March Stephenson

March Stephenson

Chapter 47

Maxieplus

The following days were peaceful, March couldn't have been more relaxed as he and dad worked on their awesome cars together. Mason helped by choosing what oil to use and at one stage the tires and spark plugs. Sunny was well and truly trained and used the back lawn to do his business, we even got him to the point of doing it in one area. I uploaded a few photos of the town, and other residents placed their current families there. I will make some folders using years as guides, and then transfer them into a more manageable index. I had been through March's photos many times and somehow finally got them into some sort of order. On Friday around two, he carefully drove us to his hotel, the traffic was bad and twice he nearly turned around to go back home.

"It's got worse Nicky."

"Because it's school pick-up time March have some patience."

"Then the work rush will start." He moaned as Mason slept.

"We are only a few miles away from the hotel, keep going or pull over, I will drive March. I have more experience in the city than you."

"No, I will drive Nicky."

"Suit yourself, turn right at the next set of traffic lights."

"I know where I'm going."

The usual opera played out at the hotel, he got our bags out and the parking attendant was handed the keys.

"Do not scratch it, take your time and be careful."

"Yes sir Mr. Stephenson, I will park it in the executive car park."

"I had better come with you." He looked at me.

"March, Mason needs changing can you book us in?"

He looked at the smiling attendant then me, I won.

"Just don't scratch it."

I don't know whether the kid deliberately did it but Goldie's tires squealed a little as he drove it down the ramp.

"Right, I will put a complaint in with the manager."

"You will do no such thing, March Stephenson, he knows cars and how to park them that is his job. Leave the kid alone you great big bully."

"Oh, ok, well I might go check on the car later."

"That won't be happening, now can you try and be nice to everyone and check us in?"

"I can do nice Nicky." He placed a big smile on his face and walked with us in tow to the reception desk.

"Good afternoon Mr. Stephenson, Nicky welcome back its so good to see you all again, and how is little Mason, well I hope?"

"He's fine thank you Bradley, it's good to see you again also."

"Your usual room is ready, and if you would like a couple of our roasts the cook has some put aside for you, thats if you are hungry of course."

"Some extra veggies for the bubs would be nice too. Can we have it in our room?"

"Of course sir, just sign here and I will have it delivered." He smiled then rang for the bell boy.

The bellboy took our bags and we followed him to the lift. I don't know whether he was looking at me or March, but he was smiling.

"Hey, keep your mind on the job kid." March tapped his shoulder.

"Sorry sir I was only curious that's all."

"Curious about what?" The kid went red-faced.

"I overheard that you and Mr. Nicky were the hotel's favourite guests, and I was trying to figure out why."

"Because we tip the most." His eyes lit up and after he opened the room March slipped him twenty dollars. He almost did a happy dance as he thanked us sincerely and left.

"He was perving on you, Nicky."

"No March, it was you he was looking at."

"Really?" he stood up straight and smiled.

"Now I don't want you to play this game anymore, treat the staff with some respect they like having us here, it's got nothing to do with sex."

"I will try Nicky." I changed Mase and let him run around in his nappy, he headed for the windows, and his dad wasn't far behind him.

While they discussed the view I answered the door and the waiter set our meals up, he was also happy to see us again.

March sat Mase in his chair and I placed a towel on the floor for dropped food. I managed to get most of it into his mouth then I started on my late lunch.

"What have you got in mind for later March, I don't think I could eat another roast for dinner."

"I can, but I have something in mind for tonight it's Mason I have to organise because he can't come."

He took a photo of his lunch and sent it to May, he got one back that almost mirrored his. I knew May and Jason were coming to the city, Rose had told me May was in a flap because she didn't know what to pack. I had to giggle because she is a 'woman of the world' after all.

"So they are at this hotel then." He stared at me and answered.

"Of course they are, after all this is our family hotel, Nicky."

He laughed along with me.

