Chapter 23

While I drove, Beverly sat so she could look into the backseat. She told Lisa and Jon about the places we passed. I glanced at her, smiling, when I noticed that the skirt of her dress was high on her thighs.

I pulled up to the valet stand and stopped the car. Two men came to the car and opened the doors.

“Good evening, Mr. Henderson,” Carl, one of the valets, said while holding my door.

“Good evening, Carl. How are you doing?” I replied.

“I’m doing well.”

We headed for the front door. I held the door, letting the rest of our group into the building. When we reached the host stand, I was greeted by name again.

“Hello, Mr. Henderson. Hello Beverly. We have your table ready,” Louis Parsons said.

“Thank you, Louis. I’d like you to meet our friends, Todd, April, Jon, and Lisa. They’re visiting from Texas,” I said.

“I’m pleased to meet you, Jon and Lisa. I remember Todd and April from their previous visit. Welcome to our restaurant. I hope you enjoy your evening.”

“You know we always do, Louis,” I said.

Louis gathered six menus and led us to our table. He pulled out the chairs for the girls, helping them scoot in when they sat down. He passed out the menus and wished us well.

Lisa looked around, smiling as she took in the elegant surroundings. “I guess you’ve been here before.”

“Yes. This was my grandfather’s favorite restaurant, and we came here often. Beverly and I have maintained the tradition,” I replied.

Our server came to the table and introduced himself.

“Hi, Jacob. How are you doing this evening?” I said, introducing April, Todd, Lisa, and Jon.

“It’s all good, Mr. Henderson. Hello, Beverly, it’s always a pleasure to see you and Mr. Henderson. I’m pleased to meet your guests. Can I take your drink orders?” Jacob said.

We gave Jacob our orders, and he left.

“Do you know everyone here?” Jon asked.

“No, not everyone. I do know most of them, though. Louis is the owner. Jacob was my grandfather’s favorite server, and he served us most of the time when we visited the restaurant. Beverly and I like him, and he’s our usual server,” I said.

Jacob returned with our drinks and placed them on the table. He reviewed the evening’s specials and said he’d return shortly. When he said they had Japanese Wagyu beef, I knew what I would have.

“What do you suggest, Jeff?” Jon said.

“All of the food here is great, Jon. It depends on whether you want steak or seafood,” I said.

“That makes it tough. I like both,” Jon said.

“If you like steak, you should try the Japanese Wagyu beef they are offering tonight. I’m having the Wagyu ribeye,” I said.

“What’s Japanese Wagyu beef?” Lisa asked.

“Japanese Wagyu is Japanese beef raised under a strict set of standards. It’s said to be one of the tenderest and best-tasting of all beef. It isn’t often that it’s available,” I said.

“I’m going with Jeff’s recommendation. I had the best dinner I’ve ever had in a restaurant when he and Bev brought us here before,” April said.

“We should get the Caesar Salad too. It’s so yummy,” Beverly said.

Todd chuckled. “That’s an understatement, Bev. It was the only time I had a salad they prepared tableside.”

Jacob returned with a man carrying a tray of steaks and a few other items. The man pointed at the tray and explained each of the offerings. When he finished, he asked if we had any questions.

“Jeff said that the Japanese Wagyu is the best steak. The meat looks fatty,” April said.

“Yes, it’s called marbling. The better the marbling, the more tender and flavorful the meat is. Japanese Wagyu beef is raised to be well-marbled. We only have real Japanese Wagyu on rare occasions. There is domestic Japanese Wagyu, but what we’re offering tonight is true Japanese Wagyu,” Jacob said.

“Thank you, Jacob. Give us a few minutes, please,” I said.

“I want to try the Wagyu. I don’t see it on the menu. Do you know how much it costs?” Lisa said.

Beverly glanced at me and smiled. “It doesn’t matter, Lisa. Get it if that’s what you want. Dinner is Jeff’s and my treat.”

