Cradling Part 1

Chapter 214

Cradling

Part 1

 

I had the boys pick what flavor of bubble bath they wanted and which skin softeners and soap. It was just me and them just the way they liked it. I told them only one cup, no more than that as I made up the thermos. Knowing they wanted me mostly, but I only had one penis, not 5 so they had to wait their turn or share it among them. They all wanted me to do the grooming and me alone. I was ok with that considering it wouldn’t take long being as they were small boys and the only one that had reached puberty enough to grow hair was Jared, but like me, we kept ourselves well groomed.

I was nearly done making the rounds as I bathed them and groomed them when Dad came in and joined us telling me everything turned out great and the potatoes were in the oven. I asked who was cooking the carrots looking at my watch he said. “Eli was, and Dotty was making sure he didn’t burn them.” I knew what he wanted which was me, and apparently Mr. Vincent as he climbed in as well. Stating that Bishop Earl took Mr. Larson and Mr. Randle down to see the doctor and get their hair trimmed. I was good with that as I linked with Eli asking him to stir the carrots and taste one telling him I wanted them crisp, but not mushy.

He linked back telling me he got this. I figured he did, it wouldn’t be the worst thing to have mushy carrots. I just wanted to make sure they were cooked to perfection. I got out of the tub and told them I would be right back looking at my watch knowing when they should be done. Dad gave me a heavy sigh because I didn’t trust anyone to follow my instructions without me supervising them every minute.

By the time I got there Dotty said. “See their perfect,” when she noticed me. The fact I was naked didn’t faze her or anyone. As she had Eli dumped the carrots into a strainer and put them in a pan. I had everything waiting for them with all my ingredients measured out.

Watching him mix them with the carrots tasting them as I snuck one finding it just a little hard, but I knew they would be fine and perfect as they finished cooking inside the oven under warm so they wouldn’t go cold. The cake too was already frosted and put into the fridge to finish firming up. I checked my meat using my meat thermometer turned down the temperature to hold them at that and not cook them anymore then I wanted and said to Dotty and Eli. “Leave them in the oven until I come back.”

He gave me a solute said. “Eye’ eye captain.”

I took off his waist robe and said. “For being a smart a*s,” asking Dotty if she wouldn’t mind turning off the potatoes at 5:30 so Eli can be punished.

She said rolling her eyes. “A husband got to do, what husband got to do.” She smacked his bare bottom telling him to get going before our girls show up and everyone else that was with them. The rest of my friends were already getting cleaned up, and there was nothing else for me to do until my meat has rested enough so it wouldn’t bleed all over the places as I remove the bones.

Eli followed me willingly and climbed into the tub. Dad asked. “So did we do good?”

I said. “You would make a fine prep cook, but a Chef I don’t think it’s in the cards.”

Dad laughed. “Me neither, I’d be a basket case in the kitchen. All I needed was one time and I knew the stress level is not for me. How you keep everything organized on a small time table, plus manage a team of workers at the same time is beyond me.” I leaned back letting Dad and Mr. Vincent share me as Eli makes his round with my three brothers and the two Vincent’s boys.

By the time we were done the girls found us we had just finished dressing the boys for dinner, as they asked Dad and Mr. Vincent if Eli and I obey their instruction. They nodded said to the letter. Rhoda said. “Good because apparently, they are in for a long night. They have been requested, to help Mr. and Mrs. Larson tonight for a quick demonstration of the cradling technique. That you use on your kids that help their kids trust them, regarding their shyness as a family and friends, and it could take all night.”

We told them that it wouldn’t be a problem since we will be teaching their daughters tonight on the fine points of massage, in regards of sharing themselves with other girls like us.

Dad said. “Sounds fun, but for now Eric has work to do or we will all starve.”

Jackie smiled Rhoda said. “So we have been told the moment we walked in the house smelling your guy’s food making our tummies grumble, but they're still not off the hook. We will continue where we left off on their punishment for making so deliriously horny after seeing their love letters that came back with the most beautiful roses we had ever seen.”

Dad said. “Well then, a wife is got do what wife got to do, heaven forbid if we stop you.”  They hurried into their rooms to get ready for tonight.”

The girls helped us dress like we were 5-year old stating we had permission again to wear clothes. We didn’t argue, we let them do it as we helped them playfully telling us we are so bad and slapped us on the butt telling us to get going as they put on their makeup. While the other boys in my room changed into some nicer clothes. Like a nice dress shirt and tie and a pair of slacks and warm socks.

I wasted no time putting on my apron and hung up my shirt and tie because I didn’t want to get grease stains from the meat on them. It was like cutting butter as I removed the bones and set the meat on several nice carving dishes and set them on the table with everything else, giving my team orders where to put things and how I wanted it.

Mom couldn’t resist in stealing a roll and quickly buttered it as she moaned how good they were and then stealing a piece of meat I had trimmed off the rib itself and then a carrot.  Dad asked her how she liked the rolls she said. “The best rolls in town.”

He said. “I am glad you like them, they were all done by me, mostly?”

She laughed “Yea right? The husband that can’t even make a simple box of Mac & cheese and burns soup out of a can.”

