LIFE GOES ON Pt. 4 AUTHOR: Bobbie S. Email: luvleopard2@yahoo.com RATED: R. Adult Language and Situations AUTHOR’S NOTE: Life Goes on is about relationships, old and new, and tying up loose ends. This story begins the evening that “Antarctica” ended. Too many loose ends were left undone; the old relationships involving Nick, Lulu, and Burton. How did the arrival of Baby Anne affect each of their lives? Whatever happened to Jake and Kate? In the effort to tie up some of those dangling loose ends, I borrowed some familiar characters and situations from episodes from all three seasons of TG. All other characters are fiction, as well as a geographic location or two. This chapter introduces a possible new love interest for Nick. Ramona Lisa Johnson was first introduced in chapter one. Now we will find out who she is and if she can play a part of Nick’s life. I have compiled segments of several of my unpublished stories into this one saga. TG kept changing, making my versions obsolete, so now that it is over (Sob! Sob!), this version is what “really” happened. --+-- Nick did not arrive home until 8:30 p.m. They experienced several flight delays due to storms. When he and his father finally arrived in Pittsburgh, they decided to have dinner before coming home. He was totally exhausted and decided to go straight to bed. He hadn’t decided at that point whether or not he would go into work the next day. He would see how he felt in the morning. The phone messages on the answering machine could also wait. After a hot shower, he felt energized and decided maybe a little TV and a snack wouldn’t be a bad idea. On the kitchen table, he found a freshly baked lemon pound cake that Dee had prepared. She left a note that read “Welcome Home! The tea is in the fridge” He cut two big chunks and put ice into a tall glass and filled it up with Dee’s delicious sweet-tea. As he started towards the stairs, he chose to ignore the mail lying on the entrance table, but the red flickering light of the answering machine was hard to ignore. He picked up the pad and pen from the table, put the recorder on speaker and listened. Six were from Lulu; he erased them all. Two were from business clients; he wrote the information on the note-pad. Three more messages were from Mona Johnson. The first came in on the Friday evening of July 2nd, the night he ended up on his father’s doorstep. “Hey Fallin! This is Mona. I’m calling to see if you want to go to a barbeque with me on this coming Monday. It is nothing fancy, just a few friends from work getting together for the holiday. Call me when you get in.” Her next call came in on Saturday afternoon. “Hey Fallin, it’s me again. I didn’t hear from you so I figured you were out late getting into mischief. It is about 2:30. Call me back when you get the chance. See ya.” The last message came in on Sunday morning. “Good morning, Fallin. I am calling you early because I will be out most of the day. My church is having a fourth of July picnic this afternoon and I won’t be back until late this evening. If you don’t answer this message, I have to assume that you are out of town because there is no way that you would deliberately ignore me, now is there? If you return before tomorrow, I would be honored if you would go to the barbeque with me. See, actually it’s a surprise birthday party for me. I’m not supposed to know because today is my birthday. Well, anyway, if you are out of town, I hope you enjoyed yourself. Call me when you can. I also have some business questions I need to ask you before I do another photo shoot at the Baby Boutique, which is scheduled in two weeks. Bye now.” Nick turned out the lights downstairs, picked up his snack and took it into his room. He climbed into bed and flicked on the TV, retrieved Mona’s business card from his wallet and dialed her home phone number. “Mona speaking.” “Mona Lisa, Mona Lisa, men have named you.” Nick began to sing. “Who is this? Fallin is that you?” “None other than.” “Where have you been?” “Away. I just got in about 45 minutes ago. Happy Belated Birthday.” “You remembered?” “Who could forget the Forth of July, Mona Lisa?” “Where did you go?” “I’ll let you guess over dinner Saturday night, unless you already have a hot date planned with your boyfriend.” “I don’t have a boyfriend, so this dinner, is it like a date or is it like a business meeting to discuss those issues I mentioned?” “Why should it matter? You want to go or you don’t.” “I want to go whatever it is for, but that way I will know what to wear. If we are just going somewhere to discuss software and business contracts I will just wear whatever. But if you are taking me on a date, I will want to look really nice; maybe even a little perfume, eye shadow, make you proud to be seen with me.” “I am asking you out because I missed your birthday, and I brought you back a souvenir, so I have to see you sometime, don’t I.” “Yes. So, this going to be like a date?” “It depends upon your definition of what a date is.” “Well, if I go out with you and we don’t discuss business, then it would be a date. You will probably expect me to allow you to kiss me goodnight, and I could handle that. But don’t expect anything more than a kiss; maybe two if you are a really good kisser.” “That’s it? Then I will just stay home Saturday and eat alone.” “Too, late Fallin, you have already asked me out on a date. Where I come from, a man has to keep his word.” “And just where the hell is it that you come from, Mona Lisa?” “Hooterville.” “Hooterville? As in Green Acres? Arnold the Pig?” “That’s the place. Hooterville, Bliss, Pennsylvania, it's all the same thing. It’s a two and a half hour drive from here. If you play your cards right, Fallin, I’ll take you home and introduce you to our version of Mr. Haney.” “Mona Lisa, Mona Lisa. Well, thank you for warning me that all I can expect from you is a kiss or maybe two. I like a woman who knows what she wants and does not want.” “Don’t get me wrong, Fallin, you are nice, good-looking, and probably a wonderful kisser, and all those good things, but I am an old fashioned gal and I’ve got to get to know you first before anything but a kiss or maybe two can happen. So why don’t you tell me what to wear and what time you will be picking me up.” “Where would you like to go?” “Surprise me.” “Okay. What business issue do you need to discuss?” “My brother told me that I need to build a powder room adjacent to my studio, so my customers will not have to go through my house to potty.” “He is right. I was thinking about that myself when I came over to install your software. It would be a lot easier to keep your business and home separate as much as possible.” “I know. Both of you make perfect sense but I don’t have the money to have a bathroom built in the front of my house. My brothers and their friends will do the labor for free, but I have to buy all the materials. So where can I get a loan?” “How much do you need?” “I don’t know, David said he would give me a list of everything I needed so I thought I would go to the home improvement center when he sent it to me and price everything.” “You need a business partner Mona.” “Why?” “Since your business is located in your home, you need to keep your transactions separate. With a business partner, you would not be declared the sole proprietor. There are many advantages to that which I will explain later. But most important for now is should something happen at your studio and someone would want to sue you. You need to be able to protect your home and personal assets. Now, can you obtain a loan without a co-signer?” “I don’t know. I bought my house and my car on my own” “What else do you need for your studio?” “I always need supplies, but right now I need that powder room and a loan to finance it.” “What bank do you do business with?” Mona told him. “Smart girl. That is an excellent bank; I do business with them myself.” “What would a business partner expect of me? How much of my profits would I have to share with them? What would they even do for me?” “That depends on your partner and circumstances. You need to consider if you need them to invest any of their own money into your venture? Would they actually do any work for the business? Maybe they may want a salary or a percentage of your profits. What would they have to do to earn that percentage?” “Man, Nick. It was so much easier when all I had to do was create beautiful portraits. Just suppose, for instance that you were my business partner; what would you want and what would you do for my business?” “Well, first I would help you get your business loan and then I would continue to advise you from a business and financial perspective, so you