Lady in Red Ch. 18

"See how smooth Steve is? You should listen and learn. If you were just a little more attentive, you'd have me screaming like Gwen was the other morning. That was so hot I almost jumped on Billy right in front of Paula and Kate! Gwen hasn't stopped smiling since."

The twelve ticketholders met up at the hotel. They enjoyed a quick meal and then headed for the show. During dinner, Lisa passed out the tickets Gwen had been given.

"What seat do you have, Steve? I bet it's next to Lisa's. We should have had a lottery or something to select our seats."

"Actually, Steve is sitting between you and me, but I'm sure that Stephanie will trade with you if you're unhappy with the arrangements," chided Lisa to her sister.

"I'm sorry, Lisa! I should have known better. I'll even swap seats with Stephanie before it's all over so she can sit next to Steve for awhile, unless Steve's taking advantage of my youth and inexperience while everyone's watching the concert."

"There's no chance of that," assured Lisa. "He'll be way to busy taking advantage of my age and experience to be sidetracked by a teenager."

When they all took their seats, Paula had to smile when both Kate and Lisa took one of Steve's hands and held it. His eyes met hers as he shrugged and smiled.

The concert opened with Timberline singing some of his hits. His backup singers were exceptional and his musicians played flawlessly. Steve found himself enjoying the concert tremendously. Finally, Timberline announced that he had a special guest that was going to perform with him. When he introduced Gwen, applause echoed through the arena.

Gwen looked incredible in a short red dress as she walked to the front of the stage with a microphone in her hand. She waved and smiled to the crowd. Then she and Jack exchanged hugs and the band began playing. They sang 'Time of My Life' from 'Dirty Dancing' and the crowd loved it! Steve was unable to take his eyes off the big screen on the side of the arena. It featured a close up of the couple as they sang. Gwen was incredibly beautiful. But more than that, she demonstrated an amazing range and tone. It seemed as though the song had been written to allow Gwen the opportunity to showcase her talent. Steve actually felt bad for Jack Timberline! He was an okay singer but lacked Gwen's power and emotion. The crowd stood and cheered wildly as the performers ended the song.

Steve clapped his hands and whistled as he looked at the folks sitting near him. Paula, Kate and Lisa all had tears on their cheeks as they applauded the performance. Charlotte, Billy, Stephanie and Diane were all smiling, while Ted was beaming. The applause began to die down as the band started playing a new tune. This time Gwen joined Jack to sing one of his lesser hits. This song showcased Jack much more than Gwen. Steve doubted that it was a coincidence. Jack may regret singing the first song with Gwen since she so obviously out shone him.

The audience was slightly less enthusiastic after Gwen's second song. Jack thanked her, and Gwen exited as Timberline prepared to finish the show with his biggest hit.

"Can you believe how great Gwen was?" raved Kate as the group was leaving the arena. "I don't think that Timberline realized how she would out sing him. She was really, really good!"

As he headed out the exit, Steve received a text from Gwen. Jack had invited her to a post concert dinner and she felt that she should attend. She promised to slip away as soon as she could. Steve passed the message along to Paula and Ted. Paula seemed surprised and watched Steve for any indication he was upset.

When the group returned to the hotel, a band was playing in the lounge. Kate and Lisa insisted that Steve dance with them at least once, so the entire entourage found a large table and sat down. Steve fulfilled his obligations to Lisa and Kate. The other patrons soon realized that they were especially good and gave them room in the center of the floor. Steve explained to the girls that his ribs were feeling a lot better, but he was not going to do any lifts. Lisa settled for a nice slow song while Kate enjoyed a fast dance with Steve.

When the next slow song started, Steve took Stephanie's hand and led the smiling girl out to the floor. "I'm so glad you're dancing with me! Look at Mom grin. Lisa is motioning for me to get closer and Kate's trying to convince me to move away from you.

"I still think about that day and how quickly you decided to kill that guy and how easily you did it. You made such hard decisions so fast, and you were right with all of them. Mom asked me if I was nervous to be around you now. I told her that I've never felt safer than when I'm with you. You know what? She said that she felt the same way. All the women in our family are sold on you. Gwen is so lucky.

