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Life's Illusions - 10 years on - Chapter
For Berto it was more overwhelming than it had been for Gabby, she'd had limited numbers of family flying in to welcome her, but that was never going to be acceptable this time, not only was Gabby now a legal and lawful family member, there was Berto, and his story had touched hearts, even the ones who reckoned they were hard hearted came, from all over the world, and all Berto had to do was be Berto, and never was he alone, either Gabby or Junior was by his side, every one of them was won over easily.
For Juan and Pierre life changed dramatically, from a couple, they'd suddenly, in a matter of only weeks, become a family of five, with all of the chaos and problems that entailed, but it didn't faze them, they'd moved back to the house on Avenue Montclair and established a family routine.
Surprisingly, there was a hidden talent no one had discovered in Berto.
It was Pete who uncovered it.
He'd been studying a complex set of figures associated with an elaborate international deal he was putting together when Berto sat down next to him, looking over the paperwork.
It's purpose was to purchase a multi million pound internationally trading company, which although it mainly traded in London, had offices all around the world, including an extremely busy office in Switzerland.
Pete had been genuinely pleasant to the boy, he liked him, it was easy to be nice.
But Berto's comments had thrown him completely.
"Their company address should be Switzerland, it would make the accounting easier, and they'd pay a lot less tax".
Pete just stared at Berto.
"How, what, where............?"
That was all Pete could come up with, he was that surprised, this boy was judged to be slow, supposedly he had a mental age several years younger than his actual age, but he'd identified a major fault in the company's trading structure, with only a few simple glances over the paperwork which Pete had been studying for hours.
"How did you see that with only a few glances?, I'm guessing I would have spotted it eventually, though in all honesty it would probably have taken my whole team a lot of expensive hours of studying, before we came to that conclusion".
Berto wasn't offended by Pete's question, he took it for what it was a question.
"I looked at the overall expenditure for every office, that one has the highest expenditure, and a much larger head count, but it doesn't generate any more income than any other office, that tells me it's either a really badly managed, inefficient office, or it's a hub that generates work which is then processed by the other offices, it's the mother ship, it should be where the company is based, where the senior management should be based, it's not being used effectively, the company as a whole could probably generate an extra thirty percent of turnover and profit, if it were managed properly".
Pete was mesmerised listening to him, he didn't spoil his summation with passion, didn't beg you to believe him, wasn't interested in whether the listener believed him or not, he simply laid out his findings".
Pete tested him on three previous projects his company had studied, two went on to be successful deals, earning Pete's company several millions of dollars, the third was eventually rejected, deemed to be no more than a badly aligned set of companies that didn't work together and never would, in each case Berto arrived at the same conclusion within a few minutes.
It had taken a team of ten consultants, a sum total of sixteen hundred hours, to arrive at the verdicts Berto had delivered in minutes.
Pete saw a guru, he wasn't stupid, he didn't question if Berto was maybe just lucky, because Berto wasn't shy of explaining how he came to his conclusions, he used simple logic to identify key markers and drill down to his conclusion.
"Berto, how would you feel about working for me?".
Berto was a little confused, but his response was just as candid as he'd previously given.
"I'd need to ask my Poppas, but some pocket money would be nice".
Pete almost laughed, he'd been thinking an annual salary of around two hundred thousand Euro's, plus bonuses based on the earnings from each deal would be in order.
"Let me talk to your Poppas, I think they might be a little surprised by your abilities".
Pete's discussion with Pierre and Juan was a complete non event.
Juan responded to Pete's request with a simple, but emphatic, no.
Pierre was quiet whilst Juan and Pete bantered back and forth before he intervened, with a reply neither party liked.
"I see what you want Uncle Pete, I'm just not sure of your motives, I'm surprised, shocked even, but willing to be convinced that Berto has this ability, I can see it as possible, but the key to solving this request is what Berto wants, so I propose you give us some time to discuss this with Berto".
After Pete left the atmosphere between Juan and Pierre was tense to say the least, until Pierre finally lanced the boil.
"You're upset with me, I get that, but I'm not sure why, so either tell me or drop it".
Juan was upset, but Pierre's statement sent him over the top, his reply came back as an aggressive response.
