Lady in Red Pt. 02 Ch. 13

"Well, if two 'someones' weren't all pig-headed about talking to each other, you'd know the score," replied Kate as she grabbed Chip's hand. "Now that we've settled this little family squabble, let's go in and eat!"

The next few weeks went quickly for everyone. Gwen and Charlotte were working hard in medical school. Steve and Naomi were traveling with their respective senators. Kate was wrapping up her first semester at law school, while everyone else was preparing for the holidays. Chip was enjoying his new position as Kate's security while Pete remained very close to Ashley and Becky as they worked to set up Gwen's congressional office. The furor over the splinter group in the CIA that had set up Steve's exchange for the children hostages and Ashley's abduction peaked. There were investigations by independent councils, congressional committees, and various law enforcement agencies. Steve, Ashley, Becky, and Pete were interviewed numerous times. There were no further arrests as all of the participants in the group were either dead, or in hiding. Reports by the various investigating entities were expected to be released well after the holidays.

When the day finally arrived for the live Christmas program from the Lady in Red Center, Sparta was buzzing with excitement. Video crews followed Gwen, Jordan, Steve, and Charlie as they window shopped along the festively decorated sidewalks and storefronts. It was going to be used as fill between musical numbers that evening.

The town was teeming with tourists and the local merchants were enjoying banner sales. Crowds followed the foursome as they were videoed enjoying the sights and sounds of Christmas season in Sparta.

Two hours before the show was to begin, the center was filled with excited kids and adults. Caterers made certain that there was plenty of food and drinks available for everyone. By the time the curtain went up, the kids were squirming as they waited for the festivities to begin.

Jordan sang silent night to open the show and performed it flawlessly. That set the tone for the entire evening. Every song was perfect and the kids' joy was obvious to viewers as they watched the gifts passed out to the children who immediately ripped them open.

At the end of the show, Steve and Gwen joined to sing 'Baby, It's Cold Outside!' and the audience loved it. It was apparent that the couple had a very special connection as they gazed at each other as they sang. The singing was excellent, but the heat generated by the two was quite substantial and very obvious to everyone that watched.

"That is so hot!" exclaimed Stephanie to Paula as they watched from the wings. "I've never heard this song seem so sexy before. I bet radio stations will be playing it tomorrow. I'm glad we're recording everything and making it available to download. Gwen is so beautiful, and Steve isn't too shabby."

The next day, the network expressed its pleasure with the ratings the show garnered. Stephanie had little doubt they would be bidding on future efforts from Lady in Red Productions.

Christmas was a festive occasion, with friends and family constantly dropping in at Jordan and Charlie's new home. It was a large home and it was filled with happy people. Jordan's mother was staying with her for the week, and Jordan was a bit concerned about how she and Steve would interact. Her worries were quickly put to rest.

"Hey, Mrs. Quick! I caught you under the mistletoe," grinned Steve as he gently wrapped his arms around Jordan's mom soon after he arrived. "You look great. Would it be okay if I gave you a kiss for the holiday?"

"Of course! I was afraid you wouldn't want to have anything to do with me since I made that blunder a few years back. I hardly saw you at Jordan's wedding and again at Thanksgiving a few weeks ago. And please call me Cindy."

"I was a bit uncomfortable being with you after that little experience by the pool. Gwen's mother and aunt saw and heard the whole thing. I may have been a little harsh on you and my language was not appropriate. You've been such a great mom to Jordan lately that I feel much more comfortable with you now," replied Steve as he still held Cindy Quick in his arms.

"I'm the one that needs to apologize," responded Cindy. "I was wrong to show you my breasts, wrong to call them tits, wrong to ask you to compare them to my daughter's, and very wrong to suggest that you might assault me. You did me a great favor when you set me straight that day.

"I can also promise you that you didn't upset Paula at all when you described her perfect 'tits' to me. She still had a smile on her face when I went inside after we had our little chat. I don't think I'd be telling you any secrets when I say that she loves you dearly and not always like a mother. The great thing is that you feel the same way about her. I envy that and I've been doing my best to be a good mother and person. Jordan and I get along better than we ever have before and a lot of it is because of you. So, if you'd like to give this old lady a kiss, I'd be very pleased."

