Chapter 51: What Are You Doing Here?

November 20, 2002, Chicago, Illinois

🎤 Jesse

When Missy removed the last of her clothes, we stood naked in front of each other, our clothes in two piles on the floor. I smiled appreciatively at her sexy body, especially her impressive chest and long legs.

"You don't like me?" she asked timidly, her eyes darting down to my groin.

"One thing I've learned is that nudity does not imply sex," I said. "And you know I'm in the sauna naked with girls. A hug and a kiss will bring about the reaction you're looking for ... assuming you're looking for it."

"Uhm, just the shower, OK?"

"Then, for safety's sake, not even a kiss until we put our clothes back on."

"Seriously?" Missy asked. "But I want to see..."

"Then you draw the line we don't cross, but I'll hold you to it."

"I can't change my mind?"

"You could, but I don't want you to regret doing something you didn't intend to do because it feels so good you can't stop yourself. So choose a line, and we'll stick to it. If you want to cross it, it would be next time."

"Can't you just go with the flow?" Missy asked.

"I could, but you were the one who said you weren't sure how far you wanted to go."

"I know," Missy replied. "I'm just nervous and maybe even scared."

"Then let's just take a shower together, and then I'll walk you home."

"OK."

I took her hand, and we stepped into the warm spray.

[Tempe, Arizona]
🎤 Steve

I walked off the plane at Sky Harbor Airport, having returned to Arizona for the first time since 1972, when my family had lived in Tucson. I made my way to the arrivals hall and looked for the driver with a placard with my name. Spotting him, I walked over and introduced myself.

"Javier," he said. "May I take your bag?"

"I have it," I said. "Just lead the way, please."

"The Hyatt near Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, right?"

"Yes."

Ten minutes later, we were on Arizona 202, heading east towards Tempe.

"First time in Phoenix?" Javier asked.

"I was here about thirty years ago when we lived briefly in Tucson before moving to Ohio."

"That's where you live now?"

"I live in Chicago; my parents are still in Ohio. You from Arizona?"

"Mexico. My parents came to Arizona in 1985 when I was three."

"College student?"

"Computer science at ASU."

"I'm in IT," I said.

"Doing?"

"I'm a software developer, though I'm also President of the company my friends and I founded when we graduated from college in 1985."

"That's cool! What kind of software?"

"Legal and medical," I replied. "But we also do consulting, contract programming, and systems engineering and operations support."

"Only in Chicago?"

"No, we have offices in Colorado, Texas, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina. What do you want to do when you graduate?"

"Get a job!"

I chuckled, "OK, yes, but what's your dream job?"

"I'm really interested in high-performance computing."

"I have a friend who is a professor and researcher at UofI who is into supercomputers and another friend who runs an investment firm that makes use of clusters of mid-range systems for high-speed trading. I'll give you my card, and if you call me when you're ready to interview, I'll put you in touch with both of them."

"Just like that?"

"I'll give you the foot in the door! The rest is up to you! And even though we're a boring company by those standards, you're welcome to interview with us as well."

"Can I ask why? I mean, you met me twelve minutes ago."

"You're working your way through school, right?"

"Yes, though I have grants and a partial scholarship."

"Anyone who works their way through school has the right attitude, and that is more important than anything else."

I took one of my cards from my pocket and handed it forward over the seat. Javier took it and glanced at it before putting it in his pocket.

"NIKA?"

"It's a Greek word that means 'victorious' or 'winner'. My friend and co-founder came up with the name."

"How many of you got together to start the company?"

"Five, though one of them is an MBA, not a CS major. We needed someone who knew finances and taxes, and that sure wasn't any of the rest of us! There was a sixth who we hired right away, though she was just starting college at the time. I taught her to program while she was in High School, and she's the best programmer in the company, though if you tell her I said that, I'll have to deny it!"

Javier laughed, "Better than you?"

"It's a close thing, but I'd say she's slightly better."

"Mind if I ask about your business here?"

"I'm evaluating a biotech startup for a friend of mine who lives overseas. We've done a lot of business together over the years, and he needed someone to actually eyeball the equipment they're developing. I can't say more than that, sorry."

"It's cool. How long are you in town?"

"Just until Friday morning."

"I have class, so I can't take you back to the airport. The company will send someone else."

"Does your family live in Phoenix?"

"Tucson, not too far from Davis Monthan."

"I was there for an air show back in '72," I replied. "We lived east, on Sabino Vista Drive, but that was thirty years ago, so I'm sure things have changed quite a bit."

"I'd say that's true," he said as he pulled up in front of the hotel.

He stopped, handed me a clipboard with an invoice, which I signed, then took cash from my wallet, added a generous tip, and handed it forward.

"I'll need a receipt," I said.

He tore one off a pad, signed it, and handed it to me, leaving the fields blank as was typical.

"Just fill it out, please," I said. "I'm billing my friend and don't need to pay the bill!"

He laughed, wrote the numbers and date onto the receipt, then handed it to me. I thanked him, then got out of the car through the door, which a bellman had opened.

"Welcome to the Hyatt," he said. "May I help you with any bags?"

"I just have the one bag, so no need," I replied and slipped him five dollars.