We finished up and bubs needed a nap March laid him by the big window with his bottle and then he lay with him until he went to sleep.

We ended up in the bedroom for an hour, it was nice.

"I have front-row tickets, Nicky."

"Front row for what March?"

"The showroom downstairs."

"What showroom?"

"They have one past the breakfast room, so I booked a front-row table."

"What's the show?"

"Jersey boy's musical, not the whole show just some guys singing all the songs. Not the real guys just look alike ones."

"I love Frankie Valli, is May babysitting?"

"No Nicky she and Jason are coming to the show with us, the hotel has a very good nursery where Mase can play with the other babies. I have requested half-hour updates from the girl that runs it." He proudly said.

"You did good March Stephenson."

"Thank you, Nicholas Stephenson." Bubs walked in and after some effort, he hauled himself up onto the bed, he was still groggy but unfortunately the doorbell got me up.

May and Jason were at the door, apparently their room was three doors down. They were so happy to have a change in scenery and even more excited to be going out at long last. Mase was taken by May, and March dressed, he offered coffee and we all sat at the table, a bit like home. Jason and May were going to his parent's place tomorrow and we were invited if we wanted to go with them. March had a list of things to do tomorrow so we weren't available apparently.

It was no big deal and I guessed he would be going shopping for that nice present for me. We talked about the show and I was telling Mason he will meet some new friends tonight, the show doesn't start until seven thirty so my guess is a half-hour play then it's bed for him. March reassured me he would be speaking to the girl and giving her a rundown on all his likes and dislikes. I reassured him he wouldn't be getting within twenty feet of her, I would be doing the drop-off.

He was baiting me, I know the signs and I know him better than he knows himself. May and Jason left to shower and dress and I changed Mase. I put a nice sleeping suit on him and gave him a good talking to about playing nice, then I left him with March and I guess he will have a little talk with him also. He looked nice, well he looked gorgeous he even put a tie on for the night. Dinner started at six and the show will start at seven-thirty, he also told me it was a fixed menu and he was looking forward to it. We met May and Jase at the lift she was glowing and Jason matched my March in the God-like looks department. At the nursery there were three other kids, Mase stared at them he must have remembered Faith's barn dance night which turned out cool for him. One little kid passed him a toy and they both played silently with it. The young lady in charge assured us we would get updates and he was completely safe in her care. I gave her his travel bag and a wink, and then March started.

He didn't get too far because I ushered him out of the room, leaving the carer giggling.

I don't know how he managed it, but yes we had a ringside seat, the waiters he now recognised by name, if May was miffed she didn't show it.

I took some photos and one of the waiters took a couple of all of us. The room was filling up and I watched my husband nervously twist in his seat.

He spoke to the waiter and we were moved down the back, it wasn't a big room but he said he felt uncomfortable being right in the spotlight, this new table was a lot better he could peruse the room unnoticed.

Food, there wasn't a lot of it I remembered these sorts of clubs don't serve up a big meal, but you do get four courses, this of course wasn't enough for March Stephenson or May, when the waiter arrived he had four big plates of roast chicken.

We sat and ate to the dismay of the other customers who looked on in envy.

"Pre-ordered special diet," March told one guy who was sitting at the table behind him, he looked pissed off. I hoped he didn't start a riot.

The rest of the fare was nice, you could tell the hotel kitchen had put a lot of effort into pleasing their customers. May took a photo and sent it to March, he did the same back then they slapped hands.

The show started on time, and the showroom lit up as tables were cleared.

I love this kind of music, mum and dad liked it too because the radio at home was always turned up when it was played. I was missing a husband by the third number, you can guess where he was, annoying the babysitter. He came back and said.

"He's about to go to sleep I had to say good night."

"Oh. What about me?

"I gave him your best wishes." He giggled.

We all stood up when a popular song came on and his hips twisted while I watched, the waiters watched also, they laughed when he did his moon dance but it was only for show.