Steve smiled as he leaned down and kissed Cindy on the lips. Her hands slid behind his neck and she held him a little longer than he intended, but not enough to upset him.

"So, you're getting along okay with Mom now?" came Jordan's voice from the doorway. "I was wondering if you two would avoid each other forever. I heard about your little stunt with Steve back when we graduated, Mom. It seems like his little talk made an impression on you."

"It really did. I've stopped drinking and doing recreational drugs. I joined a gym and worked back into shape," revealed Cindy. "I've been way more selective in my dating. If I had been as lucky as you were to meet a guy like Steve when I was your age, my life would have turned out a lot better. Look what he did for you, Sweetheart."

"You called me 'Sweetheart'? You haven't done that since I was a little girl," observed Jordan with a big smile. "Yeah, I was lucky that I met Steve and Gwen and that they're the kind of people they are. I had a crush on him from the first time I met him, but I couldn't let him know, so I acted all tough and slutty to get his attention. It got my mouth washed out and some tense moments, but they never gave up on me.

"Why don't you move into Asgard with us, Mom? Would that be okay, Steve? I should have asked you before I said anything to Mom," worried Jordan.

"Are you kidding? All of us consider you family, Jordan. You've done so much for us, and you never ask for anything back. We're all about family. Would you like an addition on your house for your mom, or should we build her a place of her own?" asked Steve.

"I haven't agreed to moving, but if I did, and if it's okay, I'd prefer a place of my own. I'd want to be close enough to visit Jordan and Charlie when they're home, but not be underfoot. They're still newlyweds!" chuckled Cindy.

"I understand how you feel. We'd be pleased to have you in our little community, but it's up to you. If you decide to join us, let Stephanie know and she'll hook you up with an architect," promised Steve. "I should warn you that there'll be a lot of virile men running around and they're going to be trying to catch glimpses of your impressive figure. If that sort of thing bothers you, then you might want to live somewhere else."

"I've heard all about Billy and how he's unapologetic about his appreciation of the female form," grinned Cindy. "I think I can handle him. Maybe I will move here."

"Mom, the biggest perv here is Steve! He acts all polite and gentlemanly, but he looks over every inch of every female he comes into contact with. Then when he and a friend are all beat up and shot to ribbons, they discuss our bodies like we're prized heifers or something," stated Jordan.

"Really? Steve's the one I have to worry about? I guess I'd better be sure to stay covered up when he's around," responded Cindy with a smile.

"If you do, we may ask you to move out. We didn't discuss the hot tub yet. Billy's in charge of writing up the rules, but the rest of us guys will back him on it. We all know he'll represent our wishes quite well," chuckled Steve.

"You sound almost the total opposite of the way you were that day by the pool," pointed out a confused Cindy.

"That's because you've done a one-eighty in your behavior. I told you that you had a killer body, but you needed to adjust your attitude to have really great, ah, breasts. It sure looks like you've made the needed changes," admitted Steve. "You'll be fodder for more than a few fantasies when you move in."

"You really know how to make a woman feel good. I felt really terrible after that incident by the pool, but now I'm looking forward to living near Jordan and everyone else. You took me down a few pegs, but you've just rebuilt my self esteem. Now I understand the difference between teasing, flirting, and being an old slut. Can I get another kiss?"

"After I get one from the guy!" insisted Jordan as she flew into Steve's arms. "You've given my mother back to me. I can't wait until she has her own home here. We'll be like Paula and her daughters, great friends as well as mother and daughter. Thanks, Steve. You're tops!"

Christmas Day was barely over when everyone began preparing for Key West. They all looked forward to the sunshine and the beaches. It was decided that everyone would fly to Florida on the weekend between Christmas and New Years and relax for a day or two before the show. Everyone except Jordan, Gwen, Charlie, Steve and the band were going to relax. They spent a lot of their time preparing for the show.

"Billy, could you arrange for a few body painters to come to our compound to paint all of our chests," asked Naomi as everyone took a break by the pool the day before the show. "I always wanted to try that, and so do the other girls. We're too shy to ask, but I thought you might be willing to help us out."

Billy stood up and pulled his car keys from his pocket. "I'll go downtown right now and start hiring them! What time do you want them here?"

