Thanks to all readers and to the reviewers of chapter five, spectre666, AtomicFire, MrDrP, Miguel Dubón, Dr. J0nes, SassMasterGeneral, Jeriddian, daywalkr82, pbow, CastaS, dartblade, mattb3671, and Zaratan.
Special thanks to MrDrP for heroic beta reading efforts under great adversity, and to Jeriddian for guest beta reading and technical advice.
Disclaimer: Disney owns all, I just borrow.
Chapter 6
The afternoon after the big date was a picture-perfect mid-July Sunday in Middleton. The sun was out and the temperature was warm but not too hot, ideal for outdoor activities. Tara was thinking about what she'd like to do when her cell phone rang. It was Kevin.
My BF! Her heart leapt as she took the call. "Hey there, handsome!"
"Hi Tara, it's Kevin."
"D'oy, why do you think I answered the way I did? My cell phone told me it was you."
"It did?"
"Of course, silly. I programmed your number in the day you asked me out. Remind me to take a picture of you, I want to have one come up on screen whenever you call."
"Um, okay. Anyway, I was wondering if you wanted to get together today. We can play some chess out by the pool, maybe take a dip between games?"
"That sounds like fun. Let me change and I'll be over in a bit."
"Okay, see you."
Tara dressed with a lot more care than she had for her first trip to the old farmhouse; after all, this time she had a BF to dazzle. She took her time deciding which of her three swimsuits to wear. She figured the chances of one or both of Kevin's parents being around were good, so she didn't want to go too revealing—not that she even owned a truly skimpy suit, like the daring bikinis some of her friends wore. She preferred to keep her assets well secured. After eliminating her one-piece that she used for laps in the Middleton High pool, she decided to go with her more modest two-piece, a red and blue boy-short floral print with a generously cut top; cute and sporty. She put on the suit and covered it with nice shorts and a tank top with lacy trim, packed a towel and sunscreen and a few other essentials in a bag, and headed off.
Kevin put down the phone and immediately felt a shiver of anticipation. I'm going to see Tara in a swimsuit! Then he had another, less pleasant, thought. Tara's going to see me in a swimsuit … oh well.
He went up and changed into his trunks and a t-shirt with a chess knight design, and brought his board and pieces out to the patio.
After about twenty minutes the bell rang, and he went to the door to let Tara in. "Hi!" he said. "Wow, you look terrific."
"Thanks," she responded with a slight blush. She leaned in and brushed her lips lightly against his.
"What was that for?" he asked. "Not that I'm complaining or anything …"
"Just a special way to say 'hi' to my badical new BF," she said. "You are willing to be considered my boyfriend, aren't you?"
He pinched himself on the arm. "Wow, it's not a dream. Yes, yes, of course I'm willing."
She giggled. "So, is anyone else here?"
"Not right now, the 'rents both went in to work. Dad has a patient in ICU and Mom goes to the space center every day when there are astronauts up in the station, at least for an hour or so. They'll be home soon."
"Good. I'm looking forward to meeting your mom. So, chess by poolside today?"
"Yeah, it's beautiful out there today." He led her to the family room and out the French doors to the patio.
Tara walked around the pool area, taking in the view of the mountains and the crystal clear water. "This is really spectacular. You're so lucky to have this."
Kevin shrugged. "I guess. I don't use it much myself. I'm kind of an indoor type, as you can see by my lack of a suntan."
"Well, I love to be outdoors. I have to use a ton of sunscreen, but I manage." She showed him the tube of SPF 45 she'd brought along.
They moved to the table right next to the pool where Kevin had set up the board. He had also brought out his chess clock.
"I thought we could try some speed chess for a change. Who wants to sit at the board for an hour or more on a day like this? We can play five minute games, jump in the water in between …"
"Sounds good. I've never played with a clock like that, how does it work?"
"It's easy, see, I set each side for five minutes like so, then I start my side running. While I'm thinking about my move, the clock near me is counting down to zero. I make a move, then tap this button. My side stops running and yours starts. If your five minutes runs out, your little flag drops, you lose the game."
"Okay, let's try it."
He set the clock for five minutes each and they sat down to play. Kevin won the first game.
"That was fun," Tara said, "Let's play another."
