Craft Faire Love: Book 1

By Paco Jones

Bob has a secret, part of which can be seen in the scars he wears on his body. Eventually, the girls see the same evidence on Sandy's as well, but already know better than to ask. If they're meant to know, they'll be told.

After the Navy, Bob returned to his Hippie roots and began doing tie-dye and silk screening on various garments using Craft Faires as his outlet. Not needing money is a definite advantage for an artist, but when he enlists the help of Melinda, the income grows ... a lot.
Mel brings in two of her "sisters" to help out and though Jessica doesn't join their band of merry artisans full time, Hailey does, and all three learn tender loving along the way. Melinda and Hailey decide they can share Bob and if Jessica decides to join them, she'll be added to the sharing. Melinda works on organizing Bob's business processes, while Hailey learns the artistry of working with inks, screens, and dyes.

Jessica begins adding to the growing family, but in the beginning, it's from afar. Mel and Hailey decide to wait, but their additions will come in time and they're forced to find larger quarters. All of that leads to a whole other story. They all have to consider the view beyond.

The money rolls in, the systems get more efficient, the girls share and share alike, but eventually the secret comes out ... at least in part. It shocks both Mel and Hailey, but they come to realize things aren't always as they seem.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Paco Jones
• Release date: Dec 28, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310192166

Paco Jones

Dr. Paco Jones is an aging Hippie. One of his favorite sayings is: "I will always be a Hippie. It's not a changeable condition." Born in Los Angeles and raised in the San Francisco Bay area he is a true product of the 60's and is a firm subscriber to the cliché "If you can remember the 60's you weren't there." He served in the United States Navy doing a tour in Vietnam in 1969 and 1970.

Book preview

Craft Faire Love

Book 1

adult fiction by

Paco Jones

text copyright 2014-2019 Dr. Paco Jones

all rights reserved

cover copyright 2014-2019 Dr. Paco Jones

all rights reserved

cover images license from depositphotos.com

Tie Dye photo by - Bradcalkins

Silhouette photo by - Galdzer

Smashwords Edition, License Notes:

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Books by Paco Jones

These Girls Can Play (adult content) Dr. Paco Jones

Mile High and Beyond (adult content) Dr. Paco Jones

A Learning Experience - Deanna book 1 (adult content)

Tara's Nightmare & Beyond - Deanna book 2 (adult content)

Craft Faire Love - book 1 (adult content)

The View Beyond - Craft Faire Love book 2 (adult content)

Jason & Alicia - The secret revealed. (adult content)

Things to Come (adult content)

Irons in the Fire (adult content)

Castaway Island

Le Petite Castaway Island (short ver. CI)

Zardoc

The Pods

Return to Castaway Island

It's All Over But The Shouting!

Vietnam: A Distant Memory

To artisans throughout the world, who, like traveling minstrels, live a vagabond existence to share their incredible talents with the rest of us.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgment

Preface

Prologue

Chapter 1 - The Decision

Chapter 2 - Melinda's Preparation

Chapter 3 - Melinda's Adventure

Chapter 4 - Dinner and More

Chapter 5 - Mel's Evening Continues

Chapter 6 - Getting Ready For The Show

Chapter 7 - Hailey

Chapter 8 - A New Arrival

Chapter 9 - Jessica

Chapter 10 - Show's Over

Chapter 11 - Janet Gets Hers

Chapter 12 - Some of Bob and Sandy's Story

Chapter 13 - The Rest of the Story

Chapter 14 - Trippin' Before Show Two

Chapter 15 - Show Two

Chapter 16 - Liz

Chapter 17 - Charity

Chapter 18 - An Interlude

Chapter 19 - Home and Beyond

Epilogue

About the Author

Acknowledgment

Any author will tell you that an effort such as this is not a solitary endeavor. If it's going to be anywhere near readable, it takes a team. I am extremely thankful for my team. I can write it, but without them you probably wouldn't want to read it.

I am humbly indebted to the proofreading skills of my friend PawWriter. He added much readability to the original manuscript.

Any errors in punctuation, grammar, or spelling are truly mine and mine alone.

And there will be some.

It never ceases to amaze me that after going through everything numerous times, with extra sets of eyes, errors still sneak through.

Also, a quiet thank you to my friends Turbo, Orblover, and Strickland83 for their kind words of encouragement.

When I ask for it, a push and encouragement has always come from my friend Robert Lubrican.

These gentlemen's kind words of advice have kept me on the straight and narrow. Okay, as straight and narrow as I get ...

