Tai's Story Chapter Six free porn video

Chapter six I picked up the kids from the airport and I could see by the light shining in Talia's eyes she was very happy to see me. She jumped into my arms and hugged me tight. Tane was cooler standoffish, but he did still look happy to at least be here. The first few days slid by quickly but on the third night Talia waited for Tane to go to bed before she tackled me. "Dad is it true what mum said about you?" I couldn't answer I had been so afraid that this was going to happen and I had practiced and rehearsed so many different responses that I thought I had it covered, but here now it was staring me in the face and I was tongue tied. I couldn't speak. "Ummm..... Talia I...." She interrupted. "Dad it's OK I am not judging I was just hoping we could talk. I don't care. I just want you to be happy." "Some of what your mother said is true. Yes I like to dress up as a woman." I stared into her eyes expecting to see revulsion or disgust but she reached out and we hugged. "Dad it's Ok, it really is. So are you gay?" I almost choked. "No I am not gay.... I just like to dress up. I am sorry Talia but this is a bit personal." "Dad I don't care if you are. I just want you to know that I support you 100%." I hugged her tighter. "Thanks love that means a lot to me. I was scared you would hate me." "I could never hate you Dad. I love you and I know you didn't leave because you wanted to. That was mum being a bitch." "Please don't talk like that about your Mum honey. It was a difficult time for her." "Yeah but she didn't have to kick you out. She treated you so bad. Tane knows as well." "So how are you getting on with mum now?" I asked. "Has she come to terms with your announcement?" 'No not really Dad she treats me like I am suffering from some disease or something. She thinks it's just a phase or something." "Is it" I was trying not to make light of it but I had to ask. She looked at me with a look of apprehension. "I don't think so I have always felt a bit different. I am attracted to girls, boys do nothing for me." I nodded. "Yeah I know how that feels love. So do you have a girlfriend or anything?" She giggled. "No I am too scared to ask. There are a couple of girls I really like but I am scared to say anything." "Talia get used to it honey that is something that is going to follow you through your whole life. There is still a stigma about homosexuality. You just have to be yourself." "But what if I ask them out and they get upset and never talk to me again?" "Whoa hold on young lady I just meant you need to be honest about how you feel, not that you should be chasing girls." She sniggered guiltily. "Cut it out Dad...." Over the remainder of the holiday Talia and I forged a really close bond. Tane on the other hand seemed to be drifting further away. The holidays flew by we spent every day doing different things. Melbourne certainly offers plenty of entertainment. There was no shortage of things to do or places to go. Before you know it we were hugging goodbye at the airport. Neither of them seemed too keen on leaving. It was plain that Talia and her Mum were not getting along. During the holidays Luce had taken the time to prepare the house for sale and the amazing thing was it sold within two days of going on the market. By the time I got home from my next shift which was over six weeks away from home. There was a new expansion on site and I had volunteered to stay on site. Some time away from the pressures of Alex and Ben was a good thing. Anyway when I opened my bank account statement the money was in the bank. I didn't hesitate I deposited it straight into the investment account. I might be having second thoughts about the sexual aspects of our relationship, but there was no questioning his ability as an investment advisor. I went out for a walk and as I got back in carrying bags of groceries, I was putting them away, I got a call from Ben asking what the extra money was. Suddenly he had an extra two hundred and fifty grand to play with. He was pretty happy especially with extra hours I had been doing on site the balance was growing quickly. His parting words were. "Baby this thing is moving fast. I think we need to re-evaluate the time frame. We need to talk." Later that night he called again, this time to ask if I wanted to play golf on Saturday. He and a few friends were going for a round. I declined. "Sorry mate golf isn't my thing... I have never played and it really doesn't interest me." He sounded disappointed. "Well what about meeting us in the clubrooms afterwards for a drink?" "Nah not for me Ben. I will leave you to enjoy the day with your friends." As I was cooking dinner for myself later Alex called. And it didn't long before she asked. "Hey darling, how come you didn't go with Ben?" "It's just not my thing. I don't like golf." I heard her giggle. "Yeah I know what you mean, but you could have met for drinks?" "What and talk about golf? Nah that's not me." We chatted for a while and I promised to get together with them as soon as possible. The next day I got another call from Ben, this time to see if I wanted to play squash. Again I declined. "Sorry mate that's not me. I don't play squash. It's a bit namby pamby for me." He sounded frustrated and maybe a little bit offended. I just wasn't comfortable going out with Ben by himself. While we were with Alex I could hide behind the fact we were both there to be with her and when we were having sex we were having sex with her. By ourselves it was just us and I wasn't ready to be that out or that proud. I mean he wasn't outwardly gay, but I wondered about his friends. As expected I got another call from Alex wanting to know what the problem was? I explained again that I just wasn't into squash, which wasn't true I was our club champion when I was younger. I had started to troll through the newspaper real-estate pages. All the talk about having my own restaurant had fuelled my dreams and it was all I could think about. Every night I went to bed dreaming about it, I dreamed about menu's and setting the place up. It was starting to build an expectation within me, and I needed to do this, I really wanted it. The more I thought about it the more I realised I was ready. I managed to stall Alex for the next week as I tried to get my head straight. The more I told myself that I needed to take my own advice the more wrong it seemed. I couldn't put my finger on what made me so uncomfortable with it. I did enjoy the sex, no argument, but I just didn't