Chapter 20

It was nice to get back to a normal routine. With swimming season over, Kim picked me up for school. The Lowcountry was still soggy from the rain but normal in the Lowcountry and we were used to it. During homeroom announcements, we heard the results of state finals. Our little school had taken first in five out of eight events. It was unheard of. I was obviously happy we’d done well, but I was ready for a break from it all before baseball started.

“Suck it up, Aquaman. Lots of fuss over you guys today but we’ll be back to normal tomorrow. Be nice. Don’t be short with anyone. Let them be happy for you,” Kim whispered.

“I’m always nice,” I protested.

“Uh-huh.”

At lunch, Mr. McClusky came to our table and congratulated us again. Then he asked Kim and me to come to his office at the start of seventh period. Nothing bad, he promised. We showed up, not knowing what to expect. Inside he motioned for us to take a seat.

“You both remember Debby Dare from Live Five news?” We nodded. “Someone tipped her off about your cheerleading success, and your swimming titles. She would really like to interview the two of you.”

“Sir, I think...” I started, but he cut me off.

“I know you don’t want the publicity. Neither of you wants to be famous. I get it. But let me suggest something different and if you still don’t want to, I’ll let her know. This is an opportunity to put Porter-Gaud in the spotlight in a very positive way. Alumni need to be reminded that we count on their support. And there’s an influx of people to the Lowcountry that don’t know about us. If you consented to an interview, parents might just realize that while you two did the work, we provided the environment for your success.”

“You want us to do an interview,” I said, just so we’d all be clear.

“I want to provide you with the opportunity and I want you to understand that there might be more to be gained. It didn’t cross my mind the first time. Now, it has. I think it would be good for the school but I will not pressure you into it. Not a chance. I don’t need an answer right now. In fact, I want the two of you to do what you always do. Think about it together and make a decision and I’ll support whatever you decide.”

“Maybe we could be the muffled voice behind the curtain,” I said, joking.

“I don’t think that would fly. But I believe she’d be happy to give the school an unofficial plug, with video of the campus, in exchange for a short interview. Think about it. No pressure. None.” We thanked him for laying it out for us and giving us some time to think about it.

We were done for the day. It’s always a little weird showing up for a regular PE class after you’ve been competing on a team. I was happy to wait a day for that. We got in the truck but Kim didn’t start it.

“You don’t want to do it, do you?” she asked.

“Not really.”

“You’re willing to do it anyway, aren’t you?”

“It’s up to you. I guess it seems like we should. I know Mr. McClusky said there was no pressure but it’s pretty obvious that he wants us to and that he thinks it would be good for the school.”

“What do we give up if we do it?” Kim asked.

“Comfort, I guess. Do you want to do it? What about Bobby? He won, too.”

“You think he’d be more comfortable doing it than you would?” she asked and we both laughed. Bobby most definitely would not feel comfortable. “Besides, she wanted to interview us before you won a couple of titles.”

I couldn’t think of any legitimate reason why we should say no. “Let’s ask your parents before we say ‘yes’. I don’t think Mom has been in that position before but your parents probably know some famous people. If there’s a good reason not to, they would probably know.”

“I already asked the first time around. Dad said we should feel free to give an interview but cautioned me about topics.”

“Something to avoid?”

“There’s no reason for us to mention money, our LLC, or land.”

“None of those things have anything to do with Porter-Gaud, so it shouldn’t be a problem.”

“Dad also said we should try to guess what kind of questions she’ll want to ask and know how we’ll answer them. He said if the interviewer was honest, she’d just be trying to tell an interesting story.”

“And if she isn’t?” I asked.

“Then she might try to make us look like little kids.”

“Great. Maybe I won’t shave that day.”

“Probably best.”

Kim drove us to my house where we had planned to lift. We needed to get back into a routine, but with swimming and competitive cheerleading over, the motivation was a bit lacking. On the other hand, we had a huge house to ourselves for a couple of hours each afternoon. Hmmm. What to do.

