0 comments/ 13035 views/ 3 favorites Save the Diner By: EgmontGrigor2011 INTRODUCTION Sonny-Bill Tripp stepped off the bus at Flaxton City and passed wind, the legacy of half-cooked onions in a hamburger he'd eaten at the last stop four hours ago. He was weary with a sore butt from sitting for 33 hours in buses traveling to his hometown. He was almost broke from a bad day and night at poker when his mom received the call from her mother Aggie Johnston to race to Flaxton to help the family save the farm. Actually it was to save the family's restaurant called Aggie's Diner on the corner of Pioneer Avenue and Walton Street. Sonny-Bill's mom told her mother the fruit was ripening so she really couldn't be away for more than a few days and miss doing the year's preserving but she'd send Sonny-Bill. Aggie asked was he old enough to know anything and when Maggie said he ought to, he was twenty-eight. Her mom said she thought he little more than a boy. Aggie sent her grandson a bus ticket for the long journey that had given him a sore ass. Well he didn't like air travel anyway because those things sometimes fell out of the sky or were trashed on takeoff or landing by incompetent pilots thinking of the stack on the new flight attendant instead of looking at the flashing warning lights. Sonny-Bill hadn't been to Flaxton since he was eleven when his dad took the family to Texas to visit his parents. The old car broke down the day after arrival, from exhaustion grandma said. It proved too costly to repair (the motor and transmission were exhausted) so his parents cut their losses and stayed in Texas, never returned to their rented home and the junk they called their possessions. All three kids went all the way through high school but Sonny-Bill, being the only male, went on to college because that was family tradition but money ran out at home because his father had run off with a redheaded woman half his age. Sonny-Bill had to return home to work and earn money to run the household. He worked for almost two years at a feed and grain story and that was the time his father returned home and said 'Sorry.' Maggie with Irish ancestry hit him on the head with the breadboard and then chased him with an axe until she ran out of breath, and that wasn't too far. And hour later when Jake reappeared to test the water she took him back without even a sharp word and they locked themselves in the bedroom for the best part of two days. The kids left drinks and trays of food at the locked door. Their parents emerged from the bedroom looking like refugees from a famine and that's when Sonny-Bill said to his father, "Take my job at Watson's Freed and Grain Store dad, I'm off." Life showed no improvement for the young man. He pumped gas, delivered groceries, worked on a pig farm and cleaned roadside drains throughout the county. One day when riding his bicycle looking for work he came across this guy in a small town on the Mexican border who printed and sold college degrees. It was a big investment for Sonny-Bill but he handed across the twenty bucks demanded and walked away with a Master's of Finance from Peckham's Institute of Technology, Pennsylvania. The fancy certificate was handed over with a cover note reminding the buyer there was no such institution but he/she only had to be emphatic that it did exist and because the name seemed so unlikely to be a fake everyone would accept that assurance without checking. Sonny-Bill was fortunate to start with a lax firm and so his lack of knowledge passed almost unnoticed and those who did notice thought the Peckham Institute must be a bottom of the heap outfit. Through on-the-job tutoring he gained knowledge on financial management and climbed the promotion ladder, albeit slowly. He looked great and spoke well and that assisted being recruited when he went to different companies and the interviewers were female. When the call came from his great-aunt to help save the farm (she meant diner) Sonny-Bill's mom contacted him and said he had to go and represent the family in fighting City Hall. Sonny-Bill wasn't hold how City Hall came to be linked to the fight to save the restaurant but did was he was told by his mom as any good son would do. He resigned from his recently appointed position as an assistant investment manager for the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas and headed for Flaxton. He had to travel without much money after losing heavily at cards and the bank withholding all severance payments following his sudden resignation. That called for an investigation into all of Mr Tripp's activities and transactions in the twenty-three days he'd been with the bank because sudden resignations to be linked to embezzlement was not an unknown reason for resigning abruptly with some cock and bull story about have to go to save the diner. CHAPTER 1 "Mom there's a guy seven feet tall and wearing a white Stetson coming up the driveway," Felicity called. The lingerie sales assistant was only in her bra and panties and so had no wish to go the door. "Answer the door," called her mom Jessica. "No do it yourself." Jessica yelled, "You cheeky skunk." Melody who was doing her nails called, "Stevie will get the door mom." The 6 foot 2 inch blonde shift nurse tossed her Vogue Magazine aside, stood, stretched, tucked her shirt into her jeans and reached the door just as the guy knocked. She opened it quickly and startled him. "Gee that was an electrifying response." "We answer the door every thirty minutes in case someone is about to knock," she said, straight faced. "Yeah and I lie too. Where's you grandmother?" "Why?" "I need to talk to her." "Say please." "Why say please?" Stevie (Stephanie) sighed and said he was difficult to converse with. "Yeah and now you've had your bitch PLEASE get your grandma." Stevie turned and yelled, "Mom! Come to the door." When she'd turned the shirt pulled tightly over the shapely breast, arresting Sonny-Bill's eyes momentarily. He then eyed her entire body and thought wow. Hot stuff. A pleasant-faced woman, a younger and less worried looking version of his mom, arrived and stood beside gorgeous. The face of Aunt Jessica lit up and she cried "Oh darling" and stepped forward and hugged and kissed the guy. Stevie was shocked. Who the hell was darling? "Sonny-Bill you came," cooed her mom. "I haven't see you since I visited your family in Texas nine years ago." Stevie gasped. Christ Mr Difficult was Cousin Sonny-Bell. He wasn't seven feet tall but was pushing six and a half. "This beauty is my eldest daughter Stephanie who is twenty-four but you will hear almost everyone but mother and me call her Stevie, the name of her choice." "Ah so she did that to make it awkward for you?" Stevie bristled. "Well I don't think so. One of her friends Pam who was originally named Pamela shortened Stephanie's name in Second Grade and gradually the usage spread and stuck. But to answer you specifically I can say Stephanie never seems to go out of her way to make things awkward for me. In fact she's of great assistance to me." "The I've been unfair to you Stevie and for that I apologize." What? Stevie thought. He was calling her Stevie already and apologizing for his rudeness. "You are my first cousin Sonny-Bill so I guess I can overlook the slur and that makes your apology welcomed although unnecessary." He ignored that and said, "I'd like to kiss you, er as a greeting." She held up her lips and was kissed, surprisingly sweetly. Stevie had this feeling she could feel a force radiating from him, something that felt like power. The manly cousin said, "Hmnm, nice kiss. I'd like some more of those sometime." Jessica and daughter looked at him thoughtfully. "Please come in after wiping your feet and meet my other two girls. You will be aware that I'm a divorcee?" "Yes and you run your own business as a public accountant." "Yes I'm surprised you know that." "Yeah well mom told me three times and said to remember there was no Uncle Ted anymore and that you had an accountancy business. I guess she was out to reinforce that information to allow me to impress you." "What impresses me is your honesty." Sonny-Bill smiled at her and thought perhaps he should get Aunt Jessica to talk to the Federal Reserve guys who were investigating him for possible fraud. Stevie floated off to the lounge and Jessica took her nephew to Felicity's room. She was in her underwear removing her stockings but stood to shake hands when introduced. After the exchange of pleasantries Sonny-Bill looked again at the red-lace bra and said, "You have a nice pair." Felicity blushed but smiled proudly. Her mother grabbed Sonny-Bill and pulled him to the doorway and said, "What is Melody doing?" "Her nails," Felicity said. "Then there can be no embarrassment in visiting her," muttered Jessica who knocked and her youngest child called come in. Melody was doing her toenails. She saw her mom was with a guy and said calmly, "I believe this is an inappropriate moment to visit me." She was fully nude. "Some other time then," Sonny-Bill said, adding it was a pleasure as the girl's mom pushed him out of the room. In the kitchen Jessica was pouring coffee and said, "You have seen more of two of my daughters that I would have hoped." "They have fine bodies, a reflection of good breeding. Well done." Jessica had to put down the coffee carafe she was laughing so much. After coffee they went to Jessica's Jeep and she drove theme to the diner two miles away. She said the council was moving to compulsorily purchase the diner than was on a valuable corner site and erect a new city library there. "That's no fair." The faded blonde sniffed and said, "Well you are on of the few who think that, a handful like you plus a few hundred regular diner patrons." "A few hundred you say?" "Yes Sonny-Bill. Why do you ask?" He said that was valuable information and Jessica shrugged. "How old is the building?" "It was built in 1933 by my grand parents." "Does it have significant architectural merit?" "I wouldn't think so. It's by far the oldest building fronting civic square and was designed in Art Deco style." "You're kidding me." Jessica said she rather liked Art Deco buildings and objects and Sonny-Bill said he'd learned about the style from his mother. They had seen examples in architecture in Fair Park in Dallas and nearer where they lived, the Houston City Hall and also in Houston the JP Morgan Chase Building. "Are you saying the diner does have architectural merit?" He said, "If elements of its design are authentic Art Deco I'd have to said yes." "Well goodness me," Jessica said. "Why didn't we think of that?" "Look if it's by far the oldest building fronting Civic Square that's a huge plus for not demolishing it because the diner becomes more historic as each year passes." "Omigod Sonny-Bill, am I glad you've answered mom's