Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2018 19:19:46 +0000 From: Max Dowling Subject: Ask me 65 (Revised) Ask Me 65 Maxieplus The room was full of sunshine early in the morning I went to see if Ted had plonked himself in front of the TV, but he wasn't there. Poking my head into his room I spied not only one little boy but also two big boys snuggled up to him. Phil and Dave had spent the night; I figured Tan had gone home to think things out. I truly hope Con and Ray can get this all sorted out for him, and I so wanted to get into that bed with my son. Stop it, you have a dirty mind, although Phil's pouty lips looked extremely inviting, I think I lingered too long because I heard a voice behind me. "Don't even think about it Mr Walsh." Con closed the door and we went to have our coffee, I was still blushing. "I wasn't doing anything Con." I feigned ignorance. "Yes you were I could see your excitement building." "Con I was thinking about you." "Sure you were baby, want to go back to bed?" "No you will only go to sleep on me again." I tapped him on the arm and laughed...he smirked. We sat there for another half hour until it got the better of me. Cons awesome legs were wrapped around my waist as I looked into his eyes, he didn't go to sleep just sort of groaned a lot. "How did you go with Tan?" John asked Dave. "He's so confused at the moment but the guys put up a good argument yesterday, we think he took it in, he didn't say much but we could tell he was thinking." Tan let himself in after he tapped on the door. "Good morning kiddo did you sleep well?" "Yes Brent I had a headache but eventually managed to drop off." He smiled at Phil. Ray took over the conversation as Tan made him self a coffee. "Tan there's really not much to think about is there, I mean you only have one option." "If I go to Duntroon they will put me through my commercial and Air force training, mum wont have to pay out all that money for me then." Ahh now we have the answer to his dilemma go for it Ray, I smiled at Phil he winked back. "Tan why would you think that for bloody god's sake." Ray was a little confused. "Well Conner has been so good to me getting my private licence but school finishes in two months and I cant fly the jet its too powerful for the licence I have, I really only have one choice and that's Duntroon." He was reflective. "No you fly my daddies plane real good Tan, you have to work for him." Ted was talking now; I gave him more toast. "I don't have a licence for it Teddy maybe one day." He sighed. "Okay I've had enough of this Ray tell him." I was getting frustrated. "Tan you are finishing school then going straight to Qantas to achieve your commercial licence, your invitation will be in the mail in a week or so all your expenses are paid by Brent's charity, we really don't see what all the fuss is about." Ray was matter of fact. When his words sunk in the tears arrived and Tan looked at each of us and said. "I just thought after what I had done to Tommy you wouldn't want me hanging around after I finished school." Phil moved in and hugged him. "Nonsense Tan, we love you and want you to be happy, you can still fly with us in your spare time and pick up some petty cash on the way, but we really have to insist that you do this because you are like our son, you really have no choice but to go to Qantas to finish your training." Dave moved to put his arm around Tan and kissed his cheek, Ted did the same. It was overwhelming for Tan his pre conceived ideas flew straight out of the window instantly, I wish he had said something earlier. "Thank you." was all he managed. "We have the whole day to ourselves does anybody want to tour the War museum with us?" Phil was changing the subject. We all agreed it would be a great day out, that Museum is supposed to be awesome. I pulled Tan into the kitchen and hugged him. "Thank you Brent I didn't know what to do I just thought you might want me out of your lives when my training was up that's all." He started with the tears again. "That's never going to happen baby, we will put you through school, and if you want to pilot Jumbos or our jet we will get you a job you like its your choice. And Tan you know your mum will always have a job with Go Ship they are very pleased with her work. I am thinking soon she just might get around to taking advantage of the no interest loans and buy a small house for you both, wouldn't that be so cool?" He was speechless but managed to get out. "I can help with the repayments cant I...my dads still looking out us." He then smiled. Something else he hadn't banked on a home for him and his mum, that will get them out of the government flats. I had better get on to