I checked the answering machine. Mom had left a lengthy message, telling us that they’d checked into the Hotel Del Coronado, which I knew was a super nice hotel on the beach. They’d picked up Angela, Karen’s mom, from rehab and brought her back to their hotel to talk. The bottom line was that Angela was willing to move to Charleston. For the next couple of days, they’d be working to sort her stuff in preparation for moving. Angela didn’t have a lot of stuff she wanted to move but she had a lot of stuff to get rid of. Mom sounded really optimistic. The message ended and I realized it had been from Sunday. One thing was for sure, both Karen and Mom knew how to organize and they’d had time to figure out a plan before they got there.

“What’s the earliest Dane has gotten home?” Kim asked.

“On Monday? Rarely before six. But why, pray tell, do you ask?”

“Come on, you dufus,” she said as she grabbed my hand and dragged me to the back guestroom.

After keeping a tough schedule for the last month or so, it was nice to really enjoy each other. We took our time and made love a couple of times, then showered together. We made love in the shower and it started off sort of funny but the humor of it didn’t last long and we both got hungry for each other.

Finally dressed, we cleaned up the room and went to the kitchen. I was about to start poking around in the fridge but I stopped short. I turned to face Kim. “Do you realize that you are becoming more and more stunning with every minute?”

She gave me a big smile and said, “I take it you like me with a ‘just-fucked’ look.”

“It’s my favorite. I don’t want to cook dinner. I want to go out somewhere nice. I want to go out to someplace where I can feel extra special because every guy in the restaurant will be jealous.”

It was a Monday and not terribly late so we went to Slightly North of Broad without a reservation and got lucky. Slightly North of Broad is something of an institution in Charleston and long known for great food. Sometimes a new chef will work there and bring a French influence. It’s one of those restaurants where you can take friends from out of town and know they won’t be disappointed.

I looked around the restaurant. “You are by far the best-looking woman in the restaurant.” She smiled but didn’t say anything. “I didn’t really need to check.” She smiled, nodded, and looked at the menu. Our waiter asked if we’d like a wine list. I looked at Kim and she shook her head. I thanked him and we ordered sweet tea.

“He was just being nice,” Kim said. It was funny.

“I should probably expect that on days when I don’t shave.”

“That’s probably it,” she said. We ordered and then started guessing what kind of questions we’d be asked. I didn’t think we’d get questions that were any more difficult than our parents had already asked. “We’ve been asked if we’re sure by our folks, our friends, teachers, co-workers, and everyone else. Dane and your mom are getting married because you pretty much kicked Dane in the butt and challenged him to fish or cut bait. Vince is leaving Notre Dame to come back for Lani and that’s not a small thing. I don’t think we have to worry about it,” she said.

“Probably not. But think about it. Is there anyone at Porter-Gaud who is dating because of us? Could we say something in an interview that would sort of push someone into a decision?”

“In one sense, that seems kind of arrogant. But in reality, I don’t think it is.” We talked about that and how to answer questions that wouldn’t get other people to do something stupid. We had to remind ourselves that it was a school night. Kim dropped me off and I hit the sack without reading anything. I didn’t even remember if I had any homework. It was pretty rare for me to be that unconcerned.

Tuesday morning, we went to Mr. McClusky’s office and told him we’d do it. He asked if we were certain, then told us he’d have to talk to our parents again, and that made sense. I gave him the phone number for Mom’s hotel. Kim and I agreed we wouldn’t mention it to our friends until after it was done.

At lunch, Mr. McClusky came to our table and I thought he was going to spill the beans. I saw Kim put a finger to her lips, but no one else noticed. “Tomorrow, third period,” he said and nodded. Of course, everyone wanted to know what was going to happen Wednesday during third period.

“Go to class like normal,” Kim said. “Art just wanted to remind us.” Art? That changed the subject. Sometimes, Kim is a pure genius.

Wednesday, we were dressed a little nicer than normal. It was cool enough for Kim to wear her Letterman’s Jacket, and that seemed appropriate. Mr. McClusky was waiting for us.

“Apparently, we don’t have a lot of time. They’re set up in Washington Hall,” he said and we started following him to the cafeteria. I couldn’t remember hearing anyone call the cafeteria by its real name.

Debby Dare was talking with Coach Miller in front of a table that had a garnet and gray tablecloth. Our trophies were on the table, along with a pitcher of water and three glasses. Mr. McClusky made the introductions, but we already knew each other.

“We can sit or stand, whichever you prefer,” she said. “Some people are nervous and prefer to sit. It’s entirely up to you.”

