Date: Sun, 16 Mar 2008 21:50:07 -0700 (PDT)
From: E Walk <cane_lane_candy@yahoo.com>
Subject: Tip and Ty Chapter 33

Tip and Ty
By E Walk
(Copyrighted by the author)
Edited by Radio Rancher

Chapter 33 - The Mexican Fiesta

Author's Corner: I want to thank all of the readers for their comments.  I
especially want to thank the person who cajoled me into accepting him as an
editor and finding someone who would host my stories.  Darryl, AKA Radio
Rancher, has been with me every step of the way, making sure that I get it
right.  Thank you my friend!  E.

This is Mark.

Zack had just threatened to ravage my body.  He was holding me, and I
suddenly remembered something, "Zack, I screwed up.  When I was counting
how many people would be here for dinner, I forget to count Tip, Ty, you
and me.  We need to find a place for four more people."

Zack thought for a minute, "Let's check to see if Mrs. Quinn had a card
table or something, and we could add it onto the table.  That would take
care of it.  I'll take care of the extra places, and you worry about
everything else."

Zack reappeared back in the kitchen and everything was ready.  I went to
see if all of the guests were present and they were.  The eight teenagers
were in the play room with Ty's four children.  I met Lance and Lane and
knew immediately that I was going to like them.  They were sitting with
Kelley and one of her friends, Cori, playing a game with Bobby and Becky.

Ryan and Kevin and two young females, who looked to be twins, were playing
a game with Billy and Barbie.

Zack and I went to check on the adults in the living room.  Ty introduced
Mr. Lansing and Mr. Richards, as well as Mr. Trout and Mr. Smithers.  Zack
and I shook hands with the four gentlemen and went to hug my grand-parents.
I excused myself and went to make sure everything was ready and called the
people from the game room.

I had Bobby go to the living room and ask that everyone be seated in the
dining room.  Everything was ready, but I felt like I had missed something.
`Oh well, too late now.'

There were baskets of fresh corn chips with salsa, on the tables, along
with small plates.  When everyone was assembled, we gathered in the dining
room and I asked Mrs. Quinn to say a prayer of thanks, which she did.  The
teenagers took Ty's children and got them settled and Tim, Shawn, Leanne,
Colleen and Zack went to the kitchen to help me serve the Black Bean Soup
that I had made.

Everyone had been served and I finally went to sit down and found that I
was seated between Grandma Quinn and Philip Burns.  I looked around the
table and thought to myself, `Someone has manipulated the seating.' I guess
I should have made place cards.

Everyone finished their soup, so I stood, and started to take the bowls
away and it was like an army of ants cleared the table.  I had decided to
serve the meal buffet style, since I had fixed three kinds of enchiladas -
beef, chicken and seafood.  I had a large chafing dish with Spanish Rice
and another of Refried Beans to go along with the meal.  There was a bowl
of diced tomatoes, another with shredded lettuce and a third with shredded
cheese if anyone wanted them.

I made sure that the older adults went through the line first and teenagers
helped the four young people.  I was surprised at the portions that
everyone was taking and I was beginning to wonder if I had made enough.
Fortunately, Zack and I went through the line last and there was still
plenty of food if anyone wanted to have seconds.  I was not surprised when
the eight teenagers came and asked if they might have more.

I assured them that there was plenty, but it was like a vacuum cleaner
sucking up food.  Mr. Lansing laughed, "Mark, this meal is wonderful.  I am
surprised that you all don't weigh a hundred pounds more than you do."

I couldn't help myself, "Don't blame me.  Blame my mentor Beau.  He never
did anything halfway.  It was all or nothing.  Besides, I had to convince
my grandparents that I wasn't under nourished.  Of course, this is the only
meal I will be able to eat for a week.  Now if those of you who have
business to discuss will move to living room, the rest of us will take care
of the cleanup."

Everyone started to help take the dishes to the kitchen.  The teenagers
helped and it was no time at all before the cleanup was complete.

This is Marilyn Leavitt, Mark's Grandmother.

My husband and I were just amazed at the different people who were around
the table. There hadn't been any places cards at the table and the people
just randomly sat down.  Mark had everything organized and after the food
had been blessed, the soup was served.  As if on cue, the empty soup bowls,
disappeared and Mark and Zack placed the steaming food on the buffet line.

Mark made sure that us older folks went through the line first.  We were
followed by the young people, then other adults except for Mark and Zack.
Zack was serving the wine.  Mark checked to see that the young people in
the kitchen had everything they needed.  He came back and announced, "The
young people are fine.  Can I get anyone anything before I sit down?"

