Chapter 1

Paula proudly surveyed the young women sitting at her table. Charlotte and Jordan, as well as her three daughters, had joined Paula and Beatrice Patterson for a leisurely lunch at Marsh's landing. The girls had matured into beautiful, accomplished women. Charlotte, as it turned out, was a late bloomer. Skinny and angular in high school, she was now a woman with all the right curves.

Steve's grandmother was enjoying her first visit to Sparta and appeared very impressed with the restaurant. She had obviously been pleasantly surprised at all of the photos and posters on the walls of the restaurant.

"This place looks like a shrine to Jordan Quick and the Anderson family!" marveled Beatrice as she gazed at the pictures and posters that adorned the walls of the establishment.

"Yeah, the joke around here is that Billy insisted his father add this section to the restaurant so they'd have more wall space for photos. Billy's in business with his dad, now that he's out of college," revealed Charlotte. "He says that with the new hospital and Lady in Red Performing Arts Center in town, it was a no-brainer. Look how crowded the place is at lunch time."

"Actually, Grandmother Patterson, these photos are more of a tribute to your grandson. He's the common denominator in every photo. Everyone in these pictures is connected to Steve in some way. It just happens that Jordan and we Anderson girls are a bit more connected than most," stated Gwen with a big smile.

"Would you mind giving me a brief tour of the photos?" asked Steve's grandmother. "My eyes aren't what they once were, but I can see some amazing pictures, even from here."

"It would be our pleasure!" responded Gwen. "We'll all go with you, as most of the pictures involve one or more of us. Let's start in the original dining room. That's where Billy's father posted the first pictures."

The group headed out to the older part of the restaurant. They quickly began explaining the stories behind the photos. Beatrice was shown the pictures of the first 'Lady in Red' dance, the 'Emerson River Rescue', the posters Lisa and Gwen made with Steve to promote 'The Lady in Red' line of clothes, the 'pass', both terrorist attacks on the Spartan Nation, along with the sexy posters the school board had been shown the night they voted to award Jordan, Gwen, and Steve special plaques for their outstanding citizenship.

Diners stopped eating to watch and listen to the famous ladies of the Spartan Nation explain the history behind the many photos on the walls. Quite a few of the patrons used their phones and cameras to video the story telling, while others simply took pictures of Jordan Quick and the Anderson sisters.

"Are we bothering the other diners?" worried Beatrice. "We seem to be creating a bit of a stir."

"Not even close," laughed Kate. "Billy and his dad made a deal with Steve, and it includes all of us. It's hard to believe, but every week hundreds of people come to this restaurant to see these pictures, and to hopefully get the chance to meet Steve and/or the rest of us.

"Billy offered to serve all of us free of charge every time we stopped in, thinking it would have the effect of coaxing us to come here more often. In theory, that would increase patronage here from fans of Steve, Gwen, and Jordan, which would have a positive effect on their bottom line.

"Steve told Billy that it would do the opposite; that we would not be comfortable eating here if we didn't pay for our meals. The two guys finally worked out a deal. We all stop in here as often as we can, and we pay for our meals. In return, the restaurant supplies free breakfasts every morning to every child, or adult in need, that comes through the door. These free meals are offered between 5 AM and 9 AM. Lady in Red Productions splits the expense with the Marsh family," stated Kate. "That way, we're glad to stop in and help a restaurant that is giving back to the community, big time. They put on a big buffet in this room every morning and allow those that have fallen on hard times to eat for free. They often have over a hundred people, mostly children, stop in on any given morning."

"What this is all leading up to is that we're helping Marsh's business by being seen here, being courteous, and approachable to the folks that dine here. Notice how they're watching us, taking pictures, and videos. People drive out of their way to come here, and for the chance to interact with Steve and Gwen, or some of the rest of us," indicated Jordan. "This helps the Marsh family and allows them to afford the free meals for those in need. We're all super proud to be a part of this. I don't know how Billy and Steve dreamed it up, but it's sure working well."

"The boys have created a win/win situation. That's quite clever," admitted Beatrice. "I see that the incredible photo of Gwen in Russia with that newborn baby has a prominent place. I was actually there when that happened! What an amazing trip. I notice that there are pictures of Gwen and Steve with world leaders and performing in Sochi at the grand opening of the stadium."