Kim saw the Porter-Gaud logo in the center of the tablecloth and said, “Let’s sit,” and we did.

“Thank you so much for agreeing to do this. I know you had some reservations when I was here before.”

“I think was a timing thing,” I said.

“I’d like to get my facts straight before we start, if that’s okay with you.” She sat across from us and asked us to confirm some stuff she already knew.

Mr. McClusky was pacing and I gave him a goofy look but he missed it. One of the cameramen noticed, leaned over to him, and whispered something. Probably, ‘Knock it off. You’re making everyone nervous.’ Whatever he said, Mr. McClusky stopped pacing.

“I think we’re ready,” she said. “First time on camera for both of you, right?” she asked. I didn’t think getting filmed swimming counted. We nodded. “It’s easiest if you try to ignore the cameras. Just talk to me like we’re old friends. A lot of people speak too quickly and stumble over their words. Take your time. We’re not live, so we can reshoot any part of it. Finally, just tell your story. I found it fascinating and I think our viewers will, too. Don’t try to say the right thing. I’m sure you will anyway, but don’t worry about having the perfect answer. Sound good?”

“I’m here today with two of the Lowcountry’s finest. I’d like you to meet Miss Kim McTighe, also known as Frontier Woman, and Mr. Jack, Aquaman, Pierce. Thanks for being with us today. Let’s start with those nicknames. How did you do get those?”

“I like to hunt, fish, and ride. It seems normal to me since I grew up doing those things but I guess it’s kind of unusual for a cheerleader. No one really calls me that. Every now and then, I guess.”

She turned to me. “I guess I’m a fish. I got it last year when I went to regionals as a freshman and that’s pretty unusual.”

“And you lived up to that nickname this year, didn’t you?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“South Carolina State Swim Finals was last Saturday and Aquaman took four titles out of eight events,” she said to the camera. “I think it’s safe to say you’re the fastest swimmer in the state,” she said picking up one of my trophies.

“Not really. I mean, I won four events at the high school level but a guy from Greenville won the fifty. That’s the shortest race so he would be the fastest. And then there’s college swimmers.”

“Four events, half the titles, isn’t bad for someone swimming in just their second year. And Kim, I understand you’re part of the team that competed in state cheerleading championships. How did that go?”

“We came in second behind Ben Lippen. We did what we wanted to, though. We improved from next to last, to next to first.”

“That’s an impressive improvement. I imagine you’re both pretty happy with those results. As impressive as those results are, we’re here to talk about something very different. Kim, you’re sixteen and Jack, you’re fifteen, with birthdays in the Spring and you two are engaged. We’re not talking about going steady or promise rings. You two are legitimately engaged. Tell us about that. Either of you.”

“We started dating about a year ago. I asked him out, really.”

“And of course, he said, ‘yes’.”

“Not exactly. It’s complicated. Anyway, we started dating and he really impressed me. I mean, he’s tall, dark, and handsome, super smart and he’s a jock on top of that.”

“I bet she’s pretty smart, too, isn’t she?” she asked me. I nodded, and then realized I’d better say it.

“Yes, ma’am. It’s not just that she’s smart. She’s an analytical thinker, too, and that’s kind of a big deal.”

“So, you started dating her because of her brains?” she asked, almost laughing.

“Exactly,” I said and Kim elbowed me.

“When did your relationship change from dating to something more serious?”

“I guess I started trying to imagine what it would be like married to Jack. It got to be easier and easier to do that, and then I tried to imagine what it would be like to not be married to him and it became harder and harder.”

Debby Dare turned to me. “One day, Kim said, we should stop using the word, ‘if’ and start using the word ‘when’ to talk about our future. I think that was kind of the end of playing around.”

“Wow. Taking the ‘if’ out of it made your relationship more intentional,” she said.

“That’s it, exactly,” Kim said.

“How did your parents respond? They must have had some reservations.”

“At first, they thought we were crazy, or just going through a phase or something. But when Jack took a full-time job last summer to earn the money to buy me a ring, everyone knew we were serious.” Kim held her hand out and Debby Dare took a good look. It really is a nice ring.

“It’s beautiful. Any hiccups along the way or has it been smooth sailing?”

