Date: Mon, 23 Oct 2000 14:40:03 -0500 From: fsw99 Subject: Chapter 51 of One Big Happy Family Legal Notice: The following story contains descriptions of graphic sexual acts. The story is a work of fiction and has no basis in reality. Don't read this story if: **You're not 18 or over, **If it is illegal to read this type of material where you live, **Or if you don't want to read about gay/bi people in love or having sex. The author retains copyright to this story. Placing this story on a website or reproducing this story for distribution without the author's permission is a violation of that copyright. Legal action will be taken against violators. E-mail responses to the stories, story suggestions or other 'constructive' comments or advice may be sent to me at fsw99@mindspring.com. Chapter Fifty One (Alex's turn) "Hi Matt, this is Alex, how are you doing?" Alex said on the phone to Matt. "I'm great, thanks. Mike said Hi to you, also," Matt replied. "Tell him Hi from me please. Matt, I'm calling about a small detail I forgot about next week's party to launch the new label," Alex said. "Oh, OK, what is it?" Matt asked. "You guys will need to wear a Tux, since all guests are told that in their RSVP," Alex said. "Why do we need to wear a Tux for a party?" Matt said, curious. "Because we are launching the new label at the same time and we have loads of celebrities coming over, you know. A few are gay like us, but most are not. We will serve some fancy meal with many servings after, so you need to be dressed accordingly to the rest of the guests." Alex said. "This seems to be getting quite big, I see," Matt said, thinking that the Ericson's family doesn't seem to make things small. "Yes it is, we can't launch a new label with just a small thing. We do this in style." Alex said laughing. "You have to get used to this kind of thing if you are going to work with us." "Yeah! I see that now. Ok, but none of us own a Tux. We can't buy this. It's a lot of money we don't have yet." Matt replied. "The other guys in the band don't either." "I know that's why I'm calling to make you guys an offer," Alex said. "An offer of what?" Matt asked, gesturing at Mike to go take the other line in the next room. "No big deal. Since you can't afford to all buy Tuxes, and most of the band members are not rich, I know you can't buy one yet. So, I will rent some for each of you guys, and they would be at my place when you get there. What do you think about that?" Alex asked. "That sounds fine with me, but you would need the size of everyone in order to do this, right?" Matt asked. "Right, exactly, this is why I'm calling. You need to ask everyone their size and send them to me. Don't forget Stan, he will need one also. Don't forget shoe sizes as well, but those I'm buying anyway," Alex said. "Ok, when do you need this?" Matt asked, understanding Alex's point but a little surprised by this request. "Well, rather fast, the party is in two weeks, the faster the better," Alex replied. "Ok, fine then," Mike said on the other phone. "Listen I just want the guys to look good. A lot of celebrities and important people are going to be there. So far, we have 230 confirmations which are couples, so this means there are going to be at least 460 people, not including the bands and their entourage, and some people still need to send their RSVP. Please tell the guys I'm doing this for them," Alex said. "Gees, I didn't think about this. No wonder you are making such a big party," Matt replied. "Yeah, that's why. So, will you call me with the guy's sizes and details, please? I need this pretty fast," Alex asked. "Yeah, sure we will," Matt said. "One more thing. You really have to tell them soon that you are coming to work with us. I know this is going to be hard for you, but the more notice you give them the better," Alex said. Matt hesitated, as he looked at Mike. Mike just shrugged his shoulders. Neither wanted to have to tell the band they were leaving them. "We know. We just don't know how to tell them," Matt said. "I know, but you have to. You know that this is what you really want. We have all talked this over, and everyone has agreed. Anyway, I need to go now. More things to look after. Bye Matt, bye Mike," Alex said, hanging up the phone. "Ok, bye Alex," they both replied together. "Gees, this is bigger that we thought it was, us wearing a Tux. YUK," Mike said. "Some of the guys won't be thrilled to wear a Tux, I'm sure," Matt said. "Man, how are we going to tell them that we are quitting being their manager's so we can go to work for the Ericson's?" "I don't know. I can't do it. You have to," Mike said. ******************************* It took a lot more discussion, but all the parents eventually agreed to let their sons go on tour. Phill's parents ended up being the hardest to convince, but Mike pointed out that their three sons would be getting 25% of all the band's revenue after expenses, and that kind of helped change their minds. Everything seem set to everybody but me. What was I going to do about my house and cars? How would I be able to write on the road? Mike was handling finding a driver and bus, and would also handle all the hotel bookings. I still had to find a tutor. I had picked up Nate at his house several times, and once, after dropping him off, Brian