Lady in Red Ch. 29

"Ted, I have to compliment you on your courage and quick actions. I was a few seats from Lisa and I saw the entire thing. You saved her life and quite possibly many more. That was very brave."

"I hate to admit it, but I was scared to death. I don't have Steve's courage and training. I was sweating bullets waiting for the trouble to start. I feared it, while Steve walked up to the front of the stage to defend against it and to challenge the attackers to go after him. I'm in awe of him. I wasn't brave at all."

"You'll forgive me if I disagree," interrupted Paula. "You have no training, but you willingly helped carry live bombs away from the intended victims, risking your life to help save others. You have no training with guns, but you didn't hesitate to use one to save our daughter when it became necessary. You are a brave, wonderful father and husband. I'm very proud of you. You never need worry about comparisons with Steve. I doubt there's another young man like him in the country, but I also doubt that many men would have done what you did today. You're this family's hero!"

Steve moved to a quiet corner and called Clyde Davis on his cell. They spoke for a few minutes and then Steve returned to the group. "Clyde's with us all the way. He's coming to town to help set things up. He was having problems trying to get a film crew to work this weekend since it's Memorial Day. They wanted double time for Monday. He wants us to be in Florida Monday afternoon and be ready to start filming Tuesday. We'll be working long hours again to get this finished before we go to Russia."

"Clyde's coming here to help? Now we know this benefit will be a success," offered a very pleased Jordan. "Steve, I'm sorry that I jumped all over you before I heard you out. I should've known that you'd never turn your back on someone in need. Charlie should be back from the bathroom soon. I'll have him call his band mates to see if they can come right away. When do you think we should have this benefit?"

"If I might make a suggestion," interrupted Tyler's father. "They always have a concert in the park on Saturday so we shouldn't have it that night. Sunday night will be the fireworks on Ridge Street. I really think Friday would be best, if you can be ready by then. We'll need to publicize it as much as possible to pull in a good crowd. I can't imagine anyone from the Spartan Nation not attending."

"This is Tuesday, so Friday will work great! I have a few ideas in mind for publicity. This story is still smoking hot and reporters want to hear Steve speak about it. We'll tie that to mentioning the benefit. I know just where to start," responded Gwen as she pulled out her cell.

"Amber? How'd you like to have sit-down with Steve tonight? I thought you might. We're at Marsh's Landing, so come on over. One thing, the police officer that was wounded is in serious condition and we're planning a benefit for him Friday night. We're going to want to mention that in the interview to get all the free advertising we can. Thanks!"

"She'll be here in about fifteen minutes. She's been 'network' since the explosion and just went off air. She's really good. When we leave for school this fall, she's moving into an anchor chair at her station. She'll be the youngest anchor they ever had. She's helped us a lot and I like to think that we've reciprocated."

"Charlie's just spoke to the guys in the band. They'll drive over tomorrow and get things set up. They're glad to help out. They love to perform at these concerts," added Jordan.

"I can't begin to express my gratitude that Sparta has such talented, selfless young people so willing to help out during bad times. It isn't enough that you saved all of the kids and probably the first twenty rows in the audience from certain death, and took several gun shots to the chest, but now we're asking you to do even more," stated Billy's father with emotion. "I hope this town, this nation, realizes what a special thing it has in our young people. We'll never see its like again."

"William Patterson and his daughter had been listening to the conversation closely. "Dad, look how quickly they decided to come to the aid of that officer. Jen's son is incredible. He acts like saving lives is an every day event. We've got to help make this benefit successful."

"I agree, Janice. I'm going to step out and make some calls. Friday isn't very far off and these things take time. Before I go out, let's have Jen give Steve his gift."

A short while later, Jen approached Steve carrying a large item wrapped in festive paper. "Steve, this is something Grandfather, Mom, and I wanted you to have. It's for graduation, and for finding you after all these years. We want to be part of your life and we're so proud of you we can't stand it!"

Everyone nearby went quiet as Steve accepted the package. "Thanks, Jen! I didn't expect anything, but I appreciate that you thought of me. Let me open it up and have a look."

