Date: Thu, 5 Dec 2019 21:50:46 +0000 From: Max Dowling Subject: Ask Me 75 Ask Me chapter 75 We bantered back and forth, I put the biscuits back in their container. He looked sad but who knows how many of them he had before I arrived. All that sugar will go to his stomach and nobody loves a big fat rock star. Eventually, John placed a big roaster on the table, we are having roasted chicken tonight, it had some sort of yellow paste all over it. John said it was a Tikka paste from India and it smelt wonderful. It came with the roast veggies I couldn't wait to try it. "You will have to learn how to cook this one Teddy, I think your dad reckons its the best." "Daddy, I don't know how to cook it, granddad says its too dangerous for me to do a roast." "It is son, anything could happen with that fat spitting everywhere." John, I think chided me. Excuse me for not thinking about that John, but I am a novice. "It would be a better idea if I taught you how to cook it." I shut up and didn't say another word, he had me in his sights again so is best I say nothing. When we got back home Ted switched on the TV and immediately went to sleep in Cons arms. I sat at the table trying to keep my eyes from closing and doodled on the notepad for a while. I was trying to give Con a flying start to his series of books by writing down some suggestions. If Disney takes up the stories Con can also do the score. I couldn't keep my eyes open after I had filled a page so I picked my son up and put him to bed. Conner woke as I did that and crawled into our bed and went back to sleep. I then locked up and joined him. I could hear the TV going in the morning and when I went to put the coffee on Ted was again asleep on the sofa, he had a blanket over him. I guess his playdate was successful and it did a perfect job of tiring him out. Today will be an easier one for him and hopefully, everything will get back to normal again. Conner smelt the coffee and came down to the family room, he was scratching his bum this time. "I hope you are going to wash your hands." He stared at me with a blank face then moved to the sink to wash them. hen he was done he then kissed me good morning. I could tell he was still tired, but he sat down and smiled at me anyway. Ted stirred and sat up, he looked around and I got up to give him his morning cuddle, as I walked by Con grabbed my hand and pulled me down and kissed me. Teddy had a big grin on his face when I did him then I went to get some toast ready. "What are your plans today Con?" "Just going to chill out today I'm feeling a bit sluggish." "That's all the sugar you loaded up with yesterday, it's no good for you Con." "I guess so, maybe a good seeing to will get me going again." He leered at me. "Later Con, I wan to talk to you about something." "What is it?" "The book I was talking about yesterday, I reckon you would nail it." He picked up my notes and started reading them when he was finished he dropped it on the table and said. "Nope, can't write this, but you can. It's very good Brenty." I laughed then I thought better of it and decided to shelve the idea. Well, he did say he was going to leave it up to me if he retires and writes or not. "So I guess you're still in the business then." "What do you mean?" he looked at me confused. "You want to continue your career and not write." "I will write, and so will you that story will be so popular and get Di or Adam to create some cartoon kids for the cover." It was Conner that was giving me ideas so I played with the pad and thought, why not. He moved to the sofa when John arrived armed with the box of eggs, then he started making some poached eggs on toast. I missed the ship being on the table because at least the boys would sit with me maybe I will get another one when I'm up at the shops. Breakfast bought them to the table, even Teddy and as he bantered back and forth with Ray and John, Conner's feet under the table were trying to get me ready for that big shower I'm sure we will be having later on. Ted was off to the granddad's place for a cooking lesson and Con and I jumped into the shower and of course, we had some adult fun while in there. I started packing up a carry bag for Con's trip. "How long will you be there Con?" "A few days I recon Brent, I don't want to go but it has to be done. It all depends on what they want out of me, but probably two days will do it. Do you think if it goes any longer you and Ted could fly up?" "I think we can manage that Con; I can take him to the fun parks." "Good" He whispered. He is starting to miss us already and he hasn't even left home yet. We slept well and it was like a farewell party the next morning when Marty and Di both landed at our door early. I wanted to go to the airport but Conner said it wouldn't be necessary, Teddy has to go to school and I was the one to take him. John offered but we thought maybe I should stay in case he thought I wasn't coming back. Just a precaution on our part, so Con kissed me endlessly as he and Marty went with one of Grants men who will drive them to the airport. Teddy got extra special cuddles and they were gone. Di and I sat at the table having another coffee and she was telling me she's nearly finished with the color schemes and would I like to go with her today to choose taps and tiles for the bathrooms. It sounded like a plan so I readied my boy and we left for school twenty minutes later. Di had organized a baby