Ben had called and said he had all of the formal closings set up for the Wainwright property. I told him he was a little late because we were already under construction. Ben thought that was funny and told me he would call me back.
He did call me back in a few minutes, "Why didn't you tell me you paid him already. What did you use for money? Sue didn't use hers for it."
"You're not going to believe this, Ben, but I have no idea. The deal has been taken care of by my CFO, and he's paid for the property out of company funds. I guess we had the cash. Oh yeah, I found out how many people worked for both companies today, over seven hundred." I hung up as I heard him choking.
I didn't feel like going back to work and I think Sue felt the same. "How about taking the little plane up and cruise the beaches. We can look over the new property too."
Sue was grinning, "I get the left seat."
A half-hour later, we were flying over the new property at a thousand feet. We saw a moving truck out at the house site. The barn was almost dismantled. The man was going to town as he promised. We would have to mark the well; we could use it in the future for irrigation. I used my cell phone and called Tiny about the well. He said he was making a note, as that would save a few bucks.
We flew over to the Clearwater beaches then followed the coast down to Pass a Grille beach. We saw lots of rays and a few sharks. It's really cool to be able to look straight down into the water.
We made a lazy turn and headed farther north. Some people waved and Sue wagged the wings. It's neat to show off a little. This was a nice leisurely way to relax.
As it neared four, we went back to the air park, landing gently and taxiing to the fuel pumps. We topped off, filled out the books, then pushed the plane into the hangar.
These were good times. I hope life was as easy after the baby got here.
That night we took a bike ride. I had permission for Sandy, Mandy, and Mickey to enter the clubhouse grounds riding their own bikes. Hap recognized them all with a nod and we were all served a beer. Bear was getting out of the hospital and going to stay in Tampa while he recovered. He was going to get the rest of his medical help from the VA, so he was fixed. All seemed at peace. I hoped it stayed that way.
We went by Big Jim's then rode over to the St. Pete club. We were treated royally, as usual, with lots of the women there squealing over Sue's announcement that she was pregnant. We went down across the Skyway Bridge then blasted up I-75 to get the gunk out of our heads. We had a good time, a good ride.
We were in bed by eleven. But sleep did not catch up to me until I was very worn out. Motorcycle riding seems to energize women. Sue and Mickey were still going after I was done.
Every day is a great day from the second you awake. You know why? Because you woke up, you were not pushing up daisies. Semper fucking fi. Hoorah.
That was a strange bunch of thoughts. Come on Mercy, Missy, give me a clue, mess with my mind to help me be a better person.
Oh Steve, you worry too much. Relax, enjoy your lady, ah, your ladies. I need to see you and Sue soon so watch for me.
That was too real. I heard Mercy's voice in my head, uncanny.
I opened an eye to look at the clock. The clock displayed five fifty-nine.
I kissed Mickey awake and headed for the kitchen to start coffee. I could hear Deanne's alarm going off in her room. I used the throne then joined a still sleepy Mickey in the shower. All she wanted to do was hug. She was too sleepy to even wash. I wonder how long the two ladies stayed up playing. I washed her, gritted my teeth, and turned off the hot water.
That did it. A string of very violent words ran from Mickey's mouth as I held her in the flow of the cold water. When I knew she was awake, I let her get out to dry off. She was still pouting while I dried off and dressed in work clothes.
Glenda was on the patio with the light on when I came out with a cup of coffee. "The honeymoon's over, huh? I heard that. I imagine half the neighborhood heard it. What did you do to her?"
Mickey came out in her dress uniform, complete with tool (gun) belt, and sat on my lap. "This asshole turned the cold water on and held me in it until he was convinced I was awake. I can't imagine how that luscious lady in there slept through it or why she loves this clown so much." With that said, she gave me a bone crumbling kiss on the lips.
We drank coffee while Mickey had a piece of buttered toast and a bowl of Cheerios. I got another sweet kiss and she was gone.
Shawna had been amused, "You know you're an asshole to do something like that. She was probably all cuddly and loving, trying to talk you back to bed, when you did that. You might have saved her a reprimand, but you sure did screw up a good time."
I took a big drink of coffee, "It's my job to get 'em up and get 'em goin'."
Sue came out the door saying, "She sure can make a lot of noise in the morning. My goodness, that girl has a worse potty mouth than Shawna."
That earned Sue a piece of donut in the hair. This place was going to degenerate into a food fight any minute.
The four pregnant babes were discussing names and who would pop first. They were still months away, but were already anticipating pushing a kid into the world.