I looked at Kim, and she answered. “We spent a couple of nights in the hospital. We were T-boned by a drunk driver and we ended up in the hospital. That was pretty scary.”

“Oh, my gosh! That was you two? I remember that. We’ll edit that out.” She collected her thoughts and said, “I’m sure something like that brought you even closer together. Do you have plans for the future, or are you just concentrating on graduating from high school.”

“We have plans,” I said.

“We’re going to be married on February 11th, 1984, the day Jack turns 18. He plans to go to Georgia Tech to get a degree in biomedical engineering, and I’m going to Emory for my undergraduate. I might go to USC for my JD. Law degree.”

“The longer we talk, the more impressed I am. We have a lot of young viewers. Care to give them any advice?”

“This is all you, Aquaman,” Kim said.

“Love is more than a feeling. It’s a choice. We’ve read a couple of books on relationships and we’re doing everything we can to avoid screwing it up. We talk about everything and decide together.”

“You are intentional. Kim, do you have anything to add?”

“Yes, ma’am. We know we’re young but we’re also serious. We’ve got a great environment here at Porter-Gaud and everyone is really supportive. It’s kind of like a family, most of the time.”

Debby Dare looked straight at the camera and said, “This is the kind of story every reporter lives for. From Porter-Gaud School, with Frontier Woman and Aquaman, this is Debbie Dare.”

“Got it,” said one of the camera men and the other agreed.

“One take? You can edit out my ‘oh, my gosh,’ right? No problems with that? Good. Phil, would you get some background footage, please. Art, would you mind showing off your beautiful campus?”

She turned back to us and took a deep breath. “Thank you so much for doing this. You’re naturals. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. Honestly, I came out here as a skeptic but now, I think you two will do everything you plan to do. I really like what you said about changing ‘if’ to ‘when’. This should air tomorrow night both at five and seven and I have a hunch we’ll have enough phone calls to make it part of our weekend roundup. If you’d like, I can make a copy of this so you can have it. Do you have any questions for me?”

“I have one. What are your viewers going to think when they see this?” I asked.

“That’s a great question. First, I haven’t had too many stories that survived intact. Usually, my producer will edit it down in length. This might just make it intact, though. Then, the story will be introduced from the studio. How Stu or Angie frame the story might have an impact on that. I think people will be encouraged.” She thought for a minute. “Yup. That’s the word. Encouraged. People like to see likable people succeed.”

“Thanks. Can I ask a favor?”

“Name it.”

“When you asked if I was the fastest, I kind of derailed that. I didn’t mean to do that but I had to. I was the fastest high school student at those four events on one day in November. If my explanation gets edited, would you edit out you saying I’m the fastest, too?”

“It would be short-changing a lot of other swimmers, huh?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

We shook hands, she thanked us again, and that was it. They were almost out of the cafeteria, when kids started pouring in for lunch. I saw Mel spot them, look at us, then back at Debby Dare and make the connection. ‘Here we go,’ I thought.

“If it’s all the same to you, I’ll let you explain it all. I think we did okay.”

“Not as bad as you thought?” she asked.

“No. Actually, what I was thinking was that Debby Dare has a talent for making people comfortable in front of the camera. How many people are going to see that, do you think?”

“Not that many. A couple of hundred thousand, probably.”

“No. Really. How many?” I asked.

“Ask my dad. He’ll know. I wouldn’t be surprised though. What did you think?”

“I thought since I don’t watch the local news then not very many people do. I guess that was wrong thinking. I’m glad I didn’t say that.”

“Well, it’s not like Atlanta or New York or something. But sometimes their national broadcast will pick up a local story, though.”

“Just what we need. At least she didn’t ask any of the red flag questions your dad mentioned. You know what I never thought of? When we got T-boned, it was probably on the news.”

“I didn’t think of it either. The squad’s going to want the details.”

“We could tell them to watch the news,” I said and we both laughed. That would never work.

There was no way we were going to escape to our lockers to get lunch so I got in line to buy lunch for us while Kim did the talking. That was probably the only time in my life where I was happy to wait in line. I got to our table at the same time Mr. McClusky did.

