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Life's Illusions - Chapter 5 - Lets get this show on the road.
We'd talked for over an hour after the bombshell the doctor delivered.
Lenny had broken down in sobs then brightened then relapsed into crying over and over.
She spent two days in the hospital because they were concerned about the headaches she was suffering from the bash her head took in the fall plus the possible effects of shock to the baby, eventually she came home to my apartment where she remained quiet and withdrawn.
At first I didn't know what to think or say.
Christ almighty until I came out here I'd been openly living as a gay man and here I was the father of a new life, albeit many months away but it was growing, a piece of me, right now, right here, inside Lenny.
It was terrifying and exhilarating at the same time.
Truth be told, I was bloody euphoric at the thought of being a father and that sent me into somber bouts, why didn't my own dad feel that way about me?, but what the hell, I shrugged that off, after all that was his problem not mine, I wasn't about to let him piss on my parade.
I was shocked out of my daze by Lenny "What the fuck are you grinning at I thought you'd be pissed".
I realised I'd been dreamily grinning like an idiot,
"You think this is funny?"
I realised straight away Lenny was not a happy bunny.
"How the fuck can this be happening" she almost shouted, "My Dad will go ballistic, he'll hang your balls over the door after he's beaten you to a pulp".
I knew Lenny was daddy's little girl even more so since her brother Peters death several years ago while serving his country abroad in the military and that last statement had me seriously worried.
I had a mild panic that Lenny would want to get rid of the baby and it made me realise how much I wanted that little bundle.
I struggled with how to calm Lenny and then I got it, she was just as shocked and confused as I was except she had this little thing growing inside her so no wonder she was all over the place.
I reached out and drew her into a hug, she didn't resist and just cuddled in with a sigh.
"You thought I'd be angry?" I asked.
Lenny looked up at me and just nodded.
"I'm not, don't get me wrong, I wouldn't have chosen this, but right now I'm bouncing back and forth between, oh my god what have we done and wow we have a child, a new life growing right here, and I can't stop myself grinning, I'm happy, so bloody happy I could scream".
Lenny just stared at me for a moment then she started shaking and I thought, oh shit I've upset her again, only she wasn't sobbing she was laughing, tears were running down her face but she was smiling, a big smile.
"You are such a complete nutter, no wonder we get along so well", she said.
And then it hit me, I had the answer, I had the solution.
I'd eased myself out of our embrace and gone to the kitchen where I poured a champagne flute with champagne and another with Sprite, carrying them back into the lounge Lenny asked what I was doing.
Placing the drinks on a side table I said " Right now I'm hoping we'll need these.
Lenny looked puzzled but the expression changed to shock as I got down on one knee, she covered her mouth with her hands.
I heard her saying, "Oh my god you're not, are you?".
I looked straight into her eyes, "Helena Wicklow, I came here to Spain, with no purpose other than work, no thought of ever being happy again, my life was a bloody train wreck until you turned up, since then I've worked yes, but I've enjoyed it, I've enjoyed our life together, our easy laughter, you saved me, I didn't realise until you passed out how much I love you and if I thought you might feel the same I wouldn't be shitting myself right now, but here goes".
I paused, more to summon up the courage.
"Helena Wicklow will you marry me, pretty pretty please?". She just stared, not even breathing, not blinking, just staring for what seemed like an eternity, then she screamed a loud ear shattering scream, and she launched herself at me.
"Yes, yes, yes, you mad, crazy wonderful fool".
The rumour mill at the hotel was in overdrive speculating on Lenny's condition which ranged from severe food poisoning (Philipe had made it known if he traced the source of that one he would show his skills with a paring knife so that ceased quickly) to the inevitable pregnancy.
After Lenny accepted my proposal we called Pip and asked that she set up a conference call to the States with Gramps and Lenny's parents.
Pip was laughing and when I asked what was funny she told me between giggles "Thanks PJ you've only gone and won me the office sweep, I bet on a baby".
I was a bit miffed that she was right on the money but then I reflected it's why she was in the position she was, she knew me sometimes better than I knew myself.
She once won a bet with a colleague on what route I would take through a strange office to get to the meeting room which was my destination, when I questioned her later she told me she used my determination to get from A to B with least resistance and energy plus she factored in the number of hazards (in that case the number of people I would not offend by being so rude as to not stop for a chat).
"Ok smart ass why are we calling the States" I asked, she was quiet for a minute then answered " It's obvious you need to confess your sins" now I could play with her, " Wrong!!!, Set up the call as quick as possible and we'll come across to the Hotel to take it then after we're done I might let you in on a secret".
I knew that within minutes the baby news would be confirmed around the hotel and another sweep would be running on the reason for the call to the states.
