Getting back into the routine of school after the Easter holidays
seemed like a breeze to Emma. She was happier then she could ever
remember. Things weren't bothering her as much as before and she dove into
the required material for the upcoming weeks with a newfound enthusiasm.
This was soon noticed by everyone. She was found out on the playground
during recess even when she wasn't on duty, she chatted with parents after
school as they were picking their kids up. Meg was well aware of her
change, and wondered what had occurred over the holidays to give her this
extra lift.
Rachel and Emma had lunch together, and were surprised when Meg joined them. "So I haven't had a chance to talk to both of you since school recommenced. Wondered how your vacation was? Hit a lot of single bars, Emma?"
Even Meg's digs didn't effect her today. Nothing could take away this feeling she had and she smiled confidently at Meg. Boy, would she love to fill Meg in about her week with Stanley, but refrained. More conflicts at work, were something she wanted to avoid for the next few months. Even Rachel had limited information about their relationship. That is the way she wanted to keep it. "Actually I spent a lot of time with my family."
"That sounds boring." Meg's eyes drifted to the hollow Slim Fast can in her hand. Then took a slurp, nothing was left. Emma smirked with disgust.
Rachel smiled at Emma. Boy, did Meg have it wrong. Stanley had spent most of the last 48 hours of the vacation at Emma's. They had a Texas barbecue on Easter Sunday California style and Josh and Rachel had joined them. In the evening Stanley had taken Emma and the kids to a movie, and had stayed late just to talk. He was definitely a fixture at Emma's house now. Even Melody was beginning to like him.
"It was far from boring. We had a lot of fun."
Meg had been around family encounters before. This just didn't have the right 'ring' to it. She was insistent to dig some more. It only seemed the right and proper thing to do. "You seem so different."
"Like how?"
"I don't know. I thought maybe you met someone." Meg was definitely trying to dig something up. "I know before the holidays you got those roses. Did you ever find out who they were from?"
Meg was sure they were from Stanley, but wanted to play the game. Emma shook her head, "Have no idea." Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata went off in her purse and she pulled her cell phone out, flipping it open, she smiled as she saw Stanley's shop number flash on the screen. She excused herself to a table at the other side of the room.
Meg was dying to know whom she was talking to, as Emma was all smiles, accompanied by soft laughing and there was a certain glow about her. It made Meg sick.
Rachel was loving this. It took all the inner control she could muster to keep that smirk peeled off her face. She even resorted to biting the inside of her mouth to keep a neutral face.
"She's seeing Stanley isn't she?" Meg quipped in a low tone as she glared at Rachel.
Rachel bit harder into her cheek to keep quiet. It was worth the pain to keep this secret.
Meg knew she was keeping something from her. "She is. You don't have to say anything." Meg was now determined to dig for some more information. "She's a fool, Rachel."
She was now going a little far. How dare she draw a title on Emma when she knew nothing of this relationship! Leaning in close enough to smell the chocolate residue on the now deceased diet shake, she responded in a pronounced whisper. "Hardly a fool, Meg! Why do you have to give her such a hard time? Let her be happy! It isn't hurting anyone."
Meg knew Rachel would shed some light sooner or later, now she just needed that little bit more... her voice raised slightly, on purpose, "Is she sleeping with him?" A few people in the lunchroom looked around. Rachel followed up by giving her an evil look.
"Do you think you could keep your voice down? Or is that not a possibility, because you want to cause trouble." They were both giving each other dirty looks, but Meg couldn't help but glance over to Emma, her curiosity had the best of her. Rachel continued. "And you know, even If i did know that information I wouldn't tell you. Besides that is hers and Stanley's business no one elses."
Meg shrugged her shoulders as she backed down and slouched back into her chair, trying not to seem bothered. The empty can had caught her non- challant attention as the straw was slowly swirled around the inside perimeter. "Well, it can't be that serious." She was trying to convince herself there was nothing to it. Couldn't be. She refused to believe that he could find Emma Heyward interesting or attractive in anyway.
"What makes you say that?"
"Oh, come on, Rachel!" It had to be obvious to any bystander. She surely can't be THAT blind! "Stanley Jobson is one hell of a man and he isn't going to be settling for hamburger when he could have steak, if you know what I mean."
"And I suppose you're the steak?" Now it was her turn to sit back in her chair with crossed arms. She couldn't help but laugh with the whimsical addition "More like pork."
Meg was outraged by her comment. She was ready to shoot daggers. and her mouth was just the thing to do it with as it flew open.
"You'll be sorry you ever said that and Emma will be even more sorry. Because Stanley Jobson will come to his senses." She stood up from the table while still glaring down at Rachel, continuing in the same breath. "And he'll dump her and she'll have nothing once again." The slim fast can met it's second demise due to the tight death-grip around its middle. "Which is what she deserves." Meg slammed the crumpled can on the table for emphasis and stormed off.
By that time Emma had just finished with her call and was heading back to the table. She passed Meg who was in a steamed retreat back to her classroom. Emma slid back into her chair, scooting it up to the table and asked, "What did you say to her?"
"I told her she was pork to your hamburger." Emma looked at her confused.
"What?"
"It's not important. So was that lover boy on the phone?"Rachel picked at her salad, more interested in Emma's phone call then her boring lunch.
"I wish you would stop with the silly nicknames." Emma opened her lunchbox, starving.
"Well, isn't that what he is?"
Emma took a bite of her sandwich, thinking of the brief conversation they had just had. And smiled. Rachel was dying to know what she was thinking.
"You are getting so secretive, what happened to open, lay it on the table, Emma?" a cucumber sucessfuly speared.
"It was Stanley, does that make you feel better? Now can I eat without 20 questions?" She took another bite.
"What can you possibly talk about in less than a minute?"
"Things." She blushed while in mid bite.
"My god, Emma, you're having phone sex with him" Rachel lowered her voice, and leaned over the table. A long repressed smirk emerged.
Emma laughed, "Yeah, right...in the middle of the faculty lunchroom. That would be good."
"I'm sure Stanley would get a major kick out of turning you on in front of your colleagues."
"You don't know anything about Stanley."
Rachel became serious. "I know that he loves you. He thinks your kids are brilliant. And let's not forget he is incredible marriage material." Not to mention the physical attributes but she wisely kept that thought to herself. What red-blooded American woman in her own sense wouldn't notice?
Emma was silent. The phone call minutes earlier had been Stanley, telling her he loved her and missed her. These had been repeated throughout the past week. He had even sent home sealed notes with Kyle. Incredibly romantic and silly and childish notes, that Emma adored and lovingly put in a shoebox under her bed. He emailed her a dozen times a day..often one word in each email. She found herself anxious to check her email, or anticipate the phone ringing. She would go to bed reading the notes, reflecting on the emails, and then he would call and tell her goodnight. She had told him to lie low at school. There was only 8 weeks left and she just wanted to get through it with no more run ins with Meg or the principal. But she thought about him constantly.
Rachel snapped her fingers in front of Emma, "So...I know you won't tell me details."
Emma gave her a dirty look, over the top of her sandwich. "but just listen to me a sec." she continued. "He wants to be alone with you. And I know you want to be alone with him. Whatever has happened between you...."
"You are fishing, Rachel. This isn't the time or place to even talk about this kind of thing." She stood up but Rachel pulled her back down. A few of the other teachers had looked up. Rachel's hand on her arm held her a few more moments in an understanding grasp. She didn't know how else to breach the subject. This decision could really make or break a friendship and Rachel was determined their friendship to continue.
"Just hear me out." She was citing in a soft voice, for their ears only. "I want to have Melody and Holly over on Saturday night for a sleepover...you know a girl's night-in kind of thing. Movies, games, painting nails, popcorn, pizza..." A hesitation followed by a sigh. "Stanley wants to take you on a date."
Emma's first reaction was that she couldn't help but feel a bit betrayed if he had confided in Rachel. "He's talked to you about this?" It was a needed question.
"Well, not really. I kind of put two and two together the other day. It's a good idea, right?" Emma sighed in relief. It was just like Rachel reading into everything.
Emma had to think about this. The girls would both be gone, Kyle had a planned party he was going to. They would have the whole night together. Isn't this exactly what she wanted?
"I've already rolled it by Stan. He told me if it was okay with you, it was okay with him."
The spontaneity had now been taken away. She had wanted it to just happen like in the movies. How pathetic to really think it could happen that way. But it was just a dream. And Emma was a dreamer.
Rachel noticed her expression, "What is it, Emma?"
"you and Josh...so did you plan your first night together?" she was curious.
"Why no. It just happened. I don't think either one of us knew it was going to happen." Rachel smiled at the thought of her and Josh. She hadn't ever kept a boyfriend so long, and he had been wonderful...still was.
"Exactly. Why can't that happen to me?"
"You mean, you haven't..." she lowered her voice even further, ".been intimate?" Emma didn't have to answer. Rachel could tell the answer by the way that she lowered her head. Rachel's jaw dropped in disbelief. "Wow, I was pretty sure you had."
"And this isn't how I pictured it to come about...being planned out."
"It's not being planned, Emma." Rachel leaned over putting a comforting hand on her arm trying to reassure her.
"That's what it seems like to me." she seemed a bit uptight. Pulling her arm away from Rachel's hand.
"So it's not okay with you. Fine! Do you want me to break it to him or you? He was going to make reservations at Dukes. I don't think you know how much he wants to please you."
