Lady in Red Ch. 29

"Friday night will kick off a new era in the Spartan Nation. This concert is for our injured officer, but also for all of us Spartans. Admission will be free. Food and drinks will be free. We want everyone to come to this. We ask that people donate what they can to the officer's family, but want no one to stay away because they are low on funds. If you give a dollar, you'll be treated as well as the people that give five hundred. This isn't about anyone's community standing, or class distinction. This is about giving back to an officer that's given just about everything he has to keep our country and our town safe. This'll be the night we stand as one nation, unified against hatred, terror, and violence.

"Clyde Davis is in the process of negotiating the rights to broadcast this event. Those rights alone will make it a very successful evening for this wonderful family, but we're still asking people to remember Officer Clune in whatever way they can. But mostly, please come out and celebrate life! Join in with other citizens of the Spartan Nation. Show the world that we'll not be intimidated by thugs and killers. Show that we take care for our own, especially the children, and those in need. Thank you all for coming," finished Gwen as she stood, took Steve's hand and walked toward the door.

Everyone that had been attending the Anderson party had stopped to watch the news conference live on Channel 5. "Once again, Mrs. Anderson, I've got to tell you that your daughter is an amazing young woman. She knew when to stop and timed it perfectly. She did a wonderful job!" praised Steve's grandfather.

"Yes, she did. It didn't hurt that Clyde found some willing investors to join him in this venture. You wouldn't know anything about that, would you, William?"

William Patterson simply shrugged his shoulders and smiled at Paula. "We'll just enjoy the moment while we watch your daughter and my grandson show everyone exactly why they're 'America's Royal Couple'. It's exciting just being around them."

When Gwen and Steve left the press conference, they were greeted by dozens of fans. Traffic was heavy and there was an air of excitement enveloping the town. They spent some time signing autographs. One girl asked them to sign her copy of 'Rolling Stone Magazine', declaring that it would be a very valuable collector's item some day. That statement allowed Gwen to envision a fund raising possibility. She pulled out her phone and called Clyde as Steve listened in.

"I know you're busy, but I was thinking that if we had a few hundred copies of 'Rolling Stone' and they were signed by Steve, Jordan, and me; they'd sell for twenty dollars or more each. It'd be worth a try. Yeah, get them to us tomorrow and we'll sign them.

"You watched that news conference? I'm sorry that I flared up at that jackass, but I couldn't let him imply that Steve was reckless, or lacked compassion and concern for innocent people. You think it sounded sincere? Clyde! It was sincere! I'm glad you think it went well. I was a little worried that I came off as a bitter hag. That's true. I'm a woman in love defending her man. Thanks, we'll see you tomorrow."

Gwen spoke to Steve as he started the car. "Clyde said he thought the news conference went well and that we handled Hardy as well as we could have under the circumstances. He also warned that you made Hardy look foolish. He'll be even more determined to undermine us any chance he gets."

The next day, Jordan, Gwen, Steve, and the band spent the afternoon going over the songs they intended to play at the benefit. They rehearsed in the same banquet room they had used weeks earlier to prepare for the previous benefit after the tornado. They worked on some simpler pieces they had never done before as well as removing the rust from songs that hadn't done in some time. By the end of the afternoon, they felt they were ready for Friday night. They did not want to strain their voices or tire themselves out before the big night.

Naomi, Lisa, Becky and Ashley hung around the hotel to listen and help any way they could. They'd bring water and snacks, or just sit and listen when they weren't needed. The girls soon realized that that had to have a person posted at the door or hotel patrons would try to enter the room. The girls began taking turns guarding the door and politely asking people to give the performers some privacy.

"You guys are amazing!" praised Becky as the group prepared to leave the hotel. "This place is packed and people kept trying to sneak peeks of you. A lot of them stood outside the doors and listened. I heard people saying that every hotel and motel within a hundred miles is filled. Some people are even renting bedrooms in their homes out to strangers! The roads are clogged already and every business in town is doing tremendous business. The town fathers should hire you guys to play every Memorial Day since it's so good for the area."