want anyone to know about it. When you spend your whole life making fun of gays, it's hard to admit you are one.... My next shift on site was two months long. We were short staffed and it was perfect for me. I got to stay out of harm's way. When I got back to Melbourne Alex called and invited me to their place for a party they were throwing. Apparently they wanted to introduce me to some of their closest friends. I agreed on the back of what could go wrong at a party. She said "Babe you don't have to be nervous about this, it isn't anything special just a few of our close friends getting together. I am just so excited to introduce you to everyone." I couldn't understand why she had made a big deal out of it, especially the not being nervous part. As I was getting ready and I was wondering what to wear, I thought surely if it was going to be formal she would have said. If it was just going to be friends it would be casual. So I just threw on jeans and a T-shirt I picked up a bottle of wine on the way to their place. Alex opened the door and I saw a look of astonishment. "Tai what are you doing here? I shrugged with a nervous smile. "You invited me!" She did not look impressed. "Fuck we were expecting Amy." I laughed loudly. "Don't be silly Alex you know how I feel about dressing in public." She shuddered. "Well I sort of thought you had got past all that since...Well you know." I didn't respond, I just stood there feeling stupid. "Oh well you better come in." She opened the door and gave me a kiss. I noticed she was dressed spectacularly in a sparkly little cocktail dress. I started to feel uncomfortable. She had said it was just friends getting together. The moment I got inside and walked into their living room it was apparently much more than a friendly barbeque. The guys were all dressed in blazers or suits and the women were all dressed as if they were at a ball. Ben didn't recognise me at first. He had never seen me in anything but a dress with full makeup. He looked up when I walked in with Alex and he did a double take as he tried to figure out who I was. When the coin dropped I saw that look and it appeared to be exasperation. As Alex introduced me to their friends it was obvious I was the odd one out. As she did the introductions she explained. "We get together once a month or so. It's just a chance for us girls to get all dressed up and try out new outfits." As we walked over to the bar. "See babe that's why I was hoping Amy would be here. All the girls have been hanging out to finally meet you. The fabulous chef I keep ranting about." "Well if you had told me, I would have taken a bit more care." "Shit babe you are always dressed so impeccably I didn't think I needed to say anything. I thought you knew." As I wandered around the guys were all talking business or golf. There were a couple of guys who were obviously gay, they were out and proud of it. They were so camp... But no one else seemed to cate, it just made me feel uneasy. I certainly didn't fit in. The women were all grouped together and talking fashion which I would have loved to join in but I did not feel comfortable. Thy weren't exactly inviting me in. After walking around for a while Ben called me over to Daryl and Jamie the two openly gay guys. He tried to get some dialogue going but I was so freaked out the moment he walked away I made an excuse to go to the loo. When I got back they had gone back to the other guys. I wandered around not really talking to anyone. Alex for her part was ignoring me and talking to her friends. The last thing I wanted to talk about was golf and I didn't understand the business bullshit I was really isolated. Ben invited me out onto the balcony one of his friends had brought some Cuban cigars. That wasn't my scene I had never smoked in my life. So I hung around inside for a while before I cornered Alex and made my excuses. She didn't even try to change my mind I think she was pleased to see the back of me. The next morning Alex called around to talk under the pretence of being in the area shopping. We sat out on the balcony and enjoyed a surprisingly warm morning. "Tai what happened last night? Why didn't Amy come? We were expecting Amy. We wanted all our friends to meet her. We told everyone you were coming, we thought it was the perfect chance for you to make some business acquaintances. When I told everyone that Amy the new chef in town was coming they got all excited." "Did you tell them I am a crossdresser?" She giggled stupidly. "Well yes I did tell a couple and they were looking forward to meeting you." "I see and were they men or women?" "Well both actually. What the hell is the problem Tai? Would it have hurt to let Amy have some fun?" "We have talked about this many times Alex. I can't believe you expected anything else." She shook her head in disbelief. "It's like you are embarrassed or ashamed of yourself." "Fuck of course I am. Jesus Alex I have never been comfortable with that aspect of my life. I will never go out in public and let people laugh at me." "No nobody would laugh darling, the women would have been jealous and the men horny. If there was laughter it would be you having the last laugh." "So what was the thing about Amy the chef?" She looked confused. "Well you know once you start your restaurant, you will be the chef. Babe those people last night are all wealthy successful people and would be great to have them on your side." I was confused more than ever. "Alex, if the restaurant goes ahead it will be me Tai, not Amy." She looked shocked. "You are joking! Babe don't be silly. Ben and I both understood that you were going to be using Amy. That is the point of difference and you could have promoted it. The gay community is so supportive, you would have a guaranteed audience every night." I balked as I whispered. "Alex I don't want to do this if I need a gimmick. I want this to be me." She shrugged. "Well it's your funeral Tai." We ended with a little cuddle and she scooted away not at all happy with the outcome. She tried to organise another date before I flew out but I managed to find an excuse every time. I flew out for work and while I was away Ben called me and we talked about the investment account. He had managed to turn my investment into over five hundred thousand dollars in eight months. He wanted to know if I wanted to keep going or whether I wanted to hold off and let it sit for a while. While we continued to invest I wasn't going to be paying any tax because we never showed a profit. I wasn't sure what