The House Is Sold

He was half out of his work trousers when his phone rang, so he sat on the bed to take the call, this was the second person who had seen the big spread on the house, of course he was well prepared for this conversation. He asked in which journal the man had seen the article, then Igor named the other, stating how keen both had been to feature the property.

Of course by now both were fuming that this had occurred but it was too late, they were printed and on the news-stands. Igor talked up the extensive work on house and grounds, going on about the state of the art kitchen, and the unique art on the walls, that had generated a lot of interest. Playing the fish, Igor said he was currently trying to schedule, visits for the various interested parties, as he pretended to shuffle appointments to find a time to suit them both.

Karl felt a tad uneasy at the supper table, like a bug under a microscope, assurances from Marta had done little to help his nerves, if it hadn't been for the friendly hug from her mum when he showed up he would have been a wreck by now. Thankfully the house sale was the main topic that evening, and two people had shown an interest, in an endeavour to join in Karl asked if it was on any web sites, it turned out that it hadn't occurred to them there would be sites featuring properties for sale.

The obvious answer was that there were websites for everything, but instead after eating Karl went to the study with Igor and the girls to see what he could find for them.

With some of his skills from night school, and from what he had learned at work, he built them a site using a template, then via the internal studio network grabbed all the photos to paste onto the pages he was creating. They watched in awe as his fingers skipped over the keyboard, as he started to add links to every site that could bring them people who would have an interest in a house of this size.

With the site built he started phase two. There were four laptops, two for school-work, the girls secure machine for studio links, and Igor's workhorse, so when he had them all running on the table he showed them how to follow the links to the new house site.

He then explained the process of strengthening those links, clearing their browsers and so on until search engines started to direct traffic towards their site as a default choice, so while they did that he continued to tweak and add more links.

Marta would have been bouncing in her seat, but she wanted to show more decorum, act in a grown up manner, her smart boyfriend was able to prove to her father he was not just some groping Neanderthal intent on despoiling his daughter. No he was one intelligent guy intent on eating his daughter, but Marta wasn't going there, it had been a difficult enough talk she had had on Sunday.

Anna winked at her, she could see the brownie points mounting up, as they played with the various search engines to increase the popularity of their site. Apart from the odd question, the sound of tapping keys filled the room, until a ping was heard from Igor's laptop, they all looked up, then faces turned to Karl. Of course, they all had their uses for the computers, the girls even used the studio's internal messaging system, but none of them had reason yet to use e-mail.

Karl moved to Igor's machine, and as they all watched he explained what he was doing, he had set up the e-mail account when he had set up all the other stuff, but somehow it had got overlooked with Igor's main interest being spreadsheets and Gant charts. The window opened to show the message from some local bigwig with an interest, along with all the various contact details, even the details of the man's PA.

Knowing Igor's love of spreadsheets Karl knocked one up transferring the information onto the third row under the headings, then asked about the first and second contact, their details came from scraps of paper. Slowly building a rapport with Boris, he had a few more tricks up his sleeve, and from using the net he was able to learn more of the three men, so was able to make notes about each of them at the end of their respective row.

Anna had seen the little touches between her sister and Karl, he seemed very caring, and she knew all the other things they did when they could get time alone together, and imagined it must be amazing to have someone licking on your pussy. The problem in her eyes was, she couldn't think of any boy at school that she felt that strongly about, there were some who she got on with, but not in that way. They were just boys, not in any way like Karl, they were immature always doing stupid stuff, even those in the higher grades didn't interest her, maybe for the moment she would stick with making herself happy.

Marta and Karl worked on a couple of standard replies for e-mails, then with a tutorial Igor was shown how to cut and paste, or write replies from scratch. The next hurdle was when Igor learned he could only receive e-mail when he was connected up, but it was saved for him until he did connect. After talking it through, the link on their web site was modified so mail would go to Igor, and to Karl at work, Karl would then call Igor's mobile with any new leads.

Igor was still messing about with his laptop when Karl had to leave, Marta had him alone in the hall, so they kissed a while in the warm, her praising his efforts in helping the sale, for once, now out from behind a keyboard he detected something not right about Marta, and asked if she was OK. Blushing Marta said her visitor was due, then looked downwards, so Karl though sympathetic, said it was her that had told him off for not having the bottle to use the right words.

They were holding one another talking quietly almost rubbing noses when a noise from Anna warned them dad was coming, so Karl was released with a kiss and sent on his way.

