44.

The next day, refreshed from some much needed sleep. Sixteen hours or so to be exact, Chet, Callie and Iola were making their way towards Bayport on the final leg of their journey. Earlier that morning they had made their final transfer to an eastern corridor commuter Amtrak train. The bulk of the passengers comprised of mainly business people who commuted between major cities along the eastern seaboard.

Callie was feeling excited to get back home. She had felt blessed to have slept so long and not been bothered by any sleep disturbances. The familiar signs of home became more frequent as they traveled along. The fall leaves had turned and the beauty of the area was breathtaking. Callie put her hand on Chet's. He was seated next to her and Iola next to him.

"Will be so nice to get home!" Callie said with keen anticipation. Chet nodded with a smile.

"Sometimes there is no better feeling that coming home." He admitted contently. He was nursing a cup of coffee and smiled to Iola and gestured to Callie. They were quite happy that Callie seemed to be having a good day and that she had been able to rest without interruption.

"What time should we be in Bayport?" She asked. Chet looked at his watch.

"About half an hour. We will need to take a cab to the airport." He said. Callie looked away from the window to them.

"Why the airport?" She asked. Chet held out his hand.

"Well, Angel. Your car has been sitting there and we need to get it." He said. Callie nodded. That obviously made sense.

"Oh, yes of course." She said. "I totally forgot about that." Chet smiled to her and continued to hold her hand. The rhythmic sound of the train rolling along brought forth the anticipation that the journey would soon end.

With the anticipation of children waiting for Christmas, the trio looked out the window and knew they were just moments away from pulling into their destination. Sunlight flashed intermittently between the trees that lined the railroad tracks. It was a new day. One which would hopefully go well for them.

Chet was distracted by his phone alert sounding. He looked down to see who was texting him. After reading a bit, Chet looked up with a slight chuckle. He looked over to his sister.

"I think we all called it right when we figured Joe was going to be on a short leash. He says he even has to hide his phone as Aunt Gertrude is convinced that concussion victims must not focus on electronic screens of any kind or ever read much. She is watching him like a hawk." He said, still chuckling a bit. Iola nodded.

"Yeah, he messaged me this morning and said he might not be able to reply too quickly as she was really watching to make sure he didn't strain himself. And if there is any truth to what Gertrude says then maybe Joe could use some absolute rest for all of his senses. I am not too happy that I won't get to see him immediately or text him fifty times a day. But I don't want him at risk. I am sure they will have him in front of his doctor to keep an eye on him."

"We will keep you company during the rough going." Callie said with a smile. Iola raised an eyebrow and rolled her eyes.

"Great, I can watch you two make out." She said with a note of dissatisfaction. "That'll be fun!" Chet looked with in thought then cracked a grin.

"Well, I could see an upside to that." He said running his hand along Callie's leg. She smiled and slapped his hand in mock protest.

Ten minutes later, the train decreased its speed. It was entering the city limits of Bayport! The large train chugged along at a much slower rate. This was a commonly known occurrence when a train entered a populated area which had railroad crossings. A train could only go up to a certain speed.

The trio chaffed at the delay as the train crept into the stretch as it approached Bayport Station. Finally, it reached a full stop as it reached its position in front of the downtown Bayport station. A simple brick building with dark green metal roof. It had stood there for over one hundred years. Stately trees surrounded it. Trees of green, red, orange and brown were everywhere as fall was in full swing.

A conductor stepped up to the head of the car.

"Bayport!" He announced loudly. Chet, Callie and Iola immediately got up and made their way to the train exit door. They stepped out of the congested car and were met with a fresh, brisk air in their faces. They walked down the platform. Callie took a deep breath a smiled.

"I love this time of year. And I am so happy to finally be home!" She said. The others agreed and relaxed as they walked along, taking in the air and the beauty of the historic downtown area. On the other side of the train station, a solitary cab was sitting. There was not usually need for more than one. Cab companies had always had their drives show up before scheduled arrivals on the chance of picking up some business. Chet was happy to oblige. He waved to the cab driver as the trio approached. The cabbie tipped his hat.

"Need a ride, folks?" The older driver asked. Chet nodded.

"yes, please." He said. The driver looked around them.

"No luggage?" He asked. Callie shook her head and held up the brown paper bag she had been carrying since she got it from the bartender in Chicago.

"Just this." She said with a smile. The three got in. Chet leaned forward to speak.

"Bayport airport, please. Pilot's entrance." He said. The old man nodded and tipped his cap again.

"You got it." He said. "Nice day for a plane ride" the driver observed looking into the clear sky. Callie took a breath.

"I suppose." She said calmly, not wanting to go into detail. She looked up into the sky. It was crystal clear. Just the same she was glad she would not be flying anywhere.

