Johnny Pulaski Chapter 14

Posted: March 27, 2006 - 12:02:13 am

Emma and I had fun at the mall. We buzzed into a few jewelry stores,

picking up items from my list. Next it was Wilson's Leather for a

briefcase for Katrina then we went to Victoria's secret and picked up a

little something to put in that briefcase. I was carrying Emma after

fifteen minutes. She was a game trooper but her little legs couldn't

keep up.

We went to the Wal-Mart super center next. It was crowded and noisy but

I managed to snag a new twenty-eight inch television for Kayla to

replace the small unit in her apartment. Geez, televisions were cheap! I

mean a stereo twenty-eight inch model was only one-fifty. I also bought

Papa and Dad a fishing rig while we were there and, what the hell, one

for me too. The fishing outfits were inexpensive Zebcos, but the real

gift was the idea of the three of us hanging out together drowning worms.

Our last stop was at a photo studio I found that specialized in boudoir

photography. I paid down on deluxe packages for Dee-Dee and Jane. I made

an agreement with the lady who owned and operated the place to pay the

balance right after Christmas. Both sets of grandparents gave me cash

for Christmas so I figured I could cover it.

Shopping completed, Emma and I went to Mickey D's for a Happy Meal and

the playground. I enjoyed sitting with a couple of young mothers as

'our' children romped. The mothers were curious about me, I could tell,

wondering how old I was to be there with a four-year-old. I flirted

shamelessly with this one woman when we determined that we were both

single. She had three-year-old twin hellions who were out of control.

Our little flirtation ended when Emma bopped one of the boys in his snot

locker for something. The mother got all offended so I collected Emma

and we left.

From McDonalds we went to Dairy Queen. I bought myself a small Oreo

Blizzard and a chocolate cone for Emma. We ate sitting at a picnic

table; Emma entertained me with a story about going to the fair and

riding a pony. It took a dozen napkins to squeegee the chocolate off her

face. She was wearing as much chocolate as she ate. But I swear I didn't

mind cleaning her up a bit, it was a joy watching her eat and listening

to her chatter. I called Kayla after we finished our DQ. She had a

couple of more stops to make so I gave her directions to my house and

took Emma there so she could help me wrap presents. What the hell, I

figure she couldn't be any worse at wrapping than I was.

My Mom and Katrina fell in love with Emma as soon as they met her.

Katrina decided to get in on the wrapping with us and brought her

presents into my room. The two girls quickly dismissed me from wrapping

duty after I mangled my first effort. I was relegated to filling out the

gift tags and sticking on bows.

The highlight of our time in my room was fixing up the present I bought

for Emma to give to her mother. I had bought a heart shaped locket on a

gold chain for her. Katrina helped Emma fix her hair and I snapped

digital pictures of the little angel until I finally took one that met

with her critical approval. We uploaded the photo onto my computer and

printed out a very small copy of it. Katrina carefully cut out the

picture and put it in the locket. Emma proudly wrapped that gift all by

herself and stuck a bow on it.

Kayla showed up a little after four. Emma tackled her as soon as she was

in the door and handed her the carefully wrapped gift. Emma admonished

her not to peek until Christmas then started talking a mile a minute

about our shopping trip. Kayla quieted her down long enough for me to

make introductions. Mom invited mother and daughter to have supper with

us but Kayla begged off because she had to work. I carried Emma out to

Kayla's Plymouth Neon and switched out the booster seat. I got a big hug

and kiss from Emma and a smaller version from her mom.

We ate as a family at home that night, just like old times. Mom outdid

herself; her homemade chicken and dumplings and sweet corn muffins were

to die for. Katrina and I were cleaning up the kitchen after the meal.

"Johnny, what are you doing tonight?" Katrina asked.

"No plans, you want to do something?"

"Actually, I do. There is a new club in Orlando I heard about and I want

you to take me."

"That sounds cool; if you wear a mini skirt, it's a date."

She laughed and said she had just the outfit. We finished the kitchen

and told our folks where we were going then went upstairs to get ready.

I was finished first, of course, so I went to the family room to put the

touch on Dad for some scratch. He and Mom were snuggled up on the couch

watching some movie on HBO.

"Say Dad, could loan me a few bucks? I'm tapped out with Christmas and all."