It was 3pm here in Spain so back home in the States it was 10am. Pip rang back a few minutes later to say the call was set for 4pm our time and Grand would Join Lenny's parents (Edward and Esther Wicklow) at her fathers office (Lenny's fathers law firm was our companies lawyers so Grand and Edward Wicklow got along well.
We went over to the hotel at 3.45pm ready for the call, I was bloody bricking it, Lenny was no better and so deep in thought she jumped several times when someone spoke to her and broke her train of thought.
I was confused seeing her like this, I wondered if maybe I'd pushed her into doing something she didn't want to do but felt she couldn't get out of once she'd agreed to marry me.
Before the call came through and with no one listening I asked her if she was sure about this.
I told her I'd be sad if she felt she'd made a mistake but I wanted her to have every chance to do what she wanted not what was expected.
She looked long and hard at me, my mind was screaming please, please stay with it, don't change your mind.
"You really want to do this don't you?" She said.
"Oh yes" I replied.
"You thought I was having second thoughts?", she asked.
"I couldn't tell, but the last thing I want is to bully you into anything, I want us to be together because we both want it, you're too precious to me for it to be any other way" I replied.
Still staring into my eyes I saw her expression change, she seemed to mellow, relax, "You see that's why I know it's right because I can trust you to think of what's best for me before what you want and I know you'll always do that for me and for whoever this little guy inside me turns out to be, so promise me again here and now that's the way it will always be and then we can get this show on the road".
I let out a loud grateful sigh " I'm going to use a phrase I hope to be repeating again soon to you, I do, whatever it takes I'll do it to make you happy and keep you safe", and with that I drew her into an enveloping hug just as the phone rang.
Pip announced the call which I set to speaker, after Pip had shared pleasantries with Gramps and Lenny's parents she wished us all well and I heard her disconnect her extension.
I started the call with reassurances that all was well now but we'd had a little scare when Lenny passed out two days ago.
Lenny's parents immediately both started firing questions sounding quite annoyed that neither of us had thought to tell them sooner.
I could hear Gramps trying to calm them but it wasn't working and I was having no luck either, that's when Lenny tapped my arm smiling she whispered watch and learn.
"Ok you two, cut the crap and back off, we called to speak to you not to endure the Spanish Inquisition".
Silence reigned, she looked at me with a, 'that's how you do it', smirk on her face, spreading her hands and making a pushing motion towards me to indicate I now had the floor.
"Mr & Mrs Wicklow, Gramps, we called to ask a question and to give you information so if I may I'll start with the question, Mr Wicklow could I please have your blessing to marry your daughter?".
Gramps must have been taking a drink at that point because I heard someone choke and clearly blast a mouthful of drink across the room evidently right at Mrs Wicklow who screamed at being soaked.
Lenny's father meanwhile was shouting at his wife "For Christ sakes Esther it's only a bit of spit and water", then on a more somber note he addressed me, "So you want to marry my daughter do you, well before I answer that question I want to know a lot more, for instance, being the Lawyer I am I can put 2+2 together and get 4, so when is it due?".
Again we heard Lenny's mum scream, "Esther I swear if you do that one more time we may have a wedding and a funeral on the same day".
Clearly by now Lenny's father had used up all his credit with her mother as she loudly spoke up, "PJ you can be excused for thinking, as men are apt to do, that they are talking to the organ grinder when they are really addressing the monkey, as for my husbands stupid posturing question we'll no doubt get to that shortly. In answer to your question my husband would be pleased to have you marry our daughter, wouldn't you Edward?", the last three words were said with emphasis. "Yes dear I agree I would be very happy to have you marry my daughter PJ, now can I have an answer to my question?".
The conversation went back and forth for the next 40 minutes with us explaining our minor slip up and eliciting another scream from Lenny's mom, all three asked several times were we sure it was what we wanted and we laughingly assured them we'd been there, done the second guessing and were happy and certain.
As the call came towards the end Lenny's father came back in a jovial mood joking "Seriously PJ I thought we'd never get shut of her, I had my cheque book out ready to pay you to take her but then as you're higher up the Forbes list than I am I reckon you can afford to pay me".
By now we were all laughing when Lenny's mum came back in with "Oh Edward, you poor, poor fool, you keep that cheque book at the ready because arranging this wedding Lenny and I are going to spend so much it'll make your bloody eyes water".
Lenny's dad could be heard mock groaning in the background, we agreed that all three of them were going to fly out in the next few days to celebrate our news and they would arrange the announcements in the American Society columns as soon as we were able to arrange a date.
No sooner had we finished the call than Pip burst in, "Ok, give with the info or you'll have most of the staff in here to drag it out of you".