call." "Well my mom probably would have said the same things I've said but I'll fight tougher than she does if there is to be a fight. Where's the process at?" "The legalities under Eminent Domain allowing council acquisition commenced and mom and her attorney and I decided the offer would be rejected because it contained no mention of compensation. The council was able by law to force us into arbitration because the purpose of acquisition is for public use of the land. Those talks collapsed when I let fly at a councilor who said there was no need to offer compensation to mom at her age because she'd not be around all that long." "But I understand from reading that under the law compensation is a consideration?" "Yes but it doesn't have to be offered initially. Well mom took off a shoe and threw it and the shoe at that councilor who made that outrageous comment and it hit him on the chest. He yelled assault but Mayor Rogers told him to shut up. A few minutes later the arbitrator, a retired judge, ended the meeting with both sides agreeing there appeared little point of continuing because we were at a stalemate." "Thanks, that brings me up to date," Sonny-Bill said. "I'm twenty-eight. How old are you guys?" "Melody is 22, Felicity 25, Stephanie 28, I'm 51 and mom is 75." "How old was her mom when she died?" "Ninety-two." "And her mother?" "Eighty-nine I think. Oh god, I can see where this is leading. I must get documentation." "Yes and consider changing your attorney on this matter. He ought to have anticipated a possible challenge on your mother's ability to continue in business and checked on her health and any longevity in the family." "Omigod," Jessica said, slapping the steering wheel. "What?" "We really haven't been approaching this as a fight for survival. Mom's business will be one of the oldest if not the oldest surviving businesses in civic square. Her grandparents began operating a diner on the site in 1901. They converted old bank chambers after the bank collapsed and went out of business." "Jesus. We have them by the balls." "Sonny-Bill!" Jessica giggled. "What?" She said nothing and he thought back and grinned at it. "It's okay Jessica, you're a big girl." "God this place is going to be fund having you around." Jessica detoured slightly and a little later she said, "There's the diner, straight up ahead." "Jesus," Sonny-Bill gaped. "That's obviously authentic Art Deco or splendid imitation. We need to get photos to an AD authority. It could be a move set." "I was, not long after I married. An outfit making a Chicago gangster movie used it in the film and covered over its name with the signboard reading, Charlotte's Hotel for Ladies. The wounded crime boss used the hotel to live with his two fancy ladies while covering from surgery after machine-gun bullets were removed from his body." "Oh Jess I mean Jessica. We really have to get everyone sitting down and giving us half-forgotten history of the diner. It's our duty in history to save the diner. You be in charge and provide the finance and I'll do all the legwork and lead the attack." "Me in charge? Darling you don't remember you maternal grandmother do you?" "No why?" "She can be so utterly charming but be warned, she is very much in charge. Your mother's mother who is also my mother had dragon in her." Sonny-Bill was left thinking that could present problems in planning strategy and gaining information but it sounded like she'd be a real fighter. The premises appeared to be in good condition and well maintained but he was no authority on structural integrity, far from it. The main dining room had been relined but hopefully it would be original boarding behind the painted thin linings. They'd win this battle provided Aggie and her daughter could fund it adequately providing the council was unable to come up with a killer blow he hadn't thought of. A beautiful brunette in a well-fitting business suit came forward to greet them. "Hi Glenn we are here to see my mother. Glenn Barbour, this is my nephew from Texas Sonny-Bill Tripp. "Hi Sonny-Bill, great name," she smiled, showing great teeth. He'd noticed the tailoring of the suit jacket had plenty to cover. "That name bought me many fights when I was young but now most folk when they hear it just look at me and say nothing and perhaps pity me or think I'm a stage actor. Dad wanted to call my Sonny Boy because his dad always called him that when he was a kid. Mom didn't like it but suggested the compromise that I got. Do you run this place?" She smiled. "Yes I'm day manager. Do you have a complaint?" "Good humor Glenn. I'd like to see more of you. When do you change clothes?" Glenn lost their smile and ignoring Sonny-Bill told Jessica to go through. "You ought not to have spoken to Glenn like that?" "You don't know everything Aunt Jessica. I endeavored to make an impression. She found interest in my name and now will remember me as the asshole who wanted to see her undressed." "I can't see that working." "I'll be dating Glenn within a fortnight." "That I would have to see. Glenn has been going with the same boy for months." "But she's not engaged or married?" "No." "And how old is she?" "I think your age, twenty-eight. Sonny-Bill I really don't think you ought to treat woman as some sort of quarry?" "I don't. But what about you? I can't imagine you, being so vibrant and having such energy that you are not without a man." Jessica, scowling in obvious embarrassment said, "Young man that comment was uncalled for." He looked away, ignoring her. His aunt knocked and they entered the office of his grandmother when she called enter. "Ah so this is my grandson?" Sonny-Bill had expected Aggie to perhaps look as young as sixty but no she looked her age. "Hi yes I'm Sonny-Bill here to help you save the diner and I will." "Well that's encouraging to hear. My lazy daughter didn't bother to come." "My mother is anything but lazy." "Oooh, a bit of fire in the belly. That's what I like to hear and you also have the physical presence to stare down those Philistines. I have to say I wasn't being unduly critical of your mother. It's just that I have a rather sharp tongue." "Thanks for the apology." Aggie stared at him and Jessica said a little nervously, "Mother doesn't apologize." "Stop speaking for me Jessica." "Yes mother." Sonny-Bill said, "I'm already liking Aunt Jessica. You'll have to do better if I'm to like you." He and Aggie locked gazes and he heard Jessica beside him suck in breath. There was silence until he said, "Well aren't you going to invite is to sit? I was taught it was rude not to sit in someone's home or office until invited and I'm sure Jessica is even more polite than I am." "So it's Jessica now?" Sonny-Bill turned to his aunt and she nodded, looking a bit wide-eyed. "Yes and that clears the way for me to call you Aggie without the tag of 'gran' unless you have objections." "I see; keen on efficiency are you?" "I guess so, er when it suits." She smiled and invited them to sit. "Jessica will have briefed you." "Yes, very well I guess. As I see it..." "You have been here five minutes and you think you can see it all?" "Please don't interrupt. As I see it you will win this fight providing you front up with the resources and we make the right moves. As your professional consultant I want payment starting from today of fifteen hundred dollars a week and would like you to think favorable on a bonus for results. I think you ought to replace your attorney if only on this matter, hiring one who has had experience in fighting actions under the Eminent Domain law. You have a building of possible national significant, you provide a service to the community and to people passing through the city of doubtless importance. You have one of the oldest if not the oldest buildings fronting Civic Square and the fact that this diner has occupied this site since 1933 means it's a building worthy of civic protection as a building of historic significance." "How the hell did you get all that information?" "From your daughter who in effect wasn't really aware she possessed such important information and that it would in gain importance when tied together I and added my bits of knowledge." "Well my mind is telling me, against my resistance, that you are basically correct but this thing about my attorney make me suspect your arguments are flawed. One thousand a week but you better work hard otherwise the person to be fired will be you." "Leave that for a moment Aggie. A councilor made what could appear to be a telling comment in arbitration when he alleged... note I said alleged... that at your age you would not be a around much longer. I find it reprehensible that your attorney had not briefed himself sufficiently to be able to counter than by pointing out you gave a right to expect longevity because your mother died at ninety-two and her mother died at eighty-eight." Save the Diner "Eighty-nine actually. And so you extracted all of that information from Melissa in just a few hours?" "Well inside half an hour. Fifteen hundred a week otherwise I'll have to look for work and that will take my mind off the ball. I resigned my job to come here knowing this could be a drawn out affair." "Fifteen hundred a week providing you do some work around here when you are not specifically working on the save the diner effort." "Call it the Save the Diner Campaign. I propose drumming up community support." "We tried soliciting support. I placed an eighty dollar advertisement in our local newspaper and that produced four replies, of which were two women promising to do something if I told them what, another guy was like you, wanting to be paid, and the mother of the fourth respondent said her son had a mental illness and never ventured outside the house and was always responding to advertisements." "Yeah well did you think of take out a full page advert?" "Are you mad. That would cost around two thousand dollars, perhaps more." "Oh Mrs Skinflint. Answer this, how does two thousand buck expenditure or even $100,000 stack up against losing your entire business?" Aggie scratched under an armpit and stared at him before saying, "My daughter Maggie has done well sending you to me." Sonny-Bill heard Jessica expel an over-inflated supply of breath. "Do you have an account with a florist Aggie?" "Yes." "Do you mind ordering a $40 bunch of flowers for rapid delivery and give the address of this diner and the name is Miss Barbour. I'll add the message and pay you back when I'm earning money again." That was done. The message was, 'For your next birthday even if you are still not talking to me by then. Sonny-Bill.' "Did you insult my day manager by making unacceptable comment about her breasts?" "That's getting close but what I said was intentional. I was setting her up for a date." "Jessica?" "The comment was smart but not offensive