Sam to plant the seed in her head and yes his dad is still looking after them. We were dressing in the bedroom when Con pulled me in and held me. "See you do deserve that medal babe, your charity is still looking after the kids." He put his finger to my lips to hush me I kissed him. A very different boy was with us as he put Ted on his shoulders and walked around the museum, Dave was the tour guide and explained what the exhibits were all about and Ted laughed his head off as Tan occasionally tickled him to see if he was still awake. We headed for the jet around four; I'm hoping Ted will have a nap on the way home. The security guys waved us goodbye as Phil revved up the engines and soared gently into the skies. We found out later it was mostly Tan at the wheel. It was highly illegal, but hey he was our boy and he was very good at it. Ted screamed and I think there at one stage so did John as I noticed Ray's hand on his knee. They disappeared into the bedroom before Conner could say anything so we had landed the baby-sitting job for the next hour. Grant met us at the other end it was good to see him again, he bundled us all into the people mover then drove us home dropping the boys and Tan off on the way. It was so good to be home again, Ted headed straight for Benny we could hear banging and laughing coming up the hallway as we dumped our baggage in the bedroom. Ben was so pleased to see us all and I know why, when we got to the back room he headed for his treats cupboard and didn't settle until Ted handed him one, then he headed for the back yard. Grant had the coffee going by the time we entered the big family room. He filled us in on what we had missed and assured us that Benny had been well looked after, he and Stan had stayed the night and he congratulated me on my award. I hope they didn't sleep in our bed I wouldn't be able to settle if they have. While I thought of it I showed Grant the gold medal then found the safe key and placed it inside with the other ones. I still felt like I didn't deserve it and somewhere deep down I heard my inner self call...no more. "Your fathers case is being heard next friday but there is no need for anyone to appear, it sounds like a deal has been done already." "What will he get Grant." Con asked. "He has agreed on three months jail and two hundred hours of community work." "Is that all?" Con looked beaten. "I'm afraid so Conner." "Bloody justice system, it's full of lefty greenies and bloody do gooders now days." We wanted more for our son, this isn't right and dad should pay for scaring the shit out of a little kid. If only that bitch of a mother of mine was a little less mean. John and Ray appeared with food they must have raided their rather large freezer. Ted had turned the TV on and he and Ben were watching a cartoon. I listened to Grant and Con talk to the others but deep down that inner voice was getting louder and louder, I suddenly gasped. "What's wrong Brent?" Conner took my arm. I was pulled out of my pity party and suddenly stood up. "Nothing Con, I think I'll shower before dinner, I wont be long." I headed for the bathroom, what the fuck is wrong with me now; I turned the water on then stripped. I was chasing my ass before I met Con, and was about to give up, but he rescued me. Conner Wilson came into my life and held me close to his heart. Now all I have to do is snap my fingers and it gets done, I haven't worked for all this and I still feel like a fake, I was also worried about Ted and how he would cope with wealth, and I was so scared for him. While sitting on the bathtub a few tears flowed down my cheeks, I just don't deserve all this I wanted it back to where it was. But alas I wouldn't have Ted or Con in my life if time was turned back and I would just die if they disappeared. The door slowly opened and a gorgeous young guy sat next to me, like he always has done. He didn't talk just held my hand until my moment passed. I patted his and stood hugging him close to me. "Thank you all's good." "I'm glad we had that little talk then baby you feel a bit better now?" "Yes Con thank you I will be out in a minute." I turned the shower off and put drops in my red eyes, then dressed again to follow Con out to eat. What that was all about I couldn't fathom, but I knew I had to go on; and go on I will. We had a great meal as usual then Grant had to leave he looked a little tired, I hope he wasn't up all night with Stan. but before he left he leant over and whispered in my ear. "Sorry but we changed the sheets." Then he winked. "Daddy my story." Ted was pulling on Cons sleeve. "Coming son, have you done your teeth?" "Yes daddy." "Teddy Richards." I looked sternly at him. "Okay