to do. He said. "Look Tai my firm has a corporate box at the AFL grand final in a couple of weeks. It should coincide with your roster days back in Melbourne. Why don't you come along and we can have a chat in person?" Wow a corporate box I was impressed but it would mean being with Ben by himself and I couldn't bring myself to do it. Jesus what if he wanted to have sex? Fuck I was so weirded out I said. "No thanks Ben I don't like AFL, rugby is more my thing." "Babe it's not about the game it's just a chance to get together and talk. There will be other guys there who can offer good advice as well." I flinched a little at the babe comment. I accepted it when I was Amy but it didn't feel right when I wasn't. "No thanks Ben it's not my cup of tea, AFL and business clowns that's not for me." The moment the words were off my lips I knew I had said the wrong thing. He hung up. I had only just returned to Melbourne when I got a call from Alex. "Tai Ben is very angry with you. He was offended by your disrespectful comments the last time you talked. He has been working extra hard trying to make your dreams come true and you mocked him. Just about every man in the country would kill for a chance to go to that game and get to watch from a corporate box. Christ do you know how much that was worth?" "Alex it's just not my scene all right. I don't like those snooty business guys. Fuck that night at your party they all looked down their noses at me. I may as well have been dirt." "Snooty, god you rude little shit. I think this has gone far enough don't you." "Yeah whatever you say Alex. I don't want to argue." She hung up the phone and within a couple of days I had an email from Ben with all the documents for my investments. I couldn't believe how much money he had made for me. I felt bad he had put a lot of work into this. He attached a couple of names for people he was recommending as investment managers. I gave one of them a call and set up a meeting. The moment I walked into his office I was uncomfortable. He was so openly camp and gay. Fuck I was uncomfortable just talking to him. Was this Bens parting joke at my expense. I listened to what he had to say but excused myself as quickly as possible saying I would think about his suggestions. There was no way I was dealing with him. I started ringing around trying to find someone else. I got a nasty email from Ben when it was obvious I was looking elsewhere. He called me a bigot and an idiot. The guy he had referred me to was one of the best in the business. Ah fuck it. It was while I was walking to another investment firm that I found it, a rundown derelict building. When I saw it I was blown away by the size and location. There was a real-estate broker's number so I gave them a call. Yes it was for sale. I walked to my meeting with my mind awash with ideas and plans. The price was right and it was perfect. I needed a business plan but I had no clue, none what so ever. The only person I could think of apart from Ben was one of the guys I worked with, he had set up his own business and had also bought and sold a few over the years. When I sat down with him he decided I needed more expert advice. He passed me over to one of his friends. Who turned out to be a bloody genius. We talked through what I wanted to do. He laughed long and hard when I explained I was an electrician and had never run a restaurant or anything. Still he helped me put together a business plan that I could take to the bank. The building had an upstairs and I would be able to live there as well. That would save me a lot of money. The meeting with the bank went really well and they accepted my application for finance. I submitted a very low offer for the building subject to it passing a building inspection, and was surprised when they accepted. So it was happening, this was real. I organised for the inspection immediately. My plan was to keep working while the renovations were going on. That way when I returned from work I could do some of the work myself. The next bit was hard, telling Pete and Evie. They were both shocked when I told them but they were also both happy and supportive, Pete especially prompted me to follow my heart. They were ready to get their own place anyway. So I flew out to site my mind whirling and awash with plans. The whole time I was away I was ringing contractors, architects. The two weeks were gone in a flash. The first morning I was back in Melbourne I walked around to have a look at the new purchase. As I walked in I realised. This is it, this is my future, no longer a dream but reality. No sense mucking around I told myself, it's time to make it happen. I started work on the upstairs part. I cleaned it out and started the construction of a decent bathroom and living quarters. It took the full two weeks but I made really good progress. Pete oversaw the contractors while I was away at site and by the time I got back it was ready for me to move in. Pete gave me a hand to move my belongings and we joked and laughed as he and Evie were going to stay in my old apartment until they found something that they liked. Pete really rubbed it in as he helped me pack up my wardrobe. "Fuck Tai how many clothes do you own!" Evie rocked up as we finished the last load. Rather than cook I ordered pizza and we sat around what was going to be my new home and had a few drinks. We turned up the music and it turned into a late night. When I woke in the morning it was like the world had exploded. Luce called me in tears. "Have you heard from Talia she has run away." "What!" I hissed. That woke me up. "Run away? What the fuck has been going on over there?" "Don't play the accusation game with me this is all your fault. She came back from her holiday all fired up. No this is your fault." "Well what happened?" "We fought yesterday and it got pretty bad. Mark sent her to her room and took away her mobile phone as punishment." "Punishment my arse that was so she couldn't ring me. Have you called around her friends?" "Of course I have. I have tried everywhere." "I guess you better ring the police and hospitals. Has she taken many clothes?" "No she only took a few things..... Tai I don't want to ring the cops." "Ring them I barked because if you don't, I will." I hung up and started searching for a flight home. As I was scrolling through internet searches my phone went and it was Luce's Dad. "Tai Talia is here with us. She ran away, I wanted to call Luce but Talia went crazy. Could you call her and tell her she is OK?" I agreed. "Can