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Life's Illusions The Next Generation - Chapter 23
They'd strolled to Mano's Bar on the promenade in Torremolinas, for a cold beer, it was day five in Torremolinas, they were flying home the following day.
Will was sitting alone beachside enjoying the afternoon sun, deep in thought, in the distance he could see Tame, who'd walked down to where the sea was gently rolling up the beach.
So much had happened in such a short period.
It seemed like a long time ago, was it really only six days since they'd started out, at first Will had been totally baffled, but several hours into their flight he'd known, they were headed for Europe, and with Tame's text pointing out 'Love and Tradition', that meant Torremolinas, and, The Nest, it had to be.
At first he'd been confused on how to feel about it, they'd only known each other for one day, they were supposed to be having dinner, an evening of conversation over food, getting to know each other, but several days, and the inevitable sex, was that not too much, too soon?".
Unbeknown to Will, as the flight rolled on, Tame had been watching him, he saw the differing expressions as they played out on Will's face, and he could tell, there was definitely worry there, he had to know if he'd made a mistake.
"Tell me what you're thinking Will, I can see a worried expression, did I do wrong, if I did I'm sorry, was it a mistake?"
Will now saw the worried look on Tame's face, and realised this man was trying to do something good, maybe he was just overthinking it, the way he'd done with every advance made on him since university.
"I'm honestly not sure what I'm thinking, my thoughts are all over the place, I think I know where we're going, if I'm right, in one way that makes me really happy, it's a place I love, a place I've always felt safe in as I was growing up, I feel close to my grandparents when I'm there".
He stopped to think, how to put the next thing he wanted to say.
"But you and I, that's the part that worries me, we've only known each other for a day, is this too soon, I just don't know, we were meant to be having dinner, but you whisk me away for several days, what if we don't actually like each other, I'm scared, and that probably sums it up best of all, I'm really scared, the last time I put my trust in someone, I got burned badly, I'm sorry, I know I ought to be overjoyed that you would do this for me, but you have to understand, this is me, Will, the fucked up loner, I function well in society, but don't be fooled, I come with a whole lot of baggage".
Tame put his arm around Will, pulling him close.
"You have every right to feel the way you do, we've both suffered in the past, I was totally oblivious, the person I chose to put my trust in, to give my heart to, had slept with over half of the campus before I found out, I think more than anything, what really hurt me most was the fact everyone else could see it, they all knew what he was doing, but I was blind".
Tame was silent for a moment, Will was just content to be cuddled in.
"I've had offers, I'm not bragging, there have been a lot of offers, some wanting serious relationships, others just wanted dirty rutting sex, but I've always had a wall in place, I've managed to rationalise a good reason to rebuff every single one of those offers, until yesterday, you really shocked me, you broke through that wall, and I was the one who wanted to go further, I need to know why, why you, why so suddenly, in my mind I can only think, it's because you're the one, the person I was always meant to meet".
He paused again.
"All I'm asking is, let's both just keep an open mind, learn about each other, maybe you're right, maybe not, but you have to know this, I'm scared too, and when I say I'm really scared, I mean it, you don't have the monopoly on that feeling".
Will heard him, realising they were actually in this together, a pair of lonely hurt individuals, hoping against all odds this was it, the one.
When they'd arrived into Malaga there had been a car waiting to whisk them to Torremolinas.
At Thorn Plaza they found both Josef and Carry waiting to greet them.
Josef was first to wrap Will into a hug.
"A Chicago Musketeer, welcome home cousin, now who's this handsome hunk you've managed to bag yourself?".
Will introduced Tame who got the same treatment from Josef while Carry was busy hugging Will.
They'd gone up to the roof garden with Tame marvelling at the views.
When it came to showing them to their bedroom suite, Josef was quick to pick up on the nervous looks Will and Tame were exchanging.
Urging Carry to get some lunch organised, he waited until she'd left them before saying.
"Okay, I can tell this is awkward, so do you guys want to tell me what's wrong?".
It was Tame who, rather red faced, explained.
"We've only known each other for one day, well no, after that flight it's nearly two days now, we wanted some time to get to know each other without, errr..... you know".
Josef smiled.
"Come with me guys, I have exactly what you need".