"I'm not upset with you, I'm bloody furious with you, I gave him our decision, you contradicted me, made me look like a fool".
Pierre didn't bite, despite the angry response, he replied calmly, factually.
"I'm sorry you feel that way, I didn't intend to upset you, and I certainly didn't intend to make you look foolish, I only wanted to give Berto a chance to decide whether it's what he wants".
Juan was livid so Pierre's answer didn't placate him.
"Intend to, or not, you still made a fool of me, okay, I get it, you're the boss, you make the decisions".
At that Juan walked out of the room.
It was at about this point Pierre realised exactly how upset Juan was.
He went looking for him, he was sat in the garden with his back to Pierre as he approached.
"Please Juan, I'm sorry, I hadn't realised you would be upset by what I did, I love you, I wouldn't intentionally cause you to be angry with me, can we talk about it?, it's not my decision, it's ours and Berto's".
Juan couldn't stay angry at Pierre, especially when he saw there were tears in Pierre's eyes, he took him into a hug.
"You don't need to apologise, I was being a complete dick, I'm sorry, I did exactly what I accused you of doing, I made the decision to turn down Pete's offer without consulting you or Berto, we'll talk to him, you're right, it's only fair he should be the one to decide".
Berto didn't see what all the fuss was about, to him it was a few minutes of looking at figures, and if Uncle Pete wanted to pay him some pocket money, well that was okay with him.
Juan and Pierre looked at one another and burst out laughing, much to Berto's amusement.
"Did I make a joke, I'm not very good with jokes, sometimes I do them without knowing".
It was Pierre who answered him.
"Berto, uncle Pete wants to pay you two hundred thousand Euro's a year to do this work for him, it's not pocket money, it's more than most people earn in ten years".
Berto wasn't phased.
"He doesn't need to do that, I only wanted some pocket money".
His answer jogged both Juan and Pierre into action, as they realised, neither of them had explained about allowances, and the rules, to either Berto, Gabby or Junior.
Juan sprang into action.
"Okay family meeting time, Berto, get your brother and sister, we'll meet up in the lounge in half an hour, don't be worried, we forgot to explain about your allowances".
When everyone was gathered in the lounge Pierre started speaking.
"We've been so preoccupied we forgot to explain about your allowances, from now on you have your own money on a monthly basis".
Gabby raised her hand, she wanted to speak so Pierre fell silent.
"We only want to earn our pocket money, not much, we thought maybe we could do the cleaning, the gardening, then you could save some money, we know it costs a lot to keep us, we'll do whatever you want".
Pierre had tears in his eyes, but it was Juan who answered, and what he said perfectly mirrored Pierre's thoughts.
"You three are so precious, we would spend every last penny we have just to see you happy, and believe me, we have a lot of pennies, so don't ever worry about what it costs to keep you, it's money well spent".
Gabby, along with her brothers, was confused.
Pierre explained.
"We are wealthy, extremely wealthy, you don't ever need to worry about money, we will always have enough, now we need to explain about your allowances, and how we expect you to manage them".
Pierre paused to let that sink in before he continued.
"Tomorrow we will have your credit and debit cards delivered, your debit card will access your own account, four hundred Euros each month will be deposited into your personal account, this is for your daily spending, you pay for school meals, your mobile phone bill, general items, you will also have a credit card, it will have a limit of ten thousand Euro's, that is for present shopping and large items, you are not allowed to use your credit cards to top up your allowances, if you run out of money you must ask us for more, but be prepared to explain why you need it, and why you have spent your allowances before the month is out".
Junior was the one who replied this time.
"Poppas we don't need that much money, we were thinking we could do the chores around the house for a few Euro's pocket money".
Pierre smiled and carried on.
"You will all be expected to do some chores, we expect that the rubbish is taken out each morning before you leave for school, the table is cleared after meals, and your rooms are kept clean and tidy, how you divide those chores is down to you, beyond that, absolutely, emphatically, no, you are children, enjoy it, it doesn't last long".
Gabby surprised both Juan and Pierre by jumping into Pierre's lap and bursting into tears.
Junior and Berto were in the same state until Juan spoke.