I talk to her?" Next thing it was Talia. "Dad can I come and live with you?" I was stunned by her intensity. She was sniffling and sobbing loudly. "Love what happened?" "It's Mum she won't let me see any of my friends, she thinks the only reason I am gay is because of the friends I have so she stopped me from seeing them. I am only allowed to see kids she approves of. Then last night Mark took my phone off me when I said I was going to call you. Please Dad don't make me stay there I hate it." "Love you are always welcome to stay here with me. Where ever I live is your home as well." I sucked in a deep breath. "I will talk to your mother. If you aren't happy then you shouldn't be there. What about Nan and Pops could you stay there for a while?" She burst into another bout of all out tears. "No Dad I want to live with you." She was so distraught I didn't want to say no. "OK love. I will call you back." I rang Luce straight away and that turned into a shit fight with both of us yelling and screaming at each other. I finished with a statement. "I am coming home and we will sort this out." Luce hung up on me. The next day she called me back. Talia had refused to go home with her and she was staying with her Grandparents. This time we talked calmly and she cried. "Tai she won't come home, shit I have fucked this up. God everything is such a ness." I tried to sooth her down. "It is nobody's fault. Look things aren't working at the moment, it might be a good idea if she does come and stay with me for a while. You can both take a breath and regather your senses. Luce, it is not forever, just until you can rebuild your relationship." She sighed, but I am her mother, she needs me." "Luce if she doesn't feel like she can talk to you, you can't help her." She sighed, "Yes I suppose so." and just like that she caved. "OK Tai maybe it would be best if she did come and live with you for a while, just until she has her head straightened out. Maybe being away from the people she hangs around with now would be a good thing. I will tell you this though the first hint of any funny business and she is coming straight home." The phone was silent for a while before she said. "Tai she is confused and impressionable. She has been hanging around with the wrong kids she has this crazy notion that she is gay. Please help me we have to convince her she is just being influenced by others. She is not gay." "Luce she will grow up to be who she will be. I am not going to dictate to her. She is a smart kid. She will figure it out." Now I had another issue where the hell was she going to sleep? There was a small store area on the second level that I had been piling shit in while I sorted things out. I organised a large skip bin and started the long job of carrying out all the shit and dumping it. In the end I filled that bin three times before I could get contractors in. It was going to take money away from the restaurant fit out but what the hell else was I going to do? My daughter needed me. I had a bit over a week before Talia was set to arrive so we worked flat out building another bedroom with a built in ensuite. I was starting to feel a little envious her room was going to be bigger and better than mine. I hadn't even started on the restaurant so downstairs was a real mess but the living quarters were going to be awesome. My only real concern was what to do whilst I was away at site. I wanted to do another couple of swings to make as much as I could before I pulled the pin on work. I couldn't leave Talia by herself. Evie came to my rescue and suggested that Talia should stay with them until I was finished working away. I picked Talia up from the airport and she was a mess. She had obviously been crying and she was still upset. We hugged for what felt an eternity. "Thank you Dad." Was all that was said. We grabbed her bags and I took her to a mall with a food court and we pigged out as she told me about her decaying relationship with her mother. Luce just wouldn't accept her sexuality and tried every conceivable method of convincing her that she wasn't gay. She even took her to some weird supposed counsellor who tried to enforce in Talia it was just a sickness and she would get over it. I was shocked maybe even a little horrified at the lengths Luce had gone to. As we sat and ate it was like talking about it had released her demons and she started to sound a little more relaxed and more like her old self. It was then that I told her she would be staying with Pete and Evie for two weeks while I was off at site. She was disappointed but when I explained about what I was planning to do she looked impressed. We drove over to the new place and when she saw the run down exterior she was a little shocked. Once we were up in the living area she was amazed. She just wandered around figuring it out. She loved it. "Dad we can make it home, it's going to be amazing." We drove over to Pete and Evie's place, my old apartment and Talia hugged them both. We settled in for dinner and talked. We ended up going back to the Restaurant and staying as there were two more days before I flew out. We spent those days getting her enrolled in her new school and getting her some new clothes. I wanted her to feel at home. This time my stint at site seemed to drag. Talia and I spent hours on the phone. At least she was getting on well with Evie and Pete. On my return I picked Talia up and we moved her stuff into our new home. The next day she went off to school and I started the cleanout in the restaurant. I totally gutted the interior. I had an engineer come in and check out what I was doing. The City Council building inspector came in to carry out a survey and make sure I was following the plans I had submitted. Talia walked in as I was carrying the last of the shit out to the skip bin. We hugged and she disappeared up to her room as I got stuck in with the broom. I started in the furthest corner and started sweeping. It took only a few seconds before the place was full of dust but as I swept I noticed I had company. Talia was there as well with another broom. She had a huge smile on her face, although as the dust got thicker that changed to a painful coughing fit. By the time the dust had cleared and we were sitting down with a couple of cokes it looked awesome. The space looked so much bigger. We talked about school and how much she was enjoying her new freedom. The only restrictions I put on her were if her grades fell I would enforce tighter boundaries. It turned out not to be an issue. She