By
Chapter SeventeenThe following Wednesday morning, Johnny drove over to his partner's house. Answering the door Joanne was surprised to see Gage standing at the door. “Oh, hi, Johnny. Roy's not in at the moment he's gone to get a hair cut.”
“That's okay, Jo. I'm actually here to see you. Mind if I come in?”
“Sure. Want a cup of coffee?” she asked as she welcomed him in.
“Yeah.”
Joanne went about making a pot of coffee. Instincts told her what this unannounced visit was about and it made her uneasy. She loved Johnny, wanted nothing more than for him to settle down, get married, and have some children of his own one day in the near future. From the first day he had stepped foot in her home, her children had adored the man. She had no doubt he'd make a wonderful father.
Placing a cup of black coffee in front of him, she sat down and fixed her own. “So what's on your mind, Johnny?” she asked sweetly looking into his face.
“You.”
Joanne looked down at the cream colored liquid in her mug.
“Jo, I'm not here to argue or make you feel uncomfortable, but I think we need to have a talk. Don't you?”
Looking up she shook her head, “Yes, I do. You know how much I love and adore you.” She started.
“I thought I did.” He cut her off.
“Oh, Johnny, don't talk like that. Of course I love you. But I love my sister, too.”
“And you think I couldn't possible love her myself?”
“Absolutely not, not after only a few months of knowing her.”
“Right, I don't, not now. Like you said, I just met her, but Jo, you don't seem to want to give us a chance.”
“It's just that… well…there's the age difference to begin with.”
“It's only eleven years.”
“I know, but it's the maturity level between those years. She's a girl just growing into a woman. She's still exploring who she is. You on the other hand, not only know who you are, but I'm assuming you know what you're looking for in someone else.”
“At one time I did, but I think I lost track of that, until I met your sister. She opened my eyes to what's real, Joanne. I know you don't think much of my love life and I can't say I blame you. But I'm not as big a cad as most people think. I'll admit I kinda got lost and side tracked the last few years, but I'm tired. I just want someone to spend time with. No different from you or Roy really. It's just I'm single and you're not.”
“But…”
“Listen, Jo. I think most of your fear lies in the sexual side of any relationship I might develop with Julie and that's natural and I understand. But you can't make these decisions for her. As you just mentioned, she is a woman, and women, as I'm sure you'll agree, have needs, too.”
“Johnny.”
“Jo, don't you dare try and make me feel guilty for having intimate thoughts about your sister. She's an attractive woman; she's fun to be with and funny, too. I like spending time with her. Do you honestly think sex is all I ever want from a woman?”
“No. At least I hope not.”
“Jo.”
“Okay, okay, I'm sure you're a mature adult when it comes to your love and sex life. But that's exactly what worries me.” She gave a small smile, trying to hide her discomfort.
“Do you honestly think Julie's a virgin?”
“Honestly?”
“Honestly.”
“I have no idea. Do you?”
Johnny was taken aback by this answer and subsequent question. “Not really, but I have my suspicions that she's not very worldly when it comes to sex. But I'm not about to take advantage of that fact. I hope you at least believe me on this.”
Feeling some of her guilt returning Joanne lowered her head slightly. “Of course I trust you, Johnny. I'm just afraid she's going to end up hurt. Not to mention the crazy job you have. I know what it's like to sit at home wondering. I really don't want that for her.”
Feeling they'd finally hit on a big part of what Joanne was truly worried about, Johnny let some of his defensiveness subside and closed his eyes briefly. “Okay, let's slow down here a bit. Right now, Julie and I are in the very early stages of exploring our feelings for one another. If we discover those feelings run deep, you have my word that I'll sit down and talk to her about the dangers of this crazy job of mine. But it's too early for that yet.”
Seeing a gleam of pain flash across Johnny's features Joanne felt her quilt worsen. “Johnny…I…what about her studies?”
Sitting quietly for a few moments he finally looked at his partner's wife. “I promise not to interfere. I'd never think of taking her away from her schooling. It's part of who she is, a part of what makes me attracted to her.”
Joanne allowed a smile to spread across her face. If nothing else, Johnny had always been honest with her. Thinking back to that flash of pain that she had seen streak across his face, she asked him, “is it difficult being a fireman?”
“Pardon?” he frowned.
“You know, being a fireman. Does it get in the way of relationships?”
“It can.” He didn't elaborate.
“How?”
“It scares a lot of woman. At first they find it romantic or macho or something. But eventually they stop and rethink the relationship. Roy's lucky he found you before he became a fireman.”
“I'm sorry, Johnny. I've never much thought about how someone may react to this.” She paused for a bit, then continued with, “have there been woman you could have gotten serious with?”
“Sure. But…well…it didn't happen.” He shrugged his shoulders just as the back door opened and Roy walked through the door.
“Hey, partner.”
“Roy.”
“What brings you by?” Roy asked, although he could pretty much guess. He and Johnny had had a talk at work with both men being able to state his case. Roy had promised his partner he wouldn't become involved and Johnny promised he'd treat Julie with the utmost respect.
“Your wife's coffee.” He answered before bringing his mug to his lips.
“Oh, I thought it might have been my yard work.” Roy smirked.
“I can offer you a couple of hours.”
“Far be it for me to decline a couple of hours work.”
After the two men left the kitchen Joanne scooped up hers and Johnny's mugs and placed them into the sink. She dumped the rest of the coffee down the drain and decided to clean the dishes. Standing at the sink, she watched out the window as Roy mowed the lawn and Johnny walked around the perimeter of the lawn with the weed eater in his hands.
She felt bad having doubted Johnny's motives for even a second. Perhaps she'd been too tough on him over the years. After all, he was a caring man, just a bit crazy at times. But it was his craziness that seemed to make him so likeable.
~~51~~
After talking with both Roy and Joanne, Johnny continued to date Julie Pierce and found himself pleasantly surprised at the easy friendship they had managed to build. Lying just below the surface was always the constant sexual energy that neither of them talked about. For the most part Johnny remained the perfect gentleman. He quite often stole a smooch here and there and often times it led to heavier kissing, but he never allowed himself to take it further.
On his days off he usually picked her up when her classes were done and would either take her to the city library or back to the ranch so she could study in peace and quiet. The two would go to the movies together, out to dinner, or just spend time around the ranch mucking the stalls or walking the grounds, or they'd spend time with Roy and Joanne.
One Friday in the middle of December, Johnny pulled his rover up to Julie's dorm and exited the vehicle; he entered the building and knocked on Julie and Tany's door.
“Hi.” Tanya opened it.
“Hi.”
“Julie's just down the hall, she should be here any minute.”
“Kay.” Johnny answered as he sat down on Julie's bed.
“You have big plans for the weekend?”
“Not really, you?”
“Ken and I are going Christmas shopping. That's about it. I can't wait to go home. Do you get time off for Christmas?”
“I've got the twenty-third and twenty-fourth off.”
“You mean you're working Christmas day?”
“Yep.”
“That's too bad. Do you ever get the chance to go home during the holidays?”
“No.”
“Oh. You spend them with Roy and Joanne?”
“Mostly.”
“That's nice. You and Roy are pretty close aren't you?”
“Like brothers.”
“Hi.” Julie entered the room.
