Will Luke and Bruce be able to solve their problems ...
Problem Solving II– July 4737, London
The following morning, Thursday, Luke woke in Bruce's arms and lay remembering their shared night of passion. Even after a busy dinner service, they had had enough energy to satisfy one another. It had been a while since that had happened and he sighed; they had to keep their love alive or nothing was worthwhile. Easing out of the bed, Luke dragged on a robe and went to check on the kids. It was ten past seven and he was surprised Tyrone wasn't crying for attention and that Jo wasn't banging on the door anxious about getting to Playschool. Then he remembered why it was quiet – his dad was here.
"Morning, pumpkin," said Jack looking up as Luke appeared.
"Look, Daddy, Gramps is giving me plaits." She clapped her hands in excitement and forgot she was supposed to be standing still.
"Not if you keep moving around, he's not. Stand still, flower." Jack got the fine hair together again and wove it before securing the end with a ribbon. "Turn round so I can see you." Jack narrowed his eyes and looked at her critically. "I think they're level, go ask Daddy to check." He patted her bottom and she obediently went to stand by Luke.
"Am I straight, Daddy?" she asked. She was washed and dressed in tunic and trousers, ready for the day.
"Let me see." He crouched down and double checked seriously. "Yep, you're straight."
Jack picked up Tyrone who had been crawling around and tucked him under one arm. "Time for breakfast, Jo," he called making for the kitchen. "You too, pumpkin." He secured Tyrone in his chair by the table which was already laden with juice, cereal and milk.
"Dad, you're spoiling us," said Luke seeing all that had been done.
"A belated birthday treat," laughed Jack, wrapping a clean cloth like a bib round Jo who was now sitting at the table. "I'm going to make pancakes, want some?"
"I'm having some," said the little girl importantly, "with syrup."
"I'd love some." Luke was eating his third pancake when Bruce joined them, surprised at the lack of noise in the apartment. When he was tucking in, they agreed that Jack would look after the children for the day while the other two men got on with baking for the weekend wedding as well as ordinary prep for lunch.
Shortly afterwards, down in the restaurant, Luke started on the individual cakes and savouries while Bruce prepared and iced the wedding cake, his speciality. They worked hard but the atmosphere was relaxed and they both rediscovered the joy of cooking that had brought them together. Kermit and Evelyn got on with the daily prep and soon the kitchen was buzzing. Jack popped in once to tell them that Jo was safely at Playschool and that he was taking Tyrone to the playground. Knowing the children were being cared for so well, Luke and Bruce went straight into lunch service and did not see Jack or the baby again until they went up to the apartment just after two o'clock taking lunch with them.
"Look at that silly man, peanut," Jack was saying as the door opened. "He doesn't know what he's talking about." Jack was sitting on the couch watching the newscast with Tyrone on his knee. "Oh hello, you two. All done?"
"Yes, thanks." Bruce came over and stood by Jack, looking at the screen. "Isn't that your successor, whatshisname?"
"Felix," said Jack with feeling, "the reporters' gift." The two men watched the news which was – according to Felix Yakov – all good.
Tyrone decided he wasn't getting enough attention and toddled after his dada who, after putting lunch in the kitchen, was heading for the bedroom to change. The baby was too late to get through the bedroom door and it whooshed shut in his face. Sitting down he stared at the door for a moment, thought about crying but – as an essentially placid boy – instead stood up and banged against it. "Dada. Dada."
"Oh just look at him," said Bruce indulgently. As he approached the bedroom door it opened to reveal Luke on the other side. "I want him," said Bruce childishly and with a grin he swooped on the baby, who was wobbling on his feet, and cuddled him.
"You're daft," said Luke, laughing at his partner. "Go and change while I heat up the food. Dad, we brought steak up for lunch, that okay with you?" He headed for the kitchen.
"Great." Switching off the vid-screen, Jack joined Luke in the kitchen. "You know I'll eat anything and all your stuff is …" he smacked his lips together in a gesture of appreciation.
