Chapter 72

We landed in Fairbanks, Alaska, for the first of four performances in the 49^th state. Fans in Fairbanks, Anchorage, and Juneau all loved our Next Generation Tour.

Our hop from there to Hawaii was wonderful. Our Tour of Pearl Harbor was amazing. Michael explained it to his ‘girls’, causing all three of them to cry a little. Sammi did the same with Lily.

My Great-great grandfather, Richard Noble Newman, was shipped to Pearl Harbor during the late summer of 1941. By the grace of God, he transferred to Edwards Air Force Base on November 23^rd, TWO WEEKS before the unprovoked Japanese strike.

He went on to be part of the US Air Force Test Pilot School, an advanced flight training facility. He took a leave, where he met Genevieve Parkinson, my Great-great Grandma. Since I was the family genealogist, all the records have since passed to me. I scanned it and entered the data into my burgeoning gedcom file.

They only had one son, Richard Noble Newman Jr., before the plane crash that left Genevieve a widow.

From there, Charles Newman Sr. was born to Richard and his wife Josephine. Charles Newman Sr. married Antoinette Danielle Moynihan ... You know the rest of the lineage.

When Claire was pregnant, and found out it was going to be twins, I suggested Charles the Third, but she kiboshed that in a heartbeat. Thus, Michael and Rose were begat.

After our Hawaiian stops, we flew back to our vehicles, took two days off, and then began ... the rest of the tour!

Vancouver, Washington: A wonderful city on the banks of the Columbia River with over 218,000 people was next. We stayed in the Vintage Plaza hotel. It had been scheduled long in advance, our stay there before, was helped by the fact we were coming back.

We’re performing at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, a truly magnificent facility we drove by, on our way into town. It’s in Portland, but the facility is only five miles from Vancouver.

After a good night’s sleep, the five of us got there early to check out the place. Our contact was Neil Grayson, a slight man of forty with glasses.

“Welcome to the Portland Theatre, we are so proud to have Charles and Company perform here tonight. Look around and check out the Concert Hall. We can get anything you don’t see.”

I put out my hand, but Michael got out ahead of me. “Mr. Grayson, may I say for our entire troupe that this indeed is a magnificent facility. Thank you for asking us to entertain the people of the Vancouver/Portland area. I am Michael Newman, son of the legendary Charles & Claire. My dancing partners are the lovely Annie, here to my left, and my twin sister, Rose.”

They both curtseyed to the man. “And this extraordinary gentleman, is my father Charles Newman, and his wife, Kalista!”

We all shook hands, but each of the ladies got a kiss on their hand. They all giggled.

Michael did the complete spiel that I usually do, and did it very well, probably better!

We all walked up on stage and looked all around, while Mr. Grayson was giving us some salient facts about the place, built in 1928, and holds 6,500 people.

As impressed as he appeared to us, I was equally impressed by my son. I came up behind him and quietly asked, “Are you trying to impress me?”

“No Sir, I am trying to impress a certain 16-year-old, can’t you tell, Master of the Dance? I suggest we do sets four and two tonight?”

“Why is that?” I responded.

“This is a theatre ... starting with two songs from musical theatre would be appropriate, don’t you think?”

“I agree!”

“Mr. Grayson, we will be back at 6:30pm for our 8:00pm show. We will expect our check at that point,” Michael said. “Is it a sell-out?”

“It most certainly is, Michael. The Portland Theatre bought the tickets and had drawings, getting people from all over Washington State to be here tonight.”

On the way back to the hotel, Michael and his two partners were enjoying themselves in the back seat.

“Michael,” Annie said, “You were so elegant, the way you spoke to Mr. Grayson.”

“I thought so too, Michael,” his sister said.

Kallie leaned over to me and asked, “Is there something I should know about?”

“I’ll tell you later,” I replied.

Back at the hotel, Sammi made the appropriate thumb drives, as I told my wife about my conversation with my son.

“He certainly is a ‘chip off the old block’ Charles. He did a marvelous job at the venue. He even sounded a bit like you,” she said giving me a kiss.

