Lady in Red Ch. 28

"My father and I have come here to love him and to try to earn his forgiveness. My mother has been ashamed and embarrassed since we met you in Paris. She'll never forgive herself, and she has no expectations of Steve forgiving her. That's why she refused to come. Jen simply adores Steve and Gwen, and she has spoken of little else since she spent time with them in Paris. We appreciate that Gwen was so thoughtful and pray that Steve will eventually learn to tolerate us, if not love us."

Steve and Gwen were finished for the day and changing into fresh clothes when there was a knock on their door. Gwen opened the door to find the hallway filled with people.

"Mom! Kate! Stephanie! Come on it. Dad, give me a hug! Uncle Will and Aunt Diane, it's so great that you came!" welcomed Gwen to her family. "Jen! We're so glad you could make it! Janice, it's really nice to see you again. Grandmother! Thanks for coming!"

Then Gwen went silent as her gaze fell on the older, tall man behind Janice. "Grandfather Patterson? It's so good to meet you!" cried Gwen as she threw herself into the man's arms.

William Patterson had spent a lifetime keeping his emotions in check. He had been very successful at business, and keeping his feelings to himself was a big part of his success.

When the beautiful young woman greeted him so warmly and referred to him as 'Grandfather', tears suddenly filled his eyes. He didn't need his years of experience reading people to know that he held an exceptional young woman in his arms. He responded by hugging her tightly as he closed his eyes to prevent others from seeing his emotion.

Gwen finally stepped back and led the older man into the room. The women had been hugging and kissing Steve in greeting. As Gwen approached, her family stepped back away from Steve.

"Grandfather Patterson, this is your grandson, Steve. This is your grandfather, Steve, so show him respect," directed Gwen as she noticed Steve shrinking back.

Steve recognized the tenor and import of Gwen's greeting. Not wanting to disappoint Gwen, he offered his hand to the older man. "Sir, it's nice to finally meet you."

William Patterson studied the young man as he took his hand. He had Jen's eyes. That was obvious. He carried himself like a military veteran, tall and straight. His eyes were clear and unblinking, His grip was strong, and his voice was even. Going against everything he had promised himself, William Patterson began to break down.

After he released Steve's hand, he stepped closer and embraced the younger man, much as he had Gwen. Gwen watched closely as Steve's arms slowly moved up and wrapped around his grandfather. She turned to Jen and winked. When the two men parted, Steve turned to Gwen and pulled her to his chest and hugged her tightly.

Everyone watched silently as Steve finally released Gwen far enough to reach down and kiss her. The two remained with their lips locked until Kate began to complain.

"Hey! Why don't you two get a room? Wait! This is your room, isn't it? Maybe you'd like us to leave. We only flew a million miles to see you. Why worry about us?"

Gwen extricated herself from Steve and apologized. "Sometimes Steve has to express his feelings nonverbally. He was feeling pretty emotional and he needed me to help him with those feelings. We're absolutely delighted that you all came to be with us at Christmas, in a manner of speaking. Charlotte checked you all in and has your room keys. I'll call her and get them. Didn't Billy come with you?"

"He booked a later flight. Charlotte knew about it. He'll arrive in an hour or so," responded Kate. "This is way cool! We get to stay in a real nice hotel and appear in a TV show. Gwen, you're the best sister ever!"

"Thanks, Kate. We appreciate that all of you took the time to come. We really want this to be a family Christmas, even if it's six months off. Let's meet in the restaurant in an hour for dinner. Clyde told us that everything's paid for, including meals, tips, and room service. Let's have a nice meal and catch up on everything. We have a private dining room reserved for dinner so we can take as long as we want and be as noisy as we want. See you in an hour!"

Lisa had joined up with Jason when he landed in the capital to switch flights. The two of them flew in to LAX on the same flight as Billy. As they were shown to their waiting limo, an attractive woman called to the driver, asking if he was supposed to drive Cindy Quick to her hotel. As the driver was responding to her inquiry, a very pretty girl approached the car.

"I know who you are," stated Billy. "My girlfriend's Charlotte. She was at your house a couple weeks ago. You're Ms. Summers' sister, Becky."

"You're Billy? Charlotte told me about you! It's nice to meet you. Pardon me, but are you Gwen's sister, Lisa? You're so beautiful. Gwen showed me your cover for 'Shape' magazine. You sure have an amazing sister, and her boyfriend is... , well, he's..."