On the opposite side of the hallway he led them into a bedroom with a bathroom which was shared by the bedroom next door.
"These rooms are normally kept for the children, or nannies and children, I think this is what you need, you each have your own space, not as grand as the other room, but at least here, if you choose to fraternise you only have to open the door".
Will smiled as he said.
"Thanks Jo, sorry for being a pain".
Josef wrapped an arm around them both.
"Relax, and stop overthinking it, if you leave here not in love, that's how it's meant to be, you know the spirits this place harbours, they'll do everything they can for you, but they're wise, they'll want you both to be happy and content, enjoy your stay".
Josef left them to unpack.
As soon as he'd gone, Will wrapped his arms around Tame from behind, saying.
"Thank you, I was dreading saying what you said, I don't know if this is the right or wrong thing to do, but let's do what you suggested, see how we get on, I know I like your company, I'm ready for a vacation, some relaxation, and from what Jo, David and Mel tell me, you ought to need some relaxation time as well, you've certainly earned it".
Tame slowly eased himself around until he was facing Will.
"I enjoy your company as well, no attitude, just a genuine guy, can I kiss you, I'm not trying to go further, I don't want to pressure you, I just want to............................".
He would have finished the sentence with 'kiss you', if Will's lips hadn't moved in and cut off the words.
Tame audibly sighed as they kissed, pulling Will in close.
When they broke apart, he said.
"Oh wow, you got me again with that, it hasn't changed, the other night, that very first time you kissed me, in your apartment, it was like an electric shock, I tingled all over, I want you to do that whenever you feel like it, I don't think there will ever come a time when I get tired of it".
Will almost giggled, Tame had just described what he'd felt as well.
Dinner that evening had been a complete blast, Milo was home, he stayed with Carry and Josef when working in Torremolinas, he'd explained why he had to live at The Nest.
"Piers told me I would be living here, I'm not brave enough to argue, he's in cahoots with Carry, I think they get their kicks from bossing me around, but don't tell Piers I said that, he can be really frightening when he puts that serious voice on".
Sofia and Rick were there as well, Rick reminded Will that the Montclair crew knew they were in Torremolinas.
"You're booked into SPECTRUM tomorrow night I believe, from the whispers I'm hearing, you should be prepared for a rather larger table than you're expecting".
Rick wouldn't expand on his statement.
Later when Tame asked what it meant, Will explained.
"The Montclair guys are on their way, you won't be put off will you, they're a great crowd, they know we don't have time to go see them, but that was never going to deter them, they'll just come to us, I'm looking forward to it, I absolutely love them all, I just don't know how many will turn up, it could be any number from two or three to about a dozen, maybe more, whoever can possibly make it will jump on the flight".
Tame was completely amazed.
"I just have real trouble understanding how much your family loves each other, it's never just a faux kiss or hug, it's a genuine appreciation of each other, I see the real pleasure you get from meeting, I've never experienced family before so it's all really new to me, it totally fascinates me".
Will was suddenly hooked, although they were in the shared bathroom, with Tame brushing his teeth and Will in the shower, he'd slid back the shower door a little to ask.
"You don't have a family?".
Tame answered in a matter of fact way.
"No, I was abandoned at birth, no idea who my parents were, they didn't want me, for the early years I grew up in an orphanage, just a number, later there were a lot of foster placements, some good, some really not so, some of my friends got adopted, no one ever wanted me".
Will opened the shower door wide, he was just staring at Tame.
Tame looked at him, not understanding why he was staring at him.
"What, Will speak to me, what's the matter?".
Will didn't speak, he couldn't, instead he started to cry.
Tame had him wrapped in his arms in a split second.
"Hey, what's this all about, come on, let's get you dry and into your robe".
It wasn't until they were sat on Will's bed that he was able to talk.
"It just hit me, I take it all for granted, my family, I could fall from a cliff and I have faith, someone would catch me, and I would be there for any one of them if they were in need, I'd be listening, I'd act, I know how lucky I am but I never before really appreciated them, never truly realised, it's not the same for everyone, they'll suck you in you know, they'll truly love you, and it's right they should, you're a really special person, how the hell did you not end up bitter?".
Tame smiled before answering.
