March Stephenson

Chapter 57

March Stephenson

Maxieplus

At lunchtime, he looked at his sister and then took his niece for a cuddle. He got me to order him a corned beef roll like the one May had in front of her, so I had one too. When mum came out she placed the rolls in front of us and then sat down.

"March, Brenda left some paperwork with me for you."

"What is it, mum?"

"TV ad contracts from the film company."

"That's good but I won't be doing any ads, at all." I sat back and smiled.

"She said you would say that but she still wants you to look it over anyway."

"I will, then I will go talk to her, again."

"Do you want me to look at it March?"

"I can do that Nicky, as you know I am well educated." He smirked.

"I didn't say that March, it's just that I know contracts and have read many in my lifetime."

"Leave it to me." He dropped some food for Sunny.

Rose came out with some veggies and a little meat for Mase then she popped him on her knee to feed him. We have learned a lot about little boys and their dogs over the past months, the puppy eats well and the boy thinks it's all a game, so if someone feeds him then he is less likely to share his meals.

"March, I think you should do it," Mum said.

"Have you looked at it, mum?"

"Just scanned the pages, they are offering some serious money."

"Are they?"

"Yes, but it's your decision."

"He does cars and looks after his family mum, he won't do it." I winked at her.

"I will look them over." He smirked at me again.

The day went smoothly and I managed to do some emails and catch up on some washing. Mason was still hoovering around the garage in his car and when I looked for him later he was fast asleep on the front seat of March's old truck. He didn't let me look at the contract and when I searched for it, I noticed he had it tucked inside his overalls. It was an odd feeling I had after we got home, he looked at the paperwork then he put it away.

"Is it a good deal?"

"Very good Nicky, two TV ads for the country fire authority. I think I will do it, the money is good but I need to do more research. Maybe I will give them a ring." I stopped in my tracks and stared at him.

"Give me a look." I snapped my fingers and held my hand out.

"No, this is for me to decide. When I tell you I don't want all the attention you seem to think I do. So I will be the one deciding what I won't, or will, be doing in the future."

"I don't do that, I guide you March, when I think it's to your benefit, I tell you, or I do something about it." He stared at me, and then he got up and walked into the office. When he came out he placed the medal on the table.

"Don't think for one minute I don't know about you railroading me into accepting this medal, and you got Dr Mike to word Rick Conners up on it. I had already told you I didn't want public recognition, but you went ahead with it anyway."

"My thought process was you are a hero, and heroes need to be rewarded."

"I don't see it that way Nicky I have everything I ever wanted within these four walls. I don't feel the need to gather up awards and handshakes, but if that's what you want then I will go ahead with the ads, and all the ones that will be offered in the future." He's got to be kidding.

"I'm sorry March, I kinda get caught up in the moment."

"Well, is it going to stop, or do I go ahead with putting myself out there for everyone to see?"

"I'll stop baby, please give me another chance, it's just that I have never met a real live hero before. I have met some awful people in the media but not a genuine hero."

"Well I'm not, what I did was for my friends, and I would do it again in a heartbeat. But it has now been made too public. Because of that it has given me unwanted attention, especially after that concert Saturday night, it is all over the papers."

"What can I say March except I'm sorry." I felt like shit and I should accept that March is just a simple countryman, and anyway, that's what I truly loved about him.

"Now you can look at the ad contract." He pushed the envelope over to me.

Six blank pages stared back at me.

"What's this?"

"A warning, in the future leave it alone, no ads, and no movie stars will be appearing from this family."

"You shit, you have all set me up when I get my hands on May, Brenda, and mum. I will strangle them." He stood up and dropped his shorts.

"Tub husband?" I was blinded by his beauty and stuttered out.

"Yes, yes my hero." He took my hand and led me outside, Mason was quickly behind us.

"We will have no more talk about ads or songs or medals in this home again Nicky."

"Yes sir." I fell into his chest and started kissing it.

I am a bit pushy, especially with March. I forget he's a simple man and I want to share him with everyone, only because I am so proud of him, but he has shown me that by sharing him I could lose him.

I made sure he got extra special attention tonight and by the time we got into bed, I was going at him for the third time.

