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The Barstow Girls

By: DG Hear



A big thank you to LadyCibelle and Techsan for their fine editing and making this story a much better read.

Have you ever thought about all the beautiful women that go out west to be models and movie stars? Where do they all end up? We know there are thousands and thousands aspiring to be stars and they go to Hollywood or elsewhere to make it big. Unfortunately most don't make it.

The ones who do become successful seem to need a shrink or have been married a half dozen times. 

My name is Bryan and I'd like to tell you a little about my life and some of my thoughts. As a kid growing up I was rather athletic and liked sports. I went out for baseball, football and basketball. I went to a rather small school so it wasn't that hard to make the team. I was pretty good, but I guess I was far from being college material because I never saw any scouts looking at me. It was still fun playing and it helped get me the girls. I had no problems finding dates. In fact Susan Barstow, the most popular girl in the school, was my girlfriend my senior year.

A little information about Susan; she was an 'It' girl, she seemed to have it all. When she was six years old, she was the mini-queen in our local pageant. She was Junior queen a few years later. Her parents took her everywhere for these crazy contests. She was both our County Fair Queen and our Homecoming Queen. I guess her parents were preparing her to become a star. She was talented. She didn't sing the greatest but she could dance.

She was my girlfriend most of our senior year. We dated whenever we got the chance. Between my playing sports and her aspiring modeling career, we didn't see a whole lot of each other. Her parents didn't try to stop us from seeing each other but we almost always had a chaperon. Sharon, her little sister, usually went with us wherever we went. She had another sister, Brenda, who tagged along once in awhile also. Sharon was five years younger and Brenda was seven years younger than Susan.

I used to give the girls a little money to go to the neighborhood store just so Susan and I could be alone. We only had time to do a little petting before her sisters would return. I liked Susan a lot; what was not to like? We had sex for the first time when we went to the prom. After that we had quickies whenever the opportunity presented itself.

After graduation Susan headed to a big city modeling school near Las Vegas, Nevada. She told me she was going to be a movie star and have everything she ever wanted. I remember her telling me we would be the happiest couple on the planet and live in a million dollar home and drive the fastest cars.

She had dreams and told me she was going to turn them into reality. I, on the other hand, had more common sense. The job market wasn't the greatest and I didn't expect to go to college. I had the smarts but my family wasn't the wealthiest and I wasn't getting any sports scholarships that amounted to much. 

I decided to enlist in the service. I wanted to do my share for the country. After the shit people gave the Vietnam Vets, I wanted to show that I was behind our military. My dad had told me stories how he was spit at when he came home. Here he was out fighting for his country and people didn't care.

My dad was proud the day I enlisted. He's a good man with a good heart. He told me some people just didn't understand. 

I remember the day I left for boot camp my dad hugged me and said, "Do your best, soldier." It brought tears to his eyes. 

The army offered me a career and would put money aside for an education or for whatever reason I chose. About two weeks after graduation I headed out to boot camp. Susan and I got away for an afternoon before I left and fucked each other silly. I was really going to miss her. After all, I was a nineteen year old kid with raging hormones and was saying goodbye to a very beautiful woman whom I loved at the time.

Love for teenagers is a strange word. If we were just lovers and got married and settled down, I guess we might have succeeded, but I had my doubts. We both had our dreams and wants and were going in different directions.

I came home after basic training but Susan was away at college. I missed her. I was going to be sent away to Fort Leonard Wood for my Advanced Individual Training – somehow the Army had seen fit to train me to be a Motor Transport Operator. It sounded impressive but basically I would just be a driver.

The training was great. After all the crap at basic training it was nice to be treated like an adult. I figured that it couldn't be all that difficult to just drive a truck. I was surprised and I guess a little pleased to find out it was pretty complex. Just one thing I would never have thought of was the training of a vehicle crew to be able to complete their mission in combat situations.  

After I finished the course I was assigned to the 58th Transport Battalion there at Fort Leonard Wood. I was lucky and just as I was assigned there I was selected as the driver for the battalion commander. It was good duty and I did that for the year I was in Missouri.

During the training phase I was exchanging letters with Susan fairly often for about six months. She told me she was dating since "... we aren't really going together." It hurt but I could hardly blame her. A woman like her was never meant to be alone. 

I noticed she started sounding somewhat detached – like she was writing to her brother. I wasn't particularly surprised when I got a "Dear John" letter from her. She blabbed on and on about space, her needs, even her damned identity.

I thought I'd be really upset but then I realized that the only thing she hadn't written about was her selfishness. The more I thought about it, I began to feel relieved. If we had married I knew I would just be an appendage to her ... that everything would be about Susan. Of course, I knew I would always remember her. I even carried a picture of her in my pocket.

The battalion commander was in DC for a week's worth of meetings and I was able to wrangle a three-day pass. I was going to take a bus to Kansas City but I wound up stopping at a Jody bar in Waynesville for a beer – or two. It turned out to be a lot and I woke up in bed with the wife of an MP on duty in Bosnia. I felt like shit when I thought about what she was doing to him, but that didn't stop me from staying in bed with her for two more days.

Fort Leonard Wood was to hell and gone in the middle of Missouri south of I-44. Most of the guys called it "Little Korea." It was hilly and cold as hell in the winter and just the opposite in the summer. I wasn't sad to leave there but I had mixed feelings about going to Bosnia. A lot of the guys had been there and told how dangerous the ancient animosities made things. One story a guy told me was about a guy stopping his car in front of their Bradley Fighting Vehicle and standing there waving two guns at them. They just buttoned up the Bradley and let him shoot until he ran out of ammo, then got out and disarmed him. 

One thing I was glad of was that I wasn't leaving a wife behind to go to some damn Jody Bar.

The duty was pretty good but boring. I was assigned to the motor pool to drive whatever and whoever needed driving. We spent a lot of time sitting around pretending to do maintenance on the vehicles. I used my leave time to go around some of the nearby countries. I went to Switzerland and didn't like it. I loved Greece and Italy. Picking up girls for the night was fairly easy as long as I was willing to spend some money on them. I'm sure several of them were at least amateur prostitutes but they did look clean. I tried to stay away from the professionals.

I also took several of the locals to bed. They were so poor they would do anything for some food or money. I felt bad about it but rationalized that if it weren't me it would be one of my buddies. I didn't form any lasting attachments and had no girlfriend at home.

One thing that was typical was the time a girl was taken to a hospital in the Serbian area. They cut the girl's head open and then found out she was Muslim. They made her parents take her from the hospital, with her head still open. I drove a doctor and nurse in an ambulance to take them to one of our hospitals. I couldn't believe that people would treat a little girl like that!

After Bosnia I was assigned to the US Army Garrison in Heidelberg, Germany. This was to prove the best duty I had while in the Military. I was again assigned to the motor pool. The unit was great and didn't hassle us as long as we did our jobs. I was amazed at how compact Europe was. Within a few hours on a train I could be in several different countries. I spent a lot of time in Munich and even felt like it would be a good place to live sometime. 

After Germany I had a couple of nothing, boring assignments that were a letdown after Heidelberg. A spell at Fort Bliss, then thirteen months in Korea made me start wondering about how badly I wanted to stay in the Army. I don't think I ever considered it a career – maybe I had stayed in because I didn't know what else to do ... a simple case of inertia.

Then I got sent to Iraq when Operation Iraqi Freedom started up. My job was ferrying ammunition and other critical supplies to different units. I'd never considered that a truck driver would have just as dangerous a job as a front line soldier – not that anyone knew where the front lines were. One after another roadside bombs or occasionally snipers killed guys I knew. 

After a close call myself I knew my time in the Army was about over – I would never reenlist again. The time there seemed to last forever. 

