Chapter 2

[Sandy writes]

We had invited Pam and John for dinner and they came over to our home before they would head for their home. Jack had made reservations at the Embers but it was over an hour before we needed to be there. I seated Pam and got her some iced tea. We sat together comfortably.

John said, "I hate to bring up an uncomfortable subject but what was going on with my mother?"

Jack said, "John, I don't know. The last time I saw or heard from her directly, she was in the hospital just over two years ago. I know the house sold and she had moved to Texas. I have to figure that the move hasn't worked out well. She didn't look good."

I asked, "Jack, hasn't she always been the center of attention?"

"Yes, dear. I guess that's true."

"That may be the problem. I think she knows what she looks like, she's lonely, you're with your new wife, and you had two very pretty, young guards who obviously adore you. That would cut pretty deep. On top of all that, you were keeping your distance. That probably brought home to her what she no longer has. Altogether, it's a tough situation for her. Her father probably encourages her to think she is entitled to attention. That doesn't help matters."

Pam said, "John and I will have to talk about whether or not she will be present at Johnny's birth. Her actions and words worry me."

John said, "I understand, dear. It concerns me, too. We'll talk about it and listen to what we hear in the next few weeks."

Pam had had, by her own description, an absurdly easy pregnancy. She and John had talked for a long time about her working or not. I could understand her feelings in both directions. She would want to be with her child but she also has a very rewarding career, which she enjoyed. I was glad I didn't have to make such a choice. They lived very comfortably but below their means. They saved her check and even some of John's. They loved their life together and their jobs.

We talked about nothing special until time to leave. John and Jack drove us separately because each couple of us would go to our homes after eating. Everything at the restaurant went flawlessly. We parted with hugs and kisses.

Jack drove us home and we went inside. He said, "What are you going to do with the gown?"

"I don't know. I may keep it for formal events not that we have many. It won't shorten well." I turned away from him. "Unzip me, darling." He did and reached inside the gown to fondle my breasts. I leaned against him with a happy moan. "I do like your help in undressing."

"I try to do what I can." He chuckled.

We went upstairs to bed though it wasn't that late. He finished helping me get undressed and then I helped him. We made love until we were tired and happy. I slept in his arms.

We woke in the morning and went running. We met Chastity and Gretchen in the park and the four of us ran together. We sat around a park table and talked before going our separate ways with hugs and kisses all around.

We bathed and loved before dressing and going downstairs for breakfast. When the coffee finished, Jack poured us each a cup. I was cooking. "Jack, I've been thinking."

"That's dangerous." He chuckled.

"Seriously, we need to find guys for Chastity and Gretchen, particularly Gretchen. I think she scares guys."

"I think intimidates might be a better word than scare. She has never dated much in the time we've known them. They are both pretty and intelligent girls but Gretchen's additional height and gorgeous figure stops many. A lot of big guys never really learned to think. At least, it's a project."

I served our breakfast while Jack freshened our coffees. After prayer, I said, "I'm really serious about finding her a guy. Sometimes, I think she has quit looking."

"We can look for her."

"We will."

We dressed for church and drove my car to keep the battery charged. We arrived in time for our Sunday school class. The talk was about the wedding and how beautiful the bride and bridesmaids looked. I was wearing slacks and a blouse for comfort today. With a thin jacket, it looked formal enough to work fine for our church.

After talking with many people, we left for lunch at the buffet restaurant. The people there knew we traveled but came if we were in town. They were good people and the food was good and even healthy if you picked intelligently. Jack did pick intelligently now more often than not. We had just sat down with plates of salad when Chastity and Gretchen walked in. I saw them and waved. Both brightened and joined us.

Jack said, "Ladies, I'm glad Sandy saw you and you were willing to join us."

He grinned fiendishly, "I want to proposition you."

Chastity said, "The answer is yes. Right here in public or do you want to go somewhere private?" They both were laughing.

Gretchen asked with a hopeful sound in her voice, "Both of us at the same time or separately?"

I joined them in laughing as Jack blushed. That made it even funnier.

Finally, he said, "I remember you saying that your apartment's rent was going up if you signed a new lease. I have a different idea."

Gretchen said, "Your bed will be crowded with all three of us in it with you." There was more laughter.

I said, "Jack could have used better choice in his words because you two won't let him get away with bluffing or teasing.

"Becky has been living in Jack's condo since we married. When we married, Jack moved in with me."