“Nice job, you two. Miss Dare said she’d send a couple of copies here, once it’s done. Sometimes, you do something like this and nothing comes of it and other times, your phone rings off the hook. I have a hunch we’ll get a few phone calls. Thanks. You’re off the hook for last period again. Why don’t you show up for regular PE starting next Monday. Sound good?”

It did. Bobby gave me the we’re-not-worthy bow and I laughed.

“I wish I would have been here,” Marci said.

“It will be on TV. There were two guys with cameras and her and that’s it,” Kim said.

“I know. But she could have waited five minutes to say ‘hi’. Right?” None of us knew what she was talking about. Why would she wait to say ‘hi’?

“Did you want to meet her or something?” I asked.

“I’ve already met her. She’s my aunt.”

“Debby Dare is your aunt?” I asked.

“Yeah. She knows I go here. Oh well. I guess I’ll probably see her next week at Thanksgiving.”

“I had no idea. Does she have stories?” I asked.

“You mean like all the stupid stuff that happens off camera? She could write a book. Most of it is stupid stuff but sometimes people are really cracked. You know, she doesn’t want people to look stupid but sometimes...”

“Sometimes people are just stupid,” Kim said and she nodded. What a strange turn of events. It was a good turn, though. Instead of focusing on Kim and me, everyone wanted to hear Marci’s inside scoop about her aunt. Who would have guessed?

“She doesn’t usually end up with disaster stories,” Marci said. “You know, fires and floods and all that. She said she hated doing those because people were at their worst. She was over for dinner one night and said she just wanted to tell one woman, ‘go get your false teeth, and put a bra on while you’re at it,’ but they were in a hurry.”

I thought it would go downhill from there. Kim and I slid out of our seats and ate quietly at a different table. I knew she would have been happy to stay but she knew I was just about peopled out.

Swim season was over and baseball practice didn’t start until January, at least not officially. Cheerleading was kind of weird. Their season was over but they could still go to different games if they wanted to. PE was one of those subjects that were sort of negotiable for varsity athletes in the off season. Either way, neither of us had to show up for PE until Monday, Mom was out of town and we had some catching up to do.

Back at the house, I checked messages. Angela had too much stuff for them to move with the rental car so Mom called the Kidney Foundation to pick stuff up. They had movers scheduled for Saturday. They planned to spend one last night in a hotel and be home late Sunday afternoon. Franklin left a message asking for help on Saturday, undoubtedly to prepare for Angela’s arrival. Dane had left a message on the fridge letting me know there was cold pizza if I wanted to heat it up.

Our afternoon was planned. We went back to our favorite guest room and Kim set the mood. “Get in bed and get hard,” she said, peeling clothes off. Holy crap. “I’m on top today.”

“You are?” I asked as I stripped down.

“Yes. I’ve been on top before but I always rode you at a walk or trot. Today, Mr. Aquaman, I plan to canter.” Hoo-boy.

I knew how to follow instructions. I peeled the covers back, got naked, and lay down on the bed. Kim didn’t waste any time and climbed on top, straddling my thighs. She was glorious, and I was hard, just like she’d ordered.

“You have the most...”

“Shh. Put your hands over your head. Grab the headboard. You can use them to do that,” she said and inched higher.

“Baby, you have changed. I mean, you looked good before but now, your stomach ... you look super tight.”

“It might have something to do with losing eight pounds getting ready for cheer comp.”

“It might have something to do with a couple of thousand leg raisers, too. I want to feel.”

“Nope. Hands up,” she said, and inched a little higher. I watched her position herself as close to my very ready dick as possible, without touching it.

“You’re killing me, Baby. You look so good, I want to...”

“Nope. Glad you think I look good. Enjoy that.” I looked down and she was so close to me, I could feel her heat. She settled down on my thighs, my dick untouched.

“So close, and yet ... Come on, Baby. You look so good. I have to touch you.”

“We are touching,” she said with a wicked smile, then relented. “You may touch my stomach a little.”

My hands flew straight to her tits, cupping them, my thumbs circling her already very stiff nipples.

“That’s not my stomach,” she complained but she moaned appreciation, too.

“A short detour. Baby, they are undeniably amazing. They are perfect. Give me a taste.”

“You’re impossible,” she said. “Here.” She leaned down, offering me her left tit. I arched up to circle her nipple with my tongue. When I tried to suck it into my mouth she lifted up, out of reach.