I laughed at her obvious curiosity, "Pip you've met Lenny loads of times but may I now introduce you to the future Mrs Thorn". Pip screamed and ran to hug Lenny then me.
At Pips insistence we were to wait 15 minutes in the conference room where we had made our call home and then join her in the bar to celebrate our news, she manage to tell me discreetly my grandfather had called back and asked that I call him later in the day for a chat and I wondered what that was all about, surely he wasn't against my marrying Lennie was he?.
I did call later that day but it was only to check on accommodation.
During the next 15 minutes we discussed timing for the wedding and agreed the sooner the better.
I would get Pip to arrange a meeting with the Priest at Torremolinas's Catholic Church of San Miguel which was a beautiful church and only a few streets away and I had a plan for the reception too but for now I'd keep that to myself.
As we entered the bar that afternoon it should have been empty, closed until 7pm when evening entertainment kicked in, but to our surprise there was not a single free seat and staff were crowded around the edges too, it looked as though anyone on duty was in here and anyone who lived close enough to run like mad had done just that to be here, we were both quite shocked.
Pip took up the microphone on the stage and gesturing towards us she simply said" Ladies and Gentleman our Hotel Director has something to tell us all so I'll hand over to Mr P.J.Thorn".
I took Lenny's hand and we walked up and onto the stage, "Well this is a surprise" I said and there was general laughter, "In a way I'm pleased to have this opportunity to speak to so many of you and I do have some news to give you but first let me take just a little time to say a heartfelt thank you. I came here to try and solve a problem, most of you will have seen and experienced what I found.
Thanks to you and to the loyal family members here and in all of our other hotels in Spain we weeded out the rotten apples and we are well on the way back to where we should have been.
I called you family members and that's what you are and just as brothers and sisters fall out I'm sure we will too along the way but as of now I've instructed the Directors of every hotel to set up a staff forum where there will be representatives of every department and I don't care if the department has 1 or 50 members it will be represented and able to voice the collective opinion of that department. If anyone feels they are not being listened to then I've set up an email address of which you have been given details and I promise you I will get to hear about your concerns".
From the back of the bar a man, he looked to be in his late 50s, raised his hand looking nervous.
I jumped down from the stage leaving Lenny smiling, working my way through the crowded bar I got to the man who still had his hand in the air but now looked really nervous and was sweating so I knew it took a lot for him to be this brave and speak up, "Hello, you're Santo aren't you".
He looked a little surprised I would know who he was, "Yes", he answered.
"What did you want to say Santo".
He took a moment to find his voice and spoke quietly so I deliberately didn't put the microphone near him because I thought it might upset him and I wouldn't get to hear him out.
"Mr Thorn, please don't think I'm not grateful that you are doing so much to get rid of the rotten apples and I see what has been done in so many areas of the hotel but I am still struggling, I am the only person who tends the gardens and grounds and I can't cope I need help, I'm frightened that you'll think I don't work hard enough just like the Director you fired, he told me if I didn't get all the work done he'd put the work out to a contractor and sack me, well I've sent a message to you like you said we should but I've heard nothing".
By now his eyes were tearing up and in another minute I feared mine might as well, this was a hard working employee who had genuine fears and this is what I wanted to know about.
I asked him to trust me and let me tell everyone what he was concerned about, he agreed so using the mic I explained Santo's concerns to everyone and then called Ramon over to us.
"Ramon Perez here was today appointed as your 1st new Hotel Director", this was greeted by a massive round of applause, "Ramon would you tell Santo what you were doing when I left you earlier today".
Ramon took the mic and told Santos he had been lining up interviewees for the posts of assistant gardeners, of which there would be three, they would be interviewed by Ramon and Santo together and would be managed by Santo who would become Head Gardener.
Santo by now was crying and thanking me profusely but I hushed him,"I did hear you and I do apologise, you should have had a direct response but you can blame the young lady on the stage for distracting me with her recent medical scare, don't despair, hang in there and before you know it you will have the help you deserve and you can be sure the grounds and gardens will continue to be maintained by you and your soon to be staff.
Returning to the stage I went on,"As you heard a few minutes ago I've appointed Ramon as your 1st Hotel Director, he will be one of three and is already working hard for all of us.
There has been another significant appointment and that is Rozel who has very graciously agreed to became Head of Housekeeping", another round of applause and hand shaking with Rozel.
"Now I gather there has been some illegal gambling going on recently which was centred around mine and Lenny's circumstances", there was a great deal of laughter, "Well I can announce to you that Helena Wicklow has agreed to become my wife and we will be married shortly, here in Torremolinas at the Catholic Church of San Miguel, each of you will get an open invitation to either the ceremony or the after party, whichever you can manage, we would dearly love to welcome you, oh and yes there is a baby on the way".
