Day12 (Wednesday) part1
Jon’s phone silently vibrated under his pillow until it finally woke him up, he hit snooze and went back to sleep. The next time it went if he begrudgingly dragged himself out of bed and poured an espresso. He downed the espresso and poured another to make a latte. He put some porridge on the stove and he sipped his latte as he stirred the porridge and wondered how long he was asleep. It felt like they were fucking for hours last night and they probably didn’t start until 3:30. He estimated he got about one hours sleep. As the porridge started to gently bubble in the pan he chopped some bananas and poured another espresso while steaming some milk. He poured a perfect rosetta and started the process over again. The next rosetta was even prettier, he decided to give that one to Blake. He got back into bed and gently shook Blake until he woke up.
Blake: ugh. what time is it? did you even sleep?
Jon: I don’t know, It’s early, i just woke up, I made you a coffee.
Blake: you have it, I’m going back to sleep.
Jon: we have shit to do bro, take the coffee.
Jon shook Blake again and passed him the coffee. Blake sat up and took the coffee, sipping it without even looking at the rosetta Jon was so proud of. Jon got up and prepared the porridge topping it with blueberries and the bananas he chopped earlier. He was about to serve it to Blake in bed as Blake got up and stumbled towards the bathroom while scratching his ass.
Blake: how does coffee have the power to instantly make me need a shit? (From the bathroom) it doesn’t even make any sense, if it was something in the coffee then how does it work so fast, sometimes I don’t even have to take a sip, the smell or even the anticipation of coffee can do it.
Jon served Blake’s porridge at the breakfast bar and made him another coffee. When Blake returned from the bathroom he apologized for his shitty mood, Jon didn’t mind, they hardly slept last night, it was no big deal. After breakfast the 69d each other as they both had raging boners, then headed to the gym. Blake drove there so he could head home as soon as they were done. On the way Jon messaged Marcus to let him know the house was empty. They had the gym to themselves as it was still dark out, no one in their right mind was going to the gym this early. They worked out shirtless and took lots of pics for Tom. After a quick shower and a hug goodbye Blake drove off leaving Jon to walk back alone. Jon messaged Blake to tell him he was missing him already. Blake replied saying “me too”. Jon replied saying “don’t text and drive, I want you home in one piece”. Blake didn’t reply.
When jon got home the door was open, he went straight up to the loft to find teams of workers all preparing to start work. The old furniture and records were in the hallway and there was no sign of Marcus. Jon went back downstairs to find Marcus in the kitchen trying to figure out the espresso machine. Jon took the portafilter from him and made him a coffee. He handed Marcus his coffee and then made one for himself.
Jon: will we be able to get everything done before Blake gets back?
Marcus: I think so, it’s in a much better condition than I expected. Oh, those records, are they yours?
Jon: maybe, I asked Rob to speak to the previous owner to see if he wanted them.
Marcus: if they’re yours then you should speak to Mitch, he loves stuff like that, he likes old music and has a record player, I’m sure he would give you a good price for them.
Jon: Thanks, I’ll bare that in mind. So what’s the plan, I’m starting work at 2pm so let me know if I can help before then.
Marcus: I will let you know if I can think of anything but I probably won’t need you, today we’re knocking out holes for the balcony and skylights, painting the walls and tiling the bathroom and kitchen, adding new floors to match the rest of the house. The French doors and for the balcony windows are arriving soon. We should have them installed before you leave for work.
Jon: you’re amazing man, I don’t know how you do it.
Marcus: thank you.
Marcus went up to the loft to check on the workers, he made sure everyone knew what they were doing and returned to Jon.
Marcus: can we go and check out the coffee shop. I would love to see what Angelo has done with it.
They went downstairs and met with Angelo. Marcus greeted Angelo with his signature hug/kiss and proceeded to scrutinise the shop. Jon chatted to Angelo as Marcus examined every detail. After about 20 minutes he returned.
Marcus: not bad, not bad at all, almost as good as if I had done it myself. I must congratulate Rob for his excellent workmanship.
Angelo: thank you, that’s high praise coming from you.
Marcus: I have a few suggestions if you don’t mind?
Angelo: as long as they’re free I welcome them.
Marcus grabbed Angelo’s hand and dragged him around pointing out his various suggestions while Angelo took notes. Banging started from upstairs. Marcus looked up and nodded at Jon. He continued to drag Angelo around. Angelo seemed to genuinely appreciate his input and when they were done he thanked him. He invited Marcus to the grand opening and offered them coffees, Marcus declined the offer as he needed to get back to work. Jon stayed to talk to Angelo.
Jon: Have you checked Tom’s instagram.
Angelo: I have, I can’t believe how many likes his post got, I read a few of the comments and there are a lot of people saying they’re going to stop by on Friday.
Jon was a little surprised that Angelo didn’t mention the prominent bulge featured in the photos and the numerous comments about it. Either Angelo hadn’t noticed or he was okay with it.
