Paul Pulls Through. - 16. Chapter 16.

Paul Pulls Through.

Chapter 16.
***

Jarrod was totally happy working with Anthony, who he kept saying was the best boss in the world, and because they'd be working on the house renovations for the next six months he made a big decision four weeks after they got back from the holiday and took up the offer from Peter to move into the lock-ups. He was hesitant, never having lived away from home before, but that was crazy according to Paul.

"Jarrod. You lived away from home for six months while you were overseas."

"I know, but that doesn't count."

He laughed.

"And I'll have to cook for myself and wash my own clothes if I stay here."

"You are a complete wuss."

"I know, but it's good while I can get away with it. Hey, I've worked it out. Jeremy cooks and you do my washing."

"Okay. No problems."

"You idiot. I'm only joking."

"I'm not. Jeremy will cook and I'll wash."

"As if. ...What's the catch then?"

"No catch. ...Jeremy cooks and I wash. ...For one week."

It was easy to make Jarrod smile, and Paul said there was no excuse for him not to stay in the lock-ups now. It was the sensible thing anyway, as it saved him from the inconvenience of travelling time and costs, as well as making life easier for his dad.

"When are we going to the secret beach again?"

"Jarrod, what's that got to do with you moving into the lock-ups?"

"Nothing. ...Yes it does. If you and Jeremy take me down there I'll stay in the lock-ups."

"Idiot. You're staying in the lock-ups anyway."

"I am? What? Are you going to make me?"

That was a straight out invitation for a muck around wrestle and Paul happily obliged."

"Hey, I've had a good idea."

"What?"

"Stop squishing and I'll tell you."

"Squishing. I'm not squishing. I'm showing you who's boss."

"Feels like squishing to me."

Jarrod made absolutely no effort to move and demanded to know what Paul's idea was.

"I'll only tell you if you go along with it."

Jarrod thought that was funny.

"That sounds like it's got sex in it. All right. What are we doing?"

"Um. ...Let's christen your room in the lock-ups."

"Christen? What sort of christen?"

"We'll get one of the wrestling mats."

Five minutes later they were dragging one of the mats from the big room at the end of the lock-ups where they trained with Andrew on Thursdays.

"So, what happens now?"

"When I beat you, you have to do whatever I tell you."

"Ha, sounds kinky. What if I beat you?"

"You never beat me."

That was total nonsense, but it added to the challenge.

"So, you're using sneaky tactics are you?"

Jarrod meant martial arts holds. He was starting to learn, but he'd never catch up to Paul, who was very serious in his efforts on Thursday evenings, and almost as good as Michael.

"They're not sneaky. They're superior skill and knowledge. They're the only way I can stop you squishing me."

Jarrod started to pull his t-shirt off.

"No, leave it on."

"Leave it on? How come?"

"So I can make you take it off."

"So, it is a kinky night then."

"Not kinky. ...Just fun."

It didn't take long to make sure they'd divested each other of all their clothes and then for a while it was the game of mock wrestling where the give and take was designed to keep them tangled and touching. Jarrod, very appropriately, called it rude wrestling. Paul could never last too long, as, like now, it got him so worked up he rolled on Jarrod, gave him a deep kiss and the christening got serious.

"Guess what Paul?"

They were in the en-suite having a cleanup shower.

"What?"

"Every time you kiss me you save my life."

That was intriguing and Paul wanted more explanation.

"How come?"

"I think of the beach when you gave me mouth-to-mouth."

Paul didn't quite know how to respond so he told Jarrod he was an idiot, turned the water off and looped a towel over his head.

"You'd better hurry up. Sam's waiting for you."

"He doesn't mind. Anyhow it wasn't me who had the sex attack and dragged us out here for an hour."

"Sex attack? ...I didn't notice you complaining."

"Well, I just put up with it to keep you happy."

"I know. Does Sam say how long you'll be modelling for him?"

"Ages. Months and months. We can't get enough time together."

Paul understood that completely after his own experience with Sam.

***

The lock-ups was a great place for Jarrod. It got its name from the bottom part where there were five lock-up garages. Upstairs had a big studio and display area, which Sam was using, a workshop area which had been taken over for Andrew's martial arts training, two bedrooms with a shared ensuite, and a small kitchen area. Peter and Michael were in one of the bedrooms till the main house renovations were done and that left the other for Jarrod.
It meant a very busy Saturday with several trips to Jarrod's house to transfer the furniture his folks were giving him, his clothes and other belongings, and then helping him arrange things to fit in sensibly.
In the evening he got his sound system going and Pete, Michael, and William joined in for a hack around and flat warming party. Paul spent most of Sunday checking the Book website as the coming Wednesday was the target for having it running properly. It had to be on time too because Peter had organised a presentation at the College library with printed copies of the book and a complete set of posters. Jeremy said he was going to feel totally stupid.

