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Life's Illusions The Next Generation - Chapter 1
It was almost noon on a Sunday in May, the first anniversary.
A whole year since the family had gathered in Montclair.
Today they were gathering in Torremolinos.
The sun was already high and strong.
Behind Mano's Beach Bar in Torremolinas, the usual crowd were assembled for a simple weekly volleyball game, but today was vastly different, this was no ordinary game, the family, from all over the world had come, it would be no simple game.
Reece, just turned fifty, had dominated this beach every Sunday in recent years, since Pauly's death, he'd made it his mission, each week, with his group of friends, he owned the court, losing only a handful of matches in the last few years.
It had become a ritual, Reece's team against whatever hopefuls registered their desire to mount a challenge.
On this day, this particular landmark day, there was a pretty formidable team assembled, ready to mount that challenge, they looked to be a collection of Gym rats, with one distinctive player, upon whom they all appeared to fawn.
Giovanni, thirty five years old, beautiful, body of a Greek god, quiet, shy, but competitive, a completely impossible person to categorise, but that would only make things more difficult for Reece.
It had been Jacqueline's announcement that had brought the family to Torremolinas.
'A celebration, of the lives of our beloved PJ and Lenny, be clear, it's a celebration, be there if you can'.
There had been a service on Saturday, the official anniversary of the day they'd been laid to rest, it took place in the church that had seen their funerals, but the celebrations had commenced in earnest on Saturday evening at 'SPECTRUM', the restaurant chain, PJ and Lenny had founded, all those years ago, it's original venue still occupying the ground and first floor of Thorn Plaza on Torremolinas's promenade.
And now, on Sunday morning, most of the family had turned out to cheer on Reece in the weekly beach volleyball match, before lunch at Mano's.
Reece had identified them earlier, they were definitely a threat, strong, no apparent fear, a team to be wary of, but that one, he was an anomaly, why were his eyes always centred on Reece.
Giovanni, Van to his friends, was equally aware of Reece's reputation, but he was also in awe, he couldn't help but stare, this was supposed to be an old guy, not the Adonis he was seeing.
They'd played a hard match, the crunch came as Van, in typical match point fashion sent the ball almost too high for Reece to block, anyone else might have failed, might have let it go, but not Reece, he excelled, soaring upwards, sending the ball back to hit sand, scoring the decisive point, winning the game.
But the very act of pushing himself to such a height brought Reece back to earth with a bone crunching thud.
Van knew immediately, he'd seen it when no one else had, Reece was in trouble, he'd sprinted, diving under the net, aiming for Reece.
As Reece screamed in pain, Van was beside him.
"Keep still, I'm pretty sure it's your ankle, don't move, I'll get some assistance, I think we need to get you to hospital".
Reece hadn't heard any of what Van said, even through the pain he was too busy gazing at the god fawning over him.
Maybe gazing was a slightly wrong analysis, substitute drooling, Reece would later admit, that was a more accurate description.
In the ambulance, throughout the journey, at the emergency room, Van didn't leave him, in fact, when the medical staff suggested he might like to wait outside, he positively growled a negative response.
When the medical team insisted on removing Reece's trackie bottoms, Reece knew he'd been stupid to go with his normal commando choice.
Van's eyes were riveted, Jesus Christ, that wasn't a cock, it was a log, he made a commitment in that moment, he was having that cock, firmly up his arse, so sure as his name was Giovanni.
The medical team had given Reece copious amounts of 'gas and air', a mixture which put him on a happy go lucky path of suicidal truth and dare.
"So, you seem to have a fixation with my cock boy, you can have it if you want, go on, go for it, it's not had any attention in a long, long time".
Reece was grinning, floating along in a euphoric fog.
Van on the other hand was completely distraught, he'd been caught out, he didn't know what to do, he mumbled his excuses and left the ward.
Josef, who had just arrived, and witnessed the exchange, rushed after him.
"Sir, please, I apologise, what you just heard is not my father in a normal state, it's the drugs, I want to thank you, for looking after him, I know he'll want to thank you personally when he is more himself?".
Van looked at Josef, unable to think clearly he burbled out a reply.
"It doesn't matter, I'm leaving in a few hours, I have to be in Madrid tomorrow, I have a concert to perform".
And then he was gone, leaving Josef totally perplexed, until the words 'I have to be in Madrid tomorrow, I have a concert to perform', finally registered, it was Giovanni Gregous, one of Guardian's clients.
It was a little over three hours later before the medical staff finally confirmed there were no broken bones only a really bad sprain of the ankle and severe bruising to the foot.
With his foot and ankle strapped tightly, Reece was wheeled out to Josef's car to be taken home.
In the car Reece complained about the effects of the gas and air mixture he'd been given to reduce the initial pain, but he was baffled by Josef's reply.
"I agree Poppa, that mixture was certainly bad ass, you must have terrified that guy who brought you to the hospital, he was gone like a rocket after what you said".
Reece looked mystified, he genuinely couldn't remember much of his time in the hospital.
"I'm probably going to regret this, but what exactly did I say?".
Josef couldn't suppress a giggle.
" You said, and I quote, 'So, you seem to have a fixation with my cock boy, you can have it if you want, go on, go for it, it's not had any attention in a long while', right about then he turned beet red and almost ran out of the hospital".