We walked together to the door that Michael, Annie and Rose were behind. There was a very hard slap, and Rose came out crying. We looked inside and saw Sammi’s youngest daughter, comforting Michael.

He waved us inside. “Shut the door, please?” he asked.

We sat down, as Annie got up on Michael’s lap, holding him close.

“Do I want to know the details, son?”

“Charles,” Annie said. “He explained that he loved us both, saying he was in love with us both. I understood; Rose called him a man-whore, slapped him and walked out.”

“Should I go talk to her, honey?” Kalista said.

“No! I will,” I said getting up.

I knocked on Sammi’s door, “Rosie; it’s Daddy—Can I come in?”

Sammi opened the door, letting me in. I sat down next to my daughter and let her cry for a while. I had never seen her so upset. Sammi made a move to leave, but I motioned for her to stay.

Finally, my little girls’ face peered up into my eyes and said, “He told us that he loved us. The way he said it, sounded like he wanted to make love to us at the same time. I want him, but alone!”

“He actually talked to me about it before he talked to you, Rosie,” I said. “He has good intentions. He just can’t decide whom he loves more. I think he wanted to start separate physical relationships with you and Annie.”

“Ooh, Daddy—I am so sorry,” she cried even harder, “We have fooled around since we were twelve, kissing and a little touching. He’s told me before how much he cares. But now, Annie is in the mix. She’s always hugging him and kissing him on the cheek. I have even caught them kissing on the mouth a few times.”

“Really?” Sammi said. “Maybe I should talk to her about boys. I haven’t yet ... worried that she might know more than I want her to.”

“Sammi—that would be a very good idea. Don’t be too harsh, or she may just do something out of spite, all right?” my daughter said.

“Rosie, whatever you and your brother decide to do, be kind to him. You know how you feel, so realize, how he must feel about you. Please make sure he’s using protection. I had Kallie bring on tour the newest thing in female contraception. It’s a shot that lasts six months, provided you wait a full day after she gives it to you. Why don’t you go in and have some fun with the kids and talk to Kalista about this, OK?”

She left and went to our room. I went back to the room I left Michael and Annie in. It was locked.

Oh, Dear. I knocked loudly, hearing noises, including, ‘Get in the bathroom, Annie.’ My goodness how things have changed in twenty years? The door opened a crack; I saw Michael’s face. He was shirtless. I just shook my head, then I heard the bathroom open and Annie came through, looking lovely.

“Sit down, kids!”

They did.

“First, I am not mad about anything that is or isn’t going on,” I said as they grasped for each other’s hand. Annie was blushing.

“Michael, I understand completely the rushes of hormones going through you. You need to understand a couple of very important principles. We’re on tour, not even for a month yet. Without proper protection, either this young lady, or your sister could get pregnant. As exciting as that may sound, learn to say NO! That applies to all three of you. Just in case that doesn’t stop you, Sammi is putting Annie on birth control, and you need to get some condoms.”

Annie laughed.

“Young lady, you are quite beautiful. Love is wonderful! Both of you please love and respect Rose. Charles get dressed; Annie, come with me, please!”

We left together, with me giving Annie to Sammi and taking Rose to her brother.

I knocked, and Michael was completely dressed.

Rose walked in ahead of me, sitting down.

“She just took a shot. You need to buy a quantity of condom’s young man. I cannot stress enough; WE ARE ON TOUR ... ACT PROFESSIONALLY AT ALL TIMES! When we are traveling or on a day off, I am OK with ... whatever. Michael, Do Not Disrespect These Young Ladies—You Got That? In five minutes, Annie will be coming back in. Stay clothed in the meantime, please?”

That made them both laugh as they grabbed hands and started a nice kiss.

“Thanks Dad,” Michael said.

“Daddy, I love you,” Rose said.

“Five Minutes!” I glanced at my watch.

Despite all of that craziness, we took a nap, and arrived at our venue at 6:30pm.

