What brings us together - Part 1 - 5. Chapter 5

Jordan looked at his ringing phone and recognized his mother’s ID. “Hi mum. How are you?”

“Hello darling. I’m fine except for those aches and pains I have to take my medication for but thank you for asking.” She was taking far less medication than ninety percent of her age cohort but liked to suggest that people should be kind to her. She continued, “Is Cameron with you?”

Jordan put the call on speaker, “Yes Mum. He still lives here with me and he’s right next to me. I’ve put the phone on speaker.”

“Hi mum.” It had been made very clear to Cameron that he was to call her mum.

“Ah, Cameron darling. I’m thinking of having a small lunch on Sunday and would like you and Jordan to join us.” To Cameron’s amusement, Jordan rolled his eyes as she continued, “I have some things I want to discuss with you about our renovations.”

Cameron was happy that his suggestions were being considered. “Of course, I’ll be delighted to discuss them with you. We’ll see you on Sunday. Should we bring anything?”

“So sweet of you to offer Cameron, but we’ll have it all under control. I’ll expect you both at twelve. Goodbye.”

“Goodbye mum.” They responded in unison as the call ended.

Jordan nudged Cameron’s shoulder. “You are so good at buttering mum up. No wonder she loves you.”

“It’s just that I’m a very lovable guy.”

“I don’t need convincing. Have I told you that I love you?”

“Just as often as I tell you that I love you.”

They rewarded each other with a kiss.

On Sunday morning they arrived five minutes before twelve and walked into the kitchen. Cameron dropped the small bag he was carrying on a chair as they walked up behind “mum” and simultaneously kissed her cheeks. She turned and gave each of them a kiss on the cheek. “Thanks for coming boys, dad’s fixing drinks and lunch will be ready soon.”

Jordan looked around, “Are the others late?”

“No dear, It’s just us.” Jordan flinched. It had been a long time since he had been invited to lunch without at least his sister and her family being invited.

Adrian added, “It’s just the four of us so I thought we’d just have wine. Red or white?” They both indicated white wine and Adrian poured each of them a glass. They stayed in the kitchen and chatted while mum gently sauteed the Tasmanian salmon fillets.

When the salmon fillets were ready she arranged them neatly on a platter. “Cameron would you be a darling and take this into the dining room while I bring out the side dishes.”

Jordan moved quickly to offer his help, “Mum what else needs to be taken out?”

“Oh thank you dear. There are scalloped potatoes in the oven. You bring those and I’ll bring the salad.”

Over lunch the discussion was light and flowed easily although mum was directing more of the conversation towards Cameron than Jordan thought necessary. But, then Cameron was more than coping and Jordan was smiling at the friendly interaction between his lover and his mother until, “Cameron, what are you and Jordan planning to do together.”

Jordan, Cameron and Adrian all had similar thoughts, but Cameron managed to say, “You mean like a weekend activity or a holiday. That sort of thing.”

Vanessa had gleaned the interpretation the men in her life had inferred but despite her internal smile had no intention of giving them the satisfaction of letting them know. “What else do you think I would have meant?” The men smiled.

“One thing depends on me having enough leave. We’re planning on spending a week in Stingray Heads.”

It only took a moment for that to register with Jordan’s parents and that moment was enough for Jordan to observe and decipher the look that passed between them. Cameron did not.

“When we were driving back from Brisbane, Cam saw the sign and wanted to call in there for a break from driving. Once there, he loved what he saw and wants to spend some more time there. I’ve agreed that we’ll do it when we have the chance.”

Jordan’s parents’ concern was such that Vanessa, ever the discrete hostess, returned to asking Cameron if he would like anything more to eat before dessert was served, along with inquiring when Cameron’s parents were planning to visit Sydney.

After lunch the dishes were quickly cleared away and the dishwasher loaded. Vanessa took Cameron by the arm, “Now son, about these renovations. I’ve been thinking about your ideas and I’ve a couple of suggestions to make before we decide what to do.”

Jordan watched as they walked off. He knew his mother’s ploys off pat. She liked Cameron’s concept but wanted to make some inconsequential suggestions so she could claim a stake in the design. Otherwise, he was delighted that his mother and Cameron were bonding.

His thoughts were interrupted by Adrian. “While your lover is encouraging your mother to spend my money, I need your help to move some furniture.”

“Oh, come on dad. You like his renovation ideas as much as mum does.”

“And that’s a big part of the problem. The others were easy to dismiss. No so with Cameron’s ideas.”

“So you like what he’s suggesting you do and you can afford it. What’s the problem?”

“I don’t want you mother to know that. I want her to have to convince me.”

“I think that ship sailed long ago.”

Adrian shrugged, “You’re probably right, but what’s this about you and Cameron going to Stingray Heads?”

“Like I said, when we called in there on the way back from Brisbane, he fell for the place and wants to spend a week there. Dad, I’m totally in love with him. So, I’ve agreed we’ll go the first chance we have.

“So, do you really want to go there?”