was a good student and was working hard. The next day I hired a water blaster and totally cleaned off the exterior fa?ade. There was a huge old wooden panelled door which was the only part of the exterior I wanted to save. Scaffolders turned up to erect scaffold to give access to the second level. Talia arrived home to help. I gave her a paint brush and some paint. Her job was to paint the wooden door. It was going to be the Restaurants key feature. It was going to be bright fire engine red because the Restaurant was to be called the Red Door. Talia loved it and went straight to work. The next day the contractors turned up to fit new big picture windows on the front. Once the windows were fitted I started the painting process and it all started to come together. Talia got home from school and she picked up a brush and we worked side by side. We ended up working late to get it finished but by eight that night we were done. The restaurant had a new front. The next phase was the slow bit. The extension at the back which was housing the kitchen started. I focused on the interior and my first job was the floors. I hired a sander and started. I thought it might take a couple of hours but it took three days. The good news was they looked incredible. Luce called several times and now that they were apart she and Talia started to get along much better. They spend time just talking on the phone. Of course Talia had to tell her about what we were doing. Luce was a bit shocked and even disbelieving at first but after Talia had sent her literally hundreds of photos she started to become interested. At least they were talking again. The other thing that happened was while Talia and I were getting dinner we were sitting in a little restaurant up the block from home. Anyway we were sitting waiting for our food when I saw Talia's face change and she was staring up behind me. When I turned to see what she was looking at there was Alex standing behind me. "Hello Tai." "Hey Alex how are you?" "I'm fine darling, you seem to be doing OK, although I must say she is a bit young for you isn't she?" She hissed sarcastically. I laughed. "Alex I would like you to meet my daughter Talia." The expression on her face changed instantly. "Oh my god! I am so sorry." She walked around and gave Talia a big hug. Talia's eyes were bulging looking at me inquisitively. "Talia this is an old friend of mine. Talia this is Alex." I turned back to Alex. "So what are you doing here?" "Oh I was just about to have dinner when I saw you sitting here and thought I would say hello." Talia's eyes were bouncing back and forth between Alex and I as she tried to figure out the dynamic. "Are you by yourself?" I asked. She nodded. "Yes." Before I got a chance to say anything Talia invited her to sit with us. Alex smiled. "Well if it's OK with Tai." I nodded. "Of course sit with us." So she ordered a bottle of champagne and we toasted. She started to interrogate Talia and Talia being Talia started to open up immediately about everything. That's just the way she is. By the end of the meal Alex knew everything. Alex just said "Wow you poor dear, it seems very cruel and now you have to put up with this Neanderthal." Talia giggled. "Dad has been amazing and he doesn't judge me." Alex looked at me as she replied. "I am glad he has supported you." We were sitting back having a post meal drink when Alex asked. "I would love to see the new place." I was going to say OK but Talia beat me to it. "You must come around tomorrow." The deal was sealed with kisses all around. As Talia and I walked back home afterwards my interrogation started in earnest. "Well come on Dad spill. What was that all about?" I sucked in a deep thoughtful breath. "OK love the truth is Alex and I were friends, well lovers I guess for a while. We broke up a while ago." Talia giggled. "Well you might have broken up but she still has the hots for you." "Talia it's a lot more complex than that. Please don't try to play matchmaker. There are other people involved. It is not black and white." She didn't look convinced and wasn't happy with me refusing to tell her anything more. The next day which was a Saturday Talia and I were going hard at it cleaning up when Alex walked in looking sexier than I can ever remember. She looked sensational. Even Talia went. "Wow." Alex gave her a hug and a kiss before walking over and giving me a hug as we separated from the hug she kissed me and it was long and full of intent. The intensity ramped up as her tongue surveyed the whole of my mouth. The kiss left me breathless, and Talia stunned. As I got my breath back I gave Alex the guided tour and she nodded and cooed excitedly as I walked her around. She wanted to see the upstairs so as we started to walk up the stairs she held my hand tightly. Once we were out of earshot from Talia she stopped us and turned pressing up against me. "I am sorry for the way things turned out between us all. I never wanted to hurt you." We kissed tenderly and as I pulled back I whispered. "It's OK Alex things happen. I am glad that there is no animosity between us." She grinned. "There is no animosity on my behalf. I realised I simply pushed you too hard. You weren't ready. So it is I who has to apologise. I see now that I got so involved in the whole thing and I let Ben's passion take control. He does miss you as well you know." "Alex I miss you guys as well, it was just a bit much...." Just then Talia arrived and wanted to show Alex her room. As they walked around Alex laughed. "You have got him wrapped around your little finger. How did you end up with the best room." Talia blushed and giggled. "Dad organised it before I arrived." We went to a little caf? up the street. Alex started on at Talia about taking her shopping and getting her some nice clothes. Talia could barely sit still after that. Alex stared across at me. "Would that be OK Tai? Can I take Talia shopping?" I nodded of course. I dragged out my credit card and was handing it over to Talia when Alex pushed it aside. "This is my shout Tai. No argument." They disappeared and I went back to work. By the time they turned up I had put up the last of the gib wall lining and had started to do the plastering. They walked in with beaming smiles and arms full of bags. Talia was wearing an amazing brand new pair of jeans and a designer top. When I looked down the shoes were new as well. "Holy shit." I exclaimed. "Christ Alex I didn't think you were going to buy the whole town..." They both laughed and Talia dropped