The service changes people, some for the better and some for the worse. It taught me how good I had it in the States. Sex for servicemen was pretty wide open but I really wanted more. I often thought of a loving wife and a couple of rugrats running around. Hell, I'd even like to have a dog.

I had come home a couple of times. Once for my older brother Bob's wedding. I was in the wedding party and of course my mom wanted me to wear my uniform, which I did. Bob was a pretty smart guy and actually got a scholastic scholarship in Business Finance. He was already Vice President of the local bank. He and his wife looked good together. They were planning on having a family and settling down in our home town. He had the kind of life I was hoping for after getting out of the service.

The last time I came home I had two years yet to serve ... just finish my current tour of duty. I don't know why I decided that ten years was what I would serve. There was no retirement or benefits until twenty years. I guess I had just had enough. I met up with some old friends and learned about their lives. I asked a few of them if they had ever heard anything about Susan and was told to ask her little sister, Brenda.

I stopped by the Barstow house and this good looking young girl, or I should say woman, came to the door. She looked at me and yelled, "Bryan! What are you doing home" It had been eight years since I saw Brenda. I couldn't believe she recognized me.

"I'm home on leave and thought I would stop by and say hi to your family."

"Well, come on in. Mom and Dad are in the back yard. Sharon's away at college and of course Susan's in Las Vegas."

I went to the back yard and greeted Mr. and Mrs. Barstow. We chatted a lot about the service and their family. They told me that Susan started out being a model and then got a career as a dancer in Las Vegas. They showed me all kinds of pictures of Susan with different movie stars.

We talked a while longer and when I got ready to leave Brenda said, "Sharon's going to be mad that she wasn't here to see you. I don't know if you ever knew it but she always had a crush on you, but of course she was a lot younger than you. She yelled at Susan when she sent you that Dear John letter."

"I always liked all you girls. The three prettiest girls in the county. Boy, you sure grew up to be a looker yourself. How old are you now?" I asked.

"Nineteen going on twenty. I'm in my second year at the community college now. I'm in the nursing program right now." 

"You are one smart and good looking girl. You get that education and maybe find a doctor to marry. He would be one lucky fellow," I smiled.

I gave her a big hug and told her to say hi to her sisters for me when she saw them. I guess Susan was living the life she always wanted.

When I went back overseas, I thought about the Barstow women. Both Susan and Brenda were good looking women. I wish I had a chance to see how Sharon turned out. Especially after hearing she had a crush on me in high school. I remembered this young teenager with the braces and pigtails following Susan and I around. I do have to say that she always had something funny to say that would make me laugh. She and Brenda did drop me an occasional letter which always made me feel good.

---------------- 

At the end of my tour of duty I decided to stop in Las Vegas and say hi to my old flame before returning home. With the information I got from Brenda I was able to locate Susan at one of the dance clubs. She looked great but older. That might not be the word I want, grownup, mature, no longer the young beautiful girl I remembered from high school, but more of a woman of the world.

As I entered this club I heard a woman's voice. She was talking to a man, probably a director of some kind.

"Rehearsal is going to go through dinnertime again and it's that blonde bitch's fault. Every year there's at least one in the new bunch that thinks she just knows everything. I tried to tell her the way it went here. You'd think she would listen to me, but no, of course not. What did I know? Why would I know anything after ten years in this business?"

"Hello, Susan," I said.

I could tell the lights made it hard to see who the voice belonged to but it must have sounded familiar. She moved toward the front of the stage near the set of steps leading down to the center of the theater. She held her hand above her eyes to get rid of some of the glare of the lights. It was late and I could see she was tired and probably hungry since I heard these women worked such long hours. I figured whoever was here to see her had better not take too long.

"I don't get a hello?" My voice added a hint of sarcasm to go with my normal easy-going manner.

"Bryan? Is it really you? It's been forever. How are you?" 

I figured she was leery of why I showed up now just out of the blue.

The director was screaming now as he took off down the side of the rehearsal hall. I looked over my shoulder at the three new girls in the group all huddled together and the remainder of the cast leaving the stage. It appeared the practice was through for the evening.

"Do you have time for dinner Susan? I thought we could catch up on old times over dinner. I'm pretty hungry myself."

"Sure, Bryan. It looks like I'm through here. Give me a little time to change."

Susan and I had told each other our dreams. It all seemed so simple then. She was going to be a star and we'd live in a mansion with fancy cars and know all the rich people. Instead, I enlisted in the service but I always knew we weren't meant for each other. We didn't want the same things in life. I do have to say the sex was good. Of course I was a nineteen year old horny teenager. All sex was good back then. I've since grown up and knew I wanted more than just fucking.

I was looking at all the pictures in the lobby while Susan was getting changed. I don't think she knew that I had seen her standing slightly around the corner watching me looking at the display that included a lot of pictures of her. They showed her with the Nevada Governor, one of the owners of a casino in town, a top wrestler and a real estate developer from California. Each one featured her in a gorgeous outfit. 

"As you can see I know some pretty important people." She spoke as she walked up to stand next to me.

I turned at the sound of her voice but didn't remark. When did she begin this life down this trail of thinking only of herself? Did she always have it or did the bright lights and media attention change her?

"I made reservations for us at a private place just off the strip, Bryan. I'll drive since I know the way and you can check out my new car, too." 

It was only a short walk to the private parking garage but it was still hot out. I know we probably thought the same things. She probably wondered why I was here. I guess I wondered it myself. I know she was waiting for me to compliment her on her looks, and tell her if I ever missed her or even if I was married now. I know she wasn't used to being ignored.

"There it is, my car. A Porsche 911 Carrera. It flies down the road, Bryan. I bet you haven't been in one of these before, have you? They aren't easy to get and not cheap either." She told me as she ran her hands about six inches above the shiny paint as if she was caressing the curves of the car.

"It's nice, Susan, but it wouldn't haul much around on a farm, would it?" I laughed.  "You've done good for yourself, Susan, and you look great." I smiled as we got into the vehicle but didn't say anything more. 

We made it to the restaurant in short time and had a decent table waiting. She commented on the area a bit on the drive over, but nothing personal yet. We decided to hold off ordering dinner for a while and just have a drink first.

"Why don't you tell me a little bit about how things have been for you, Susan? I remember you wanted to be a top star and have lots of money and know famous people."

She picked up her drink and just stared at me. "You don't look ten years older than when I last saw you. Maybe a couple, but you filled out good. You have muscles and look strong now. The service agreed with you."

"Thanks," I smiled, "You look pretty good yourself. Vegas agrees with you." I was just trying to carry on a conversation with her but she did look good.

"It's a lot of hard work, Bryan. Hours and hours of practice and rehearsals, classes every day, and there's always a director in your face telling you to work harder. Too often there are days of going without food so you don't gain weight. But, if you want to be at the top, you have to be willing to do anything to get there. Anything at all."

"What about the auditions, Susan? I've heard a few stories about them, but I don't think they're true," I asked as I leaned forward.

Susan ignored my question and finished her drink and raised the empty glass for the server to see. 

"That girl is toast. When I talk to the owner tomorrow, and tell him I had to wait for a fresh drink, that girl waiting on us tonight won't have a job again in this town. She obviously has no idea who I am. I know people," replied Susan.

"Susan, calm down, your voice is getting quite loud. I'm not in a hurry, so if it takes a few minutes longer, so what." I was a little embarrassed as I spoke.

Then I heard someone say something to Susan.

"Hey, sweetheart, you're looking more beautiful than ever. Let's get together again and I might be able to cough something up for you later."

I look over and it was some cocky guy that Susan must have known. 

She blushed as she heard the sexy voice and his offer and forgot for a moment that I was even there.

"Skip, you flatter me." She lowered her voice and leaned over where she knew he could see her new cleavage. She had said the girls had all recommended the same plastic surgeon and he'd done an awesome job on adding a couple inches to her chest a few months ago.