The cab headed out of the downtown area and drove east towards the airport. Fifteen minutes later the cab dropped them in front of the pilot's entrance of Bayport Regional Airport. Chet took out his identification and showed it to the guard on duty.

"We just have our car in long term pilot parking that we need to get." Chet said. The guard checked his ID and waved them in. Chet led the girls towards a reserved parking lot. Within a few minutes Callie smiled broadly upon seeing her new car. Chet tossed her the set of keys with a grin.

"Ready if you are, Angel." He said. Callie smiled as she caught her keys. She hit the remote lock button and with the sound of a bleep, the car lights flashed and designated that the doors were unlocked. Callie slid in behind the wheel. Chet and Iola got into the back seat. Callie turned the key and the engine roared to life with a throaty growl from the mufflers. Callie pulled out of the lot and maneuvered the car through the exit lane. Once clear of the airport, she turned onto the road and hit the gas. The car launched itself down the road with force. Callie smiled as she enjoyed the drive around the curves and along the outer road. Chet looked up towards Callie with a questioning look.

"Everything ok, Angel?" He asked. Callie nodded and smiled.

"Yeah, I just guess I forgot how receptive the car was to the gas pedal." She said and she pushed the car along the road. Iola looked at Chet and raised her eyebrows. Callie had been driving on the aggressive side, which was unlike her. Chet gave a partial shrug to Iola, indicating they should not overreact at present. That perhaps maybe she just needed to get something out of her system. The midday sun reflected off of the water in the distance as they drove along towards the outskirts of town where the Morton farm was located. Within five minutes Callie had turned down the long gravel driveway that let to Chet and Iola's home. Callie was still driving a little fast and the car threw up a large cloud of dust as it traveled along. Chet and Iola were relieved when the house came into view and Callie slowed down to a stop in front of the old clapboard farmhouse. Chet and Iola smiled as they got out of the back seat. Their home in fall was always a beautiful scene. The colorful trees in the yard. The old galvanized wire garden fence that surrounded the yard. An eight-foot metal windmill and other various yard art which had been there since their grandparents owned the farm were comforting reminders that they had reached their destination.

Callie got out and took in the yard herself. She had spent more time on the farm than any other of friend of Chet and Iola. It was a second home to her. The fresh breeze of air on the cool day greeted them when they walked through the gate. They had not walked ten feet when the door burst open and Mrs. Morton ran out to greet them. Chet looked sideways to his sister.

"I have a feeling someone knows." He whispered to her as their mother approached them with open arms. She embraced them all with tears rolling down her cheek.

"You're home! And safe!" Mrs. Morton exclaimed and she continued to hug them to make sure they were actually there and alive. "What a terrible thing to have happened. I thank the good lord you all are safe!" She continued, still tearful. Chet kissed his mom on the cheek.

"We are safe, mom. I promise." He said, "by the way, when did aunt Gertrude call and tell you." He asked, presuming the likely source of the information was Gertrude Hardy who no doubt would have spread the word to Mrs. Morton to tell them they were safe and warn them never to let her children out of her sight until they were fully recovered.

Mrs. Morton smiled knowingly.

"Well, she called yesterday and told me you were safe. I wasn't sure what she meant and then she elaborated." She said. Chet nodded with a half grin.

"Yes, she would have. I am sorry we worried you, mom." He said. Iola nodded and hugged her mother again.

"We are ok, mom. I promise." She said with a smile. Mrs. Morton took in the group and breathed deeply.

"Well, it does appear so. Gertrude said they would be taking Joe to the doctor for some follow up care. I think you all should do that too." She said with worry in her voice. Chet smiled briefly and nodded.

"Uhm, Yes. We will be doing that… later in the week." He added and the group sat down on the nearby patio furniture.

"Where's dad?" Iola asked. She didn't see his truck parked. Mrs. Morton looked to her daughter.

"Working, dear. He will be so happy to know that I have seen you and are actually well. He was terribly worried about you all. It was good to hear from Gertrude, but also very alarming." She said, wringing her hands fretfully just thinking how terrible it could have been. "So, tell me everything. I know planes fall from the sky for some reason. Does anyone know anything?" she asked.

Over the course of the next hour, Callie, Chet and Iola told Mrs. Morton everything that happened and that they knew about the accident, which from their standpoint was not much when prompted for the exact cause. No doubt in the time to come the NTSB would be able to give them more information.

"I wouldn't be surprised if we heard from the NTSB soon over this," Chet continued. "They will no doubt want to interview anyone who was on the plane." Callie turned to him.

"You think? That might suck if we don't want to talk about it." She said flatly. Iola nodded.