“Well, have a nice weekend guys. I've gotta run.” Tanya grabbed her overnight bag off of her bed and left the room.
“Bye.” Both Johnny and Julie replied in unison.
“You ready?”
“Yeah.” Julie grabbed her own bag off of her bed and headed out the door with Johnny.
Soon the couple was in a local restaurant eating dinner. Despite having been the longest day in her schedule, Julie was pumped. Excited about spending time with Johnny. She continued to spend the weekends at Joanne's but it was always nice when Roy and Johnny got the weekends off.
Walking hand in hand to the rover after dinner, Julie asked, “What da ya wanna do tonight?”
“Actually, nothing. I volunteered to take Charlie Dwyer's shift tomorrow.”
“You're working?”
“Yeah, Charlie's son is in a karate tournament tomorrow so I offered to work for him.”
“Oh. You wanna take me home, so you can get some rest?” Julie was having a hard time disguising her disappointment.
“No. Why don't you come out to the ranch for a while?” It's still early.”
“You sure?”
“Yeah.”
“Okay.”
~~51~~
“I'm beat. Do you mind spending the night so I don't have to drive you back into town?” Johnny asked hours later.
Julie couldn't hide her surprise. She and Johnny could probably be considered a couple by now, having been seeing each other exclusively for months, but he'd never asked her to spend the night. Heck, they had yet to be intimate together. Something she was thankful for and at the same time mystified by.
“Um…I…”
“You can stay in the guest bedroom, I'm not coming on to you. Although, my bed is always open.” He displayed a cocky lop-sided grin.
“Um…okay, if you're too tired to drive.”
Johnny just smiled at her obvious discomfort. “I can drive you, it's not a problem.” He moved to get off the couch.
Julie pulled on his arm, bringing him back down onto the couch, “No it's okay. You just took me by surprise. That's all.”
“Kay, in that case, I'm gonna go to bed. You coming?”
“Um…”
Johnny's grin returned. “It's up to you. You can stay up and watch TV, go to bed in the spare bedroom, or join me. No pressure, even if you come with me.”
“Um…you…I'll come with you.”
Pulling Julie up with him, he got up off the couch walking over to the television turning it off, he turned off the lights as he walked by the switch and started up the stairs. He felt a slight tug on his arm and turned to look at Julie in the darkness.
“What's wrong?”
“My bag is in the Rover.”
“Oh, kay, I'll get it.”
In less than a minute, Johnny was back in the house with Julie's bag in his hand. He noticed she was standing exactly where he'd left her. Approaching her, he handed her the bag and continued up the stairs.
Following him, she walked down the long hallway, feeling as though the contents of her stomach were going to make a rather violent re-appearance. Although she'd been to Johnny's home many times, she never ventured into his room and honestly didn't know what to expect. When he switched on the light, her eyes took a moment to adjust. He had a wooden queen-sized bed, with a Navaho bedspread adorning it. Just like all the other floors in the home, with the exception of the kitchen and bathrooms, the bedroom's was hardwood. A large oval rug lay at the foot of the bed with another in front of a tall seven-drawer highboy dresser. An oval mirror hung above the dresser.
She didn't realize she was just standing in one spot looking around until Johnny walked into her line of view. Standing before his dresser, he took his keys out of his front pocket, his walled out of his back pocket and deposited them on top of the bureau.
With his items dispensed of, Johnny started to remove his jeans. Julie quickly turned her head just as Johnny was turning around to face her. Seeing her reaction, he re-did his button and zippered his fly.
“Julie…um…there's a bathroom through that door if you would like to get changed.”
“Thanks.”
As soon as she disappeared into his ensuite, Johnny started rummaging through his dresser drawers. Surely he must have a pair of pajama bottoms somewhere! When the first full-length drawer didn't produce any, he continued on to the second and third with the same results. Opening the fourth drawer he sighed audibly when he found a pair of gray track pants with the LACo Fire logo on them. In a pinch, they'd easily serve as a pair of pajamas.
The bathroom door opened and Julie reappeared. Turning to face her, Johnny's breath was taken away. OH, god, please help me! Julie was wearing a floor length sleeveless nightgown fitting tightly across her breasts and her abdomen, only to flare out slightly at the waist.
Julie instinctively brought her arms up and placed them across her chest. She was feeling extremely uneasy, but had decided when Johnny made the offer to share his bed that she was going to use this night to take the first of some small baby steps. Sharing his bed seemed lie a good idea at the time. But to see him standing only eight feet away, his eyes boring through her, she suddenly felt very vulnerable.
Johnny cleared his throat and started to move forward. “Um…I'll…just…um…go into the bathroom.” He said as he passed by her trying desperately not to come across as a big oaf.
Once the door was safely closed, Julie looked at the bed. She wanted nothing more than to climb inside and hide until morning. Reaching deep within to find her courage, she stepped to the head of the bed and pulled back the covers. Dark blue sheets awaited her. Gulping, she sat down leaning her back against the headboard, her legs stretched out before her. She pulled the blankets up about her, covering herself up to her breasts.
She could hear Johnny's movements behind the bathroom door. He had just finished brushing his teeth. All was quiet for a few moments and then the sound of the toilet flushing filled the air. She heard the tap water running and assumed he was washing his hands. The door opened, and there he stood. Wearing nothing but a par of gray track pants. He proved thinner than she'd imagined, but well toned muscles graced his body. His arms were lean and looked like he'd been spending time weight lifting.
“I hope I didn't take your side of the bed.” She almost whispered.
“Uh…no…you're fine.” Johnny lied. He walked to the opposite side of the bed and pulled back the covers, sitting down with his feet still firmly planted on the floor. He got back up and walked over to her side and took an alarm clock off the nightstand.
Julie watched his movements and when he picked the alarm clock up, realized that she had taken his side of the bed. “Johnny, I'm sorry, I can move over.”
“No, it's fine. Stay where you are.” Sitting once again with his back to her, he feet on the floor, he fiddled with the alarm clock adjusting it to wake him up earlier than normal. Placing it on his nightstand, he stood up once again, crossing the room to turn off the light. He returned quickly and lay down on the bed, pulling the covers up to his waist.
Julie had watched him as though transfixed. As he sat setting the alarm clock her eyes settled on his bare back. For the first time, she noticed how dark his complexion was. Looking down at the native bedspread the realization that Johnny was from native ancestry hit her for the first time.
Feeling his body weight returning to the bed when the lights went out she felt herself stiffen slightly. Slowly, she lowered herself until she was lying on the bed as well. Her body remained stiff and her breathing increased slightly.
Despite the fact that his eyes had yet to adjust to the darkness Johnny could feel and hear Julie's discomfort. He lay there; his eyes wide open, trying to figure out what to do. He wanted nothing more than to comfort the woman lying next to him, but didn't want her comfort level to decrease any lower than it already was.
“You okay?” he finally asked, turning on his side to face her despite the blackness.
“Yeah…no…I'm not sure.”
“You upset about my having to work tomorrow?” Johnny decided to help her relax by keeping the conversation on safe ground.
“A bit.”
“I'm sorry. I just figured Charlie would really enjoy watching his son's first karate matches.”
“It's okay, Johnny. I understand. Will you still have to work on Sunday?”
“No, Charlie switched with me.”
“Will we be able to spend some time together?”
“Sure, anything you want.”