From the instant ‘This is The Moment’ started until ‘It Was a Very Good Year’ was finished; the evening was an unqualified success. We signed autographs for an hour. Michael received the check, thanking Mr. Grayson.

My little boy is growing up too fast! I remember mom saying that to Me, more than once.

We picked up the rest of our gang, checked out and drove to Bremerton, Washington: The largest city in Kitsap County, although only 39,000 residents ... but they were ‘loud and noxious’, as Annie would say. I need to get her a dictionary.

Next up was two nights in Seattle, after which we had four days off. With Rose and Michael’s birthday coming up on November 20^th, there will be a surprise event.

We were staying at the Hilton Hotel, one of Michael Thomas’ fifty 105 story hotels across the whole of the United States. We were on the 66^th floor, in three separates two-bedroom suites.

With Sammi’s approval, and Michael’s proof of ownership of at least one dozen condoms, he and Rose got their own room,

Annie was promised the identical plan our next four days off, in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Everyone seemed satisfied. I wonder if Michael and Rosie have a clue what they are in for.

Annie looked a bit downtrodden as Michael carried his and Roses’ suitcases into their room.

Sammi and Lily, along with one-year-old Xavier and his older cousin Claire were together. That left my adorable wife and me with some alone time.

After my Special K and I made love a few times, we fell asleep. My workout alarm went off at six am, as usual. I got up and changed and went downstairs. Michael never showed up. I walked by their room, seeing the ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign out. I called, and it went straight to voice mail. I headed back to my room, stripped and crawled into bed.

“Did Michael show up?” my gorgeous lady questioned.

“No, he did not. I walked by the room. They put out the ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign, and a call went to voice mail. I assume neither of them are virgins anymore,” I said.

“A chip off the old block, isn’t he?” she said, rolling over and squishing her breasts up against me.

I chuckled and quickly fell asleep.

Around one pm, my phone rang. It was Michael.

On speakerphone, “Hey Dad, sorry about not getting to working out. I got busy doing ... other things. That won’t happen again, I promise.”

“That’s all right Michael; we’re all heading to lunch.”

“Why don’t you and your sister join us?” Kallie said.

“Sounds great, see you downstairs ASAP!” he said.

After our group lunch, Michael and Rose had something to say to all of us, so we all went back up into my and Kallie’s room. Lily took the young ones to another room.

“All right Michael, you have got us all here, go ahead?” I said wondering and worried about what we all were about to hear.

He and Rosie held hands through this. Princess took mine, and Sammi took Annie’s.

“First of all, we did not have sex all day and all night!” Michael said.

Rose added, “We didn’t make love at all yesterday and today!”

That caused all of us to look at each other in trying to understand.

“Dad,” Michael said, “At first we started to take each other’s clothes off, then we were ready to begin making love to one another ... we did make out for a while ... It was at that point that we realized; we shouldn’t be doing this. We shouldn’t make love with one another.”

I didn’t look around at anyone, but I sure as hell started to cry, no, it was more like sobbing.

Rose went on, “We love each other as brother and sister, not any more than that! So, we started talking, Daddy.”

Michael went on saying, “And we talked about everything, Dad.”

“We talked a long time about mom; we talked about you and Kalista, you and Grandmas Annie and Sarah and Ken and his boys. We even talked about Michael and Annie,” my daughter remarked.

Annie was looking perplexed; she moved over to my lap, and we listened together.

Very calmly, Rose explained, “We’re brother and sister ... we can dance together forever!”

Michael added, “There isn’t as much of a stigma to cousins falling in love and getting married, as there would be to Rosie and me getting married or trying to live together ... as if we were married.”

I asked, “So, all that time you two talked ... nothing else happened?”

Smiling that grin that reminds me of her mother, Rose said, “Exactly Daddy. We both put our clothes back on and fell asleep holding each other in bed, doing nothing except kiss a little.”

“That is the most grown-up thing I have ever heard you say,” Kalista said also dropping alligator tears.

“Will I still get my turn?” Annie pondered aloud.

“I am already packed and ready to move out ... so you can move in,” my grownup daughter said to her best friend.