"A hunk? A doll? A beautiful man? A dreamboat? Am I getting close?" asked Lisa as she took Becky into her arms and hugged her. "You're Ashley's sister? You look like her. You're both beautiful."

"Thanks! I went to my class formal with Steve. He called me 'Lefty' and made me feel great. He was the best date I ever had. He sang to me and danced with me. He was a gentleman, too. He looked great in his tux. He kissed me right after we met. He says I'm not handicapped and he's right."

"Wow! That sure sounds like Steve. He called you 'Lefty' and it was great? Only Steve could pull that off. It sounds like you had a good time with him. Gwen doesn't loan him out very often, so you were quite lucky. Somehow, I think you're going to be very happy to see him when we get to the hotel."

"My daughter's Jordan Quick. She hasn't spoken to me more than a couple times in the last year. I'm afraid that I made some mistakes and she's not very willing to forgive me. I've been reading about her though, and she's doing very well again. I was invited to this affair by Gwen Anderson, Jordan's best friend. You're Gwen's sister, and the rest of you are her friends? Have you met Jordan?"

"She was at my house a couple weeks ago and she's beautiful! So is Gwen. The best thing about her is how nice she is to everyone. You have to be very proud of her. I hope you can reconcile your differences," offered Becky.

"What about this Steve Hammer?" asked Cindy Quick. "Jordan got into some trouble with him. Her picture was all over the internet. Do you think he took advantage of her, or got her drunk so he could be photographed with her to help his career?"

"No!" stated Lisa flatly. "Steve was helping her. He has no career aspirations. At least not show business. He wants to be a SEAL and he's the bravest, kindest man I ever met, except for Jason. You'll not fare very well this weekend if you malign Steve in any way. It won't take you long to determine every woman at this event is in love with Steve, at least a little bit. Isn't that right, Becky?"

"It's embarrassing, but true. I know I fell in love with him when he kissed me and took me to the formal and made me realize that the loss of a hand isn't the end of my life. If he's like that with other girls, they're going to be in love with him, for sure!"

"Well, I'll withhold judgment," replied a skeptical Cindy Quick. "I've always found that when something or someone seems too good to be true, there's a reason."

"Everyone is already checked in and the rest of the group is waiting for us in the hotel restaurant. We'll have dinner first, and then see our rooms. This'll be a great weekend!" enthused Lisa as she snuggled closer to Jason.

When the final group entered the reserved dining room, Gwen and Steve hurried to meet Lisa and Jason. While Steve grasped Jason's shoulder and shook his hand, Lisa and Gwen hugged each other tightly.

"Jason and I are sharing a room. It'll be our first time together. Will Steve be okay with that?" whispered Lisa.

"I think you need to ask him, if it's important to you," replied Gwen with a big smile. "I think it's wonderful that you've found such a great guy."

As Lisa hugged Steve, she spoke quietly into his ear. "Jason and I are sharing a room this weekend. It'll be our first time together. Do you think less of me for wanting to sleep with Jason?"

"I'm surprised you have to ask," responded Steve with a big grin as he lifted Lisa off her feet and swung her around. "He's a great guy and he seems to love you. I've very happy for you both! I'd forgotten how beautiful you are!"

Lisa pulled Steve down for a kiss in front of Jason and everyone else. "Thanks, Steve. I wanted you to approve because I know you're way better than me at telling if men are the real deal, or jerks. You've confirmed what I believed already."

As the two couples interacted, Diane, Paula, and their mother watched. "Look at those two men," observed Carolyn. "Your daughters have picked the cream of the crop. Strong, handsome, loyal, and brave, are a few of the words that describe those two. You've done a wonderful job with your daughters and it shows. You'll have beautiful grandchildren with loving, protective parents.

"I love your dad, and he was a very good husband and father. We were delighted when you girls settled on Ted and Will. They've proven themselves to be fine men and excellent husbands and fathers. They helped you raise great kids. That said, what Gwen and Lisa have is beyond anything I ever dreamed possible. Those two men radiate masculinity, combined with intelligence and humility. Kate and Stephanie have tough acts to follow. The good thing is that Steve and Jason are the kind of men that will interact with other men like them. If Kate and Stephanie meet enough of Steve and Jason's friends, they'll wind up with some great men, too."