can turn a tidy profit without getting into trouble with the IRS.” “And what would you want, as a partner?” “The barter agreement that we originally made, that you would do my nursery in return for my expert advice. When we finish with that agreement, then we will see if we want to make a new contract.” “Nick would you be my business partner?” “I thought you would never ask. Meet me tomorrow at 1:30 in front of your office building and bring a copy of your business plan and last years tax return..” ~~~~~~~~~~ That next afternoon when Nick and Mona, left the bank, she had a checking account deposit receipt for $10,000. She was very impressed with the way Nick talked in her behalf and landed her loan. It was just too simple. All the loan officer asked her was to see her business plan, ID and proof of income, then her signatures. Nick did not even have to co-sign for her. It took longer to obtain the safe deposit box that she really did not feel she needed, but Nick insisted. She was only going to ask for $3,000 but Nick insisted upon $10,000. She suspected that Nick knew the people at the bank and had probably arranged everything approved in advance. It was nice to know people in high places or at least know someone like Nick who knew such people. After going through a fast food lane, Nick dropped Mona back at her office at the advertising agency with 5 minutes to spare. They both went back to their jobs and heard no more from each other until Nick picked her up for their date on Saturday night. ~~~~~~~~ Nick arrived at Mona’s front door exactly on time, carrying a large bouquet of pink roses and baby's breath. Before he could ring the doorbell, she greeted him at the door as though she had been there waiting. Nick whistled at the sight of her in the red and black floral oriental dress that she herself had designed. Her black, high-heeled thronged sandals and the slits in the sides of her dress revealed shapely legs that Nick never got tired of looking at. Her sweet perfume even smelled exotic. She wore her hair pinned up in cascading curls, and chopstick hair ornaments. Nick was very impressed. He had only seen her hair done up in a ponytail at the nape of her neck. “Lady, you look great, happy belated birthday.” Nick said as he stepped inside and handed her the bouquet. “Thank you, Fallin and you look ravishing, yourself. Have a seat while I put these in a vase.” Nick was dressed comfortably in a black shirt, black dress slacks and ivory linen sports jacket. He nervously chose his outfit, as he really wanted to look nice for Mona. For some reason he did not understand, he really wanted to impress her.   ~~~~~ Nick took Mona to a restaurant that overlooked the river and specialized in steaks and seafood. It had a laid back atmosphere that he felt would make them both feel comfortable on a first date. Not being much of a talker himself, Nick found it very easy to talk to Mona. She was a very good listener and had a keen sense of humor that made him smile and laugh a lot. When dinner was over, Nick asked if she would like to go to a movie; they had enough time for the late showings. Mona suggested they go instead to someplace where they could just sit and talk since it was such a beautiful night. They could get to know each other better that way. She still had questions she wanted to ask him about her business. “So that would mean that our date would be over and we would have to switch into business mode. I was counting on getting a good night kiss that I cannot have unless we are on a date, according to you.” Nick protested. “Okay, I’ll let you kiss me before we discuss my posting problems.” Mona replied. Before Nick opened Mona’s door for her, he began to kiss her right on the parking lot. When he was finished, Mona responded, nearly breathless, “Is that the best you can do Fallin? I am going to make you do it until you get it right.” Nick kissed her again more aggressively until Mon’s knees buckled. “Is that better?” He asked, somewhat amused. Mona could not speak; all she could do was shake her head, no. “Mona Lisa, if I kiss you again, you shall surely die. You can barely breathe as it is.” Mona opened the car door, herself and climbed in. When Nick got in on his driver’s side, Mona replied, “I think you’re right, Fallin. Where did you learn to kiss like that?” “Does that mean that I finally got it right?” Mona shook her head, yes. “Good. My darling Mona Lisa, I don’t kiss and tell. I thought it best if I got my kiss in while I got a chance, since that is all I can expect. So the rest of the evening is yours my, dear. Whatever you want to do now is fine. Where may I take you?” “Home.” “Did I do something to offend you? If I did I didn’t mean to.” Nick asked somewhat puzzled. “Oh, no, Nick, not at all. What I meant was that we could go to my place to talk. I would need to show you my problem anyway in order to get your opinion.” Nick was very relieved. He wanted to see Mona again, for reasons he could not quite understand. ~~~~~~~ As they came through Mona’s front door, she kicked her shoes off and pointed Nick to the sofa, telling him to take off his jacket and make himself comfortable. She would get them some iced tea. When she returned, she sat on the floor beside Nick’s feet and played with Butch, her black cat who had come in and sat on top of Nick’s feet. “What is the problem you need to discuss, Mona?” “Well, I still don’t understand how to post my records the way you showed me. And David faxed me a copy of the things he wanted me to purchase before Labor Day weekend and now he wants to build a handicap ramp. I was really excited the other day when we came from the bank and I had all that money in my new checking account, but now I feel a little overwhelmed by it all.” “That is understandable.” “I know, but…” “But, you need to trust that you have made the right decision. You are doing what few people accomplish in their lifetimes. You are following your dream and making it happen. It may be a little scary at first but it will work. You are very talented and your business partner is very smart and not bad looking, so I hear. Nick started kissing her on the neck and got no response. Mona only looked scared and unimpressed as she continued to stroke Butch’s back. Nick picked up the cat and set him down on the floor. “Butch, go away. Go find Garfield and chase some mice or something, your mom and I have things we have to discuss.” He then motioned for Mona to sit on the sofa beside him. “I know we spent a lot of money on the computer software and filing systems, and such. And I realize that your first loan payment is due in 30 days, but every dime you spent was necessary for the sake of the business. The advice I gave you is what I do for a living. There is no way that I will allow you to go broke after you have followed my advice. You will, of course, if you don’t take any more pictures, but by the time you are finished with Hattie’s contract you will have a very elite list of clientele who will pay any amount to have a quality portrait of Fido or their bad-assed kids hanging over their mantle. After David is finished with his renovations you will be ready to rock & roll.” I know you are right Nick, but if I hang on to my day job, it is not because I don’t trust you, it is because I need it for a crutch for now.” “That is fine. Okay, let's see where you stand on the postings. That alone will give us a pretty good picture of where you stand with the business. What did you do with the money you earned at the Baby Boutique?” “I spent part of it and I still have the rest in cash and checks.” “Go get it while I fire up the computer. Bring every piece of paperwork I asked you to round up when I showed you how to post several weeks ago.” Mona and Nick worked side by side for several hours until he declared them finished. It was 2:30 in the morning. Nick was a good teacher. This time she was sure she really knew how to post her receipts and other paperwork. Nick ran off several copies from the programs he and Mona worked from. “Okay Ms. Johnson, this is the net worth of your business; how does that look?” If that is how much the business is worth, why did I have to borrow money for the building materials?” “You didn’t, if you wanted to sell all of your photography equipment and furniture. You had assets, Mona, but you didn’t have cash. It is late and I think I am going to call it a day. Hey, would you like to join me tomorrow afternoon for dinner at my Dad’s house? You will get to meet my daughter, Anne.” “Yes, I will like that.” “Great. I will pick you up at 3:00.” Nick bent down and kissed her gently, then passionately. Good night, Mona Lisa.” “Good night, Nick.” As