Lady in Red Pt. 02 Ch. 23

"Mom, would you hand me the bottle of water sitting over there. I seem to be thirsty."

Paula looked at the bottle just a few feet from Kate and then to Kate. She tried to stare Kate down, but it didn't work. Kate just smiled as she looked back blankly. Finally Paula nodded, as if she made a decision. She removed her hands from covering her breasts and reached over to pick up the water bottle. She was surprised when she looked back and saw Kate's expression.

"Wow, Mom! We don't need to work on your self-esteem. You just destroyed mine. You look incredible," marveled Kate. "Did you see that, Lisa?"

"Yes, and so did Steve. I bet he's poking Mom in the butt right now with a big old erection. You know he gets turned on looking at boobs and Mom's are spectacular."

Kate never moved to accept the water Paula held to her."Okay, you've embarrassed me enough for one night. You caught me naked in the hot tub with Steve. Now you think I'm a terrible mother and wife. I should leave."

Paula began to shift her weight and Steve quickly wrapped his arms around her stomach and held her in place. "Your daughters think you're beautiful, and so do I. Kate and I set this up. I was supposed to get you naked and into the tub and then Kate was going to drop in and join us. That was supposed to show you that being naked with people that you trust is not a bad thing."

"Mom, you're on Steve's lap. Besides the likely poking you're getting under the surface, do you feel like you're in any danger? It feels great, doesn't it?" asked Kate.

"It feels too good, and I do feel in danger," replied Paula. "I'm afraid of hurting your father. I'm afraid I like this guy too much. I'm afraid of losing your respect."

"Mom, I told Dad what we hoped to accomplish tonight. He laughed and said you needed to loosen up a little. He thinks he was too straight laced back in the early years of your marriage and caused you to become a lot more cautious and conservative than you were when he met you," responded Kate. "He also said that you'd probably come home hot and horny."

"Your father knew Steve was going to try to get me naked? He thought that Steve would be able to succeed in that effort? Am I so easy to manipulate?" worried Paula.

"Paula, I didn't manipulate you, well maybe your nipples a little, but other than that, I didn't do anything to make you get undressed," teased Steve.

"Mom! Steve groped you? How good was that? I bet you were rehearsing for your love scenes, weren't you? You're going to have to work on those scenes a lot to get them right. I plan on spending quite a lot of time rehearsing with him, too. It's all part of the job and I do want to get it right. It's for the art," chuckled Kate.

"But you're not married and a mother! I am. I shouldn't be here now, and certainly not naked on Steve's lap," worried Paula.

"Mom, I'm married, a mother, and I'm naked. I'll switch places with you if you like. Do you think less of me for being here?" asked Lisa seriously.

"Of course not! Your husband and Steve are the same kind of men. They trust each other and they trust you. Steve wouldn't do anything to harm your marriage, and neither would you," reasoned Paula.

"Mom, Jason raved about Dad when they got back from Kiev. He says that Dad's one of the bravest, most selfless men he's ever seen, including the men he served with in the military. What I'm saying is that Dad is one of those kind of men, too," stated Lisa proudly. "You need to see him the way he is now, not how you always thought of him when we were little. He loves you. We all know that. But he trusts you and he's extremely proud of you, and of being your husband."

"Yeah, Dad's a pretty cool guy. Gwen said that Steve was really impressed with him in Kiev. Jordan told me that Charlie spoke very highly of him and his courage in a very dangerous situation," added Kate. "You saw the bruises on Dad's chest. He risked his life to back up these guys. Do you think Steve, Jason, Charlie, or Chip would ever betray Dad? They have way too much respect for him, and for you! You're safe with these guys. We all are and it's a great feeling.

"I can show off my boobs and even rub them all over the guys and they won't get all grabby, or expect more than I'm willing to do. I think the word 'gentlemen' applies to them quite accurately."

"I guess that's the difference," reasoned Paula. "I grew up knowing men liked to look and wanted even more. Mom was beautiful and men always looked at her and it never bothered Dad. When I married your father, he made it pretty plain that his wife and the mother of his kids should behave in a certain way and showing too much cleavage or leg was discouraged. I don't blame Ted. It was his upbringing. I stopped dressing to show off my curves and became conservative. I don't know how you girls grew up so daring. Ted and I didn't encourage it. That's for sure."