"That's better." He whispered.

"I am yours anytime March Stephenson."

"Good, that's all I ever want."

The next day the jeep and Sunny were loaded into March's car and I then ran to work with Masein his stroller, he wanted to drive but it was too dangerous. I could see May sitting outside and when she saw us she smirked. I ordered coffee and was very pleasant to everyone around me, I won't let her or mum get away with it, but I will have to choose my moment.

"Did you have a good night Nicky?"

"The best May, that brother of yours is so hot."

"Good, he's worried about you."

"Why would he be worried May?"

"He thinks he's going to lose you."

"Never going to happen, he has to believe I only did what I did because I love him so much."

"We all do Nicky, but he will never believe he did something extraordinary no matter how many songs are sung or medals given out." I decided not to say anything and I do love May.

"I can't promise it won't happen again May, but I can promise I will run it past you all before doing something silly."

"You didn't do anything I wouldn't have done Nicky. I would have forced him to take that award and invited the public to witness it. It's just that since you have arrived in this town, wonderful things have happened to March. You know before you came I would sit here and watch him, he was stooped most days and walked around like a middle-aged man. He had lost hope of finding a partner, and I knew why deep down. He was looking in the wrong places."

"I fell for him the instant he looked into my eyes." I reflected.

"So did he."

"I am sorry he went to such lengths to teach me a lesson."

"We all tried to talk him out of it Nick, but he insisted it had to be done his way. Has there been much damage?"

"No, I will try my hardest to change. The country is so different from the city and I should always have that in the back of my mind."

She stared at me for some time, and when mum bought out our coffees she sat and asked May what was up.

"Nuthin much mum, Nicky here thinks he has to change to make March feel better."

"I didn't say that, I said I would try to change my outlook on our relationship."

"Good luck with that son, your father and I gave up trying to change you years ago, you would be fighting a losing battle with yourself." She giggled.

"Well, all I can do is try to be March's ally, not his tormentor."

"Oh please Nicky, be my guest, torment away, he needs it and we need the entertainment." They both laughed.

March poked his head out of the roller door then he walked Mase and Sunny across the road making sure he remembered his road rules.

He parked the jeep and March went inside to get a roll from the warmer.

"Do you want one Nicky?" He yelled.

"No thank you March, I'm putting on weight and have started my diet." I had to have a dig.

"Can I have one?" Mum and May burst out laughing, it's not just me who sees it, he needs me whether he knows it or not.

"Of course you can, I believe you can make your mind up, and as I have found out recently you are well educated, which is a big plus."

His face was pink when he walked out with an extra roll for me, he then pinched my tummy and said I wasn't fat, he would know if I was.

"So what is the verdict March ad campaign or modelling contracts?" Mum asked.

"I will do the ads because it's genuine. The other I won't be doing except Brenda's yearly calendar, and I will be doing that with my husband and son."

"Great idea March, we had better go and talk to Brenda maybe the others will want their families in it also. Hold on, so the Ad offer is genuine?"

"Yes Nicky, she wants to go over it in her office, I told her I would bring you along."

"This is so confusing." I sighed.

"Can you talk to her Nicky, you know about those things. But no extras just the two ads?"

"If you want March, but I warn you, with the calendar shoot we three will be naked, tastefully done that is." Got you.

"Stop it right now." He yelled Mason jumped.

"You know you're going to do it, you couldn't help yourself." I grinned.

"You're doing it again."

"Well, stop me. Make me change, make me agreeable but whatever you do, don't make me boring." I started laughing about that time and it didn't stop until he finished eating, his red face on show to all and sundry.

Mason was ready to be dropped off to play school, he nearly raised the roof on the cafe insisting he was going to drive, so we let him have his way because he has been taking manipulation lessons from me.

While we were there we thought we had better go and see Brenda, she got us coffee and handed the real contract over to me.

"So you have decided to do it then?"

"If I don't do it Nicky will find a way to convince me. So I have to put my big boy's pants on and if he okays it, then it will be done." Brenda stifled a smile and I read the contract. After looking it over I said.

"It's good money March, and they only want to follow you around the station and maybe some forest shots. The script is small but forceful I can see you doing that." I smiled.

