My Bijou! A Maylor Love Story

You make me feel..like a millionaire..Part 4

A/N - Fucking finally! A new chapter!  My motto this week?  'Keep Yourself Alive!'   Cough....cough....ugh!

23rd July 1976

Surrey England

Brian's POV

"Why is a tent being erected in my garden Fred?"  I demanded to know as I folded my arms in front of my chest to show I am serious. "And why are all these men milling about?"  I looked around at the variety of men setting up outdoor lawn chairs, tables, sound equipment and what is clearly a bar area.  Roger continued smoking his cigarette and watched my interrogation with a smirk on his face.

"It's your birthday party dear....well...yours and Roger's...and this is my present to you both....a proper soiree!"  Freddie elucidated to me with a dramatic flair of his hand.  I wasn't quite satisfied with his generalized response regarding the disruption to my home.

"You said you wanted to arrange for some food and cake Fred...I can understand a few folding tables and chairs....but why do we need a tent and all this?"  I waived my own arm about displaying to Freddie exactly what I wanted an answer for.  Freddie followed the direction of my  hand and then had to move a few steps closer to me as a laborer came through pushing a large catering cart.  Freddie walked over and placed his arm around my waist and attempted to lead me back inside the house.   He began walking me forward and patted my arm as I gave in and moved.  I noticed him glance back at Roger looking for some support.

"I honestly don't have time to get in a lengthy discussion about all the semantics of today's party with you right now....how about you go back inside and get a shower and shave and something to eat?  A nice cup of tea perhaps?  I'll come find you when we're done and we can talk then....alright?"  Freddie's speech to me felt reminiscent of a mother trying to dismiss a young child.  I was slightly insulted and readied my marked response but Roger came up behind him and replaced Freddie at my side.  Freddie slipped away like a stealth feline and Roger pressed his hand into my waist as he led me back towards the stairs.

"C'mon...it's Freddie Bri!  You know how he is....don't fight it.....just go with it..."  was Roger's sage advice.  I then realized an argument with Freddie about the scale of his party planning at this point was moot.  The delivery men and all their trappings are already here. I let out a defeated sigh as Roger started me up the staircase.  I turned to look at Roger who had slipped his arm from my waist but he turned me back around and then used his hands to pat my bottom.  "Up you go! See you in a bit...."  Roger coaxed me.  I couldn't help but smile at him and obey and went to get cleaned up and would then go find some food.  As I reached the landing I saw Roger grinning with victory as he winked at me and began to whistle a song as he took off back outside.  I guess some things aren't worth arguing about.

One hour later

In the melee of departing service people and arriving guests, I actually forgot my parents are coming.  I only remembered because of a phone call they made from the nearby village to confirm they were in the right area.  I swiftly headed outside to wait for them as I mingled with Roger, Deacy, Veronica, Freddie and Mary. David Minns is absent due to business commitments in the United States.  I guess that keeps things simple for Freddie at the moment.  Deacy had brought their son but he was inside napping right now in the cool quiet of the upstairs nursery.  Winnie was tending to Tiger Lily for us.  I listened for the car and soon heard one coming up the drive.  I am excited but feeling a bit nervous.  My father had received a bonus at work for their finished project on the new Concorde airplane.  I had convinced him to get himself and my mother a car.  They deserved one and could enjoy more outings in their free time as a result.  One great benefit was the ease to come see us in Surrey.