UNDER CONSTRUCTION, CHAPTER 10

 

         Charlie realized she wasn’t alone and didn’t like that fact. Her head ached and her mouth felt as though an army had marched through it while she slept. She moaned and muttered, “Quit, just stop it.”

“Hey babe, it’s time to wake up. I’ve got something for you. I wanted to give it to you last night, but you were passed out by the time I came in to join you. I was so disappointed.” Bradley’s voice was much too loud. It made her head hurt worse. And his hands, he couldn’t seem to keep them to himself. It actually felt as though he’d grown several more pairs. Then there was his hairy leg thrown over both of hers. Thank God she was laying on her tummy.

“Bradley, stop it. I have a huge hangover and I have to pee. Move your leg please.”

When Charlie climbed out of bed, she cast a swift look at Bradley and he was pouting. It was his most unattractive feature. If he didn’t get his way, he got this look on his face. It was a look that made her want to send him to stand in the corner like the little kid he appeared to be at those times.

Finished on the toilet, Charlie started the shower and stepped inside. She was barely wet when Bradley tried to join her. “No Bradley, I’m not in the mood for fun and games this morning. If you want a shower, you can have one after I finish.”

“Well fine. If that’s how you feel, I think I’ll just head on back to my condo.”

“Go ahead. Have a nice Sunday.” Charlie responded and turned her back to him.

When Charlie stepped out of the shower, she felt much better than she had going in. Her headache was almost gone and she’d drunk at least two quarts of warm water during her shower. It also made her feel much clearer to know that Bradley had left, that is if he had. Wrapped in a towel, she entered her bedroom to find both him and his clothes gone. Yippee, she thought. I get to have my very first morning in my first new house all to myself. If I hadn’t been so wined up, I would have sent Bradley away last night.

Dressed in shorts and a tank top, Charlie went into her kitchen and prepared her first latte of the day. She took it and a fuzzy blanket to the porch and nestled into the pillows on the porch swing. It was a little bit chilly so the blanket felt good over her legs. She sipped her latte and watched the lake and surrounding woods while she listened to the bird calls. She thought she could happily spend hours right there enjoying the peacefulness emphasized by the natural world around her.

Charlie returned to the swing with her second latte and a couple slices of peanut butter toast. As she munched away between sips, she thought about Bradley and decided it was time to send him on his way. They didn’t really have much in common and he definitely wasn’t someone with whom she’d want to spend her life or even a long period of her life. She also thought about Adam and knew one of the reasons for telling Bradley farewell was because she hoped to see if a relationship could develop with Adam. She wasn’t raised to be the kind of woman who juggled two men at the same time. That was tantamount to being a whore in her mamma’s book and she definitely didn’t want to find herself in that particular book. And, if it turned out Adam wasn’t interested, that would be fine too. She was ready to stop seeing Bradley regardless.

It was good Charlie had the talk with herself because before the afternoon was over, Bradley called, over his pout and ready to get together.

“Hey Babe, how about I pick you up and we go out to dinner? I can be there in a few and after dinner, maybe we can christen that new bed of yours like I wanted to last night and this morning.”

“Bradley, thanks for the invitation, but I believe it’s time we called it quits. I don’t want to continue seeing you….”

Bradley broke in, “What do you mean Babe. We’ve got a great relationship, with terrific sex and….”

“First, Babe, I really hate being called Babe and I’ve asked you more than once to use my name and not that word. And, yes, the sex has been good, but I’ve gone without before and can do so again.”

“But, how can you, I mean, I thought things were great.” Bradley flustered by her dismissal tried to find words that might change her mind.

 “I know you did, but I never intended our involvement to be a long-term thing. My mamma keeps introducing me to eligible young men and you were one of them. I’m just not the least bit interested in a permanent relationship. I really shouldn’t have gone out with you to begin with, but it did get mamma off my back for a while. Now that I’m living in my own house, it will be much easier to avoid her match-making.”

“But, Babe, I mean Charlie, I really like you. I thought we might have a future together.”

“Well Babe, that’s simply not possible. I enjoyed my time with you, but now, it’s time for you to find a new playmate. I’m done.”

“Charlie, wait….”

“Bradley, I wish you the best. Have a great life. Goodbye.” Charlie pushed the button on her phone and immediately deleted Bradley and his information from her contacts. Just to make sure he didn’t become a nuisance, she blocked his number so his calls, if he called, wouldn’t come though. Her mother wasn’t going to be too happy about her sending Bradley on his way, but not living under the same roof would make it easy for her to ignore her mamma’s unhappiness about the lost potential of marriage and babies.

Over the next few weeks, Charlie spent most of her time in the office dealing with a wide variety of issues and reviewing requests from companies and individuals for her firm’s services. They were already booked well into the fall and even in some cases, had set aside time for some clients the following spring. Suddenly, everyone seemed to want to build environmentally and electronically sound homes. That was one thing Charlie had chosen to not include in her home. She allowed for Wifi, cable and internet, but she didn’t want all the bells and whistles that would turn lights off and on and perform everything that was now possible. She probably should have done that, but wasn’t sorry she’d decided to leave it out of her home.

As she’d expected, her mamma wasn’t happy about her no longer seeing Bradley and Charlie was grateful her folks had made arrangements to travel for a couple of months. She looked forward to receiving the post cards and letters and even the phone calls which weren’t very frequent, but she wasn’t going to miss the weekly dinners with the man of the week her mamma seemed to always manage to find.

Fortunately for Charlie, her mamma had taken her suggestion about having a house sitter seriously and had found and hired a young woman who would stay there for the duration of their absence. That meant Charlie didn’t have to go by the house or take care of anything there. She was available if the house sitter called, but otherwise, she could just go home each night and she’d done that eagerly in the beginning.

Unfortunately, all her being home on time or even early didn’t bring Adam to call. She had been sure he’d show up, wandering out of the woods between their places to share her porch with her. Of course, Charlie had been looking forward to sharing more, but she couldn’t share if there was no Adam to share with.

Charlie became annoyed with herself over her Adam expectations. She told herself to get over it and do what she would have been doing if she wasn’t kind of waiting for him to arrive. So, she read a few books, worked in her garden, laid in the sun and did all her usual stuff. One thing she hadn’t done was go kayaking. When she thought of that, she decided she really wanted to try paddle boarding so she went and bought herself a paddle board and paddle.

It had been another hot day and going on three weeks since Charlie had seen Adam. She decided to test out the new paddle board. It wasn’t as easy as it looked and she’d fallen off a couple of times before she got far from her dock. At least it was fairly easy to climb back on. She told herself she wasn’t going to paddle toward Adam’s cabin, so she paddled the other direction. Eventually, Charlie was able to get a rather good rythym going and before she knew it her dock was a small speck when she looked back. It would actually be easier to continue in her current direction rather than turn back, so she proceeded around the lake.

As Charlie passed the two cabins on the far side of the lake, she slowed and took a good look at them. There was an older couple sitting on their deck with what looked like cocktails. Charlie waved her paddle. There didn’t seem to be anyone around the other home and she couldn’t remember what Adam had said about the folks who lived in those two places.

It was with high hopes Charlie turned toward her side of the lake, high hopes she could paddle quietly by Adam’s cabin without his being aware of her presence. She heard the hammering before she got very close and there was Adam, on his dock clad only in a pair of brief shorts apparently replacing some bad boards. She sort of hoped he was too busy to look up and notice her, but nope, just as she almost reached his dock, he stood up, pushed his curls out of his face and shouted, “Hey Charlie. Long time no see.”

