March Stephenson

Chapter 49

March Stephenson

Maxieplus

After Pete left I grabbed Mason and went across the road. Mum was there looking a bit tired but still smiling. She took Mase and cuddled him, then she made us a coffee, there was no sign of May, she was resting so I was told.

"So how did it go?"

"You saw how it went son, the boys are over the moon, they took more money last night than they did all last month and it looks like tonight will be the same, maybe bigger." She sat back and smiled.

"I knew it would be good as soon as you and Faith walked in their door."

"They are a bit like March at the moment they can't find the words to express their gratitude. Everything went well, the meals, and the bar. This will pull them out of a dark space Nicky, the looks on their faces when I gave them the totals were priceless."

"So it should be, that woman had been ripping them off for years by the sounds of it," I replied.

"They realise that now. Oh, and Nick, you don't have to threaten Betty anymore, The solicitor got an email from her refusing the bequeath, so it automatically goes to the brothers. He rang Brock early this morning, Brock said he would ring March later on but he was too excited to talk to him earlier. They were heading to their solicitor's office." She smiled.

"That's fantastic news, they would be so happy, and she did the right thing after all."

"She did, and when Brock rang her and talked about it, she told him to tell March Stephenson to call his goons off. When pressed she said she had visitors the other night, two of them and they threatened to expose her publicly if she didn't decline the bequeath." Mum laughed.

"My god, it must have been Pete and Tom." I feigned ignorance.

"No Nicky two rough-looking thugs who rode Harleys and were dressed in leather." She laughed again.

"Friends of theirs then." I smiled and my insides did a happy dance. I immediately sent Pete a message thanking him, his plan had worked.

"That is great news, mum."

"When are you going to tell him?"

"When May is around she needs to be told also. I doubt Betty will want to come here and live now."

"Well the boys are on top of the world at the moment, but they will have to work harder to keep up the figures at the restaurant."

"Do you think you might buy into it, mum?"

"We were thinking about it Nicky, but working those extra days will take its toll on us though. So I doubt it will happen now, and I'm happy with my little takeaway shop."

I watched March walk across the road, he had a certain spring in his step, it was like he had just found the golden goose, he ordered coffee and a pie and grinned at me.

"Happy now?"

"Happy Nicky, did you hear about Betty?"

"If it's the bequeath thing, yes mum was just telling me. How did you find out?"

"Brock just rang me, they have just seen the solicitor this morning and everything is signed."

"Will they pay your money back?"

"I told them to keep it."

I hoped they would pay March back, that's the way it's done around here, and why should he lose money, the cousins will have plenty soon.

He started laughing to himself.

"What's up?"

"Big bad me and my goons, hey Nicky where would I find such goons?"

"Talk to Pete." He nodded his understanding then he giggled.

"Don't even think about buying a motorbike either." I smiled at him.

"I had one on the farm, they are great to ride."

"Better than a horse?"

"Much better and you can go anywhere on them."

"So does the truck, I do like a little comfort March."

"But on the bike, you can sit behind me and play with my gear stick." I thought about it long and hard but decided my creature comforts are a lot more important.

When May came out he told her about it and she was very happy and somewhat relieved that she won't have Betty as a neighbour. So everything has shifted back in my world once again and I don't have to threaten anyone, all I have to do is sit back and watch the world pass by.

"Are you going to watch Cory today May?" I asked.

"Yes Nicky, he has threatened me with lots of loud noise during the day if I don't."

"The whole town has been threatened," Mum said.

"Has he posted on the local page?"

"Yes." She giggled.

"There are a lot of posts about last night too Nicky, people are praising the restaurant all over the place, they have done well. I see it's already booked out tonight. Ben has made an announcement and spoken freely about how humbled and thankful they are to the surrounding towns for coming to their restaurant, and they will be having more local nights shortly."

"If I know this town as much as I think I do, they will be popular events," I said.