Nick readied himself for bed, his stomach felt like that of a love-struck schoolboy. He couldn’t wait to see Mona the next day. He knew his dad would approve of her and find her just as sweet and witty as he had. As Mona readied herself for bed, she did not know exactly how she was ever going to get to sleep. All she could think about was Nick. She began to count the hours until she would get to see him again. And as an added bonus he was bringing his baby girl. She loved babies, especially those cute little girls. ~~~~~~~~ As the weeks progressed, so did Nick and Mona’s relationships; both business and personal. Their business relationship was sometimes stormy, ending in arguments. Even though she had sufficient money in her business's cash account, Mona was afraid to spend a dime. Having come from a hardworking, blue collar family who sometimes made severe sacrifices to make ends meet, she feared losing everything she had worked so hard for. She would accuse Nick of not understanding since he came from a privileged background where money was never a problem. Nick would become angry, because he thought his upbringing was anything but privileged. He could not get her to understand that having parents with money did not mean he grew up with privilege. She was the one who had privilege if she was allowed to go to school with her friends, get up when she felt like it, go to bed when she felt like it and do simple things like watching TV and being able to shower in privacy. To be able to eat junk food without having to hide it under your bed or in your foot locker. In his mind those things were privileges that he did not get to enjoy caged up in boarding school with a lot of boys he neither liked nor trusted. He just wished that she would trust his judgment when he asked to do things that were only going to enhance her business in the long run. Their last argument, two weeks before Labor Day, ended with Mona and Nick's tempers kicking in and each acting their worse towards each other. Mona screamed, "I am sick of you bossing me around like I'm some bubble-brained female who can't think for myself. I started this place from scratch! I had nothing when I came to Pittsburgh, but I worked my way through college. I didn't have a rich father who supplied everything from tuition to my underpants like you did. Maybe your money grows on trees but mine don't so stop acting like I'm crazy if I don't want to do everything you think I should be doing, the way you think I should be doing it!" "Fine, because I am sick of pleading with you to do what is only for your own good! If you can't trust my judgment, then you need to find another partner you can trust. Or maybe you don't need anymore advice because you know all there is to know. Well, lady, I'll tell you this much you don't have to listen to me. You don't have to listen to anyone, but you and your business are currently lunchmeat and the IRS is hungry and you will be their main course next April!" At that, Nick did one of the things he does best; he stormed out of her door, slamming it. They did not speak for three days. They each were miserable and missed each other. They each were waiting on the other to call first. As Nick lay in his bed on the third night, he acknowledged that, besides Anne, Ramona Lisa Johnson was the first thing he thought about in the morning and the last thing at night. He thought back to that first day they met in the Baby Boutique, their first date when he returned from his cruise and their Sunday dinners at his father’s house. He remembered how she loved to play with Anne and how Anne loved her attention. He remembered everything she had ever worn whenever they were together. Those evenings when he would come over after work and coach her on the new computer soft-ware he sat up for her accounting process and her customer data base. He remembered how she would change from her work clothes into a sloppy tee shirt and shorts. Sometimes she would braid her hair in one or two long braids to keep it out of her way. He remembered the meals they shared those evenings. Sometimes she would cook and other times he would order Chinese food or a pizza. But, unlike when he used to rush over to Lulu's after work, Mona always saw to it that he was fed. She always set the table and lit a candle and put on some soft music. It seemed like they were on a date even when they were working. He lost count of how many weeks they had known each other, but it seemed as if it was forever. It was funny that he should compare her with Lulu. He really had not thought much about Lulu lately, no more than if it was something related to Anne. When he was with Lulu, even when he loved her he felt as if he was walking on eggshells. He never felt good enough not matter what he did. He always wanted to please her and make her happy, but he never felt like he had ever achieved that goal. With Mona, well he didn't quite know how to describe her. She was fun to be around. She was witty and the things she said often made him laugh. She had natural wit. She could be funny without even trying. And that country-like twang she tries so hard to hide. It only adds to the charm of her just being herself. She seems to be comfortable with who she is. That makes those around her feel comfortable. They both liked a lot of the same things; some things Nick would not admit to, except to her. They both liked cartoons and computer games, amusement parks and each other. Nick thought about their recent trip to an amusement park and he was trying to act like Macho Man. Mona quickly blew his cover and made him ride with her on some rides he knew he was afraid of. She screamed and squealed like a ten-year old child while Nick grasped the safety bars until his knuckles were white. The worst the ride, the more Mona wanted to try it and each new ride was even scarier. She ate popcorn, cotton candy, corn dogs, and ice cream like she would never see junk food again. Nick amused himself by watching her. She won Nick a teddy bear by expertly throwing darts. Nick was impressed where most men would have been embarrassed, by letting a woman outdo him at something so masculine. He impressed Mona even more when he accepted the bear so graciously. “What are you going to do with it, give it to Anne?” Mona asked when she calmed down from her adrenaline rush. “No, you won it for me, not Anne. I am going to put it on my bed. The same place you would put yours if I had won it for you.” Mona then explained that before her Daddy died, he taught her and David how to throw darts, shoot hoops, and toss horse shoes and swim. If it had to do with sports, Daddy taught us. He didn’t believe in boy games and girl games; except for dolls of course. He didn’t want David and my other brothers playing with them. But he had no problem with teaching me so-called boy things. I am pretty good with a pistol, too.” “Do you own one? Nick asked. “No, because I have had too many occasions to use one. So if I don’t have it I won’t use it. Daddy and Grandpa took me and David hunting once. I cried so after they shot the deer that he never took me again. He died that next year.” “I am sorry. You two seemed to be very close.” “We were. How about you and your Daddy? You two seem to hit it off real good.” “We weren’t close when I was growing up. He worked all the time. But, I was very close to my mother. She was always there for me. There was nothing I could not talk to her about; even when I was naughty and feared getting punished. She is the one who told me about the facts of life and things that Dad should have talked about. She even went to a Father/Son banquet that Dad couldn’t attend because he was working.” “Man! Did the kids give you a hard time?” “Yes but I didn’t care. We both were angry at Dad and I knew Mom was trying to make a point, but more than that, I was really proud of her for having the nerve to do it.” “So that’s probably where you get your attitude from; your mom.” “Probably a little of both. Let’s see what else I want you to win for me.” Nick teased as he walked the carnival ground with one arm around Mona’s waist and the other arm wrapped around his huge teddy bear. Nick smiled to himself when he remembered the week before their dispute when he and Mona went roller-blading in the park. He nearly killed his fool self, trying to keep up with that mad woman. "That is exactly what she is; a woman who is mad at me. I still have never undone her ponytail and ran my fingers through the length of her hair. I've never undone the clasp of her bra and seen or felt the fullness of her breast. And God only knows how much I want to make love to her. She said when the time was right it