"There is no way he can get a reservation there in such short notice." Emma began to feel this whole thing was a cruel joke.
"He has a customer who owns the place. He told Stanley anytime. Best table in the place, and a bottle of his best wine on the house." Emma stared at Rachel. Could this really be true. He wanted to take her out on a real date. Someplace incredibly romantic.
Emma had heard about Duke's. It was the hottest place in town right now. Reservations were hard to come by. The food was great , a top- notch jazz trio to dance to and a romantic atmosphere. The only date she had even been on with him was to the bar to play pool and that was with Brent and Chelsea. How she wanted to be alone with him. "How do you know all this?"
"He told Josh the other day at your house. He said he was dying to try it out,hoped he could take you. I thought having the girls over would give you some time together with no kids. I observed both of you this past weekend. And I know how much he enjoyed spending time with you and your kids, but both of you need some quality adult time."
"It would be nice. Dinner out and dressing up. I can't even imagine Stanley in a suit." The thought made her smile.
"I'm sure he looks damn good in a suit. He looks damn good in anything, the towel was nice." She teased.
"Enough about the towel." The thought gave her tingles.
"So it's on? You're not going to break the poor guys heart?"
"I have to run it by Melody. We'll see."
Rachel smiled, it definitely sounded like a yes to her.
* * * * * * * * *
That afternoon Stanley was picking up Holly at school. He knew Emma wanted him to stay away, but it was late and the campus was pretty deserted. Her car was still there. And he wanted to talk to her about Saturday night, so he and Holly headed back to her classroom. She was grading some papers. Looking up from her desk, she was surprised to see them as they walked in. It had been 4 days but it had seemed like ages, and Stanley took a deep breath as she looked up at him with those eyes.
"Hey." was all he could manage, he was longing to go over to her desk and greet her properly, but knew she would have a fit.
"Stanley..." she stood up, desperately wanting to go over to him and put her arms around him.
Moving closer to her desk, still a slight limp in his left foot, "Look I know it's not a good idea me being here, but I wanted to see how you felt about Saturday night. Rachel really wants the girls over."
"I have to see how Melody feels about it." she nervously looked down at the papers she had to grade.
"How do you feel about it?"
"Well..." Holly was in earshot and she didn't really want to say anything for little ears to hear. He was putting her on the spot.
"Emma, what's bothering you?" he saw tension in the way she didn't seem to focus on any particular thing.
"It's stupid, really."
"Tell me." He looked over at Holly who was now engrossed in playing with Wolverine. He sat on the edge of her desk, and she sat back down, picking up the papers and straightening them.
"I don't like this planning business."
"Planning?" he seemed confused,
She wanted to get to the focus of her dilemma."for us to have some time alone. Rachel scheming." she paused, looking up at him,"You talking to her about us."
"I didn't talk to her about us. She pushed like she always does. I told her that you wouldn't like her budding in." Stanley shook his head, knowing now he should never have discussed anything with Rachel. "It's not a plan. Look, I want to take you out to dinner. I want to spend some time with you with no interruptions from kids or ex husbands or employees or best friends. And Holly is so excited about having a sleepover with Rachel and Melody."
"And what if Melody says no."
"She won't."
"What makes you so sure?"
"Have a little faith. I desperately want to take you out Saturday night." He took hold of her hand across the desk and Emma immediately looked towards the door, expecting someone to walk in. " I can get reservations at Dukes...the best table, which happens to be the most romantic table, great food, I hear the trio that plays there is fabulous. We can dance, we can talk, no kids...come on, Emma. Say you'll go."
"It sounds wonderful." he smiled down at her.
"Every moment I spend with you is wonderful in my book." he squeezed her hand, and she looked up at him smiling. It didn't take much. She couldn't deny how much she wanted to be alone with him.
"If Melody is fine with it, it's a date." He raised his eyebrows and his eyes lit up, thrilled she had accepted., "but..." he lowered his eyebrows in anticipation of what would follow. She wasn't sure how to say this. How to express her feelings about the intimacy they had already shared, and how she wanted nothing to spoil the excitement that had been building up in these past few weeks.
"go on, but what?" he noticed her apprehension to speak.
"what we have together..."she paused trying to find the words, "it means a lot to me."
"Me too."
She was feeling a little frustrated, she looked over at Holly still busy playing with the menagerie. He noticed Emma fidgeting and looking uncomfortable. To reassure her he squeezed her hand again. A look passed between them.
"The way you make me feel when you're near me..." he smiled, knowing exactly what she meant.
"like on the couch, and in the garage.." he paused and whispered sexily, "and on your bed?"
She nodded and blushed.
"Like the way you feel right now?" he leaned over the desk, his face inches from hers. This threw her and she abruptly stood up, catching her papers in doing so, they scattered to the floor.
"Damn." she cursed under breath, as she bent down to pick them up, only to meet Stanley on the floor doing the same. His hand went over hers as she started to pick a paper up, before she had a chance to avert her eyes from his glance, he quickly pressed his lips over hers, and she trembled once again, as her free hand went to his hair, grasping a clump in her hand. For a brief second she forgot where she was... in her classroom, Holly yards away. God, if anyone witnessed this display, she would surely be fired.
She pulled away from him and he smiled at her, "You were saying something about the way I made you feel when I was near you.."
She looked down embarrassed. Her heart was racing. She thought about Saturday night, being alone with him...would the feelings be as intense as this. Why was she so afraid that this would die the minute they actually made that next step. Just because her only sexual experiences involved Gary, and the sparks had been few, especially as time had gone on.
He lifted her chin so she was looking at him, "Tell me what you're thinking. This is important, Emma."
She hesitated, "I don't want this feeling to die, Stanley."
"You mean the excitement you feel, the build up...?" once again she didn't have to answer, he saw it in her eyes as she tried to avert her eyes from his. He firmly turned her chin so she had no choice but to look at him, "That's love, Emma."
"Maybe it's lust. I don't know. I thought I loved Gary and look what happened. Everything died inside me."
"And now you're alive again. This is love, don't even question that, Emma. Yes, we are physically attracted to one another, but there is much more to it than that. I want to keep exciting you. Saturday night will not change that." She felt embarrassed and was silent, she closed her eyes.
"Emma look at me." she slowly opened her eyes, and she felt his gaze penetrate her soul, "I love you. Never have I felt this way about anyone, the desire, the passion, the admiration and warmth....I am not Gary."
She lightened up, just thinking about that comment and a giggle escaped, "You are definitely not Gary." he smiled at her.
"And I am pretty sure Gary is the furthest thing from your mind when you're with me. Am I right?"
She nodded, "yeah, pretty much." they both started to laugh and Emma continued to pick up papers, "you think I'm being silly?"
"I like your honesty. You can tell me anything."
"Even that you turn me on when you say hello."
"Let's hold that thought for Saturday night." he raised his eyebrows. Holly moved over to them.
"What are you guys doing on the floor?"
They both laughed, Stanley looked up at her, feeling like he was the child and she the adult, "Ah, Holly, don't just stand there, help us out here." He continued to pick up papers and he smiled at Emma. The look in his eyes reassuring. He wanted more than anything for her to feel as comfortable as he did about their relationship. * * * * * * * * *
Kyle was faithfully at his post for the Saturday morning customers. He had been waiting for Stanley to show up while staying occupied with the many chores that Brent had kept him busy with. But while his hands were busy, his mind was quite pre-occupied. This last week flew by. Additionally, there were some things on his mind he was trying his darndest to come to terms with. What was that cliché years ago about the communication gap of parents and teenagers? He felt the shoe was on the other foot and there was no easy way to breach this topic. He felt like such a. such a.well shoot. Just what did he feel? It was his mother, of all things! It seemed this whole week she was on cloud nine. As far as he could see she was worse then any starry-eyed teenage girl he had ever encountered. He found her singing or humming while cleaning, getting ready for work. She hadn't once raised her voice in the past week. Which was really not like her And then the reactions to those notes, Stanley had sent home with him. She would depart to her bedroom, and when she finally did come out, her face would be flushed and the smile....how could he describe it...well, he wasn't really sure he wanted to know what was behind it. What with all the overheard locker room talk in high school, he was finally putting together the reality of what his mother may be participating in tonight. And there were the other things he knew about Stan that worried him. This did not set well as a surge of protectiveness swept his concerns. He just didn't want her to do something she might regret later on. It was a two-edge sword.
Stanley arrived later in the day to spend a few hours in the shop. There was a customer's computer he wanted to have finished for Monday morning. It was about 3 o-clock and Stanley was pleased with the amount of time it took to complete the job. Kyle had been sent out for coffee and had just returned. He seemed to be hovering about, waiting for something, sitting on the corner of Stan's desk.
Stanley noticed his odd behavior, "You look like you have something on your mind, Kyle."
"I don't want to bother you."
"You're not. I just finished up Jenson's computer." He sat behind his desk and leaned back in the chair, propping his feet up. Taking a sip of coffee he motioned toward the opposite chair and smiled. "Sit down."
Kyle wasn't sure how to bring up the concerns running rampant all week long. His mom and Stanley (his good friend, his boss) were going out tonight. It may be more serious than going out. He knew that through overheard conversations and phone calls, plans were already made for Melody and Holly to be sleeping over with Rachel. That meant Stanley and his mom were planning to spend the night together. He had to admit his concerns were validated. He liked Stanley a lot but it was now the question of what skeletons were in the closet that he hadn't told his mom. If this relationship was so serious, she had every right to know.