sitter, Skye had the day off Uni so she was more than happy to do that job for Di. "Is she at least thinking about modeling Di?" "Yes Brent, she's signed up with Marty and I'm taking her through the process but she's a natural she's going to be bigger than me." she smiled. "Well, she's going to break some hearts on the way Di, are you using her for the Home Beautiful layout?" "What layout?" "The one you're going to do with her when our apartment is finished and styled." "I didn't plan to do anything like that." "They will be calling you shortly to set a date and time, that's when you insist you and that newcomer Skye do the modeling." "So you know someone that works for the magazine do you?" "No, but Ray and John do, and they have intimated it will be front page." I smiled. "What a great way to launch Skye's career, I must thank them." She looked at me sideways and grinned. "Do you think you're taking this boss thing too seriously Brent?" I grinned back and said. "Nope." That put a spring in my step as we walked into a very exclusive looking tap and shower shop. Everything we ordered was all Di's doing I wanted her to choose everything because I have no idea. I just jump in the shower and turn the taps on but she had other ideas, like a push-button temperature pre-set ultra-modern gizmo that sat behind the tiles. I wouldn't have ever thought of it but it did sound very swish. We had coffee and a piece of cake a Nan's then walked back to her house. I had a very nice day with my friend, and even nicer when she shoved several needles into my face. It was still numb and I could see the sag come back slightly but was assured the more I used Botox the less I will need. I played with the kids and we had sandwiches for a late lunch. My phone rang and John was worried that I had been out most of the day and did I want him to pick Ted up. I said I would be leaving for school shortly. Con rang while we are at the park, he wanted to talk to Teddy first then me. He was settled into the hotel room and has had his first meeting with Disney. They were very pleased with his main score and have instructed him to write words to some of it, he said it made sense as they showed him the movie while he made notes. They will give him a copy but he must not show it to anyone. he told me he was sitting on his balcony playing with his dick and writing. I said I was sitting in the park dreaming of sitting on said dick. We toyed around for some time then he had to go he was getting a visit from some of the sound guys. I told him to keep his dick in his pants he said there was only one person he wanted tonight but I was sitting at home with his son. John had made small individual pies for dinner with some veggies on the side, Teddy had two but very little of the greens. He insisted he liked the pies better and we shouldn't have the other stuff because he doesn't eat it anymore. "How did Daryl go with the ship Ray?" "He's getting it done here all it needs is a good overhaul and a few parts." He smiled. "Good, I saw some logos at Di's today all of them are wonderful it's going to be hard to choose the right one." "Good, she's going to be a big asset to us, Brent, we should hire her full time but we know that will cramp her creative juices," John said. "Well she's very happy about the magazine spread, and Skye will do it with her." "I'm pleased she wants to do it, son, it's another leg up for her and Skye." "Will you be right with Teddy tonight, because we have to go and see her, or do you want to come with us?" Ray said. "No, I think I will chill with my son, it's been a whole day since we did that." I smiled at Teddy his fists scrunched up. When they left I cleaned up and asked Ted what movie did he want to watch. He went through his DVDs and picked three, he said I could have the final decision. I looked at them and settled on the Harry Potter one I haven't seen it at all, even though it's been around for a few years now. He was happy when the popcorn came out and we cuddled up on the sofa. I heard the boys come home and went to lock the back door then take my sleepy son to bed, Con hasn't rung but I gathered he would be busy. After I got Ted settled in my bed I went to shower, I was getting a little hot so I pulled the plug on that and concentrated on getting myself clean. I crawled into bed and was just settling in when my phone rang. "I wanted to say goodnight to Ted and you." He said. "He's dead to the world, we watched half of the Harry Potter movie then he drifted off to sleep." I muffled a giggle. "What was the meeting like Con, any progress?" "A bit baby, it was more like a meet and greet they bought family with them, I had to order up the drinks and some nibbles. I think they just wanted to meet me." "Fame will do that sometimes Con." "I can't wait to get home, I miss you like crazy." "Watch the movie Con, wish I was there in real life." "I already did baby, it was awesome." He laughed. "Goodnight my love." I was really tired now and he had been talking for ages."Goodnight." He hung up and I had a sneaky suspicion that movie on his phone will get a rerun before he sleeps. "Daddy rang last night he told me to give you this." I kissed his head. "He also said he misses you very much, did you sleep well son?" "Yes daddy, I dreamed I was in Grandads kitchen and he showed me how to make mini pies." "I bet you got hungry dreaming about it." "Yes daddy, is there some more for breakfast?" "I