Half an hour later, Steve and Gwen pulled into the Anderson driveway. At least they pulled into the bottom of the drive, as it was full of cars. Gwen looked the cars over and turned to Steve."I'm so sorry. It looks like every relative and friend my family knows has decided to meet at our place. I think it may be to inspect you and maybe grill you as boyfriend material. I'm not saying you're my boyfriend or anything, but I know everyone inside will say it. I have to invite you in or they'd give me the devil, but you can leave if you want. I wouldn't blame you," admitted Gwen."For some reason, you don't seem to understand that I really enjoy your family. I'd be glad to meet all your family and friends. In fact, I want to meet them, if you're okay with it.""Okay, but don't say that I didn't warn you. They'll talk like we're getting married next week and ask all kinds of embarrassing questions. The Inquisition was a walk in the park compared to an evening in our house when you're datin
Steve had to park his car down the street because the Anderson driveway was filled to capacity. Kate greeted him with a hug as he walked up the driveway."I'm so glad you came, Steve. I've got a few girlfriends here, and I kind of told them we're real close since you're dating my sister. I'm not going to embarrass you or Sis, but it would be greatly appreciated if you'd act like you really liked me," begged Kate."Kate, I really do like you, but let's make this clear. I like you like the sister that I never had. I may start loving you like the sister I never had, but it's always going to be like a sister, okay?""Oh, Steve! You'll be my big brother? I never had one before, but I think I'm going to enjoy it a lot! That sounds perfect. I'll be sure to tell Sis that I'm not trying to steal you away. Thanks so much!" squealed Kate in delight as she led Steve around to the pool area behind the house."I think this guy is stalking me!" called Charlotte as she walked up to Steve and gave him
For his part, Steve wasted no time catching up to Gwen as they left homeroom for their English class. Gwen felt a tingle of pride to have Steve walk her down the halls where the other students could see for themselves that the star quarterback was, indeed, walking with the class "braniac".Steve took a seat directly behind Gwen, who sat in the front row. Charlotte sat across from her in another front seat. Mark, Bev, and Barry came in together and sat nearby. Steve saw a very attractive, petite blonde girl enter and look around at the gathered students."You're Steve Hammer? Did you receive the required reading list for this class? If so, did you have time to read all four novels? Will you require any extra time to complete the assignment," quizzed the pretty girl."I'm on the last chapter of the fourth novel. I'll have them all read by tomorrow morning. Thanks for asking," replied Steve politely, but with some confusion. "How about you? Did you read all of them, or will you need more
"There's just one more thing, and then I'll let you go. I told you that I had the idea while reading the names of those in this year's senior class. The name that caused me to dare this folly was yours, Gwen. You practically have a lock on valedictorian. You want to be a surgeon. And lately, you've been garnering a great deal of publicity, all of it good, by the way. You're limited only by what you can imagine. I want you to be the chairperson for this year long fund raising project, and the sky is the limit. Work with Dave Kite, or at least be sure he is aware of your schedule and plans. He's done a marvelous job of developing a web presence for us. Let's use it to our marketing advantage. We'll try anything if it isn't illegal, or obviously immoral. This class will the very best this school has ever had!" predicted Ms. Walker to the enthusiastic seniors.Steve congratulated Gwen as everyone filed out of the auditorium. He then turned and headed for the locker room to prepare for foo
Amber Stahl, with the zeal of a young reporter, smelled a story and decided to hang around after the game. If she was noticed videoing the first dance by the homecoming queen and king, it wasn't mentioned. Half the crowd had their phone cameras pointed at the couple. She just had time to get her report back to the station in the state capital before the eleven o'clock news. It was a slow news night and the lady sports director quickly scanned the video to glean the highlights. Her curiosity aroused, she played more slowly the highlights that interested her. Then she called the news director over to view the video from Sparta."Ms. Walker, my YouTube videos had a real shot in the arm Friday night," revealed Dave Kite as he took his seat in homeroom. "Channel 4 carried highlights of our win over Crawford, the crowning of our homecoming Queen and King, and at least fifteen seconds of their first dance of the evening. Somehow they found out about our class YouTube account and mentioned it
"That's what we're going to discuss this evening, Kate. I think I may be able to help her efforts to raise money. I own a very successful dealership and we sponsor a lot of worthy causes.""Here comes my Dad, Mr. Governs. He probably has a few things to say to you. It was nice meeting you," added Kate more politely than she felt."Hello, Mort. You remember me? We met when you dated my oldest daughter, Lisa. I sort have developed a short speech I like to give young men that date my daughters. It helps clear the air and avoid any misunderstandings," asserted Ted. "Do not use alcohol or drugs at any time in my daughter's presence. Always drive and conduct yourself in a responsible manner or I will not allow my daughter to go out with you. Treat her with respect at all times."Gwen and Paula were putting the finishing touches on Gwen's hair when they heard Ted give his spiel. They looked at each other and smiled as they listened to Ted recite his rules. Gwen had far less concern than the
Gwen knew real fear as she looked at Mort's face and heard his intentions. She threw her door open and ran into the woods. She heard Mort curse and then the engine started. Headlights lit up the forest, forcing Gwen to flee farther into the night. She remained quiet until she was certain that she heard Mort drive away. She had the presence of mind to listen carefully so that she could determine the direction of the nearest highway. Gwen had her phone, but until she could establish her location, calling someone for help would only create unneeded worry for her family.Not one to whine, Gwen began walking in the general direction of the highway. Half an hour later, Gwen found herself on a county road. Having grown up in the area, she only had to walk a half mile or so along the road before she was able to identify her location. With a sigh, she used the speed dial on her phone."Charlotte, I need you to pick me up. I'm stranded on Henderson Road, about halfway between the river and the
"That's what I was trying to tell you earlier this evening when you were getting ready to go out with butt-head," pointed out Kate. "You weren't going to tell Steve about Mort if you could help it. I guess all women are liars and cheats and really want men to play with their "girls". That's probably exactly what Mort believes.""Besides," added Gwen, ignoring Kate's observation, "Dad punched Steve tonight when he saw my torn blouse and Steve standing there all angry. That's enough to keep Steve away forever.""Ha! I'll give you odds that Steve will be back as soon as you invite him. He'll even apologize to Dad for making him so upset that he felt he had to hit Steve. Did you see how Steve just rubbed his chin and looked at Dad? I don't think Dad will be popping him in the chops again anytime soon," chuckled Kate. "But it was great that Dad was willing to mix it up with Steve for his daughter's honor."Steve had no idea what to expect when he entered the homeroom the next morning. He h