March Stephenson

Chapter 28

March Stephenson

Maxieplus

He chased us and apologised many times on our way up to our room, he was being silly and he told me that several times. I forgave him and then started changing Mason for his big day out. We had bought his ride with us because it's only a short walk into the city centre. Mason loved his ride, at least this one moves.

We window-shopped for some time and when he saw it he screamed, a beautiful Aquamarine pendant with diamonds across the top, it was gorgeous. We walked in and asked to see it, the lady behind the counter tickled Mason but he was very wary of her.

"Six-carat Aquamarine and two carats of diamonds it's exquisite." And it was, and it also had a pretty expensive price tag. She matched it up with a gold chain and put it all into a very pretty box. We paid and walked out to go find a coffee shop. He had cake I had coffee and Mason drank some milk while the ladies around us smiled and held his hands.

He wasn't a people person but he did behave himself.

"Did you honestly think I would accept a stranger's phone number?"

"No Nicky but there are some slimy guys about nowadays, I get jealous that all." He dropped his head.

"March I am only in love with one person, those guys you say that are looking at me are waiters. They look at their customers all the time to see if they need anything, thats called good service the hotel isn't a pickup place, and I would never accept anyone's phone number."

"Good." He took my hands and kissed them, the ladies groaned not because they were appalled, but because they lost March at that point, they were perving on him, not me.

"Let's go Nicky the cars are waiting."

"One minute I have to have a pee."

He waited with Mase at the door and when we got downstairs to reception Goldie was already sitting out the front, now that's service.

"See you for lunch then Mr. Stephenson." The desk clerk smiled at him. He was back to normal and said.

"I will be late but I will be having the roast, so don't let anyone use it all up before I get back."

The clerk laughed and answered.

"I can assure you sir there will be plenty left for you both."

He got us into the car and then he drove us to the auction rooms. he was almost jumping up and down to go look at what was on offer, I was busy organizing Mason into his ride.

We walked in and the place shined like a new upmarket showroom, there were spotlights everywhere. It was the public's viewing day and we looked at every car, I even got to sit in the collectible mini. The Capri's were up on a podium and they did look awesome as March started talking to the auctioneer. He was taken into the office and his absentee bid was noted, now the salesman has his phone number but I won't push my luck, not in here.

He looked pleased with himself and told me our limit was seventy but if it took another grand to secure it then they had his permission to do just that. He also said he told them he did the engines of the Capri's and was asked for his business card. They may use him in the future or throw some work his way. I got Mase into his seat and was giving the mini a lingering last look.

"Forget it Nicky if you want one I will buy a restoration project and do it for you."

"Why?"

"Because they are asking too much for it."

"No why did you give the salesman your phone number." He looked at me all confused then he got it and laughed.

"Sorry." He blushed.

Lunch was late but there were still diners in the room, he ordered our lunches and a fruit cocktail. I got them to warm Mason's bottle up a bit. He and Mase looked at the views and he was taking many selfies. He always knows when the food is ready and as soon as it was delivered he sat with me.

"It is a beautiful car Nicky I hope we get it, I don't think I could do a full restoration."

"So that deletes my mini then."

"No Nicky we can buy a running one but I don't know when you would use it they aren't very safe."

"I only want one to look at, maybe a rusty shell for the garden."

"We talked about that idea it won't look nice Nicky."

"Okay, then I will lust from afar."

"I have some lust for you Nicky, been saving it up."

"I can't wait." I giggled.

Lunch was superb as usual, he almost licked the plate until I told him dinner would be the same tonight.

Mason crawled around the room just checking it out, the hotel had given us a crib for him to sleep in and a high chair, March opened the chocolates and put some on his finger so Mase could lick it. His eyes brightened and I think he liked that treat. I opened mums present and looked at the sparkling pendant again, it was beautiful and so mum.

We put a tired little boy to bed and then we had a nap ourselves, but before we did he had to make love to me, I was wrapped up in his arms when I nodded off he does exhaust me sometimes.

We woke around seven and the TV was turned on while I warmed up some food for Mase, the chocolates were disappearing quickly so I grabbed a couple. I sat with him and asked once again if everything was all right in his world, he said yes but when I caught him deep in thought I knew something was on his mind. Breakfast was the same, he piled his plate up and I got some for myself and Mase, sometimes he wants something different and sometimes he won't eat it at all. This was one of the latter times so I scooped it onto my plate and ate it.