"Look at all the other girls and women here watching us. They're jealous of me! That feels so cool. I'm dancing with the strongest, best looking boy in the world. They wish they were me," stated Stephanie with certainty.

"Steph, you're getting a little carried away. It looks to me like all the men here are wishing you were in their arms. You're a beautiful girl and a brave one. You were there when I needed you and you did what needed to be done. I'll never forget that."

After the dance with Stephanie, the drummer in the band approached Steve. "You're Steve Hammer, right? Would you consider singing a song or two with us? We're trying to get some recognition and more gigs. We're just filling in tonight for the regular band. They were offered big bucks to play at some rich guy's wedding. We'd really appreciate any time you could give us. We can play almost any song. We're not very well known, but we're good musicians."

It sounded like fun, so Steve agreed to play and sing a few songs with the band. He joined the four band members and conferred with them for a few minutes. Soon they were nodding their heads in agreement. Steve picked up a guitar and stepped to the microphone.

"Hello everyone! The guys have asked me to join them for a few songs. I hope they don't regret it later. This first song's for all the pretty women here tonight. But that's enough talk. Let's get back to the music!"

Steve played a few rifts on the guitar and everyone started smiling and clapping. Soon he was delivering a rousing vocal for 'Pretty Woman'. Kate, Lisa, and Stephanie all ran out to dance. Soon they were joined by their parents.

The hotel was a bit upscale for college kids. It was used more by parents of students, friends of faculty, and travelers that wanted to stay in a good hotel. Paula noticed that the few college kids that were there were using their cell phones a lot. A short time later, as Steve finished a solid rendition of 'Proud Mary', more college kids began filtering in.

While he had been performing with the band, Steve noticed that Kate, Lisa, and Stephanie were quite popular with the college age males. They were on the floor for every dance. As he finished a song, Steve saw two guys that were dancing with Kate and Stephanie look at each other and nod. Then they slid their hands down to rest on the girls' asses. Both girls reacted by trying to escape, but the boys laughed and held them tight. Soon a couple of their buddies joined them and Kate and Stephanie were lost from sight.

Steve dropped off the stage and hurried toward the girls. Before he reached them, he saw that Ted and Will were already speaking to the jerks, and quite heatedly. Steve stopped a few steps behind the girls' fathers. The four guys had spread out a bit and faced the two men, but Kate and Stephanie were still pinned between them. The apparent leader had adopted a sneer and appeared to be considering actually fighting with Ted and Will. It was obvious that the four young men had been drinking.

As the leader went from laughing at Ted and Will to cursing them, the friend to his left noticed Steve. Recognition washed over his face as he turned and whispered to his buddy. The guy turned his gaze to Steve and apparently didn't like what he saw. He released Kate and motioned for his friends to head for the exit with him. Steve felt relief as the girls hurried to their fathers. He drifted back toward the stage. Before he reached it, Paula grabbed his arm and swung him around.

"I saw what happened there. Thanks so much, Steve. I appreciate that you were so willing to back Ted and Will. Those kids didn't want any part of what you offered, but Ted and Will are feeling pretty good right now. You handled that perfectly. The men kept their pride and saved face with their daughters. But we both know it was your presence that made the difference. That was something to watch!"

Gwen climbed out of the cab and entered her hotel. She had a wonderful time singing with Jack Timberline and the dinner party after the gig had been fantastic. Everyone had treated her like a star, but by eleven PM Gwen had begun to wonder what her family and Steve were doing. She felt a little guilty enjoying herself while the rest of her family was probably watching TV in their hotel rooms. She found herself wondering if her parents would object to her visiting Steve's room for a few hours.

As she entered the hotel shortly before midnight, she noticed an overflow crowd in the hotel lounge. Curious, she wandered over to the doorway to look in. The place was jammed with college age kids, which was unusual. They usually hit the trendier places near the school. The hotel catered more to the parents and families of the college crowd.

Gwen was about to ask a girl near the door about the reason for the crowd when a cheer went up as a figure stepped up to the microphone on the small stage. Just as Gwen recognized Steve, he began a song. By the time he reached the second verse of 'Hotel California' it was obvious to Gwen that he was an excellent guitar player and he had a real feeling for the older rock and roll. The part of the crowd that wasn't dancing was singing along. It was apparent that everyone was enjoying the music. Gwen felt someone tug at her elbow and was surprised to see Lisa.