daddy doing them now." He ran up to the bathroom giggling, Benny was at his heels. John had done the dishes so I went to our bedroom and stripped down for bed. I waited for Con to finish his story then turn Teds night-lights on. With a rush into our bedroom he had everything off in no time then slipped in beside me. I put my magazine down and moved onto my side, Con was already in position so I leaned in and kissed his lips softly I moved to his ear I could feel his eyelashes fluttering on my cheek, his light breaths on my face. My right hand went straight for his perfect ass and my left slid under his neck. "You can talk to me you know." He was whispering. "I know Con it's just that sometimes I get really overwhelmed, nothing set it off tonight it just arrived then left just as quickly." "I understand baby, more than you know." In the morning my gloom had left as we returned to our daily routine. I made toast for Ted who was in front of the TV and took coffee up to Con who was having a good stretch in bed. "Good morning babe." He smiled at me. "Good morning yourself." I placed his coffee on the side table and leant in to kiss him. "What's on for today Con?" "Marty's baby, what have you got in mind?" "Nothing much I have to go get Ted some bigger school shirts, he's growing so fast, I might have a coffee somewhere and chill until the two o clock pick up." "Okay give me a ring in a couple of hours and I'll meet you for coffee and maybe a piece of cake." He grinned. John hurried Ted up while he collected his stuff from the Army Navy game, the boys had give him a Navy footy shirt and the hat so I suppose it's another show and tell for him this morning, our boy was so popular. I was making his bed when Conner caught me, sometimes when I made his bed I would lay on it smelling his boy smells and looking at his posters, that rock star was staring at me those eyes so blue and bright. I got a slap on the bum from Con. "Stop perving." He grinned as he crawled in behind me. "Ted has good taste Con, that poster guy is a spunk." "He is isn't he, but not a patch on that flight attendant over there," He was looking at my poster. "We are so lucky aren't we Con." "Yes we are baby, have you thought about fostering some more kids?" "All the time Con, but I don't want to upset Ted if we bring other kids into his home life." "You don't know your son that well Brent, he would be over the moon." "I suppose so." I let out wistfully. He slapped my bum and said he had to get a move on. "What's happening with Marty today Con?" "Nothing much I want to discuss this Royal concert with him that's all." "Okay then I will ring you later." I kissed his sweet lips. "You better or I will ring you." He kissed me back. It wasn't anything that happened or anything I did but this morning was probably the first time we didn't make love. I thought about it after Con left and I thought maybe the romance is over for now, maybe it's just me. Making myself a cup of coffee I moved to the back yard to sit in the sun for a while, I thought about what Con had said and I know he would love more kids hanging around. We got Ted because a terrible tragedy had happened, if we were to get another one or two we will probably have to go down the surrogate track in Thailand or somewhere like that. But what will happen to Teddy, would he accept another kid I've never asked him if he wanted a brother, maybe I will sometime soon. I leant back up against the fence enjoying my moment alone, the next thing my phone was ringing. "Have you done the shopping?" It was Conner. I looked at my watch and replied. "No Con I am still at home I drifted off for a couple of hours in the backyard." "You didn't have a wank did you?" "No!" "Okay I'll come home and we can walk down to nan's and have coffee okay?" "Okay Con see you soon." I went and changed out of my shorts into a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, did my hair and waited for my man to arrive. He wasn't long and was followed by Grant who would accompany us to our late morning tea. After having a long mouth-to-mouth session Con let me go and we headed for the front door. The warm sun was still out and Grant walked with us, he was telling us that Stan had to go to England for a month with work, Con told him he could go with him if he liked. "I could probably stay on, the gala performance will be around that time Conner." "You can stay as long as you need Grant, I've suspended London for now maybe next year or the one after." Conner put his arm around my shoulders as we walked. "Why did you cancel Con, I was looking forward to it, what about the kids we promised?" I was confused. "I need to do other stuff baby, and London's a