Stanley had been aware of Kyle's odd behavior all week. And put it down to him being worried about his mom. So he was prepared for this conversation. "I think I know what this is about."
"You do?" Kyle seemed surprised.
"It's about your mom and me."
"Well, yeah..." that and so much more.
"Kyle, I don't want you to worry about your mom. I love her very much. I wouldn't do anything to hurt her. You have to believe me."
"But my mom is different, Stan. She and my dad were together for a long time." He was boring a hole into the floor. This was tuff to talk about. "She trusted him, when she shouldn't have. She trusts everyone."
"You don't think she should trust me?"
"I don't know."
Stan was watching his response from behind the desk. He felt very close to Kyle and was concerned why there still remained conflict within this young man. Where was the hesitation coming from? Then realization hit. For the first time he saw so much of Emma in his body language and communication by not saying exactly what he meant. He had traveled this road previously with her. "I don't know how I can convince you that my feelings for your mother are genuine."
"I know they are. But..." His shoulders sagged with uncertainty.
"But what?" Then Stanley thought he had figured out what it was. "Does this have to do with me and your mom becoming intimate?"
How embarrassing this was for him! He didn't want to go down this route, not with his boss... And especially when it concerned his mother! He stood up, turning his back to Stan, he could feel the blush rise in his cheeks.. All of the well-rehearsed lines were fading, he had been prepared to confront Stanley and now..they were gone. A long silence dangled in mid-air. "Your past..." he finally managed to spit out. Kyle felt even more frustrated as the words hung in the air and realized it sounded stupid.
"My past? The women I've been with?" There was no response from Kyle. He couldn't get any more words out, as they stayed twisted behind his tongue. Stanley continued, "of course, they talk about these things in school now." His hand came up forming a fist resting in front of his mouth, while thinking out loud. "Sexually transmitted diseases and all." Stanley was feeling a deep blush coming on. Never in a million years did he think he would be having this conversation with Emma's teenage son. But the door had been opened, so he continued, "Look, you don't need to worry. It's been a very long time since I've had a relationship with a woman. a very long time."
Kyle knew why...he had been in prison. "And why is that?" he stammered out with an edge to his voice. Kyle knew it was none of his business and was surprised he had even asked that question. An odd look floated over from Stan. Kyle then felt stupid trying to open up a can of worms. "It's none of my business," he quickly apologized. "Look, I'm sorry I brought it up. I'm just worried, you know. She's my mom." He kept toeing his shoe up against the chair. All this wasn't quite baring the hidden information in the manner that he had in mind. It was all twisting around and he felt the knot pulling tight around his throat.
"And it's great you worry about her. She's lucky to have you."
He couldn't do this. He couldn't confront him with this now. Looking for a way out of the room, "I promised Brent I would help with the display out front."
Stanley sensed something strange was going on as Kyle started walking towards the door to go to work out on the floor.
"Kyle."
Turning around as he reached the door, Kyle looked back still concerned.
"Anytime you want to talk...you know I'm here."
"Yeah, sure." He then walked out.
Stanley was confused by this change in him but he figured he would open up when he was ready. He picked up his keys to the Suburban, ready to go home, then opened his desk drawer, remembering he had to give Brent that order form that had come in yesterday. He had stuffed it in his desk. When he opened the drawer, he looked in amazement at the condom sitting on top of the paper. Yet another blush rose to his cheeks. This was Brent's doing, obviously. He had made comments all week about the infamous night coming up.
Speaking of the open-minded one, Brent happened into the doorway. "What did you do to Kyle? The kid is a walking zombie." Brent couldn't help but notice the condom and laughed. "Glad to see you're prepared, Stan. It takes a real man to use condoms. Emma will be impressed."
"Very funny, Brent, when I know you put it in here."
"Not me." Brent raised both hands in resignation. Stan thought he was just messing with him but then saw the serious look on his face. Brent could see he was not winning any popularity contest with his boss. "I didn't do it." But couldn't leave it at that, "besides, you know I would've gotten you the different flavored ones...thinking of Emma of course."
They both looked towards the shop floor. Stanley put his hand to his head, wondering what Emma would think of this one. Her son supplying her boyfriend with condoms.
"Ah, that explains his mood. He knows you are going to bonk his mom tonight."
"Brent, you don't have to be so crude. That isn't what it is and you know it."
"Okay, make love...I'm sure that makes him feel better." he said sarcastically.
"You're not helping matters."
"I like the kid, but I always wondered why you would hire him when you had the hots for his mom. I don't think I would want to know that my mom was sleeping with my boss."
Stanley shut the drawer. "I talked to him about his concerns earlier."
"Really? That should have been good, and I missed it?"
"You know, Brent, this isn't an easy situation. He's seen his dad hurt his mom. And now his dad has a different girlfriend every few months. What do you think he is thinking about me? Will I leave her too? Will I break her heart? He wants to protect her."
Brent knew only to well what Stan's intentions were. The guy had it bad. Whereas Holly and computers had been his whole life, Emma had now surpassed computers. He had heard Stan talking to a contractor about adding on a spare bedroom to his house. It wasn't to hard to figure out the reason... Stan wanted Emma and her kids to move in. Marriage seemed fairly imminent. The right timing was what he was waiting for. Not pushing Emma had been the right thing to do. Brent had to hand it to him, he was handling all of this fairly well.
Kyle peered around the back room door to discover Stan and Brent were staring at him. Trying his best to not be deterred, "hey, I finished up that display and everything. Do you think I could go now?"
Stanley smiled, "of course."
"Great. I guess I'll see you at my house later."
"Right." Stanley felt a bit awkward.
" I want to show you that game. The war one." Kyle was trying to reestablish the relationship he had with Stanley, pre-discussion. He didn't think it would be a good idea for Stanley to be concerned and say something to his mom about his behavior.
"Oh, yeah, I want to see that."
He seemed to be in better spirits now, "Cool." He looked over at Brent, "See ya, Monday."
"See ya, kid." As he walked out Brent and Stan exchanged glances. Brent took the form from his hands and headed out to the floor, turning back to look at Stan in deep thought. Boy, kids made it complicated. Stanley couldn't even have a normal relationship with a woman. That was a good reason never to have them. But he knew Stan cared about Kyle as if he was his son. It only slightly had something to do with Emma. The two of them had connected more so than he and Stanley. It was as if Stan saw himself in Kyle at the age.
"Hey, boss." Stanley looked up. "Don't you think you should be heading home too? Big night ahead of you and all."
He stood up, grabbing his keys, smiling, "Right. I'll see you on Monday."
"Aren't you forgetting something?" Stanley looked at Brent perplexed. He motioned his head to the drawer, "ah, you know..."
Stanley smiled, "I have it all under control, Brent."
"Just wanted to make sure you're doing the right thing. Being accountable for your actions." Brent couldn't help from making one last remark.
"Okay, enough. Goodnight, Brent." He walked out the back door.
* * * * * * * *
Saturday afternoon, Emma took Melody over to Rachel's early. Rachel knew she needed time to get ready for her hot date, and having Melody out of the way would give Emma some time alone. Her nerves were a slightly rattled when she showed up. But with Melody there, they couldn't really talk. Rachel managed to get Melody to go see her kitten, and it gave her a little bit of time.
"So what are you going to wear?"
"My black dress, the one I wore to Stephanie's wedding in October."
"Perfect, the short one...it shows off your legs. Stanley likes your legs. Not to mention you look hot in that. The neckline is just low enough, shows a little cleavage, but not too much. He'll be sitting across the table from you." She sighed, "Oh, god, Emma, he won't be able to take his eyes off you. I can see his hand caressing your leg under the table." Rachel was enjoying this.
"Rachel, stop."
"Sorry, got a little carried away. But it doesn't matter, he thinks you look hot in anything. Hey, I have something for you."
"What?" Rachel handed her a box.
"You can open it when you get home. Not here." Rachel looked around to see where Melody was.
"Please don't' tell me it's something... disgusting..I know you Rachel..crotchless panties, and the like. Rachel laughed at the thought of Emma in crotchless panties and Emma soon joined in with her laughter. "Hey, I like that idea. I'm sure Stanley would too...but no, it isn't crotchless panties." Emma looked at her watch.
"I should go."
Rachel put a comforting hand on her shoulder, "You're going to have fun."
Melody came up to them holding the kitty, "Mom, are you going now?"
"Can't wait to get rid of me?"
" I know you need lots of time getting ready."
"Since when? I need very little time."
"Since Stanley." Rachel added.
Emma smiled, "Okay, maybe." She leaned over giving her daughter a kiss on the cheek.
Melody understood that the whole sleepover thing had been arranged for her mom and Stanley to spend the evening together. That might even lead to them spending the night together. When first spoken of from her mother, the evening date didn't set too well. As the week went by, Melody agreed to it because she wanted her mom to be able to change her mind on her own if this didn't work out. Although she was beginning to feel comfortable around Stan and could put up with Holly in small doses, acquiring a step dad was not on her list of goals.
"See you later, mom." Melody gave her a bear hug with the kitten in tow. Her attention was being drawn to the activities already in boisterous progress in the background. If no one knew any better, Melody was actually looking forward to tonight at Rachel's. She was a lot of fun to hang out with and there wouldn't be any parents around.