There are others out there in ether land that I owe a debt of thanks as well. I'm afraid to start a list for fear I'll forget someone, but you know who you are.

I also have to send a heartfelt thank you to you, the reader. Without you, none of this would be worth the effort.

Thank you!

Preface

This book, like Deanna, was written in the early phases of my efforts. This is a very highly corrected version. I hope that I have honed the craft well enough to make this much more readable than the free version was.

Craft Faires are an interesting study in psychology. Most artistic people are fairly eccentric and make for interesting observation as anyone who has attended a high end Faire can tell you. Bob is no different, however he enjoys observing as much as anyone, but he is not your run of the mill artist and has the scars to prove it.

When he receives invitations to some high-end shows in Los Angeles, he knows he can't do it on his own. Some friends of the family have just graduated from high school and need something to do for at least the summer until they start college. Little did Bob know what they were really doing academically.

He has just the thing and because he's already quite well set financially, he can offer his employees a premium in wage, as well as a bonus. He also believes in education and has no issues providing some extra incentive for continued schooling.

He's not into crafts for the money. He enjoys the creativity it provides and the interesting people he's able to hang around and observe. Besides all of that, crafts help him to maintain his cover, which in the end will keep him alive.

**There is some violence, but it is in the periphery to the story and is not sexual in nature. It partially explains to the girls why Bobby and Sandy have so many scars on their bodies. It relates to their time in military service and it is a depiction of a military style clandestine mission gone terribly wrong. (See "Jason & Alicia for the full story and you will understand why Bob is the way he is.)

Prologue

For the ten days of the show, the promoters provided for high-end hotel accommodations at a very inexpensive rate. Being the optimistic type, I reserved a very large suite with a Jacuzzi tub, a huge shower area with multiple showerheads, and a round king sized bed.

Being single, reasonably wealthy, and hanging out in LA for a little more than ten days, one never knows when one may get lucky with a customer who is interested in a little extracurricular activity to go along with the customized garment they purchased. Perhaps one may want to model some of the custom underwear I sell in my booth.

This show's promoter is a premier showman and I was happy to get into the fold. He and his wife set up five of the most prestigious craft faires in Southern California. They were spaced far enough apart, it was easily possible for me to re-stock after each show and it was well worth the trip from Northern California to participate. Something that made the trip more than worthwhile was the prospect of maybe securing a premier booth sometime in the near future. I was on the waitlist, but knew I had a slight advantage over most of the others.

I normally did all of my screening and dying by hand, but recently I've had to hire outside help. They still do it my way, but it's not all mine anymore. I provide everything except the labor and my vendors do the same quality work I do, so it's much less expensive to produce large numbers. In LA, I might need the numbers if things go well because attendance is generally over a million for each of the five shows. We'll see.

In LA, the promoters actually catered to people they personally detested. I'm not overly enamored with the hoity-toity crowd that frequented these shows, but LA is full of the Rich Bitches and all of the wannabe's who show up in the attempt to be seen at anything deemed to be high end.

Usually there was plenty of celebrity to be seen with, but it was easy to tell they just wanted to be left alone. Come to my booth and you are treated like any other person whether you have an Oscar, and Emmy, or whatever. If you want your ego stroked, you'll have to move along.

Though I'm fairly wealthy myself, you would probably never know it by looking at me. Maybe if you looked at my rig, or my home, you would notice there might be a few bucks in my baggies, but I never flaunted what I had. It attracted too many greedheads, pimps, scam-artists, and thieves.

Personally, I absolutely detest people who do flaunt their material assets, especially when it's to put someone else down. They think because they have a little money in the bank, that everyone else needs to kiss their asses and lick their boots.

Then there is the celebrity who feels as if everyone should recognize who he or she is and dote over them because they had a two-second bit part, in some B flick, 20 years ago. Los Angeles is full of them, both the real ones and the wannabes. Hollywood has to be the most plastic, pathetic, phony city on the planet.

It's said that something is only worth what someone will pay for it, so I'm more than willing to inflate the prices of my products and take their money. Then I laugh all the way to the bank. Don't give me your judgmental bullshit. You know as well as I do that every retailer does just that, and in a retailer's shoes, you would do exactly the same. Judgmental hypocrites ... LA's full of them, but don't get me wrong, they're everywhere.

I don't go in for celebrity. If you want to be treated like a normal person, come see me. I am one who realizes you put your pants on one leg at a time just like everyone else. You can always find some who still feel like the world owes them. Then they have the unmitigated gall to get indignant when they're treated like everyone else in the crowd. To most, they're just another face in the chaos, so don't come around bragging about what you have and how you got it because there are hundreds of people here, including me, who have a whole lot more than you have and actually earned it.