"Then you recommend I do it?"

"Yes." I handed it to him and he signed it, and then Brenda witnessed it.

"Well done March, you won't regret it one bit."

"I hope not." He leered at me.

"Why me all the time?" I almost screamed.

"Don't get it into your head there will be more than this, and Brenda it all stops here you hear me? Don't forget you have council elections this year and I am thinking about running." She blanched. There is no way she could beat the town's favourite son in an election.

"Now let's talk about this year's calendar."

March pitched his idea of a family-type calendar this year. When she stopped laughing she took March's hand and said.

"March Stephenson, if I deprive the ladies of this area a good glimpse of your ass there will be hell to pay. It has already been decided the calendar will be fathers and sons this year. We toyed with the idea of Mothers and daughters but we got backlash from the local ladies, they want you and Nicky. Of course, Mason will be included because he's your son. It's about the money it brings in March, and will not be featuring a hero just a mechanic, a gym owner, and their son."

"Thank you, then I will do it, is that okay Nicky?"

"Perfectly okay March." I winked and grinned at Brenda, she will have her yearly perve, and I am the guy who will give it to her. I reckon March would look very good in his jockstrap. And here we go again, Nicky the organiser is on top once more.

"Well we had better go, good to see you again my friend." We hugged Brenda and we both left. March seemed to be in a hurry to get back to work.

He walked me up the street and today he wants to hold my hand for some reason. He has changed a lot since I arrived, and that new confidence is on show to all and sundry.

"Wow look at that Nicky." He pointed at the toy shop window. Sitting there was a red car.

"He has one March, he doesn't need another."

"When he runs out of gas he does."

"March he's not napping as much as he should be, two cars will make him very irritable and tired."

"Then we make some rules up for him, come on."

The door was opened and March was inside talking to Nancy before I could reason with him.

"I'll take it," Too late.

"I thought you may have been my best customer March, these cars are selling like hotcakes."

"You have more?" His eyes lit up.

"Yes after the first two sold I thought I had better triple my order." She smiled.

"Good move, and can I see the others?"

"Out the back March go ahead."

We walked out of there with two new cars a green Lamborghini and a red Mustang. I had one over my shoulder and he took the other, holding my hand was forgotten.

"What are you going to do with three cars March, he's happy with his jeep," May said.

"He needs backup, the more he drives the more he will know when the time comes to get a real car."

"That's years away."

"He can pass them onto little Rosie when she's able to drive."

"They will be long gone March, by the look of the jeep he's already had plenty of accidents." It had been banged a few times his parking skills needed work.

"Battery life isn't the best he runs out of gas after an hour or so."

"Then he needs more March, why didn't you buy the shop out?"

"Nancy needs some to sell too, I can't be her only customer."

"You could try." I quipped.

"Come on Nicky lets go put them together."

I winked at May and whispered.

"Contract is signed." She smiled.

Then I followed him and Sunny across the road.

When our son saw them he didn't know which one to try first he was so excited. Dad helped him decide by suggesting the Lamborghini went faster, which it didn't because March had once again set them on slow speed.

I guess his afternoon nap is out for now, he will never stop his driving. It was lunchtime and he had already tried them both so he took his jeep across the road because it was next on his list.

"Lunch Nicky, what are you having?"

"A roast beef sandwich."

"Ok, can I have one too?" I rolled my eyes.

"Drag show Saturday night boys, how many reservations will I make?" Rose was on board.

"Two thanks, Rose." I smiled.

"Nicky, can we talk about it before we book?"

"Of course March, what do you want to discuss?"

"Not here when we get back to work."

"Put that on hold, Rose. I'll let you know later on."

"Okay boys don't leave it too late, it's filling up quickly."

I have no idea what he wanted to talk about, maybe he just wants to sit up the back, these shows have a habit of getting men on stage and taking the mickey out of them. He doesn't trust me not to dob him in on the night I suppose.

Mason headed for the red car and dad plugged his jeep in to charge it, then March followed me into the gym. The guys and gals were working up a sweat and my eyes were everywhere.

"So what's up?" I asked when he sat with me.

"Nicky, I don't want to go to the show, I want to stay home with you."