in my opinion mother. I think he caught Glenn on the back foot with his forthright manner." "Well I just don't understand this Tom Foolery you young people play these days Sonny-Bill." Aggie pulled out a cash tin and held up $500. "Although you will be on the payroll as from today you won't be paid till next Wednesdays. Here's something to tide you over. It's for the delivery of quality information. Please take note I don't approve of gambling." "Thanks Aggie. Do you kiss you?" "Don't you dare touch me, ever. Now you two go and have something to eat and coffee on the house. Thank you for calling." "When will we meet again?" "Jessica had put you in the guest room and I occupy a guest wing I had built on the house and as I eat with the family it figures you'll see me tonight. In the meantime have coffee and then start sniffing around. What puzzles us is why does the city need to replace the library? The present one was built around fifty years ago and should last a further hundred years. "Because everything's going high-tech Aggie." "You mean computer stuff boy?" "Yes." "I knew that damn computer stuff would invade everything we do and cost us an arm and a leg. It's an invention that ought to have been snuffed out when its danger was comprehended." Living dangerous Sonny-Bill said, "I guess you ride around in motor cars. They were an invention just like the computer." "Are you trying to make an ass out of me?" "No I'm too nice to do something like that." When Melissa and Sonny-Bill's orders arrived they saw a courier rush in with a large bouquet of flowers. Glenn was called out to sign for them. She read the note, looked up and stared at Sonny-Bill and shook her head as if in despair. "See a waste of money," Melissa said, as if sorry for him. "Yeah if she dumps them. But if she puts them in her office or takes them home every time she looks at them she will think of me and wonder if I was really stupid to send her flowers or do I have something in mind." "God and men call women devious. I must get back to the office. You now have money for a cab. I wish you had asked me for money." "That's kind of you but your mom was the proper person to hit on. She's the one calling the shots. Is the diner profitable?" "Yes." "How profitable?" "The bottom line satisfies my mother. I can say no more before my mother is a client of mine and client's affairs are confidential." "That's fine. I needed to know money was available because mounting an effective campaign against the council could be costly and I'm already costing her fifteen hundred a week." "The money is there if she wishes to spent it. I wouldn't dare try to secretly fund the project because she's bound to find out and she would really rip into me." Sonny-Bill laughed and said, "Let's call it Operation Dragon." "God no, what about Operation Diner." "You spoiler. I need an office." "There are spare rooms above the diner. Some of the wait staff and the night manager sleep up there. It would be a great location for you because up at that level you get a good view of the enemy?" Sonny-Bill frowned and said, "The enemy?" "City hall you fool." He laughed but knew he'd suckered Jessica into thinking he hadn't known what she meant. It was a technique he often used. Melissa kissed him and left. He ordered another coffee and Glenn arrived with it and sat. "Have you taken some kind of interest in me?" He countered. "Wouldn't that be difficult after the way you have been treating me with distain and despair?" "And you haven't deserved that from your unsettling behavior?" Sonny-Bill said gently, "My behavior I feel has been perfectly normal for a guy who sees a woman who rings his bell." "I'm going." "Please stay. I'm working for Aggie who is my grandmother." Glenn flopped back into the chair. "So that's it. Your mother is Mrs Marshall's other daughter who lives in Texas?" "Yes." "So why are you here?" "To save the diner, or more explicitly, to lead the campaign to save it." "Good god." "I creep up on you, don't I?" Glenn colored a little and had the grace to laugh. "I'm slowly getting used to you. Something tells me you might be rather okay." He switched the conversation off him and asked Glenn about her job and how long had she been doing it. She then began telling him a bit about herself and he reciprocated and then he asked to if she could give him a room to use upstairs as an office. "Five of the wait staff and Hannah the night manager live up there." "As a day office and I could then look at the enemy." "The enemy?" "The City Hall over in Duke Street." She laughed. "God you are taking this serious. Um do you mind if I tell the girls about you and that you are making it your mission to take on City Hall?" "Well I don't know if..." "We all have found this move by the council unsettling and fear we may lose our jobs. I've heard two of the girls discussing about looking elsewhere for a job." "Okay tell them. It will all be made public soon, perhaps very soon." "Will you win?" "I believe the campaign to save the diner will be successful, yes." "Well good luck." "Could you ask Aggie for approval to allocate me a room to use as an office?" "Yes no problem. Come up with me and I'll show you a selection." "This is the alternative entrance, rarely used and there's also an exterior fire escape at the mid-section. Although it's completely a wood building the council forced Mrs Marshall five years ago to install a fire sprinkler system throughout the entire building because it was a public restaurant and also people slept upstairs. This stairway is steep so be careful." "You have lovely legs," he said, from three steps behind and almost stumbled in shock when Glenn used both hands to pull up her skirt to give him a three-second look at her stocking tops and silk boy shorts. She murmured she must be insane. Sonny-Bill said nothing, sensing this was the right thing to do. He smiled, not having expected the break-through to come so soon. For a stairway rarely used it was surprisingly clean and he said so. He was told they employed commercial cleaners who were first-class. They went into the first bedroom and Sonny-Bill practically gasped and he stroked the painted wall because he sensed he knew what it was because he could see the faint outlines of what lay beneath. "What is it?" Glenn asked curiously. "I've been into Art Deco style homes in Miami Beach, Florida. They had plywood wood linings of veneered walnut and cut and joined in random angles with the grain of the wood in one section running in a different direction to the sections butting it. The walls were a minor work of art." "It sounds interesting. And then along came another generation and painted over that beautiful panel because it was not longer considered fashionable?" "Yes you are very intelligent." Glenn flushed and said, "Follow me, I have something to show you." They returned to the stairway and she opened the door at the end of the passage and switched on the lights. Sonny-Bill gasped "Omigod" and holding her around the waist looked over her shoulder from the doorway and said, "This is a treasure trove. This room is half-full of lights and in those long boxes are probably chandeliers and omigod look at those glorious mirrors centered in frames of decorative pieces of glass of various colors." "I guess it's how you look at things. Well all thought this was a roomful of junk." "It's Aladdin's Cave, these items being worth a small fortune. You must lock the door and keep the key secure." They walked into the next room and he continued, "I really know very little about Art Deco knickknacks but such crafted items and art and is pricey. This collection from the 1920s/1930s could be worth well say $200,000 or perhaps much more. There's heaps of it. May I kiss you?" "Yes you're excited aren't you?" They kissed because Sonny-Bill had chosen not to waste time by answering. He didn't want her to suddenly back off. "God you can kiss," she said, pulling away. He pulled her back and she resisted half-heartedly. Sonny-Bill opened his eyes and saw her eyes were closed and she was smiling serenely. He knew he must push slowly. He opened his mouth and slowly her mouths opened and their tongues said hello. He sucked her tongue and slowly her tongue began moving and then went deeper and he slammed a mitt over her left boob and she began really tongue-fucking her mouth but the instant she released a deep moan she pulled away and called, "Christ what am I doing?" He released Glenn and gave her his clean folded handkerchief and she dabbed her drool and stared at him. "You don't give up," she said gravely as she handed back the handkerchief. "No and that's what's needed if we are to win." "I agree," she said, her face unreadable. "Do you want this room?" "Probably not because it will have memories of gestating lust." "You're funny," she said with a smile lurking. Glenn showed Sonny-Bill two more rooms and then said the next one should remain a buffer between his work area and the girls' rooms because anyone on night shift would sleep when he'd be coming and going and she would not wish them to be disturbed. "I agree. May I take the first room along from the top the stairs, the room where you kissed me." She gave him a funny look and said, "Yes of course. Being that far away you could work in peace at any time of the night and day. I'll get our maintenance man to check the heater and power supply and bring up table, we don't have spare desks but I know where there's a spare coffeemaker." "Thanks you are talking as if my grandmother will say yes to this proposal?" "I can't recall my grandmothers ever refusing me anything." "Ah yes by my grandmother would probably be several times tougher than yours." "Granted but she still knows she's a grandmother. I already have recorded for expense purposes an entry of $500 in your file as a consulting fee and I found that rather unusual since you'd only just arrived." "I did give her valuable information and perhaps it theoretical by worth tens of thousands of dollars if it all comes to pass. But actually it was a gift, I'm broke." "An over-abundance of expensive wild women?" "I went big into gambling to try to raise capital the quick way but alas... you probably can guess." "Gambling... you naughty boy." On the mid-way landing where the direction of the stairs changed 180 degrees, Glenn stopped and held up her face to be kissed. He had that hand mashing a boob but with a bit more pressure this time. She placed a hand over that hand but didn't pull it away. "Don't get the idea this means anything. I have a boyfriend but you are not without attraction." "So you have no intention of having sex with me," Sonny-Bill said boldly. She turned to look down the stairway but didn't bolt and said almost in a whisper, "I can't imagine that happening." He smiled knowing tonight in bed she'd think