At this point the clapping, cat calls and whistles were ear shattering and Lenny and I couldn't have felt more loved.
During the next few days we'd seen the Priest at the Church of San Miguel, the date had been fixed for four weeks from now and Lenny would be three months pregnant so hopefully hardly showing though that didn't seem to matter as everyone who mattered already knew about the baby.
Lenny's parents and Grand arrived in Grands private jet into Malaga Airport, I'd managed to rent two more apartments in the complex across the road from the Torremolinas Woodruff for a period of six weeks each.
I knew they wouldn't stay here all of the time but that allowed them to come and go as they pleased and leave things behind rather than pack and unpack for each visit.
On the day they arrived Lenny took us all to see the progress on 'Thorn Plaza'.
I'd not been allowed to see it until now but as I'd confided my plans for the reception to Lenny she relented and we made the short trip to view progress.
From outside the main building looked to be completed and approaching the front entrance into what would be the restaurant I was blown away, a low wall with glass panels separated the promenade from the outdoor seating/cocktail area which could be shaded from sun or rain by an extending canopy.
The restaurant was accessed by grand looking wide marble steps and to each side a curved ramp for disabled access.
The large 4 leaf glass doors folded back to lay the entrance wide open if required, inside we entered a lobby with beautiful travertine marble floor, to the right through two arches a cocktail bar with seating for around 40 and to the left the entrance into the restaurant guarded by the Maître d desk.
Once inside the restaurant the scale and grandeur was awe inspiring, the ground floor had room for 60 tables of 4, which could be split to accommodate parties of 2, we had originally planned for 4 staircases leading to the upper balcony dining area however Lenny had convinced me to change this for 2 grand staircases one on either side of the restaurant giving more dining area, behind each staircase was a lift to whisk guests up to the balcony dinning area if they wished, the walls were lined with alternating marble and mirrored panels.
Between every 4th set of panels what looked like a stone colonnade reached up to support the upper floor, overhead was the first floor balcony dinning area, 40 tables tiered to overlook the ground floor dinning area.
Lenny had dispensed with the idea of private booths, opting for openness, these would be the most sought after tables.
The upper floor walls matched the ground floor with the columns reaching up to the roof and then thinning and running across the ceiling to meet in the centre culminating in a tangle of crystal droppers which adorned the most magnificent chandelier I had ever seen.
I thought I'd seen everything and I was so proud of Lenny, she'd done all this with designers, architect and builders, it was magnificent but she wasn't finished yet, she'd been deliberately delaying us, letting us look around into the fantastic kitchens, the beautifully appointed restrooms, the cloakrooms and by now it was turning dusk outside when Lenny walked over to the Maître d desk and flicked a switch.
I couldn't speak the effect was overwhelming, the whole restaurant was bathed in a soft warm light, the chandelier sparkled in all it's splendour but the columns slowly changed colour, a soft pink glow started at the base on the ground floor and crept up the walls an inch at a time, it was mesmerising. Lenny explained it normally took about 50 minutes for the flush to reach the chandelier but for now she speeded up the process and a rainbow of pinpoint bulbs sparkled for several minutes before the chandelier turned back to its soft natural sparkle and a different colour glow started to climb from the ground floor up to the chandelier and this could continue on and on.
Again Lenny explained that once seen it would be an imperative for dinners to stay long enough to watch the finale when the chandelier displayed its rainbow of colours, and there we had it, the name of the restaurant, 'SPECTRUM'.
I pulled Lenny aside and whispered, "You wonderful, fantastic, talented lady, I want our reception here, I want us to be the first to sample this magnificent creation of yours", Lenny was positively glowing and so it was agreed, one more item was pinned down.
The 16 floors of apartments which would be going on sale were finished with the exception of snag fixes and Lenny had commissioned only 1 agent for the sale insisting that no one else was to offer the properties and we would have a vetting clause inserted in the sale documentation, any potential purchaser would be vetted closely by our own legal and investigative team.
These were not destined to be holiday lets, they were high end apartments for occupiers use only.
I had already specified my intention of keeping them empty rather than compromise our original spec.
Lenny saved the best for last and from the moment we stepped off the elevator into the foyer of our penthouse I was in awe.
The sheer opulence was evident immediately, from the travertine marble foyer to the beautiful cream carpet which was the same throughout the lounges, office and bedrooms.
Travertine marble had again been laid in the kitchen, utility, music room and in every bathroom.
The scale of the place was breathtaking, without furniture it was vast but Lenny had already asked me if I would agree to an interior design firm coming up with plans for furnishings and I'd agreed she was in charge and could do whatever she wanted.