After a brief discussion, we made our decisions. Todd, Jon, and I wanted Wagyu ribeye steaks, while the girls wanted filets. We decided to have Caesar Salad, au gratin potatoes, creamed asparagus, and sautéed mushrooms for our sides.

When Jacob returned, I told him what we wanted. He asked everyone how they wanted their steak cooked, nodding when everyone ordered it rare. After placing our food orders, I asked for two bottles of Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon.

“I hope everyone likes wine. If not, please order something else,” I said.

Everyone said they were good with wine. A few minutes later, the salad chef rolled his cart to the table. Jacob brought our wine, opened a bottle, and poured a small amount into my glass. I told him it would be fine without tasting it. He filled the girls' glasses before pouring wine into Jon, Todd’s, and my glasses.

We sipped our wine while watching the man prepare the Caesar Salad. As he worked, he explained what he was doing. A busboy delivered bread baskets and butter. Lisa and Jon seemed mesmerized as they watched the salad being prepared. When he finished, the salad chef plated the salad and passed out the chilled plates.

“How do you like the salad, Lisa?” April said.

“This is amazing. I could make a meal of the salad alone,” Lisa replied.

When we finished our salads, the busboy cleared the table. Jacob stopped to ask if we needed anything and said our entrees would be out soon.

“How do you manage to stay trim when you eat like this?” Lisa said to Beverly.

“Jeff and I workout three days a week and swim every day. We don’t always eat like this, Lisa,” Beverly said.

Jacob and another server delivered our steaks and asked us to check that they were cooked properly. We all cut the meat, looked at it, and nodded. The server and Jacob placed the sides on the table, asked if we needed anything, and left when we said we were set.

I watched everyone as they tasted their steaks. I’d had Japanese Wagyu before and knew what to expect.

“Oh my god! This is amazing, Jeff,” April said.

Beverly nodded, leaned close, and whispered, “It’s almost as good as tube steak.”

Everyone talked about the tender steaks, saying they were the best they’d ever had. We passed the sides around, each taking a little from the dishes. For the next thirty minutes, we dined on our meals, sipped wine, and talked about the quality of the food.

When we finished eating, Jon leaned back in his chair. “That was by far the best steak and meal I’ve ever had in a restaurant or anywhere else.”

“I’m glad you enjoyed it. You can see why this is Bev’s and my favorite restaurant. Not only is the food excellent, but so are my memories. As I said, this was my grandfather’s favorite restaurant, and now it’s ours. Grandpa used to bring his clients here for business. Bev and I come, and bring our family and friends, for the great food and service,” I said.

When Jacob came to the table and asked if we wanted dessert, everyone groaned and shook their heads.

“I’ll have coffee and a cognac, Jacob. You know my favorite brand. Would anyone else like an after-dinner drink?” I said.

Jon and Todd decided to try cognac. April and Lisa asked for Drambuie when Beverly suggested it. We all asked for coffee.

“I’ll bet it didn’t take long to get used to this, did it, Bev?” Lisa said.

“This is a treat for me, as I hope it is for you guys. As much as I love eating out, I’m just as happy having PB&J in the kitchen with Jeff,” Beverly said.

I felt my heart swell as I listened to Beverly tell her friends that I made her feel at home the day she moved in with me.

We finished our coffee and drinks. I asked Jacob for the check, added a tip, and signed it after looking it over. As we left, Louis thanked us for coming and said to return anytime. Lisa, Jon, April, and Todd raved about the meal and experience.

When we got back to the house, Beverly asked if anyone wanted to have a drink on the boathouse deck. We all agreed and headed to the lake. I fixed everyone a drink before we sat on the lounge chairs and looked at the water.

“It doesn’t get much better than this, does it?” April said.

“Jeff and I love sitting on this deck. It’s my second favorite place on the property,” Beverly said.

“What’s your favorite, Bev?” Lisa said.

Beverly laughed. “Our bedroom. Wait, maybe the deck is my third favorite. My second is the lounge where Jeff made love to me the first time.”