He looked hurt and I saved said. “It’s true Mom, he made all the rolls personally. Everyone here helped, I just supervised.”

She stole another roll and kissed me on the cheek said. “No need to cover for your Dad, we both know he is useless in the kitchen.” He gasped. “And for the rest of your “team” son, I highly doubt they could put such a fine quality restaurant meal together. Not for 10 people or even 50 in such short notice, and not without Dotty’s help.”

Dotty smiled said. “Oh, I wouldn’t say that, because when I arrived everything was already done and all that was left was getting everything cooked off. But not to worry Karen I supervised, but I didn’t have to lift a finger. They had it all under control. Yet we both know if your son Eric here wasn’t here. It truly would have been a disaster, but just in case I had a backup plan, which would have been a big pot of chili and cornbread if worst came to worst. Now it looks like we will be having it for lunch tomorrow instead.”

Mom's eyebrows rose as she looked at us and the table. She said. “Well, then I guess they are good for something, so, how long until we eat, I am starving?”

I said. “When everyone gets here.”

She said. “Excellent, now did you call your grandmother and your mother? They have been worried sick about you.”

I said rolling my eyes. “Yes, Mom.”

She said, “And how did it go with your grandmother, now that she knows everything?”

I said. “You know very well she had a nuclear meltdown.”

Mom patted my cheek. “She’ll get over it, she just showing you she loves you that’s all.” She helped me on with my shirt and tie and I let her button it up and tie my tie, even though I could have done it myself. She kissed me on my forehead and told everyone to take their seats counting heads the moment Stringum entered the door telling us it’s really coming down out there. Shaking the snow off his coat and kicking the snow off his boots as well as his wife Dr. Sars as she helped Arthur, who followed her around like a puppy.

He smiled when he saw me and said. “Did they tell you that Shawn’s coming home for Thanksgiving? He says he can’t wait to see you and thank you for all the nice things he has been through since you left the school.”

I said. “Sounds great, I am looking forward to it,” I mumbled. “Looking forward to kicking his teeth in.”

Mom said. “It's not done deal yet Arthur, it just looks promising, it depends on how he stays on his program and really wants to turn his life around.”

Arthur growled and spit in her face, “If not for mule boy or you stupid people he not sent away.”

Dr. Sars said. “Arthur apologizes or we are going to the island.”

Arthur eyes lit up and said. “No, not island, Arthur hates the island.”

She said. “Then apologize and sit down next to Stringum.”

He nodded. “I’m sorry,” and hurried away taking his seat as he looked down so he wouldn’t make eye contact and pouted.

Mom said. “Sorry, I wanted to wait until it was certain and had a chance to discuss it as a family, but he overheard our conversation. So far according to the dean there, he seems to be doing good in school and he has shown signs of improvement. He wrote each of us a letter apologizing to us for his behavior. Telling us that he really wants to come home and be part of our family, he wrote you a letter too. It’s in my room when you want to read it. Letters we have read so far seemed heartfelt.”

I knew it was just fake words, knowing that it was all lies; he was just putting on a show so he could come home, knowing he could get away with it here, and knowing Mom and Dad are easily fooled. Yet there was nothing I could do about it, other than tell them how I feel about it, but with no proof that he wasn’t doing anything wrong, meant it most likely will happen.  I linked with Jeff to ask him, but getting no answer or a feeling he was close by. I growled angrily inward realizing how much I really depend on him. Yet not everyone has a friend like Jeff to ask questions or get advice.

I took my seat next to Eli and my wife Rhoda and smiled as she rubbed me fondly and getting the reaction she wanted. I doubted that Shawn would even react when a girl rubs you in your special spot that said you belonged to her. Dad gave the prayer as we all took hands. It felt different being home, it felt different as he prayed from the heart and not using a mantra that is rehearsed over and over again. I wonder how my Catholic friends felt about being it and being surrounded by Mormons, yet they gave no indication that it bothered them.

Dad stood and tapping his glass with his butter knife. I could feel the blush rising on my cheeks and the goose-flesh of embarrassment as Dad toasts me for a fine meal and welcomes me home and the guests I had brought with me. I hated taking credit as I said I didn’t do it alone, Dad said. “True, but we couldn’t have done it without you either, making sure we didn’t burn the food or worst burn the house down?”

Every raised their glass to me said “Here, here” and I graciously thanked them so the spotlight wouldn’t be on me; hearing our other guest like the High Bishop Calen, Judge Grayson and Mr. and Mrs. Benson and their families asking Dad if it was true that I was really responsible for cooking this fine meal.

Dad smiled, at me said. “One of my sons' many talents as being a fine Chef… he is going to be very well known, that people will flock to his restaurant and pay through the nose just to eat there.” I blushed again as everyone filled their plates tasting all my hard work then moaning.

Mr. Benson said. “I’d pay 500 dollars a plate for this easily.”

High Bishop said. “I’d pay 1,000 dollars for this plate.”

Judge Grays said. “I’d pay 1,500 for this plate.”

The bidding kept going up. Stringum said taking several bites. “Let’s make it even 2 thousand.”

Dad said. “Let’s make it 5,000.” They all agreed to that price.

