“Sir, I’ve something to say that might not make you happy, but I feel you need to hear it.”
Teddy gave me a quizzical look so I continued.
“Ever since we met, I’ve been uncomfortable with Jennie’s wealth. She’s made comments about having to be careful because people are out to get her money. When I called you earlier, your first response to my request was one that made me feel like I’d taken advantage of Jennie’s generosity. Then later, you made me aware that you held power over someone I hold dear.
“I can’t begin to understand the issues your family has with the level of wealth you enjoy. What I do see is that it’s made you suspicious of everyone. My uncle taught me that if you look hard enough at someone, you’ll find what you’re looking for. Once you find it, your worst fears will be confirmed and it will put you on guard,” I said.
I paused to let that sink in.
“I just want you to know that what you said pisses me off. You don’t know me very well. I will earn what I get. I’m not looking for a handout,” I explained.
Teddy thought for a moment about what I said before he responded.
“I can see where you would come to that conclusion. The problem is that I’ve come to this way of thinking by learning my lessons the hard way.”
“Sir, the problem is that you treat everyone with the same broad stroke. No one is ever given a chance.”
“I think you’re naïve,” Teddy said.
"I don’t see how you having money gives you or anyone else the right to insult my integrity, and, if our positions were reversed, you’d resent it as much as I do."
It was clear that I wouldn’t change years of distrust. I just nodded and took my leave. I saw Jennie and Carol as I came out. Jennie jumped up, grabbed my arm, and guided us to where we had some privacy.
“David, what happened?”
“I think your mother happened. On the ride here, we picked up Lilith Prescott and Lizzie Towson.”
“What did Lizzie do?”
“Don’t worry. I have girls flirt with me who are much better at it than Lizzie is. When I got here, I was dropped off at the back door. I was so happy to see my good friend Mark who explained that you and he are together. He offered to get me a redhead so we could double-date tonight.”
Jennie was pissed. I held up my hand.
“I didn’t believe him. He was pissed that I didn’t take the bait. I asked to go to my room, and he told me that I was to find my own lodging. There were several others around, and no one said anything otherwise. That’s how I knew that someone had arranged it. The only logical person was your mother. I didn’t feel like making a scene, so I left. I called your uncle, and he convinced me to stay with him.”
She looked confused.
“Why do you think he’s asked Carol and me here?”
“That’s my fault. I told him about your mother’s plans for you and Alistair Winston. I think your uncle loves you and your sister. This may be your chance to stop this nonsense.”
Carol found us.
“Come on, Jennie, Uncle Teddy wants to see us.”
Jennie rolled her eyes and followed her sister.
I found someone who showed me my room. I took a shower and changed. I had on the outfit Jennie had selected for the night: black slacks by Jack Victor with a Peter Miller Oxford dress shirt and Allen Edmonds Carlsbad penny loafers in black. I went down to the kitchen, and, since no one was around, I made myself at home. I made grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup. Of course, the soup went in an oversized coffee mug, the only way to have tomato soup, in my opinion. I hadn’t realized how hungry I was. I was making an extra grilled cheese when the girls found me in the kitchen.
Carol ran up and kissed me soundly.
“You’re a genius. Whatever you told Uncle Teddy worked. He told mother to back off.”
Jennie didn’t want to be left out, so she kissed me also.
“I’ve had a bad day. Let’s go have some fun,” I told her.
“What kind of fun are you thinking?”
I waggled my eyebrows.
“I hear Mark is going to a party. Can we go and make out in front of him?”
“Why you bad boy,” Carol scoffed. “Do you want just Jennie, or would you like me to come along?”
“I don’t think Jennie likes to share.”
“David and I have talked about you joining us, but I’d like to spend time with him this weekend.”
“Drop me off at the house then. I can find my own trouble to get into. Where’s this party at?”
“Mark didn’t say,” I said. My eyes got big. “Jennie, you have to call him and ask him. After he tells you where the party is, ask him to reserve a room for you. He’ll assume it’s for the two of you.”
Carol stomped her foot.
“You’re an evil shit. Sorry, Jennie, but I’m coming so I can see this. I won’t crash your alone time, but I have to see the look on the little troublemaker’s face when you drag David into the room. We can play it as if David’s there with me and get Mark all worked up that his fantasy is finally going to come true. Then pull the rug out from under him.”
I kept nodding my head as Carol finished her plan.
“Oh, I like your sister’s scheme.”
They both laughed at me. Jennie made her call.
“Mark, where’s the party tonight? ... Do you mind if I come? ... No, he hooked up with Carol ... Mark, can you find a room so I can have some private time? ... I can’t wait to see you, too.”
We all burst out laughing. I’d taken enough shit from Mark, it was payback time.
MARK’S DAD WAS WAITING for us.
“Sir, what is your name?” I asked as he held the door.
“Tim.”
“Tim, thank you for giving me a heads-up about Lizzie.”
I shook his hand.
We got into the car and went back to Jennie’s home. The girls went and changed for the party. They had on matching blue party dresses that came to just above the knee. Poor Mark wouldn’t know what hit him when he saw Jennie. Tim was patiently waiting to take us to the party. The girls put me in the middle and each grabbed a hand. It was fun to see them glance at each other and then giggle. No one said anything because Tim might tell Mark.
The party was at one of Jennie’s classmates’ home. Carol was really into her role of my date. She was draped all over me. Jennie gave us a dirty look as Carol winked at her sister. You could hear the muffled noise of music.
“They have a game room in the basement,” Carol said. “That’s where the party is.”
Carol led me to the stairs, and we went down. Jennie took up the rear and goosed me halfway down. Carol opened the door, and the music washed over us. The large room could easily hold a hundred people. There seemed to be about twenty-five here tonight. It looked like there were only six other boys. What was up with that?
We saw Mark right away. He was busy as he hit on a cute blond while he acted like ‘creepy-hands guy.’ She swatted his hand away and then giggled, as she seemed to be drunk. A few more drinks and Mark would get lucky.
“Hi, Mark, I brought Jennie. Did you get me a redhead?” I asked as I walked up to him with the girls.
Jennie glared at him, as did the cute blond.
“You jerk, you didn’t tell me you’d be chasing Jennie Wesleyan tonight,” the blond said. “When you give up your crush, give me a call. Otherwise, I’m going to find a real man.”
She gave me a look that started at my feet and stopped at my crotch as she licked her lips.
“Now here’s a real man,” she said and smiled at me. “Who is this stud?”
Carol stepped forward.
“This stud is mine tonight. Go poach someone else’s date.”
Jennie had been staring daggers at Mark the whole time. I think the cute blond was just the excuse she needed to start.
“I call you and tell you to get a room reserved for us, and I come in and find you playing grab-ass with that skank?” she asked, her voice going up in volume as she said it.
“Hey, baby, she doesn’t mean anything to me. We were just talking.”