might be able to find one for you, finish your toast and dad will look in the fridge. There were three left so I lit the oven and popped them in. Not what I thought would be a great healthy breakfast but we enjoyed them and that's all that matters at the moment. I dressed him in his new uniform then took a photo and sent it to Con, he replied with a photo of his dick, then one of his gorgeous face which I showed Ted. I deleted the photo of Cons goods because I think having those sorts of things on your phone is dangerous. I must get Con to delete that movie or move it to an encrypted file, Shane or Tom can show us how to do that. John was having the day off again and he came in to see if we had eaten, he scowled at me when I told him we ate the last of his pies then he checked Ted out and deemed him undamaged. "What are you up to today son?" "Nothing much, I wanted to go through the house and dust, maybe do some washing why?" "I thought you might like to come into Go Shipping with me and have a look at the new offices." "Sounds like a plan, we can drop Ted off on the way." "Good, I will get the car ready." He left and I grabbed my boy and his backpack. He kissed us both farewell and then we headed for port Melbourne. Brent, why don't you hire a housekeeper?" "Because I don't want a stranger doing what I'm quite capable of doing." "Oh, I guess we both have the same idea then, I couldn't imagine using one in our place they never do it that way its suppose to be done." "Have you ever considered renovating the two houses making one big one?" "Yes that was the plan when we bought the house next door but with all the trouble with Conner and then Beth we shelved it. Of course, if you and Conner ever adopt again you will need more space and it was an easy renovation to do, I was getting a larger kitchen and family room and it would have made the property four bedrooms. The upstairs isn't used son, but even if we extended it over to our house it would be huge and usable Is there any reason you asked that question Brent?" "No, not really John, was just thinking that all. I mean Teds getting older and I would love him to have more space to grow into, that's all. " "Okay, we can think about it some more, but it will mean Ray and I will be living with you too." He smiled, but it wasn't a evil one it was a dreamy one. We pulled into the car park, John has his own parking space so it was easy to find one. We walked into Go Shipping and it looked like a bomb had hit it, there was still wiring to be done and some walls were unfinished bit its getting there. Helen greeted us and was as always her jolly self, John made the coffee while she found biscuits in her bottom drawer. "So Helen when does Di start decorating?" I asked. "She should be in today sometime to give the painters the color charts, when the main hallway is finished they will begin the process. It wont take more than a day to finish maybe they will start painting tomorrow." "Helen, did you tell Sam what kind of car you wanted?" John asked. "No, I want to keep my old one its a very special car and I can't let go of it." She blushed, her car is no more than six months old and I'm pleased she likes her present. I looked at her and said. "Maybe when we upgrade ours we can do yours at the same time, okay?" "That would be fine with me boss, but don't be in any hurry." We got one of her belly laughs. We had a great catch up with Helen and her office girls and boys, then we went to see Bobby downstairs. When we walked into his office it looked more like a crèche, there were baby toys everywhere. Little Conner spotted me and John then ran over to greet us, I picked him up and cuddled and kissed him. He was trying to tell me something but I couldn't understand him. Jenny came in and he went to her immediately wanting his mum's hugs. Now I know why John brought me in here today, I guess he's a little scared to say anything. "Isn't Con suppose to be in the crèche?" I looked at Bobby. "Yes but he loves roaming around talking to everyone we don't like to upset his day." he sort of giggled. "Oh, so if he hurts himself you're not going to sue the company then, I suppose you have thought it all out." "What do you mean?" "In the crèche he's covered by our insurance but not out here. didn't you read the rules Bob?" "Not yet, give me a minute I haven't had time to scratch, been busy babysitting." "Its all right Brent, I have read them and I know where your coming from, its hard to be separated from him at the moment. I was going to do it slowly." She smiled. "Well, that's okay let's hope he doesn't fall down any stairs then." I left them with that thought and I did say it in a friendly family sort of way. There's a crèche at the back of the offices with other kids in it, there's someone to supervise it, they don't want clients thinking the manager's office is a dump for babies. "No worries Jen, now where's my tea lady Bob?" "Coming up boss." He grinned at me. "Helen was telling me she nearly has a full ship ready to go soon." "Great, she's a real treasure for sure Brent, and the warehouse is filling up ready to load the second one when its serviced." "Good, at this rate we will have to send you off to get another couple." He laughed and said he would be more than happy to do it. "Is that what you wanted John?" I said to him on the way home. "Yes, thank you son, I couldn't bring myself to say anything but it is dangerous