Meanwhile Jordan had advanced to meet her mother. She held Charlie's hand tightly as they moved closer. "Mom, this is Charlie. I told you about him a few times in emails. He's my boyfriend, my song writing partner, and I love him."

"Charlie, it's a pleasure to meet you. Jordan always went for the handsome ones, just like her mother," greeted Cindy as she hugged Charlie to her ample bosom.

"I see where Jordan gets her great looks, Mrs. Quick. It's very nice to finally meet you. If you're wondering, I'm in love your daughter."

"I had no doubts about that!" laughed Cindy Quick as she released Charlie. "She's found new friends and rejuvenated her career. I have to thank you for all you've done for her. I'm afraid I wasn't a very good role model for much of her life, but I'm ready to do anything I can to make that up to her. I'm sober now and expect to stay that way."

"Mom! You never told me that you quit drinking. Are you done with the drugs, too? Don't lie to me!" threatened Jordan as she held her mother's hands.

"I've been clean and sober for three months now. When you went into rehab, I really went crazy. I was out of control, but when you started breathing life back into your career, I decided I had to clean up my act. I knew I had treated you badly and that you hated me. I also knew that if there was ever going to be a chance for you to forgive me, I'd have to be sober.

"When you have a wonderfully talented daughter making hit records, TV shows, and movies, it's pretty embarrassing when she won't even speak to you. I don't expect you to forgive me right away, but please give me a chance to prove that I've changed."

"You'll have that chance this weekend. If you're telling the truth, you're already forgiven. I've grown and learned a lot the past few months. I'm too happy to spend time trying to punish you, Mom. Just be honest with me and don't ever think that I'll go back to that life I had before rehab and meeting Steve, Gwen, and her family.

"Okay, everyone, please welcome my mother, Cindy Quick. I don't want to take too much time so I'll introduce her to the stars, Gwen Anderson and Steve Hammer. They've given me my life back, along with Charlie and Gwen's family, who are sitting over there," pointed Jordan. "As we eat, or whenever you get the chance, introduce yourself to Mom. We've had some rough times, but Gwen just wouldn't let me stay estranged from her. Gwen's taught me that family is the most important thing in having a happy, successful life. Thanks, Gwen!"

Gwen hugged Jordan's mother and then stepped back so Steve could introduce himself. Steve placed his hands under Cindy's arms and lifted her up, so her face was close to his. He turned his back to the group and whispered to Cindy.

"Your daughter is a loving, talented, caring, beautiful woman. She deserves happiness, and that includes having a mom she can be proud off. If you're kind and loving to her, I'll be your friend forever. If you hurt her again, I'll respond accordingly. Now do you still want to hug me?"

Cindy Quick was taken totally by surprise with Steve's obviously strong emotions for her daughter. She studied his face for a few seconds and then threw her arms around his neck. "You've got a deal, Big Boy! I've never had a friend like you are to Jordan, but I can already tell that I'd like to have one. Does Gwen know you love Jordan?"

"Yes, I do," responded Gwen quietly into Cindy's ear. "Steve loves several girls, but none more than Jordan. I love her, too. We'll do just about anything for her. She's our sister now."

"What just happened?" demanded Jordan as Steve placed her mother back on her feet. "What did you say to Mom?"

"They pretty much told me that they care for you more than you may realize and that I'd better put on my big girl panties and be the mother you deserve. And I agreed," responded Jordan's mom as she took her seat next to Jordan.

"See how they are?" whispered Jen to her mother and grandfather. "They care about people, especially family and friends. Gwen's family welcomed Steve when he started dating Gwen. He's an orphan and thought he had no relatives on our side and just one uncle on his father's, so he cherished Gwen's family. All of these girls love him, and he loves them back. Gwen understands how it is. She isn't jealous at all because she knows he's totally devoted to her, but if you're their friend, they'll do anything for you. Jordan is extremely close to them. Kate and Lisa are blood and no one should ever do anything to hurt either one of them with Steve around. I'm blood, too, and I know he'd do almost anything for me."

"Look how Steve and Gwen made sure that Jordan's mother was on her best behavior," pointed out Ashley to her sister. "They think the world of Jordan and didn't want her hurt by her mom. She's been pretty miserable to Jordan over the years. She's an alcoholic and used a lot of drugs. Gwen talked Jordan into letting her invite her mother in hopes that they'll reconcile. They just made sure that her mom gets with the program. That's why those two are so special. Just being around them makes you a better person. The fact that they're incredibly good looking doesn't hurt. All of these girls here are in love with Steve."