"It wasn't until we returned to the States and Steve entered the Academy that I began to realize how incredible that trip to Russia was," revealed Gwen. "Our song, 'The Glory of Love' was on top of the charts when we got back home. Our faces were all over the papers and cable news stations. My issue of 'Maxim' actually sold out. Morning shows, talk shows, and even news programs were constantly after Jordan and me to appear.

"We couldn't go anywhere without causing all sorts of problems with traffic and security. Jordan and I, sometimes together, and sometimes separately, appeared on a lot of TV programs the first month after we returned from Russia. I told Steve he was lucky that he was at the Academy and isolated from it all. He was able to concentrate on his schooling, training, and playing football.

"Then 'Can't Live' was released as a single in mid-July. It was another huge hit; the second hit from a movie that wasn't even in theaters yet. Just as that song began to cool off, Mom had them release 'Midnight Lights' and that was even bigger! It was on top of several charts when Labor Day rolled around.

"It was probably a bit too much, too fast for me. I was sought after wherever I went. Steve wasn't around to keep me grounded. Charlotte and I left for Stanford ten days before Labor Day and the opening of our film," recalled Gwen with some embarrassment. "We had hardly settled into our dorm when Jack Timberline contacted me and asked if I would perform with him at a concert he was doing at Stanford Thursday night, the first week of classes. I agreed, and that's where that photo came from," indicated Gwen as she pointed to a picture of herself and Jack Timberline.

Gwen remembered those early days at Stanford like they were yesterday. The photo of her with Jack Timberline wasn't her finest moment, but she insisted that the Marshes hang the picture on the wall in the appropriate timeline. It helped keep her perspective and remind her just how close she came to ruining a great thing.

Charlotte and Gwen reported to Stanford ten days before the big Labor Day weekend. They had freshman orientation, as well as a week of classes before the Labor Day world premiere of 'Midnight Lights'. The two girls had agreed to room together in a woman's dormitory. They wisely decided that a coed dorm would likely create more distractions and drama. Both of them were in a committed relationship, so they had zero interest in meeting boys, or constantly dealing with them socially.

The two friends had barely gotten their suitcases into their room when girls started dropping by. Most of the visitors were obviously curious about their new neighbor. Most introductions began with, "You're Gwen Anderson. I'm Debbie. I love your videos, songs, and TV shows and can't wait to see your new movie. Is Steve Hammer as gorgeous in real life as he is on TV? Will he be visiting you very often?"

Gwen would always smile at the girl and shake her hand. "Yes, I'm Gwen Anderson. Please call me Gwen. Steve's enrolled at the Naval Academy, so he won't be able to visit as often as I'd like. In fact, I'll be gone quite a few weekends to visit him. It's nice to meet you."

That first evening, the girls from the room across the hall showed up at their door with several Pizzas, followed by just about every girl on the floor. "We've got some pizza and soda. Could we join you guys for a little social dinner? All of us want to meet and get to know you better. You can imagine how excited we are to share the same floor with a celebrity. We've got a million questions to ask, if you're okay with it."

Soon the girls were seated on the two beds, the two chairs and the floor, sharing pizza and listening to Gwen's responses to their questions. Gwen was half way through her recollection of the bombing in Sochi when her cell phone rang. The ringtone was 'The Glory of Love'. It only took a second for a petite, dark haired girl named Cindy to make a correct assumption.

"I bet that's Steve Hammer's ringtones! This is so cool!"

"Hello, Steve. Yeah, we arrived and got settled in okay. Charlotte and I are having some pizza and soda with most of the other girls on the floor. Would you mind if I put you on speaker? For some reason, they're quite curious about you, and they'd love to hear what you have to say. Okay, here it goes," grinned Gwen as she switched her phone to speaker.

Steve managed a couple of sentences before he was barraged with questions. He did his best to respond politely to as many as he could. Then the girl named Cindy asked the one question everyone wanted answered. "So, Steve, I didn't quite catch your phone number. Would you mind repeating it?"

"I must have forgotten to mention it. Ask Gwen for it after we disconnect. She's the only one with the authority to give out my cell number to pretty girls. It keeps me from making bad decisions," laughed Steve.

Gwen noticed her battery was dying, so she gave her apologies to the girls as she switched the phone so she could have a private conversation. Then she stepped into the bathroom and closed the door. She returned in a minute, gave the girls a big smile and plugged her phone in to charge.

"You've made some friends here today!" laughed a tall blonde girl named Dakota. "Visiting with the famous Gwen Anderson was great, but having a conversation with Steve Hammer was incredible. We'll be falling over ourselves trying to stay in your good graces. Do you think Steve will be visiting anytime soon?"