"Jeremy, what's stupid about signing your own books?"

"I guess embarrassed is what I mean, and there probably won't be anyone there."

How wrong that turned out to be. Paul had to go because the website was being mentioned. Well he was going for Jeremy and Sam too of course, and then Jeremy pointed out that he had to go as part of Brian's publishing company as well.
Jeremy was all nervous when he left in the morning, looking all smart, and then Paul felt the same when he walked into the library with Sam and Brian and they had to sit out the front with Jeremy, in front of about a hundred people. Peter did the talking and welcomed the principal, lecturers from the English faculty, the Art faculty and the Media faculty, and everyone else, and then very briefly introduced Jeremy as the author, Sam as the illustrator, Brian and Paul as the publishers and then Paul as the designer of the website. A girl came to the microphone and read a short section she'd chosen from the book and then one of the art lecturers said how the College was proud of Sam's achievements and hoped his new work received the recognition it deserved. Peter thanked everyone, donated four copies of the book to the College, then invited people to talk informally, look at the book, the posters and the website, and if they would like a personally autographed copy to see Brian and Jeremy. Paul thought that meant things were finishing. Instead they got more interesting. Most of the people gravitated to looking through the big portfolios with the posters, but there were four library computers running the website and that was where Peter told Paul to go. There were only a few people at the start but gradually that changed and Paul found he couldn't keep up. Many of the questions were from people realising he was on most of the posters and a few were wondering how to order the book online. Paul told them they didn't have to as Brian had them available on the spot. One of the computers had a group of College students around it, including the girl who'd read aloud, and when Paul went close he saw they were looking at the bios.

"Oh my God you're Kieran!"

The rest of the group stared at him when the girl said that and then he was bombarded with questions. It was weird, almost as if they thought he really was Kieran. Pete came over, and when he said they should get a book so Kieran could sign it for them they headed off to Brian.

"Looks like you're popular, Kieran. Have you practised your signature?"

Kieran? Was he expected to sign as if he was Kieran? Paul wasn't even sure how to spell it and had to look at the website, and then felt quite strange when they returned and asked him to do just that.
When that was through an older man who'd been sitting at one of the computers for quite a while asked if the website was all his own work.

"Well um. ...Not the pictures and photos, and I had help designing some of the pages."

"Oh, you're talking about the content. No. I meant did you put it all together or did you get some professional help? It's very, very good."

Wow. Everyone at the house said the same thing but it was different coming from a stranger and Paul hesitated before he replied. Pete didn't.

"Paul's a proper Web designer and he did it all. He's done Web pages for other people too."

"I see. Well I'm curious about your animation work."

His questions were very technical and Paul realised he knew what he was talking about. Pete left when he didn't understand. After ten minutes of discussion the next surprise came.

"Well, young man, this website has caught my attention. I'm wondering if you'd be happy to make a presentation to a media group here at the College?"

Was this guy serious? He was, which was what made it unbelievable.

"Ah. ...I don't think so. I wouldn't know what to say."

At that moment Peter came over.

"Hello Greg. I see you've caught up with Paul. He's done wonders with the site hasn't he?"

"Yes. I was surprised at its quality, and his animations are quite unusual. I'm trying to persuade him to talk to our media students."

Peter rested a hand on Paul's shoulder.

"I'll talk him into it. It might be hard to find a time though, as he's overworked already. Look, I hope you'll excuse us, but there's someone I need him to meet."

Paul walked with Peter.

"Who is that guy, Peter? He knew all about websites."

"I hope he did. He's the professor in charge of Computer Education."

"A professor? ...Are you crazy? I'm not talking in front of a professor."

"Why not? You've already impressed him. ...Here we are. Phillip, I want you to meet the designer of your new website."

Phillip smiled and shook Paul's hand then turned back to Peter.

"I'm getting a website?"

"Of course. How can you have an art gallery without one?"

Paul recognized the friendliness between them but was surprised at Peter being pushy.

"And besides that, Phillip, you'll have to keep him happy if you want any commission on those pictures."