Four cocktails appeared with umbrellas and swizzle sticks in them, compliments of the management. The next round was compliments of the staff, and so they should, they are getting a free show from my husband.

The night was a great success and he wanted to book again for Saturday night, May and Jason didn't think they would make it but he said he booked anyway.

He was on the phone with someone while I put Mase to bed and now I think he has organised mum and dad to come here for tomorrow night's show. We made love and then slept peacefully, Mase groaned a little but I decided that was because he wasn't in his own bed, but when March put him in with us he settled down.

"Come on hurry up Nicky we will be late."

"Okay, okay what's the rush?"

"Breakfast, all the good stuff will be gone."

May and Jason were already there and her plate was piled high, it's a smorgasbord breakfast so March headed for the table that held all his favourite stuff. I settled Mason and then went to get him some toast and eggs, May started feeding him and herself while I got my plate.

Jason wasn't a big eater his plate wasn't as stacked as Mays and March's, it was more like mine. He said they would leave soon and it will be a whole day family thing, they would be too tired when they got back. So once again we got a no for the show tonight.

We booked Mason into the kids club again and then back to the room.

"Where are we going March?"

"To the Zoo Nicky."

"He will love that." I got excited because March hadn't been there either.

"Can you drive Nicky, I don't know where it is."

"Sure, it's not that far away from here just the other side of the city."

He was excited, I could tell because his legs were shaking, and if he asked bubs if he was okay once he asked several times. I found a park easily and we got the stroller out. Mason didn't know where he was going but he sure did when we walked through the big iron gates. He screamed when an Emu stuck its head into the stroller, March yelped.

First were the monkeys and he was in awe, March that is, the Lions were sleeping so all you could see were their sandy coats. Leopards were patrolling the fence and the elephants made Mason cry because he wanted a ride. It was lunchtime and we were only halfway through it so we sat at the Zoos cafe and had a milkshake and hamburger, chips and nuggets were Mase's preferred snack today.

March prattled along and he told me several times he was enjoying the Zoo immensely. Many photos and a few toys later he suggested we go home, we could always come back and Mason needed a nap, which he had on the way back to the hotel.

March was talking to Bradley behind the reception desk so I took the lift up to our room. I guess he is relating what a wonderful place the Zoo was.

I undressed my boy and wiped him down with a cool cloth, it had been a hot day, then I placed him on the bed and laid down with him. I didn't hear March come in but he was next to us when I woke up.

I went to the toilet and then put the kettle on to make coffee, my boy walked out and wanted the books we had bought him, full of Zoo-type animals. He made some noises and was pretty good so I laid on the floor with him and tried to make better ones. March came out and took over thank God, I was teaching Mason all the wrong ones.

A knock on the door saw mum and dad standing there. Mason screamed and ran over to dad, he picked him up and the animal book was the best thing ever to show his grandad. Mum rolled her eyes and made more coffee.

"Did you have a good trip?" I asked.

"The traffic is worse than I remembered Nicky, but we coped."

"You are going to love the show tonight, have you booked a room?"

"We are looking forward to seeing it, and we have a room."

"May and Jason won't be there but it is a good show," March said.

I showered while they played with Mason and then March did, we wore the same outfits as last night and when we dropped Mason off at the nursery he screamed again because he had a book to show his new friends.

"Surprise!"

I heard as I walked into the showroom. The first faces I saw were Ethans then Faiths, then Hanks, Toms, Roses, Mays, Jasons, and Petes, a table for twelve had been booked and March sang out.

"Happy Birthday Nicky." I looked at him how could I spoil his fun my birthday isn't until next month but he got the date right.

"Wow, what a great surprise, sister-in-law I will get you for this."

"Not my doing Nicky, my brother wanted to do something special for you, we just went along with his childish behaviour." She grinned.