"Okay, is there any other reason you don't want to go?"

"I have seen a drag show and enjoyed it, but I would like to give May and Jason the opportunity of going by looking after little Rosie. We can go next time and she can stay home."

"Good it's settled then, and this has nothing to do with the Rick Conners night and you being placed in the spotlight?" He looked down.

"Yes and no. Nicky, what I said about May and Jason is true but to tell you the truth I think maybe the town will get sick of me always being singled out and in the news."

"No they won't, and anyway I don't mind not going I will be busy Saturday night."

"Busy doing what?"

"Loving you, and organizing your campaign to be elected onto the council."

"NICKY!"

"Tub baby?"

"No campaigns, I mean it, Nicky."

"Only kidding." What a great idea, I must pick Brenda's brain she knows about elections.

Over the next few days we both worked, and Mason was a very happy little boy because he never ran out of gas, he simply changed cars. On Friday Joel pulled up at the roller door in his truck. Mason was squealing so I went to see what was happening. The jeep was driven into the back then Joel and March tied it down. I had to have some photos for the local page, he was taking it to do a respray.

"I won't be able to get the scratches out of the plastic bubs but I can cover them. What colour do you want?"

"Daddies truck."

"You want the same blue?"

"Yes peese."

"Four days bub and I will deliver." He jumped up and down and Joel went back home, his truck looked huge with the small plastic jeep sitting on the tray. More photos and I couldn't wait to upload them. He was happy with his other ones and surprisingly there were no scrapes on them, yet. Nudge told me it would only take Joel an hour or so to cover it, but he was going to make a small extra seat for Sunny to ride on, it gets a bit crammed on the main one.

March and I had spoken to May and Jason about babysitting, and they agreed to let us. She knows March has had experience in looking after small kid's because her and him had the twins for a few nights while their mum found a place in the next state to move to. This is the lady March gave money to, she had to get away from an abusive husband, so he helped her. She had insisted she paid him back and that cheque from her appeared in the mailbox once a month with a letter telling him all about the kid's progress.

So May was happy for us to look after bubs, and of course, she came with her very own instruction sheet.

On the night everything was perfect, even I got a big nurse of her. Mason was trying to get her to play with his toys but she preferred her small teddy and rolling around on the floor. March was cool about it but I was still a bit nervous, I tried not to show it.

No tub for bubs so we didn't either and when it was nappy changing time March didn't mind in the least. I read on the local page that the night is a big hit, and someone had even posted a few small videos. Jason rang three times and May had to be told not to ring again, March and I had this.

They arrived home around ten thirty, Mason was fast asleep and so was little Rosie.

"Was it a good night?"

"Yes Nicky, most of the town was there and everyone asked about you two not showing up. It was mostly concern that something had happened more than anything else. Nudge was dressed up it was so funny. Cameras went off everywhere and I am guessing the photos will all be on the page by the morning."

"Good, so it was a sellout?"

"Yes, standing room only. The boys and Rose were smiling all night."

They left shortly after with their precious cargo and March and I went to bed. I think I was more mentally exhausted than tired. I had expected something to happen but it didn't, she was the perfect angel.

March cuddled up to me and I fell asleep straight away, that will disappoint him.

Sure enough, the next morning the local page was full of videos and photos. Nudge looked lovely in his big feathery frock and the girls were top-class entertainers, the comedian was so funny I replayed it a few times.

It was our day off so I sat on the back porch in the morning sun to have my coffee. March and Mason were still talking in the bedroom, they will be out soon.

Chinese at mum's tonight, so all I have to do today is clear up some dead wood that seemed to appear down the backyard. I will put it on the nature strip, people can use it for their winter fires. My next problem was March's ad's. I had read the script, and granted, it was straight to the point and factual. I was wondering how it could be made more personal, more human. Talking a lot of facts isn't going to get people's attention, but a few hunky firefighters and farmers would. I started writing a script of my own, just jotting down a few ideas that were rolling around in my head.

When I looked it over I discovered I had a huge stiff and I had turned the script into a soft porn movie.