They switched colors. This time Tara won when Kevin's flag fell, ending his five minutes. It was her first victory ever against him. Thrusting her arms in the air, she exulted. "Finally!"
"Well done," he said with a smile. "Best two out of three?"
"You're on. But let's go for a dip first," she suggested. She stood up and began to unbutton her shorts. As she wiggled out of them, she caught him watching her. "C'mon now," she chided. "Undressing is not a spectator sport."
Kevin took off his shirt and quickly jumped into the pool, so she wouldn't get a good look at his unimpressive physique. Unfortunately, this cost him his chance to appreciate her very impressive figure, as she peeled off her tank top and followed.
"Oooh, this feels sooo good!" she said.
They floated in the refreshing water for a few minutes, then Tara said, "Well, that's enough for now. I'm ready to beat you again." She swam to the ladder and climbed out. Kevin watched, awestruck, as the water droplets on her body refracted the sunlight, making her look like a jewel-bedecked goddess. It was more Yowza!-worthy a sight than he'd imagined that first rainy day.
As she wrung the water out of her long, blonde hair, she called to him. "So, are you coming or not?"
He climbed out as she began to apply sunscreen to her arms, legs, chest and midriff. "You want some?" she offered, holding the tube out to him.
"Nah, I'll just put my shirt back on."
"Could you do my back for me?"
He took the tube and squeezed some lotion onto his hand. She turned and held her long hair out of the way. Even her back is gorgeous, he marveled, as he spread the lotion over her exposed skin.
They sat down again and started their rubber game. Kevin was a little distracted—he'd never faced a bikini-clad opponent before. Tara started on the attack and wouldn't let up. She quickly won by checkmate.
Kevin smiled admiringly at the proudly beaming beauty across the board. "You're good at speed chess. I figured you would be."
"Thanks," she said. "Are you sure you didn't let me win?"
"No way," he swore. "Tournament chess is my thing. I've never been very good at speed games."
"Well," she said, getting up from her seat, "I think I deserve a prize now." She beckoned him with an index finger, then tapped her pursed lips.
Kevin eagerly got to his feet and came around the table to her waiting arms. He kissed her tenderly.
"Mmmm," she said, running her fingers through his hair, "you most def have a talent for this. But that's not the prize I had in mind."
"No? What's the prize, then?"
"This." She slid both hands down to the center of his chest and shoved hard. Kevin flew backwards and went into the water with a huge splash.
He came up sputtering. "Oh, are you ever gonna pay for that, you little sneak!" He slung handfuls of water at the squealing girl, who dodged most of the liquid onslaught and then dove gracefully into the pool. A long, boisterous water battle ensued, waged under the surface as well as on it, with much dunking and swim-by tickling and gales of youthful laughter. At one point Kevin pulled off his waterlogged shirt, which was slowing him down considerably, and flung it at his opponent. It sailed far over her head.
Eventually, the teens wore themselves out. Kevin found himself standing in chest-deep water, his back to the side of the pool, Tara a few feet away. Smiling seductively, she closed the short distance between them and wrapped her arms around his neck. Bare skin pressed against bare skin. They kissed hungrily, lips parted, tongue tips making small exploratory forays. It was by far the most intense kiss Kevin had ever experienced, and Tara couldn't remember a better one either.
Opening one eye, she thought she saw movement inside the house. She broke the kiss and took a better look. There was a woman standing inside the French doors looking out at them. She looked at her zoned-out BF and signaled him to snap out of it and look behind him.
He did. "Mom!" he gasped.
The woman opened the door and stepped out onto the patio. "Hi, you two!"
They got out of the pool. Tara grabbed her towel and quickly dried herself a bit, and wrapped it around her waist.
"Kevin, what is your soaking wet shirt doing in my shrubbery?" she scolded. "Hello," she said to Tara, "I'm Kevin's mom. I'm so glad to finally meet you."
Kevin's mom was an attractive, neatly dressed brunette with stylishly permed hair and blue eyes. "Hello, Dr. Guberman," Tara said, shaking the woman's hand.
"Oh no, Kevin's dad is Dr. Guberman, I'm Dr. Warren professionally. You can call me Mrs. Guberman, or just Donna will do."