I find that the most humble, least assuming people with wealth actually earned it. They didn't inherit the account or steal it from the labor of others by paying shit wages to their employees. I suppose I could actually fit into the inherited category, but as you'll note later, I did earn every cent.

In amongst all of that are those who seem to have the need to pump up their egos by flaunting what they have and incessantly try to push others around because they have money in the bank. Dollar bullies is what I refer to them as and I have a tendency to go out of my way in an attempt at humbling their egotistical, arrogant asses, especially the wannabes here in LA.

I may lose a sale, but it's more fun to watch their eyes bug out when it's bluntly alluded that their talent is massively less than Rin-Tin-Tin. If I was working for someone else, I couldn't get away with my act, but I don't, I work for myself and quite honestly don't give a shit how much you love yourself. You should see the look on their faces when I opine that with their expert talents they should probably be carrying a scoop behind the dog.

I should probably tell you that in appearance, I would probably be described as a grubby, longhaired, hippie type of surf bum, in baggie shorts and a Hawaiian shirt. It's my chosen attire and I really don't give a shit if the scars show. It makes for interesting conjecture, but I am not at liberty to discuss my scars. If I weren't selling my wares for obscene money here in the booth, many would say that from all appearances, I should be out on a street corner with a cardboard sign. There is a certain irony to that, but you'll have to wait for later.

Of course, that physical description would only come from someone who knows nothing of true Hippie culture and judged people on appearance alone. Believe me. The world is full of them.

Walking away in a huff, the vanquished don't buy, but those in agreement with me generally do and it makes for some very entertaining conversations. I end up coming out on the positive side in the end. My Karma is good, so a little negativity can be appropriate when dished out properly, so it doesn't hurt and in many circles, mine included, it wouldn't be considered negativity.

I have absolutely no problem with my prices in these neighborhoods. These are the kind of people who pay top dollar for shit weed and because they paid $150 an eighth, they'd be of the opinion that it's the best weed around. If they ever got a hold on the real deal, it would probably knock them out.

In these circles, price equates to quality, so I have no issue with charging $150 or more for a custom screened and dyed T-shirt or how about $90 for a pair of novelty silk-screened thong panties. What really surprises me the most is that these ego-based people will pay it. Who am I to deprive someone of his or her stupidity?

Most times, it's quite a bit less, but price is sometimes determined by attitude. I taught the girls how to recognize and adjust because our prices aren't displayed at these LA shows. Like at my Porsche dealer, if you have to ask, you can't afford it.

I suppose I should also admit that I am not exactly what I appear to be, but that will come out later. The money I have was awarded for public service and an extremely painful experience, which will also come out later. I don't need money, nor do I need to work, but I have to do something with my time, and it's one of my coping mechanisms for ADD, so I choose to be a Hippy and do Hippy artistry. It doesn't do much for the adrenalin addiction, but it is what it is. By necessity, I've adjusted and I'm happy with my life, but very soon, I'll be even happier.

Unfortunately, for this first show, I wasn't signed up for a premier booth, but as I said, I'm on the waitlist. As you'll see, that situation changed dramatically and I really got to know the promoters very well after my arrival. I talked with them at length at the last Reno show, find them to be great folks, and they put on a super series, which I'm happy and proud to be a part.

As it happened, I didn't need to get lucky to score a fantastic week of exceptional physical stimulation. That would be taken care of in a most unusual arrangement, but I wasn't going to complain.

I couldn't believe my fortunes. Three knockout teens to help with all of the faires I'd planned on doing this summer, but well beyond all of that, the whole experience would profoundly change all of our lives forever and as Dr. Jayna Lockwood always says, forever is a long time.

Well, I guess I should start at the beginning...

Chapter 1 - The Decision

Knowing I need help for the upcoming craft shows I'd scheduled, I asked a family friend if her daughter, Melinda, might be available to do some booth work for me. I'd pay her a good wage for doing the five shows, all of which are in their local area. It was early in the vacation schedule, so I knew Melinda would just be bumming around, probably getting into whatever trouble an eighteen year old, drop dead gorgeous, young woman could get into while waiting to start college.

Yeah, Melinda is a doll. About 5’7", she probably weighs 120 pounds soaking wet. She has perfectly proportioned breasts, maybe even as big as C's, but more like B's, and an ass to die for. Her hair color seems to change with whatever is popular at the moment, but in my humble opinion, she looks absolutely stunning with Gothic jet-black hair ... purple really looks great on her as well. Her bright, light hazel-white-green eyes, in combination with that jet-black hair, could melt titanium with very little effort.