"March what did the salesman about the auction, did he say there was plenty of interest?"

"Yes, he said it will go for what I thought and he also said off the record our bid was the biggest."

"I hope we get it, dad is going to go ape shit over it."

"He will have to store it in his garage out of the weather."

"He's got plenty of space,"

We finished up then went back to our room, I had already packed up so all we had to do was collect it. We paid the bill and the desk clerk handed us a box with two roast dinners in it.

"Compliments of the chef sirs."

"OMG thank you so much, look Nicky no cooking today."

I laughed and then thanked him, he winked at me.

He drove us home and I don't think he said more than three words on the way, he was still deep in thought. Again I asked him if anything was wrong.

"No Nicky sometimes I like to think a bit."

"Okay, but you would tell me if you have something on your mind won't you?'

"Yes Nicky." Bubs had fallen asleep in the back, and when we drove in I took him to his bed and tucked him in. I unloaded the car and started putting everything away, his roasts went into the fridge we can have them for dinner.

"I hate being gay Nicky." He said out of the blue as we cuddled up on the couch.

"Why is that March?"

"I don't know, just that I hate it."

"It's only a word March, it is a bit late for you to go back to pretending you aren't attracted to men don't you think?"

"Yes Nicky, but all I wanted was you, not all the gay things that come with it all. Like I love you the best, and I want to live with you all my life, but I don't like the looks and stares we get and the gay things."

"Name them specifically baby?"

"I don't know, I suppose if I lived in the city it would be different. I just don't want any of the gay things that come with being gay, just you and Mason."

"Can't get much gayer than that March."

"It's different with you, I mean at the barn dance I didn't get jealous because I knew you dressed up just for me and I felt so proud to be your husband. But at the hotel, I got jealous because it looked like you were being cruised."

"You know that would never happen March, you know your my one and only."

"Well, I didn't like it."

"And you haven't asked me why those guys are friendly with me?"

"No."

"They are friendly with me to get to you, if I am their friend then maybe they think they can be your friend also. But as I said before they aren't cruising me. I do know when I am being cruised, they are lusting after you but they won't do anything about it. If we went to the club and some of the workers were there then they would try it on with you, but that's never going to happen."

"I don't want it to happen, it doesn't happen to mum and dad, and anyone else I know Nicky, but it happens to gays. So I don't want to be gay anymore."

"Can you promise me something March?"

"Yes Nicky, anything."

"Can you just be gay with me, I like that the best."

"Yes." he blushed then he kissed me, then he wanted his non-gay suck.

I will have to get to the bottom of this, he loves his hotel and there is no reason why he should be turning on the staff. Whenever March Stephenson is around he will always pull in a crowd of lookers, people see him as I do a simple country mechanic with no idea he has the wow factor surrounding him.

Maybe I will ask dad, they talk to each other man to man, he must know something.

The next week May was telling me the business was a hit for the town and her bookings were full six months ahead, she looked less stressed but she still made an appearance at the cafe each day. I was sitting outside the cafe having coffee with May when I heard it.

"Fuck, fuck fuck." March was back to his old self and mad about something, we didn't giggle this time because we knew this was genuine frustration. Dad escaped across the road to get some lunch, he looked pretty normal.

"What's wrong with March dad?"

"I don't know Nick, he just got a call from the Wagner farm maybe that's upset him."

"Dad, has he spoken to you about anything that has been bothering him?"

"No son, do you want a pie."

"Yes please."

"What's up Nicky," May was concerned because it's been months since March has gone off his tree.

"I don't know May, but something is happening in March's head and he's not telling me what it is. When we got back from the city he said he didn't want to be gay anymore, he just wanted to be with me, not everyone else." She didn't laugh she was very concerned.

"When did it start?"

"I can't remember maybe around the time of the fire maybe earlier, but I know there is something in his head. He was being mean at the hotel and imagining all sorts of things. All unfounded and all in his head."

It was time to make an appearance, and he did it in style. As if nothing happened I watched his doorway and he walked out, he saw me and smiled then he came across the road strutting like the wet dream he is.