"Oh I wasn't always like this, in my teens I was an angry, rebellious little shit, that's how one of my foster parents described me, and in truth, he was probably right, but as I grew older, I mostly let it go, they didn't want me, so what, I'd got along okay on my own, so why let it concern me".
He was quiet for a moment, Will knew he hadn't finished.
"Except, it's a downright lie, I've never gotten past the fact they didn't want me, that's like an open wound, it never stops hurting, I just pretend it doesn't exist".
What Will wanted to say next came out as a sort of stunted, stuttering sentence.
"I know we have separate rooms, we could, errrrr, well, no, forget I said anything, I just didn't want to be, no forget it, I'm just being silly, emotional".
It was Tame's turn to almost giggle, but he kept it under control.
"Will, can I stay here tonight, just to cuddle, I want a repeat of the other night, not the, well actually I wouldn't mind, no sorry, forget that bit, you know what I mean, I just want us to cuddle, go to sleep together and wake up with you in my arms".
Will let out a sigh.
"Yes, please, that's what I wanted to ask, you always seem to know what I'm thinking, so let's do it, the sleep part I mean".
They were both giggling by then.
And that's how they awoke next morning, except Tame's morning wood was pushing against Will's back door, and Will was not resisting, in fact, he was already wide awake, and he'd deftly used copious amounts of spit on his fingers, then wiggled, and wiggled, until it sank slowly into him.
For Tame it started as a subconscious urge, that quickly turned into a conscious and very serious lovemaking session.
As he gained his conscious knowledge of what was happening Tame spoke, in a whisper into Will's ear.
"I'm sorry, it's not what I intended".
But Will's reply spurred him on.
"Don't be sorry, I wanted you, I cheated, you were asleep, keep going, I think I love you, no, scrub that, I'm pretty sure, I love you".
Rick had been right about their dinner reservation at 'SPECTRUM'.
At about an hour before they were due to leave for dinner, a telephone call from concierge/security in the ground floor reception alerted them to a party of guests about to arrive in the express elevator, they'd been signed through by Mr & Mrs Woody Montclair-Thorn.
Will hugged Tame.
"Stand by, here they come.
As the elevator doors opened, Will held his hands up.
"Line up guys, I'm not doing individual introductions, I'll run through you all, for my guy".
Amid raucous laughter they spread out, shuffling around until individual families were together.
There was a slight delay because they hadn't all been able to fit into one elevator, so they waited for the second load to arrive.
When they were finally assembled Will laughed.
"Bloody hell Aunt Jacqueline, I didn't know you'd acquired a Jumbo Jet, okay, be gentle guys, the fella looking decidedly nervous beside me is Tame Fijiias, here we go".
"Now, I hope you're listening lover, because I'm only doing this once, so, left to right, Uncle Woody and Aunt Jacqueline, seriously, suck up to her, you never know when you'll need a flight or accommodation".
He waited while the laughter subsided, and Jacqueline, although laughing, was ticking her finger toward him.
"Carrying on we have, Roslyn, her beautiful partner, Cecile, then Paul and Daniel Montclair-Thorn, next is Uncle Pete and his partner Jaque, The Comte Montclair, followed by, Fleur, The beautiful Contessa Montclair, and, my pals, The Vicomtes Montclair, JJ and Marcel".
He stopped for a moment to look at Tame.
"This next family, it's the miracle makers family, I'll have to explain that sometime, we have Uncle Aly, uncle Bo, my forever friend Pierre, Juan, Piers, and Milo who's slipped in for a quick cuddle with his beloved, then there's, Aunt Beth, Uncle Dave, and my cousins, Rob, the gorgeous Elly and Pauly, now I'm confident you got all that, so I'm about to fire the starting gun, okay guys go for it".
Will had guessed at a dozen or so, in fact twenty two had turned up, Jacqueline had received so many messages during the morning from family members who had heard about Will's visit, and the trip to Torremolinas, she'd had to quickly muster a second plane.
The following scenes could only be described as mayhem, hands arms, and cuddles.
This was a family that revelled in reunions, and if there was a special reason then they were genuinely more excited.
For dinner at SPECTRUM, Woody had apparently pulled some strings acquiring the whole of the upper balcony, not only settling the check for anyone inconvenienced by being moved off the upper balcony, but visiting them at their table and offering a personal apology as well.