By Thursday they realised it was no longer practical with the men who had been living on site to move in and out of the house and tidy up each morning for showing visitors about the place. These men were being employed they just had nowhere to put them, Gramps volunteered his spare room, not ideal for eight guys, but a few days, a week maybe, he would manage. Olga - she didn't mind, it would be an adventure, though half of the men would be eating at the pick-nick table in the garden.

This spurred Igor to rethink the search he had started with Gramps, they had been doing it the old fashioned way, so they retreated to Igor's for a coffee and some of Ella's baking.

He plugged in, connected up, and started surfing, he was still learning, but within twenty minutes they had seen far more properties than they had looked at since Saturday and he had broadened his scope. Fresh thinking, how would Marta deal with this, square area per person, plumbing, services, and a solid roof, everything else was froth, whatever the building was before wouldn't count, it's what he could make of it now.

Now he could start again.

The fourth building he actually considered,was the most unlikely but it was all there, set on the edge of an industrial complex but surrounded by housing, and good transport links. The building was mixed use, on the ground floor there were two lock up storage units with steel roller doors, the last third had been a workman's café serving the industrial area, but the whole of the top floor had been offices, complete with men's and women's toilets.

Igor made some calls to his tame contacts in the planning office, the café had been closed for 18 months, half the industrial units nearby were shut, if nobody brought the building he enquired about, it could stand there till the day it fell down. Unlikely anyone would buy it, and one man thought it was hardly worth the money of the land it stood on, and even that wasn't very much. A few bribes well spent.

They looked first, it was sound, maybe the adjacent housing had deterred vandalism, near to the building some plots were bare the old factories removed, ideal for Igor's purpose. The agent handling sales on the industrial site was a pushover, once Igor had a price for the open plots, he moved to his real target. "No I like that plot better, so it has buildings, they are worthless to me, but I prefer the location, I'll pay the same price per metre, take it or leave it, bankers draft on the table tomorrow."

They got back to the car and burst out laughing, by Saturday Gramps squatters had decamped to their new home, that came to be called the Squat as a joke, and the agent, papers signed money in hand, could do nothing as the buyer had changed his mind about clearing the plot. The bank was happy, Igor was still under the agreed limit of what he wanted to borrow, a sale was imminent, and he had acquired another property for peanuts.

The men were off the streets, that winter between paying jobs they improved their new abode so each man had his own small room, a nice communal area and they fixed up some showers. There was space for thirty or more so when time and materials were on hand they fitted up the rest of the floor. As time moved on they opened the old café, at first to feed themselves, and then to serve passing trade, making a small profit.

The curious and frivolous who had just wanted to see that local house, featured in the magazines they looked through over coffee mornings, or when they were bored came and went, it was part of how they spent their time. Despite the time wasted on these people there was now a hard core interest in the house, serious negotiations were taking place, which with any luck would turn into a bidding war. As the field narrowed the interested parties were invited to a private auction at the office of the man who had handled all the legal issues for Igor on the original purchase.

Only one of the potential buyers declined not wishing to enter the fray, Igor had sort advice from the man whose office was to be used for the sale, agreeing this to be the best course of action. They had also come to terms regarding fees to stage the auction and complete the sale, not wishing to face the ordeal alone he had taken Gramps and Melenki out to a tailors so they were dressed in new blazers and slacks for the occasion.

Igor had peed twice yet still felt uncomfortable, he decided against any more coffee, if his companions felt any nerves they didn't show it, grinning as the bidders arrived to do battle. The field had whittled down to six, all had the common sense to leave their wives out of this, lest they were elbowed into spending more than they had planned.

The bidders were served coffee as they politely ignored one another, the time drew near with Igor sweating into his new suit, almost jumping to the sound of a gavel as proceedings were opened. Igor wondered where the gavel had come from, the basic details of the property were read out, and the rules of procedure, all parties had a bankers draft for a deposit should they place the winning bid, with the closing payment due within three days, or a forfeit of the sizeable deposit.

There was some more flowery legal mumbo-jumbo, then the bidding began.

Igor's head moved as if watching tennis, a raised eyebrow, a nod, the flick of a finger, each made their own little signal, familiar with the protocol of the auction room, the only voice from behind the desk at the front. The numbers got larger, way back on the second bid he was free and clear of his goal, a twenty percent profit for the girls, he hadn't let them down, their faith hadn't been misplaced, the largest gamble he ever made.

Gripping the chair just an observer, knuckles white as his nails dug in, could these men be serious, one by one they dropped out a shake of the head, two men remained.