Now my dad is a great guy but he is so tight he squeaks. He frowned and

I braced myself for the 'fool and his money lecture'. Before he could

say anything, I swear to God, Mom put her hand way up on his thigh and

said in this really sexy voice, "Just give them some money, Paul. Think

of it as an investment in a really fun evening."

What the hell! That was information I didn't want to be hearing. Dad

stood up quickly and dug out his wallet. He turned his back to me and

opened it. I expected to see moths fly out of it, he took it out so

seldom, but when he turned around he stuck out a couple of twenties.

Since I needed gas for my truck, forty dollars wasn't gonna cut it. I

stood there trying to figure out how to get at least another twenty when

Mom came to my rescue.

"Did I mention it would be a really, really fun evening?" she asked.

Dad snorted and redid the turn around thing, this time he handed me a fifty.

I don't know what code 'really, really fun' was between my parents, but

for the old man to give up almost a hundred dollars, it must be

something spectacular. Again, thinking about that was leading down a

road that didn't need traveling.

"Thanks Dad," I said and gave him a hug.

He mumbled something under his breath and sat back down. Mom giggled and

kissed him. I sat in the love seat that was perpendicular to the couch

they were on and tried to get into the movie. I heard some sniggering

and glanced at the couch. Mom was almost in Dad's lap busily nibbling on

his ear. I jumped up and excused myself.

"Geez, you two, get a room, before I need therapy," I complained as I

bolted to the kitchen.

I heard Katrina on the stairs about ten minutes later. I called out that

I was in the kitchen. She came into the nook where I was sitting reading

a magazine. I was goggle-eyed when I saw her. She had on this very short

green, tartan plaid miniskirt and a white button up blouse. Her hair was

in a ponytail and she had on white Reeboks. She looked like a naughty

Catholic School girl; I liked it, I liked it a lot.

"What are you doing sitting in here Bro?"

I told her about my conversation with Dad, and Mom's comments.

"Dad must think he's getting very lucky tonight," she grinned. Then she

went, "you know", and made this obscene gesture with her fist moving

back and forth near her mouth.

I groaned, "Not you too. I can't believe I was born into a family of

perverts!"

I drove us to the club that was located in the eastern suburbs of

Orlando. The trip took the better part of an hour. Katrina and I talked

and joked around on the trip. I couldn't help looking at her long

slender legs as I drove. I told her again how much I liked her outfit.

She told me she hoped so because she had worn it especially for me.

"Really? Just for me?"

"Just for you, think about it, how many times have you seen me in a

mini? You are the only guy I know that could get me in one."

I thought back and she was right. Katrina seldom wore skirts or dresses

and when she did they tended to be just above her knees. What a pity,

stems like hers were the reason minis were invented. It made me feel

good that she would wear something just for me, it made me feel special.

Still I couldn't resist a little tease.

"You know, with your legs, high heels and thigh high stockings would

really complete the look," I said innocently.

She looked at me and broke out laughing. "I don't own any heels or

stockings but if you buy them next time I'm home I'll wear them for you."

I smiled and agreed to her idea, all the while thinking about the outfit

in her new briefcase.

The club in Orlando was all Katrina said it would be. It was an old

converted two-story warehouse. The bottom floor was pretty much open

admission; you paid ten dollars at the door, a bouncer looked you over,

and then you walked through a metal detector and entered. Upstairs was

the twenty-one and over club. You had to produce ID at the foot of the

stairs before you could go up them. On the lower level, a long soda and

juice bar was along the wall opposite from the DJ. Small tables, just

barely big enough for four chairs, ringed a crowded dance floor. We

passed by the bar and snagged a couple of sodas then we found a table

with two empty chairs. The girls sitting there motioned for us to sit

when Katrina asked if we could join them.

My ass never saw much of that chair as Katrina kept me out on the dance

floor. Katrina was a good dancer, I should have figured as much given

her athleticism. I was a joy to watch her gyrate in happy abandon. I

didn't try to keep up with her because the stitches in my calf limited

my mobility somewhat. But me just swaying was fine with Katrina as she

danced around me. I had thought that we were just going to the club

together so Katrina would have an escort. Turned out, she considered it

a real date and politely turned down innumerable requests to dance from

both guys and girls.

Things were peachy until about eleven-thirty when this big bruiser

tapped me on the shoulder to cut in. The guy was even bigger than Creole

Sipes. Katrina told the guy no thanks; we were just about to leave the

dance floor. As we walked past him, the big idiot grabbed Katrina's left

shoulder.