The only exception was my office, there I'd asked that it be laid out pretty conventionally, as in any office I occupied it had to have a large desk, a side desk to accommodate a computer and printing equipment, a cosy seating area away from the desk which I used to put people at ease, removed from the intimidating formal office area.
Even here Lenny made a change and installed a false fireplace with real flame fire, 2 sofas and 4 armchairs with a large central occasional table and several side tables holding large lamps which I had to admit would be a joy to use all set atop a huge Rug in a beautiful flower pattern.
Behind one wall she had hidden a wet bar and hot drinks machine similar to the ones Ramon had installed at the hotel so I would be self sufficient, not needing to be disturbed if I was deeply into a project or meeting.
On another wall was a screen which retracted for conference calls or TV.
A false bookcase was actually a door into a private bathroom.
We opted to take the elevator from the lounge up to the roof and again I was speechless, we arrived into a beautiful conservatory styled in a similar fashion to an Old English Orangery with palms, citrus fruit trees bearing oranges, lemons and limes, there were ferns and grass plants in pots which served to make you feel like you were sitting in a garden though you were still inside and protected from any inclement weather.
There were sofas and armchairs in little groups all over and side tables to each. Outside she had planted several palms, a lawn and flower beds with a patio shielded by trellises of climbing Bougainvillea plants all in glorious flower.
The main front glass wall of the conservatory consisted of 8 folding doors which could be folded back in any combination to open the whole space to the outside.
I was curious as to where the pool was and she led me across the lawn around a stand of shrubs and there it was an infinity pool with the water running over the side into a filter before being fed back into the main pool, anyone using the pool and looking seaward would have a continuous view to the horizon it was fantastic.
I hugged Lenny, I was absolutely buzzing I was so impressed.
We rode back down to the street level and inspected the entrance foyer which would be guarded 24/7 with security staff and concierge, equivalent to a 5 star hotel.
Down below by elevator we looked over the parking garage which would have electronic entry by way of a vehicle transponder system and both the garage and reception area would be monitored from every angle by cctv, back up at reception we exited through the private entrance on the side of the building taking the time to look over the gardens and pool area which would be communal to the apartments below ours.
As we walked back towards Woodruff I pulled Lenny to a stop and sat on the sea wall where I sat the first time I'd noticed the building and then the second time with Lenny beside me.
"Can you remember what you said when we sat here a while ago?", I asked her, and she looked puzzled so I went on.
"You said", and I quoted, "Don't ask me why but I feel it's important I get this for you if it's what you want", unquote.
I hugged Lenny tightly and whispered, "It was important because it's not just for me, you were doing it for us, for our family, it's our home".
I could see tears rolling down her face but she was smiling, I knew they were tears of joy.
The interior designers were due to present us with their suggestions the following day and we hoped the apartment would be habitable in about 2 weeks, I couldn't wait.
That evening Lenny and her parents went out to dinner alone and Gramps and I did the same, it may have seemed unusual to anyone looking on but to us these were our most precious relatives and we wanted them to be able to speak openly to us without the embarrassment of having non family (yet) in the mix.
Gramps and I went to a local Spanish restaurant and as soon as we were seated I could see Gramps was uncomfortable so I gave him some assurance, " Gramps, I'm not stupid you know, I've been your little boy all my life, you've been the father I didn't have, you filled a role that my so called real father never wanted and I'm eternally grateful that you chose to guide me, help me, nurture me and love me and I guess I know you best of all, so right now I know there's something , maybe several things you're having trouble with and I want you to tell me what's troubling you because if I can I want to put your mind at rest, I don't want you to be troubled, so, come on old man, spill the beans".
Gramps was smiling, "Since you were a baby I've loved you like you were my son and I see you as just that, when you were a boy I watched you hang on my every word, I remember bringing you to your first board meeting at age twelve. Our company legal expert objected to your attendance, I remember with a sense of pride how you charmed him, won him over and still reminded him you were a major shareholder, I knew then you would be an important part of Woodruffs future".
He paused as if choosing his words carefully so as not to upset me.
"I watched you grow, I saw the struggles you went through deciding your sexuality and I must admit I was worried when you chose a gay lifestyle, don't get me wrong, I didn't care who you chose to love man or woman, if you were happy then I was happy, I just would have chosen the easier path for you, but now I'm faced with just as big a worry".
I could sense he hadn't finished just taken a pause to collect his thoughts.
"Could this just be a rebellion to the heartbreak you faced with Josh?, could it be a mistake?, could this marriage just be a reaction to the pickle you found yourself in?, could I be watching you set yourself up for an even bigger heartbreak?, I'm sorry, maybe I'm being silly but I do worry".