about what he'd just said, or at least he hoped she would allow that memory recall at a time when it suited her. She continued the descent and there was enough lighting for Sonny-Bill to see the hip action that promoted hip sway. He began developing an erection and smiled, wondering if he continued slowly and patiently would get to the stage when he could smell pussy on his fingers. A slow-slow tempo was the key. As they began walking off he asked could he run a monthly food account and Glenn said she would attend to that immediately. "I'll need to come and sign." "I'm not having you in my office with me feeling like this. The grandson having to sign? I think not and Mrs Marshall would expect me to give you a staff discount." Sonny-Bill walked off and narrowly missed attempting to walk over the closest table. He'd been engrossed in thought about something: 'Not with me feeling like this.' Jesus. It was only 9:45 and yet the eatery was half-full. Oh yes, it was a good business but the prices were very modest but he guessed his grandmother with all her experience would know at what level to pitch prices. CHAPTER 2 On the way to the Morning Clarion newspaper Sonny-Bill passed two other restaurants with prominent signs stating 'Open for Breakfast'. The first one had people at two tables and second had four tables in use and another couple at the counter. He thought yes, a good environment, probably good food and prices well-pitched Aggie and oh yes, a big reputation because she'd been in the business for yonks. Oh yeah. At the newspaper he was directed up one level to the editorial floor when he spoke to the woman who guarded the editor. "Mr Brady works from 2:00 to 10:00 or longer. We are a morning publication. She consulted her diary and offered him a fifteen-minute slot at 2:15 and asked for the nature of his business with the editor. "I am working to organize a community protest campaign." The middle-aged woman looked at him sharply. "We are an orderly community here with excellent lines of communication. We haven't had a protest campaign here for neigh on fifteen years in connection with foul sewage odors from over-taxed settling ponds at the sewerage treatment plant." "Well I'm here for another type of campaign." "So you don't even live here?" "No but I was born here and have extended family here." "You name please." "Sonny-Bill Tripp." "Omigod you are Maggie and Jake Tripp's son. I went through school with your mother. And her mother is Aggie Marshall. You are here to build a campaign to save the diner. Oh glory be!" "Correct Mrs...?" "Thelma Stockman. Please remember me to your mother. Is it agreeable if I enter the subject in the editor's diary as 'Save the Diner Campaign." "Very okay Thelma." She looked at him a little sharply and then smiled and said yes he could call her Thelma. "I think there are many people in this city who like me are really going to like you." "So I can register you as my first supporter for the campaign?" "Oh yes please. I would be honored." Sonny-Bill walked through the central business district and found other than Wilk's Bicycle Shop and Baabaa's Toy Emporium he had little memory of the stores but there were some new developments including a three level Ellis & Boise department store that appeared to be attracting considerable custom as he watched the flow or people in and out of its entrances. But all in all, the city center was typical of scores of others he'd visited, with only a handful of really 'gem' premises in terms of design and fit-outs. Actually E&B department store was a modern gem and he knew of another that had the potential to at least match E&B in design and quality. Yeah the diner, as crazy at it might sound. He answered a call and smiled and replied, "Hi sweetheart." She hesitated and then said, "No one calls me that, not even my boyfriend." "Oh I apologize." "I'm not offended. It's just...just..." "What?" "It made me feel romantic," Glenn said. "I'm calling because your grandmother asked what was I doing with you upstairs and taking so long about it." "And you said you were kissing me." "I replied you were looking for a room to use as an office and she said what room did you favor and I said the largest room at the top of the stairs and that I had been asked to consult you. She said she approved and I could buy a proper desk for you. I then told her we'd looked at the treasure trove and she didn't know what I was talking about and I said that roomful of junk, light fittings and mirrors and she said she'd forgotten about that and said you'd probably were out of your tree about that and had I then kissed you. I hope you don't mind, I had to say yes and she just smiled. I asked her for your number to ask you what kind of desk did you want and that was it." "Metal framed with a glass top thank you." "Well you search for what you want and then ask the shop to phone me for an order number and to confirm your authority to purchase." "Fine and your call has captured your number for me. Well done Glenn," said Sonny-Bill. "I keep thinking of that image burnt into my brain of you walking up those stairs and pulling up your dress to give my a real butt show. You thighs look gorgeous." He cut the call before she could answer. Sonny-Bill called on Philip Brady, editor, Morning Clarion after lunch and was greeted warmly. "Call me Phil," he said warmly. I take my wife and two children to the diner, usually for lunch on the first wet Sunday of the new month We wrote an editorial suggesting the council find an alternative site for the new library but were ignored. That happens a lot with this mayor. Bill Rogers whose family owns a highway construction and repair business has a heavy roller style in local government politics and administration." "So if it develop credible tactics I can count on your support?" "Editorially and perhaps financially yes but in news we will publish actions and comments even-handedly." "Yes of course." "And I know for a fact our chairman eats at the diner and is a close friend of Aggie Marshall's. My PA tells me Aggie is your grandmother." "Yes Phil and I'm aware I'm not here to play games. I gave up a good job with a bank to come here and my grandmother is paying me modestly." "Well Sonny-Bill perhaps I can talk to some business and professional people I know and we could donate to a fund to reward you for taking on this mission. Tell me, who do you see this thing gaining traction." Sonny-Bill began talking and ten minutes later Phil interrupted him to call his PA and asked her to advise he'd not be attending the 2:30 editorial meeting." Save the Diner Phil said goodbye to Sonny-Bill twenty minutes later and patting him on the back said, "Potentially you have enough ammunition to blow the council out of the water. I'll brief our chairman to ask would his business cover the cost of bringing in a couple of Art Deco consultants to provide a preliminary report on what exists that is authentic Art Deco with the diner. The next step if the report is positive is to seek wider funding to get a restoration work report drawn up in detail." Sonny-Bill was whistling happily when he climbed into a cab and went home to Maggie's place. He entered the house, not having to use the key, because he tried the door when hearing loud music. The music was coming from Stevie's room but she wasn't there but heard her call out is that you Sonny-Bill?" "Yeah keep talking and I'll come to the source of your voice." "I finish work at 3:00 all this month. I was hoping you'd get home before the others begin to arrive." He found the guest room with his travel bag and laptop by the dresser. Stevie was on the bed in a light robe. She threw it open and said, "I've got something for you if you're interested and wear a condom. A man needs his victuals. We can do this periodically until you get yourself a woman." "Er are you sure?" "Yes I find it tough getting enough such, Come on buddy, get going on me." Sonny-Bill was about to say no, her mom would kill him, when the innocent-looking slut spread her lower lips and he saw the pink and the moisture. He was done for. He raced off calling he'd turn the music off so they could hear if anyone was entering the house. Running back to the bedroom, undoing his belt Sonny-Bill found Stevie, knees drawn up and opened wide and she was fingering. "I'll ask my sisters if they want you to fuck them." Amid rising passion Sonny-Bell kidded himself. Fuck the campaign, he'd never leave the house. He'd just stay in bed and fuck his way through the family, er bypassing his grandmother. He didn't expect Stevie to be tight, and she wasn't. He went in like a train entering a tunnel – er a tunnel with spongy wet walls. "Oooh you really are big," she cooed, squeezing him. Sonny-Bill's eyes popped. They were in the kitchen drinking coffee when Melody, a university research assistant, walked in and her forthright comment took them by surprise. "You two have been having sex." Sonny-Bill didn't know which way to look but the well-fucked sister took care of it. "Shut your slanderous and lying mouth. I've been outside sunning and Sonny-Bill has just arrived after walking around the city all day and walking home. "Oh sorry, want cookies?" "No thanks I'll got to bed for a nap. I've had a tiring day." Melody passed Sonny-Bill the cookie jar and said, "You two have been fucking, haven't you?" "If I say yes would you allow me to fuck you sometime?" "Oh yes." "Yes we have had a long session. Keep your mouth shut." "I promise absolutely. We'll have to wait till we are along together." "Fine. Are you a good fuck?" "I believe so. I'm told I am." Just and that moment, when Sonny-Bill was figuring he might have one shot left and so could take Melody right now on the breakfast bar her mom walked in. He hadn't heard the arrival of her car. Melissa smiled and then said hi and then looked at them carefully and asked. "Are you two home alone?" "I wish," Melody said boldly. "Stevie has just gone to her room for a nap before dinner. She pointed to the third coffee cup on the bench. "Well Sonny-Bill I don't want you home alone with any one of my daughters. You guys are first cousins." He went to his room and came out with his carry bag and laptop. Mother and daughter looked at him, waiting for an explanation. "My being here is not working out. I'm off." "I think that's for the best," Melissa said. Melody shouted no it wasn't and was told to shut up. "I'll drive you to the diner. Ask mom where you can sleep," Melissa said and they walked to the car, leaving Melody still at the breakfast bar and looking sad. Aggie said he could sleep in his room upstairs providing he used her private bathroom in her office between 5:00 pm and 8:00 am and the public toilets during the day. "I don't wish you to be sharing the upstairs bathroom with my staff as some of them are too