Chapter 50

Mom was there. “Did you enjoy your night?”

“Er-yes, Ma’am.”

“Good. You both looked happy when I looked in.”

“Mom, we just slept together with our clothes on.”

“I know. Your father felt you two would be okay over the night. Your side is still showing a mean-looking bruise. I hope that salve worked.”

“It does and relieves the pain most of the night and day. Alice is particularly good at applying it to my side.” I smiled. “I do enjoy her touch.”

It was quiet for a few moments before Alice walked in. I smiled at her. She smiled back. My mother was grinning. She said, “Alice, your bed didn’t get much use last night.”

She stammered, “We-we weren’t doing anything but lying together and sleeping.”

Mom said, “That’s true but you two sure looked happy.”

Alice said dreamily, “I’m always happy when I’m with Jerry.”

Mom grinned and started her preparations for breakfast. Alice helped. I pitched in by setting the table. Dad came in and we ate together. He had to leave to go to the courthouse.

Alice said, “Jerry, let’s get in the hot tub. It will help your side feel better, too.”

I just nodded. We went into our rooms and changed into our suits. We came out wearing robes because it was cold out. Mom insisted we open our robes to demonstrate that neither one of us was naked. That did demonstrate that we were each wearing our skimpy suits. She grinned and we went out to the hot tub.

Removing the cover, we got in after leaving our robes on chairs. The air was cold but the water was hot. The jet felt good on my side. I said, “Fair Galadriel, you’re right, of course. It feels good on my side.” She smiled at me.

A few minutes later, Mom joined us. She said, “You aren’t on top of each other.”

I said, “Mom, that wouldn’t be appropriate. She’s more bare than last night and that was bare enough. There is a limit to our touching and we stay within that limit.”

Mom just smiled and Alice gave my hand a gentle squeeze. We sat there just letting the jets work us over until the timer cut off the pump action.

Alice moved slightly and we got up. I said, “Mom, we’re headed back in. Do you want me to reset the timer?”

“No, I should go back in and fix us a little lunch.” We all went inside after Alice and I put the cover back on the hot tub.

We all dressed and met in the kitchen. Mom said, “I don’t feel like cooking anything. Let’s go out. There’s a new Mexican restaurant in the shopping center. I need to pick up a few things at the grocery store, too.”

We left in her SUV with Alice in front. I had found the back surprisingly roomy and comfortable. At the shopping center, we went in to the restaurant and were seated. Our server noticed Alice even though she was covered. Her slacks were moderately tight. As usual, I thought her bottom looked amazing.

We thought our meals delightful. After lunch, we walked the grocery store with my mother. I pushed the cart with Alice beside me. She said, “I appreciate you two coming with me. I almost thought you might stay home and get romantic.”

Alice responded. “That’s not our style. We have plenty of time. We enjoy being out in public with each other.”

A minute later, a friend of my mother walked by. She stopped and said, “Lois, how are you doing? Is this your son, the football hero and his girl?”

Mom said, “Linda, it’s good to see you. I’m doing well. This is my son, Jerry, and his wonderful girl, Alice. They’re staying with us for the week. Isaac and I enjoy having the two of them here. Next week, they’ll be at her folks’ farm. Yes, Jerry has picked up some notoriety by playing football.”

“Mark and I have watched the sports as Angela has interviewed them. Jerry, you and Alice show a side of college students and athletes that is different from other views we sometimes see.”

Alice said, “Thank you, Ma’am. We try to be true to our values when the reporters come at us. There are many at our college who are good people. We’ve just attracted some notice that most good people don’t usually receive. I’m sure that the newscasts look for bad things because that’s what most people want to see.”

My mom then said, “Angela Jones was at the house with a camera and shot a lot of film. They plan a half hour special on Jerry and Alice as a lead-in to the Christmas season. We expect it on this weekend or next week at the latest.”

She said, “Mark and I will be watching for it to come on. Have a good day, Lois.”

“Thanks, Linda. See you around.”

“Good to meet you, Alice.” She trundled her cart away and we finished our shopping. Mom paid and I loaded. We went home and I carried the sacks into the house where Alice helped Mom put everything away. We finished and went into the living room to catch the early news. We were watching the channel for which Angela Jones worked. Nothing was said about a special.

Mom muted the TV until the weather started. She allowed it to make noise again. We listened to the weather forecast which called for clear and cold through the weekend. She muted the TV again. She said, “Is there anything you two want to do? Isaac won’t be home for another hour. The church is having a supper tonight and I reserved for the four of us.”

Alice asked, “Am I dressed well enough?”

“Yes, dear. You look very good. Son, you’ll do.”

I said, “Thanks, Mom.” She and Alice grinned.

I said, ‘Alice, would you rub some more salve on my bruise?”

“Okay. What were you gong to do if I wasn’t available?”

“Suffer.”

She grinned. “Poor baby. I wouldn’t want that to happen. Come on.”

She pulled me up and we went into my bedroom leaving the door open. “Take off your shirt, my love.” She smiled. She winked. “It’s a start on getting you naked.” My mother’s head popped in at the door. Alice grinned.

I had removed my shirt and lay on my bed exposing my bruise to her gaze and her hands as they wielded the salve.

She sat on the bed and gently spread the salve on my side. I could feel her hands run over my side spreading the salve and kneading it into my side. What little pain there was left me.