The rest of the day passed with the same calm air. The three men played with Tyrone and chatted before Luke and Bruce returned to the restaurant and Jack took the baby to meet Jo. He had with him the special party frock – having been reminded repeatedly by Jo earlier in the day - and with the parents of the other party guests he spent ten minutes getting an excited child changed before walking in a gang to the home of the birthday boy. It had already been agreed that Jo would be brought home later by the boy's parents, so Jack left her there and wandered back along the walkways pushing Tyrone in his chair and whistling softly to himself. Times like these were precious and he was storing them up in his memory for when he and Ianto had to make their getaway for the next part of The Plan.
Jack got the baby ready for bed, leaving Luke and Bruce free to cope with dinner service and some more wedding preparation. Jo was delivered to the restaurant just before seven o'clock, tired and happy, and delighted the kitchen staff with her chatter. Luke brought her to the apartment and she told her gramps all the wonderful things she had done at the party while having her bath. When she had calmed down, she went to bed and heard only a page of her story before falling asleep. Luke and Jack spent the rest of the evening together and took the opportunity to look at some candidates for the vacant nanny post. No one seemed suitable.
Friday was a much cooler day and the whole city seemed to heave a sigh of relief. Jo was delighted her grandtad was coming to stay for the weekend and rushed around half dressed bothering everyone until Jack caught her by the arms and held her still, crouching in front of her.
"Now, flower, calm down. Grandtad will be coming this afternoon so I expect he'll come and meet you from Playschool."
"Oh, goodie!" she cried clapping, her high pitched screech grating on everyone's ears.
"What did I say about calming down?" Jack fixed her with a stern look and she tried very hard to stand still. "That's better. Now, let's get you dressed, can't have you going to Playschool without any knickers."
She looked scandalised and rushed to her room where Jack, following more slowly, found her trying to put both legs through one knicker leg. He sorted her out and she was soon dressed. He put her hair in bunches this time and she spent a little time admiring herself in the mirror, twisting her head this way and that, while the rest of the family got dressed. After breakfast, Bruce volunteered to take Jo to Playschool and as he got little time with his daughter no one objected. They went off together while Luke went to the restaurant's office to do some much needed admin, including checking on bookings for the coming week.
Left alone, Jack decided that some more cleaning was in order and with Tyrone in the playroom he stripped beds and sorted out dirty clothes. As he worked, he wondered why the simple tasks were giving him such pleasure – they never had before – and put it down to creating order out of chaos. It did not take much to keep the apartment clean, if it was done regularly, but he appreciated how difficult it was for Luke and Bruce to find the time. He spent the rest of the morning with the baby, playing hide and seek and other games and enjoying getting to know him better.
When Tyrone got crotchety, Jack put him down for a nap and with the portable monitor in hand went down to the restaurant to see if they needed help. He soon found that he would be more hindrance than help, so stayed out the way drinking a cup of coffee and watched as the established team made final preparations for the lunch service. The restaurant was fully booked and as soon as the first diners arrived the elaborate sequence began as Luke, Evelyn and Kermit worked together to ensure the meals were cooked to perfection and no one waited for their food. It was impressive and Jack was enthralled by it all, sorry to have to leave when Tyrone woke up. He was in the apartment kitchen, feeding the baby, when Ianto called to say he was leaving Cardiff. He was travelling by teleport and would arrive in under an hour. With some cajolery, Jack got Tyrone fed and cleaned up in time to walk to the teleport station and wait for Ianto.
"There he is, peanut, there's Grandtad." Jack was sitting on a bench with the boy standing on the seat beside him and waved Tyrone's hand in welcome. "Can you say 'Hello, Grandtad'?" he prompted.
"He'd be very clever if he could," remarked Ianto, coming up to stand in front of them. He had a bag full of notepads relating to the restaurant's finances over his shoulder and a large bag containing his own overnight things and some more clothes for Jack in his hand. "You take these and let me have him for a bit."
"I don't think I like that swap," commented Jack, hefting the heavy bags. He leant in and kissed his partner who did not pay a lot of attention, concentrating on his grandson instead. Knowing when he was beaten, Jack grinned and led the way to the apartment.