"Wait a minute Sugar Pants," he said.

She turned her head to her left and smiled sweetly at him.

"Oh please, tell me you are a football player," she said.

The guy preened. "Yep, names Jimbo Tyler, I play offensive guard for the

'Canes' down in Miami."

"Oh goody, I have this thing about big dumb football players touching

me. If you don't move your hand it will be my pleasure to break it."

I could see old Jimbo didn't like that remark. I started to step in

between them but Katrina told me to back off. I shrugged and stepped

back a step. It wasn't as if she needed me to defend her anyway, hell if

anything, Jimbo was the one in trouble. Katrina didn't give Mr. Tyler

much time to make up his mind before she reached across her chest and

grabbed his index finger.

"NO!" she yelled, "LET ME GO."

Jimbo's eyes got big as saucers just before she spun out of his grasp

twisting his finger as she went. He yelped in pain as she pushed him

backwards. When she let go of his finger it was bent at an odd angle. He

managed to call her a bitch just before her size ten Reebok made

sickening contact with his scrotum. Every guy witnessing the kick gave a

sympathetic groan as Jimbo dropped to his knees and hurled up what

looked like a sizeable taco dinner.

This all happened in the span of about ten seconds. By the time two big

burly bouncers waded through the crowd Katrina was giving an Academy

Awardâ performance as a scared young woman. The bouncers asked what

happened and Katrina told him in this small shaking voice. Witnesses

corroborated her story and Jimbo was unceremoniously tossed out the

door. Us? We got an apology and two free passes to come back another

time. Since dancing was interrupted for a few minutes while someone

cleaned up Jimbo's mess, Katrina and I took a seat. I looked at her

incredulously as we sat down.

"I really, really, really hate football players touching me," she said.

"Except for you of course," she amended.

I was a little disturbed that Katrina used Jimbo to vent her anger at

that Borkowski dude from her school, but, all in all, I guess Jimbo

earned what he got. I was also impressed with Katrina's acting job. From

start to finish she made herself come across as the victim.

We stayed at the club until the twenty and under portion closed at

midnight. The DJ turned the house lights way down and played ten minutes

of slow music to end the evening. Katrina wrapped her arms around my

neck and held me tight as we danced. In another one of those moves that

are bound to send me straight to hell, I slid my hands down and cupped

her ass. Instead of giving me the same treatment Jimbo got, Katrina

purred and nibbled my neck.

We stopped off at Denny's for a late night meal before we went home. We

were having too much fun to call it a night. It was almost two when I

let us into my grandparents' house. I brought Jethro in while Katrina

headed for the bathroom. When I had the house secured and Jethro fed I

went to turn in myself. Katrina was already under the covers with the

lights out when I got to the bedroom. I stripped down to my shorts and

crawled into bed with her. When she snuggled up onto my chest there was

nothing between us but air.

"Are you naked again Trina?" I asked warily.

"Nope, I have on my panties. If you want me naked you'll have to take

them off," she said sleepily.

I laughed and hugged her to me; I was asleep in seconds.

Katrina was up first the next morning: I found her in the kitchen making

coffee. She was wearing the same skirt from last night and one of my

dress shirts partially buttoned. She poured us both a cup of java and

sat down next to me.

"Thank you for last night, Johnny. It was one the best dates I ever

had," she said.

"I had fun too, Trina. You're good company when you're not kicking

someone's ass."

She laughed and swatted my arm. Then she turned serious.

"I wish I hadn't agreed to go skiing. I think I'd much rather be here. I

forgot how important family really is while I was feeling sorry for

myself these last few months. When I go back I'll certainly remember,

though, thanks to you. And I think Mom feels the same way. I expect you

and Dad will see a lot more of her in the future."

Katrina borrowed my truck to go home and change. I toasted a couple of

bagels for myself then took a shower and gave Kong some much needed

attention. Kong didn't have any hang ups about Katrina being my sister;

all he saw was a hot babe. Luckily, my big head did the thinking where

Katrina was concerned. I liked that Katrina and I were getting so

comfortable around each other that casual nudity didn't bother either

one of us. Kong was just going to have to learn to live with it.