Reece was completely mortified.
"Oh god, no, I need to apologise, I had no idea, where is he staying, can we swing by, I have to make amends".
Josef found it quite amusing.
"He didn't tell me where he was staying, but then, he didn't really need to, I happen to be CEO of the company which controls his security detail, he's staying at the Imperial Hotel, that is if he's still there, I know he has a gig in Madrid tomorrow".
Reece had been only half listening, he didn't hear the part about a gig in Madrid, he only heard 'Staying at the Imperial Hotel".
Reece was distraught.
"Stop off there son, I need to apologise, he was so helpful".
As they headed for the hotel Josef confirmed with his secretary that Van's party had not yet checked out, in fact they were staying the extra night and traveling to Madrid the following morning.
In reception Josef introduced himself and asked that they announce him to the head of Van's security detail.
Within a few minutes there appeared a large thick set, obviously muscled man, who no one with any sense would upset.
Josef recognised him the minute he stepped out of the elevator.
"Gregor, my friend, it's good to see you, how is that beautiful wife of yours, it can't be long now until the baby's due, remember to call me the minute she goes into labour, I'll have you by her side before the little one makes an appearance".
The genuine pleasure of seeing Josef was visibly apparent in Gregor's smile.
"One day I'm going to tell the world what a softie you are, I might blackmail you for a million dollars to stop me ruining your street cred".
Josef was laughing as he replied.
"Too late my friend, Carry already beat you to it, with the pictures she publishes of me on all fours playing horsey for my sweet little princess, my street cred is in tatters".
As they'd been talking, Josef noticed Gregor's looks towards Reece, just inquisitive, the sort of look that said, I ought to know who you are but it's not coming to me.
Normally Josef would have come down hard on an agent for not recognising someone who had got close to a Principal, but he had an affinity for Gregor, and more importantly, so did Carry, and there lay the problem, there was no one in this world he was frightened of, with one very big glaring exception, Carry, if she were in a mood, CEO of Guardian or not, it scared the shit out of him.
"Gregor, you remember my Poppa Reece, I'd like to introduce him to Van, is he able to see us?".
Gregor realised his boss was being kind, he reached out his hand to Reece.
"It's a pleasure to see you again sir, if you'll give me a moment I'll check his availability for you".
Within moments Gregor was talking to his principal.
"I'm sorry to disturb you sir, my boss, the CEO of Guardian is here, he wondered if you might have a few moments to spare, it's only a courtesy call, he has his father with him".
Josef pretended disinterest, but Gregor wasn't fooled, he knew Josef would register everything about this visit, he was an absolute stickler for correctness in everything, from dress, to manners, to protocol.
Gregor listened for a few moments before responding to finish the call.
"Thank you sir, I'll bring them up myself, if you wish me to stay I will, but I have to say, you will be in the company of one of the most efficient protection personnel on the planet, so I have no qualms about leaving you".
Turning back towards Josef and Reece, his constant smile beaming at them, he said.
"He would be delighted to meet you, he has to leave in about an hour for a radio interview so I'll take you straight up now".
On the way up in the elevator Gregor addressed Josef.
"I realise this is a little unusual but whilst you're with him, would you mind if I use the time to call Bren, she's a little cranky at the moment, can't wait for the little one to be born, I've been glued to Van all day, he's been on six interviews so I've not had a minute to call her".
Normally Josef would have been harsh in his criticism of an agent who wasn't completely focused on his principal, but this was Gregor, he was a favourite of Josef's, and Josef knew he wouldn't hand off his principal to anyone less capable than himself.
"You do that and give her my love, who have you got lined up as a step in if you need to run?".
Gregor had been dreading that exact question coming, he'd lined up someone he believed in, but Josef didn't, he was probably the only employee out of hundreds that Josef didn't like, so Gregor didn't try to wrap it up he just threw the name out.
"Drew".
Gregor saw Josef's expression change to one of dislike, he jumped in before Josef could comment.
"I know we disagree, but I have faith, and Van seems okay with him, he knows this is make or break, I believe he'll come good, maybe even impress you".
Gregor gave a weak smile to Josef who completely surprised him with his reply.
"On your head be it, I hold you completely responsible, but I trust your judgement, it's your call, I'll approve it".
Josef had to admit, Gregor had an uncanny sense when it came to predicting how a person would perform, it's why he was so sought after by most high profile clients, he was always top of their request list, unbelievable when you took into account, he didn't pull any punches when ripping into a client, or principal, for doing something stupid which put them in danger, he'd actually spanked one teenage rapper which caused Josef to almost piss himself laughing.
Right now Gregor had no idea he had been the topic of much discussion.
Josef, Juan, Pierre, and Rick, (who had been elevated to Operations Exec some six months previously) had all agreed, he was the one they wanted to head up their recruitment drive.
Business was booming, but they'd been struggling for months, Josef and Juan had taken on assignments to avoid disappointing high profile clients, but it wasn't enough, they needed more agents, but not just any agents, they wanted the best, and then they needed to improve them, bring them up to a whole new level, something Gregor was a natural at achieving, he was charismatic, he could inspire without the subject realising they were giving exactly what he wanted from them.