Charlie smiled and waved her paddle as she’d done on the other side of the lake, prepared to paddle on by. Before she could manage that, Adam dropped his hammer and dove off the dock in her direction. The next thing Charlie knew, Adam came up right beside her board and pushed it over, sending her into the lake with him. When she surfaced, shaking her hair out of her face, he was laughing and pushed a handful of water into her face.

“Okay mister, you asked for it.” Charlie dove deep and came up behind Adam, put her hands on his shoulders and pushed him under. She let go and tried to swim quickly away, but at the last moment, Adam managed to grab her foot and yank her back toward him.

“This sure is a lot more fun than hammering boards.” He told Charlie when she began to tread water in front of him. I was getting very hot and this was the perfect solution. So glad you came by. Now I’m all cool, how about hopping up on the dock and I’ll bring us a couple of beers and maybe even some chips. What do you say?”

“Sure, why not,” Charlie responded. She hoisted herself up onto the dock and turned back so Adam could heave her paddle board and paddle up to her. She sat down on the new boards and began to squeeze the water out of her hair.

“Be right back.”

Charlie had finger-combed her hair back out of her face by the time Adam returned. She took the opened beer, looked at the label and said, “Mmmm, my very favorite.”

“I wasn’t sure, but you gave me this brand at your place, so I thought I’d have some on hand in case you dropped by. How’s things been going anyway?”

“Good, no complaints on my part although I’ve had to spend way too many days in the office taking care of business. Next week I hope to be back out on a job site doing what I like best. How about you?”

“Seeing your house made me take a hard look at my little cabin. I can’t believe all the work that needs doing around here. Of course, the fact my grandpa hasn’t been here in years and I just sort of moved in without thinking about repairs or anything like that, I guess I should have expected more work than I thought possible.”

“What needs doing? Maybe I can give you a hand?”

“I don’t think that’s likely only because you’re a professional and I’m just a look it up on YouTube, take notes and try not to hit my thumb or cut off an appendage I might continue to need into the future. I’d be embarrassed to have you watch me work.”

“What if I promised not to laugh or to not laugh too hard? Plus, I could probably teach you how to do stuff. My crews have always thought I was a good teacher.”

“We’ll see Charlie, we’ll see. I also need to start on my next book, so it may be only the absolutely necessary repairs will get done for now. That, or I’ll just hire someone to do it for me.”

“I’m available evenings and weekends.” Charlie responded with a wink.

“Well enough talk about my poor dilapidated cabin. How are your folks?”

They sat on the dock together drinking their beers and eating chips dipped in salsa while they talked about Charlie’s parents, their latest trip, the house sitter, a potential vacation Charlie was thinking about, and a bunch of other stuff. Charlie was amazed when she noticed dusk had settled in.

“Oh my gosh. I’d best get back on my board and head home. Who knows what’s under the water since this is my first time out on the lake.” She stood up and lowered her board onto the water. Adam laid down on the dock and held it steady. Once Charlie was standing, paddle in hand, she looked at him, his face a bit lower than her own.

“Thanks Adam for the beer and chips, but especially for the conversation. We’ll have to do this again some time.”

“I’ve a better idea. How about I meet you at your office tomorrow and take you to dinner? I could use a really good meal that includes meat and vegetables.”

“Sure, that sounds wonderful. You know where the office is located?”

“Yep, I’ve got that thing called the internet and can look you up, have looked you up. I’ll be there about 5:30. That good for you?”

“Yes, perfect. See you then.”

         Adam watched Charlie paddle away. He was glad she’d paddled his way. He’d seen her on the other side of the lake and had had to hustle to get himself on the dock with a new board. He’d been working out there earlier, but had stopped for the day. He’d been wanting to go see her, but hadn’t wanted to run into her and Bradley. But, if she accepted his dinner invitation, maybe they were done? He’d find out tomorrow evening and could barely wait. He felt a bit like a teenager who'd invited the most popular girl to the prom. 

UNDER CONSTRUCTION, CHAPTER 9

 

        Charlie had spent her last night at her parents’ house. All the furniture and necessary items had been installed in her home over the last three days. That included the bulk of her clothes, but she’d held back what she planned to wear to complete getting everything ready for the housewarming. She was so grateful to her mamma for taking the lead on the party. Charlie didn’t know how she would have fit the party preparations into her workload.

Her mamma got her up early. No sleeping in this Saturday. “Now c’mon Charlotte, get that behind of yours outa that bed. I expect you to strip the bed and at least get the sheets into the washer before we leave here in about an hour. You don’t have to do any other cleaning because I’ll have Millie give your room an in-depth cleaning next week when she comes.”

Charlie stretched, moaned and replied, “Sheesh mamma, but you make it sound like I’m a kid again, hiding cheeseburgers under my bed and I only did that once. I think my bottom hurt for a couple of days after you found all that moldy food hidden away.”

“I’m not worried about moldy food being in your room these days. I just want Millie to give it a good clean. I’m thinking about redecorating and turning this into a true guest room.”

“Like you and daddy need another guest room in this big house. What you should do is sell it and move into something small, you know a pied-a-terre for when you are in town. If you and daddy keep travelling, it’s going to sit empty for weeks at a time unless you get someone to house-sit while you’re gone.”

“There’s an idea I hadn’t thought of. Maybe I’ll redecorate for the house-sitter. Now, c’mon scoot. We’ve got to get busy.”

In barely more than an hour, they reached Charlie’s new house. Shortly after, the caterers arrived and began to set up. There would be a small bar on the back porch, a larger one on the side porch accompanied by bins of ice filled with beer and soda. Food would be found on various trays of hor d’oeuvres placed around the house, both inside and out. Her kitchen would be used by the caterer for staging and replenishing the various food and drink. Charlie hadn’t wanted waiters moving among the guests with trays, her house was simply too small to allow for that. She wanted her housewarming to be simple and casual and her mamma had worked with the caterer to make it so. Charlie was so happy with the way everything looked as party time approached.

Her mamma had brought her dress and went to change in the spare bedroom. Charlie retired to what was her room, removed her shorts and tank-top and laid down in the middle of her big bed in her underwear. She absolutely loved this room and expected to be very happy there. She stretched and thought about Bradley staying over after the party. Charlie was sure she’d be more than ready for some great hot sex once the last invitee had left. Bradley hadn’t seen the inside of the house and she wondered what his reaction would be, especially to this, her very personal space.

Charlie looked around the room from her viewpoint on the bed. The various odd-shaped windows along the top of the outside wall were, in her opinion, adorable, as if someone had simply flung pieces of colored glass at the siding. The skylight over her bed was stained glass made with lightly colored and plain glass that during the day showed an abstract design but would allow her to moon and star-watch at night.

Her eyes flowed from wall to wall and appreciated the various black and white sketches she’d found at different antique stores. They were of women and men, done in the style of the early 20^th century. All were rendered as nudes with some of the bodies facing front, others reclining, others showing the backside of the figure. She’d had them framed according to their size in plain black wood. Some of the frames had no carving or ornamentation and others did, but in each case, the frame complimented the interior sketch. Charlie had looked up the various artists, and hadn’t found any mentioned online, but it was obvious they had been admirers of Picasso and Barrington.

