Date: Thu, 16 Mar 2023 04:25:32 +1100 From: max dowling Subject: Kasey with a k / Chapter 57 Adam 57 Maxieplus The sandwiches were wonderful I had been hungry but fought it off, but now I can eat. Wilson had gone to look at June's home again so he wasn't around. He started asking Kasey how he managed the build, and then he wanted to know all about Sam's playground. He was a very interesting man and not only once did Kasey remind me he was there he knocked on my foot several times. Two sets of green eyes stared at me as I yelped. "Stop it." "Sorry." "He knocked my foot." Joe laughed and said. "Yes okay, but firstly let's get this out of the way. I'm straight, not that I don't fancy you Adam but I fancy Trish more and Kasey even more but I think he's taken." He winked and started laughing we all joined in even Sam. "How can I date her without her knowing what I do?" He grabbed a sandwich. "You haven't asked her yet?' "I did the last time, she made a joke about cow shit and mud." "She doesn't know about you Joe, she still thinks you are a dairy farmer that gets up at three and goes to bed at six while she slaves away washing and cooking." "I know she's not that kind of lady Adam, I know she is just out of a relationship, and I also know she is your best friend, and I will lose my balls if I harm her." My stiff was returning at the mention of his balls, and Kasey nudged me again. I understood Joe, he doesn't want to flaunt it, and I think he is serious about Trish. "How busy are you later on today?" "Some book work then I'm free." "Come for dinner around seven, pizza night have a look at the menu and we will order." I pushed it over to him. "Is it too rude to ask for a family margarita?" I looked at the commander and Kasey and said. "You will be in good company." "So this is your solution pizza?" "Pizza and wine, get to know her out of the salon, just let things happen, Joe, don't rush it, and if you try and make her retire from the salon. I will kick you in the balls myself." "Ouch!" "Well as long as we understand each other." He saluted me, Sammy did the same and gave me his awesome grin. "Now son there are a lot of kids out there that want to see your playground. Can you let them play in it for a while?" "Yes daddy, I am looking forward to it, but they don't ask." Well get the boys from next door here and you can all go for a play. Use the steps at the side it will be easier." He jumped off his chair and left us to it. "I would love to see it too Adam." "Tonight, maybe someone will show you through it under the fairy lights." "Who Kasey?" he looked excited. "I have to get back, and no, not Kasey he's mine do you hear me." "You are very mean with your friends Adam." "I have to be otherwise I wouldn't have any, people are always trying to take them away from me." I looked at Kasey he was smiling so I gave him a big Adam smacker on the lips and went back to what I do second best. The line was dwindling, I bought out some sandwiches for Eva, Trish, and Tim. When I passed them over more came from nowhere cakes and all. I am going to love this salon and I know it is going to be Trisha's second home. "He's very handsome Trish." A customer was telling her. "Yes, I suppose so." "He likes you." "Do you think?" She was being sarcastic but only I picked it up. This went on for the next hour and then there were none. I could hear the kids screaming in the gully and mums waited patiently for them to finish, many thank you's were mentioned, and finally, we got to sit down. Tim went to tell the boys and a platter and coffee were brought out to us. Kasey kissed me and said the kids were having a ball. I mentioned his eagerness to let the kids play in his zoo, he said he had a word with him about sharing his playground with the local kids. He was happy to do that but not with his kindy friends they think it's all real and he only went to the zoo, he also wanted my approval to invite them to my new house, and I laughed. "Come on Trish wash and blow dry time." "Not today Adam I'm bushed." "Here, now." Eva and I with Tim, fussed over her, she argued but we didn't do the normal braiding she looked beautiful with her hair down. "It will only mess up overnight Adam." "It's for tonight Trish, we have a special guest coming for Pizza and wine." "Who?" "Joe, he wants to see the gully all lit up." "Oh." She didn't say anything else but I could tell she was excited. Her hair looked stunning by the time it was finished, no teasing just natural blonde waves. We locked up again at five and after a good clean up we all went back inside to rest and regroup for tomorrow. I couldn't wait to read the community page comments and after I made coffee and kissed Kasey and my son who had found three mates to watch tv with, I restarted my reading. They were all good and full of gratitude each of us got a mention even Trish, well she was mentioned quite a lot. 