Emma gave Rachel a quick smile and decided to scoot for home. Time was getting short.
If the bathroom scene were to be compared to a pit stop at a car race, she would have made any pit crew foreman proud. Steam curlers were attached in record time. Powder here, moisturizer there. Everything was actually going quite smooth. While still wrapped in an oversized bath towel and doting in the mirror, the reflection of Rachel's little surprise gift laying on the bed caught her attention
When Emma opened the box in her bedroom, her mouth dropped open as a revealing black lace slip was slowly held up for inspection. The material felt so smooth and sleek as it slipped through her fingers. It was meant to cover as an undergarment, yet let her body be seen. Subtle but quietly making a statement, with class. She realized there was something else in the box, she removed the tissue paper to reveal black stockings topped with a lace band and a garter belt to match. What was Rachel thinking? These were beautiful pieces of unmentionables but not quite what she was used to. The steamrollers plastered in her hair prevented the handset from meeting her ear as she cradled the phone to dial Rachel. When Rachel picked up, all the background noise Emma could hear was loud music playing and laughing. Holly was obviously already there. That meant Stanley was on his way.
"I can't believe you, Rachel."
"You like it, Em? You'll be a knock out. The stockings are incredibly sexy."
"I don't know what to say. They are so nice but it's not me. I don't want to look like a hooker or something."
There was a knock at the bedroom door, "Hey, mom, Stanley's here."
"Ah, shit." As she lowered her voice to a panicked whisper. "I'm not ready." She quickly dropped the slip back in the box and wildly looked around for a pair of panty hose. They were just about non-existent in her life.
"Well, I'll let you go. Wear them, Emma, have some fun. It's not what you wear but how you wear it. Talk to you later."
She hung up and Emma stood staring down at the receiver not yet deciding to hug her or hang her next time she saw her. Kyle knocked on the door again, "Mom, did you hear me?"
"Yeah, I did. Tell him I won't be long." She frantically rummaging through a dresser drawer looking for a pair of black panty hose while pulling out curlers with the other. "Offer him something to drink, I think there's a beer in the fridge." There had to be a black pair in here somewhere, she threw out beige, nude...an assortment of socks "Entertain him." she called out. Finally, at the bottom of the drawer, black panty hose...Halleluhjah!
"Okay." She heard his footsteps head down the hallway.
A frantic one-foot hop to the edge of the bed while trying to pull on the stubborn panty leg onto her own natural leg, landed her in an awkward position with her leg crossed. Silently a rrrrr-iiiiiii-ppppppp ran right up her leg. OH, great! That was the only pair of black she could muster out of all the upturned drawers.
Emma looked over to the box. With a resigned sigh, she picked up the stockings and garter belt. Rachel was right. They were sexy but were they her? She didn't want to come across as something she wasn't. Well, she didn't have a choice now.. Stockings it was tonight, topped with lace trim. Maybe it was time to have a little fun. She wondered what Stanley would think, as she slipped her leg into one. She had to admit they felt great. As she pulled her dress over them,standing in front of the mirror, she did feel a little something extra. Maybe just a slight bit sexy, she smiled. A final examination in the mirror from the rear showed everything in it's right place. She slipped on her pumps, , grabbed her wrap, her clutch and she strode out amongst the living.
When Emma came out into the living room, both Stanley and Kyle were oblivious to her presence. Stanley was sipping on a beer, leaning over Kyle while he played a war-game on the computer. Stanley shouting at him to watch his back or something. He was wearing a suit, dark gray.. And even from behind he looked great. She cleared her throat and they both turned around. Stanley's mouth dropped, Kyle's eyes widened. He had never seen his mom look that good.
Stanley walked towards her. Then grasping her arms and appearing to search for someone in the background, "My god...what have you done with Emma?" His eyes took every inch of her in, raising his eyebrows and shaking his head. Did it get much better than this?
"Very funny."
He took her in his arms and kissed her tenderly. "You look beautiful." Looking down at her legs, he raised his eyebrows, "and sexy."
She blushed. Trying to keep her composure she then leaned forward to straighten his tie. He looked incredible. A plum shirt and gray tie to match the suit. "And you Mr. Jobson, this look for you.... Very dashing and debonair." She kissed him.
His hands already found their way down to caress her bottom. Emma felt uncomfortable. What if he could tell she had stockings and a garter belt on? "Don't we need to go?", as she pulled away from him.
He gave her the eye, wondering what that was about and then looked at his watch. "Yeah, I guess so." Emma turned to Kyle, "Make sure you lock up when you leave."
"I know, Mom. You know I'm staying the night at Jared's."
"Yes I do, honey." She scruffed her hand in his hair as she had done for many years while looking directly at him. Her gaze of affection would always be remembered in her son's eyes. It then changed and was directed at Stanley. They looked at each other awkwardly.
Kyle noticed they were acting a little off centered. He almost felt like the proverbial dad seeing a sibling off on a first date. As they started to head for the door, Kyle stopped them.
"Mom." She turned as Stanley was holding the door open. Noticing Kyle was looking at him, hoping he would give him and his mom a moment. Stanley got the point and kissed Emma's cheek.
"I'll be out in the car." And walked out.
Kyle moved over to his mom. "Hold out your hand."
"What?"
"Just do it." She did looked confused as Kyle put a condom in the palm of her hand. She looked embarrassed.
"I want you to be careful."
"Kyle." she looked in disbelief at her teenage son. Where had he gotten these? Did it mean he was sexually active? A million thoughts went through her head.
"Mom, it's not like it was when you were young. People get diseases and stuff. You have to practice safe sex. Put it in your purse, just in case." She wasn't sure who was more embarrassed, her or him. He couldn't look at her so his shoes got all the attention as she turned 3 different shades of red. Opening the purse, she slipped the packet in. There was an awkward silence and then Kyle looked up and smiled.
"Have fun, okay? You deserve it. And don't do anything you don't want to do."
"Isn't this a conversation I should be having with you? Not the other way around?"
Embarrassed he pushed her towards the door, "Stanley's waiting."
Stanley was standing by the car holding the door open. He was aware of Emma's look of bewilderment. "Did he give you the lecture? Watch out, be careful..don't do anything you don't want to do."
"How did you know?"
"He was hinting at things today at the shop. I found a condom in my desk drawer." Emma opened her purse and showed him the condom Kyle had given her. "Same brand." He shook his head. "He's worried about you with the likes of me."
She was embarrassed, "Stanley, I'm sorry. He had no right talking to you about this and I'll talk to him about it."
"He has every right. He's concerned about his mom. He just doesn't want to see anyone hurt you again in anyway."
"But he likes you." She was trying desperately to understand why he would do this.
"He may like me, but that doesn't mean he likes the thought of me with his mother being intimate." Stanley was still pretty certain that was all it was. But he couldn't shake the feeling that Kyle was holding something back.
She stepped into the car. Stanley closed her door and then got into the driver's side, starting the Suburban. Then looking over at Emma he couldn't resist and took hold of her hand. She looked incredible. So beautiful. But he could tell Kyle's concern now weighed heavy on her mind. So much for the evening starting out perfect.
He reached over and lifted up her chin to face him. "Emma, I don't want this to effect our whole evening together. Every time I get close to you, you're going to think about Kyle or Melody...this night is about us. We need this time together."
Emma knew he was right. How could she not think about Kyle? "I don't know what you want me to do."
"I want you to want to be with me. I want your attention. I want to talk like adults for a change. I want to touch you and not feel guilty and you feel the same. That means if this night is going to be about us...you have to put the kids feelings aside for now." He spoke firmly.
"But.... I can't just do that."
"Did he say don't go out with me?"
"No. He said have fun."
"And he meant it?"
"Yes."
"He is not condemning you. You have to see that. He's accepting what is bound to happen between us...the question is can you accept it?"
"I don't understand what you mean. You know that I want to be with you."
"Kyle wants you to be happy. And what would make you happy right now, Emma?"
She was quiet for a second. The first thought that popped into her head made her giggle slightly. Stanley smiled. Maybe the night could get off to the right start after all. Her giggling was a good sign.
"So, tell me. God, I hope it has something to do with me or I'm in trouble."
She began to blush, "Two things actually."
"Two?" This could be interesting.
"Definitely you taking your shirt off."
He smiled. "Okay, that's one. Keep going."
"No, that's all you get to know...don't we have a reservation? I'm hungry."
"I bet you are. Thinking about me with my shirt off and who knows what else." He teased.
She leaned over the seat and kissed him, whispering into his ear, "you touching me, that was the other thing."
"Ah...we could skip dinner." He leaned over her and put his arms around her, playfully kissing her neck. "I could take my shirt off right here. And as far as I can see the touching I can pull off anywhere... Save me a heck of a lot of money."
Smiling she pushed him away gently. "No, we can't. This is a date, Stanley."
"I haven't forgotten."
"Good, because I'm expecting a date...a real date." She ran a hand through her hair, pulled the visor down and looked into the mirror.
"And about the kids...."
She turned to him smiling. "What kids?" He gave her a smile and backed the car out of the driveway. Kyle pushed to the back of her mind for now. As he drove down the street he placed his hand on her leg, his fingers gently caressing the area between her knee and thigh and smiled at her. She let out a sigh. He was touching her. She closed her eyes.
