Writer's Notes:
'Real Love' is my personal tribute to JammyJimmy's (JJ) story, 'Threads: The Island'. I give JJ credit, because credit is due, for this story and for my own inspiration and entrance into writing. 'Real Love' is actually the first story I wrote, even before 'Tale of Two Teens', my first published story.
As I was writing this story way back when, I was hoping JJ would be the editor. Having been unable to make contact with him, I have been reluctant to release it. Some say JJ has passed away, but I don't know. JJ, if you read this and want this story removed, please contact me. Several readers have relayed to me, both publically and privately, that they would like it released.
Therefore, 'Real Love' is an unauthorized, reimagined rewrite and sequel to JJ's story, 'Threads: The Island'. The general storyline in JJ's story is embedded in this story. Several of the character names have been changed because this is my story. Anyone who has read JJ's story will identify the characters quickly, starting with my main character, Bradley Weber, formerly known as Kyle Watson in JJ's story.
This story is long, but tolerant and filled with several emotions. If you stick with it, you will experience euphoria, happiness, sadness, sorrow and it will make you horny. You'll be disgusted, pissed off, scared and you'll grieve, cry, frown, smile and sometimes, you'll laugh, I hope.
'Real Love' starts off slow, but gains speed with age. Feel free to leave comments about what you like and what you dislike about the story. Feedback is a good thing for those writers who want to know what reader's like and dislike about their stories.
Please don't be mean in the comments because those that put in many hours over a period of several months, and thought into designing and writing these stories don't appreciate it, nor do they deserve it.
I do hope you enjoy the 'Real Love' series. Just don't forget one important detail -- it's fiction. Please do give us 'not so professional' writers a little slack.
JJ, wherever you are, whatever you're doing, fair winds and following seas my friend.
Let the saga of Bradley Weber continue...
MDSW
* * * * *
As the six of them arrive back at the main house, Stacy is still chatting on about how she wants to go back up in the helicopter with her cameras and take loads of pictures. Nikki is explaining to her about how the bigger helicopter might be a better choice, as they can harness her up and lower the tailgate so she won't be shooting out a window that will likely effect the quality of her photos.
Peggy is laughing inside at that, given Stacy's recent terror and now her sudden enthusiasm and lack of fear.
"What's happening now?" Brad asks, hoping he's being whisked upstairs for some Kelly time.
But Kelly nods to where Jack and Debi wait, a presentation ready to go in the business suite off to their left. He sighs, but follows his sisters anyway.
To his surprise, Kelly, Nikki and Rick join them, scooping up laptops and binders from a nearby table.
The meeting didn't turn out to be another briefing, as Brad is expecting, but a planning session to try and sort out their schedules for next week and to put a few plans in place for the next few months, when they should be visiting the businesses they own.
The first decision they have to make is if they will be traveling as a trio, or if they will go as individuals.
"If you don't mind me making a few observations," Jack says, kicking things off, "I've noticed a few things during the week. Brad, you seem to be taking to the business side of things with ease, like the proverbial duck to water. Stacy, you seem to be doing okay with the information, yet struggle with some concepts, and Peggy, well, frankly you seem quite lost at times."
As Peggy glowers at him, Stacy looks a little disappointed and Brad shrugs as Jack continues.
"I didn't say this to criticize or cause offence, but to point out that the three of you are at different levels in your experiences and we should take steps to balance that out in the coming weeks and months."
"What are you suggesting?" Brad asks.
"Please, bare with me for a moment. Brad, you seem a little... awkward chatting with some of the musicians and actors yesterday, while Stacy and Peggy seem much more comfortable."
Brad frowns, wanting Jack to get to the point.
"My suggestion for this trip is to split into two parties," Jack explains, now turning to focus on the girls. "Stacy and Peggy should go to New York, where they can focus on the businesses there. This will give you more of a grounded education and by the end of the fortnight, you should be roughly level in terms of understanding to where Brad is now."
Brad doesn't like the thought of separating from his sisters. He's only just getting to know them, but then realizes it might not be a bad thing, as it will force his sisters to spend more time together. He also feels left out, though, desiring that even less. He's wondering if he should bring it up or just let it go and see what happens.
"As for you, Brad, I'm suggesting we send you out to look at the businesses in LA. You'll be going into an environment with its own rules, truly a different world, and you'll be starting from scratch."
"We are splitting up?" Stacy asks, frowning a little.
"I'm suggesting it for this trip, but the decision is yours," Jack nods. "You'll still be able to talk on the phone, video-conference, etc, and if you want to meet up for dinner then I'm sure we can arrange it, however I think it's the best way to go."
