Love on the Rocks

Love On The Rocks -- 40

This story contains sexual situations between males. If material of this nature offends you then you should not read this story. If you are under 18 years of age you are probably not legally allowed to read this story. This story is purely a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons living or dead, or to events that may have occurred, is purely coincidental. The author claims all copyrights in this story and no duplication or publication of this story is allowed (except by the web sites to which it has been posted) without the consent of the author.

There was a good deal of excitement in the air as we boys congratulated Steve in the time-honoured Aussie tradition, slapping him on the back, messing up his hair and plying him with alcohol. Fran disappeared into a huddle with Ellie and Dot to marvel at her diamond and to discuss dates, times, venues, and dress fabric.

Both parties and their support teams eventually came together and we were filled in on some of the details. No, Fran and Ellie's mother Lou and their sister Annie had not yet been told the good news. The wedding would be later in the year and it would be a simple affair. The couple would likely marry in Sydney which was a good central spot for both families to reach.

Yes, Fran would be a bride, but they didn't want a full scale Church wedding. Given the time of year they had in mind, they were leaning toward a beach wedding and a party. What they didn't have to spend on unnecessary wedding trimmings would be put toward a luxury honeymoon in Europe.

Steve and Fran would continue to live at Sugarloaf Road until the renovations were finished and would then consider their options. Their current thinking was they would return and settle in Sydney, once Steve had found work.

A lively discussion ensued, in which time Steve and Fran were bombarded with everyone's opinion on weddings until they were almost at their wits' end. Frank called a halt when he announced it was bedtime for him and Dot, and before long, things wound up.

Behind closed bedroom doors, I brushed my teeth and as Ty emptied his bladder into the toilet, he started to giggle.

"What?" I asked as I washed my face.

"Our families!" he chuckled. "Scott handed me you on a plate, now he's shacking up with a guy you found for him, Lachie married a girl you introduced him to, and her sister is going to marry your brother. It's a movie!"

We climbed into bed and I laid on my back waiting for Ty to settle, but he had other ideas. He propped himself up and for a while we talked about the amazing connection between our families.

Then he talked about his tour. I knew only a little of how his show was shaping up so I pushed him for more details.

"It's gonna be fantastic, Mike!" he enthused. "I'm doing a few things I've never been game enough to do before and it all feels good. I think the show will surprise people. I think for the first time I feel like an artist rather than a `rock star'. That's what's been missing for me."

I cocked my eyebrow. "Tell me more?"

"I decided I wouldn't," Ty smiled apologetically. "I mean, I want to tell you everything, but I also want it to be a surprise for you."

"I know most of it, don't I?" I asked. "We've talked about the order of the hits."

"Yeah, but that's only part of it. I want you to see the rest and be impressed!"

I kissed his lips. "You've always impressed me mate!" I chuckled. "Come on, you can trust me - I'm a lawyer!"

"Yeah, right!" Ty laughed as he rolled his eyes. "I really think I want it to be a surprise." As an afterthought he added, "That means not reading reviews or reading about the show online once the fans start doing the whole chat thing."

"Damn!" I laughed.

"You OK with not knowing?"

"Yeah, of course," I assured him, and I was. It was a joy to see him so enthusiastic about getting out on tour again and entertaining people and it was feeling like he might have found a way to combine his `rock star' persona with his true musical self. I was looking forward to being surprised.

For the next half hour, Ty talked about the music school in Palm Beach and what we could do to help the musos who were trying to run it and the disadvantaged kids who could benefit so much from experiencing the wonder of making music.

Ty came up with several good ideas which showed me he'd been giving this a lot of thought. He smirked when he had to give away one element of his upcoming show; he would be playing a grand piano on stage in every venue. He said that one of the tour costs was hiring the pianos from Yamaha, but that Vince had negotiated a good deal by including an ad for them in the tour programme. Ty wondered whether there might be a way of getting a piano or two out of them for the music school.

I laid on my back and thought about it for a couple of minutes. "I reckon we could go to them with an `endorsement' package," I mused.

"What's that?"

"We go to them and remind them that you're playing their piano on tour nationally, being seen by more than 100,000 people. At the end of the tour we'll suggest you do an ad campaign for them, be their Yamaha pin-up boy for the music magazines. We could ..."

"I don't want my music used in ads!" he injected.

"It wouldn't have to be your music, it would just be some Tyson Hill' branding," I assured him. "They could have you in white tails and a top hat, sitting down to play a grand piano on a white set. Something ridiculous, something not Tyson Hill' at all."

"You think they'd go for that?"

"I can't see why not. We could ask $150,000, then bargain it down to a fee of $100,000 and wholesale musical instruments to the value of $50,000. Of course, it would help if you could somehow slip `Yamaha' into your stage patter once or twice every show, that wouldn't hurt."

"I never thought I'd do ads," Ty pondered. "Do you think it's selling out?"

"It's selling out if you're just putting yourself `out there' to flog anything that has a pay cheque attached to it," I said. "On the other hand, if you believe in the product and you actually use the product, I don't see what's wrong with being paid to tell people about it."

"I love Yamaha!" Ty enthused. "It would be awesome to get some top class instruments for the school. You're a genius mate!"

"Yeah, "I chuckled. "That's why I make the big bucks!"

Ty was about to launch into another discussion about the music school when I leaned in and kissed him. He blinked. "I've gotta get some sleep mate!" I smiled. "Let's get comfy."

Ty leaned down and rested his head on my chest, and I enjoyed the feel of his hand tickling my tummy as I slipped into sleep ...

Neither of us mentioned it, but Ty and I were both aware that this weekend was all the time we had left together before Ty's `Greatest Hits' tour kicked off. The rest of the family seemed to be consciously keeping themselves busy so that Ty and I had time to ourselves.

We all ate together at mealtimes, but between times Ty and I lay in bed and talked, walked along the beach, and discussed "our project". If we found ourselves completely alone, we'd kiss and feel each other up.

A couple of times, Ty stole away to the music room to play the piano and sing and I found myself drawn by his voice to just lie on the couch and listen to him. The beauty of Ty's voice had always thrilled me, but there was something even more stunning about it when he changed his diet before a tour. His voice was as powerful and pitch-perfect as usual, but eating non-mucous forming foods gave it a bell-like quality that was spine-chilling. Even when he was singing scales, the hair on the back of my neck stood on end.

Late on Sunday afternoon, before dinner, he was back at the piano in full rehearsal mode, testing his range. I was lying on the couch as he randomly sang excerpts of songs that challenged him; everything from "Music of the Night" from `Phantom' and "Power of the Dream", to "Three Blind Mice". It was when he'd finished his exercises and simply for pleasure belted out "Hallelujah" that family members started gravitating to the music room. By the end of the song everyone in the house had gathered and was listening, even Scruffy. He was, as always, at Ty's feet, while Floppy prowled the room looking for pats.

When Ty had finished, Lachlan asked, "How come your voice sounds so much stronger?"

Ty shrugged. "It isn't. It's just that when I don't eat starch or fat, it's clearer."

"I like that song Tyson," Dot smiled, "even though I have no idea what the lyrics mean!"

"Yeah, it's a bit esoteric, Mama," Ty grinned, "but it's a gorgeous melody."

Ty played a few chords before turning to us and saying, "I'm off tomorrow and I won't see you until we hit Sydney. I've got a song I remember from when I was a kid. I've been singing it in my head for a while and I want to sing it for Mike."

Scott flopped down beside me on the couch as Ty started to play. As he tinkled he looked at me and said, "This is for you mate, and believe it or not it's called `For You*'!"

"Just to look in your eyes again, just to lay in your arms, just to be the first one always there for you ..."

Ty had never been shy about saying "I love you", but any time he wanted to express more he always used a song lyric, be it his own or someone else's. I was so touched that he picked such a poignant song to let me -- and his family -- know how he felt about me.

"For you for the rest of my life, for you all the best of my life, for you alone, only for you ...".

As the song built, so too did my feeling that tears were on their way. That feeling dissipated when Scott leaned in and kissed me on the cheek as his big brother glided into the final chorus. By the time the song ended, the majesty of Ty's voice reverberated around the room.

As we all clapped, Ty stood and did a quick exaggerated bow and then excused himself by saying "gotta pee!" The room started to empty as people returned to what they were doing, giving me the thumbs-up or a smile as they did so.

Scott was still with me on the couch and Lachlan and Ellie were opposite us.

"Crikey!" Ellie beamed. "I had no idea!"

"No idea of what?" Lachlan asked, puzzled.

"I knew he was good!" she replied. "I mean, I've heard his songs on the radio, but I had no idea he could just sit there and sing like that. His voice is like a powerhouse!"

"That's m'boy!" I laughed.

"His voice sounds great," Lachlan nodded. "I mean, he always sings well, but it's just belting out of him at the moment!"

Ty came back and joined us and had only just flopped on the music room couch when George loomed large in the doorway, hands on his hips.

"O-oh," I exclaimed. "It's Scary George!"

"Sorry to interrupt you all in your hour of worship," George apologised. "But somebody's leaving in the morning for almost three weeks and I can only assume he'll need some things to take with him?"

"Yeah, that'd be me George!" Ty smirked.

"Yes sir, of course it is," George rolled his eyes. "Regrettably, your suitcases won't pack themselves and while your faithful old packhorse is ready and willing to help you, he can't make wardrobe decisions all by himself!"

"Are you trying to say I should get off my lazy ass and help you pack for me?" Ty sighed.

"As galling as that is, I'm afraid the answer is yes, sir," George replied.

Ty got up and trotted after George, knowing he was about to be put to work. Lachlan and I retired to the lounge to watch the TV news while Ellie went to check on the boys. Dorothy appeared with some cheese, biscuits and sliced fruit on a tray. We all laughed when suddenly Scott, Simon, and Steve appeared, their radar alerting them to more food.

Conversation halted temporarily as the challenge was set to empty the platter in record time. Ellie returned with two wide awake baby boys, one of whom was handed to Steve and the other to Fran. It was a new experience for me to see Steve holding a baby, but he was making a better fist of amusing his charge than Fran was making of keeping her's happy.

As Steve happily rocked a cooing Matt, Fran was getting more exasperated as Roddy's grizzling turned to crying and then wailing. Ty suddenly appeared from the bedroom, walked up to Fran and took Roddy from her. He cradled the toddler, rubbed his back, and smooched him, and within seconds, he handed a gurgling, happy baby back to Fran. "You gotta have the touch!" he winked as he headed back to join his taskmaster in the bedroom.

I left it to Steve and Fran to get in some valuable baby practice while I started making preparations for dinner. I poked around in the fridge and pantry to see what was available. I settled on a chicken and pasta bake with sides of rosemary baked potatoes, wilted Asian greens and a radicchio, brown pear, walnut and parmesan salad. For Ty, of course, I just prepared a big plate of steamed green vegetables.