“My favorite is wherever you are, Bev,” I said.

Beverly kissed me. “Isn’t he sweet?”

“I hope you and Jon are having a good time. Tell me if there’s anything you guys want to do or see,” I said.

Lisa began laughing. “Are we having a good time? Let’s see. So far, I’ve flown from Texas to Georgia on a private jet. Had sex in the plane and joined the Mile-High Club. Jon and I are staying in a mansion. I ate the best meal I’ve ever had, and the day isn’t over yet. I have no words for how good a time I’m having.”

“Lisa is right, Jeff. This is overwhelming. I’m still trying to process everything,” Jon said.

“I know how you guys feel. I felt the same way when Todd and I got here. It only took us a day to feel comfortable. Bev and Jeff have welcomed us and made us feel at home, not like guests,” April said.

“Jeff and I want you guys to make yourselves at home, don’t we, baby?” Beverly said.

“Yes, we do.”

“How do you like the lake so far, Todd?” Jon asked.

“It’s great. I’ve been able to mark a lot of promising areas. Having an extra week to pre-fish has been very helpful. I think I’ll do well in the tournament,” Todd said.

“I’m looking forward to attending the tournament area and seeing the weigh-ins. I’ve seen weigh-ins on television, but they don’t show you everything that’s happening,” I said.

“I can’t wait to go out in Jeff’s boat and watch Todd fish. I’ve been on the boat with him, but have never watched him fish a tournament,” April said.

“We should take our video camera and record Todd,” Beverly said.

“That’s a good idea. We’ll take the camera,” I said.

We relaxed and sipped our drinks. An hour later, we decided to go to the house. As we headed to the house, April chuckled.

“Do you know what would top off this perfect day?” April said.

“What?” Lisa said.

“Sitting in the hot tub,” April replied.

“That sounds great. I’ll get towels for everyone,” Beverly said.

“Do you want to sit in the hot tub, Jon?” Lisa said.

“You bet I do. Let’s put on our suits,” Jon replied.

Laughing, April put her hand on her brother’s arm. “We don’t wear suits in the hot tub or pool, Jon.”

“Jon, you and Lisa can do whatever makes you comfortable,” I said.

Lisa laughed. “Naked is comfortable, Jeff.”

I uncovered the hot tub and turned it on while Beverly went into the cabana for towels. I opened the windows to allow the breeze to blow through the room. When I asked if anyone wanted a drink, everyone asked for water. Todd and I went to the kitchen and grabbed six bottles from the refrigerator. We saw the girls removing their clothing when we returned to the deck.

“Damn, girl. How big are those things?” Beverly said while pointing at Lisa’s chest.

Laughing, Lisa pulled her shoulders back and thrust her chest out. “They’re thirty-four D. My boobs aren’t much bigger than yours, Bev.”

“I wear a thirty-four C bra,” Beverly said.

“Let’s stop talking about tits. You two are going to give me and my little boobs a complex,” April said.

“April, there’s nothing wrong with your breasts,” I said.

April giggled. “I’m glad someone likes my little thirty-two B tits.”

Todd ran his hand over April’s chest. “You know I love your boobs, baby.”

Everyone laughed at the girls as they wiggled, causing their breasts to wobble.

Todd and I placed the bottles of water near the tub and stripped. Jon removed his clothes, and we all slipped into the churning water. We sat on one side of the hot tub to see the lake.

“This is the bomb. I love how you can see the lake from here,” Jon said.

“When my grandfather designed the yard, he made sure you could see the lake. Bev and I haven’t used the hot tub very often, but we enjoy it when we do,” I said.

“I think I’d be in this tub every day if I had it,” Lisa said.

We spent about forty minutes in the hot tub before getting out. Instead of drying ourselves, we went to the pool and jumped in. Beverly came over to me, put her arms around my neck, and kissed me.

“Are you having fun, sweetie?” Beverly asked.