The big problem is that she knows how to use her sexuality to her distinct advantage, especially with me. I admit it, I'm wrapped, but that’s getting ahead of the story.

-----

Melinda’s aunt, Sara, checked it out with her sister Janet, and it sounded okay, but with some reservations.

Janet knows me, but not as well as Sara does. Sara let her know that I’m a pretty decent guy, which she had really observed at parties in the past. She knows I would ensure Melinda was well protected while in my custody. Sara doesn't know my complete background, nobody does, but she knew there was no way anything or anybody would be messing with Mel without facing me.

Don't let the long hair and the mellow, peaceful, persona fool you. For the most part, in the small circle of friends who know me, I am viewed as fearless. Maybe so, but I know fear intimately so a few years ago, I learned to deal with it for what it is.

Be that as it may, in reality, I AM a mellow, peaceful, Hippie type of person, but if the shit hits the fan, don't get in my way or back me into a corner. That particular side of me rarely ever shows its face anymore and that is perfectly fine with me.

Even though I generally wore a shirt, everyone had seen the extensive scars on my body at the beach parties, but Mel was the only one to ask any questions about their origins. Leave it to the uninhibited curiosity of a child. Too soon, adults crush that innocence.

She was chastised for asking, but I always let the adults know it was all right and I didn't mind. I think it was more they didn't want to know than it was the fact Mel had asked.

I'd give her an explanation commensurate with her age and it would satisfy the immediate curiosity. Young ones are like that. It would be many years before Mel actually heard parts of the true story behind the scars, but that's for the future.

-----

The prospect of Mel earning a hundred dollars a day for working meant she’d have about $1000 per show to spend on school accoutrements, which Janet wouldn’t have to cover. In thinking about it, I would suggest it's better she put most of it in the bank and save it for a college rainy day.

However, even with knowing all of that, there were still some reservations on Janet's part.

After all, I am a man...

Melinda's mother is a bi-sexual woman with two beautiful daughters, but she has really bad vibes for men in general. The male of the species is the scum of the earth and in some cases, I can't say I'd argue with her too strenuously.

It’s because of the way she’s been treated by the men in her life, which in the minds of friends and family alike, pointed directly to her lack of good choices when it came to men. So, she judges all of us against the few bad apples she's had ugly experiences with. It's not uncommon.

I'm not that judgmental. Sara already knows that, but it's something Janet will learn and have to come to grips with. I just don't feel it's my place to tell someone else how to live their life. I'll listen and observe, but rarely will I ever provide an absolute path. It's not my function in life.

I suffer from ADD. I have enough trouble focusing and keeping my own life on track. I can't spend any time worrying about someone else's issues.

After a failed marriage to what most would call an abusive total loser, she and the girls were on their own, so mom turned to girls. She just didn’t want to deal with men and the bullshit that came along with them.

From my perspective, I can't say that I really blame her. I like Janet a lot and feel badly for her. As with most things in life, her situation is mostly self-induced, but no person deserves to be treated the way her men have treated her.

Let's face it though, for the most part, men are pigs. We are ... it's in our genes. We're wired that way, but many of us have managed to change some of that wiring with proper training.

Being a man, and knowing how most men can be, it's not that surprising. The little guy overwhelms the big guy and all sensibility is lost. We all know the little head really has no brain or conscience, so when he takes over, there's not much thought process going on with his single-minded drive.

It’s really not all that surprising she feels the way she does. What's surprising to me is that more women aren't bi-sexual for the very same reason. Many men are certainly lacking in the sensitivity realm, so have no clue how to really treat a woman. I don't know what it is about the upbringing, but the old school bullshit just doesn't hold water in this day and age. Hell, I was raised that way, but as I said above, I rewired some of that faulty circuitry. Through the love and caring of some good women, learned to treat them as the special people they are.

-----

Driving south from home, I arrived in L.A. early on Wednesday morning hoping to have a chance to talk to both Janet and Melinda. The show was starting on Saturday and running for a week. Actually, it was nine days in total, but who's counting?

I generally arrive in town at least a couple days early so that I can get acquainted with the show's locality and surroundings. This time, realizing that Janet was still a bit worried about leaving her daughter with me each day, I really wanted an opportunity to set her mind somewhat at ease, or at least as much as I was able.

Nevertheless, because of her chosen sexuality, Janet was still a little hesitant. She knew that what Sara had told her about me was accurate because Sara was too straight up to say it any other way. With her own observations over the years, she also knew I would take excellent care of Melinda.