"I see. Well I suppose it's going to cost me?"

"An arm and a leg. But you'll have that worldwide presence we were talking about."

It was a put up. They must have agreed on all this beforehand, so Paul tried a comeback.

"I'm very busy, but I could manage a $1000 start-up fee and $100 a month maintenance."

"$100, are you sure that's enough? There would be major changes for each exhibition and Peter told me to expect an hourly rate of $50."

Paul almost laughed at the way his comeback had been topped, but held back just in time when he worked out that Phillip was serious. Peter took over.

"A monthly rate's not a good idea Paul. Phillip's looking for a Web site with a theme matching each of his exhibitions, so timewise it would be a rather large commitment trying to fit in all the changes. How many exhibitions did you have last year Phillip?"

"Fourteen in total."

"And what's your projected budget?"

"For the website? Peter, your taking away my negotiating advantage."

"My heart bleeds for you. Paul's never really negotiated before so I'm looking after him aren't I?"

Phillip laughed.

"Well, tentatively I'm looking at allowing $300-$400 for each exhibition, but since it's new to the gallery I'll have to watch closely to see if it's paying its way."

"Yes, that's a lot of money. Paul, what would you think of a $50 hourly rate but with a limit of $300 for each update?"

Paul agreed straight off. It sounded too good to be true and then a planning meeting was organised with Phillip for next Monday afternoon.

***

"What a day."

Paul cuddled next to Jeremy as they talked about the book launch.

"It was unreal. I didn't think it would be anything like that. It felt weird with everyone asking questions like I was some important author."

"Well you are. We sold forty-seven books today."

"Forty-three, Paul, four of them were donated."

"No, it was forty-seven without counting those."

"Still, it wasn't that good because the library bought ten. I don't know what they want them all for."

"The librarian wants to keep some of the posters on display and she said she's going to recommend the book to other librarians. Peter was really pleased and he's told Brian to print another hundred copies because there's only a hundred and ten left."

"A hundred and ten? Where did the rest go?"

"To all those science-fiction groups. I found fourteen of them on the Web when Peter told me to look."

"Hey, what are you going to do when you get the $1000 cheque?"

Paul's new job with the gallery website had been just one of the topics to stir about at the rather excited evening meal gathering.

"I'm giving it to the house."

The house was the term they all used for the account that paid the house loan and all the renovations. When it first opened everyone put in what they could so there'd be enough to cover the costs, but then Michael's parents, who were wealthy, made a huge gift which paid for the renovations. Now the account was used for projects like the printing machine for Brian's business and all the costs for Jeremy's book. Peter made the decisions but everyone knew he discussed everything with Andrew first. Jeremy gave a big hug of approval.

"I don't think he'll let you Paul. We haven't got enough money of our own."

"Yes we have. There's nearly $9,000 saved up between us and more comes in every week."

"I bet he still won't take it."

At first it turned out that Jeremy was right and Peter said Paul had worked so hard he deserved to keep every cent, but then after talking to Andrew he changed his mind as long as they understood it would all come back eventually.

"Hey Jer, is it going to take you long to finish the next Kieran story?"

"Yes, I can't do much now College has started because of study, so it won't be before next year. Why?"

"That girl who read today, and her friends, wanted to know and I couldn't answer."

"Your fan club?"

Pete had spread that story.

"Very funny. Yeah, they said they can't wait."

***

The next week was very eventful. On Friday the first order for a book came through the website, then three more on the weekend, and on Monday morning an order for two books came from a library at another College. On Monday afternoon Paul had his meeting with Phillip at the gallery and received a $500 prepayment and went home all excited and eager to get the project started. What made it even more unusual and interesting was that the first theme was the exhibition for the photos Peter had taken with Jeremy and William. There was one month to get ready. By Friday, four more Colleges and five individuals had put in orders, all including posters.

"What are you doing next Thursday evening, Jeremy?"

"Nothing. Just the usual. Training, swimming and studying."

"And you Paul?"

"Working on the Gallery website."

"I don't think so. I had an interesting phone call this afternoon."

Paul and Jeremy glanced at each other, wondering what Peter was going to say.

"The President of Melbourne SciFan asked us to give a talk and I accepted."

"SciFan?"

"The Melbourne Science Fiction and Fantasy group. They'd like you to talk to them. Sam will show his posters and Paul will be Kieran."

"Talk? You've got me into a talk?"