“Kay.”
“Julie?”
“Hmm.”
“Can I give you a good night kiss?” Johnny wanted to ask permission, leaving her the option of not having him touch her while they lay in his bed.
“Yeah.”
He could hear the smile in her voice bringing about a smile of his own. Propping himself up on his elbow and pulling himself closer to her, he placed his free hand on the mattress on the far side of her. He leaned down and found her lips with his. Julie once again found the all over body sensation taking over her body surprising.
Bringing his hand to her head he started playing with her hair. Not pulling very far away from her lips he said, “I love your hair, it's so soft.”
Without thinking, Julie's hand raised up to Johnny's face and caressed his cheek. Feeling his warmth, she pulled her hand back; not sure what to do.
Placing his forehead on hers, he kissed her once again. “I really need to get some sleep, Julie. ‘night, sleep well.”
“Good-night.” Julie smiled.
Johnny lay back down on his back. He raised his left arm up to shield his eyes, but having the warm body laying to his right, he brought his arm back down and turned onto his side, draping his arm across Julie's waist.
“I'm not gonna do anything, I just to be close to you.” He whispered when he felt her abdomen stiffen beneath his arm.
“Kay.”
She lay completely still for almost half an hour. Finally, she too, turned onto her side. Within a second, she felt Johnny's body spoon hers, his head sharing her pillow.
“You still okay?”
“Yeah.”
“Can I ask you a question?”
“Sure.”
“Have you ever been intimate wit ha guy?” He didn't know why he asked the question, but quickly realized he just had to know the answer. The not knowing was killing him. He suspected she wasn't a virgin, but her body language sometimes said otherwise.
He felt her take in a deep breath and let it out slowly, “kind of.”
Frowning, Johnny tried to make sense of that answer. “What does that mean?”
“It means, yes I've had sex, but no I've never enjoyed it.”
“How come?”
“I don't know.”
Johnny remained silent for a while. Trying to remember himself as a young adult. His memory reminded him he hadn't known how to please a woman back then. In all his excitement, he usually forgot about his partner's needs and ended up a lousy lover. It wasn't until he had matured a bit that he had realized having sex included much more than the actual intercourse. Once he'd learned this, he found not only was he able to please his partner, but more often than not, it turned into a plus for him as well. Being able to please another person sexually actually helped heighten his own enjoyment.
Now, he figured he understood where Julie was coming from. She'd never had a partner take the time to figure out what she enjoyed, what gave her pleasure. Perhaps she didn't even know herself. Well tonight wouldn't be the night for them to explore and find out, but at least he now knew what he was dealing with.
Pulling her body closer to his, Johnny kissed her on the shoulder. “Don't worry, Jul, one day you'll enjoy it. It may not be our first time, or our second even, but eventually, you enjoy it.” God I hope it's our first time.
Feeling Johnny's body heat against hers, feeling his gentle kiss and even gentler words, Julie felt her own body's heat rise. She had absolute trust and faith in Johnny. One day would have an active sex life, but for tonight, she would just appreciate his cuddles and promises.
“Johnny.”
“Yeah.”
“I'm still scared.” She admitted.
“That's okay, it's natural. Once you learn to trust me, it'll lessen. I promise.”
After a few moments of silence, he spoke again. “Julie, are you on birth control?”
“Um…no…I haven't had a reason to be. I was hoping to once I moved out here.”
“Oh…well…when the time comes, if you want, I can pay for them.”
“Johnny!” she started to protest.
“Birth control is as much the man's responsibility as it is the woman's. No matter what form we take, I'll pay.”
When she didn't respond, Johnny continued, “I mean it. Whether it's the pill, a diaphragm, or condoms, I'll pay.”
“Kay.” Came a weak response before they both fell asleep.
~~51~~
The following morning, Johnny alarm went off waking them both. Johnny quickly got out of bed and took a shower. Coming out of the room, he could smell toast. Hurriedly getting dressed, he made his way to the kitchen. What he found was Julie already dressed with a couple of eggs frying and the coffeepot brewing.
“Morning.” She beamed up at him.
“Morning,” he drawled, still sleepy.
“Coffee should be ready in a sec and the toast just needs buttering.”
“I'll do it.” Johnny got out the butter and started to slather butter on the four pieces of toast. Looking closely at his guest he asked, “You sleep okay?”
“Yep. You?”
“Okay I guess.”
Lifting on of the eggs from the frying pan, Julie placed it onto one of the slices of toast and put the other slice on top. She cut it into two and shoved the plate at Johnny. “Here, sit down and eat.”
Making the second sandwich, she placed it on a plate and sat down at the table. Johnny got up and pulled down two coffee mugs and set about making a coffee for Julie, who by now he knew drank it with two creams and a sugar, and one for himself.
Soon the duo was in the Rover on the way to Roy's place. Johnny was dropping Julie off so she could spend the day there, as per her usual weekend routine. Johnny quickly gave Julie a kiss goodbye before carrying on to work.
~~51~~
Walking into the house, Julie was met by Chris and Roy, who were on the way out the door to shoot some hopes at the park. “Mornin'.” She sang to both of them.
“Mornin'.” The both responded.
“Hi.” Julie greeted Joanne in the kitchen.
“Hey.” Joanne greeted her sister. “I was surprised when you didn't come over last night.”
“Sorry, did I worry you? I should have called.”
“No, no worry, we knew you were with Johnny. I was pretty sure you were safe.”
Reaching for a dishtowel Julie started to dry the dishes Joanne was putting into the dish rack. She could tell Joanne was holding back with the questions. She decided to put Joanne out of her misery.
“Johnny's working for Charlie Dyrer or someone today.”
Joanne let out a small chuckle. “Dwyer, Charlie Dwyer.”
Julie joined Joanne's laughter, “Yeah, that's it. Anyway, Johnny's working today. So if you want to do anything, I'm available.”
“I promised Roy and Chris I'd go play some basketball with them once I'm finished here. Later this afternoon Jen and I are going shopping if you'd like to come along.”
“Sure, I'd like to get a few Christmas presents.”
“Mom called this morning. She was hoping to talk with you. Seems she called the dorm first but no one could find you there.”
Julie felt a knot forming in her stomach, how was she going to explain where she'd been to her mother? She knew her mom would have a fit if she knew her youngest daughter had spent the night at a man's house, and not only his house, but in his bed! It wouldn't matter whether anything had happened or not.
“I was at Johnny's.”
Joanne didn't miss a beat, but continued washing the dishes. She had figured as much when Julie hadn't shown up the night before. Hearing her sister say the words though was tough to take. Yet, in some ways it was reassuring, she felt Julie's maturity one again, until she spoke her next sentence that is.
“Nothing happened.” Julie blurted out.
Joanne gently put down her dish rag and the plate she was washing and turned to her sister, “Julie, you don't have to explain your actions to me. Like you told me a few weeks back, this is your life.”
“I know, I just wanted you to know. Johnny never even tried anything. He was sweet and just gave me a kiss goodnight.” Julie was blushing by this time.
Joanne smiled at her sister. “Unless you honestly want to tell me anything, don't. It's too painful to watch your embarrassment.”
A small smile crept across Julie's face. “We almost finished here?” she nodded towards the dishes.
“Almost.”