young for you and their work and reside here as high school seniors to earn money towards the cost of their college education. Their parents allow this because they are in my care." "Fair enough," Sonny-Bill said, adding he could easily meet that requirement. "Here's Glenn who is about to finish her shift." Aggie explained to Glenn there had been a problem. Melissa had gone home thinking Sonny-Bill was home alone with young Melody his cousin and had sounded off and Sonny-Bill had taken offence although Melissa had apologized when finding her eldest daughter was also at home in her room." "Were you a Melody doing it?" asked Glenn. "No she was four feet away drinking a soda. Only a few minutes earlier Stevie had been sitting between us." "Well mothers are protective." "Glenn it's a whole lot of nonsense," Aggie said. "Melody the youngest is twenty-two. The three girls are adults and although they are cousins the girls are all on the pill. I can't fathom why Melissa is so edgy." "Perhaps she has her sights on me?" Sonny-Bill said and his grandmother told him to have pure thoughts and stop trying to inflame her. "Glenn help Sonny-Bill take the bed and bedding from room seven to his room please and then go." As the young couple were walking up the stairs Sonny-Bill called softly, "The butt show please." He got it and the show must have lasted at least twenty seconds. On the upper landing she stopped and said, "My kiss please. I've earned it." This time she pressed into him while they kissed and Sonny-Bill just did the kissing. He thought that body-press of hers was sufficient escalation for the moment. They relocated the bed and bedding and then she invited him home for dinner, saying her parents both worked and the housekeeper always left plenty of food ready. The house looked very impressive and Sony-Bill said so. Switching off the motor of her Honda, Glenn said, "My parents lease it from Magna Investments, LLC and that company purchased the property after an unsuccessful foreclosure sale. Does Magna ring a bell with you?" "No." "Magna owns nine properties and the majority stockholder in that company is your grandmother." They parked in the parking area and just as they were leaving the car Glenn's parents drove us in a red Mercedes sedan. "Do they lease that too?" "As a matter of fact they do. They operate as a company and it is advantageous for them tax-wise and to suit their preference to change their car around every eighteen months and their home every three years to lease." "Then they must be highly-geared." "Oh so you know something about financial leverage?" "Quite a lot actually. I have worked in finance." "Then you have a degree in finance." "Well um yes." "Well either you do or you don't?" "Yes a masters of finance." "I thought as much. Whenever we have discussed money or aspects of finance in relation to my employment you've always understood what I have been talking about and replied accordingly." "Any fool could do that." "Oh yeah?" "What do your parents work at?" "Dad is chairman and CEO of their store and mom is company secretary, deputy chairman and director of finance." "Those are big titles for store owners." "Well it's the E&B Department Store." "Oh golly, that is a big store. I was right opposite it when you called me about my gran who'd asked what had we done being so long on the upper floor of the diner. As they walked inside Glenn laughed said she couldn't remember what had taken them so long. Reverting to the present, she said her parents opened their new store three years ago. Her mom inherited a large amount of money from her parents. Her grandfather had been an Ellis and her grandmother a Boise. "Dad has the business acumen and mom has a master's of finance." Sonny-Bill said, beginning to sweat, that was a good combination to be working in business. But he worried needless. No mention was made of his degree status. He guessed when Glenn mentioned he'd been working in finance with a bank in Dallas her parents just assumed he had a finance degree. Glenn's parents entered the house via the garage and her mom looked very closely at him when he was introduced as Sonny-Bill Tripp. "Ah yes, she said. Glenn has told us all about you." He thought well what was she told she hadn't liked? "Are you here for a donation to the campaign," her father asked but Sonny-Bill said no sir, not yet, he wanted to have the strategy and action plan all worked out before seeking to fund the campaign." "Call me Ted, only our junior employees call me sir, the father smiled. "And I'm Sylvie," said the mother, although she'd been introduced as Sylvia. "Do you think it's wise delaying fundraising while you work out strategy and how to operate the multi-pronged assault on the council?" God she was sharp, he thought. "It will take me no more than a week to prepare Sylvie. I've already gained considerable knowledge of the issues and have found some good obstacles to frustrate the council." "This Art Deco thing that Glenn mentioned to us." "Yes but I'd appreciate you keeping that confidential Sylvie. That is big enough to stop the council in its tracks but needs to be authenticated and we can't afford to wait that long and so there are other things to hurl at the council." "Like what?" "You two will be among the first to know Ted," Sonny-Bill said. "That's good strategy, don't let the enemy know what you've got until you are in position ready to fire." "Well I'd like to know," said his wife and when Glenn said, "You'll know when Sonny-Bill and I are ready to tell you." Her parents and Sonny-Bill started at Glenn. "What?" "This Sonny-Bill and me has suddenly come out of nowhere," Sylvie said. Miss Pink Face said, "Well because I work for his grandmother Sonny-Bill has shared some information in return for my giving him information. It's just how things work. And he's just here for dinner because I thought it would be homely for him to have dinner with a family instead of eating by himself." He mom said, "So should I invite Richard to dinner?" "God no." "And why not?" Miss Red Face, as she had become, fled the room. Sylvie turned her focus on Sonny-Bill. "Are you dating my daughter when she's already being dated by Richard Weiss?" "I can't have. I only arrived from Texas this morning and a kind invitation to dine with the family can't be called a date, can it?" "When Glenn called me excitedly this morning and said she'd met the guy who was going to lead the campaign to save the diner I just assumed she'd been in contact with you over several days. She was burbling about your height, the way you look and your charm I just assumed you two were more than acquaintances." Ted said, "Well that's brought sufficient enlightenment. The only thing I can't understand is why our daughter ran off embarrassed?" "Because she's already mentally dumped Richard for this young man. But she still has to deliver the physical coup-de-grace on Richard. Both men looked at Sylvie. Sonny-Bill's mouth hung open. Ted said, "I'll get the drinks. A beer Sonny-Bill?" "Yes please," he replied. Sylvie told him kindly to go and find Glenn. Glenn was on the phone and he clearly heard her say,"... because I've found someone else who is respectful and knows how to charm a woman, that's why. Goodbye." Sonny-Bill thought he could return to her parents or he could enter fearlessly. Well the timing appeared right to face Glenn. He entered the room without knocking. "Did you hear that?" "Just the end bit. As far as I'm aware I'm the only respectful man who charms you." "God you have no sense of bashfulness. Come here you lovely man." He sat on her lap and they kissed. Sonny-bill then stood and said, "I haven't time for sex; your father is opening a beer for me." "Respectful, a charmer and a big tease and someone in danger of missing out. Off you go. I need to fix my face to cover the stress lines but I'm happy now. When would you like sex?" He just smiled and winked and left the room. "What the hell does that mean?" Glenn shouted but wasn't answered. Sonny-Bill returned to the diner by cab He'd had a beautiful meal and enjoyed great conversation. The Barbour's were a lovely family. In the long kiss goodnight Glenn had cupped his cock and balls but wisely didn't over-excited herself by digging it out when she knew he was leaving. At the back entrance to his room he found a grill locking off the stairway. A woman came up behind him and said, "Sonny-Bill?" "Yes," he said to the honey blonde. "Are you the night manager?" "Yes and I have the key for you. You will notice the steel panel extending out from the lock. That prevents anyone from reaching around to use the unlocking handle on the other side. Fire regulations require none lockable doors on exits from upper floors. Just an easy check for security, what was you mother's maiden name?" "Maggie Elizabeth Marshall." "Here's your key. I'm Paula Giordano, Mrs." "Hi Paula, perhaps I may see more of you?" "Goodnight Sonny-Bill," she smiled. Dawn was creeping through a slit between two curtains when Sonny-Bill heard someone walking stealthily from the landing up to his doorway and he then heard metal scraping metal and knew his door was being unlocked. Christ no way would he fuck Paula. She was skinny with no tits and short-cropped hair. He only had sex with sexy looking women only to have found at times sexy looking doesn't necessarily equate to sexy performers. The unwelcome visitor entered, the door squeaked to a close and the light went on. He blinked and saw his visitor was Glenn, dressed for work. "Hi she smiled. I've come to have sex, that's if you want it. It doesn't matter if..." "Strip for me, slow and sultry. I'm already hard but would really like this occasion to be memorable." Glenn performed very credibly. She even ended by rotating her tits in opposite directions after three false starts but that was fine. Those breasts where a little heavier than Sonny-Bill had expected and that intensified his focus. The end result shot up his pulse-rate and he could feel the head of his cock straining to reach the neatly trimmed cunt that had been exposed several feet away. He threw back the covers and Glenn darted over with a happy cry. "Oh my baby," she said, clasping the erection in both hands and turning to look at Sonny-Bill said she was very confident that he'd have a long and fat one. "Well that's just dandy," he said. "The question is, is your cunt large enough?" She colored slightly and said he'd find he had nothing to worry about. She spat on to 'baby' like a street corner veteran and pushed/sucked it into her mouth, her fat lips applying more drool as they slid over the taunt but soft skin of his pleasure tube. Sighing heavily, he squeezed a tit with one hand and kept her hair clear of her face with his other hand. Glenn stopped short of triggering sprays of semen down her gullet or at