"Are you happy, Emma?"
She looked over at him and smiled. "Oh, yes."
Stanley removed his hand pleased with the response he had evoked in her and concentrated on his driving.
The night was off to a good start.
Rachel and Emma had lunch together, and were surprised when Meg joined them. "So I haven't had a chance to talk to both of you since school recommenced. Wondered how your vacation was? Hit a lot of single bars, Emma?"
Even Meg's digs didn't effect her today. Nothing could take away this feeling she had and she smiled confidently at Meg. Boy, would she love to fill Meg in about her week with Stanley, but refrained. More conflicts at work, were something she wanted to avoid for the next few months. Even Rachel had limited information about their relationship. That is the way she wanted to keep it. "Actually I spent a lot of time with my family."
"That sounds boring." Meg's eyes drifted to the hollow Slim Fast can in her hand. Then took a slurp, nothing was left. Emma smirked with disgust.
Rachel smiled at Emma. Boy, did Meg have it wrong. Stanley had spent most of the last 48 hours of the vacation at Emma's. They had a Texas barbecue on Easter Sunday California style and Josh and Rachel had joined them. In the evening Stanley had taken Emma and the kids to a movie, and had stayed late just to talk. He was definitely a fixture at Emma's house now. Even Melody was beginning to like him.
"It was far from boring. We had a lot of fun."
Meg had been around family encounters before. This just didn't have the right 'ring' to it. She was insistent to dig some more. It only seemed the right and proper thing to do. "You seem so different."
"Like how?"
"I don't know. I thought maybe you met someone." Meg was definitely trying to dig something up. "I know before the holidays you got those roses. Did you ever find out who they were from?"
Meg was sure they were from Stanley, but wanted to play the game. Emma shook her head, "Have no idea." Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata went off in her purse and she pulled her cell phone out, flipping it open, she smiled as she saw Stanley's shop number flash on the screen. She excused herself to a table at the other side of the room.
Meg was dying to know whom she was talking to, as Emma was all smiles, accompanied by soft laughing and there was a certain glow about her. It made Meg sick.
Rachel was loving this. It took all the inner control she could muster to keep that smirk peeled off her face. She even resorted to biting the inside of her mouth to keep a neutral face.
"She's seeing Stanley isn't she?" Meg quipped in a low tone as she glared at Rachel.
Rachel bit harder into her cheek to keep quiet. It was worth the pain to keep this secret.
Meg knew she was keeping something from her. "She is. You don't have to say anything." Meg was now determined to dig for some more information. "She's a fool, Rachel."
She was now going a little far. How dare she draw a title on Emma when she knew nothing of this relationship! Leaning in close enough to smell the chocolate residue on the now deceased diet shake, she responded in a pronounced whisper. "Hardly a fool, Meg! Why do you have to give her such a hard time? Let her be happy! It isn't hurting anyone."
Meg knew Rachel would shed some light sooner or later, now she just needed that little bit more... her voice raised slightly, on purpose, "Is she sleeping with him?" A few people in the lunchroom looked around. Rachel followed up by giving her an evil look.
"Do you think you could keep your voice down? Or is that not a possibility, because you want to cause trouble." They were both giving each other dirty looks, but Meg couldn't help but glance over to Emma, her curiosity had the best of her. Rachel continued. "And you know, even If i did know that information I wouldn't tell you. Besides that is hers and Stanley's business no one elses."
Meg shrugged her shoulders as she backed down and slouched back into her chair, trying not to seem bothered. The empty can had caught her non- challant attention as the straw was slowly swirled around the inside perimeter. "Well, it can't be that serious." She was trying to convince herself there was nothing to it. Couldn't be. She refused to believe that he could find Emma Heyward interesting or attractive in anyway.
"What makes you say that?"
"Oh, come on, Rachel!" It had to be obvious to any bystander. She surely can't be THAT blind! "Stanley Jobson is one hell of a man and he isn't going to be settling for hamburger when he could have steak, if you know what I mean."
"And I suppose you're the steak?" Now it was her turn to sit back in her chair with crossed arms. She couldn't help but laugh with the whimsical addition "More like pork."
Meg was outraged by her comment. She was ready to shoot daggers. and her mouth was just the thing to do it with as it flew open.
"You'll be sorry you ever said that and Emma will be even more sorry. Because Stanley Jobson will come to his senses." She stood up from the table while still glaring down at Rachel, continuing in the same breath. "And he'll dump her and she'll have nothing once again." The slim fast can met it's second demise due to the tight death-grip around its middle. "Which is what she deserves." Meg slammed the crumpled can on the table for emphasis and stormed off.
By that time Emma had just finished with her call and was heading back to the table. She passed Meg who was in a steamed retreat back to her classroom. Emma slid back into her chair, scooting it up to the table and asked, "What did you say to her?"
"I told her she was pork to your hamburger." Emma looked at her confused.
"What?"
"It's not important. So was that lover boy on the phone?"Rachel picked at her salad, more interested in Emma's phone call then her boring lunch.
"I wish you would stop with the silly nicknames." Emma opened her lunchbox, starving.
"Well, isn't that what he is?"
Emma took a bite of her sandwich, thinking of the brief conversation they had just had. And smiled. Rachel was dying to know what she was thinking.
"You are getting so secretive, what happened to open, lay it on the table, Emma?" a cucumber sucessfuly speared.
"It was Stanley, does that make you feel better? Now can I eat without 20 questions?" She took another bite.
"What can you possibly talk about in less than a minute?"
"Things." She blushed while in mid bite.
"My god, Emma, you're having phone sex with him" Rachel lowered her voice, and leaned over the table. A long repressed smirk emerged.
Emma laughed, "Yeah, right...in the middle of the faculty lunchroom. That would be good."
"I'm sure Stanley would get a major kick out of turning you on in front of your colleagues."
"You don't know anything about Stanley."
Rachel became serious. "I know that he loves you. He thinks your kids are brilliant. And let's not forget he is incredible marriage material." Not to mention the physical attributes but she wisely kept that thought to herself. What red-blooded American woman in her own sense wouldn't notice?
Emma was silent. The phone call minutes earlier had been Stanley, telling her he loved her and missed her. These had been repeated throughout the past week. He had even sent home sealed notes with Kyle. Incredibly romantic and silly and childish notes, that Emma adored and lovingly put in a shoebox under her bed. He emailed her a dozen times a day..often one word in each email. She found herself anxious to check her email, or anticipate the phone ringing. She would go to bed reading the notes, reflecting on the emails, and then he would call and tell her goodnight. She had told him to lie low at school. There was only 8 weeks left and she just wanted to get through it with no more run ins with Meg or the principal. But she thought about him constantly.
Rachel snapped her fingers in front of Emma, "So...I know you won't tell me details."
Emma gave her a dirty look, over the top of her sandwich. "but just listen to me a sec." she continued. "He wants to be alone with you. And I know you want to be alone with him. Whatever has happened between you...."
"You are fishing, Rachel. This isn't the time or place to even talk about this kind of thing." She stood up but Rachel pulled her back down. A few of the other teachers had looked up. Rachel's hand on her arm held her a few more moments in an understanding grasp. She didn't know how else to breach the subject. This decision could really make or break a friendship and Rachel was determined their friendship to continue.
"Just hear me out." She was citing in a soft voice, for their ears only. "I want to have Melody and Holly over on Saturday night for a sleepover...you know a girl's night-in kind of thing. Movies, games, painting nails, popcorn, pizza..." A hesitation followed by a sigh. "Stanley wants to take you on a date."
Emma's first reaction was that she couldn't help but feel a bit betrayed if he had confided in Rachel. "He's talked to you about this?" It was a needed question.
"Well, not really. I kind of put two and two together the other day. It's a good idea, right?" Emma sighed in relief. It was just like Rachel reading into everything.
Emma had to think about this. The girls would both be gone, Kyle had a planned party he was going to. They would have the whole night together. Isn't this exactly what she wanted?
"I've already rolled it by Stan. He told me if it was okay with you, it was okay with him."
The spontaneity had now been taken away. She had wanted it to just happen like in the movies. How pathetic to really think it could happen that way. But it was just a dream. And Emma was a dreamer.
Rachel noticed her expression, "What is it, Emma?"
"you and Josh...so did you plan your first night together?" she was curious.
"Why no. It just happened. I don't think either one of us knew it was going to happen." Rachel smiled at the thought of her and Josh. She hadn't ever kept a boyfriend so long, and he had been wonderful...still was.
"Exactly. Why can't that happen to me?"
"You mean, you haven't..." she lowered her voice even further, ".been intimate?" Emma didn't have to answer. Rachel could tell the answer by the way that she lowered her head. Rachel's jaw dropped in disbelief. "Wow, I was pretty sure you had."
"And this isn't how I pictured it to come about...being planned out."
"It's not being planned, Emma." Rachel leaned over putting a comforting hand on her arm trying to reassure her.
"That's what it seems like to me." she seemed a bit uptight. Pulling her arm away from Rachel's hand.
"So it's not okay with you. Fine! Do you want me to break it to him or you? He was going to make reservations at Dukes. I don't think you know how much he wants to please you."
"There is no way he can get a reservation there in such short notice." Emma began to feel this whole thing was a cruel joke.