"We understand guys, we do, really, we were in exactly the same place you are once, you're only getting what we got, what the people who love you think you deserve, enjoy it, but remember we are very privileged, there are a lot of less fortunate people out there, we expect you to respect what you have, treat others with respect, it's okay to have money, but use it wisely, give generously whenever you can, you'll understand when it's right to give, if you need advice, just ask, we prefer to do it anonymously".
Pierre thought they should know about the trust fund which they'd set up for them without the specifics, all that could come later.
"There will, in the next few days, be a trust fund set up for you all, you will inherit as you reach eighteen, or marry, whichever comes first, it will mean you become millionaires overnight, that is our trust for you, there will be trusts set up by all of your Grandparents and Great Grandparents which they will explain at some point, don't be worried by it, it's just money, the real secret is to not let it rule you, take charge of it, use it for doing good and you'll enjoy having it".
While they were gathered together Pierre decided this was the perfect time to discuss Pete's offer to Berto.
"Berto, about uncle Pete asking if you could work for him, we feel that's your decision, if you want to do it then we'll support you, and Berto, don't ever accept that you aren't a very talented and clever person, you are more special than most people will ever realise, we are so proud that you are our son".
Berto was positively glowing, never before had he been given real praise, but coming from his Poppas, he could believe they meant it.
The icing on the cake was Juan's announcement.
"Tomorrow we go shopping, I've made a list of all the things I think you need for your bedrooms, computers, music systems, iPads, Televisions, then there's clothes shopping, you'll all need school clothes, plus it's time you decided what you want to wear, so be prepared for some very serious spending, and, for one day only, your Poppa and I are paying, no limits, anything and everything you buy tomorrow is on us, so go for it while you can kids".
At The Inn in Montclair, there was one particular guest who was extremely nervous as he checked in at reception.
Milo couldn't wait any longer, he had to know, was there a chance for him or not?.
He'd first met Piers a little over a year ago, and been able too think of nothing else since.
It was Rick, his boss, who'd finally told him to, 'Bloody well stop moping, go and do something about it'.
So here he was, he didn't know if Piers was even here, he'd booked his flight and his accommodation at The Inn in a sudden mad rush.
He was at the reception counter, a gleaming, solid, polished wood structure, his head down signing the register when he heard it, that voice, unmistakably Piers.
As he looked up their eyes met.
He watched carefully, examining every slight change in Piers expression, from the crinkled brow of questioning uncertainty, to the wide eyed remembering, then the brow lost its crinkles and the mouth displayed a genuine grin of recognition, a look that said Piers was pleased to see him.
"Milo, why didn't you say you were coming, I would have arranged to pick you up from the airport, it's so good to see you, I need a hug".
Piers came like lightening around the big reception counter, within moments their arms were wrapped around each other, neither wanting to let the moment end.
Until then Milo hadn't spoken.
"It was a spur of the moment decision, so here I am, hoping you'll show me around your home town, do you have any plans for dinner?".
Milo had been hoping Piers would agree to join him for dinner in the restaurant, he'd been dreaming about it for months, just the two of them, staring into each other's eyes across a candle lit table.
Unfortunately life's illusions kicked in.
Piers had no idea what Milo had planned, but he certainly didn't see any disappointment in Milo's face when he answered.
"I didn't, but I do now, so do you, you'll join me and my Poppas, in fact, I insist you stop with us as well".
Turning to the receptionist he said.
"Would you please cancel that reservation, he'll be staying in the main house with the family, be certain to refund any payment already taken and have someone take his bags across to the house, ask the housekeeper to put his luggage in the room next to mine, thank you".
Turning back to Milo he was like a ball of energy.
"Come on, you need refreshment, we'll sit in the garden, I'll get you a nice cold beer, while our housekeeper gets your room ready".
Not at all concerned that everyone could see them, Piers took Milo's hand and led him through The Inn, out to the terrace, then onwards, to a shaded set of seats in the garden, where Milo was further surprised.
Piers chose to sit next to him on a small wooden sofa style couch which was softened by cream coloured cushions, he could have chosen any seat from the mixed selection around the large octagonal low table, but to Milo's absolute delight he didn't.
