She's In Love With The Boy
Katie's sittin' on her old front porch
Watchin' the chickens peck the ground
Over yonder comin' up the road
In a beat up Chevy truck
Her boyfriend Tommy is laying on the horn
Splashing through the mud and the muck
Her Dad was the one that added the big wrap around porch when the Potomac house was being remodeled. He never let anyone forget that. Seeing as it really was the best part of the house, she couldn't exactly begrudge him. She sat on the old front porch swing and patiently listened to him tell her, for what seemed like the millionth time, the story of their house's origins.
"You were just a twinkle in your mother's eye when we started planning this house. The perfect property came for sale, and we jumped on it. Then months of working with that structural engineer on the farmhouse, and then your mother constantly changing the plans. We were lucky it was finished just months before you were born."
He glanced around at the beautiful oak decking and carved newel posts. "But the wrap around porch, that was my idea," Lee stated.
"But the wrap around porch, that was your idea," Lauren said at the same time.
Lee raised an eyebrow and gave her a stern look. "Joke all you want, young lady, but this porch has been a part of a lot of memories for the Stetson family."
"Some I'd rather not have experienced." Lauren rolled her eyes.
Lee chuckled, "I told you your mother and I were just snuggling on the swing."
"Oh," Lauren raised her brows, "is that what old folks call it?"
"Hey," Lee leveled a finger at her. "Watch who you're calling old." They both laughed.
The hoot of an owl in the distance drew their attention and they looked out to the tree line. The free-range chickens that Amanda called her feathered children, were out front in the large gravel parking area, pecking the ground, finding small insects and grubs to gobble up. The sun was setting, and the red and purple streaks made the view magical. Lauren had to admit it had been a wonderful home to grow up in.
"You finish your homework?" Lee asked his daughter. He leaned onto the railing of the porch, continuing to peruse the view.
"Just about. A few more pages to read and I'll be done." Lauren pushed back in the wooden swing that hung from the rafters of the porch roof, the swing beginning to rock, creaking softly. She bent her knees to sit crossed legged, pulling one of the throw pillows onto her lap to help balance her chemistry book.
"Poker Money fed?"
"Of course. You know that grumpy mare would never forgive me if I was late with her chow." Lauren chuckled. Just as she spoke her name, the Appaloosa quarter horse came trotting up the hill in the north pasture. She whinnied and tossed her head, as if she knew they were talking about her.
"When is he coming to pick you up?" Lee tried to keep the annoyance out of his voice. When his daughter sighed heavily, he knew he'd failed.
"Daddy, he has a name, and you don't have to sound so disappointed that I actually have a social life." When he didn't respond, she continued. "You said that I could date when I turned 16."
"Which just happened this past July," He huffed. "And I don't begrudge you a social life, I just begrudge him being a part of it. I don't like that kid."
"You've only met him one time, Daddy!
"Once was enough. The apple didn't fall far from the tree - Junior doesn't impress me at all."
"He's not a junior Daddy. His name is Brett."
"Brett, Bryce, same difference."
"Daddy!"
"Fine. I just expected my daughter to have better taste – you know, to be a bit more discerning than to go out with some run of the mill jock with a society name and a questionable pedigree."
"He's the son of state senator and is starting quarterback for our football team," Lauren argued. "There is nothing run of the mill about him," she sniffed. "In fact, in his senior year he's already taking some classes at Montgomery College."
"Community College," Lee scoffed.
"Daddy, that is so mean! And elitest! And rude!" Lauren gasped.
"Enough you two!" Amanda came around the corner of the house and walked up onto the porch. "I could hear you all the way out at the beehives." She was wearing jeans and an oversized beekeeper's jacket, the hat and mesh face covering obscuring her features.