her bags and ran over throwing her arms around me. "Dad it's been the most amazing day...." Alex stood and watched. Talia rushed back and gave Alex the same treatment. Alex made her excuses and headed home. I had to sit through a fashion show as Talia showed off all her new clothes. Shit it must have cost a fortune. As the parade was going on Luce called. When Talia told her what had happened her mother got a little annoyed. I could see by the expression on Talia's face. She handed me the phone and Luce barked. "What the hell was going on?" I explained that Talia had met Alex and they had gone shopping. Luce wanted to know how much Talia knew about Alex and me. Talia grabbed the phone and told her mother to call back using video chat so she could show her the clothes. So for the next half an hour I held the phone while Talia repeated the fashion show for her mother. It seemed to placate her and things ended peacefully. Over the next couple of days Alex called in for a visit and she and Talia seemed to be getting closer. I was just happy that Talia had a female confidante. I thought it was important to have a woman's perspective. Over the remaining days before I was to fly out to work we managed to get the roof painted and the floors finished and polished. There was enough time left for Talia and I to take a trip around some furniture supply stores to see if we could find some tables that we liked. We must have gone to a dozen or more outlets looking for the right ones, all to no avail. We ended up going home empty handed. Talia went back to stay with Pete and Evie while I was away at site. We talked every day and she called me really excited one night. "Dad please don't be mad but I have a surprise for you." I laughed as well her laughter was so infectious. "Well how am I going to be mad when I don't even know what you have done?" "I cant tell you. I promised I wouldn't say anything until you get back." "Who did you promise?" I asked with a hint of concern growing deep down inside. "Alex and Evie." She whispered. Please don't ask Dad I promised." "Yeah OK sweets, I can wait." Bloody hell I thought to myself. Those two together wasn't going to be good. Was it a bloody tattoo or something stupid?? I was going to be so pleased to finish this job the separation was hard. I knew I should be home looking after Talia. I knew it was also holding me back. I was using it as a safety net. The truth is I was scared to cut the ties. What happened if I couldn't do it? I would be a failure.... The worst of it was I would have nobody to blame but myself. Evie and Talia met me at the airport with big hugs. We drove back to the restaurant and Talia was full of what was going on at school. There was a big ball coming up and they were in planning stages for it. Talia had been elected onto the students planning team to help. It was nice to hear she had some new friends but I picked up some teasing between Evie and Talia. "OK what's going on?" I eventually asked. Evie laughed. "Well it seems our little girl has a crush on one of the girls on the Committee." "Ohhhh I see." I mumbled. Talia had her head buried in her hands, she looked mortified. "Hey its OK honey there's nothing to be embarrassed about." I mumbled. She looked up at me with her big puppy dog eyes, shit sometimes she really looked like her mother. "You aren't upset?" "Of course not, why would I be upset?" "Well it's just Mum used to get upset when she heard I was interested in a girl." "Love all I ask is that you don't lie to me. Don't keep me in the dark. If you like her that's fine just don't do anything silly or rash. Take your time." Evie gave my hand a little squeeze and winked at me. When we pulled up outside the restaurant Alex's car was parked there and she was waiting for us. Fuck now I was concerned, what the hell was going on." Talia ran up to her and hugged her. "Thanks for coming she cried." As I walked up Alex hugged and kissed me. "Welcome back." She grinned. As we walked inside Alex muttered. "Tai this was Talia's choice but it was my idea to go ahead with it without talking to you, so if you get mad get mad at me OK." As I peered into her eyes I could see the worried look. I nodded. "Yeah OK Alex that works for me. I am always happy to blame stuff on you." She giggled. "Yeah tell me about it darling don't I know it." As we walked in there were a whole bunch of tables and chairs laid out around the restaurant. Talia had her hands up to her mouth in a nervous expectant manner. "Well Dad do you like them?" What could I say? I walked over and picked her up and swung her around. "Love they are perfect, absolutely perfect great choice. You have great taste." She clapped her hands together in glee. "Alex and Evie helped." "How much is this costing me?" Alex chirped in. "Tai don't get all bitchy but this is Ben and my present to you. We want to help and say sorry." I was gobsmacked this was too much. "No Alex I appreciate the sentiment but I can't let you guys do this, its way too expensive." She laughed. "Forget the money Tai, we can afford it." I walked around the tables, they were the perfect choice. Well I can't just accept them. Tell you what give me an hour or so and I will prepare something nice for dinner. Evie smiled. "God that sounds good to me. I will call Pete." Alex looked a little uncomfortable. I went over and hugged her. She smiled. "Tai what about Ben? Can I invite him as well?" I nodded. "Yes of course you can." I looked over at Talia, how much did she know? Had Alex or even Evie told her about our relationship? I quickly changed and started to prepare a huge dinner feast. Pete turned up and we had a couple of beers, as we talked about work. The place was full of conversation and laughter when Ben arrived. I met him at the door. As he walked in I stuck out my hand and shook his. "Hi Ben how are you?" He stared across at Alex before saying. "I am good Tai, what about you?" It was uncomfortable and it felt weird. Talia picked up on it straight away and gave me a weird look. Alex introduced Ben to everybody. I watched Talia as she hugged Ben. She looked a little confused but didn't say anything. We had dinner which slowly warmed up as the level in the wine bottle diminished. It was a fun night. It wasn't a late night, they had work and Talia had school the next day. After the others had gone and Talia and I were alone she pushed me down onto the chair. "OK Dad, spill. You said to me that there weren't to be any lies. You said that Alex was your girlfriend, yet she turns