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Life's Illusions The Next Generation - Chapter 22
Six days after giving birth, Mel arrived home with the babies.
With Jolly's help, from her hospital bed, she'd appointed Shelby as Nanny Manager, there would initially be a team of four nannies working under Shelby on a rota basis.
It had been Jolly who'd urged Mel to take on nannies, as she'd put it.
"I know from experience how difficult it was trying to juggle the needs of three babies, five will be a mammoth task, I'm begging you, for your own sanity, hire a team of nannies".
Mel had listened, realising what her mother in law was trying to point out, she asked for Jolly's help in encouraging Shelby to take on the job of Nanny Manager, they'd both agreed, she was a natural choice, already trusted by the family, she'd been looking after Ary from Monday to Friday since shortly after his birth, currently she looked after Ary, Bobby and Dillon during the week.
Shelby had agreed to take on the role, continuing to look after the three older children during the week, leaving the new nannies to split the duties of looking after the five babies between them.
For Mel it was a relief, she had to admit, the prospect of looking after eight children had been worrying her.
News of the births had caused the inevitable family migration, at some point over the few weeks after the births, almost every family member either visited, or sent presents with requests for pictures.
By the time Mel came home, she and Jace had at least decided on the babies names.
From oldest to youngest.
Martin Oscar Thorn, Rebeca Jolly Thorn, Lily Melanda Thorn, Gary William Thorn, Steven Jayson Thorn.
Or, as they would become known.
Marty, Becky, Lily, Gary, Stevie.
When they were six months old, Mel decided to return to JD.
True to her word, the first thing she insisted on was ensuring Tame understood, she hadn't come back as CEO, that was his position and would remain so.
She adopted the title 'Executive Chair', making it her role to search out new business, and take on problem issues which were taxing Tame's time.
Three weeks before Mel's return to JD had been the end of its financial year.
A meeting of the board was scheduled to present and explain the years performance, the figures were contained in a report published and supplied several days in advance of the meeting.
Jo and David had suggested they have the meeting in the late afternoon, they'd arrived at JD a little early, spending the first hour catching up with their old employees.
When they'd finally sat down in Tame's office, to discuss how the company had performed, along with what the plans were going forward, both Jo and David had been in agreement, they'd already decided one thing that was going to come out of this meeting.
They were kept regularly abreast of monthly performance, it had always been positive, but seeing the results month on month didn't ring a massive bell, it wasn't until the previous evening, when they'd sat studying the full yearly results in print that Mel and Tame's achievements could be fully appreciated.
Since the previous year when Mel took control, appointing Tame within a few weeks, turnover had almost doubled, Jo had difficulty understanding how that had been achieved and said so.
"I'm absolutely amazed, and I know David is too, we thought that by achieving an average fifteen percent growth year on year we were doing really well, and yet, here you present results showing a growth rate of nearly ninety four percent, how?, I for one have to know, I'm intrigued, I want to understand how you brought that about, because it's nothing short of spectacular.
Tame had been nervous about explaining his methods because it could be construed as being critical of the company's previous operating system, but he couldn't do anything but tell it as it was.
"Before I explain, I've dreaded that very question, I knew you would ask it, and it's been playing on my mind for weeks, I don't want you to think I'm being critical, but to be honest, you were operating a blanket system, which initially served you well, but as we became busier, wasn't cost effective, so I altered it".
When Tame took a break David replied.
"Tame, you can't upset us by presenting the performance figures you have, if part of the improved performance is down to addressing us not operating properly, efficiently, then it's okay to say that, just like you, we don't ever look to apportion blame from the outset, we prefer to understand why something's happened, because that same scenario might just crop up again, I think the saying goes, forewarned is forearmed".
Tame understood, they just wanted to know what he'd done.
"When I took over we had teams of two as a minimum for each case, some claims obviously, being greater in complexity had more, but the average claim which we have as a majority consists of one qualified Assessor, the other member is usually a part, or nearly qualified Assessor, acting as a scribe, who logs, processes, and prepares the paperwork for the claim".
They all nodded agreeing with his summation.
"I didn't see it as necessary on average sized claims to have two staff working the claim, so I made them an offer, if the qualified Assessors would agree to work all those claims alone, I would give them a bonus of thirty percent of their hours logged, further, to ensure there was no rushing, no sloppiness, I offered a further ten percent of hours bonus, if the final settlement was within ten percent of their forecast reserve figures for the claim, we still save a minimum sixty percent of the hours that would have contributed to our costs from having the Scribe".