'She's stunning.' `Would look much better with her hair down.' 'I wonder if Joseph will date her after today's performance.' 'God he looked awesome I wish he would look my way 'Happy to have these city folk amongst us, what a great day.' `The kids loved the playground and their haircuts' It went on and on then I read. 'From the horse's mouth, she's single and likes him' How dare she I'm not a horse I was only telling my client the truth. I put the phone down and looked at Trish. "Stay out of it Adam how many times do I have to tell you, I'm not interested in getting out of bed at four in the morning to make a full breakfast? Aint going to happen." "Your hair looks nice Trish, did you bring some snazzy clothes with you?" I got a cold stare. "Yes, you do look nice Trish for someone who is a top stylist you sure don't spend much time on your hair." The commander was buying into the conversation. "Shut the f up." "Get me a scotch will you Tim?" "Yes, sir do you mind if I have one?" "Not at all." He laughed. Anne rang then Marko, I spoke to him about the booking and he was very excited to show the new bride his tricks and will be here next weekend. Anne was very pleased we had a good day and will come if she is called. I had a terrible feeling about her she wasn't herself on the phone, I got the feeling she was either not on her own, or she was having a downer, her mind wasn't on the conversation that's for sure. "Is there anything happening with Anne I should know about Tim? Eva?" "Not that we know about Adam, she was very happy last week why?" "I just got the feeling somethings not quite right but I have been known to be wrong before. No worries kids." "Wilson you have to take me across the road to look at the new house sometime, when do you take it over?" "Three months, the deposit was paid today so now we wait. June did say we could start renovating anytime but we have to get insurance, which is normal." "Good and who is going to run it for you?" "We will Adam, through a B and B site we only have to make sure the house is clean and then get it cleaned when they leave. We can include breakfast but that means we will have to hire someone." "Get June to do it I'm sure she would like some more work." "I will think on it Adam, no promises no rash decisions." He smiled then he kissed Eva. We had put Keith and Tim in Sam's room, one of the double-decker beds has a trundle bed under it and it's perfect for them both. Trish is in her room and Eva and Wilson are in mum and dad's. Sam is in front of the lights, tv, and fire if his mates don't stay the night we will sleep with him on the floor. Trish went to shower Kasey tapped away at his laptop and Keith and Tim went for a nap taking their drinks with them. I think they are just going to look out the window for a bit, sure they are. The community page was also full of people inquiring how long the wait was today, should they put it off until next week. Some comments said they waited an hour at most, it was a very quick turnaround. I flinched and Eva got up and started massaging my shoulders I will return the favor when she is finished, it was so good. Sam was laughing with the boys and I wanted to ring George to see if they can stay for pizza. "Are you boys staying for dinner tonight?" "Can you ask mum if we can Mr. Adam?" The oldest said. "Sure." So I did that job and George asked if they could stay over, he and June thought they may go out to a restaurant tonight and maybe a movie. I was more than happy to do that because it means I get my husband to myself. With everyone organized and the time approaching six, I rang and ordered dinner. I will keep it in the oven to have after the kids are fed. A face appeared on the screen and Joe was forty-five minutes early. I looked at Trish and she didn't move so I went to answer it. "Hi, Joe. I've just ordered dinner it won't be long." "Sorry I'm early, I got it all done so thought I may as well have some company." "There's plenty of that here, kids galore and men and women lounging." "Good I like lounging." "Follow me." He did that and was greeted by everyone and when he saw Trish I don't think he recognized her at first but he did say. "Your hair looks amazing." "The real me, so I am told by my peers." She smiled at least then she got up and got him a beer. He thanked her and stared as she walked back to her seat. "So what have you been doing all afternoon, counting cows?" He laughed. "No doing the monthly books they do my head in sometimes." "You should hire June to do that for you." "No, I can cope it's only the household ones, others are looking after the farm ones, there's no way I could do them." "I see, your hair looks nice, she did a good job." "She certainly did, my time is precious so I forget to do the basics." "Well anytime you want it done we can do it here or in the city salon." "The one that had all that