As the elevator reached the penthouse floor Josef patted Gregor on the shoulder.
"As soon as you've introduced us you can disappear, but don't let it get strained, get back as soon as you can, we don't want Van to feel uneasy".
Gregor nodded.
"You got it, and thanks boss".
Gregor led them into the main lounge area where Van was sitting with his back to them at a grand piano, running through chords of a song he was composing.
Gregor didn't speak he simply walked to a point where he would be in Vans eyesight.
"Sorry Greg, I was in the zone".
Spinning around ready to be introduced Van stopped dead.
"Is this a joke?, if it is it's in poor taste, get these people out of here Gregor, I'll be speaking to you and your boss privately about this, it's not funny".
Gregor was visibly shocked and confused by Vans reaction.
Reece stepped in.
"Please, I just wanted a chance to apologise, for what happened yesterday, I didn't mean to upset or offend you, that's all I wanted to say, I'll leave now, but please don't think badly of Gregor, he doesn't know what happened".
Reece had turned and was walking for the lobby and elevator, determined to escape when a strong voice stopped him in his tracks.
"Wait, we do need to speak, we have to clear this up, Gregor, leave us please, and take your boss with you, I'm sorry Josef, we can meet some other time, this matter requires dealing with".
Reece stood rooted to the spot, until Van took his arm and led him to a sofa as Gregor and Josef left the room.
"So your offer was not genuine, you didn't mean it, it was a false offer?".
Reece was confused.
"Look, I've already said I'm sorry, I was on a cocktail of drugs to control the pain, my mouth was on suicidal auto pilot, I didn't mean to upset you, I wouldn't do that to anyone, I'll leave now, I'm really embarrassed, but I wanted to apologise in person".
Van was smiling.
"Your apology is accepted, though there was no need, but you didn't answer my question, was it a false offer, because I want to take up your offer, that is of course, assuming it was genuine".
Reece's face was a picture, as the words penetrated his brain, he started to try and form an answer, but it came out as a sort of disjointed gobbledygook.
"I well, what?, you, I haven't, you understand what I said, you're not, I can't, I need to go".
At that point Reece stood and walked directly toward the door leading out to the lobby and hit the elevator button.
Before the elevator arrived there was a voice behind him and firm hands on his shoulders.
"It seems now it's my turn to apologise, I didn't mean to be rude or upset you, I like you, I was being rather direct, I'd like to get to know you, please don't go, not just yet, come back in, let's sit and have coffee, please".
As Reece turned he could see the pleading look on Vans face.
"Okay, sorry, I'm way out of practice on meeting guys, it's been a long time".
As they sat drinking coffee, the conversation was remarkably easy with just a couple of uneasy moments.
One such moments was when Van asked why such a handsome man was not already in a relationship.
He knew immediately it had been the wrong thing to ask, Reece's facial expression told him there was something terribly sad linked with his being single and he attempted to backpedal, but Reece answered his question.
"At twenty six I married my soulmate, he was ten years younger than me, gentle, kind, understanding, patient, we had twenty wonderful years together, adopted three children, Josef's the oldest, he has a younger brother and sister, my husband, Pauly, passed away a little over three years ago, since then my life's effectively been on hold".
Van almost wanted to cry, he could see and feel the sorrow Reece was experiencing.
"I'm sorry Reece, I wouldn't have asked that question in such a crass way if I'd known, Pauly must have been a remarkable man, I hear it in how you describe him, I wish I could have met him".
Reece actually relaxed, they were talking as if they'd known each other for years, then it occurred to him he knew nothing about this man.
"So what is it that you do, what causes you to need the level of security my sons provide?".
Van smiled, then actually laughed, almost a cross between a belly laugh and a giggle, he realised he'd actually met someone who had no idea about his fame.
"I do a bit of singing, tour quite a bit, it means I need looking after, you're sons were recommended as the best, their company takes care of me wherever I go, my only regret is that very soon I lose Gregor, his wife's due to give birth any day now, he's arranged a replacement who's good but I get along so well with Gregor, he's like a brother, a bossy one albeit, but we're good friends".
Van went silent for a moment just staring at Reece.
"Do you work Reece, what do you do to pay the bills?".
Reece squirmed a little, he hated discussions about his wealth, it was a throwback to his impoverished childhood, he skirted the issue where possible.
"We sold our businesses just before Pauly died, I've not done anything since, I can manage without working at the moment, I suppose one day I will find something I want to do, but for now I'm okay".
Van was conscious that the time was approaching for him to leave.
"Reece, this may sound a little forward but would you accompany me to a dinner party tomorrow evening, it's a black tie affair, I'm always nervous, I'd feel so much more comfortable in your company, and I'd like us to carry on this conversation, that's if you'd like to, what do you say?".
At that point Gregor and Josef reappeared, Gregor apologised for interrupting them but reminded Van they really needed to head out now.
Van turned to Reece.
"You didn't answer".
Reece was torn, but he was also shocked when his mouth agreed to Vans proposal whilst his head was still processing the request.
They said their goodbyes with Van promising to send a car for Reece the following day around noon.
In the car on the way home it suddenly struck Reece, why did he need a car at noon if they were only having dinner?, but he wasn't prepared for Josef's laughing fit when he voiced the question.