"The President really liked the book we sent him and says it would be the highlight of their meeting to hear from a new author. You'll enjoy it. They're all people who read the same kind of books you do. Tell them why you wrote your story and let them ask questions."

Jeremy nodded and Paul watched him get his thoughtful look.

***

The meeting was amazing, with over two hundred people from all over Melbourne. Jeremy talked of books he'd read that kindled his sense of wonder, told of the loneliness he'd felt and how he'd tried to express it in the story. Paul felt so proud of him and he spoke so well that when he finished all the people started clapping. The informal part went for ages with Sam's posters displayed around the hall so people didn't have to crowd in one spot to see them. Brian had laminated a whole set so they could be handled without getting wrecked. Peter was at a big table with the books and packets of posters and Paul was at a computer again, answering questions and signing a steady stream of `Kieran's. They'd had to take two cars so it wasn't till later, back at the house and sitting down for supper, that they heard Peter's report.

"Well, Jeremy, your talk really won them over. The President said it was their most interesting meeting for the year and all the rest of their members will hear about it through their newsletter. We'll have to do another print run because you sold 63 books tonight, 41 of them with a poster deal, plus another 54 posters and five complete sets."

Wow. Paul knew they'd signed quite a few books but he didn't think it was that many. Jeremy was looking amazed and Sam had a giant grin.

Peter grabbed a calculator to work it all out.

"$4140. Brian will be happy and your cheques will be in the mail at the end of the month."

They wouldn't really. Brian would pay them when William worked on the accounts, which was once a week.

"Five poster sets! Peter, that's amazing."

"They were bought by collectors. The President told me about them. They keep the sets in brand-new condition for years in case they increase their value. He said there are twelve people in the group who list themselves as collectors, so we might even get more orders."

There had been a big discussion with Peter and Brian about sharing the money. Sam agreed with Paul and Jeremy that they shouldn't get anything till after the costs for the materials and the book binder had been paid off, but as usual Peter didn't give them any choice, saying that they deserved it. It meant that Sam and Jeremy got a share from each book while Sam and Paul received a share from each poster. The house account took some and the rest went to the printing business. When Paul and Jeremy were in their room they worked out their own numbers.

"Paul, its $548 out of nowhere. I can hardly believe it."

It made Paul sit up and think too. So far he'd mostly looked on everything he'd done as excitement and fun, a big project helping Sam and doing something special for Jeremy, but this suddenly made it seem bigger than that.

"You'll be famous, Jer."

Jeremy gave a funny look then called him an idiot.

"Well Peter thinks so, especially after what that President guy said."

"So are you, giving a lecture at the College when you're only seventeen."

Typical Jeremy, changing the topic away from himself.

***

"Welding all day, Paul. Everything is bolted but I want it doubly secure."

This was Paul's second Friday of filling in while Jarrod was away for his theory work. It was very different to sitting at his computer for hours and he liked the change almost as much as he enjoyed working with Anthony.
The concrete slab for the house extension part of the renovations was all in place and the main steel girders for the double storey frame showed just how big the new section was going to be. Everyone was excited about it and looking forward to the changes with the new rooms and working areas. To Paul and Jeremy it would mean a move to the front bedroom with the en-suite, and Sam's current bedroom would become their study area and workshop for Jeremy's electronics projects.

"Will we get it all done today? I can give you a help tomorrow if you like."

"Tomorrow? No way! Peter would yell at me."

They grinned at each other. Peter wouldn't yell, though he was strong on the idea of keeping weekends free. Anthony was really acknowledging that Paul currently had too much on his plate. The work started and for the next four hours the grunt of the welders and the smell of the molten rods filled the air. At midday they met Brian and Sam in the kitchen. The four of them had the house to themselves while everyone else was at College and they usually shared the job of preparing food.

"Hey, Paul, Guess how many orders there were this morning?"

"Um.. Ten?... Fifteen?"

"Nope. Try thirty-six."

"Thirty-six? Wow, where are they from?"

"There was a bulk order from that sci-fi club in Sydney Peter was talking about, and one order from Perth. I think we'll have to do another print run next week."

Paul kept a close eye on the website but he'd missed this morning because of the early start with Anthony.

"Many posters?"

"Twenty-seven with the book plus two sets."

Sam looked pleased. Paul finished his chicken and cheese roll and started making another with pastrami, tomato and guacamole.

"What are you going to do when you finish the house renovations, Anthony?"