A lover of bright colors, the wall behind Charlie’s bed was a deep emerald green. A small rug beside her bed carried the same color while her duvet cover and pillows were a riot of colorful flowers. The furniture, and there wasn’t much beyond a small rocker, a large dresser and small vanity as well as the headboard, was made of reclaimed wood, pained a glossy white. The cushion on the chair in front of the vanity matched the material on the bed. The various knick-knacks placed around were glass odds and ends she had found in the various antique stores she’d visited over her life or received as gifts. She knew where each and every item in the room came from. It was truly a woman’s room, truly Charlie’s room.

As in all the rooms in the house, there was a temporary sign on the wall that provided information about everything Charlie had used to create her bedroom. The signage mentioned the kind of wallboard, a magnesium oxide board that was not only noncombustible but was nutritional waste. This meant if her house was torn down, all the wallboards could be ground up and used as a soil nutrient. The sign also detailed the various suppliers of all the items in the room. Bamboo floors, sheep’s wool insulation, replenishable cotton in the fabrics, reclaimed glass, etc. There wasn’t a thing in her bedroom that could be considered newly manufactured.

Charlie got up and pulled the dress she planned to wear from the closet. It was very simple, a calm blue without decoration made of some kind of cotton with a bit of stretch to it. The bodice fit like a tank top and didn’t require a bra, then flowed down and over her hips to mid-thigh. Simple flip-flops completed her attire. And even though it was fairly hot, Charlie chose to let her hair hang down her back, pulling a blue ribbon through her hair to hold it away from her face. A bit of lip-gloss and she was ready to party.

Adam hadn’t decided just when he’d walk over to Charlie’s. He didn’t want to go too early and was actually hoping he’d be able to stay until the last guest had gone. Of course, that meant the man he’d seen Charlie with had to either not attend or leave as well. Adam fully intended to pursue some sort of relationship with Charlie beginning that very day.

It was going on six by the time Adam headed out. When he reached the edge of the woods, he stopped to admire Charlie’s house. It looked as though it had grown from the very earth, its rounded foundation, now planted with low-growing shrubs looked so natural he was amazed. She’d chosen a color for the foundation that matched the earth on which it rested. The siding had been painted a green, taken from the trees through which the house nestled. He thought that in certain light, it was possible the entire structure would disappear into the landscape.

The porch which went along the front and down one side was also painted the earth color. The furniture and porch swing were bright pops of coral and yellow and the various cushions also reflected those colors. It was the windows that really caught Adam’s eye. He’d been here after their installation, but he hadn’t really stopped to actually look and appreciate the beauty of the various sizes and shapes. He would have bet money not one window was the same as another. He was quite intrigued by the five small windows, placed high up the back side of the house. They were all odd shapes and appeared to contain colored glass. He really wanted to see those from the inside.

Adam stepped from the woods and approached the porch, now filled with people holding drinks and napkins. There was some kind of music in the background, but voices and words pretty much drowned it out. Charlie was standing just outside her front door, welcoming people, talking, encouraging everyone to wander around and see her new home. She greeted Adam with a hug and the faint gardenia smell that always seemed to cling to her filled his nose and caused every cell in his body to sit up and take notice. He gave her a more intimate hug than he’d intended and as he stepped back, she looked at him questioningly. He wanted to hug her again because the one he’d just had hadn’t been long enough. Before he could pull her back or she could say anything the man he'd seen Charlie with in the lake came up behind her from the interior of the house.

“Wow, Charlie, you really knocked the ball out of the park this time.” the man said, wrapping his arms around her waist and kissing the side of her neck. “I cannot tell you how impressed I am with what you created here. One of these days, you’re going to build one hell of a family home.”

Adam’s heart sank just a bit at those words, but he chose to remain undaunted. Unless they were engaged or planning a future together, as far as he was concerned, Charlie was available. May as well find out now.

“Family home?” Adam said with a raised eyebrow. “Charlie is there some news you’ve forgotten to share. And, I’m Adam, Charlie’s next-door neighbor.” He added, holding out his hand for the man to shake.

As the two men shook, Charlie laughed. “Oh, sorry Adam, this is Bradley. And, no, no news to share Adam. I haven’t spent even one night here, so I won’t be planning a family home any time soon. I’ll leave you two to get acquainted. I need to do hostessing or my mamma’s gonna be after me with a switch.”

“So, you live next door?” Bradley asked. “You lived there long? I don’t think Charlie’s ever mentioned her neighbors.”

“I moved down here a few years ago and loved the peace and quiet which has finally returned. Charlie’s building just about drove me nuts. Have you known Charlie long?”

“Her mom introduced us a couple months ago. Ruth Ann knows my Aunt Isabelle and invited us both to dinner. We’ve been hanging since then, not as often as I’d like, but Charlie has priorities and I’m not always one of those.” Bradley laughed and added, “But, she’s definitely worth the wait. Now her house is finished, I plan to make sure we spend more time together.”

“Charlie definitely seems very interesting. I find just her career and the way she interacts with her crew fascinating. Of course, we’ve only had a few conversations so I don’t know all that much about her. Probably wouldn’t even be here tonight if I weren’t a neighbor.”

The two men talked about their work. Bradley was an investment banker and Adam managed to avoid giving an actual answer that would out him as an author of bodice rippers. He’d rather Bradley think he was independently wealthy. Eventually, Adam excused himself to find a drink and Bradley directed him toward the bar on the side deck.

Drink in hand, Adam went inside the house to wander from room to room, although there were really only five actual rooms. The master bedroom which held those odd-shaped glass windows and its adjoining bathroom. Another smaller bedroom with a bathroom that served that room and was accessible from the huge open space that comprised kitchen, dining and living. True, there was an additional room at the back that served as laundry and mud room. Adam was seriously intrigued by the staircase that wound up to the only second floor and which was covered by the cupola. Up there, he went from window to window and was amazed at everything he was able to see. Even his cabin was visible, but just barely. He also liked the way the tassel of ribbons brought color and movement into the room.

Throughout, Charlie had utilized earth colors ranging from deep green to a deep brown. They served as the backdrop for the colorful paintings and fabric weavings that adorned the walls. The furniture was rather modern with soft cushions and any framework that showed was a very dark wood. Eclectic pieces of glass and other knick-knacks, none of them recently manufactured, occupied tables, bookcases and other flat areas around the rooms. As she’d told him, each room held signage which explained the various products used to develop her home. Adam wondered where the camera man from the magazine was since he’d not seen anyone taking photos.

When he decided to freshen his drink, he again found Charlie at the door. “I absolutely love your house.” Adam told her, reaching out to touch her shoulder and feel the zing he knew he'd get. “You’ve done wonders, but I’m wondering where the magazine guy is. I expected he’d be here too.”

Charlie laughed and leaned into his hand because she liked the feel of it on her shoulder. Why couldn’t Bradley make all her hairs come to attention? “She, not he was here late yesterday afternoon and came back this morning before the festivities began. I invited her to return for the party, but she had to get back. I can’t wait to see how the article and photos turn out.”

“I particularly liked the signage. I learned a lot from reading the information and didn’t realize there were so many environmentally friendly choices to be had these days. If I ever decide to update my cabin, you’ll be the first person I call for advice.”

Charlie, emboldened by the wine she’d imbibed leaned toward Adam, her mouth so close to his he could feel her breath and told him, “Well Adam, you surely don’t have to wait until you’re ready for construction on your cabin. You can call me any time. For that matter, you can stop by here any old time. I know I’d be real happy to see you.”