"Wait till I get my hands on those new babies and you'll hear flattery all night long," Skip leered as he wandered off.

I thought about getting up and knocking him on his ass for being such an arrogant fuck.

I knew Susan could see from the look on my face that I didn't approve of those kind of people. I thought for a few seconds about how her life must have been. How many directors and agents had she slept with after they promised her a part or an audition only to have no one know her name the next day when she called back? All those late nights earning extra credit with instructors only to discover she was just the flavor of the day and it meant nothing.


The Barstow Girls



I heard this from people I had talked with who had friends and family who tried to make it to the big time. I doubted Susan's life was any different. I really felt sorry for her. Fame and fortune was all she wanted. It seemed so sad.

"I'm starving, Bryan, let's order now. They have the best seafood here in the entire city."

Right then our so called lazy server showed up with Susan's drink and took our orders. I talked a little about my time in the service but I could see it was boring to Susan. She smiled and nodded her head but was probably thinking of her last ten years here in Vegas. She interrupted me and started talking about herself.

"My family had no idea of what it took to survive here. I went months without more than four or five hours of sleep a night. Food was another thing itself. I was always watching every calorie and counting fat grams to stay thin. But it was worth it when you heard your name called at an audition," said Susan. "When you got a part, no matter how small, everything else faded away."

"Are you seeing anyone, Susan? Do you ever think about getting married someday?" I asked.

"I don't know about getting married Bryan. That might get in the way of my career. I have to be free to take off wherever there's a job or if I hear of an opportunity. I have a lot of dates. Mostly famous people; always good for my image."

We talked about what I might do for a job now that I was out of the service until our meals arrived. I explained to her that I didn't have anything specific yet but I left my options open.

"This food looks great, Susan. I'm glad we came here for a good meal," I exclaimed.

"Bryan, no one comes here for the food. They come here to meet people and have people see you," replied Susan.

"Where do you go to just eat then, Susan?" I asked. "The food here is great!"

"Oh, Bryan, you'd never fit in here! The food here is good but would be considered overpriced anywhere else. It's just that a lot of celebrities come here. You're just not cut out for the big city."

She picked at her meal while I ate every morsel. A few tables had people at them that Susan smiled at. They must have been people she knew. She mentioned it was a slower night and most of the regulars hadn't been in. We got ready to leave and I reached for the tab.

"Let me take care of this," I offered.

I was a little shocked at the total but I wasn't going to let on to Susan. After throwing some bills on the table to cover it we walked to the front where the valet already had her car in the drive for us.

"Nice service, Susan. I don't know if I could get used to that," I smiled.

With a shrug of her shoulders, she took off, and soon we were parking back in her reserved space at the club.

"Come on inside and look around, Bryan. See where I work. It's so exciting. You might even meet some celebrities."

Meeting celebrities meant nothing to me. I knew she wanted to show me how far she had come from that little Homecoming Queen. This was Vegas, stars and money and fame. She was almost there, to the top, that big star she always wanted to be. Ten years of struggling, fighting and clawing for every part and line. I actually hoped she would make it.

"Sounds like some of the girls are still here. Let's go see what they're doing," She tugged at my hand as she spoke, her mind already wondering about all the noise they were making.

Five of the dance troupe members were in the huge sitting area that was used for hanging out in. They waved us over to join them and started to all talk at once. One of the girls had an audition in the morning and was telling how she had gotten it. All these girls struggling to be a star. I wondered how many would really succeed.

Susan was excited that the hard work of Nadia, one of her friends, finally paid off. She'd been a dancer about six years and deserved a break. If she was a competitor for the same parts as Susan tried for she might not be so happy, but they were total opposites in looks. The girls were still talking about an hour later when one of them spoke up.

"Hey, Susan, where's that guy you were with? I don't see him."

"He wasn't anyone important." She turned back to the girls and forgot about me.

I heard every word from my spot in the shadows behind the hallway door. Susan was right that I wouldn't fit in out here. I would never understand the world she lived in. Nor did I want to. As the exit door whispered shut I was already regretting my trip to Vegas.

I flew home and was greeted by my parents and my brother, Bob, his wife and son. They had one child now and another on the way. I was happy for them but at the same time a little jealous.

We all hugged and kissed one another and headed for home. I would be living at home with Mom and Dad until I got better situated. There were a few of my old friends and neighbors at the house with a sign that said, "Welcome Home, Bryan".

We put on the old feedbag and then my sister, Dorothy, said they all chipped in and bought me a surprise. I had no idea what it could be until they opened the back door and I heard him bark. There stood this little ugly dog that was so ugly he was cute. He was a brindle color English Bulldog. I was told that he was six weeks old. 

He came running up to me and I picked him up. He started licking me with his big sloppy face.  I had tears in my eyes as I hugged the little fellow. Everyone smiled as me and my little friend went outside. It was already time for me to teach him where to do his business.

"Bryan," said Mom. "You will need to take him to the vet tomorrow and get his shots. We made you an appointment for noon. We hope you're happy with him. You always wrote home and said if you didn't have a wife you could at least have a dog. Welcome home, son."

The next day I headed to A-1 vet clinic. When I walked in, the receptionist said it would only be a minute as she made over my puppy. A few minutes later the vet came out and looked at me. "Welcome home, Bryan," she said.

I just stared at this woman. She was gorgeous. I mean shoulder length dark hair, green eyes, and I could see a figure that wouldn't quit even though she had on an open lab coat. The prettiest smile I've ever seen on a woman. I couldn't speak. I felt so stupid, I've never reacted to a woman like this before. Talk about a dumb fuck, it was me.

"I'm so sorry for staring at you. I feel like I should know you. I brought my puppy in for shots. I'm talking stupid now. Who are you?" I asked.

"Bryan, I'm the little girl you used to tease when I wore braces.  I even wrote you a couple of letter while you were in the service."

"You're Sharon? Sharon Barstow!"

"In the flesh," she replied. "You had the hots for my sister way back when, remember?"

"God, Sharon, I'm so sorry but you sort of surprised me. I didn't know you were the vet and a beautiful one at that." I was getting my senses back. "I brought my puppy to get his shots."

"He's adorable. He's so cute," she said as she picked him up and he began to lick her cheek."

"Lucky dog," I think I said it a little too loud when Sharon gave me a smile.

"Come back in the lab and hold him while I give him his shots," replied Sharon.

We talked about things in general and she told me that she had talked to my mom and knew I was headed home. I asked her if she was married since I didn't see a ring on her finger.

"No, haven't found the right man yet. Care to apply for the job?" she laughed.

I laughed with her. If she only knew what I was thinking, she'd probably throw me out of the clinic.

"Sharon, would it be too forward of me to ask you out on a date. I know we just met again but I have learned to not let chances go by. If you're seeing someone, I understand."

"Bryan, I do have dates but I'm not seeing anyone in particular at the moment. I know Brenda told you about my crush on you when I was a teenager. I don't think I'd want that opportunity to slip away either. What do you have in mind?"

"To begin, how about something simple. Lunch and a walk in the park, you, me, and little Jake. We can all get to know each other better."

"Jake? Who is Little Jake? Do you have a son, Bryan?" asked a concerned Sharon.

I began to laugh. "Little Jake is the little fellow you're holding right now. I just got him yesterday. He's a manly dog so I gave him a manly name after an old friend of mine. He was my best friend in the service till he was killed by a roadside bomb."

"I'm sorry to hear about your friend and I think it's great you named your puppy in remembrance of him. There's a street fair on Saturday. It might be just about right for us. You have to put Jake on a leash.

"Bryan, I'm really glad to see that you made it home safely. Welcome home." She hugged me and then handed me little Jake. "See you Saturday. I work here till noon; you can pick me up here."

"I'll meet you here, but you'll have to drive unless I get a vehicle by then. I'm using dad's old truck and you deserve better than that," I smiled.

