Chapter 6

I don’t know why I was nervous on Saturday morning. Mom and Walt were getting married, not me. I went out to swim before breakfast, then showered in the cabana. While in the shower, I shaved my genitals before finishing. Ever since Anne convinced me to shave my crotch, I have kept myself hairless.

After drying myself, I went to the kitchen for coffee. Sitting at the counter, I thought about the wedding and realized I needed a haircut. I ate, finished my coffee, and called my barber. He said he would fit me in.

I dressed, went to the garage, and took my Vette to the barbershop. While he cut my hair, Tony and I talked about my grandfather. He’d been Grandpa’s barber for years. My grandfather introduced me when I mentioned I needed to find a place to get my hair cut.

When I got home, I went to the office and booted my computer. After reviewing my portfolio, I went to some sex sites I’d bookmarked. While I found the videos entertaining, they weren’t as exciting as before I spent time with Anne.

Even though Anne had been gone for several weeks, what we did and what I learned were still at the forefront. When I needed a stimulus for masturbating, I thought about what we did together rather than watching videos online.

I started dressing at four. The wedding was at six, with the reception following the ceremony. Dressed in my new suit, I went to the great room to wait for the car service to arrive. I knew I’d be drinking and didn’t want to drive.

Hearing my phone alert me, I checked the monitor and opened the gate for car service. After turning everything off, I went out the front door and waited for the car to pull into the circular drive. When the vehicle stopped in the driveway, I got in the backseat and told the driver I was ready.

As the driver pulled up to the country club's clubhouse, I gazed at the stately two-story building. Before I got out of the car, I arranged for the driver to pick me up at one in the morning.

Walking through the lobby, I looked at the artwork and furnishings. A small sign listed the wedding and directed me to the second floor. As I climbed the sweeping staircase, I smiled while thinking about my mom’s happiness.

I found the banquet room where the wedding and reception would be, glanced around, and saw my mom, so I headed to her.

“Hi, Mom. How are you doing?” I said as I hugged her.

“I’m fine, Jeff. I’m getting excited,” Mom replied.

“I thought Walt wasn’t supposed to see you before the ceremony.”

“We aren’t following the traditional rules, Jeff. Walt and I want our wedding to be informal and fun. Instead of a head table, we will sit with you, Uncle Mark, Aunt Sue, and Beverly. Kevin and Judy Taylor will also be at our table.”

“Who are Kevin and Judy? I don’t think I know them.”

“You don’t know them. They’re friends of Walt and mine. Kevin is Walt’s best man, and Judy is my matron of honor.”

“I’m surprised you never mentioned them to me, Mom.”

“I met them a few years ago when I began dating Walt. Jeff, Walt, and I have been dating for four years. I hadn’t told you because you were busy caring for your grandfather and didn’t know how you’d take it.”

“I understand, Mom, and remember you telling me how long you and Walt have been dating. I’m glad you’re happy and getting married. You’ve been alone too long.” I paused and smiled. “So, are the Taylors naturists too?”

Mom answered with a smile and a wink as Walt approached us with another couple.

“Jeff, I’d like you to meet Judy and Kevin Taylor. If your mom hasn’t told you, they’re our friends,” Walt said.

I shook hands with the couple. “I’m pleased to meet you. Mom told me you two are standing up with her and Walt.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Jeff. Your mother has told us so much about you,” Judy said.

I glanced at Mom, wondering what she’d told them about me.

“Marge told us how you cared for your grandfather,” Kevin said.

“We can chat later. I’ll show you to our table,” Mom said.

Mom saw her brother walk into the room as we headed to the table, waved at Uncle Mark, and asked him over. I watched my aunt, uncle, and cousin walking toward us. Mom hugged Uncle Mark and Aunt Sue.

“Hi, Mark, hi, Sue. I’m so happy you’re here. And who is this young lady?” Mom said, then chuckled. “Hi, Beverly. You’ve grown up since the last time I saw you. Jeff, do you remember Bev?”

“It’s been a long time,” I said.

Beverly nodded. “It’s been just over five years. The last time we saw each other, I was a geeky sixteen-year-old, and you were in college. It’s great to see you again.”

“It’s great seeing you, too, Bev. You don’t look like the girl I remember.”

“We’ve both changed, Jeff. You look different from what I remember, too.”

“Have you guys settled into the house? Is everything okay? I’m sorry I haven’t had a chance to get over there often, but I’ve been busy with work and the wedding,” Mom said.

“The house is perfect, Marge. We’ve moved in, but still have a lot of things to do. Thank you for letting us use it,” Aunt Sue said.

“You guys can stay there as long as you need to. As I said, I plan to sell the house, but I’m not in a hurry. Come with me, and I’ll show you where we’re sitting.”

Mom led us to a table near the dance floor. I glanced at the place cards, noting I would sit next to Beverly. We stood by the table, chatting as Mom caught up with her brother and sister-in-law.

When it was time, Mom, Walt, and the Taylors went to the corner of the room where an arch was decorated with flowers. They stood before the minister performing the ceremony, taking their vows. When the man pronounced them man and wife, Walt kissed Mom as the room full of people clapped.