I got the bake and vegetables ready for George to heat, covered the salad with cling wrap, and put new supplies of beer and wine in the fridge to chill. I'd just finished when George walked in and I was happy to note the look of surprise and appreciation on his face.

"Thank you sir," he smiled. "I suspected that because Mr. Hill's packing took so long, I'd have run out of time to do anything other than pizza."

"It's all sorted, George!" I grinned. "My pleasure."

I could hear Ty singing softly and when I walked back into the lounge, I found him sprawled on the couch with his legs on the coffee table, and a baby perched safely on each thigh. They were looking at him closely as he sang "Six Little Ducks" to them and they giggled whenever he make the "quack quack" sounds.

I sat down next to Ty and he immediately handed me a baby. "How ya doin', Roddy?" I asked as he snuggled into the crook of my arm.

Ty chuckled. "That's Matty, mate!"

"Damn!"

"Remember, Matty's got that little mark on his forehead!"

Both babies were asleep when George walked into the lounge and placed glasses of white wine in front of us. "Dinner's about 45 minutes away," he informed us.

"Thanks George," said Ty. "And thanks for helping me get packed for the tour."

"My pleasure," George deadpanned. "It's what I live for."

Dropping two clean nappies and some Baby Wipes on the coffee table he added, "The partners-in-poop both need changing!"

I looked at Ty in shock. "I don't think I've ever changed a nappy," I said. "You'll have to do them both."

"Nah, nothing to it," Ty shrugged. "Just watch. He gently put Roddy on the couch, unpinned his nappy, and opened it. He didn't flinch when confronted with what looked like a jar of spilt mustard. He lifted Roddy's legs, wiped his bottom with a Baby Wipe and then whipped the soiled nappy from under him and folded it before sliding the clean nappy under him. He laid Roddy down again and almost before I could blink he'd folded it a couple of different ways and pinned it in place.

"See, easy!" he grinned.

"Yeah, easy for you. I don't think I'd be very good with poo. You'd better do it."

"Nah, I've done my duty! I'll talk you through it. Put him on his back and undo the pin on his nappy."

As I grappled with the world's biggest safety pin, Lachlan and Ellie walked into the room and stood behind Ty with their arms around each other, trying not to laugh as they watched me.

I finally got the pin undone and then opened the nappy, gagging and dry retching when its contents were revealed.

"OK, now lift his legs up and wipe his arse!" Ty laughed.

"God, the smell's AWFUL!" I choked. "What's this kid been eating?"

Ty was guffawing. "Mate, the look on your face!" he cackled. "Now make sure his bum's clean and fold the dirty nappy up. That's right. Now, position the clean nappy under him and then put his legs down."

By now Dot and Frank had turned up and they stood next to Lachlan and Ellie watching just as bemusedly.

"Fold one corner in between his legs Michael," Dot instructed. "Then fold both the corners in and fold back the top of the bit that's between his legs. That's right dear. Now do up the pin so that everything's held in place before you pull the outside pants up."

"But what if I stick the pin in him" I asked, bewildered.

"You won't!" Lachlan encouraged.

"I think I will!" I whined. "Or else I'll stick it through my finger."

Ellie walked over and took the pin from me, securing the nappy in a couple of seconds. "There!" she smiled. "Well done, Michael! There's another person I can add to the team!"

Ty grinned as I looked at my hands and announced, "I need to go and wash!"

Lachlan snickered. "Great farm boy you got yourself there, Ty. Can't wait to see him help birth a calf!"

"Yeah, like that's gonna happen!" I exclaimed. "I'll be in the kitchen making celebration Calf Cakes!"

"How about you, Georgy Boy?" Ty laughed. "Have you ever seen the birth of a cow?"

George didn't miss a beat. "I don't suppose being present at the birth of my sister counts?" he sighed. "Dinner will be ready in 10 minutes. Somebody needs to let Steven and Francis know. They're in their room, banging like bunnies again."

"George!" exclaimed Dot.

"Sorry Dorothy," George responded. "I meant to say they're going at it like rabbits!"

Dinner was a joy, with lots of laughing and kidding. The pasta bake was a hit and the side dishes disappeared within seconds of them reaching the table. George had organised dessert and as a nod to Ty it was a simple trio of ice cream scoops with a sauce of melted Mars Bars.

The boys got stuck into the wine and the girls made us all drink water before we went to bed. The start of the new week was just a sleep away; tomorrow, Ty was off on tour, I was going back to work and, surprisingly, Steve and Fran were driving Frank back to Stanthorpe just so he could be reassured that the farm's hired help were packing the fruit correctly and everything was "business as usual".

Naturally, Ellie didn't want to pack the babies up for such a long drive, Lachlan didn't want to spend a minute away from his sons in case he missed some aspect of their growing up, and Dot was staying at Point Piper because "Ellie needs me."

Thankfully, there were no sly glances, no raised, knowing eyebrows when Ty and I announced we were turning in for the night at 10.00p.m. It was reasonable that we needed a good sleep, with Ty flying across the country in the morning and me heading back to the office for the first time in several weeks.

We were able to just slip away. Behind our closed doors we showered -- and washed each other -- and then jumped into bed and let nature and our own animal instincts show each other how we felt.

It was a passionate night. Instead of having sex we made love, and we ended the night bathed in sweat and clinging to each other. Exhausted we fell asleep and as always, when I woke early in the morning, Ty had maneuvered himself so that he slept with his head on my chest. Eventually I moved him slightly so that he rolled on his side and I immediately spooned him. I loved the simple act of holding Ty in my arms; he was cuddly and masculine at the same time, warm and peaceful. It was in these quiet moments - often late at night or early in the morning - that I felt truly loved. Any moments of doubt I might have had about our relationship always disappeared in moments like these and I knew what we'd found together was truly special.

These were moments I didn't ever want to end. Part of me wanted to lie in bed forever, holding Boy Wonder as he slept, and when he woke I wanted to spend the rest of the morning kissing him and telling him how much I loved him. That wasn't going to happen, so I cherished the short time I had to just wrap myself around him and feel ... happy.

Soon enough though, George was knocking at the door. Ty was still asleep as I called quietly, "Come in."

"I'm sorry sir," George apologised as he looked almost wistfully at the sight before him. "Mr. Cometti will be here in about an hour, so I'll be bringing your breakfast in 10 minutes. Allowing 20 minutes to eat it, Mr. Hill will have half an hour to be showered, shaved, and dressed."

In the 10 minutes before breakfast was served, the two younger Hill brothers appeared, bleary-eyed, and crawled into bed with us. I got up to take a leak and returned to find Scott spooning Ty, Lachlan spooning Scott, and at least two of them were asleep. I crawled in on the side of the bed with precious little room to get comfortable.

I was about to complain when George walked in with a breakfast tray for Ty and me. "Good God!" he exclaimed as he set the tray down on the bed. "They've multiplied."

"Two more breakfasts if you don't mind George," I sighed. "We have unexpected company."

"Can I have extra bacon, George?" a sleepy Scott asked.

"Of course Scott," George nodded as he left the room. "Scruffy didn't finish all of his ..."

We all ate and joked for a while and it touched me to see how affectionate Scott was being with his oldest brother. He teased him and made fun of him as he always did, but at the same time he squeezed him and kissed his cheek a few times. Theirs was a bond I had always aspired to with Steve and thanks to the Hill family we were well on our way.

George appeared to tell Ty his 20 minutes was up and it was time to get up and get going. Ty sighed, threw back the doona cover, and started plodding to the bathroom.

"Lachlan did a low whistle. "You know, Ty's arse is pretty damn amazing, eh Scotty?"

"Nah," Scott giggled. "He's over 30 now and it's gone all flabby."

Ty turned around, grabbed his junk, and shook it at them. "Look at my arse and weep, boys!" he beamed. "According to Seventeen' magazine, it's The Rock `n Roll Butt Of The Year'!"

"Who were you competing against?" Scott snickered. "Cliff Richard?"

"Arsehole!" Ty retorted as he stomped into the bathroom and closed the door.

Within 30 minutes, Ty was showered, dressed, and gorgeous. Vince arrived early and agreed to a quick coffee, as long as George used "the good beans!"

Ty took the time to work his way around his family, saying adieu with a hug for everyone.

Momentarily, Vince cornered me and whispered, "About time you came back, asshole! I don't know whether to punch you in the head or kiss you."

"What do you want to do, mate?" I asked.

Vince's shoulders slumped. "It's weird, but I want to kiss you!" he smiled.

"You're such a faggot, Vince!" I laughed.

A roomful of people meant Ty had a moment to drag me aside just before he had to leave. "Gotta go, mate," he said. "Don't wanna get too soppy, but I want you to know that I love you. I really love you. Thank you for giving us another chance."

I refused to cry, even though my inner baby was turning to blubber. "I love you too Ty. We'll get there. Kill `em with the concerts!"

"Ty, we gotta go!" Vince yelled. "Kiss ya boyfriend then get your pretty arse into the car!"

"Vincent!" exclaimed Dot.

"Sorry Mrs. Hill!"

I didn't have any time to muse about the fact Ty would be gone for almost three weeks. I was cornered by Scott and Simon assuring me that if I felt lonely without Ty, I was welcome to visit them in their apartment.

"Yeah, and maybe George could come too?" Scott enthused. "He could even bring the meal if he wanted."

I smacked Scott lightly on the back of the head before pulling them both in for a hug. They scurried off to get ready after I offered to drop them at the apartment on my way to the office.

My first day back in a suit and sitting at a desk was a shock, but fortunately the hours flew by as I reactivated my involvement in several ongoing cases. Some of them were rudimentary; copyright infringement, dubious royalty accounting, and chain of entitlement claims.

My interest was piqued in a restriction of trade action being brought by members of a group whose singer wouldn't re-form with them for an anniversary tour unless the partnership terms were amended to give him 40 percent and the other four members an equal share of 60 percent.

Best of all, a breach of contract suit being filed against a rock trio by their record company, which just happened to be the same company Ty was with. From the case notes, it appeared the company was trying to insist that the trio deliver a second album just like their highly successful debut, and the trio was citing creative interference in its defence. That had a familiar ring to it!

Best of all, this case pitted me against Eddie Zaitman, who was once again representing the contracting party. I'd nailed him when I went in to bat for Ty and finally I had him on a back foot. Zaitman was an arrogant man and I knew how much it went against the grain for him to have to concede defeat to someone like me, whom he saw as a law firm-nurtured `yuppie'.