Marta had been right, these men didn't want the house, but their wives did, it wasn't like for other people, not a roof over your head, no it was about showing off, it was all bling, the newest car, the garish watch, whatever. Igor lived in a splendid house, far better than he could ever have dreamed of, but if he had their level of wealth he wouldn't move, he might think of buying it, but why move.

Their own house gave everyone their own bedroom and plenty of space, a kitchen Ella loved, and a garden for the boys to play, they couldn't wish for more, they didn't need it.

"Going once, going twice, your final chance Sir? ...Sold!"

The sound echoed round the room, Igor felt light headed, Gramps thumped him gently on the arm and winked the old man's eyes sparkling, Melenki gripped the other shoulder and squeezed, it was done.

In a daze he signed all the pieces of paper, and shook the proffered hands, Gramps had picked up the papers Igor needed, as his companions lead him from the room, Melenki calling a cab, as they had chosen not to drive.

On stepping out of the car Igor had had time to recover from the shock, seeing it was a driver who often ferried his daughters around, and that he was in a good mood, he passed over two large bills telling him to keep the change. For a fifteen minute ride he was holding more cash than he made in a good week, the man those family were regulars must have made a mistake or maybe he was drunk, he queried the sum, but the men were celebrating some good fortune, passing on the joy.

Olga had been helping Ella in the kitchen, the men hadn't eaten before the big meeting as it was too early for supper, now it had gone eight, and they had set out a buffet, with many favourites for what was hopefully to be a celebration. Anna was on the floor playing a board game with Greg and Peter who were excitable with their birthdays falling due this week, and Marta was sitting on Karl's lap in the study while supposedly learning more about computers.

Now and then Anna would stretch out on the carpet which gave her a view into the study, curious to see her older sister making out with Karl, she wasn't being nosey, it was purely for research. At the sound of the front door everyone's focus changed, the three men came into the lounge, the ladies hurried in and Karl was dragged in behind Marta, close behind Marta so as to hide junior. The tableau in the room froze, waiting.

Anna's patience snapped. "Daddy tell us! What happened."

"Oh, the house yes, someone brought it, - for lots of money!"

He lifted Ella off her feet and spun her round, Gramps looking to Olga said he would do the same if it wasn't for his knees, in the noisy happy atmosphere Marta reasoned no one would begrudge her a celebration kiss with Karl. Melenki looked on at the festivities as the three youngest danced round in a circle, laughing and yelling, thinking this had been a successful project in so many ways, victories seemed rare enough in this life, deserving of this revelry. He didn't feel left out, or a spare part, for Igor had always treated him as a friend, not an underling or minion, and today, welcomed in to his home to share their joy.

Tomorrow Igor would take in the bankers draft, clearing a good chunk of the money loaned to him, the balance due by Friday would conclude the deal, and grow his daughters seed capitol, not by the hoped for twenty percent as he had planned, but by fifty-two percent. The extra value the house gained from his daughters ideas, the quick turnaround, and the sales tactics all helped shorten the loan period, lowering the fees to be paid out. Also there had been a three fold bonus, a home for Olga and Gramps, a period of employment for a good many people, and the Squat, as shelter for those who had for now found work, as a spin off from this whole scheme.

The women went to warm a few dishes to complete the spread, and Gramps got to take drinks orders. Igor took Melenki to one side praising his steadfast companion, and handing him an envelope with a handsome bonus, stating they would round up all the men and women who had worked on site for a party on Saturday at the Squat, to hand out the bonus payments as promised.

Catching Karl's attention he lead the lad to the study so they could talk; regardless of what Marta had said, and the high points in his dealings with her father, Karl still found the big man intimidating.

Disregarding any misgivings he may have had about this older boy, both Ella and Marta had been on his case to cut him some slack, so Igor gave it his best shot.

"You've had a hand in this success, the computer thingy stuff, shafting those hoity-toity magazines, and last week doing the web site sales widget, so in here is a little bonus."

It was great Igor appreciated his technical skill, and was being nice to him, but as he looked at the proffered gift he thought it time to man-up, to show he was more than a geek, and now was the time with Igor in such good spirits.

"Thanks for the offer, but it wouldn't seem right, it was fun to help out, I couldn't be much use on site, but it was something important to Marta, for her future, that made it important for me too. I know how you must worry, we are both young, but we share common goals, to learn and make something of our lives. I've seen other teenagers who change girlfriends all the time, I don't see that in my future, I couldn't imagine any other girl I would rather be with than Marta. A geek like me and a 'brain' like Marta belong together, and it would feel like I was taking her money, if you insist I'll take it, but use it to spend on treats for Marta."

