leaving his room he'd headed to the market, he knew what he wanted, he wanted the ingredients for dinner, during their long conversations over the weekend Brad had confessed his favourite food was minced beef in a chilli sauce, not hot, just with a bite that said 'hey appreciate me', he admitted he didn't care what was served with it, baked potato, salad, rice, he just loved the chilli beef, he'd tried to cook it the way his grandmother had but he'd never been successful, after she'd passed away it was the one thing he missed the most.
As he walked into the small apartment that evening Brads senses pricked up, Chilli, and good Chilli at that, he hadn't smelt anything that good in a long, long time.
Immediately he saw the small dining table laid ready for dinner, in the kitchen he found Royce reaching into the oven to turn the almost cooked baked potatoes.
As Royce closed the oven door Brads arms circled him, pulling him backwards into a hug and kissing the side of his face, "I've been worried all day, I didn't know if you'd still be here when I came home, I hoped you would, but I thought you may have had enough of me and gone back to your place".
Royce had turned, kissed Brad full on the lips, a breath stopper of a kiss that left Brad week kneed and gasping for breath.
"Let's eat Brad, then you can tell me what it is you want".
While Brad showered Royce finished off the dinner, content to be doing something as simple as preparing dinner for someone who truly cared for him, in all his life no one had ever really cared for Royce without there being an ulterior motive, with Brad there was no ulterior motive, Royce knew that.
Brad could have sent Royce on his way after cleaning him up that first night but he hadn't, he'd waited on Royce hand and foot for two days with no thought of personal gain, Royce genuinely believed if he hadn't initiated sex on the Sunday night it wouldn't have happened, Brad would not have pressed himself on Royce, he just wasn't that sort of person.
Dinner for Brad was almost as good as an orgasm, as he told Royce, "I can't decide whether I want to keep you permanently in my bed or my kitchen because you blow my socks off in both places".
As soon as he'd said it he blanched, realising he'd sounded like he was alluding to Royces experience in bed, "I didn't mean, I meant, I wasn't, Royce......".
Royce was giggling, "Chill Brad, I ought to be good in bed, I'm not exactly a blushing virgin, I'm usually good, but I've never been satisfied until last night, that really was a first for me, you did that Brad, something no one has ever done before, so don't be shy or upset, I'm not".
Brad wanted desperately to ask Royce to stay, he'd known whatever he said it would be clumsy but he had to try.
"Stay Royce, please, live with me, give up that life, I'll keep us until you decide what you want to do, if it's school I can afford it, whatever you want, I want you, I love you".
There was silence, Brad was looking down at his empty plate, he'd said too much, convinced he'd been stupid, he'd probably sounded needy, pathetic, what an idiot.
He hadn't expected what happened next.
"Thank you Brad, all my life I dreamt someone out there might think I'm worth loving, but I always thought it was just that, a dream, not meant to be, ask me again tomorrow, we'll talk seriously, but right now I'm planning on us blowing some socks off in bed if you're up to it".
Brad had been more than up to it, they'd started in the shower with Royce pressed against the tiles as Brad drove his hard cock deep into a beautiful boy pussy, releasing his seed before heading to the big bed where Brad lay back, legs raised, offering himself to Royce who plowed deep into Brad, making him moan and cum without touching himself twice more before they ended up back in the shower, sleep finally claimed them in the early hours of the morning, Royces head on Brads chest, wrapped in two strong arms.
Royce moved in and for Brad life couldn't be better, he called Royce his lucky charm.
A month after Royce moved in Brad had to attend a conference in Las Vegas, he returned after a week without seeing his beautiful boy, no sooner was he through the apartment door than his pants were around his ankles and he was buried to the hilt in Royces boy pussy, life was good, he didn't think it could get any better but life's illusions had a way of springing surprises.
A week after returning from Vegas he was invited to a catch up dinner with three friends in the same business, one of them he'd met recently on the Vegas trip, the other two he'd not seen since their university days, they'd surprised him with a job offer that had doubled his salary overnight.
That had been five months earlier and now he'd been promoted to CEO of JBJ Brokers with a salary of 200k and this beautiful penthouse apartment rent free for the next two years.