Over the course of a week, I had several terse telephone exchanges with Zaitman, all of which I enjoyed. The little rock band we were representing had certain leverage because their first album had sold well, but without the string of chart-topping singles Ty had under his belt, a little more compromise was required. Still, they were entitled to creative expression and it was not the record company's place to dictate what that expression should be.

Several hours that first week were devoted to meeting with the four musicians who were fighting residential opposition to the music school they had started for disadvantaged kids. After our first meeting, they took me to the house in Palm Beach and despite its dilapidated appearance it was of sound build and mostly met all statutory body requirements to operate as a volunteer facility.

Other days, we discussed strategies for getting the house renovated and I helped them register as a charity so that they could lodge an application for funding from the Lord Mayor's Foundation and the state government.

I made sure I was home to have dinner at Point Piper with whoever was around each evening and I always looked forward to the phone call I got every night from Ty. If it was a concert night, he would call me from his dressing room before the show and if it was a night off, he would call me from his hotel room while he was eating his green vegetables.

He sounded ecstatic at the way the concerts were being received and said he had been really enjoying himself. "I feel this natural high when I come off stage," he enthused. "I've never felt that before. I used to feel exhausted, but this time it's different. It's like I feel after sex with you!"

"Really?"

"Well, maybe not quite that good! But close."

He wouldn't discuss the show with me and I assured him I hadn't read reviews. He always moved on from talking about the shows to asking for a progress report on the music school.

"I've made sure I've mentioned Yamaha in every concert!" he said proudly, "just like you said!"

"Good man!" I chuckled. "Make sure you get someone to film a few mentions on their camera or phone, and we'll put it on youtube. That'll impress them!"

Each day while I was at work, Ty somehow found time to touch base with Dot and Frank, Lachlan and Ellie, Scott and Simon, and Steve and Fran. Every couple of days he would ring George and either tell him how much he was missing his cooking, or to ask his advice about which shirt and jacket to wear for his after show `meet and greet' or for a TV news cross.

Ty's Sydney concerts were Saturday and Sunday night and by Friday, I was desperate to see him. My days had been filled with absorbing work commitments and my evenings had been spent with his wonderful family, yet every time I closed my bedroom door and climbed into bed, I was conscious of my empty arms and missing the familiar feeling of Ty's head on my chest. I couldn't wait to see him perform and I couldn't wait to feel his lips against mine.

At the end of the work week there was the regular staff get-together, drinks in the boardroom at 5:00pm, known to us all as "beer o'clock". I strolled in and worked the room with a Crown Lager in my hand, catching up with colleagues, and hearing about holidays that had just finished or were just about to begin, newborn babies, and engagements. At 6:30, as I was about to leave, Max cornered me to ask how I was getting along while Ty was on the road.

"I'm good," I smiled. "I've had plenty happening here to keep me distracted! I'm looking forward to the concerts at the weekend, though!"

"Yeah, me too," Max smirked.

"You're going?" I asked, taken aback.

"I bought tickets to the Sunday night show."

"Mate, it never occurred to me you'd want to see Ty's concert," I said apologetically. "I'd have organised comp seats for you ..."

"Nah, I was happy to buy them. I wanna see what all the fuss is about!"

"Make sure you hang around after the concert and I'll take you back to say hi."

"Yeah, I'd like that Mike. It's always good to schmooze the clients!"

On my way home I realised I hadn't thought outside the family when complimentary seats were up for grabs. I called Janet from the car and she was very enthusiastic about seeing Ty on stage. I mentioned it to Ty when he called later in the evening and he assured me two tickets in her name would be waiting at the box office, along with a souvenir tour program and a copy of the most recent DVD. I also suggested he do the same for Ellie and Fran's mother Lou and a guest, and before I got home I rang Ellie and had her make arrangements for her Mum to have a fun night out.

Friday night at Point Piper was a full house. Frank and Steve had returned from Stanthorpe and Scott and Simon had found another excuse to drop by at meal time, so George made gourmet pizza and salad and we all sat on the balcony eating, drinking, and laughing.

By the time I hit the sack I was tired, but sleep took its time because I was excited at the thought of seeing Boy Wonder again. I was just about out for the count when I thought of a funny sight gag ...

Breakfast was bedlam. Everyone descended on the kitchen at once and George was faced with nine hungry adults. He served pancakes and French toast as fast as he made them, but no sooner did he put down a full plate than it was emptied and that was before anyone who wasn't a Hill male even got a look-in.

Eventually we all got fed and plates were cleared by the boys. Dot made bacon and eggs on toast for George, insisting he sit down and have a proper breakfast, just as she'd done for so many years for her husband and sons before they started their day.

Scott and Simon left not long after breakfast. They'd both been seconded for `runner' duties for Ty's Sydney concerts and it seemed they couldn't wait. Surprisingly, Lachlan also disappeared mid-morning, vague about his absence.

The decision had been made that George would mind the twins while everyone went to the concert tonight, and Lou would spend a night alone with her grandsons while George saw the second concert on Sunday night.

The day was bound to drag, so I proposed an early dinner at a pub in Homebush, only a short distance from the venue. After much fuss over the babies by Dot and much reassurance from George that they would survive the evening in his care, we were on our way.

As always when we were in the relaxed environs of a pub, everyone started to chill and we all enjoyed variations on traditional Aussie pub fare, from chicken parmagiana and salad to beef stew with mashed potatoes. For Dot and Frank, of course, it was roast and three vegetables.

Scott and Lachlan joined us briefly, although they were elusive about what they'd been doing with Ty all day. They declined a main course because they'd grazed all day on Ty's backstage rider, but they didn't pass up the opportunity for ice cream and chocolate sauce.

We drove, in convoy, to the arena and thanks to Vince we were able to park in the crew car park, close to the stage door. Once inside we lingered in the foyer, watching Ty's fans swarm over the merchandise stalls and snap up concert programmes.

When the bells started to ring, we abandoned our plan to get through the throng at the bar and have a pre- show beer. Instead we made our way to our seats. Soon enough, the auditorium lights were killed and the excitement that was building was tangible. The darkness of the venue made me aware of the dim lights on stage and I could make out Ty's musicians, who were already in place.

A few seconds went by before the suspended big screen suddenly lit up with silent Super 8 movie footage. I wasn't sure what it was at first, but once the shakiness stopped, I realised it was very old footage of Ty in his bedroom at the farm, when he was an early teenager. He was sitting on his bed playing his guitar, so young and so unknowingly handsome.

As he tried to find the chords he wanted, the camera focussed on another young boy who seemed to be bouncing around the room vying for attention. It was Lachlan, aged about nine or 10!

Ty started to sing a Jackson Browne song I couldn't immediately place, even though it was a staple of the FM stations that played the best of the 70s and 80s. His voice was still that of a young boy, yet his pitch was perfect.

The camera panned back and there on the floor at Ty's feet was baby Scott in his nappy, absentmindedly playing with a toy truck as he watched his brothers in awe.

As the teenaged Ty on the screen hit the chorus, his band on stage started to strum in synch and suddenly the stage lights went on and the musicians kicked into the opening riffs. The joint was rocking as the band played `till-ready' until the spotlight suddenly found Ty as he strolled on from the wings to thunderous applause.

"I can't keep up with what's been going on, I think my heart must just be slowing down; Among the human beings in their designer jeans, am I the only one who hears the screams ..."

I smiled to myself. It was "Lawyers in Love". Ty delivered his vocal very tongue-in-cheek, grinning at the audience as they rocked along. He brought the song to a crescendo which saw his fans on their feet and screaming.

He waited for the applause to die down before he spoke.

"Hey Sydney, it's great to be back!" he called, giving the arena the thumbs up. "What's say we lift the roof off this joint tonight?"

More applause and cheering as the audience geared up for a blitzkrieg.

Once the noise levels dropped, Ty asked, "you wanna know a secret?" and got a thunderous "Yeah!" back from 12,000 people.

"I'm in love with a lawyer!" he whispered loudly, to sustained applause. "He's out there somewhere tonight. Look around and when you spot the cutest guy in the arena, that'll be him!"

To Ty's amusement, the audience starting looking around. Ridiculously, I felt self-conscious even though nobody was going to pick me.

"Now Lawyers in Love' is not one of my greatest hits'!" he laughed. "But it's one of my favourite songs from my childhood, when I was first learning to play the guitar. I listened to so many bands and singers, trying to learn from them. Jackson Browne, Scott Walker, Cold Chisel, Leonard Cohen ... and all these years later they're still my heroes.

"You'll be getting all the songs of mine that you helped make hits and you're gonna get a few of the songs that have been part of my musical journey."

Ty picked up his guitar and got comfortable on his stool set off centre on the side of the stage. "Speaking of my lawyer," he grinned, "here's a number from Hill Songs that I wrote for him!"

With only guitar accompaniment he sang a stunning version of "Until You Came Along". Then, for the next 40 minutes, he gave his audience what they'd come for. He sang hit after hit, belted out with his band or stripped back and performed acoustically. Screams of delight greeted all of them, "Game Of Chance", "To The Outside World", "Deep Inside Of Me", "Open Letter To You" ...

At the end of his blistering set, Ty momentarily left the stage to his band, enabling his talented bass player Christian to showcase his skills with a magnificent guitar solo. While the band did its thing towards the front of the stage, something was happening at the darkened back of the stage. I noticed shadowy figures filing on to the stage and assumed it was a choir to back Ty as he closed the first half of the concert with "Angels on High". But no.

As Christian finished his solo and took his bows, the rear stage lights gradually came up revealing a chamber orchestra. Immaculately dressed and straight-faced, they picked up their instruments and began to play a staccato introduction just as Ty made his entrance literally sliding sideways across the stage to the microphone.

The audience went crazy when they saw him, decked out in a mid-60s `suit' of matching grey; ultra tight stovepipe trousers and high-lapelled tailored jacket, covering a formal white shirt with ruffles down the front.

"And if one day I should become, a singer with a Spanish bum, who sings for women of great virtue; I'd sing to them with a guitar, I borrowed from a coffee bar, well, what you don't know doesn't hurt you ... "

I couldn't place the song***, but the lyric sounded vaguely like it could be based on Jacques Brel, whose works Ty held in high esteem.

It was a fast song and Ty powered through it, showing off a different voice than the `rock' vocal we all knew and loved. This was a deep, controlled theatrical voice; rich, powerful and expressive. As it came to an abrupt end, Ty did a theatrical finale with his arms and then bowed in the manner of the triumphant tenor.

He acknowledged the orchestra and then stood at the microphone and started to take his jacket off, to wolf whistles from both sexes in the audience. He hammed it up by doing a mock strip tease and threw the jacket across the stage.

"It's a bit hot in that clobber under the lights!" he laughed. "Not too keen on this shirt either ..."

