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CHAPTER – 25: Dinner and Surprise
For a Sunday night, the restaurant was crowded. There were a few tables empty, but with Reserved signs. After leaving our coats, we were shown to our table. As I walked with the two girls on my arms, I saw several heads turn in our direction. Sarah in her dress was breathtaking, and I knew quite a few men had a very good look at her charms as we passed. Dana had a more subtle effect, because she wasn’t displaying much, only offering tantalizing views of her long legs up to her hips, and for those who knew how to look, it was obvious she wasn’t wearing any underwear. As she walked, the deep cuts on the sides offered momentary glimpses of smooth, creamy skin, and long legs, while the form hugging dress hinted at the perfect body beneath the covers. Both girls had the desired effect: sensual, hot, and breathtaking, but different in styles; one was bold, the other subtle.
I was a bit worried, because we seemed to steal the show, and this was supposed to be Kathy’s night, even though Sarah and Kathy didn’t know anything about it. However, as Kathy and Mark walked in front of us, people caught Kathy’s display. With the back of her dress open all the way to the top of her cheeks, her shapely bottom swung enticingly as she took each step on high heels; the movement of those tight buns almost hypnotizing the people who were watching our procession. When a middle-aged woman caught sight of Kathy’s display she barely managed to stifle her gasp, while her husband, a more elderly, distinguished looking man, seemed to be enjoying the view. He noticed that I caught his viewing of the scenery, and gave a polite smile. The smile was offered as an appreciation of beauty instead of an apology or lecherously. I returned it in the spirit it was given. It was good to know there were still some gentlemen. His wife, however, was not so polite. She made a face at our group and started to admonish him.
Dana whispered, “You know, your sister is very beautiful and very clever.”
“Why do you say that?”
“She managed to steal the show, and did it very subtly.”
“What do you mean?”
“As we walked in, the crowd quickly focused on Sarah and me. Especially Sarah, because of her dress, and they did get to view us, but for a very short time. As soon as we passed by, it was over, because they lost the view. But they had a long time to enjoy Kathy’s display. You have to admit, the view is fascinating. Kathy knew what she was doing. Your sister is a formidable woman, Mitch.”
Although Dana was whispering, it was loud enough for Sarah to hear, and she agreed, “That, she is.”
I thought about what Dana said. She was right. Even I had been caught in the fantastic view she was giving, and that was saying something, because I rarely looked at Kathy as a woman rather than as a beloved sister. As I moved my gaze from her swinging hips to her bare back—the tanned dark skin with hardly any blemish—to her shoulder length brown hair, I couldn’t help but remember a memory from when we were young. I superimposed the image from childhood with the view I was having now, and I chuckled at the composite image. If Mark would ever get to see something like that, his jaw would drop at the image.
“What are you chuckling at?” Dana asked.
When I didn’t say anything, Sarah insisted, “Come on, Mitch. What was so funny?”
“I’ll tell you, but before that just take a look at Kathy, from neck down to her ass and try to remember that view.”
Both girls tried to memorize the image as we arrived at our table. After I helped the girls to their seat, and took my seat between them, both of them turned to me, waiting for me to explain.
“I think Sarah might remember this. When Kathy was ten, she had long hair, very long, all the way to the small of her back,” I said.
“Yeah, I remember. It took hours to dry her hair and then comb it, but she had such a beautiful long hair, I was jealous,” Sarah said.
“I loved her long hair, then, and I still remember how she looked. While watching her as she walked a minute ago, I superimposed that image of her with the long hair, and... well, I was thinking Mark would be a very lucky man if Kathy lets her hair grow that long again, and struts her stuff.”
“I think that’s a male thing. Long hair,” Dana commented. “I don’t think any woman would be bothered by that long hair, although I can imagine how Kathy must have looked when she was young.”
“I agree. Long hair is such a hassle. I saw how much care it required when Kathy was young, but... I can see Mitch’s point of view. Even then Kathy was a beautiful child, and with that long hair... So many girls in her class were jealous. At times, I was jealous,” Sarah said. “So you like long hair?” she asked.