Royce had decided against full time schooling, instead opting for several courses at the local community college, taking charge of Brads office, he kept Brads diary, organised his visits, booked accommodation, fielded a myriad of calls and ran his budgets, in essence he became Brads PA, a damned efficient one too.
In Barrington Hills Billy and Jay were exhausted, they'd spent the whole day moving furniture and each time they thought they'd finished Jolly wanted something else moved.
The house had been bought and renovated courtesy of Lenny and PJ, by Winter-Thorn Developments, it was stunning, they'd fallen in love with it at first glance, even before the alterations.
When Gabby the agent had emailed the details Jolly had been shocked, "We can't, it's too much, it's not fair asking your parents to pay that much Billy, tell him Jay".
Jay had looked first at Billy who smiled and nodded, Jay then looked back at Jolly, "You're wrong Jol, on more than one count, first we're not asking for this house, Momma and Poppa are telling us to buy it or something like it, second, they're not only Billy's parents, they've made it abundantly clear they consider us as their children, they're our parents, now tell us if you like it, if not we'll carry on looking".
Jolly apologised to Billy, "I'm sorry Billy, I'd been an orphan so long I sometimes forget I'm part of a family".
The property they'd decided to view was a 25 acre estate in Barrington Hills, 12 bedrooms, 5 reception rooms, an enormous kitchen with breakfast nook, looking out onto the vast gardens was a glass conservatory and swimming pool, it was being marketed at a price of 15 million dollars.
The minute they'd walked into the vast light flooded entrance hall with its massive oak staircase they'd loved it, touring the house they'd continually grinned at each other like fools until finally Gabby had enough, "Will one of you please say something, anything, even if you hate it, say something".
Billy had looked at the others, they both nodded, "We love it, we want it".
Gabby had been stunned, she'd wanted to prompt some response but hadn't expected that.
"Err, how will you be financing the purchase, do you need me to recommend an adviser?".
Billy smiled, "No thanks, it'll be a cash purchase, just give me a minute to call our Momma and she'll give you the instructions on what to do".
Dialling he looked at the others, still grinning, "Momma, Hi, I love you too, they're here with me, yes we found it, can I put the agent on the line so you can instruct her?, ok, it's Gabby you'll be speaking to, you met her when I bought the apartment here".
Passing the phone to Gabby he said, "You've met Momma before, it's Mrs Leonora Thorn".
Whilst Gabby was chatting with Lenny the three of them went into a hug they were so exited.
When Gabby closed the call she turned to Billy, "Okay it's all settled, I know the script now, we should be able to close in a relatively short time, in the meantime I'm going to secure a permit from the owners for Winter-Thorn Developments to start working on the conversions you want, your Momma asked me to tell you she and your Poppa will be flying in the day after tomorrow, she'll call you as soon as she has everything tied up, now how about I take you guys to lunch seeing as you just made me a very handsome commission".
Gabby took them to a beautiful restaurant with garden tables where she insisted they order whatever they wanted.
During lunch she asked them about their relationship, "I'm sorry if it appears nosey, I'm just curious, I've seen threesomes, hell I've participated in threesomes, but I've never come across a strong solid relationship of three and I can sense yours is exactly that".
Jolly explained, "Jay and I got together first, we'd been together for about a year when we met Billy at a party, when you hear about love at first sight most people poo poo it, well I can tell you we experienced it that night".
Jolly stopped her explanation whilst the waiter took their order then when he'd left them carried on.
"Neither Jay nor I had ever had a threesome, but we danced all night with this amazing guy who was so pleasant and so sexy we agreed to meet at his apartment the following day after we'd all finished our final exams and as they say the rest is history".
Jolly fell silent as their starter course appeared.
As they tucked into their starters Jay took up the story.
"Our relationship is extraordinary really, we actually operate as one unit when we are all three together, but remove any one of the three and it's like we're missing something, we literally pine for the missing member".
Billy then chipped in whilst the others were eating, "If you asked me who I love more, Jay or Jolly, I couldn't answer because I know whichever were missing the feeling would be the same, to me that means I love them equally".
Gabby was genuinely fond of these guys and she wished them well, almost demanding an invitation to view the renovations once they were completed and they'd settled in.
Three weeks after they moved in Jolly was in their ensuite taking her morning shower under the massive rainwater shower head when a sudden series of cramps almost made her collapse, thankfully the master suite shower had a marble bench which she used until the cramps subsided.