had told me that his parents were renting their house. I thought about that now, and since they were over here, I asked them if they were interested in renting my house. I gave them very good terms, and also offered them an option to buy it. I had already made up my mind to build a new house. Even with adding two bedrooms in the basement, the number of people we had at any one time was still far too many for this house. My newest book was still bringing in huge monthly checks, I had plenty of money in the bank, so why the Hell not? I thought about how many people that we had at times, and then thought about Matt and Mike. With everything that we had going on, we had all forgotten about them. Robbie had gone home with his Mom. They needed to spend some time together, and tomorrow was a school day, anyway. Everyone was gone except for Ed, Paul, and Jimmy. "Guys, we have completely forgotten about Matt and Mike." "Oh, no. I forgot, too," Ed said. "Can't you call them?" Paul asked. "Yeah, let's do it from my office. We can use the speaker phone and all us can talk to them," I answered. "I dialed their number, and Mike answered. "Mike, it's Stan. I have Ed, Paul, and Jimmy on speaker phone. Can Matt pick up on the other line, so he can hear, too?" "Hi, Stan. Sure, just a sec." Matt picked up and said, "Hello?" "Hi, Matt. This is Stan, and have Ed, Paul, and Jimmy with me. We have great news. We have a new agent, and we are about to record our first CD. When it is out, we are going on the road. Our agent has made lots of plans. You guys are still the band's managers, and we want you to go with us," I said. "Uh, Stan, we were going to call you guys, too. We just can't go off, traveling all over the country, with you. Rick and Zach have been so good to us, and we just can't leave them. We have to help out with Brad, Seth, Jerry, and Sam, too. We have our grandparents that we help take care of. We just can't leave everyone behind. You really don't need us, anyway. We wouldn't help much, and we don't want to take money from the band without doing our fair share. We are going to have to quit," Matt said. "Matt, I understand, but you could make a lot of money if you go with us. We all consider both of you part of the band. Are you sure?" I asked. "Yeah, we are," Mike said. "We are really glad that everything sounds so good for the band. Don't feel sorry for us. We really didn't know how to tell you this, so we put it off. This makes it so much easier. Keith has offered us jobs. He really wants to use the old Shepherd label to promote young talent. There are so many really good, young bands in California. He wants us to be talent scouts. Go out and find new groups that are really good, that nobody knows about. We could still live here, go to college, and still work for him. It is lots better for us, and really, you too. We don't want to hurt anybody's feelings. But, this is better for us, and really, better for you." "Guys, that sounds great for you. I agree with what you are saying. Our new agent really is taking care of everything that you would have done, and he has lots of past experience. We just couldn't leave you out, you understand?" I asked. "Yeah. We felt the same way. We didn't know how to tell you. We will bring down the van next weekend, OK? Matt asked. "No, you keep that. Keith gave it to you, remember? We have two vehicles now that I don't know what I am going to do with. We certainly don't need three." "Are you sure? It is the band's van." "I am sure. You guys need it to go and see all the new bands." "OK, thanks. Look, Alex called us. You all have to wear Tuxes after you perform. He is going to rent them for all of us. I need your sizes, and shoe sizes as quick as you can get them to me, OK?" Matt asked. "OK, I never would have thought we needed that. I will find out as soon as I can, but it might take a day or two. I will call you soon as I can, OK?" I asked. That is fine. We need to go and call Alex and tell him we will take the job, OK?" Matt asked. "Sure. Come see us play sometime, OK?" I asked. "We will definitely do so. Bye." "Bye." ***************************** Who knows how many bands and individual singers, over the years, have recorded records. Thousands and thousands. Maybe millions. I wonder how many had to go to high school all day, and then record for a few hours, then go home so they could finish their home work? Not many, I would think. This was a grueling couple of weeks. They finally finished on Wednesday. At least Mike's older brother, Steve, was lots's more patient with them than David Shepherd had been. They had been trained by his obsessive demands, and easily adapted to Steve's much gentler approach. They quality of their music also responded to this, also. They required far fewer repeats per song than Mike or Steve would have first believed. Everybody was tired, when they finally finished on Wednesday night. "How much homework do you guys still have to do?" Mike asked. "I asked them on the way. Paul still has some, but he can read on the way back. Everyone else is pretty caught up. Why?" I asked. "Well, We only have two more days until we play at the party on Saturday. I know you guys are really tired. You need a break. You can just play what you have already know from Styx and Boston, if you