It took Josef a few minutes to get himself under control, during which time Reece was becoming annoyed.
"Poppa, sometimes you can be so naive, did it not occur to you too ask what the dinner was for, where it was being held, who else might be there?".
Reece just looked at him, realising Josef had a point.
"No, it didn't, he said he was a bit of a singer, perhaps he provides the entertainment after dinner, maybe I should just decline".
Josef's laughter got louder.
"I wouldn't recommend that Poppa, our King and Queen may be displeased if you mess up their seating arrangements for a second time in one day, I'm guessing by now we have received a folder request at Gurdian HQ, about you from the Palace, I'd give anything to be a fly on the wall when The King and Queen are informed an old friend has emerged from his self imposed exile".
Reece was silent, shocked, Josef went on.
"You really don't know who he is do you?".
They were just pulling into the underground garage of Thorn Plaza as Reece shook his head".
"No, and now I'm worried, when he asked what I did to pay the bills, I said I was okay for now, I could afford not to work at the moment".
Josef was still chuckling.
"Let's go upstairs and I'll fill you in, it seems you two need to be a little more forthcoming with detail in your answers".
Arriving in the penthouse apartment they found Sofia, Rick and their boys visiting with Carry.
After greeting everyone Josef couldn't contain himself and blurted out.
"Poppa's got himself a hot date tomorrow night, and typically for Poppa, he hasn't got a clue about who his date is, so I'm going to throw out some facts and let's see if we can enlighten him, okay fact number one, the 'Bit of a singer', as Poppa described him, has sold around one hundred eighty million albums worldwide, fact number two, and this is the clincher, he's a Greek who lives alone in a palatial villa called Gregous, on the outskirts of Rome".
He didn't get any further, both Carry and Sofia screamed out.
"Giovanni Gregous".
Josef was laughing.
"Bingo, Poppa has only gone and bagged himself one of the most famous rockstars in the world, to clarify Poppa, that would be the guy you described as a bit of a singer".
By now there were tears of laughter rolling down everyones cheeks, whilst Reece sat gobsmacked, his mouth hanging open in shock.
Josef went on.
"There's a televised Royal Concert tonight in Madrid, he's doing it in aid of The King and Queens Charities, every Euro collected from seat sales, television rights, merchandising, goes to Their Majesties Charities, he does it every year for them".
Reece was confused.
"But he said he didn't enjoy it, it's why he wanted me to accompany him, was he lying?".
Josef realised his Poppa was wavering.
"No Poppa, you're misunderstanding him, he'll enjoy tonight, that's what he does, he loves performing on stage, it's tomorrow night he doesn't enjoy, Their Majesties always stage an elaborate dinner party at The Palace of Zarzuela, their private residence, the night after the concert, he's the guest of honour, accommodated within the palace, something almost unheard of, the trouble is he's a really shy person, he gets nervous about attending high profile events, he's been slammed a few times in the press for not appearing when he should, I think with you for moral support he will actually enjoy tomorrow night, of course it might surprise him to find out you know The Royal Family rather well, it might also give him a shock to realise you're not the nondescript guy he thinks you are".
That evening and the following morning were a blur for Reece.
Under Carry's expert supervision his luggage was packed, consisting of three large cases, she'd insisted he take enough for several days as a precaution, what she hadn't told him was that Josef had taken a private call from the palace, in that call it was expressed to him, in no uncertain terms, The Royal Family had been very excited to learn of Reece's impending visit, and they had no intention of allowing him to escape their clutches after staying only one night, not after so long an absence.
At precisely twelve o'clock, midday, a chauffeured 4x4 arrived to collect Reece.
Only twenty minutes later he was airborne out of Malaga Airport headed for Madrid.
As he came out of the FBO arrivals lounge he was surprised to see an obviously happy and grinning Van waiting to greet him.
"Welcome, I was so afraid you wouldn't turn up, I'm sorry now that I doubted you, for once I'm actually looking forward to attending a dinner party though I apologise in advance for the formality, now let's get you installed, we're expected for afternoon tea at four thirty in the conservatory".
In the car they continued to chat and as they arrived at the palace a valet opened the car door, standing aside for them to climb the staircase to where pages were waiting to show them their accommodation.
Afternoon tea should have been Van introducing Reece as his guest, but it totally destroyed Vans cool when Reece addressed their hosts first.
"Your Majesties, I humble myself before you, I'm sorry, I cannot say more, I upset you, but I was in a very dark place for a long time, I beg your forgiveness".
Van was mesmerised, but he was also annoyed, he had no idea Reece knew the royals.
Right now he felt like he'd been used, like Reece used him to get back into grace.
As the afternoon progressed Van distanced himself from everyone, by early evening he was nowhere to be found.
When Reece enquired of an equerry about Vans whereabouts he was shocked.
Van had left, citing a family emergency, Reece was confused and annoyed, but at that point he believed Vans excuse, expecting he would receive some form of communication to explain, but it didn't happen, there was nothing from Van, no contact at all.
Reece eventually stayed three days before returning to Torremolinas.
Carry collected him from the Airport, but she wasn't expecting the fuming, fired up, angry Reece she got.
"He's an asshole, he bolted, he collected me from the airport then threw me to the wolves, I only want to meet him once more, just to tell him what a complete prick he is".