Steve easily removed the wrapping to reveal an old acoustic guitar. "This is an old Gibson! It's a Robert Johnson L-1! Thanks so much, Jen! Thanks, Grandfather. Thanks, Aunt Janice," managed Steve as he stared at the instrument.

"It was your mom's. She left it behind that night and we've kept it for her, hoping she'd come back someday. She loved that guitar," responded Janice as she wiped her eyes.

Steve felt his emotions begin to get control of him so he gently pulled Jen to him and buried his face in her hair as he hugged her. For her part, Jen smiled widely as tears trickled down her cheeks. She held the back of Steve's head and gently stroked it as she hugged him back.

"That really got to Steve!" sobbed Jordan as she clutched Charlie. "He really loved his mom."

Paula felt the tears on her cheeks as she watched Steve struggle to regain control. Instinctively, she pulled Ted closer and silently hugged him.

Steve finally began to relax and slowly released Jen. "Thanks, Jen. This may be the best gift I ever received. I'll always treasure it."

After he thanked Jen, Steve began looking for Gwen. When his eyes met hers, she quickly moved to him and let him wrap his arms around her. Then he leaned down and kissed her long and hard. After a minute or so, he drew back slightly.

"Whew! Thanks, Jen! Whenever Steve gets all emotional, he tends to want to hug and kiss me. It seems to help him deal with his feelings. He really, really liked that gift!" laughed Gwen as she smiled at everyone watching her and Steve.

"I just wish I had my camera set up in time for that," joked Amber Stahl as she reached out to shake Gwen's hand. "That would have boosted our ratings. Where do you want to set up for the interview?"

"Could we do it at this table?" asked Gwen as she quickly became all business. "Steve will be able to answer almost any question, but please avoid asking how he felt taking the lives of those men. Once you feel you've covered everything, ask me about the benefit we're planning for the injured officer, okay? We want this to be a huge success."

The guests gathered around to listen closely to Steve's explanation of the day's events as Amber questioned him. His measured, calm response allowed listeners to understand his thinking and the reasons he acted as he did. Amber then switched her attention to Gwen, first asking about her experience with the FBI that evening, and then about taking a call from the president. Finally, she asked about the benefit.

"One of Sparta's own was badly injured in the attack today. It's incredible that no one else was hurt, except for the terrorists. They had bombs and eight men with guns. Our injured officer was just mending from injuries he suffered while serving as a Marine in Iraq. This brave man and his family need our help. The Spartan Nation has become well known for helping its own in times of need. This is one of those times.

"Jordan Quick, Steve Hammer, and I have agreed to appear at a benefit for this brave man Friday evening. Our favorite band 'The Rising Tide' will supply the music for us. It's the Memorial Day weekend and we want to kick it off right. This'll be the time to pull together. We'll pray for the victims of the senseless, violent actions that we've seen in Sparta this year. But it'll also be a time to celebrate life and the spirit of the Spartan Nation. We've suffered enough. We need an opportunity to give thanks and celebrate. That's what we're going to do Friday. I don't know yet what time it'll start, but we'll play as long, and as well as we can. You can take that to the bank."

"I was given to understand that you, Jordan, and Steve were scheduled to leave for Florida tomorrow to film your movie. Are you postponing your departure?" asked Amber.

"Yes, we're staying a few extra days to help Officer Clune and his family. It's about time that the Spartan Nation had the chance to let its hair down and finally party. This is graduation night. We can't allow fear and terror to control our lives. This is our home town and there's no place any of us would rather be. I'm promising your viewers that they won't be disappointed if they come to the biggest party in the history of the Spartan Nation on Friday. We're going to rock this town!"

"Thanks, Gwen. I'm sure our viewers are making plans right now to be in Sparta Friday evening. I have another question. It was announced at your graduation that you and Steve made the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine with the banner that you two may be America's royal couple. What's your reaction to that?"

"Truthfully? I'd forgotten about that. We're not royal by any stretch of the imagination. I prefer to think of ourselves as loyal; loyal to our beliefs, to our friends, to our family, to our country, and to each other. It'd be great to be known as one of America's many loyal couples."

William Patterson had returned to the room in time to listen to the conclusion of Gwen's response. "Mrs. Anderson, your daughter has a remarkable ability to deflect praise and redirect it to others. Her humility is real and very endearing. Watching her with my grandson is an honor I fear I don't deserve. They are destined for great things, even greater than what they've already accomplished."