"Oh, and okay local losers and friends, if you don't come to see me play today I will make your lives a living nightmare. The game starts at noon be there. Cory" I started laughing, that kid has some front.

I think because of that one announcement just about everyone in town was there, the public seats were almost full and a lot of people bought their picnic tables and chairs to sit around the courts and watch the games. It was a country match, no frills here just a tea and coffee shed, a small spectators stand, and toilets. The six courts were fenced off and we set up close to one end of the main court. I had bought Mason's little tent, he may crawl into it and have a nap later if I am lucky. Our crowd was taking up some space but mum wasn't there, she had left the cafe to go do the lunchtime diners at the restaurant. Surprisingly Hank, Tom, and Pete were there with Rose. Pete was talking to Nudge and the rest of March's gang, I guess he has got deliveries for them also. I watched Hank and Tom they looked perfect together and touched hands occasionally but no kissing. March on the other hand was excited and kissed me a lot, no one blinked an eyelid, and so it should be.

We watched the first game then it was Cory's turn to run onto the court.

"Hey losers, now you will see how to play tennis properly, come on." He did his Leyton Hewitt impression and the crowd cheered him on.

His opponent was his regular nemesis Nick Jones, a good-looking kid whom Cory always seems to pick on.

Cory didn't do very well in the first set, the second he screamed and yelled, he wasn't focusing. A man who looked pretty fit talked to him after he lost the second set. He bounced on the court and I sang out.

"Put it away Cory, focus."

"That's what my new coach just told me Mrs Stephenson, but thank you." He had been standing no more than ten feet away from me, so only a few heard his announcement.

He then terrorised poor Mick Jones and slammed in a few aces and he won the next three sets. The crowd livened up again and cheered him on, I felt sorry for Mick he had no hope in hell coming back from the first three aces.

If I knew in my lifetime anyone that could do just about every sport known to man, it would be Cory, my only hope was he stuck to tennis because he was good at it, he was very very good. He received a cup and Nick got a ribbon, he also got a big hug from Cory, if I didn't know any better that rivalry is a little bit more personal, and all for show.

We packed up the family and March drove us home, we were all tired and the tub was calling us. I changed Mase and myself and we waited for March to come in, he was a bit slow today, but the wait was so well worth it, he had put a black jock on just for my enjoyment.

Of course, he posed for us and rubbed it in my face a bit, I licked it all over then he sat in the water to attend to his son.

"Do you think Cory will stick to tennis?"

"I hope so He is very good at it, and I believe he has a coach now so that's a big plus."

"Yeah, the retired coach from a few towns over I heard."

I will rely on March for my information from now on, he seems to have his finger on the pulse.

My famous casserole was all eaten up and March was so full he had to have a nap on the couch. I put Mason to bed, brought the birds in, and let Sunny out for his evening wee. I then made myself a coffee and sat with March. I was watching him sleep and so wanted to kiss his fine lips, but resisted because he's had a big week and needs his rest.

In the morning he sat at the table watching Mason play with his budgies, I had filled their water and food and left the cage sitting on the table.

"What's up for today March?"

"Four cars in, two out, easy work and I have to go to the Wagners to service the tractors at some stage."

"I will come with you."

"When I get a date, Faith wants to be there so she has to juggle her jobs so she's available."

"She doesn't have to do that."

"Keep telling yourself that Nicky, she will be so disappointed if she's not there and you are."

"Okay, I will wait for the date then." I giggled.

Poor Faith she is working her butt off, her simple life isn't that simple anymore. I have no idea how Ethan feels about it he would miss having her around the farm.

Because it was Sunday, March wanted to mow the lawns and I decided to get stuck into some weeding. We spent the morning doing chores and sprucing the gardens up. Lunchtime was a snatch-and-grab moment. I had cooked up some sausages and made a salad, and we were once again back on the porch surveying all our good work. I looked at the local page and there were some posts about the restaurant being busy.