I thought they were making fun of me until Stringum said. “I bet we could make a nice profit if we held a fundraiser here for some kids in need for Christmas if we held some sort of fundraiser instead of the annual Halloween party I usually hold every year for the Garden Club. I bet if we convince young Eric here to be our Chef for that night and give him enough prep cooks that know their way around a kitchen. We can raise tens of thousands of dollars.”

Dad asked. “How many people are talking?”

Stringum said. “3 too 7 hundred at least.”

I paled gasping. Dad smiled rubbing his chin and looking at me said. “Easy as cake.”

Mom said saving me from disaster. “You got to be joking, 50 people yes but 700?”

Dad said. “Oh Karen, have a little faith in our son. He didn’t even blink an eyelash when we told him we wanted him to prepare a meal for 50 people of his closest friends and family. He whipped up a menu in 3 minutes and Walla we are eating it and he didn’t even break a sweat. How hard could it be, if he had a team of prep cooks that knew what they were doing? It would be like a test to see how capable he really is. Stringum… I bet if your Chef supervised him a little and turned him loose in a real kitchen he could be outstanding.”

Stringum said. “I agree, I’ll call him and see if he wouldn’t mind taking our boy and train him up a bit. Considering it would give him the experience, he would need in the real world. Not some basic test from a book, but practical experience. Food like this needs to be shared.”

Mom said. “You do realize that Eric isn’t Eric while he is here outside these walls?”

Stringum said. “Karen I realize that but who's going to know? He won’t be mingling with the guest as Eric, only ones that he has to work with are his kitchen staff, they are tight lip group, they protect one of their own, my Chef, Chef Philip says for them not to say anything, they won’t say one word, knowing if they did it could cost them their careers in the industry. Because he is one of the top Chef’s in the world and if he says the kids got the stuff he means it. He could interview for any job and one phone call and letter of recommendation from him. The job would be his for the taking.”

Stringum turned to me and said. “What do say, Chef, want to play in the big leagues?”

I swallowed hard a couple of times and said. “Why and the hell not?”

Mom gave a sigh and said. “Well, heaven forbid for me stopping you. I might as well get my money worth for all those cooking class in school. But only if Stringum makes damn sure not to put you in any more danger than we already are. Your grandmother and mother would kill me if one hair on your head is harmed in any way. I have already got my bell rung hard from your grandmother and your caseworker.”

Stringum said. “Sounds like we have a deal, if you live through it I’ll give you a big fat raise and a bonus. You can start tomorrow. I’ll have your Dad take you down to the construction crew and introduce you to Chef Philips. Dotty will help you with the ordering and the menu planning here at home so can be comfortable about working in the kitchen in all aspects.”

I cringed realizing that it meant going down in the basement. I said. “What about my bookkeeping?”

He said. “It’s time to learn how to trust your people to do their jobs when you’re not watching them. Remember being the boss means you let the people do their jobs, not you doing it for them.

“You have to have faith in your own team… that if you are not there overseeing every little detail, that job will get done, just as you had instructed them to do it. You’re an adult now, you have responsibilities just like we do, and you can’t be 16 forever. You’ll be 17 in three month’s time and 18 next year where the world will throw everything at you because you aren’t a little kid anymore. You have wife and husband to support, either as Eric T Rothwell or Nate Carrion. Its time you took your place in the world and show them that you can handle the responsibilities.

“When I was your age, I was running my own company and look at me now, I am a successful businessman, not only do I own that same company I have several companies. I have hundreds of employees making sure those companies are running smoothly without me being there. I float between them and balance it all…I have been doing it for over 50 years. I have faith in you kiddo we all do. Look around you and see how happy we are eating this fabulous food prepared by you.

“If your Ma and Pa were here they would so proud of the man you have become; knowing that they raised you right, something that your mother and your father can’t take credit for, and because of that your father hates knowing that, knowing you will never settle for hard work for low pay. He didn’t plan; he didn’t strive to be better. He lets his handicap get in the way, and takes out his failures on you and your brother Aaron and your mother. Who also has failed you as a parent, but is trying to make something of herself because of you, showing her that if she wants something she has to earn it the hard way, instead of relying on people to just give it too her.

“We both know how your sister feels about you and have been raised with the mentally you don’t have to earn it, just take it, and ask for more without earning it. They get that from your father and your mother. Thinking there is more where that came from. Thank god that you aren’t like them and was raised right. You may not see it as a blessing that you have been bounced around most of your life, but you should. Because all you have to do is look at them and look at you and see, that they are not the ones with goals, or know what real responsibility is.

“All they know is that you have something they want, but can’t have it. Not without earning it. Something they are not willing to do. I want you to have everything your heart desires and more. Not wasting time with people like them that have the dream, but no desire to go out and get it. Those kinds of people, all they see are the dollar signs. They don’t see the work it took to get it.

“The moment they have money in their hands its gone thinking there is more where that came from. Then the next thing they know, the bill comes do and they cry, boo hoo help me. Asking them what happened to that money you gave them that was supposed to support their family. Not use it as a spending spree. Distance yourself from them and don’t go down with a sinking ship. Cut your losses and move on. Now, who is in the mood for some of that cake?”