"What can I get you March?" May asked.

"Just a pie thank you May." She went off to do that for him.

"Okay what's happening, why the shouting?"

"Nothing Nicky I just felt like it." he shrugged.

"So nothing to do with a stuck bolt then?"

"No, I don't do that anymore."

The pies came out and he dumped sauce on his, May returned with dad and they sat.

I started eating and broke a bit of pastry off for Mase who was out in May's house with Rose. I got up and walked in to give it to him, I kissed him and then rejoined the family.

"You have to do it, I won't be going there again. It's time to break the cord."

I heard March say to dad.

"Well if you think I can do it I will, but you know you will miss out on one of Faith's awesome roast dinners?'

"Mums are better. There is a ride-on that needs attention and one of the cars needs a good checking out, the oil light keeps going on, probably just a switch, I have spares." He dropped his head. I couldn't believe his attitude but I accepted that maybe he is a bit fed up with doing their bidding, especially at his old home.

So the rest of the day didn't get any better and he didn't talk to me that night, he just sat there deep in thought. I opened my laptop and I guess a hot tub is out of the question. I may as well do some work instead.

'Two hundred grand Nicky, he had two hundred stashed away under the floor boards' Tom had sent me an email.

'Good do something nice for yourselves, was there any trouble getting in?'

'She won't even know I was there Nick, Pete and I are going to put it to good use and start up our own cleaning company.'

'Good to hear Tom and thank you, I would love to be a fly on the wall when the shit hits the fan.'

'Nicky, I am a bit worried about those friends of yours, is March all right? I mean has he said anything to you?'

'No, what do you know Tom, because he has been acting a little off these past few weeks.'

'The younger one said he is trying to get March to have a threesome with them, that he is confident he can pull it off. Just a heads up Nicky but I have deleted Meet Me and I won't be going anywhere with them.'

'You do that Tom, Jimmy is the cause of a few of my headaches and now I know what's wrong with March, I will talk to him tonight.'

I looked up at March he was still deep in thought, our son was quietly playing on the floor and talking to himself so I got up and moved over to him.

"Come on big fella, tub time."

"I don't feel like it Nicky."

"Well, I do." I slowly stripped off then did Mason who squealed because he knows what was coming. I got us in the tub and to his credit, March followed in all his glory.

He settled in and started dipping Mase into the water, he then played splashing.

I moved in closer to March I could almost feel his sadness and disappointment now I know what is wrong. I placed my hand on his thigh and said.

"Was it Jimmy or Hank that asked you?" His face blanched and he let a tear go as his head dropped.

"Jimmy."

"I thought it might have been him, he's got a lot of problems at the moment March you shouldn't take it all on board."

"But I have Nicky, it shocked me. I have never had that asked before. Nicky it's not just that, it's also Faith and Ethan. I can never look them in the eyes again, he has ruined our family visits, and now I have to make up a lie to them why I don't want to go there anymore. The worst thing to work out is how to tell you, that is hurting me the most." Tears, we have tears tonight. I placed my arms around him and kissed his neck, he cried a little and I could tell his stress levels are right up again.

"It's not important what he said, but it's important how we handle it baby. We send dad out, he won't take their nonsense and will probably give Jimmy a good dressing down if anything is said. Let us just leave it to him for now because I want you to feel better, this isn't your fault March, not by a long shot, it's Jimmy's. I doubt whether Hank was involved I think he's at his wit's end trying to tone Jim down."

"What do you mean, has something happened I don't know about?"

"When Tom was here he met them at their river for a threesome. They are on one of those dating sites and pinged him to meet up. He told me that he and Hank screwed Jimmy and it was fun but a one-off, they are hounding him to come back to town. I had a small talk to Hank at the barn dance, he said he was into it but I don't think he wants to do it all the time, Jimmy does. Is this why you don't want to be gay anymore?"

"Yes Nicky, I never encountered anything like it before I just want you. Why would they do that to me why would they do that to two wonderful people who love them, and if you say it's a gay thing once more I will not believe you. I see your gay thing all the time, and it doesn't upset me. You are different Nicky, life is different around you. "

"That is because I have too much respect for you, and plenty of love March." I kissed him gently.