He paused for the inevitable `take it off' calls from the audience and blow me down, he did! He pulled off the shirt, showing off a magnificent six pack and the nicely muscled arms he'd always had. The audience went wild and as they cheered, Scott ran on from the wings, took Ty's white shirt and handed him a black satin shirt with white embroidery which looked great with his grey pants. Once he was buttoned up he stood in the spotlight and stretched out his arms, seeking the audience's approval. Naturally, he got it.

"Are the pants OK, do you think?" he whispered, waving his hands in the general direction of his bulging crotch.

From somewhere backstage we heard Scott on mike, impersonating his Mother. "Those pants are far too tight, Tyson Hill. Goodness me, what will people think?"

It brought the house down and when I leaned in and looked along the row of seats I could see Dot and Frank laughing. They were obviously enjoying watching their first child doing what he was born to do.

"That song was called `Jackie'", Ty told the audience. "It was written by the great Jacques Brel and the version that became a hit was by Scott Walker, who to me is one of the greatest singers of all time. I discovered him by accident when I was in my early teens, flicking through the second hand record bins at the local fetes and Op shops. We still had a record player at home when everyone else had CD players, so I was able to get vinyl records dirt cheap.

"I went through a stage of buying singles from the 70s. All the big ones of the day," he said, before launching into a quick `a cappella' medley of "Maggie May", "American Pie", "My Sharona" and "Stayin' Alive."

"I loved all of those songs, but there was just one song from that era that I always come back to. I want to sing it tonight because it gives me the chance to play this beautiful Yamaha grand piano along with these incredibly talented ladies and gentlemen from the Sydney Symphony Orchestra."

As the audience applauded, Ty walked to the piano and sat. After a moment, he started to play an instantly recognisable piano introduction, before starting to sing****.

"When you're down and out, when you're on the street, when evening falls so hard, I will comfort you ..."

Again, it was a sensational performance, almost operatic and completely unexpected. Ty was revealing for the first time a musical side of him that he'd been suppressing; the all-round, complete performer.

The finale of "Bridge over Troubled Water" brought us to our feet and Ty again thanked the orchestra, who stood, took a bow and walked off stage. As Ty stood up from the piano, a stage hand quickly placed another stool next to Ty's.

When he was back seated on his stool, he said "I loved the music of the 60s and the 70s, but I was born at the start of the `80s and even though I was very young, I can still remember the mighty Chisel!"

A roar of approval went up from the crowd in appreciation of the legendary Australian rock band Cold Chisel, whose lead singer Jimmy Barnes was one of Ty's idols.

"Once I could play guitar properly, I started learning all their stuff. Check this out," he grinned as he gestured to the screen. Again there was grainy Super 8 footage of Ty in his bedroom playing his guitar. This time, a very young and cheeky looking Lachlan was sitting on the bed next to him and together they sang a Chisel classic, with Lachlan singing excellent harmony vocals.

When the footage stopped, Ty announced, "That was my little brother Lachie and he's here with me tonight. Would you welcome please ... Lachlan Hill?"

The audience went crazy as Ty's handsome brother strode on from side stage, arms outstretched. We all started to laugh when we realised he was wearing Ty's discarded white ruffled `60s shirt over his Levi jeans.

As he sat on his stool he leaned into the mike and said to Ty, "I found this backstage! Cool, eh?"

Ty rolled his eyes and kissed his brother's cheek. "You reckon we can still do this?" he asked.

"One way to find out!" Lachlan grinned back, as Ty started to pluck the opening chords of "When the War Is Over"*****

We were all mesmerised by the sheer power of Ty's voice as the ballad built to its climax, with Lachlan's beautifully tuneful and understated harmony as its backdrop.

As the audience again rose to its feet, the two brothers stood, an arm around each other's shoulder, and bowed before walking into the wings. The sustained applause was in vain. The house lights went up and the audience was buzzing excitedly. We all waited for a few minutes, for the first surge of people to vacate the auditorium, before we made our way to the foyer for a quick beer ahead of the second half.

Steve and I looked on with great amusement as Ellie and Fran enthused about Lachlan's performance and expressed their huge surprise that `live', Ty was "so amazing".

"He's extraordinary!" Fran gushed. "I had no idea ..."

Dorothy smiled tolerantly. "He's always been a very good singer dear," she said kindly.

"Oh," said Fran apologetically. "I didn't mean I didn't ever think he was good. It's just that I didn't realise how good he is!"

"We know what you meant," Frank nodded knowingly.

Just as the bells started to ring, Scott came bounding into view, excited like a puppy. "Man!" he enthused. "This concert rocks! Ty wants me to find out what you think so far?"

Fran and Ellie went through their "never imagined" routine and Dot and Frank passed on their assurance that Ty was doing a great job of entertaining the crowd. Steve waited until Dot was distracted before leaning close to Scott's ear and whispering "tell him from me he's a fuckin' legend!"

We started to make our way back into the auditorium and before he darted off backstage, Scott asked me, "He especially wants to know what you think?"

I grinned. "Tell him I've had a boner since the moment he walked on stage!" I whispered. "And tell him I love him with all my heart."

Scott blinked and then leaned forward and stuck his fingers down his throat, making an exaggerated gagging sound. Before he scampered away, I slapped him across the back of the head. "Fuck off," I laughed.

Seated again, we were greeted by a dimly lit stage that appeared to have a set put together to resemble a teenage boy's bedroom, like Ty's in the footage that was screened earlier.

The chatter died down as the house lights dimmed and in the darkness, a figure crossed to the bed and sat with a guitar. I was wondering what Ty was going to sing next when the stage lights came up to reveal Daniel Keneally. He needed no introduction; the audience knew who he was. There was enthusiastic applause as Daniel started to strum his guitar and then he started to sing Ty's "Love on the Rocks', making a great fist of it.

He smiled as the audience clapped and waited until the noise had died down before saying, "I was 14 when I first heard that song and I desperately wanted to be Tyson Hill! It was the same age that Tyson was when he was learning the guitar and wanting to be Jimmy Barnes. At a benefit concert last year, Tyson finally got to sing with Jimmy Barnes and this year I finally get to sing with Tyson Hill!"

The audience went off as Ty strolled on in jeans and an embroidered silk shirt, walked behind Daniel, and hugged him. "This kid is amazing!" Ty told us. "He's way better than I was at his age. I reckon, that in years to come, it'll be me saying `how good was it that I got to sing with Danny Keneally?' rather than the other way round!"

They both moved to the stools and Ty sat empty handed as Daniel started to strum "All You've Got to Give". Ty sang the lead vocal as Daniel played the tune and sang a beautiful melody line. As the song ended and the audience erupted, Ty leaned in and hugged Daniel again and then held his arm out as Daniel left the stage.

"As you leave the arena tonight," Ty said to the audience, "you'll see some good people collecting for the Leukemia Foundation. Anything you can spare, even the smallest coin, will help kids like Daniel Keneally who live with cancer." Punching the air he added, "You can do it, Sydney!"

Putting his guitar and stool aside, Ty spent the next 45 minutes blitzing the remainder of his `greatest hits' repertoire, belting out his chart successes and playing the role of Rock God to the hilt.

He ended the concert with "At The Close Of The Day" and left the stage to a feverish standing ovation that quickly led to slow clapping and chants of "more". After a few moments, he returned and took several bows, prowled the edge of the stage shaking hands, and accepting small gifts and roses from fans who'd barged their way to the front.

He managed to quiet the crowd before launching into a sizzling, high-powered version of "Angels on High" which saw many audience members dancing in the aisles.

When it was clear the audience was not going to let him leave, Ty called for quiet and then shrugged. He looked at his band and scratched his head. "That's all there is, eh fellas?" he asked them and they nodded.

The audience let out a collective groan, but Ty grinned. "Well I guess this gives me one more chance to play this amazing Yamaha piano!"

He sat on the piano stool and said, "You probably noticed in the first lot of teenage footage, there was a baby boy on the floor? That was Lachie's and my little brother Scotty! Of course, he's all grown up now and he's been my backstage assistant for these Sydney dates. Here's something I used to sing to him when he was a baby!"

To the great amusement of the audience, he sat up straight, cracked his fingers, put on a very serious face, and started to vamp ...

"If you go down to the woods today, you're sure of a big surprise; If you go down to the woods today you'd better go in disguise, For every bear that ever there was will gather there for certain because, today's the day the teddy bears have their picnic ..."

Somehow Ty managed to get the entire arena singing along with the classic turn-of-the-century two-step children's song! When he'd finished, he stood, took several bows, and called out as he waved and left the stage, "It's time for you lot to go home!"

The family gathered in the foyer as the crowd made its exit and we listened to the excited chatter among Ty's fans. I smiled as I heard variations on "fuck, he's gorgeous" and "Jesus, what a waste" and chuckled out loud when I heard one gay guy tell another, "I just wanna wrap him up in a blanket and take him home!"

Dot and Frank stood to one side, looking every bit the proud parents, while Ellie and Fran checked out the merchandise stalls and then returned to my side.

"How come we don't have Tyson Hill coffee mugs at home?" Ellie giggled.

"I've never known Ty to keep any of his own merchandise," I laughed. "I had a Tyson Hill tee-shirt early on, but Ty used it to clean up an oil spill under his car and that was the end of that! Now, I just get Vince to organise one of everything so that Dot can keep it all safe!"

As the crowd thinned out, it was sweet to see Ellie's face light up when her husband strolled through the foyer from the backstage area and swept her up in his arms.

"You were fantastic Lachie!" she beamed proudly, kissing him on the lips.

"Well, of course!" Lachlan grinned as he preened himself. "You've got yourself your own private rock star! I'm hoping I've got myself my own dirty little groupie!"

"Lachlan Hill!"

"Sorry Mum!"

Scott suddenly darted into the foyer and beckoned us. "Mr. Hill will see you now!" he said tongue-in-cheek. "Remember, no screaming, no crying, and no grabbing!"

It was Frank who delivered the slap to the back of his head as Scott led us through the maze to Ty's dressing room. The door was closed and Scott turned to me and said, "You wanna go in first and get the smooching over with?"

I smirked. "Don't mind if I do!" I knocked and then entered, closing the door behind me.

Sitting in front of his make-up mirror wearing a dressing gown, Ty was midway through a plate of steamed zucchini and beans which he put down the moment he saw my face in his mirror. "Mate," he gasped as he leapt to his feet, "what did you think?"

Holding my arms out, Ty sank into my embrace as I reassured him the show was awesome. "You gob smacked me, mate!" I enthused. "Talk about stepping it up a notch! I can't believe how much thought and hard work you've put into the show."