Us four future dads were happy to drink our coffee, eat a breakfast sandwich, and think of the coming responsibilities. That was a lot to think about.
Hanna asked, "Since Jim isn't on your medical plan, am I still covered for maternity?"
Shawna perked up and said, "Yeah, I didn't think about that."
Sue turned to Ruth, "I would think that you were, especially if you were going to continue to work for the company. Ruth, would you check that for these two?"
"Don't have to," Ruth explained. "I've already asked the question a couple of different ways for other employees. The plan covers maternity even if the person is a single parent. There are no exclusions. We had several choices, but until we get into financial times when we need to cut costs, we have the best. It covers everything."
Shawna came and sat on my lap, "Gee, Boss, you sure do take care of us. Thanks." She gave me a hug then went over to sit in Charlie's lap saying, "Daddy, hold your baby."
The workday and week was fast and furious, and the Friday evening week's windup didn't have as many people attend as last week. There were still fifty to seventy-five or so, but not the hundreds this time. Phil, Tiny, and I were content with somewhere a little under five million in sales for the week. A couple of the welding trucks and five truck bodies put us at the numbers we were at. If you consider an average gross profit for the company, that's over a million bucks to work with, a nice week's work. It sure doesn't cost us a million a week to operate. I wonder what it did cost us a week to operate now. I don't think I want to know.
Susan and Kevin returned with two worn out kids. They said that they'd had the best time anyone could have ever had. Sue had promised to take each of the kids up in the little plane by themselves and let them fly a little to check out the beaches from above to look for rays and sharks. Both kids were looking forward to going up in the little plane. Nelda said she wanted to go with them at least once, as she loved to fly. She was just another big kid.
Sunday was Tina's birthday, so Sue had some fun planned. She had sent Martin, Glenda, and me throughout the park looking for kids who were within a year of Tina's age. They were all invited to a big party to be held at the pool and in the recreation center. Sue had planned on having a local clown, and possibly a local magician, to entertain the kids. Hopefully, Tina would enjoy her birthday even though she wasn't home with her friends.
Saturday was fun. When it was time for us to go for a ride Saturday night, I put Tina behind me and Dennis in the sidecar. Sue rode behind Mickey and we went to Big Jim's, the Vanishing Point, then over to the Crab Shack, where we had grouper sandwiches, shrimp, onion rings, and French fries. I think the kids ate so much they were a little queasy. Sue, Debbie, Shawna, and Hanna were stuffing right along with them, claiming they were each eating for a minimum of two, and perhaps more.
We rode up to New Port Richey, then circled around to end up at home for everyone to watch 'Saturday Night Live.' Some of the crowd went up to the tub. I didn't think it would be a good idea to go to the tub with Susan and Kevin. Sue made note that Ryan and Michelle were reported to enjoy the tub activities a great deal.
We slept in a little on Sunday morning. I got Mickey up to go to work, but let everyone else sleep till seven thirty. When they all awoke, Glenda and I had a mountain of pancakes, about a hundred biscuits, potatoes, gravy, and eight dozen scrambled eggs ready. Glenda said there was no way for them to eat all of that. By the time we were finished, Tom was dragging the last piece of biscuit through the last little dab of gravy. Glenda was amazed.
Dennis and Tina were challenging everyone at the pool table. Martin took the challenge, as did Tiny and Phil. Even Kevin tried. Charlie and I easily beat the two, but then we were old bar players.
Around eleven, the group migrated to the pool for the beginning of Tina's birthday party. Someone had been busy. The pool fence had a big sign 'Happy Birthday, Tina, ' with balloons tied to everything. Susan gave Tina a sexy little bikini to wear today to feel even a little older. I don't know whether I would have done that. Some of the boys her age were having a difficult time not showing their interest in what was and wasn't covered.
They did the usual pool games including pool volleyball, some pool soccer, but all games with a bunch of teens end up with a game of chase. Tag, (oh sorry, I didn't mean to touch you there) you're it (or I wish you were).
About one, the smell of grilled hamburgers, brats, and hot dogs was enough to bring the kids into the recreation building, where a pretty good clown was blowing up balloon animals and pulling strange items from little boys' ears. It was amazing how many of the fourteen, fifteen, and sixteen year old boys had thong panties come from their ears. At least they were able to keep them as a trophy.
The candles were lit on the cake and lights were turned down low. A voice said for Tina to make a wish, close her eyes, and blow out the candles as hard as she could.
When Tina took in a deep breath and blew as hard as she could, the cake went "BOOM," and blew up into a billion pieces. Standing in the middle of the cake pan was Merlin, in his fancy robe and coned hat, waving his wand.