“Hi, Aunt Julie.” Jennifer said upon entering the room.
“Morning. What are you up to?”
“Nothing.”
“Want to join us at the park, we're meeting Chris and your father there?” Joanne asked.
“Sure.”
With Joanne washing, Julie drying, and Jennifer putting the dishes away, it didn't take long for the girls to join the guys on the basketball court at the neighbor hood park.
~~51~~
Before long, Julie was worn out and decided to sit on a picnic table and watch her sister's family having fun. Observing their banter made her realize once again how lucky Joanne was. She had a wonderful husband and two great kids. Julie couldn't imagine anything more worth while in the world. Oh, she still wanted to become an Environmentalist, with the hopes of educating the public on how fragile the world in which they lived was, and how to take better care of it. She loved the television commercial that had an Indian crying as he watched people littering. She thought it a wonderful advertising creation.
She failed to notice Roy take a seat beside her until he spoke.
“Anything the mater, Peanut?” He asked Julie as he took a seat beside her on the picnic table bench.
“No, everything's fine.”
“For someone who doesn't have any problems you sure seem down in the dumps today.”
Julie looked at her brother-in-law and smiled a rather forced smile. She had never been able to hide her emotions from him so she didn't know why it surprised her now that he could practically read her mind. Ever since spending the evening with Johnny, she'd been feeling a little guilty about his birth control offer.
“Come on, Julie, you can tell me. Is there a problem with school?” Roy broke into her thoughts.
“No.”
“With Johnny?”
“No, not really,” she replied meekly, looking up at Christopher who was practicing his lay ups, with Jennifer and Joanne trying unsuccessfully to block him.
“What does that mean? Not really.” Roy placed a hand on her back reassuringly.
“I don't know. I guess this whole thing isn't going the way I expected it to.”
“How's that?” Roy asked with concern.
“It's Johnny! I've never been around someone like him before, that's all.”
“What'd he doing that has you feeling so low?”
“That's just it, he's treating me with so much patience and care. I'm not used to it.”
“Patience and care?” Roy repeated her words.
Julie took in a deep breath and let it out before turning to look into his eyes. “You know…he's…patient.” She hoped her eyes would convey what she meant, but seeing Roy just looking more confused she knew she was going to have to actually say the words. “Sexually, Roy, he's being very patient and very generous with me.”
When Roy still didn't answer her, she knew she had taken him off guard and wasn't sure whether she should give him time to catch up or just continue on with her own end of the conversation. When he had yet to respond after a few more moments of silence, she was about to elaborate when he finally spoke.
“Julie, are you saying that you and Johnny haven't been intimate?”
“No, we haven't. Does that surprise you?”
“In a way I guess it does. I mean, you've been seeing one another for a while now and I assumed you spend last night at Johnny's and well, Johnny is, you know…active.” Roy started to feel uncomfortable with the whole conversation, but knew Julie needed to talk to someone. Something about the whole relationship with Johnny was bothering her and he would let her use him as a sounding board if that's what she needed.
“Exactly! He is active and well, I guess I'm not really.”
“You don't think he's been seeing someone else do you?” Roy asked a little confused by her statement. He could hear the disbelief in his own voice.
“No, of course not. Not that I would blame him though.”
“Hey, now wait a minute. Don't say things like that. No one deserves to be cheated on, plus the Johnny I know is definitely a one-woman man. So, what's the problem? Are you guys…” Roy stopped speaking abruptly, then changed gears. “Julie, are you a virgin?”
Looking up at Roy she smiled, seeing the discomfort in his eyes. “No, I'm not, but I feel like one.”
Roy took a moment to absorb the information that was just given to him. He wasn't sure if he should feel relief or shock at Julie's confession. “Why?” He asked.
Before answering she took a long moment trying to decide how to proceed. Roy waited patiently until she spoke again. “I've only had sex twice before, and both times weren't exactly pleasurable, or fun. I mean, it was over so quickly both times, I didn't enjoy it at all. I guess I'm just worried about not liking it and I guess I'm kinda scared. I don't want to disappoint Johnny.”
“Disapp…Julie, don't think that way. I'm sure when the time comes Johnny won't be disappointed. He could end up disappointed in himself, but not with you.”
“Himself? How?” she asked, now she was confused.
“Well, if he doesn't perform…if…well, if you end up not enjoying it, he'll blame himself, not you.”
“You're kidding? How would you know?”
“Because that's how I'd feel. I'm pretty sure most men would feel that way.”
“Really?”
“Really. Tell me if I've figured this out right, Johnny isn't pressuring you, but you know he'd like to be intimate with you.”
Julie just shook her head in the affirmative, not really knowing what to do or say. Roy just sat there trying to decide whether he should ask anything more, or better yet, what he should say to her. It didn't concern him too much that it was his partner's sex life he was discussing. His concern lay more with Julie and her feelings.
“Are you attracted to Johnny?” he finally asked, deciding the best way he could help her was to help her sort out her feeling, not only for Johnny, but how she felt about sex in general.
“Yes, very much. He's wonderful and fun to be with.”
“Okay. Do you see yourself ever being intimate with him?”
“I hope so.”
“But you're scared. Are you afraid being with Johnny is going to be like your other experiences?”
“I guess so.”
“You said yourself Johnny is being patient. Was the other guy patient?”
“Guys, there were two different guys, and no they weren't patient at all.” Julie confessed.
“Okay, so Johnny's different already, right?” When Julie shook her head in agreement, Roy continued, “All right then, Johnny is patient. You also mentioned he was generous, why?”
Julie swallowed before speaking, “Well…he…um…well…yesterday we…oh, Roy, this is really hard to talk about.”
“It's okay, Julie, if you don't want to discuss it with me, you don't have to.”
“It's not that I don't want to, it's jut…well…Johnny's your partner and…”
“Listen, Johnny can take care of himself. Right now I'm listening as your brother-in-law, not Johnny's partner, okay? Plus, Johnny knows that you're family. I'm here for you, I'm sure he would understand your need to talk this out, so don't worry about how he would feel about my knowing about this stuff, okay?”
They both sat in silence for a long time watching Chris, Jennifer, and Joanne playing basketball on the outdoor court. Roy could tell Jennifer was having the time of her life trying to stop her brother from making his shots, and taking advantage of the rough physical contact that could sometimes occur during the game. He smiled as he watched his family play. He'd pretty much given up hope on Julie responding they'd been silent so long when he heard her voice again.
“Johnny's offered to pay for my birth control.” She said very quietly.
“He what?” Roy asked a bit stunned at first.
“Last night we were talking about the fact that eventually we'd both like to be intimate and he asked me if I was taking any precautions. When I told him no, he said that he'd look after it financially. I told him it was okay, that I had hoped to go on the pill when I moved out here anyway, but he still offered to pay for them. He said that birth control was just s much his responsibility as mine, and since I want to go on the pill, he'd pay. That's what I mean about generous.”
“So why has this got you do down?”
“I guess I'm just thinking that if he's offering to pay for them, then I should at least be having sex with him.”
Roy sighed finally understanding his sister-in-laws mood, “Julie, I'm certain Johnny isn't pressuring you. He'd just letting you know he's responsible. Personally, I'm relieved to learn he's offered this.”