"Did they ask you?" The main question has been spoken.

"They wouldn't dare March, and no they haven't. Is this why you got upset at the hotel?"

"Yes." he kissed me back.

"Then we will talk about it when the stress leaves, I have no idea how to handle it, they have to work it out themselves. But for now, know this. I am yours forever and you are mine, gay or not we are together."

"Thank you Nicky," The kissing got hotter.

Before we went to bed we spoke some more about it, he was more worried that they would think he was that easy. He also said at the time he didn't say anything because he was too shocked. He was going to see Faith but he couldn't face her after that so he came straight home.

I told him it was business as usual then I told him about Will's money.

It seemed appropriate to tell him, because he started smiling again and you all know how much I loved March Stephenson's smiles.

My baby had a nightmare tonight he was moaning in his sleep, so I got up and placed him in between us. Maybe he picked up and his dad's sadness maybe not, but he soon settled down not long after March pulled him in.

He was still smiling in the morning, and he kissed me many times as I tried to organize our day, babies to be bathed and men to be fed, I loved my life with March and even more now Mason is safe with us, I made him heaps of scrambled eggs and bacon and I opened one of the jars of peanut butter to put on some toast for Mason to chew on. I sat and looked into his eyes and saw the thing that was missing in them these past few days, love and happiness.

"Are you going to let them get away with it?"

"No Nicky, they can't make me feel awful like that again. What I say will decide whether I go there again or not."

"Just tell them to stay out of your life, and you don't want to be involved in their gay things. Or if you want me to, I will tell them." He looked up at me and I got the message, I have to put this right for him.

"Leave it to me then, do you want to read Tom's email, I have to delete it at some stage but I think for now I will store it away just in case."

The big just in case moment came three days later after dad had gone to the Wagner farm, Faith was on the phone wanting to know if March was okay. She had missed him Mason and me, she also asked what was wrong everything is turning topsy-turvy in her home. I didn't say anything only that March had something important to do, I won't drop Jimmy in it but I will be speaking to him. I didn't have to elaborate much with May, she knew what Jimmy was like and she wasn't surprised at all.

"I guess my brother took it all on himself?"

"Yes he did May, he was dreading telling me, like I'm some vampire or something. If it wasn't for Tom I would never have been the wiser."

"He does that all the time Nicky, he thinks it is his fault if a car doesn't start or runs out of gas he does that, it's because he couldn't help our dear mum and dad he blamed himself for all that also."

"Then we have to find a way to fix that, where is their plaque May?"

"My God he hasn't told you?"

"No, Faith told me their ashes were in the clearing and she also said there was a plaque." She smiled and I know I didn't have to fix her, but March is a different kettle of fish.

"It's at the bottom of that big tree you were backed up against when the snow incident happened Nicky. He told me that they were looking after you for him."

I dropped my head and quietly thanked them, for having such wonderful children and for keeping me safe.

"Thank you May. I will place some flowers on the spot."

"I rarely go there because I feel them around me all the time, March as you know was always there talking to them."

"He was just not there for contemplation then?"

"No, he went there when he was stressed that's true, but he would also talk to mum and dad."

"He never mentions it, even when we are there."

"He's happy Nicky, he looks at it this way. He can talk to you to get his answers and if mum and dad are there also, he is very happy to share you with them."

"He talks to you a lot about it May?"

"No, just in passing Nicky. It's like getting blood out of a stone when it comes to March."

"Another question if I may, May?" I giggled.

"Yes?"

"Why March?"

"March?"

"Why was he named March?"

She smiled.

"You don't know my brother do you?"

"It's just that it is an unusual name that's all."

"Little Women Nicky, mum loved that movie, Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy March.

She couldn't name him after the sisters so she used their surname." She giggled.

"And you?"

"I was named after Grandma Stephenson, a pretty basic name for me although we were born in May."

I loved my family so much and May has given me a little piece of family history I will always treasure.

"Oh Nicky, don't spread that around March doesn't like anyone knowing he was named after a bunch of girls."

"Understandable, my lips are sealed."

Rose appeared with Mason and passed him to me, he started talking and I listened, maybe it's about his nightmare maybe not, but he was being very talkative today.