"Do you want to do something this afternoon Nicky?"

"I was hoping to just chill out March."

"Okay, do you mind if I hook up my new game consul?"

"Sounds like a challenge to me."

"If you want to play of course you can." So I helped him install it and we began an afternoon of competition. Mason loved it but his hands weren't coordinated so he got the dreaded loser music many times, he took it all in his stride and laughed a lot. March on the other hand was very good at it, he wrote down the scores and laughed along with his son. I am good at a lot of stuff but gaming wasn't my forte back in the day, so I had to sit and take my losses. After countless games March continued on his own and I was sitting watching the news, and having a little sulk.

"Come on tub time."

"Coming." Now you are talking, this is my thing, being in the tub with a naked man is my ultimate sport, and March will collect his winnings.

Nothing much else happened and while I bathed Mason, March went to get our Chinese meals. It dawned on me that a big part of our lives was missing, mum and dad. They had missed fish and chip night and now Chinese on Sunday, but I didn't dwell because dad was at the door before March arrived home.

"Did you think I would forget tonight son?"

"I was wondering if you would turn up or not, I should have rung you."

"March did." He smiled and took Mason into his arms and they started the cuddling and laughing.

"Is mum okay?"

"Yes Nicky, she's a bit peed off she's missing Chinese night. But it's only for a few weeks then she will be back."

"They will have to hire another cook to help, even two maybe."

"Leave it all to Faith and mum, they are already scouting around for a few kitchen hands. They reckon there are plenty of good cooks around this town, mainly housewives that maybe want to job share it's the coordination they have to work out."

"I would be a lot happier when that's done and dusted dad, what a headache."

"She will cope, but she has already told me she's decided her takeaway shop is perfect for her."

"Good," I whispered. I had no idea why I was missing mum, I see her every day but I suppose it's a comfort thing. I do know I was wary of her working the two jobs but dad has just fixed that up. March arrived with the food, he had bought the normal order and we placed mum's dinner aside for her.

"Orders from mum she wants her Chinese when she gets home."

He giggled.

"I had better put it under lock and key otherwise some people around here will relieve her of it."

"Not going to happen Nick." Dad smiled.

They did their thing while I gave Mase a bowl of his favorite fare, he fed Sunny more than I liked, and he giggled as he dropped food on the floor for him.

"That's enough bubs, Sunny is full." He stared at me and dropped another bit of food then giggled. I tickled him then unloaded the high chair. I held him and forced fed him to his delight, not.

It was when dad took over he settled down and ate something decent, it's all a game to him but I might think about locking Sunny out the back while we eat in the future. March dropped bits also and Sunny had a great feed tonight.

"What time is mum working till?"

"Ten Nicky, then she will do the cash up at home and the boys will clean up."

"Okay."

"Nicky, are you a little down tonight?" March asked.

"I miss mum being here, she should be here."

"In a week or two Nicky, have some patience, we all miss her."

They started talking about the cars coming in tomorrow, so I took my son and puppy over to the couch and turned the TV on, more useless information was being beamed into my family room, I did think about having a game but it's no fun without March.

Eventually, long after our son went to bed, dad got a call from mum she was leaving work, so he said his good nights and left to go home with her dinner. I locked up and crawled into bed, March played games. I had no idea when he came to bed but it was late, and I rolled on my side to hold him so I could go back to sleep.

At work, I put the washing on, cleaned the showers and toilets, then went across the road for some breakfast. I missed out this morning because we all slept in. Mum was there and I gave her a big hug.

"You were missed last night mum, it's good to see you."

"I missed you all too, give me another week or so and we can resume our family nights."

"I will be brave mum." I giggled.

"Bacon and egg roll Nicky?"

"Yes please, March won't be too far behind."

"He just sat down at the table."

I looked outside and there he was holding up two fingers."

"Better make that three rolls mum." I made the coffee while Mason played shopkeeper, he was once again trying to open bags of crisps.