Mom, Walt, and the Taylors stood in a reception line so their guests could greet them and offer their congratulations. When it was my turn, I hugged Mom and my new stepfather, wishing them the best. The reception line lasted about half an hour, and when the last person greeted Mom and Walt, they walked to our table.

I held Beverly’s chair as she sat down. She smiled at me and said, “Thank you, Jeff.”

During the ceremony, the staff placed bottles of champagne and fluted glasses on the tables. I noticed the glasses were half full of bubbly wine. When Kevin stood and raised his glass, the rest of the room rose. He proposed a toast, wishing Mom and Walt happiness.

I glanced around the room to see if there were any people I knew, noticing a few of the people from our old neighborhood. Walt thanked everyone for sharing his and Mom’s wedding and told my mom he loved her.

The servers began placing salads in front of the guests. When we started eating, I glanced at my cousin, noticing her dark green dress. She glanced at me, smiled, and took a sip of water.

“How do you feel about moving back to Georgia, Bev? Are you going to miss Texas?” I said.

“I’m glad to be back. I wasn’t fond of Texas. So, what have you been up to?” Beverly said.

“Not too much. I went to school and worked for my grandfather. When Grandpa got sick, I moved into his house to help and care for him.”

“Dad told me he passed away. I’m sorry for your loss.”

“Thanks. Grandpa was diagnosed with terminal cancer and didn’t want to undergo chemo or radiation. Fortunately, he didn’t suffer too long. Did you go to college?”

“Yes. I got my associate's degree in liberal arts, but I want to pursue my bachelor's degree once I decide what to do. Did you graduate?”

“I went for my certifications in networking and security. I don’t have a degree.”

The servers started placing platters and bowls of food on the table. Mom wanted a family-style dinner rather than a buffet. As we filled our plates, we passed the dishes. One of the servers took drink orders. I ordered a bourbon on the rocks while Beverly ordered a gin and tonic.

After dinner, they served Georgia peach pie for dessert. The cake would come later. Once the tables were cleared, the band began playing dance music. Mom and Walt started walking from table to table to visit their guests.

Beverly and Aunt Sue excused themselves, got up, and headed toward the restrooms. I moved next to Uncle Mark and asked how things were going.

“We’ll be okay, Jeff. Your mom’s offer to use her house was a big help. We’re getting settled, then I start my job search,” Uncle Mark said.

“What did you do in Texas?”

“I worked as a quality manager for a company making parts for the aerospace industry. Unfortunately, the company went bankrupt, and I lost my job. After interviewing at several organizations, I couldn’t find anything I was interested in or paid close to what my old position paid. Aunt Sue and I decided to come home to Georgia and see what we could find here.”

“What type of job are you looking for?”

Uncle Mark chuckled. “I’m looking for anything I can use my engineering degree for. Work isn’t the only reason we decided to move. Aunt Sue’s brother and his family live in Atlanta, and she wants to be close to her family. I wanted to be closer to you and my sister, too.”

Nodding, I reached into my shirt pocket, pulled out my business card, handed it to my uncle, and said, “Call Gayle Baxter when you’re ready to go to work, Uncle Mark. I’m sure Henderson Enterprises has something for you.”

Uncle Mark looked at the card, smiled, and put it into his pocket. Shaking my hand, he said, “Thank you, Jeff. Your mom said I should talk to you about working for Henderson, but I felt uncomfortable.”

“Uncle Mark, how much do you know about my involvement in Henderson Enterprises?”

“Your mother explained everything to me, Jeff. I know you don’t want people to know, but your mom and I have never had secrets between us. After all, who can you trust if you can’t trust your family? I let Aunt Sue know that you own Henderson after moving here. Bev doesn’t know anything about it. If you want her to know, you can tell her.”

“Thanks, Uncle Mark. I understand.”

Aunt Sue and Beverly returned to the table, sat down, and asked what we had discussed. Uncle Mark told her we were catching up. When Beverly took her seat, I moved back to mine. I spotted a server, waved to her, and we ordered drinks when she came to our table.

I looked around the room, noticing people were beginning to dance. After taking a sip of my drink, I stood up.

“Would you like to dance, Bev?” I offered her my hand.

Beverly smiled, showing her bright white teeth, took my hand, and stood. “I’d love to dance with you, Jeff.”

Holding hands, we walked to the dance floor, turned toward each other, and I took her in a classic stance. Beverly began moving, following me as I led her around the floor. She pulled her head back, smiled, and said, “You’re a good dancer.”

“Thanks, Bev. I learned for my prom.”

“What happened to your girlfriend?”

“After graduation, Anne moved to California for school. I saw her while she was home for the summer break. So, did you leave someone in Texas?”

“No. I dated the boy who took me to my prom for a while, but we broke up. I’ve gone out a few times, but nothing serious. How about you? Do you have a girlfriend?”

“I haven’t had time for much of a social life. After Grandpa got ill, I spent my time working and taking care of him.”