up with her husband. Are you two having an affair or something?" I stared into her eye. "Talia I would never cheat or have an affair. I certainly wouldn't do it to someone else either so no we aren't or weren't having an affair. I promise I will never lie to you." "So what is going on?" "Talia love this is hard for me. I am embarrassed and ashamed of myself. You know that I dress up." She nodded her head, "Yeah I know that Dad." "Well Alex and I met with Bens blessing, but after a while we all ended up involved." She looked confused and shocked. "What you mean sexually?" I put my head down unable to hold her gaze. "I did say I am not proud love." She hugged me. "Thank god I am not the only gay one. I thought I was going to be the black sheep." I laughed. "Love you will never be the black sheep I have that market cornered." As I hugged her I muttered. "Are you ashamed of me?" "Don't be stupid Dad I love you. I guess I am a bit shocked you were always so straight." I laughed loudly. "Shit hon that boat sailed long ago." "So what happened between you guys?" "Well it was just too much for me, it all happened so fast. I didn't plan on it and I got a bit mixed up. I still am really. I haven't been able to get my head around it." "So what happened Dad?" "I don't know, I said some things I shouldn't have and it drove a wedge between us all. Then we all goy upset and it ended badly." "Dad I really like Alex and she has been so kind to me. It's not weird for you if we hang out together is it?" "No hon it's OK I am actually enjoying having her around again." The next day I worked with the contractors as we finished off the kitchen extension and the cool room installation. Shit we were nearly there. It was so close. When Talia got home she rushed upstairs and came down dressed as if she was going out. I watched as she zoomed around nervously. "OK missy what's going on?" She looked nervous and guilty. "Well...... Alex is coming around to take me shopping for a ball gown." I sighed. "Oh I see." The words were just out of my mouth when Alex walked in. She walked up for her kiss and hug. Talia still looked a little nervous and Alex picked up on it. "Did I run over a cat or something on the way in?" I laughed. "No Talia just told me you are going shopping." "Ah right and you don't want her to go with me?" I Smiled and gave her a hug. "No Alex it's OK." She didn't look convinced. "Darling, if you want you can come with us its fine with me." "No you go and have a girl's day out. I would just be in the way." Talia whined. "Dad you wouldn't be in the way. It will be OK if you want to come as well." "No hon I am just being silly. You girls have fun." Alex surprised me by grabbing my arm, and she was squeezing very tightly. "Well if you don't want to come what about Amy? Maybe she would like to come?" My face must have gone as red as a beet I could feel it as I blushed. Talia piped up. "Who is Amy? Alex shrugged. "Amy is an old girlfriend of mine." I saw the penny drop on Talia's face. "Oh my god do you mean what I think you mean?" Alex nodded, Talia turned to me. "Oh my god, that would be awesome. Please Dad. I would love it." Alex laughed. "Come on babe be strong." Talia came over and hugged me. "Please it would be special if you were there as well." Alex said. "Come on darling I can help you get ready. You have let yourself go a bit." Before I could get my words of disapproval out Alex was dragging me up the stairs. I was more nervous than I had ever been in my life. This was more nerve wracking than exposing myself to Luce. Christ she is my daughter. I jumped up. "Alex I can't do this, it's wrong, what will she think of me." "Oh shut up don't be a pussy. She wants to see you she told me so the other day. She has been dying to meet you. Don't you understand this means a lot to her. She has been trying to find a way to ask you, but couldn't find an opening. Honey this is right." She helped with my makeup and as I was finishing up she rummaged through my wardrobe and found my navy dress. It wasn't one I had worn much. When I dressed for Alex I went for sexy. This was a more sedate look almost demure. She handed it to me to put on as she dug out some pantyhose and my three inch heels. As I stood up she hugged me. "Come on babe be brave. She will love you more for being honest." We walked down the stairs together and Talia rushed up and jumped into my arms. "Wow you look incredible. Holy hell I can't believe it." I started to cry, I couldn't help it they started to flow and soon we were all crying together. Talia pulled back a little. "What am I going to call you? Dad doesn't seem right at the moment." Alex giggled. "I think you should call her by her name." She coughed and announced. "Talia this is my best friend in the world and her name is Amy." Talia mumbled hesitantly. "Hi Amy." I hugged her. "Shit this feels so wrong." Alex pushed me playfully. "Stop it. Just stop being an idiot." Before I ran out of courage Alex hustled us out to her car and we set off. She dragged us around store after store until Talia finally found something she liked. It was a fabulous black gown. It was a beautiful silk fabric that just flowed beautifully. She really had blossomed into a very attractive girl. She looked spectacular. It was expensive and Alex went to pay for it but I pushed her aside. "No way I am paying for this." She didn't fight me to hard and then it was off to the shoe shop as we hunted for the perfect accompaniment. We ended up with a lovely clutch purse to go with it. When we got back home Alex said she had to go but Talia dragged her inside. I poured her a glass of wine and we toasted our success. She looked across at me. "God you are so lucky to have her she is beautiful and so smart." I mumbled. "Thanks Alex yeah she is special. I don't think many kids could have done this. How many kids want to see their father dress up as a woman." I started to shake with embarrassment and shock. "Don't be so hard on yourself darling. Nobody even noticed today. You passed with flying colours. All I want to do is kiss you." I pulled her in close and our lips met in a scintillating kiss. All of the emotion came bubbling to the surface as the heat and intensity of our kiss turned white hot. Our tongues were battling as Talia walked in on us. "Wow... Um I think I might call Evie and stay there tonight if that's OK." Alex pulled back out of my arms. "No Talia you stay right here. I have to go." With that she quickly collected her bits and pieces and vanished. Talia cuddled