Charlie sort of lost her balance and her lips came against Adam’s. It was all he could do to simply steady her as opposed to yanking her into his arms and kissing her senseless, providing he was capable of making her senseless, but he thought just maybe he, to use her words, surely was. “Oops, sorry, or to quote that peanut butter candy motto, Not Sorry. I think you might be a good kisser. I’d surely like to find out Adam.”

Adam hung around the party, talking to this person and that person, hoping to see Bradley lope off into the far distance, but finally, it was obvious Bradley wasn’t going anywhere. As the caterers began tidying up, Adam found Charlie, now laying on the porch swing propped up by pillows. She smiled as Adam approached.

“Charlie, I want to thank you for inviting me and tell you again what a wonderful creation you made in this space.”

She held out her hand and Adam took it in both of his. She stared into his eyes and whispered, “Feel that. Tell me you feel that Adam.”

He released her hand and didn’t respond other than to say good night, turn and walk off the porch and into the woods.

Charlie leaned back against the pillows disappointed Adam hadn’t told her he felt what she did. Then again, it was quite trampy of her to do something like that when she was dating Bradley. While she was ruminating over Adam and her reaction, Bradley sat down on the edge of the swing. “The caterers and everyone else had left. It’s just you and me now. How about you head for the bedroom. I’ll join you after I blow out all the candles and lock up. How does that sound.”

Charlie sighed and bit back the first word that popped into her wine-drowned head which was disappointing. Instead, she said, “That would be so good of you Bradley. I’ll do my best to stay awake until you get there. I may have had one too many glasses of wine.”

“I know babe,” he replied as he helped her stand up from the swing. “You need some help getting there or will you be fine now you’re upright?”

“I’ll be fine,” Charlie responded and moved to the door muttering to herself, “But not as fine as I’d surely be if you were Adam.”

UNDER CONSTRUCTION, CHAPTER 8

 

          Charlie didn’t hear anything from either Adam or Rebecca, but that was just fine. She was concentrating on getting her little house completed so she could live there instead of at her parents. They’d decided not to go off again until after she had her housewarming party and she desperately wanted to get that on the calendar. It wasn’t that she didn’t like her parents, she loved them, but her mamma kept trying to get her to meet this or that man who would “…be absolutely perfect for you my dearest.”

Actually, the last man her mamma had invited to dinner hadn’t been too terribly bad. He was tall with dark hair he kept clipped very short which emphasized the five-o’clock dark shadow on his face that he seemed to have no matter what time of day. He was also slim and athletic, hated golf as much as she did, and was even more interested in environmental causes than Charlie. He had a job with a nonprofit that worked on projects that removed dams from rivers around the world.

His name was Bradly, not Brad, and he had a wicked sense of humor that complimented Charlie’s own. She saw him when she could and because she really liked sex and he was very available, she visited his condo after their second date. The sex was okay, he was tender and considerate, asking what she did and didn’t like and made sure she orgasmed each time. Still, there was no zing to the relationship and Charlie knew she’d eventually become bored. Still, he was fun and interesting for now.

Adam had indeed gone north to visit family. He’d even given serious thought to staying and had looked up some of the women who’d interested him at one time. Unfortunately, with the exception of one, they’d all found their soul-mates and weren’t interested in him any longer. Susan, the now divorced one was available, but after having dinner with her twice, he was so bored with their conversation, it was all he could do to keep from yawning. Not only that, but he kept comparing her to Charlie and the comparison wasn’t good. Charlie was vibrant, interesting, fun, opinionated, and knowledgeable about a lot of stuff while Susan wasn’t. Her favorite topic of conversation seemed to be the latest fashions.

His parents and Susan weren’t happy when he announced he was returning to his cabin on the lake. He also used the excuse that if he didn’t go back, he lose his job and he actually like what he did down there. They all thought he was some kind of salesman, a terribly poor occupation in their opinion. Adam sometimes laughed at the idea of sending everyone in the north autographed copies of his books.

Once Adam settled in, he decided he’d walk over to Charlie’s place and see how it was progressing. He’d decided he was going to see what kind of a relationship they could have. Charlie had been right when she said he felt something just like she did. A bit before he reached the edge of the woods, he heard voices and laughter. It was Charlie and a man and Adam assumed it was probably one of the crew. Just before he stepped out from behind the huge tree he had to pass to stay on the pathway, he looked toward Charlie’s dock and there she was, almost naked and with an almost naked man.

Adam felt like a voyeur standing there, but he couldn’t look away from the two figures. He watched as the man reached out, unbuttoned and unzipped her jeans and knelt to yank them down, leaving her standing there in a very brief pair of panties. When the man stood up, Charlie performed the same ritual for him, except he was commando, so his cock sprang up like it was on a spring. Charlie stood up, reached out and grasped the hard member while the man used both his hands on her breasts.

Suddenly, Charlie let go and gave the man a huge push. He fell backward off the dock into the water while Charlie first grinned and then laughed delightedly. When he rose from beneath the water, Charlie gave a little bow and then did a cannonball right beside him. When she came up, she put her arms around the man’s neck and placed her mouth over his. It was obvious where this was going to go and Adam was torn. He wanted to stay and watch, but he also felt like a real shit standing there hidden from view.

Adam decided he’d feel much better about himself if he left, so he very quietly turned and made his way back over the path to his cabin. That’s what happens, he told himself, you just had to ignore the signals and the feelings and now Charlie’s with someone else. He pulled down his bottle of Glenfiddich, retired to the porch and decided he’d maybe drink one too many and have a serious discussion with himself about his total and complete stupidity.

 Charlie didn’t know Adam had returned and he didn’t try to visit again for several weeks. When he did go over, he did it during the day, figuring the crew would be on hand. When he stepped into the clearing, his heart almost stopped. Charlie was high up in the air on one of those man lift things. She was leaning over the edge of the platform, far too much of her extended as far as Adam was concerned. She had something in her hand and once she finished whatever it was she was doing, her crew cheered and clapped.

There hadn’t been much wind, but as if Charlie had summoned it, a breeze sprang up and took the various long colored ribbons she’d put at the very top of her cupola and made them dance. Charlie herself clapped and bowed, then stood back so the lift could be lowered. It was at this point she saw Adam and she smiled and waved, calling out “Welcome back stranger. You got here just in time for the finishing touch.” And she pointed to the streamers flying and lifting in the air.

On the ground, Charlie addressed her crew. “Thank you all for coming out here today just to see my freedom flag installed. You know you’re all invited to my housewarming this coming Saturday. There’ll be food and drink. Come early and stay late. Bring your wives, husbands, kids, whoever. I really want to christen the home you’ve all helped me create. Thank you, thank you, thank you.” Then, Charlie went from man to man and the one woman Adam had never noticed before, giving them each a hug, saying something that either made them laugh or at least grin, and providing pats on some of their butts.

Todd began to button up the man lift so he could transport it back to town. A couple of the other staff assisted and it was soon rolling out of the yard. Charlie told them to be sure to stop at the pub for their last beer for this project and added that she’d join them in a bit.

As everyone drifted away, Charlie walked over to where Adam was standing out of the way. “So, do you want a tour or would you rather wait until Saturday when everything is perfect and all the signage is up?”

“Signage? What are you talking about?”