“As Dana said, it’s a male thing, but it depends on the woman as well. For some women long hair works fantastically, and for others, short hair. Your hair might be short, but it highlights your features, your beautiful eyes. The same is true for Dana and Kathy. Given they have shoulder length hair, but it suits them,” I answered.
“But you like the view of a naked woman from behind with her hair covering her back almost down to her ass, or the front view, when her tits are hidden behind those long tresses?” Dana asked with an amused, almost knowing smile in the corner of her lips.
Laughing I replied, “I admit it’s a pretty picture and erotic. But both of you have your unique pictures that are beyond fantasy, and very beautiful.”
Turning to Sarah, Dana teased me, “Doesn’t he say the sweetest things?”
With a melodic laugh, Sarah agreed. “He can be a silver tongued devil, when he wants to be.”
“I was being serious and that was an honest opinion,” I retorted.
“I believe you, honey,” Dana said, patting my arm, while Sarah repeated the same, both of them teasing me mercilessly.
When I gave a resigned sigh, Dana smiled and said, “You were right, Mitch.” Looking at Sarah, she continued, “He’s right, you know. The color and the cut. They really bring out the best in you.”
Sarah didn’t hesitate to return the compliment. “He was right about all of us. You really have beautiful eyes, Dana. I’ve rarely seen that shade of blue. Do you have Scandinavian blood in your ancestry?”
“I’m not sure. There might be. My mother is Welsh. Perhaps, on her side of the family.”
“I gather your father isn’t an Englishman?” Sarah asked
“No, he’s not. He was an exchange student and met my mother in college in London. After graduation, they got married and he worked in England and Europe for a while, but I guess he missed his homeland. That’s what Mom tells me whenever we talk about Dad. When I was born he decided to return home, bringing his family here.”
“Does she like it here?”
“Oh yes, very much so. She loves the climate, and the people... so friendly and warm. I grew up here, but I spent the summers in Wales with my grandparents, until they passed away. I was still young when my dad died. He had a heart problem. Mom didn’t want to return to England, not wanting to be far away from him.”
“They must have loved each other very much,” I said, thinking about the lonely widow, deciding to stay in a foreign country and raise a child by herself. I wondered about the courage her mother had, and that made me think about Dana, and her courage during her trials.
“Yes, they did,” she said softly, for a moment lost in childhood memories. Then with a shake of her head, she collected herself and gave a dazzling smile, before she asked, “What about you? That’s a rare combination: gray eyes and the color of your hair.”
“I guess I got that from my grandma. She had gray eyes and very pale blonde hair. Actually, my blood is probably one big soup, especially my dad’s side of the family. Grandpa is from the islands, and he told me his side of the family had Italian, Greek, Albanian, and Turkish blood. He spent his youth as a fisherman and an adventurer. When he was working in Iceland he met Grandma. Grandma liked the warm climate, and they moved here when my dad was born. Dad spent most of his life here. When he moved out, Grandpa returned to his beloved island. I guess it must be a family thing to marry somebody from North Europe, because my dad married a Norwegian tourist. Mom says, I took after Grandma. My dad says I took after Grandpa, and I agree with him.”
“Why?” asked Dana.
“Gramps is a lively man. He has an appetite for life. At 70, he’s still a charmer and a ladies man. I share his appetite and passion in almost everything, unlike my grandma,” Sarah replied, her eyes sparkling.
When the girls turned to me with questioning eyes, I replied, “Don’t ask me. I only know it’s a soup like Sarah’s, but with a few extras from various other places. I know that Mom’s ancestry goes back to Georgia, a few generations ago.”
“Georgia?” Sarah responded, as if surprised. “You mean as in—”
“As in... good ol’ US of A?” I quipped, with a mischievous smile. “If I had said Venice, were you going to ask about the beach in California?” I continued, teasing her mercilessly.