"Come on over to our table. We're having a great time! Did you know Steve could play guitar like that? He has the crowd eating out of his hand. He's really, really good!" shouted Lisa over the music as she pulled Gwen toward her family's table.

Gwen was greeted by her family and friends as she approached their table. The song ended just as Gwen took a seat. "Your boyfriend is bringing down the house tonight! Look at the size of the crowd here. I knew he could sing, but man, can he play that guitar!" enthused Billy.

"Do you want some pizza or wings, Sis?" asked Kate. "The hotel's giving us free snacks and drinks as long as Steve plays. Look how much business he's bringing in. Who knew he was so good at old rock and roll?"

Gwen was still trying to assimilate all that she had just learned when she heard her name and swung to listen to Steve. "Gwen Anderson sang on stage with Jack Timberline earlier this evening. She was just incredible. She's saved my life a few times and has stolen my heart. I'd like to play this next song for her."

Steve stepped to the side and picked up an acoustic guitar and started playing. After a few bars, he began singing, "I give her all my love, that's all I do, and if you saw my love, you'd love her, too."

Gwen blushed and smiled as the crowd started clapping and cheering. Paula watched her daughter look over at Steve. She was certain that she had made the right decision when she allowed Gwen to go on the pill and sleep with Steve in her room. Could two people be any better matched, or destined for greater things? It seemed very unlikely.

Gwen stood and started making her way to Steve as he sang. The dancers parted to allow her easy passage to the small stage. As Steve finished the song, Gwen wrapped her arms around him and gave him a resounding kiss while the onlookers cheered her on.

Steve spoke to Gwen briefly and then turned to the crowd. "That's it for me tonight, folks! The band was supposed to finish at eleven! Thanks for being so kind toward our efforts and being such a great crowd. Remember this group, 'The Rising Tide' the next time you need a band. They're a great band and a great bunch of guys.

"Tomorrow Gwen, her sisters, and I will be doing a promotion for 'Lady in Red' swimsuits and formal wear at Macy's at the Riverside Mall on Fourth Street. We'd love to see all of you stop in. The profits from this venture go toward a new wing on the local hospital in Sparta. I've spent a fair amount of time there lately and they're very good, but short on rooms. We'd appreciate any support you can give us."

The crowd began to leave as Steve introduced Gwen to the members of the band and thanked them for letting him jam with them. They insisted that they should be thanking him.

"Where and when did you get so good with the guitar and with the classic rock and roll?" asked Gwen as they headed toward her parents.

"That was my mother's influence. She taught me piano and guitar. She told me that if I liked the piano and guitar I needed to learn to play Creedence, The Eagles, Elvis, and lots of other classic performers. They were the songs that she knew and she taught them to me."

"I really wish I could have met your mom. She sounds like she was such a great mother and a super person. She had to be, to raise a son like you," praised Gwen.

A few minutes later, Gwen had managed to separate her mother from the group for a few minutes. "Mom, can I stay with Steve tonight? It seems like a really great chance for us to, well, get a little closer."

"I'm sure it does, but the answer is 'no'. Your father told you what he expected from you and we don't want any arguments. We want to maintain your reputation, as well as our own. How would your father feel if guys he works with hear that his daughter is sleeping with some boy? He's known as a straight arrow and would be embarrassed if people thought he was allowing his daughter such freedom under his roof. Think of him, if you find this arrangement too difficult. He can make it a lot tougher. You know that Steve won't go against Ted's decision. You have a lot of time, and we've been extremely liberal in your relationship with Steve. Don't push it,"

"Okay, Mom. You've been great and I'll follow the rules. I do appreciate how much you treat me like an adult. Would it be okay if we went down to the hot tub for a while?"

"As long as you realize that it's a public place and they probably have security cameras all over the place. Don't do anything you wouldn't want showing up on YouTube."

A short while later, Gwen, Charlotte, Billy and Steve were soaking in the hot tub. "Crap! I can see where the bruises are fading on your back and stomach!" blurted Billy. "That had to hurt like hell. I don't know how you survived that ordeal."

"Never mind that. How are you going to survive sharing a room with Steve. Gwen said her mom put the kibosh on her sleeping with Steve. That means that she'll be with me and you'll be with Steve, just like we promised my mom," stated Charlotte. "We're being forced to keep our word."