up to me. "Sorry Dad I didn't mean to spoil your night." "Don't be silly hon you haven't spoiled anything. We shouldn't have been doing that." "Dad I understand, I am glad you have someone who likes you. She is wonderful." I turned away. I am going to get changed." She grabbed me and held on tight. "No please don't. I would love to talk to Amy and get to know her better." "God you are a beggar for punishment love." "No this is you and I want to know all about you. Did Mum ever see you?" I nodded. "Yes the last visit over here we spent some time together." "Wow and she didn't like it? That's so weird. You are beautiful." I laughed. "Let's not get carried away. So tell me who are you taking to the ball?" She sagged. "Nobody has asked me yet." She looked disillusioned and sad. "Well if nobody has asked you, why don't you ask them. There is someone you like isn't there?" She nodded. "Yes but I don't know if she is gay or if she even likes me. I am scared." We hugged and rocked together. "I understand that baby, god look at me, yes I understand I really do. It is the most terrifying thing opening yourself up to ridicule and mockery especially somebody you love." She whispered. "What should I do Dad?" "Well you have to be true to yourself. If you really like this girl there has to be a reason for it. If she is a nice girl even if she doesn't feel the same way she should at least be kind to you. What does your heart say?" She giggled. "Well my heart says I should ask her." "Then do it and do it tomorrow before you run out of courage. Believe me I know." She smiled and ran off to call her mother and I went and got dinner ready. The next day as I was helping install the new ovens I got a call from Luce and she was mad. "Tai what the fuck is going on over there? Talia said that Alex took her shopping for a ball gown. What the hell is she doing spending all this time with her?" "Well hello to you as well dear." I muttered sarcastically. "For your information Talia and Alex get on just fine. She is my girlfriend and it's no worse than you and Mark so get off my back." "Bullshit you bastard she isn't your girlfriend she is just a cheating slut and I don't think she is a good influence on her." "Get back in your box Luce. She is my friend and she is a great influence on her. They have bonded really well and I think it's good that she has a calming female mentor." "Mentor are you fucking crazy? Well are you? She is a fucking slut, a cheap fucking floozy. Is that who you want as a role model for your daughter?" "Luce stop before you say something you will regret. You have already crossed the line here." She hung up and left it hanging in mid-sentence. I focused on getting the kitchen finished. Later as I was cleaning up Talia came bursting into the room and ran straight into my arms. "Dad she said yes. We are going to the ball together." I was shocked, shit my advice worked..... Holy shit. "That's great news love. So what happens now? Are you going as a couple or just going as friends?" She got all fidgety. "We are going as a couple. When I told her I liked her she told me she feels the same way and has been trying to build up the courage to ask me out." "Honey I am happy and proud of you, but there might be some flak from friends and kids can be unkind." "I don't care Dad I am prepared for it. Things aren't so bad these days. The worlds different from the one you grew up in. When I told a couple of the other girls they congratulated me." We sat down with some tea and relaxed a little. "Dad would it be OK if I stayed with Evie tonight?" I was curious but shrugged. "Yeah of course honey if that's what you want." She ran off to get showered and soon after Evie turned up to pick her up. We chatted for a while until Talia came zooming down. She gave me a hug and they disappeared. I was finishing up when I got a call from Alex. "Babe can we get together tonight?" I was a bit confused. "Um who's we Alex?" "Just you and me babe, well I should say Amy and me anyway." "Amy I whispered hesitantly." "Babe yesterday brought back the memories of how great we were and I want to reconnect." "What about Ben?" "Ben is fine with this. He knows you have some issues you need to deal with. He would love for us all to get together but he is happy for whatever happens." "I will be honest Alex, I am not sure that I will ever be comfortable with that. Just so you know." She sighed. "What will be will be." "Tell me Alex did you talk to Talia today by any chance?" I heard her snigger. "Yes we may have had a chat." "So it was your idea for her to disappear?" "No darling that was her Idea. She is very insightful that little girl. You are so lucky to have her." "No arguments there. Ok you better give me a couple of hours to get ready." She chuckled. "You have an hour. I will meet you at the hotel, don't be late." I raced upstairs. I was smelly, and sweaty, it had been a long day. I showered quickly and shaved from head to toe. I did my makeup as I waited for my hair to dry. God it was so good to feel the moisturiser as I rubbed it in. The foundation, the scent all my senses were on fire. I had missed this so much. I worked as fast as I could but I was out of touch. It took much longer than usual but I finished up with my lipstick and god it felt so comforting and right. I looked in the mirror and plugged in my hair drier. I went with a sort of teased look. At least it was quick. I pulled on my corset and strung it in tight. I dragged out a little dark red mini dress. It was very figure hugging but it felt good on and I loved the colour and texture. By the time I was pulling on my heels the taxi was outside. As I walked into Peels Alex was already there and when she saw me a huge smile crossed her face. We hugged and kissed. She felt so good. The heat of her body was enough to melt the sheer fabric separating us. I ordered us a couple of drinks and we sat at the bar just staring into each other's eyes. We didn't talk we just sat and sipped our drinks. Eventually our table was ready and we got to eat. It was a nice meal and we chatted a little, it wasn't much I think we were both scared to say anything in case we spoilt the mood. Afterwards we danced together gliding around our bodies glued together. As we danced she whispered. "Baby we could be doing this at your place." I sniggered. "God I thought you would never ask." It was a magical evening and the lovemaking was intense. She didn't stay the night but it was late when she left and I was a sweaty exhausted blob when she slunk away.