“Be nice to me!” she retorted hotly, with a blush spreading slowly on her face, and slapped my arm. “You surprised me. I didn’t know your mom was... I’ve known a few people who have Georgian ancestry. The men are awfully proud, and the girls are strikingly beautiful. What about your dad?” she asked.
“Dad’s ancestry is a real mix, similar to your grandpa. You should ask Kathy; she knows the blood lines better than I do.”
Sarah immediately seized upon it. “That explains why Kathy is so hot and beautiful.”
“That also explains why he’s such a stud,” Dana chimed in, and I felt my face heat up.
Sarah laughed at my reaction. “Yes, he is, isn't he?”
While we were caught up in this short conversation, we had forgotten about Kathy and Mark, and I gently reminded the girls. Luckily, Mark and Kathy had been busy with their own talk, but from the looks of it, Mark hadn’t said a word about his surprise. Kathy noticed me checking them, and grinned. I guess she kept Mark busy trying to give us time for Sarah and Dana to get to know each other and be more comfortable. After we ordered some appetizers and wine, Dana and Sarah excused themselves from the table to powder their noses. When they asked if Kathy wanted to join them, Kathy declined, confirming my suspicions that she wanted Dana and Sarah to have some privacy.
Giving Mark a kiss, Kathy moved to Dana’s seat. When Mark saw the look on my face, he grinned, knowing Kathy was going to wear my ears off with her questions. Before she could ask a question I pre-empted her. “Come on, Kathy. Be nice to Mark, and keep him company. This is embarrassing.”
“Easy, Bro. I just want to know what’s going on?”
“I don’t know, you tell me.”
With an exasperated sigh, Kathy launched. “You know, you can be a real pain in the ass sometimes. I want to know if everything is OK.”
“Yes, everything is OK. Was that all?” I teased her.
“I can always end the cease-fire, Mitch,” warned Kathy.
“Yes, you can. Will you?”
“No, I won’t. I’m sorry, Mitch, but Dana really surprised me.”
“Surprised you? You were the one who said she might surprise us all.”
“I know, but I didn’t expect this. It’s none of my business, but is she really inviting Sarah into your relationship?” Kathy asked, and from the expression on her face, I knew she had resigned herself to the possibility of not getting any answers.
“I guess she did. She was very understanding, but I think she’s stepping in a new direction. One that none of us are familiar with.”
“I’d say,” she chuckled. “She’s some woman, Mitch. She’s beautiful, elegant, and kind. You’ve really found a good woman. But, I have to tell you this: Sarah is also a lot of woman. She just doesn’t know it, yet. You need to talk about that with Dana, because I’m sure she will recognize it, if she hasn’t already.”
I thought about what I had already known about Sarah and what I had just come to know. She was a lot of woman. I remembered the few things we’ve discussed, and how she had responded to my soul kisses on different occasions.
Kathy interrupted my thoughts. “Is something wrong?”
“I think you might be wrong, Kathy.”
“About what?”
“I think Sarah knows she’s a lot of woman.”
It was her turn to ponder. Thinking over what I said, she finally asked, “What makes you say that?”
“It’s just a hunch, Kathy. Based on some of her reactions.”
“I see... I hope nobody gets hurt.”
“I expect we will all sit down and talk, before things can get out of hand, Kathy.”
“Good. Don’t worry about Sarah, Mitch. I’ll look after her,” Kathy said.
“As you always do,” I replied. “She loves you very much, Kathy, and she knows how much you care.”
“I know. I love her, too,” Kathy replied, her eyes getting moist.
“Please, Sis. We’ll talk. I promise, OK sweetie?”
She nodded her head, and taking a deep breath, tried to compose herself.
“Mark is waiting, Sis. You have a good man there. Let him take care of you, instead of worrying about me, about us.”
Putting on a smile, she said, “Tonight, I can. I will,” before moving back to her chair.