Igor was taken aback, it had taken courage to make a bold statement that he envisaged a future with his daughter, and that he had recognised how uneasy Igor might feel about this, maybe he had been too narrow minded, or overprotective. Would it be so bad after Marta had finished her education, to find this young man as his son in law?

After the hot dishes had been set out everyone dived in, no waiting on ceremony, while at the same time Melenki and Gramps retold the tension of the auction. Marta kept looking back to the study, Anna at her elbow was also keen to know what was keeping them, for they had been in there longer than anticipated. They both knew how eager their father had been to see everyone got the bonus payments he had promised, that a person should live up to their word was fundamental to his beliefs.

As they emerged Marta knew instinctively something had changed, there wasn't that constant wariness in Karl's demeanour, she had noted when in her father's presence, she had to find out if they had come to some understanding.

Her dad came over bent down and whispered in her ear. "See, I didn't eat your boyfriend, I'm too keen to eat this spread your mum's laid out."

The way he tickled her ribs, then slapped her bum as he went off to the table told her all was right with the world. Karl didn't need to say anything, the look on his face, the way he stood so close as he pinched nibbles off her plate, till she told him to go and get his own. Marta had reason to smile as she watched him, at fourteen she had a nest egg, a job, all her family together, and now her boyfriend and dad looked to be friends.

Anna noting the direction her sister was looking, ever the joker made a comment that her boyfriend had a nice butt, that set them both off laughing.

Being a Tuesday night, what with work and school, they curtailed the festivities at a reasonable hour, besides there was more to come with Peter's birthday on Thursday, when for a brief few days the boys would be the same age, till Saturday when Greg would turn eight. The paucity of every other birthday, New Year, or Christmas would be forgotten with the haul of presents the two boys received, a working train set, a racing car track, sports equipment and football boots, they were almost at a loss what to play with first.

With the sisters constant involvement in the studio, the other models at their own school, and the participation of other models in preparation for the launch of the new Forum their lives were full of interest, and always busy. Anna like many of the city based models was always keen to fit in the odd 'banking' job when her team and studio time were available. That her popularity with current releases made a healthy contribution to John and Valya's bonus payments, ensured she got first choice of slots as they came up, but she wasn't greedy as other girls needed to look after their future earnings as well.

On Friday with confirmation of the balance by bank transfer, Igor's standing rose a notch, and when he called in he was treated even more respectfully, as if that had been possible. For although the bank made interest the longer money was loaned out, early repayment marked him down as a person of low risk, making him a preferred customer, and a man of acumen as he had retained a portion of the original property, and gained another, without reaching his agreed loan ceiling.

On Saturday the boys had a combined party inviting Victor, Eve's younger brother, and several other friends from school, vigorous games in the back garden followed by organised mayhem inside, with Anna playing guitar for the musical chairs. Ella had made themed cakes that Nana Olga had iced, by one-thirty fit to bust full of pastries, jelly, and ice cream the last of the guests had been collected.

Phase two was Igor delivering a cauldron size pot of borsch, many large platers of pastries and sandwiches, plus a special cake to the Squat. What with the family having such a busy week, Melenki had done the majority of the organising, purchasing tables and chairs that would be needed long after the party, if this venture was the success he believed it would be.

An elderly man with a gamy leg who had helped on the project, tending a bonfire to reduce waste materials to be disposed of, had been astonished and delighted when Melenki had offered him the post of manager/janitor of the Squat. Not an arduous job, one he could handle with his infirmities, ensuring each man paid his dues, and abided by the rules.

His age and uncomplaining can-do attitude had garnered the respect of the other men, and free board came with this responsibility. In the past week those who had taken up residence, had done a good job in cleaning the top floor, for now sleeping pallets had been made up in two of the old office areas while plans were made on how to move forwards. The old camp kitchen from site had been set up at one end of the largest open area, four gas rings on old trestle tables. Only some time later on finding the café kitchen was still perfectly serviceable would it be put to use.

After making all of his deliveries, Igor was back at home making up brown envelopes for the bonus payments allotted to the various workers, it seemed incongruous to have such piles of banknotes stacked on the table. Marta was helping going down the print-off, ticking the names, then she asked him if it was difficult to open a savings account.