"He has a customer who owns the place. He told Stanley anytime. Best table in the place, and a bottle of his best wine on the house." Emma stared at Rachel. Could this really be true. He wanted to take her out on a real date. Someplace incredibly romantic.
Emma had heard about Duke's. It was the hottest place in town right now. Reservations were hard to come by. The food was great , a top- notch jazz trio to dance to and a romantic atmosphere. The only date she had even been on with him was to the bar to play pool and that was with Brent and Chelsea. How she wanted to be alone with him. "How do you know all this?"
"He told Josh the other day at your house. He said he was dying to try it out,hoped he could take you. I thought having the girls over would give you some time together with no kids. I observed both of you this past weekend. And I know how much he enjoyed spending time with you and your kids, but both of you need some quality adult time."
"It would be nice. Dinner out and dressing up. I can't even imagine Stanley in a suit." The thought made her smile.
"I'm sure he looks damn good in a suit. He looks damn good in anything, the towel was nice." She teased.
"Enough about the towel." The thought gave her tingles.
"So it's on? You're not going to break the poor guys heart?"
"I have to run it by Melody. We'll see."
Rachel smiled, it definitely sounded like a yes to her.
* * * * * * * * *
That afternoon Stanley was picking up Holly at school. He knew Emma wanted him to stay away, but it was late and the campus was pretty deserted. Her car was still there. And he wanted to talk to her about Saturday night, so he and Holly headed back to her classroom. She was grading some papers. Looking up from her desk, she was surprised to see them as they walked in. It had been 4 days but it had seemed like ages, and Stanley took a deep breath as she looked up at him with those eyes.
"Hey." was all he could manage, he was longing to go over to her desk and greet her properly, but knew she would have a fit.
"Stanley..." she stood up, desperately wanting to go over to him and put her arms around him.
Moving closer to her desk, still a slight limp in his left foot, "Look I know it's not a good idea me being here, but I wanted to see how you felt about Saturday night. Rachel really wants the girls over."
"I have to see how Melody feels about it." she nervously looked down at the papers she had to grade.
"How do you feel about it?"
"Well..." Holly was in earshot and she didn't really want to say anything for little ears to hear. He was putting her on the spot.
"Emma, what's bothering you?" he saw tension in the way she didn't seem to focus on any particular thing.
"It's stupid, really."
"Tell me." He looked over at Holly who was now engrossed in playing with Wolverine. He sat on the edge of her desk, and she sat back down, picking up the papers and straightening them.
"I don't like this planning business."
"Planning?" he seemed confused,
She wanted to get to the focus of her dilemma."for us to have some time alone. Rachel scheming." she paused, looking up at him,"You talking to her about us."
"I didn't talk to her about us. She pushed like she always does. I told her that you wouldn't like her budding in." Stanley shook his head, knowing now he should never have discussed anything with Rachel. "It's not a plan. Look, I want to take you out to dinner. I want to spend some time with you with no interruptions from kids or ex husbands or employees or best friends. And Holly is so excited about having a sleepover with Rachel and Melody."
"And what if Melody says no."
"She won't."
"What makes you so sure?"
"Have a little faith. I desperately want to take you out Saturday night." He took hold of her hand across the desk and Emma immediately looked towards the door, expecting someone to walk in. " I can get reservations at Dukes...the best table, which happens to be the most romantic table, great food, I hear the trio that plays there is fabulous. We can dance, we can talk, no kids...come on, Emma. Say you'll go."
"It sounds wonderful." he smiled down at her.
"Every moment I spend with you is wonderful in my book." he squeezed her hand, and she looked up at him smiling. It didn't take much. She couldn't deny how much she wanted to be alone with him.
"If Melody is fine with it, it's a date." He raised his eyebrows and his eyes lit up, thrilled she had accepted., "but..." he lowered his eyebrows in anticipation of what would follow. She wasn't sure how to say this. How to express her feelings about the intimacy they had already shared, and how she wanted nothing to spoil the excitement that had been building up in these past few weeks.
"go on, but what?" he noticed her apprehension to speak.
"what we have together..."she paused trying to find the words, "it means a lot to me."
"Me too."
She was feeling a little frustrated, she looked over at Holly still busy playing with the menagerie. He noticed Emma fidgeting and looking uncomfortable. To reassure her he squeezed her hand again. A look passed between them.
"The way you make me feel when you're near me..." he smiled, knowing exactly what she meant.
"like on the couch, and in the garage.." he paused and whispered sexily, "and on your bed?"
She nodded and blushed.
"Like the way you feel right now?" he leaned over the desk, his face inches from hers. This threw her and she abruptly stood up, catching her papers in doing so, they scattered to the floor.
"Damn." she cursed under breath, as she bent down to pick them up, only to meet Stanley on the floor doing the same. His hand went over hers as she started to pick a paper up, before she had a chance to avert her eyes from his glance, he quickly pressed his lips over hers, and she trembled once again, as her free hand went to his hair, grasping a clump in her hand. For a brief second she forgot where she was... in her classroom, Holly yards away. God, if anyone witnessed this display, she would surely be fired.
She pulled away from him and he smiled at her, "You were saying something about the way I made you feel when I was near you.."
She looked down embarrassed. Her heart was racing. She thought about Saturday night, being alone with him...would the feelings be as intense as this. Why was she so afraid that this would die the minute they actually made that next step. Just because her only sexual experiences involved Gary, and the sparks had been few, especially as time had gone on.
He lifted her chin so she was looking at him, "Tell me what you're thinking. This is important, Emma."
She hesitated, "I don't want this feeling to die, Stanley."
"You mean the excitement you feel, the build up...?" once again she didn't have to answer, he saw it in her eyes as she tried to avert her eyes from his. He firmly turned her chin so she had no choice but to look at him, "That's love, Emma."
"Maybe it's lust. I don't know. I thought I loved Gary and look what happened. Everything died inside me."
"And now you're alive again. This is love, don't even question that, Emma. Yes, we are physically attracted to one another, but there is much more to it than that. I want to keep exciting you. Saturday night will not change that." She felt embarrassed and was silent, she closed her eyes.
"Emma look at me." she slowly opened her eyes, and she felt his gaze penetrate her soul, "I love you. Never have I felt this way about anyone, the desire, the passion, the admiration and warmth....I am not Gary."
She lightened up, just thinking about that comment and a giggle escaped, "You are definitely not Gary." he smiled at her.
"And I am pretty sure Gary is the furthest thing from your mind when you're with me. Am I right?"
She nodded, "yeah, pretty much." they both started to laugh and Emma continued to pick up papers, "you think I'm being silly?"
"I like your honesty. You can tell me anything."
"Even that you turn me on when you say hello."
"Let's hold that thought for Saturday night." he raised his eyebrows. Holly moved over to them.
"What are you guys doing on the floor?"
They both laughed, Stanley looked up at her, feeling like he was the child and she the adult, "Ah, Holly, don't just stand there, help us out here." He continued to pick up papers and he smiled at Emma. The look in his eyes reassuring. He wanted more than anything for her to feel as comfortable as he did about their relationship. * * * * * * * * *
Kyle was faithfully at his post for the Saturday morning customers. He had been waiting for Stanley to show up while staying occupied with the many chores that Brent had kept him busy with. But while his hands were busy, his mind was quite pre-occupied. This last week flew by. Additionally, there were some things on his mind he was trying his darndest to come to terms with. What was that cliché years ago about the communication gap of parents and teenagers? He felt the shoe was on the other foot and there was no easy way to breach this topic. He felt like such a. such a.well shoot. Just what did he feel? It was his mother, of all things! It seemed this whole week she was on cloud nine. As far as he could see she was worse then any starry-eyed teenage girl he had ever encountered. He found her singing or humming while cleaning, getting ready for work. She hadn't once raised her voice in the past week. Which was really not like her And then the reactions to those notes, Stanley had sent home with him. She would depart to her bedroom, and when she finally did come out, her face would be flushed and the smile....how could he describe it...well, he wasn't really sure he wanted to know what was behind it. What with all the overheard locker room talk in high school, he was finally putting together the reality of what his mother may be participating in tonight. And there were the other things he knew about Stan that worried him. This did not set well as a surge of protectiveness swept his concerns. He just didn't want her to do something she might regret later on. It was a two-edge sword.
Stanley arrived later in the day to spend a few hours in the shop. There was a customer's computer he wanted to have finished for Monday morning. It was about 3 o-clock and Stanley was pleased with the amount of time it took to complete the job. Kyle had been sent out for coffee and had just returned. He seemed to be hovering about, waiting for something, sitting on the corner of Stan's desk.
Stanley noticed his odd behavior, "You look like you have something on your mind, Kyle."
"I don't want to bother you."
"You're not. I just finished up Jenson's computer." He sat behind his desk and leaned back in the chair, propping his feet up. Taking a sip of coffee he motioned toward the opposite chair and smiled. "Sit down."
Kyle wasn't sure how to bring up the concerns running rampant all week long. His mom and Stanley (his good friend, his boss) were going out tonight. It may be more serious than going out. He knew that through overheard conversations and phone calls, plans were already made for Melody and Holly to be sleeping over with Rachel. That meant Stanley and his mom were planning to spend the night together. He had to admit his concerns were validated. He liked Stanley a lot but it was now the question of what skeletons were in the closet that he hadn't told his mom. If this relationship was so serious, she had every right to know.