"Well, I am sure we can make it as painless as possible." She said, trying to make sure her friend didn't think about it too much. "They might not want to talk to you at all since it's hard for you and you weren't taking an active part in flying the plane. Don't sweat it, girl." She said. Callie thought about it for a moment and then smiled, trying to shake off things which may never come.

"You're right." She said standing up. "I think I will take a walk." She said, holding out her hand as if to invite Chet to come along. "want to come, baby?" she asked. Chet smiled and nodded.

"Of course, Angel." He said and jumped up. He took Callie's hand and the two strolled towards the back of the house.

Iola looked to her mom. She then took a breath and watched as the couple disappeared around the house. She turned back to her mother.

"Cal has taken the whole thing kind of hard. I mean we all have. But she has had some flashbacks and nightmare the other night on the train that scared us to death. We are keeping a good eye on her, and well when she seems open to it we will be looking into therapy." She said. Mrs. Morton nodded sympathetically.

"Oh, the poor dear. I am just grateful you all survived. Gertrude said that Chet took the controls and managed to get the plane down somehow." She said looking to Iola as that area of their account had been a bit vague. Iola nodded.

"Well, Chet doesn't seem to like any praise that seems logical to give. But I believe he very much saved the plane from being destroyed in flight or crashing straight into a mountain. But I didn't think he wanted to get into that part earlier." She said. Mrs. Morton smiled, knowing her son had his modest side which she was quite proud of.

"I understand. So hopefully you are all staying put now and getting the rest you were all told to? Because I firmly believe that while you appear to be in good shape for all that you've endured, no doubt your minds need just as much rest as your bodies." Iola knew her mother was right and it was her tactful way of advising what was best without making it a mandate the way perhaps Gertrude Hardy would have. She leaned back in her chair and smiled thoughtfully.

"Oh yes. We are not conducting any business at all for now. Just resting and getting some things for the house. But we will stay here for a few days since I am sure it will take a few days to get some of the initial furnishings bought and delivered." Mrs. Morton beamed at the idea her daughter stated they would likely just hang out on the farm for a few nights.

"Sounds like a good idea, dear. But don't overdo yourself even if shopping for the house. That home is huge and it could be physically and mentally exhausting just trying to get an idea of what kind of decorating you want to do and then buying furniture and such. It takes a lot of effort. So, take it easy." Iola smiled and then leaned back again in the reclining deck chair.

"Rest assured, mom. It will be a slow process. I'd like Joe to have some input, and I know he won't be up for much for a couple weeks. Though I hope when he goes to his doctor that the doc squares his condition with Gertrude. She no doubt will be curbing my visit time." Mrs. Morton let out a knowing laugh. She knew her daughter was spot on in her assessment of the elder Ms. Hardy.

"Gertrude means well, but yes, she can be a bit overprotective. But understand that she is just concerned and loves Joe very much. We all do. And the fact you have all returned safe to us is nothing short of a miracle."

Chet and Callie walked along the back pathway which led through the extensive Morton vegetable garden. Callie stepped from one cobbled stepping stone to another. She hopped down the pathway and looked over her shoulder to Chet who stood looking at her.

"What's up, babe?" She asked. Chet smiled to her. He had seen Callie standing out in the garden many times over the years. This time, it was different. The sunlight fell against her form and created a most appealing silhouette. The way the sun glowed against her hair. Chet seemed content just to look and say nothing. But her beautiful blue eyes gazing upon him with curiosity suggested he should likely say something. He cleared his throat to break the awkward silence.

"Oh, nothing Angel. I just saw something I liked." He said and looked to the side so as not to make Callie feel more self-conscious. Callie, knowing that Chet was genuine in his affections and looking at her with real appreciation was not uncomfortable with his gaze. She reddened slightly though just for the fact he took the time to look at her. She took a few steps back and jumped to the stone in front of him. She smiled and looked at him with a giggle.

"Ah, now you know how it feels." She said keeping her eyes focused on him. Chet reddened himself.

"Aww, Cal. Cut it out." He stammered. He slowly looked up and Callie's gaze, transfixed on him. Her bright blue eyes looked upon him with all of her trust and faith.

"Cut what out?" She asked softly. "You're a handsome man. I like to look." She held her hands out. Chet took them and returned the gaze.

"I love you, Callie. In spite of everything that has gone down, I feel that as strong as I did before. I am totally convinced we were meant to be, Angel." He said softly. Callie looked up and kissed him deeply.

