Gwen and Paula were putting the finishing touches on Gwen’s hair when they heard Ted give his spiel. They looked at each other and smiled as they listened to Ted recite his rules. Gwen had far less concern than the first time she heard her dad give his little talk. Mort would understand that her dad was a little overprotective.
“We’re just going on a dinner meeting, Ted. Don’t get all bent out of shape,” replied a surprised Mort. “I’m not some high school kid you have to lecture. I think Gwen’s quite capable of deciding who she wants to go out with, so just chill.”
“I realize that you’re a bit older and worldlier than most high school boys, Mort. That’s exactly why I’m telling you that drugs and alcohol are not an option and Gwen is to be treated with respect. This is not a request. It’s a condition of Gwen being allowed to go out with you,” retorted Ted with some heat.
“I’m ready!” announced Gwen as she hurried down the stairs in an attempt to diffuse the building hostilities. “I’ll be home early, Dad. Don’t worry!”
Gwen grabbed Mort’s hand and quickly led him out the door. As he started his car, Mort turned to Gwen and expressed his annoyance at her father’s words. “What the hell’s up with your father? He must be used to fuzzy faced boys taking you out. You just don’t speak that way to a man, and certainly not to me!”
“Let’s not let it spoil the evening, Mort,” soothed Gwen as she inwardly seethed at his harsh words for her father. “We’ll have a nice dinner and try to brainstorm while we eat. Dad is just protective of his girls. Don’t let it worry you.”
Gwen and Mort were seated at a table with a great view of the distant mountains. They had just ordered appetizers when Gwen saw a strikingly beautiful woman enter the restaurant. The maître d quickly led her past them to a small table in the corner. Gwen was stunned to see her greeted by Steve Hammer as he moved out from the corner to welcome the red headed beauty. They shared a very long and tight hug before the girl reached up and kissed Steve’s cheek. The two took their seats and immediately engaged in what appeared to be an intimate conversation.
Gwen was hard pressed to determine which emotion had greater control of her feelings. She felt the pain of intense jealousy, along with overwhelming guilt. Steve was dining with a beautiful woman! Was she a lover? She looked several years older than Steve, but older women could easily be interested in a man like Steve. Then there was the concern that Steve may have recognized that Gwen as she sat with Mort! How could this happen? How should she proceed? Mort had watched the beautiful red head until she passed behind him. He never saw Steve greet her. Gwen decided that she needed to cut her loses and leave quickly.
“Mort, I just remembered that I’m allergic to garlic. I can’t eat here. Can we go someplace else? Just the smell can trigger it. I’ll wait outside!” promised Gwen as she turned and quickly exited the restaurant.
Ten minutes later, Mort and Gwen were seated at a steak house. “I’m sorry about the garlic thing, Gwen. I had no idea you had that condition. I hope this place is okay,” worried Mort.
“This is fine, Mort. I should have mentioned it to you. When we went into that restaurant, I thought I’d be able to fight off any adverse effects, but I quickly realized that it was getting to me. But, enough about that. Can you give me any ideas about how you could help the seniors raise substantial sums of money?” quizzed Gwen.
“I thought of a couple of ideas. It’s too cold this time of year, obviously, but I was thinking that you and some of your better built girlfriends could do several weekend car washes in our lot when the weather improved,” suggested Steve. “Or we could get a group of the better looking girls in your class and have a benefit where we auction off the girls for an evening of dances. That would give guys the chance to spend some quality time with the girls and maybe get lucky later on. I have quite a few friends that would participate gladly.”
Gwen almost spit her Pepsi out when she heard Mort’s brilliant ideas. Too late, she realized that Mort wasn’t really going to be any real help to her. Charlotte was right in her opinion of Mort.
“Those are a couple of good ideas, Mort,” lied Gwen. “I’ll have to bring it up with the other girls and let you know what we decide.”
By the time they had finished dinner; Mort had consumed four beers and was becoming increasingly obnoxious. Gwen decided to chalk the evening up to experience, and to never have anything to do with Mort Governs again.
Gwen was preoccupied thinking about Steve and the mysterious red head as Mort drove her home. It wasn’t until he stopped the car in a dark, secluded area that she became aware of her surroundings.
“What are we doing here, Mort? I thought you were taking me home,” stated Gwen. “Please start the car and take me home now.”
“Now Gwen, you didn’t think that I usually drive a big car like this all the time, did you? This is my “love machine”. Doesn’t that big back seat just call to you?” asked Mort as he quickly leaned over the console and began kissing Gwen.
Gwen was stunned for a few seconds before she reacted. As she attempted to push Mort back, he slipped a hand down her blouse and inside her bra! He squeezed her nipple as he took advantage of Gwen’s total surprise. Gwen overcame her initial shock and shoved Mort back hard, so hard that his head bounced off the window.
“What the fuck!” bellowed Mort as he shook his head and started for Gwen again. “All I was doing was playing with those big tits of yours. There’s no reason to get rough, or do you like it that way? By the time I get done with your tits, they’ll know I’ve had them, by God! I don’t waste time on cock teasers!”
Gwen knew real fear as she looked at Mort’s face and heard his intentions. She threw her door open and ran into the woods. She heard Mort curse and then the engine started. Headlights lit up the forest, forcing Gwen to flee farther into the night. She remained quiet until she was certain that she heard Mort drive away. She had the presence of mind to listen carefully so that she could determine the direction of the nearest highway. Gwen had her phone, but until she could establish her location, calling someone for help would only create unneeded worry for her family.
Not one to whine, Gwen began walking in the general direction of the highway. Half an hour later, Gwen found herself on a county road. Having grown up in the area, she only had to walk a half mile or so along the road before she was able to identify her location. With a sigh, she used the speed dial on her phone.
“Charlotte, I need you to pick me up. I’m stranded on Henderson Road, about halfway between the river and the farmer’s market. I’ll explain it to you when you get here. Just hurry, please,” implored Gwen, as she drew her jacket tighter. “Go slow and I’ll step onto the side of the road when you get close.”
In a surprisingly short time, Gwen saw Charlotte’s lights as she drove down the now abandoned highway. As Charlotte approached, Gwen stepped from the darkness and waved. The car pulled to a stop next to her and Gwen opened the passenger door.
“Thanks, Char… ,” began Gwen until she recognized the driver. “Steve! What’re you doing here?”
“Charlotte called and said you had a problem. She seemed to think that I could handle it better than she could. What happened, Gwen? Why are you walking on this deserted stretch of road? What happened to your blouse? It’s ripped!” observed Steve with eyes blazing. “Gwen, tell me what’s happened. Did someone do this to you?”
“Take me home, please. I don’t have to answer your questions. If you can’t respect that, I’ll get back out and call someone else,” retorted Gwen hotly. “I’m not going to answer any questions, but to be fair, I won’t ask any either. That should make you happy!”