I guess it would have been easy to have been upset, angry even that my happiness and choice were being challenged, that Lenny and her motives were being questioned, but I knew this man, I loved this man and I knew deep down it was hurting him more than it was hurting me to speak about this with me.
"Gramps you know I love you, please don't be afraid to do this, to reassure yourself that I'm doing ok, after all, you've good reason. I was a mess there's no denying when I came out here. But, and it's embarrassing to discuss this part with you, I'm not entirely a gay man though in the past I have lived that way. It depends on the situation, you see, where love and sex are concerned I don't know if I'm abnormal, maybe I'm just some sort of an anomaly because it doesn't matter to me about the bits of the body a person has or doesn't have it's the person I link with and fall in love with, the male or female label doesn't really figure".
I saw the relief in his face that I'd taken his concern as genuine and not been offended so I went on.
"It's true when I came out here I was broken, there's no other description that fits really, when I left New York I could hardly function. I didn't have any real purpose other than to work but being here healed me, the people I met helped me heal. Of all those people it was Lenny who caused me to care again, to want to have someone close, she gave me reason to trust because that was the worst thing I suffered for a long time I couldn't trust, I didn't believe anyone would or could be honest with me, I even questioned you".
With that last statement I saw the surprise, shock even on his face, it was tinged with disappointment.
"Why me PJ, why would you question my loyalty?".
It was a while before I could answer,
"I'm sorry Gramps, I didn't say it was rational and I felt guilty for feeling that way, it was after that outburst on the conference call with Josh, I somehow associated you with agreeing with Josh but a few minutes later you called me and I knew I had been an idiot to even let the thought enter my mind, I'm sorry Gramps".
He waved off the apology as not needed and I carried on.
"Gramps I'm in love, I won't pretend I really new it until Lenny collapsed, and I don't mean when we found out about the baby, I mean way before that, when she collapsed I thought I'd been hit in the gut, robbed of something precious, I couldn't breathe, I was terrified I'd lose her, I realised I was in love in the back of an ambulance with Lenny unconscious in front of me".
Gramps was smiling at me,
"I get it PJ, I might be old but I've been there you know, I've loved, still do to this day, I love your Grandmother, God rest her soul, in just the way you've described".
Whilst we were eating I broached what I thought might be a sensitive subject.
"Gramps, I wanted to ask your advise about how to share what I have with Lenny, you see I don't want any divisions I want us to be equals and, well, my nett worth has the potential to ruin that".
Gramps had that serious look, the one he gets when he's assessing a situation.
"You're worried I'll tell you to sign a prenup aren't you?, you think I'll be concerned that you're taking a big risk giving Lenny access to everything including your share of Woodruff, don't you?, well I may surprise you now because that's exactly what I did, I thought about what it would mean to lay myself open by sharing everything, but in the end I realised I was asking your Grandmother to give the most precious thing she had to me, her heart, and against that my wealth meant nothing without her, so I ignored all the advise and we married with no prenup and it was 3 months after the wedding when she picked up on a comment about her wealth and realised what I'd done. She offered to sign a backdated prenup and I told her I'd married her for richer, for poorer, and right then we were rich and as long as I had her by my side I'd always be rich, and so I believe I've given you your answer". I hugged him, "Thanks Gramps".
The following morning I was engrossed in a discussion with Ramon about scheduling interviews for Ramons fellow Directors when Pip interrupted us to tell me I had visitors, it was Lenny with her mom and dad and they all looked nervousness.
After kissing Lenny and exchanging pleasantries with them Lenny took off to chat with Pip so I took Edward and Esther out to the terrace where Pip had arranged tea for us.
Once we were settled I sensed that they wanted to discuss something that was so delicate they didn't know how to bring it up so I gave them a little nudge.
"Look guys I may be really off track here so forgive me if I am, but I get the sense you came here for a little more than a cup of tea and I'm guessing it's something that is difficult to say so here's the deal, I promise whatever we discuss I won't be upset or offended".
I could see they were relieved.
Edward started the conversation explaining they had some reservations, though with Esther jumping in they were quick to correct themselves and tell me the reservations were not about me, my integrity or my love for Lenny.
Edward went on, after warning Esther not to keep interrupting, explaining that they were worried about the financial side of our union.
He told me he had a fair idea how much I was worth and he understood there would have to be a prenup and he was prepared to settle a large amount of money on Lenny to ensure she didn't feel disadvantaged but mostly they were worried about the way the prenup would be both worded and presented to Lenny, they were concerned it could upset her.
By now I was positively chuckling inside but I did my best to appear as though I was giving their concerns proper thought.
Esther spoke up and reminded Edward about the house and Edward explained that a house, (if you could call a mansion with 8 bedrooms, 4 reception rooms, and a conservatory the size of a ballroom, a house) next to their family home had come on the market and it was their wedding present to us for when we visited the US, they would take care of the upkeep but it would be ours.