"We've been toying with the idea of riding Harleys up from L.A. over the Labor Day weekend," revealed Gwen. "Charlotte, Jordan, and I have boyfriends that love those big bikes. We'll probably stay over in L.A. Saturday night and hit the road early Sunday. The drive up the Pacific coast is supposed to be incredible."

"You mean that Steve Hammer AND Jordan Quick might be stopping here on Labor Day?" quizzed a mousey redhead whose name Gwen had forgotten. "I'm going to be sure I'm around when they show up. Going to college is really amazing. It must have been crazy to have all three of you in the same class in high school."

"I could tell you stories about that," revealed Charlotte. "By the time they graduated, Gwen and Jordan were named the two sexiest women in the world by a couple of magazines. I would be very surprised if Steve isn't named the sexiest man alive by 'People Magazine' in a month or so. He should be able to hold that title for the next twenty years."

That statement by Charlotte sparked interest as well as numerous questions. The girls asked Charlotte how well she knew Steve Hammer and what she could reveal about him. Then Gwen's phone rang again. Gwen casually picked it up, knowing it wasn't Steve's ringtone. The other girls listened to her end of the conversation.

"Hello? Hi! It's great to hear from you, Jack! Yes, I'm just settling in here at Stanford. I saw the posters today and I was going to try to get tickets tomorrow. Of course I'd pay to hear you sing. You're very good. All those hits you've had indicate that you've got a lot of talent, and you're very popular with the female fans.

"Really? Me? I'll have to check with my agency, but if they say it's okay, I'd be glad to sing with you. Want to do the same two songs we did last time? "Glory of Love'? I guess we could. Thursday night will work because I'm leaving early Friday morning for our movie premiere in New York on Friday night."

"Tell me that was Jack Timberline!" squealed the mousey redhead after Gwen disconnected. "He wants you to perform with him next week at his concert, doesn't he? That sure beats being invited to the junior prom!"

"How will Steve feel about you being with Jack Timberline?" asked Cindy. "I know my boyfriend would have a fit if I hung around with a known ladies' man like him, not that I'd ever have the chance."

"Steve knows I'll just be singing with him. He isn't the jealous type, and I never give him reason to worry. You can all guess how much I don't want to ever lose Steve. I'll do anything for that guy!" admitted Gwen to the other girls.

It was almost midnight by the time Charlotte and Gwen managed to usher their guests out the door. "They seemed nice enough," allowed Charlotte as they picked up the empty pizza boxes and placed them in the trash. "I just hope the novelty wears off before too long. I'm really glad we're in a girls' dorm. If there were guys in the building, they'd all be sniffing around the beautiful Gwen Anderson and we'd never get any peace.

"If you sing at Timberline's concert Thursday, you'll miss Steve's first football game, and they're playing Ohio State on ESPN. You know that, right?"

"I thought of it after I'd agreed to sing. I'm thinking that if the concert starts at six because it's a school night, it'll be over by nine. The game starts at eight, so it should last well after the concert is over," allowed Gwen.

"That sounds good, except that the game starts at eight Eastern Time. That means five o'clock here. The game will be over long before you get back from the concert," pointed out Charlotte to her friend.

"Oh, dear! I promised Jack that I'd sing with him. I guess you could record the game, if you would, and I'll watch it after the concert. Steve said he's starting the season as the third string quarterback. He's the back-up punter, too, and I didn't even know he could kick that well. It doesn't surprise me, though. I'm more surprised that they have two guys better at quarterback than Steve. One's a senior and the other's a junior. Steve should start in a couple years, if not sooner.

"It seems to me that appearing in concert with Jack Timberline will help get us some media exposure and help create interest in our movie. Being seen on stage with Jack Timberline will certainly help get me noticed."

"What planet are you on?" demanded Charlotte. "There's only two other people in the world that are as popular as you. Timberline sure isn't one of them! He needs you to help him. You passed that guy out months ago. You don't seem to get exactly what you, Jordan, and Steve have going right now. You guys are on top of the heap; kings of the hill! My best friend just might be the most sought after performer in the world, and when she's with Jordan Quick and Steve Hammer there's no doubt. You'll be helping Timberline, not the other way around."

"Wow! You seem so certain. It's hard to believe that I could be that popular. Still, Jack helped me when I was starting out, so I feel like I owe him. This should make us square," decided Gwen.