Bruce saw them pass the front of the restaurant and waved. There were three tables of diners left and two of these were getting ready to depart. Ten minutes later, he closed the door behind the last to leave and went into the kitchen. He was not surprised to find Luke had already gone upstairs and after checking the place was clear and seeing the staff out, he locked the back door and went to join him.
"Bruce, good to see you," said Ianto and went over to give the man a hug. "How are you?"
"Good, thanks. You're looking well."
"I am, disgustingly so. And I'm looking forward to spending the weekend, thanks for asking me." Ianto sat at the kitchen table beaming at everyone. It made a change for him to visit the children, usually it was the other way round.
"You're the one doing us a favour," pointed out Luke from the stove where he was finishing the tomato sauce for the pasta. "We really couldn't have managed without Dad these past few days and the weekend would have been impossible." He brought over the large dish of dressed pasta. "Help yourselves."
"Jo was about to explode this morning when we told her you were coming," laughed Bruce. "I don't think she'll let you out of her sight for the whole weekend."
Filling his plate, Ianto said, "That's fine with me. I can't wait to see her."
They talked as they ate, Jack giving Tyrone some bread to pull about - to eat or not - so he didn't feel left out. With the clearing up done, they settled in the living room and Ianto took the baby to cuddle, relishing the chance. When Luke and Bruce finally dragged themselves away to begin work again, Jack settled beside his partner on the couch and put an arm round him.
"I want a proper kiss now," he demanded, pulling him close. They embraced and kissed deeply, watched by Tyrone who was sitting on the floor sucking on a wooden spoon.
"Umm, want to take this to the bedroom?" suggested Ianto.
"Love to – but we can't. Got to go and get Jo and she gets uptight if no one's there." Jack pulled away and went to the baby who was walking off towards the playroom. "She needs more routine and security." He picked up Tyrone and put him in his chair.
"I have some thoughts on that but I don't know how Luke and Bruce will react. When would be a good time to talk to them?" The two men and the baby were at the front door by now.
"I doubt we'll see much of them tomorrow. Sunday?"
"Let's aim for Sunday morning, if you don't mind keeping the kids amused."
"No problem. Now, come on or we'll be late."
Jo exploded from the Playschool. Not only was it Friday, Grandtad should be waiting for her. She looked round wildly and … there he was, with Gramps. With a shriek, she ran to them and flung herself at her grandtad. "You're here, you're here!" she cried.
"I certainly am," laughed Ianto, picking her up and hugging her.
The children were looked after by their grandparents for the rest of the day and all four had a wonderful time. The adults enjoyed being responsible for young people again and found pleasure in the daily tasks of feeding, bathing and getting them ready for bed. The children adored being pampered and just a little bit spoiled and Jo was thrilled to be allowed to stay up later than usual and chatter with her gramps and grandtad. When the children were both in their beds, Jack and Ianto ate a light meal then settled together on the couch with soft music playing in the background.
"Tell me, Jack, how are things here at the moment without you to help out?" Ianto took hold of his partner's hand which was wandering.
"One word - chaos. This place was a complete tip," he gestured to the apartment, "and Luke was pretty down. Worn out I think."
"That's what I assumed. Do they get any time with the children?"
"Barely, and you've seen how anxious Jo gets. She's at an age when fitting in matters and this chaotic approach won't make it any better." Jack ran a hand through his hair. "But no nanny wants to work the weird hours Luke and Bruce need, not for long anyway."
Ianto sighed deeply. "I can't see how Luke and Bruce get any time together, other than when they're working."
"They don't." The two men sat in silence for several minutes, being aware of the problems facing their son and his partner did not mean they could solve them.
Stirring, Ianto turned to Jack a mischievous smile on his lips. "We haven't much time together this week ourselves. My bed's been very cold and lonely."
"Mine too." Jack's grin grew wider. "Let's do something about that."