The only words that I could think of at the moment were, "Holy Shit."
Poor Tina had fallen on her backside and was staring up at the imposing figure.
Merlin used his wand to fling fireballs that banged on the floor all around Tina, then he said, "Come up here, young lady, you must be up here to celebrate your birthday."
With that Merlin held his hands up as if cupping her bottom and began lifting. Tina rose from the floor, squealing from what was happening. When he had her at his level, he commanded, "Stand up, stand on your own." This was all fine and good but she was about thirty inches off the floor.
Merlin commanded again, "Stand where you are."
Tina put her feet down and stood up straight even though there was nothing under her feet.
"Good!" exclaimed Merlin. "Now we'll show these skeptics some real magic."
Merlin appeared to float around Tina as she stood on air. "Hmmm, I'm going to need some more help." He flung another fireball that exploded at Sue's feet. She immediately began floating toward Merlin. He put her next to Tina with the command "Stand."
"One more," this time sending a fireball to explode at Shawna's feet. She immediately floated to be on the other side of Tina. Merlin turned to the audience and said, "I've picked two helpers that are each like grocery store sales. I get two for the price of one from each one."
Most of the adults got the joke and laughed. Merlin however gave a loud forced laugh, ending with his wand pointing at Tina. "Tell me your most secret wish. Tell me, I'll attempt to make it happen. I can do card tricks." His hand spewed, at a minimum, a deck of cards around to the audience.
"I can do tricks with scarves." He pointed his wand and scarves shot out of the end of the wand.
I can do sexy tricks and he pointed his wand at Ruth then said, "Well, I could if she wore any." He then pointed his wand at Michelle and panties appeared at her feet, even though she was wearing shorts.
"What is it, young lady, what is it you crave?"
When Tina didn't answer, he said, "I need a person that can see into your mind, let me get her." With that a fireball came from his wand and from a cloud of smoke came the suspended figure of Misty.
Misty appeared to float around Tina and put a hand out like the Vulcan mind meld and said, "Do you think your uncle would go along with that?"
You could see the suspended, standing Tina blush.
"You'll need his wife's permission," and she whispered into Sue's ear.
"You're a friend of the family, do you think it is okay?" he asked Shawna, and Misty whispered in Shawna's ear.
Merlin pointed his wand at me and moved me toward the group of suspended people without me moving my feet. "Hold out your hands," he commanded.
Tina floated over to me and settled into my hands. As soon as she felt my hands supporting her she threw her arms around my neck and kissed me. It wasn't a kiss from just any fourteen-year-old either. When she released me she was blushing.
Merlin pointed at Sue and asked, "Are you okay with that?"
Sue smiled and nodded and was transported back to where she had been standing.
"Merlin turned to Shawna and asked, "Are you okay with that?" Shawna smiled and said, "I want one too."
Shawna was whisked into a startled Charlie's arms, while Misty pointed her wand at them. A silver halo appeared around them as Merlin spoke, "Get your kiss from the one who loves you the most." Merlin and Misty sent multiple fireballs to explode at their feet.
Merlin turned back to me, holding Tina, "Did you get your wish?"
A red-faced Tina nodded her head, smiling.
Merlin looked at me, "Put her down, let her down gently."
We floated to the ground and I set Tina on her feet.
As soon as Tina was away from me he threw continuous fireballs at my feet. "You have someone incredibly envious of all your many girlfriends. You should be ashamed of yourself."
I was raised high in the air and encompassed into a barred cage.
"I'll just put you in a cage with this person who wishes to be with you." He waved his wand and a burst of smoke exploded around me. Misty was in the cage with me."
"Hmmmm." Merlin said with a studious look. "Wrong one, I think."
Merlin shot another fireball at me, high in the air. When the smoke cleared, Mercy was in the cage with me. "Better, I think my daughter can't make up her mind."
As the laughter settled, so did Mercy and me, as the cage vanished with us standing on the floor. Merlin and Misty joined in the laughter and, with a cloud of smoke, they vanished.
The applause and cheers was loud and long. It had been quite a show. Mercy threw out her arms and Sue seemed to instantly appear with us as a trio. Mercy threw out her other arm and Mickey appeared with us in her uniform. Mickey was totally confused, until Mercy kissed her, and Mickey vanished. There was definitely magic afoot.
Once all the clapping settled down, Misty came to the big table and said, "There is a cake ready to be eaten, the candles have been blown out in this case, and the wish has been granted. Let's enjoy the cake. Misty waved her wand and a smoke cloud encompassed the table. As it cleared, a large sheet cake appeared, with paper plates and forks next to it.