No sooner had they sat down than a young waiter appeared, bearing a small plater of mixed nibbles.
"Good afternoon gentlemen, what can I get for you?".
Piers looked at Milo.
"I suggested beer but if you'd prefer something else it's okay".
Milo shook his head, staring at Piers.
"A cold beer and your company would be nothing short of absolutely perfection".
Milo blushed suddenly when he realised the waiter was grinning.
Even Piers found it hard to restrain a giggle.
Milo was embarrassed, after the waiter left to get their drinks he avoided looking at Piers as he said.
"I'm sorry Piers, I didn't mean to embarrass you with my remark".
Piers was in a devilish mood.
"So which do you think embarrassed me, the thought of you wanting my company, or the cold beer?, because I can assure you, I'm enjoying the company and looking forward to sharing a cold beer".
He had a cheeky grin on his face, but was still gobsmacked when Milo replied.
"I would never intentionally upset you Piers, I've thought about you constantly since we met at The Chateau that day".
Piers could never explain what drove him to do what he did next, but he knew he'd never regret it, nor would he ever want to change his actions.
He leaned in close, planting a soft kiss on Milo's lips, lingering only a few moments, but it was a kiss they'd both remember always.
"I thought maybe that would tell you more than anything I could say, I'm pleased, really, really pleased, that you came".
Milo was having trouble answering.
"I err....., I ......, I....., I'd like another of those sometime please, and the sooner the better".
They both burst out laughing, and realised, they were still holding hands.
Coming from the kitchens Bo had been just in time to see Piers going out onto the terrace, holding hands with another man.
He'd intended to follow and introduce himself to the mystery man, his protective parent mode kicking in, but as he looked across the terrace to the garden, he watched Piers lean in and kiss the stranger on the lips.
Bo stopped dead in his tracks, turned through one eighty degrees and headed off to find Aly.
Finding Aly in the back office behind the reception counter he announced.
"I don't mean to concern you, and I urge you to exercise some serious constraint, but, our youngest child is currently eating the face off a strange man in the garden, do you think we should be concerned?".
Aly just stared, uncomprehending, until his brain computed what Bo had said.
"What, who, you're not bloody serious, in front of the entire world, who the hell is it?".
Bo was laughing now.
"Thank god, you're as shocked as I am, that's good, I actually thought I was going crazy, Piers has never shown any indication he might be gay, in fact he's never shown much interest in anyone, I was gobsmacked, I'm glad you are as well, but right now I propose we go find out who this mystery lip locker is".
Piers and Milo were staring into each other's eyes, as if in slow motion, coming together for another kiss, when a loud cough brought them both back to the present.
Looking up they were faced with a stone faced Bo and Aly, who were directing their stares at Milo.
Aly spoke.
"I think if you intend to continue eating our son's face in our garden, on show for all the world to see, we should at the very least be introduced".
There was no mirth, no hint of pleasantries in Aly's statement".
Piers was seriously annoyed, and his serious response made his annoyance crystal clear.
"Milo, allow me to introduce these two persons who are so rudely interrupting us, they are my Poppas, Aly and Bo Bowles-Cruz, the very same two people who, local rumour has it, were engaged in full anal intercourse exactly twelve minutes after meeting for the very first time, and again two hours later, as the story goes, to the general amusement of the patrons in the public bar below the room in which they were rutting".
Piers frigid stare told his embarrassed Poppas he was not in any mood to be trifled with.
It was Bo who answered.
"Point taken son, I, we, apologise, could we perhaps start over?".
Piers nodded, his expression never changing, telling his Poppas to be very, very, careful.
Bo carried on, extending a hand to Milo, who sprang to his feet like a frightened rabbit.
"I'm Bo, this is Aly, welcome Milo, I recognise you, but I have to admit, I don't know where from".
Milo was almost trembling as he answered.
"I was at The Chateau, for the party celebrating the Woodruff share flotation sir, I work with Rick, it was were I first met Piers, and fell in love".
That reply stunned every one of them.
Piers mouth hung open, Aly and Bo just stared.
Milo realised too late what he'd just said, then compounded the statement with another blunder.
"Oh shit, I've done it again".
TBC
ARB Allan