Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2015 12:06:47 +1000
From: maxwell dowling <maxieplus@hotmail.com>
Subject: Never Give Up 50 (Revised)

50 Never Give Up


We managed an hour to ourselves during the day and made love on the lounge
room floor, only because my shorts accidentally fell down in the kitchen
while I was toasting a sandwich. Dan was nearby to help me out of them.

I had organized Karen and Will to meet Rory and I at the farm on Saturday.,
The team was playing Sunday, this week, so we couldn't stay the night but
could stay for dinner.

Mum looked good and Rob was his quiet self, Mike hugged me and kissed my
cheek and he held Dan a little longer than usual. Luke's illness really
threw him but he's nearly back to normal.

The boys, Peter and Barry, finally had got away for a few days and went to
the Gold Coast to do the fun parks; something they regularly tried to do
with Rory and Bobby.

Will and Karen arrived and we talked around mum's kitchen table.

They had been to see the legal guys and got that sorted. Will had decided
to call his label Willz.

I like it.

That all sorted, we spoke at length about Armani's designs and he passed me
back a very thick folder with the details attached. This kid was good.

His Nan would handle any business involving money until he was eighteen,
but he had the last word. We handed him another fifteen drawings and said
he should add them to his personal range then add the accessories to it
when he's more cashed up.

"Let's start easy," I said.

"This will be your part of the rent, we will start with three stores
initially or you can open you own store if you want, you have options."

"Can I just go with your first suggestion, this is really out of my league
Cody."

"Sure you can, we will look after your staff and your accountant will look
after your money, your nan will make sure everything is on the up and up."

He let out a big breath.

"All you have to do is design more stunning items and count your money
Will, it's easy," Rory giggled.

"Now Karen, he will initially have quite a bit of money in the
account. Enough for you to pay your mortgage off and if Will and you agree,
he can move down with us and go to the local high school until he can get
into a trade school or arts course. It's a great school, Dan and Cody's son
and our adopted nephew Donny go there. It's a very progressive school and
bullying isn't tolerated under any circumstances. Will can live with Bobby
and me on the beach, Cody and Dan live next door and Donny and his dad live
the other side. We won't charge rent because he's going to keep his room
tidy." Rory smiled at Will whose face had lit up and his tears started. Mum
came over and put her arms around his shoulders; she rocked him and kissed
his head.

He held her hand along with his Nan's.

"Can I Nan? Can I go live with Rory till the end of the year? I will be
good and come home on the weekends," he pleaded.

"He will be protected at your place Rory and at school?"

"Oh yes Karen, more than that, he will find friends there that will treat
him very well. Two boys who live next door are dying to meet this child
genius," Rory answered.

"He will be walking down the beach to and from school with them everyday
except Friday when Donny drives them there. Nothing is going to happen to
him, I promise you that," I said.

"He means it too, Karen, and I've still got a shotgun if there's any
trouble," mum laughed.

"I love this woman," I said as I jumped up and hugged her.



"Karen, I need to talk to you privately when we finish, there's something
you need to know about us," I said.

"No, you don't have to put any labels on anything Cody Mitchell, I trust
you both to look out for Will and that's all I need to know for now. If
you're going out clubbing anytime soon please, please take me, I miss my
fag hag days."

Mum and Karen slapped hands.

"I'm with you Karen," mum said giggling.

She shocked us but boy was she ever welcome to our little family. I hugged
her and said,

"We don't club but we do have some great beach parties and if you're really
good, I might invite you down to watch the Brisbane Bombers, train on our
beach, on Sundays.

Will's eyes lit up.

"You can sit and watch too Will and maybe Mel would like to come for a
look," Rory said.

"Truly?" he said his voice breaking into a deep tone.

"Of course she can come visit, there's plenty of room," Rory smiled. We
collected bank account numbers and I promised his cheque would be in the
bank by the end of the week.

Lunch was an easy barbecue then we said our goodbyes to them. I would get
his transfer to Tim's school started on Monday and by the following weekend
he will move into Rory's, god help him.



You all know there's a `no sex before the game' rule but don't tell anyone
we don't adhere to it ever, never did, never will. So Dan and I decided to
go for a walk when we got home. We went via the tea trees and,
unfortunately, I got stuck in the fork of a tree. While Dan tried to pull
me out, he had unconsciously pulled my pants down; well he couldn't resist
the inviting bubble butt. Sorry coach whoops.