After a shower and a not really needed shave I threw on some jeans and

called the Cavanaughs. One of the twins answered. I identified myself

and Elaine did the same. I asked her if I'd be interrupting anything by

coming over to drop off presents. She said hold on and fetched her

father. Mr. Cavanaugh was his usual jovial nice guy self. I had to

wonder how he ever hooked up with the mega-bitch he married. He told me

how proud he was of me for what I did and said I was welcome at his

house anytime. I had to smile when he emphasized the 'his house' part of

the sentence.

I drove over to the Cavanaughs for lunch. I took the small gift I bought

for Shelia in with me but left the twin's pandas in my truck. Shelia and

her mother were out somewhere when I arrived. That didn't break my heart

any. Lunch was enjoyable. Mr. Cavanaugh was an interesting guy. He asked

me if my injuries were going to hurt my athletic career. It was the

first thought I'd given to something like that. I told him I didn't

think so.

The twins peppered me with questions about what happened. They were

dressed up more than usual; when I commented how nice they looked they

blushed and Mr. Cavanaugh gave me a wink.

"I think they have plans to steal you from their sister," he said.

"They already have," I replied.

After lunch Mr. Cavanaugh excused himself to finish some work in his

study. He admonished the twins to behave themselves with another wink at

me. He wouldn't have been winking if he knew what was on the little

vixens minds.

When we were alone they moved around until one was sitting on either

side of me.

"Aunt Nina said she went to see you and told you all about Mom. She said

you were special and reminded her of Uncle Jake when he was your age,"

Ellen said.

"Yeah, and she said you tingled her," Elaine said with a giggle.

Ellen nodded. "She liked it too, we could tell. She was all blushing

when she said it. Aunt Nina is like the coolest person in our family.

Mom says she is scandalous but won't say why.

I told the twins about the conversation from my point of view; I even

threw in what Nina said about them being my allies in dealing with their

mother. I added that I didn't know that it was necessarily good, though.

When Ellen asked why, I repeated what I said to Nina about causing

conflict between Shelia and their mom.

"You are probably right about that. Shelia is way more under Mom's thumb

than we are. Mom doesn't know what to do with us, so as long as we don't

embarrass her, she leaves us alone. Johnny, you know by now we aren't

like other girls our age. Not only are we more mature physically, we are

way advanced mentally." Ellen said.

I said I could see that as I pretended to ogle her body.

She laughed and continued. "Well, our boobs aren't very big but they

probably never will be, Mom is the only one in the family with big ones.

What I am getting at is that we'll be fourteen in a couple of months but

we are already as grown up as Shelia."

I said, "I understand, but why were they telling me all this?"

Elaine jumped in. "We aren't propositioning you or anything, we just

wanted you to know more about us. I know we seem naive sometimes but

that's only because we don't have much experience. Because we are smart

we have been home schooled all our lives, but we have convinced our

parents to let us start high school at Palmdale next year. You're not

going to ignore us because we are younger are you?"

"Are you kidding me? I'd never pass up the chance to hang around two

gorgeous women. If anything, you won't have time for me because all the

boys will be after you. But finding out you are all grown up makes what

I got you for Christmas inappropriate, guess I'll have to exchange them

for something else."

"You got us presents?" they squealed in unison.

"Yeah, but you are probably going to be disappointed in them," I said.

"We'll be the judge of that," Elaine said.

They practically dragged me out to my truck. I opened the passenger door

and gave each of them one of the big stuffed pandas. Mature for their

age or not, they loved the bears. I was going to take off but they

insisted I stay a while longer. They ran into Mr. Cavanaugh's study to

show him the bears then took me up to their room so they could put them

away. The twins shared a huge room. It must have been at least a

thousand square feet. They told me that their mom had tried to get them

into separate bedrooms a few years before but they didn't like it. So

their dad had a few walls torn down to make a suite for them to share.

Next to its size, the most striking thing about the room was how austere

it was. The furnishings were expensive and beautiful but there was

nothing to personalize the space. I commented on that to the girls, they

replied that their mom hated clutter. So to compensate they had a

playroom, Ellen produced a key and showed me their inner sanctum. It was

a living room sized space with a television and even a small

kitchenette. It was decorated the way they wanted, with posters and

pictures and funky knickknacks.

"No one's allowed in here except us. You are the first person we've ever

showed it to," Elaine said.

They sat me on the couch and Ellen fetched us each a soda. Talking to

them was a trip. They were way smarter than anyone had a right to be. I

could see, however, that they were destined for hardship at school

because they just didn't seem to know how to interact with kids their

age. I thought maybe that was something I could help them with, so I

broached the subject as tactfully as I could. They both thought it was a

great idea and started telling me things they thought would help. I

offered to take them places where teens hung out so they could get

acclimated to the complicated culture of adolescence. They responded

enthusiastically.