On Saturday, Ianto was woken by the children being deposited in the bed by Jack. They all ate milk and cookies and made a lot of noise which woke Bruce who popped his head round the door. Seeing the children settled, he took a cup of coffee back to Luke and they managed some lazy lovemaking, a quiet start to a busy day. Leaving the children in their grandparents' care, Luke went to the restaurant to begin on prep while Bruce loaded up a hire flivver with the wedding food and departed for the venue on the other side of the city. The whole family did not meet up again until midnight when the restaurant closed. Luke had served fifty three for lunch and fifty two for dinner and Bruce had catered for seventy four wedding guests and done front of house in the restaurant during dinner service. Both were exhausted and, after the briefest exchange of pleasantries and a quick look at the sleeping children, took to their bed too tired to wonder what Ianto wanted to discuss so urgently the following morning.
Sunday was a more relaxed day as there was no lunch service to worry about. Jack looked after the children when they woke, as always enjoying this time when he could be alone with them. When Luke surfaced around eight, he took both children back to bed with him where they enjoyed an hour with their parents who had barely seen them the day before. Breakfast was taken at the kitchen table and was a jolly meal. By half past ten, the children needed to let off steam so Jack took them to the playground leaving the other three men to discuss restaurant business.
"What's this about, Ianto?" asked Bruce, settling on the couch beside Luke. "The figures show we're doing well."
"You are. You've been making steady increases in profits for the past three years and the critics have nothing but praise for you both." Ianto smiled at the two men sitting opposite him. "I knew my investment would be safe in your hands."
"Then what do you want to talk about?" put in Luke, as perplexed as his partner.
"You two are running yourselves ragged and your family is suffering." He held up a hand to forestall interruption. "I'm sorry to have to say it, but it's true. How would you have coped without your dad here these past few days? What would you have done with the children? And Jo is always anxious about getting to places on time."
Bruce glanced at Luke and saw the same guilt in his partner's face as he felt himself. They loved their children but were not there for them enough. He put a hand on Luke's, squeezing in reassurance. "We know. If you've got a way of giving us extra hours in the day, we're listening."
"I may have." Ianto paused, consulting a notepad. "Galileo has been open for three years now and like the Pantheon before it, you've made it into a successful business. Your own reputations are excellent within the restaurant industry too, you should be enjoying that success not drowning in it."
"How?" asked Luke, always uncomfortable with praise.
"The figures show that, in the restaurant, Monday and Tuesday are your least busy days and Thursday through to Saturday your busiest. The outside catering is hugely popular and profitable too, with the busiest time during the summer months."
"That would be the weddings," said Bruce.
"Right. When I set up Jones the Coffee I had a slow start but then it suddenly took off and I could barely keep up with business coming my way. Against all the advice, I decided not to expand but to contract, to concentrate on the core business and ensure the quality of the product. Doing that meant I had time for you kids as you grew up, Luke, otherwise I'd have been working twenty four hours a day. It also enhanced the company's reputation and when I was ready to expand, slowly, I had people in place to help me." He paused. "I suggest that you pull back too."
Luke looked from his dad to his partner and back again. This was a totally new idea. Success to him meant being busy and generating more demand, not contracting. "I don't know," he began hesitatingly.
"I'm not sure either," added Bruce, "but what's your idea?" He was sure Ianto had one and recognised the older man was much more experienced in business than he and Luke.
"I have two suggestions for the restaurant, one for the outside catering and a general one. Restaurant first. I suggest you change your opening hours and don't open on Sunday and Monday at all." He saw the look of shock on both the other men's faces but ploughed on. "Serve lunch only on Tuesday and Wednesday with both lunch and dinner on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Also, employ someone to do front of house – it's a waste of Bruce's skills for him to be schmoozing the customers." He went on before the others could comment. "I think you, Luke, should have formal responsibility for the restaurant and you, Bruce, for the outside catering which should be built up but with a limit of two functions a month."
"Only two?" protested Bruce. "You've just said, we have most business in the summer."
"Then look for events in the other months. People have parties for all sorts of occasions - birthdays, anniversaries and lots more. You could use the restaurant for some of those on the days it's not open otherwise. You need to think wider than just weddings, Bruce. My final idea will seem at odds with what I've just said but I'm going to say it anyway." Ianto looked from one to the other, knowing they were still recovering from his earlier ideas. "I believe your long term goal should be to have a chain of restaurants where your food can be enjoyed by more people."