"I love you too, baby. I don't know where I'd be without you." She said pulling him close to her by the shirt. She breathed deeply with contentment. A moment later the sound of a meow was distinct and loud. The two, slightly startled, turned about. On one of the stepping stones was a black cat. It was Iola's cat, Precious. Iola adopted her as a kitten a few years back. Precious loved to walk through the garden area and look for things to catch. Callie walked over to her and picked her up. Precious purred happily. Callie turned to Chet with a smile.

"I'd say everyone in the garden is content now." She said stroking the cat's fur, which evoked even more purring. Chet stepped over and ran his fingers over the cat's head.

"Hey, Precious. Keeping the mice away from the pumpkins, girl?" They looked around them. Half the garden had become overrun with the pumpkins. After harvesting several half gallon jars of various pumpkin related foods, Mrs. Morton liked to give the extras away to the local school children. She had done this over the last twenty years. As a result, Callie, Iola and Chet were all expert pumpkin carvers. They were also used to eating a lot of pumpkin pie. A favorite of Mr. Morton.

Callie carried the cat along with them as they walked through the gardens. This was the relaxation she had been seeking for several days.

They returned to the front patio area where Iola was sitting. Chet looked about. Wondering where his mother had gone.

"She went to start dinner." Iola said. "She wouldn't let me help. Which is fine since I want to get in a shower and change these clothes." She looked at Callie. "How about you, girl? Tired of wearing Tiffany's clothes yet?" Callie nodded.

"Oh yeah!" She said. "I can't keep sucking in my gut like this. Good thing I have some leftover clothes somewhere in your room. And yes, would love a long shower. I haven't had one since Denver." Iola got up and smiled.

"Well, give me about fifteen and then feel free to come up and take your turn." She turned to her brother and looked at him with a grin.

"Sorry, unless you are going to use the butcher shower in the basement, you will have to be number three in line." Chet shuttered at the thought of going into the unfinished basement with its stone walls and bathing in a primitive stall that his grandfather used when he butchered hogs years ago.

"being number three is fine." He said. Iola smiled to her cat, which was still in Callie's arms. She petted her behind the ears.

"Hey, Precious, baby. Momma will be back to feed you soon." She said and walked into the house. Callie set the cat down and took a seat alongside Chet. A moment later Mrs. Morton brought out a pitcher of lemonade and glasses.

"Would you two like some lemonade?" She asked. The question itself was unnecessary given that no one had ever refused Mrs. Morton's homemade lemonade.

"Yes, Please!" Callie said. Chet nodded gratefully as well helping his mother by taking the tray and setting it on the patio table.

"Thanks, mom." Chet said. Mrs. Morton beamed.

"You're welcome! Enjoy!" she said and went back inside to continue tending to her meal preparation. Chet poured Callie some over the ice filled glass. He then poured one for himself.

"Thank you, baby." Callie told him and took a drink. Chet took a seat and also took a sip.

"Ah, that's good!" he said. Callie nodded, then smiled.

"It is good, but I know what would make it better!" She said hopping up out of her chair and walking to the car. She reached into the front seat and took out the paper bag that the barman from Chicago gave her. She walked back and took a seat. Chet rolled his eyes a bit.

"Yeah, I guess that would make it a little better." He said slowly. Callie smiled and took the bottle out. She opened the bottle, taking a sniff. She smiled even wider. She poured a good double shot into her lemonade. She gestured to Chet's glass. Chet edged his glass forward a bit.

"Just not as much as yours. I'm just a young country boy." He drawled. Callie giggled and poured him a smaller amount. She sat back down and picked up her glass. She sipped it and smiled.

"Excellent." She said, taking another sip. Chet took a drink and nodded.

"That stuff is smooth." He said. "I think one could refer to this as a Belfast Lemonade." Callie nodded.

"That would make good sense." She said throwing the rest of her drink back and placing her glass down. "Excellent mix. 21-year-old Irish whiskey and your mom's lemonade!" She said. She felt a warm glow come over her. She sighed deeply and felt relaxed. Chet nodded.

"That it is, Angel. But I hope you aren't going to pace yourself. That stuff has some kick to it." He said with a slight cough. Callie gave Chet a smile and blinked a few times at him.

"But it's a good kick." She said with a giggle. "Don't worry, babe. I need to bathe and change." She said getting up. Chet nodded.

"Good idea. I'm sure you would like to get out of those clothes." He said. Callie giggled again and shook her rear end in Chet's face.

"You sure you wouldn't want to get me out of these clothes, babe?" She asked. Chet nodded.

"I'm sure I wouldn't mind." He said giving her a slap on the bottom. Callie grinned over her shoulder as she walked towards the house. Chet sighed and sat back with his drink and watched the sun start to settle.

Callie climbed the stairs and turned into the hallway. She entered Iola's room. No one was there. She started going through the chest of drawers in search of some clothes she had left there over her many visits. A few minutes later she had successfully found a pair of jean shorts and sweater.

