Lady in Red Pt. 02 Ch. 15

"Let me give Charlie a call and see if he's around," offered Gwen. "He's the musical brains of this operation and we need him in order to get this right."

Gwen was only on her cell for a few seconds before she disconnected. "Charlie said they'll be right up. They were just entering the lobby."

A short time later, there was a knock on the door. Kate opened it to allow Jordan and Charlie access to the suite.

"We woke up and went for a little walk," explained Jordan. "It's all over Paris that Lady in Red is buying the old hospital for use by the orphans. People were stopping us and telling us how grateful they were. It makes me feel proud of our company, and the great things we do, mostly because of Steve and Gwen."

"We're not going to have that discussion again," insisted Gwen. "You two are right there with us in everything we do and we're proud of you both. But we have bigger fish to fry. Michelle D'Anjou called to tell me that the mayor and city fathers would like us to give a concert Tuesday evening. They think it'll help heal the city as well as lift everyone's spirits. They want to set it up at the Arc de Triomphe, if you can imagine that!"

"We don't have the band here. They're scattered all over the place on vacation. I don't think we can get them here in time to begin to prepare for this," worried Charlie.

"Michelle said that she could round up some excellent musicians for the event. She flat our guaranteed that they'd be the best, and we'd be very pleased with them," countered Gwen to Charlie's objection.

"Let's do it, Charlie!" gushed Jordan. "This'll be big, like the show in D.C. a few weeks back, or even the one we did in Kiev. I assume it'll be televised here in Paris?"

"The proceeds from donations, corporate sponsors, and TV and movie rights will all go to the orphanage fund," replied Gwen. "We'd be donating our time and talent."

"That just may be why God gave us the time and talent!" enthused Jordan. "I feel like the luckiest person in the world sometimes. I love to help others when I can, and this looks like a great opportunity. What do you think, Charlie?"

"Have I ever gone against you, when you really wanted to do something, especially something that helps so many others?" asked Charlie rhetorically. "Depending on how good the musicians are that back us, it might be a bit sketchy, but I'm in if you want to do it."

"Now for the rest of it. You need to know that President Hanson wants to have us represent the White House at these funerals, and he wants to be the one to announce that we're doing the concert to show unity and support for the people of France," finished Gwen.

"I like President Hanson. He's been very nice to me, so I'm fine with that. Will it be a problem for your position in Congress, Gwen?" asked a concerned Jordan.

"If doing a good thing is a problem for someone, so be it. I can't spend my life worrying about the feelings of these dinosaurs we have in Congress," insisted Gwen. "Let's just agree to do this because it's the right thing and if it helps President Hanson, that's fine, too."

"Hello, Michelle?" greeted Gwen on her cell a minute later. "Tell the Mayor and your father that we'll do it! Let them know that President Hanson will be announcing it, along with the fact that we are representing the White House at the funerals for the children that were killed. We didn't think you'd mind.

"Please be sure you give us talented musicians. That's why we sound good most of the time. We always have excellent talent around us. We'll plan on doing the show Tuesday evening. You get everything ready and we'll be there."

Jordan waited for Gwen to disconnect before making another observation. "Almost every magazine in the city has a picture of Gwen coming out of the cold river after saving Hardy. It's pretty obvious that they have less strict codes here about showing nipples. That sheer bra was totally transparent. You looked about as sexy as a woman can look. I bet those magazines are selling like hotcakes. In addition, 'Diana' is showing in almost every theater in the city and people are lined up to see it. Stephanie, just how big was the opening weekend?"

"We set records for a January opening," bragged Stephanie. "It's very unlikely that you'll spend as much on the orphanage as your movie makes for us in France this week. Other actors go on talk shows to promote a movie. Steve and Gwen do heroic deeds instead, and it seems to work quite well. Cynics would argue that you made money when you bought that hospital for the orphans simply because of the excellent PR, and it's brought even more attention to your movie. Of course, everyone in this room knows you did it to help the kids and have no real concern about promoting yourselves. This concert you're planning, without consulting me, I might add, will just blow the socks off France. You guys are conquering another country!"