I walked out of the clinic a lot happier person than when I went in. Jake and I found a new friend, and a very pretty one at that.

It was now Tuesday and I had a lot of things to get in order. I had a lot of money saved up from the service. I put away all my re-enlistment money and invested it with my brother Bob.

I headed over to the bank and walked in with Jake. A security guard stopped me at the door and said, "Sorry, sir, no pets allowed in the bank."

"This isn't a pet. He's my seeing eye dog," I said as I walked past him and into Bob's office.

Bob saw the whole thing and stood there laughing. The guard started toward us and Bob told him it was alright, that I was his brother and just got back from overseas. The guard went back to his post and I picked up Jake and set him on my lap.

Bob and I went over my account to see how much money I had. It was a heck of a lot more than I thought. I opened a checking account and transferred enough money to buy me a vehicle and to help find an apartment. For now I told Mom that I would give her five hundred a month to help with expenses. She told me I didn't have to do that but I told her she deserved that much just for cooking for me.

I told Bob about Sharon and asked him if he knew anything about her. He told me she worked her way through college and had scholarships. She dated but didn't know much more than that. 

"She's one of the nicest women in town. Everybody loves her and she's a great vet. I know there are a lot of guys who would love to be with her. Most say they get turned down but she always does it in a nice way. Doubt if you can get her to go out, Bryan. Good Luck to you."

"We have a date set for Saturday. We're going to the street fair," I smiled.

I got some good news when I got back to Mom and Dad's. I had a job offer but it would take a chunk of my savings. There was a beverage route for sale. A friend of Dad's was ready to retire and was selling his route. I needed sixty thousand up front for the truck and I could pay the balance in payments of a thousand a month. Dad said his friend Harry made over seventy-five thousand a year. He told me I could probably do a lot better seeing I was much younger and willing to put in the time.

I called Bob and asked him to run a check and make sure it was legit. He told me he knew Harry and it was a good business but he would still run the numbers for me. He said he would get back with me the next day. I called Harry and told him I was very interested and would be willing to give him a thousand dollar retainer till Bob got back to me.

He told me that his friendship with my dad was all the retainer he needed. They were war buddies together. He said he understood there would be a background check. It's only good business.

On Wednesday I popped in at the hospital clinic. Mom had told me that Brenda worked there. I had called earlier and asked Brenda if she would meet me for lunch, my treat. I had nothing against hospital food, especially after some of the crap I'd been eating for the last ten years.

"Hi, Bryan, good to see you. Sharon called me as soon as you left her office. Where's Jake? She said he's the cutest thing. What's this all about you wanting to see me?"

"Mom's taking care of Jake. I didn't want to leave him in a car and I'm pretty sure the hospital wouldn't let me bring him in. I came to ask you about Sharon. I need to know if she is seeing anyone. I don't want to pry into her personal life but I want to become good friends with her."

"She'd get pissed if she knew I was telling you anything. I don't know what you want to hear. Yes, she dated a lot of people. She was even serious a couple of times but she never committed herself to anyone. Lately she has been seeing Jerry Knudsen. He's serious about her but she hasn't committed to him either. At least not yet. I'm going to tell you something and if it ever gets back to Sharon, I promise you I'll kill you."

"My God, Brenda, what is it?"

"When you came back a couple of years ago, she was pissed she didn't see you. I honestly believe she still has some of that school girl crush on you. Now that you are here I believe she wants to know for sure how she feels. Whatever you do, don't hurt her."

"God, I could never hurt her. I honestly and truly believe that we are meant to be together," I replied.

"There's more, Bryan. She wants to be loved for herself. She's worried that you might still think of Susan instead of her."

"My god, It's more than over between Susan and I. How do I let her know without telling her what you told me?" I asked.

"That's your problem. For what it's worth I'm in your corner. By the way, did Sharon tell you I'm getting married in a few weeks?"

"No, we just talked a few minutes in the clinic. Congratulations! Who's the lucky man, and I do mean lucky man?"

"His name is Mark and he's an intern in this hospital. Are you going to come to the wedding?" asked Brenda.

"Am I invited?" I asked.

"Oh, gosh, I forgot. Sharon is my maid of honor and Jerry Knudsen is the best man. They're supposed to be together at the wedding, and, yes, you're invited. I'll tell Sharon that I saw you and invited you."

"Brenda, I don't want to lie to Sharon. I'll tell her the truth. Good relationships are built on the truth. I'll tell her I stopped by to say hi to you and you invited me to your wedding. She doesn't need to know the rest."

"Okay, but I'm trusting you to do the right thing by my sister. She's not just my sister but my best friend," replied Brenda.

Later that day I got a call from Bob. Harry and I went to the bank and closed the deal. I was now the proud owner of a Coke truck and route #32. Harry agreed to ride with me for the next two weeks till I became accustomed to the route. We would divide the profits during this time.

Of course I had to go to the Coke distributorship and sign all the necessary papers. Starting Monday I would become a Coca-Cola route driver. Now I needed to surprise Sharon. I sure hope she would be happy about it. I called her that evening and said I had some good news to tell her and asked her if she could take me shopping for a vehicle after she got off work the next day.

I rode on the truck with Harry the next day. I knew it wasn't mine till Monday but I was eager to start my new job. I had him drop me off at the A-1 Vet Clinic at closing. Sharon laughed when I got out of the truck.

I asked her if she wanted a Coke and she asked for a diet Coke. She didn't need a diet Coke any more than the man in the moon but I guess women are always worried about their weight.

I said goodnight to Harry and told him I would see him the next day. He honked the horn as he drove away.

"What do you think of the truck?" I asked Sharon.

"What do you mean? I guess it's a nice truck. Especially if you like red," she laughed.

"I bought it. It's my truck and my route. I take over the business Monday. Do you have a problem dating a Coke dealer?"

She smiled realizing the dual implication. "As long as it's the liquid kind and I get lots of free samples," laughed Sharon. "I'm so happy for you, Bryan. Are you ready to go find that vehicle, and where is my friend Jake?"

"Mom's watching Jake. I have to read the company policy and see if he can ride with me on the truck. I think he might be able to ride but not go into all the stores. I might take him once in awhile. He's my best bud, you know."

Sharon owned a sports car. The car was spotless, classy, elegant, and beautiful, just like her. She took me around to a couple of dealerships. Never raising her voice, always patient in traffic, and so gorgeous. We talked about what type of vehicle I should get and I mentioned a nice pickup truck. We checked out a couple of more dealerships and we found a nice truck a couple of years old. It suited my purpose and Sharon and I took it for a test drive.

"I need a woman's opinion. What do you think?" I asked Sharon.

"Bryan, whatever makes you happy. If this truck makes you happy then I say, buy it!"

That's was the kind of woman Sharon was. It was hard to believe she wasn't married. Of course I knew she dated, going to dinner or the theater. Sometimes maybe even to a club. It was odd that I could fall for a woman so easy. I was considered a man of the world. I traveled dozens of countries and had sex with a great variety of women, but this one woman got to me.

We drove the truck back to the dealership and I signed the papers and they said they would have it ready for me the following day. We got back in Sharon's Corvette and took off. It was warm out this evening, pleasant and sunny. It was a convertible and we had the top down. She decided to take a drive down the highway so we could talk.

"Sharon, there's something I need to tell you. I know I've only been back a couple of days but I like being around you. I know I dated your sister and she's a star and all but I don't have feelings for her. Of course I'll always have memories but that just what they are. In the last few days it's you that I think about. I'm sorry if I'm coming on too strong but I thought you should know."

Sharon pulled off the road into a rest area so she could talk to me.

"Thank you for telling me. You need to know that I'm not my sister. I love her with all my heart but we don't think the same, or want the same things. I'm a small town girl. I want a family, live in the country, lay on the grass and watch the stars at night. You know I love animals and I want to enjoy the little things life has to offer."