“Ugh. Come on,” I begged.

Instead, she lifted up, grabbed my dick and brushed it across her wet pussy lips. I practically lost it. Then she trapped my dick between her pussy and my belly and slid up and down a couple of times, coating me with her juice.

“In, please. Baby, I’m going to cum before I even get inside.”

“Easy, Aquaman. We’re just getting started.”

“I’m about to finish.”

She lifted up again, situated herself, then slowly dropped down on me. I felt her hot pussy swallow my dick, engulfing it in exquisite heat. Once all the way down, she leaned back, putting her hands on my thighs. She arched forward so my dick pressed against the front of her. I knew she loved that spot. She lifted and settled, just an inch at a time.

“Can you last with little moves like that?” I nodded. “Because that feels really good to me.” She closed her eyes and lifted up and down, just an inch or two at a time.

I watched her face as she rode me. She ran her tongue over her lips, and then bit her lower lip. When she let her head arch back, I knew she was close. I put my hands on her hips and encouraged her to speed up, and increase the length of her stroke and she did. I dropped my right hand, twisting it so I could slide my thumb against her clit.

She really started to move. She was cantering and we were both close. I started thrusting up at her, and with each stroke, she ground against me at the bottom. She’d been quiet until then, but she was over the top and she began a low moan that grew.

“I’m going to cum, Baby,” I said.

“Give me.”

I thrust up as I began to spurt into her and she crushed down against me, her own orgasm beginning. As she started to quake, she reached down and pulled my hand from between us, so I moved them both up to cup her tits again. Her orgasm was in full swing and I managed to pinch her nipples as I thrust up and we climaxed hard, together. I felt her pulse, coaxing me to an amazing orgasm.

She ground against me, holding herself down, working for the last little spasm of pleasure, and then collapsed forward against me. I wrapped my arms around her and held her tight to me.

“You feel amazing,” I said, quietly.

“Um, hm. You feel pretty good, too. This is one of my very favorite things to do, you know.”

“One of? There are other things you like to do as much as that?”

She wiggled a little and said, “There’s one that’s pretty nice.” Ah, ha.

I rolled over on top of her, then slid down her body, and gave her a serious dose of my best work. I had surprised her, and when my lips slid around on her sloppy wet pussy she shrieked. The shriek turned into a moan when I ran my flat tongue across her and with very little effort on my part, she enjoyed her second orgasm of the afternoon.

I climbed back up until we were face to face again. “That was nice. I think that might be second best. It’s definitely way up there. Top ten at any rate.”

“Top ten, huh?” I started to move back down but she wrapped me up so I couldn’t.

“Enough. That was good. Top five. Definitely.” I struggled to get free. “Top three. Really. Stop. I’m too sensitive. You’re a dufus.”

“Thank you.” I rolled off to the side and she slid next to me so I could wrap my arm around her shoulder. “This is nice. Definitely in my top ten as well.”

It didn’t take long before she was asleep, her little snores sounding like a kitten purring. I tried to judge the time but couldn’t do it. I didn’t want Dane to walk in on us so I jiggled Kim and slid my arm out. She stirred.

“I’m going to shower and dress in case Dane comes home. I can get a change of clothes for you from Mom’s room if you want and you can snooze.”

“What time is it? Is that clock right?” she asked looking at an alarm clock I’d forgotten about.

“I never switched it from daylight savings. I think it’s an hour off.” After some debate about the time, Kim cleaned up and went home to fix dinner for her folks.

Twenty-four hours later, a bunch of us were crowded around the TV at the McTighe home. Dane and Franklin had both taken off work early to watch our interview with Marci’s aunt. Bobby and Mel were there and so was Mrs. Middleton. Kim and I joked about it but the truth was we were both nervous, and neither of us had expected to be.

We watched their lead story about construction on a new highway, a runoff election in Mt. Pleasant, and a fire at an apartment complex. Finally, after sports and weather, Debby Dare came on and we all got quiet to listen.

“You may remember when we aired a story last April about a couple of teenagers who had been T-boned and were in the hospital,” she said and they showed a picture of Kim’s totaled truck. “I recently caught up with those two and you’ll be happy to learn, they’re doing fine. In fact, they’re doing a lot better than just fine,” and it switched to our interview.