"Thank you, Sir!" he exclaimed.

He shut the door, and the car pulled away as I walked into the hotel and went to the registration desk.

[Chicago]
🎤 Jesse

"I'm not sure if I should be happy or offended that you didn't try anything!" Missy said as we dried off.

"Happy," I replied. "You have a great body, and given the opportunity, I'd like to explore every inch, inside and out!"

Missy laughed nervously, "Inside, huh?"

"That's up to you," I replied, hanging up my towel and picking up my underwear.

"Jesse, would you hug me?" she asked timidly.

I nodded and held out my arms. Missy stepped forward, and I put my arms around her, pulling her lightly against me. Missy wrapped her arms around me, put her head on my shoulder, and sighed deeply.

"This feels nice," she said.

It certainly did, and the contact of her large, firm breasts on my chest and the tickle of her pubic hair on my dick caused an immediate reaction, though because of how we were standing, my dick couldn't stand straight up; instead, it rose between her legs, my shaft pressing against her labia.

Missy surprised me by flexing her hips, her labia sliding back and forth on my rock-hard shaft. After doing that for a bit, she lifted her head, clearly wanting a kiss. I knew I had to be very careful, but I felt a kiss would be OK. I lowered my head until our lips touched. She parted hers, and our tongues began twirling around each other. Missy's arms tightened, pulling me more tightly against her as she continued flexing her hips. We continued for about a minute before she broke the kiss.

"Jesse," she said, panting, "Do you want to?"

I absolutely did, but I also felt it was a bad idea, given everything she'd said, not to mention she needed to be home before dinner.

"I do," I replied. "But we only have a little time, and I want you to be sure."

She bit her lip, nodded, and stepped back, allowing my dick to stand straight up.

"But what about that?" she asked quietly, looking down.

"I'll be OK," I said. "Let's get dressed."

It was a bit uncomfortable, but I knew it would go away. I began dressing, and Missy followed suit. When we were fully clothed, we went downstairs, put on our shoes, coats, hats, and gloves, and left the house so I could walk her home.

[Phoenix, Arizona]
🎤 Steve

"Welcome to the Hyatt, Mr. Adams!" The clerk at the registration desk said. "We have you in an executive suite for two nights, departing on Friday. Is that correct?"

"It is," I replied, handing over my American Express Card.

He made an imprint and handed it back, along with a room key.

"Enjoy your stay, Mr. Adams," he said. "Do you need assistance with your bag?"

"No, thank you. May I ask for a good place to eat within walking distance?"

"Nearly everything close caters to the college set," he replied. "So if you're looking for something a bit upscale, you'll need to take a cab."

I considered and decided I'd eat in the hotel restaurant, as on Thursday, I'd have lunch and dinner with people from the company I was evaluating. I thanked the clerk, then headed to the elevator to go up to my room. Once there, I unpacked, used the facilities, and headed down to the restaurant.

"Mr. Adams?!" a tall, beautiful, athletic blonde at the hostess stand exclaimed in surprise.

"Hi, CeCe!" I replied. "How are you?"

"Good! What are you doing here?"

"Business," I replied. "How long have you worked here?"

"I got the hostess job in August, right after I moved into the dorms. The softball coach arranged it."

"That's cool."

"Table for one?" she asked.

"Yes."

"This way, please."

She led me to a booth in the corner and handed me a menu.

"Your waitress will be right over! If you need anything, just ask!"

"Thanks. It was nice seeing you."

"And you!" she said brightly.

She left and the waitress, also clearly a college student, but shorter, with dark hair and brown eyes, came to the table.

"Hi!" she exclaimed. "I'm Shelly, and I'll be your waitress. What can I get for you?"

"Sparkling water with lime, please."

She wrote that on her pad and left the table. I perused the menu, looking for things that would fit my carb budget. When Shelly returned with my drink, I ordered a house salad with vinaigrette dressing but no croutons, a filet cooked medium rare, and steamed broccoli.

"Anything else?" she asked.

"That will do it, thanks."

She left to place the order, and I pulled out the latest edition of The Economist to read. Shelly brought my salad, and I read and ate, finishing the salad just before she brought my main course. She checked twice on me while I ate, the second time fetching another sparkling water with lime. When I finished eating, Shelly returned and handed me a dessert menu.

"See anything that looks good?" she asked, her tone making the question both suggestive and, at the same time, defensible as an honest question to a diner.

I looked the bubbly, dark-haired college girl up and down and said, "I'm not sure anything fits my diet."

"You're in great shape!"

"Yes, but I have to watch what I eat."

"I can suggest something that tastes great and is less filling!"

I chuckled, "Beer is absolutely off my list of permitted foods."

"Right, because that's what I meant!" she said with a smile. "May I ask about the diet? As I said, you're in great shape."

"Martial arts," I replied. "As for the diet, I have strange metabolism, so I have to be careful of anything with lots of carbs. And also careful with anything sweet!"

"Bummer! So, no desserts? Ever?"

"A friend of mine in Chicago is a chef, and he's come up with a way to make cakes and ice cream with an alternative sweetener."

"So you can eat anything that doesn't raise your blood sugar, right?" she asked invitingly.