"That was nice tonight Codes, I liked it a lot."

"Did you Dan? Well we must do it again soon," I replied.

"How's your speech writing coming along Dan?"

"What speech writing?"

"For your tour Dan,don't you have to write something?"

"Do I Squirt?"

"Yes Dan, you have to be fully prepared."

"Well, when you write it Codes, I'll memorize it, okay?"

"Okay baby, just sit back and enjoy the ride, Codes has it sorted," I
giggled to myself. He's not as dumb as you think he is, there's no way he
hadn't thought out what this will mean to him. I just hope he doesn't get
too involved with the subject matter, it affects his mental state.

"Codes, I was thinking the three of us would just talk about self esteem
and standing up for yourself. Bullies are usually just scared little people
with many problems of their own, either at school or at home."

"That's a great start Dan, maybe April can help you."

"Yeah Codes, I've got Tom onto it, then all three of us can talk about how
we need to do this. My manager can talk to the education department and we
probably can start next month."

"You'll be away a lot Dan, can you handle that?"

"Well that's why I got the boys involved, we won't be doing it together, we
will be separate so we can take turns doing the talks as long as we all
know what we are doing."

"See, you have thought it out thoroughly Dan."

"Of course Squirt, I'm not silly."

"That you aren't Dan, that you aren't."



Karen met me at the school the following Monday and within two hours, all
Will's files were transferred, his classes organized and he would start his
new school the following week. He rang that night to thank me and to say he
had finished the detailing, god this kid was quick.

He arrived at Rory's on the Saturday with Mel in tow, helping with his
stuff. Rory had bought another desk and file cabinet and made room in his
office for Will to do his business. Karen and Mel stayed the night and
while we worked with Bobby on the color chart the girls watched the boys
train from the front steps.

My boys gave them both a good show, they loved an audience. Cam and Donny
made a fuss of Mel and me thinks Cam was a little smitten with her, his
dreadlocks were standing to attention.

Watch out Will, you have the looks but not the body.



Timmy and Donny took Will under their wings on his first day at his new
school. They introduced him to their many friends and made sure he was
warmly welcomed. Walking home that afternoon Will was on top of the
world. Rory phoned me later and said he talked non-stop about all the cool
kids at school.

"See you later dads, I'm meeting Donny at Uncle Rory's, we are helping Will
with his homework, then I'm going to Don's for the night," he kissed us
both.

"Hang about baby, we need to talk to you," I said.

"What's up dad?"

"Does Will know you are a couple?"

"Yes dad, no secrets, he's not going to say anything at school, he's quite
cool actually. He was a bit shocked at first, we told him on the way to
school this morning."

"Okay, do you think he is?"

"He never said dad but he was looking at Becky a lot at lunchtime," he
giggled.

"Good then, it's just we don't want anything to complicate your
friendships, that's all, "Dan said.

"Nah dad, everything's cool, you will soon know if it's not, Donny will see
to that," he laughed.

"Have a good night son."

We then kissed him and he jogged down the beach.

"Well we got the night to ourselves Codes, do you want to fool around?" Dan
said as he did his wiggly thing.

"Yeah, sure stud, I want to ring Karen then I'm all yours."

I rang her and told her everything was cool and what was happening
tonight. She was stoked and of course thanked me.

"Now Dan, I'm all yours."

And I was for the next hour or so.

"You awake Codes?"

"Yes Dan, was just dropping off."

"Oh sorry but I got a question for you."

"What is it Dan?"

"Can you not scream so loud when we make love?"

"What?"

"Well you did scream `Superman fuck me' and everybody heard you, it's
embarrassing."

"Dan that was fucking eight or more weeks ago eight fucking weeks."

"Well I just thought about it and was wondering,that's all."

"Oh for god's sake Dan, go to sleep."

"That's a no then?"

I ignored my big lug.

Waiting, waiting.

"Codes you still awake?"

"Yes Dan."

"If I go out onto the beach can you scream `fuck me Dan' and I will see if
I can hear you?"

"No Dan, goodnight, I love you."

Giggling and laughter isn't what I wanted to hear from Dan before I go to
sleep but it went on and on.

"Codes I love you."

"Umm," I said almost sneering.