“I’m proud to announce that the Environment Design and Construction Magazine heard about this project and asked if they could feature it in their magazine. I, of course, told them that was a terrific idea. So, I’m making signs that will be installed throughout the in- and outside of the house identifying the various products used and why I chose them. I’m quite excited about this recognition.”

“Congratulations. Another wonderful project to illustrate your and Terrance’s hard work on your web sites. I think I’ll wait until Saturday and see the entire finished product.”

“Suit yourself. Care for a beer? I eventually have to hit the pub, but I wouldn’t mind having a beer in the peace and quiet first.”

“Sure, I’ll wait out here on the porch which, by the way, looks a thousand percent better than the last time I was here. The paint and furniture really set off the entrance.”

“Thanks, be right back.”

When Charlie returned with two beers, Adam was sitting in one of the chairs. She set his beer on the little table and took the other chair. “I thought you might be on the porch swing when I got back. It’s the absolute best place to lay and watch the lake, clouds and any birds and animals that come visit. It’s probably my favorite place of them all. You’re going to have to give it a try.”

“It looks tempting and perhaps I’ll return one of the afternoons when I could really use a break or a nap, assuming you’re going to be off at work on another project some place. I really do love the fact the noise was pretty much gone when I got back.”

“So, how was the home visit. Did you confess and tell your family what you actually do down here? And, since you came alone, I gather you didn’t marry an old girlfriend and bring her back.” Charlie said with a laugh.

“The visit was fine. The girls I knew are all married women now and I found I really missed being here. As for telling my folks what I do, everyone thinks I’m some kind of salesman and deplore the fact I’m doing such menial, way beneath my education job. If I’d only come back home, my dad and brother would welcome me into their company and I’d finally be doing something worthwhile, not to mention something I would absolutely hate.”

“Will you be bringing Rebecca on Saturday?”

“Um, no. Your little announcement about my heading north at the end of your mother’s party pretty much took care of that problem for me. If you’ve invited her and she’s here Saturday night, she probably won’t even speak to me, but that’s okay. I feel bad she felt hurt, but I did actually try more than once to get the point I wasn’t interested in a long-term relationship across. You pissed me off at the time, but I have to say thank you because you actually helped me.”

“I don’t know if Rebecca will be here or not. As usual, my mamma pretty much took on the housewarming. I did give her a list of people I wanted to invite, but I don’t think I included you or Rebecca. Now, of course, that I know you’re back you are indeed invited.”

“Well thank you so much. I look forward to it.” Adam sat there and tried to figure out how he could ask if she was involved with anyone. He really wanted to know about the man he’d seen her with, but it looked like he’d have to wait until Saturday and she if she had a date.

“So, you going to start another book, or have you started another book?”

“I’ve been toying with an idea for a while, but haven’t actually put any words into the computer. It’s not going to be the kind of stuff I’ve written before so I’m just a bit unsure of myself and the topic.”

“What is the topic?”

“I’m sorry, but I’m not quite ready to talk about it. I’ve found I have to let the words and ideas stew away in my brain for a while. Then, at some point, I sit down and the words flow from my fingers into the keyboard. Doesn’t mean I don’t revise or get stuck or decide I’m not happy with my creation, but that’s how it’s pretty much been with the books I have written. And, then sometimes, my characters have their own ideas about where they want to go and what they want to do and I simply follow along.”

“Wow, you make it sound pretty easy. Maybe I could try writing a book and see what I come up with. And, is it really true that your fictional characters come alive for you and take over, so to speak. I’ve heard that said by other authors, but wasn’t sure I actually believed it.”

“Yes, at least for me. When it happened with the first book, I was so annoyed I stopped writing for a couple of weeks. I hadn’t intended to write a bodice ripper. I was working on a historical fiction novel set in the wild west. I hadn’t planned on my female protagonist becoming involved with a Native American. I hadn’t even planned on calling it Savage Surrender, but when it was finished, there it all was.”

Seriously, I enjoyed that book and one of the reasons was because it was obvious you’d researched the wild west and Native American history. It didn’t seem like you were making a lot of it up as you went along. And, to be perfectly honest, I had to simple had to Google some of the information and found what you wrote was based on an actual historical happening. I was impressed.”

“Well, thank you. I did and do try to write fiction that’s not all just erotic sex and more sex, so I do a bit of research, depending on the time and location.”

Charlie glanced at her watch and exclaimed, “Oh my gosh, I didn’t realize so much time had passed. I’d better get into town and to the pub or I may have to drive most of the crew home.”

“Thanks for the beer and I’ll see you Saturday. Oh, by the way, what time are the festivities set to begin?”

“The invitations say it starts at 3:00 pm and it will go until the last person leaves. You’re welcome to come whenever you wish and stay as long as you wish. Oh yes, no housewarming gifts either. That was in the invitations as well. I am in need of absolutely nothing. Having people attend and enjoy is all the gift I want.”

Adam went down the stairs and headed for the path while Charlie gathered up the empty beer bottles, took them inside, locked up and got read to head for town. She still had a lot to do in the next three days, but she’d get it done. Outside, she stood for a second and watched her colorful ribbons wave about in the breeze. The sight made her heart swell and her brain happy.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION, CHAPTER 7

 

          The evening Charlie had dreaded passed by quickly and by the time she made it to the dance floor, it was mostly the younger crowd gyrating to the rock music. She saw Rebecca on the floor with Ricky, but didn’t see Adam. She walked around and found him as far away from the band as he could get. He was sitting in a chair at a table. Charlie walked over and occupied the chair next to him.

          “Well, hello there Adam. You certainly don’t look like you’re having much fun at all. I take it you don’t dance.” Charlie said.

          “Nope, not to this crap. I’ve always felt like a fool trying to bounce around in time to the music. It just feels so, so, so….”

          “Mortifying, embarrassing, humiliating, uncomfortable, awkward.”

          “Yes, all of those and more.”

          “I saw Rebecca out there with Ricky dancing away. You’re such a good date to let her go off with someone else and dance.”

          “Being a good date has nothing to do with it. In fact, it is my most sincere wish Rebecca would turn her attentions to that young man and leave me be.”

          “Really? I received the distinct impression from your date that she expects a more permanent relationship by the end of the year.”

          Adam turned a frowning face to Charlie and heaved a huge sigh. “I’ve received the same impression many times now and no matter what I say or do, Rebecca doesn’t seem to hear my words.”

          “Maybe you need to try some different words or a different way of saying them.” Charlie suggested.

          “Actually, I’ve been thinking seriously of heading back north to visit family. Maybe by the time I come back, if I come back, she’ll have gotten over her infatuation.”

          Charlie felt her chest tighten. Adam couldn’t really go back north and stay there. Not until she found out what or if there was anything to the feeling she had when they touched or the way she felt just sitting next to him. “Your family lives up north? I don’t think you’ve ever said much about them beyond your sister and brother provided grandkids, but we haven’t had all that many conversations.”

          Adam finished his drink and responded. “Yep, raised in Massachusetts, a descendent of a very old, probably arrived on the Mayflower, family. Summers on the Cape, winters at the local private school, having your life totally and completely planned out for you by your parents and grandparents. I think I’m the first one in generations to break away from all the family held expectations. But then, I’m the middle child and you know what they say about middle children?”

          “Actually,” Charlie broke in, realizing that Adam may have had one too many glasses of whatever he was drinking. “I’m an only child, so I know nothing about middle children, but I can certainly identify with parental expectations.”