She was of course very happy about what was happening in my life; it was hard to miss. And, she was going to enjoy the night very much, but she didn’t know just how much, yet! I gave a surreptitious signal to Mark to see when he would like to move to the surprise, and he signaled back he would let me know. Considering all the back and forth exercise we had this afternoon against the girls, I knew I wouldn’t miss his signal. Dana and Sarah returned after their lengthy absence. From their body language, it wasn’t difficult to surmise they were comfortable with each other. Kathy must have reached the same conclusion, because she gave me a pitying look, which I took to mean ‘you poor bastard.’
I wasn’t wrong in my interpretation, because as soon as Dana sat down, Kathy was leaning over the table to ask, “He’s not going to die, is he?”
Laughing, Dana leaned forward as well, and teased Kathy. “I don’t think he’ll complain.”
When Kathy looked for help from Sarah, she returned her gaze with a big grin, and followed it with, “I wouldn’t worry about him. He’s a big boy.”
Since Kathy was being stonewalled by both girls, I decided to join the melee. “Well, Sis. It seems I’m in good hands. Nothing to worry about.”
Chuckling, she shrugged her shoulders and sat back, but mixed in with her chuckle, there was happiness more than the amusement. Her face was alight with joy, and I suspected not only for my sake, but perhaps for the girls as well. I saw Mark give his signal, and got ready for the unfolding of the surprise.
“That’s Kathy, Mitch. She has too much free time on her hands, and keeps worrying about people,” Mark opened.
“I agree. She needs to have something to keep her occupied,” I offered trying to stay along the lines of what he said.
“Not only that, but she needs someone to keep an eye on her,” Mark replied.
“I know.”
Kathy objected indignantly. “I’m busy enough, and I can take care of myself, thank you very much.”
Mark gave her an amused look. “That’s not what you say when I visit you, or am I being misled?”
“Well, I-I... That’s not fair, Mark,” Kathy responded.
“I know, honey,” Mark said with an almost apologetic tone. “And I’m on the road most of the time.”
“Yes, you are.”
“I miss you, honey. Do you miss me?” Mark asked, softly.
By then Dana figured what was happening, and gave a discreet squeeze on my thigh, watching Mark and Kathy.
“You know I do,” Kathy replied, softly.
“I know. I’ll try to improve the situation.”
“You will?” Kathy asked, hopefully.
“Of course, honey. How about if I try to visit you more frequently?” Mark asked.
“You know I’d like that very much,”
“OK, honey. I’ll drop by every day.”
“What?”
“I’ll drop by every day,” Mark repeated with a poker face.
“How can—” Kathy started, before she realized something was up. Looking around, she saw I was grinning, and when she turned back to Mark, he was also grinning.
“What are you saying?” she asked, assuming a calm demeanor, trying to hide her excitement.
“Nothing, Kathy. I just said I’ll drop by every day,” Mark teased her.
Not willing to give in, Kathy calmly replied, “That would be really nice, if you could.”
“Then, that’s settled,” Mark responded. Turning to us, he asked, “Shall we order?”
“Sure, Buster. If you don’t spill the beans, I know what Kathy will order. Your balls on a plate!” Sarah chimed in, immediately coming to the rescue of her sister.
That was definitely in the cards. With a big grin, Kathy retorted, “Thanks, Sis. Excellent choice,” and everybody knew Mark was a goner.
Even Dana couldn’t stop from chuckling. Leaning in, she whispered, “She would, wouldn’t she?”
“Probably. The question is what method she’ll use,” I replied. “Mark might care for some and not for others.”
Laughing, she replied, “I see.”
“You heard Sarah, my dear. What’s it gonna be?” Kathy asked with a teasing tone, but it was obvious there was a warning, albeit playful, mixed in that tease.
“If you put it that way, honey, I don’t have much choice, do I?”
“Not really,” Kathy pressed on with a predatory grin.
“On the other hand, if you deliver on your promise, you’ll be taking an awful risk with your future,” Mark retorted.
“What do you mean?”
“Without my balls, I won’t be much use for anything, if I visit you, or,” he paused dramatically, baiting Kathy.
“Or?”
“Or, if I moved in with you.”
“Moved in—” Kathy repeated before the meaning sank. “WHAT!” she exclaimed—quite loudly I might add, as several heads from nearby tables turned towards our table.