"We didn't come here to win anyone over," corrected Gwen. "We're here to show our support and concern for the city, and country after a horrible terrorist attack. You should have seen those children with bandages and dressings on their little bodies earlier today. Have they determined how many children were killed in the attack?"

"A little while ago, they said that twenty one orphans had died, with three more in critical condition, and six others with non life threatening injuries. It would have been worse if most of the kids hadn't been in the auditorium watching a movie," revealed Paula. "It was a horrible thing."

"There's nothing good about terrorism. We all know that firsthand. That's one of the reasons I'm so determined to help victims. It's a terrible thing to feel so vulnerable, and so violated," replied Gwen with emotion.

The next morning saw everyone well rested and eager to start the day. The entire group was gathered for breakfast in the hotel dining area.

"I finally got to make love with the Eiffel Tower in the background," sighed Kate as Chip began to fidget. "I can cross that off my bucket list. Gwen was so lucky to have that for her first time."

"I met Charlie on our first Paris trip, but we weren't romantically involved back then. We made up for it last night, wouldn't you say, Charlie?" asked Jordan to a grinning Charlie.

"It was romantic, wasn't it?" agreed Lisa as Jason blushed. "I can see why Gwen waited so long now!"

"I don't think Ted and I need to hear about our daughters' love lives," complained Paula, but with a smile. "But it's nice to hear that you're all feeling well loved this morning. It certainly is a romantic setting."

"Mom! Not you, too!" laughed Kate. "Every woman in the family was getting it on last night!"

"If only that were true," griped Stephanie. "I feel like the proverbial fifth wheel around here. I can see where I need to pick up my game and find a big strong, studly guy like everyone else in the family. Do any of you guys have an unmarried brother?"

"What about Becky and me?" questioned Ashley. "I fell asleep after that long plane ride and slept around the clock. Becky and I could use some romance, too."

"Well, that isn't exactly true," smiled Becky as she clutched Pete's hand. "I'm not complaining, so don't include me in your old maid scenarios. Seeing the Eiffel Tower all lit up outside your window does add a lot to the occasion. Pete and I had a 'Steve and Gwen' first time, sort of. At least it was the first time for us together. I'm not trying to brag or anything, but it was wonderful!"

Pete had turned all kinds of colors as he stared down at his empty plate and fidgeted with his napkin while everyone else 'oohed' and 'aahed' in good humor.

"Great! Even my little sister found a good guy before me," lamented Ashley in mock disappointment. "The truth is, I'm not surprised. You seemed to like the guy even before he saved our lives. It must have been his sweet talk the first time you met him. I'm really happy for you both. Mom will be excited, especially if you wind up married and give her grandchildren. I think that she's given up on me."

"I may be able to help," suggested Chip. "I have a cousin on my mother's side. He's going to be released soon and he'll be looking for female companionship after spending the last three years solely in the company of males."

"Okay, introduce us!" exclaimed Ashley, which caused everyone at the table break into more laughter.

"Look on that TV over on the far wall," pointed out Kate. "That woman is talking about Steve. I heard his name, along with a bunch of stuff I couldn't understand. What's she saying?"

"She's the mother of one of the kids that were kidnapped by the terrorists in Iraq," explained Steve. "She's giving her somewhat inflated opinion of my dashing good looks and unmatched courage. She was the one parent that seemed willing to sacrifice more than my life to save her daughter."

"I hope they're listening to her!" exclaimed Gwen. "I'm still pissed about that deal. You almost lost your head. You did save all of those kids. They really should be singing your praises all over the place!"

"But Steve did lose his head over you," observed Kate. "Are you going to apologize to him?"

"No, but I've been singing his praises all over the place," retorted Gwen with a smile. "Nobody does it better!"

"It seems to me that you can't really say that unless you've had a few more experiences to compare to Steve's paltry skills, and less than impressive equipment," began Chip before feeling Kate's eyes boring into his head. "With that in mind, Jason or Pete may be willing to help you out. I'm not interested, so don't ask me!"

"You're on your own, Old Salt!" declared Jason. "My wife firmly believes I'm the best, and I'm secure with that position. I have nothing left to prove, and I certainly wouldn't want to do anything to weaken Steve's self esteem, nor harm Gwen's illusions."

"That's my guy!" praised Lisa. "He's always considerate of others. That and not wanting to end up neutered caused him to make the correct decision."