Stanley had been aware of Kyle's odd behavior all week. And put it down to him being worried about his mom. So he was prepared for this conversation. "I think I know what this is about."
"You do?" Kyle seemed surprised.
"It's about your mom and me."
"Well, yeah..." that and so much more.
"Kyle, I don't want you to worry about your mom. I love her very much. I wouldn't do anything to hurt her. You have to believe me."
"But my mom is different, Stan. She and my dad were together for a long time." He was boring a hole into the floor. This was tuff to talk about. "She trusted him, when she shouldn't have. She trusts everyone."
"You don't think she should trust me?"
"I don't know."
Stan was watching his response from behind the desk. He felt very close to Kyle and was concerned why there still remained conflict within this young man. Where was the hesitation coming from? Then realization hit. For the first time he saw so much of Emma in his body language and communication by not saying exactly what he meant. He had traveled this road previously with her. "I don't know how I can convince you that my feelings for your mother are genuine."
"I know they are. But..." His shoulders sagged with uncertainty.
"But what?" Then Stanley thought he had figured out what it was. "Does this have to do with me and your mom becoming intimate?"
How embarrassing this was for him! He didn't want to go down this route, not with his boss... And especially when it concerned his mother! He stood up, turning his back to Stan, he could feel the blush rise in his cheeks.. All of the well-rehearsed lines were fading, he had been prepared to confront Stanley and now..they were gone. A long silence dangled in mid-air. "Your past..." he finally managed to spit out. Kyle felt even more frustrated as the words hung in the air and realized it sounded stupid.
"My past? The women I've been with?" There was no response from Kyle. He couldn't get any more words out, as they stayed twisted behind his tongue. Stanley continued, "of course, they talk about these things in school now." His hand came up forming a fist resting in front of his mouth, while thinking out loud. "Sexually transmitted diseases and all." Stanley was feeling a deep blush coming on. Never in a million years did he think he would be having this conversation with Emma's teenage son. But the door had been opened, so he continued, "Look, you don't need to worry. It's been a very long time since I've had a relationship with a woman. a very long time."
Kyle knew why...he had been in prison. "And why is that?" he stammered out with an edge to his voice. Kyle knew it was none of his business and was surprised he had even asked that question. An odd look floated over from Stan. Kyle then felt stupid trying to open up a can of worms. "It's none of my business," he quickly apologized. "Look, I'm sorry I brought it up. I'm just worried, you know. She's my mom." He kept toeing his shoe up against the chair. All this wasn't quite baring the hidden information in the manner that he had in mind. It was all twisting around and he felt the knot pulling tight around his throat.
"And it's great you worry about her. She's lucky to have you."
He couldn't do this. He couldn't confront him with this now. Looking for a way out of the room, "I promised Brent I would help with the display out front."
Stanley sensed something strange was going on as Kyle started walking towards the door to go to work out on the floor.
"Kyle."
Turning around as he reached the door, Kyle looked back still concerned.
"Anytime you want to talk...you know I'm here."
"Yeah, sure." He then walked out.
Stanley was confused by this change in him but he figured he would open up when he was ready. He picked up his keys to the Suburban, ready to go home, then opened his desk drawer, remembering he had to give Brent that order form that had come in yesterday. He had stuffed it in his desk. When he opened the drawer, he looked in amazement at the condom sitting on top of the paper. Yet another blush rose to his cheeks. This was Brent's doing, obviously. He had made comments all week about the infamous night coming up.
Speaking of the open-minded one, Brent happened into the doorway. "What did you do to Kyle? The kid is a walking zombie." Brent couldn't help but notice the condom and laughed. "Glad to see you're prepared, Stan. It takes a real man to use condoms. Emma will be impressed."
"Very funny, Brent, when I know you put it in here."
"Not me." Brent raised both hands in resignation. Stan thought he was just messing with him but then saw the serious look on his face. Brent could see he was not winning any popularity contest with his boss. "I didn't do it." But couldn't leave it at that, "besides, you know I would've gotten you the different flavored ones...thinking of Emma of course."
They both looked towards the shop floor. Stanley put his hand to his head, wondering what Emma would think of this one. Her son supplying her boyfriend with condoms.
"Ah, that explains his mood. He knows you are going to bonk his mom tonight."
"Brent, you don't have to be so crude. That isn't what it is and you know it."
"Okay, make love...I'm sure that makes him feel better." he said sarcastically.
"You're not helping matters."
"I like the kid, but I always wondered why you would hire him when you had the hots for his mom. I don't think I would want to know that my mom was sleeping with my boss."
Stanley shut the drawer. "I talked to him about his concerns earlier."
"Really? That should have been good, and I missed it?"
"You know, Brent, this isn't an easy situation. He's seen his dad hurt his mom. And now his dad has a different girlfriend every few months. What do you think he is thinking about me? Will I leave her too? Will I break her heart? He wants to protect her."
Brent knew only to well what Stan's intentions were. The guy had it bad. Whereas Holly and computers had been his whole life, Emma had now surpassed computers. He had heard Stan talking to a contractor about adding on a spare bedroom to his house. It wasn't to hard to figure out the reason... Stan wanted Emma and her kids to move in. Marriage seemed fairly imminent. The right timing was what he was waiting for. Not pushing Emma had been the right thing to do. Brent had to hand it to him, he was handling all of this fairly well.
Kyle peered around the back room door to discover Stan and Brent were staring at him. Trying his best to not be deterred, "hey, I finished up that display and everything. Do you think I could go now?"
Stanley smiled, "of course."
"Great. I guess I'll see you at my house later."
"Right." Stanley felt a bit awkward.
" I want to show you that game. The war one." Kyle was trying to reestablish the relationship he had with Stanley, pre-discussion. He didn't think it would be a good idea for Stanley to be concerned and say something to his mom about his behavior.
"Oh, yeah, I want to see that."
He seemed to be in better spirits now, "Cool." He looked over at Brent, "See ya, Monday."
"See ya, kid." As he walked out Brent and Stan exchanged glances. Brent took the form from his hands and headed out to the floor, turning back to look at Stan in deep thought. Boy, kids made it complicated. Stanley couldn't even have a normal relationship with a woman. That was a good reason never to have them. But he knew Stan cared about Kyle as if he was his son. It only slightly had something to do with Emma. The two of them had connected more so than he and Stanley. It was as if Stan saw himself in Kyle at the age.
"Hey, boss." Stanley looked up. "Don't you think you should be heading home too? Big night ahead of you and all."
He stood up, grabbing his keys, smiling, "Right. I'll see you on Monday."
"Aren't you forgetting something?" Stanley looked at Brent perplexed. He motioned his head to the drawer, "ah, you know..."
Stanley smiled, "I have it all under control, Brent."
"Just wanted to make sure you're doing the right thing. Being accountable for your actions." Brent couldn't help from making one last remark.
"Okay, enough. Goodnight, Brent." He walked out the back door.
* * * * * * * *
Saturday afternoon, Emma took Melody over to Rachel's early. Rachel knew she needed time to get ready for her hot date, and having Melody out of the way would give Emma some time alone. Her nerves were a slightly rattled when she showed up. But with Melody there, they couldn't really talk. Rachel managed to get Melody to go see her kitten, and it gave her a little bit of time.
"So what are you going to wear?"
"My black dress, the one I wore to Stephanie's wedding in October."
"Perfect, the short one...it shows off your legs. Stanley likes your legs. Not to mention you look hot in that. The neckline is just low enough, shows a little cleavage, but not too much. He'll be sitting across the table from you." She sighed, "Oh, god, Emma, he won't be able to take his eyes off you. I can see his hand caressing your leg under the table." Rachel was enjoying this.
"Rachel, stop."
"Sorry, got a little carried away. But it doesn't matter, he thinks you look hot in anything. Hey, I have something for you."
"What?" Rachel handed her a box.
"You can open it when you get home. Not here." Rachel looked around to see where Melody was.
"Please don't' tell me it's something... disgusting..I know you Rachel..crotchless panties, and the like. Rachel laughed at the thought of Emma in crotchless panties and Emma soon joined in with her laughter. "Hey, I like that idea. I'm sure Stanley would too...but no, it isn't crotchless panties." Emma looked at her watch.
"I should go."
Rachel put a comforting hand on her shoulder, "You're going to have fun."
Melody came up to them holding the kitty, "Mom, are you going now?"
"Can't wait to get rid of me?"
" I know you need lots of time getting ready."
"Since when? I need very little time."
"Since Stanley." Rachel added.
Emma smiled, "Okay, maybe." She leaned over giving her daughter a kiss on the cheek.
Melody understood that the whole sleepover thing had been arranged for her mom and Stanley to spend the evening together. That might even lead to them spending the night together. When first spoken of from her mother, the evening date didn't set too well. As the week went by, Melody agreed to it because she wanted her mom to be able to change her mind on her own if this didn't work out. Although she was beginning to feel comfortable around Stan and could put up with Holly in small doses, acquiring a step dad was not on her list of goals.
"See you later, mom." Melody gave her a bear hug with the kitten in tow. Her attention was being drawn to the activities already in boisterous progress in the background. If no one knew any better, Melody was actually looking forward to tonight at Rachel's. She was a lot of fun to hang out with and there wouldn't be any parents around.
Emma gave Rachel a quick smile and decided to scoot for home. Time was getting short.