~~51~~
“Wow, I can't wait to try it on!” Jennifer exclaimed holding up a white cotton training bra with a tiny pink bow in the middle. Racing towards the change room she turned and waved at her mother and aunt before disappearing behind the door.
“Jen tells me you had a discussion with her while Roy and I were in Santa Barbara. Thanks.” Joanne said to Julie while looking at a package of Fruit of the Loom underwear.
“You're welcome. I felt so bad for her. She was so upset.”
“She told me the story.” Joanne laughed, “To be a fly on the wall. I can just imagine the look on Johnny's face. I have to say, I'm happy Jennifer has someone she feels comfortable talking to.”
“I agree. I know Roy has always been a very good listener where my problems are concerned.”
“He cares a great deal about you. He's often mentioned he considers you his sister.”
Julie smiled, liking the sound of being Roy's kid sister. “I know I've always considered him not only my sort of brother, but a very good friend as well.”
“MOM!” Joanne heard Jennifer calling from the change room.
Joanne went to her daughter, disappearing behind the change room door as well. Julie took the opportunity to look around at the lingerie. Some of it was rather plain Jane, like the stuff she currently had on, but some of it was very pretty. The thought of someone, especially Johnny, seeing her in it made her face feel red. Taking a red crotchless bodysuit off of its rack and holding it up, Julie giggled at the absurdity of it. Replacing it to its rightful spot she started to meander.
Noticing a cute violet teddy bear camisole and matching panties, she reached out and took it off its rack as well. Running her fingers along its smooth satin surface also made her blush, this time in a pleasurable way. Remembering Johnny's comment of loving to touch her hair because of its softness made her realize how much he'd probably love the feel of satin as well.
“I'm sure he'd love it.” She heard Joanne saying behind her.
Feeling flustered Julie quickly replaced the garment to its perch, “I…I…”
“Julie, it's okay. There's nothing wrong with wanting to look sexy in the bedroom.” Joanne's eyes twinkled. “And trust me, when you're feeling sexy all kinds of fun things happen.”
“Joanne!” Julie was embarrassed to think anyone was overhearing their conversation. “Did Jen find one she liked?” She asked with the hopes of changing the subject.
“Yes, but I'll admit it's not as pretty as the one you found.”
“Joanne!”
“Julie, why don't you just buy it?”
“I…I…do you really think he'd like it? I mean, wouldn't he think I'm cheap or anything wearing something like that?”
“No, he won't think you're cheap. If I know Johnny he'd love it. He's always had an eye for beauty more so than cheap and trust me, Julie, that teddy set is not cheap. But his is.” Joanne laughed when she picked up the same crotchless body suit Julie had found absurd.
Soon the two sisters' laugher could be heard throughout the lingerie department. “What's so funny?” Jennifer asked as she came to stand beside the two.
The thought of answering that question to an eleven-year-old just brought on more giggles. “Nothing.” Joanne managed to squeak out between gasps of air.
Once Jennifer's under garments were paid for, the trio sat down at a small table to have a small bite to eat and to discuss the upcoming Christmas holidays. Since both Joanne and Julie were now living in LA, their parents had decided to come to the city for the holidays. Julie was secretly ecstatic, since she'd be able to spend some time with Johnny through the holidays.
Joanne was happy her children would be able to spend time with their grandparents, but Roy was not looking forward to it at all. The thought of having his in-laws staying at his house for a full week was worse than getting a bad case of the hives as far as he was concerned.
“Hi, Jen.” A voice from a close table rang out.
“Hi, Suzy.” Jen waved at a young girl her own age, who was sitting with a woman and two boys.
“Mom, can I go over and talk with Suzy for a while?”
“As long as it's all right with her mother.”
Jennifer sprang from her seat like a jack in the box and was soon huddled in deep conversation with Suzy Menkins, a friend from her class at school as well as a gymnastics teammate.
Julie and Joanne sat in comfortable silence watching the busy holiday shoppers hustling and bustling about their day. Joanne got up and bought the pair another coffee each. Sitting down, she tried to look at her sister through the eyes of a stranger. Yes, she was a woman. A young woman, but a woman no less.
Did it really matter if Johnny was eleven years her senior? She tried to imagine Roy being that many years older than her and how it would affect their relationship. She realized it wouldn't matter, to her or to Roy. She suddenly felt much guiltier for having doubted Johnny's motives. He was a decent guy and had gotten his heart broken often throughout the years. It wasn't until the day the two had sat in her kitchen table that she realized that Johnny didn't necessarily like his single life style, but so far he hadn't found that someone special to share his life with yet.
“Joanne.” Julie interrupted her thoughts.
“Hmm.”
“Can I ask you a personal question?”
“Sure.”
“Have you ever been with anyone besides Roy?”
“No.” Joanne answered honestly, not having to ask what her sister meant by the question.
“Oh. Have you always enjoyed being intimate with him?”
Before answering, Joanne thought the question through. She and Roy started having sex during their teenage years, and if truth were known, it wasn't always pleasurable.
“No, it wasn't.”
“It wasn't?”
“Not really. It took us a while before we were fine-tuned to one another. I'm sure Roy always enjoyed it, it's easier for men, although I'm sure he enjoys it more now. I mean, it takes couple as while to figure out what one another likes. What they don't like. What works best for them individually and as a couple, it probably took us longer given our age in the beginning.”
Looking at her kid sister, Joanne could see Julie absorbing the words she'd just spoken, “Are you and Johnny having problems?”
“What? Oh…um…no. Actually, Johnny and I haven't had sex yet.”
“Oh…I…well…oh.” Joanne replied, a little shocked at this bit of news. It was natural for people not to announce when they'd been intimate with someone but realizing Johnny hadn't pressured Julie or taken advantage of her, especially since her sister had spent the night at his house, Joanne's guilty feeling towards her feelings towards her husbands partner deepened.
“I'm scared.” Julie blurted out.
“Scared of sex, or scared of Johnny?” Joanne asked.
“Sex, I think. I've never enjoyed it.”
“Oh. Maybe you need to stop worrying about it and just let it happen. I know that's easier said than done, but trust me on this. Despite what some may think, Johnny strikes me as the type of guy who'll move heaven and earth for his partner to enjoy sex.”
“How do you know?”
“For the most part, if a man's mature, which Johnny obviously is. Boy don't let him know I just said that.” Joanne laughed before continuing on, “If a man's mature, then sex isn't all about himself, it's about the couple and meeting the couples needs and desires. Why are you so sure you're not going to enjoy it? Do you experience pain?”
“No. I don't really experience anything.”
“How many time have you had sex?”
“Twice. With two different guys.”
“Well, it's awfully hard to enjoy it when you're with someone new each time. Not to mention I'm sure age had a factor in this.” She paused for a brief moment before asking, “Um…did you have foreplay?”
“No.”
“Well, gosh, what do you expect! Wham, bam, thank-you, Dan doesn't exactly work for most women. I don't think you need to worry, Julie. I'm pretty sure Johnny's going to be into the whole experience, if you know what I mean.”
“Mom, is it okay if I go to Suzy's house?” Jennifer asked as she approached the table.
“Is it okay with her mom?”
“Yes.”
“Okay, I'll pick you up at four.”
“Her mom said I could stay for supper.”