I scrunched up the paper and threw it into the bin and put March's script away. Mason ran out and grabbed Sunny to take him for a walk and March arrived in his underwear, I looked at the script and shook my head then said to myself.

'Stop it, No!'

March sat with me and we both watched Mase and Sunny play, it will only be a matter of time before he starts asking to get his cars out.

"What are we up to today Nicky?"

"I was going to attempt to put all that dead wood on the nature strip."

"I think we should keep it for ourselves, it makes good kindling."

"We have plenty of wood up the side of the garage."

"You can never have enough Nicky, leave it there and I guarantee it will all be gone by next summer."

I guess I'm not working at all today, maybe I will go see if there are any weeds in the gardens.

"What would you like for breakfast baby?"

"Same as usual Nicky, when you're ready." He grinned then poked his dick out of his underwear.

After we picked the food up from the shop we arrived at mums around six. She was happy to see her grandchild and us. He spent ten minutes telling her what he had done today and then he wanted dad. I put the dishes out and mum got the plates ready.

"It was a great night last night Nicky."

"I have been looking at the local page and deemed it was a great success."

"They had Rose up doing a number and Nudge featured it was so funny."

"I saw that, I think it's the reason March didn't want to go, they would have picked him out."

"Probably, a wise move on his part they did their best to send Nudge up. I doubt whether March would have coped with it, did you have any trouble with Rosie?"

"Not in the least, March almost held her all evening. We watched a movie after Mase went to sleep then May and Jason turned up."

"They were worried." She smiled.

"Yes, the phone messages were constant. But she was settled and no trouble at all."

"Okay, the food is ready come and get it." She yelled and I cut up some for Mase to eat, dad will feed him.

"March, when does the filming start?' He asked him.

"In a month or so, I got the impression they will do some before summer leaves but I don't think I'm involved in it."

"Ok, are there many lines?"

"No, easy for me to remember them mum, it will be good."

"I rewrote them." I accidentally said.

"You what?" He looked at me.

"I thought I would spice it up a bit and wrote some sentences but threw them in the bin."

"Nicky?"

"Sorry, only trying to help."

"Trying to interfere again more likely."

"Well I had nothing to do, so I toyed with some ideas. Don't worry March, I destroyed them."

"I can only imagine what you wrote, probably full of double meanings and innuendo about my personal life."

"Not a lot March, but my idea of you doing it shirtless was great."

Dad started laughing so much that he had to spit his food out.

Mason had eaten all that he was going to for now, so he turned the TV on and sat with Sunny who was licking all those great tastes off his mouth.

"Much in this week March?"

"Yes two more fords and a few local ones, a farm visit, and Shannons have a Bentley to be looked at, something to do with the starter motor."

"Beautiful cars son, but a nightmare for parts especially here in Australia."

"We will cope dad, its up for auction in four weeks if we have to get one flown over from the UK then we do it."

"I will look at the old one, maybe it's a small fix."

"Thanks dad."

"I have some news for you Nicky."

"Yes mum?"

"A certain person is screaming from the rooftops again, her accountant has mismanaged her investments and virtually left her with nothing."

"Good."

"Will she try for more Nicky?"

"No, she's well and truly out of our hair. I guess she's still working mum?" She laughed.

"No son, she chucked her job in after you paid up."

"Good," I said again it couldn't happen to a more deserving woman.

I didn't think too much about Annie's predicament, you reap what you sow.

I helped mum clean up and we had coffee on her back porch, March was looking at me and I knew what he was thinking, so I took his hand and kissed it.

"Don't stress, she won't be back."

I guess he believed me because he smiled.

We talked more about the ad and I let it slip that March may be running for council in the next elections, it was then he started packing up and loading us into the truck.

Mason wanted another drive when we got home, but it was bath night so I got him ready for that. Just a few inches of water and a few ducks with loads of bubbles to entertain him while I washed his hair and cleaned him up. March took over and played with him while I got some more coffee organized and his bottle. He sometimes likes to have it while he goes to sleep but mainly he is content with his dummy. His mood tonight was milk so I did that for him

Sunny was let out the back for his last wee, then he headed for the bedroom where Mason was waiting for him.

With two family members asleep I sat with my man on the sofa. We watched a movie and by the time it finished, we were both naked and going at it like rabbits. The perfect end to the perfect day.