At that moment, a beat-up truck quickly rounded the bend of the long driveway. Lee, Amanda, and Lauren turned in unison to watch as the Chevy hurtled toward a rooster that had the bad timing to try to cross the road. The driver laid on the horn, swerving to miss the errant bird, but managing to hit a large puddle. The truck came to a sudden stop in front of the house, but not before splashing mud and muck all over the side of a shiny black BMW sports car that was parked in front of the three-car garage.
Lee turned slowly to glare at his daughter.
"He's here early!" Lauren exclaimed brightly "I have to run and change!" She jumped from the swing, tossing the pillow and her book aside, darting through the front screen door leaving her mother and father on the porch to greet her suitor.
"I'm going to kill him," Lee gritted out between a clenched jaw.
"No, you're not," Amanda said, pulling the hat and veil off and frowning up at her husband.
"Yes, I am," He nodded adamantly, "and I know twelve different ways to do it using nothing but a paperclip."
"Stop it. You're going to be nice and not embarrass your daughter or me," Amanda whispered, while putting a broad and welcoming smile on her face for Lauren's beau.
"He almost killed Rusty," Lee glowered.
"Oh, you are desperate, aren't you? You hate that rooster." At his look, she continued. "But he didn't hurt Rusty, and this is your daughter's first date and I will not have you ruin it for her."
"Fine," Lee huffed as he slowly walked down the steps to face the approaching young man, leaving Amanda on the porch.
The young blonde man stopped several feet away from Lee. "Sir, I apologize for messing up your car. I didn't expect to see a chicken—"
"Young man," Lee drew himself to his full height. "You should always expect the unexpected. You came up that driveway like a bat out of hell."
"Sir, I am so sorry." Brett's face began to flush bright red.
"And you're here to take Lauren out?" He raised an eyebrow.
"Yes. Yes, sir." Brett swallowed hard, his Adam's apple bobbing.
Lee gave the flustered teen a smile that could only be described as sinister. "Well, before you do, there are a few rules you need to be aware of." He reached back and pulled a white index card from the back pocket of his jeans. The card had tiny, precise writing on both sides, the title clearly saying Rules for Dating My Daughter (always open for amendment and subsections).
Amanda chuckled, shaking her head in amusement at her husband. Turning and opening the screen door, she tossed over her shoulder, "I'm going inside to see if I can get Lauren moving."
"Rule one." Lee pronounced in a firm voice. "Aways treat my daughter with respect." He paused from reading the card to look at Brett.
The young man, mouth hanging open, slowly nodded.
"Rule two. Always tell me where you're going." He waited for another nod from the young man.
"Rule three. Get her home by curfew." He didn't glance up from the card this time, assuming he'd get the nod he was looking for. And he did.
"Rule four. No Alcohol," He did look up this time, his brows furrowed, his lips an angry slash on his face. "Since you're both underage it should go without saying, but I am saying it."
Brett nodded quickly.
"Rule five. No running red lights, no unsafe lane changes, no erratic driving, two hands on the steering wheel at all times, and no speeding. Oh, and you mess with Rusty again and my wife will have your head on a platter."
The boy mouthed Rusty? but nodded his head all the same.
"Rule six. Always walk her to door when dropping her off."
Another nod.
"And finally. Rule seven. Never, EVER make her cry." Lee handed the card to Brett but didn't let it go when the boy went to grab it. "Commit these to memory, Junior."
"Yes, sir," Brett gulped, staring at the card, his mouth agape.
The squeaking of the screen door announced Lauren and Amanda's entrance. Brett quickly shoved the card into the back pocket of his jeans and looked up to see his date bouncing down the stairs toward him. He couldn't help the smile that spread across his face, his eyes lighting up at seeing her.
"I wasn't sure where we were going tonight so I hope this looks okay?" She twirled in front of him, showing off her distressed, low-rider jeans, a pink button-down shirt tied up around her waist and a white cardigan. Her long hair was pulled back with a cloth headband and her feet were encased in fresh white Keds.
Brett smiled at her and grabbed her hand. "You look great." Looking up at Amanda and Lee, who had walked back up to stand on the top riser of the porch stairs next to his wife, Brett offered, "I thought we'd go to the Beltsville Drive In. They're showing The Blob."