Angelo: so what’s going on upstairs? I thought you guys were done already.
Jon: we were but I found a surprise in the loft, it was fully converted into a living space, Marcus is turning it into an apartment for us.
Angelo: how are you affording all this?
Jon: Marcus is just going to charge Mitch for it.
Angelo: who’s Mitch?
Jon: oh, sorry, I forgot that you hadn’t met him. Mitch is Tom’s husband. He paid for Marcus to do the kitchen and bathroom for us, as a kind of tip.
Angelo: wow, that’s a generous tip.
Jon: trust me, we earned it and he can afford it.
Angelo: okay, he must have a lot of money, I need friends like that.
Jon: I will try to introduce you to him some time, maybe if I ever get invited to one of his notorious parties I will ask him to invite you too. Anyway I have to go find out what’s going on upstairs, it sounds like they’re demolishing the place rather than fixing it up.
Jon left the coffee shop and had a look at the side of the building, there was a massive hole in the wall where the balcony would be and there were holes being made in the roof. A couple of workers were lowing bricks and tiles from the scaffolding into the skip positioned below. Jon headed up to the loft to find teams of workers painting, tiling and laying floors while Marcus walked around making phone calls. Jon went downs to the living room as a man peered through the front door. “I’ve got a delivery for a….Marcus?”
Jon: you’re at the right place, I’ll go get him.
Jon went back up to the loft and signalled to Marcus who was still on the phone. Marcus covered the mic and looked at Jon.
Jon: I think the windows have arrived.
Marcus pushed passed him and ran down the stairs. Jon followed him. When Jon caught up with him Marcus was already signing for the delivery and instructing the driver where he wanted it. Jon left him to it and returned to the coffee shop, he found Rob and asked him what Phil said about the records and the furniture. Rob told him that Phil had no space for the furniture and no longer had a record player so Jon could keep them. Jon asked Rob if Phil wanted to sell them, Rob told him that he mentioned they could be valuable but Phil wasn’t interested. Jon thanked Rob and went back to the living room. He messaged Mitch.
Jon: I have some old records I heard you might be interested in, can we meet up?
Mitch: do you know what records they are?
Jon: I haven’t looked, they’re old as hell though, they were in a sealed box in good condition I think.
Mitch: can you bring them to me, I’m kind of busy today.
Jon: sure, where do you want me to meet you?
Mitch sent Jon an address and Jon ordered an Uber. By the time Jon had got the box downstairs the Uber was outside waiting for him, he loaded the box into the car and got in. 10 minutes later he was standing in front of a fancy office building with the box in his arms. He walked into the reception and told them he was there to see Mitch. The receptionist looked Jon up and down.
Reception: name?
Jon gave the receptionist his name, the receptionist grabbed a phone and had a brief conversation, then direct Jon to the elevator.
Receptionist: all the way to the top floor, take a seat in the lobby and Mr Jacobson will be with you shortly.
Jon followed the instructions. The lobby was fancy, with amazing views of the city. He told the upstairs receptionist that he was there to meet Mr Jacobson and was told to take a seat. After about 10 minutes the receptionist got a call and directed Jon to Mitch’s office. Jon picked up his box and followed the receptionists directions.
Mitch: nice to see you again Jon. Sorry to keep you waiting.
Jon: no problem at all.
Mitch: how’s the kitchen and bathroom coming along, I was surprised to hear that Marcus is still working on it.
Jon: it’s looking great, thank you so much for everything, Marcus has been amazing.
Mitch: not at all, it’s the least I could do for you. Now, I don’t have much time, what have you got for me? Mitch shuffled some documents around and made space for Jon’s box on his desk. Jon placed the box on the desk and Mitch took a look inside.
He carefully retrieved a record from the box. He lightly dusted it off and took a look at the cover..
Mitch: very nice, the cover is in good condition, a great album.
He gently removed the vinyl from the cover and closely scrutinised the grooves.
Mitch: it looks to be in perfect condition.
He got up and placed the record into a player. After a brief crackle a familiar Rolling Stones song began to play.
Mitch: very good, this is worth a lot of money you know. Mint condition copies of this album are really hard to find.
He pulled the records out one at a time inspecting each one.
Mitch: are you selling them or did you just want my opinion?
Jon: actually I was going to offer them to you as a thank you gift for everything you have done to help Blake and I.
Mitch: thank you for the offer, but I couldn’t possibly let you do that. I think some of these records are worth thousands.
Jon: don’t worry about the value, do you want them or not?
Mitch: I do want them, very much so.
Jon: they’re yours then.
Mitch: thank you, I will get the collection valued and I will pay you whatever they’re worth.
Jon: no, you have done enough for us already. They’re a gift, from Blake and me.
Mitch was touched, when you’re as wealthy as he is most people only want to know what you can do for them and he had rarely ever been gifted anything, people always say “what do you give to the man who already has everything”, Jon barely knew him and his gift was both thoughtful and valuable.