I called March in to take him and then followed with the drinks.

Dad was there and when mum came out she handed him the extra roll and March made a sad look, she went back inside and got him her leftovers from last night, and his smile was back again.

"When are the cars coming March?"

"Soon Nicky, four beautiful hot rods in mint condition, no driving."

"Awww." I moaned.

"Too powerful Nicky, stick to Goldie for now." That's right March I don't know how to have fun.

"I will go with dad then."

He gave me a sour look and said.

"You will come with me, but I'm driving." Have it your way, I might not even go for a ride I might stay and perve on my clients instead.

Rose arrived and she was as usual happy and smiley, I think having Tom and Pete around is doing her the world of good.

"Rose, how is Ken going with his leg?" I asked.

"He's good Nicky they have changed it to a moon boot so he can move around better. His new plane will be delivered next week and then he will be back in business I believe."

"Good to hear, is he going to be able to fly, don't you need your legs?"

"He said he would be okay it's his left leg that's the problem and he only uses his right one in the plane, something like that. He has promised to take me up one day, that will be a blast and a half." She almost screamed and then went to talk to mum.

"I was hoping she and Ken would be doing something by now, she has been looking after him."

"There is Nicky, but that's only gossip and you know how I loathe gossip." March smiled and saw Jack coming out of his shop, he started coming our way.

"I might ask Jack." I smiled back.

"Hey Stephenson, got a new games consul I heard."

"Just a rumour Jack." March laughed.

"I had better set up a games night at our place, that son of mine is unbeatable."

"He hasn't played March Stephenson yet." I looked at him.

"He will destroy him."

"How did he go with the coach?"

"In like Flynn Nicky, he has lessons three days a week, the guy reckons he plays just right, but is too cheeky." He laughed and then he went inside to order something to eat.

"Guess time will tell, I hope he sticks to this sport finally."

"Well there is plenty of money in it, Nicky, you should consider sponsoring him."

"We can do that, maybe we can talk to the new coach about it."

"Already have Mrs Stephenson," Jack said when he sat down with his breakfast roll.

"What did he say?"

"It would help him enormously to get a few businesses behind him, apparently there will be a bit of traveling and overnight stays to be had."

"Yes he will have to be competing in the city, so maybe we should sponsor him."

"Up to you, I can tell you that he has promised to stick to tennis for at least a year." He smiled and I groaned.

"That's if he sticks to the plan."

The rumble was heard from a distance and I looked up the road, that would be the hot rods. It got louder the nearer they came, Mason squealed when he saw them and I noted that they were in pristine condition because the sun was bouncing off all that chrome. All different and part of a club, they did a U-turn and parked in front of the garage. Jack followed us across the road and March shook several hands. Of course, the gym was emptied and many photos were taken.

"Big car show in two weeks March, so take your time." One guy said to him.

Dad couldn't resist and asked if he could sit in one of them, he and Mason checked it out, and short of starting it they played driving instead. I know March was dying to have a go at one of them but to his credit, he kept it very professional.

Two standard cars rolled up and the guys jumped in, which left all my boys drooling over the shiny toys.

"They sure have some power Nicky, I can't wait to drive them." March smiled. No racing around the block today they have to get stuck into them. Two were driven up into the work shop two disappeared into the garage parking area. The noise was deafening when they went inside and I had to hold Mason because he needed a drive also, I think he said. Back to work and my men slowly filtered into the gym, the local page was full of gleaming cars, the town migration started about then. People were calling in to see March, but really to see the cars. Mason did his usual thing and created a scene until I took him into his other father. He was promptly secured into his high chair and then started giving orders, he knows his cars.

Dad had started on the purple one and the smile on his face was priceless as he unbolted something or other, he also unplugged some wires I believe to disable them from going anywhere.