Lee nodded, "I expect you two back here no later than eleven." Amanda stood on tip toe and whispered something in her husband's ear. He frowned, but added, "Midnight, but not a minute after. Got it?"
"Yes, sir," Brett agreed. He put his arm around Lauren's waist, but slowly pulled it back when he saw Lee's eyebrow raise and his eyes narrow. Looking down at his date he said, "We better get going."
"Sure thing," Lauren chirped, grabbing his hand, and pulling him along to the truck.
Her parents watched as Brett opened the door for Lauren, helping her into the truck, before jogging around and getting in the driver's side. The engine roared to life, and he slowly backed up and turned down the drive.
Amanda tilted her head watching quizzically as the Chevy inched its way down the drive. "Lee, why is he driving so slow?"
The corner of Lee's mouth quirked up into a grin. "I have no idea. Who can understand teenagers?" He glanced at his watch, then dipped his head to kiss his wife on the neck. "So, what are we going to do to kill five hours?"
Her daddy says, "he ain't worth a lick"
When it comes to brains he got the short end of the stick"
But Katie's young and man she just don't care
She'd follow Tommy anywhere
"Lee, you really need to build a bridge and get over this. It was 18 years ago."
The two of them were snuggled on the porch swing, slowly creaking back and forth. The moon was a waning crescent and set a perfect mood for what Lee had in mind. Amanda's legs were thrown over his, his arms were wrapped about her, hers were wrapped around his neck, and up until a moment ago her lips were soft and pliant beneath his. Unfortunately, he'd made the mistake of making a comment about Lauren's date and his total lack of, well, everything.
He'd wrecked the moment, but he couldn't seem to stop himself from doubling down. "I don't care how long ago it was, Amanda. Bryce Topping is a jerk and so is his son."
"You know, at the time, we weren't even dating." She brought her arms from about his neck and tapped his chest with her pointer finger. "In fact, I think you had just started dating Randy Baby or one of the other of your girls of the week."
When he opened his mouth to argue, she dug her finger into his flesh a bit more.
"You had no right to act like a jealous person. In fact, if anyone was acting like a jerk in that scenario, it was you."
"Me?" Lee questioned, indignantly.
"Yes, you. Bryce and I only went out a few times—" She tried to cut herself off. Lee, who had been rubbing circles in the small of her back while they spoke, suddenly stopped. Amanda knew she'd misspoken the minute the words left her lips.
"Wait?" Lee narrowed his eyes at her. "A few times? You told me you broke it off with him after that first date?"
"I told you that?" Amanda said, chewing her lower lip.
"Nice try, Amanda, answering a question with a question. Yes, you did tell me you'd only had that one date."
"Well, it was only a couple more – I wanted to make sure I didn't hurt his feelings. Besides," she hurried on, "I had every right to date whomever I wanted to, as many times as I wanted. And you had no right to be jealous."
"I wasn't jealous—" Lee started.
"Oh please, Lee, you were too, and now you're holding a grudge against this young man because of it. It's not his fault it took you almost four years to realize—"
"Realize what?"
"That we were meant to be." She smiled and started walking her fingers up his chest to caress his stubbly cheek.
That broke the tension, as she knew it would and he smiled back at her. "I realized it a lot earlier than that, I just didn't know how to deal with it."
"I know. But this is something you need to deal with now. Lauren has a crush on Brett. She has since she saw him at Parents' Night back in September."
"Amanda, come on, she's only 16 years old."
Amanda smiled. "And you're an expert on the feelings of a 16-year-old girl?" At his sheepish look she continued, "I didn't think so. While I on the other hand think I can say that, having once been a 16-year-old girl, I know a thing or two about them."
"You do have me there; I'm at a total loss."
Amanda laughed. "I know you are, sweetheart. Watching your little girl grow up can be confusing and scary. But there are two things you need to know. One is that your daughter is stubborn."