Jay and Billy had flown to New York the previous evening to inspect an apartment complex where fire had caused the entire complex to be uninhabitable, the insurers suspicions were aroused by how quickly a report had been raised recommending payment of the claim and though the NYFD experts had ruled the fire an accident they suspected there was something not right about the claim.
The boys had planned their trip to be absent for the least amount of time possible, traveling out late the previous evening meant they could make an early start and fly back later that evening.
Unbeknown to the boys Jolly was having a mild panic, the cramps started again as she made her way back into the master bedroom then again whilst she was dressing.
Jolly realised this wasn't ordinary cramps, it could be labor starting, she didn't know if her waters had broken because she was under the shower when the first cramps had caught her, struggling to the phone she rang Northwestern Memorial for advice, they told her it would be advisable to come in as soon as possible.
The thought of being alone scared Jolly, there were tears running down her cheeks, but she had no choice, the boys were away until this evening and their housekeeper was out for the day.
Whilst she was collecting the bag she'd already packed and lugging it down the staircase to the hallway the doorbell rang, opening it she was greeted by a smiling Royce who'd decided with the boys away for the day he'd drop in for a chat and coffee with Jolly.
Royces grin quickly turned to concern seeing the tears on Jolly's face, "What's the matter Jolly, is it the babies, what can I do?".
Jolly was so relieved, a friendly face, someone to help her.
"I think the babies are coming Royce, I need to get to Northwestern Memorial as quick as possible, the boys are in New York, will you stay with me, I'm scared?".
In a matter of minutes Royce had Jolly's bags in his Durango, Jolly safely strapped into the passenger seat and they were on their way.
Royce became an efficient machine as soon as they were on their way, his cell phone was linked to the Durango so he could voice activate telephone numbers after tapping the screen symbol.
Getting no reply from Billy or Jays numbers he left messages on both of their phones then called Lenny who he'd spoken to that morning and who'd told him she and PJ were in New York for a few days, Royces brain had figured that if PJ and Lenny were in New York then there was a plane at Teterboro as well.
"Hi Lenny, I need your help, Jolly's in labor and the boys are in New York but I can't raise them, if I give you the address they're at could you have someone hustle them back here pronto".
Royce reeled off the address Jolly had given him and as he cut the call he dialled the operator, "This is a medical emergency, connect me with Northwestern Memorial Maternity please".
A few clicks were all it took before he was connected. "Hello, I'm on route to you with Jolly Thorn on board, she's in serious labor with triplets , we are around ten minutes from you, her contractions are almost too close to count, would you arrange for someone to meet us out front please".
By the time Royce had finished the call Jolly was almost screaming in pain.
"Oh god Royce I don't know if we're going to make it in time, I think they're coming now".
The phone in the car rang signalling an incoming call from Billy.
"Royce what's happening where are you, is Jolly alright, when did the labor start?".
If he hadn't been concentrating so hard on not panicking Royce would have laughed.
"Christ Billy stop and breathe, she's here with me, we're about five minutes from Northwestern and I've alerted them, but I'm afraid you may miss the births guys, these little devils are impatient, it's going to be touch and go whether your children are born in a hospital or my car, gotta go Billy the hospital entrance is coming up, don't worry I'm staying with her but can you call Brad he'll panic if he can't find me".
Just before Royce cut the call Jolly let out another ear piercing scream as a strong cramp gripped her.
"Hold on Jol, about two minutes is all we need and you'll be in good hands".
Gasping for breath Jolly patted his hand on the wheel, "I've been in good hands since you turned up, thanks Royce, you've been fantastic, don't leave me, I need you with me, can you do that?".
"I'm not leaving you Jol, not until those little rascals are safely sleeping in a crib and you're resting, now relax and breathe, we're here and I see our welcoming committee".
One hour and forty minutes later three beautiful healthy baby boys were sleeping in cribs beside a physically exhausted Jolly, and a nervous wreck who was Royce lay slumped in an armchair.
"Okay Jol, I'm going to try and contact the boys, oh I suppose that's going to be confusing from now on, you've got five boys now, I'll be as quick as I can".
