“What the hell are you thinking, Gwen? That guy wants to get into your panties. He’s twenty five or six! He’s been around the block. I’ve heard rumors that he’s quite the ladies’ man. I know you’ve heard them, too. What about Steve?”demanded Charlotte as they climbed into Gwen’s car.
“This is just a dinner meeting. Steve doesn’t even have to know about it; at least not until we start getting some decent sized donations to our building fund. He’ll be proud of me for being so resourceful. Besides, he trusts me, which sounds like more than you do. I’m not going to sleep with the guy or anything. He’s a successful business man and I’m networking. That’s all.”
“For your sake, I hope that’s all, Gwen. I don’t think that you’ll get anything from Mort until you give him something in return, and this project isn’t worth it,” reasoned Charlotte. “Things are going so well right now. Don’t screw it up!”
That same afternoon, Steve ran into Dave Kite on his way to football practice. “Steve, I received an email today to the YouTube account. It was from an Amber O’Leary and she asked for your phone number and/or email address. I don’t give that stuff away, so I told her that I’d give her email address to you. To that end, here’s her email. Do with it what you will.”
After practice, Steve sent an email message from his phone. A short while later, his phone rang. “Steve! It’s me, Amber,… Amber O’Leary. I’ve been visiting my parents here in Monroe and saw you on television Saturday night. I had no idea you were even in this state, let alone so close. I’ve got some business down that way and I was wondering if we could meet for dinner tomorrow night, my treat.”
“I’d be glad to see you, Amber, but I’ll buy dinner. It’s the gentlemanly thing to do,” laughed Steve. “There’s a nice Italian restaurant just off exit 58 on I-37 called Dominick’s. I’ll meet you there at six.”
“Steve, you’ve got a date, but bring your “Lady in Red” anyway. I knew you’d land on your feet, but wow! That girl’s a beauty by any standards. I want to tell her all about her boyfriend!” giggled Amber.
“And that’s exactly why I won’t be bringing her, Amber. She doesn’t know anything about that part of my life and I’m not sure how she’ll take it. I’m hoping to break it to her gently, not have a gorgeous red head blurt it all out at once. I don’t think she needs to learn my story from a beautiful woman,” stated Steve. “I’ll see you tomorrow at six.”
“So you think I’m beautiful? Thanks, Steve! You sure know how to butter a girl up,” cooed Amber. “See you tomorrow at six!”
“Sis! I can’t believe this!” groaned Kate as she watched her sister putting on her makeup. “You’ve got the guy every girl wants and you’re risking it for this daddy’s boy? What happens when Steve finds out? I hope this guy seems worth it to you, but I can’t see how he can be. Steve is the best guy ever!”
“Kate, there’s no reason for Steve to find out, unless you or Mom tell him. This is a business dinner. We’re discussing ways Mort can help the senior class raise money. That’s my job as the chairperson of the project,” insisted Gwen. “Don’t make such a big deal out of it.”
“Don’t make a big deal out of it?” repeated the stunned Kate. “You’re not the only one that can suffer here. What if Steve doesn’t want to have me around anymore when he breaks up with you? I like having the team quarterback and school hunk treating me like something special, even if it’s only because he’s dating my sister.”
“We won’t break up, so don’t worry about it. But if we do, it sounds like you’ll be first in line to catch him on the rebound. Maybe he’d settle for the younger sister. You’re beautiful and he already knows your family,” laughed Gwen. “Dad won’t have to give him “the talk” again.”
“Sis, that’s not funny! If Steve dumps your cheating ass, I’ll be all over him, and I’ll treat him right! That is if he’d have me.” Kate retorted hotly.
Paula Anderson was torn. She really liked Steve. She even harbored her own secret fantasies after seeing Steve in swim trunks at the pool party. He had transformed Gwen from an almost reclusive scholar into a confident, lovely young woman. Paula knew that Steve wasn’t responsible for Gwen’s beauty or ability, but rather the confidence to show the world some of the many things of which she was capable.
On the other hand, Mort Governs was educated and financially secure in a very good position in his family business. Most parents would be quite pleased to have their daughter dating such a fine young man. Paula held no illusions that Gwen was going on a business dinner. Mort was a red blooded male and Gwen was enough to make any man’s blood race. Gwen needed more experience in relationships and one of the best ways to gain that experience was to date more than one man. Still, Paula felt dread for her daughter, but knew that the decision was Gwen’s to make and that she could not interfere.
When Mort arrived at the Anderson house, he sat in his car in the driveway, hoping that Gwen would simply walk outside and get into his car. He wasn’t anxious to chat with Gwen’s parents. He remembered Ted from the two dates he had with Lisa several years ago. When Gwen didn’t appear, Mort took a deep breath and walked to the front door and rang the bell. It was immediately opened by Gwen’s younger sister.
“Come in, Mr. Governs,” invited Kate politely. “Gwen will be ready in a minute or two.”
“Thank you,” replied Mort in his most gracious manner. “You’re another beautiful Anderson sister. I’m trying to recall your name. Was it Kathy?”
“Actually, it’s Kate. Gwen tells me that you may have some ideas on the class fund raising project?” stated Kate with a questioning inflection.
“That’s what we’re going to discuss this evening, Kate. I think I may be able to help her efforts to raise money. I own a very successful dealership and we sponsor a lot of worthy causes.”
“Here comes my Dad, Mr. Governs. He probably has a few things to say to you. It was nice meeting you,” added Kate more politely than she felt.
“Hello, Mort. You remember me? We met when you dated my oldest daughter, Lisa. I sort have developed a short speech I like to give young men that date my daughters. It helps clear the air and avoid any misunderstandings,” asserted Ted. “Do not use alcohol or drugs at any time in my daughter’s presence. Always drive and conduct yourself in a responsible manner or I will not allow my daughter to go out with you. Treat her with respect at all times.”