Anne Quinn looked at Mark, "Nano, sit down.  We are all big boys and girls;
we can help ourselves if we need something."

Dinner conversation was lively.  I'll say this, no one was exactly shy.  Ty
looked at Beau, "Beau and Becca, I have us scheduled to see three
properties tomorrow.  They don't sound too promising.  The agent was a
little upset that I asked him to come up with some properties on such short
notice.  It was almost like I was imposing on him."

Neil Trout looked up, "Ty, what kind of property are you looking for?"

Ty answered, "Since I just added two new associates, we need more space and
since Zack is going to be managing The Benson Consulting Agency for Beau
and Becca in the Kansas City area, we thought it might good for us to be
collocated."

Mark started to laugh, "They just want a place to play Tidily Winks and
Hopscotch when they are sitting around with their thumbs you know where."

I looked at Mark and scolded, "Mark, that is no way to talk at dinner!"

"Grandma, what did I say that was so bad?"  Mark interlaced his fingers and
started twirling his thumbs.  "How boring can it be to count the
revolutions your thumb is making around the other one?  Of course, they
could change direction and count the counter revolutions."

Every one started to laugh and Mr. Lansing looked at me, "Judge Leavitt, I
think you'd better quit while you are ahead."

Neil looked at Randy, "Ty, I have a proposal for you and the those
concerned in the search for a new office space.  The floor below us in our
building just opened this week. It sounds like it might be just what you
are looking for.  Also, think how convenient it would be for Mr. Jenkins
and you to handle our contracts.  It might even be large enough for Philip
and his associates to move in, and then think of the time and gas you would
save especially now that he is working with you on Lance and Lane's case."

I was completely at a loss now, as were some other people about what was
going on.  Fortunately Richie Jenkins intervened, "Tip, now that Ty and you
have bought this house, or are buying this house, what are you going to do
with the condo?"

Tip looked at Richie, "Mr. Jenkins, I hadn't even thought about that.
Everything has been happening so fast.  I guess I could sell it, but right
now is not a good time to be selling properties.  I guess, I could always
see if I could find some renters who might be interested."

Richie wasn't finished, "Now that Shawn, Tim, Leanne and Colleen are all
gainfully employed, they could save some money if they pooled their
resources.  For outward appearances, they could each have their own
bedroom.  Just think of the money they could save on utilities alone."

Leanne turned bright red, "Uncle Richie, you just outed us in front of all
of these people we don't know."

Mark stopped anymore conversation.  He stood and suggested, "You people who
have business to discuss, adjourn to the living room.  Dessert will be
served as soon as we get the children ready for bed."

Before we could get up from the table, Ty's four children came into the
dining room, followed by the eight teenagers.  Bobby went to Mark, "Nano
Mark, can we go to the Children's Museum tomorrow.  Lane, Lance, Kelley and
Cori want to go.  Kevin and Ryan will go with us too.  Lorrie and Laney
have to go to their sister's wedding.  Please, Nano Mark."

Mark surprised me, "First, you need to check with the other parents and
grandparents to see if it's okay.  Grandma Quinn would need to check with
Cori's parents.  Why don't you check with Lance and Lane's Daddy and then
check with Grandma Quinn and see what they have to say?"

I was amazed as Billy went and crawled on Tom Lansing's lap, "Mr. Lansing,
please may Lance and Lane go with us tomorrow?"

Tom was playing the role now, "I'll have to think about that."

Billy grabbed Tom's face, "Please, Mr. Lansing."

Tom squinted his eyes, "I guess it will be okay, but I think I need a kiss
from each of you to be sure."

Bobby and Billy responded immediately and all eyes were directed to Becky
and Barbie who were standing by Anne Quinn.  Becky started, "Grandma Quinn,
please say that it is okay that Kevin and Kelley go with us tomorrow.  Ryan
will be lonely if Kevin can't come."

I looked at Kevin and Ryan.  They reacted very differently.  Kevin started
to laugh and Ryan began to turn a little red.

Anne pointed to the young people, "Becky and Barbie, you need to make sure
they behave themselves.  Now, how come Mr. Lansing got a kiss and I
didn't?"

The girls took care of the problem.  Mark stopped any more dialogue, "Time
for the dish patrol to go into action.  Zack will be serving drinks of your
choice in the living room. We shouldn't be long.  Dessert will be served in
approximately forty five minutes."

Mark got the four younger children their desserts and then had the
teenagers get them ready for bed.

My husband leaned over to me, "Marilyn, it is obvious who is in charge
here.  Beau taught Mark well.  Just think back about 12 years ago.  What a
difference."