"I don't think this should be a competition," reasoned Kate. "Let's agree that since Gwen isn't going to try out other studs, and since she won't allow Steve to sample the many delights available to him, she shouldn't be saying he's the best anymore. There's no way she can know that, so it's simply a very presumptive and provocative statement."

"I agree with the first part that Steve and I won't be test driving anyone else, but I'll stand by my belief that he's the best," insisted Gwen as she kissed Steve's cheek.

"Okay, I think Jason's the best," insisted Lisa.

"It's Charlie, hands down, or hands all over everything, or whatever. You know what I mean," added Jordan with a big smile.

"Well, I think that Chip's probably the best, or at least pretty good," joked Kate as she watched Chip's smile disappear as she qualified her statement.

"Thanks for that ringing endorsement!" cracked Chip as he hugged Kate. "Now you've gone and done it. I was saving my best stuff for our wedding night, but I'll be bringing my whole bag of tricks to bed tonight."

"Uh oh, Kate! I've seen what he carries in that bag," worried Steve. "Whips, gags, gels, assorted leather devices, and the unabridged Kama Sutra were in that bag when we spent a weekend in Berlin."

"Now we're talking!" responded Kate as she arched her eyebrows several times. "Does anyone know if I should tie Chip up before I use that stuff on him?"

"You're going to have to tie me up, and knock me out, if you think you're going to use any of it on me," stated Chip emphatically.

"You're no fun. Steve would you let me tie you up and use that stuff with you?" asked Kate with a wicked grin.

"Your rope or mine?" responded Steve immediately. "I know Gwen would go along with it, if only to end this senseless discussion over who's better. Once you agree with her, the debate would be over. I'd be doing it for peace and harmony."

"Yeah, I can go along with you doing it for a 'piece', but believe me, there'd be no harmony," predicted Gwen. "Besides, why would you want to make Chip feel bad?"

"It's more about making Kate feel good," quickly pointed out Steve.

"How would convincing her that you're the best lover in the world make her feel good, at least for any more than the few hours you'd spend doing it?" shot back Gwen. "How would she ever settle for Chip again after sampling you?"

"Did you girls ever hear your father and me talk like this?" asked Paula while acting shocked. "There'll be no comparing, sampling, gelling, or tying anyone up. In fact, I think I'd better confiscate that bag of tricks right now."

"Mom, we're talking about a mental bag of tricks, and I suspect that you and Dad already have one of your own," replied Lisa. "All these years I thought you two had stopped having sex nine months before Kate was born. Now I have to revise my timeline to about twenty years from now. That really gives me a lot to look forward to!"

"I won't comment on any 'tricks' we may employ from time to time, but I have to admit that since you girls have grown up and become such beautiful, successful and sexual young ladies, we've been having a bit of a second honeymoon, wouldn't you say, Ted?"

"I don't know how to respond to that. I've spent my entire married life believing that any discussion of our personal life would get me shut off for a year or two, and to be quite honest, I'm not willing to risk it," admitted Ted as everyone laughed at his obvious concern.

"See what a cool family we're part of?" laughed Becky as she hugged Pete's arm to her chest. "We can talk and joke about anything without jealousy or discord. That's how families should be. We don't try to pretend that sex isn't fun, or that we never do it. In fact, it's quite the opposite, and Paula and Ted are as bad as any of us. They're the coolest parents!"

"As much fun as this discussion is, we'd better hurry up and eat," pointed out Jordan. "We're scheduled to rehearse with the musicians Michelle rounded up for us in less than an hour. It's kind of daunting to perform in front of thousands of live fans and millions on TV without knowing exactly how your musicians are going to perform. I hope they're as good as Michelle promised."

After several hours of rehearsing the songs they intended to perform, Charlie was all smiles. "Michelle was right on! We have some really good musicians here. I think we can use all seven of them. We've never had a sax player before, but did you hear that girl play that thing?"

"I did and I was wondering if you were as impressed as I was," answered Steve. "They're all good, but she's unbelievable. She really puts her heart and soul into everything she plays, and she's extremely talented!"

"Charlie, you had a great idea about taking advantage of the full moon tomorrow night," enthused Gwen. "I think those 'moon' songs will go over great!"