"I could, though it has to meet my other strict dietary requirement."

"What's that?"

"I'm implying nothing by this, but a recent, clean STD test is mandatory."

"Hang on a sec," she said. "Someone is signaling me."

She walked away, and I placed a bet with myself that she'd not had the test. I wasn't sure why I thought that, but something said that was the case. She dealt with two other tables, then returned.

"I've always made the guy use a rubber," she said, confirming my suspicion.

"Wise, but my rule is a recent STD test, and I can't really waive it given my situation."

"Bummer," Shelly said, sounding disappointed. "How long does it take to get results?"

"At least a few days and often about a week, and I'm leaving on Friday morning."

"Well, that sucks!"

"Sorry. I was very interested."

"So no dessert then?"

"No. Just the check, please."

She walked away and came back with the check, which I signed to charge to the room, adding a very generous tip to indicate I appreciated her offer even if I couldn't avail myself of what I was sure would have been a fun time with a sexy college girl.

"If you're ever back here, give me a call," she said, handing me a paper with her name and number.

"I'll do that," I agreed, though I doubted I'd be back in Phoenix anytime soon.

I got up and walked towards the doors which led to the hotel proper.

"Did you enjoy your meal?" CeCe asked as I approached the hostess station.

"I did, thank you."

"I'm off at 10:00pm," she said. "Want to meet for a drink?"

"You're not twenty-one," I replied with a smile.

"So we'll drink Coke! Well, I will because that doesn't fit your diet, right?"

"Right," I agreed, considering if I should take her up on her offer.

"Please?" she requested. "Just a Coke and a chat?"

"Why not?" I asked.

"See you in the hotel lobby at 10:10pm," she said.

"See you then," I agreed.

🎤 Birgit

"Birgit! Telephone!" Suzanne called out.

It was just before 9:00pm, and the call was on the landline, which was strange. I got up from the chaise in the sunroom and went to the kitchen to answer the phone.

"Birgit!" I exclaimed.

"Hi, Birgit. This is Tomás Castillo. I'm on Jesse's hockey team."

"Third-line defenseman, right?" I asked.

"Yes! Jesse said you don't have a boyfriend, and I was wondering if you'd like to go out sometime."

I suppressed a groan because while it was true, I didn't have a boyfriend, I had to deal with the situation with Philip before I could really do anything. I didn't want to say 'no' to Tomás, who was hunky and seemed like a really nice guy, but I also couldn't say 'yes' before I spoke to Philip.

"I'm busy this weekend," I said, "and next weekend is a karate tournament. Ask me again after Thanksgiving?"

"OK!" he exclaimed. "Thanks, Birgit!"

"See you Friday with the gang!"

We said 'goodbye', and I hung up. I went back to the sunroom and picked up my book, but I couldn't focus because I was still trying to figure out what I was going to say to Philip. I also knew I'd have to say something to Kjell as well, though that could wait a bit. I knew he was dating, and he knew I was, so it was really only the question of living with him for the year. That was a problem, but not nearly as big as the problem with Philip.

One way or the other, I wasn't going to be his girlfriend when I went to Sweden because there was no way I was going to not have sex for an entire year, and I wanted to be with Kjell again, even if I wasn't living at his house. I also hoped for a chance with Mikael, but I wasn't sure that would be possible.

As I was thinking, I decided that I should talk to Aunt Penny because I knew she'd had similar dilemmas, including with my dad and later when she and Terry had split up and then got back together. I let Mom know I was going next door, then put on my shoes, coat, and hat and left the house. When I rang the bell at Penny's house, Terry answered, and I let him know I wanted to speak to Penny.

Five minutes later, we were in their study with hot cocoa.

"What's up?" Penny asked.

I smirked, "Well, I could say I'm here to ask if Terry can play!"

Penny laughed, "I don't think you can meet my price!" Penny declared with a smirk.

I laughed, "Talk Dad into fucking your brains out?" I giggled.

"Right the first time! I never did believe you were as dumb as people say!"

"HEY!" I protested.

Penny laughed, "Gotcha!"

"I'll ask Dad," I said. "But that's not why I'm here."

"You realize the chance that he'll say yes is basically zero, even to the Empress of the Universe?"

"Well, it can't hurt to ask! I get twenty-four hours with Terry in exchange for you getting twenty-four hours with Dad!"

"Deal!" Penny exclaimed. "Now, the real reason you're here?"

I explained what had happened with Philip and how I felt and how I thought he felt, as well as the situations with Bob and Kjell and the call from Tomás.

"But no drama with girls?" Penny asked with an arched eyebrow.

"No comment," I giggled.

"So you have, and no drama," Penny said. "When I was with your dad, I rejected that idea out of hand. Later, I tried it, had fun, and shared. If I'd known when I was fifteen what I knew at twenty-two, I might have made different choices."

"Would you, really?" I asked. "I thought your choice was sex or a job, and you chose the job."

"Only because I thought I couldn't share," Penny replied. "As for the situation with Philip, I have to agree with your other confidantes — you have to talk to him. Both Terry and I cheated, and it was a nightmare. I'm sure you know about your dad and your mom."