Life fell easily back into it's familiar pattern for Reece, though he did find his curiosity peaked when he heard mention of the Royal Concert being televised.
It was a little over two weeks after he returned from Madrid, he found himself sitting glued to the television, marvelling at the voice of the man who he was still angry with, but he had to admit, that was the owner of one very fit body, with a beautiful voice.
Almost six weeks later Reece turned up for his usual Sunday morning match on the beach in Torremolinas behind Mano's Bar.
Josef, Juan, Sofia and their families were with him as they'd planned to spend the rest of the day together, a family lunch at Mano's was a forgone conclusion.
Reece's team had been fooling around doing warm ups when they were approached by two guys, both typical beach sports types, one of them addressed Reece.
"We were hoping to get a game, any chance?".
Reece smiled, he was always pleased to welcome new players, knowing nothing about them added to the enjoyment, it meant his team had to assess them quickly, adapt to their strengths and weaknesses if they wanted to maintain their reputation of being unbeatable.
"We'd be pleased to take you on, you have the court for fifteen minutes to warm up then we start, best of five sets, three games per set, the umpire is a friend but believe me he's completely impartial".
Reece's team, including Josef, Juan and Rick, watched as the challengers warmed up, but it was Rick who noticed first and commented.
"They're a man short".
As the challenges finished their warm up Reece addressed the guy who'd spoken to him earlier.
"You appear to be one man short, we can offer someone to make up your numbers if you need an extra player".
The guy appeared nervous but Reece didn't think anything of it.
"Thanks, but we have a full crew, there's one who prefers not to warm up, he'll be along shortly".
Reece just accepted what he'd said and was stood with his back to them talking to his teammates when Josef let out a shocking statement.
"Oh shit, this is not going to end well, you'd best take a look Poppa".
As Reece turned, his eyes narrowed, his face took on an angry expression.
There, walking across the beach towards them was Van.
Reece didn't wait for him to get even close to his teammates, he set off on a collision course with Van, as he neared him his voice was clearly angry.
"Why the fuck are you even here, hoping to embarrass me some more, what are you intending, maybe vanish mid game, you seem to be good at that?".
Van blanched visibly, clearly he had not expected Reece to be so volatile, so deliberately aggressive.
"I'm sorry Reece, I should have spoken to you, not just disappeared, please can we play, then maybe talk afterwards?".
But Reece was far too angry to be subjective, his response came out as a shouted growl.
"I don't play with children, and you've proven your immaturity, for some ridiculous reason it seems I threaten you, god only knows why, you invite me to a high profile event, then you humiliated me by ditching me, you leave me to make your apologies, well congratulations, I don't pretend to understand your reasoning, but you scored your point, I looked like a complete idiot, now fuck off, the kiddies play area is that way".
Reece then turned and walked off the beach towards Mano's Bar.
As Van started to follow after Reece, Josef saw Gregor, Vans security detail, get out of the 4x4 limousine they'd arrived in, Josef waved him back into the limo turning quickly to Juan.
"You have Van, I'll take Poppa, get close enough to jump in and block Poppa if need be, I think he is seriously pissed enough to take a swing, if he connects Van won't know what hit him, he could do some serious damage, I don't think this is about Van running out on him, I think this is a whole lot deeper, I need to get him alone, this isn't our Poppa, I've never seen him act like this, I'm convinced it has something to do with Poppa Pauly, I'm pretty sure of that, keep Van here, I'll call you if I can work it out".
Reece had already entered Mano's and ordered coffee when Van appeared.
"Please Reece, I don't want to fight, I know I was stupid, I didn't plan to humiliate you, I just didn't think, can we at least play a friendly match?".
Reece spun around almost spitting his reply at Van.
"It'll be a cold day in hell before I ever have any friendly interaction with you".
As he shouted his reply Reece was advancing on Van, until Josef stepped in front of him.
"That's enough Poppa, you're way out of line now, let's go home".
Reece stopped dead, staring at Josef, seeming to suddenly deflate, his anger dissolving.
"Yes, I think that's a sensible idea son".
Back at the apartment Josef got coffee for them as they sat up on the roof terrace.
"So Poppa, do you want to explain what just happened, because it wasn't you, it wasn't the man I know as my Poppa, one of the few people I've always worshiped, okay, I agree, he was stupid, but he also went to extraordinary lengths to apologise, he put himself on public display to apologise, I've never seen you be so vicious, you were out of order, out to hurt him from the get go, you were going to hit him, I'm sure of that, but I don't think your anger is about anything to do with him, or about what he did, it's something else isn't it, something much nearer to home, something much closer to your heart?".
Reece was listening and he knew what Josef was alluding to, but it was difficult, his head was all over the place".
"I don't know what you're talking about".
Josef stared at him and said only one word.
"Guilt".
The tears pouring down Reece's cheeks told Josef he was right, he moved in to pull his Poppa into a hug.
"Oh Poppa, I understand, but he's gone, it's been three years, he would so be the first in line to kick your ass for acting like this, he told you to do this, he so wanted you to find happiness again, you agreed you would, you made him a promise, I for one wouldn't want to be in your shoes when you meet again if you continue to break that promise, because he will rip you to fuckin bits".