Outside Royce breathed fresh air and relaxed as he dialled the number Billy had sent him by text to connect with the aircraft, Ben Caplan the pilot answered, "Hi this is Royce could I speak to Billy or Jay please sir".
A few clicks and an excited Billy was on the line, "Royce you're on speaker what's happening, is Jolly okay, we should be there in about an hour?".
This time Royce did laugh, "Relax Billy, you guys are the proud parents of three healthy boys, everything went well, Jolly's resting, she sends her love, take care, see you soon".
As he cut the call he could hear the whooping of joy from Jay and Billy then his phone rang again, it was Brad.
"Royce I am so proud of you, are you okay?, I'm on my way, I'll be there in about twenty minutes".
Royce had to admit he was floating on air, he realised he'd never witnessed anything so magical, so spellbinding as seeing, not just one, but three children enter the world.
Less than twenty minutes later Brad came bursting into Jolly's private room and after hugging and kissing Jolly he scooped a giggling Royce up into his arms twirling him around until he was nearly dizzy, "For someone who supposedly lacks confidence you are one amazing guy, I'm so proud of you".
No sooner had Brad deposited him back on the ground than the door burst open to admit Billy, Jay, Lenny, PJ, Woody and Jacqueline.
Billy and Jay made straight for Jolly and then came the inevitable grabbing of Royce who was again twirled around by both of the boys whilst they told him how grateful and proud they were that he had taken charge and kept Jolly and their boys safe.
Jolly spent three days in the hospital before she and the boys were discharged and taken home by a perpetually beaming Billy and Jay.
The two nannies who had been appointed only one week earlier were waiting to welcome their charges.
Whilst Jolly had been in the hospital she'd confided in Lenny that there hadn't been time to fully staff the house, Lenny told her not to worry she would take care of it, then proceeded, along with Rosa and Jacqueline, to arrange a suitable staff of six full time and four part time to work under their resident housekeeper who had been with the family several years now.
Despite encouragement from her boys to stay in bed and rest, Jolly insisted that dinner on her first night home would be a celebration of family.
Brad and Royce joined them along with Lenny, PJ, Woody and Jacqueline.
They surprised Royce with a gift which was beautifully presented in a small gold and silver bag, inside was a square case in rich white leather bearing the name Chopard, when he opened the case Royce saw a Chopard wrist watch, it's case and bracelet made of white gold, the face in mother of pearl was set with 3 one carat diamonds and inscribed 'To Royce, the cool headed man of the hour, we are eternally in your debt, Jolly, Jay and Billy Thorn xxx'.
Royce was on the verge of tears until he noticed the gift tag on the outer bag, reading it he suddenly looked up wide eyed at Billy.
The tag read, 'A gift given with love and affection from our parents on our behalf, Jollyan Royce Thorn, William Paul Thorn, Jayson Lenny Thorn, thank you Royce'.
Billy was smiling, "Yep, you got it, advance information that everyone is craving, we felt as you were the one who ensured our children's safe arrival into this world, you should be the first to know and announce their given names, so if you wouldn't mind, the floor is yours".
Royce stood and looking around the table, bursting with pride he said, "I can't believe I have been trusted with this honour, I am so proud to announce the given names of the three newest members of the Thorn family as, Jollyan Royce Thorn, William Paul Thorn, Jayson Lenny Thorn, I pledge to them my help and guidance for as long as I am able".
A round of applause followed Royces announcement.
It was a lovely evening with Jolly telling how frightened she had been realising she was on her own, until Royce turned up and took charge, as she told them from that moment on she was confident he would look after her and he did.
Later that evening Billy asked his father to have a word with Leo about having the house and grounds security beefed up.
Brad had a wonderful evening, enjoying the praise which was showered on Royce, finding himself out on the back deck with all three of his bosses he took the opportunity to bring up a request for a meeting to discuss a new business opportunity, all three were intrigued, especially Jolly who admitted she'd been bored in maternity and wanted to get back to working.
Billy saw Brads expression when Jolly had made that statement and filed it away to discuss with her and Jay later, in the meantime they set a meeting for the following day and insisted Brad bring Royce with him.
After Brad and Royce left the family decided to call it a night.