hindrance." "What other stuff Con?" "Just stuff." He squeezed my neck and let go of me. "Conner?" I put my frustrated voice on. "Just stuff you know important stuff, Ted needs me, you need me we all have stuff to do together, like being parents." He grinned. Fucked if I know what he's up to, maybe he's tired. "Is everything all right Con?" "Of course baby, I just want to spend more time with my family that's all, we can go to London anytime. Marty's unsure because it again coincides with the birth of their second child, and I would like to be here for that...sort of stuff." "Okay Con whatever." I smiled. We arrived and Geoff was all over us as usual, he was putting the pressure on Conner to sing one night. "Just one song that's all I can afford Rick." He smiled. "Okay stop crawling mate any Saturday night in the next few months will do, here's Marty's card get him to organise a date for you." He took his wallet out and passed Marty's card to him. Geoff looked at it and Con put him out of his misery. "Free sample night, you get one free sample night, no heavy rock just love ballads, and put a twenty dollar or more cover charge on each booking, then donate the money to Father Thomas at Saint Catherine's church after you pay that street band you have accompanying me." "Really?" "Really now get us a round of coffee will ya?" "Con your coffees in front of you." I pointed out. "Well a slice of your best chocolate cake then." "Conner no cake." I had a stern look on my face. "I was ordering it for you baby, not for me." He grinned. "Okay that's all right then." "We can share it." One way or another he's getting bloody cake. Our coffee was very pleasant and the bonus was that the cafe wasn't busy this time of the day so we chilled until it was time to pick Ted up. At school he was nowhere to be seen Dennis said he was called to Mrs Greens office to talk about medals and things. I didn't want to go find him so we just waited in the car until I spied him running down the path dragging his backpack behind him. Conner talked to him as I drove the five-minute drive to the kid's park. He said Mrs Green wanted to know how his weekend went, he must have been in her office for hours... wrong question Mrs Green. Of course Bubby was in full flight with Conner again, he was pissed off he Sean and Dennis weren't invited to play in Canberra. Conner was trying to explain why there was no room on the jet for them. Bubby of course wasn't having a bar of it he knew Con was kidding. John and Andy were again trying not to laugh, it wasn't until Grant stood over him that Bubby gave in. He huffed and puffed his way onto the field, but not before looking straight at me saying. "You promised." I immediately felt guilty. "Maybe I can get Dan and the boys down to have a game with them baby." He reached for a muffin; my hand slapped his. "Run Mr Walsh?" "Sure thing Mr Richards." I smiled because he was being very cheeky; his foot was firmly implanted in my crotch under the table. It was our turn this Saturday to host the kids, I had my plan in place and they were a little put out that we said we were taking them somewhere else. Ted had been up early organizing things like John to bake biscuits, his football was at the ready, dvd's to watch, he was a good host. "Come on guys we are off." I smiled at them. "But we want to kick the footy dad." "Not now Ted, Bubby's got things to do." I looked at Bubby his eyes turned as big as pot lids then he hurried the others along. He doesn't know it yet but the end of this week he will get his first pay cheque. Grant buckled everyone up in the people mover then drove us to headquarters. We were shown where to park by two security guards then taken into a small office. "This is a very very secret location and I don't want any of you to tell the other kids where it is because its secret." Grant was talking kid talk. The smile on Bubs face was priceless as he followed Grant into a small warehouse. There were three others sitting at bench's each with earphones and heaps of security screens. One very official looking guy appeared in a white lab coat. "Which one of you is Mr Bubby?" Bubs put his hand up. "Good follow me men." He took the boys over to a table where he explained how the buttons were made. Con and I joined the others watching screens I could see a heap of Go Ship ones a couple of our house including Ray and Johns one screen on Bob and Jens place and one on Marty's. I didn't recognize the others but decided that they were private customers. "This is a great set up Con." "Yes and its going to get better and bigger soon we already have signed up quite a few businesses." He rocked on his boot heels with his hands behind his