"Yeah, like the one sitting next to me," countered Becky. "You have it pretty bad for him. Mom and I talked about it after you left. We both noticed how you looked at him, and treated him. You know what? We decided that we didn't blame you and that I'd do the same thing when I'm around him. Gwen doesn't seem to worry about anyone stealing him away. She told me that she enjoys seeing Steve be so nice to other girls because it helps them feel better about themselves. That means she won't mind if I flirt with him every chance I get. You're with him all the time. Have you done anything naughty to get his attention?"

Ashley blushed as she thought about the morning she woke up almost naked with Steve sitting by her bed. Then later she discovered that she had offered herself to Steve and had even put her nipple in his mouth!

"I'll tell you a story tonight when we go to bed," offered Ashley. "You'll just have to promise to never tell Mom, or anyone. It's pretty embarrassing, but not nearly as bad as it might have been."

After dinner, Lisa found a moment to be alone with her mother. "Jason and I are sharing a room. It'll be the first time that we slept together. I want you and Dad to know and approve. I know he isn't Steve, but he's a great guy and he's been so good to me. I've fallen for him, Mom. Steve likes him. I told him we were sleeping together and he was happy for us."

"I can't very well ask you not to sleep with Jason after I allowed Steve and Gwen to sleep together in our house," reasoned Paula. "Besides, if Steve gave his approval, he must be a pretty special young man. Steve would never say it was okay if he didn't believe it. He loves you way too much to stand by while you make a mistake. Ted is the same. He likes Jason. He told me that he's going to give him 'the talk' later this evening, so warn Jason. He gets to sleep with you, but he has to listen politely while Ted explains how he expects his daughter to be treated."

"Dad's going to give Jason 'the talk'? I heard he gave one to Kate's prom date. Now he's doing it to my boyfriend, the guy that's graduating from West Point in few days and will soon be training to be an Army Ranger.? I'm so proud of Dad! He really loves us girls. You did pretty good when you found him. Did you have any idea what a great father he'd be?"

"Honestly? I had no idea. I guess I should have. He was polite to his mother and respected his father. I guess I saw the clues but was too young to think about them, or it was all subconscious or something. He did turn out to be a pretty good catch, didn't he?" asked Paula rhetorically.

"Jason and Steve both think highly of Dad. That pretty much tells the whole story. Those guys see how Dad treats us girls and you. They respect him for being a good father and provider. Jason's going to be so happy when Dad gives him 'the talk'! I told him everything Dad said to Steve that night and how he even gave one to Kate's prom date."

The hotel had a game room with a couple of regulation pool tables. The entire group gravitated to that room after dinner. Jason was preparing to break when Ted began speaking to him. Jason immediately set the pool stick down and listened to Ted politely.

"I had this talk with Steve when he first came to date Gwen. Looking back, I think some of the family members felt I was unreasonable, but I don't think I was. If you are going to date my daughter, I expect you to respect her. I expect you to avoid driving under the influence of alcohol and to never use drugs. I expect you to be willing to give your life for her if necessary. I have to admit I've added that after seeing Steve willingly risk his life for Gwen, Paula, Kate, and Lisa. I expect no less from you. Do these demands seem unreasonable or too exacting to you?"

"Sir, I will do everything in my power to live up to your expectations. I'm honored to be able to know a father like you, and a family like the one you've raised. Your daughters are incredible women, as is your beautiful wife. If I ever disappoint or fail to meet your expectations, please let me know. I'll do my best, sir!"

Ted beamed as Jason shook his hand just before Lisa threw herself into Ted's arms. "That was a great 'talk', Dad! I don't think that soon-to-be Ranger will trifle with me. Look how well it worked on Steve. Now I have my own protector, like Gwen has. You're the best father ever!"

Everyone made their way to their rooms after a few games of pool and a great deal of talk. Steve and Gwen spent their time visiting with their guests and thanking them for making the trip to appear in the Christmas show they were taping. Steve managed to chat with his grandfather and aunt. He found himself enjoying their company more than he expected. It was impossible for him to look at Janice without seeing his mother. He apologized for his mistake in Paris and explained that he couldn't shake the feeling that he was looking at his own mother.