"Mrs. Guberman, then. I'm Tara Monroe."
"Well, my husband said you had excellent manners, I can see he wasn't lying about that—or about what a beauty you are."
Tara smiled and blushed. "Thank you."
"Kevin, go inside and get yourself a dry shirt; you know how you burn."
"Okay, be right back. Can I get anything else? You thirsty, Tara?"
Tara nodded.
"Good idea," Mrs. Guberman said. "Why don't you bring out the pitcher of lemonade from the fridge, and some plastic cups. And go get some extra towels, Tara could use another."
Kevin disappeared into the house.
"There, that should keep him occupied for a few minutes. Now we can get down to brass tacks." Mrs. Guberman sat down on a dry chair and indicated Tara should sit as well. She did so.
"All right, Tara, why are you dating my son?"
Tara was taken aback by the woman's bluntness. "Beg pardon?"
"I realize it's been a few years since I went to Middleton High, but as I recall, blonde bombshell cheerleaders date star athletes, not boys who are small and studious. In my day, the head cheerleader was this girl named Yvonne something. They called her Queen Vonnie, and she was relentless in making sure her posse dated only the boys who rated highest on their—what did they used to call it?—their 'Food Chain.' So I'm wondering what's going on now."
Tara looked the woman directly in the eyes. "What's going on is that this cheerleader got tired of dating self-absorbed jocks who only wanted another trophy. Kevin's fun to be with, he can play chess and talk about things other than himself and the latest ball game, and he appreciates me for more than my looks. Do you know what the first compliment he ever paid me was? He told me I was smart and could do anything I applied myself to. Plus, I happen to think he's pretty cute, and, for the cherry on top, he's already a darn good kisser. What kind of dumb blonde would I be if I didn't date him?"
Kevin's mom regarded the girl for a long moment, then broke into a broad smile. "Good answer," she said. "But what about the rest of your crowd?"
"Well, we ran into a few other people last night, and things went okay." Mostly, Tara added in her head.
Mrs. Guberman accepted Tara's words at face value. "I just worry that my boy could get hurt if things go badly with you—or even if they go well. This academic year is going to be very important for Kevin's future, getting involved in the high school social whirl could be a huge distraction for him."
"Mrs. Guberman—can I call you Mrs. G?—I swear to you I'd never do anything to hurt Kevin, or hold him back from reaching his goals. I'm actually a low-maintenance kind of girl. I'd be just as happy hanging around the house on a study date as being taken out to a fancy restaurant."
"I can't imagine any teenage boy concentrating on schoolwork with you around," Donna said with a grin.
"If I tell a boy to study, he'll study," Tara countered, grinning back. "Hello, cheerleader, remember? We motivate guys to excel all the time."
Kevin's mom laughed. "I like you, Tara, so I'm going to think positive here. You could easily turn out to be good for Kevin. I know he's been a little down on himself since his friend Steven got a girlfriend …"
The French doors opened and Kevin came out, wearing a gray t-shirt with a big green D on the front and carrying a pitcher and some cups, a stack of towels under his arm. Donna noticed the way Tara's azure eyes lit up at the sight of him, and it warmed her heart.
She rose from her seat. "So Tara, can you stay for dinner tonight? Kevin's dad is going to grill chicken kebabs, and we have fresh corn on the cob and a Key lime pie for dessert."
"Thanks, I'd love to stay."
"Great. Well, I'm going back inside. You two go back to your … swimming. Just be sure to use protection. Sunscreen, that is."
Kevin and Tara did some more swimming, and played a few more games of speed chess, each winning two. Another spirited water war was contested, the results of which were inconclusive. The combatants also enjoyed several more periods of very cordial relations. There were definitely no losers in those.
Donna Warren Guberman was at the kitchen sink washing some potatoes for salad and keeping half an eye on one such session (probably with more equanimity than Mark Monroe would have shown in her place) when her husband came home from the medical center.
"Hi honey," she said. "How's the patient?"
"She'll be fine," Phil Guberman said, opening the refrigerator and pouring himself a tonic water. "How fares the intrepid band of pioneers out on the final frontier?"