Creeping into the nursery trying not to wake the nannies they were brought up short by, "Thank you I win the prize, we bet on what time you would turn up for a baby fix before bed, they're all awake it's almost feeding time so I'm guessing you're having one each".
All three were eager to do the feeds and nappy changes before settling their children back into their cribs now happily sleeping.
Thanking the nannies for putting up with their quirks they quietly slipped away to their master suite.
Billy asked Jay and Jolly to sit a minute, he wanted to discuss what he saw earlier, "When you said you wanted to get back to work Jol I saw a look of almost fear on Brads face, I think he took that as you wanting to displace him, I'm worried he might think he needs to start looking around for alternative employment".
Jolly looked shocked, "Oh bugger, I didn't mean that at all, I thought maybe I could offer myself to Brad as a helping hand if he needed it, but on reflection it could have sounded that way, I'll clear that up tomorrow".
Billy and Jay were smiling, they didn't want her overworked, Jay had something else he wanted to discuss, "I think it's time we told Brad to put Royce on the payroll, I know for a fact he's doing a fantastic job as Brads PA but he's not getting paid, I'm not happy with that, and more importantly I think it's time we moved the business away from the families, I'd like us to look into having a registered office somewhere, maybe you can think on it and we'll talk about it tomorrow".
Billy was surprised, Jay had hit on something he'd been mulling over as well, he didn't want the company to intrude on their family life here and he'd been thinking along the lines of an office somewhere but right now he wanted to be in bed, "I can't believe how in tune we are, it's definitely something I agree with but right now I want both of you snuggled up with me in our bed so move yer butts kids because I'm longing for a cuddle".
There was no sex, well not the rampant coupling or sweaty interaction they normally engaged in, it was a soft gentle cuddling of three souls who had been apart and had missed each other.
Lunch the following day was preceded by a meeting in their office.
As requested Royce attended though he couldn't figure out how he would be needed, he thought they were just being nice because of his helping Jolly, his face was a picture when his theory was blown out of the water.
With everyone seated Billy led off, "Thanks for coming today guys, I know you had to do some rearranging of schedules but I think there are some important issues we need to address to ensure we're all on the same page".
He could sense Brads unease so he didn't linger, "You first Brad, I watched your face last evening when Jolly mentioned returning to work, and I'm guessing I know what you thought, I'm pretty sure I'm right on the money, you thought Jolly was planning to oust you and move back into her old position, am I right?".
Brad looked crestfallen but nodded in agreement.
Jolly in a falsetto voice, extending the middle of the word almost sang, "Wroooong".
Brads face was now a picture of confusion.
Billy continued, "Jolly didn't realise how her statement could be interpreted until I pointed it out to her later".
Brad was now more relaxed as Jolly, smiling, chipped in.
"Sorry Brad, all I meant was to give me a diversion and keep my hand in, if you ever need someone to cover something, meet and greet clients, help out with presentations, whatever, I'm here, I have no interest in sitting in your chair, it is just that, your chair, for as long as you want it".
Billy took over again, "Now that's explained, we have something to put on the table before you tell us about your ideas for a new venture, we want you to accept a partnership, as an equal, all four of us equal partners in Thorn Carpenter Insurance Solutions".
Brads face was an absolute picture, "I, well, I, how, I, you're serious, I, well, I don't know what to say".
Jay was grinning as much as the rest of them, except Royce who just looked shocked, not believing he'd just heard what had been said.
Jay continued where Billy had left off, "What happened last night was a wake up call for all of us Brad, you see, just as you were shocked and upset to think Jolly might take away what you had, we were just as shocked and upset to realise it would be just as easy for us to lose you, unless of course the incentive to hang onto your position was strong enough to lock you in for the long haul, so that really is our intention here , to make sure that you, someone we value extremely highly are happy to continue working with us".
Billy took over the explanation, "We decided last night to set up a parent company, 'Thorn Carpenter Insurance Solutions', we have someone in mind to run that but we'll come back to that if you agree, under it's umbrella will be 'JBJ Brokers', that's your baby, 'JBJ Investigations', thats me and Jay, it's what we really enjoy doing, then in the future we can add whatever we feel knits in with our core business of insurance, so what do you think, is it something you're prepared to do?".