The weeks went by and my world settled down again, it was nice to just sit
and be with friends and family. Will's orders were in and labels done, Tim
had told a few of the kids at school and the word got around, everyone was
just as excited as we were to see his drawings come to life.

He was a very happy puppy when he looked at his bank balance, which I think
he did quite often. He was even getting right into the football and quite
often Karen and Mel came down for the weekend, just to go to the footy with
us.

Dan was beautiful on that oval, his short curls glistened in the winter sun
and his muscles were pumped to the limit. Many banners with his name and
number on them dotted the ground, it happened gradually, ever so slowly but
by the third month, Donny's banners started appearing and home made signs
with `Go Bluey, Dynamite Donny' and assorted other affectionate
nicknames. They stood out because most of them were painted in orange for
obvious reasons.

He was becoming a star and kicking ass all over the game. He outran, out
marked and out rumbled with the best of opponents. Today wasn't any
different, the coach played him more and more and it won't be long before
he's played a full four quarters.

There was something else I noticed on this particular day, it was in the
morning when they had come out for breakfast, I couldn't put my finger on
it but Tim looked different, a bit glowing, a bit grown up, a lot more
mature.

He was helping me in the kitchen when it dawned on me. I smiled at him.

"What's up dad?"

I just pulled him into my neck and hugged him, kissing his forehead.

"Are you okay baby?"

"Sure dad, I'm good," he sighed.

"Well if you want to talk about it, let me know," I whispered.

"I will dad, thanks," he kissed my lips.

That was all we said, he knew I could tell he had given it up last
night. It was a special time for me and him in that kitchen. My baby was
all grown up and adult like just overnight. I mused at the thought of Dan's
first time. He walked around in a dreamy state all day and so did Donny.

Dan asked if something was going on, I said quietly out of earshot.

"Your son gave it up last night."

"Oh, that's what I'm missing. This place is full of the afterglow this
morning," he giggled.

I kissed him and later that morning I spied him hugging Tim.

Donny of course was a man and he showed Tim what a man he was by fetching
and waiting on his every whim, until they had to part.

"What are you thinking about dad, you're far away?"

"Oh, just how much I love your dad Tim, he looks so beautiful out there."

"He does dad but my Donny's better."

"He is son and he's getting better and better everyday," I mused.

"You fucking ass wipe," Tim shouted.

"What?"

"That idiot just elbowed Donny in the ribs so hard I think he's broken
them."

I laughed so hard I had to go pee but while I was there I missed one of
Dan's amazing goals.



Matty and John were coming to dinner that night and Luke of course was
making pasta, a bucket load. I noticed Dan was limping a little and made
him put his elastic sock on which makes it less uncomfortable for him.

He was one of many Australian footballers that play with injuries that
can't be fixed. These men are the silent few who don't complain and they
don't let it get to them, Dan was one of these men. I knew he was in much
more pain than he let on and I know as soon as he stops playing he will
need a reconstruction operation that will ease that pain, but in doing so
he won't be able to sustain that work on the field. He has to retire to
live a life pain free and of course his exercise regime will be limited to
the gym and swimming. No running flat out on the beach which we both love
each morning and some nights.

I had been toying with an idea for months now and tonight I would pitch my
plan to the boys once I've fed them, they are so much more pliable when
they are full.

The food was great and everyone was there except Bobby, Rory and Will. They
had driven up to Surfers Paradise for the night. They are staying at Sea
World and will show Will around there tomorrow; another fun park.



The boys were talking about the speaker's circuit. "Well I need Jamie home
every night, he can't stay over anywhere," Luke, dare I say it, whined.

Matty laughed and said it was a great plan and it would be a lot of fun.

"Well I for one am a bit against it, part time yes but not full time. Maybe
a video is possible, somebody's got to look after the gym, it won't run
itself," I said.

The table went quiet.

"What gym Squirt? we don't own a gym," Dan said.

"Not yet but my suggestion is the four of you put in an X amount and start
one in town, you can call it the `Daniel Lawrence Fitness Centre'."

"Squirt, are you kidding us?" Tom chimed in.

"No," I replied.

"What the fuck are you on about Squirt. Sometimes you just don't make any
sense at all," Dan barked at me.

"Sorry Dan,but did you just bark at me then?"

"Umm no, umm yes, umm sorry Codes, but what's this all about?"