"That's something to think about. I'd love to start a tradition, if we could work it out," enthused Jordan. "Coming together with you two and the band every Memorial Day to start the summer block party off with a bang would be fantastic. I hope the fates make it possible."

Traffic was unusually heavy as the group made its way back to the Anderson home for dinner. Paula had prepared a buffet style dinner since there were so many people visiting. Once everyone had full plates, the conversations began.

"Jordan and I have been asked to do layouts for Playboy and Maxim magazines. We'd like to hear what everyone thinks about it and help us decide if we made the right decisions. Dad, how would you feel about it?"

Ted thought for a while before responding. "I'm not so sure of anything anymore. A year ago I had a simple life with a great wife and three wonderful daughters. Life was a bit predictable, but I was content.

"Now my daughters are famous models and performers. Gwen's been named one of the sexiest women in the world, as has Jordan. You're in movies, on TV, making recordings and being targeted by terrorists simply because you're beautiful and famous. I still want what's best for you, but I'm having some difficulty deciding what that is.

"Now I worry that I've held your mother back by marrying her all those years ago. She was the most beautiful young woman I ever saw. She could've been in Playboy, could've been an actress, a model, almost anything. Was I selfish by wanting her for myself, as my wife? I never even considered that possibility until you and Steve began the most amazing journey I've ever seen. I never could've imagined this in my wildest dreams.

"I don't feel in control any more. Maybe I was wrong to think I ever was in control with four beautiful, smart women in the family. But I've come to realize that Paula and I are relying more and more on you and Steve to make smart decisions for yourselves, and for this family. Personally, I think you're too young, too innocent, too much my daughter to be in Playboy, but I'll not complain if that's what you decide. Maxim is a bit less revealing, more modern and relevant, and I think it would be perfect for either, or both, of you girls."

"Dad, you're the best father in the world!" exclaimed Gwen as she went to her father and hugged him. "We've always felt safe and protected when we were with you. You proved yourself again at the graduation, but we all knew before that happened that you were the best."

"That's right, Dad!" added Lisa. "You've always been our rock. We're growing up and finding our own men, but you'll always be number one to us girls. You are the best!"

"I'd like to weigh in on this Playboy talk," insisted Paula. "First, I loved being Ted's wife and the mother of these girls, so never think anyone held me back. As far as posing for that magazine is concerned, Ted's right. The time may come when it would be okay for either of you, but it's not now. You're lucky both magazines asked because Maxim looks pretty tame and way more acceptable, so I'd vote 'yes' to that one, but you girls should each get your own month. It's great that people think of you as being together all the time, but that's going to change. The three of you will be going in different directions and need to establish your identities as individuals. That's my two cents."

"I agree with Mom and Dad," chimed in Lisa. "I've turned down a couple shoots that wanted me naked. I didn't mind doing that with Steve since I still had my bottoms on and I knew he was completely trustworthy, but I'm not risking upsetting Jason or winding up in a situation that embarrasses me later on. Maxim would be perfect for you both, especially if you get your own month and cover."

"Charlie, how do you feel about it?" asked Jordan to her boyfriend.

"I can't tell you what to do. I know that, but I really appreciate that you asked for my thoughts. I think that Gwen's folks are pretty sharp and have stated exactly what I was thinking. I'll love you no matter what you decide."

"I notice that I wasn't asked, but I'll toss in my opinion anyway," declared Jordan's mother, Cindy. "Maxim is a far better choice. A few weeks ago, maybe even a few days ago, I would've voted for Playboy, but I've been shown the light, so to speak. You're perfect, physically, and mentally. There's no need to show all of your perfect parts to the world at nineteen."

Jordan noticed that Cindy looked Steve's way several times as she spoke to Jordan. It was obvious enough to cause Jordan to decide to ask Steve about it later. Something had happened between them and her mother was trying hard to be more like Paula of late.

"That brings us around to Steve. This is a secret, but he's going to do a photo shoot for 'People' magazine while we're in Florida. He's in the running for the world's sexiest man. They have half a dozen famous, sexy men pose and do interviews and then announce the winner in a few months. Even the guys won't know who it is before the announcement. If it's anyone but Steve, we'll know it's rigged," stated Gwen flatly.