“Calm down, honey. I’ll explain,” Mark said, taking hold of Kathy’s hand.
Realizing she was drawing attention, Kathy tried to collect herself. After taking a sip from her glass, she looked up at Mark, waiting expectantly.
“We are going to open a shop here,” Mark stated pointedly.
“So you’ll be visiting?” Kathy asked.
“I’ll be running the shop,” Mark replied with a big grin.
“You’ll be ru— Oh my God!” Katy exclaimed again, but this time it was more controlled. Once she got over her shock, she opened up on Mark. “You rat! I’ll make you pay for this.”
Ignoring her threat, Mark replied calmly, “I’m looking forward to it, my dear.”
“Don’t be so smug. I’m calling in sick tomorrow, and when I’m finished with you, you’ll not be able to walk. Not without crutches,” Kathy came back, forgetting she had an audience—it was one of those occasions, when she gave full vent to her frustration.
Mark leaned in and whispered something to Kathy. From the sudden flush on her cheeks, we knew it wasn’t for public consumption. When he was finished, Kathy gave him a soft, loving kiss, before letting him sit back.
Dana whispered, “I guess Mark is safe, now.”
“In a manner of speaking,” I retorted.
“But you’re not,” she came back.
“I beg your pardon.” I didn’t understand what she was getting at.
“Do you think Kathy will not exact some form of retribution?”
“Huh?”
Before she could reply, Kathy turned her attention to me and said, “You knew all that, didn’t you?”
Without waiting for an answer, she looked at Dana. “If you are a she-devil, please make him scream and beg for mercy,” she said with a nasty grin. “When he does, don’t be merciful.”
Laughing, Dana gave me a ‘what did I tell you’ look, making me laugh, before she turned back to Kathy. “Kathy, I don’t think he meant any harm. You sure you don’t want to reconsider?” Dana asked.
“If he apologizes for laughing, I might consider being lenient,” Kathy retorted.
“I don’t think I need to apologize. I wasn’t laughing at you.”
“He’s telling the truth,” Dana said. “I told him to expect repercussions, but he didn’t get it, not until it was too late,” she finished, giving an apologetic smile to Kathy.
Before Kathy could respond, Mark cut in. “Kathy, honey. I told him and asked him to be my moral support. He was sworn to secrecy. Take it easy on him, will you?”
“If you’ll take his punishment, I will,” Kathy replied, playfully.
Mark and I exchanged a look, but it was obvious all of us were enjoying the little drama. Assuming the posture of a man facing the gallows, he said, “I cannot let him suffer,” with a resigned tone.
Picking up her glass, Dana raised it in a toast. “Hear, hear. A most courageous man. Laying himself down for his fellow comrade. Shall we not salute him?”
Laughing and cheering, all of us reached for our glasses and raised it in honor of Mark. We followed it with another toast for the couple, wishing them all the happiness. When the congratulations were over, the implications of the surprise finally sank in. Before Kathy had a chance to get emotional, Sarah and Dana arranged a visit to the powder room for the girls. Mark and I were quiet, waiting for the girls to return. I couldn’t think of anything to say to him. Kathy was stepping into another phase of her life, taking the first steps to making her own family, with a man she loved and who loved her back. In a year or so, she would get married, and... It just sank then; my sister getting married, becoming a wife and perhaps a mother... and me, an uncle!
God! How the time flies away. We were kids just yesterday.
I wasn’t sad or concerned. I was having a bit of difficulty comprehending how things seemed to move so fast. I hadn’t thought of things or the passage of time in those terms; child, teenager, adult, married, own family, own children...
“Mitch? Are you all right?”
“Hmmm...”
“Are you OK?” Mark asked again, taking me out of my daze.
“I’m all right. I was just thinking... how time flies away.”
He gave me a curious look. “You’re talking about Kathy?”
“Kind of... not exactly. It just made me realize. It may sound strange, but I never thought of Kathy... us... growing up... in different terms of...” I searched for the right word, but gave up. “You know what I mean? Like children, teenagers, adults, family. Those things make you look at time from a different perspective.”