"That didn't take long," laughed Becky. "I don't know about this. It would be pretty expensive to paint all of us."

"I'll pick up the bill," replied Billy immediately. "If that's your only objection, I'll go hire a few artists right now."

"Charlotte has to do it, too," insisted Ashley. "How would you feel if she walked around with only a thin coat of paint concealing her charms?"

"I still haven't heard any reasons to not go hire some artists," retorted Billy.

"We need to include Paula, Diane, Cindy, and Julia in this," suggested Steve as he looked over at the four women he mentioned and wiggled his eyebrows.

"You can forget that!" protested Paula. "Diane, Julia, and I are married. Our husbands would never stand for it."

"I wouldn't exactly say that," interjected Will before taking a sip of his Corona. "I can't speak for Ted or Jeff, but Diane has my blessing to get painted with the other ladies."

Diane blushed slightly, and then flashed her husband a big smile. "You're so predictable. You'd love to see me walking around in front of all these young men topless, not to mention seeing these goddesses topless. You wouldn't leave me alone for months. Little Billy and Stephanie would have another brother or sister by this time next year!"

"Mom! That's a little too much information. Besides, I can't do that in front of Dad and Uncle Ted. It would be embarrassing," blushed Stephanie.

"You could always go watch TV or something," laughed Will. "I like this casual atmosphere these young folks enjoy. And your mom will look as good as anyone here."

"Dad, you haven't said anything. Should Mom let loose and get painted up with the rest of us?" quizzed Lisa.

"I can't believe I'm admitting this, but it would be pretty amazing. I'm just coming around to the fact that my daughters are beautiful adult women with amazing figures, like their mother. I've seen you and Gwen without clothes in some photos and movies. I can honestly say that I feel proud of how great you look. I'm also proud that you're in monogamous relationships with really good guys.

"When I grew up, being naked meant having sex, or at least trying like hell. Your group is able to separate the two without jealousy or inappropriate behavior. I admire that and think it's quite a healthy attitude. To answer your question, I'd love to see your mother painted up with the rest of the lovely women here. It's just too bad that Stephanie won't participate. She's really very attractive."

"You do know that we were just teasing Billy, don't you?" asked a concerned Naomi. "Dad is sitting right there and he would never go for his wife and daughter running around almost naked in front of a bunch of horny white boys!"

"As a horny, healthy man, I'm willing to make that trade," laughed Jeff Wilson. "I'm trying to imagine seeing all of these beautiful women topless. Don't worry about your mom. We went to more than a few topless beaches in Cuba and men of every color and nationality approved of what they saw. It was pretty obvious, especially on the nude beaches."

"Billy, don't you think I'm too old to join these ladies in this venture?" asked Julia Wilson.

"With all due respect, Ma'am, I think you'd be playing right into the hands of these degenerates sitting around the pool. They may seem like placid, flaccid, wimpy little boys, but if you were to release those beauties in this crowd, I could not guarantee your safety," responded Billy in a very serious tone.

"Mom, listen to him! These guys have all kinds of 'mommy' issues, and he's the worst one of the bunch, although Steve seems to be a close second. You should hear them talk about all the mothers, including you, or should I say, especially you? They're all strongly attracted to beautiful, mature women with curves."

"Oh, dear! That sounds just awful," replied Julia with a big smile. "You're telling me that these virile young men find us slightly older women appealing on some level? Who would have guessed it?"

"Dad! Talk some sense into Mom before it's too late," pled Naomi as she dropped to her knees and pretended to literally beg.

"It's already too late. You sealed it when you told her how all these horny young guys want to see her big old melons. I'm just going to insist that my wife isn't the only lady getting painted up," added Jeff.

"Okay, Diane will do it, won't you dear?" asked Will as he ducked the ice cubes Diane threw at him.

"Paula? You're not going to let your sister go into this without your support, are you?" asked Ted as Paula blushed a bright red.

"I said we were just teasing Billy!" laughed Naomi. "Mom, Diane and Paula can leave their swimsuits on, as will the rest of us. We have a Congresswoman here, for heaven's sake. She can't do things like that, or be seen with people that do."