"Getting back on the topic of naked versus mostly naked girls," laughed Steve, "I have to agree with Ted. Not only because he's your father and he's always right, but because I feel the same way he does. Your girls are sexy as heck. You can get a lot of mileage out of teasing all the horny guys in the world without showing them the goods. That'll make them bigger fans than posing naked. Keep them wanting to see more, at least until the movie comes out."

"Mom and Aunt Diane already booked flights to Florida. They're taking Stephanie and me to see you guys make the movie. Becky'll be there with Ashley. We'll probably all be famous models by the time we come home," predicted Kate with a big smile. "Playboy will be after all of us. Maybe we can do one of those theme spreads, like "The Girls of Steve Hammer" or something. That would be really cool!"

"Not going to happen before you're eighteen. That much I feel comfortable saying even in these changing times," assured Ted. "A few months ago I would have said it would never happen, but things aren't as simple as they used to be."

"Stephanie texted me that Tyler told her that they're installing huge monitors inside and outside the new "LiR CPA"," revealed Kate to change the subject. "I guess they're more like those 'jumbotrons' that they have at football stadiums."

"The 'LiR CPA'?" questioned Jordan. "What does that mean?"

"It's going to be what everyone calls the 'Lady in Red Center for the Performing Arts," responded Kate. "That's what we kids use in our text messages and it's already starting to stick as a nickname."

BY noon Friday, people were milling around the newly named 'LiR CPA". The empty field next to the building was used for parking and volunteers were directing traffic, as well as parking. Large trucks with the names of major companies were parked on one side of the building as food and drinks were delivered to waiting volunteers. A huge barbecue pit had been erected and all sorts of food was being prepared. The music wasn't slated to start for another six hours, but people were buying raffle tickets and trying their luck at simple games like Bingo. Different local organizations had been designated areas where they could conduct fundraising projects. The ladies auxiliary of the fire department was running the popular Bingo game.

Steve and Gwen, along with their friends, visited the site around three that afternoon and were surprised at the size of the crowd. They were cheered and even mobbed as they walked around the building. Most of the fundraisers were outside and the lion's share of the crowd was there.

Everyone went silent when an obviously pregnant woman approached Steve and Gwen. "I'm Sandy Clune. I promised my husband that I'd personally thank you for everything you've done for us. I can't tell you how worried we were about all of this. You've given us hope for a better future for the kids. Thank you all so much!"

With that, the woman threw her arms around Steve and clung to him as tears streamed down her cheeks. Steve held the woman as an older lady handed a little girl to Gwen. Gwen was crying as she hugged the little girl.

"It's us that needs to thank you and your husband," stated Steve when the woman finally released him. "It's sacrifice and dedication like your family has given to all of us that makes this country great. We all owe you a great deal, and try as we will, we'll never pay back you and your husband and all the hard working people like you. People that go to work every day, pay their taxes, raise their families, and volunteer for Little League or Girl Scouts. You're the ones that should be thanked every day. It's an honor to be able to help you in some small way for all that you've given us."

Gwen handed the little girl to Steve and she quickly wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him. Steve smiled and raised her up over his head and held her there. The little girl laughed and giggled as bystanders took pictures. When Steve lowered the girl back onto his hip, Gwen moved in close and hugged them both.

Both Steve and Gwen were surprised when they heard a familiar voice close to them state, "That's going to be the lead in for the news at six! That was a wonderful, very human moment. Our viewers will love it," promised Amber Stahl as she lowered her camera. "Thanks for insisting that I be the one to report from backstage at the concert tonight. I'll be seen by millions so I'd better to a good job. You guys will give me some interviews between sets, right?"

"All you have to do is ask," assured Gwen. "You always do a good job. Imagine if the network had asked to have Hardy handle it. We demanded that someone we trusted be given the assignment, and yours was the only name on the list."

"I heard that. I also heard that Hardy didn't take it very well. He's still smarting from the way he embarrassed himself the way he ran out the door when he thought Steve was coming after him. Now he hates me, too. He's smart to keep his eye on me because I expect to have his job within ten years," predicted Amber. "Did I mention that the station is sending me to Florida next week to send back reports on you kids and the movie you're making? It's like a paid vacation before I take over the station's anchor chair in September.