least over her neck and breasts. But he was close to firing when she stopped. It had grown slightly thicker in her mouth and his groin felt hot and looking up at him as she maintained rhythm she would have noticed his mouth had opened, the top lip had curled back fractionally but the real give-away was the eyes, that were wider opened and looked slightly bulging. Those signs had told her it was time to divert. Glenn sprawled over him and kissed him deeply, tongues flicking, saliva mixing. She then tucked her knees up beyond her hips and reaching back grabbed the erect and hot and now slimy dick and dragging the head over her clit and pussy opening along the slight indentation almost to her anus, back down again and up once more to increase play on their nerve ends Glenn began pushing the more-than-ready head into her now very moist pussy. She worked slowly to prolong the splendid sensations that dawdling penetration would magnify for both of them. CHAPTER 3 A little less than twenty-four hours earlier Glenn Barbour had met the tall and quite handsome guy with Melissa Jenkins who'd arrive to see his grandmother, her boss. The guy with broad shoulders and long back hair that curled slightly glanced at her and then appeared to focus on her breasts that were up at a good height for him because Glenn was tall. Her brain as programmed had already signaled to her subconscious 'baby-maker' or something to that effect. Glenn was smart enough to know this guy, if he were to hang around, could be just right for her. She attempted to picture his external reproductive system and disappointedly her mind remained blank but nevertheless her mind spread a little excitement through her body. At the very least the guy who was identified as having the odd name of Sonny-Bill could be good for a bit of a romp because Glenn knew she liked few things better than a good bout of sex, er responsible sex. When the new-arrival turned out to be Mrs Marshall's grandson, Glenn felt a tiny tremor flutter in the vicinity of her pussy. Well that was attempting to tell her something but she had to be careful. The world seemed to be over-run with gays and insensitive straight guys who were off or became discourteous or even worse once they'd fired semen. She was a gal who believed in the values of upstanding relationships and fully accepted there was much more to a good relationship that a bit of sex, or hopefully a great deal of sex in the early days of one particularly kind of relationship she knew she required. It excited Glenn to learn Sonny-Bill had arrived to lead a save the diner campaign. That practically made him her hero already. Would he had been a hero had not been near to hitting thirty and had a crooked mouth and was balding with a beer belly but still here for that mission? She didn't think so; she wasn't that flighty. So the reality was Glenn had already given Sonny-Bill Tripp from Texas the stamp of approval to access her pussy is he felt that way inclined. She should indicate that to him, she decided, and that's why when going up the stairs she'd hitched her skirt up high and hope her panties weren't showing a damp spot. She'd almost collapsed in embarrassment when pulling her hem down, really astounded she'd just down that, something she'd never done that in her life although she had girlfriends who sometimes did it to girlfriends as a playfully rude gesture. But as her inner turmoil died Glenn decided she was glad she'd done it because the guy would now know he'd been given some kind of intimate signal. He'd be stacked with hormones so she didn't believe his mind would zero in on the heart of the matter and any disapproval he felt at her behavior would be of secondary consequence. There also had been real accomplishment in showing him her butt. Glenn realized she'd been in a unique position, being the first female in the city placed to have a crack at him and she'd done it brilliantly and unforgettably. Well providing she hadn't made him vomit, but it had turned out he'd been anything but distress and she'd shown him the junk room that he identified as a treasure trove, thereby instantly establishing great rapport when she'd indicated she could be trusted to keep the secret of the trove safe. Glenn had wondered when she could offer him her pussy. She was being dated by Richard Weiss who weeks after their first date finally had sex with her and he still proceeded tentatively as if fearing she'd refuse him. Save the Diner Christ he become aware she loved having sex so why did he still act as if he had to apply for a key to the kingdom? There was too much wimp in Richard for her likening. Basically he was a nice guy but perhaps singing in the church choir had been his downfall. He'd developed to become submissive and how exciting was that to a woman who possessed bubbling hormones? At that Glenn realized she must dump Richard and indicate to Sonny-Bill she had a willing pussy before any other bitch in town got her hands on him. Yeah be proactive and win the prize, if indeed Sonny-Bill would turn out to be a prize. God he'd been living in the same house as that slut er his cousin Stevie Jenkins. Oh hell he was surrounded by mobile sex because Stevie sisters would be in if she backed off and even Jessica might be tempted to have a crack. Yes she'd have to dump Richard immediately, demonstrate her cooperatives to Sonny-Bill and her commitment to his mission. What else could she do to promote the relationship? Oh yes, offer the newcomer to town some hospitality. She'd invite him to dinner as soon as possible. If couldn't be his first night in the city because Melissa and her female brood would want him their for dinner and to exhibit their sexiness. Going up the stairs ahead of Sonny-Bill on the second occasion, fueled by the fact they'd already kissed earlier that day, Glenn gave him a longer butt show. She could feel the damp spot because he'd excited her and she gave him time to spot it providing the angle was right. She wanted him to see it. She wanted him to think of having sex with her. It frustrated her, as it always did, that it was so difficult to score with sex. Her girlfriends had agreed she was so damn attractive in looks, with great boobs and legs. So why wasn't she having sex four to five hours a day, um what she meant was when she'd really like it? Glenn was passing through the threshold of ensuring that happened. She was naked and hunched over the belly and chest of Sonny-Bill and he was licking her face as she fed his hot fat and very hard penis into her pussy. Oh this was so beautiful and the glory was it was meant to happen. A rush of beautiful tingling was ringing bells all through her body. She came. She felt that release flow over her hand. She sighed. How perfect. Oh no, in her intensity she'd forgotten to roll a condom on to him. She had no idea of where his cock had been or its state of health. She told herself she was stupid and that allowed her to proceed and take the risk if indeed any risk existed. "The condom," he croaked. Ah some depth of responsibility. That's so lovely to know. "It's okay, I'm confident I'm clean," she cooed and heard him say, "What?" She couldn't have him calling for intermission, not now. She came down on him, inserting him fully and smiled when he said clearly, "Sweet Jesus." His mind was now on other things. She reached behind to cup his balls to indicate to him it was okay to fire at will but not to race to his first climax. Actually they'd have to stop them because she didn't wish to be walking around like a duck and having Mrs Marshall staring at her and thinking what had Glenn been up to with Sonny-Bill. Glenn went about her work very happily that day. She retained energy and her attitude was being a well-fucked woman must be one of the best feelings in the world. Er having that feeling and not experiencing many of the side issues that surrounded having sex for many women. She was ecstatic that Sonny-Bill had invited her to go to bed with him on Friday and stay the night. Never before had she stayed with a guy all night but this time was different; she wanted unrestrained and prolonged sex with a guy and hoped she'd be too exhausted to go shopping on Saturday morning. Glenn wished to find her limit of endurance. She had no idea why but thought perhaps it was no different to find how fast you could run or swim or cycle. During the next couple of days Sonny-Bill worked happily, knowing he was becoming involved with a woman whose attraction went beyond sex. She was the best woman for fucking and socializing with he'd ever had. Glenn was just so classy, so lovely. He worked 10-hour days making phone calls and researching on line and at the library and briefed Aggie and she was complimentary about the progress he'd made. Aggie had decided to retain the same attorney but she knew he'd have to be fully briefed and supported. She took Sonny-Bill in to meet Todd Thomas who specialized in property law. Sonny-Bill said he'd prefer an attorney who specialized in litigation to lead the team. Without appearing upset, Todd called in a middle-aged woman, Mrs Diane Greenwell, one of the senior partners. Diane and Aggie kissed because they knew one another, being on the same Chamber of Commerce committee and were on the board of a drug dependency intervention trust. Diane smiled when she learned about her possible involvement. "Nothing would give me greater pleasure in taking on City Hall over this. I'm one who thought the diner should stay but like so many others have done nothing about it although I did have a highly critical letter published in the Clarion just after the proposed acquisition and demolition of the property was announced. I made the point as you have Sonny Bill that it is one of the oldest commercial buildings in this city." Before leaving the office after Diane had left them, Aggie authorized Todd to take instructions from Sonny-Bill throughout the campaign. "Right Todd, could you please do a full search on the history of commercial development on that site, recording anything and everything of note that might help us in this campaign. I have searched the file of past copies of the Tribune but made have missed some important facts because there is no indexing until the newspaper converted into digital production nine years ago." At Sonny-Bill's request Aggie ordered a full right-hand page for an editorial-styled advertisement in Saturday's Tribune and the managing editor Philip Brady arranged the billing at a 50% discount. Aggie said to Sonny-Bill, a lovey-dovey relationship appears to be developing between you and Glenn. "Yes and I've asked her to stay with me Friday night, all night. She's finished with her boyfriend. Any objections." "No providing you are kind to her. She's such a lovely young woman and I do value her as my chief assistant." "I'm