"Gee, I wonder where she gets that from," he chuckled.
"I am not stubborn!" Amanda frowned. "Besides, where she gets it from is irrelevant. She is and the more you try to steer her the more she is going to fight you. The second thing is that you need to realize that you painting Brett with the same brush as Bryce is simply not fair. And to be honest, Lee, I'm surprised you're acting this way. I have a feeling this has less to do with Brett being Bryce's son than it does his just being a boy wanting to date your daughter."
Lee stared into his wife's eyes for a long moment before looking away. "I just hate the idea of her getting hurt," he whispered looking away.
Amanda grasped his chin and turned his face back to her. "Lee, she's got a long life ahead of her and at times she is going to get hurt. You can't protect her from that. All you can do is make her know that no matter what happens you have her back and that there is always a safe place for her in your heart."
Lee closed his eyes and leaned into her hand. "I love her so much, Amanda. I never, ever thought I'd be a father, but now I can't imagine not having her in my life. Her and the boys have taken over such a big place in my heart." He pulled her close to him and rested his chin on her shoulder.
"Oh, Lee, you're such a good dad." She snuggled deeper into his embrace. "And the kids are so lucky to have you in their lives. I know how hard it is to not be able to protect your children from everything. But it's one of the frustrating facts about parenthood."
"So, I guess digging a moat around the house and stocking it with alligators is out of the question?"
"Our neighbors would not be happy with us." Amanda laughed and leaned back in his arms. "They're already annoyed with Rusty sounding the alarm every morning."
"Yeah, well, I'm with them on that. I really hate that rooster, Amanda. Brett might have earned some points with me if he'd taken him out earlier tonight."
Amanda smacked his chest. "Lee!"
"Just kidding…kinda…" he chuckled. "And I promise you I will try to be nicer to Junior—"
"Brett," Amanda inserted.
"Right. Brett," he replied sullenly. "But it's not an easy assignment."
"Parenting never is, Scarecrow." She smiled at him. The look turned a bit more serious as she leveled a finger at him and said, "And if you touch a feather on Rusty's head, you will have me to answer to."
Katie and Tommy at the drive-in movie
Parked in the very last row
They're too busy holding on to one another
To even care about the show
The parking lot of the drive-in was packed. Brett managed to find a spot in the very last row, but the speaker kept fading in and out. He was fine with this, as he was hoping to get to just talk with Lauren and get to know her better.
He'd had a crush on her for about a year now, ever since he'd seen her out with her brothers. Jamie was a friend of his older brothers and they often played basketball at the local courts whenever the boys came to visit their mom and stepfather in Maryland.
But those times came few and far between these days; with Jamie off at graduate school in Chicago and Phillip having moved to California for a job with a prestigious law firm that specialized in representing professional athletes.
When he'd seen her at Parents and Teachers Night back in September, he knew he needed to make his move. Unfortunately, her father blocked him talking with her alone. It was actually strange how good that man was at anticipating his every move. Eerie almost.
But finally, at the end of the evening, Brett had offered to help her with cleaning up and he got a few moments alone with her in the kitchen. Knowing time was of the essence, and keeping an eye out for her father, he'd asked if maybe he could take her out. He'd been thrilled when she'd agreed.
Since then, they'd talked on the phone a few times and finally nailed down a day and time that didn't interfere with either of their extracurricular sports activities and, well, here they were.
Alone at last.
Sitting on the bench seat of the old truck, Brett cautiously placed an arm around Lauren's shoulders.
Her eyes shifted from the movie to him. "Are you sure you want to risk that?"
He looked over, curiously. "Risk what?"
"Well, there is a chance I'll be dusted for fingerprints when I get home." She tried not to smile but failed.
His arm stiffened and raised slightly.
"I'm just kidding," she paused for a second and he lowered his arm. "Kinda. And he hardly ever carries a gun anymore."
"Ahh gun? Um, what does he do for a living?"