“I’ve thought about it and yes I think I should, and anyway how can I refuse without . . . . well you know?”

“Yes I know, and agree that you should go. And, I hope it works out, but you know to call us if it doesn’t. Anyway, come on, this furniture won’t move itself.”

Driving home Jordan placed his hand on Cameron’s thigh, “Mum seemed very happy, so I assume she’s going with your planed renovations.”

“Basically, yes. She wanted a couple of things changed slightly, which is easy, and questioned me on some of my ideas. It’s not a big job, and I’m sure she’ll like it. Now I just have to complete the drawings.”

“She does like you.”

“I’ll agree about that if she’s still talking to me after the renovations.”

They were stopped at lights so Jordan looked across to discover Cameron was smiling. He wasn’t worried.

“I’ll need to find some builders who do quality work for the job. I don’t have contacts down here yet. I’ll ask at work during the week.”

The lights changed and they were on their way again. Jordan moved his hand from Cameron’s thigh to the wheel. Cameron placed his hand on Jordan’s thigh. “I like it when we’re touching.”

A meaningful smile spread across Jordan’s face. “I’m thinking of a lot more touching when we’re home.”

“Hmm. I’m going to make sure we do just that.”

It was Tuesday morning at work when Cameron knocked lightly on his boss, David’s, door and was immediately waved in. “How can I help you, Cameron?”

“I’m doing some house renovations for Jordan’s parents and need a quality builder. Would you be able to recommend anyone.”

“So, you’re still with Jordan?” The question carried a hint of surprise, which was not missed by Cameron. “How’s it going?”

“Yes, Jordan and I are still living together. It’s going wonderfully.”

“I’m pleased to hear that. You and Jordan are both great guys and you deserve each other. I just hope that Jordan recognizes it. He’s had problems finding someone and settling down.”

“We both want to continue to be together in a loving relationship.”

“That’s perfect. Now tell me about this renovation so I’ve got an idea of the type of builder you need.”

Cameron retrieved his laptop and showed David the plans and what building work was needed. David recommended two builders for Cameron to contact and discuss availability.

“I understand you did all this outside of the office. Are you planning to charge for your services?”

“No. I was treating it as just doing it for the family.”

David was watching Cameron. Cameron saw himself as a member of Jordan’s family or more accurately he saw himself as an established part of the family.

“I thought as much. Can you do me a favour? When work starts can put one of our signs outside with the builder’s sign. Doesn’t hurt to let the community know we’re the architects”

“Sure, I’d like to do that.”

Thursday morning they finished eating breakfast and were clearing up. “Jords would I be able to borrow your car today and tomorrow. I’ve arranged to meet the two builders at mum’s place so they can see what they’re quoting on. One today and one tomorrow.”

“You’re doing this in work time?”

“Yes. Apparently, David knows Adrian and thinks he’ll get brownie points if he lets me do some of the renovation work in office time.”

“Yeah, they do know each other. They are on a company board together and members of the same expensive club. And there’s also the golf club. They play together.” Jordan glanced at Cameron, “And you can stop smirking. Their play might include their balls but it’s still only a round of golf.” Jordan was also having fun as he kissed Cameron.

He handed Cameron the car remote and a set of keys. “Here, you can drive us to work, and those keys will let you into the house if mum’s not there.”

Jordan’s mother, Vanessa, was present for the inspection and briefing for each of the builders. On Friday afternoon, after the second builder had left Vanessa took hold of Cameron’s hand and walked him into the living area. “Now Cameron, I think we should sit and have a drink.”

“I’d really like that Mum, but Jords will be waiting for me.”

“Nonsense! He’s waited years for you to come into his life. Now you have, it won’t hurt him to wait a bit longer today. I’ve a nice white wine in the fridge. I’ll pour two glasses.”

Cameron had liked Vanessa from the first family gathering he attended. She was nothing like the image that Jordan had portrayed, even though some showed through like now. Cameron wasn’t being asked to stay. It was assumed he would stay because that is what she wanted.

“I’ll just let Jords know I’ll be delayed picking him up.” He opened his phone and called Jordan who answered immediately.”

“Hi Cam, I know you’re still with Mum. My car’s got tracking. Dad’s driving us there now. He suggested we all go out for dinner.”

“I like that idea. See you when you get here. Bye.”

“What idea’s that.” Vanessa asked as she returned with two glasses of Chardonnay.

“They’re both on their way here now and suggested we all go out for dinner.”

“Sometimes that husband of mine has the best ideas. Now Cameron, I’ve been very impressed with how thorough you were in detailing what the builders would be doing. I did follow to make sure you didn’t leave anything out, but you didn’t. In fact you included things I hadn’t thought about.”

“Mum, it’s my job. This isn’t my first rodeo, and I want the renovation to be perfect for you.”

She gave him a hug. “Thank you, Cameron. You are such a lovely and talented young man. You really are what Jordan now needs in his life. Someone grounded and stable. Please promise me that you’ll love him and take care of him.”

“That’s an easy promise to keep. Of course I will.”