would happen, well nothing is going to happen unless someone makes a move. I learned in therapy that I have the power within me to make a difference. The difference I want to make is to be with Mona again. If I didn't know better, I might even believe I was in love with her. Who the hell am I fooling. I love that woman and she needn’t think she is going to get me out of her life that easily." At that same moment, Mona was tossing and turning thinking about Nick. Butch jumped off the foot of the bed before Mona accidentally kicked him off. He couldn’t understand what was going on with his mistress. This was the third night she behaved in such a weird manner. When Nick stormed out of her front door three days ago, he had no idea that Mona burst into tears and cried for hours. His harsh words cut her like a knife. He was so sweet; how could he shout at her? He said something about being sick of her; she couldn’t remember the rest of the context. She thought that he loved her, although he never told her. Maybe she was wrong, but if he didn’t love her why was he so kind to her? She never allowed him anything other than a few kisses. He never pressured her for more than that even though she could sense how badly he wanted to make love to her. Sometimes he reminded her of a dog in heat, the way he looked at her and responded to every word she said. But she never felt afraid that he would ever try to force himself upon her. And he has had many opportunities. It was as if they were playing some type game with each other; who could hold out the longest. Mona wanted Nick as much as she suspected he wanted her. It was just that the time was not right. Little did Nick know that he was being tested and so far he was at a B+. Just one more step in the right direction and Mona would cry, Bingo! While some people lay in bed and count sheep, Mona counted the reasons why she loved Nick. Number one being that he is just so easy to love. When he told her about his past and how he lost his mother at 12 years old, she knew right then that behind that bad-boy attitude and macho good looks was a 12-year old boy who still needed to be nurtured. As much as she admired Burton, she could not comprehend what on earth he was thinking when he sent his little boy away to live with strangers. She could empathize with Nick losing his mother, because she also knew what it felt like to lose a parent you were close to.. Her Daddy died when she was only eight years old. They were very close. She was his princess and he told her how beautiful and smart she was, nearly every day of her life. He gave equal time to David, who was nine years old at the time. The other two kids were young; ages two and four so Mona and David grew up close to each other and their father, while their mother spent more time with the younger ones. She and David thought their Dad could whip the cape off of Superman and rip off the devil’s tail. There was nothing their daddy couldn’t do and there was nothing on earth he would not have done for his family. As she lay in her bed clutching her Daddy’s picture, she shared with him why she loved Nick. She told her daddy that Nick is the only man, besides him who really knew how to treat a woman. Nick made her feel special in simple little ways that some people would ignore. He held doors for her, he opened her car door, he would surprise her sometimes by parking in front of her office building and calling her to see if she would go to lunch with him. He would take her to places where the staff knew him and they were dined in enough time to get her back to work without being late. He sent flowers to her office twice. No one, male or female on any occasion had ever bought her flowers. She told her daddy “He is fun to be with. He had told me things that he has told no one else, because he trusts me. Oh, I remember now. When he got mad, it was because he thought I didn’t trust him enough to believe the things he suggested for me to do were for the best. I must have hurt his feelings. All he has ever done was kind things to help me. He needs to be appreciated. I don’t ever want him to feel as if I am taking him for granted the way Lulu has treated him. So, if I don’t appreciate the things he is trying to do for me and my business, he will take his time and energy elsewhere. I miss him Daddy, I don’t know what to do.” She sobbed. ~~~ Nick looked at his watch and it read 12:22 a.m. He picked up his phone and dialed Mona’s number which he had memorized. "Hello." She asked sleepily. Nick began to sing, "Mona Lisa, Mona Lisa, how I've missed you." "Who the hell is this calling me at such a wretched hour? All I know is it had better not be Fallin, because if it is I'm gonna get my cat to claw his eyes out and bite him in the butt, unless he apologizes for not calling me for three miserable days. Now who the hell is this?" "I've missed you Mona Lisa" "I've missed you Nicky Pooh. Friends?" "I'd rather be lovers." "Friends?" Mona repeated. "Friends. So how are we going to officially make up?” "Over a meal of course. And this time, instead of talking about software, and insurance policies, why don't we sit down and introduce ourselves to each other so we will never have that stupid argument again. Nick,” Mona said softly, “I have told you about my childhood and college, but there are some things about me that I have not told you about. Things that will make you understand why we have not been intimate. I have probably stereotyped you since you have money, and put you in a class of all the rich people I know. You are different, so I know I have judged you wrong. I kept remembering what you said about having a father with money does not mean you are privileged. I need to understand what you meant by that. Can you understand where I'm coming from?" "Yes, and I need to know who the real Ramona Lisa Johnson is because I swear, I think I have fallen in love with her." “Could you repeat that?” Mona asked. Nick realized what he had said. “I said I love you, God help me! Can you hear me, now?” "I heard you the first time. I just didn't think you were the "falling in love kind." "That is not true I am capable of falling in love. I just didn't know that I was capable of not making love to someone that I love because that is the way she wants it." "Is this the longest you've ever deprived yourself Fallin?" "Yes, but I can wait as long as you can wait. So, where would you like to have dinner, to make up for whatever it was we had fallen out about." "How about over here after work. I'll make that seafood casserole you liked so much." "Hot-diggity!" Nick shouted a phrase he had picked up from Mona. "I'll bring dessert." "That's okay, I'll take care of it. You just show up. If you work over, call me so I will know when to put the casserole in the oven.” Nick went to sleep with a smile on his face. He was going to see his ladylove again. He told her that he loved her and he really meant it.” Mona also fell asleep with a smile on her face. "Nick loves me. I knew he did, he just had to admit it to me and to himself. I have loved him from the first day I met him when he came to my rescue. But I couldn't take the chance of him knowing and taking advantage of me for that reason. But he finally admitted that he loves me. Well, have I got a surprise for him for desert. Thank you, Daddy. Thank you Jesus." ****** The next evening at dinner, Nick ate his usual 3 servings of Mona’s seafood casserole. He would not have eaten so much at anyone else’s table, other than his father’s. But he felt so comfortable around Mona; he could be himself and relax totally. “What’s for desert?” He asked. “What would you like?” Mona teased. “Well, you for starters.” “Then that’s your desert.” She went and sat on his lap and began to kiss him. She stopped and screwed up her face. “Ewe, fish breath.” “Same to you.” Nick said as he kissed her and unlocked her hair clasp with one hand and undid her bra clasp with the other. He fondled and caressed each marvelous mound as Mona came up for air. She was nearly out of breath.” “That was some dessert, Johnson. “That was just an after dinner mint.” She flirted. “Woman, are you toying with me?” Mona, said nothing. She got off of Nick’s lap, took him by the hand and led him to her bedroom. He could not believe this was finally happening. She stood before him, smiling as she tossed her top across the room, exposing her full breasts to him. As, he reached out to caress them, she shoved his hands away and started to unbutton his shirt, sliding it over his arms and tossing it across the room. He figured the next move was his, so he slid her slacks over her shapely hips. She stepped out of them and kicked