want to. Or...." Mike said. "Or, what?" Robbie asked. "Well, I found out that ZZ Top is also about to release a new record, and they are signed with the other recording company that the Ericson's own. They are going to be at the party, and play three or four songs. I have an idea. It will take lots of work on all of your parts, but........" ***************************** (Alex's turn again) Robbie was driving with part of the band in the Explorer, Stan was driving with the rest of the band in his Expedition. They had maps, and Stan was the one leading the road to Alex's place where the party is going to be held. Matt and Mike had told him to expect a huge house, set in a nice garden. He thought they would be right. Who could hold a party for around 450 to 500 guests in their gardens, with enough room for a full stage for the show and tents being set for a full sitting meal? They had been driving by many places that are behind walls and gates, so they knew they were in the right direction. He saw a long wall with about 20 feet of grass in front of it, with trees and plants in ornate patterns. The entrance gates were to his right, so he went and drove up to it. A security man asked for his invitation and his credentials. He showed them to him and was allowed to drive up, followed by Robbie driving behind him. The man had advised them to leave their trailer with the equipment in the first landing, where they would see the other band trucks. Then, they would drive up to the main house, where they would be showed to their suite, where they could relax and get ready for the show in about 2 or 3 hours. No guests were there yet, and they would not be there until another hour, minimum. They started seeing more and more details, after going through the 2 rows of bushes preventing their view. Ornate and fancy french pattern flower beds could be seen with some fountains with bronze or marble statues. The further they went, the more ornate they were. Then, they saw a large circle and open area with a tall fountain on it's back wall, with what looked like Italian or French statues surrounding this circle. They saw the garage and where the other bands large 12 wheelers were situated, and Robbie parked there, while Stan waited for him. Security came over to talk with them and told them to wait until everyone was together.. "You may go up to the house now. The Butler is waiting for you already," a security man told them, while walking away and talking on their own security system. "Where is the house, Stan?" Tim asked. "I don't know, but this place is huge, guys," Stan replied. Yeah, we can see that," Tim replied. After a few turns, they saw the house. "GEES, would you look at this place?" Stan said, surprised. They were facing a large courtyard with what looked like a French Castle in it's center. A large fountain cascading down on many levels was on their left and garages on both sides of this divided driveway. They were looking at this large house, which is 3 stories high, in large blocks of beige slabs with a lot of columns. This make the house to look like an imitation of the Grand Trianon of Versailles Palace. Large arched windows were on each side of the main entrance. Between each window, you have 3 columns rising to support the flat roof lines. On the roof, you could see a row of statues resting on pedestals between balustrades and all of them in white marble. They reach the large entrance, which is held by 12 white columns, 3 on each end, and 6 of them making a large central post holding the canape. This is rising the whole 3 stories house height. The main doors are to their right, and an older man, dressed in a suit and tie, opened one of the 2 large stories high doors and came to greet them, followed by what look like an army of maids in uniforms. "Welcome to the Ericson residence. We already know who you are. You must be Stan. Leave your car keys inside and someone will park them for you. My name is Antony. I will show you to your suite. These maids will take care of your luggage," he said, and left to greet the rest of the band. Everyone started to get out and they were making comments between themselves. "Is this a hotel or a house? Gees, it's huge," Ed said. "No kidding, and there are what, four people living in this thing?" Paul said, looking at the maids that outnumbered the whole band members, grabbing all their luggage. "This is awesome," Isaiah said to Ed. "Hey Tim, stay with us," Stan said to Tim, who was getting far from them to look at a lion in the fountain. "But it's so cool here," Tim replied, walking back toward the group. Once all the maids had gathered all their luggage, they took a side entrance and left their view. "Follow me. This way, please," the Butler told them. Just as they were about to enter the house, Matt and Mike walked out the front door. "Hey, guys," Mike said. "Mike. Matt. We are so glad you are going to be here," Robbie said. "Nothing could keep us away. You are still our favorite band, you know," Matt said, grinning and hugging every one. Mike did the same. Matt and Mike led the way, as they entered the main entrance hall, which is octagonal, with grouping of 3 columns going up to the roof. 4 of the walls are open to 3 large hallways, the one behind them is the entrance doors, and the 4 other ones