“I never thought about it like that, but now that you mention it... In a few years, you might be an uncle,” he quipped with a grin.
“Yeah. That’s what I was thinking about also. I don’t know if I’m ready to be called uncle, yet,” I replied with a smile. “No offense meant. You know what I mean.”
With a grin, he nodded. “I know, Mitch. I’m 30. You’re not even there. And yet... But I think, it’s also because Kathy and you are very close. Starting a family of her own doesn’t mean she will cease to be your sister.”
“I guess... Thank you. I’m happy for both of you,” I said. With a grin, I added, “I’m sure I’ll spoil your little ones terribly. I think the idea has sunk in now, like it did with Kathy, and I doubt if she has realized it completely.”
“You might be right on that. But, we’ll have time to get used to it. She still has to finish school.”
“Maybe not. I think, if she wants to, Kathy can convince Mom.”
“Perhaps. However, I’m not going to pressure Kathy for an early marriage. If she wants to, I wouldn’t be opposed, but I respect your mother’s wishes, and I don’t want Kathy at odds with her parents. We both know marriage is legal recognition of a union, and the way I see it, Kathy and I are already in a union.”
“That’s an interesting way of putting it... But, yes. You two are already married, aren’t you?” I said, getting a nod.
Raising my glass, I offered my congratulations.
When the girls returned, Kathy was subdued, but she returned to her bubbly self in a very short time. Dana mentioned Kathy had cried a bit, finally realizing the big change in her life, but Sarah helped calm her down very quickly. Mark didn’t miss Kathy’s mood, and he fawned over her, while Sarah supplied the comic relief, helping to establish a light and joyous atmosphere. The food must have been good, but I didn’t remember much of it, and I suspect nobody did. We were all caught up with Kathy and Mark, and in the discussions of the hectic weeks they were going to face. At Kathy’s insistence, Mark told the background story about the telephone call from his boss. But not before getting us all sworn to secrecy—about the project—with all kinds of James Bond style cloak and dagger play acting—ranging from: ‘I can tell you about it, but then I have to kill you,’ to ‘you can’t talk about it unless you want to be locked up and the key thrown out.’‑You know, the usual kiddy stuff!—For a 30 year old guy, he hadn’t lost the little child that most people lose touch with over the years.
I was over my funky mood as well, seeing Kathy so happy. I was used to being alone, so I hadn’t realized how it must have been for her, except a few times when we talked. Now, it was easy to see by the change in her. She looked absolutely radiant, beautiful. I didn’t realize I was watching her so intensely, not until Dana leaned in and whispered, “She positively glows,” as if reading my thoughts.
Her words reminded me something else. Mark and Kathy were a couple, as Dana and I were, to a certain degree. But, Sarah? She seemed to be having a great time; understandably, she shared more than anybody else in Kathy’s happiness. I knew she would be busy helping Mark and Kathy in the coming weeks, and Kathy would always keep an eye on her, but when everybody went to their own home... what then? She had said she wasn’t ready for commitment or a relationship. Was that what she really felt, wanted?
“What are you thinking?” Dana asked quietly.
“Us... you, me,” I replied, distractedly, trying to get over the sudden mood swing I was having.
“And Sarah?” she asked.
I was starting to believe she was telepathic. I raised an eyebrow, and she smiled, patting my arm.
“Yes, her too,” I admitted, feeling a bit apprehensive.
“It’s all right, Mitch. We’ll talk. Later, we’re going to her place.”
“Was that what you two talked about?”
“Among other things,” she replied cryptically.
“Am I going to be left in the dark?”
“Not really. No. I’ll tell you about it. Please pay attention to her. I don’t want her to feel alone.”
I nodded. By then, we were almost finished with the main course. Turning my attention to Sarah, I noticed she was drinking mineral water, instead of her wine. Her glass was almost untouched, more than half full.
“You didn’t like the wine?” I asked her.