“I have no doubt that when the time comes you will.” They looked and understood each other, even if Cameron was a little unsure what ‘when the time comes’ meant. They clinked glasses with a “to Jordan” gesture and the conversation became general.

It wasn’t long before Jordan and Adrian walked into the house. Each couple hugged and kissed. Soon they were in the Mosman Club and ordering their meals in The Fernery dining room.

A week later was the Thursday of the monthly board meeting and the four board members entered the bar. It was Phillip’s turn to buy first, and he walked straight to the bar to buy ‘the usual’ round of drinks.

As they sat in their chairs around a table Geraldine asked, “Is Cameron joining you here this afternoon?”

“Yes as a matter of fact he is. We’ve fallen into the habit of driving to work and home again together.”

Geraldine smiled happily. She suspected that would be the answer because of her own observations and some other intelligence gathering.

“Excellent. I’ll enjoy catching up with him again. How’s everything going?”

Before Jordan could answer, Phillip returned with the four drinks and placed them on the table. The momentum changed and the conversation turned first to a difficult board member and then to everyone’s family life. This included Jordan proudly telling them that he and Cameron were loving living together.

It was Geraldine’s turn to shout when she saw Cameron enter the bar. She waited until he reached their table and took his order before walking to the bar. When she returned the conversation was still about Jordan and Cameron living together. Everyone was positive and when the drinks arrived there was a toast to Cameron and Jordan.

The conversation turned to topics of current interest and continued until they finished their drinks and the other two board members indicted they were leaving to return to their families. Geraldine stayed stating she wanted a word with Cameron. As they had finished their drinks, Cameron offered to buy another round. Geraldine accepted saying she was catching a taxi home. Cameron’s eyes sparkled as he looked at Jordan. “You can have another. I’ve only had one drink so far so I’ll still be able to drive home.”

“In that case Cameron I’ll get the drinks while Geraldine starts having a word with you.”

Geraldine enjoyed the loving care and play between the two boys, but she really did have something to discuss with Cameron and started, “Cameron, do you mind if we talk shop for a moment?”

Cameron understood and gently asked “Are you after some architectural advice?”

Geraldine smiled, “As a matter of fact yes. What do you know about renovations and extensions?”

Two weeks later Cameron was having a coffee break with a couple of colleagues when David stepped in for a coffee. He greeted everyone and asked Cameron how he was settling into the job and to living in Sydney.

“To be honest David working here is even better than I expected and the help I’m getting is amazing. As for Sydney, I’m with Jordan and that’s all that matters.” Cameron was open about being gay and being in love with Jordan, so everyone knew about their relationship. Cameron continued, “David I need to talk to you about some renovations for Geraldine Smythe.”

He didn’t get a chance to finish before Jackson sitting next to him laughed and David smiled condescendingly before shaking his head and commenting, “Cam, that renovation has been to so many architects and none have got past first base with something they like. My advice is just leave it alone.”

Jackson added, “You’re new in town Cam. You weren’t to know but David’s right.”

“But” Cameron responded, “They liked my suggestions and rough plans. Now they want detailed plans and costings.”

Jackson mumbled, “I don’t believe it,” while David looked at Cameron as if making sure he had heard correctly.

“Cam, can I see the plans you have?”

“Sure, they’re on my laptop. I’m worried because what they want is going to be expensive.”

An element of surprise flickered across David’s face. “You really don’t know who the Smythe’s are, do you?” It was a rhetorical question because he kept talking. “I suppose you would have to have some knowledge of Sydney society to know that they are part of the Sydney society that counts. They are not the celebrities. They don’t need publicity. They have made their own money, and they also have what you could call family or old money going back generations.”

Cameron was trying to fit this into his concerns.

“Cameron, what I’m trying to let you understand is that if the Smythe’s want something they can afford to pay for it. They won’t be ripped off but will pay for what they want.”

“You mean I shouldn’t go cheap on things like fittings and finishing to keep the cost down.”

“Exactly, but I would add make it quality all the way. I still want to look at those plans.”

While David was looking at the plans Cameron was explaining why it needed the resources of the firm. “It’s a very big job and will need a project manager as well as all the tradies.”

“I agree Cameron, and I like what you are doing here.”

“It’s not just me David, they have driven what they want.”

“Maybe. Just remember you helped them put what they wanted from the house into these changes. Cameron this contract will be important for us. The Smythe’s contacts will probably bring us more work. Now work on detailed plans and we’ll help with the costings and I look forward to us signing a contract. There’s a bonus in this for you Cameron.”

“Can I swap the bonus for a week’s leave so Jordan and I can have a holiday together?”

“Will this be a honeymoon?”

Cameron laughed, “No we aren’t discussing marriage at this stage. It’s just we’d like to spend some time together at Stingray Heads.”

David raised an eyebrow and looked at Cameron making sure he had heard correctly.

“Jordan has agreed with you both going to Stingray Heads?”

“Yes, as soon as we have some leave.”

“Cameron, as soon as we have the contract signed, you have your week’s leave.”