are closed with large niches, with huge flower urns that look to be fresh. The walls are all multicolored marble tones, Within the whole 3 stories of the house, no staircase could be seen. The floor is done in a large mosaic pattern of an exquisite design with a central rosette in it's center, with a gorgeous round table holding another urn with more flowers in it. A huge 4 tiers chandelier came down from the dome roof in it's center. They look up the dome and saw more mosaic representing what they thought was like an old French scene. "WOW" Paul said, holding Jimmy's hand and looking up. "Yeah, WOW," some of them replied. The butler cleared his throat and they regained their composure, following him once more. They turned to their left and taking the large hallway. Arched widows looking toward the central courtyard was on their left. They could see on the opposite wall of these arched windows, many master painting from a variety of known painters, mostly French from the 18th and 19th centuries. All of them were between columns and arches. 3 large chandeliers in crystal and what looked like gold are at regular intervals coming down from the ceiling. About in the middle of the hallway, he turned to their right and took a staircase going down and they followed him downstairs. "What, we aren't good enough for the higher floors?" Paul said to Jimmy. "Stop that, I don't think this is the case here," Jimmy told him with stern eyes. Robbie was walking with Phill and he was looking all over, thinking Gees, and this is Alex's house, who's Dad is supposed to be in a less important position, company wise, compared to Keith's own Dad. What does their house look like? This is a Castle, for God's sake. Once they reached the lower level, they saw the back garden's grounds, which surprised them by the size of it. They saw 3 large white tents and farther away, the stage where they will sing later on. Then they made a right turn and entered a smaller room with 3 sets of double doors, one on each wall. The Butler turned to his left and then swiped a card, entered some ID numbers and the doors opened to their suite. "This is your assigned suite. Both of the other ones are for the Hanson's band tonight," he said, getting out of the way and letting them in. They were facing a large living room decorated with modern furniture, all in muted tones of white, off white and beige, some walls painted in dark blue. They could see terraces leading to the gardens. Some of the boys took off, looking all over the place to see what they had. "Who are Matt and Mike please?" the Butler asked them. "I'm Matt and this is Mike," Matt said, looking at him. "Very good, since you already been at Master Markus Jr's house, you know how these cards and ID work. Please distribute all of them to each member and tell them their ID numbers also," he said to them, giving them a stack of cards with a little tag with the proper name and ID attached to each one. "Thanks, we know the drill," Matt replied, taking all of them. "In this envelope, you will find your 2 hotel suite numbers at the Beverly Hill hotel with required ID," he told him, placing the envelope in his hand. This was done by Alex, so everyone wouldn't need to drive back home late at night, since they didn't have room to accommodate all of them in his house. Even though it's large, it's not designed for this many people to sleep in the same suite. Some of the boys came back running, all excited, and they stopped mid-step, seeing Stan's eyes on them to make them slow down, at least in the presence of the Butler. "Enjoy your visit in our house. A Valet and maids will come over to look after you. Your required snacks and drinks are in the bar area of the suite to your right," he said, moving towards the doors to leave them. As soon as he left and closed the doors, some of the boys start talking all at once. "Come look at this place. I have never seen anything like this. Why 2 toilets together? The bed is super huge," came from them. "Don't hold this statue by it's head, Tom, I'm sure it's something from China and worth more than we are getting paid," Stan said, walking toward Tom and Ed who was also holding something else in his hand. "It's a bidet, not another toilet," Mike replied, having seeing one at Mark's house. "A what, what do you do with it?" Paul asked. "It's for women, and you guys don't do anything with it," Mike said, warning them. "EEEEEWWWWWWWWWWWW GROSS YUK eeeewwwwwww" Just as Mike was ending this sentence, Tim had done just that after peeing in it, and he opened the water, thinking it was the water faucet, making water splash all over himself. Getting out as fast as he could, his pants still open, and water dripping off of him, he ran out of the bathroom. "That will teach him," Jimmy said laughing, and making the rest of them laugh, too. Mike went to close the water off the bidet, laughing along with them. "I see some of you already found toys to play with," Alex said, laughing, and entering the room behind them, surprising them. This sent Tim to hide behind Stan, totally embarrassed by this. "Yeah, they sure did," Stan replied, laughing. "Hello, guys. I hope you have a good time before you play tonight," Alex said, getting close to Mike so he could hug and kiss his cheek, then doing the same to