Reece didn't answer, he knew Josef was right, he felt terribly guilty, like he was being unfaithful to Pauly, he knew it was stupid, well, he hadn't realised it was quite so stupid, or plain to see, until Josef pointed it out.
Josef carried on talking.
"I knew you were angry when you came back from Madrid, I should have seen how angry you were, it was quite a shock today, I realised then, I had to get you alone, get you to see there's something wrong with your behaviour, you have to be objective about this Poppa, maybe you won't have anything to do with Van, but you can't lay all this guilt on him, sure, he was stupid, but it's your baggage that's causing the problem, you could have sorted this so differently, and in the past you would have, it's time to get your head straight, stop pretending everyone who looks at you with affection is a freak, take a good look in the mirror, you're still an attractive man, you're going to get approached, I'll sort this if it's what you want, I'll tell Gregor to get him out of Torremolinas".
Reece's head snapped up.
"No, come on let's go back to the beach, let's play a game, I know now, you're partly right, but he was still a prick".
As they walked back into Mano's, the tension was easily seen, until Josef spoke.
"Okay, if the prima donna's have finished, I believe we were going to play a match, we're up next when that lot finish".
Van looked directly at Reece before speaking rather tentatively.
"Are you sure, I can drop out".
Reece saw the pleading look.
"Come with me, let's talk while we wait for the court to be free".
Reece walked out onto the beach, fishing a pack of cigarettes out of his pocket, he offered the pack to Van who was trailing along behind.
"Thanks, I'd love one but I have a date tonight".
Reece visibly stiffened at the mention of Van having a date.
Van saw the reaction, resisting the urge to giggle.
"I meant a gig, I'm performing at a venue in Malaga, I haven't had a date with another person in around seventeen years, well that's not strictly true, I sort of had a half date with you, but I fucked that up big style, I'm sorry Reece, really sorry".
Reece had been listening, he believed what he heard, looking up to heaven before turning to answer Van.
"You did humiliate me, I still don't know why, but that's beside the point, my reaction was completely over the top, that's something I want to apologise for, on my part, it's a feeling of guilt, I haven't done anything like this since I lost my partner, Josef made me face it".
Van wanted to throw his arms around Reece, but he knew that would be a mistake, instead he said.
"I was jealous, I wanted to impress you, it fell flat, they were all over you, I saw red, you were right, I guess I am immature, I should have been pleased for you, instead I was angry, you'd stolen my thunder, my limelight, it wasn't until after I left, I realised what I was missing, your company".
Reece shocked him.
"Well you owe me a date, you'd best get working on that if you're serious, but I warn you, the jury's still out, so you need to impress".
They were smiling as Juan called to them, telling them they were on, the court was free.
The match was a tough one, at the second set it was one all, then Reece's team got the measure of their challengers, from then on it was a blast, Reece's team won four sets to one.
As they returned to Mano's Reece invited the losers to join them for lunch, most accepted, Van declined, but only because he had to complete a sound check, before he left, with most of Reece's family listening, he asked Reece to come to his Concert that evening, he told Reece he would leave up to twenty passes at the stage door and really hoped he would come, then he asked if they could talk in private.
Outside on the promenade, a few feet from where Gregor was holding open the door to Vans limo, he shocked the shit out of Reece.
"You were right, I was a prick, I did something stupid, and now I'm afraid, I'm really frightened that I might have lost something precious without even knowing I had a chance to have it, you Reece, I realise now why I'm all over the place when I'm around you, I fell in love with you, I know that sounds crazy but it's true, I'm asking you to give me a second chance Reece, please, make a start by coming tonight, if you're there I'll take it as a sign you want me to go forward, that maybe, just maybe, we can be something special".
And then he was gone, before Reece could answer.
Reece was completely and utterly outnumbered by his brood, they all wanted to go, so like it or not, he was railroaded into attending the concert, though in truth, he was secretly pleased.
For Reece it was traumatic, just the thought of preparing for what could be a date, though Josef had told him there would be at least another five thousand people present, all paying upwards of fifty Euro's for the privilege.
Then came the dilemma, for someone in their fifties, what to wear, how to behave, what would Van think, mutton dressed as lamb if he dressed to young, old fogey if he didn't try hard enough.
Finally it was Sofia who settled his wardrobe choice, a soft blue Jasper Conran shirt, medium blue, leg hugging jeans by Abbercrombie, Ted Baker brown loafers, and Reece admitted, it looked good.
At the venue they were shown to their seats only minutes before the lights dipped.
From only feet away, on a VIP section of the side stage they saw him, all of them looked, no, all of them stared, but he only returned one look, his eyes were riveted on Reece, and they all saw it, he mouthed the words.
"You came, I love you".
The concert was a huge success, he had an uncanny ability to lead the audience on a journey, from the entrance high to a medium soft comfortable song, then within a few songs back to a roof lifting high again.
But he surprised everyone, it was definitely not his norm, when, just before the half time interval, he stopped to chat, perched on a tall stool, they listened intently as he poured his heart out.
"I've been a fool, I know that now, recently I met someone, you all know what I mean by that, not the usual, smile sweetly and tell them their special, oh no, I mean the real deal, I mean the, leaves me speechless, heart racing, what the fuck type of someone".