During the evening Tame asked Will what the reference to, The Musketeers, and, The Miracle Maker, were about.
Will, not willing to take any credit replied.
"Ask Josef, he'll tell you better than I ever could, as an unbiased bystander".
So Tame made it his mission to search out Josef, when he found him, they'd walked outside, and he'd asked.
"Please, explain Chicago Musketeers, and the Miracle Maker, because Will won't tell me, he said to go ask you".
Josef smiled.
"He wouldn't tell you because it would mean admitting what heroes he and his brothers are, and they'll never do that, they are a large part of the reason Pierre is walking, and because of what they achieved, ultimately, why Pierre had the determination to get my own brother Juan walking again, and from those two acts they, along with Pierre, are also responsible for David being here and walking today, I don't just love them, I bloody well adore them, I so wish I could be a full time musketeer, I've been a temporary one, pulled in when David needed us".
They were outside having a cigarette, Tame knew Will didn't approve, but he enjoyed an occasional one, between drags on his cigarette, Josef explained about Pierre going to Chicago as a cripple, about his return to Montclair walking, of how the Chicago musketeers put their lives on hold to get him through the rehabilitation process, about what Pierre did for Juan after the IOD left him paralysed, and how the four became six to rehabilitate David after he was shot in the filling station robbery.
Tame was unable to speak, he'd never experienced this sort of dedication to giving, it was so foreign to the life he'd been brought up in where you looked after number one, to hear how Will and his brothers had given up so much to help others.
He'd met up with Will again in SPECTRUM and simply said.
"Josef explained, I think I love you more now than I did before, if that's even possible".
And so here they were, on the last day of their vacation, Will sitting enjoying a beer, Tame holding his flip flops, like a child, enjoying the feel of the waves lapping at his feet.
Will had walked down to join him, throwing his arms around him.
"I can't find any reason to resist any more, I admit it, I love you, when we get home would you move in with me, or we can find a place you like, it doesn't matter as long as I have you to come home to each evening".
Tame threw his flip flops toward dry sand and scooped Will up, walking deeper into the waves.
"No, you see, I've actually known this for a lot longer than you, I've just been waiting patiently for you to catch up, so, here's the options Mr Thorn, either you agree here and now to marry me, or you get dumped in the ocean, no rush, but I'm counting, one, two, three, four, be warned, ten is your limit, five, six.................".
He didn't get any further as Will screamed.
"Yes, oh yes, I'd be so honoured".
And Tame let him down gently, then they were stood almost waist deep in the ocean kissing, when they broke apart Tame said.
"Oh no, the honour is most definitely mine, my lovable little musketeer, and I don't care where we live, I just want to be with you".
When they landed in Chicago it was a surprise to find Jo and David waiting to drive them home.
Jo asked rather shyly.
"So how was it, a good rest?".
Tame winked at Will before answering.
"Well I don't know about Will, but I'm knackered, I haven't fucked that much in years, we should definitely do it again sometime".
Jo looked completely shocked, David had caught the wink and started laughing immediately at Jo's expression, saying between laughs.
"I think you've been had love".
Tame shocked them both next by saying.
"I apologise, just couldn't resist, my soon to be brothers in law".
It only took Jo a couple of seconds to work that one out, then he was hugging, and congratulating, first Will, then Tame.
Back at home in Barrington Hills, Billy, Jolly and Jay were waiting impatiently to see them, even Jace and Mel had rushed home to greet them.
After their visit to Torremolinas Jacqueline had spent over an hour on the telephone speaking to Jolly, after they'd ended the call Jay had asked.
"So, come on Jol, what was Jacqueline's take on him, is he a good one?".
Jolly had been sombre and both Jay and Billy picked up on it immediately, but they didn't push it, waiting for her to speak.
"Jacqueline said he's one of the most modest, unassuming, caring and compassionate people she's ever met, I had no idea he's an orphan, abandoned at birth, he admitted to Jacqueline it's like an open wound, he's never been able to come to terms with the fact that he wasn't wanted".
By the time she'd stopped speaking Jolly had tears sliding down her cheeks.