"Oh, he and mom work at a place called IFF. International Film Federation. They make documentaries. He's head of the Washington Bureau and my mom is a producer, although she's only part time now." She reached into the bag of popcorn they were sharing a popped a few kernels in her mouth.
"For that he needs a gun?" He is hand paused over the popcorn.
"Well, like I said he hardly ever wears it anymore, but when he and mom were both producers in the field, I guess they went to some pretty sketchy places."
"Your father is kinda intimidating." He finally took some popcorn and shoved it into his mouth.
"Ha!" she snorted. "He'd like you to think so. He's just all gruffy on the outside and mushy on the inside. My mother's the one you have to watch. She's wicked sneaky. And she runs my dad like a train."
"How do I get on his good side?" he asked, still focused on the threat her father seemed to be.
Lauren shrugged. "He loves cars, the older the better, so you can talk with him about that." She thought for a moment before continuing, "He's also a big football fan, mainly the Redskins. If you're a Cowboy fan, never ever let him know. Oh, and in the den there's this big old Tibetan Ram's Horn. Ask him about it, he loves telling that story."
Her Daddy's waitin' up 'til half past twelve
When they come sneakin' up the walk
"When you get up around the corner, turn the lights off."
It had taken them much longer to exit the drive-in than they had anticipated, and they were about a half-hour past Lauren's curfew.
Brett moved the truck slowly up the dark drive and as he approached and rounded the bend, he cut the lights. You could still see the large farmhouse in the darkness, its front door light glowing softly.
"The porch lights are off, but the door light is on," Lauren stated. "But the great room's lights and mom and dad's bedroom lights are off. We might have dodged a bullet." At his look, she quickly added, "Just a turn of phrase. "
Brett turned off the engine and they both sat quietly for a few moments, making sure the coast was clear. The crickets chirped in the darkness until at last she reached for the door handle. He reached for his at the same time. "Wait, you don't have to—"
"Oh, yes I do," he cut her off. "Rule Number 6 clearly states I have to walk you to the door when dropping you off."
Lauren looked at him aghast. "He actually gave you that list?"
"Oh, yeah. It's even laminated."
She sat back in the seat, covering her face with her hands. "I'm so sorry," she sighed. "I wouldn't blame you if you never wanted to see me again."
"Are you kidding?" Brett looked shocked. "It took me a year to get up the nerve to ask you out."
"Really?" She looked over at him a bit bewildered.
"Lauren, yes, really." He smiled softly at her. "You're the smartest, prettiest girl at Potomac High School. I was just lucky that you said yes."
She blushed and ducked her head, then looked up at him through her bangs. "Well, I was hoping you would ask me out."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah," she smiled shyly, ducking her head again. When she looked up Brett seemed closer. Her tongue darted out to moisten her bottom lip and she watched in fascination as his face moved closer and closer to her. She finally closed her eyes and felt him press his lips softly to hers. It was only two, maybe three seconds of contact, but she couldn't imagine a better first kiss.
They both pulled back and smiled at each other.
"Um, we'd probably better get moving."
"Yeah, I guess so," Brett whispered as he looked away from her hazel eyes and reached for the door's latch.
He says, "young lady get on up to your room
While me and junior have a talk"
Lee watched them as they slowly walked up the drive. Seated in one of the wicker chairs, he was hidden in the shadows of the porch. He pulled out a long, slender cigar and placed it between his lips.
When the boy reached for his daughters' hand, Lee paused with the matchbook he now held. She looked over at her date and her father's heart skipped a beat. He could only imagine the smile she gave the young boy, and he took a deep breath to each the tension in his chest.
They continued padding up the long walkway, hand in hand and just before they reached the steps, Lee stuck the match to light his cigar.
Lee watched as the two teenagers froze in place. He took a long draw on the cigar he'd just lit and exhaled slowly through his nose, the burn of the tobacco matching the fire in the pit of his stomach.