"Thank God!" She said to herself. She peeled her borrowed pants off, and then pulled her sweater off. She looked around for a towel or robe to put on before she headed to the shower. A moment later the doorknob turned and Iola walked in wrapped in a towel. She stopped short when she saw Callie standing before her in the buff. Callie turned towards her.

"Hey, girl. Did you find some clothes?" Iola asked, not quite aware that she was staring a bit much at her friend. While she had seen her friend nude many times, she hadn't recalled being as transfixed as she currently was. Iola tuned a bit red and turned. "Sorry." She said quietly.

Callie, who was still feeling the warmth and relaxation of a double shot of near 100 proof whiskey smiled when she sensed Iola's embarrassment.

"Uhm, yes. I found some. Only shorts, but I think I will be ok for tonight." She said as she continued to look at Iola who was avoiding eye contact. "You ok, girl?" She said with a relaxed tone in her voice. Iola nodded.

"Sure, I mean I didn't want you to be uncomfortable since you don't have any clothes on." She said softly, looking for an excuse to not make eye contact. Callie pursed her lips and shook her head.

"You know, you are right. It's not really fair. You have too much on." She said and with one hand pulled the towel off of Iola. "there we go. Now we are on even ground." She said. Iola, a bit wide eyes for a moment took a breath and slowly turned to face her best friend. She looked at Callie and blinked slowly, taking her in. Callie took a deep breath which allowed her firm breasts to arch upward. Iola shook her head in feigned objection.

"That's not very nice, girl." Iola said nervously. Callie took on an exaggerated look of innocence. She took a step forward and by doing this her ample bosom made contact against Iola's. Callie ever so slightly jiggled her breasts back and forth against Iola's increasingly pert nipples. The sensation was maddening for both of them. Iola paused, then took a deep breath and stepped backward. She averted her previously fixed gaze, quickly knelt down and picked up her towel and wrapped it around her. She walked towards the closet and pretended to look for clothes. Callie closed her eyes for a moment, realizing she had pushed and made her friend uncomfortable.

"Girl, I am sorry." Callie said in her direction. "I can do some stupid things. I wasn't thinking." Iola took a breath and turned around to face her. She was confused. She took a step forward and looked into her friend's worried eyes.

"You didn't do anything stupid. Really, you didn't. But, I, uhm… well, I have never done anything like this. It's a bit confusing I guess. It's not that I don't want to…" She said, her eyes transfixed again on her friend's perfect body. "But I think if I were to, uh, go…there, I would need to be pretty comfortable in the moment, ya know?" She said, hoping Cal understood what she was getting at. Callie gave an understanding smile. She felt a bit less uninhibited as she just had. Presumably the short effect of the liquor had worn off.

"Of course, I understand. I can have bad timing. I was downstairs and had a double shot of that Irish whiskey and it got me feeling good, and well, I wasn't looking for anything when you came in. The feeling just swept over me a bit when I saw you…" she said, her voice trailing off. Iola smiled, knowing her friend didn't mean to make her feel uncomfortable. She had felt quite the hormonal surge when she saw her best friend standing there without a stitch of clothes.

"Don't blame it all on yourself or the booze. I didn't exactly discourage you. I didn't exactly run away. I felt something too." She said, her eyes gazing into Callie's with intensity. Callie smiled slightly. Her fear of having crossed the line washed away.

"You felt something?" She asked softly. Iola nodded slowly. She closed her eyes and leaned up and kissed Callie deeply. She slowly turned away.

"You better get your shower, now. Cause if we both keep standing around naked in my bedroom it's likely to go somewhere and I have a feeling it wouldn't be very quiet if it did." She said nervously. Callie smiled contently. She picked up her clothes, then took a step over to Iola and planted a gentle kiss on the back of her shoulder.

"You are right. As usual. I will be out in a bit." She said and walked out the door. Iola slowly turned and found herself alone. Several thoughts coursed through her mind, which served to confuse her even more. She sighed and proceeded to get dressed.

After dressing and brushing her hair, Iola went back downstairs. She saw her mother setting the table.

"Hey, mom. Need any help?" She asked. Mrs. Morton smiled to her daughter and shook her head.

"No thank you, dear. Why not just go relax on the patio with your brother? Your dad will be home in a bit. I already called him and filled him in on everything. He is quite relieved to know I have personally seen you all alive and well. I told him that when he gets home to not go into a lot of questions as it might stress Callie out by reminding her." Iola walked through the kitchen, kissing her mother on the cheek.

"Thanks, mom. That was sweet." She said and walked out through the front door and sat down at the patio table next to her brother, who was transfixed on his phone. He looked up.