"Well you already know Dan, five months ago, remember? We discussed what
you can and can't do with your retirement?" I said smiling.

"Sort of Squirt but we've been talking about it for ages now."

"Well do you remember when you said, `I'll leave it up to you Squirt'," I
said in my deepest voice.

"No, but go on," Dan said looking suspiciously.

"Well, I've been working on this for five months now and I think this is
what you need to do." I placed a stack of papers on the table then handed
one each to Dan, Tom, Jamie, Matt and John.

"You don't get one Luke, you are already too busy," I chuckled.

They picked up the business plans and started to read them.

"Drinks anyone?" I smirked.

"I'll help Dad," said Tim.

In the kitchen he helped me get the coffee and a couple of beers ready.

"What's going on dad?"

"Oh nuthin really Tim, I'm just pointing the boys in the right
direction. Think about it, there isn't a good gym this side of the club
rooms and there's at least six hundred thousand people in town and the
outlying areas and kids of today like to get a bit pumped up for their
ladies. A thousand members at three hundred bucks a quarter, you do the
math," I rolled off my tongue.

"Fuck dad, that's a fortune a year in memberships alone."

"Correct my son and don't swear," I giggled.

"That's only a conservative estimate son, the big money will come in
through the pool and restaurant plus the events room, oh and I forgot
shops," I smiled.

"Dad what have you done."

"Come on, let's go out so your dad can apologize," I grinned.



We served the drinks to the boys and I sat with Dan.

"You okay baby, you don't look so good?"

He gave me a silly look, leant over and kissed me.

John said, "Fuck Squirt, there's been a lot of work done with this and
before you ask, we are in one hundred percent."

"Us too," said Tom.

Jamie looked at Luke who smiled.

"You are an amazing brother Codes, this is so sweet, our own club," Jamie
said, "We are in."

"What do you think Dan?" I asked.

"I'm sorry Codes, I remember now but I forgot and this is just fantastic."

I winked at Tim. He giggled.

"Explain it to me Codes," he kissed my lips, I of course moaned more for
show, well, not really.



"Well, there's a big company that is going to build a big shopping mall on
the block of land the other side of the charity centre, now the plans are
in that prospectus, you guys lease the larger part for the gym and pool
with a canteen which you can sub-lease out to the charity, that will give
them more income and the older kids can get some work experience."

"I should imagine Donny and Tim would look good in speedos, running the
pool," I chuckled at Tim's frown.

"You and Tom can run the gym with Matt, John and James, just think,
personal trainers. When it's up and making money you get a liquor and
entertainment license for the large reception rooms, I know someone that
can do that job and if she can't, then I will do it with Trent, who will be
in the office mostly working on advertising and websites," I paused.

"This is all just theory for the moment Dan but it's worth an accountant
like Johnno to look at the figures, don't you think? I'm sure the leases
won't be much to start with and I'm also sure Jamie can come up with
something stunning. We all get free exercise and baby it's a win, win
situation, don't you think?"

"Fuck me Codes, you are soo good," Tom said.

"Why thank you Tom, you may want to think about handing over the reigns to
Connie at the charity, perhaps you may be too busy with all that personal
training stuff for da ladies and men," Luke laughed.

"Over my dead body Codes and don't you even think about it Tom," Trent
said, holding Tom's hand tightly.

"Also, there's another consideration I want to put to you, we are all
family and I would like you to invite Larry and April, Larry's a mate and
he will be retiring in a year or so anyway.

Everyone at the table agreed.



"Tim and Donny, there will probably be part time jobs there for you
both. Donny you're nearly eighteen and you have to get your lifesaver's
certificate. I'm just thinking out loud, we have to utilize your best
assets but we can ease into the events side of it as you settle in, and the
shops."

Everyone gasped.

"Shops?"

"There will be shops, factory outlets."

"So we put in this much and we get a shopping center Codes, that's
awesome."

"No Dan, you put in that amount and it's to fit out the gym and pool
complex, you boys lease that portion from the company that's building it.

"Oh? Whose company Codes?"Dan asked.

"They are the company that's going to build the complex then lease it out
to the gym, shops and so forth it will save millions by leasing, not
building it."

"Oh okay Codes, that sounds good, what company?" he asked.

"Dan, can we go for a walk for a minute?" I suggested.

"Okay," he said warily.