becoming smitten and I'm already thinking I'll not return to Texas to live." "I like the sound of that. Perhaps I could offer you permanent work that would interest you when we have saved the diner." "I'd be interested in that." * * * Glenn and Sonny-Bill dined very leisurely at the Chinese Red Dragon on Friday evening. Her parents acted quite excitedly when he'd arrived by cab to pick up Glenn who was ready and carried an over-night bag. Her mother kissed them both and said have a very happy time you two." In the cab, holding Glenn's hand, Sonny-Bill said, "Your mother is acting as if this will lead to something more than a date?" He felt her grip tighten but she replied coolly there was nothing in that requiring interpretation. "Mother is just delighted that I'm no longer with Richard, that's all." Ah, Miss Perfect has demonstrated she can lie, he smiled. During the meal Sonny-Bill made a confession, his only secret. He told Glenn about his fake degree. She was horrified and scolded that was so under-hand and if found out he'd gotten employment on the strength of that degree he could face criminal action. He smiled and said he'd keep that in mind. "I remain in the clear so far. I received an email from my last employer this morning advising my termination payments would be placed into my bank account later today. The payments amount to two weeks' salary and termination additions will be piddling because I'd not been with the bank long. They wanted to check my sudden resignation was not as a result of me helping myself to the bank's money and obviously payment advice means my denials have been confirmed." "Well that's a relief you naughty boy. Since it's confession time I have one very close secret to tell you. When I was nineteen I had an early pregnancy termination." "That must have hurt you emotionally?" Glenn's eyes widened and then softened and she reached across to place a hand on his arm. "That is an astounding comment from a male. Thanks and I agree, it was a terrible time for me. I can't believe you can be so lovely." "Well like everyone I also possess a harder side and can display it at times. My mother taught me politeness and good manners and I accept that was good training. You certainly appreciated it. Thanks for telling me. You were young and would have still been leaning the ropes and been subjected to pressures at that vulnerable age." "It was very much like that. I was aborted very early and was told there should be no adverse affects provided I coped mentally and I did as I had great support at home and my friends of course thought was sick." They walked back to the diner and up to Sonny-Bill's room and had a great time, wallowing and sleeping and repeating the cycle but he left the bed at 6:00, dressed and went down and returned with the newspaper and two coffees and bagels. He shook Glenn. "Oh not again, I don't think I could manage," she yawned but then smelt coffee and jumped out of bed and sped off to the girls' bathroom along the passage. She looked at the ad as soon as she returned and said it looked great, that Sonny-Bill was a clever boy. The headline over a big picture of the diner read: Campaign to Save Flaxton's Historic Diner. Owner-operator of the diner Aggie Marshall was quoted as saying she'd recruited her grandson Sonny-Bill Tripp. That story outlined the city council's 'preposterous' bid to grab the site by forced purchase – forced because Aggie had no desire to sell her flourishing business – and detailed the unsuccessful attempt by the council to force an outcome after Mrs Marshall had rejected the council's concept of a 'fair value' purchase offer. "I have no wish to be moved off my land and why should I be subjected to this outrageous bullying to the City Council. The can go are look for another suitable site and a willing selling." "The council will now attempt to use the law to force me to sell but we will mount a legal challenge the law was not enacted for this purpose. Let the council rebuild on the library's present site and operate the library from temporary premises. At the same time the council should be mindful that books and libraries are becoming dinosaurs. There is now a generation of youngsters who already do much of their reading electronically. Intelligent people can see the day coming when children will ask, "What's a paperback?" Sonny-Bill said the diner was an icon and he'd recognized it as an art deco building, the only one he'd found in Flaxton. It should be saved for that reason alone but it was probably also the oldest building fronting Civic Square so rated historic preservation status and would be one of the oldest businesses in the city, the original diner on the site having been built in 1901 for his great great-grandparents. "We will win this fight to save the diner by going through the courts, especially when we verify this is a genuine Art Deco structure. But that's a very expensive way to proceed and hence this campaign. We are out to win public support of sufficient size and influence to mobilize our fight against the council, to make it back off and announce it no longer has an interest in that site."' "Shortly the first public meeting will be called of interested citizens who wish to join the pressure to save our historic diner. I was born and lived in this city until I was fourteen and used to go regularly to grandma's diner to eat. If all citizens of Flaxton who have had more than one meal at the diner were to join me on a march to City Hall there would be thousands and thousands of people joining that march." "And when this campaign underway very shortly and features on network televisions I predict that people all over America who used to live in this city or have passed through it and enjoyed one of the friendliest diners on the planet serving wholesome quality food then they will arrive her in droves to march on City Hall to confront Mayor Rogers and who cohorts who come up with this foolhardy proposal and others who have support the callous and outrageous plan to remove this historic building from its heritage site." "The first public meeting will be held on Monday fortnight." At 7:30 am that morning Sonny-Bill was at a warehouse when thirty-five of the people who were returning from distributing that morning's Flaxton Clarion. They each received a bagel and can of fruit juice when producing written consent from their parents if they were aged under eighteen confirming they were authorized to be involved in this project. The newspaper's circulation manager then introduce Sonny-Bill to the assembled team and he explained why the diner should be saved and that they must stick the strip stickers on fences and on buildings that did not have a notice stating stick no notices on this building or words to that effect. He asked were there any questions. A girl aged about fourteen said the courthouse, police headquarters and City Hall were on her newspaper delivery round, should she stick the notice on those buildings." "Yes and near every doorway BUT only if there are no notices prohibiting the posting of public notices." "My work you have an important newspaper round," Sonny-Bill said and the girl hung her head in embarrassment. "My round includes the IRS office," said an elderly woman. "Does that make my round important?" "Yes more or less." A teenager boy said public toilets were on this round. That drew huge laughter. "Oh very important," laughed Sonny-Bill. "Now the boss of newspaper circulation will say the final words before sending you off." Later when Glenn had awoken, refreshed after more sleep, she had a bath and she and Sonny-Bill went shopping. "Oh look," she said, "There are two notices on this street pole outside our entrance saying, 'Save Flaxton's Historic Diner from Council Demolition.' Did you stick those there?"' "No but I'm paying thirty-five individuals twenty bucks each to stick 50 stickers on buildings and public gathering places throughout the city to do that job for me." "You will be accused of vandalism and defacing public property." "Only by supporters of the council who want the diner gone." "Who would want that?" "Library-users would be one group I guess. Anyway we are bound to find out. My name and telephone number is at the bottom of each sticker in very small print. In the shopping area they saw the notices everywhere and smiled. Sonny-Bill told Glenn the Clarion had printed the stickers for him without charge as a community service. He took a call from an irate business owner who ordered him to come to his premises and remove the sticker. "I'm sorry sir. The sticker is there as a community service." "What the hell are you on about." "Goodbye sir." "You will be castigated for this." "Why?" Sonny-Bill asked and then said "Omigod" and pointed Glenn's attention to a police cruiser that had one of the stickers near the top of its trunk. They held each other, rocking in laughter. * * * On Saturday morning Mayor Rogers shook his wife awake when he rolled out of bed coughing. "Where are you going?" "To get the newspaper. Dammit woman you ask me that question every morning." "Do I," she smiled, as if it was simply one of the methods she used to tone down his growing belief of self-importance. He returned, his face red in anger. "Some fucking vandal his stuck a Save the Diner sticker on our front door." "Are you sure you should speak to your wife in such bad language?" "The sticker woman, the sticker. Comment on that." "Good on them. You know I oppose that stupid move to push the diner off that site. I have been going to that diner for most of my life. Find somewhere else for your library. Why not locate the new library within City Hall," she smiled. "What and have the public walking in and out just to get books?" "City Hall belongs to the public doesn't it?" "Christ Heather, are you attempting to rile me?" She replied innocently, "Who me?" Heather allowed a breast to loll out of the neck of her nightgown. She looked out of the window until she felt warm breath hovering and pulled her husband's head down over the nipple and smiled triumphantly. He had plenty of time to read the newspaper. Later as Bill slipped his grossly under-used length into his wife and got his rhythm about right, Heather whined, "I want that diner to stay. My girlfriends and I have been going there since we first began in high school." The mayor scowled, "Heather get your mind on the job otherwise you'll miss having a release trigged and you'll blame me." Heather rammed her middle finger into his anus and she creamed all over him and sighed happily. "Christ," yelled Bill, pulling out in disgust and then involuntarily steaming cum over her chest and face, growled, "You're to blame for this disaster. Now I'll be unable to get you off because I've done my dash and after only a half-dozen thrusts." Heather rolled over to