"Mike," he said as he squeezed me. "I really think I've found the happy medium! It's a way to keep the fans and the record company happy and at the same time for me to feel like a real artist rather than just some cardboard cutout of a rock star. I felt so at home on that stage tonight."

"Well I can tell you the audience really dug it," I grinned. "You saw the reaction at the end!"

"It's been the same at every show so far. They've been so accepting of me doing my own thing! I feel so ... pumped!"

I couldn't resist slipping my hand between the folds of his dressing gown and grabbing the front of his boxers. "Ya don't feel all the pumped to me!" I laughed.

A knock on the door distracted Ty. "Just a minute," he called and then turned to me and beamed. "You wanna see pumped? Just wait til later back at the hotel!"

I hesitated. "I wasn't planning on staying at the hotel," I said.

"You've gotta stay with me, tonight and tomorrow night," he whispered, sounding shocked. "Please?"

"Sure, it's just we never discussed it."

"I just assumed you'd stay with me in Sydney. I've been hangin' out for a bit of lawyer lovin'! I fly out early Monday so you can just go to work from the hotel?"

That agreed to, Ty opened the door to the onslaught. First, it was his extended family congratulating him and then we were joined by Ellie's Mum, Lou and her date. Finally, a very happy Vince cornered me to tell me that the tour was all but sold-out and that merchandise sales had been through the roof.

"Fuck, if I'd known this was gonna happen, I'd have encouraged him to come out sooner!" he marvelled.

"You really think his coming out played a part in this?" I asked.

"Sure I do," Vince nodded. "I think he's tapped into a large part of the gay market that didn't take any notice of him before."

Ty and I got to talk briefly with Janet and her friend and she told Ty she hadn't enjoyed a concert so much for years. When Lachlan joined us, Janet told him that for her, the highlights of the concert were his performance with Ty and Ty's piano piece for Scott. "You've found new ways of showing your love for your brothers," she smiled.

Monique appeared in the room to gently round everyone up so they could be ushered out. She reminded us that Ty still had to do a `meet and greet' with radio competition winners and also needed to deal with the swarm of fans waiting outside the stage door for autographs.

Ty groaned. "It's the show after the show!"

As we made to leave, Ty grabbed my arm. "You," he ordered. "Stay!"

When Dot and Frank turned and looked questioningly at their son, he said simply "Mike's staying with me tonight at the Intercontinental."

"But he doesn't have any other clothes with him!" Dot mentioned practically.

"All sorted, Mama," Ty replied. "Scotty's gonna pick Mike's stuff up and drop it off at the hotel first thing in the morning. You and Dad can go back to the house with Lachie and Ellie."

I said my goodbyes quickly and left Ty to see everyone out while I ducked into his bathroom and closed the door. I quickly removed all my clothes and waited until I heard Ty's dressing room door close. "You OK in there?" he called out.

I opened the door and walked back into his dressing room wearing the Batman costume I had been wearing under my suit since we all left home for our pub meal. Ty was holding a bowl of steamed broccoli when I stood before him and he started to giggle.

Holding the bowl up, he said in Boy Wonder voice, the line he so often quoted, "I'm a little hungry, Batman!"

"Of course you are, Robin. Even crime-fighters must eat. Especially you. You're a growing boy and you need your nutrition."

Ty was about to reply when Monique opened the door and poked her head in, most likely to give Ty a `hurry- up'. She took in the sight of me and shook her head. "I'm not even going to ask!" she groaned. "Ty, you need to be in the Green Room in five minutes!"

I went back to the bathroom to get dressed and when I walked out, Vince had joined us. Vince was all smiles, but tapping his foot on the floor. "Come on mate," he said to Ty, who was checking himself in the mirror. "You look pretty enough! Let's do the meet and greet and then we can get outta here."

Ty lead the way to the Green Room where fans, who'd won radio competitions for tickets and the chance to meet their idol, were waiting. As Ty walked into the room, there were gasps and squeals as everyone surged forward, almost surrounding him. I watched, fascinated, as girls touched him and hugged him and cried. Ty took it all in his stride, smiling throughout and giving the impression that he was as pleased to be there as they were. He patiently signed autographs, posed for photos, and every girl who wanted a picture of herself being kissed on the cheek by Ty was obliged.

He gave them plenty of time and made sure he'd spoken to every one of them before he let Monique escort him from the room with us in tow. In the corridor, Ty stopped and yawned loudly.

"Let's go mate," Vince urged. "Do some signings at the stage door and we'll get you out of here."

Monique paused. "Ty, there's a couple in one of the waiting rooms who have a disabled daughter in a wheelchair. They brought her tonight because the one thing that seems to keep her happy and calm is watching your DVDs over and over. They asked if you might spare a moment just to say hello to the little girl ... but you don't have to. I can say I tried to find you, but you'd already left and I'll give her a signed tour poster."

"Of course I'll meet her," Ty said, shocked. "What's her name?"

"Amber."

"How old?"

"14."

"The parents?"

"Dallas and Prue."

"And what's Amber living with?"

"Cerebral palsy."

"Sorry guys," Ty said to us. "I've gotta do this. You can go if you like, Vince. Mike's got his car so you can go with the driver and we'll just get to the hotel ourselves when I'm done here."

"You sure?" Vince asked hopefully.

"I know you've got Miss-I-Can-Sing-Like A-Bird waiting in your room," Ty grinned. "Go get `er, Tiger!"

The two embraced and as Vince strolled off he called back, "You two guys are the best. You know ... for faggots!"

I followed Ty and Monique through the corridors until we reached a small dressing room. Ty opened the door and strode in confidently. "Hello Dallas, hi Prue, I'm Tyson Hill," he said as he held out his hand and greeted them. They both looked awestruck.

Ty spun on his heel towards the little girl in the wheelchair, who was excited beyond belief, and pointed at her with a big grin on his face. "And I know who this is!" he smiled. "This is Amber!"

The girl did her best to communicate and said slowly "how do you know that?"

Ty shrugged. "I make a point of finding out the names of the prettiest girls in the audience!"

Amber giggled.

Ty crouched down on the floor to be more level with his new friend. "I hope you enjoyed the show!" Ty grinned at her.

"You're the best!" she squealed. "Just the best!"

"Tell me what song you liked the most?"

"I love them all!"

"Yeah, yeah!" Ty kidded. "But I need to know which one you liked best tonight?"

"Um, I liked the song you sang with your brother. He's cute."

"Lachie?" Ty asked. "You think Lachie's cute?"

"Yeah, but not as cute as you!"

"Thank goodness for that!" Ty laughed. "Now tell me a little bit about you?"

Monique encouraged the girl's parents to take some photos of their daughter with Ty. While that was happening, she dashed back to the production office and returned with a show bag of Tyson Hill "goodies"; a tee shirt, a baseball cap, a DVD, tour programme and poster, all of which Ty happily signed for her.

"What do you want me to sign on the tee-shirt?" he asked.

"You could say I'm your girlfriend!" Amber suggested hopefully.

"Yeah, that's kewl!" Ty laughed. "Is that OK with your Mum and Dad?"

Dallas and Prue, overwhelmed, simply nodded. Ty signed the shirt, stood up, and then bent to give Amber a hug and a kiss.

"Thank you for coming to see me," Amber said with some difficulty.

"No, thank you for coming to see me," Ty replied. "And next time I'm doing a concert, get your Mum and Dad to call Monique. Her card is in your bag. She'll arrange for you to watch it from the wings and you'll be able to see what a concert is like from the other side of the stage!"

Amber's mother thanked Ty profusely and started to pack up her daughter's things. Before we left the room Ty was approached by Amber's father, who had tears in his eyes. "Thank you so much for doing this," he said, trying not to let his voice break. "You have no idea what this means to Amber."

Ty gave the father a hug and said, "This has been a privilege, sir. She's a beautiful girl."

Out in the corridor, Ty took a deep breath as the backstage security doors opened and he was suddenly surrounded by more fans, who wanted him to sign things. He did what he could, with Monique playing `bad cop' and getting him through it as quickly as possible.

In the loading bay we parted ways with Monique. "Thanks mate!" Ty enthused as he hugged her tight. "I couldn't do this without you!"

"Go!" Monique laughed, "You've got your guy, so go make believe it's that night on Bedarra!"

As we started walking towards to my car, I turned to Monique and mouthed, "You knew?"

"Of course!" Monique shrugged. "The whole next morning you couldn't keep your eyes off one another!"

As we walked through the lobby of the hotel, Ty was waylaid by a group of fans who were having drinks after the concert. He happily chatted and posed for some photographs while I picked up the room key and went ahead to the suite. In the lift to the 32nd floor, I realised this was the first time we'd actually walked into a hotel as a couple.

Ty's room looked like a bomb had gone off. Open suitcases were strewn around the lounge room floor and clothes were draped over every available surface. The bathroom was just as bad. I undressed and slipped on a hotel bathrobe before putting my clothes in the wardrobe.

I lined up the suitcases on the floor and was folding clothes when Ty walked through the door. He looked sheepish when he saw me trying to sort out his mess.

"You're hopeless!" I sighed.

"Yeah, but that's Scotty's job in the morning," he replied.

"What, cleaning up your mess?"

"I got him the job as a runner in Sydney and there's really not a lot of `running' that needs doing," Ty explained. "So to justify the bucks he's being paid, I had to find something for him to do. So he'll pack for me tomorrow morning."

"You want me to just leave this?"

"Yeah," Ty smirked. "Let's get into bed and cuddle!"

I watched as Ty stripped and slid under the covers, immediately sinking under my outstretched arm and resting his head on my chest. He was still on a post-concert high and started to talk about the show, but his excitement was peppered with yawns. I let him talk as I stroked his curly hair and when he stopped talking mid-sentence, I knew he was asleep. I continued to gently stroke his head until I too let sleep claim me.

It felt exhilarating to wake in the morning with Ty, who was still fast asleep with his head on my chest. I slowly maneuvered him so that he rolled on his side and I could spoon with him; my arm draped around his chest, my cock resting in the warm crevice of his ass cheeks.

With my face resting in the crook of his neck, my nose registered the faint aroma of sweat and Hugo Boss `Baldessarini'. I was almost asleep again when we were both woken by Ty's mobile. Groggily, he reached for it and looked at the caller ID before accepting the call.

"Yeah Mon?" he yawned and then listened as she rattled off the schedule for the day.

"No media?" he asked. "I don't have to be at the venue until 3:00 for sound check? That's great! Nah, I'm just gonna hang at the hotel with Mike, maybe have some lunch. Thanks Mon!"

Ty disconnected the call, jumped out of bed, used the bathroom, and then climbed back into bed, grabbing me and kissing me in the process. "Morning mate!" he grinned. "You feel pretty good!"