          At that point, the music stopped and a breathless and sweaty Ricky and Rebecca returned to the table.

“Oh my gosh. Dancing is just so much fun. And, I’m afraid it’s made me all dewy. Thanks so much for partnering with me Ricky. This old fuddy-duddy here says he doesn’t dance.” Rebecca said, poking Adam in the chest and then caressing his abdomen.

“Your welcome Rebecca. You’ve got some great moves out there and I hope you’ll dance with me some more when the band returns. It will return, won’t it?” Ricky asked turning to Charlie.

Charlie took Adam’s hand and looked at his watch. Again, with the sizzle. “My mamma hired them until midnight, so they should be doing one more set before quitting for the night. You’ll be able to watch and enjoy Rebeca’s moves a few more times.”

“Great. How about something to drink Rebecca? I’d be happy to get it for you.”

“Why sure Ricky, I’d love some ice water and another glass of champagne. It will surely help with my dancing.”

While Ricky went off to procure drinks for all of them, since he’d politely asked if Adam and Charlie wanted anything as well, Charlie watched Rebecca touch and fondle and try to kiss Adam. She did everything she possibly could and Charlie was a bit surprised Rebecca didn’t straddle Adam’s lap and hump away. True, Adam did try to deflect some of Rebecca’s attentions, but he’d had that one drink too many.

When Ricky returned, they all drank and talked about the party and how wonderful it was of Charlie’s mamma to hold it and invite them. Rebecca alluded to the possibility of an even bigger party in the fall and Charlie and Adam just happened to look at each other when she did. Adam frowned and Charlie had to manufacture a cough to keep from laughing out loud. Poor Rebecca. Poor Adam.

When the band returned, they began the set with a slow tune. Charlie stood up and pulled on Adam’s hand, telling Rebecca, “This is my one dance with your date. Promise I’ll return him in good condition and try to refrain from stepping all over his feet.”

Adam tried to demur, but Charlie just clasped his hand tighter and pulled. On the dance floor, Charlie put her left arm up around Adam’s neck and tried to place his left hand in the small of her back. She was snuggled right up against him and could feel her body’s immediate response. And, before Adam pushed her away, she felt his against her tummy as well.

“For God’s sake, Charlie, hasn’t anyone ever taught you about personal space? Ever since the first time I met you, you’ve invaded my personal space. I don’t like it. You need to respect and provide a decent distance between us.” Adam said as he used his right hand on her left hip to push her away. He clasped her right hand with his left and tried to push her into a waltz or foxtrot or whatever.

“Well for God’s sake yourself Adam. It is a slow dance and couples are supposed to touch when they do that. What is your problem anyway? You certainly didn’t seem to mind Rebecca pawing you not too long ago.” Charlie retorted, allowing Adam to lead and hold her almost as far away as his arms would reach.

Adam didn’t respond, so Charlie continued. “You know what I think Adam? You want to know what I feel. Well, even if you don't, I'm gonna tell you. The first time we shook hands, I felt something, some kind of current from you and I know you felt something too. It seems like you want to avoid getting close to me. I thought maybe it was because of Rebecca, but after tonight’s talk, I don’t believe that. To be perfectly honest, I’d like to get closer to you and see what this feeling I have is all about.” Charlie leaned back and tried to catch Adam’s eye.

There was no response to what she had to say and Adam wouldn’t look at her. Instead, he stared stonily off into the distance and continued to more or less push her around the dance floor. It reminded Charlie of the required dance lessons of her youth when she had to dance with some boy with sweaty hands. She hadn’t like it then and she didn’t like it now.

“Okay, fine. I received your message loud and clear. Enjoy Rebecca or run away to the north. It’s not like I’ve got a lot of time and interested invested in you Adam. Thanks for the dance.” Having said that, Charlie removed her hand from Adam’s shoulder, spun around and walked off the dance floor. As far as she was concerned, the party was over. She went into the house and decided she was hungry. After a visit to the buffet, Charlie took her full plate and another glass of champagne to where her mother was sitting with her two closest friends.

In response to Charlie asking if they minded if she joined them, they all responded it would be delightful and while Charlie stuffed her face in a lady-like manner, she listened to these older but still attractive and sexy women talk. She was sure they’d already covered whose daughters had given birth or gotten married or divorced, so she found the topics they were discussing of interest since they dealt with a variety of items that were of interest to her.  

When Charlie finished eating, one of her mother’s friends, Dottie, looked at her and said, “Your mamma says you’re building yourself a house out on that lake property your granddaddy used to own. How’s it coming?”

Charlie gave them all a big smile and patted her lips one more time with her napkin, hoping she didn’t have food in her teeth. “It’s coming Ms. Dottie, it’s coming. So far, I’ve been lucky that company projects can be handled by the other crews and I just need to check in now and then. Thank you for asking.”

Ms. Louisa, another friend inquired, “Your mamma also said you’re using different kinds of building materials and that your house is going to look very odd. I surely do hope you’ll invite us all out for a housewarming when it’s finished.”

“Well, it’s something I drew up when I was a kid, not real professional or anything, but my architect was able to take that childish drawing and draw up the best plans. And, of course, you’re all invited to the housewarming. Mamma would most likely make my life a misery if I tried to do it when she’s out of town or didn’t invite y’all.”

It wasn’t long before her mamma’s friends decided to find their husbands and go home. They laughingly talked about how they used to be up when the sun rose and now, they all had to be in bed before midnight. Those were the last of the older attendees and Ruth Ann told Charlie, “The ones still here are in your age group. I’m gonna take your daddy off to bed. We haven’t been up this late in forever and I have to say I’m sorely tired.”

Charlie’s dad had joined her mom in saying good night to their friends. He gave Charlie a big hug and she turned to her mamma. “It was a very nice party mamma. I did enjoy myself, especially seeing some folks I haven’t seen in a long time. The band should stop playing pretty soon and then I think everyone else will be off. If not, I’ll simply kick them out.”

“Now Charlie, you don’t go doing anything rude. You promised to be nice tonight and that promise holds until the door closes behind the last guest.”

“I know that mamma. I just funnin’ you. Now, you and daddy go on off to bed. I’ll make sure everything is taken care of and locked up before I head for bed.”

As Charlie predicted, when the band stopped playing and thanked those on the dance floor for their appreciation, folks began to head for the door. Charlie was there to say farewell and thank them for coming. When Rebecca and Adam came up, Charlie was just as polite to them as she was to everyone else, but she had to stir the muddy water just a bit. “Well, Adam, you be sure and have a wonderful time up north. I surely do hope that you’ll come on back down, at least when the weather up there gets really cold.”

Charlie was smiling in a very sincere and kind way when Rebecca turned to Adam and almost yelled as her eyes filled with tears, “You’re leavin’? You were just gonna leave and not say a thing to me? Adam Foster you are the most hateful man I know. Here I thought we had something precious.”

“Thanks a lot,” Adam said rather nastily before he took off after Rebecca who most likely had had too many glasses of champagne.

“You’re most welcome Adam. I always do my very best to be helpful.”

Adam turned back and glared at Charlie before he took the stairs two at a time.

Charlie kept laughing off and on as the last few guests left. Then, she met with the band members and thanked them for their hard work that evening. Following that, she finished up the evening when the caterers had tidied up and loaded their equipment into their vans. Doors locked, windows checked, unnecessary lights extinguished, she finally headed for her own bedroom. It was almost 2:00 am and Charlie didn’t understand how her mother had thrown affairs like this on an almost weekly or biweekly basis when she was younger. Charlie hadn’t had to do a lot of the work, but still, she too was tired.