Brad asks, "How will this split solve our experience level problems?"
"I'm not sure it will at this point. This is a suggestion for us to try and find out," Jack replies.
"Personnel?" Nikki asks, looking up from her notes.
"Nikki with..."
"Jack, personnel assignments are not your job. Nikki with Stacy. Rick with Peggy. Debi with me and Brad. You will go to NY with Stacy and Peggy," Kelly replies emphatically.
"New York? If I go to LA, I can visit my family," Jack suggests.
"This is not a social trip Jack. Personnel assignments have been made."
"Okay, Kelly. Sorry."
"Can I just ask," Brad says, holding up his hand. "How many of you guys think this is the best approach to take?"
Then he lowers his hand.
His eyes look at each of them, getting shrugs from Nikki, Rick and Debi, and a smirk from Kelly.
"Rick?"
"I go wherever Peggy tells me to go," he says simply. "I think the decision should be made by the three of you, not us."
"I would like to get your thoughts on it though."
"I think it's as good an idea as any," he explains. "But, I also think if the three of you are together you can help each other out. Yes, there is an imbalance between the three of you right now, but I'm unclear how splitting up will address that. On the other hand, we don't know if staying as one group will change anything going forward."
"So you're all basically agreed then?" Stacy asks, getting a chorus of nods in reply. "Peggy?"
"I don't know. Whatever. I've never been to New York or LA so it makes no difference to me."
"I'll show you around New York," Stacy smiles. "We can go shopping too. Oh, and clubbing. We can also see the many sights in the city, like the Statue of Liberty."
"Are there any other places to visit?"
"More than you can count on twenty hands! You'll love New York by the time I'm done with you," Stacy says.
"That sounds fun," Peggy replies, a hint of a smile on her face.
Brad nods.
"Then it's settled. The five of you are going to the Big Apple and the three of us are going to Tinseltown," Kelly confirms.
"One more question. Are we jumping the gun doing this now, considering we are so imbalanced? And we still have a lot to learn about the businesses," Brad asks.
Kelly responds, "The companies in the Packard Empire are struggling with new ownership because they know nothing about the new owners. They want to see if the three of you will be able to handle the business. I believe it's best to get started now and let them know they will not be left behind. You should bring them a solid business plan for the future to put them at ease and to let them know they still have a job. On the other hand, if you don't get into this now, then when?"
"Okay," Jack nods. "Now, let's talk about schedules while we're here. If we split into two focus groups and..."
Brad chuckles as Nikki, Kelly, Rick and Debi all groan theatrically.
Jack rolls his eyes.
"Running joke. Apparently I say focus groups too much," he explains. "Anyway, Debi, Kelly, if you would take Brad and start knocking a schedule out of this," he says, tapping a large pile of printouts on the table at his side, "then we can start sorting out this," he continues, tapping a larger pile right next to it.
Brad is still wondering what can be gained by splitting us up. As a single group, we can visit parents and introduce them to the newly found brother and sisters. But, Peggy and Stacy seem to want to be separated so he remains quiet.
"What's in those piles?" Peggy asks, a hint of trepidation in her voice.
"Memo's, emails, invitations, social events, appearances, meetings," Jack explains. "Basically, everything other people think you should do while you're in New York in the next few weeks."
"Jesus," she mutters.
"Don't worry," Jack adds. "We've already culled the crazy stuff."
Brad chuckles as he gets to his feet and gathers up the pile of notes.
"Let me," Debi says, moving to take it off him, but Brad chuckles.
"It's okay Debi, I can manage. Now, where are we going with them?"
Kelly and Debi exchange glances and shrugs.
"Upstairs? My lounge? Or a business suite?" Brad suggests, and the two women lean to Brad's suite. "Let's go."
Brad sets the pile of notes down on the coffee table between two sofas in his lounge and the three of them sit on the opposing sofas. The initial plan is to make a first pass to split everything into three stacks, the 'must do', 'needs discussion' and 'discarded'.
They set to work and for the next hour, Brad laughs, shakes his head or mutters. There's invitations to do all the chat shows, lots of press requests, invites to meetings to discuss investment in movie productions, many of them disguised as lunches or dinner invites. There are visits to be made to the production company they now own, as well as the talent agency and music production offices, and an invite to attend the recording studio to hear one of their up and coming artists record their new album. There's also the offices of the magazine group they own, as well as a branch of the consulting firm Brad worked for, to visit as well.
Kelly rips through her part of the pile, while Debi pulls up data to answer Brad's many questions, everything from who is inviting him, where and why, to what does this charity do.