having him on the loose." He smiled. "And the car?" "Well, we wanted to upgrade it for Helen but I'm happy and will go along with what you said...boss." I let him pick Teddy up from school because Conner had rung and wanted to have phone sex, so I spent a half hour in our bed in all sorts of positions while Con watched on his phone. It was sort of sexy but I hope he wasn't recording it. When he gets back I might just check out what he has on that phone and delete it just in case. "Brent, I need your help for a few days can you come up to the centre?" '"Sure Mary what's up?" "I'll let you know when you get here, all's good." I rang John to let him know I couldn't meet them, he assured me that teddy was doing okay. I grabbed my keys and walked up to the halfway house. Mary was smiling when she greeted me, I guess it wont be that bad. "So, what's up?" "Brent I need your help for a few days, maybe three until I sort out this mess." "What mess?" "Come with me." She took me into the nurse's office, I said hello to Casey the resident nurse, she was feeding a baby. I looked into the small blanket a beautiful baby was suckling away on his milk. "What's up, for God's sake Mary just spit it out." "Can you house baby for a few days we can't seem to find his mummy and I just don't have the room for him." I almost went spare and replied over eagerly. "Of course I will, what's the problem with the mother?" "He was dumped here early this morning, either by someone that didn't want him or someone that thought we were a crèche. Could be one of many things as you know. Do you mind?" "Why would you ask that Mary, it will be wonderful to have a baby in the house." "Good, because all our foster parents are full up except you. And Brent I don't need to remind you..." "I know don't get attached, and don't get my hopes up." I knew exactly what I'm going to do and when Conner finds out he will do the same, fall in love. I bundled the little chap up, and Mary walked me back to our house carrying a big bag of nappies and baby needs she keeps in stock. "Where are you going to put him Brent, he will disturb Teddy if you put him in his room?" "In with me Mary, there's no option he's too young to be left on his own, can I borrow this carry cot for a few days just until I can get him a crib." "Brent, he wont be here that long, maybe use the carry cot and we will see what happens." "Have the police been notified?" "Yes, it will be on tonight's news with a plea for someone to come forward, the mother may have some problems and might need a doctor. But for the meantime he stays here because the well wishers will be storming the halfway house after it's announced." "Okay I'll look after Jack as long as you need." "Brent !!!" "What?" "You just named him." "Did I? what name did I give him?" "Jack." "I love that name it's really manly, and its Conner's favourite too." I laughed at her face. I really didn't know what Jacks name will be when his family is all sorted out, but for now as a work in progress, he's Jack. When Mary left, I let my breath out and my stomach relaxed because it had been doing somersaults inside since I first laid eyes on him. More what if's were going around in my head, and as he peacefully slept away I stroked and kissed his tiny head, plus I took a million photos. Con will be home tomorrow and he's going to be blown away with our little visitor. "Dad, dad where are you?" Teddy was coming through the back door. I don't know how he will react having a baby in the house, but I will remind him its only for a few days. I pulled the door behind me leaving a gap, so if he wakes I can hear him. "Up here son, sorry I got held up with aunty Mary." I picked him up, he's getting heavy then I kissed him, he wiped his face with the back of his hand. "Did you miss me dad?" "Yes son, all day I missed you, and daddy will be home tomorrow when you go to the park, so that will make you happy too." I went about making him comfortable in front of the TV then I started boiling Jacks bottle up. I don't know how many night feeds I will do, but I'm prepared to go the whole nine yards for him. John came in and asked what Marys was all about, so I told him to go look in my room. He went up and I heard a gasp then he almost ran down the hallway. He grabbed me and hugged me then he smirked and said. "Well done, was it a long labor?" I laughed. "Have you told Ted yet?" He looked over at his grandson. "No, I wanted to have a talk with him before I did, I don't want him to feel left out and anyway he's only here temporary." "Oh god, he's beautiful are you going to cope with the night feeds okay?" "I think so, he looks to be a few months old so hopefully he's sleeping through the night. I believe its sleep that will evade me, because I probably will be up all night watching him." I giggled. "Okay, walkie talkies beside the beds, if you get through the night I will come and look after him in the morning so you can get some sleep, if needed. Either that or I can stay the night in Teds room and help." "John he's only here for a few days at most, his mum could come get him at anytime." Poor John he was just as excited as me underneath it all. "Who dad?" "Who what son?" "Whose mum is coming to get him?" I looked at Johnny and said. "Come on son there's someone I want you to meet." "Who dad? who I got to meet?" "Just come with dad." I took his hand and walked them both back to my bedroom. Teddy was unstoppable