"Hey sis. All clean and relaxed now?" He asked noticing her fresh change of clothes and brushed damp hair. His sister looked over to him.

"Oh, yeah. Well, clean anyway. I need to work on the relaxed part." She said. Chet gestured towards the lemonade.

"Have a lemonade. With or without the whiskey." He offered. Iola took an extra glass and poured herself some lemonade. She looked at the bottle of Irish whiskey and smiled. Looking at her brother she held up the bottle.

"How much of this stuff did she drink?" She asked. Chet gave a casual shrug.

"Maybe a good double shot or so. She poured it on top of the lemonade so I couldn't tell for sure. Probably enough to make her feel a little relaxed." Iola nodded and poured a small amount in with her lemonade.

"That explains it. Though she said as much." Chet raised an eyebrow of curiosity towards her sister and the statement made.

"Everything ok? I mean, with Cal?" He asked. Iola took a drink and stared into space for a moment. Then took a second sip and set the glass down. She turned to her brother.

"Can I ask you something? I mean confidentially and without any judgment?" Chet rubbed his whiskered chin a bit and half nodded, then raised an eyebrow and looked at his sister.

"Did she kiss you again?" He asked with a half-smile, trying to keep his blunt question deferential. Iola sighed and picked up her glass and took another drink. She shook her head slowly.

"No," she started slowly. "I kissed her." She said then finished her drink in one gulp. She looked meekly in the direction of her brother. Chet furrowed his brow a bit.

"And…?" He asked calmly. Prompting his sister to elaborate. Iola glanced around nervously. Wringing her hands together in her lap.

"And I liked it, ok?" She said with a slight spark of outspokenness. "Before the last few weeks I had honestly never thought of Callie in that way. I mean we have known each other for years." She paused for several seconds, looking out into space. She then looked down to the table. "I have to wonder what's wrong with me. Ya know?" She said with a faint trace of shame. Chet sighed deeply, then smiled to his sister. Iola looked at him. She had laid out a lot to him and his casual response with a smile was not well received. She was about to say something when he raised his finger to her.

"Ok, you seem to think it's abnormal to have these thoughts at times, and others, especially when there is occasion where the two of you get a little flirty, you obviously enjoy the idea. Is that a fair statement?" He asked. Iola slowly nodded.

"Well, yeah. But it's never happened before. Not with anyone I know. I've never really felt any woman was like so attractive that I wanted to do anything." She said. Chet nodded then gestured to her.

"Well, if I may be blunt, can I ask you this…" He said as Iola raised an eyebrow then nodded, hoping her brother wasn't going to ask anything too embarrassing. "Do you want to have a conventional relationship with her that not only includes sex, but the obvious elements of any other relationship between two committed people, or do you just find her sexually appealing and are having feelings where you just want to, er… I am looking for a good term, eh, just basically play with each other in the sack?" Chet asked, with slightly raised eyebrows. He had not been especially tactful, but hoped he got his message across without being too blunt. Iola turned a bit red from the overall question. She took a breath and her eyes moved from side to side in thought. She then looked at Chet, pausing, and finally gave a half smile. She was quite aware of her answer, but just wanted Chet to sweat for a minute.

"Uhm, the second thing, bro. You can relax, I am not after your fiancé in that way. I don't think she is after me in that way either. So, no, not looking to marry her or some shit like that. I just want to get down with her. I don't think there are any other women I would remotely feel comfortable about broaching that with. I have on occasion, as I imagine half the population as and wondered about what it would be like. But well, just never had been a thing I would have ever wanted to act on. Just way too out there on the edge." She said and paused. "But ever since Callie has been with you, it's like she feels she can be more self-expressing and won't get condemned for it. I know that reflects poorly about the relationship she and Frank had for years, but I think he really kept he restricted to maintain this personality that she had when she was still fourteen years old. Reserved and, like a child, controllable." She said. "Now I need another drink after spilling all that." She said and reached for the bottle.

Chet took a breath and nodded. He then gave a casual shrug.

"Well, I kind of figured it was more along those lines. And that's ok." He said taking a sip of his own drink. "You remember when I went away to school for about a year right after high school?" Iola nodded.

"Yeah. You went to the university to do the engineering gig like you thought dad wanted and then a year later you were back and set up the formal business with Frank and Joe. I must say with those grades you had that year, you probably made the right call and dad realized it too. Especially after paying the thirty grand for that first year where you were apparently miserable anyway." She said reflecting back to Chet's failed attempt to placate his father by pursuing an engineering degree. Chet smiled.