Sue was hugging Mercy, telling her how much she had missed her. Mercy was smiling, enjoying the attention.
The door of the recreation building burst open and a uniformed policeman came in. Mickey stood in the bright light framing the open door, "What the heck was that all about. How did you do that?"
Mercy went up to Mickey and gave her a gentle kiss. Mickey smiled, then turned and left the building. Mercy came back to Sue and me to hug us both.
Sue asked, "What happened to John?"
"He's not ready yet. He's the one, but it will be years before he's ready. We'll enjoy each other when we are old and grey. I want to live life, and have babies, long before he's ready to have me for the rest of our lives."
Merlin and Misty came up to us, now dressed in typical Florida garb, shorts and T-shirt.
I smiled at the magical couple and said, "You two did good. You were at your best tonight. Thanks for making Tina's birthday so memorable."
Misty kissed my cheek then said, "It is so much fun to do something like this. It is truly magic to do something like this. What you saw and experienced tonight was real magic. What else my daughter did is not magic, but her emotions were rushing toward all of you."
I had to ask, "Can you stay awhile? I'd love to have all three of you for a while, at least a couple of days."
"Glad you asked, young man." Merlin said. "We're booked at the comedy house for the week. We're going to mess with Tampa for an entire week. Would you enjoy playing cards for the week while I'm here?"
"I don't gamble, Sir, and I certainly wouldn't take advantage of a bunch of people while you're here. I think you and Misty know me better than that."
Misty hugged me, "Oh, Steve, you are always so honest and fresh. It's so much fun to be around you. Merlin just loves to mess with someone with pure intentions. Just keep on that track and it'll drive him nuts. He always thinks that people are weak and will succumb to a bribe."
Mercy was on one side of me, and Misty was on the other side. Both were hugging me. Merlin smiled and came to me and hugged me. Sue came and it was a very big five-person group hug. As we got ready to leave, Merlin said to me, "You are tough to mess with son. It's fun to use you though. Your image is easy to use for display in people's minds."
Sister Susan came up to me and asked, "You even have friends that are magicians?"
Merlin answered for me by pulling a rose from her ear. He turned to Kevin and asked, "Are you ready to have a great night before your vacation is over?"
As soon as Kevin nodded yes, Merlin pulled a pair of skimpy thongs from his mouth. "You're not supposed to eat them, you eat what's in them." Kevin and Susan were blushing. Merlin dumped a pile of condoms on the table, "Don't take a chance, use these to make sure there are no more of those little buggers."
Merlin and Misty played magic tricks on everyone for the rest of the evening, continuing all the way back to the house.
I asked Tina if she would give up her room, at least for the night. She hugged me, getting another kiss saying, "Of course, Uncle Steve, I'll do most anything you want. When I grow up, I might be here with you, you better be careful.
Back on the patio, we were all happy the day was coming to a close. Nelda was curious about Merlin, "Are you able to read an older person's mind?
Misty leaned over to Nelda and said, "They are the easiest and the hardest. Most older people are honest and forthright. But some have many unfulfilled fantasies or wishes that make it more difficult. With you, you need only to be around more men. Go to church, go to a senior dance, or go to senior events. You'll find that man."
Nelda was smiling broadly. "You did, you saw into me. That's what I want so badly. Now that I have all of the basic things in life that I need to survive, and have a wonderful home amidst so many new friends, I want another love of my life."
Misty was still holding Nelda's hand. "I wish I could materialize that man for you, but that magic trick can only be done by you."
Merlin and Misty put their suitcase into their room and said goodnight. They had a big day traveling here. Mickey and Mercy had already disappeared, while Sue took Nelda home, and I straightened up the patio. It really was too early for bed, but it seemed everyone had vanished early.
When Sue came back, she gave me kiss and said she was going to check on Mickey and Mercy. I was having a relaxing rum and Coke a half-hour later, when a nude Mercy stood in the open sliding glass door. "Aren't you ever going to come to bed? I really do want to enjoy you too while I'm here."
I shut down the patio and joined my wife, Mickey, and Mercy. Watching Sue with other girls made me wonder how close she was to just giving up on men and just enjoying women for the rest of her life when I met her. I'm sure glad she didn't.
As is my way of showing who is the most important to me, I made gentle love to my wonderful wife until she was hugging me, telling me Mercy wanted me too. Thank goodness the night was young since, when Mercy was satisfied, with a big smile on her face, Mickey wanted me to prove to her that she was not a lesbian, but a desirable creature to any male. I think I did that. It is amazing these girls could continue but they did, long after I fell asleep.