when he saw Jack, he wanted to know everything about babies, I held him while he kissed the little mite on the head and I whispered to him that he was only visiting. John and I had a good talk to him about Jack, and how his mummy dropped him off at aunty Marys and they were looking for her. "Just like me dad." "Sort of like you son, but your nanny came and got you, but I don't think Jacks mummy will come and get him." "What will happen to him dad?" "He will stay with us, or some other nice family, so he's got someone to look after him." "I want him to stay here, I never been a big brother before." "That you haven't son, and I know you would make the best older brother in the world." He scrunched his fists up and said. "Are we going to tell daddy?" "Not yet son, lets wait until he comes home and surprise him." I smiled and knew Conner is going to get the biggest surprise. Ray arrived and John finished off the night bottles, I talked to Mary on the phone to see if there's any news, there wasn't. I was so happy inside my stomach was in turmoil then I heard a small baby cry. "Do you want me to do it?" John asked. "No, it's okay I have to get used to it, you do the next one or you can help, I'm sure he will need a nappy change." I smirked at him. "It would be all my pleasure son." He smirked back. nothing phases John, not even a dirty nappy apparently. We three took turns to feed him and hopefully after a warm bath he will settle in for more then two hours. We had sent Ray to the shops to buy a bath and some more nappies, it was when he came back Con rang. He could tell on the phone I was excited about something, and when he couldn't get anything out of me he asked to speak to Ted. "Good daddy when are you coming home I miss you." He said down the phone, then he added. "And little Jack misses you too." I looked at Ray and John and started laughing. "My little brother daddy, he's waiting to meet you." "Okay, see you soon daddy." He passed the phone to me. "What the hell is he talking about Brent?" "Our new lodger, Jack, he's about three months old and was abandoned at Marys we are looking after him for a few days." "I will try and get home early to help you, is he beautiful?" "More beautiful than you Con, he's very handsome like our son." I tickled Teddy he scrunched his fists again. "He said he will try and get home earlier, my guess is he will be heading for the airport now." I laughed, John agreed. "Don't get your hopes up son, he might not be allowed to stay." I wasn't listening as I wrapped my new boarder into a fluffy white towel. He didn't want any more food he just wanted to sleep now. We all tucked him into his basket and then went to make some plans. The walkie talkies were set up, we ate while Ted and Ray tested them again. After plenty of scenarios were talked about, the granddads went home and a very excited Ted was put to bed. I lay on my bed with Jack and stroked his face while kissing it hundreds of times. Please God let him stay with us, I know he will have the best life a kid has ever had. I was sleeping with one eye open, I did another small feed around one then he seemed to have settled in for the night. When I woke around two I heard someone singing, it was Conner and he was on the floor whispering a baby lullaby to Jack. "Don't you wake him." I lifted myself onto my elbow and smiled at my beautiful man. "I wont Brent, he's beautiful isn't he?" "Yes he is, but not so beautiful when he's hungry." I sort of giggled. He leaned over and deeply kissed me, then he tucked the baby in and started undressing. I detected a wood so I guess Con wants to have some fun now he's back home. We did make love it was urgent and quiet and my world was complete once again. "We don't know wether we can keep him or not baby, leave the shopping for a few days hey?" "Okay, but he needs stuff anyway." "Not at the moment Con, he only needs us five. I will ring Mary this morning sometime, the news didn't mention where he was dropped off so we are safe from the news hounds for the moment. Apart from what I have already told you, I don't know anything more. "We will have to renovate again; we need another bedroom." He looked around the family room. "Con, please don't get ahead of the situation, please?" I pleaded. "You can't tell me you don't feel the same Brent." "I do, but I'm trying to control my feelings Con, your making it worse." "Sorry, but he does need us doesn't he?" "Yes Con, more than he knows. I will get Johnny to drop Teddy off this morning then we can go and talk to Mary, okay?" We had this conversation over a bottle of milk, Conner had him in his arms and was feeding him breakfast. I was helping by holding Con on the sofa. It had just turned six and the house was quiet. Little Jack would stop every now and then and smile at Conner, make a baby sound and go back to his drink. Teddy bounded down the hallway, he wanted to watch his TV shows. He saw Conner and flew into his arms as he passed Jack to me. They cuddled for a while but then he remembered Jack and wanted to nurse him. I took bubs and showed him how to burp him and when I got a big one out of him, I made a fuss, then I saw his beautiful blue eyes they seemed to be laughing at me. "Brent he's spewed down your back, here let me help you." I thought Con was going to wipe me up but instead he took Jack and handed me a towel. I left the both of them planning a shopping trip and jumped under the shower.