"I could stay with Kate and Stephanie so you guys could have the room all to yourselves," volunteered Gwen. "I just can't go against my mom after she's been so good to me. Besides, Steve's a regular Boy Scout when it comes to keeping his word to my folks. I could crawl all over him naked and he'd honor his word to them. I think that just might be one of the things I find most appealing about him. You can take his promise to the bank,"

"Since you put it that way, it won't hurt us to honor our word to our folks either," responded Charlotte. "I've been thinking about how you let your mom and dad know what you wanted to do and actually received their permission, if not their blessing. The more I think about it, the more I'd like Mom to know I was going to sleep with this guy and have her be fine with it. I just need to work up the nerve to let her know."

Early the next day, the Anderson sisters and Steve were preparing for another promotion of the 'Lady in Red' line at Macy's. Paula, Ted, Diane, Will, and Stephanie stopped in before the general public was allowed access.

Amber O'Leary was checking the schedule and deciding when the outfits should be changed. She heard Stephanie talking to Kate and looked up from her work.

"I know you don't have any more sisters, but this girl bears a strong resemblance to you. Is she a relative of yours, Kate?" asked Amber.

"Amber, this is my cousin, Stephanie. Stephanie, I'd like you to meet Amber O'Leary, the brains behind the 'Lady in Red' clothing line and the only daughter of the governor of this great state."

"Stephanie, would you be interested in working with Kate and modeling clothes for us? We're doing well enough that Macy's is willing to pay travel expenses and a small stipend for every promotion you do, besides all the money that the hospital fund will be receiving. I think we'll be looking for another model pretty soon. Are you parents available?"

Stephanie was speechless as she listened to Amber. She had dreamed of modeling, but never thought that she'd be pretty enough, curvy enough, or sexy enough to ever be able to do it. She nodded to Amber and hurried over to her mother.

Meantime, Amber took Lisa aside and spoke with her for a few minutes. When they finished talking, Lisa hurried over to her mother's side.

Soon, Paula and Diane approached Amber with their husbands standing behind them. Steve was curious as to what Amber had in mind, so he strolled over to stand near Amber.

"I've received a few inquiries about Lisa. A large agency wants her to fly to Chicago for some test shots and interviews. They would like to see her at Lisa's earliest convenience. It's no surprise to any of us here that Lisa would be sought after. I think she should do it if she has any interest in modeling, but that will be a decision for Lisa, and her family, to make.

"That would leave us a bit light on pretty girls to model the 'Lady in Red' line at these promotions. Macy's has informed me that they want these kids to travel to several large cities to promote the line and will cover travel expenses and pay them for their time. If Lisa moves up to big time modeling, we could use Stephanie to fill in for her with our line."

"But Lisa has bigger, bigger, you know. I won't look like her in a swim suit or a gown," worried Stephanie. "I look like a boy next to my cousins."

"Steph! You're starting to irritate me," stated Steve firmly. "Your beauty and worth are not proportional to your bra size. You're a gorgeous girl, but if you persist in running yourself down, Amber will have to select a less pretty girl, but with better self esteem. Are you drop-dead gorgeous and ready to model Amber's line, or are you a girl that wants to spend her life as a beautiful wallflower."

"Now that you ask, I'm the best looking girl you ever saw!" declared Stephanie with a smile. "It's about time my good looks were appreciated. The boys will forget Gwen and Kate when they see me. Don't worry about Steve, though, Gwen. I'll find my own hunk."

"It seems that we have made some decisions. Lisa and her folks will meet with me later to go over the contract from the modeling agency. One of Dad's lawyers has agreed to be there to look it over. Stephanie and her parents will have to sign the same agreement that the rest of you signed when we started this venture. Now let's get Stephanie some outfits and get started."

By the time the doors opened, kids were lined up to meet Gwen and Steve and the rest of the group. Stephanie was nervous for the first hour, but soon relaxed and began to enjoy all the attention. The crowd was larger than at the first promotion event. Quite a few parents seemed anxious to meet Steve and Gwen. The store sold out of swimsuits by noon and gowns a few hours later. Clerks were busy taking orders and promising quick delivery.