"Well, it is true that year did suck for academics. But for other parts of campus life, it was quite interesting." He said with a smile as he thought back. Iola found her interest piqued.

"So?" She prodded. Chet smiled with a faraway look in his eye. He took another sip of his spiked lemonade and reclined.

"Well, my point was, when I was there, I swear some of the parties were just crazy! I mean stuff you would never dream of. Enough booze and drugs can make people do almost anything I suppose. But even when there wasn't a party going on, I would say that I had probably seen more girls kissing each other than kissing guys." Iola's eyes widened a bit.

"Seriously?" She asked. Chet nodded solemnly.

"For sure, lots of eighteen to twenty-two-year-old girls hanging out there on daddy's dime and experimenting with their girlfriends in ways you couldn't imagine. I mean some clearly were gay and were involved in actual multi-faceted same sex relationships. But I would say the vast majority of them were just getting down with their best friends and exploring. Many of them had boyfriends, but it was not uncommon to see open girl on girl kissing, groping, and I won't share what I witnessed at some of those keggers." He said with a light chuckle. "So honestly, sis. I am not at all surprised you would be attracted to Callie and would have feelings about doing things. No more than I wasn't too surprised when she started being expressive about it with you. With Cal, I have noticed, she just seems more open about it. But that usually also coincides with when has had a couple drinks to lift her inhibitions." He took a long drink and set his glass down. "So seriously, don't overthink it, and well, if you two ever choose to turn each other on, you have my blessing. No judgment from me."

Iola took all of what Chet said in and nodded. She sighed and gave a more relaxed expression as she realized she was not the only young woman out there who was intrigued on a sexual level with her best friend.

"Well, thanks Chet. It does make me feel better knowing I am not alone about thinking those things. I honestly don't know where it will go, if anywhere. But I guess those things aren't usually those which you predict will happen or not. They just kind of do." She said. Chet nodded slowly then looked over to her with a reserved expression.

"No worries, sis. But I am an open minded guy for the most part. As well as you know Joe, you have never put him in the remote position to consider the possibility you would ever play intimately with another person. Notably a female. While he would no doubt take that a whole lot better than if you shacked up with Tony…by the way Tony has the hots for you, big time." Iola laughed and interrupted him.

"Ya think?!" She asked with a pseudo incredulous tone. "Tell me another one of the worst kept secrets you guys have." She said laughing loudly. "Tony, God love him, has been mentally undressing me for the last ten years, bro. But he is so sweet and kind and has never imposed his desire as he has had great respect for Joe and I." She said. Then cleared her throat. "But, you were saying?" She asked. Chet nodded.

"Yes, what I was driving at was that Joe, while being more progressive in mindset than Frank, is still a guy who may feel threatened by his longtime girl and almost wife taking up intimately with anyone, guy or gal. It's just a side of Joe you have not explored, so I am merely saying that he may not share my open minded feelings about it. Just something for you to look out for. When Cal kissed you in the hospital, I saw his face, sis. It was not only incredulous but kind of looked a tad on the pissed off side. But as he knew Cal was whacked out on morphine he probably didn't think much of it beyond that point, given Cal kissed Frank and Tiffany as well. He probably just thought she would kiss anyone in that shape and didn't connect any dots because he doesn't know about anything that went on in New York or elsewhere. So, just be weary." He said. Iola sat lost in thought over this for a bit. She hadn't considered Joe's feelings about it. Chet, she thought was pretty open minded and cool with such things since he's seen them quite often in the past. Adding in that the Mortons were a more liberal family than the Hardys, it offered Iola something to think about. Not that she didn't have enough to think about as it was.

A few moments later Callie walked out the front door of the house. Wearing blue jean shorts and a faded green long sleeved cotton top. She walked over to the pair. Chet smiled to her.

"Feel better, Angel?" He asked. Callie looked down and nodded.

"Yeah, I needed that. And it's great to have pants on that are my size." She said. Chet looked over her cutoff denim shorts that were cut from a pair of lowriders. They allowed an ample view of her cheeks. He smiled.

"Well, I don't know if they are your size, but I am liking them. Though judging by those goosebumps all over your legs, I'd say you're a tad chilled." He said. Callie laughed.

"Yeah, not exactly made for wearing in the fall, but since I don't have slender hips like some people, I will take what I can get." She said looking down at Iola. Iola gave a laugh.

"Oh, I will trade you, girl. I will take those curves you have, any day of the week." She said. Callie sat down. Chet offered up another drink. Callie put up a hand to decline.

"Oh, I'm good for now." She said slowly. "That stuff gets me in trouble sometimes." She gave Iola a sideways glance. Iola coughed abruptly.

"I wonder what my excuse was then." She said looking back at her with a significant expression.