“I'll be right back, Julie.” Joanne said before following Jennifer to the other table in order to talk with the girl's mother. After chatting with the woman for a few minutes Joanne returned to Julie.
“Are you finished?”
“Yeah.”
“Let's go home then.”
“Great. I think I'm gonna take a bath tonight. I'm beat. Who would have thought training bra shopping could wear you out?” Julie laughed.
“What'll I do when she really needs a bra?” Joanne chuckled.
“Send her out with Johnny!” Julie howled.
Soon the two sisters' laughter could once again be heard throughout the department store.
Chapter EighteenWith Christmas only a few days away, Roy was starting to get anxious. His in-laws would be arriving later in the afternoon. He was thankful he was at the start of a twenty-four hour shift. He had come to think of it as a day's reprieve. Glancing at his partner, he asked, “You ready for Christmas yet?”
“No, you?” He finished tying his work boot.
“No. I still have to buy Jo something. You?”
“I still have Chris and Marco to buy for.”
“You pulled Marco's name this year, huh?
“Yeah. What about you?”
“Cap.”
“OH…now that's difficult.”
“Tell me about it. It took me forever to buy him something.”
Johnny's only response was a giggle and a slap on his partner's shoulder. He joined the others in the day room for a cup of coffee and said a small prayer that this day would go by quickly. Today was the twenty-second and the following day would mark the beginning of his two days off. Sure, he'd love to have Christmas day off, but after years of rotating the holiday, he didn't mind working it anymore. He felt bad for Hank, Roy, and Mike, who all had children. He wished they could spend the day with their families, but had to admit he was happy the crew would all be working together during the holiday.
“Mornin', mornin', mornin'. He chimed walking into the room.
“Morning, John.” Captain Stanley responded first. With assorted greetings by the others following.
After lining up for roll call and doing morning calibrations, the paramedics were on the road to Rampart General to stock up on the supplies they'd need for their first couple runs of the day.
Sitting behind the wheel, Roy drove the route by pure habit alone, as his mind was a million miles away. From the moment Johnny handed him the birthday gift for his sister-in-law, he'd decided he'd mind his own business where this budding relationship was concerned. But going over the conversation he'd had with Julie at the park a week earlier, he was having a hard time rationalizing his decision.
Julie was family, a sister of sorts, and Johnny his best friend. He would like nothing more than for these two to make a go of it and see it work. He had complete faith in his partner to navigate this rather awkward beginning stage, but had to wonder if Julie was helping to try and smooth the rather bumpy road. She was after all relatively young and he could only assume she wasn't entirely used to being open when it came to communicating her thoughts and feelings.
As much as he hated interfering, he figured Johnny might appreciate seeing this budding romance from a third set of eyes. “Uh, Johnny, do you mind if we talk about you and Julie?”
Turning to look at his bed friend, Johnny had a hard time disguising his shock. Roy was the last person in the world he thought he'd hear an opinion from. Since the day in the locker room when Roy hadn't objected to his asking Julie out, Johnny assumed that would be the last he'd here from his partner on the subject.
“Sure.” He finally answered feeling a bit uneasy.
“First, I want you to know I still don't mind you and Julie dating. You're both adults and quite capable of making your own decisions.”
“Kay.”
“But, uh…Julie mentioned to me the other day that you two haven't had sex yet.”
“Roy…”
“Johnny, here me out, okay? Once I've said what I have to say you can tell me to mind my own business and I will. Promise.”
Johnny didn't respond, just shifted in his seat.
“I don't know how much Julie has told you about her sex life before you, and I'm not about to give you any details, the little I know anyway. But I wanted you to know she's very confused.”
Johnny closed his eyes trying to squelch his growing uneasiness, figuring if Roy was insistent upon having this conversation, it must be for an important reason. He re-opened his eyes to find his partner staring at him.
“You okay?” Roy asked.
The younger man just nodded his head up and down. “You say she's confused.”
“Yeah. She told me about your offer to pay for her birth control. She thinks it may be your way of pressuring her into having sex with you.”
“What!”
“Don't get upset. I know you better than that. I see the offer for what it is, but she feels if you're paying for birth control, then you should be getting your monies worth.”
“That's crazy.” Johnny ran a hand through his hair. “I don't believe this.”
“Okay, calm down. Think about this with a level head, Johnny. What does her thinking tell you?”
While Roy backed the squad up to the hospital doors, Johnny took his partners advice and calmed himself down turning his inner attention to Julie's thoughts. Once the vehicle came to a complete stop he opened the door and jumped out.
The pair walked into the building and made a beeline for the nurses' station. While Johnny told Dixie what they were in need of, Roy made each of them a coffee.
“Are you two scheduled for Christmas?” Dixie asked once she'd gotten them their needed supplies.
“Yeah, how ‘bout you?” Roy asked.
“Nope.”
“Aren't you lucky, have any plans?” Johnny asked while sipping his coffee.
“I'm heading up to my brothers in San Francisco.”
“Sounds nice, have a good time.”
“Thanks, Roy, I will. So, what do you guys do while you're on shift?”
“We go about our regular work day, usually Cap'n Stanley's wife, Mike's wife, and Joanne provide us with a turkey dinner somehow. And when we can fit it in, we exchange gifts.”
“That's nice. It's a shame people have to work during the holiday.”
“Yeah, but it's a busy time of year for us.” Johnny replied.
“Yeah, us too.”
“Well, Dix, take it easy, see ya later.”
“You too, guys. Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas, Dix.” The paramedics replied.
~~51~~
Once the squad was back on the highway, Johnny turned to Roy. “She's been pressured in the past, hasn't she?”
“It would seem so.”
“What am I suppose to do”? I'm not trying to pressure her ya know. I'm just trying to be responsible, contraception isn't just her responsibility.”
“I know, Johnny. But I don't think she quite gets that. I tried to tell her, I just don't know if I convinced her or not.”
“Aww, man. What do I do now?”
“Continue to be patient.”
Squad 51…man down…39 Crawford Cresent…39 Crawford Cresent…cross street Wilmont…time out nine ten.
While Johnny responded to dispatch, Roy threw on the siren and lights while speeding towards their destination.
~~51~~
The following morning the guys all headed out to their respective vehicles while wishing everyone well. Their next shift would be Christmas Day, which always proved to be busy. It never failed they would get called out to at least a couple of house fires involving faulty tree lights. No one was looking forward to it. They wished each other some jolly days off, mostly because they knew that during the next couple of days each would probably be celebrating Christmas with friends or loved ones.
Johnny went home and climbed into bed for the morning. He was beat from combating a department store fire during most of the night. After waking, he took a quick shower and ate. Grabbing his keys, wallet and sunglasses he headed to the shopping mall, as he needed to finish his shopping for before the Christmas celebration at Roy's the next day.
Chapter Nineteen“Hey, Uncle Johnny!” Jennifer threw her arms around her father's partner.
Johnny untangled his arms from between himself and Jennifer wrapping them around her. “Hey, Jenny. Careful, don't wanna break the wine bottle.” He cautioned.
“Johnny, great you could make it. I take it the bottle isn't for Jennifer.” Joanne grinned.
“Nope, but some of these are?” He held up a shopping bag.
“What is it?” Jen asked.
“You know I can't tell you, Pumpkin. You're dad would kill me.” He winked at her.
“Can I put them under the tree?” she asked.