They reached across our circle and gave each other a hug and cried on each other’s shoulders.

What a magnificent moment this was!

Michael and I hugged. I said to him, “You have got better restraint than I ever had, son.”

Annie went over to Sammi and said something quietly, then jumped off the bed with key card in hand, taking Rose with her, “We’ll be back in a minute guys,” she yelled.

“So, Michael, you researched cousins marrying?” I asked.

“Dad, I never knew that there were places in the United States that allowed marriage between first cousins without any restrictions. Ohio is not one of them, unfortunately!”

“So, when you get married to her, you’ll move away?” I said, worried about this answer.

“Just long enough to get status and be legal. You won’t get rid of me that easily, old man!” he said.

“Old Man?”

“Take it easy Pop, I am just pulling your chain,” he said.

“Well, Michael, I see your future wife coming here with your lovely sister,” I said through tearstained eyes.

Rose made a grand gesture of taking Annie’s hand from hers and putting Michael’s hand around it.

Now, Michael and his cousin were crying again as they looked at one another. They broke apart and went over to Kalista and Sammi ... and hugged.

Michael turned to me and asked, “Can we start to replace some of that 30-year-old music from our sets, Sir?”

“Sure can, do you have anything in mind, specifically?” I asked.

“I want you to listen to a relatively new orchestra called ‘Mostly Brass’,” he suggested. “The founder is the great-grandson of trombonist Ian Bousfield. His name is Harold Bousfield, and they have the most unique sound. No string instruments, except Piano and Harp. There is a strong percussion element, and the lead in their music is a mix of a single flute, piccolo, bassoon and oboe. Look it up on your iPhone XX when you get a chance. They play the same type of the music we have, but the sound is quite different as you will notice.”

Annie took his hand and appeared nervous. Michael turned to her and said, “Hey Baby, do you love me as much as I love you?”

“More!” she replied, breaking into the biggest smile I ever saw on her face.

They left together, and after we all had some quiet time, my phone rang:

“This is Charles Newman,” I answered.

“Dad, this is Michael. Annie and I are staying in, getting room service. Is that all right with you?”

“Call her mother and ask the same thing. I expect to see you at the gym at six am, sharp. All right?”

“You got it, Sir,” he said.

“Was that Michael?” Kalista asked.

“Yes, he certainly has matured in the last year, hasn’t he?”

“That’s all because of the way that Claire and you raised him,” she said getting Xavier on her lap.

I got back on the bed, lying down. I searched for ‘Mostly Brass’, finding and listening to the very unique sound that Michael had talked about.

The next morning was our ‘bug out’ day. After seeing Michael at the hotel gym, with a silly look on his face, we packed up and headed to our vehicles, to our next stop Everett, Washington.

We headed out early to the county seat and largest city in Snohomish County, twenty-five miles north of Seattle. We performed that night at Comcast Arena that seated right at 9,000 people.

Our hotel here was the Holiday Inn Downtown, very close to our performance venue. We all checked in together; I noticed Michael giving instructions on which suitcases go together. Annie was by his side smiling and holding his available hand.

Young love!

I had listened to this ‘new orchestra’ Michael mentioned, and downloaded their entire first album. The cut that surprised me the most was their contemporary update to the Glenn Miller Classic, ‘Sunrise Serenade’. I played it and grabbed my wife and created a routine in under ten minutes. She liked the new sound as much as I did.

I got Sammi to make an alternative Set 2, replacing Mamma Mia with this modern cut. The second half of the show tonight would be Set 3.

We gathered up the troops for that night’s performance. Michael asked if he could MC the evening, but I told him I had changed some music.

I saw a look on his face, but he just smiled back at me. The three youngsters had started a show circle before every performance. I left them to it. It always ended with them all kissing one another.

EIGHT O’CLOCK that evening

“Good evening ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to tonight’s performance. Before we get going, I need to tell you a story. Many years ago, I danced with Claire McArthur, now I perform with her half-sister Kalista McArthur-Newman.”

That generated a nice applause.