"Sure you did." My sarcasm came into play just about then. I hugged the men and kissed the girls a very special cocktail appeared and I sat in the best seat at the table. Rose was laughing along with Pete and Tom, Hank looked very nice in his shirt and tie but a little uncomfortable. faith as usual looked perfect and Ethan had his shirt and tie on and kept smiling at Hank.

The quips were thrown around because we aren't used to being posh but they all shut up when the food started to arrive, roast beef for everyone, yes March had to piss off the other guests who are looking.

"Do you like your surprise?"

"I sure do handsome, when did you organise this?"

"A few days ago, I wanted to buy you something nice but I didn't know what to get, so I thought this might be a better idea."

"It was baby, I am very happy you did this for me."

"They wouldn't let me bring Mason but what he doesn't know won't hurt him."

"The noise would frighten him."

"I loved the Zoo Nicky very much."

"Good, I will take you again sometime."

Rose looked good she had a black sequinned frock on and it suited her. I have a sneaky suspicion they will all be hitting the clubs tonight, I hope she doesn't get mistaken for a drag queen again. The meal was awesome, mum and Faith gave it their tick of approval. The show had everyone up and dancing I had to pull Rose up because she was going to join them on stage. Hank and Tom danced together and I caught up with Pete who slipped March a new price list, some things never change.

"Nicky, can I get a Play Station?"

"If you want one, of course you can." I rolled my eyes.

"Do you want something?" He pushed the list into my hand.

"Can I look at it later?"

"He might sell out."

"He can get more." I laughed.

It was one of the best nights I have ever had but after the show, I wanted my boy again, the party was breaking up and I invited Faith and Ethan to our room for coffee but they said they were tired and would see us for breakfast.

We said our good nights and then went to get Mason, he was fast asleep and we thanked the girl and then went to our room, I saw March slip her some money.

"I'm so tired Nicky."

"That will be all the energy you spent today."

"Can we make love in the morning?"

"Of course we can, good night March, and thank you for my wonderful night."

"Wahhh daddy."

"Night frights you had better go get him."

"I'm asleep."

I got up and grabbed Mase then I put him into our bed, March pulled him in and we had peace once more.

Mum and dad were our first visitors followed by Ethan and Faith who were still raving about the show, Hank and Tom arrived and Rose was looking very hungover.

"She joined the show last night they couldn't get her off stage so she spent most of it in the dressing room getting her makeup done," Tom laughed.

"I had the best night Nicky don't get down on me."

"I would never do that, I like men."

Took her four seconds to start laughing, loudly.

She then settled down and Mason had her attention by making more animal noises.

Breakfast was excellent and my crew ate well, thank God it is nearly over and I can get back home for some peace and quiet.

I was talking to Faith about the boy's restaurant and maybe they were going to sell it, and suggested it would be a great business if run properly.

"I was talking to Mary about it yesterday, I think the boys would do better with a new manager, Jayne let that business run down, I doubt she even wanted to be there. But it is what it is Nicky, I am still thinking about it."

"The problem is if you and mum take it over what happens with the current one?"

"The restaurant is only open four days and nights it's very doable. Winter will be the killer not many tourists come up to the hills."

"Well, I think it is going to do well but we have to see what they are going to do first, it's up to them."

I think between March and May the breakfast fare depleted a lot, I fed bubs some eggs and he chewed on his toast while talking to mum. We all went back to our rooms and then met in the reception area. Accounts were paid and farewells were made. March checked the car over and then gave the attendant a big tip, I had to drive because he didn't think he would make it out of the city, he also sat in the back with Mason and they napped all the way home. The two roasts that were slipped to us were sitting on the front seat, luckily May didn't see them.

Mase played in his cubby and March and I sat on the back porch. I was looking through the local page and May had posted some photos of the show and all of us around the table. A lot of comments moaned that they weren't told about the show and a lot said they would be going next weekend. One said it was the best hotel in Victoria and everyone should experience it at least once in their lives, that was Rose's contribution.

"We didn't go to the restaurant Nicky."

"No, the waiters would have missed you." I grinned.