them aside. She undid his slacks, slid them to his ankles and he kicked them aside. Even at this point, Nick expected Mona to change her mind at any moment. He never knew what to expect from her, especially not what was happening at that moment. Mona shoved Nick on the side of the bed and she removed his shoes and socks. Then she pulled him back to an upright position and turned down her leopard-print comforter to reveal fuchsia sheets. “I think the next move is yours Fallin.” Nick dropped to his knees and slowly pulled down the last garment of clothing, Mona was wearing, black lace panties, until they were down around her ankles. She stepped out of them and kicked them aside. Now it was his time to come up for air. He was breathless with excitement; the sight of Mona’s beautiful naked body just took his breath away. He had imagined over and over in his mind what she would look like, but he never imagined this. He reached out to touch her, But she pushed his hands away. “My move Fallin.” She took his hands and pulled him to his feet. Then she slowly slid his blue boxers to his ankles and beheld his beauty. In her mind she too had daydreamed about what Nick would look like naked. “If I don’t stop staring at him I will go blind, she thought. He must think I am crazy, I am acting like I have never seen a naked man before. Well in reality, I haven’t, not even when I was married to that creep.” “Mona, Lisa, are you all right? Haven’t you ever seen a naked man before? Nick said with an amused look on his face.” “None this gorgeous.” She whispered, and led him to the bed. She lay down and whispered. “I love you Nick and I am only allowing you to do this because I know that you love me, too. Have your way, but just be gentle. In a way this is my first time. I have had sex but I have never been made love to. Does that make sense?” “That makes perfect sense, Mona Lisa. I promise, I’ll be gentle and I will die before I ever hurt you.” Nick kept his promise and he treated Mona as if she was a fragile China doll, until she got used to the experience. He knew exactly what to do and when until she experienced her first orgasm. Afterwards, they shared a candle-lit, lavender scented bubble bath. They towel dried each other and ended up back in bed for what Mona called pillow-talk. Still draped in her bath towel, she went into the kitchen to fetch their “other dessert; brownies alamode, which they ate in bed. She lit four fat candles in the bedroom and turned on some soft instrumental music. “She then explained to Nick more of the harrowing details about her abusive marriage. Previously, she had only told him that she was raped at seventeen years old, got pregnant from the experience, and was forced by her step-dad to marry her 18 year old boyfriend, who was innocent of the whole ordeal. She explained that neither she nor her boyfriend wanted to get married. Her mother did not want her to get married either, being the only person who believed Mona’s rape story. The person who raped her was her step-father’s younger brother. She and her mother both believed that her stepfather knew the truth, but just didn’t want to see his brother go to jail. Earlier in their relationship, Mona had told Nick that her biological father died when she was eight years old. But, now she told him that when she was ten, her mother re-married and had three more babies by her step-father. He did not treat her and her three brothers the same as he did his own three kids. That is why he had no feelings for her when she got raped and pregnant. He treated her like a street slut and told her that if she refused to get married, she could not live in his home. She explained that her mother’s hands were tied because she had the other kids to think about, so she consented to get married. Her boyfriend’s daddy was a lowlife who hardly worked and beat up on his wife and family. She heard that her step-dad had paid him and her boyfriend to marry her, in order to save the families, good name. When the money was gone, her boyfriend started to resent her and started beating up on her and abusing her every chance he got. Mona worked, but he took her money, never allowing her to go anywhere but to her fast-food job. She couldn’t even see her family. Her mother only saw her when she came to the store where she worked. Her mom would buy her fruit, milk, and juices because she was afraid that she wasn’t getting proper nutrition for the baby. Her husband and in-laws would eat and drink up her things and allow her no privileges what-so-ever. Living with that family was worst than being raped. She was especially disappointed at her mother-in-law because she had daughters, herself, and she did not show Mona an ounce of kindness. Mona was afraid to tell her mother of her treatment, because she feared for her life and her baby’s. She still wanted the baby, regardless of the circumstances, because it was still hers. The closer she got to her due date, the more she was abused. Her husband would first beat her and then he would rape her. He wouldn’t even bother to get undressed. “You may not believe this Nick, but I really had not seen a naked man before now. And I have never really been made love to until now. And I want you to know that you have met all of my expectations. I have read enough romance novels and seen enough movies to just about know what real love-making is all about. I was willing to wait for the real thing and now I am glad that I waited. I love you Nick. Thank you for making me whole.” “And I love you, too, Mona Lisa. Let’s not fight anymore. Making love is so much better” “Are you going to yap all night, Fallin, or are you going to give me an encore?” ~~~~~~ ~ The Friday before Labor Day “Dad, where are you? Surely the bachelor party is not over all ready?” Well, Clay and I left to go and get some real food and drinks, but not before the action happened.” “Are you going to tell me about it?” “Son, are you sitting down?” “I am now.” “Well, that party had to be the most boring event I have ever attended in my entire life.” “I thought you said there was some action.” “I am getting to that. I already told you that so-called party was boring as hell. It was in the back room of some banquet room I had never heard of before. The place wasn’t bad, but everything was just cheap. You know cocktail weenies in barbeque sauce and a picnic cooler of beer. You had to buy your own drinks at open bars. There were a lot of Jake’s relatives there so I guess they got together and threw this bash for him because no one at the firm was interested in doing it. That was probably all his poor relations could afford to throw together.” “Well, we had been there for about an hour or so, we thought we were going to get some dinner or something and all they had to eat was…..” “Dad, get to the action please.” “Okay, we had been there about an hour or so when a waiter came in and asked for Jake. He said a gentleman wanted to see him. Well, I followed him out of the banquet room and kept a safe distance and around the corner in the hallway, I could see him talking to some young guy who looked to be in his early twenties. Jake did not look happy. His face had turned beet red and he was waving his arms. He was some kind of angry, but I couldn’t hear a word that was being said. The next thing I saw was Straka pulling a wad of cash from of his wallet, handing it to the young fellow. The boy took the money and left. I went on to the men’s room because I didn’t want him to know I was spying on him. He came in a few moments behind me and when I came out of the stall, he was splashing water on his face. I lied and told him it was a great party. He thanked me. His face was still beet red. I went on back to the party. When he came back, He drank up everything that didn’t have to be paid for. Some of his relatives tried to roast him, but Clay and I decided to go get something to eat. We heard there was going to be a stripper or something later, but Clay and I went to find some real food. I couldn’t wait to tell him what I had witnessed. So, what do you think son?” “I think that was Jake’s boyfriend.” “So does Clay. Well, I was dreading going to that wedding at first, but like I said I was only going for the sake of Kate’s parents. Now, I wouldn’t miss that farce for anything.” “Who is the best man?” “Some pimply faced kid, probably some cousin of Jakes. I didn’t see anyone I recognized there besides the fellows from the firm. Jake’s Dad wasn’t even there.” “They don’t speak to each other; not since the old man left Jakes mother and she attempted suicide.” “Well, I can understand that, I guess.” “Well, it is getting late, I have a wedding to attend