"We're not exactly sure. Peter's got some idea about us starting our own business but I don't see how that could happen. We'll probably contract out to one of the big building companies. There's plenty of work while this housing boom keeps going."

The food quickly disappeared and after chatting for a while the work started again. Jarrod arrived a bit after four and helped till they finished.

"Are we going for a run?"

"Sure, I'll see if Jeremy's coming with us."

Jeremy had swimming training for four afternoons so Paul and Jarrod mostly went for their run without him, but on Fridays he usually came along. Paul still loved his running, and though it was an effort, he could just manage to keep the lead. Jeremy was sitting at his computer but he left it as soon as Paul walked in, and a couple of minutes later the three of them were heading off wearing their running shorts and trainers. An hour later they were in the bathroom when Pete walked in.

"Hey, what are you doing, Jarrod? There's not enough room for three of you."

"It wasn't my idea. It was Paul's. He's randy again."

"He's randy? Well, let's see if we can fit four of us then."

Oh God. His clothes were coming off. The smiles turned to yells and laughter as four slippery bodies bumped, squeezed, and dodged the gropes and pokes while trying to get a turn under the stream of water.

"Jarrod, you're too sexy. How come you're wasting it on these two?"

There was a startled silence before Jarrod laughed.

"Eat your heart out, Pete. I suppose you want me to waste it on you?"

"You wouldn't be game."

"I wouldn't? You wouldn't. You wouldn't know what to do if you had it anyway."

Paul and Jeremy listened and grinned while the stirring went on. Pete gave him a wink while Jarrod was towelling his hair. So, Jarrod would be with Pete tonight, even if he didn't know it yet.

"Hey, let's eat out. I know a great Lebanese place."

"Lebanese? What do they eat?"

"I bet you like it.... Well.. If you're game to try that is."

They tried it and liked it, then went wandering along Chapel Street checking out all the guys who went past while Pete made up stories about them, talking as if he knew them.

"See those two? The one with the white T-shirt is Colin. He's a house-boy for two rich guys in Toorak and he's got matching gold rings in his nips. You can just see the outline if you look hard."

They couldn't help looking.

"What's a house boy?"

"You don't know? Colin will explain it."

Before any of them could react Pete was on his way over.

"He's crazy."

Paul was agreeing. The guy started talking back to Pete and then they both looked at Jarrod. The guy patted himself on his left pec then with a grin pointed further down the street. Jarrod went red as and Paul didn't blame him.

"Pete, you maniac. What did you say?"

"Nothing. Just that you thought he'd look good with a nip ring, and where could you get one?"

They didn't believe him, but then six or seven buildings along there was a piercing shop and they weren't sure. Pete wanted them to go inside but Jarrod wouldn't so instead they looked at some of the rings in the window while Pete said how sexy they were. Five minutes later Pete persuaded Jarrod to get a Brazilian wax, then told Jeremy he was a spoilsport for explaining what it was.

"Who's coming to Fairhaven with me?"

No one was, but it didn't take much persuasion to change that. Paul's intentions had been to spend two days getting most of the Gallery website finished but the temptation of a day at the surf was too strong. They decided to head home but then they passed a cinema complex and Pete decided he was going to shout everyone to a movie he wanted to see. He didn't have to be so generous, but no one argued. As soon as the lights went down there was an exclamation from Jarrod.

"What's wrong?"

"Pete's groping me."

So that was why Pete was so keen on seeing the movie. Paul had to laugh because he knew Jarrod was going to cop it till the show finished.

"Grope him back then."

"Not in here."

When Paul's eyes adjusted enough he could make out Pete's hand on Jarrod's thigh. Jarrod whispered that someone might see. He was mostly stirring but it was no surprise when he disappeared into Pete's room soon after they arrived home.

***

"Brian, look at this."

It was an order from England, the first from outside Australia and rather mysterious till they discovered that Melbourne SciFan shared an electronic version of its newsletter with similar groups around the world.

***

"It's for a specialty bookshop and they want fifty copies."

Paul and Brian were delightedly looking at the latest order. Fifty copies was the biggest single order to come through the Web site so far and would mean a busy time for the next few days.

***

"It's amazing, Peter. There were 63 orders last week and this week its 190. I won't have enough time to do everything if it keeps going like this."

Peter and Sam were listening to Brian's tally for the week and looking very pleased. Jeremy was looking astonished.

"That's wonderful. I think you should make the next run 500."