"Remember how Gwen dressed before she met Steve," reminded Kate. "She took Dad's message to heart until she hooked up with this stud. Lisa and I were always more daring. We knew we could wrap Dad around our fingers and you never really objected to our clothes. I think you understood our feelings because you had them, too."

"But I did get into this hot tub naked with Steve. Do you think I betrayed Gwen, or Ted?" asked a concerned Paula.

"Mom, you don't get it yet. You can't betray Gwen, or Dad, with Steve. He won't allow it. If you push him too far, he'll shut you down. He's done it to me a few times," admitted Lisa. "Once he established the boundaries, we've been fine. The only time he'll feel you up or kiss you passionately is for a movie, or maybe a rehearsal? I do remember hearing something about manipulating nips."

"Suppose he did hold my breasts and pinch a nipple. I'm not saying that he did, but if he did, would that not be a betrayal?" questioned Paula.

"Not with Steve. Not tonight," replied Kate. "I told him that he had to get your motor running a little or the movie was doomed. He agreed to press things a little to loosen you up and my guess is that he did, and it worked. Look at you sitting on his lap with your breasts fully exposed. I think you'll be more relaxed tomorrow and do great from here on out."

It turned out that Kate's prophecy was extremely accurate. Paula was a different person the next day. The director was pleased with the sudden turn around. It was the following week when Paula was told that she'd be doing one of her big love scenes with Steve.

Rather than being shy and nervous, she insisted that Ted, Diane, Kate, and Lisa be nearby during the filming. Steve was actually more nervous than Paula, mostly because he didn't want to harm the relationship he had forged with his future father-in-law. The spent the better part of the afternoon doing the scene. The director would often stop them part way through and suggest a slight change in the scene.

By the end of the day, Steve had kissed Paula too many time to count and had her breasts in his hands most of the time. For her part, Paula managed to squeeze his cock a couple of times when her hands were directed below his waist. She's always smile at his reaction. Between takes, she whispered to him.

"You've been fondling my breasts all day, so now and then I get to have some fun, too. I sure hope this film turns out as hot as it makes me feel. I really hope Ted is well rested."

When the director finally announced the end of filming for the day, Paula pulled a robe tightly around her shoulders and went in search of Ted. "Uh, oh! Ted, you're in for a long night," predicted Jordan, who had stopped in to watch the last few minutes of the scene. "She needs it bad after Steve primed her for so long."

"Let's get to the dressing room," insisted Paula as she grabbed Ted's hand and marched off with him.

"Your mom really threw herself into the part, wouldn't you say, Kate?" teased Jordan. "You wanted Steve to be forced to make a tough decision in the movie and you've got it. You're going to have to bring your A-game to win the competition with Paula. She's truly a beautiful woman."

"Don't worry about me," replied Kate. "I love a challenge, although I have to admit that I never knew Mom would be so sexy and had such an amazing figure. I think she looks better now than she did ten years ago. I hope it's in her genes and they pass down to me."

Jason and Lisa were also making a movie, although the screenplay had been purchased from a writer in Canada, and not written by anyone in Lady in Red. It was a romantic comedy and the couple was doing a very credible job. Lisa had regained her pre-pregnancy body, except her breasts remained larger than they were before having Theresa. This fact was not lost on those involved in the film. Lisa's clothes were made to accentuate her amazing figure and her classic beauty. Steve, Kate, and Diane had smaller parts in the film and were very good, but it was obvious to everyone that the movie was showcasing Lisa. She was now a mother and rapidly approaching thirty. She was confident, professional, beautiful, and the camera caught it all. Her film would do very well. Everyone was certain of that.

Steve and Jared had begun getting up very early to run five miles before doing a strenuous workout in the gym. They pushed each other as hard as they could to get ready for training camp. Steve was always amazed at how fast Jared was able to run. He was three inches taller than Steve's six feet four inches and forty pounds heavier than the two thirty-five Steve weighed. But there wasn't an ounce of fat!