I don't know how I ended up making out with them there on the couch but

soon I was twisting back and forth sharing kisses. It's not something

I'll put on my Eagle Scout application, but I enjoyed the hell out of

starting their lessons with French Kissing 101.

Listen, I know they were young; I know they were sheltered; but I'm

telling you they had an agenda, and if it hadn't been me it could have

been someone much worse. At least I had self-restraint and I honestly

cared for them. I did the right thing and kept things from getting too

far out of hand. It took a lot of self-restraint, too, as they were both

sending me huge waves of their arousal.

I wondered aloud why they had never discovered this with each other;

after all, they were perfectly in tune. They both thought the idea was

gross. Ellen explained it by saying they were so much alike it would be

as if they were doing it to themselves in front of a mirror. We fooled

around on the couch for fifteen minutes. That was all I could stand and

come out of there still a nice guy. The girls were disappointed because

they wanted a lot more. I put them off with vague promises for after

their birthday.

Kong was not happy with me as I drove away from the Cavanaughs'. He was

especially miffed because I had to pull the twins' hands off him more

than once. I adjusted myself with a sigh, and headed to the photo studio

to pick up Mom's present. I was looking forward to a relaxing evening

with my family. We were going to Midnight Mass at ten then we'd come

home and exchange gifts. With us all feeling so close this year I had to

believe it was the best holiday I could remember in years. Funny how

things change as you get older. Gone were the days when I anxiously

waited for Christmas for the presents I'd be getting. Now I was more

than content to enjoy the gift of a loving family and good friends.

When I got home Mom and Katrina were busy making batches of Christmas

cookies in the kitchen and Dad was in the garage. Both things made me

smile. I loved that Katrina and Mom were laughing and joking around. And

I was smiling because if Dad was in the garage it could only mean that

we were going out in the Ghetto Cruiser that night. The Ghetto Cruiser

was my father's pride and joy, a 1972 Cadillac Sedan De Ville he had

spent two years lovingly restoring. The Caddy was huge. "Biggest

production car ever built," Dad boasted. It was a minty green color with

a dark green vinyl top and matching leather upholstery. Riding in the

Caddy was like sitting on the couch in the living room. The Cruiser was

the epitome of everything Detroit did wrong in the early seventies. It

was too big, rode too soft, handed badly and guzzled gas like a 747.

Still, sitting in the big comfortable interior was a dream.

We pulled carefully out onto the street in the humongous Caddy at about

seven in the evening. Katrina and I were in the back seat and Mom was

pasted against Dad in the front.

"Ah Geez, can you two tone it down up there? I'm still impressionable

you know," I complained.

Mom turned her head and looked at me over the seat.

"Did you say something Johnny? I'm sorry but your dad and I were

discussing how good that back seat would be to make you a baby brother."

I covered my ears in mock horror as even Dad started laughing.

"This won't seem so funny when you are paying a hundred dollars an hour

for me to see a shrink," I groused.

We delivered cookies and visited friends all over town for the next two

hours, and then we went to Mr. Poon's Chinese restaurant for a late

supper. From Poon's we went straight to Mass. We arrived early to get

seats. The Christmas Eve service was always heavily attended. When

Father Donavan got to the part of the Mass where he said... and my peace

I give you... I knew for a fact that he was talking to me. As we passed

the sign of peace with those around us I hugged Mom and Dad and Katrina

and told them all I loved them. Heck if you got right down to it, I

loved everyone right then. My life that was in wind blown shambles a few

months before, was the next thing to perfect now.

When we returned home we sat by the tree and opened gifts. I receive a

new tonneau cover for my truck from Dad and a crap load of sharp new

clothes from Mom. Katrina gave me a gold chain with a medallion on it.

The medallion was in the shape of the shield on Superman's cape but

instead of an 'S' in the middle it had a 'P'. Clever, heh?

Mom loved her portrait and hugged it to her chest misty-eyed; Dad was

about the same way with his fishing rod when I told him it was one of

three. Katrina loved her briefcase and started to open it. I shook my

head no, and mouthed 'later' to her. She looked curious but set it

aside. Katrina and I got big fat checks from Gus and Syl plus a grand

each from Papa and Nana. It was after midnight when Katrina and I headed

for my grandparents' house. We each drove our own vehicles as we were

headed in different directions the next day.