Igor saw the direction of her thoughts, these men who had drifted, mostly homeless or for some nights on the floor at a friend's, but now they had an address. This could be another step on the road to becoming a regularised citizen, rising from the disenfranchised mass on the margins of society. Realising it would take more time, he would speak to each of them alone when he handed out their bonus, about opening a bank account, and the other topic was booze.

Having lived on a hand to mouth basis, a sudden influx of cash sometimes lead to a binge on alcohol, often rough spirit or whatever was available, he needed to press the point that if they wished to remain employable, they should moderate any urge to go overboard. They had reason to party tonight, but it wouldn't do when they had work the following day.

Marta and Anna both wanted to attend, and Igor had said she aught to see if Karl would join them. It wouldn't be a date, and they couldn't sneak off, but her dad had just asked if she wanted her boyfriend to join in, Igor got a hug before she went to make the call.

They had got the cab to swing by Karl's place en-route to the Squat. The men now living there had been joined by the guys who Igor had 'borrowed' from his regular employer, and the wives of the men who had helped on site were there too. The party was rounded out by the artists from the studio, and finally the MMC lads were there, after a quick count of heads, Igor stepped up to open proceedings.

A few brief speeches were made, and the party began, Marta circulated with Karl, thanking people for their part in the success of the venture, and asking about life in the Squat, and if there had been any problems, eventually talking for a while with the old man in charge.

Karl was well trained he could see where this was heading, and went to find Taras and the other lads, to tell them Marta wanted to see them, and find out how they were getting on. Gathered in one of the unused offices, they caught up on the boys recent progress, finding the work had been steady, with a slow build-up of new clients. Marta's suggestion they move into the Squat was at first met with some resistance, the lads worried they would loose their identity as a group.

She countered each of their arguments, then said how they would have security for their belongings, group meals with the other residents, the ability to do their laundry, keeping their uniforms smart, and they would be able to take hot showers, or wash every day. For a small weekly cost, and a few chores, this would be a major improvement in their living conditions, and after enjoying hot meals each day when the site was running, that held a big incentive to join this little community.

Before they could change their minds Marta was on the phone to the cab company, yes a minibus, to where they had dropped her earlier, then take some passengers to another address, wait while they picked up some stuff and bring them back, and charge it to her. She promised there would still be food by the time they returned, and when their minibus turned up she was back on the phone, first to Irisha then back to the cab company.

By now Anna had joined them, and asked if she was again 'playing chess' a reference that went over Karl's head. It had been five weeks since 'Laura's' debut in the two girl set, but it had generated a good deal of interest on the members forum, and three weeks later she was back at the studio, this time for her first solo shoot. She had requested to work with John and Valya, and from the moment she stepped into studio three it went like a dream.

The background was a classroom setting complete with blackboard, school desk and a whole load of accessories, even down to a globe on a stand, and blank exercise books. The generic school uniform of a gingham pinafore dress, blouse, thin pastel panties lacking the normal gusset liner, and white knee socks. She had a little body art, along with full make-up, a contrast to her first experience, but now she had talked with many of the models and knew what to expect.

She climbed over the furniture displaying her underwear, and made use of the props as she slowly disrobed, then seeing an opportunity used a marker pen to scrawl notes on the blank notebooks. "I'm a good girl", and "Do you love me?", were just two of her little notes that her growing fan base would read when viewing the set. She sprawled over the carpet on the set, the fat marker pen pressed to the bottom lip of her open mouth, in a humorous parody of the blow jobs she had so despised, at least this wouldn't splat her mouth or face.

With words from the older girls, and help from John, she realised models of her age would put on a display that was more suggestive than girls of Anna's age, a little more blatant or knowing. She felt the same sense of empowerment that Anna had tried to convey, she had taken charge of her destiny, and the members would become her willing slaves, pinning for her return set after set. Grinning as she slowly peeled off the panties it was plain how wet they had become, she had been almost tempted to throw them at the wall.

As her mum at that time had been working in the canteen during the past week, she had spoken to Valya, John and other staff, she had also met a few models with their mothers who had stopped by. They had taken time out part way through the set, but Irisha was bouncing with energy, raring to get back and tease John, as he stood proxy for all those men who would later see what he was then seeing.

When she got home after the shoot she was still hyper, and claimed the bathroom, using the water falling from the bath tap to stimulate herself to a quick orgasm, then enjoying a series of more leisurely cums as she lay in the tub.