Mel, for all intents and purpose, seemed totally normal in a sexual sense, in that she actively chased after boys. I suppose it would be far more accurate to say, she allowed some boys to catch her, but left them all wanting. She had a singular mind and there was only one male presently in her sights and he had been there for years.

Janet also knows that I'll be a very good overall influence on Melinda, but she wanted to find a way to talk to me without Melinda being there. One thing that Janet can't give to Mel is the male influence in her growing up process. Her father is worthless to her and Mel doesn't even like the court ordered forced visits, especially since she's matured physically. Now that she's eighteen, it's moot.

I guess that tells me a little about dad. What a schmuck.

Yeah, I'd mess him up if he touched Mel inappropriately and I know Mel would tell me. He knows too and he knows who I am, so I don't think he'll do anything that Melinda or Melanie would object to. He's a completely useless asshole and though he's not the brightest bulb in the string, he's not totally stupid, so he avoids me like the plague.

The opportunity to talk came about a lot more easily than she thought. I figured I'd take them both out for a pizza lunch so we could casually kick the summer around. When we had finished with our pizza, Melinda asked if she could take off for a while to call and text with some of her friends.

Easy stuff. Private time made to order.

Just don’t wander too far, sweetie, Janet told her.

In Venice Beach, I figured she'd be pretty safe. I've always found anywhere you can find that many whacked out people, it's relatively safe to hang out, even for kids. Whacked out maybe, but they are still known to take care of those in attendance and most don't take kindly to people messing with kids ... especially girls.

Personally, I love Venice Beach. I always feel right at home and it's one of the reasons I met them here for pizza. It's a kick just to sit and watch the show.

The Lee’s lived in the local area, so when Janet said that if it was okay with me, Melinda could stay with me for the entire show, it came as quite a shock. It would sure make transportation issues much easier and with the room I'd reserved there is plenty of space. It might cramp my style a little, but it will be worth it to have Mel around. She is a fun person to hang with and her sense of humor is almost a perfect match. Still a teenage girl, she has a maturity not found in many twice her age, but don't take that to mean she's not a typical eighteen year old.

I guess from the look on my face, Janet could tell I was a bit surprised at her statement, especially after having previously expressed reservations to both Sara and me. Logic prevailed, but I was willing to play it any way she was comfortable.

Mel was eighteen and could do pretty much anything she wanted, but I needed to keep the peace. I really didn't want Janet pissed off at me, especially for something like transportation hassles and let me tell you, transportation around LA is a fucking hassle.

She let out a heavy sigh and looking me right in the eyes started, Bobby, Melinda has become a real handful. To be honest, I can use the break, but if she gets too rambunctious, don’t hesitate to send her home. I don't expect there will be any issues because she really respects you and is really looking forward to spending the time with you working the shows. She doesn't know about staying with you because I wanted to pass it by you before getting her all excited.

Looking at me seriously, "I also think you'll be an excellent influence on her.

Believe it or not, she loves you very much, and it seems to be much more than the usual schoolgirl crush, Janet lamented quietly.

"She's always looked up to you and most of all, she trusts you.

After a lot of soul searching on my part, I do too, and I'm sure you know how difficult that is for me to say.

Maintaining eye contact, I nodded my head seriously, but didn’t say anything. I may be a guy, but I’m far from stupid. She wasn't finished yet.

I’m also sure she’s been working up to sexual activity, if she hasn't done it already. I just don’t want her hurt by some lame-ass, pimple faced boy, whose only goal is to pop her, shoot his wad, pull up his pants, then go out to tell 500 of his closest friends, she choked almost tearfully, "and of course leave her high and dry, wondering what the fuck just happened.

The damn phone wouldn't stop ringing, with potential suitors looking for a quick and easy piece of ass. Mel seems to be the kind of girl that once she tastes the forbidden fruit, she's going to want to eat it by the bushel. That worries me, but I totally understand how that is, she said with a knowing smirk.

I returned the grin, but continued to keep my mouth shut.

By the same token, she seems to have a handle on that exact situation. Even though she dates, I'm afraid she's turning into a tease, and that's not a good thing either. Sooner or later one of the older guys will just rape her thinking it's a game.

Looking into her eyes, I took a deep breath because I knew I was treading on tender territory, Janet, I know how you feel about men, Sara has explained it to me, and I've made my own observations. In fact, because of my background, Sara and I talked about it at great length. I need to tell you that I both understand and, for the most part, can agree with your feelings. A lot of men are pigs.