"I feel the same way. I'm a little jealous of my brother, Bob. He has a nice wife and kids to come home to. I've been around the world and have seen war, death and poverty. I want to settle down with the right woman and just enjoy the piece of the good life. I think I've earned it."

I leaned over to give her a kiss and she put her hand against my chest. "Not now, Bryan, I want to thank you for being honest with me but I need to think things over too. As you said, it's only been a few days. Besides, we have a date the day after tomorrow," she smiled.

She started up the car and drove me home. My parents were sitting on the porch when we got to the house. Sharon got out and we all sat on the porch and talked for a good hour. Mom went in and brought us all out some lemonade. Sharon told us some of her stories about the different pets that came in. Of course I was holding Jake most of this time. I put him down and he ran over to Sharon and tried to climb on her lap. She reached down and picked up the little fellow and he fell asleep almost instantly on her lap.

She heard me say, "Lucky Dog," again and just laughed.

------------------------------ 

On Saturday I drove by the clinic with Jake. Sharon closed up and climbed into the truck; instantly my dog went to her.




The Barstow Girls



"Hey, Jake, you're supposed to be my dog," we both laughed.

We went to the street fair and walked around. Sharon held my hand and had Jake on his leash in her other hand. We went to the hot dog stand and I ordered three hot dogs. One for each of us. Jake had his gone before we even got mustard put on ours. 

Mom and Dad were there and I asked them if they would watch Jake for a little bit so I could ride a couple of rides with Sharon. Of course they said yes and Sharon and I acted like two kids riding anything that was big enough for us. I spent ten dollars winning her some useless stuffed animals and a rubber duck for Jake to tear apart. We couldn't help laughing watching Jake fight with a rubber duck.

In the evening they turned the lights on in the park and we took a walk. We just talked about our childhood and what we wanted for the future. We came across a wishing well and I gave Sharon a quarter to make a wish. She closed her eyes, made a wish and threw the quarter into the well. When she opened her eyes I leaned forward and kissed her ever so gently. We must have pressed lips for a good ten seconds.

When we backed away I said, "I'm sorry, I couldn't help myself."

"I'm not sorry," replied Sharon. "That's what I wished for."

I reached in my pocket and pulled out three more quarters and threw all three quarters into the well and then took her in my arms and kissed her passionately. Her mouth was so soft and warm as we touched tongues.

"I think we better stop for now, Bryan."

I knew she was right but I kissed her one more time and she returned it with full passion.

We started walking back but had to stop at a tree so Jake could do his business. I was trying to break the ice a little so I said, "I wish I'd known you when we were in school."

Sharon laughed, "You did, stupid. Remember the glasses, braces and pigtails. I was thirteen when you dated Susan. You paid me some good money for me to leave you two alone."

She was such fun to be with. I could picture myself spending the rest of my life with her, but how did she feel. After all she was a doctor and had some of the finer things life had to offer. I was just a regular GI Joe recently out of the service and getting ready to deliver beverages in my own truck. I really wondered what she was thinking as I drove her home. She was quiet, like she was thinking about something important. I wondered what it was. She never did mention Brenda getting married or her date for that event.

When we got to her apartment she leaned over and kissed me lightly and said she had a wonderful time. She didn't ask me in and I didn't push the issue. She hugged and kissed Jake on the head and sat him down on the seat. He barked at her as she went into the apartment. I think he liked her as much as I did.

On Sunday the phone rang. Mom answered it and said it was for me. I said,"Hello" and heard Sharon at the other end of the line.

"Hi there. What a wonderful way to start off a Sunday morning. Why the phone call? Not that I'm complaining. I had the best time ever yesterday and wondered if we could go out again next Saturday?" I asked.

"Bryan, I need to talk to you something has been on my mind. Can you come over today for awhile? It's really important to me and I don't want to discuss it over the phone."

"Sure, I'll be there in an hour. Is everything okay? Are you alright?"

"We'll talk when you get here. Bye." Then she hung up.

I was nervous almost scared. I quickly got dressed and headed over to her place. I left Jake with Mom. I didn't think Sharon wanted any interference when she talked to me.

I knocked on the door and Sharon answered it.

"Thanks for coming over, Bryan; I really need to talk to you. I haven't lied to you but I haven't been totally straight forward with you either. You asked me if I was going with anyone and I told you no. The truth is I have been dating a guy over in Columbus. We've dated a number of times. We met back in college."

"Who is he, Sharon?"

"His name is Jerry Knudsen. He's a doctor and has a practice in Columbus. He's asked me to marry him a number of times and I have always said no to him. We're still very close friends and go out once or twice a month."

"Why are you telling me this now? Do you love him?"

"No, I care for him as a friend but, no, I don't love him. I'm supposed to go to the theater with him this coming Saturday. We've had the tickets for four months. I just thought that you should know that I'm still going. I don't want secrets between us. I know I have feelings for you and you seem to have them for me but I can't just drop my life like that."

"Are you going to tell Jerry about us? You know, going out last Saturday."

"Yes, I'm not hiding secrets from either of you. I told him on the phone this morning that I went out with an old friend and he just said he wasn't giving up on me that easily."

I took a deep breath. I know it was hard for her to tell me. It was even harder to hear. I had to realize that she had a life before I showed up last week. I couldn't expect her to drop everything and jump into my arms.

"Bryan, there's more. Brenda's getting married the following week and Jerry's the best man and I'm the maid of honor. Jerry and I are supposed to be together that day. Brenda told me she invited you to the wedding. I'm asking you not to come." She had tears in her eyes; I didn't know why.

"I won't make a scene. I'll stay away from you and let you have your time with him."

"Bryan, it's more than even that. Susan is coming to the wedding with a date. One of her movie star friends. I don't know how to juggle all my emotions. I'm not worried as much about Jerry as I am about Susan."

"I don't give a damn about Susan. It's you I want. Yes, I'm worried about you and this Jerry guy. I'm all confused too. I'll tell you what. I'll just stay away from you until after Brenda's wedding. If you decide that we might have a chance together then call me sometime after that."

I got up and left a crying Sharon on her couch. I didn't know what else to do. I headed home and hoped I could make it through the next two weeks. Thank God I now had a job. I met Harry the next morning and he started showing me the ropes. I least I had something to think about beside Sharon.

Late in the week I got a new visitor at the house. It was Brenda.

"What brings you here, Brenda. Shouldn't you be getting ready for your wedding next week?" I tried to smile.

"What is the matter with you? You told Sharon to go ahead without you? I can't believe you gave up so easy," replied Brenda.

"Gave up? Who gave up? She asked me not to come to the wedding to avoid a lot of messy situations. What was I supposed to do? Go anyway and piss her off even more. Brenda, I miss your sister. I'm doing my best to get through these next couple of weeks. I honestly don't know what to do. Believe me, I would love to be with her but this is kind of her choice, not mine."

"That's not good enough, Bryan. Think harder, be there for her. It's my wedding and I'm on your side. I want to see you and Sharon together, so do something."

Brenda gave me a hug before she left. I didn't know what to make of what she said. She wanted me to be there for Sharon, but Sharon asked me not to be there because Susan was going to be there. I was so mixed up I was getting a headache. All of the next day while Harry and I were delivering our beverage products I kept thinking of what Brenda said. It was like out of some movie. I was going to be the guy on the white horse going to save the fair maiden.

I kept thinking of what to do but couldn't come up with anything. The weekend came and went. I was thinking how she had her date with this Jerry guy and there wasn't really anything I could do. I just needed to get through the wedding weekend and hope that she chose me.

Mom called me on Tuesday and said Jake was sick. All he would do is just lie down. He wouldn't play with his rubber duck or anything. As soon as I got off work I rushed him over to the A-1 Clinic. Sharon was just about to close up when I walked in.