"You."

"No, you."

"Do you think so?"

"Yes." I will give him this one.

The roast was welcomed around three, Mase was now napping on the floor in front of the TV. March was looking through Pete's list and was making one of his own. I had perused it but there was nothing I wanted, I have all the electrical items I needed and I will have a look at March's list before he puts his order in.

The doorbell went and I was faced with Brock and Ben, they didn't look too good and the first thing I said was.

"What the hell is the matter?"

"Can we come in Nicky we need to talk to March."

"Of course, he's down the back room."

I put the coffee on while they greeted each other, Brock asked if we could sit on the verandah and talk, so we moved back out there again.

"What's up boy's?" March I think went into big brother mode.

"She stitched us up March, our whole lives are a lie. We went to see the solicitor there was a will, she left the restaurant to us and a bank overdraft of a hundred thousand dollars."

"She mortgaged the business?" March sat up.

"You don't know the half of it, she left her money and house to Aunty Betty, her mother."

I wasn't surprised she was a bitch, and this is right up her alley.

"What about your homes?"

"They are safe, dad gave them over to us years ago, you don't seem too surprised March." He was uncomfortable now, but he did answer.

"I knew about Betty that's why I tried to tell you not to get involved with her, can I say something else?"

"Of course."

"Like mother like daughter boys, they were both awful people."

"After we left the solicitors, we talked most of the night, we had no idea she wasn't our sister, and we also came to the same conclusion, you were right. So now we know why you didn't want to talk, let alone go to her funeral."

"She started the fire to get to me, she knew my parents were buried there and I loved that place. I have no idea what she was trying to achieve but she was unhinged and drunk."

"She hated you March, even we could see that. So now we have to sell to pay off the debt and that will leave us with a whole lot of nothing. I look back at all dad's hard work to get it running and she was destroying it behind our backs."

"I am sorry boys, Nicky found a photo of when she was born and that triggered everything, he had Betty running back to the city thanks to a friend who delivered the photos and some letters she had written to my mum, they were disgusting. She treated me and May like we were filth, and you can bet your houses that she was the one to get into Jayne's head about some phantom money owed."

They looked at each other I went to get the photos, I placed them on the table and they both looked.

"So she left you in debt, gave Betty her home, and from the grave she is still bullying people."

"We have no idea what to do March, and we aren't asking for help just guidance. You have run your own business well, tell us how, because Jayne organised all that stuff?"

"To her advantage, not yours. I will lend you the money to pay the overdraft, that will get the bank off your backs. You must talk to Nicky's mum and Faith Wagner they know your business back to front. I insist you heed their advice to turn that restaurant around."

"Anything March, but we can't take your money if we pay just the interest one day we might have enough to get rid of the debt."

"I will pay it, you need less stress in your lives boys, and I can help."

"This is all mind-boggling for us, we never expected she would turn on us, and Betty, I am that close to killing her."

"So was I until Nicky stepped in."

They looked at me and probably realised they should be talking to me not March, but he was doing a good job on his own.

"I will set up a meeting with Faith and mum, Brock. I guarantee the first thing they will do is drop that menu down to a more manageable one, customers only go there for the roasts and steaks anyway, that is your thing."

"It just got out of hand we were trying to please everyone, half the stuff on it I didn't know how to cook anyway, and the menu is Jaynes doing not ours."

"Well we start with a meeting and go from there, I need your bank details and you go and pay that overdraft off first thing tomorrow."

Brock broke, he's not the kind of guy we thought he was as he let some tears drop. I handed him some tissues he thanked me, then I made another pot of coffee.

"Brock there are several options for you both, you can sell the business, lease it out, or take on partners, but I would like it to stay just in your hands, that's the way it always has been."

"We can't thank you enough March, we are at our wit's end, thank you doesn't seem enough," Ben said.

"Your family that is all that matters, and boys?"

"Yes, March?"