***

"You'll be even more famous Jeremy."

"I'm not famous, Jarrod, so I can't be more famous."

"Of course you can."

They were gathered at Phillip's art gallery for a final check that everything was ready for the opening of the exhibition and Paul was quite in awe of it all.

It was an everyday thing that Peter's photos were famous, and Jeremy had taken him to see the special fire pictures with Pete in them at the Melbourne National Gallery, but this was the first exhibition he'd put on since Paul came to the house, and seeing everything set up like this made it all real. There were fifteen photos in all, featuring Jeremy and William with the wild backgrounds that were a kind of trademark for Peter, and at three quarter life-size every single one of them grabbed your attention. Phillip called them classic Bonners. The website was all finished and would make its debut in two days time when the people came for Peter's first showing. Pete had all the information.

"You wait Jeremy. They'll ask all sorts of questions you can't answer and some of them will stare at you."

Two nights later and dressed to the nines, the whole household set off for the exhibition. Paul's eyes nearly fell out when Jarrod walked in wearing some of Sam's best clothes. He'd been complaining he didn't have the right kind of gear and Pete arranged it with Sam because he had the best dress sense. Paul got goosebumps from looking at him. The gallery was packed with people and the whole evening was the huge success that Phillip had predicted.
There was an official talk. Peter described the beauty of some of the settings, acknowledged William and Jeremy, and then the evening was another hour or so of people talking. Paul's favorite, a picture with Jeremy looking very Jeremy, had people gathered round it all the time and some of them were talking with Phillip.

"It's a standout, Paul, and they're making offers for it. One of the critics is comparing it to the photos at the museum so they all want it."

"Don't they have to wait till next Friday?"

"Not if their offer reaches the acceptance price."

"What's that mean?"

Sam explained that Peter and Phillip worked out a price for each photo that would be accepted on the spot.

"It's always a very high price and hardly ever gets taken. It's a risk for the artist though because they're giving up the option of getting any higher offers if the market decides it's a valuable work. Hey look, Phillip's just putting another green spot on the card."

Paul knew about that. Each green spot meant a new and higher offer had been made. He had to move to be able to see because someone was in the way.

"Sam, there's a whole row of green spots. It looks like seven or eight to me."

"Yes, we expected a lot of offers for that one. Go and see how many other pictures have green spots. I'll answer any questions about the website for you."

There hadn't been many so that wouldn't be hard. It only took a few minutes.

"Sam, there's only four that don't have a green spot, and five of them have more than one."

"Something's happening. That lady with Phillip is on the board of the National Gallery and he's looking very pleased."

He was too. Peter was beckoned and while he was talking Phillip quietly put a red spot on the card.

"Sheba! She's bought it. I wonder if it's for the National Gallery?"

The buzz of conversation died away then rebuilt to a high level with almost every eye in the gallery fixed on Peter and the lady.

"Wow. Do you know how much Sam? You said it was a lot."

"Yes, everyone will know now. It's $25,000. The offers will pour in for the others now."

***

"I can't believe it Paul. Money's coming from everywhere. What will we do with it all?"

Paul couldn't believe it either. The number of book orders was less than last week but there'd been three sets of posters and he'd received the second half of his payment for the gallery website. Most of it would go into the house fund. There was no doubt about that now after a talk with Andrew who'd told them Peter would be needing lots of money for a new project he was planning. Paul snuggled himself against Jeremy and shivered happily while fingers made pleasure trials over his chest and stomach. Thoughts of money disappeared while more immediate needs took over.

"Hey Jer. You don't even need money. We'd still be here if we didn't have any and you are famous. You're famous to me, and you're famous to Jarrod and you're famous to..."

Paul's mouth was covered by Jeremy's. That caused a smile because it was typical Jeremy stopping the praise, but to smile in the middle of a kiss was awkward so Paul felt a happy glow instead.

***

"You're right, Brian. I don't like you having to work on Saturdays but I can't think of a better plan. Make it three helpers instead of two because even with the new binding machine you'll still be flat out."

It was four weeks after Peter's exhibition and Paul's life had gone crazy. It was all because of the book which was becoming a monster.
For one week the orders dropped, but in the last two they'd flooded in, mostly from overseas now, and the total so far for this week was 290 even though it was only Wednesday. A couple of times everyone had joined in and helped with collating pages, which was the tedious and time-consuming part, but this morning's event had set the crisis going. Brian had been out organising morning tea, leaving Paul to watch a poster run, when the phone rang. It was the business phone so he answered quickly, expecting to talk to one of the catalogue clients. Instead it was someone wanting to talk about discount prices for the book. They'd never done that before so Paul said that if they could hold the manager would be back in a moment. Brian walked in with coffee and biscuits and quickly took over. He introduced himself then listened.