Ready for bed, Charlie hoped the cleaning crew as well as the crew that would dismantle the bandstand and dance floor wouldn’t be too loud in the morning. It would be the only day she’d have a chance to sleep in and she was really looking forward to being a lazy bee the next day. Just check on some materials she’d thought about ordering and perhaps visit to a couple of antique stores. Maybe her mamma would like to join her because she planned to furnish her little house with older items or refurbished stuff and her mother had excellent taste.

Charlie snuggled down on her pillow, yawned and chuckled one more time when she thought about how Adam’s evening might have ended. Served him right, stringing poor Rebecca, bless her little heart, along as though he really were interested in a special relationship that would lead to marriage. Rather than face the problem head on, he was going to run away and hope it solved itself before or if he came back. Charlie was glad she’d learned that about him, because regardless of her reaction to him, she couldn’t abide a coward. Still, her last thought before sleep claimed her was that it was too bad she’d never know how they’d be together skin to skin.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION, CHAPTER 6

 

          “Couldn’t one of you just hit me in the head with a hammer?” Charlie asked plaintively. She and her crew had finished for the week and were indulging in their usual Friday afternoon beers at the pub. “Tomorrow’s that damn fucking party my mamma’s planned and I haven’t been able to find a way to get out of being there. If one of you would put me in the hospital, I’d have a damn fucking excuse.”

          Her crew members laughed and Todd refilled her glass. It had to be her third one, maybe fourth. “Now, honeychile, you jes know yur jes gonna have the time of yur life. Wearin’ a pretty dress, all fancied up for whatever stud yur mamma’s invited.” Todd’s elaborate drawl even made Charlie laugh, but it really wasn’t funny.

          “Go ahead and laugh you guys. You’re not gonna have to get all gussied up and make nice with a bunch of my mamma’s old friends as well as, like Todd said, whatever stud or studs she’s invited. I haven’t seen the guest list, but I think I’m gonna need a shot or two of bourbon before I meander down those steps, on display once again for whatever society members attend.”

          “Well boss lady, be sure and have someone get some photos so we can see what you look like when you’re all cleaned up.” Gordy advised her and the rest of the crew nodded in agreement.

          “It would serve ya all right if I fell for whoever mamma’s invited and gave up being the boss lady to stay home barefoot in the kitchen with a bun in the oven most all the time.”

          They all hooted and Todd responded, “Like that would ever happen. Don’t care who the guy is that you finally hook up with, but he won’t be keeping you barefoot and pregnant and off a job site. Knowing you as long as I have, you’ll be on the job until the labor pains are so bad you have to stop. And, after the birth, you’ll be right back with the kid on your back or in a sling on your front.”

          Gordy added, “And, when you do find Mr. Right, I think we all need to take him aside and make him understand what he’s getting himself into.”

          “That’s if’n he hasn’t already figured it out and run for the hills.” Sam, the youngest crew member was brave enough to add. When he’d first come on the crew, he’d had a pretty big crush on Charlie, but he’d gotten over it once he found the young woman he was going to marry in the fall. Usually, Sam didn’t have much to say.

          “Damn it, you’d think I’d get a lot more sympathy and a lot less aggravation from you guys since I’m such a fucking good boss lady. Y’all just disgust me. I’m going home and finish drowning my sorrows in the comfort of my own room, that’s unless mamma’s waiting and wants to talk a whole bunch more about tomorrow night. Maybe I’ll just stay here and drown my sorrows, or go back to my house and simply drown. Fuck, but I can’t wait until Monday comes.”

          Charlie sort of wove her way to the bar and handed over her card. “Thanks for putting up with us every Friday Bubba. The boys and I really appreciate it.”

          Back at the table, Todd took one arm and Gordy took the other. “It’s not safe for you to be driving, so Gordy’s gonna drive your truck. Since he rides with Sam, Sam will follow and take Gordy home from there.”

          Charlie tried to argue with them, but they didn’t release her until they had her keys and she’d been plopped into the passenger seat. Even then, she tried by telling them, “You should let me do this myself. If I got stopped, I’d have to go to jail and I wouldn’t use my phone call until Sunday. C’mon guys, that’s how desperate I am to avoid tomorrow night. Perfect excuse, that’s what I say.”

          Todd shut the passenger door as Gordy fired up the truck. “That may be true, but you’re not getting a DWI on our watch. Be a man, or woman, Charlie and you’ll be just fine tomorrow night. It’s only gonna be a few hours and thank about how happy your momma will be.” He chucked her under the chin and stepped back, saying, “Y’all have a great weekend.” With a lot of emphasis on the great.

          As Gordy pulled away, Charlie gave Todd the finger and slumped down in the seat. “God, I hate some parts of my life. Why couldn’t I have been a boy?”

          Gordy didn’t respond and Charlie fell asleep as he drove her to her house.

          “Hey boss lady, we’re here. Time to wakey-wake and act like you only had one beer instead of four. If you’re quick, maybe your mamma won’t look out the window and see you had to be driven home.” Gordy said with a chuckle as he handed her the keys and climbed out of her truck to get into Sam’s.

          Charlie heaved a big sigh and got out of the truck. In the mudroom, she took off her dirty sweaty clothes and yanked on a chenille bathrobe. When she entered the kitchen, she said, “Mamma, I’m just so hot and dirty, I’m gonna get right in the shower.”

          She rushed through the kitchen to the back stairs, her mother’s voice following, “Well, don’t be taking too long. I’ve almost got dinner ready and me and your dad are hungry. If you’re not back here in ten minutes, I’m gonna come up there and drag you down by your hair.”

          Charlie muttered a very inappropriate comment, but was back downstairs fresh and clean with almost a whole minute to spare. They were eating in the kitchen because of the next night’s party and, of course, that’s exactly what her mamma wanted to discuss. Charlie listened as she stuffed her face, in a lady-like manner, with fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, fresh green beans and garden salad.

          “Momma, I don’t know how you make such perfect fried chicken every single time. I know you’ve tried to teach me, but it never ever, no matter what, comes out so crispy and tasty like yours. And, it was a good idea to have gardener Glen put in your garden because these beans and the salad are so fresh and yummy.”

          Charlie was given a very solemn look by her mother. “Don’t be thinking if you compliment me enough about anything at all that I’ll let you skip tomorrow night. If you’d look at the guest list, you’d see I invited some younger folks, so it won’t all be us fuddy duddies. I just know you’ll have a wonderful time.”

          Ruth Ann continued to talk about the party and her expectations for her daughter. Charlie’s father nodded every now and then and added, “You listen to your mamma, now y’hear.” a couple of times. Charlie also listened and nodded and tried to smile now and then even though her teeth were clenched. It finally became almost too much when her mother said, “I bought you a new dress and shoes for tomorrow night. You’re just going to love them and the color is almost exactly the same shade as your eyes.”

          Mamma, I didn’t need a new dress or shoes. My closet is stuffed with clothes you’ve bought and I seldom wear.”

          “Well, daughter, a mamma can live in hope. For me, it’s the hope you’ll discover your more womanly side and spend more time in dresses and heels. Of course, if you were to fall in love with a perfect man, you’d have no trouble dressing up then.”