I looked at the local page and it was all about the restaurant and the cars, I hadn't asked mum how they went but will do it at lunchtime. Faith turned up and I watched her unload, she looked amazing and full of beans I guess the two jobs aren't affecting her like I thought they would. I haven't seen May this morning, she might be resting.

It was around ten when I started to go out the back to hang up the washing, I heard noises coming from the shed and when I opened the door there were four women in it along with some trestle tables and chairs. May was having a working bee, her bags of tea were stacked in a big bin. I received a lot of good mornings and hugs as I walked in.

"Why didn't you say something, I could have helped."

"It's okay Nicky I got the girls in, they can do with the extra cash and you have my nephew to look after." She grinned.

"How many are you doing?'

"About two thousand, I have opened another outlet at Dr. Mikes in the city."

"He's selling it too?"

"Yes, Nicky he's even endorsing it. One of his clients has movement in his hand now and has only been on it four weeks."

"Really? Well, it is a wonder potion. I didn't see him when he came up." I was disappointed we didn't run into each other. Dr Mike is my doctor in town, he was interested in my story about Mays tea and said he would call in one day.

"He's been a few times Nicky but he can only get here at night time, so you wouldn't have seen him. He has decided to sell it in his surgery so three hundred of these are being shipped to him."

"I don't need to see him for a few months otherwise I would have delivered them for you."

"He is a busy man, Nicky. I can ship it or he will send someone up to collect the order, I have to ring him tonight." While I was standing there talking to her I was also bagging and handing it over to Julie who was weighing them. I did a half dozen then went back to my washing.

I checked on my baby and he was screaming at dad, he wanted him to know he was watching him. I sidled up to March and dove my hand into the rip in his overalls, I had a good feel and whispered in his ear.

"Have you got time for the shed?"

"No Nicky. And as you well know May is working in there today."

"Oh, you knew then?"

"Of course, I knew she rang yesterday." I placed a disappointing look on my face and he laughed.

"Keep it up Nicky, it won't work with me today. I am resolved to not fall for it because I know the shed is out of bounds."

"Maybe the clearing then, after work."

"I prefer the tub at the moment."

"I have to wait that long?"

"Fuck me Nicky you are going to be the death of me, dad tea time."

"Coming son." He laughed as I collected one puppy and March grabbed Mason. They were talking about spark plugs while we walked across the road.

"March got some cake and I made the coffee, Faith was smiling and serving a customer. When I took the drinks out I then went back in and asked mum how they went yesterday.

"Almost the same as Friday night, Saturday was the same, and last night was

a little less but they have done very well this past weekend."

"Good, I am pleased." I then went back to see my husband.

I sat and pinched a bit of cake off him, he flung his arms around it and said.

"Get your own." So I did.

"Are the cars going to be a headache March?"

"No Nicky, we only have to watch how we fine-tune them, those beasts are pretty touchy."

My son wanted me and Sunny wanted him, he was still sitting looking at March and waiting for him to drop something, which he did, I found myself dropping cake also, I guess it runs in the family. May arrived with her ladies and they sat at the next table, the noise limit rose until March told them to settle down, and then the giggling started. I think May had something to do with that little show.

Faith came out with a coffee and sat with us, she was still smiling.

"So what has put you in a good mood today my lady?"

"Nothing much Nicky, just musing over the change in Hank, I saw him and Tom running up and down the lane yesterday,"

"That would be Tom, he's a fitness fanatic like me, he likes running."

"Well that was a first for Hank, I've never seen him run before, and the fastest he goes at the farm is on the back of a horse."

"That's good isn't it, at least they are doing something together."

"Yes, that's why I'm smiling they are finding some common ground at last."

"So you want me to talk to Tom?"

"If you wouldn't mind son." She laughed.

"March has to go to the farm to do something, so I will be out with him."

"Make it a Sunday morning breakfast Nicky, I will be working after eleven."

"Not too hard for you?"