"I'll never understand how someone can do that to a child, I still remember when Reece told us about his mother walking out one day, how he'd spent weeks watching for her at the window, eating out of neighbours trash bins, it makes me just want to hug Tame, tell him he has a family here if he wants one".
When the gatehouse alerted them that Jo's car was approaching the main house they almost ran to the front door.
By the time the car stopped they were all surrounding it.
As Will and Tame got out they were almost mobbed, even Ary, Bobby and Dillon were waiting to greet them.
They'd almost been dragged into the house laughing.
When they were all settled in the large lounge Will said.
"Momma, Poppas, there's something I, we, need to tell you.....".
He would have gone on but Tame cut him off.
"I was joking earlier with my soon to be brothers in law, I hope that doesn't upset you, because I love your son so much it hurts".
Jolly just screamed and launched herself at Tame.
"You silly, silly boy, I'm overjoyed".
She had him in a hug whilst Billy and Jay had made a grab for Will.
When they'd all calmed down Will set them off again by saying.
"Well actually, all I was going to say was that Tame might be moving in with me".
He didn't get any further as Jo and Jace dived on him and started play beating him up, no one could have thought they meant any harm because they were all laughing so loudly.
This time, after they'd calmed themselves, Will said.
"Tame asked me to marry him, I said yes, okay he was threatening to dump me in the Mediterranean Ocean at the time, but to be honest, if he'd been threatening to dump me in feathers I'd still have said yes, I've found him, at last".
There was complete silence in the room.
"Well someone say something, Poppa I think you should pay for the wedding, after all I've saved you a fortune on those buy a bride sites you've been trolling".
Billy just burst out laughing and everyone joined in with him, then Billy replied.
"Son, I'd be honoured to pay for your wedding if it's to someone who'll make you anything close to as happy as I've been with your Momma and Poppa".
Looking straight into his Poppa's eyes, Will answered.
"Oh I know he will Poppa".
Jolly had pulled Tame down beside her, she still had him in a hug as she said.
"Have you given any thought to when and where for your wedding?".
Tame answered, looking directly at Will.
"If everyone agrees, I'd like it to be here, at home, and soon".
Will smiled.
"Perfect, we definitely have enough room to accommodate everyone, would that be okay Momma, Poppas?".
Jolly answered for them.
"That would definitely be okay, but we would need about six months to pull something like that together and make it special".
Will grinned at Tame.
"In that case it's a May wedding".
Tame grinned back nodding his agreement.
That evening as they lay spooning on the sofa in Will's apartment, Tame asked.
"What are your thoughts about children Will?".
Will didn't hesitate, it wasn't something he had to think about.
"If you're asking if I want kids, the answer is a definite yes, but there's something I really don't want to do, that's using a surrogate, I don't approve, there are thousands of kids out there who are desperate for the chance to have a family, I don't see there being any problem, other than I might want to bring them all home".
Tame laughed as he answered.
"We really should have met a long time ago, you almost mirror how I feel, but I'm puzzled, explain the surrogate bit".
Will thought for a moment.
"I just don't get how a woman can grow a baby inside her for nine months then hand it over to us and walk away, how do we explain in years to come, she didn't want any more contact after she got her money, how is that child going to feel?".
Will stopped talking, but after a few seconds he was wondering why Tame hadn't responded, until he looked directly at him and saw the tears, he immediately pulled him closer.
"Hey what's the matter?".
It took him a few moments to answer.
"It was like you were talking about me, I agree it's not something I'd want to do either, I'd like to think there are already a lot of kids out there who would be happy to have a life with us".
The following morning at breakfast Jolly spoke to Mel.
"You said you were thinking of having the christenings when the children were about six months old, would April suit you?, if it did we could have the Marquee erected for the christenings then we keep it, that would give us plenty of time to plan out how we organise seating for Will and Tame's wedding, bye the way, I'll really need your help on that".
Mel agreed, April was fine for the christenings, and she was definitely up for helping with the wedding plans.
It was now early December and Jacqueline was canvassing the family to find out who would be in Lanzarote for the holidays.
At dinner Jolly asked who was planning to be available for Lanzarote.
Jace was the first to answer.
"We'd love to be there, but do you think we'd be taking up too much room?, after all it's a little unusual for anyone to turn up with eight children, and five nannies".