"No, I'm sorry. We don't have any leeway for discounts. The best we could do is waive the postage costs if you're based somewhere in Melbourne."

He listened again and Paul watched his eyes widen.

"I see. Yes, that would work. We'd provide a courier service but we'll have to do a special print run for that and I can't promise delivery in any thing less than a fortnight."

An extra print run for one order? Paul waited impatiently while Brian made notes and finished the phone conversation.

"Whooee! Guess how many Paul?"

He was grinning like the devil and making thumbs up signs with both hands.

"Um ...Two hundred?"

The thumbs jerked upwards.

"Four hundred?"

Brian grin got bigger as his thumbs urged for an even higher number. He must be kidding. The biggest single orders so far had been fifty.

"A thousand?"

The thumbs pointed downwards. The grin didn't.

"They want eight hundred copies and five hundred of the most popular posters."

Paul couldn't believe it. Not till Brian explained it was one of the chain bookstores with outlets all over the country. Jeremy was going to die of shock.

"Brian, how are we going to do that? We can hardly keep up with ordinary orders."

"We'll just have to get more help."

Peter's suggestion of three helpers instead of two was perfect. Paul worked out the times and numbers in his head and it totalled at nearly five hundred books for a long day's work. Brian's plan involved getting College students for a couple of hours each afternoon from four till six as well as the Saturday effort. There'd be no trouble finding them as according to Pete and Jeremy there were always stacks of students looking for part-time work. No more boring collating. It would be wonderful.

***

"Don't tell fibs, Sis, you did so think he was a hunk."

"No I didn't. ...Well, maybe."

It was good to see Sis smiling and happy, and Paul was stirring her about the last time they'd met here and she'd given Jarrod the eye. He was much more of a hunk now but she wouldn't say that with her boyfriend next to her. Well she probably would, as her own stir, but Arthur would just laugh. Arthur taught at the school where Andrew had found her a secretarial job, and now, six months later, they were sharing an apartment.

"Anyhow, why haven't you brought the hunk with you?"

Paul looked at Jeremy throwing a small piece of bread to the large black swan and three cygnets milling in the water.

"I have."

Sis's eyes lit up.

"Well, I meant the other one."

"He's working."

"On Sunday?"

"Yeah, he's a junior partner with Anthony now and they sometimes have to work overtime. They're getting two big concrete slabs poured tomorrow so they're making sure all the formwork is perfect."

Jarrod had really fallen on his feet in working with Anthony, and now that the house renovations were finished they'd started on their new project. Paul remembered their amazement at the house meeting when Peter and Andrew informed them that the house was providing them a big tradesman ute and trailer and financing them to build two up-market townhouses. The whole idea had been worked out with everyone else beforehand and was being paid for with all the proceeds coming from the book, the posters and Peter's Exhibition, as well as other funds that were sitting in the account.

"Has he got a girlfriend yet?"

Sis was always good with a comeback and this one was because she knew how things stood between Paul and Jeremy and Jarrod.

"Lots of them. Funny how all these bimbos fall for his good looks."

She gave him a whack on the arm and then a quick hug. Jeremy laughed and told her to whack him again, but harder.

"Sis, are you still thinking about buying a house next year?"

She gave him a funny look and glanced at Arthur who nodded.

"What will you do for your deposit?"

She stared and then started shaking her head.

"For a loan, Sis. But you wouldn't have to pay any interest and you could pay it back whenever you wanted too. You know we've got stacks of money and it would get you set up."

No one said anything for a long moment. Paul knew his Sis would find it hard to accept any money now, but he'd discussed it with Jeremy and they both agreed it was a good way to help her. Andrew said the same. He'd had quite a few talks with her before she went to the retreat and it was his suggestion that she'd probably accept a loan but not a gift. Arthur moved behind Sis, wrapped her in his arms and nudged his chin on to her shoulder. He whispered something softly then lifted his eyes.

"That would be wonderful Paul, but can we think about it for a while?"