“No, the wine was good. I promoted myself to designated driver,” she replied with a tingling laugh.
After a quick check around, I realized everybody had consumed a lot of alcohol. To my dismay, I had forgotten about it. I had had three glasses and was starting on my fourth, instead of my usual two. Among the group, Kathy usually ended up as the designated driver, because she drank very little, but tonight was her night, and she was drinking.
“How many did you have?”
“That’s my second glass, one at Kathy’s and one here. Kathy and I are careful about it, and when Mark takes us out, we share the duty.”
“I’m sorry, Sarah. It completely slipped my mind. I was planning to drive us all back, and I wanted everybody to enjoy it. Mark and I had this night planned, and I expected to be the designated driver, but...”
“It’s all right, Mitch. We’re going to my place after dropping off Kathy and Mark,” she replied. Then, giving me a look of mischief, she said, “At last, I’m going to get my hands on your sporty thing,” making me laugh, but it sounded a bit strained—even to my ears. I hadn’t forgotten her comments about driving.
Patting my arm, she teased, “I’ll try not to break the sound barrier.” Although she was joking, her eyes were serious, and that eased my apprehension.
Leaning in, I kissed her on her neck, and she returned it with a squeeze on my arm. My eyes strayed to the billowing flap of her dress, to her tit. The puffy nipple was erect, but not as much as it used to get when she was aroused.
“The view is excellent,” I whispered, trying to pay her back.
“You’ve seen it before,” she whispered back.
“This is different. It’s like playing Peeping Tom.”
“Mitch, if you don’t stop, I will need to visit the ladies room, and I don’t want to do that,” she responded with an almost pleading tone.
“I’ll be good. I’ll make it up to you later,” I said, before sitting back.
After the dinner plates were collected, we were given the dessert menu. As if prearranged, everybody declined dessert but ordered coffee. I checked my watch and it was past eleven, still early, when I remembered everybody had to go to work tomorrow, except me.
“Dana, what time do you have to be at the airport?”
“Ten. Why?”
“Was thinking about arrangements.”
“We’ll figure out something.”
Turning to Sarah, I asked the same question, and learned she had a class early in the morning, then she had to be in the hospital. As I had guessed, we couldn’t stay up late. I knew Kathy had to start early, and Mark had a lot of things to do.
When we finished our coffee, Mark said, “I know everybody is having a great time, and I hate to be the party pooper but, needless to say, Sunday night is not really suited for a prolonged outing.”
When everybody murmured their agreement, he continued, “But, I promise we will repeat this on a Friday or Saturday and take advantage of the weekend.” With a quick glance at Kathy, he said, “Kathy and I would like you to join us for a nightcap at her place.”
I waited for Dana and Sarah to make up their mind, and the two girls decided to take a rain check, saying it was already getting late. Mark asked for the bill, and while we waited, Kathy reminded them to change into something comfortable at her place, as my car was quite small. After Mark signed the check, we all headed to the coatroom to pick up our coats.
Hanging back, I caught up with Mark. “There will be a next time and it will be my treat.”
Laughing, he replied, “Sure, Mitch. But I was hoping to use my expense account.”
“With the kind of boss you have, I think you should use it for the clients,” I retorted.
With a sigh, he said, “Don’t remind me. OK. Next time will be your treat.”
At the car park, Sarah asked for the keys, and took the driver’s seat, while Dana took the passenger seat. Mark, Kathy and I were in the back seat, bracketing her. Sarah being Sarah, she started on Kathy, as soon as we hit the road.
“You already have one guy roped; at least, leave the other one for us,” she quipped, making us all laugh.
“And let him get killed? I don’t think so. He’s the only brother I have,” Kathy retorted.
Dana joined in with, “You wanted him to be punished. Already changing your mind?”
“No, not really. Depends on the punishment. What did you have in mind?” Kathy asked bluntly. From her tone, it was obvious that she was issuing a challenge, daring Dana to respond in kind.
With a small laugh, Dana replied, “You’re an imaginative woman, Kathy. Why don’t you make a suggestion? After all, it was you who asked us to punish him,” returning the ball to Kathy’s court.