Matt. Alex was dress in a casual pants, in raw silk from Armani, in light yellow with a matching shirt with a small decorative vest. Even his shoes are coordinated, with matching jewels in yellow and white diamonds. Some of the guys were looking at him, thinking these are his relaxed clothes. Way too dressy for us. After he finished doing the round of kisses and hugs, including the ***REAL OLD Stan***. After all, he was there accompanying them!! (Thanks a WHOLE FUCKING LOT, Alex!!!! - Hugs!!! Kisses!!! Insults!!! hehehe - Should have cut that little comment OUT!!!! - hehehe) They followed him toward the terrace off their living room. "The stage is all ready, our employees are looking after your equipment, and you will be able to go set them up in about 30 minutes. Is this fine with you guys?" Alex asked, pointing toward the stage. "Yes, it's fine. Why do you have 3 tents?" asked one of them. "We need 2 for our sit down meal, which you know you are invited to go to after your show, and the last one is for dancing, with a DJ and the orchestra later tonight,." Alex said. "Yeah, right, I'm sure we'll be sitting in a corner near the door, like being in this basement," Paul said, loud enough to be heard by Alex. Alex looked at him and his mouth dropped. "Paul!" Stan said, looking at him, as Jimmy pulled on his t-shirt to shut him up. "Who do you think I am? Have I treated you badly so far? Have I made you feel unwelcome in my house, and am I not giving your band a big chance by making you the opening act to the main band? So, I suggest you curtail your tough act, and treat me like I do toward you, Ok, little Dude?" Alex said, surprising a few of them by walking back inside, as Matt took his hand. "Yeah, rich brat! Mmrrmmphhhhh," Paul said, as Jimmy's hand covered his mouth. The other ones looked at him with very stern eyes. "By the way, you are at this level because it is easier for you and the main band to go onto the stage and be unnoticed from the other guests. Nothing to do with who you are. Which if you continue this way, you won't be on stage," Alex said, irritated. "I'm sorry. I won't say anything like this again," Paul said, sincerely sorry about Alex's reaction. He walked toward him, offering his hand to shake. Alex did, smiling at the same time. "Very good,"Alex said towards Paul and looking at Matt and Mike with relief. Someone knocked on their door and entered, accompanied by 3 maids, Alex turned towards them and said, "Make sure they are comfortable and let me know if they need anything else. I need to look after some details for tonight's benefit party." "Yes, of course, Master Alexander Jr. We will," their assigned Valet said. "Bye for now. I will come back before the show," Alex said, walking toward the door and leaving. "He's calling him Master?" Paul asked very low to Jimmy, who just looked at him to stop this and behave. "Good day, gentlemen. My name is Jorge and these are your maids, Rita, Mary and Anna. We will look after you until you leave," their Valet told them, gesturing for them to go back on their terrace. Everyone followed him and sat around on some table and chairs and chaises longues. "Would you like to relax a little and drink something before you go on stage to set your band instruments and practice?" He asked. They all start asking for drinks and different beverages. Stan took something stronger, while all the boys took some sodas. The maids came back with 3 carts loaded with snacks with pastries, and fruits, and they all dug in. "Paul, you shouldn't act this way toward Alex. He seems to be really nice and he didn't make us feel bad at all," Stan said. "Yeah, I know. I said I was sorry and I am. I just couldn't help it, old habits I guess, plus this house totally freaks me out," Paul replied. "Yes, I know. I told you to be careful. Tonight is important for the future of the band. Alex already told us that many celebrities and important people will be here. Some are stadium owners who will be present at this party," Stan said. "I promise. Who will be here?" Paul said, smiling and taking Jimmy's hand in his. "The Hansons, for sure. They are the launching a new CD, I heard Elton John, George Michael, Mick Jagger, ZZ Top, Savage Garden, Ricky Martin, Jennifer Lopez, Christina Aquilera, to name a few," Mike said to them. "Awesome!" Some of them exclaimed. "Are all of them gay?" Tim asked. "No, I am sure some are. Elton John is, but the rest probably aren't," Stan answered. "Hey! We can see the Hanson's suite. I wonder if we could see them naked," Tom said. "Oh sheesh, don't start this now," Phill said to his brother. "Well, I wouldn't mind seeing Zac's buns." Tim said laughing. After they relaxed a little, they heard a noise coming from outside their suite. Their Valet came back and told them not to worry, the Hansons just arrived and were been greeted by Alex's Dad. Then, about 35 minutes later, he came back again to ask them to go on stage to set the stage for their show. He asked them to follow him, which they did. He led them through the gardens and they saw many more fountains and statues with flowerbeds all over the place. Once they reached the stage from behind, they were led to their loge and then on stage to practice for a while before the show. Comments can be sent to me at fsw99@mindspring.com.