"He has been fed Nicky, a sleep is in order." I looked at her and started smiling.

She had bonded with my son beautifully, I have no more concerns about Rose she is a great babysitter. May held her arms out I looked at her.

"Don't you have to go to work?"

"Yes, and I can put him in his crib while I set up."

I handed him over and Aunty May walked off across the road. He was behind me when she left, a kiss on the neck and an order for soup and rolls were shouted out to mum.

"Where is she taking him?"

"To work baby, she is going to settle him in for a nap."

"We had better hurry then." I laughed at his face and said.

"She's his aunty, didn't you know that?" He blushed.

"Feeling better my handsome husband?"

"Yes Nicky, until the next time I have to go out there. Are you going to say something to them?"

"I don't know March. Faith's not in a very good mood you didn't go, and she already knows something is up with the boys, so we might leave the family business to her for the moment. Let's just wait and see."

"Okay, but I won't go there again, not until everything is put back to where it was."

"You don't like change do you?"

"No Nicky, change is the worst thing anyone can do to me. I just get comfortable and happy then someone comes along and changes everything like you did. When you came to town my whole life changed, I had to learn new things, do things differently and I also had to push myself to accept those things."

"You did good baby, change can be a good thing, sometimes we get too comfortable with the mundane and life passes us by."

"But I liked it back then."

"And you don't now?"

"No Nicky I love it now, and I don't want to change it. I never thought in a million years I would be avoiding Ethan and Faith they are so good to me and now I have to be mean."

"We will see about that."

I will go and see them and put a stop to it.

I didn't have to go to the farm, the farm came to me in the guise of a roast dinner and two gorgeous people at our door.

"Hi Nicky, we bought dinner along." Faith smiled, this woman is a pit bull when she gets going.

"Come in, it is so good to see you both."

"Is March in?"

"Yes Ethan."

They followed me to the back of the house and March stood up and shook Ethan's hand. Faith placed the carry bag on the island bench and swooped down to pick Mason up. She talked to him while I made coffee.

March and Ethan sat at the table I couldn't hear what they were saying but March's face was lit up like a red lamp. He was about to give Ethan a mouth full I think, so I quickly went over and sat with them, Faith and Mason joined us.

"Did you hear that Nicky?"

"No March I didn't, what was said?" I looked at Ethan he opened his mouth and it all came out.

"Jimmy is accusing March of touching him up and wanting to have sex with him. Hank is mad and wants us to ban March from coming to the farm. Jimmy's really worried something is going to happen to him."

"Something is going to happen to him alright, when I get my hands on him, that flaming little liar," March said.

"Calm down March, let's talk this out. Ethan, Faith, you don't believe March is capable of that do you?"

"No son, but we would like to hear March's side of the story if we can."

"He asked me to have a threesome with him and Hank, I was so embarrassed and hurt I left. Nothing happened and I wouldn't do anything like that to Jimmy and he knows it. It's all lies Ethan and I don't know why."

I opened up my laptop and got the story straight in my head, I told them what was happening with Jim and Hank and I told them about Tom being involved, to the point Tom has deleted the dating app. Jimmy is too embarrassed to tell them the truth so he made up a lie. I showed them Tom's email that backs me up and I also said the worst thing about it was Jimmy has destroyed their friendship with March and in turn myself. Ethan looked at Faith and said.

"Well, mother it's your call."

"Well I say we kick Jimmy and Hank's asses until the cows come home father, it's okay boys we knew we would get the truth out of you both, Jimmys so unreliable at the moment." She laughed then got up and hugged March.

"I am so sorry March, you are like a son to us, and putting you through this isn't very nice."

"I was worried I might never see you both again, that's all I was worried about."

"Never son, who am I going to go fishing with, not your screaming son surely?" He laughed.

Faith hugged me next and said.

"Next time I ask you a question you answer me truthfully, got it?"

"Yes mummy Wagner, I get it, but I thought they would sort it all out before I had to drop them in it."

"Well they didn't, it has gotten worse. Hank overheard Jimmy telling us at the table and he stood up for March and called Jimmy some not-so-kind words. He packed his bags and left the farm. Jimmys in a state but he did confess that Hank was right."

"So you knew all along."