I took care of Jethro as soon as I got there then went to the bedroom to

see what Katrina was up to. I found her on the bed trying numbers on the

combination locks that secured the latches on her briefcase. She looked

up at me as I wandered through the door.

"Give me the combo Baby brother, I'm dying to see what's in here."

I laughed at her eagerness and gave her the digits. She spun them up,

opened the case and stared at the contents.

"You can't be serious," she said holding up the wispy black teddy.

"Well I wasn't at first but you're the one who said 'if you buy it, I'll

wear it'. Besides there are panties for it in there too."

She fished into the briefcase's top flap and pulled out the skimpy

matching black thong.

"I have never worn anything like this in my life, but a deal is a deal,"

she said.

I was speechless when she walked into the bathroom with the little

outfit. I had meant the whole thing as a practical joke, never dreaming

she'd actually wear it for me. She stayed in the bathroom a long time so

I figured she had chickened out. Oh well, it was a good goof anyway. I

was reading under the covers when I heard her clear her throat. I looked

up and almost had an aneurysm. She was leaning seductively against the

doorframe one knee coyly raised hiding her center. Her hair was brushed

out and shone like spun gold; her lips were a deep red color.

"I fixed my hair and had to do a little touch up on my bikini area. What

do you think?"

"I think you are too pretty to describe," I answered truthfully.

She glided sensuously over to the bed but didn't get under the covers.

Instead she tossed my book away and propped herself on top of me.

"I know what Rachael and those other women see in you now, Johnny. A

week ago I was depressed and ready to chuck it all, now, thanks to you,

I feel ten feet tall and bullet proof. I also see why Rachael ran away,

because it's real easy to fall in love with you. Now close your eyes and

pucker up."

I did as she asked and she planted a kiss on me that seared itself into

my memory banks. When the kiss ended, a minute or an hour later, she

climbed under the covers and reached across me to turn out the bedside

lamp. That night she lay on her side away from me and pulled me up

against her back, spoon fashion. I draped my arm across her and she held

my hand. I was proud and happy that my Trina felt safe and comfortable

in my arms.

I woke up Christmas morning with something tickling my nose. When I

gained a measure of alertness I discovered it was Katrina's hair. We

must have moved sometime during the night because this morning I was on

my back and she was lying almost completely on top of me. I tenderly

brushed her hair off my face and gently stroked her head. She made a

little whimper in her sleep and burrowed closer against me. I stayed in

bed holding her for another ten minutes before nature started calling

too loudly to ignore.

When I returned from the bathroom she was just waking up. She sat up and

stretched, giving me an eyeful of her impossibly perky breasts pushing

against the teddy. She grinned when she saw where I was looking and

struck a sexy pose.

"Don't move," I said as I dug my digital camera out of my backpack.

When I turned back around, camera in hand, she squeaked.

"Let me fix my hair at least," she said.

I snapped a picture as she had both hands up pushing her hair into

place. She hammed it up for me as I snapped away. Katrina could really

look sultry when she wanted to. I loved this new playful teasing side of

my sister. For years I had been in awe of her because she was so focused

and accomplished; now she seemed so much more human. I'd like to think

that it was a good thing for her too, knowing she could be relaxed and

carefree or even a little naughty around me. I think the last picture I

took of her was perfect. She was standing in the bathroom doorway facing

away from me; her arms were above her head and her limbs spread-eagled.

She was looking back over her shoulder at me with a smoldering expression.

After her potty break Katrina went through the pictures. She deleted a

few where her eyes were closed or she thought she looked stupid. Her

semi nudity didn't embarrass her one bit. She liked the picture in the

doorway also.

"Wow, I look sexy in that one, my ass doesn't look big or anything."

I had to laugh, "Your ass is perfect, I could stare at it all day."

She chuckled too, "Well you are in luck, Baby Brother, because you are

the only man I even remotely want looking at it right now."

Yeah, I had to agree, I was a lucky dog.

We showered, dressed and ate some breakfast. Katrina helped me load the

television for Kayla and Emma onto my truck and I snagged Papa's

furniture dolly out of his shop. I grabbed my backpack and made sure the

other gifts I was delivering were in it then headed out. Katrina gave me

a little kiss and headed over to Roxie's house.