trouble, Adam?" "Yes, that one." "I heard the explosion it rocked the building I was in, thank God there were no casualties. What a horrendous day." "Well it's all back to normal now, life goes on." "Is that where you all work?" "Yes and no, Trish Tim Eva, and myself work there, Keith works at the fed building, and Wilson and Kasey work from home." "What do you do Kasey?" He put his beer down and said. "I'm a lawyer Joe, I am contracted to the military and do a lot of stuff for them." "He's a profiler, and at the moment he is rewriting the border laws for the government, he's very modest." "Wow huge job then, is it hard?" "Yes and no, at the moment it's a whole lot of mess but I am straightening it out and streamlining it." "Cool," The pizzas arrived and that put a stop to our very strange conversation, he's Trisha's friend she should be the one entertaining him not us. The kids lined up and one day I will find out their names for real, calling them the kids next door isn't very nice. Sam sat and started on his and the others followed suit. Kasey grabbed his after going through the many boxes, no one wanted plates and we all sat at the table to eat, but not the kids. Joe kept looking at Trish and she was looking at him now and then, she is so busted. Keith and Tim drank scotch and destroyed three family ones while Wilson and Kasey did the same, thank god for specials otherwise, this lot would have cost me a bomb. Joe offered to pay for his but he's our guest, they don't pay. The fairy lights started coming on as dusk appeared, he stood up, all six feet of him, and wowed, and the kids did the same with Eva and Tim. They hadn't seen it before and it was a fairyland to behold. We were all stuffed as I sat next to Kase he took my hand and kissed it. I then stacked the empty boxes up and took them out to the rubbish bin after I stomped on them. When I came back Joe was standing talking to Trish, he was trying to convince her to take him on a tour. Sam jumped up, he had decided they are all going with them for a walk. I giggled as Joe looked at them and said. "Well I guess if it's okay with aunty Trish it's okay with me." I winked at Trish as she walked by, she tried to kick my foot but missed and unsteadied herself. Joe caught her and said. "Drunk again?" She didn't answer him. They all screamed except miserable Trish, even Joe got into the festivities, he's so good with kids, tick. The night turned out to be hilarious as Joe told stories about his little farm and how his parents had built it up. We also had to play UNO and some snap until the kid's eyes were drooping. Keith and Tim headed for bed, Eva and Wilson also left so I tucked the boys in and kissed them all goodnight then Kasey and I went to bed, we left it to Trish to show Joe out but I doubt he will be going home because he has had a little too much to drink. Maybe the couch will be offered. When I was standing at the window watching the display I saw them with a bottle of wine walking down to the barbeque area. I think this is going to be a long night. Kasey was ready for anything I wanted to throw at him, so I crawled in and snuggled up, then went to sleep. I was knackered. Eight am came too soon, I was showered and ready for today's onslaught, Kasey was helping the boys as I kissed him farewell, Trish and Eva were already at the salon and Tim was coming up my rear (not literally) The carpark was filling up and I wasn't in the mood for this today but smiled as I said good morning to everyone. It wasn't a kid's day today it was the parents, and particular requests were dealt with like dyes and foils, I can get Gloria up here to do them but at the moment Eva and I did them while Trish and Tim teased their way through some pretty nice do's. We were saved by nine am, Lynnie, James, and Marko came for a ride, they had no hesitation pitching in, thank God Eva had called in the cavalry. Two more chairs were used and now we had a real production line going, Lynnie took over the washing and Marko did his best work on the fussier ladies. "No I am a designer you leave the curls to me." heard him say to a lady. I cracked up about then, I couldn't stop laughing which lifted our moods. Some of the men wanted cuts with shoulder massages, Trish blushed her way through some of them then James and I took over, they stopped requesting after that. "And how is Joe this morning?" "Leave it." She moaned. I knew he stayed the night because when I passed her room his hairy leg was poking out from under the sheets. It all calmed down around twelve. Kasey and Keith bought some sandwiches and good coffee for us all. Joe was with them he carried the cakes which had mysteriously appeared overnight on our doorstep. Sam rushed in and hugged me he was off next door to play, and some of the kid's friends had turned up to go see the forest, he's the resident tour guide. Because the