To the shocked look, Hey, It’s more than the way we’re raised. It's in our genetics. It's the way we're wired and I believe science has now proven that the male brain and the female brain are significantly different.

She nodded with a big smile but after a few moments of contemplation, her smile was replaced with a very serious look, Bobby, what would you do if Melinda came on to you? She's eighteen now, but I mean really seriously came on to you with all her raging hormones?

Now, keep in mind that Melinda is only eighteen, so she’s technically legal in most places, though 75% of the world holds it at sixteen or younger. She's no longer the proverbial jail bait.

Any previous sexual activities with her, and it was somewhat tempting on many occasions, could have landed me in jail for a long time getting my asshole stretched by Bubba and his friends. The law makes no allowances for the true maturity level of a person. It's an arbitrary number, and that's just the way it is, right or wrong.

Stupid, yes. Ignorant, yes, but it is what it is.

Unlike the pimply faced teenage boys she was used to hanging out with, I wouldn’t be kissing and telling – not even mom. Janet understood that as well, though she had no doubt that she'd find out from Melinda whether anything happened or not. They had that kind of relationship and in my opinion, that's a good, healthy thing all the way around. Mel and I have had many long telephone conversations over the years. Janet knows that too and realizes that I've already been her male role model over the years. We just haven't been physically together all that often because of my former line of work.

Was I attracted to Melinda? Fuckin’ A straight. Remember, I'm a guy and she's a knockout. What the hell do you think?

Would I fuck her?

That's a difficult question to answer, but probably. Well, with her it would be making love, as it were. There is no way I could just fuck Melinda. That act just isn't in the cards.

Mel is truly a knock-'em-dead, certifiable fox. I'm sure that every testosterone-laden boy within sniffing distance is pulling his crank regularly with thoughts of Melinda Lee running through his heads.

Truth be told, I'd have to admit to that one myself and I'm not a testosterone-laden pimply-faced teenage boy. I'd also be willing to bet money there are some teachers at the school who are pulling that same action.

A big part of her problem is that she knows she’s a fox and as Janet said earlier, she knows how to use her sexuality to tease and get pretty much anything she wants. I don't believe she's a prick teaser, but she does have that capacity. Young guys, hell even a lot of old guys, really don't have the ability to differentiate between an all out tease and a mild flirt. It's all the same to the little guy and of course, in an eighteen-year-old boy, we all know that's who's ruling the roost and pointing the way. It's not only eighteen-year-old guys either.

Well, I remember teasers in my high school days and remember what they ended up getting in the end. Usually, it was either totally ignored, or gang fucked. It really depended on the girl, but I can tell you that in my time, Melinda would be in the gang fucked category because it was impossible to ignore her.

I know Janet wouldn’t want that for her daughter, but I can't relate that to her in a reasonable way. I’m sure there were similar happenings when Janet was in high school as well, so vigilante sex with teasers probably isn’t unknown to her. It may be why she brought it up.

With the question on the table, it almost seemed as though she was setting me up for something, trying to drag out of me, my true stripes. My personal policy is total honesty – especially with parents.

So, to diplomatically answer her original question about Melinda coming on to me, I answered with a question.

What would you want me to do, Janet? How would you want me to deal with it? How would you feel if I gave in?

I paused for a moment to let the concept sink in, then added, How would she react if I didn’t cave in? Would she take it as a personal affront? Would it add to any psychological insecurity? You say she loves me very much. What is the reality of that love? What will be the results if I reject that love?

Pausing again for more comprehension exercises, I continued, "There are a lot of situational variables, sweetheart. You know her a lot better than I do, so I have to leave it up to you to let me know how you would want me to handle that eventuality.

She is an adult now and as you have seen, that's the way I've treated her for quite some time. As long as she acts like an adult ... I know she's your baby, sweetie, and always will be a baby in your mind, but her maturity level in my observation, is what I consider to be, quite adult. She certainly doesn't act like a little girl to me. Not anymore.

I paused for another moment, again letting what I was saying sink in a little, and then continued, Based on your decision, I can determine whether I’m willing to play. Just by your asking makes me believe you think she’s going to at least try to play a game of seduction. In your thoughts, consider how I should react to an out-and-out tease.

With a growing smile, I noted, Because you know she's going to pull the tease, Janet. She's been doing it to me for years. Did you see her a few minutes ago?

She laughed and nodded, putting one of her hands on mine across the table before we scootched together in the booth.

Now, I kept going, what it'll come down to is, 'okay just how serious are you'? Bluff called, if it's really a bluff, but I need you to let me know what you expect if it's not a bluff.