I returned the kiss as Ty's hand moved sensually down my chest and over my stomach before wrapping itself around Mr. Morning Wood.

"I haven't sucked a dick for a while," he smirked.

"I'm pleased to hear it!"

"I might be out of practice!"

"Nah, it'll come back to you," I assured him as I gently pushed his head towards the cock he was offering to suck. Naturally the skills all came flooding back to him. I showed my appreciation by letting fly with a string of invective that would have made Dorothy faint, before flooding his mouth with several days worth of stored-up man batter.

I'd stopped panting, we'd kissed, and I was about to return to favour when the doorbell rang.

"Shit! Ty exclaimed. "Were we expecting anyone?"

"Don't think so," I replied. "Can you see who it is? My legs are still jelly!"

Ty jumped out of bed and stomped naked into the adjoining room, his beautifully sculptured ass flexing as he strode. Standing with his body hidden, he opened and stuck his head around the door. "Yes?" he snapped. "Oh, it's you! Why are you here so fucking early?"

I heard Scott laugh. "It's 10 o'clock, you loser! Let me in."

Ty opened the door and Scott walked in. He looked at Ty and giggled. "You've got a boner!" he cackled.

"Not for much longer I suppose," Ty grumbled. "Jesus, every time I'm about to get my rocks off, one of you guys turns up."

"I brought your stuff," Scott said, grinning at me and holding up a zipped bag of clothes and a wet pack.

"Thanks mate," I smiled.

Ty climbed back into bed as Scott kicked his shoes off. "Think I need to lie down for a minute," he said hopefully. "Can I get in?"

I rolled my eyes and held back the doona cover. Before Scott could move, Ty grizzled, "haven't you got something else you need to be doing? Something that doesn't involve you being here?"

"Thanks Mike," Scott smirked as he walked around to the other side of the bed, "but I actually want to get into bed with my big brother, because I love him so much and I'm so proud of him after last night's kickass concert ..."

"You fuckin' asshole," Ty groaned as he held back his side of the doona. Scott jumped in, kissed his brother, leaned over and kissed me, and then asked, "Can we order breakfast. I'm starving!"

As the brothers bickered and smacked each other around, I ordered food and within half an hour we were tucking into a carefully chosen breakfast. Scott then set about putting things in Ty's suitcases, proving he was much better at packing than his brother. At 11:30 Ty, still desperate to unburden his balls, was just seeing Scott out when the lift doors opened and Lachlan walked towards our suite, a bassinet in each hand carrying a wide awake baby boy.

"Hey, Ty!" Lachlan enthused. "Ellie and I thought we'd bring Mum and Dad in for a late brekkie at the buffet downstairs. I thought seeing you're here, maybe I'd leave the boys with you for a couple of hours, so Ellie can actually relax and enjoy her meal?"

"Yeah sure mate," Ty nodded.

"I'm not interrupting anything am I?" Lachlan asked.

"Nah, just having a late start today. That's why I'm not dressed."

Scott snickered. "He's been trying to get his dick sucked since like, 10 o'clock, when I turned up!" he laughed.

Lachlan grinned. "You'll have to wait a bit longer then!" he cackled as he handed his sons over to their uncle. "They've slept, they've eaten, and they've been changed. Ellie says you can play with them, but don't get them too worked up!"

Ty came back to the bedroom with two bassinets. He put them on the floor, took out one nephew and then the other, and placed them in the bed between us. Before he settled, he unwrapped their blankets and let them lie and kick in their nappies and singlets.

I enjoyed watching Ty's reaction to the babies. He talked to them and blew raspberries on their tummies. He made them giggle and he sang to them, all the while touching their faces and stroking their arms. He was so good with them, so caring and loving.

"Aren't they ace, Mike?" he asked.

"Yes mate, they are. Lachlan and Ellie are fantastic parents, Ty."

"Just like Mum and Dad," Ty nodded.

Ty continued to play with the boys until they started to yawn and we watched them as they both just slipped off to sleep. Ty turned his attention to me and after a long, dreamy kiss, he got a bit more intimate.

"We can't!" I laughed. "Not with the babies on the bed!"

Ty sighed as he stood up and carefully placed each baby back in his bassinet. He jumped back into bed and we started the mating dance. It was more of a quickstep really. I had his boxers around his ankles and was just about to swallow him when the doorbell rang again.

"Jesus!" he seethed. "I just need 10 minutes! Is that too much to ask?"

I squeezed his rampant dick. "Two minutes is all I reckon you need!" I laughed.

"Who is it?" Ty yelled, the annoyance evident in his voice.

"It's your Mother, Tyson," was the reply.

"I'll get it," I assured him as I leapt out of bed, pulled on some jeans and a tee shirt, and opened the door to the suite.

"Hello Michael dear," Dot said. "I was just downstairs and I thought maybe I should just make sure that Rodney and Matthew are alright and to see whether you and Tyson need any help."

I assured her everything was fine as she walked into the room, looking left at Ty sitting up in bed. "Have I come at a bad time?" she asked innocently. "Tyson's not sick is he?"

"Not at all Dot," I assured her. "The babies are asleep and Ty thought he'd take the opportunity to have a nap too. I've just been reading."

"I didn't wake you did I, dear?" Dot asked her son.

"No Mum," Ty sighed. "Come in and check the boys for yourself. They're both asleep down there," he said, pointing to the bassinets.

Dot walked in and fussed around her grandsons, making sure their blankets were tight and their temperatures were normal.

"They seem to be alright," Dot announced.

"They're fine Mama," Ty said. "They'll sleep for a while yet. You shouldn't be worrying about them while you're supposed to be enjoying breakfast."

"Well, breakfast is over now, son," Dot replied. "I saw Vincent downstairs and he'll be waiting for you in the hotel foyer in just a few minutes. Your sound check, is that what they call it? It's now earlier."

"Shit!" said Ty.

"Tyson!" said Dot.

"Sorry Mum. I need to get dressed."

Ty disappeared into the bathroom to shower and shave. I saw Dot to the door and checked on the babies one more time. While Ty got dressed, I threw together everything he needed to take to the venue before taking a call from Vince, making me promise to have Ty out the door and in the foyer within five minutes.

"You gotta go," I said.

"I've got a Top 5 album and a sold out tour, and I can't even get a blow job!" Ty grumbled.

I kissed him. "You'll get a blowjob," I promised him. "Later."

He kissed me back. "I love you," he smiled.

"Go!" I said, as I pushed him out the door. "I'll see you before the show!"

I closed the door and immediately opened it again, knowing that Ty would still be standing there with his hand luggage, looking cute but bewildered.

"Yeah, I love you too!" I smirked. "Now go and make the girls squeal!"

Only minutes had gone by before both babies woke together and started to make baby sounds. Simultaneously the doorbell rang and their parents arrived to whisk them home.

The suite was suddenly quiet and I enjoyed a cup of coffee gazing at the harbour, before shaving, showering, and dressing. It was some hours before the second show and most of the family had things they needed to do so I took advantage of some free time to call Steve and had him meet me for a leisurely Sunday lunch at Circular Quay.

We shared a seafood platter, a bottle of wine, and chatted freely about where we were in our lives. Towards the end of the bottle I asked cautiously, "So you're really ready to tie the knot, mate?"

Steve smiled. "I know! Who'd have thought?" he chuckled. "But Mike, she's the most awesome chick. I just wanna be with her every day. She gets me, I get her. As for the sex, mate, let me tell you ..."

I held up a hand. "Spare me the details!" I laughed.

"You and Tyson?" Steve asked, eyebrows raised. "You're OK?"

"Yeah," I nodded. "We're OK. He's everything I could ever want. Well, OK ... I wasn't expecting my perfect guy to be a rock star, but that came with the package."

"Did you just mention his package? That's just wrong!"

"I wasn't talking about that package, but now that you mention it ..."

I arrived at the arena earlier than the family did. They were coming from Point Piper and I was just a leisurely train ride away. I knew that at 4:30 Ty had a one hour snooze in his dressing room, so I timed my arrival for 4:20. My backstage pass gained me access and I quickly said hello to some of the crew and a couple of his band members, who were sitting around the loading dock eating pizza. It occurred to me that maybe they now knew I was Ty's partner, although nothing was ever said.

In the final corridor I bumped into Vince who was tiptoeing past Ty's dressing room.

"You're early," he whispered. "Come to the Green Room with me while Romeo sleeps and we can have some beer!"

"Give me 15 minutes, mate," I smiled. "I need to talk to Ty but I'll catch you at about a quarter to five?"

"If you wake him, he'll be grumpy!" Vince warned.

"Trust me; he won't be grumpy after he hears what I have to say!" I laughed, licking my lips in an exaggerated way.

"I don't wanna know!" Vince groaned as he walked away. "Come have beer when you're ready."

I ignored the `Do Not Disturb' sign on Ty's dressing room door and opened it quietly. Sure enough he was sound asleep on his couch is his dressing gown, his legs conveniently spread.

I let myself into the room, moved quietly to the floor in front of Ty, and started to lightly lick his penis. He squirmed once or twice, sighed, and as his manhood started to swell he sat upright and gasped "WHAT THE FUCK?"

I grinned as he focussed on my face and after a moment of alarm, he relaxed. "What are you doing?"

"I'm helping you relax before your concert!" I grinned as I engulfed his dick and started working my magic. He squirmed and groaned some more, then he moaned, then he panted, and then he came. I knew it had been a couple of days but really? That much?

"Mate!" he sighed, as he came down to earth. "Jesus ..."

"I owed you one!" I laughed as I stood. "You've still got more than half an hour to have a sleep. I'll be in the Green Room with Vince." As I let myself out of the dressing room, the last thing I saw was Ty's goofy grin as he closed his eyes again.

I had some beer with Vince, had a quick bite to eat with Monique, and met the family in the foyer before the start of the concert. We all had time for a drink in the bar and it was nice to see George so obviously looking forward to the show.

Seated, I looked around at the expectant faces of the audience as they waited for the house lights to dim. I spotted Monique and her friends nearby and waved to Max and his daughter Mia, two rows behind us.

As the house lights went down and Ty's band took their places, George leaned across to me. "I heard someone say Lachlan is singing tonight too?" he asked expectantly.

"I'm not going to spoil it for you George," I whispered back. "It's a great show. You'll love it!"

And love it he did. I hadn't seen George so enthralled before. He enjoyed the early footage and was the first to stand when Lachlan and Ty closed the second half with "When the War is Over".

During intermission I had a moment to introduce Max and his daughter to Ty's family. I knew they were curious to meet the man who answered my mobile phone all those times while Ty and I were living apart. I smiled at the way Dot and Frank spoke so highly of me to Max, probably thinking their kind words would curry me some favour with "the boss". As we made our way back to our seats, Max winked at me and said, "See you after the show."