The teenagers returned and Mark went to say goodnight to the four little
ones.  When he came down, he looked at Ty, "Ty, the children want you and
Tip and Zack to go say goodnight.  The rest of us will be in the dining
room when you return."

Mark had fixed Sopaipillas and turtle Chimichangas.  Everyone raved at the
desserts.  The teenagers had one of each.

I think everyone was surprised when Anne announced, "I need to go now, but
I am inviting you to the club tomorrow night for an early buffet at 5:30
since some of us have tickets to the opera tomorrow night.  Please let me
know if you can join us, so I can make sure the club has an adequate size
room for us."

Neil started to laugh, "Mrs. Quinn, the four of us adults have reservations
for the opera also.  The twins have chosen not to go.  I think they might
be developing some plans of their own.  We would very much like to join
you."

Tip looked at Mrs. Quinn, "Grandma Quinn, we'll join you also.  That way
Mark won't have to worry about cooking.  The children will be thrilled to
be included."

Becca spoke then, "Beau and I would be honored to join you.  We have
tickets to a concert at the Civic Center.  Thank you for asking."

Zack caught everyone off guard, "I think Mark and I will stay home.  I'll
be too busy watching Mark count the revolution and counter revolutions that
he can do in a minute."

That was the perfect note to end the party.  I watched as everyone went to
Mark and hugged him and Zack.  It was like they realized who was in control
here. Mark was, but he didn't take advantage of that.  He just continued to
be the unassuming person he has always been.  I was very proud of him.  I
am sure that he will be making a name for himself in the future.  I just
hope that I am around to see it.  Of all my grandson's, he was by far the
most interesting.  Don't get me wrong; I love them, all of them, but Mark
has a special quality and he and Zack seem to complement each other.

This is Zack.

Everyone finally left, except Tip, Ty, Beau and Becca and Kevin and Ryan of
course, but Kevin and Ryan had gone to their bedroom.  I wonder what was on
their minds?  I know what was on mine; I wanted to show Mark how I could
use my thumb.

My nasty thoughts were interrupted by Tip, "We are going to leave now,
we'll be back for breakfast.  If you want to run, we can bring a change of
clothes and run with you.  Kevin and Ryan will be here to make sure that
nothing happens to the children."

Mark took over, "Since tomorrow is Saturday, why doesn't everyone who wants
to run assemble in the kitchen at 7:30.  You two go and enjoy your night
and don't do anything we wouldn't do?"

Becca spoke up, "Too much information, Guys."

Mark knew Becca better than I, "I was just reminding Tip and Ty not to
brush there teeth with bleach or they might not be able to talk.  Whoever
heard of a lawyer and obstetrician who couldn't talk?"

Beau and Becca started to laugh and Beau added, "On that note, we're going
to bed.  We hope that we don't hear any weird sounds coming from the garage
apartment tonight."

Beau and Becca hugged us and left the four of us alone.  Ty turned to Mark,
"Mark, thank you for making this such a great evening.  I think everyone
had a good time.  I know I did.  We'll see you in the morning."

As we were securing the house, I grabbed Mark and pried his mouth open and
held him in a long embrace.

Mark pulled away, "I was looking forward all week to something bigger than
a thumb invading my body.  Do you think you can be of help, there?"

I rubbed my hands together like the big bad wolf might have done, "I'll see
what I can do, if you aren't too noisy.  Mark, I'll do anything you want,
but remember, Kevin and Ryan are right next door and Beau and Becca are
staying here.  The children are sleeping in a strange environment and might
come barging in at any given minute.  Let's just go to bed and see what is
going to happen."

Well, will they or won't they make love tonight?  Only the Shadow knows.

Author's Note: If you would like to read more of this story and other
interesting stories, you might like to visit www.tickiestories.us.


 Editor's Notes:

Before I say anything about this chapter, I want to thank E Walk for the
nice compliment he made at the beginning of the chapter.  When I first read
one of his earlier stories I fell in love with it, hook, line and sinker. I
offered to edit for him, and he graciously accepted my help.  It wasn't
long before he began writing several new stories, all of which are as
impressive as the first one was.  E has that wonderful ability to get you
hooked on a story and its people as soon as you open the story. After you
open it, there is simply no turning back. You are forever hooked.

Now, If I get a vote on the subject of whether Zack and Mark get to make
love, I vote yes, since life has been so hectic lately, it is well past
time that they have a chance to show each other just how much they love
each other.  I think it would be cruel to keep them apart.

Things seem to be moving along very nicely, with buying the house and maybe
finding a property for the offices etc. don't they?  I like it when a plan
comes together.

I'm ready for a new chapter, but then I am always ready for a new chapter.
Darryl AKA The Radio Rancher