I could see the anguish in her eyes as she responded, I don’t know, Bobby, that’s my problem. I just don’t know. You're right though, she'll always be my little girl.

She took a deep breath and tried to collect her thoughts, I don’t know if she will or not, but it just wouldn’t be a real big surprise if she does. I know you're right about the tease.

Then with a smile, added, She is an expert at that. I've seen her work it more than just now.

We both laughed breaking some of the nervous tension that had been building.

Looking at me seriously, she said softly almost at a whisper, I know she cares very deeply for you. I would have to call it love, and Bobby it’s more than puppy love. I think that's what scares me the most. My little girl has grown up ... a lot.

Then, in a very loving, soft tone, I just want her treated with respect and love instead of teenage hormonal lust. I want her first time, if it hasn’t happened already ...

Taking a deep breath, I don’t believe it has, but I want it to be the kind of special memory that every girl wants it to be in her deepest fantasies, but so seldom gets.

Then with a thoughtful frown, God knows, mine sure sucked.

Then with serious trepidation in her eyes, So on the one hand, I know that she would be in good hands with you, but Bobby, she’s still my little girl.

I nodded my head to acknowledge her feelings and what she had said, but remained silent. It was still her stage.

Janet was in great emotional turmoil and I didn’t want to add anything to the machinations. She was going to have to make a decision and let me know what it was.

She was searching my eyes looking for some kind of answer, but she was only finding tenderness, love and understanding, no answers.

Both Janet and I continued our eye contact in silence as she worked through her feelings. I reached out to her and put my hands on hers, acknowledging I somewhat understood her dilemma.

I have a special understanding and feelings when it comes to family. The reason for that will become abundantly clear later, but it's not something that's talked about a lot and the reasons will also become clear in a little while.

I could see that she just wasn’t sure what she was feeling. She truly understands that Melinda wants sex; she can smell it in the air.

It’s one of those mom things.

She also knows and understands that if it hasn't happened already, it’s going to happen, probably sooner rather than later. It's just how, when, and with whom. She knows the guys Melinda hangs around with and none would be an acceptable choice to her, but you have to remember, she may be a little biased ... after all, she's the mom.

Tears began to roll down Janet's cheeks as she worked through all the emotions contained in the answer she needed to give to me.

Tenderly, I leaned over, kissed the tears from her cheeks, and gave her a knowing smile. She put her arms around my neck, buried her face in my shoulder, and continued to cry quietly.

Janet, I don't have a daughter, so I really can't relate to what you are going through.

I couldn't tell her that I have two sisters that I love more than I'd ever be able to relate to anyone, but can never see them again.

Well, not completely. There is one other person I know who could relate. I tried not to dwell on it, but there were times...

I’m not a woman either. I can’t relate your life to hers, but remember, her life is not yours. By the same token your life is not hers.

Then pausing for a few moments, and taking a deep breath, What Melinda wants or gets in the way of physical love, realistically, is no longer in Janet’s control. She’s going to do what she’s going to do. Now she can.

I felt her head nod in agreement, but she kept her head firmly planted in my shoulder.

I suppose you could lock her in a closet, I said with mock seriousness, toss her a meal three times a day, and provide monitored bathroom breaks.

Janet's head popped up with wide eyes, a huge grin and chuckled.

She returned her head to my shoulder, but this time, was smiling. Smiles are always a good thing.

Janet, what’s really at issue here, is what you want or expect me to do if Melinda seriously makes it very plain, she wants me to have sex with her.

Janet moved her head from my shoulder, nodded her head and looked into my eyes.

I know, she whispered.

I let out a heavy sigh, looked into her beautiful blue eyes, and started again, using a slightly different tact this time. She was still mulling over the previous offering I'd made.

Okay, Janet, let’s go through the scenario logically, from as many angles as we can.

She nodded her head and with a pained expression, waited for me to continue.

First question ... Would Bobby like to make love with Melinda?

I looked seriously into her eyes, but she started to get a knowing grin on her face.

Of course he would. He’s a guy. She’s a knockout. She’s like fresh fruit hanging from a tree branch ... ripe, and ready to eat.

Janet slapped at my arm playfully and started to laugh heartily, releasing some of the tension that had been building again. She knows I'm being very serious and honest. Typical of me however, I'm going to say whatever it is I'm going to say, but say it with some level of humor if I can. It's just my style.

I continued, both with a smile but a serious tone, "Janet, you have to know that there is no way ... absolutely no fucking way, that I would ever intentionally hurt Mel, either physically or emotionally. I love her dearly, as I love all my friends. Because she’s at the age she is, she is also doubly special to me. It's a beautiful and wondrous time in a young woman's life, but it can be fucked up so easily.