I could tell how impressed George was to see and hear Daniel in action. "I wouldn't have thought he was up to the pace of a national tour, sir," he whispered during the applause.

"He's not, George," I answered. "It's a special appearance, just for Sydney."

The concert continued and Ty's performance was every bit as polished as the previous evening. He seemed even more relaxed and happy as he strutted the stage, giving his fans all they had hoped for and more.

The standing ovation that greeted Ty's encore performance of "Angels on High" was thunderous and tonight he just stood in the spotlight with his hands in a prayer pose, milking the moment. He left the stage, but was finally brought back after an enthusiastic round of slow clapping.

Again, he made a great show of seemingly being ready to play a serious classical piano piece before launching into "Teddy Bear's Picnic", the audience lapping it up once more. By the song's end, the entire arena was on its feet singing or fudging along.

While the family stayed seated waiting for the crowd to thin, I slipped out to the foyer and met Max and Mia, who were both full of praise for Ty.

"That was a different concert than what I expected," Max reflected.

"What were you expecting?"

"I don't know," Max replied, scratching his chin. "I thought it would just be the normal rock concert, lots of hits and really loud noise. That was a real show, and man, he can really sing!"

"Dad!" said Mia, rolling her eyes. "You're so out of touch!" Turning to me, she kissed me lightly on the cheek. "Good to see you again Mike," she smiled. "That's the best concert I've been to in years! He's fantastic!"

I guided them back through the backstage area, past security, and tapped on Ty's door. "Hello?" Ty called.

"Just me, mate!" I called back. "I have Max and Mia with me."

"Hang on while I put some trousers on!" Ty chuckled and a few moments later he opened the door and welcomed us inside. I introduced Max and Mia and I could tell straight away that Ty liked Max. They all shook hands and Ty accepted their plaudits with his customary humility.

While Mia and I poured glasses of wine, Ty and Max engaged in conversation and I heard Ty say, "Thanks for everything you did for Mike when we were ... you know ... going through a rough patch."

"He's a valuable employee, son," Max replied. "I know I don't have to say this, but I will anyway. You've got yourself a damn good man there. Hang on to him!"

"Don't you worry about that, mate!" Ty grinned. "I'm keeping him for good!"

We just managed a quick toast when the door flew open and everyone filed in. There was enough time for everyone to have a quick drink before Monique arrived to round up the herd. Ty made a point of thanking Max and Mia for coming to the concert and without prompting invited them and Mia's sister Hannah to join us for dinner at Point Piper when the tour was over.

One by one, each member of Ty's family and their respective partners were kissed and hugged by both of us and eventually we were alone. Scott had already packed up Ty's dressing room bags and they were loaded on to the truck which would drive through the night to Canberra for the next concert, ahead of Ty's flight the following day.

Tonight, there was no meet-and-greet with sponsors or competition winners, just the stage door swarm to get through and we would be back in Ty's hotel suite to spend our last night together until early the following week.

I opened the door to leave but Ty reached over and closed it again. He pushed me up against it, leaned in, and kissed me hard, holding the back of my head.

"What was that for?" I gasped when he finally let me take a breath.

"That was because I love you," he grinned, "and instead of thinking it, I'm going to tell you I love you whenever it crosses my mind. You fuckin' rock my world."

I touched my boy's face tenderly as I looked into those dazzling eyes and drank in the love I could see in them. I kissed him lightly. "For some people the heavens can get it so right!"

He giggled.

"What?" I asked. "I meant it!"

"Yeah, and you nicked if from Tina Arena's `Now I Can Dance'!" he laughed, slapping his forehead with his palm. "My lawyer is learning to quote lyrics!"

Ty grabbed my arm. "Let's go, lawyer boy. I need some urgent out-of-session lovin' in my chambers and I need it right now!"

It seemed to take forever for Ty to get through the crowd waiting at the stage door but as always he was gracious and generous with his time. Monique did her best to move him through the pack while I waited patiently in the Tarago with Ty's driver.

It was just past midnight when he finally emerged from the lift and, after kissing Monique goodnight, he made a sprint for the car, jumped in next to me and said to his driver "let's go!" We were dropped off in the hotel basement and caught the lift from there to avoid any fans waiting in the hotel lobby and a few minutes later Ty slipped his key into the door of his suite.

As he switched the lights on we looked at each other and smiled. Scott had obviously dropped into the hotel on his way home to pack Ty's luggage for his early flight the next day. Order had been restored to the bomb site that had been Ty's rooms earlier in the day and he sighed with gratitude knowing he didn't have to worry about his quick exit.

"He's a good boy!" Ty grinned at me.

"He's left a note," I chuckled, as I picked up a sheet of hotel stationary with Scott's familiar scrawl on it.

"What does it say?"

"Men!" I read aloud. "Scotty the Marvellous has done all the packing so there's nothing for you two to do except go to bed and play with each other's man parts! Stage outfits have been steamed and pressed and they're in Bag 1. Other clothes and undies and socks have been laundered and they're in Bag 2 with all your bathroom stuff. Flight check-in details are at the top of the hand luggage along with ID. I booked you a reminder call for 8:00am. I ordered breakfast for two for 8:30 and Justin (the driver) will pick you up at 9:30. Don't be late. Flight is at 11:00. Love Scott. P.S. Love you Ty! Love you Mikey!"

"Man, he's turning into a regular little George!" Ty laughed.

"I don't think George would be leaving us notes telling us to play with each other's man parts!" I smirked. "Great idea though!"

"Hold that thought!" Ty suggested as he started to strip. "Just gonna have a quick shower and then I'm all yours!"

As Ty showered and sang through the verses of `Jackie', I undressed and slipped into bed to wait for him. He strolled into the room toweling himself dry.

"I stuffed up `Jackie' tonight," he sighed. "Did you notice?"

"No mate, I didn't," I said truthfully. "I don't know the lyrics though."

"Yeah, I did half of the second verse and then ended it with the second half of the third verse. It threw me for a moment."

"It didn't show!"

Ty dropped his towel and slid in next to me under the sheets. I reached for him and drew him close to me, kissing his neck. He was still absent-mindedly running through the lyric ... "When my angelic work was through, the angels and the Devil too would sing my childhood song to me, about the time they called me 'Jackie' ..."

To get his attention, I slid my hand down his chest, over his belly, and cupped his danglers. "The court is now in session!" I announced. "Order in the court!"

Ty stopped singing and grinned. "I'm guilty, Your Honour!" he laughed. "I am at the mercy of the court."

I rolled Ty on his back, rolled on top of him, and as his legs wrapped around my waist I showed him no mercy for the next 24 minutes and 17 seconds. Thereafter, we spent a further 10 or so minutes holding each other tight and savoring our shared intimacy.

As we repositioned ourselves for slumber, the last thing I heard in my ear before sleep overtook me was Ty's whispered "I love you, mate."

All too soon daylight came and the new day was underway. We shared breakfast together in our suite and I smiled at the incongruity; here I was dressed in my designer suit for another day of legal upheavals, while Ty was decked out in rock star clobber. I was clean shaven with perfectly combed hair, Ty was unshaven, and his head was a mass of unruly curls. While I carried a black leather Armani briefcase, Ty had a black canvas bag slung across his shoulder and carried a half-full bottle of water in his hand.

Yet as he strode ahead of me to the lifts, my eyes ignored our differences in presentation. They were fixed on his spectacular ass.

As we headed for the foyer and Ty's waiting driver, we kissed all the way from the 32nd floor to the 10th when we were suddenly interrupted by a young Asian couple who looked at us strangely as they stepped into the lift. Perhaps men who love each other don't kiss in lifts in Japan?

We exchanged a manly hug in the foyer before Ty made his way to the Tarago, followed by a porter with his luggage. He stopped for a couple of autographs in front of the hotel and then he was gone. Off to Canberra, then on to Newcastle, the Gold Coast, and Brisbane before he would return to the happiness of our shared world.

I sighed as I started to walk to work, smiling to myself as I went over in my mind the exquisite night we'd enjoyed making love. Ty and I were somehow finding our way back to where we were before things started to unravel, no small thanks to our counsellor Janet and Ty's loving family, and I had a real sense that this time, we weren't going to look back.

Busy as I was, I smiled on and off throughout the day, every time I thought of my curly-headed Boy Wonder with the beautiful smile and the marshmallow lips. More than once I lingered in my office behind my desk, aware that tailored Hugo Boss trousers look great, but do little to disguise a boner.

Following an early afternoon meeting between the junior and senior partners, Max walked me back to my office and sat down opposite me.

"It's nice to see you smiling again, son," he offered.

"I'm happy, Max," I said simply.

"I'm glad," he smiled. "I get it now, what you see in him."

"You didn't before?"

"I only ever saw his public face. Seeing you together, it's a palpable thing. He adores you and I know how much you love him. It's nice to see. If there are two guys who can make it work, it's you two."

"Thanks Max!" I grinned. "That's the plan!"

"And you'll both make it work. But remember it won't be a piece of cake, Mike. He's a very famous man and he's living in a fishbowl. You have to make some allowances for that. When you get up and go to work every morning, you can walk around the city and be anonymous. Tyson can't. He leaves the house every morning and he's recognised and approached. He's `Tyson Hill' the minute he steps outside his safe little world with you. I think he deals with it because he knows he's got you to come home to."

My body slumped. "I should have let you race me off all those years ago!" I laughed. "You're the nicest guy, Max!"

"Yeah," Max grinned back. "It would have been a disaster though."

"Why's that?"

"Cleopatra hates you."

Life at Point Piper chugged along as usual while Ty was on tour. I somehow managed to convince his family to stay around until the tour ended so they could see him before they headed back to their lives in Stanthorpe. It took some convincing. Dot and Frank were concerned they'd been away from the farm for too long. It took an offer from Steve and Fran to drive back to Stanthorpe to check all was running as it should for them to agree to kick back in Sydney for a few extra days.

Fortunately, Steve loved the freedom of Australia's long, open roads, his pretty girlfriend by his side as they cruised through the states with music blaring, stopping late at night at roadside motels where they could indulge their sexual fantasies before hitting the road again the following morning.

Work kept me busy and focussed for eight or nine hours a day and I came home to a routine established by Dot and George. Everything was always spotlessly clean, dinner was always underway, and the newest members of the Hill family were always centre stage, gurgling in their bouncenettes as their father kept them entertained, his sense of fatherly pride growing day by day.

Scott and Simon were working long hours in their part-time jobs and juggling their university commitments, but they often turned up at Worseley Road at meal times and several nights a week they slept over. I suspected it was because Scott enjoyed having his family close and he and Simon both enjoyed keeping Roddy and Matty fed and amused.