David jumped in.
"You're a genius, but how do you know which claims would be average, and I'm intrigued, how did you get the second member to agree to it?, surely they'd be losing out".
Tame smiled.
"I took two of the most senior qualified Assessors, their sole job now is to examine each enquiry as it's received, they rate it, and decide how many staff are needed to service it, we are currently running a ninety eight percent accuracy, though I can overrule the decision for whatever reason, if I see fit".
He paused for a moment to allow them to digest what he'd said before he went on.
"As for the Scribes, I guaranteed them work, in reality, I hadn't got nearly enough Scribes, they were doing me a favour, they just didn't know it, we were so short of qualified Assessors and Scribes, I paid several visits to universities, signing them up to earn wages and course credits".
He stopped, surprisingly he chuckled, baffling them all before going on.
"And now I'm under that same pressure again, I suppose most people would see this as a nice problem to have, just when I thought I could draw breath, because I'd balanced the number of claims with the staff we have available, Mel decides to return to the office and start drumming up new business, it's like she's trawling with nets, her success rate is phenomenal, so I'm bloody well short staffed again, but what I can tell you is that the forecast I've given for the next full year may be seriously flawed".
That statement got everyone's immediate attention, Jo asked.
"Flawed how?".
Tame smiled before answering.
"In a really good way, if Mel continues to drum up work as she's proved she can, I see our turnover increasing by around thirty percent above my best predictions, I don't think I need to explain what that will do to the bottom line, let's just hope you two aren't fazed by seriously obscene wealth".
At that they all laughed.
Tame now asked them for their comments on the extra division he'd outlined.
He'd had what he judged to be a serious approach from a large household name Travel Insurer, they wanted JD to handle their large claims.
David answered him.
"We talked about this last night, to be honest, Jo and I are in complete agreement".
As he paused, Tame was prepared for the negative response he expected, David went on.
"We like that your figures show the proposed new division wouldn't get to a break even position within the first ten months, the start up costs appear to consider every element of expenditure, so, it's a decision you want, well we're going to defer on that for the moment, please don't be disappointed, we will consider it again in a very positive light shortly, just not right now".
Tame was disappointed but he was a realist, if at first you don't succeed, try again, he made a mental note, raise it at the first quarter meeting.
Jo now spoke.
"I have to say, to both of you, on behalf of the owners of JD Assessors, we are not just pleased by your achievements, we are ecstatic, and we have every confidence you will continue to achieve good results, but, worryingly, we have to ask ourselves, what if someone else gets wind of your abilities, offers you a salary you don't feel able to resist?".
Mel and Tame were suddenly confused, they didn't understand where this was going, it wasn't something they'd even given thought too, and Tame said exactly that.
"I'm not sure why you would think that, I can't speak for Mel, but I do know how loyal she is, I seriously doubt she would ever give that possibility a thought, I can however speak for myself, I have been totally happy since I joined JD, I don't believe I would be swayed by a fancy salary".
Jo went on.
"But you have to admit, it's a possibility, and we can't afford to have you two going elsewhere, you've put your stamp on this business, we feel you need to have something besides a salary that encourages you to turn up here every day, we thought about what has happened so many times in our families businesses, so, in recognition of performance, and to ensure you understand how highly you are valued, we're going to split the company into four, we're offering you each an equal partnership, no input costs, what you've done to date is your buy in, to ensure the company stays within our family, if you ever want out, you have to offer your shares to us first, we in turn agree to buy them back at full market value, or whatever value below that you decide to sell them at, plus one other clause, a long time ago we offered the option to JBJ, they could buy JD if they ever decided they wanted us inside the JBJ fold, that offer has no expiration date, would you accept our offer?".
Jo and David actually chuckled at the open mouthed, shocked expressions facing them.
David now addressed Tame playfully.
"I really hope that you're not fazed by obscene wealth either, because you've just rocketed into the millionaire bracket, that is of course, if you can actually draw breath and say yes to Jo's proposal".
Even Mel laughed when a clearly shocked Tame almost squeaked.
"Yes, please".
Jo had responded.
"Okay so we start the new year with four partners, come to dinner Tame, meet the family, we're not exactly conventional, but we're founded on love, you'll get to see where we come from".