Holding her against me, I said, “Yes. I always have fun when I’m with you. It seems that Lisa and Jon are enjoying themselves.”

“They are. Lisa is still apprehensive because you own Henderson, but I think she’s getting over it.”

“There isn’t much I can do about how she feels. I already told her not to be concerned about it.” I chuckled. “She doesn’t seem to mind being naked or having sex in front of us. I think Jon was more nervous than she was when we were on the plane.”

Beverly and I heard the others laughing. We moved closer to see what was going on.

“What’s so funny?” Beverly said.

“I was just telling April I added more firsts to my list. It was the first time I sat in a hot tub and went skinny-dipping. We’re having a blast, aren’t we, Jon?” Lisa said.

“I am. Todd and April told us about how they discovered you and Jeff swam naked and didn’t dress unless you had to since then. I never expected to do the things we’ve done so far when we decided to come and visit, and we haven’t been here for a day yet.” Jon laughed. “You sure aren’t the girl I knew in Texas, Bev. The new you suits you well. You seem much happier.”

“I can’t tell you how happy I am. You’re right about me not being the same girl I was in Texas. My life changed for the better when Jeff accepted my feelings for him. It was no secret that I had a crush on him. Jeff didn’t know, but most people who knew me did. When I returned to Georgia, I let him know how I felt. I was afraid he’d think I was crazy, but I was wrong,” Beverly said.

I chuckled and hugged Beverly. “I thought many things about you the night of my mom’s wedding, but I never thought you were crazy. What happened on the porch is forever etched in my mind.”

“Okay. It sounds like there’s a story here. What happened?” Lisa said.

“Let’s get out of the pool. I’m getting waterlogged. We can relax on the deck, and I’ll tell you what happened,” Beverly said.

We went to the cabana to shower. I chuckled when April led her brother and Lisa into one of the shower rooms. Beverly and I used the other shower, taking our time to wash each other. When we finished, we dried ourselves and went to the deck to wait for the others. Beverly claimed the double lounge where we made love for the first time. April, Lisa, Jon, and Todd joined us. I offered everyone something to drink and went in for beers.

“Okay, another first. I never showered with my brother before,” Lisa said.

We laughed when April said, “It’s fun, isn’t it? This was the first time all of us showered together. Jon and I have done it before.”

“Are you ready to tell us your story, Bev?” Lisa said.

Beverly nodded and began telling Jon and Lisa about her crush on me and what happened at the wedding. April and Todd grinned, having heard the story before.

“…the next day, we went fishing. I jumped into the pool wearing white spandex shorts and a sports bra that turned see-through when they got wet. I was afraid he wouldn’t like my body, but I was wrong. We made love on this lounge, and the rest is history,” Beverly said.

“Wow! That’s an amazing story, Bev. I guess things worked out for you,” Lisa said.

“Better than I could have imagined. A few days later, Jeff asked me to move in with him. I said yes, and we’ve been living the dream ever since.”

“What did your parents say when you told them you were moving in with Jeff?” Jon asked.

Beverly chuckled. “They helped Jeff and me move my things to the house. Mom and Dad knew how I felt about Jeff before we returned to Georgia. They told me to follow my heart, and that’s what I did. I followed my heart, bared my soul, and it led to paradise.”

“I couldn’t be happier that you did, baby. We’re made for each other,” I said.

We finished our beers while Beverly told Lisa and Jon how happy she was. I listened, smiling as she told her friends about her life since she and I got together.

“I don’t know about you guys, but it’s been a long day, and I need rest. Make yourselves at home. I’m going to call it a night,” I said.

Beverly got up with me. “Not without me, baby. Goodnight everyone. See you in the morning.”

“We’re going to bed too,” April said.

Jon and Lisa said they were going to turn in. We went into the house and said goodnight. I turned off the lights and set the security system. Lisa and Jon went upstairs while April, Todd, Beverly, and I walked toward our rooms.

When I closed our door, Beverly wrapped her arms around me. “I...