salon wasn't crowded after lunch Kasey sat in one of the chairs and talked to Joe, but he also had one eye on me, I was thinking I may go into the cabin and drop my jeans at one stage, but no, that's not the done thing. "You should start a local page Adam, the ladies can make their appointments on it instead of just turning up." "Thank you Joe I will get my secretary to do that for me." "You have a secretary?" "Yes, his name is Kasey." I laughed. "I need to drop by and see the Adele Banks museum also, I have heard good things about it." "Yes it's absolutely beautiful, come over to our place I will give you a free tour." "I like free things." He grinned. "Well, the invitation is there just ring my cook if you are stopping for dinner. Trish makes a mean pizza." I felt the pinch on the bum and yelped. "Don't bruise him, pat it, but don't pinch it," Kase said in a stern voice to Trish. "Yes sir." She saluted with her brush. Eva who had worked her tush off was tired, she looked at me and I said. "Go home baby, and thank you for all your help. I don't know about the next time but Joe's idea is good, I think we will start to take bookings, this come as you want isn't working." "Good idea Adam, if you don't mind I am going to have a lay down. I don't think the baby is going to be good for me." "You do that." She left and I sat down again. "Did you just hear what she said?" James looked excited. "No what? that she's gone for a lay down." "No, she mentioned a baby." I looked at Kasey he was grinning, Trish looked confused but come to think of it she did say, baby. I was off that chair in an instant and rushed to the cabin, she and Wilson were standing there with big smiles on their faces. I grabbed both of them and almost screamed. "Congratulations awesome news, I couldn't be happier for you both. How long have you known?" "We got the news yesterday but you were all too busy so we decided to leave it until today." Wilson had the biggest smile on his face. The troop wasn't very far behind me, and I was moved aside, and eventually, the champagne was opened, and everyone celebrated the fantastic news. A car pulled up and I went to attend to their needs, I was on a high because I love babies. My lady client wanted a trim and wanted to know if Trish and Joe were dating, I told her it's in the wind. Marko popped his head in and I gave him the thumbs up, so he went back inside again. I was so happy for Eva I finished off my lady and then sat by myself smiling I looked around then started cleaning up, they know we are closing at four so I doubt whether anyone will come by now. Trish came in and started to help me, she was smiling when I looked at her, this news has come at a great time in our lives. I made us a coffee and we sat in the garage just winding down. "They are putting her to bed." "Good, if I had known she wouldn't have been working at all." "Adam, we need to talk, seriously." "What's up, lovely lady?" "Joe, I agree with you he ticks all my boxes, and does things to me I haven't felt for a long time, we talked for hours last night just small things. This goes no further Adam and I mean it." "Okay, I promise." "Evans was my best friend, but he wasn't the love of my life. He has baggage with his family and I don't want to deal with it. He needs to go home and have it out with his father, once and for all, but he won't do that. I realized one thing about him if there was ever a family argument he looked at me to fight it for him and I couldn't do that. Adam, it wasn't my problem in the end he needed a stronger woman, one that can fight his battles for him. I think that's what his father saw in him and deemed him weak." "I see and I understand." "Pease Adam, do not get involved with it, and don't tell anyone. I never wanted to harm him, and he's happy doing what he does." "I won't Trish, my lips are sealed and I am sorry for trying to push Joe on you, but there is something there isn't there?" "Yes." She dropped her head. "He's perfect, he is too perfect. Everyone in town loves him and they have us almost married. I'm scared Adam, terrified in fact. Last night he slept in my bed and didn't make a move, it's been a long time since I have experienced respect like that. An old-fashioned respect something you don't find in the city." "I know what you mean and I also know he's perfect for you, and I give you my permission to become a farmer's wife and run this salon it's your wedding present, take it." I smiled. "That's what I mean Adam, everyone is telling me he's perfect for me, and now you have me almost married. Cant you see I'm dying here, I want him so badly but I don't want what he brings to the table. I can't go back to living on a shitty farm. I left that when I was sixteen. Adam, I'm a city girl and I would miss our salon badly if I had to leave. I would slowly die in the country. Don't get me wrong, I love it here