My first stop was the Pullmans' house; I had some earrings for Amanda

and the photo gift certificate for Jane. My buddy, Al the Surfer Dude,

was manning the gate so I braked to a stop.

"Merry Christmas Al, it sucks you have to work today."

"Felicitations Dude. No, it's cool working today, everyone through the

gate gives me something. I've already collected sixty dollars and a

couple of joints."

I laughed and handed him a pint of Jack Daniels, "That's good then;

here, add this to your loot."

Al made the bottle disappear. "Oh Wow, Man! Black Jack. When I get off

I'll spark up a Spliff and have a shot in your honor."

I laughed again, "Okay Al, enjoy."

Jane and Amanda were watching */'A Christmas Story'/* on the tube. I sat

through the funny part when Darren McGavin was cursing the dogs that ate

the turkey. Amanda got me a cup of eggnog and we all toasted the season.

Amanda had me put on her necklace and cross; I'd guessed right; the

cross ended up nestled between her large breasts. She said she loved it.

Jane opened the envelope I gave her and smiled when she saw the colorful

brochure. Amanda scoped out the brochure and prodded her mom.

"Gee Mom, now you'll have some pictures to give to Ralphie Baby."

"Amanda Louise! His name is Ralph, or better yet Mr. Dabney, to you. And

we've had exactly two dates, so I doubt if he'll get any pictures like

these from me."

"Yet." chided Amanda.

"Yet; maybe," grinned Jane.

"Yeah, Louise, a little respect for your elders," I chimed in.

They gave me this big box wrapped in fancy gift metallic paper. I tore

off the paper and had to borrow a knife to cut through all the tape

sealing the lid. Inside the box, under a sea of tissue paper was a brick

with a tiny plastic trophy and an envelope taped to it. The trophy said

'World's Greatest Lover'. The envelope had half a dozen gift

certificates for Jiffy Lube. I held up the trophy.

"I'm going to Velcro this to the dash of my truck."

I dropped off a Play Station II and three games to the Hernandez family,

a gift for the kids from my parents and grandparents. I took Caroline

outside and gave her a necklace and crucifix just like Amanda's. Mr.

Hernandez gave me a computer chip for my truck that he said would give

me forty more horsepower. He promised to install it at lunch one day

next week. Caroline gave me a card she said not to open until later.

My last stop was at Kayla and Emma's apartment. I wrestled the

television off my truck and rolled it to their door on the dolly. Kayla

protested the gift vehemently but I just told her it was for Emma. Emma

was happy to see me. She raced to the tree and brought me a package she

had obviously wrapped herself. I carefully unwrapped it and oh-ed and

ah-ed the red F150 model kit. I told her I wouldn't put it together

until she was there to help me. Emma then proceeded to show me all that

Santa had brought her. She was maxed out on Barbies and Barbie

accessories. I unboxed the TV and set it up. While Emma was watching a

*/'Charlie Brown Christmas', /* Kayla motioned me into the kitchen. I

sat down in front of the cup of coffee she poured for me. Kayla was

already sitting at the table, her fingers idly playing with the locket

from Emma.

"This has been the best Christmas ever, and I'm pretty sure it is all

because of you. It seems a strange coincidence that, the day after I

tell you how desperate I was, all my problems are suddenly solved. I

appreciate you doing all you did Johnny but the television is too much.

And this locket! I don't think I'll ever take it off but I know you

bought it too. My affection is not for sale, Johnny, guys lots richer

than you have tried it and failed."

I regarded her for a moment willing myself not to get angry and to see

her point of view. It wasn't hard to see where she was coming from; I'll

bet that at work wealthy men propositioned her all the time.

"The money I spent on you was because I wanted your Christmas to be

nice. You just said it was, so my money was well spent. I'm not trying

to buy your affection; I couldn't afford to even try. I'm your friend

Kayla, and Emma's too, and that's all. Now I've gotta go, but I'll see

you Wednesday to take Emma to the zoo."

I don't know if I convinced Kayla of anything, but it didn't worry me

what she thought anyway. I knew what the truth was and I was comfortable

with my actions.

As I drove home I put Kayla and her suspicions out of my mind and

thought about the card Caroline had given me. It was a Christmas card

with no printing on the inside. Instead, written in gold calligraphy it

said, */'good for a double trip around the world, bareback. Redeemable

December 26^th , Love C & A'/*.
Joe J
Chapter 15