Everyone grinned. He was going to talk her into it. Sis grinned too, then said it wasn't fair having three against one. Paul was surprised at her quick acceptance, then with sudden insight realised that she and Arthur had settled the whole issue with hardly a word spoken. Wow.

"Have a meal with us, Paul. We don't see you very much. And bring the two hunks with you."

Jeremy tossed a piece of crust at her. That ended up being planned for Tuesday week. With his maths course on Monday and Wednesday evenings and the training with Andrew and swimming on Thursdays, life was busy.

***

"No way! It's freezing!"

"It was your bet. Not ours."

"Can't we change it to something else?"

Jeremy and Jarrod looked at each other, grinned and shook their heads. They were loving this.

"You both want to perve on me."

That just got more nods and grins and prompted Jeremy to take out his camera.

"There won't be anything worth perving on once you've been in there, so think of another excuse."

Well, they weren't going to let him off and he couldn't argue with that because if the dratted bet had worked properly the shoe would be on the other foot. How was he going to do this? The water looked so crystal clear it had to be a disaster. Paul stepped to the edge, took a big breath and jumped. All or nothing was the only way. Liquid ice! So cold it was burning. He screeched at the top of his lungs as soon as his head was in the air, trod water for a couple of seconds then scrambled frantically to the edge. Forget the thirty seconds he was meant to stay in for. Jarrod was laughing his head off while Jeremy took photos. Paul lunged for his T-shirt and using it as a towel moved to a sunny patch.

"Okay, now you two have to go in."

"No we don't. We didn't lose the bet."

"Too bad. Well, I suppose you couldn't take it any way."

Jeremy caught on.

"We'll have to do it, Jarrod. We'll be hearing how weak we are for ever if we don't."

Jarrod argued, but not with any real heart and Paul watched them talk each other into it. The clothes came off then they stood on the cusp of action, testing the water and urging each other to go first. Jeremy led, and by the time he was entering the water Jarrod was making his leap. Shrieks, shouts and Paul's laughter filled the air then and Jarrod rushed to the edge. With his face distorted in an anguished grimace Jeremy rapidly trod water, took a big breath and went under. Oh no! That wasn't fair! He was staying in so he'd be able to say Paul was the weak one after all. He was insane. Paul thought of going back in, but with the sun so warm and the memory of cold so immediate, it was a brief thought. Jeremy surfaced, a hint of triumph in the smile that was fighting its way through the stronger expressions of cold, and made his own way to the edge. When the laughter and commentary on each other's performance, or lack of it according to Jeremy, was finished Paul took out his own digital camera.

"In you go again. I forgot to get photos."

He wasn't serious but he did get them to pose at the edge and then took several more shots with ferns, shrubs and a big rock as a background. They snacked on scroggin then relaxed and talked for half an hour. Jarrod was stirring because Paul had made them leave their clothes off. Paul said it was to keep Jarrod happy. Jeremy decided to call it the nude interlude.
It was ten months since Paul and Jeremy had first planned this Grampians trip and with all the things happening it had taken this long to find an opportunity. It was only three days but with Jarrod working so hard they were lucky for this long weekend.

Paul looked at his two companions. How had he come to have two companions like them. He often thought about it. How they'd come into his life and it had changed so much. Both of them so open and friendly yet at the same time so different, it was hard to figure how they could get on so well.
Jarrod would never look at things the way Jeremy did, though the old thoughts he used to have about being useless at anything were gone, disappeared completely as soon as he became Anthony's apprentice. His new confidence and happiness made Paul feel so good.
Jeremy was confident too, but in a different way. It didn't show out much. In fact it often looked like he was nervous or shy, but you would never shake him from being who he was and he was so clever he could do anything. He'd just laugh if you told him he was smart and say he was lucky or it was because he was interested in what he was doing, or he'd say that Michael and Andrew were the really clever ones. He'd laugh if you said he was famous too. He claimed that was all from Sam making the book special and Peter's marketing ideas which meant Brian now had a team of six helpers to keep up with all the orders.

"Hey Paul, where are you?"

"Um. ...Thinking about you and Jarrod."

Jeremy lifted a quizzical eyebrow and Jarrod had to know details.

"What if I hadn't met you? I'd still be a loser."

"Idiot!"

Jeremy and Jarrod said it together and they all burst into laughter at the synchronicity.

"Hug him Jeremy. He's in the mood."

"You too Jarrod. He wants us both."

The end.
***
And so, we leave the world of Paul, Jeremy, and Jarrod.