The audience as a whole were hooked, a collective 'Ohhhh' sounded out, at which point Reece was terrified.
Van continued.
"I was a prick, no use denying it, I ran away, for whatever reason, I blew it, and I don't mean that in the slutty sense, though I have to admit, no, let's not go there, I've messed up enough, I let go of someone who makes my heart race, someone I think of constantly, well that someone is here tonight, and my next song is for you, please believe it, I mean it".
The musicians eased gently into a version of Adele's, 'Make you feel my love'.
For Reece it was exactly as Van wanted, he was the only person who was hearing this song, it was directed at him, only him, especially the verses,
'I know you haven't made your mind up yet, But I will never do you wrong, I've known it from the moment that we met, No doubt in my mind where you belong.
I'd go hungry, I'd go black and blue. I'd go crawling down the avenue, No, there's nothing that I wouldn't do, To make you feel my love.
When the song ended Reece was in tears, in complete turmoil, at that moment he would have taken Van into his arms and professed his undying love.
But it was later as they traveled home, Josef brought him back to reality, when he said.
"I'm not convinced, yeh, he poured his heart out, but he didn't tell them he was in love with a man, he left them thinking whatever they wanted to think".
They were all silent, especially Reece, because he knew Josef was right, and Josef continued.
"He's never answered any questions about his love life, all he's ever said was he was burnt at a very young age and he'd never discuss it, I need to know more before I give him my vote".
Well Josef had been right but even he was shocked when Van appeared on Oprah in her 'Roam The World' program two weeks later.
It was Carry who dragged Reece into the small lounge.
"You have to watch this, it's Van, live on Oprah Winfrey, from London and its entitled, 'baring my soul', my god, I think he's doing this to prove something to you".
Reece sat riveted to the television screen.
Oprah opened the show in her normal style, announcing her guests, leaving until last her best, Giovanni Gregous, the world renowned, Van.
Reece watched, as each guest was interviewed, seeing Van get noticeably more agitated as time moved slowly toward his interview.
Finally it was his time.
Introduced with appropriate fanfare Van stood to take a bow, acknowledging the audience approval.
Oprah did the usual pleasantries, rolled easily through the standard questions, and then it came, the killer question.
"At your Concert in Malaga recently, you made what, to your world audience, was a monumental statement, you announced you were in love".
She left it just hanging there, it was a fact not a question, he in turn looked a little like a rabbit caught in headlights, he was visibly shaking.
In the past he would have simply raised a hand to signal the subject was off limits, this time, after what seemed like ages, but was only a few moments, he nodded his head in acknowledgment, he didn't speak.
Oprah could see he was having difficulty, but she was a grand master at putting people at ease.
"In the past you've only ever eluded to, as I think you put it, 'being burnt at a young age', you've never allowed anyone to bring up the subject of your love life, why now, why me?"
It did the trick, Van was answering a totally different question, it wasn't about his love life it was about his choice to bare his soul on Oprah.
"That's easy, because I admire and trust you, along with millions of people out there, you don't stab, poke or slash, you coax and encourage, in a gentle way, I feel safe with you".
She knew it was now okay to go a little deeper.
"The world press has been on your case for years, there's never been a hint of a relationship, even now, the question on everyone's lips is, 'who is this mystery woman', are you okay with sharing that, or would you rather we leave the subject and move on?".
To Van this was the moment, he knew he had to do it, but it didn't make it any less terrifying.
"I'm okay with that, and it's true, there never has been any relationship, not because I haven't been pursued, but because I never wanted it, until now, until the moment I met someone so incredible, my heart races if I'm even close by, someone I miss terribly the moment we part".
Oprah decided this was the opening.
"But who is she?".
Van heard the question, and knew it was now or never.
"You should be asking, 'who is he', I'm in love with a man, and I know now, I can't exist without him".
From the audience there was a collective gasp, then stunned silence, which only lasted a few moments before several of the audience stood to applaud, within seconds the whole audience was on their feet giving him a standing ovation.
Sweeping her arms to encompass the audience reaction, Oprah turned back to Van.
"You were worried weren't you?, terrified probably, that your fans wouldn't accept it, well look out there, they're telling you it doesn't matter, we all love you for you, nothing else matters, but I have to admit I'd like to know who this mystery guy is, who is it that can capture your heart, will you tell us his name?".
That was a simple decision for Van.
"No, I don't feel I have the right to do that, this was my decision, to stand up and admit I'm comfortable with who I am, I needed to do it as much for my own peace of mind as for proving a point, if he wants his name to be known, then that will be something for the future, not now".
In Torremolinas most of the family were sat around a clearly gobsmacked Reece.
He'd listened intently with mixed feelings, terrified Van would name him, then a little piqued that he hadn't, but understanding Vans explanation, it had not been discussed, Reece hadn't even known of Vans intention to out himself on Oprah, but he had to admit, he now felt a lot easier about starting a possible relationship with someone who didn't have to constantly hide his sexuality, and Josef's response summed it up perfectly.
"Okay, now he gets my vote, that guy has got one bloody big set of balls to do that on television".
Reece had known that it wouldn't work if they had to constantly hide in the shadows, he'd said as much to Van when they met a few days after the Concert in Malaga.