          “Mamma, we’ve had this conversation over and over. If this perfect man ever shows up, he’s gonna have to like me as I am. If it takes a fancy dress and fuck me shoes….”

          Ruth Ann’s eyebrows were almost at her hairline at Charlie’s language.

          “Oh mamma, I’m sorry, please excuse my French. I meant to say six-inch heels.”

          “That’s what happens when you spend more time with men, especially men that aren’t gentlemen. You forget your lady-like ways and mouth. Now, get these dishes cleaned up. I’m gonna go sit in the garden.”

          As her mamma left, Charlie glanced at her dad. He was trying hard not to laugh and just shrugged his shoulders. She got up and began to clean up the table and kitchen. Finished, she found her mother in the garden. “Mamma, I’m so sorry for my language and I promise I’ll be a good southern girl tomorrow night. I’m going to bed now so I’ll be fresh in the morning and can help with whatever you need.”

          Charlie bent to give her mamma a kiss. “It’s okay darlin’ I forgive you. And, I’m not giving this party just to put you on display like you think. I want the chance to see some of the friends I’ve been missing with all the traveling your dad and I have been doing.”

          “I’m sure it will be a lot of fun. Good night mamma.”

          There really wasn’t much to do the following day. Her mamma had lined up the caterers, florists, wait staff and had the house and grounds cleaned and tidied up so everything sparkled and looked fresh. It surely wasn't the first party she'd ever hosted. Charlie was grateful it wasn’t going to be a sit-down dinner, but wine, champagne and a huge buffet of heavy hor d’oeuvres. The pool had been covered so there was a dance floor and a small stage erected at one end for the band Ruth Ann had also hired.

          When the party staff began to arrive, Charlie retreated to her room and bathroom. She filled her bathtub and added her favorite gardenia bath oil. She rarely used it or the scented lotion in the cupboard, but she was determined to keep her promise to her mother and smelling wonderful was something a southern girl learned early-on. She read a book while adding hot water as needed and emerged from her bath all pruney, but the wrinkles would go away before she had to join the festivities.

          Charlie took her time, coating herself with the gardenia lotion, brushing and coiling her hair into a soft mound at the back of her head. She knew as she moved, a few tendrils would escape and curl around her face and neck. She took her time applying make-up. Her eyebrows were already dark, but a bit of eyeliner and several coats of mascara made her eyes look huge. A little frosting of a peachy powder made her skin glimmer. Lips usually bare were extremely noticeable once she’d lined them and applied the lipstick and gloss.

          It was time to don her underthings and she found her mamma had purchased new panties and a barely there bra in the same color as the dress. Thigh-high stockings in a very pale tan slid easily up her legs and hugged her upper thighs. Finally, Charlie pulled up the dress and pushed her feet into the heels. From her jewelry box she added the requisite strand of pearls and a slim gold chain that nestled a diamond at the top of her minimal cleavage. Diamond and pearl earrings, pearl bracelet on one wrist and diamond tennis on the other, she was ready.

          Charlie walked across the room to the full-length mirror and had to admit she looked damn good. Her mother was right about the color of the dress. That and the dark eyeliner and mascaraed lashes made the turquoise of her eyes pop right out of her face. Charlie’s phone buzzed and when she checked, there was a text from her mamma, “Be downstairs in 10 minutes or else…please.” First, though, she went back to the mirror and took a selfie, well actually a couple of selfies. She’d be ready to show them what they'd missed come Monday when the crew teased her about the party.

          Downstairs, Charlie joined her mother and father in the entry way. A couple of guests had already arrived, so she’d missed saying hello, but she’d make her way to them later. “Darling, don’t you look simply divine. Robert, doesn’t our girl look wonderful.”

          Charlie gave her mother a soft hug and air kiss, then turned to her dad for a hug. “You do look absolutely beautiful Charlie-girl. Sometimes I can’t believe you came from my loins.”

          “Now Robert, you stop that. Charlie is a Charlotte tonight. If it weren’t for you and her granddad, she’d be married with a bunch of babies by now.”

          “Now Ruth Ann,” her dad gave right back, “if Charlie had wanted a man and children, nothing would have stood in her way and you know that. Now, let’s stop all this and have us some fun.” To make his point, he gave Ruth Ann a little swat on her behind. She blushed and pushed his hand away.

          That’s really why I’ve never found the right man because I want a relationship like theirs. They’re still in love after so many years and the disappointment of only one child and a girl at that. Charlie also knew they still had a healthy sex life even though her mother would die of embarrassment if she ever brought up the topic. She could just tell when she was around the following morning, or even the odd afternoon. They both always looked so relaxed and happy and so more like one individual than two. She envied them that and hoped that someday she’d have a very similar relationship.

          Charlie’s reverie was interrupted with the next guests. For the next hour or more, she stood with her parents, greeting the invitees, answering questions, promising to catch up later in the evening or over lunch or some social event at some point in time. Of course, most of those promises were empty and she probably wouldn’t see most of the people again until the next party.

          Charlie was attempting to get the old roué Mr. Desmond to move on into the other room. He was attempting to hug her yet again so he could pat her bottom and hopefully, look down the top of her dress. Mr. Desmond had always been like this even when his wife was alive. Every teenage female learned early it was best to say, “Why hi there Mr. Desmond. I’ll see you later.” And escape before he could grab hold and give the unlucky girl a big shmushy kiss. His lips seemed to have no tone and were always very wet. Charlie had always needed to brush her teeth or rinse her mouth if she was the unlucky one and she’d only been that a couple of times.

          So it was with relief and surprise she heard a familiar voice, “Well, bless your heart, but you clean up right good now doncha?”

          “I’ll talk to you later Mr. Desmond. Oh, hello Rebecca. Welcome and how nice to see you again.” Charlie said, giving the normal hug and air kiss.

          “It’s really nice to see you looking like a real southern girl that benefited from all those classes we took. And, you know Adam, your neighbor and my date.”

          Charlie let go of Rebecca and extended her hand to Adam. A true southern girl didn’t hug men she barely knew. Adam took her hand in his and Charlie was positive he had to feel the same electrifying impulses she was feeling. Again, every hair on her body was standing at attention and if her nipples got any harder, they were going to poke through the fabric. Since she was looking directly at Adam this time, she knew he felt something because his eyebrows drew together and he looked a little bewildered. He practically snatched his hand back.

          Adam cleared his throat and said, “Hi Charlie. Nice to see you again. You’ll have to find Rebecca and me later and tell us how the house is coming, I mean progressing.”

          Charlie actually laughed at Adam’s discomfort over his word usage. She made a mental note to tease him about it later. “Rebecca, hope you don’t mind if I steal a dance from your date? Promise it will only be just one. And, did you know my mamma invited Ricky Simmonds tonight as well. Maybe you could partner him one time.”

          Rebecca put her arm through Adam’s and responded, “Well, we’ll just have to see who you end up with tonight. If it’s someone as handsome and fun as Adam, I wouldn’t mind sharing one dance.”

          Charlie was watching Adam and saw him almost roll his eyes. “Yes, well, y’all go on in and make yourselves at home. I’ll be along later after I’ve finished my hostess duty.”

          Well, well, she thought to herself as she greeted the next couple. I wonder if Adam has any idea Rebecca expects to be his bride by fall. I think I’ll just have to find out, but more than that, I have to know why his touch is so shocking. Would the feeling be entirely astonishing if we were naked and skin-to-skin? Charlie was dying to know the answer.