Tame was still in shock, but he nodded his agreement.
Then David spoke.
"And before we wrap up I believe the four of us have a proposed new division to vote on, so, you've all seen the proposal, I put it to a vote, can I have a second, thank you Jo, now, a show of hands, all in favour".
Tame couldn't believe it, the proposal was carried, he had his new division.
David explained later, they'd always been going to say yes, but thought it would be a fitting first vote for the new board.
Having worked at JD for almost a year, Tame had only met one other member of the family, Jace, and even Jace he'd only met twice, when he'd collected Mel from the office in the earlier part of the year.
Arriving at the house, Tame was completely speechless, it was a veritable palace, the wings on each side had been finished a month earlier, most of the landscaping was now completed and the family all had their own space.
He'd been introduced to Billy, Jay and Jolly, then to Jace, Ary, Bobby and Dillon, Mel promised he'd meet the babies when the nannies brought them down before dinner.
Only Will was missing, he'd been delayed at the office and would be home in time for dinner.
They'd been chatting in the large lounge, Tame marvelling at how Ary, Bobby and Dillon interacted with their tiny brothers and sisters, when the door opened.
Tame had his back to the door, but seeing everyone looking past him he turned to watch as an Adonis entered, he couldn't take his eyes off Will.
He realised someone was speaking to him.
Mel was almost giggling.
"Tame, ......... Tame, ....... Tame".
He sort of half turned toward Mel, his eyes still not leaving Will.
"Err, yes......Mel".
The family were watching with massive grins on their faces.
Up to the point where he'd opened the lounge door it had been a pretty routine day for Will, and then it happened.
There in front of him was an absolute hunk of a man, and his gaze immediately centred on the most gorgeous butt he'd ever seen, his eyes roaming over those beautiful globes.
Dragging his eyes away from that delicious butt as it turned, he realised, he'd been caught, Tame was looking directly at him smiling, and he couldn't help it, he was in love, this guy was beautiful.
Jace finally broke the spell, clapping his hands loudly, bringing both Will and Tame out of their trances, causing them to jump, but they still didn't look away from each other.
"Tame, allow me to introduce my brother Will, Will this is Tame Fijiias, CEO of JD, he's joining us for dinner.
Will hadn't taken his eyes off Tame, but now he extended his hand, Tame took it, and didn't let go.
The family were almost in stitches, until Jace leaned in and whispered.
"I hate to point this out guys but I'm seeing two rather obvious erections, and I'd rather not have to explain the birds and bees to my very inquisitive older boys before we even have dinner".
That seemed to cause both Will and Tame to snap out of their fog, turning away from the family, Will whispered.
I hope you'll let me show you my apartment after dinner?".
Tame looked Will directly in the eyes, his whispered reply causing Will to shiver.
"I'm hoping you'll show me a lot more than that".
Dinner was an absolute hoot, the family were in stitches watching Will and Tame, who were oblivious to everyone else.
After dinner Will predictably offered to give Tame a tour of the house, but in truth Tame would only see one room, Wills bedroom, and it would be morning before he had the energy to emerge, all assuming he wanted to.
In the lounge, after the children had gone to bed, and Will had very obviously dragged Tame away, the family discussion turned to Will and Tame, Billy asked Jace and Jo if they'd known Will was attracted to men, Jo shook his head, Jace nodded, saying.
I've known for a while, but it wasn't my business, I only knew because I found him crying when we were in university, Jo was at practice, he wouldn't tell me at first, but I told him if he didn't come clean I'd call Momma".
Jace paused, as if lost in thought before carrying on.
"I'm sorry Momma, they'll both tell you, I've used you as a threat so many times, but never without genuine cause, anyway, he told me, and I still remember I'd wished he hadn't, he was heartbroken, he'd fallen in love, with a guy".
Jace paused again, no one spoke, waiting for him to go on.
I still don't understand why he thought I'd be shocked, the plonker, I told him I didn't care as long as he was happy, well that opened the floodgates, the guy had used him, he was a nasty tramp, and I don't use that term lightly, anyway, I think Will made a vow right then, to never again let himself be vulnerable, I told him not to let it get to him, there would be someone out there who was meant for him, but I knew he didn't believe me, he changed after that, he didn't enjoy Uni, not the way Jo and I did, I tried to keep tabs on him, include him in everything Jo and I did, I worried about him, but he cornered me one day, told me to stop stalking him, he explained, yes he'd been hurt, but he wasn't going to get hurt again, he didn't want fun, he wanted to graduate, and he did, with better grades than Jo and I could achieve, we've never talked about it since, but I still remember how much that guy hurt him, I wanted to rip him apart, Will wouldn't let me, that guy still has no idea how lucky he was".