The group took an hour off for lunch and then worked a few more hours on the songs they expected to perform. All of the musicians were excited about the opportunity to appear in concert with the most famous and successful singers in the world. Their enthusiasm was evident from the effort they put into their music.

"Things are looking up!" beamed Jordan once the rehearsal was over. "These folks are packing some major talent. That Jodie girl, on the sax, was incredible. She'll be a big star before long, or my name isn't Jordan Quick Burns."

It was late afternoon by the time the Jordan, Gwen, Charlie, and Steve left the studio. They decided on doing some sightseeing for an hour or two before returning to the hotel. Everywhere they went, they were recognized by fans. They spent most of their time signing autographs and posing for pictures.

Some fans used their phones to get pictures of them with the Eiffel Tower in the background. "I have nothing but good memories of that tower," beamed Gwen as she clutched Steve's arm. "Remember how we could see it out our window the first time we made love? That was the best possible way to lose my virginity."

Fans were asking about the concert and what songs they were doing. They also expressed their appreciation for all of the kindness from Lady in Red and the talented individuals that owned the company and donated so much time and talent to charitable events.

"I guess President Hanson has made the announcement," concluded Steve after having his picture taken with some teenage girls. "Everyone seems to be looking forward to the show. I like the fact that with these good musicians, Charlie and I can spend more time singing with you ladies. Gwen and I are working on a little dance or two that we'll try out in front of a few million people. I just hope I don't drop her."

"You'd better not drop me! I just got a text from Michelle. They're constructing a stage on the top of the Arc de Triomphe for us! We'll be able to see and be seen a full 360 degrees.

"They're setting up at least a dozen Jumbotrons, but there are a dozen avenues leading from Place de l'Etoile. If they put one at the juncture of every two avenues, that'll require six. That leaves six to be set up farther down each avenue. I think LiR needs to get at least six more here," reasoned Gwen. "They need to have them in time to set them up by tomorrow afternoon. Our guys can do it!"

The four friends rejoined the rest of their group for dinner at their hotel. "The whole city is on edge about the attack on the orphanage," stated Lisa. "Everyone's talking about it. They haven't caught any suspects yet and people worry that it might happen again. It's a beautiful city, but this situation has cast a dark shadow over the City of Light."

"Well, tomorrow night, Jordan, Gwen, and these two handsome guys will light it up!" declared Kate. "That's the other thing everyone's talking about. Paris has seen a lot of cool stuff over the centuries, but it's about to see how we Americans put on a show. I can't tell you how proud I am of you guys!"

"Wait until you see Steve and Gwen dance and sing! You'll love it," predicted Jordan. "We'll be on the top of the Arc de Triomphe, and Steve will be holding Gwen over his head as the second dance ends. It's going to be a real Kodak moment. I bet it'll be on every newspaper and magazine cover in the country on Wednesday."

"You're going to dance?" questioned Paula. "Except for your special Lady in Red dance, you two never dance at concerts. What's changed?"

"I can take the blame, or more appropriately, the credit," volunteered Stephanie. "They'll have enough musicians so that Steve and Charlie won't have to play any instruments, unless they want to, of course. Since we have a dance movie scheduled for next year, it seems like a good idea to begin whetting some appetites, and these dances will do it. Mom told me how great they dance them, so I asked them to practice a few times, and if they feel comfortable, perform them with the world watching!

"That leads me to more good news. 'Diana' is a box office smash! We did the early release in L.A. when we saw how good it was, just so that it could be considered for a few Oscars this year. The 'buzz' is that it probably won't be nominated for best picture, mostly because it's about comic book people, which I think is stupid. But I don't get to vote. However, it's likely that Jordan and Charlie will be nominated again for both the score and original song! It's also possible that Gwen will get the nod for best actress, and there's even some talk about Naomi being nominated in her supporting role. None of the guys, except Charlie, appear to be in the running for any nominations," added Stephanie.

"That's created mixed emotions," admitted Gwen. "I'm proud that they might consider Naomi and me, but the guys did a great job, and I feel like they'd be cheated if they don't get nominated. Of course, Jordan and Charlie should win, hands down. They wrote some great music."