Their exchange was interrupted by the sound of a vehicle. They looked down the long driveway and saw a pickup truck approaching. Mr. Morton was returning home.

"Dad is home!" Iola exclaimed. She looked forward to seeing her father. Chet and Callie looked in the direction of the driveway and saw a white pickup truck pull up next to Callie's Jaguar. A portly man with greying hair peeking out underneath a baseball cap got out. He was glad in a denim jacket, and work clothes. Upon seeing Iola running down the walk he smiled brightly and opened his arms. Iola jumped into her dad's embrace.

"Iola, baby! Good to see you home and safe! We were sure worried!" He said. Iola kissed him on the cheek and smiled.

"Hey, daddy! I missed you! We are ok." She said finally letting go. The two walked back up the walk towards the patio. He smiled when he saw Chet and Callie.

"And there they are!" Mr. Morton said with a smile. He walked over and hugged each one in turn and sat down in a lawn chair.

"Hey dad!" Chet said with a smile. Mr. Morton looked over to the couple, taking it in. They were all alive and well he thought. He knew his wife informed him on the phone not to ask too many questions about things.

"Hey son! Hi Callie! Good to see you both back. How are you all doing?" he asked.

"Pretty good." Callie said, appreciative that he had not asked about the crash. Chet nodded.

"Doing good, dad. How was your day?" He asked. Mr. Morton smiled and nodded.

"Mighty glad it's over. It was a long one." He said with a sigh. Callie stood up and poured a lemonade. She handed it to Mr. Morton.

"There you go, Mr. Morton." She said. Mr. Morton smiled gratefully.

"Thank you, dear. I appreciate it." He said. He took a long drink and looked over when he heard the door slam. Mrs. Morton came out and smiled.

"There you are! How was your day, dear?" She asked her husband bending down to give him a kiss. Mr. Morton smiled to his wife.

"Not too bad. A little sore." He said moving his back around trying to get more comfortable.

"Well, dinner is about ready. If everyone wants to come it and take a seat!" She invited. Everyone smiled as they were hungry and started filing in the house. Mr. Morton looked at his wife when he came in.

"Give me a moment, dear. Gonna wash up." He said with a smile. "Good to see them back and safe. Thank the lord." Mrs. Morton nodded.

Over the course of the next hour the family enjoyed a meal of fried chicken and followed up by a pair of Mrs. Morton's famous pumpkin pies.

After the three excused themselves to go upstairs, Callie sat on the edge of Chet's bed looking down at her phone. Chet had been looking online reading the news. He looked over his laptop monitor and noticing Callie seemed a bit pensive.

"You ok, baby?" He asked. Callie looked up.

"Yeah, I guess. I was just wondering. You think Gertrude told my parents the same way she told your mom?" She asked. Chet leaned back in his office chair.

"Well," he started, "there's only one way to find out. I mean I know you don't want to deal with the grand inquisition or anything. But if she did tell them they are no doubt quite worried. If she didn't tell them you will know pretty quick and can tell them later if you want." He said. Callie sat on the edge of the bed, wringing her hands and nodded.

"You're right. If they are aware then they are tearing their hair out by now." She said picking up the phone. She dialed her home and held the phone up to her ear. A moment later she began talking.

"Hi mom! What? Yes, fine thanks….. oh, nothing much. We got back earlier today….. uhm, no. Iola, Chet and Joe are also back. Mr. Hardy and the others are still in Colorado.

Well I am over at the Mortons now. We are going to stick around here for a couple days and wind down. What? Well, we just got a bit overwhelmed by things so some of us came back. Mr. Hardy took over the case. I think we are just going to focus on ordering some furniture for the house and relaxing. Oh? Yeah, I can probably drop by in a day or so. Yes, that would be nice. Yes, I will be…..ok. Well tell dad I love him and you too. Will see you soon! Goodnight." She said and hung up.

Callie sighed and looked over to Chet.

"Well, thank goodness the long reach of aunt Gertrude didn't think to call my house. At least I bought a day or two." She said. Chet smiled. He closed the lid on his laptop and walked over to the bed and sat down next to her. He put his arm around her.

"Well, we will be ok, Angel. We should get some rest. I'm sure you and Iola are going to wear out furniture salesmen tomorrow." He said with a laugh. Callie nodded. She hugged him tight.

"It's going to be so nice to get into our home. To make it ours. I can't wait!" She said. Chet nodded and looked at her.

"I love you. We are going to be alright. Time for bed!" He said and kissed her. Callie nodded and stood up and pulled her clothing off. Chet turned and looked at her. Something distracted him. The obvious. She smiled coyly at him.

Chet sighed happily, smiled back at her and turned off the light.