"Just another day at the office." She pointed out the window. "Kevin's girlfriend is joining us for dinner tonight. She's out there with him right now."
"Oh? And what do you think of her? Is she a doll, or is she a doll?"
"She's wonderful. So poised and natural, not some spoiled princess like you might expect with her looks." Donna had many unpleasant memories of Queen Vonnie and her court. "I even like the way she's dressed. I was expecting her to be in a barely-there bikini like Steven's friend wore when she was here."
"I rather liked Jessica's suit …" the brain surgeon said.
"You would."
He came up behind her and put his arms around her waist. "It reminded me of the one you wore on the beach on Dominica, that med school spring break we volunteered at that clinic."
Donna blushed and turned to face him. "Is that why you got so frisky later that evening? I was worried you were fantasizing about our son's pal's teenage girlfriend."
Phil gaped at his wife. "Excuse me? I remember you getting frisky with me, and don't think for a minute I missed your reaction when Steven took off his shirt. You were drooling."
"I did no such thing!" she protested. "I was just surprised. Last summer Steven was shorter and skinnier than Kevin, and now he's a Greek god."
"Oh, so he reminded you of me, then?"
"The resemblance was positively uncanny." She draped her arms over his shoulders and gazed into his eyes. "So, would you like to hear what Tara told me she likes about our son?"
"What?"
"Among other things, that he's a good kisser."
He grinned. "Chip off the old block …"
"Got that right …" she murmured.
The three Gubermans and one Monroe enjoyed a delicious, convivial al fresco meal that went on 'til well after the sun had dipped behind the western hills. Then Kevin drove Tara home in the Lexus, while his parents retired early—and that's all I'm gonna say about that.
As usual, Kevin got out to escort Tara to her door, but this time the house showed a light burning in an open garage bay. Tara led her boyfriend in that direction first.
"Daddy, I'm back," she called. "You can stop worrying now. Kevin brought me home all safe and sound."
Mark Monroe looked up from the piece of equipment he was working on and smiled at his daughter. "Hiya, kiddo … Kevin."
That is one large man … Kevin thought. "Hi Mr. Monroe. Um, nice … chainsaw?"
"Kevin's going to say goodnight to me at the door now, Daddy. We'd like not to be disturbed, if you don't mind."
Mark looked at his daughter and her boyfriend. He gave a sharp yank on the starter rope of his chainsaw's engine, which sputtered to life and then died off a few seconds later. "Sure thing, Buttercup."
Shaking her head, Tara led her beau to the front door. "Sorry about that. He's actually harmless."
"Riiiight," said the boy.
"Don't worry," she teased, holding a hand up in front of his face and wiggling a pinky, "I have Daddy wrapped around my little finger."
Kevin took her hand in his. "This little finger?" he asked.
"Mmm hmm," she said.
He brought her hand to his lips and began kissing the other four digits. He continued to her wrist and up the arm, gradually pulling her closer and closer, until both arms were around his neck and their lips met in several ardent goodnight kisses.
It was a good thing Tara didn't have to go right to cheer practice, because she was feeling extremely weak in the knees when they finally parted.
Kevin, on the other hand, was feeling like Superman and all four Oh Boyz all wrapped up in one.
Tara went up to her room and dumped her bag out on the bed. She threw her towel in the laundry and hung her damp swimsuit in the bathroom. (She'd packed clean underwear to change into after swimming.) Seeing her cell phone, she realized she hadn't touched it all afternoon. Rats! I forgot to take a picture of Kevin! She checked her voicemail; there were messages from Jess and from Marcella, as well as one from the Mad Dog eleven's speedy halfback, who'd learned of her breakup with Jason and was hoping for a date. Sorry flash, this trophy's no longer up for grabs. And 'grabs' are exactly what a girl can expect on a date with you.
Then she came to the final message.
"Hey T, it's me," said the recorded voice of Bonnie Rockwaller. "You would so not believe this phone I'm using to check in with you. It has, like, wires! And a dial! I bet Lulubelle over at the main switchboard, or whatever, is listening in. You must be at the lake with Jason. God it is sooo boring here. If it wasn't for this cute ranch hand with his own truck there'd be nothing at all to do. I gotta go, see you on Wednesday. Flip side."
to be continued …