“What in the world could you be insecure about, Steve?” asked Charlotte. “You’re big, strong, good looking, athletic, apparently pretty smart, and a hell of a dancer. I don’t think you have any insecurity at all.”
“Charlotte, just how dumb do you think I am? If I told you my weaknesses, you’d be able to reduce me to a quivering mass of Jello. I’m not about to give you that kind of power over me!” admitted Steve.
“You’re just afraid that I’d force you to let me have my way with you. I’ve asked some of the guys on the football team about the showers tonight and I hear that you’re the guy I should interview!” replied Charlotte as she once again moved her eyebrows up and down several times.
Everyone had a fun time and the evening was drawing to a close when the spotlight fell on Gwen’s sister, Lisa. Being a good sport, Lisa made her way to the stage smiling to all. Since it was the last dance of the night, everyone knew the bidding would be spirited among those that still had some cash left. It began at $50 and soon escalated up to $200. A rather loud, portly man of about forty was waving his cash as he glared around to see if anyone was going to bid higher.
“Oh, dear,” worried Gwen. “It’s that awful Mr. Briggs. He’s always half drunk and bothering the girls when they stop at his business. He owns the music and video store on Main. He has great prices, but he creeps out the girls. I hate to ask you this, but do you have any money left, Steve? If you can save Lisa, I would be really grateful, and so would she. We’ll pay you back.”
At that moment, Gwen’s dad, with more than a little obvious urging from his wife and daughter Kate, raised his hand for a $250 bid. “I’ve got $350 left in cash,” slurred Briggs. “I’m bidding it all for a dance with that blonde cutie!”
Gwen and Steve watched her father quickly count his money and then shake his head to Paula and Kate. It was apparent that Ted Anderson did not bring enough cash to save his daughter from the clutches of Samuel Briggs. Briggs saw the situation and started for the stage.
“$400” called Steve above the din as he stood and waved his hand to get the DJ’s attention. The crowd let out a collective sigh. Lisa’s face went from a grimace to a huge smile. Gwen quickly patted Steve’s hand before he left the table to make his way to the stage.
“To quote The Lovin’ Spoonful, “Son, you’d better go home and make up your mind!” laughed Johnnie D. “Steve Hammer has just paid $400 to dance with a second Anderson sister! How’s that for nerve, Ladies and Gentlemen? He’s spent a total of $700 on these sisters, and I understand there’s one more present tonight? Should we go for the hat trick?”
Steve did his best to ignore the yelling and laughter from the crowd and handed the DJ four bills and made his musical request. Then he took a grinning Lisa by the hand and led her to the center of the small stage. He took her into his arms as Eric Clapton’s “Wonderful Tonight” filled the hall.
“So, did my sister ask you to save me from that awful man?” asked Lisa. “I really was worried about dancing with him.”
“It’s more like Gwen gave me permission to bid on you. I didn’t need any encouragement,” responded Steve as he effortlessly guided her around the stage.
“Well, I’m sure glad that you did, Steve. This is a beautiful song and you’re an excellent dancer. Is there no end to your talents? I’ve never seen Gwen shine like she has tonight, to quote the song you chose for her. It was simply perfect. She’s worried that you’ll forget about her when school starts and you meet all the beautiful girls in your school.”
“Lisa, how can I respond to that? I’ve never had a girlfriend. I can’t imagine any girl looking better or being more interesting than Gwen. The truth is she’ll probably grow tired of me long before I ever give up on her. A girl like Gwen can have any guy she wants. It won’t be long before she realizes that fact. Then we’ll see where it leaves me. But enough of this kind of talk. I’ll cherish every minute that I can spend with her, and her beautiful sisters,” added Steve.
As the song ended, Lisa pulled Steve face down to her and kissed him soundly on the lips. She then turned with a huge smile and waved to the cheering crowd. Lisa hurried over to Gwen and embraced her. The two sisters held each other as Steve stood near them smiling. Once again Charlotte and Bev were in tears. Soon Kate was wrapping her arms around her sisters. They drew her into the sister hug. Suddenly Steve felt arms around his neck and was surprised to find Paula Anderson hugging him tightly as Ted Anderson shook his hand.
Half an hour later, Steve and Gwen pulled into the Anderson driveway. At least they pulled into the bottom of the drive, as it was full of cars. Gwen looked the cars over and turned to Steve.
“I’m so sorry. It looks like every relative and friend my family knows has decided to meet at our place. I think it may be to inspect you and maybe grill you as boyfriend material. I’m not saying you’re my boyfriend or anything, but I know everyone inside will say it. I have to invite you in or they’d give me the devil, but you can leave if you want. I wouldn’t blame you,” admitted Gwen.
“For some reason, you don’t seem to understand that I really enjoy your family. I’d be glad to meet all your family and friends. In fact, I want to meet them, if you’re okay with it.”
“Okay, but don’t say that I didn’t warn you. They’ll talk like we’re getting married next week and ask all kinds of embarrassing questions. The Inquisition was a walk in the park compared to an evening in our house when you’re dating one of the Anderson girls,” warned Gwen.
As Steve and Gwen reached the door, Gwen turned to Steve and leaned into him. Steve bent down to kiss Gwen when the door opened.
“Oops!” gasped Kate as she quickly slammed the door shut again.
“Oh, no!” cried Gwen. “Could you see if anyone was looking at us?”
“It wasn’t too bad,” soothed Steve. “It looked like it was just your sisters, parents, Aunt Diane, and a few other people I don’t know. All of them were looking at us. Other than that, I think we went unnoticed.”
The door slowly opened and Paula stuck her head out and grimaced. “Gwen, Kate is so sorry! She saw you coming up the drive and was so excited to see you and Steve. She thought you were going to walk right in, so she hurried to the door to welcome you. She wasn’t trying to be cruel. She’s just so excited she couldn’t contain herself. Steve, will you please come in for awhile and meet everyone. It’ll be fine. We were all young once.”
With that, Paula swung the door open and gestured for Gwen and Steve to enter. Every person in the room was straining to keep a straight face, except Kate. She had a look of utter dread. Steve grabbed her and pulled her to him.
“What should I do with a little sister that tries to ruin my night? Are you ticklish? Maybe afraid of heights?” joked Steve as he gently tossed her into the air and caught her with no apparent effort. “I guess I’ll just have to spank you then.”
“That’s supposed to be punishment?” laughed Kate. “Sis, I’m really sorry about opening the door on you. I wasn’t thinking clearly. I should have known you’d want a little private time with Steve. That was unforgivable. Will you forgive me?”
“That sounds like a paradox, Kate. If something cannot be done, it follows that I cannot do it. So you’re not off the hook,” threatened Gwen.