"I can't?" questioned Gwen in her best little girl voice as she sat on Steve's lap. "I feel a sleeping giant beginning to stir. It seems that the Congresswoman's boyfriend is kind of excited about this body painting scenario."

"I noticed the same thing!" agreed Lisa as she fidgeted on Jason's lap.

"Is that what that is?" asked Kate in an attempt to act surprised. "I'm afraid that I'm involved with a very sick individual. He may be even worse than Billy and Steve."

"I'm just glad my mom and Billy's folks didn't make the trip," quipped Charlotte. "That visual is not something I want to remember."

"I was thinking the same thing about our mom," added Becky. "She's been single a long time. If she's anything like Ashley and me, she'd be the first to get painted, even if she's almost fifty and a little chunky."

"I call for a show of hands," declared Billy. "Is there any guy here that wouldn't like to see Becky's mom get painted up? No hands? I thought so. Bring your mom next time. She's pretty hot!"

"Not my mother, too!" cried Ashley. "What is wrong with you guys? You all have beautiful wives and girlfriends. Why would you want to look at other women? Why would you want other guys to see your lady topless and painted?"

"I think the quick answer would be that it makes us really horny," offered Jared as he looked around at his friends. "Is there any disagreement on that? No? Then we'll go with that answer, Ashley. But, I have to admit, I'm really glad that my parents didn't come. I can't imagine my mom naked!"

"Mom, how did you stay married to such a pervert for so many years? Was he as bad when he was younger?" asked Naomi.

"Yes, he was as bad or worse. I stayed married to him because he was always horny. That isn't a bad thing, at least it wasn't for me," grinned Julia as she patted her husband's hand.

The New Year's show was a huge ratings success as Gwen and Jordan performed in bikinis and changed to different ones quite often. Charlie and Steve were shirtless the entire show. The director was forced to be very careful of the camera angles as many of the ladies in the crowd in front of the stage were topless before the night was half over. They were very demonstrative about how much they enjoyed Charlie and Steve as they performed. The viewers at home were easily able to determine that many of the fans were topless; although the director went to great pains to be sure no nipples were shown.

Everyone rested the next day before heading back north the following morning. Many in the group flew to Washington with Gwen and Steve to see her sworn in a member of Congress and to attend the big premier the following evening.

Steve sat in the gallery with Ted, Paula, Lisa, and Kate and beamed with pride as the new Congress was sworn in. Gwen looked very professional but incredibly beautiful in a simple dress and jacket. Steve was lucky that Senator Chatham had wrangled a ticket for him as there weren't enough seats available for all of the members to invite more than very immediately family members. Jason and Chip and all of their friends waited outside and watched the proceedings on monitors.

Once the ceremony was complete and all of the speeches were given, Congress adjourned. Many of the members then headed to their office to take PR photos for their local papers. They would be featured with a spouse, sibling, or child holding a bible as they took their oath. It was for show only, but many members felt it was important PR for them. Gwen decided against the charade and joined her friends outside the Capitol Building.

"We'll meet you back at the hotel after we meet with our staff," instructed Gwen. "Ashley has them all waiting at my new office and she wants to introduce me. Steve is going with me, but there won't be room for anyone else. Maybe it'll be less crowded tomorrow and I'll be able to get you all in."

Gwen spent another hour speaking with her new staff and learning their names and jobs. "There's one thing I need all of you to understand. Ashley is my top aide. She's in charge when I'm not here. Listen to her like you would me. Then I want you to meet my boyfriend, Steve Hammer. Some of you may have heard of him?"

The group laughed at Gwen's remark. Everyone knew who Steve Hammer was, and that he was Gwen's boyfriend. "He's much more than a boyfriend. He's my top advisor and my personal security. If he asks for something, I would expect all of you to comply as quickly as possible, or have a very good reason if you don't. Thanks, all of you. I look forward to working with you. You're all invited to our hotel for a little bash we're having this evening to celebrate. Please come."

It was approaching dusk when Ashley, Gwen, and Steve climbed into a limo to return to their hotel. It was not a long ride and even with traffic, they expected it to take no more than half an hour.

Because some of the roads around the Capitol Building were closed for the ceremonies, they wound up traveling along the Potomac River. That was when the limo driver suddenly slammed on his brakes and muttered a curse.