"Bryan, what are you doing here?" asked Sharon.

"Something is wrong with Jake. He won't play or anything. I know I said I wouldn't see you but little Jake is sick."

"Bring him back to the lab."

Sharon was really concerned and was checking him all over. She put her hand on his extended belly and rubbed it.

"Bryan, what have you been feeding him?"

"Well, Mom gives him dog food but I give him whatever I eat. We had Mexican food last night and Italian the night before."

"You Idiot!," she yelled at me. "He's a puppy. He should be eating puppy food. I'm sorry I yelled at you, Bryan, but I love this little guy too. You might want to step into the lobby because this might get pretty messy."

"He's my puppy and I want to be here with him. What are you going to do?"

She handed me a lab coat and a face mask. She told me she was going to give him an enema and the shit will literally hit the fan. She put a lot of newspaper on the floor and set Jake down on it. She gave him the enema and he blew the stinkiest fart I have ever smelled. Thank God for the mask. It was followed up by a ton of shit coming out of the little fellow's ass.

When he was finished Sharon picked him up and cleaned him off. She told me to gather up all the dirty newspaper and wrap it up and put it in the trash outside. She then sprayed the place down with some kind of antiseptic. By the time I was finished with the newspaper cleanup, Jake was barking and licking Sharon's cheek. I watched as she kissed him on the forehead.

She handed me a big bag of puppy chow and told me, "Stop giving him table food till he gets older. An occasional piece of meat is fine like you gave him that hot dog, but he needs his puppy chow."

I wanted to ask her about her date but didn't. I asked her what I owed her and she said she would send me a bill. I thanked her for taking care of Jake and as Jake and I were leaving she said, "Bryan, I went to the theater with Jerry, but came home afterwards. I just wanted you to know."

I smiled at her. Damn, she looked so beautiful to me. 

The next day Harry and I were stopping at some new stores. We stopped by a tuxedo and limousine rental place. It was a small stop that we made maybe once a month according to Harry. We filled their outside machines and left them a few cases that they had available to their clients who leased the limos. The owner's name was George and I went in to meet him. I come to find out it was one of my old classmates.

"How's it going, George?" I asked. "Nice to see you have your own business. I'm taking over Harry's route so I'll be seeing you about once a month."

"Hey, Bryan, good to see you too. Welcome aboard. Business is pretty good. I have three limos that I lease out but I have a slight problem. One of my drivers had his stupid appendix taken out and won't be available for two weeks. I needed all three drivers for next Saturday for a wedding. I think you know the family. The youngest Barstow girl is getting married. In fact your old girlfriend is supposed to be coming in for the wedding. Where in the hell am I suppose to find a driver on this short notice."

"George, I have a CDL license and I drove a Hummer and about anything else with wheels on it in the service. I'd be willing to help you out if you like. Might be fun driving my old girlfriend and her date around. What do you say?"

"You know you have to wear a chauffeur's outfit and hat," replied George. "You have to be nice and do what the customer wants within reason."

"Yes, Sir, yes, Miss, no problem, Sir, let me get that door for you. Will there be anything else, Madam? See George, just like a professional," I said.

"Thank, Bryan, it's nice of you to help. Just so you know, it pays twelve dollars an hour plus tips. It's a late afternoon wedding and I don't know how late it will go. This is kind of a high class group. Mostly doctors and lawyers type. The groom is a doctor and the bride, Brenda, is a nurse. The best man and maid of honor are both doctors too. Then there is Susan who's a star and she's coming with a movie star also. Come by around three on Saturday and we'll go over the particulars. Like who's driving who."

When we left Harry looked at me and said, "You have something up your sleeve, don't you?"

"Harry, you know the Vet you met? She's one of the bridesmaids and I'm going to protect my turf. Honestly, Harry, I think I love that girl."

I showed up Saturday at three just like George asked. Ray and Bill were his regular drivers. Ray would be driving the bride and groom around. I would have the maid of honor and best man. Also Susan and her date. Bill would have the other two bridesmaids and their dates. The dates were of course the groomsmen.

All that driving around would take place after the ceremony and before the reception. We were then to wait around until the reception ended and return the couples to their destinations.

Everyone in the wedding party had to be picked up and taken to the church. I convinced the drivers to let me pick up the bride and her two sisters. Ray would pick up the groom and his best man. Bill agreed to pick up the rest.

I thought I looked pretty good in my uniform. George thanked me again for helping him out. He told all of us that, since this would be a late night, we could drive the limos home and return them in the morning. He mentioned that the limos were already paid for by credit card. He just needed to know what time we took them home.

I pulled my limo up to the Barstow house. I got out of the car and knocked on the door. Mrs. Barstow looked surprised when she saw me. "Bryan, you're the limo driver? I thought you bought a Coca-Cola truck?"

"Just helping out an old friend, Mrs. Barstow. Are the ladies ready yet?"

"I'll get them but I think they're going to be surprised," laughed Mrs. Barstow.

I heard Mrs. Barstow yell for the girls that their chauffeur and limo was here. I couldn't believe the first one to come down the stairs was Brenda. She looked beautiful. Her husband was a very lucky man. When she saw me she said, "Oh, my God! How did you arrange this?" She smiled, "I know two girls who are going to be awfully surprised." She leaned over and kissed me on the cheek.

"Congratulations on your marriage, Miss Barstow. May I escort you to your limo?"

She smiled as she took my arm and I led her to the car. "Thank you, kind sir," she said as I looked up to see Susan coming down the stairs.

She still looked like a movie star. I know she would be getting a lot of attention at the wedding. "Bryan? You're our chauffeur. Sharon said you bought some kind of a delivery truck."

"I did; just helping a friend out tonight. You remember George Jenson, don't you? He needed an extra driver for tonight and I volunteered."

I escorted her to the limo and went back for Sharon. Seeing her skip down the steps, in a blue gown made my heart flutter. She saw me and said, "Bryan, what are you doing here?"

"I'm helping George out. One of his chauffeurs has taken sick and I volunteered to help him out."

"You promised me that you wouldn't attend the wedding."

"I'm not attending. I promise not to step a foot inside the church or the reception hall," I replied. "May I escort you to the car? Miss," I said as I took her by the arm and escorted her to the vehicle.

She gave me a mean look as she took my arm and got into the limo. I closed the door and drove to the church. There was a lot of talk going on in the back of the limo. Most of it was about me. I heard Brenda laugh and Susan kind of belittled me. She didn't know I had feelings for Sharon who was sticking up for me. I was having the time of my life listening to them.

When I arrived at the church there were a lot of people standing around. I first made sure that the groom wasn't anywhere nearby. He wasn't supposed to see his bride before the wedding.

I opened the door and Sharon was the first to get out. She looked at me and I whispered to her that she was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. She tried to act mad but I knew that in a sense she knew I was fighting for her.

Next Susan got out and acted like you would see a movie star or something. She got attention from a lot of people who just like celebrities. I then took the arm of Brenda and helped her out of the limo. Everyone started applauding for her which made me feel good. It took attention away from Susan but it put it on Brenda where it belonged.

They entered the church and I pulled the limo forward as the groom and his best man arrived. This Jerry fellow was a tall good looking fellow. I guess you could say he had it all. Good looking, a doctor, but he didn't have Sharon, at least not yet. The third limo pulled up and the other groomsmen and bridesmaids entered the church.

Ray, Bill and I went over and sat in a gazebo while the wedding went on. It seemed weird just sitting there. Ray and Bill both had crossword puzzles to work on while they were waiting. They told me a lot of what happens on some of their jobs. They sure had some good stories, or bad, depending on how you wanted to look at it.