but only for a few days I love my work and apartment more, like you, it's the smells." "Baby, there's something that people aren't telling you about Joe. Come for a drive with me, there's something you have to see." "What?" "His farm." I went back inside to get the car keys and told Kasey I won't be a minute. I had to take a friend for a drive. Marko and James with Lynnie were waiting on Eva she was lapping up the attention. "Don't bleed it, sister, you have a long way to go yet." I laughed. I took Trish up to the lookout, you can see most of the low-lying area from there. She was a bit confused but didn't say anything. Securing the car I turned into her. "I understand your feelings about dating a dairy farmer Trish, but Joe is no ordinary farmer. If you look down at the big white building and that old house and sheds surrounded by all those little black cows, that is Joe's dairy and farm." She looked and didn't say anything, so I went on. "His heart was broken by his last girlfriend she was only there for the money and the high life he could provide. Everyone in town knew it, and when Joe was broken they all were with him, they love him that much. He's not only an old school friend he provides all the jobs in this area, and he sits on the Australian dairy board, he doesn't live here Trish, he lives on the other side of the fed building, but I don't know which apartment he lives in. He's one of the good guys, he would never let you down, and I say once again, you should date him. It's obvious you have fallen for him and I don't blame you, he is gorgeous. So have I changed your mind?" "Why the secrecy Adam?" "He hasn't said anything but I think he doesn't want to stuff it up with you, he wants you to love him for himself not what he brings to the relationship." "I see, so he's guarding his feelings, I can live with that and he owns all of that land?" "Yes, as far as the eye can see." "You know that means nothing to me Adam, it's the thought of aching backs calloused hands, and twenty kids around my feet that makes me crazy." "Well I doubt he would want that for you baby, he does like you, the ladies told me so. He is here because he's pushing himself into all our lives to be near you. Don't hurt him and don't tell him you know. Let him drive the bus Trish, sit back and relax." She relaxed then and smiled. "I quite often thank the lord for bringing you into my life Adam, you are a pain in the butt sometimes but I do love you very much." I kissed her cheek and said. "Now let's get home and divvy up the spoils. O'h and terrorize Eva and Wilson." "She's probably asleep Adam, she's happy, let's not spoil it for her." "You heard what she said about her workmates at the wedding reception, we still haven't got her back for that." She laughed that wonderful Trish laugh and I started the car. Joe was all eyes when we walked in and Kasey stood up and grabbed me. "I missed you." "I missed you too baby, have you seen Sam?" "Yes he will be back in a minute he had something to do next door." "Play?" "Yes." He giggled. I sat with him and Trish got a wine for us and Joe was handed one. Eva sulked because her drinking days were over. "We had better go but will see you tomorrow at work, thanks for the great day," James said. "Thank you for your help guys, we will have your money ready by then. We will be in about an hour late but we will be in." I smiled. "We don't need payment Adam." "Cash in hand no tax involved, you will get it tomorrow." "Thank you, and Eva go get some rest please" We hugged and kissed them and they left. We had decided it was too nice up here and will leave early in the morning, it won't be a busy day tomorrow so we can take our time. Kasey closed his laptop down and grabbed a few beers, Joe Trish and I walked down to the barbeque, Wilson and Eva were going to shower and then come down. Tim and the commander decided to follow the others back to town, so that left us. I had meat and salads in the fridge for dinner, and it was surprisingly a mild night but we put the fire pit on anyway. I could hear the kids screaming and I know they will all sleep well tonight. Trish sat at the table and counted up the cash we had taken. She placed it in envelopes and will hand it out in the morning. "We did very well Adam, but let's not go there again, appointments only from now on." "For sure baby, and?" "About three hundred each and one fifty for today's staff." "Good, will that be enough to build a community page, Kasey with a k?" "Plenty Adam with an a, I might even throw in a nice slow fuck." Joe nearly pissed himself laughing, he spilled his beer and Trish got him another one. You will get used to it Joe, they are always at it." She smiled, and he took her hand. "What's with the Adam with an a business?" She told him part of our story but he wasn't listening he was too busy looking into her eyes. The barbeque was great