Now, I know your sexual experiences have been anything but pleasant as far as men are concerned, and I honestly feel terrible about that for you.

Janet’s eyes widened with surprise.

How do I know?

She nodded her head still looking into my eyes.

You told me. Whether you know it or not, it came from you.

Again, I let it sink in for a few moments while keeping my eyes locked with hers.

Janet, I would be honored, at some point, to show you how I believe a woman should be treated in the bedroom.

I’d never seen Janet with such a shocked look on her face, Bobby, I ...

No! I interrupted immediately, don’t worry about it. Don’t even think about it at the moment. Just know that not all men are the same, and that I find you to be an attractive woman. Yes, sexy enough to desire making love with you. If you don't desire intercourse, I'm good with that.

She didn't quite know how to take the comments or respond, but after a few moments whispered to me, I think I might like that, Bobby. I think I might like that very much, but it’s Melinda I’m thinking about at the moment.

I'd never seen Janet with such a tender look in her eyes. Lust? Desire? Fear? All of the above? I don't know, but it was certainly there and inviting.

I smiled and nodded my head, acknowledging both comments and continued, I would hope that Melinda’s experiences will be good ones. We both have to keep in mind that for the most part, young guys don’t have a clue how to please a woman.

Not ... clue ... one. And I say young, but some guys never learn.

Then with a huge grin, I continued, Nature tells us males, get it up, stick it in, and wiggle around until you’ve sown your seed. You’re done, roll over, and go to sleep.

Janet just laughed aloud at that description, nodding her head vigorously in total agreement.

Gawd, isn’t that the truth? she chuckled.

"Hell Janet, I started having sex when I was fourteen, a bit younger than Melinda’s age, and I have to say I really didn’t do it right more than a few times until I was twenty. A young lady whom I loved very much said 2 magic words to me ... 'slow down'. The light bulb went on, and quite honestly, I still feel guilty to this day about those years before, where I left those poor girls wanting and wondering, 'Is this all there is'?

Shit, I didn’t know. There’s no fucking manual.

I chuckled to myself when I said that, realizing the double meaning.

Janet continued to laugh aloud, nodding her head, totally understanding and agreeing with what I was saying.

I paused for a second to catch up with my own thoughts, "A problem with that entire scenario is that girls don't have a clue either. Two virgins is the blind leading the blind. Loving physically is a learning experience and I think a girl learning from other girls at sleepovers is probably the best and safest way to find out what floats her boat. Culturally, guys don't realistically have that option.

Playboy magazine, ma thumb and her four daughters, and get it off as quick as you can. Sorry, guys, but girls don't work that way and not only that, most girls you will ever see naked aren't going to be silicone mutants like you see in the magazine.

I hate to say it, but it’s really up to you ladies to teach us guys how to do it right. You know what turns your crank and you need to let your man know. If he balks or won’t do it, find another guy. It's not like there aren't a million of us out here.

The look turned back to serious at this point, it's apparent that I had hit a nerve, and Janet had taken it for exactly what I'd meant it to be.

Bobby, she said so softly I almost didn’t hear her, I want you to do whatever Melinda wants, as long as you're comfortable with it.

I gulped, and nodded my head understanding the magnitude of what she had just said.

I know you’ll be gentle and caring and tender ... she was starting to gently cry again, the pressure being finally released.

Janet, you know ...

No, Bobby, she immediately interrupted, I don’t know anything. I trust you, and that’s very hard for me to say to a man. I've seen you with her and I've seen how caring you are with her. I see how you treat her, and I trust you.

After a brief pause, she let out a heavy sigh and continued, I know you won't do anything to force or coerce her into doing something she's not comfortable with. Knowing you the way I do, you’ll probably try to discourage her all along the way, but you have my blessing to make love to my daughter if that’s what she wants.

She buried her face in my shoulder, again holding on with an intense grip as I lightly caressed her back and held her.

-----

Hey, mom, what’s wrong? came in from behind us.

Bobby, how come mom's crying? What the hell were you guys talking about?

I looked up into Melinda’s eyes and said quietly, I think your mom is crying because she’s happy, kitten. We were talking about all kinds of things, but the last part was about you and the show.

I only partially lied, but it was a white lie and I knew mom would appreciate the slight evasion.

Janet looked up into her daughter’s eyes, and with a weak smile said, "Honey, I’m just very happy. I had to make a very difficult, but very important decision and I am very happy with what it is ...