"Yes Nicky, we were just having some fun with this sad-faced March Stephenson that's all. And a little payback from me Nicky, tell me in the future. Now who is up for one of my perfect roast's?"

"I sure am Faith." March put his arm up.

"Nicky help me out and there is some scones in there somewhere, for you to have tomorrow."

"Thank you Faith. I was getting ready to come and see you and Ethan, but secretly hoping Jim would come clean. How is he doing?"

"He is devastated he knows he's probably lost Hank for good, and he doesn't know what to do anymore."

"I will talk to him, any ideas where Hank would go?"

"No Nicky, he might go back to the rodeo."

"Then I will start there."

"What have you in mind?"

"I will make a list of where the rodeos are and send Jimmy on a soul-searching journey to look for him." She gasped and took my face in both hands and kissed me, no tongue.

"You angel."

"Well maybe Jimmy will learn something out of this, maybe he will become a rodeo cowboy or a clown, who knows where life will take him on the open road? I do know one thing, Faith, he will grow up pretty quickly living like a man and not a boy." Faith had a spring in her step and asked me to ring mum and dad she had plenty of food, so I did and they were on our doorstep within ten minutes.

"You should install a hot tub Faith, they are wonderful inventions." Mum was telling her.

"I thought you hated them mum?" I said.

"Well I like them now."

"Rose is getting one also, Ron is doing it for her, and Faith, when nanny's got a hot tub at her place the kids won't ever want to go home."

"Ethan, organize one for us thank you." She laughed her head off.

"Yes mother anything for you." He winked at me.

March was a very happy camper tonight he was so relieved everything was all right between them and him. It was a late night and after they all left, and after March sent food photos to May we sat on the couch and tried to wind down. I don't think we have ever laughed so much.

"Want to watch a late-night movie?"

"No Nicky I do want to go to bed with you though."

"It's a good movie March."

"What is it?'

"Little women." He took only seconds before he screamed out.

"May I will fucking kill you." I couldn't stop laughing and he couldn't wait to get into bed because he knows he has missed out all day and is hanging out to be gay with me again.

We were back to our old selves at five am, Mason called and I jumped to attention. Sometimes he feels hungry earlier than other times. I changed him while his bottle warmed up, and had a lovely talk to him about his daddy being happy again, he smiled at me because he understands everything I say. March came out, he was in the nude and I nearly screamed with want. He took Mase then kissed me, scratched his balls and sat on the couch to feed him.

Minutes later both father and son were fast asleep so I put the bottle on the island bench and went to have a shower.

As I waited for them both to fully wake up I sent off a message to Tom telling him he won't have any more trouble. I am going to the farm today to fix it with Jim and that will be the end of it.

I immediately got a message back to say that Matt told Pete that the money was from drug sales not his money from Mason's mum. He was glad to hear that the boys were exposed and I wrote back that I will be sending them both on a journey of discovery.

March got up and was looking for coffee, he was flopping around the kitchen so I went to terrorise him. I was about to drop to my knees when Mason moaned, he must be thirsty by now. I got his bottle and set him up to graze on it.

"I will get back to you later big boy."

"Later angel." He went off to have a shower.

"What have you got on for the day baby?"

"One car to finish and three services."

"Busy busy, I will go and talk to Jimmy if he's still around."

Are you taking Bubbie?"

"Yes March, I can't not take him." I laughed.

"Did I get any dinners?"

"Two March, all yours I got some scones."

"Great can I have one for breakfast?"

"Coming up." I put it in the microwave and he sat at the table.

Later on I drove to the Wagner's place and was met by John this time, he told me his new venture was in the works and he had bought the adjoining farm. He also asked me for an introduction to the guys I knew that had a winery. I told him I would gladly ring them and set it up for him then I asked about Jimmy.

"He has taken off, not long after mum and dad left for your place."

"Oh, I was going to have a word with him."

"Don't stress Nick, he had a list of places he thought Hank would hang out in his hand, mainly rodeos. Hank will be missed around here but it is what it is."

"Okay John, I will get onto my friends I am sure they will help. Is mum home?"

"In the kitchen, Nicky just go right in." I smiled as I started walking with Mason into the house, and we are back.

Donations are gratefully rccepted at Nifty