and Sam had returned, he was hungry. The boys next door came over and said their farewells because we won't see them in the morning. No sleepovers tonight it's a school night so Sam will be on his own. Joe and Trish were laughing and talking non-stop, but I couldn't hear the conversation, it was when Sam's eyes drooped I went back inside. I laid on the floor with him while he fought off sleep then I joined him. I woke with Kasey behind me and Sam snuggled in, Kase kissed the back of my neck and whispered. "We had better start moving Adam, Wilson and Eva have already left and I can hear Trish and Joe stirring." "Okay just ten minutes more baby." "Okay ten minutes." He then proceeded to play with me, kiss me and pull me in closer. "For fucks sake Kasey, I said ten minutes." "While you are up can I have a coffee?" I threw the bag off me and went to do that job then went to the toilet. I know Joe and Trish had done the dirty deed because she couldn't stop smiling as she ate her toast, he blushed his way through breakfast, and then we readied ourselves to get home. "How was he?" I whispered as I put our bags in the car. "Amazing." She sighed, yes she's got it bad, cupid has struck. I made sure Sam was okay, he is going to spend the day with Kasey no kindy for him. I talked to Kase and said he may need lots of naps today so he's onto it. I readied myself and there was no time to make love, this will make it two days and I was a bit frustrated. I smelt my smells as I walked into the salon, a much better place than the cabin one, only two customers were waiting so I took one, a perm for an old customer. She chatted away about her family and grandkids, and I listened and commented occasionally. It was when I went to get us a coffee I noticed Anne, she didn't look good at all. She was talking to Eva and I finished up my client and walked her to the reception. "You're next my lovely." I smiled at her she protested. "Lynnie a good wash for my friend if you may?" "Coming up boss and thank you for my envelope." "Our pleasure kiddo." Apprentices don't get much money and Lynnie would appreciate the extra cash in her pocket. I walked up to say good morning to Gloria and Eva, they had serious looks on their faces. 'What's up?" "It's over Adam, she's heartbroken," Eva said. "Saw it coming he just can't keep it in his pants, I understand he's young but he shouldn't have pursued Anne in the first place." Gloria was upset. "Well, a good wash and dry and a massage will make her feel a little better then she may as well have the rest of the day off." "I don't think that's wise Adam, she needs us around her." "I will leave it up to you, but any signs of her failing let me know you can take her out for lunch. We will keep her busy then. As soon as I touched her hair she broke down, I let her cry her heart out, and then I did her mane the way she likes it. "Please don't take this as a personal assault Anne, he's young he doesn't know what he's doing yet." "I know and I shouldn't be this way but I did think maybe we had a chance." "You are heartbroken. I know about that, you need your friends around you at the moment, please don't do what I did and lock yourself away. Anne shit happens he's the loser, and he will realize that in the years to come." "I can't cope with the playing around business, it hurts me, and he hurts me." "Then what's your plan baby?" "I don't know I'm a little lost at the moment." "When you go home, and you can do that at any time you feel like it. Make a plan, plan out the next year of your life how you want it to be like, and how you can achieve it. No one gets anywhere without a good solid plan. A change of lifestyle would be a good start, you won't find mister right at a gay club or a gay party. If guys are attending those spots they are there for a reason and it's not to pick up girls." "I know what you mean Adam, I thought I could change him." I took her hands and pulled a stool over. "He was damaged years ago baby, the trouble he's been in overtime drives Lucy crazy but she still provides a roof over his head and to be honest she knows she's failing but she keeps on trying. He doesn't see her pain he only sees the bright lights and pretty ladies." "I know, but how do I fix my heart?" "You can't baby, it will take some time but in the meantime make that list and stick to it. A bucket list for the want of another description." The day was dull and bleak and Anne did look a bit better, but I could see her suffering, and I felt her pain. It was early the next day we got the news when James arrived looking like shit. Anne had gone home and made her list, then took a heap of pills. She was in the Mater hospital on suicide watch. I cried so hard I thought I would break apart, no one and nothing could console us all, so I locked up and sent everyone that was there home. I will deal with it there in my safe place.