back. I smirked at him and whispered. "Do you even know how to turn the lights on in here Con?" "Brent I'll have you know I know everything there is to know about security here." I winked then said. "I know." Laughing my ass off I went over to watch how to make the discs. Bubby was full of questions and the other two were looking at him like he was a superstar. At one stage I thought Sean was going to swoon. The official looking guy handed them each a small box, which held three discs in parts and he said they were for them to put together when they get home. Well I had done my duty and bundled the excited kids into the van to go back home. As soon as they got in the door they were at the table cookies in their mouths and Bubby was showing them how to assemble their presents, they were actually factory seconds they didn't work, which was a good thing Bubby could push them all day and not disturb the security guys. I gave Ben his treat he was very happy. Coffee was organized and Con took a phone call from Marty, he had set up nans for Saturday week, Con had to get the little band together to rehearse a few songs. "Thank you Mr Walsh." It was Bubs by my side. "My pleasure Mr Bubs did you learn a lot?" "Yes sir can we go again I want to look at the screens we didn't have time." "Sure can in a couple of weeks okay?" "Okay, promise?" "I promise." This is doing my head in but as long as the boys are happy I am. He ran off because they had forgotten they had to play kick to kick. The window smashing next door didn't phase me, boys will be boys and I had better get a glazier in to fix it before John gets on my case. Andy and Sam came to pick the boys up they stayed for a drink and biscuits, Sam was telling Conner Go Ship was looking at buying a couple of container ships from Singapore he was very excited about it. Bob was doing the negotiations and it looked like a winner. He rattled on a bit more then Andy said they had to go they are having dinner with his sister and her family. I sat on the sofa with my two boys one had fallen asleep and Con was stroking his hair. "So what are you going to do Con, now the UK is not going to happen?" "I really don't know baby, just write I think, maybe an Australian tour is the way to go but my major fan base is overseas. I have plenty of time to think about it in the meantime I will do the interviews and charity appearances." I thought about it and came to the conclusion that it wont be enough for him, he needs that stage not to be shut away for a few years. The music industry is fickle it will only take a few years and he would be forgotten...well not quite but pushed aside. The next few weeks went by and I didn't see him doing anything new, he would go to Marty's every other day I think they like hanging together, he did interviews and a few tv sing songs but it wasn't my rock star he seemed to have lost something. It was at the cafe the night he did the show for Geoff that I realized how selfish I had been, maybe holding Ted over his head so he wouldn't go away without us again, I felt stupid and I also realized it wasn't Ted, it was me that was holding him back. "I need to see you during the week Marty on our own." I leant over the table as Con belted out another number with his street band. "Okay give me a call Brent." Marty was put on high alert, he knows when I want to pow wow with him it's serious. I loved seeing Conner in this setting but I absolutely loved seeing my rock god on stage, I know my mind has been in this place before but it's time to grow up and have the balls to share him with his fans. The night was a roaring success, Con took me to another place with his beautiful ballads, and Geoff took stacks of phone numbers and email addresses from the patrons so he can let them know when the next one was on, he was grinning at Conner all night his bar and kitchen were flat out. I drove to Marty's the following Tuesday parking outside his building I steeled my emotions and headed for the tenth floor. "Now what's up Brent?" "Conners UK concerts Marty did he cancel them or couldn't you get a venue slot?" "No, Con cancelled he wanted to be with you for awhile I think." "Marty can you start organizing some concerts at Wembley maybe three or four, a couple of just Conner shows at the Palladium or somewhere similar, these are the dates I want you to look at, how's his band going while I'm at it? the Melbourne one." "They are doing very well in the charts Brent and why this tour?" "It's not a tour Marty I don't want him to do Edinburgh or Europe just London, I need to go back there, you can get Adam and maybe Jill to go with him, and then it frees you up to be with your new son." "Yeah I could