He slowly rose from the wicker chair and walked very deliberately, boot heels sounding on the wooden planks to stand within the single light that illuminated the front door.
Lauren took a deep breath and started "Daddy, we can explain—"
Lee held up a hand stopping the words as they left her mouth. Chomping on the cigar he spoke through clenched teeth. "Young lady, get on up to your room while me and Junior have a talk."
Lauren glanced over at Brett who was standing so still she wondered if he was still breathing. Then she saw the quick beat of his pulse in his neck. She let go of his hand and whispered to him, "I'm so sorry. I'll call you tomorrow."
Brett swallowed hard and let out a tremulous sigh looking up at the tall and imposing form of Lee Stetson at the top of the steps. "Sure," he whispered to himself.
Momma breaks in says, "don't lose your temper
It wasn't very long ago
When you yourself was just a hay seed plow boy
Who didn't have a row to hoe"
"My daddy said, 'you wasn't worth a lick
When it came to brains you got the short end of the stick'
But he was wrong and honey, you are too
Katie looks at Tommy like I still look at you"
Before he could open his mouth, Lee felt his wife's hand at his back. She must have come out onto the porch as Lauren rushed in.
"Excuse us for just one moment, Brett" Amanda motioned for the young man to stay put and pulled Lee by his jacket lapel to the far end of the porch.
"Remember what we talked about? Your daughter likes this boy. More importantly, she adores you and wants nothing more than for you to proud of her. Be the man, the father, that has earned that love. Do the right thing." The serious tone of Amanda's voice stilled something in Lee.
Amanda smiled at his softened stance. "She's just a teenage girl, Lee. Who likes a boy and wants her to like him. When she needs you to protect her from the big bad world, you'll be there. This is not that time. Besides the way she looks at Brett, it just reminds me of—"
Lee closed his eyes and sighed. "I know, I know …"
"Then bite your tongue and make nice. Can't you see the poor boy is scared to death of you?"
"You think so?" Lee asked with a smile.
"You don't have to be so happy about that, Stetson." She admonished. "He's a high school senior, not a KGB agent."
"Yea-yea-yea … I'll make nice." He wrapped his arm around his wife's shoulder and pulled her close. "But I will be watching him like a hawk."
"Of course, you will, sweetheart."
They turned and walked back to the stairs.
It looked like while the two of them discussed his future with their daughter, Brett had been studying the rules again. He held the laminated index card gingerly, his hands shaking ever so slightly.
Lee raised an eyebrow, trying not to show too much amusement over the boy's unease. "I expect you here at 9 am sharp tomorrow to wash my car. Understood. Wax on, Wax off."
Brett's eyes shot up to meet Lee's. Shocked, he blurted out, "Yes, sir! YES, SIR"
There was a long silence until Amanda asked, "Do you ride horses, Brett?"
"Umm, well," he stammered. "Yes, Ma'am."
She smiled kindly at him. "Then bring some jeans and boots with you. I'm sure Lauren would like to take you out trailing riding when you're done with the car."
Lee quickly looked over at his wife.
"You can borrow Mr. Stetson's horse, Beau." she continued, glancing up at her husband then back to the boy. "Can't he, Sweetheart?"
Lee's eyes widened. Typical Amanda, offered an inch she took a mile. He sighed deeply. "Yes, okay."
He looked back at Brett and confirmed "Yes, you can borrow Beau." He paused a moment at the happy look on Brett's face. "But I'm warning you, tomorrow, watch out for that rooster. He's a little bastard and will try to peck you to death."
Brett let out the breath he had been holding. "You know, Sir," he said, locking eyes with Lee, "I knew from the first moment I met him that chicken was no good."
Lee couldn't help but smile at the boy and then the smile turned into a chuckle at his wife's look of offense. At least they had one thing in common. It was a starting point.
She's in love with the boy
What's meant to be will always find a way
She's in love with the boy
What's meant to be will always find a way
She's gonna marry that boy someday