In Wills apartment the sound of two males rutting was present for most of the night.
Will had intended dragging Tame to his apartment, but in truth, he was being pushed most of the way and he wasn't objecting.
Once inside, Tame pulled him into a lip lock which sent Will into oblivion.
When they finally broke apart, they were both in shock, Tame saw Wills expression and immediately started to apologise.
"I'm sorry, I don't know what came over me, I didn't mean to upset you, I'll go...............".
Will grabbed him, pulled him back in close saying.
"You're going nowhere, except to my bedroom, if that's not what you want, you'd be wise to leave now, because I'm not sure either of us will have the energy to leave after we've done a fraction of what I want us to do".
Three hours later, they were entwined under a hot shower, and they'd done it all, both were sore and tired, blissfully so, when Will asked.
"I'm not sure I really want to know the answer to this question but, was that a one off, are you already taken, I'll understand if you don't want to repeat tonight".
Tame realised, they hadn't talked, the urge had been too great, they'd fucked, seriously fucked, non stop, flip flopping back and forth for three hours, and he was floating on air.
"You are exactly what I want, if you think it's what you want, then we can see where it goes, just be honest with me".
He pulled Will close before continuing.
"I can't profess to have been a virgin, in my youth I was a slut, but I got hurt, really hurt, burnt badly in a way that made me realise, I didn't ever want to feel that sort of hurt again, that was many years ago, I've never had any intimacy with anyone since, I'm virtually a born again virgin, so unless you want me to go away, I'm here to stay, somehow I feel I was meant to find you".
By the time he finished speaking Will was crying, and Tame saw it, sending him into a panic.
"What did I say, I'm so stupid, please don't, you're too beautiful for tears".
He pulled Will in even closer under the hot water flow, until Will spoke.
"I didn't believe this could ever happen, Jace told me it would, a long, long, time ago, I didn't believe him, now I feel so stupid".
Tame held him for a long time before they kissed, turned off the water and dried each other.
Looking into Wills eyes Tame said.
"I think I've been waiting for you for a long time, please don't hurt me".
With tears streaming down his face Will answered him.
"I couldn't have put it any better, touche, come on, I've put your clothes out to be laundered, now I want to fall asleep in your arms, and wake up still in your arms, then you can decide, if it's what you want, let's see where it goes".
At breakfast the family were quiet until Will said.
"Okay, can we address the elephant in the room, Tame stayed the night with me, and I hope it's going to be a regular occurrence".
Bobby started the laughter, unintentionally, he was being serious.
"An elephant, where, I didn't see it, was that you shouting last night Uncle Will, Ary said you must have lost something when you kept saying give it to me".
After that even Tame burst out into a very red faced laughter.
Will addressed his parents.
"Momma, Poppas, could I talk to you after breakfast please?".
Billy replied to his son.
"You can if you feel there's a need, but there's not really you know, your life is exactly that, yours, in your own home, you can do exactly as you want, without the need to explain, think about it son".
Will did think about it, but in his mind, he knew he needed to speak to them.
Tame left for work, with Will kissing him goodbye.
After everyone had left Will found his parents still in the breakfast room.
"You've never asked why I don't date, why I've been a bit of a loner, Jace knew, I don't think Jo did, but from your reaction this morning, I think Jace finally told you".
Billy answered him, pulling him into a hug as he did, with Jay and Jolly looking on.
"We really ought to be angry with you Will, but we're not, and yes, Jace told us what happened, but only last night, you've been dealing with this for so long, you were never meant to deal with things like this on your own son, it's why we're here, we don't judge, we just try to help, don't ever do this again, it doesn't matter how old you are, we will always want to help, and I meant what I said earlier, you have your own apartment now because it's right that you should have your own space, who you invite through your front door is your business".
Will had gone off to work almost floating on air, with a date for that evening, Tame was collecting him from Corporate for a dinner date, he guessed it would be in the city.
Around eleven o'clock Tame's PA announced the arrival of Jo and David to see both him and Mel.