There was stunned silence. Luke looked at Bruce and didn't know what to say. He had expected the normal chat with his dad about the restaurant's performance and a general pat on the back for increasing profits but instead had been presented with a whole new plan for the way ahead. He was also well aware of the implied criticism of he and Bruce as parents and it was that which hurt most and which he chose to address first.
"We know we don't spend a lot of time with the kids," he said slowly, "but it's not because we don't want to. We need a reliable nanny to take up the slack, like you and Dad had."
"I know. And I know you've tried hard to find someone, I hope you do. But with the new opening hours I propose you'd have at least two clear days and two more afternoons and evenings except for the odd function." He saw they were still trying to take in what he had proposed. "Let me make some coffee while you two think about what I've said. I know it's a lot to take in."
-ooOoo-
In the playground, located within a park, Jack was having a wonderful time. Jo was on the climbing wall under expert supervision leaving him to watch her admiringly and look after Tyrone who was almost submerged in a pool full of balls and bricks. These were the sorts of activities that the children should be experiencing with their parents and it made him sad to think of all the moments Luke and Bruce were missing. They would never come again, as he well knew. The night before Ianto had outlined his thoughts on the restaurant and Jack hoped Ianto would be able to persuade Luke and Bruce to at least give them a try.
"Captain Harkness?" Jack turned to see a woman standing beside him, smiling in recognition. "It is you."
"Ah?" For a moment Jack did not recognise her. "Marci! Goodness, what a surprise." He hugged her. "What are you doing here?"
"I was about to ask you the same thing. I live just round the corner now and on such a beautiful day I thought a walk in the park would do me good. What about you? I know you've left Torchwood but have you left Cardiff too?"
"No," he laughed, "Ianto and I are staying with Luke and Bruce. They live a block or two that way." He pointed. "I'm on babysitting duty." He gestured to the playground and saw that Tyrone was clambering out of the pool of balls. "Oops, have to rescue this one." He went over and picked up the baby."
"He's cute," admired Marci. "How old is he?"
"Now you're asking. About eighteen months I think. His name's Tyrone and Jocasta – Jo - is the one at the top of the wall in yellow. She's four." Jack waved to the girl who was looking in his direction.
"I'd forgotten Luke had children now, mind you I can't remember the last time I saw him." There was a hint of sadness in her voice. "We're all growing up."
"Tell me about you, Marci. Your dad told me you and Rollo had split up, I was sorry to hear that." Marci was the eldest daughter of Olly and Konni Grandew and, Jack realised after a quick calculation, she must be thirty years old. Another reminder of time passing very fast.
She shrugged. "It was mutual. After ten years we realised that the only thing keeping us together was habit. We didn't have kids, he didn't want them." She reached a hand to stroke Tyrone's cheek. The baby grinned at her and put out his arms, leaning towards her and she took him willingly. "Well, hello Tyrone." She held him close.
"I see I've been abandoned for someone new." Jack looked over and saw Jo was climbing down the wall. "Looks like Jo has finished scaling Everest for today. Do you have time to join us for a drink?"
"I'd like that." The two of them walked towards the climbing wall and watched as Jo manoeuvred down the last few feet and was released from her harness. Marci held Tyrone who was content to play with the collar of her shirt.
"That was great, Gramps," said Jo, running up. "Who are you?" she asked Marci, seeing no reason to rein in her curiosity.
"Hey, mind your manners," reprimanded Jack. "This is Marci, she's Aunt Konni and Uncle Olly's daughter. Marci, this rude little girl is Jocasta."
"I'm not rude!" she protested. "And everyone calls me Jo."
"Hello, Jo, nice to meet you." Marci smiled at her. "You looked very good on the climbing wall. I don't think I could have done that." She knew that a bit of flattery was likely to smooth the introduction.
"It was hard," said Jo seriously, "but it was fun too."
Jack grinned, amused by her tone of voice. "How about a drink, young lady? Marci's agreed to join us."
"Yes, please. Can I have elderflower? And a cookie? I 'spect Ty would like a cookie too."
"I expect he would. Let's go then."