do that Brent I know Con will be happy with it are you sure you want to go down that road?" "Certain, my mans a rock legend and he needs to keep the vocals well oiled not sit around all day getting fat." I laughed. "Okay I will restart the engines now Brent and let you know do you want me to tell Conner?" "No Marty it's a surprise, and maybe give a thought about a tour of the states towards the end of the year, but please don't make it grueling for him." I grinned. Driving home I thought about my rock star and concluded he was doing this for us not himself, and because of selfish me his career might stall he needs to hit all the high notes while he can, and I cant stand in his way, Ted cant either. I mostly am happy doing the things I do every day but Con is at the top of his chosen career, I can't be responsible for cutting it short. He was strumming his guitar on the sofa I gave him a light kiss on the head then I made us a fresh coffee and sat with him phone in hand. I listened until Con finished his song he was strumming then I rang Tom. "Hi baby, how's things?" Con started nibbling my neck. I listened to Toms news there really wasn't much doing they were excited about going to Uni Shane was going to do Corporate accountancy and maybe dabble in the share market side of it, and of course Tom's going to be a doctor, no maybe's. "When do you get out of school Tom?" "Good that's great so you both will be available for that trip to the UK if I organize it?" "Great I'll let you know the details in a few weeks did Shane get his passport?" "Okay then we are ready to go, I'll call you again soon bye baby." Con had stopped kissing my neck and was suspended in time for a few minutes. I had hung up and started drinking my coffee then said. "Con can you sing that new song we wrote, you know the one that's going to be released just before your UK concerts." He didn't say anything he didn't have to his words said it all in the song. "And I would still choose you." He crooned out. I flopped my head sideways when he had finished. "I didn't want to go to the queens birthday but I do want to see London again." "Thank you." He finally got out. "Want to fuck me now?" "Yes please." "Come on then lets have some old married fart fun." I took his hand helping him up and steered him to our bedroom I owe this man so much he's going to love what I've got in stall for him and what's coming up in his life. "Are you sure baby?" "Of course Con, I cant be responsible for your career crashing just because I sometimes get overwhelmed by it all, I have decided to just go with it because you know what Con?" "No baby tell me." "I love you, Ted loves you we both think your amazing. You have given up so much for us both it's now time to stop being selfish and to really back you one hundred per cent." "Brent, before I met you I only had my music, the tours the parties the hanger's on but it all changed in the park that night, I am prepared to become a stay at home dad and the best husband I can be." "See there you go again, letting me off the hook and Con don't try and tell me you wont miss the stage because that would be a load of bull shit." "I just worry about you two that's all, I missed you so much when I did Vegas I got to the stage that I thought about just writing from now on so I could be with you both." "Con leave it to me we will come next time and hopefully there won't be anymore dramas in our lives." I kissed him then looked at my watch. "We got to fly Con we are late." Time stands still for no man and certainly not Edward Timms Walsh Richards, he was hopping up and down on the footpath bag in hand as Con crossed the road to walk him back, he bent over and kissed our boy he even carried his bag for him and belted him up just after he gave me a wet one on the cheek. Conner is a good father his gentle heart would see Teddy being well looked after in the future, and myself, but there's only so much gentle he can give so I felt I had given him the best present I could find, it was his way or no way in the future my life is now devoted to making him the best he can be. I looked over at him and thought to myself that unanswered question, 'do you want a smooth ride or a bumpy one' I can provide either. I then laughed out loud because that would make a great song title for my dirty drug taking hotel trashing rock star. "You okay Brent?" "Fantastic Con, I absolutely love you." He took my hand as I looked into the rear vision mirror Teds hands were pressed to his face and they were white. That told me everything I wanted to know. I thank all my readers for their feedback and I love you all. To David and Duncan, you both have done an amazing job for me thank you.