Van had traveled to Torremolinas to meet up with Reece, they'd spent most of the day sat on the roof terrace at Thorn Plaza.
It had been that afternoon when Reece came clean about who he was and his wealth, though even then he was a little hazy on what his true worth was.
Josef had joined them for drinks before dinner when quite innocently Van asked.
"So who actually owns this building, Thorn Plaza?".
Reece looked a little puzzled at first then admitted he didn't know, saying possibly Josef and Carry, because they occupied the main penthouse apartment.
Josef, who had been listening giggled before speaking.
"Poppa you really are a scatterbrain when it comes to money, you own it, the whole building, Grampa PJ said it was their dearest wish that as the oldest family member left in Torremolinas you should have control of the nest".
Reece's face showed how surprised he was, but he was also intrigued by Vans question.
"Why would you want to know who owns this building?, that's not a criticism, just a general question, what's going on in that mind?".
Van looked nervous about voicing his thoughts aloud, but he went ahead anyway, and in the process led Reece to think of what Josef had said on the way home after the concert.
"I was thinking this would be a perfect base, away from prying eyes".
Reece couldn't hold back.
"I can't live in the shadows Van, I've always been open, I'm well known, once it were know you were living with me the press would hound you, hound all of us, until they got a story, you've never been honest with them, that's a big problem, maybe not for you, but it would be for me".
Van looked crestfallen, but he brightened as he replied.
"It seems I need to do some serious thinking then, if that's what it's going to take to hold on to you, that's my goal".
They hadn't discussed it further which was why Reece was so surprised by Van deliberately outing himself on Oprah.
A little over an hour after the show aired Van rang Reece, his voice clearly showing nerves.
"I take it you watched the show, do you think I was mad to do it?, my management team think I'm mad, they're rather angry with me, please tell me your not angry as well, that would really upset me".
Reece was grinning as he replied.
"I am so bloody proud of you I could piss my pants with excitement, you did good boy, oh and according to Josef you must have one big set of balls to do that on television, personally I'm looking forward to finding out for myself, of course they won't be the only part of your anatomy I'll be examining, I have a rather substantial torpedo to park somewhere so I'll be looking for an accommodating warm moist place".
Van could be heard to groan.
"Oh shit Reece, why did you do that, I just came in my pants, I'm in the car with a massive wet spot, I can't get out at the hotel, I'll be a laughing stock".
Reece was laughing fit to burst.
"Put Gregor on the line".
Reece laughed as the phone was put on loudspeaker so that Gregor could participate while driving.
"Gregor, it's Reece, you know where our London house is in Kensington, go there, I'll call ahead and tell them you're coming, oh, sorry Van, excuse the pun, Gregor, once he's installed there you go back to the hotel and pack his stuff, he'll be more comfortable at the house, I'll be there tomorrow Van, then we can get down to discussing that parking problem I mentioned earlier".
Gregor couldn't understand why Van flushed bright red at the mention of parking.
As soon as the call ended Reece called the house in London, he was surprised to hear Woody's voice.
"Woody, how are you little bro, I didn't know you were there, look I have a rather delicate problem, a friend is on the way he should be with you shortly, can you let him in through the mews door, and make sure no one sees him, he has a rather embarrassing wet patch on his pants following an explicit conversation we had a short while ago, put him up, I'm coming over tomorrow".
Woody agreed through rounds of uproarious laughter, he also informed Reece they were having a grand dinner party tomorrow night so he'd need to bring his tux.
The following day Reece flew out of Malaga at eleven in the morning and arrived at the London house a little after two thirty in the afternoon to be greeted at the front door by a grinning Van.
After the greetings were done Reece asked Van what his engagements were going forward, and he was pleasantly surprised by Vans reply.
"I have a twelve week break, apart from a concert I have to record which will air on most television stations around Europe on Boxing Day, and a Royal Variety appearance here in London the first week of December, nothing else until mid January, why do you ask?".
Reece was ecstatic.
"Because I want us to spend some time together, we need to get to know each other, I'd resigned myself to traveling with you if you were performing, now we can go wherever you would feel more comfortable, and if you remember I have a parking problem to solve".
Yet again Van blushed bright red before saying.
"I'd like to show you my home if you're okay with that, it's just outside Rome, it's the one place where I've always felt safe, relaxed".
Reece could hear the love in his voice as he talked about his home.
"I think that's a perfect idea, we'll do the dinner party here tonight, chill out tomorrow and head for Rome the following day, I'll let the pilots and Jacqueline know later".
Van was confused, about Reece's reference to letting the pilots and Jacqueline know and questioned it, so Reece explained.
"We have three aircraft, they serve the whole family, PJ and Lenny left them, financially supported, for the family to use, Jacqueline controls them, well actually she has overall say on who uses them, but she leaves it to her office".
As they were walking upstairs Reece remembered something else.
"Oh I nearly forgot, you will be required to attend the Christmas House from December 24th to January 6th, the whole family will be there, they are so going to love you, it's in Lanzarote, its traditional, we gather there every year".
And so finally Reece had emerged from the shadows, everyone agreed, Pauly would be looking down and smiling, pleased his beloved Reece was now at last moving toward happiness.
ARB Allan
Comments are welcome to cfgw2000@aol.com.
Thank you for giving me your time, enjoy.