Steve, Gwen, and Jordan found it difficult to move around the grounds as they were mobbed everywhere they went. They did manage to reach the small pickup where a teller from the local bank was selling autographed copies of the 'Rolling Stone Magazine' with Gwen and Steve on the cover and Jordan featured inside. Near the truck were two fellow graduates selling posters.

Gwen was surprised to see that the posters were simply blown up photos from the graduation day. The most striking one was Steve standing bare-chested as Jordan touched the bruises caused by the bullets while Naomi and Gwen stood on either side of her. Most of Steve's torso could be seen over Jordan's head as well as the discolored areas the two higher bullets had struck. Another showed Steve holding both guns with smoke curling out of the barrels.

"I'm sorry about not getting permission to use your faces in these posters, but we just barely had time to get them ordered and delivered so we could sell them. We're giving all the money we make to the fund set up for the officer's family," promised Amy Baxter. "We had to do something to help, so Mary and I made these out of some of the pictures Mom took when all of that happened. We've sold a few dozen posters already for ten dollars a pop. You don't mind do you?"

"You guys make me proud to be your classmate," praised Gwen. "Of course we don't mind when it's for such a good cause. Did you Photoshop Steve to make him look so good?"

"Yeah! Like he needs to be enhanced in any way," laughed Amy. "My mom kept one of the posters for herself. She said he's headed for even greater things and she wants to be able to show it to people when he's even more famous."

"Would it increase the value of the posters if Gwen, Steve, and Jordan signed them," asked Naomi. "I'd think they'd be worth twice as much."

"That would be awesome! Could you guys do that for us? We'll ask for twenty bucks a poster then!" replied an excited Amy.

"Okay, but Naomi has to sign them, too," insisted Gwen. "She's headed for great things and these posters will be worth a small fortune in a few years. Let's get them signed. We've got a show to do."

By the time Gwen, Jordan, Steve, Charlie and his band took the stage that evening, the fire company had posted guards at the doors, refusing admission because of fire codes and occupancy. Thousands of people were inside the huge building, but even more remained outside, unable to gain entry. The two newly installed jumbotrons outside the building were turned on half an hour before the show began. One faced the parking lot and the other faced a hillside to the west of the building. Chairs and blankets began appearing and soon the ten acre field was filled with comfortable fans. In the parking lot, many people sat in their cars while even more had tailgate parties from their vans and pickups. It was a total party atmosphere. The crowds were well behaved and eager for the show to begin.

The screens lit up when Johnnie Dee walked to the center of the stage. "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the first performance ever at what is now the 'Lady in Red Center for the Performing Arts'. It's my honor to host this event tonight. I'm sure most of you are aware of why this amazing building has been given its name.

"I had the honor of announcing the first dance at a fund raiser that late summer night that started this amazing story. It was, of course, 'The Lady in Red' and it featured two young people that have gone on to become TV, movie, and recording stars. They've come to represent the Spartan Nation and all that's good with the youth of America. They're heroes, and they're lovers. It's with great pleasure that I present Miss Gwen Anderson and Mr. Steve Hammer performing the dance and the song that began the incredible series of events that led us all to be here tonight. I give to you the Royal Couple of the Spartan Nation!"

The huge screens went dark for a few seconds. Then 'Lady in Red' began to play. A spotlight suddenly lit up the center of the stage to show Gwen moving in close to Steve to begin their dance. She wore a beautiful red gown with a bit more than a hint of cleavage. Her hair shone and reflected the light. Steve was dressed in a tuxedo and moved easily to join Gwen. He wore a microphone and began to sing as they danced.

The large screens were amazingly clear and the viewers inside and out enjoyed a close up view of the couple as they danced. Every time the camera angle changed to show a close up of Gwen or Steve, the audience reacted with oohs and aahs. At the very end of the song, Steve whispered "I love you" clearly into his microphone before he leaned into Gwen and kissed her as the stage slowly went dark.