“Sure.” He handed her the bag.
“Roy and the others are in the living room.” Joanne nodded her head towards the general area.
Johnny quickly removed his shoes and followed a bouncy Jennifer into the living room. The sounds of the Beach Boys singing a Christmas carol played softly in the background. Gold garland hung from each corner of the room, criss-crossing in the center of the ceiling. The tastefully decorated tree sat in front of the picture window, but Johnny had to admit, seeing it from the inside, far outshone the view from the outside.
Walking further into the room, Johnny was assaulted by the aroma coming for many cinnamon scented candles scattered throughout the room. He always enjoyed the holiday at his partner's house. Joanne always made the house feel warm and inviting.
Roy got to his feet the minute he saw his partner enter the room behind his exuberant eleven-year old. “Hey, Johnny.”
“Roy, Mr. and Mrs. Pierce.” Johnny extended his hand towards Larry Pierce. He knew Roy's in-laws would be present but hadn't realized how nervous it would make him feel. He had no idea whether or not they knew he was seeing their daughter, and considering how long it had taken them to except Roy, Johnny felt ill at ease. Once the handshake with Larry was finished, he turned his attention toward Mary Pierce. He hoped none of the adults would notice how clammy his hand felt.
Taking the woman's hand in his, Johnny smiled widely, “Nice to see you, Mrs. Pierce, you look lovely this evening.” When did I turn into Eddie Haskell? Johnny wondered to himself.
“Johnny. Nice to see you again.” Mary responded.
“Thank-you. How was your drive?” he asked.
“Dreadful, I assure you. Larry never has been comfortable on the highway, and with all that traffic.” Mary rolled her eyes. “Nerve wracking.”
“Mary, must you exaggerate? I'm comfortable on those major highways, I'm just not comfortable having to share them.” Larry laughed.
“Hey, Uncle Johnny.” Chris waved as he entered the room. “Mom told me to give you this.” He handed Johnny a beer.
“Thanks, Chris.” Noticing everyone else had used Chris' entrance as an opportunity to sit, the lean man followed suit and plopped himself onto the sofa.
Having finished placing Johnny's gifts under the tree, Jennifer slipped onto the couch beside her “uncle”, leaned into him and curled her legs up under her bottom. Johnny found the actions a comfort and gently placed his arm across her shoulders while she hummed to the newest song playing on the stereo. Knowing the taste of music wasn't to Roy's liking, he figured either Joanne or one of the kids had put the record on. Taking a swig of his beer, Johnny's body stiffened when he noticed Julie enter the room from the hallway leading to the kitchen.
She carried a glass in one hand and a present in the other. She was wearing a soft baby blue dress that accentuated her eyes. Her hair was loose and fell softly over her shoulders, causing a softness to highlight her sweet face. But it wasn't her face that had caused his body to react. The dress emphasized her womanly figure to perfection. Taking in a deep breath, Johnny realized this was going to be one long night. If the tightening in his groin hadn't been clue enough, Mary's next words were.
“Johnny, I'm sure you've had an opportunity to meet our daughter, Julie, since she's moved to town?”
“Yes, ma'am,” he replied though his eyes met Julie's and not her mothers.
Julie smiled sweetly at him before placing the gift under the tree and quickly taking a seat next to Jennifer. Johnny glanced towards his partner who shrugged his shoulders. The gesture let the younger man know that Roy knew Julie hadn't told her parents, but didn't know why. It didn't take a rocket scientist to know the reason however. Being Christmas, Julie didn't want to upset the apple cart by announcing to her parents that she was dating, not only a man eleven years her senior, but a fireman no less.
Johnny groaned inside, hoping this night would fly by so he could quickly escape the uncomfortable atmosphere he was sure only he could feel. As Joanne entered the room, Johnny silently hoped Jennifer hadn't noticed the slight bulge in his pants.
Roy rose to his feet and took the tray Joanne was carrying out her hands and placed it on the coffee table. She took a seat beside her husband on the love seat and took a quick glance at her kid sister. Julie looked like a lost child. Joanne correctly assumed that Julie wished she were in Jennifer's spot, snuggled leisurely against Johnny.
While the adults sat quietly discussing first the weather, then Julie's academics, and then the latest energy crisis, Chris, who sat on the floor, and Jennifer played with a small simple electronics trivial game he'd received for his birthday months before. They took turns quizzing one another. Julie sat half-listening to the discussion on gas prices and half listening to the trivial questions the kids were asking one another. She realized she was too old for the game and yet felt out of place with the adult conversation. She didn't own a car, or a house, didn't pay for her accommodations at school, and so felt she really had nothing to contribute. So she sat quietly sipping her soft drink while casting long glimpses towards Johnny.
She'd known how handsome he was, but seeing him sitting there in the candlelight with his arm draped casually around her niece, Julie realized how comfortable he was in his skin and how that probably contributed to his looks. She noticed how his adam's apple gently bobbed up and down whenever he took a drink of his beer. She noticed the moment his arm left Jennifer's shoulders and came to rest along the top of the couch's back. She glanced at this hand and remembered the first time she'd noticed them. He'd been shifting gears in the rover. His fingers were long and his fingernails well manicured.
“Earth to Julie.” She suddenly heard Joanne calling.
“Uh…what?”
“Can you help in the kitchen?”
“Yeah, sure.”
The two walked out of the room leaving the new conversation of raising mortgage rates behind. Johnny watched the gentle sway of Julie's dress moving from side to side and remembered the first time that he'd noticed that provocative sway. It had been the night Chris had ended up in the hospital. He'd felt guilty back then, remembering how wolfish he'd felt at noticing his partner's sister-in-law in a sexual way. How quickly his guilt had disappeared. Now, he wanted more than just sexual thoughts, he wanted sexual acts as well. God, I have to stop thinking these thoughts while sitting with her parents he thought to himself. Running a hand through his hair Johnny forced himself to return to the conversation at hand.
“If you don't want mom and dad to know about your relationship with Johnny, then I suggest you stop looking at him like that.” Joanne informed her sister while turning off the burners on the stove.
“Like what?”
“Like you want to go to bed with him.”
“Joanne!”
“It's true. There's no other words for that look.”
“Oh.” Julie replied while taking down a bowl for the corn.
“I just thought you might like to know I noticed. Therefore, anyone else in the room could have as well.”
“Thanks. It's just so hard to be in the same room as he is and not sit beside him or touch him. Did you ever feel that way about Roy?”
Joanne smiled, “Yes, I still feel that ways occasionally. I'll admit it can be frustrating, but it's a nice feeling at the same time.”
“Please tell me it get better.”
“It will. Give it time. And don't forget, he probably feels the same way.”
“Really!”
“You bet.”
“Are the potatoes ready?” Mary asked while entering the room.
“Yes. The mixer is in the cupboard beside the stove, Mom.” Joanne nodded towards the cupboard in question. Her mother had agreed to make her famous mashed potatoes with oven roasted garlic for their Christmas dinner, which they were having on Christmas Eve so both Roy and Johnny could share in it.
Once the turkey was pulled out of the oven, Mary and Julie returned to the living room, letting Roy know it was his turn. Roy excused himself and headed into the kitchen to carve the turkey while his wife put the last minutes touches on her meal in the dinning room. She returned to the kitchen, pulled the bottle of wine Johnny had brought with him out of the fridge and uncorked it. Bringing it into the dinning room she placed it on the table and returned to her guests.