If the bathroom scene were to be compared to a pit stop at a car race, she would have made any pit crew foreman proud. Steam curlers were attached in record time. Powder here, moisturizer there. Everything was actually going quite smooth. While still wrapped in an oversized bath towel and doting in the mirror, the reflection of Rachel's little surprise gift laying on the bed caught her attention
When Emma opened the box in her bedroom, her mouth dropped open as a revealing black lace slip was slowly held up for inspection. The material felt so smooth and sleek as it slipped through her fingers. It was meant to cover as an undergarment, yet let her body be seen. Subtle but quietly making a statement, with class. She realized there was something else in the box, she removed the tissue paper to reveal black stockings topped with a lace band and a garter belt to match. What was Rachel thinking? These were beautiful pieces of unmentionables but not quite what she was used to. The steamrollers plastered in her hair prevented the handset from meeting her ear as she cradled the phone to dial Rachel. When Rachel picked up, all the background noise Emma could hear was loud music playing and laughing. Holly was obviously already there. That meant Stanley was on his way.
"I can't believe you, Rachel."
"You like it, Em? You'll be a knock out. The stockings are incredibly sexy."
"I don't know what to say. They are so nice but it's not me. I don't want to look like a hooker or something."
There was a knock at the bedroom door, "Hey, mom, Stanley's here."
"Ah, shit." As she lowered her voice to a panicked whisper. "I'm not ready." She quickly dropped the slip back in the box and wildly looked around for a pair of panty hose. They were just about non-existent in her life.
"Well, I'll let you go. Wear them, Emma, have some fun. It's not what you wear but how you wear it. Talk to you later."
She hung up and Emma stood staring down at the receiver not yet deciding to hug her or hang her next time she saw her. Kyle knocked on the door again, "Mom, did you hear me?"
"Yeah, I did. Tell him I won't be long." She frantically rummaging through a dresser drawer looking for a pair of black panty hose while pulling out curlers with the other. "Offer him something to drink, I think there's a beer in the fridge." There had to be a black pair in here somewhere, she threw out beige, nude...an assortment of socks "Entertain him." she called out. Finally, at the bottom of the drawer, black panty hose...Halleluhjah!
"Okay." She heard his footsteps head down the hallway.
A frantic one-foot hop to the edge of the bed while trying to pull on the stubborn panty leg onto her own natural leg, landed her in an awkward position with her leg crossed. Silently a rrrrr-iiiiiii-ppppppp ran right up her leg. OH, great! That was the only pair of black she could muster out of all the upturned drawers.
Emma looked over to the box. With a resigned sigh, she picked up the stockings and garter belt. Rachel was right. They were sexy but were they her? She didn't want to come across as something she wasn't. Well, she didn't have a choice now.. Stockings it was tonight, topped with lace trim. Maybe it was time to have a little fun. She wondered what Stanley would think, as she slipped her leg into one. She had to admit they felt great. As she pulled her dress over them,standing in front of the mirror, she did feel a little something extra. Maybe just a slight bit sexy, she smiled. A final examination in the mirror from the rear showed everything in it's right place. She slipped on her pumps, , grabbed her wrap, her clutch and she strode out amongst the living.
When Emma came out into the living room, both Stanley and Kyle were oblivious to her presence. Stanley was sipping on a beer, leaning over Kyle while he played a war-game on the computer. Stanley shouting at him to watch his back or something. He was wearing a suit, dark gray.. And even from behind he looked great. She cleared her throat and they both turned around. Stanley's mouth dropped, Kyle's eyes widened. He had never seen his mom look that good.
Stanley walked towards her. Then grasping her arms and appearing to search for someone in the background, "My god...what have you done with Emma?" His eyes took every inch of her in, raising his eyebrows and shaking his head. Did it get much better than this?
"Very funny."
He took her in his arms and kissed her tenderly. "You look beautiful." Looking down at her legs, he raised his eyebrows, "and sexy."
She blushed. Trying to keep her composure she then leaned forward to straighten his tie. He looked incredible. A plum shirt and gray tie to match the suit. "And you Mr. Jobson, this look for you.... Very dashing and debonair." She kissed him.
His hands already found their way down to caress her bottom. Emma felt uncomfortable. What if he could tell she had stockings and a garter belt on? "Don't we need to go?", as she pulled away from him.
He gave her the eye, wondering what that was about and then looked at his watch. "Yeah, I guess so." Emma turned to Kyle, "Make sure you lock up when you leave."
"I know, Mom. You know I'm staying the night at Jared's."
"Yes I do, honey." She scruffed her hand in his hair as she had done for many years while looking directly at him. Her gaze of affection would always be remembered in her son's eyes. It then changed and was directed at Stanley. They looked at each other awkwardly.
Kyle noticed they were acting a little off centered. He almost felt like the proverbial dad seeing a sibling off on a first date. As they started to head for the door, Kyle stopped them.
"Mom." She turned as Stanley was holding the door open. Noticing Kyle was looking at him, hoping he would give him and his mom a moment. Stanley got the point and kissed Emma's cheek.
"I'll be out in the car." And walked out.
Kyle moved over to his mom. "Hold out your hand."
"What?"
"Just do it." She did looked confused as Kyle put a condom in the palm of her hand. She looked embarrassed.
"I want you to be careful."
"Kyle." she looked in disbelief at her teenage son. Where had he gotten these? Did it mean he was sexually active? A million thoughts went through her head.
"Mom, it's not like it was when you were young. People get diseases and stuff. You have to practice safe sex. Put it in your purse, just in case." She wasn't sure who was more embarrassed, her or him. He couldn't look at her so his shoes got all the attention as she turned 3 different shades of red. Opening the purse, she slipped the packet in. There was an awkward silence and then Kyle looked up and smiled.
"Have fun, okay? You deserve it. And don't do anything you don't want to do."
"Isn't this a conversation I should be having with you? Not the other way around?"
Embarrassed he pushed her towards the door, "Stanley's waiting."
Stanley was standing by the car holding the door open. He was aware of Emma's look of bewilderment. "Did he give you the lecture? Watch out, be careful..don't do anything you don't want to do."
"How did you know?"
"He was hinting at things today at the shop. I found a condom in my desk drawer." Emma opened her purse and showed him the condom Kyle had given her. "Same brand." He shook his head. "He's worried about you with the likes of me."
She was embarrassed, "Stanley, I'm sorry. He had no right talking to you about this and I'll talk to him about it."
"He has every right. He's concerned about his mom. He just doesn't want to see anyone hurt you again in anyway."
"But he likes you." She was trying desperately to understand why he would do this.
"He may like me, but that doesn't mean he likes the thought of me with his mother being intimate." Stanley was still pretty certain that was all it was. But he couldn't shake the feeling that Kyle was holding something back.
She stepped into the car. Stanley closed her door and then got into the driver's side, starting the Suburban. Then looking over at Emma he couldn't resist and took hold of her hand. She looked incredible. So beautiful. But he could tell Kyle's concern now weighed heavy on her mind. So much for the evening starting out perfect.
He reached over and lifted up her chin to face him. "Emma, I don't want this to effect our whole evening together. Every time I get close to you, you're going to think about Kyle or Melody...this night is about us. We need this time together."
Emma knew he was right. How could she not think about Kyle? "I don't know what you want me to do."
"I want you to want to be with me. I want your attention. I want to talk like adults for a change. I want to touch you and not feel guilty and you feel the same. That means if this night is going to be about us...you have to put the kids feelings aside for now." He spoke firmly.
"But.... I can't just do that."
"Did he say don't go out with me?"
"No. He said have fun."
"And he meant it?"
"Yes."
"He is not condemning you. You have to see that. He's accepting what is bound to happen between us...the question is can you accept it?"
"I don't understand what you mean. You know that I want to be with you."
"Kyle wants you to be happy. And what would make you happy right now, Emma?"
She was quiet for a second. The first thought that popped into her head made her giggle slightly. Stanley smiled. Maybe the night could get off to the right start after all. Her giggling was a good sign.
"So, tell me. God, I hope it has something to do with me or I'm in trouble."
She began to blush, "Two things actually."
"Two?" This could be interesting.
"Definitely you taking your shirt off."
He smiled. "Okay, that's one. Keep going."
"No, that's all you get to know...don't we have a reservation? I'm hungry."
"I bet you are. Thinking about me with my shirt off and who knows what else." He teased.
She leaned over the seat and kissed him, whispering into his ear, "you touching me, that was the other thing."
"Ah...we could skip dinner." He leaned over her and put his arms around her, playfully kissing her neck. "I could take my shirt off right here. And as far as I can see the touching I can pull off anywhere... Save me a heck of a lot of money."
Smiling she pushed him away gently. "No, we can't. This is a date, Stanley."
"I haven't forgotten."
"Good, because I'm expecting a date...a real date." She ran a hand through her hair, pulled the visor down and looked into the mirror.
"And about the kids...."
She turned to him smiling. "What kids?" He gave her a smile and backed the car out of the driveway. Kyle pushed to the back of her mind for now. As he drove down the street he placed his hand on her leg, his fingers gently caressing the area between her knee and thigh and smiled at her. She let out a sigh. He was touching her. She closed her eyes.
"Are you happy, Emma?"
She looked over at him and smiled. "Oh, yes."
Stanley removed his hand pleased with the response he had evoked in her and concentrated on his driving.
The night was off to a good start.