Chapter 24
"Where are you going?" Brian asked the next day.
"To the mall," Audrey replied. "Don't worry, Daddy; I'll put gas in the car like I always do."
"Be back at five for dinner," he said. "I don't want your mother having a fit because no one is here."
"I will, Daddy. Will you stop worrying?"
As soon as she was gone, Brian sighed. "The rare time I'm home for more than three days, everyone abandons me. Heath goes to the park with Ma and Audrey takes off with her friends. Do I smell or something?"
Steffi came out of the kitchen. "What am I, egg salad?"
"I'm sorry, sweetheart. At least someone is still here," he smiled up at her. "What are you doing out there?"
"Figuring out what's for dinner," she said, "and I still have no idea."
"Yeah, I guess cooking for an extra person kind of racks your brain now, huh?"
"It's really not much trouble. Actually, it's easier to feed you and your mother than it is the kids most of the time."
"Why don't we just take a break and go out tonight?" he suggested.
"We ordered out last night after your mother came, remember?" Steffi reminded him.
"So? One more night of you relaxing won't kill anyone."
"Oh, all right. It's supposed to be a beautiful night, so I guess a night out would be good for all of us. We could show Barb around town and maybe go to one of those outdoor concerts while we're at it."
"Hey, that isn't a bad idea," Brian nodded in agreement. "By the way, I've noticed you've picked up a lot more sounds. The new hearing aids are working well, I presume?"
Steffi smiled. "Yes, even if you did spend an extravagant amount on them. I can't see six thousand dollars for hearing devices."
"But they're digital," Brian replied, "and you deserve the best, baby."
"Well, I have to admit things are a little clearer with these, even if they weren't the conventional birthday present."
"In any case," he got up, since it's just you and me, why don't we pass some time for awhile?"
He kissed her and then it got deeper and harder. Suddenly, they were locked together, touching, kissing, their mouths making love.
Brian pushed her back onto the couch, still kissing, and his hands find Steffi's breasts through the thin fabric of her top while his other hand found its way around to cup her ass, gently pinching, squeezing, and rubbing.
"Hey," she giggled. "Easy there, bad boy."
He playfully slapped her ass loudly. "I'm just getting started."
His lips softly slid over her as his tongue gently probed her lips. She opened them and invited his tongue in, and he sighed as their tongues danced together, sliding his hands down over her ass and pulling her hips close to him.
The moment was interrupted by the shrill of the phone ringing.
"Shit," he cursed.
"Let the voice mail pick it up," she said.
"No, I better get it," Brian sighed with disgust. "It's probably work wanting a last minute replacement and I'll get shit again if I don't pick up."
Picking up the receiver, he was unable to get one word out before Francesca delivered a hysterical message.
"Bri, turn on the news!" she cried. "There's been a hold up at the mall and they've taken a bunch of girls hostage. I think Audrey is one of them!"