In high school, Steve had been able to keep up with Jared in the weight room. Steve had improved his strength when he played for Navy and maintained his level while in the service, but Jared was incredible. Jared was able to do repetitions with amounts Steve was barely able to lift once. Steve was determined to improve. The two of them were going to try to negotiate together, as well as play together, so Steve didn't want to fail to hold up his end of the deal.

"You're a quarterback," pointed out Jared. "You're not supposed to be too muscled. You need to be limber and quick. I'm the one that has to be able to bull through a line with a couple of three hundred pound guys trying to stop me."

Gwen had suggested that Steve pay a nutritionist to help him achieve his goals. Steve had the nutritionist set up diets for both him and Jared. By the end of May, the two men were absolutely ripped.

Jeff Hook grumbled about the hours, but he'd be up early most mornings, videoing Steve and Jared as they ran past him. Then he'd drive a ways and set up to video them again. He followed Steve to the weight room. He hung close most of the day. Jared, Steve and those normally around them became accustomed to the young man being Steve's shadow.

Jason, Charlie, Pete, Billy, and Chip began working out with them as much as possible. "When Becky saw these two guys run by the house, her jaw almost hit the floor," griped Pete as he worked on the weight machine. I knew I'd better pick up my game. I know I can't run with the big dogs, but I can get into a lot better shape."

The other guys agreed and soon all seven could be seen running the five miles every morning. Pete surprised everyone with his ability to keep up although he had a prosthetic foot.

Steve would hang around in the gym in Valhalla to assist Sybil when she came down for her rehab work. Jeff had been told early on that Sybil's recovery was not something for public consumption. Steve would help Sybil any way he could and when he wasn't needed, he'd work out on the weight machines and wait for her to finish her therapy.

Sybil complained about what she felt was lack of progress, but Steve knew that she was doing far better than her doctors had expected. By the end of May, she was walking slowly, and for short distances, as she worked to restore feeling and muscle control in her lower extremities.

Steve spent part of each day walking slowly alongside Sybil, offering her constant encouragement. Everyone connected with Lady in Red devoted some time and effort to helping Sybil. She was seldom alone and was constantly urged to work harder to recover. Steve was dedicated to having her ready and able to dance with him at the wedding.

The Washington Redskins were surprised when Steve's agent entered their offices. They were anticipating a heavyweight with years of experience. Instead, a beautiful young woman breezed into their office and introduced herself.

"I'm Kate Anderson. I represent Jared White and Steve Hammer. I have a proposal to offer that I think you will find acceptable. Shall we get right to it?"

"You're an agent? You don't look like you're old enough to be out of college yet. I assume you're Gwen Anderson's sister," replied the general manager as he shook Kate's hand.

"Actually, I'll complete my last year of law school next spring. I am Gwen's sister and I have Steve and Jared's complete confidence. Shall we get started?" repeated Kate.

"We're asking for Jared to receive a contract that mirrors the one signed by your first round draft pick this year. He signed last week, I believe. The only difference is that Jared will expect five percent more in every clause that discusses compensation."

The management's negotiating team briefly exchanged glances and then the general manager nodded for Kate to continue.

"Steve Hammer will agree to play for whatever the minimum pay is in the league," stated Kate to the astonishment of the negotiating team.

"However, he will do so only if the team agrees to allow Lady in Red to give a free concert after the first home game. The concert will be held in FedEx Field. At that time the Redskins will donate two million dollars to the homeless shelter that was established by our company. Make no mistake. This is not a tax dodge, except for you. You can claim the donation and use the deduction. The money will be used to feed, clothe, and house homeless in the Washington area.

"You'll be given an option of having Lady in Red play after future home games, but each time it will require a two million dollar donation to a charity to be named. A two week notice will be required if you want them."

"So you're telling us that we can sign Steve Hammer to a minimum contract if we agree to donate two million dollars to your charity? Why would we ever want a repeat performance? We could limit our expense to just two million dollars for the season to lock in Steve Hammer," pointed out the assistant general manager.