tomorrow. I understand you are going to baby sit Anne while Lulu attends the wedding.” “Yes, I told her I would. She was hinting around about not being able to find a sitter on a Saturday for the full time she would be at the wedding and reception.” “Well, at least you two are talking. I think it’s a good thing, after all you two are going to have to share the baby for a long time; you may as well be friends.” “We aren’t friends, Dad, I only volunteered because I always want to spend time with my daughter. I called Lulu on Wednesday because I needed her to come over to LSP on Thursday morning so I could train her on some things before she started work next week.” “How does she feel about going back to work? At one time she said she wanted to be a stay-at-home mom while Anne is little.” “Well, she had her chance and blew it.” “Don’t be like that son, Anne is your daughter, my granddaughter; she deserves the best care she can get.” “I agree, that is why I told Lulu I would pay for her baby sitter’s fees and transportation; but only if she used the lady that I recommended. If she hires someone else, then she is on her own.” “Who is the lady?” “Her name is Mary, an elderly lady; very good friend of Mona’s. She helped Mona when she first moved to Pittsburgh.” “But what do you know about her? I mean you did say she was elderly. Is she capable?” “She is your age, Dad, I did not question your capabilities when you babysat Anne.” “Okay, okay,” Burton chuckled. Somehow, I never thought of myself as being elderly. “Well, if you are willing to pay her fees and Mona recommends her, I suppose she is good enough to care for my granddaughter.” “She is very nice. Mona visits her often and she has had us both over to her house for dinner. She could use the extra money; that is why I will not pay for anyone else’s fees, since I already give Lulu enough in child support payments to cover it.” “Well, if I have enough time, I may drop in before the wedding and see Anne.” You can also meet Mona’s mother, Mrs. Dawson. She and her best friend are going to be staying at my place over the weekend, while Mona’s brothers renovate her studio.” “Oh, that’s right, this is the weekend that Mona’s family is coming. What does she have planned for them?” “Nothing, really. The guys will be working all weekend until they finish the work. Mona will be painting and decorating Anne’s nursery upstairs and well, I guess I could drop the ladies off at the mall or something.” “What are you going to feed them?” “Is food all you think about? Sorry, I forgot you remember times when food and everything else was scarce.” “And don’t you ever forget it. Now what are you feeding your guest?” “Well Mona and I bought groceries for her place and mine. She made lasagna for both houses and we have cold cut trays, snacks, sodas, and beer, so no one is going to starve. Besides, Mona told her mom and her friend not to come, that everyone would be busy.” “Nicholas, they are coming to see you.” “Me? Why? Hold on a minute Dad, I have another call.” Nick talked a short while and came back to the phone. “That was Mona, she is upset because she said that her brother’s wives and kids are also coming and there was nothing she could do to stop them. I told her to have the kids bring sleeping bags and between her place and mine, we could work something out.” “Son, do I have to tell you everything? What we’ll do is have a cookout on Sunday, compliments of me. Nothing fancy, we’ll grill some burgers and dogs and a few steaks, no trouble at all. And tomorrow while Mona and boys are working, take the ladies and kids to the mall like you said. There the ladies can shop, the kids can watch a movie, and you can put Anne in her stroller and show her off. Now if you really want to score some points with your future in-laws, go to the bank and get enough money to pay for it all.” “There is no way I am going to pay for a shopping spree for a pack of females I don’t even know. They would have me bankrupt within an hour. And Mona does not even like her sisters-in-law.” “Okay, forget the females. Take the kids to the movies and buy their lunch at the food court, depending on how many kids there are, you might want to take them to the toy store.” “I’ll think about it.” “Well good night Son, and call Mona and tell her not to worry, it will be fine. I have some spare rooms if anyone needs them. I am looking forward to meeting her family, once I get that damn wedding behind me.” ~~~~~~ The next day started out just fine. Nick drove over to Mona’s house early to drop off some fresh pastries and greet her family when they arrived around 8:30 am. He had picked up Anne at Lulu’s early because she had a hair appointment. Lulu was grateful that he agreed to baby sit so she could attend all of Jake’s wedding. Mona was still chewing nails over her sisters-in law’s rudeness for wanting to come and visit at such an inconvenient time when everyone would be so busy. Nick assured her that it would all be fine. There was plenty of space at her house, his, and Burton’s to accommodate everyone. It turned out that only David’s wife, Sondra and their four children came, along with David’s 15-year old son, Mark, by a previous relationship. Mona’s mother, Helen, and Martha, her best friend and neighbor were always welcome to visit and Mona was very happy they came. As much as Mona hated Sondra, she was relieved that the rest of the “witches-in-law” and their “brats” did not come. She supposed she could put up with Sondra for one weekend. She knew Sondra’s mission was to check out Nick and find fault with him. Mona and Nick served breakfast to everyone while Anne was being passed around from person to person, playing with her and admiring her. In an hour four of Mona’s five brothers and two of their friends were ready to get started on her renovations. She packed Helen, Sondra and the little ones in David’s van to drive them to Nick’s house, where they would all be spending the weekend, while Mona decorated his nursery. Martha and Mark rode with Nick and Anne. They both wanted to ride in his BMW. The had barely pulled from the curb, when Sondra asked Mona, “How old is Anne?” “Four months old on the fourth.” Mona replied. “Is her mother dead?” “No, Sondra, Anne’s mother, Lulu is very much alive and well.” Mona was beginning to get agitated. “Well, I don’t understand. If you met Nick in May and Anne is only four months old…..” “Just say whatever it is that you want to say, Sondra!” Mona snapped. “Well, it just seems that Nick..” “That Nick what, Sondra?” This time it was Helen whose voice was agitated. “Well, how could Nick, when he had just had a baby back in May start dating someone else. Why didn’t he marry his baby’s mother?” “Okay, Sondra, here is the scoop. Nick and I met around the first part of May in a baby boutique. I was there on business purposes and Nick was there to buy baby clothes for Anne, who was only a few days old. Now, whatever you want to know about Nick, Anne, or Lulu, I suggest you ask Nick. And I also suggest you catch him in a good mood when you ask him.” “I might just do that, I just don’t understand how he could turn his back on a sweet little baby and her mother right after she gave birth, for another woman. Helen was livid. “Sondra Ann Johnson, if you even think of getting in Nick’s face for any reason other than thanking him for his hospitality, I will slap you silly! Do you hear me? We are uninvited guests in the man’s home. No one was supposed to come here this weekend but your husband and his work crew. Nick made us welcome in his home anyway, so I expect you to behave yourself and the same goes for you kids, do you hear me?” “We’ll be good Grandma!” Chimed 3 little voices aged four to eight years old. “That’s Grandma’s little angels.” Helen smiled at them and gave them all a piece of hard candy. She then shot Sondra a dirty look. “I didn’t mean any harm, Helen, it is just that I don’t want to see Mona hurt. If he skipped out on Anne’s mother without marrying her, who is to say that he won’t do the same to Mona.” “Well, Sondra, my son, David didn’t marry Mark’s mother either, so he was a single dad when you trapped him into marrying you. I don’t remember you questioning David as to why he didn’t marry Mark’s mother. Well whatever happened between Nick and Lulu is none of our business. From what I have witnessed so far in Nick, I am very impressed. I have yet to see David or any other man feed, change, and care for his baby the way Nick did for Anne, he barely ate his breakfast for serving us and caring for his daughter. I like him Mona, I think you made a wise choice.” Helen stated. “Thanks, Mom. He’s the one; he just don’t know it