Mitch: I couldn’t possibly take them.
A tear fell from his eye.
Jon: I insist.
Mitch got up and threw his arms around Jon, he held him tightly and thanked him again. The hug went on for ages, Jon was delighted to have made Mitch so happy.
When Mitch finally let go of Jon he wiped the tears from his eyes and poured two glasses of some very expensive looking whiskey, he passed one to Jon and flicked through the albums, he retrieved one and carefully switched the records. After a brief crackle the chi-lites - have you seen her began to play.
Mitch: I love this song.
They listened to the song as they sipped on the whiskey, Mitch’s eyes continued to water. After the song had finished Mitch apologised to Jon, he had a meeting to attend, he gave him another hug, a much quicker one this time, then he thanked him again, Jon told him that he was welcome, finished his whiskey and left the office.
Jon left feeling good about his meeting with Mitch. He had been feeling very uncomfortable with the whole situation, he didn’t like the idea of taking advantage of Mitch, regardless of how wealthy he was, it didn’t sit well with him. He messaged Blake to let him know what he had done, leaving out most of the details, just saying he found some records in the loft and gave them to Mitch. He told Blake that they were very valuable and that Mitch was tearing up. Blake was equally happy to know that they had done something nice for Mitch to make up for all the freebies they had received in his name. Jon booked an Uber to take him home, while waiting he got a message from Tom.
Tom: whatever you just did, thank you. Mitch is so happy and he couldn’t even say why, he just kept saying Jon.
Jon: oh, I just gave him a gift is all, it was nothing.
Tom: Mitch is a very hard person to find gifts for, what did you give him?
Jon: just a dusty old box of records I found in the loft in my house.
Tom: well thank you, I can’t remember the last time I saw him so happy.
Jon: you both have done so much for us, it’s the least we can do.
Tom: why have you not sent me more pictures, the gym shots were great but I need more.
Jon: I don’t think I will be able to send too many today, I start work soon and Blake is driving to his parents house, he’s going to be there until Friday.
Tom: ok that’s fine, please let me know in future, I would have spaced out the gym photos if I knew that was all I was getting. Take as many as you can at work and make sure Blake sends me some too.
Jon: will do.
Jon’s Uber arrived and he got in. He realised he probably should have taken some selfies in the upstairs lobby with views of the city behind him, it was too late now. When he arrived home he could see the French doors and the skylights had been installed already. He went straight up to the loft. Marcus was polishing the old bits of furniture in the hallway.
Marcus: these are nice. What are you planning on doing with them?
Jon: I hadn’t really thought about it, do you want them?
Marcus: I might, how much do you want for them?
Jon: you can have them as a thank you gift if you like them.
Marcus: really? You would do that?
Jon: the transformation you have made in this house is amazing, I know it’s your job and it’s what you do, but I really appreciate it, if you like them then you’re welcome to them.
Marcus hugged Jon and thanked him.
Marcus: did you sell the records to Mitch?
Jon: no, I gave them to him, he really liked them.
Marcus: I’m sure he did.
Jon: how is everything going? Upstairs?
Marcus: very good, everything is going according to the schedule. It looks a bit messy right now as we had to have some of the furniture and the hot tub delivered before we installed the French doors, there’s no way we could have got them in here any other way.
Jon: do you mind if I take a look.
Marcus: come on, I’ll show you around.
Marcus lead Jon upstairs.
Marcus: so, the wet room floor is installed over there, the hot tub will go there, the kitchen is pretty much done, we had to have the counter delivered before we installed the French doors. Your bed had to come in that way too. Those guys are working on the study area, they’re working on your cocktail bar, all the plumbing and electrics are done, I realised there was no heating in here so a called in a few favours and got you a couple of wall mounted ac units put in. Those are your new sofas, and your new tv, what else? Oh I decided to put a gym over there, just a bench and some weights.
Jon: wow, this place looks amazing already. Thank you so much.
Marcus: I’m just glad you had this wonderful idea, this is only what you deserve. You and Blake need somewhere special to call home, not just one of the bedrooms downstairs.
Jon: honestly all we wanted was a room to share, we just wanted to be together, this is so much more than we ever imagined. You really are amazing Marcus.
Marcus: stop it darling, you’re fabulous and you must have fabulous surroundings.
Jon offered Marcus a coffee, Marcus accepted and pointed to the cocktail bar. The coffee machine had been set up nicely for him already. Jon made a coffee for himself and for Marcus and they took a seat on the new sofa. They chatted while they drank the coffee. Jon asked if he could go on the balcony yet, Marcus told him it was safe and he joined him out there. He had set up a couple of chairs and a nice table. They had a great view of the street, it was exactly what Jon had imagined. Jon finished his coffee sitting on the balcony looking out over the street. It was almost 2pm so Jon grabbed his work shorts and rushed off to work.