Beverly nodded, leaned against my shoulder, and swayed to the music. After dancing to a couple of songs, we returned to the table and took our seats.

“So, what happened to your boyfriend?” I said.

“Clark? He decided to join the service the summer we graduated, so we called it quits. I wasn’t interested in a long-distance relationship.”

When Beverly asked for another gin and tonic, Aunt Sue looked at her and rolled her eyes. “Take it easy, Bev. It’s a long night.”

“I know, Mom. Don’t worry, I won’t get loaded.” Beverly looked at me. “Dance with me.”

Beverly got up and headed for the dance floor. I followed her, watching the full, knee-length skirt of her green dress swish to the sway of her hips. She wore matching green shoes with about three-inch heels.

“Is everything okay?” I asked as I took her in my arms.

“Yeah. Mom gets pissed when she thinks I’m drinking too much,” Beverly said.

“Don’t you get along with your parents?”

“We get along fine, but living with them again is weird. I lived with a roommate for the last few years and didn’t have to deal with Mom and Dad parenting me. As soon as I can get a job, I plan to find an apartment.”

Unlike the first time we danced, Beverly put her hands on my shoulders and pressed her body against mine. I placed my hands on her hips, holding her as we moved.

Pulling her head back, Beverly smiled. “You probably don’t know it, but I had a massive crush on you when I was sixteen. When Dad said we were moving to Texas, I was heartbroken.” Bev chuckled. “I don’t think you even knew I existed. You were nineteen and in college.”

“I knew you existed, but I didn’t know you had a crush on me, Bev.”

Beverly pressed her body against mine and rested her head against my face. In her heels, she was almost as tall as I was. As we danced, I felt her breasts against my chest.

I heard Beverly giggle as she wiggled against me. “I tried hard to get you to notice me when I lived here, but you never paid attention. Mom and my brother, Dale, used to tease me about the way I behaved.”

“How’s your brother doing? I haven’t seen Dale since you guys moved to Texas,” I said.

“He’s doing okay, I guess. I haven’t talked to him often after he joined the Navy. Dale is stationed on an aircraft carrier and is somewhere in the Middle East. I don’t know when he’ll be home again.”

I didn’t know my cousin well. Dale was two years younger than me and involved in sports. He enlisted in the Navy when he graduated from high school and planned to make it his career.

The music changed to a fast song. When I stepped back and began dancing, Beverly grinned and started dancing. As we moved, I couldn’t stop looking at her. Her dress was snug on her chest, with a square neckline showing her cleavage. I noticed the full skirt flared from her high waist to her knees.

I watched Beverly's dress's skirt flip around as she moved her arms and feet to the song's beat. I also noticed she wore pantyhose or stockings on her firm legs. When she saw me watching her, Bev spun, causing the full skirt to flare out.

We finished the song and came together when the music slowed. Beverly held me close, and I felt her warm breath on my neck. When the song ended, we went back to the table.

“How are you two doing?” Mom asked when she and Walt walked up to the table.

“We’re having fun, Aunt Marge. Jeff is a wonderful dancer.”

Mom placed her hand on my shoulder. “He took dancing lessons before his prom. Jeff didn’t want his girlfriend to have a bad time because he couldn’t dance.”

“I didn’t want to embarrass either of us, Mom.”

Looking into my eyes, Beverly said, “That’s so sweet. My ex-boyfriend only danced with me at our prom a couple of times. When we did, we just held each other and swayed.”

I finished my drink. “Would you like another cocktail, Bev?”

“I’ll have a soda for now.”

Aunt Sue nodded and smiled as I flagged down a server and asked for a soda and a bourbon. When she delivered the drinks, I asked Beverly if she wanted to dance and got up. She nodded, and we went to the dance floor.

Beverly and I danced to a couple of songs before we stopped, and she looked at me. “I want a drink. Can we go to the bar? I’m not drunk or close to it, but I don’t want Mom to get after me.”

I took Beverly to the bar, ordered her a cocktail, and handed it to her. She sipped the gin and tonic through her straw and smiled. “Thanks, Jeff. Would you like to get some fresh air? It’s getting stuffy in here.”

“Sure. We can go out on the balcony.”

The building had a wide balcony on the second floor with a series of doors leading outside. Beverly and I walked to the doors, and I opened one. When she stepped out, I followed her.

Standing on the balcony, we could see the green of the eighteenth hole of the golf course. The warm breeze felt refreshing. When I moved to the railing, Beverly came with me.

“This is nice, isn’t it?” Beverly said.

“Yes, it sure is. So, what did you do for fun in Texas?”

“Not too much. After graduating from high school, I attended community college for my associate's degree. I worked in retail while I was in school and after. I like to read, hike, swim, and fish for fun. I swam on the team in high school. How about you?”

“I love fishing and swimming. I read a little and work when needed. What kind of fishing did you do?”

“We went bass fishing. My roommate’s boyfriend has a boat and took April and me. Todd is an avid fisherman and competes in tournaments. April and I went for sun...