"Only be a minute boys, I want to bring Dan up to speed, help yourselves to
the drinks."

We walked down to the water's edge and I turned to him and said,

"Dan, I have loved you so deeply for many years now and you know I would do
anything for you."

"Yes Codes me too but what's up?"

"Well when I got thinking about your retirement I thought a gym would be
ideal and the further I delved, the bigger it got so then I thought why
not?"

"Your talking in riddles Codes."

"Well you asked who the company was that's going to build this complex."

"Yes Codes but it was because I was just inquisitive."

"Well our company is going to build it."

"What!! What the fuck Cody? It's going to cost millions; our company
doesn't have that sort of money. You are going to send us into bankruptcy."

"Umm, our company does Dan. You know mum handed over her holdings to us and
I merged the two companies, it's mum's side the money is coming from."

"Of all the stupid fucking things you've done Codes this takes the cake,
why didn't you tell me?"

"Because I wanted it to be your retirement present and I needed to find you
a job you liked," I whispered.

He looked at me and his eyes were glistening in the darkness.

"You are the most ornery person I know Codes and you're also the most
loving, generous and unselfish person I know. What you have gone and done
is amazing. I think you are amazing, no one ever in my whole life has done
so much for me, I love you so very much." He held me and kissed me through
tears, my tears.



I had given everybody food for thought that night. They all went home and
wrote down what they thought they could bring to this club and also their
thoughts on naming it.`Daniel Lawrence' was just an idea when I first
started. I only had a small gym in mind but you know me, nothing is done in
halves.

John said he would explain it to April and Larry the next day. He thought
from past conversations Larry would be in. I decided to ask Rory about the
shops when they got in tomorrow. I didn't want them to feel left out.

Dan and I sat at the table and talked for awhile. I had turned the lights
out and lit a candle; his face was gorgeous in that lighting. I could have
stayed there forever in that moment.

"What's up Squirt?"

"Nothing Dan, I'm just looking at the most incredibly handsome man sitting
opposite me."

He looked around and said,

"Where?"

"Oh he's gone now Dan, maybe he's in the bedroom."

"Well we better go look Squirt, don't want any handsome men in our bedroom
do we?"

"No Dan."

He even looked under the bed but no handsome men in our bedroom.

But I did find one very sexed up one under the sheets that night.

"Good night Dan, thank you, I love you."

"Ooooowww."

"Codes?"

"Yes Dan?"

"What do we have to do to make this happen for the boys?"

"Well I've already had Jamie working on the plans and they are almost
complete. The one you saw tonight was just the gym and pool areas, the rest
he's still doing."

"Oh, so there's not much to do then?"

"That's right handsome man, it's your present so just enjoy the ride.We
really don't have to do anything, just pay the bills."

"Oh."

"Goodnight Codes, thank you, I love you."

"Good night handsome man, I love you more."



The morning after brought plenty of work to do; there were quite a few
questions and John said Larry and April were in. He had handed him a
summary and he didn't look at it but just said to John.

"Is it good?"

"More than good, brilliant."

"Count us in,"he said.

That was Larry; he doesn't muck around, up front kind of guy.

Donny handed me his list of suggestions and so did Tim, it's a start
anyways.

The next evening we walked over to Bobby's place and they talked non-stop
about their big weekend. Will was hyperactive, he had just got off the
phone to Karen and now he was talking to Mel.



"Now can you look over this document and tell me what you think?"

"Sure Codes, what are you up to?"

He looked closely at my plan.

"Brilliant idea, I'm in for this, look Bobby."

"What's that Codes?" Dan asked.

"Well, maybe when we build this aircraft hanger with the guy's gym in it,
we can also have maybe twenty or so factory outlets set up too, along with
a sports store and maybe a coffee lounge sort of set up, oh and food.

Rory would be brilliant at setting up the shops.We can put all our cheap
lines and damaged stock in there, Rory get with James and get it done
honey, I need costing and shop designs," I smiled at him.

"Done Codes and another outlet for Will also, maybe we can do three
separate shops and a sports store. Maybe Dan and the boys should start that
one, a coffee and donut shop and maybe a gourmet pizza store."

"Okay I'll leave the shops to you but leave this space I've marked free, I
have something in mind for that."

"But I'm not even ready yet Cody," Will said.

"You will be by the time we open, don't stress, we have got you sorted
baby."