He took Tyrone and put him in his chair and Jo held Marci's hand as the four of them crossed the playground to some benches and tables set under trees where a small café had been set up. Leaving Marci and the children at a table, Jack bought juice for them all and some brownies and cookies. When he got back to the table, Jo was in earnest discussion with Marci about Playschool and Tyrone was happily chewing on his fingers. With the drinks and goodies distributed, Jo fell silent concentrating on her chocolate brownie while Tyrone made a mess with a cookie.
"What brought you to London from Singapore?" Jack asked Marci, sipping his juice.
"I wanted a change and to be nearer the family – but not too near! Mum and Dad have been great but I didn't want to stay in Cardiff with them. A friend told me about the apartment here and I took it, on an impulse really. Been here a month now."
"Found a job? You'll have to forgive me but I can't remember what you do."
Marci smiled ruefully. "Well, actually I'm trying something new. I want to write children's books and I thought being quiet and away from distractions would help but I've got total writer's block. I'm looking for a job – accountancy I suppose, it's what I did with Rollo – to see if that helps but not found one that would also give me time to write."
"I like books," interrupted Jo who had been listening with interest. She liked the woman even on such short acquaintance and felt quite at liberty to join the conversation. "Baster is my favourite."
"He was one of mine too," laughed Marci.
They went into a discussion of books while Jack broke off bits of a brownie and gave them to the baby with another drink of juice. As he listened, Jack was remembering Marci as a young girl. She had been bright and bubbly and now, while seemingly perfectly content, she had lost some of that optimism of youth that she should still have at her age. He recalled more of Rollo, her ex-husband, a self-centred man that her parents had never liked; she was probably well rid of him. Thinking of that reminded him of something. She had been twenty one when she had married and had just graduated.
"Marci," he said urgently, interrupting her discussion with Jo, "didn't you train to be a nanny?"
-ooOoo-
In the apartment, Luke and Bruce had been discussing Ianto's suggestions for the future of their business and coming to see they had merit. At first Bruce had been concerned about losing profits, his main criterion of success, but had gradually come to realise that he could build up the outside catering and bring in more from that. He was also keen on expanding with more restaurants if they could find or train the people to run them. Luke was less of a businessman and had needed to be reassured that the standards of their food would not be compromised and that he would still be able to experiment and develop new dishes. He had immediately seen the advantages to the family as a whole and welcomed those.
"So, what do you think?" asked Ianto when the discussion was starting to cover old ground again. "Do you want to try some or all of the proposals?"
"Yes, all of them," said Bruce firmly. "You're right, Ianto, it's the way to go."
"Luke?"
After a moment's hesitation, Luke smiled and said, "Yes, I want to try it too provided I can still be involved in the cooking."
"You'll be our trump card," enthused Bruce. "Executive chef in charge of a string of restaurants. You'll be up there with Maitre Francois and Maitre Michel!"
"Don't run before you can walk," laughed Ianto, relaxing now it looked as if they were both on side. "First thing would be to find some talented and reliable young chefs to train and give you the breathing space you need."
"We can talk to Maitre Francois, see who's coming through his course," said Bruce immediately. "We could do that next month, when we're in France."
"That's supposed to be a holiday," protested Luke.
"One afternoon of business won't hurt. And we could start the new hours here when we re-open."
"Yes. That should give us time to find someone for front of house too." Luke was becoming almost as enthusiastic as his partner. Then he remembered and his optimism wavered. "But hang on, we can't do any of this without reliable childcare."
"You're right," said Ianto, sorry to see their enthusiasm blunted. The three men were discussing the options, including having the children live with Jack and Ianto for part of the week, when the front door opened and Jo burst through.
"Daddy, Papa, this is Marci. She's going to be our nanny," she announced.
In the coming months, Luke and Bruce's home life settled into a routine with Marci the lynchpin of their working arrangements. She was happy to work the hours they needed and to use her free time to start writing, spurred into creativity by the stimulus of the children. The resulting book was published by Holly's company in 4739 and was the first of many. The restaurant continued to be a success and the outside functions made up the slight dip in profits. The following year Luke and Bruce opened a new restaurant and another every year for the next three years at which point Ianto bequeathed his interest in the business to them.
Next time, Ianto prepares to retire ...