When the wedding was over the three of us pulled our limos in front of the church. The bridesmaids and groomsmen each went to their vehicles. Susan and her date, a soap opera star came to my limo. Sharon tried to lead her date Jerry to another limo but I called to them, "Sir, Miss, I think you're supposed to ride in this one," as I opened the door for them.

They started pouring champagne and drinking in the limo. All three limos were supposed to drive around town for a good half hour before going to the reception. I had my rear glass down so I could see and hear what was going on. Susan was all over her date. Hugging and squeezing him. Finally Sharon told her that she could cool down for awhile since they had a long evening ahead.

For some reason, I think Susan started it, the conversation was about me. Susan told her date and Jerry that we had dated in high school. She told them that I had just returned from the service and bought some kind of truck. I know Sharon was getting pissed at her sister. I also realized that she never told Jerry I was the guy that she went out with.

"What do you do for a living now, Bryan?" asked Jerry.

"I bought a beverage truck and have my own route. I wanted to stay in this area and find a good woman and settle down. This is a great place to live and raise a family."

"Sounds nice but I prefer the big city. If I can convince Sharon to come to Columbus she could make a lot more bucks there as a vet."

"Money isn't everything, Jerry," replied Sharon. "I kind of agree with Bryan about small town life."

"I've lived in Las Vegas and Hollywood and wouldn't want to live anywhere else, except maybe New York," said Enrico, Susan's date.

"I agree with Enrico," said Susan. "I like fast cars, nice things and the power that being a celebrity brings. I guess that's why we never stayed together, Bryan. You just don't think big enough. Hell, you and Sharon would have been a better couple than we were," she laughed. "Too bad you had an age difference."

"I think that's enough talk about Bryan," said Sharon. I knew it was bothering her.

When we arrived at the reception hall I opened the door and let everyone out. Susan spread her legs figuring I coul see what I was missing. She and her date headed in. Jerry got out and handed me a twenty dollar tip. 

"Nice talking to you Bryan and I hope you find that girl you're looking for."

He walked over to see the groom and Brenda. As I helped Sharon out of the car I looked her right in the eyes and said, "I think I love you. I just want you to know."

She didn't say a word as Jerry came back and escorted her into the reception hall. It was beginning to get dark and we could hear the music going. I was hoping I did enough. 




The Barstow Girls



Guests were going in and out of the hall. Some for a smoke and others just for a breath of fresh air. I looked up and saw Sharon on the porch. I think she was coming to see me when Susan showed up and pulled her back into the hall.

I was nervous wanting to go in and claim Sharon for myself but I knew that would be stupid. She was her own woman, smart, beautiful and independent. It was now her choice to make. I couldn't believe that I fell head over heals over a woman in just a few weeks. 

Brenda came out and talked to me for a few minutes.

"I couldn't believe it when I saw you as the limo driver. That was so neat. Deep down I know it really got to Sharon. I know her better than anyone and she really cares for you. Just hang in there, Bryan. Everything will work out. I better get back into the reception. They might notice if the bride is missing," she laughed and gave me a kiss on the cheek as she scampered back into the hall.

It was getting late and a lot of the party goers were leaving. I saw Brenda and her new husband come out and get in their limo. They looked so happy together. Before getting into the car she threw me a kiss. I couldn't help smiling; she was such a good kid.

I look up and Susan and her date Enrico came out to get in my limo. She was drunk and hanging on him like scum on water. If it was supposed to make me jealous, it wasn't working. It just made me think worse of her. I opened the door for them and of course Susan put on a show getting into the limo. Her date was taking it all in and so was Jerry who came out with Sharon right behind them.

Sharon stopped and looked at me for a few seconds before getting in the car. I knew she was thinking about something but I had no idea about what. She did show me some leg and smiled as she got into the vehicle. Maybe I was wrong or had tunnel vision but I would swear she did it just for me.

I started the engine and asked the group where they were headed. Susan said that they were headed to the Sheraton Inn. Enrico and Jerry both had rooms there for the night. They would be going home in the morning.

I felt saddened. I couldn't believe I was taking the woman I truly cared for to a motel with her date. I saw Enrico with his hands all over an intoxicated Susan. I didn't even want to look at what Sharon might be doing, so I rolled up my obscure glass and drove to the motel.

I pulled up and the doorman was there to let them out. I got out of my limo and stood by it as my passengers got out. "Thank for the nice service," said Enrico, as he handed me a fifty dollar tip.

Susan got out next and put on a scene for the doorman. She gave me a hug and a kiss on the cheek when I turned my head. "So nice to see you again, Bryan. Good luck in your truck driving," she kind of gave a grin. "If you're ever in Vegas stop in and catch my show. I might even be on a soap opera soon. Then you can catch me on TV." 

Jerry got out and handed me another twenty dollars. He really wasn't a bad sort of guy. His problem was he and I wanted the same woman. I knew he had to be a decent guy if Sharon went out with him.

I looked over and saw Susan and Enrico heading into the Motel. I looked back as Sharon was getting out. She looked at me and walked a few steps away to talk to Jerry. I stood there and waited. It was my job to wait till my passengers walked into their building. I can't tell you how hard this was on me.

They were holding hands and talking when Sharon leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek. He said something to her and walked into the motel alone. She walked up to the passenger door of the front seat and waited for me.

"Aren't you suppose to open my door?" she asked.

I quickly opened the door as she slid into the front seat. I had no idea what was going on. I got into the driver's seat and asked her where she wanted to go. I wasn't about to ask her about Jerry.

"Please take me here," she said handing me a piece of paper with a rural address on it. 

Not knowing the address she gave me, I checked for directions on the GPS. A bit of a drive, I informed her, then set off to our destination. I had no idea where I was taking her and she wasn't talking. Again I could tell she was deep in thought but looked so beautiful.

I noticed when the car began hitting a few bumps. I was wondering if the computer system had mislead us; I rechecked for directions. And found this to be correct. Thinking maybe she had given me wrong information, I pulled to the side and turned to ask her. Looking around, seeing the wooded area, she assured me she had the proper address. It was definitely out of town many miles. She apologized for not warning me of the road conditions. 

The roads became less traveled, and houses were few and far between. Wherever we were headed these people must certainly love the country; and then I felt it - A lurch to the right and the hissing of the tire. Struggling to find a spot off the road far enough to be out of the way, I slowly pulled over.

Assuming a flat was all I would find, I jumped out to check, and was shocked! Two flats!! How could that be? These were new tires. I checked the trunk and I only had one spare. So now what? Way out here, road service would take forever. 

Sharon wasn't even upset. Just one of those things that happens she said to me. Picking up the cell phone, I dialed the company we used. Nothing, no dial tone, no service. We were too far out of town to get any reception. Tossing the phone onto the seat, trying to figure out my next move, I took a breath and turned to Sharon. When I told her of our situation, she just gave me one of those sweet grins of hers.

"Someone will be along soon," she said. "We can wait." 

She got tired of waiting and told me we could walk. She said it wasn't that far.

Hoping she knew where we were I asked her if she was sure?

"Yes, Bryan, I know where we're at. Don't worry, I'll protect you." She smiled.

I had a notebook with me, and Sharon wrote a note and put it on the front seat, then took off in the direction of the woods ahead. I took a flashlight out of the glove compartment but the moonlight brightened our path.

Not remembering Sharon had heels on, within a short time, out of the blue, she took both heels off, and threw them as far as she could into the weeds. Laughing she said she always hated heels anyway, and really was an old fashioned girl who preferred going bare-foot. The change in her was instantaneous. She relaxed, laughed instead of smiled, and she ran like a kid among the trees. 

Now I had trouble keeping up with her. She took my breath away. I wanted to grab her and hold her forever. Somehow she found a path. I was eager to see where it led, she hiked up her dress a bit more and bolted ahead. Strong tanned thighs teased me. My body reacted, blood flowing to my groin. In a matter of minutes, my gorgeous friend had turned into a bewitching angel. Floating through the woods with abandonment. 