I heard singing through the night and got up to see what my son was doing, he was dreaming and talking in his sleep, nothing I could understand but the truck was mentioned. He's unsettled so he was placed into bed with us, and Sunny laid on the mat beside our bed.

In the morning I did my routine and put the coffee on, tidied up the kitchen, then collected toys from the family room. I could hear them talking and Mason laughed more than a few times. When they appeared I got a kiss and hug from both of them, then he took Sunny outside.

"Did he tell you what he had been dreaming about?"

"No Nicky, he wouldn't remember anyway."

"He said truck a few times that's the only word I recognised."

"Maybe his jeep was on his mind."

"Probably, now breakfast?"

"Can I have the leftovers?"

"Sure you can, won't be a minute." I popped the food in the microwave and waited.

When I dished up some Chinese for March I then started making boiled eggs and soldiers for Mase. I filled Sunny's food and water bowl then sat with Mase to feed him. Lucky for us he likes his eggs and ate it all up. I then warmed up my leftovers and sat with March who had almost finished his. When I looked sideways at him he was putting on a sad face.

"I'm hungry March so I can't share."

"I'm still hungry."

"Then put some toast on."

"It's okay Nicky I will get a breakfast burger when I get to work."

"You do that." I inwardly grinned, there was no way I would give him my food, I was hungry and it tasted so nice. I refuse to feel guilty when it comes to his food, he eats too much anyway. I washed the dishes and then looked in the fridge, I found a bag with two dim sims in it, so when he went for a shower, I ate them in private.

At work I put the stroller away and then checked the toilets and showers, Mason was in the workshop with dad, and Nudge was standing there staring at me.

"Well go on say it."

"Say what?"

"I looked good on Saturday night."

"You looked good on Saturday night Nudge, did they offer you a job?"

"No, smart ass."

"Why me, I didn't say anything except you looked good."

"Well don't think for one minute I didn't hear you snigger under your breath."

I rolled my eyes and answered.

"Whatever." I will grab one of those photos off the local site and have it blown up and hang it in the gym, Nudge in drag for everyone to see, now that's being a smart ass.

I grabbed my sidekick Sunny and walked across the road.

Mum was looking a little tired it must have been that spa she and dad had after we left.

"Good morning mum, on your own today?"

"Not really son, and good morning. Rose is doing our places this morning so she will be in late. And May is having a sleep-in,"

"Is she feeling all right?"

"Yes Nicky, I think she and Jason are just wanting some time alone."

"Oh, that sort of sleep-in."

"Can I have a breakfast roll, I guess March won't be too far behind me so you had better reserve a couple for him. Mason ate two eggs this morning I doubt he will be hungry."

"Done, and coffee?"

"I will make that now."

I made it up and then went to sit in the sun, it will be autumn soon the trees are already changing colour. In one way it's a welcomed sight because of the fires but on another people tend to stay inside when it's cold, so the street won't be so busy. I flicked through Nudge's photos and found a great one of him on stage, so I reserved that and will take a walk up to the chemist later on to order a poster.

A gorgeous car pulled up outside the garage and an equally gorgeous man came out to talk to the driver. They looked it over then his ride arrived and March parked it down the back of the workshop. He then stood at the door waiting for dad and Mason to appear, one was on foot and one driving his little car. They made their way across the road and he kissed me and then went to get his rolls.

"Where is everyone?" Dad asked.

"Rose has cleaning jobs and May and Jason are catching up on some sleep, I think." I smiled.

"I see, so mum's on her own this morning."

"It seems so, I can give her a hand if she needs one, no big deal."

Mason had parked his car and now he wanted a cuddle, so I lifted him onto my knees and kissed his head. March came back all smiles, he placed his rolls on the table and dad went to get his.

"Mays having a sleep-in."

"Not anymore." He grinned.

"You disturbed her?"

"Yes, she's getting too lazy lately."

"May and Jason were having sex March, that's awful."

"Not when I disturbed them they were laughing and playing with my niece."

I have no idea what happened, so I shook my head and tucked into a breakfast burger, say nothing Nicky Stephenson.

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