doze, squeezing a very erect nipple on a swollen breast, "Bill stop your moaning and read your newspaper. God the way you mess up one would think you've never managed to deliver a girl a decent fuck." Bill's pumped up red face turned purple when he read the advertisement calling for the public to rally behind the save the diner campaign. He rolled out of bed, surprised at the amount of drying liquid around this balls and groin, and went to the study and made five phone calls. He'd called an emergency meeting of his senior executive team in one hour's time. They'd all seen the advertisement and claimed they were disgusted that anyone could oppose the council in that matter. Comments included 'outrageous' (Bob Little), 'unbelievable effrontery' (deputy mayor) and 'a damn act of civic incitement by a fucking outsider" (Mrs French, the mayor's wife's aunt). At the emergency meeting Irma French's suggestion they tar and feather Aggie Marshall's grandson and run him out of town received no support, only delighted smiles because she was such a cheerful character and most things she said were interesting. City manager Gerald Trump urged caution in opposing the campaign, saying it would only antagonize citizens who mistakenly believed in the value of supporting a lost cause. The mayor glanced at Gerald and thought although that was responsible advice, did he believe the council was on the right track. "Do you think we are on the right track with this project Gerald?" Gerald looked startled and swallowed and the mayor thought oh Christ. But Gerald wasn't opposed; he emerged as a fence sitter. "I agree we need a superior site for this new state-of-the-art library," he said. "On the other hand I remember Patty Beamish and I dating in that diner when we were fourteen and Aggie fussing over us to make us feel comfortable. I also accept the statement in that advisement that the building has huge architectural merit." "Well we'll shift the diner rather than bulldoze it," said the mayor. "The building increases it's architectural merit by remaining on its historic site," Gerald murmured. Mayor Rogers heard warning bells. He called nervously, "Who no longer supports our decision to place the new library on that site." Not one of his five executives looked at him and he was beginning to sweat until the director of works Harvey Rossiter came through for him. Save the Diner "I don't suggest we have the dinner burnt to the ground because being a 24/7 operation and with people sleeping on that top floor we could be involved in needless deaths." Three of the councilors looked shocked but Irma looked at Harvey and said, "Then why raise that totally irresponsible suggestion you fool. Don't be irrelevant. What is it you wish to say?" Harvey said, "Well let's ban street marches for the next three months. That will stop the protesters from publicly flaunting us and getting on TV." Some thought that was a good idea until Carl Dietrich, director of legal services, said such a move was basically unconstitutional but there were provisions to legalize the banning of marches deemed likely to cause distress, acute dislocation, endanger the public or were of a reprehensible nature that exceeded the norms of decency. "Such a march would distress me and appear grossly indecent," said the mayor and that produced laughter. Carl smiled and said, "Bill but can you imagine yourself being prosecuted in court on a charge bought by the protest organization that their supporters were unlawfully prevented from legitimately marching on peaceful protests against a decision of their unpopular council?" "Christ," snorted the mayor, "they're wrapping protesters in cotton-wool now." "That's old law Mr Mayor, very all law," said the senior attorney. The debate continued until the mayor said he was hungry. He asked Irma to arrange it and for the delivery person to phone at the doors because no staff was on and that Heather should remember the regular caterer would be closed because it was Saturday. Half an hour later everyone but Heather sat in stunned silence watching a young woman arrive carrying a big hamper and with a huge coffee flask strapped on her back. He black apron and the hamper were clearly marked, 'The Diner Catering Service'. When Heather returned from letting the female out and relocking the doors she looked at everyone and said, "Oops, sorry I just didn't think about the politics. I only thought who would be open, who would deliver on Saturday had the best food. Don't eat it... I'll get biscuits from the kitchen." It was too late of course. Everyone was already scoffing in. At 2:00 the mayor called for indications of support for the various proposals. Demolition/removal of Aggie's Diner: The Mayor and Harvey. Building a single level liberty after raising Aggie's Diner: Harvey. Abandoning plans for a new library: Harvey. Leave Aggie's Diner site untouched and find a new library site: Harvey and the four other executives. Noting that support the mayor sighed and raised his hand. He announced he'd call a special meeting of the council on Monday. * * * Sonny-Bill spent Monday working on his final action plan. The intention was to attack the council in a succession of initiatives rather than try to club the council with one single burst. A progressive build-up would keep the media interested and he hoped it would spread the save the diner issue to a greater number of people who were prepared to commit. A special meeting of the council, open to the public and news media, was held that evening to discuss the issue. Sonny-Bill and Glenn were among the overflow of people who had to stand around the room to listen. After acrimonious debate led by the chairman of the library committee, Mrs Sanders, the mayor's motion that the council announces it no longer required the site of Aggie's Diner and would look for an alternative site for the new library was carried 9-4 in voting. Sonny-Bill and Glenn fell into a huge hug and raced back to the diner with the news. "What now?" Glenn asked. Sonny-Bill looked a little apprehensive. "What?" "Your mom whispered to me the other night when this diner campaign is over she and your father would talk to me about the possibility of me taking over from your mother in the department store. She wishes to retire." Glenn almost wheezed when she said his only senior academic qualification was a fake degree. "Yes I know, but I have shown proven competence arising from 'coal-face' experience. I'll get by, probably admirably." "Oh Christ," Glenn wailed. "Why couldn't I have found myself a conventional guy with your class and big dick?" Neither of them knew the answer. Speaking to the media at the conclusion of Monday's meeting, the mayor lied he'd always been against the recommendation that the site of the diner be explored as a possible site for the new library. "We were worried about the ability of the ground structure in that location being suitable for a heavier concrete structure," he said lamely. Asked to identify a possible alternative site the mayor thought of something his wife had said and said boldly, "We could look at building a new wing on City Hall. We do have room for expansion." He went to retract that ridiculous statement but too late: a newspaper and a radio journalist were already racing away with that unexpected disclosure. A morning newspaper reporter asked sternly why hadn't the council made that suggestion earlier. The mayor seized the moment: "Simply because my advisers did not suggest City Hall as a possible site. I was in bed on Saturday morning fretting about the loss of that institution the diner has became and I suddenly thought City Hall would be an acceptable alternative. We at City Hall just love having citizens and visitors coming through our doors." "Bravo," said the editor of the Town Crier. "My impression was that officials and councilors considered City Hall as their exclusive castle and regarded the public as being the unwashed mass." "Oh no Gloria, we are your enlightened mayor and council. That's why we were nursing grave doubts about forcing the diner to relocate. Why on Saturday when we realized there was public opposition to the proposal of our senior officers to location the new library we felt we must back our citizens. Gloria we all know and love Aggie and really do regard the diner as an institution. Why when we had this urgent meeting on Saturday to discuss this revelation that our diner had huge architectural merit, we phoned out for lunch and naturally had the diner supply us as our contract food supplier is closed at weekends." A reporter and photographer burst into the diner looking for Aggie and were directed to a table when she was entertaining old girlfriends. "The diner has been saved by a council back down. What is your reaction Mrs Marshall?" "Oh please call my Aggie darling. You have been a diner here for most of your twenty-one years." "Well it's great news but I'm disappointed really. I was looking forward to turning the screws into the fucking inept mayor and council." "But Aggie the mayor said the council had been uneasy about the proposal and now they know the building is considered to be an architectural gem they are thinking of building the new library by attaching a new wing to City Hall." "That's a pity." "Why do you say that Aggie?" "That plans will bury a useful community facility called a library in the depths of a completely irrelevant public outfit called City Hall. But I have faith in the public to sort out this mess. The council still owns the old department building at the far end of Civic Square now being used as a storage warehouse. A grand site for a public library, don't you think? Tim you take my photo and amble over to the bar. Darling you join us ladies for coffee and tell us all the new gossip you know. We've heard some of the young married women share it around as if it were going out of fashion." * * * The newspaper next morning carried a new front-page heading, 'Aggie's Diner Saved' and the heading below that was, 'Mayor and Council mislead by over-zealous officials'. "Oh Christ," said the mayor, mopping his brow in the bedroom and waving the newspaper at his wife. "My officials will be spitting tacks over this." "Nonsense darling. Council officials have the tradition of being the fall guys and they know they have to accept that." Bill patted his wife on the tummy and said thanks kid, his favored endearment. "Oh I must confess I borrowed your idea to possibility located the new library at City Hall. You don't mind that I didn't attribute that idea to you do you darling?" "No of course not darling. Everyone will be eager to push the dagger into the jerk who came up with that idea." The mayor turned pale. "But Bill sweetheart. You have saved our city's beloved diner. Bend down and see what mommy has ready and waiting for you." THE END