Soon the group was sitting at the table indulging in a feast cooked for a king. The conversations at dinner were held to more up beat and light topics that the energy crisis and mortgage rates.
Once the table had been cleared, the dishes deposited into the dishwasher and the leftovers packed neatly away in the fridge, the small party was back sitting comfortably in the living room with soft lighting and music. This time, Julie had managed to sit beside Johnny on the love seat before Jennifer had a chance. She had thought sitting beside with Jennifer in between them had been torture, she had no idea how difficult siting directly beside him would turn out to be. Especially when, unlike Jennifer before her, Julie briefly caught sight of the slight bulge in Johnny's pants, which quickly brought a rosy color to her cheeks.
Johnny crossed his legs with the hopes the movement would bring about some relief to his loins. He almost let out an audible sigh when the trick worked. Once again, he let his arm come to rest along the top of the love seat, but let it drop slightly forward so his arm was resting just above Julie's shoulders. Though the gesture went unnoticed by her parent's, Julie silently relished the movement. Knowing Johnny wanted nothing more than to be touching her.
When nine o'clock rolled around, the children were each told they could no open their gift from Johnny. It had become a tradition inn the DeSoto household that Roy's family and Johnny exchanged their gifts on whatever evening they were able to gather together.
Chris opened his first and loved the model train and paint set Johnny had bought him. He begged his parents to let him start working on it that evening but his request was flatly refused. His grandfather assured him he'd be happy to help him get started the following day when Johnny and his father were at work. Although he wanted to sulk, Chris thanked Johnny for his gift and settled in to watch Jennifer open her gift.
Jen, unlike her brother, took her time with the wrapping paper. Once it was completely removed she opened the medium sized box to discover a jewelry box inside. Johnny had noticed a few weeks before that she was continuing to use her Tinker Bell jewelry box and imagined the young girl would probably prefer something a little more grown up, now that she was heading into her pubescent years. Jennifer got up from her spot on the floor and wrapped her arms around Johnny's neck.
“Thank-you, Uncle Johnny. It's perfect!” She exclaimed.
“You're welcome. I'm happy you like it.”
“Like it, I love it!” She smiled and Johnny smiled back.
Both Chris and Jen reached under the tree and pulled out a gift bring it over to Johnny. “Merry Christmas, Uncle Johnny.” Chris said while Johnny accepted the box from the children.
Always feeling like a child whenever he had a chance to open a present, Johnny ripped the wrapping paper from the present just as Chris had. He opened the box to discover some fishing lures, fishing lines, and a new spool of his rod. Knowing how often he had complained at the station about how quickly his fishing gear were becoming relics, Johnny grinned and thanked the kids while throwing Roy an appreciative glance. Roy raised his beer in response.
The children looked delighted by Johnny's obvious pleasure in his gift. How often had they been bold by both his parents how much more gratifying it could be to give a gift rather than receive one, and they both felt their Uncle Johnny never failed to provide ample proof of that sentiment. He always seemed overjoyed by whatever they had given him for his birthday or Christmas. Even the time early on in their father's partnership with him when they had bought him an ashtray, not realizing he didn't smoke. To this day, he had the object sitting on a small table just on the inside of his door. They often saw him throw change or his keys into it.
Then the kids brought a gift over to Johnny and one over to each of their parents. As was part of the customary exchange, Joanne opened her gift from Johnny first, leaving the men to open theirs together. Joanne always felt Johnny over spent when it came to her family's gifts but Roy made her realize that Johnny had fewer people to buy for so could therefore spend a little more on their presents. So she wasn't surprised when she found a beautiful blue and yellow silk scarf insider her wrapped box.
“Johnny, it's lovely, thank-you.” She got up and kissed her friend on the cheek.
“You're welcome. I thought it would look nice with that blue pantsuit you wear to the kids teacher parent interviews.” He smiled.
“It's very pretty.” Mary spoke admiringly as she realized how well Johnny knew her daughter's family.
“Uncle Johnny always gives mom nice presents.” Chris explained.
“Looks like it's our turn.” Roy smiled to Johnny.
“Right.” Johnny smiled in return happy to have the conversation about Joanne's scarf dropped.
The two paramedics began to open their gifts together, while the DeSoto family waited in anticipation for Johnny's reaction to his present. They were also curious as to what he had bought for his partner.
Roy looked as pleased as punch to find he was holding onto a new tool kit and some clay for his pottery work. He had been complaining to the guys at the station a few months ago that he needed to get back into his hobby. Ironically it wasn't lack of time that had kept him from it, but the fact that most of his tools were in a sad state of disrepair and he'd been too lazy to go out and purchase a new set. As was usually the case, Johnny had been listening when Roy thought he hadn't been.
Johnny looked just as pleased with the new lens for his camera. “Boy, this is great. This'll really let me get some close up shots. Thanks a million.”
“Yer' welcome, thanks yourself.” Roy grinned.
Shrugging his shoulder, Johnny replied, “It was nothing.”
~~51~~
An hour later, Johnny was shaking hands with the pierces and wishing them a pleasant holiday. He gave the kids each a quick hug and Joanne a kiss on the cheek. Julie had retreated to the ladies room and found Johnny and Roy standing at the front door way saying goodnight when she walked by. Johnny caught her eye and motioned for her to stay put. When he was ready to leave and had said his thank-you and goodnight to Roy, the senior partner passed his sister-in-law, leaving the two to enjoy a few moments privacy. He was positive they had both longed for this all night long.
Julie stepped into Roy's vacant spot, “Night.”
Johnny grinned at the lovely sight before him. Despite the relative quiet of the evening, Julie looked warn out. He suspected it was the presence of her parents and the obvious nondisclosure of their budding relationship more than the hour.
Reaching out and taking her into his arms he kissed the top of her head. “I'll miss you tomorrow. It would have been nice if we could have been able to spend our first Christmas together.”
Liking the sound of the word first in his sentence brought a huge smile to Julie's face. The implication of course meant that Johnny was anticipating spending more Christmas's together. Looking up into his face and putting her arms around his waist she replied, “I'll miss you, too. I wish you could be here with us.”
“Yeah, well, someone has to work.” He frowned as he tightened his embrace.
“Just stay safe.”
“We will, always do.” With that he bent down and brought his lips to hers. The exchange grew more passionate within seconds. Neither one of them seemed able to breathe, the want and need was obvious to both. Neither of them wanted to spend the evening apart.
Coming up for air, Johnny grinned, “I really do need to get going. I should already be in bed and as it stands, I'm gonna need a cold shower when I get home.”
Feeling her face heat, Julie leaned it into his chest, “Sorry.”
“Hey, don't be. I'm kinda getting into the rhythm of this dance we're swaying too. It's a nice change from my previous bad habits.”
“I should let you go and probably get back in there before my mom sends out a search party.”
“Kay, sweet dreams.” Johnny once again leaned in for a peck this time a soft, gentle, and sweet one. After a few more smooches the two reluctantly parted.
The End.
A colossal thank-you needs to be given to Jen who managed to help me get the whole portion of the story out, I don't know what I would have done without her. Thanks, Jen! ~~Sharon