When she heard that, Sarah shrieked with delight. “Yes, Kathy. Let’s hear some suggestions.”
Grudgingly, Kathy had to let it go. “You two should be able to come up with something without my help.”
Now that Kathy had stepped back, Sarah went on the offensive. “Do you need any help to find a suitable punishment for Mark?”
“I can manage that on my own, thank you very much,” Kathy replied, hissing through her teeth.
“As you wish, Sis. You know, you can give me a call anytime you need advise, or help,” Sarah goaded her, adding fuel to the fire.
Dana was trying to be polite and not laugh at the two girls, but the way the two went at each other made it difficult.
Kathy almost resorted to her name calling. “You are such a—” catching herself in time, remembering we had company, and finished it with, “Such a Sister!” But, it was obvious, what she meant.
“Thank you, Sis. I learned it from you,” Sarah returned without skipping a beat.
“I am not!” Kathy exclaimed, without realizing what she was saying. “I mean... You know what I mean.”
“I’m confused, Sis. Are you or are you not... a Sister?” Sarah asked, innocently.
Kathy knew she was cornered, and very badly. With a laugh, she surrendered. “I am. There. Are you satisfied?”
“I’m happy to hear that, Sis. I am, too.” We could all hear the grin she must have had on her face.
Because Dana had been quietly following the discussion, Sarah turned to her, and with a casual tone she asked, “What about you, Dana? Are you a Sister, too?” drawing a shriek followed by a chuckle.
Being a good sport, Dana replied, “Yes, I am a Sister,” making both girls laugh. Twisting in her seat, she turned to us. Looking at Kathy, she said, “One of these days, you have to explain to me what a Sister is,” as if she didn’t know already.
“If I have to explain what a Sister is, perhaps you’re not one,” Kathy offered. “You sure you don’t know what a Sister is?”
“You girls are bad,” Dana retorted.
“So? Do you want to be good, or bad?” Kathy asked, giving her an impish grin.
With a lilting laugh, Dana replied, “I want to be a Sister.”
By then, we were at Kathy’s place. After Sarah parked the car, Mark and I helped the ladies out. Back in Kathy’s flat, the girls went to the master bedroom to change into comfortable clothes and pack their dresses. I went to my room to change into a pair of jeans and comfortable shoes, then picked up clean underwear, a wool shirt and my toiletries, in case I would get to spend the night with Sarah or Dana. I didn’t know what we would be doing or what the girls were planning, but I didn’t want to be caught unprepared. I saw Kathy passing by my room, and asked if she had a small overnight bag to put my stuff. She teased, asking if I was spending the night somewhere else, before getting me a small bag and a spare key to her flat. I joined Mark and Kathy in the living room until the girls showed up, chatting about tomorrow. Sarah had decided to leave her dresses here, and pick them up later, and Dana had her dress packed in the shopping bag. Collecting my overnight bag, I joined the girls, and we bid Mark and Kathy good night.
I took the back seat, stretching my legs along the length of it, sitting sideways, while Sarah and Dana took the front seats. As she had promised, she drove carefully and below the speed limits, but I could sense her excitement. She wasn’t joking when she had said she wanted to get her hands on it.
“Sarah, when you have time one of these days, we’ll take it out for a spin on the highway, OK?”
“Really? Will you let me drive it?” she asked, with the excitement of a kid being taken out for his favorite outing.
“Sure, why not?”
“I’ll be very careful. You won’t be sorry,” Sarah replied seriously.
Hearing that, Dana asked, “Do you enjoy driving fast?”
“I love it. He just made me feel like a kid in a candy store,” Sarah replied, making us both laugh.
“Thank you, Mitch. You’re a good friend,” she said. Turning her attention to Dana, she offered, “I love speeding, and Mitch realized I was taking unnecessary risks when I did. As you can guess, he wants me to work it out of my system.”
“Good for you, honey,” Dana responded, patting Sarah’s arm.
* * * * *
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