"Perhaps you should have someone from marketing in here," replied Kate. "What do you think having Steve Hammer and Jared White playing for you will do for your team? How about when the TV cameras show my sisters Gwen and Lisa, along with Jordan Quick Burns, Naomi Wilson, and a host of our friends cheering for the Redskins? How about if Gwen and/or Jordan agree to sing the National Anthem? How about the press and good will you'd reap by having Gwen and Steve attend your promotional events? Imagine the publicity for you when you donate a couple million dollars to various charities in the Washington area.

"Jared and Steve are prepared to agree to the terms I just presented. If you have to think this over for more than thirty seconds, then you're not qualified to hold your jobs. What'll it be?" demanded Kate.

"You can't just waltz in here, insult us, make a wild-ass proposal and expect us to accept it immediately," began the general manager. "We'll have to sit down and..."

"We have a deal!" came a voice from the doorway. "I'm the owner of this franchise and you're absolutely right, Miss Anderson. This offer is a no brainer. Do you have a contract with you? We'll have to see that the correct language is included for the league and the players' union, but I'm telling you right now that your offer has been accepted."

Kate reached into her briefcase and pulled out a three page contract and handed it to the owner with one hand, while offering to shake hands with the other. Everyone chuckled when they realized the contract was just three pages.

"Steve insisted that we keep it simple," grinned Kate. "He also wanted me to ask if you'd consider selling the team, or even a minority stake in it?"

"That's got to be a first!" roared the team owner with true mirth. "The player I'm negotiating with to play for me has the wherewithal to buy the team! Small wonder he asks for so little for himself. By doing so, he'll probably make millions more because of the good will he'll generate. I'll tell you right now that we'll want Lady in Red to perform after every home game. Get me the list of charities and we'll see that they get the money, and we will deduct it on our taxes. This has got to be the best negotiation process I've ever seen!"

Soon it became known that Steve and Jared had signed contracts with the Redskins. They would report to training camp in late July in Richmond, Virginia. As predicted by Kate, interest in the team increased dramatically. Jared was delighted with his contract. His parents had moved to Asgard the previous fall, but Jared insisted that they take some of his signing bonus for all they had done for him over the years. They were extremely proud of their son.

Once they wrapped up the films in Sparta, the Lady in Red group traveled to North Korea for two weeks, with the permission of the State Department. The plot of the movie did not have any political overtones. The friends simply filmed some action sequences and a car chase in the capital city. They also filmed several scenes on some of the country's surprisingly beautiful beaches.

Steve insisted that the 'buddy movie' be about all of the guys, with no one person being the main character. Each of the guys had their girlfriend, or wife in Jason's case, be the love interest in the movie. That left Steve and Billy without girlfriends since Gwen and Charlotte were serving on the SS Charity. The lack of girlfriends for the two was easily written into the movie. Each of the other guys had a brief love scene. Jared's scene with Naomi turned out extremely well. Of course, Naomi looked sexy as usual and Jared was amazingly toned. He was a bit embarrassed by all of the complimentary comments from the women in the group, but extremely pleased that his hard work was noticed.

Steve met with Jong a few times and they got along very well. Jong also visited the set often and seemed impressed with the beauty of the American women in the film. There were no political issues and the filming went smoothly. They returned to Sparta in the last week in June to film the remaining stateside scenes that had not been done before the trip to Korea.

Charlotte and Gwen had satellite phones and called home often. The phones required constant charging, but otherwise worked very well. It was during an afternoon conversation with Gwen that Steve began feeling uneasy.

"We just left Yemen this morning," began Gwen. "The people have been very friendly and seem to appreciate our efforts. I'm sure I made the right decision to be a doctor. I still want to be a pediatric surgeon, but that's going to take a few more years. In the meantime, I'm really enjoying the children we treat. We're headed south along the east African coast. We'll stop in Somalia for a couple days and then continue on to Mombasa, in Kenya. This has been a great trip!"

"You're stopping in Somalia?" asked a surprised Steve. "I don't think that's a good idea. They have a lot of pirates and outlaws along the coast there. You should sail way out, well away from the coast of Somalia."

"The captain has been assured by the United Nations that we won't have any contact with any pirates or outlaws. Somalia has guaranteed our safety," replied Gwen.

"Gwen, I'm not one to trust either of those governing bodies. Especially not with your welfare. You should try to talk the captain out of it. This could go bad really fast."