Turning and twisting, I lost sight of her for a few seconds. Scared she would become lost, I stopped to listen for any sounds of her. I was shocked to have warm fingers covering my eyes from behind and that sweet voice asking to guess who. Just like a child's game. Playing along, I pretended I didn't know, saying names of other people. Her giggles were turning me inside out. The need to crush her to me was so powerful, so intense. 

She dropped her hands and disappeared into the brush, calling out to come find her if I dared. If she wanted to play, I would play. Looking behind trees, going to my left, creeping up the little hill, I saw her there. The trees were gone, instead a view of the valley below that could not be described. Almost as beautiful as she was, sitting there. My steps were quiet. Her screech when I touched her shoulder frightened the birds. Her eyes wide, I grabbed her close to me, only wanting to reassure her she was safe. 

The feel of her body made me lose it. Without further thought, I dipped my head and touched her lips with mine. Lightly, a gentle brush, barely connecting. But I couldn't stop there. My arms wrapped around her, pulling her tightly to my chest. My tongue forced its way inside her mouth, demanding entrance. Her moans, the way she met me kiss for kiss, made me lose control. Crushing her to me, my hands ripped at her dress. The need within me to touch her skin had taken over.

"Easy, Bryan, follow me," she said.

She took me by the hand and led me upon a little hill about fifty yards away. There was a quaint house sitting there. "It belonged to my grandparents. When they no longer could take care of it and moved into the city, I bought it from them. It's my home away from home."

We went inside and I began kissing her again. She stopped me.

"Bryan, I need to know something. Tonight when I stepped out of the limo, you said you thought you loved me. Did you mean it? I need to know the truth, please don't lie to me."

"I believe I fell in love with you the moment I saw you at the clinic. The few days we spent together I never wanted to end. Not being with you or seeing you with Jerry hurt me so much. Yes, Sharon, I honestly and truly believe I love you and only you."


She walked me into the bedroom, unzipped her dress and began kissing me. Her dress fell to the floor. I was tasting the spots behind her ears, down her neck, to her bra, my hands shook. The front clasp slid loose, my mouth finding a hard peaked nipple instantly. Sucking and licking, from one to the other, leaving them tight and wet. I felt her hands on my chest, grabbing at my clothes. Hating to leave her for a second, but aching for her against my skin, my shirt was over my head and on the ground in short order. 

My lips were back at her nipples, fingers on her back, skin so smooth and hot, my cock was dripping. I pulled her to me, let her feel my hardness, ground her to me, driving me wild. Her head thrown back, chest straining to get closer, hips rotating against my groin. Dropping to my knees, I pulled her with me, not breaking contact anywhere. My cock was going to explode! Somehow her fingers had released me, were wrapped around my balls. Sweet Jesus! Her fingers were magical! Teasing and massaging! 

If I didn't slow down, I was going to cum in her fingers right there! And oh, God, I needed to feel her pussy so bad! The sweetness of her body had me lost. Lying down on the bed, she fell on top of me. The weight of her, having her like this, was more than I could have ever imagined. She tasted like mint, probably from her drinks tonight. Our tongues mated and danced, not stopping til we needed air. 

My hands went from her nipples, the buds so hard and tight, to her hips, the wisp of material all that was left of her clothing. Needing to be naked with her, I yanked the silk from her bottom. Her tight ass was free to my touch. The cheeks perfectly round. Cupping them, shaping them, molding them to me. God I needed to sink into her now! Reaching down, somehow, I got my clothes off the rest of the way. 

This was almost too much! She was perfection! Her tits fit in my hands as if made for them. The nipples were dark and wet from my tongue. Her flat stomach, leading to her trimmed pussy. My hand followed the path of my eyes. And a finger slipped in. So damn wet!! The sounds she made, the way she squirmed, all telling me she was as hot as I was. Without asking, her legs opened.

My cock was throbbing. All thick and hard. Pre-cum making the head shiny and wet. Begging, sliding up, she lifted her body. My eyes were caught, lost in the wonder of this. Her pussy lips were just above my cock. Arching up, I could touch them with my cock. OMG! YES!! Please baby!! I pleaded with my eyes!! PLEASE!!

Then, as if in slow motion, she lowered herself. The first touch of her pussy to my engorged cock almost made me cum. Fighting back, I waited. She let herself fall then, ramming my cock so far inside her it took my breath away. She was so wet! So tight! My cock had never felt so good before. This was it. This was what I had waited for all my life!! Gripping her hips, I fucked her pussy hard. Thrusting deep, moving faster. Her hands on my chest, nails digging in, those exquisite breasts bouncing up and down. The sounds from her inflamed me more, knowing she was as hot and needy as I was. 

I couldn't hold back much longer. The need for release was building so fast. My control was almost gone. And then she tightened on my cock. Wave after wave rolling over her. Her orgasm catching her unready. Arching her back, she screamed with her release. That was all I needed. My cock exploded. Spewing hot cum deep inside that tight pussy. Mixing with her juices. Pumping again and again, load after load, until I was empty. 

Her body falling on mine, heart pounding , sweat pouring off her body, I pulled her close. I thought my heart was coming out of my chest, the way it was beating. Never wanting to let go, I held her tight.

She lifted her head, looking at me with that gorgeous smile. 

The next day a truck pulled up about noon. It was Ray. He said George wondered why I didn't return this morning and used his GPS tracking to locate the limo.

"He found it and sent me to see if you had a problem. I used the CB and told him I located it and there were two flat tires. I took them off and went into town and had them repaired. There was a note on the seat telling me where you went. I can take you to the vehicle and you can return it later."

"Thanks, Ray. One of the party goers owns this place out here and it was my job to take them where they wanted to go. We had a couple of pot holes on the way here. The cell phones don't work out here."

"George told me to tell you to let the customer know that they have to pay for an extra day's rental on the limo. Sorry but you don't get paid extra for it. Hope they give you a good tip," replied Ray.

I smiled when I thought about the tip. Ray took me back to the limo and I told him to tell George I'd have it back by three o'clock with the extra day's rental fee. I then gave him the fifty bucks I got from Enrico for coming out to fix the truck.

I drove back to get Sharon. She was getting out of the shower when I walked in. "Have time for one more round before we head back?" she asked.

She didn't have to ask twice.

Epilogue:

It's only been three months since Brenda's wedding but my whole life has changed. Jake and I moved out of Mom and Dad's place and in with Sharon. We are in love, we're sure of that. We are planning our wedding. Sharon teased me and suggested we go to Las Vegas to get married. I told her I don't hardly think so and she busted out laughing. We spend our weekends out at the cottage. It's the kind of life we both want.

My business is thriving and Sharon brags to everyone about what a great guy I am and how she gets a lifetime of free Coke products. 

We better get married pretty soon. We both want to start our family and want at least two kids and we also need some more dogs and cats so Jake will have some playmates. Then maybe he'll stay off of Sharon's lap and I can lay my head on it instead.

Brenda and her husband stop over all the time. She told me she always knew Sharon and I would be together if I kept trying. I found out that Sharon did tell Jerry that she was in love with me when they got out of the limo. He really was a pretty decent guy but Sharon has strict orders to stay away from him. She laughs whenever I tell her that.

As for Susan, she finally got a small speaking part on Enrico's soap opera. So I guess her perseverance paid off. She was surprised when Sharon told her that we were getting married. She did wish us the best of luck, but we didn't need luck. We had love, truth and honesty on our side. All and all I guess everything turned out good for all of us.

I hope you enjoyed this story – thanks for reading it. Mistress Lynn and Jake Rivers both added parts to it. They are both good writers and it was fun having each of us adding to this one.

Comments are always welcome and appreciated.

DG Hear