I couldn't believe how loving these people were compared to my own father who had not even responded to the message informing him of our forthcoming marriage.
I saw Ramon hovering near the terrace entrance and called him over, I introduced him to Edward and Esther and he charmed them and chatted about Raul, as he was about to take his leave I whispered something and he nodded and left us to our discussions.
Lenny came strolling out onto the terrace, "Ramon said you wanted me".
I asked Lenny to have a seat, I didn't want to leave Edward and Esther in suspense any longer and now Lenny was here I could come clean.
"Edward, Esther, Lenny doesn't know what I'm about to tell you because I guess we just didn't think to discuss it but now seems as good a time as any for me to clear the air.
I can understand that in the times we live a prenup would be considered a must and yes, you're right Edward I am worth a fair amount but you'll also know a lot of that is paper worth"
I watched them both nodding.
Lenny looked a little embarrassed but I squeezed her hand to reassure her everything was okay.
"And I thank you, really thank you, for the generous and thoughtful gift of a house, though I suspect your are being just a little sneaky in engineering that your daughter and grandchild are just next door".
I saw the alarmed looks at the thought I had sussed their plan so I ploughed on quickly with a wide grin, saying I was in total agreement, after all not everyone had on call, free babysitters on the other side of the back yard fence.
I hoped the next part would be received well.
"I don't agree with prenups, I'm not your usual modern man. I believe that if we're going through a ceremony where we promise to be faithful and remain together for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health then we should be making that commitment with everything on the table, not hedging our bets, only risking a small portion of what we have in case we want the lions share later, on the off chance we return to being single. To me that smacks of uncertainty and there's no uncertainty in what we are doing. I'm only taking these vows once, I'm not hedging any bets with Lenny. I'm giving everything I am and everything I have to this marriage, we'll be equals in everything, for as long as we live".
Lenny was crying now and I hugged her close.
Edward looked surprised, Esther was dabbing her hanky against wet eyes.
Edward told me he hoped I never lost the knack of blasting him out of the water because boy was he impressed, he did ask if I had thought seriously about this and consulted Gramps and I told them about the conversation Gramps and I had the evening before (I subtly left out the business of my sexuality ) and again Esther was dabbing her eyes.
I explained my shares in Woodruff would be paper only anyway but Lenny would share half of them with the associated voting rights, but couldn't will them on unless we were both deceased together in which case I suspected she would agree with me to put them in trust for our offspring.
I did make it plain that should the worst ever happen and we parted she would take away the cash equivalent of the shares which would remain mine only to preserve the company structure something Edward understood and agreed with.
As I finished explaining Ramon appeared with a bottle of champagne and 4 glasses which he proceeded to pour and hand to us, I thanked him and held up my glass, "To the family I can't wait to become part of, to my future parents in law and to my beautiful bride".
As the days progressed Lenny had gone off to London and Paris with her mom to arrange her wedding dress and the bridesmaid dresses.
I'd arranged a private Gulf-stream V Jet to be available for the girls leaving Gramps plane available for the boys as needed.
Gramps and I had followed them to London and then we'd left them to shop whilst we visited Gramps London tailor, we each were measured for morning suits in a silver grey, the tailor agreed to sending a representative to Torremolinas to measure my 2 groomsmen Ramon and his father Philipe.
My best mate Billy would be my best man and he would have his tailor in New York send his measurements to the London tailor who in turn would send the almost finished suit back to New York for Billy's own tailor to make the final adjustments.
Julia, Billy's girlfriend and my almost sister was to be a bridesmaid and had flown to London to meet up with Lenny and her mother to shop for her bridesmaid dress.
Back in Torremolinas I supervised the furniture being delivered to our penthouse apartment which we planned to move into in 1 week.
It was easy placing the furniture because Lenny had mapped every piece she had bought into its final place in each room, right down to the rattan sofas, chairs and loungers for the garden, patio, conservatory and balconies.
Once all of the expected furniture arrived I went to see Philipe at the Woodruff, I had something to discuss with him that I was almost certain of.
Lenny and I had discussed the idea at length but I needed to get a feel for Philipe's reaction to see if I could go ahead with my plan.
We settled on the terrace and I opened the conversation by asking him to indulge me because I wanted to get a feel for something and it may not make sense to him but to trust me.
I asked first who were his two right hand assistants in the kitchen.
Next I asked, what would happen if he became unable to work for any reason, would his assistants be ready to step in and produce the same level of service and quality.
I pressed on with my questions, "If the people you just mentioned were not available could you find replacements, would they be able to provide the same level of quality and service as the previous two we talked about".