Tame was immediately worried, thinking maybe they weren't happy about his association with Will, so when he greeted them he was noticeably nervous, Jo picked up on it straight away.
"Drop the nervous look Tame, this has nothing to do with you and Will, it's just to address something we feel we should have done yesterday and didn't".
Tame visibly relaxed as Mel joined them and Jo continued.
"Your bonuses, we never discussed them, it had been our intention to award a bonus of ten percent of your salaries if you bettered our fifteen percent growth, well you blew that totally out of the water, you bettered it by six fold, so we decided, our last act as sole owners, before we sign off the years end accounts, what we're going to award you both is thirty percent of your annual salary as bonus".
Mel didn't comment, understanding, any objection would be pointless, Tame on the other hand was only capable of stuttering a response.
"I hardly know what to say, my salary is already above my wildest dreams, you've given me a share of the company, there's honestly no need to do this".
David answered him.
"We beg to disagree, Jo explained why we made you both partners, that was a no brainier, we needed to lock you both in for the long term, this is something entirely different, it's what you've earned, along with your salary, going forward we will all benefit as shareholders, but Jo and I will be relying on you guys to make the business profitable, we can't emphasise loudly enough what a fantastic job you and Mel did between you in the last year, we want you to feel motivated, eager to go forward knowing there's more to gain than just a salary, this bonus is there for the taking, all you have to do is achieve a similar set of end of year results in twelve months time, we're being naughty, hopefully appealing to your greed Mr Millionaire".
David smiled as he said the last sentence, Tame picked up on it.
"That's very naughty partner, but I thank you, it seems I can now afford to take my new boyfriend to dinner this evening, so help me out guys, where can I take him, what can I do to really impress him?".
Jo pulled his cell phone out.
"Hi Aunt Jacqueline, yes we're fine, is there by any chance a plane near to us?, wow that's fate, Will's new boyfriend is trying to impress him, we thought taking Will to 'The Nest', might be a knock down, okay, we'll leave that to you, make it at least five days, they both deserve a break, and Aunt Jacqueline, arrange to meet him if you can, you will so approve, and thank you, we owe you a lot of kisses for this favour".
Tame looked clearly confused, and when Jo explained he was almost in shock.
"Uncle Woody's in New York, so there's a plane we can use, you are taking Will back to 'The Nest', it was our grandparents home in Spain, Will won't miss the significance, it, and they, are the very corner stone of this family's existence, he'll be completely overawed that you would take him there, it will say more than words ever could, I'll book your reservation in 'SPECTRUM', it's the restaurant our grandparents founded on the ground floor of Thorn Plaza, where you'll be staying with Joseph and Carry who'll be expecting you, if you don't love them you're a freak, they're two of our most favourite cousins, and I'm laying a bet when The Montclair guys hear you're in Torremolinas they're sure to fly over, in fact be prepared for an invasion".
Jo was moist eyed as he said the next part.
"The rest is up to you, but I'm begging you, make it good, I didn't know until last night why Will had been a monk for all these years, I had no idea about him being hurt, now I'm determined, it's his time to shine, you have to help all of us with this, I know my little brother, he's smitten, just be yourself, I'll arrange absolutely everything for you, a car will collect you around four thirty this afternoon, call at your apartment, pack some clothes, collect Will on the way, we'll raid Will's closet at home, his luggage will already be in the trunk, don't tell him where you're going, let him work it out, it's Saturday tomorrow, we'll see you in about five or six days, take longer if you want".
Tame was totally shocked.
His day was a complete fog, Mel told him a dozen or more times to slow down, she would cope for a week or so, to enjoy the time, the people, come back when he was ready.
At four thirty his PA came in and said.
"Okay, if it's not done, it ain't getting done, your car's here, so move it, I want you out of this office in the next thirty seconds or I call security to remove you".
Tame laughed, but he did as he was told.
At his apartment he packed a hold-all with some dressy, but mostly casual stuff.
He was back in the car within thirty minutes.
As they set off again he sent a text to Will.
'With you in ten minutes, dinner will be delayed until seven o'clock tomorrow evening, that being the time wherever we are, tonight I'm asking you to bare with me, understand, I want to show you how committed I am to love and tradition, I'll say no more'.
When Will got the text he was totally mystified, but intrigued as well, he'd do exactly as asked.
TBC ARB
Allan
Comments are welcome to cfgw2000@aol.com.
Thank you for giving me your time, enjoy.