"No offense, William, but you're way late with that observation. My sister and I discussed that subject months ago. We believe that there are forces at play that are beyond our comprehension. Ted and I let them sleep together in our house! We never would've allowed that with any other young man. He's saved my family, including me, numerous times. He makes everyone around him a better person. Gwen was doing great in school before she met Steve, but she was introverted and almost shy. Look at her now. I marvel at her confidence and aplomb. Steve didn't give that to her, but he brought it to the surface. He's encouraged her to become everything she was meant to be. I love that boy with all my heart. I can't even guess how deeply Gwen's been affected by him."

William Patterson was about to make a statement when he noticed Steve pick up his guitar and begin strumming it. He watched as Steve approached Gwen and began singing 'And I Love Her'. The crowd once again went silent as they watched and listened to Steve serenade Gwen in a very public venue. 'Bright are the stars that shine, dark is the sky, I know this love of mine will never die'. More than a few faces in the room had tear drops roll down their cheeks. When Steve ended his song, Gwen rushed into his arms and kissed him hard, while everyone else cheered and applauded.

Once Gwen released him, Steve looked around the room until his eyes fell on Paula. He once again began playing a tune as he approached Gwen's mother. "Here's to you, Mrs. Anderson. Jesus loves you more than you will know." Everyone loved the change of names for the song, as well as the way Steve delivered it. The crowd was singing along with him by the time he was half way through the song. Paula was beaming and holding Ted tightly as she enjoyed her serenade. When Steve ended the song, Paula moved in and kissed him slightly less passionately than Gwen had done.

Soon after that, Jordan dragged the cover off the old piano sitting in the corner and began playing. Then Charlie joined her as she announced to the crowded room that she was going to sing a song written by Shelley Malloy.

"I'm asking everyone to not video this one because it hasn't been released yet and I don't have Clyde's okay to sing it, but I want you all to hear this beautiful song. It's called 'Half-Hearted' and it's from the creative genius of our own Shelley Malloy!"

With that, Charlie began playing the piano and Jordan soon joined in singing the song. When she finished singing, the crowd erupted in whistles and cheers. Shelley's parents were unable to conceal their pride as Jordan embraced Shelley and then held her hand up high like a prize fighter that had just knocked out his opponent. The rest of the evening saw Steve, Gwen, and Jordan entertain the gathering with stories about the movie and TV shows they had filmed, along with numerous songs. People were able to briefly forget about the attack their home town had suffered earlier that day.

As the evening gradually wound down and people began to leave, Jared approached Gwen as she was speaking to Naomi. "I've studied the situation from every angle I possibly could, legally. It's my highly trained opinion that the two of you have very similar asses. I really should be allowed total access to determine exactly how they differ. I will say that I strongly suspect that Naomi's ass is a bit darker than Gwen's but that's pure speculation, with some strong logic tossed in."

"I see. We did ask a lot from you without giving you the ability to compile all the information required for your study," admitted Gwen. "Naomi is staying over at my place tonight and tomorrow we're having our first pool party of the year. This was planned before the attack today. We have a lot of work to do to prepare for the benefit, but we still need to enjoy ourselves and our time at home. You were planning on coming tomorrow, weren't you? Perhaps you'd be willing to continue your research? We'll be wearing tiny little bikinis, so if that doesn't offend you, please consider it a fact finding mission."

"I'll have to check my schedule," deadpanned Jared. "My sock drawer needs rearranging and I planned on changing the air in my spare tire, but in the pursuit of truth, I'll probably forego those important chores and stop in."

Gwen rode home with Naomi. As she drove, she questioned Gwen. "Is it a problem that I'm staying over, and Steve isn't? I know you said that your folks let him sleep with you in their house. Am I ruining things for you?"

"Honestly? I doubt if Steve would have stayed over tonight regardless. He won't be sleeping much tonight. Shooting people bothers him a lot more than you'd ever guess from watching him. He'll lift weights and maybe even go for a run. If he stayed over, he'd probably screw my brains out a couple times and then wander around all night, keeping me awake."