"I still won't be doing your cars." March burst out laughing and the boys joined in, which broke the moment.

They stayed and talked for another hour, then left to go home and tell the wives everything would be okay. I will talk to mum and Faith tomorrow to get the ball rolling, they will help them out.

"Have I done the right thing with the money Nicky?"

"I know you have doubts but for what it's worth yes, you have done the right thing, and you also have won in the end. Jayne can't touch you anymore and maybe just maybe you have found some more family."

"I don't need more family, I have you and Mason."

"Then you have found more friends then. I am very proud of you."

"Tub Nicky?"

"Tub it is. Mason, tub time." I yelled out and he screamed. March groaned because I knew he had something else in mind and it didn't involve our son.

I undressed he played with me then kissed my dick, I undressed Mason, and we three as a family got into the tub. What was a wonderful weekend turned into to a sad one, but I am sure March Stephenson will bounce back... around bedtime, I reckon.

The next day March went to the bank and transferred the money. He rang them and they were heading to the bank to settle up. March also talked to mum and Faith and they were more than happy to have a meeting with the boys. Mum started writing a list, although she had only stepped foot in the restaurant once she was very observant.

"You know Nicky and March they do have a good business but no direction, the menu alone is mind-boggling it's huge. That has to be made more manageable, they also need to open it up, make it brighter but that can come later. The beer garden outside the dining space is big but hidden."

"Well can you do what you can and if there are any renovations come to me I will pay for it."

"I doubt that would be happening son, they can work up to it and the other thing is to get the towns behind them, from what I hear the locals don't go there, and we can probably blame Jayne for that too."

"How so mum?" I asked.

"I am only guessing but I doubt March wasn't the only one targeted by her, I won't be asking on the local page but Brenda's write-up did bring a few nasty comments."

"Then you will ring them or do you want me to?"

"I will ring March, don't you worry about a thing you have done a lot for the family."

"Good." He whispered.

Ron had done the painting and was now working on the sign writing, he has done some images of old cars and even the phone number, no handyman services but March said he will have a list of local men that do all that stuff on his window.

"Stephenson family garage. I couldn't come up with anything different Nicky. If I put Stephenson and son that cuts you out so I thought family was better."

"If Mason's eagerness is any indication it should be, and son. Eventually he will be working in it I am sure of that."

"His surname is Stephenson maybe he will have a family also." He grinned.

"Yes, you will save heaps on the sign writing," I smirked.

"Nicky, have you finished?"

"Yes."

"Drag your sorry ass over to the shed I need to hold you."

"You can do that here."

"No, I want to hold you." He winked.

"Oh, that hold me?" I laughed and took him across the road.

A tray truck turned up with a beautiful MG on the back, it was from Shannons the place where he bought dad's car from, they do send cars up occasionally to be worked on, and March and dad were on to it straight away. When I looked the three of them were sitting in it discussing oil, I was sure of that.

When we arrived home March rang Brock and yes mum had rung, and her and Faith will be meeting them tomorrow afternoon.

Mason played in his tent today, and March and I looked through more paperwork and photos, for someone who didn't want to know about his family history he's getting into this stuff.

We heard sunny yapping, they had moved from the tent so I went to find them, they were so quick.

From our bathroom I could hear laughing and as I poked my head in I said.

"What are you up to?"

He was wrapped in toilet paper and was trying to do the same to Sunny.

The toilet bowl had several rolls stuck in it also, these things happen.

"March can you get that, I am going for a tub." I lost my clothes and walked out the side. He moaned and then rushed into the bedroom.

He took his time as I splashed around, then he and a very giggly son came out to join me.

"You should have waited for me."

"I didn't know how long it would take and I'm hot."

"We had better close the door in the future."

"What, and deprive our son of a good time?"

"Nicky that is the fourth good time he's had in as many weeks."

"I hadn't noticed." I grinned.

"You do look a bit hot Nicky." He pulled me over to him.

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