Everything was so different now it wasn't just her and her mum against the world, they had a whole support network, and good friends she could rely on, giving out birthday cards, in times past that had been unknown, but she had given both sisters a small gift, though it could never convey the depth of her gratitude. This past week she had also sent cards and toy cars for their younger brothers, who always wanted her to play 'English' games when she went round.

It was a pity to miss their party, but it had been the last big check-up for her mum, and she had to go because she had a gyno appointment now her monthlies had returned, so next time round she would be taking those little pills every day to keep her regular. This week's statement had shown her first solo set was still very popular, and they were thinking of taking off for a holiday during the New Year break, and definitely over the coming summer.

Her new mobile startled her, it was the ring tone set for Marta, after a brief chat she checked with her mum then went to get changed, she loved the novelty of having such a choice of outfits to get changed into. Shortly the intercom buzzer sounded as her cab had arrived, quick check, hair, make-up, purse phone keys, she kissed her mum and set off.

Igor had sequestered a room to hand out bonus payments tempered with a few well meant words of advise, but had yet to see Marta's protégées, when he found they had gone to fetch their belongings to move in he was pleased. As on paper he was the landlord he gathered some of the residents, to tell them he would fund the materials if they wanted to progress the works on building some more single rooms. The dignity, privacy, and security that this dwelling would provide, gave these men a sense of pride and hope for the future, their lives taking on a new direction.

Anna who had been checking out of the window, saw the cab pull up, and ran down to meet Irisha, not wanting her to feel nervous in the austere surroundings on the edge of the old industrial park. They hugged warmly, and began chatting even before they made their way upstairs to the party, one would think it hard to believe they had spoken only the previous day at school.

Irisha had just spotted Karl and Marta heading in their direction, they were going down to greet some new arrivals and help carry stuff in, as she hadn't removed her coat she went to help. It was Taras and his friends, it seemed they were moving in, rather than continue through the winter living in the basement of the old tenement block.

Stepping out of the minibus it was like a little welcoming committee, he was pleased to see an additional face, she spoke, said hello, remembered his name.

Irisha hoped she hadn't sounded too welcoming, she hadn't meant it like that, it had just sort of slipped out, he took her hand clasped between his two larger hands, saying he was pleased she had come to the party, she blushed a little. It was short work hauling the lads combined belongings to one of the cleared but unused rooms, where for now they would bunk down together.

Now with the loads put down he offered to take her coat, as it was quite warm with the heating and all the visitors here to celebrate. When he remarked on her nice new coat she spoke of her mum now being in good health and finding a great job.

Marta thinking her work was done for the evening, dragged Karl and Anna away on some pretext to give the teens some space. Taras sure the boys could look out for themselves had been eyeing the food table, inviting Irisha to join him. Apart from the food a keg of beer had been set up, along with wine, soft drinks and a bowl of light punch having little more alcohol than Kvas. There were hot drinks too, with cocoa for warming any guests before they stepped out later.

The party flowed well with people mingling, exchanging ideas for how to extend the current work programmes or create new leads, they wanted to continue moving forwards, even the young lads joined in, they were hard workers willing to listen and learn. Igor was pleased to note drink was not central to the evening, as was common in their culture, instead they were drinking but for the most part with moderation, whether this was due to his comments or a general concern not to jeopardise their improving circumstances.

Gathering together Melenki, his daughters and Karl, he made his way to the covered table, where he made a short address thanking everyone, then revealed the cake his wife had made for the occasion. A cake fashioned to look like the house, dressed in coloured icing set on a green base. Anna and Marta jointly cut the cake to applause and clapping from the audience who then promptly set about eating it.

Irisha joined in a conversation with some of the women who had worked on the site when Marta's dad borrowed Taras, he and the lads of his gang were ushered into a side office where they discovered they were also getting bonus payments for their efforts working on the house and grounds, with the advice to save or spend wisely.

With that day's move foremost on their minds, thoughts tended toward creature comforts that it would be possible to have in their new setting. Warmly thanking Igor they rejoined the throng, Taras torn that he now had to share Irisha's attention with others, but on the other hand he did not wish to appear pushy in monopolising her time.

When it came time to leave they called for a cab offering to drop off Irisha on the way, both sisters noted she had enjoyed the evening, but made no comments what with Karl and their father sharing the ride.

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To be continued in Chapter 42.

After such a successful phase in the family's fortunes what new surprises lay ahead? Any comments you have would be welcome. Remember you only get better stories by helping novice authors like myself with feedback.