Jolly agreed to speak to Jacqueline but she thought there would be a way of working it.
Jo reached for David's hand saying.
"I'd like to think we'll all be there, it'll be the first time in three years, put us down as definite".
Will agreed.
"We're definitely going, I have my man to show off".
Jolly went off to call Jacqueline, when she came back she was smiling.
"Jacqueline says she's already factored us all in, with a special message to Jace and Mel, don't even think of not turning up with those beautiful babies, all she needs to know is whether Brad and Royce are going, Jace, are you seeing Royce in the near future?".
Jace confirmed he'd see Royce later that morning, he'd ask about the holidays then.
Jace turned to Will.
"I know it's your first day back but I'd be really grateful if you could do lunch in my office, there's something afoot with MHT Insurers, Douglas Goodwin's coming to see me at lunchtime, I think it might have something to do with their request to use our Black Box system which we rejected".
Will was genuinely intrigued.
"I'll make time, see you about twelve o'clock".
Will made it , though he was nearly thirty minutes late, he entered Jace's office at twelve twenty eight, to be greeted by his brother.
"Will, thanks for making time to join us, I know it's not easy on the first day back, I think you know Douglas so introductions aren't necessary".
Will knew that was actually Jace saying be nice, so he'd gone with the message received.
"Douglas, it's really good to see you again, I'm sorry to be late, a meeting ran over, in absolute truth I was so engrossed I lost track of time, I hope my brother hasn't been boring you"
Douglas laughed before replying.
"You lads can pretend to dislike each other to everyone else, but remember I've known you a lot longer than most, I know how tight you are, and I've been dealing with Royce and your parents since you were in diapers, they know me, they will tell you my word is my bond, I've explained to Jace why I'm here, I'd rather he filled you in, but it really is good to see you too, now I must go, I'll leave you to discuss my proposal".
Will was completely baffled.
After Douglas left Jace said.
"I'm shocked, and I mean really, what he's offering is a pot of gold for us, but I can't take it in, I think I'm almost paranoid, I need you, Royce and the rest of the board to tell me I'm not missing something".
Will was staggered, and he hadn't heard the proposal yet, this was so not Jace, it didn't take him long to tell Jace to stop waffling and explain.
"He wants to offer a policy on our terms, five strikes, standard period of twelve months, earning a no claim bonus from the end of year one, but he wants us to manage it, for a set fee whatever the policy value, we take a warm handover from their admin staff and run with it, there's more, and believe me Will, by this point, I swear my eyes were probably bulging".
Jace had stopped to take a drink of his coffee before continuing.
They'll deal with any fault claims in house, but he's asking us to deal with non fault claims, we'd need a completely separate division for that, and staff already knowledgeable in the non fault field, his idea is that we offer an accredited engineer to value both their clients vehicle and if practical, the cost of repair, we would need to sign up repairers who could work to our standards, and timescales, it doesn't end there, he wants us to provide alternative transport to their clients whilst repairs are being carried out, so we'd need guaranteed rates from a rental company but that I see as fairly lucrative, then we make the recovery of all costs from the fault insurer, and there's still more".
Jace took a gulp from his coffee.
"He's agreeable to us offering the same deal to our customers, I think you need to pinch me, because I think I'm having a happy dream".
"Ouch that hurt, it was a rhetorical remark, you weren't supposed to actually pinch me you idiot".
By then they were both laughing, but Jace summed it up.
"We need a full board meeting, this is big, I don't know at this point if we could get everything in place to meet the targets he's asking for".
Within the hour Jace and Will had confirmation that a board meeting was arranged for the following evening.
Before they parted Jace said.
"You need to give this your complete attention over the next twenty four hours, I need to know numbers of handlers for the claims operation by tomorrow lunch at the latest, how you propose to acquire them is down to you, remember it's going to substantially increase your general business, this is a very attractive offer, the public will see that, don't underestimate how much you'll need to bolster your call centre staff numbers, I'm sorry, I can read the expression that is saying, Granny doesn't need to be taught to suck eggs, I get it, I'll shut up now".
They were still laughing as they left the building together.
TBC ARB Allan
Comments are welcome to cfgw2000@aol.com.
Thank you for giving me your time, enjoy.