Brad had by now managed to compose himself enough to answer, though he knew he sounded like he'd just enjoyed an orgasm, and in truth that was closer to the truth than even he dared admit, with a squeaky voice he said, "Yes please, oh god, yes please, count me in, I don't know how I'll finance a partnership but yes, I so want this, please".
Billy looked at the others and they did the usual nodding of heads understanding what he was about to say.
"There is no finance needed, I agree normally there would be, but we appreciate you took a mediocre company that was providing a fair return and you stood it on its head, you made it into a dazzling gem, this plan can work if you're onboard, or we could look long and hard for someone with the capital to invest and buy their way in, but what would we know about them, would we be able to work with them, would we lose you?, we're not prepared to take those risks, we found our guy, the one who fits in, who's a genius at running the Brokerage, we're offering you a partnership, without input of funds and on an equal footing".
Brad couldn't believe how genuine these guys were.
"Duh, of course I'm in, it goes both ways you know, if I wanted to find a group of people I could work so easily with I guess they could possibly exist out there somewhere, but I doubt I would find myself so relaxed, or the work so enjoyable with any other group than I do now with you".
And so an agreement had been reached they were partners, but that was only part of what they had in mind as Billy explained.
"I said earlier we had someone in mind to run the main office of Thorn Carpenter Insurance Solutions, the guy we're looking at already runs an office for someone we know, he's efficient, effective, is most definitely not easily phased, he knows how to deal with a crisis and goes for it, we're hoping your up for this job Royce".
Royce had been idly sipping his wine, feeling euphoric at the praise they'd heaped on Brad, his Brad, his hero, daydreaming, until he realised they were all staring at him, then it sank in what Billy had said, at that point his wine did something really strange, it got mixed up with his breathing, it went down his throat, up his nose in the wrong direction, and came spluttering out of his mouth and nose as he coughed to try and clear his airways.
Brad was slapping his back, he was struggling for breathe, when he finally got his breathing back under control his voice was squeaky, "Me, you want me, I couldn't, I don't, well, I wouldn't know how, I'm not qualified, I never even finished school".
They were all laughing as Jolly answered him.
"Oh so if a crisis arose you'd just crumble would you, yeh that I can believe, you attended the school of life Royce and it served you well, you have a level head on those cute little shoulders, you could do what we're asking with your eyes closed, now stop the self doubt or I'll set the triplets on you, we want someone fair and sensible to run the Head Office, it's just a larger version of what you do for Brad, the office bit, not the bedroom bit I hasten to add".
They laughed even more at Jolly's quick correction.
Billy elaborated, "The call centre building here in Chicago, which by the way we own, has two complete floors vacant , we want to take one whole floor and section it out for what will be the Corporate Offices".
Brad had intended for today's meeting to be where he outlined something he'd come across recently and considered it to be a definite, must have, going forward for the general public, he wanted them to be in on the progress of this item and now was the time to bing it up.
"Listen guys, while we're making all these plans there's something I've come across, it's a new concept, 'In Car Data Recorders', I believe it's the way forward for most of the motoring public and I'd like you to consider it as an investment".
Everyone was listening,
"I stumbled on it at that convention we attended in Vegas, several of the large insurers were genuinely interested, it's basically a box in the car which records the driver history and the driver is rewarded through annual premium savings for good driving habits".
Billy and Jay wanted to know how they would be able to get in on something like that.
"I discovered purely by chance the company who developed the, 'In Car Recorder Boxes', are having difficulties and would be willing to either sell out completely or take a partnership deal for capital input".
Billy was genuinely interested though Jay and Jolly felt it could be a money pit with little or no return unless the major insurers were willing to align themselves to it, so they agreed Billy and Brad would investigate and then they'd discuss it again.
That lunch proved to be the basis of a strong working partnership, they bought into the company which developed the in car boxes taking a sixty percent stake, by the end of following the year it was a major selling feature for almost every insurer and quickly became a large part of JBJs turnover.
Brad opened another two call centres and several small brokers offices in towns where their data identified they didn't get online or telephone business because the locals were used to dealing face to face.
Royce oversaw the outfitting of the Corporate Offices and went on to run it successfully.
Life was ideal, or was it?, life's illusions could always bring them back to earth.
TBC
ARB Allan
Comments are welcome to cfgw2000@aol.com.
Thank you for giving me your time, enjoy.