We always shared an evening meal even when two or more of our houseguests had something else to do in the evenings. It worked well for me, giving me some one-on-one time with these people who were now so much a part of my life.

I spent a nice night with Ellie when everybody else went out and we were able to share our different plans for the future. Ellie confided how much she truly loved her strapping husband and in turn, how much she felt loved by him. Her simplest joy was watching the look of wonder and delight on Lachlan's face when she rose each morning and brought their baby sons back to bed for a cuddle.

One evening, I sat in the lounge with Frank and was able to explain to him for the first time, in simple terms, how the financial side of Ty's career worked; royalty advances and recoupment, tour guarantees and profits, record royalties and publishing advances, mechanical royalties and performance royalties. Frank's eyes glazed over once or twice, but by the time I'd finished explaining, he had a loose grip on where his first son's income streams derived.

Another night, when Scott was working late and Ellie and Lachlan took Frank and Dot out for dinner, I was able to have an evening alone with Simon. I was able to listen to his version of how his relationship with Scott was travelling. While George and I regurgitated the same old cautions and rules, the conversation gave me a much better idea of who Simon Miller was. Time well spent.

With Steve and Fran finally back from their Stanthorpe run, the whole family spent Saturday together having a picnic on the beach. The weather was fine and sunny and all of us -- Scruffy included -- feasted on food that had been prepared and packed by Dot and George. It was just a little too cool for a dip in the ocean so instead we boys played beach volleyball until Scott's cheating resulted in a free-for-all of roughhousing and an all-male `stacks on the mill'.

I was aware that Ty would be flying home from Brisbane quite early the next morning, to rest a while after his arduous 12-date tour, and mindful I should be having an early night, but we were all having so much fun in the sand that afternoon suddenly turned to evening. Lachlan and Scott built a small bonfire in the sand using driftwood and branches and despite their mother's protests that beach fires were highly illegal and we were all destined for prison, we sat around the crackling fire and talked and sang until George appeared with pizzas he'd ordered back at the house.

It was only when Simon stood and reminded us that he was working a late shift at the supermarket that things began to wind up. Our hot water system was sorely tested with so many showers needed, though naturally it was Lachlan who offered to save water by showering with his wife. Steve saw wisdom in that thinking and he and Fran shared a shower too.

"I'm glad you boys are so energy conscious!" Frank smirked. "So whaddaya think Dorothy? Maybe we should share a shower?"

Dot giggled. "I don't think so Frank!" she smiled. "The last time we did that, Scott arrived nine months later!"

Scott recoiled. "Ewwwww, Mum!" he gasped, "that's gross!"

"Nah, that's cool Scott!" I chuckled. "Some kids born before you were flower children'. You're one of the shower children'!"

I showered last, helped George clean up, and said my goodnights. I'd just settled in bed and was about to turn the lights off when my door opened and a forlorn-looking Scott appeared in the doorway in his Army boxers and singlet.

"I'm scared of the dark!" he whispered, albeit it with a grin.

I rolled my eyes and lifted up the doona as Ty's younger mirror image darted across the carpet and slid in next to me.

"Just so you know, Dutch ovens will not be tolerated," I yawned as I closed my eyes ...

I was snug and warm when I started to wake in the morning. I knew I should be getting the day underway and preparing for Ty's imminent arrival, but the dream I'd been having about him was too good to surrender straight away.

I was vaguely aware of Scott's gentle breathing on the other side of the bed, and of the bedroom door opening and then closing a few seconds later. It was probably George, kindly allowing me a few more minutes to snooze before he served breakfast.

A short time later I heard the door open again and suddenly I was shocked awake by what sounded like a police raid. Confused, I sat up as I heard an amplified voice bark instructions: "The curly-haired boy needs to step away from the bed!" it began.

Scott also sat bolt upright, rubbing his eyes in disbelief as we both stared at a grinning Ty walking around the bed and talking into a megaphone he'd obviously found somewhere in one of his many road cases.

"I'll say it again. The curly-haired boy will rise and step away from the bed. He does not belong in this room. The cute lawyer is already spoken for. He can stay. The curly-haired boy will vacate the room immediately."

Scott started to giggle before he leapt from the bed and jumped on his brother, who hugged him so hard I thought his young ribs might break.

The sudden commotion brought people hurrying from all over the house and our bedroom quickly filled with family, all delighted to see Ty and amused by his novel way of waking us up.

Everyone was talking at once until George clapped his hands loud enough to catch our attention and then spoke into the megaphone: "You all need to go and get ready for breakfast," he announced sternly. "Please be on the balcony 40 minutes from now."

Two by two our bedroom visitors filed out and headed for bathrooms in other parts of the house. Alone with me, Ty kicked the bedroom door closed and stretched out on the bed next to me.

"Hey handsome!" he grinned, before drawing me into a long, languid kiss. "I've missed you so much!"

"I've missed you too, mate!" I smiled. I added, "By the way, the reason Scott was in bed with ...", but Ty put his finger on my lips to stop me continuing.

"No explanation needed mate," he assured me. "My brothers love you and that's all that's important to me. They can get into bed with you any time they like!"

"Really?"

"Really!" he smirked. "Of course, they've gotta keep their hand to themselves. I've already warned them, `no touching'!"

We smooched some more and before being tempted to tear Ty's clothes off, I stopped and dragged myself out of bed. "Gotta shower," I told him. "Otherwise we'll be late for breakfast and it's not a good idea to piss off the old bloke!"

Ty followed me into the en suite and as I shaved, he filled me in on a meeting he'd had in Brisbane with two of the directors of the Yamaha Australia.

"You were right!" Ty enthused. "They'd heard about me playing the piano in the concerts and saw some footage on YouTube. They asked me if I'd consider an endorsement and I told them all about the music school in Palm Beach."

"What did they say?"

"They thought it was a good PR angle for them, especially if I was involved," he said. "I gave them your card and told them to ring you and talk about it. I told them the dream would be to get a baby grand for the school, even a secondhand one, and they hinted that they might give us a baby grand and a couple of uprights. That would be so ace, Mike!"

"Leave it to me, mate" I replied as I let my towel drop and stepped into the shower, aware of Ty's eyes roaming hungrily over my body.

He groaned as I rubbed my soapy hands all over my body seductively, but composed himself when he heard his father in the bedroom.

Frank knocked on the bathroom door. "You boys nearly ready?" he called out.

"Yeah Dad!" Ty called back. "Come on in. Mike's just finishing his shower."

Frank walked in and handed me a towel as I turned off the taps. As I dried myself, Frank took a moment to congratulate Ty on his concerts.

"Your Mother and I are very proud of you, son," he said. "We sat there thinking we're the parents of a really big star!"

"Thanks Dad!" Ty said sincerely, pulling his father into a hug. "I'd never have been able to do it without the help and encouragement you and Mum gave me, so you two deserve most of the credit!"

"Come on boys, let's eat," Frank grinned, steering us out of our room towards the balcony.

Over another of George's sumptuous weekend breakfast buffets, everyone chattered excitedly about Ty's tour and gave him the feedback he craved about how the different elements of his show worked. He made it known he was as keen for criticism as he was for compliments, but nobody reported anything they didn't like.

Long after the breakfast dishes were cleared away, we all stayed on the balcony and talked, discussing our immediate plans. Our families all faced an afternoon of packing for their return to Stanthorpe the following day.

Ty's only plan was to have a long afternoon `nap' with me ahead of a slap-up family dinner in the evening, but first, he called for wine and proposed some toasts.

The first was to his Mother and Father, whom he thanked for all they'd done for him and his brothers. The second was to Lachlan and Scott, whom he thanked for always being his best mates and for sticking by him through everything. Next was a toast to his extended family, which had accepted him and his "crazy career" and had brought new happiness to the Hill clan.

He proposed a quick toast to "scary George, for everything he does for us," and to "my two little mates in rompers, may they grow up to be as close as brothers as me, Lach, and Scotty have and always will be."

All eyes were on Matty and Roddy as they were jiggled on the knees of Lachlan and Scott. Ty raised his glass again. "Just one more," he said and suddenly I felt all eyes on me.

"This one's to my guy here, my handsome lawyer and my soul mate ..."

He momentarily stumbled for words. "Mate," he said, his eyes suddenly filled with tears. "I didn't deserve a second chance, but you've given me one. I got you back and I promise you this, I will never ever let you go again."

In danger of shedding tears myself, I leaned in and hugged Ty to the crook my neck, rubbing his back as I smooched his cheek.

He suddenly composed himself and said brightly, "Hey! Guess what I did while I was on the road?"

"Hey! Let me guess!" Lachlan laughed. "You wrote another song for Mike?"

Ty looked surprised. "How did you know?"

"Oh, just a wild hunch mate!" Lachlan chuckled, as he punched his older brother on the arm. "Let's hear it!"

"Well, it's nowhere near finished," Ty said, clearing his throat, "but the chorus goes like this: `I look at my life now so truly blessed, just be here, just love me, I'll do the rest ..."

Ellie suddenly put down her wine glass and clasped her hand over her lower face. For a moment I thought she was crying but she suddenly lurched from her seat, ran to the edge of the balcony rail, and threw up over the railing.

Ty was truly startled. "It wasn't that bad, was it?" he asked, half seriously.

"Are you OK sweetheart?" Lachlan asked as he sprang to his feet.

Ellie turned and faced us all and with a look halfway between a grin and a grimace, she confessed, "I'm pregnant!"

The three Hill boys were in various stages of racing to her side when Dot gasped and exclaimed quite loudly, "Oh shit!"

Now this was a moment the three brothers just couldn't let pass. They all stopped in their tracks, turned to Dorothy and in unison they cried, "Dorothy Hill!"

Embarrassed beyond belief, their Mother flushed and quickly said, "Sorry boys!" ...

• finit *

More than a year and a half later, this is -- for now -- the final installment of `Love On The Rocks'. Thanks to all of you who've taken the time to share the journey with me, and with Ty, Mike and all the gang.

I say for now' because once I've had a good break from the steady pressure of writing I would like to revisit these characters who have become so much a part of all of our lives, and bring you an Epilogue' -- `Love On The Rocks -- Five Years On'.

As always, you can hear other versions of songs referenced in this chapter via the following links:

• "For You" by John Denver http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0a9mJzy5cY0

** "Lawyers in Love" by Jackson Browne http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMW7xcUl8-Q

*** "Jackie" by Scott Walker http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GiuYupoWzc

**** "Bridge over Troubled Water" by Mark Vincent http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3iFXhVbTGA

***** "When the War is Over" by Cosima De Vito http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eluDQ7y0TRo