Chapter 6

"So tell me," Audrey said to her mother a few days later, "what was he like back then?"

Steffi looked at her, confused. "What was who like back then, sweetheart?"

"Who do you think? Daddy!"

Steffi smiled at the thought of her daughter asking about Brian. "Well, not much different than he is now. You know, he may have been cocky on screen at the time Dallas introduced us, but in all reality, he was nothing like his character. Even then, your dad was a compassionate, warm, smart, very loving, funny man with a big heart. Of course, those who didn't–and don't–know him think he's a rather odd duck, but that's just part of his personality."

"Guess you guys really loved each other back then, huh?"

"It took me awhile longer, but I would like to think that was the case on your father's part. I do remember thinking of all those beautiful women he worked with and work with to this day, what was so special about me? I was heavier than the girls he worked with, I had hearing problems, was shy, and before I met him, didn't even go out much. He just seemed so worldly to me."

"But Mom," Audrey protested, "you were beautiful too. Maybe Daddy loved you even then because you were different, more real. Add to the fact it's pretty much common knowledge he fancies thick girls with big butts; I guess that's the Italian in him. I know he's told Heath and me a few times he wasn't sure what you saw in him, how you probably could have had anyone, yet you chose some short, funny-looking guy with gnarly, curly blond hair over the tall dark guys women usually went for."

"Your dad is not funny looking. I have no idea where he gets that," Steffi shook her head. "I found him attractive because he was a real man, average, not some Adonis type that was shallow. He values the important things in life and can make anyone feel beautiful."

Audrey sighed dreamily. "I wish I could meet someone like Daddy."

"You have a long life ahead of you, sweetheart," Steffi reassured her. "There's probably some nice guy out there waiting for you and neither of you know it yet."

Meanwhile:

Heath flopped down beside Brian. "What are you doing good, Dad?"

"Booking my flights and rooms for the next several weeks. Not one's idea of excitement. Did you need something?"

"Yeah, I wanted to talk to you about something."

"Try me. What is it?"

"Girls."

Brian gave him a confused look. "Didn't we just have the sex talk not long ago?"

"Yeah, but I mean girls. You know, how to get one."

"Aren't you a little young to be thinking about that stuff? You're thirteen, still playing with action figures and watching cartoons. What brought this on?"

"Um….I better not say, because you might yell."

"Heath, I can't help you out if you aren't honest with me," Brian replied.

Heath gave a deep sigh. "Okay, but I'm telling you now that it was an accident. I walked into the bathroom yesterday and saw Audi with no clothes on. Honest, Dad, I didn't know anyone was in there. The door wasn't locked. Boy, could she yell, though."

"Oh, God," Brian groaned, shaking his head.

"See? Told you you'd be mad."

Brian began to laugh, putting a reassuring arm around Heath. "I'm not mad, buddy. You got to see some boobies, even if they were your sister's."

"Dad!" Heath cried. "If I wanted to see boobies, Audi would be the last girl I'd look at! That's my sister!"

"If it's any comfort, the same thing with me walking in on your Aunt Shannon when we were kids, so I can see why you're curious about girls. And the fact that you were so embarrassed about it shows what a gentleman you are."

"Well, I know from both you and school girls are made like they are so they can have babies. But really, how do you get a girl to like you?"

"I didn't exactly get swarmed by women when I was your age, boy. Frankly, I didn't even have my first girl until I was nearly twenty, and of course, ten years after that, I met your mother. The best thing I can tell you is that just being yourself, being real, and being honest will help in the long run to get a girl."

"Yeah, but all the girls at school like the tall, big guys that are on the basketball and football teams, or are just tall and nice looking period. I'm short and goofy looking."

"So was I, and I scored your mother, so what's your point? Why do I have the feeling this is more than just walking in on your sister being naked? Heath, is there a girl at school you're having a crush on or something?"

"Maybe," Heath said lowly. "But I doubt she knows I exist."

Brian smiled a little. "Well, do you at least know her name? Have you talked to her?"

"Justine," Heath answered. "and, um, no I haven't."

"Well, boy, take one day next week when your grounding is up, and when you see this little Justine girl, walk up and say hello. Offer to sit with her at lunch or something, or even bring her home one night to play one of your video games or watch a movie. You'll find it's a lot easier than it looks. Want to know a secret?"

Heath nodded. "Sure."

"I was scared shit to talk to your mother at first too. Good thing Dallas was around to ease me into it."

"Why would anyone be scared of Mom?"

"Well….I kind of was then like you are now with this whole Justine thing. The point is, buddy, if you're going to get the trophy, you have to play the game to win. You get the idea?"

"Yeah," Heath answered thoughtfully. "I think so."

"Good boy." Brian patted his back. "And as for the issue of walking in on your sister, I'm really not mad at you, but the next time you go to the bathroom and see the door closed, knock."

"Yeah, well, it's not like I'm going to go around bragging about seeing what a nice set of boobies or a great ass Audi has," Heath said, turning pink. "I'll leave that to Bryan someday, if she ever gets around to talking to him, that is."

Brian broke out laughing. "Ah, buddy," he said, "you are definitely your father's son."