yet.” Sondra picked up her magazine and was silent until they reached Nick’s house. After a tour of Nick’s house, and everyone had put their things away, Mona and Mark began painting the room Nick designated for Anne’s nursery. After lunch, Nick took everyone else on a driving tour of Pittsburgh, in David’s van, later dropping them off at the mall. Since Mona would allow no one in the nursery, Nick and Anne enjoyed a nap. ~~~~ Around 5:30, Burton knocked on Nick’s front door carrying 2 shopping bags. “Nick had Anne over his shoulder, burping her when he answered the door. “Dad, why are you back so soon. I thought you were going to stay for the reception?” “There was no reception.” “What is all of that? Nick pointed to two shopping bags of steaming carryout boxes reeking of the aromas of gourmet foods. “That is what is left of the reception. Burton smirked. Take this in the kitchen, fetch me a beer and then I will tell you the scoop.” He said as he took Anne off of Nick’s shoulder and handed him the bags. Nick came back into the living room, opened his father’s beer for him and sat down opposite him. He did not want to miss one detail. Burton took a long swig from his brew, kissed the baby on her forehead, and said. “You remember last night when I told you about that young fellow who came to Jakes bachelor party?” Nick nodded, yes. “Well he also came to the wedding.” “You are kidding me!” “I wouldn’t lie to you with my grandbaby here on my lap” He showed up in some black pants, a cheap white dinner jacket and a fake red rose pinned to his lapel. And you know what? I have seen him before at the firm. He came there looking for Jake one afternoon. Jake said something about him being an informer for some case he had. Well you know the part of the wedding when the pastor asks if there is anyone who knows why the bride and groom should not be married?” Nick nodded, with a silly grin covering his face as he anticipated the next thing that was to come out of his father’s mouth. “Tell me he didn’t do it, Dad!” “He did it Son.” “We heard a voice coming from the rear of the garden, everyone turned around as he got up out of his seat and pranced himself up to the front where the wedding party stood. And again, he shouted, I do. Now you listen to this, Nicholas, he said “I object, because Jake is in love with me!” Nick jumped up out of his chair and started shouting,” I knew it! I knew it! I knew it! He was waving his arms as if he was at a sporting event and his team had just scored big. Mona ran down the stairs and into the living room. “What happened?” She asked puzzled by Nick’s sudden outburst. “Mona, is that you?” Burton asked. She was dressed in ragged cut off jean shorts and a paint covered tee shirt, two sizes too big, a shower cap and no make-up. “None other than.” She said and winked at Nick. “Oh you look a little different than I last remembered. Burton had always seen her after church in her pastel dresses with matching shoes, and her hair neatly styled, and make-up. “I know I am a sight but it is all worth it when you see what Mark and I have done. But, first tell me what happened? Why are you back so soon?” Burton repeated what he had told Nick, then it was Mona’s time to squeal. Burton went on. “He then reached out for Jake who shoved him aside and started yelling for security. He said he didn’t know that person and he wanted him removed from the premises. Well you can guess that the whole place was in turmoil; people in shock, asking each other questions. Poor Kate; she was really in shock. Jake couldn’t face her. By me sitting close up front, I could hear her ask Jake what was going on. Jake demanded that the pastor finish, and then that young fellow really got steamed. He turned on Kate and called her a bitch, saying that she stole Jake from him. By that time, Kate’s father was about to get up out of his seat and Mrs. Shaw stopped him. Poor Laurie just hung her head, she was so embarrassed. Well Jake didn’t say anything, when the bride to be got insulted, but Kate hauled off and slapped the hell out of that guy. He hissed obscenities at Kate and then Jake hauled off and slugged him, knocking him on the floor.” Nick and Mona were besides themselves laughing. Then again, Kate asked Jake what was going on and she wanted to know the truth. Jake told her that he didn’t know that person, that this as a dirty trick that Nick Fallin played to get even.” “What?” Nick shouted. “Calm down son, it’s okay.” “It is not okay!” “Well by that time, I was up out of my seat, calling Jake every kind of liar I could think of, until Clay made me sit back down. He said Burton, nobody believes Jake, let’s just watch this and see what happens. By that time, the fellow was back on his feet, actually crying and pleading for Jake to think about what he was doing. Jake started cussing at him and knocked him on his ass again and then started stomping him. Well this time the fellow pulled out a pistol and shot Jake.” “What?” Nick and Mona both cried in disbelief. “He’s fine, they took him to the hospital and they said he was going to be okay.” “Forget that, what happened when he got shot?” “Jake got shot in the thigh. I don’t think that was what that fellow was aiming for. They said the bullet just grazed him, but he went down on the ground. Kate, Jake’s mother, and the ladies in the wedding party ran to his rescue, while the rest of the men in the wedding party, apprehended Jake’s accuser and marched him out of the garden and stayed with him until the police and paramedics arrived. The whole time, that fellow was still yelling his love for Jake, saying he was making a huge mistake. They managed to get Jake in a chair and he told Kate that they should go on with the ceremony. Kate was totally confused. Her parents told her that she needed to think about what had just happened. Kate and her parents went inside, while Kate’s aunt gave her apologies and told everyone to be patient for a bit. You know something? Lulu just found a seat and sat down. She was the only person in the party who did not run to Jake or Kate’s rescue.” Burton took a long sip of his beer and lit up a cigarette. Nick and Mona still sat with disbelief written all over their faces. Burton continued. About 15 minutes later, Kate’s parents came back out into the garden and asked the wedding party to go in and speak to Kate; she wanted to see them. The paramedics determined that Jake’s injury was not life threatening, but they wanted to take him to the hospital anyway. They checked Mrs. Straka who acted as if she was having a heart attack and determined she was fine, so it was just a matter of whether Jake and Kate were going to finish their vows before Jake was taken to the hospital for observation. Some one came and got Kate’s parents and they disappeared and then they all came back and took their places, Kate had changed unto street clothes. Mr. Shaw whispered something to the pastor, who then announced that the wedding was postponed until further notice from the bride’s family. Kate went to Jake’s side as the paramedics took him away. He was still muttering to Kate that Nick Fallin had set him up. Kate and Mrs. Straka went to the hospital with him. Then the pastor announced that the reception was canceled but the family extends the invitation for everyone to have dinner since it is already prepared. “So that explains those two steaming shopping bags.” Nick said. “Yeah, I have four bottles of champagne out in the car; I couldn’t bring everything in at once.” The pastor said to have dinner, Dad, he didn’t say take out half the buffet table.” Nick laughed. “The band and everything else was canceled. The Shaws will still have to pay for everything, according to Mr. Shaw, he and his wife does not care just as long as Kate does not marry Jake. When I went into the reception room, Mrs. Shaw had ordered the kitchen staff to set the food up as a buffet and set out dishes for those who wanted to stay and carry-out boxes for those who didn’t. When I told her that I had houseguest, she motioned for someone to come and the next thing I knew, she was handing me two shopping bags of food, wedding cake, and 4 bottles of champagne. I haven’t a clue as to what is in those boxes.” “Few people seemed interested in having dinner. Well Lulu was. She came in and I talked to her a minute. She packed up some dinner to take home and I asked her how she was doing. She said she was a little shaken by the incident. I asked if she wanted us to keep Anne overnight, and she said no. She said she was going straight home and asked if I wouldn’t mind dropping her off at her place later. I told her I would. I asked Lulu if she knew how Kate felt about what