“Now that Kate’s back on the floor, if not in her sister’s good graces, we can show you two the videos of the evening’s activities,” offered Aunt Diane. “We can watch on the big screen. Ted hooked his laptop up to it so we can all watch it. Your classmate, Dave Kite, is doing an amazing job of catching things on video and posting to YouTube. “The Lady in Red” dance already has 120 views. We were just getting ready to watch it when you pulled in, walked up the drive, and for some unknown reason, stalled on the porch.”
Ted hit the “play” icon and Gwen was amazed at the sight on the screen. She and Steve were dancing in high definition on a 55 inch screen and it looked amazing. She realized what a great job Lisa had done with her hair and makeup. Gwen had been transformed her into a princess, a curvy princess with cleavage! When the camera focused on Steve, Kate let out a whimper and Paula sighed. He was simply amazing. No one could call him a pretty boy, but he looked great in a very masculine way. Once again the room was silent as the dance ended, until Kate called out for her dad to play it again.
After watching it several times, Ted played the video of Steve dancing with Mrs. Davis and everyone had a big laugh. When the video of Lisa and Steve dancing together ended, Kate once again told her father to play it over. Paula was wiping her eyes when the lights were turned back up.
“Steve, I was caught short this evening, much to my embarrassment. I’ll write you a check to cover what it cost you for the dance with Lisa,” offered Ted. “You really saved her. Paula was calling me every name in the book when that fat bastard, excuse my French, started up to the stage to claim his dance with Lisa.”
“Sir, I’m sure that as a gentleman yourself, you’ll reconsider what you just suggested. I didn’t dance with Lisa to save her. Gwen simply indicated that she’d be fine with me winning the bid for the dance with Lisa. That’s all it took. It was my great pleasure and honor to share that dance with Lisa. Please don’t suggest otherwise,” concluded Steve.
Suddenly, Lisa was back in his arms hugging him like her life depended on it. “Sis, I don’t know how you found this guy, but I hope he’s got a brother. He’s a keeper!”
As Steve knew would eventually happen, the conversation turned to his family and background.
“Steve, did any of your family go to the dance tonight? I didn’t see anyone that appeared to be related to you. Were your parents there?” asked Paula.
“My parents are deceased, Mrs. Anderson,” responded Steve with as little emotion as he was able to show.
Gwen gave an audible gasp and moved to hug Steve as she admitted, “I’ve been so selfish, Steve. I should have shown more interest in your family situation. If your parents have passed on, where do you live, and with whom do you live?”
“My father’s uncle has a small place downtown and I live with him. I turned 18 this summer, so I don’t really need a legal guardian, except the school requires it for their records. He’s kind of a recluse, but he welcomed me into his home and treats me well enough. He just refuses to go out unless he really must. I don’t try to change him and he doesn’t interfere with my comings and goings, so it works for us.”
“Steve, I’m so sorry to hear about your parents. Would I be too insensitive if I asked how they died?” questioned Paula. “If it’s too upsetting, you needn’t go into it.”
“It’s okay. My mom died when I was 14 in a car accident. My father died almost a year ago. He was in the military and died in combat. We traveled a lot and I received most of my education in the schools in embassies and military basis around the world, along with some home schooling and private tutoring. I haven’t attended a school in the states since I was nine. Going to high school here is quite exciting for me, although I worry about keeping up with kids like Gwen,” admitted Steve.
“I’ve got a rather personal question, Steve,” stated Gwen’s father, Ted. “Can you actually afford all that money that you spent on the girls tonight?”
“I honestly can, Mr. Anderson. My parents had life insurance and a trust that went to me. I can’t spend like that on every date, but it wasn’t a problem for a special occasion like tonight,” revealed Steve. “Thanks for the hospitality, everyone, but I should get going. There’s nothing worse than company that overstays its welcome.”
Paula jumped to her feet and nudged Gwen, as Steve started for the door. “I’ll walk you out,” volunteered Gwen.
“And I’ll keep the door closed!” promised Kate with a laugh.
Gwen was smiling as she pulled the door closed behind her. She stood with Steve on the front porch for a while before she spoke. “We’re having a Labor Day pool party here Monday afternoon. Would you like to come, Steve? It’s okay with my folks. In fact, Mom insisted that I invite you,” confessed Gwen.
“How do you feel about it? Do you want me to come? Your mom is great, but if I come, it’ll be mostly to see you,” stated Steve frankly.
“You like to bring me out of my comfort zone all the time, don’t you? Okay, then. I was trying to invite you without seeming all needy and desperate, so I used Mom as an excuse. I’m inviting you to the party because I want you to come. I want you to come to spend time with me. Is that direct enough?” asked a surprised Gwen as Steve stepped close and kissed her lips just as she finished speaking.
“Should I take that as a “yes” then?” smiled Gwen as she looked into his grey eyes and saw his desire.
“Do I need to repeat it, Gwen? I will, if you’re unclear about my response,” promised Steve.
“You’d better not. I wouldn’t be surprised if more than one set of eyes is trained on us at this minute. Please don’t force my father to thrash you within an inch of your life. He will if he has to. You know that, right?” chuckled Gwen.
“Gwen, I will try to never give your dad cause to thrash me, although the temptation you create for me is tremendous. I’ll see you Monday afternoon,” promised Steve as he retreated down the driveway, and then added. “This was one of the best nights I’ve ever had.”