Philipe finally held up his hand and said "Ok, it looks like your about to sack me but I know you too well to think you would do that without it fitted a bigger picture so get to the point please ".
I laughed openly he was so alert to reading a situation.
"Ok", I said, "Let's get to the real reason for this meeting".
"I want you as Director of my new restaurant but in the interim I need to be assured that removing you from here would not compromise the standard of service here at the Woodruff and that's just the initial plan there's more so what do you think?".
Philipe looked like he had just landed in pig heaven and was about to burst.
"Are you sure I'm the one to take on the Chefs role there for you?". He said with a slightly hesitant note in his voice.
I realised he had misconstrued the role I had in mind for him so I reckoned I'd better to lay it all out now.
Ramon had just walked out onto the terrace and as he approached I waved him over, "Ramon I've just asked your father a question and he seems to have not quite understood me so when I elaborate I'm guessing he's going to be blown away, could you arrange something as a suitable celebratory drink, assuming he says yes to my proposal and bring 3 glasses".
Ramon was smiling, enjoying his fathers confused look as he left the terrace.
"Philipe, I don't want you as Chef" I saw his shocked look and quickly pressed on, "I want so much more than that of you, I need you to guide, direct, mould, not just the restaurant but an army of people who will hopefully create an atmosphere and ambiance that will draw people to SPECTRUM from far and wide".
I continued, "Ultimately I want to have a SPECTRUM restaurant in every major city in Europe and eventually North America, and I want, no correct that, I need for you to build the workforce who will carry us forward, so right now it's just one restaurant here in Torremolinas but it's the most important, it's our baby it will always be our roots the foundation so what do you say?".
As Ramon approached with an ice bucket clearly holding a chilled bottle of champagne and several fluted glasses Philipe was stumbling to form a reply, " I, well, I mean, I think I need a moment,". As Ramon set out the glasses I held up a hand to tell him to delay pouring for the moment.
I sat staring at Philipe with a grin on my face because it was comical to see such a confident person completely at a loss for words, finally he asked only one question " You are certain I can do it?", I said nothing I simply nodded my head and so the deed was done I had the 3rd member of my new team (Lenny was already on board as number 2).
Ramon was busy congratulating his father and preparing to pour the celebratory champagne when I once again held up my hand to stall him.
"One down one to go, sit down Ramon, your father was one recruit, we don't get to open that bottle until I have my next recruit signed up".
Ramon was clearly puzzled.
"Is there someone you need me to fetch for you", he asked, absolutely blank to the possibility that he was my target and I was reminded yet again of why these two people were so special, both were strong capable men who had no airs or delusions of grandeur.
I thought it time to bring this to a conclusion.
"No Ramon, you're already here", I could see he was even more confused now, so I pressed on.
"I intend to create a company, a chain of restaurants throughout Europe and North America, I currently have 3 of the 4 people I need to make that a reality".
I let that sink in whilst watching in amusement his expression.
"The company will be set up as an equal split of shares though to protect its integrity there will be a share sale clause that allows the remaining board members to exercise a buy up if one of the four wants out".
I gave them both a moment to absorb what I'd said.
" I'll finance the start up with several million dollars which will be recovered as the company turns a profit, though should the worst happen and the company fails there will be no recovery from the other parties".
"I'll locate and finance the purchase of the properties we require, Lenny will transform each property into a magical fairytale venue, your father will work his magic to create the ambience and feel good factor, train the staff and build menus limited only by the extent of our guests wallets, that leaves me short by 1 member of the team, the one who will oversee the company, create its profile, decide on locations, negotiate contracts, in short I'm looking for the CEO of SPECTRUM and in case you haven't guessed it yet I'm looking at you, so will you do it?".
Ramon was visibly shaken, " I don't know what to say, how to thank you for the trust you have shown in me, for the opportunities you have already given me, how you've secured my sons future and you ask if I'll do this for you, I will only say, and my father gave you the same answer, if you feel I can do it then yes I would be honoured".
And so the company was formed and SPECTRUM was born.
Now I was absolutely stoked, I wished Lenny could be here at this defining moment. "Ok Ramon you can pour now", and so we toasted the start of our new venture, "To SPECTRUM and to us", and we drank.
"Oh by the way Philipe you already have your first booking it's a wedding reception for 2 very fussy clients and the whole SPECTRUM board will be at the reception so no pressure".
TBC
Constructive comments, good or bad, are really welcome. It's my first attempt at writing and my first time publishing. It's not easy, I'm as nervous as hell every time I send off a new chapter so help me out give me your comments please to cfgw2000@aol.com headed "Life's Illusions" in the subject box. Thanks for giving your time to read this.
Author ARB