had happened. She said that Kate still didn’t believe that Jake was guilty of those accusations. She believed that Nick had set Jake up. Then she cried, “Oh my God, Burton, Kate believes that! Warn Nick that he should be careful, that some people may believe Jake’s accusation of him.” I then asked her what did she believe and she said that she knew Nick was not responsible for doing what Jake accused him of. I asked if she told that to Kate and she replied that Kate was desperate for a husband and Jake wanted a rich, wife with social status. Kate had been warned, she is just in denial. By that time some guy, probably that Donald fellow came in looking for her. He asked her if she had packed any dinner for him. She told him that he had two hands, she got her food and left. Well, that didn’t go over well with him, so he started flirting with some of the younger women in the room.” “Well, let’s see what’s in those boxes before Sondra and her hungry brood gets back. She was too lazy to make her kids lunch today and all the food was set out on the table. She made poor little 8-year old Debbie, feed the two little ones and make her a plate. Nick fed her baby his bottle while Anne was asleep. They are due back from the movie at anytime so let’s see what we’ve got.” Mona was like a little kid in a candy store as she opened each Styrofoam box. She sat the box of wedding cake slices aside, saying, “The kids can have this. I’ll wrap you up some Burton. Then she opened box after box of gourmet goodies, everything from baby lamb chops, to caviar stuffed canapés. She made two plates, filled with samples of everything and repacked the boxes in the bags, giving them back to Burton. She did allow Nick to retrieve a lamb chop and a piece of cake. “Take these home with you Burton. We will have this Monday, when the clan has gone home. I made plates for Mama and Martha. If we leave these gourmet treats in the refrigerator, Sondra will allow her kids to pick through it and end up wasting everything because she is too lazy to heat them up something. I made lasagna for their dinner and that is what they are going to have. I will wrap you up some cake, Burton and make a plate for Mark, upstairs. She popped an appetizer between Nick’s lips and chewed the other end until their lips met and locked in a kiss. “Ahem, Ahem!” Burton cleared his throat. At least pretend like I am not here, you two. I am not blind you know.” “Is he still here?” Nick asked Mona. Mona had forgotten Burton was still in the kitchen, she was somewhat embarrassed. “As, I was saying Burton, you, Nick, and I can dine on these goodies on Labor Day when Sondra and her brood leaves.” Burton was amused at Mona and her sister-in-laws relationship, but she should know her family more than he. “Fine, but wrap me up some of that lasagna. “Well, I’ll leave one bottle of champagne for you ladies, I’ll take one home for Labor Day and Nick can take the other two over to your brothers.” ~~~~~~ At 9:30 that night, Nick drove 15-year old Mark to Mona’s house so he could hang out with his dad and the rest of the gang. “Too many women in one house and Aunt Mona won’t need me to help her anymore.” Nick tried to get Mark to tell him what Mona had done to the nursery, but he didn’t fall for that trick.” Aunt Mona is going to pay me $25 for helping her, but she said that if I tell you anything, the deal is off. Besides she is almost finished, you will see it eventually anyway.” Nick stayed and played cards and partied with the gang until 1:30. They had eaten nearly everything Mona had in the house. Nick and Carl went out and bought more snacks, sodas, and beer and ordered pizzas. When Nick said he had to go home and protect his houseful of females and defenseless children. They laughed at him. “You don’t know those evil women in our family. They are anything but defenseless.” Michael said. “Mona can be as mean as a snake if you make her mad enough.” “What about Mama? Carl said. We range anywhere from 19 to 35 years of age and that crazy woman still thinks she has the right to slap a belt upside of our rear ends, just because she’s the mama.” Jimmy, Martha’s son,, the electrician added, “Well everybody knows that my mom used to carry a switch blade before she met Jesus. And I heard she knew how to use it. Back when my brothers and I were teenagers, she used to threaten to use it on us if we stepped out of line. “Martha?” Nick asked in unbelief. “Martha, sweet, bible, toting, singing like a songbird, Martha. I wouldn’t be surprised if she didn’t carry that blade in her bible cover. “Well, despite what anyone may believe, Sondra can hold her own, although Mona did whip her ass in Jr. High. I forgot what that was all about, but you can ask her Nick. After we have left of course. But I learned very early in our marriage not to mess with her when she was having her time of the month. And Nick, if you are as smart as we think you are, you will find out Mona’s time and remember to leave her the hell alone, or I warn you, you will be sorry.” “I will remember that. When I lived in New York, I dated an actress who was very mean during that time. She once got mad at another actress and was going to kick her ass. I mean Minette’s temper was so bad that she would have killed the girl if she had gotten her hands on her. Well, I forgot how she could be when she was suffering PMS, so I grabbed her and told that other girl to run for her life, and she did. Minette was so angry with me, she kicked and screamed but she couldn’t break free. So, what she did was the only thing she could do and that was grab my finger and bend it backwards until it snapped.” “Ohhhhhh, Man that had to hurt.” “I cried, it hurt so bad. I really did see stars and stripes.” “Is that when you two broke up?” “No, later she felt so bad, she made it worth my while.” “Oh, yeah! Yeah man!.” “What she do, Uncle Nick.?” “Everyone forgot that a 15-year old was in their presence.” “Oh, uh, she kissed my finger and made it all better.” “Yeah, Son, that’s what she did.” David replied, winking at Nick. ~~~ When Nick arrived home, the household was quiet and everyone was asleep. Mona would not allow him to go upstairs, so he went to the hall closet to retrieve his sheets, pillow, robe and sleep pants. He noticed Mona on the sofa asleep. He went over to her side and woke her up. “Hey, this is my bed, get up!” “She just planted a big suggestive kiss on his lips.” “Mona Lisa, are you sure you want to do this with your Mama upstairs?” “What is she going to do? I am a 34 year old, grown woman.” “It isn’t what she will do to you that I am worried about. It is what she will do to me if she catches us.” Nick broke away from Mona’s embrace. “Hey, what’s wrong, scaredy-cat ?” “I thought I heard something outside”. Nick got off the sofa with Mona at his heels. He motioned for Mona to stay back. At that moment, they both heard a noise that sounded like someone had bumped into something. Nick peered out the side window in time to see a shadow dart towards the rear of the house. He ran through the dark house to the back door, not wasting time to turn on lights. He made it to the back door just in time to see what appeared to be a female figure dart through the yard. “Hey!” he yelled, startling the figure. The next thing he heard was a gun fire a shot in his direction. He ran out the door and tackled the woman, throwing all his weight on top of her. Another gunshot fired into the air after their bodies crashed. “Nick! Nick! Are you okay, answer me.” Mona screamed. “I am fine call 911! This woman tried to shoot me and set my house on fire! Mona dashed into the house. The smell of gasoline was heavy in the night air. Nick realized that some of it spilled on him and the person he had pinned under him. The gas can flew out of her hand when he tackled her. “Let me go, you dirty bastard! I have matches and I swear I will light them.” “Then we both are going up in flames.” The woman started crying. “You are hurting me! I think you broke my back. Please let me go. I didn’t mean any harm.” “You tried to kill me and set my house on fire. I have eight innocent houseguest in there. Four are children, including a 9-month old baby. I don’t give a damn if every bone in your body is broken, you are going to stay here until the police comes. Just as Mona, Helen, and Martha came out to rescue Nick, the police arrived. “Help! Help me! This man here attacked me! He’s trying to rape me. Get him off of me, he’s crazy.” Nick only got up when the officer told him he would take it from there. One officer helped the woman to her feet, then put her in hand-cuffs, while another officer took Nick and Mona’s statements. TO BE CONTINUED…..