"Not at all I love the atmosphere and Brock and Ben are such lovely men, nothing is too much for them." Well, I think they have redeemed themselves in everyone's eyes, the restaurant being busy is a testament to that and, Faith's word.

The day went well and my son had a routine today, a nap after lunch then some work to do with his daddy. They also drove home together maybe he wanted to talk to him in private.

The house was hot so I opened all the doors to let the breeze through then I looked in the fridge. Nothing jumped out at me so I decided on pizza. There is no restaurant tonight so I rang mum and she said she was onto it. She didn't exactly say what she was onto but it would be something that March liked.

He had changed Mason and the playing started, I looked through more photos and put aside the ones I would upload later on. The site has become a good source of local history even Rose's uploads were very interesting.

"Hurry up Nicky." I looked up at him and he was standing there naked, he was also stiff as a board.

"Feeling a bit fruity I see."

"Yes, now hurry up."

"Coming sir."

We hopped into the tub and he was onto me within seconds, I guess he is fruity I think he's been that way all day. So next time May wants to use the shed he should tell her to piss off.

Mum and dad arrived with the food, corned beef. March helped her put it out and then he and dad filled their plates. Mason had some because he now likes it, and it was so good to be with them again at home. We discussed moving our fish and chip night to Thursday instead of Friday for a few weeks.

"Nicky I have been talking to Brock and Ben, they are going to open during the week but only for lunch. I think that's a good idea just to test the waters. I have a list of kitchen hands and cooks for them to look at, and I think they only have to stick to the minor adjustments to their prep and cooking and they should be fine. I think Faith will be working a few hours a day with them which means I will lose her at the cafe."

"Is she okay with that mum?"

"Yes Nicky it was her suggestion, she can do a lot of the pre-cooked stuff before they even open. I don't need her but I do need her roasts, getting them is another problem to solve. She said she can do them at the restaurant which frees her ovens up at home."

"We will all miss her mum, but I understand I was only thinking today that Ethan would be missing her at the farm."

"He is son, and she wants to keep an eye on Hank and Tom, I don't think she fully understands what's going on with them."

"They are getting to know each other and from what I hear Hank is trying hard to be more relaxed, and for a better word, gay."

"Just like me," March said.

"Yes, baby just like you." I giggled, mum rolled her eyes.

"Playgroup, I forgot to tell you I met Louise who runs the library playgroup twice a week, she would be delighted to have Mason join in, you need to get him some friends March."

"I know Louise, she's a very trustworthy lady I might go and have a word to her tomorrow." I looked at him.

"I meant we will go and talk to her tomorrow." He grinned.

"That is better. Thanks mum, Sally and Julie said they will be placing their little ones in it soon he gets along with them at the gym."

"I will ask about the bullies then have a word with them," March said and once again we stared at him.

"Well, you can't be too sure nowadays, any food left?"

"Here March have mine," I pushed my plate over and he started eating again, he works better with his mouth full.

We once again had a good night, dad played with Mason in his cubby for a while then mum got him ready for bed, he grizzled but when they left he settled down and went off to sleep.

"He's too little to go to school Nicky."

"It's only a play school he gets to interact with other kids his age. March it will be good for him."

"Who says?"

"I do."

"Oh okay, then we will go and talk to Louise."

"Goodnight March."

"Goodnight Nicky, hey Nicky?"

"What?"

"I'm not tired can we fool around a bit?"

"Sure handsome." And we did for the next hour. I think I exhausted him because he dropped off to sleep immediately after.

He was sitting at the table with Mason after breakfast and I could hear him talking about school to him, well, he was telling him the rules of engagement. No bullying, no screaming, no crying, and definitely no pooping his nappy.

Mason was laughing and kept kissing March's nose, then he would shout out.

"Oil?"

"No oil just playing with the other kids, you only do oil at work."

"Oh, no oil?"

"No, only at work with me."

He screamed, then giggled, March was tickling him and Sunny started barking.

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