"Yeah, that sounds tough. You're lucky I accepted your offer to spend the night so you won't lose all those brains. I guess Steve really gets the job done?" asked Naomi with a hint of envy.

"I learned a few weeks ago not to discuss my sex life with most girls. I talked too much in the locker room and the next thing I knew, the word was out that I liked to blow Steve and he was an expert pussy eater with a big cock. Rumors can start surprisingly easy."

"So, it wasn't true? You don't give blow jobs, he doesn't eat you, and he doesn't have a big cock?" questioned Naomi.

"Actually, it's all true. I just learned not to share that information with random girls. Steve does things to me I never knew were possible. He's an excellent lover, patient and unselfish. He's never left me hanging or disappointed. I shouldn't be telling you all of this for a different reason. I know you won't tell, but you'll want to try him out."

"I admit that he's incredible looking, and has nerves of steel, but I've never been with a guy. I want to focus on my career. Boyfriends take too much time and always want sex. When I finally give myself to a guy, he has to understand and agree with my goals and expectations. Has becoming sexually active hampered your studying and focus?"

"Sometimes I get really horny and have trouble thinking about anything but Steve and his many talents, but for the most part, it actually helps me concentrate. I feel more satisfied and relaxed most of the time. I don't know how it'll work out when I go to Stanford and don't see Steve for weeks, or even months at a time."

"You mean you won't be seeing other guys when you're at college? You're going to be totally faithful to Steve? From what I've heard and read, that's pretty difficult for most young couples when they're separated for long periods of time."

"I can see why, but this is a no brainer for me. Steve is my life. I'll never betray him. I'm certain of that," assured Gwen.

"What will you do if Steve sleeps with other girls? Will you break up with him then, or go out and get laid yourself?"

"Don't tell Steve this, but I'll never willingly break up with him. I'd be one of those pathetic women that takes him back and wonders what I did wrong. I'd forgive him anything, I love him so much. I don't believe that he'd ever cheat on me. He's extremely honorable, loyal, and disciplined. He'll have temptations every day. I know that, but I have to believe in him and he's never given me any reason to doubt him in any way."

"Do you want me to keep an eye on him and let you know what he's up to when he's at the Naval Academy?" asked Naomi.

"No, that would be the one way I could ruin our relationship. He needs to know that I trust him completely and love him totally. I would like you to make sure he's okay and let me know if he has any problems or issues he's not telling me about. He'll try to keep me from hearing anything negative about his time at the academy. If you'd let me know when he has a problem of any kind, I'd appreciate it. I think we can be great friends, Naomi."

"That's just your clever way of keeping me from sleeping with your guy! You make me a friend, somehow knowing that I value loyalty above all else. Now I can't seduce your boyfriend, even if I wanted to. Well played!" laughed Naomi. "Seriously, I'll be the best friend you could possibly imagine. Steve's your guy. I know that and if I can be friends with you both, I'll be happy. Can I still tease him, maybe flirt a little, and give him peeks at 'the girls' now and then?"

"He'd like that, a lot. He won't try anything with you, but he won't complain if you tease him a little. All of his favorite girls do that as much as they can. Jordan and Lisa are the worst ones, but the rest are trying to catch up. It keeps him smiling, and very horny. I benefit from that!"

The rising sun the next morning saw media vans all over Sparta. They arrived over night so the morning news shows were broadcasting from the parking lot by the school. Local businesses were booming as members of the media, as well as rubberneckers, streamed into town. Steve had turned off his cell and removed his uncle's phone from the receiver. The Anderson family had to do the same after receiving numerous requests to have Steve and Gwen on the network morning news programs.

Unable to land the big fish, many of the other students, teachers and parents found themselves being interviewed on TV. Sandy Johnson, the mousy girl that Steve had asked to move so he could have her seat at the end of the row was a much sought after interview.

"Steve walked past me and left the stage for a several minutes. When he came back, he leaned down and asked me if I would trade seats with him. He said it was very important. My momma didn't raise me to be an idiot, so when Steve asked me for that favor, I knew something big was up, and I wanted him to have every possible opportunity to do what he had to do. When the blast happened, I was knocked backward, but I saw everything.