Chapter 26: A father’s warning

Janet hadn’t ever felt apprehensive with Wes, but she certainly did now. 

Why, she wondered, was he looking at her like that, as if she weren’t dressed –or perhaps he was thinking of undressing her himself?--and why had he closed his bedroom door?  Granted he hadn’t locked it, but still… why? It made her a tad uneasy. Did he plan on doing her harm? Had she inadvertently gotten him thinking of that sort of behavior just because of her wise-guy remark about the playboys? More importantly, was she now in trouble?

Damn it! Her father was right. She was too naïve for her own good and too trusting too. Her thoughts went zooming back to that uncharacteristically serious discussion she had had with her father. It was the last time she recalled really chatting with him. That was just a few weeks before her parents separated. 

“Janet baby, come here a minute. I need to tell you something,” Jeffery had said looking unusually grave.

“Did I do something wrong, Daddy?” she asked allowing him to take her hand and pull her onto the couch next to him.

He smiled and kissed the tip of her nose. “When have you ever done anything wrong? You’re perfect.”

She giggled. “Silly Daddy.”

He stared at her for a long time his expression clouded. “You’re birthday’s coming up soon. Can’t believe you’re going to be sixteen! Kids just grow up too quick. You’re getting so pretty too, and that’s when the trouble starts,” he said ominously.

“Huh?” Janet said utterly confused. “How is getting pretty trouble?”

“Boys will start to notice you. They’ve already noticed your sister and that’s troubling enough, but you…”

“Wait, shouldn’t Jasmine be here too then to hear this?”

“I had this talk with her years ago, when she first started being boy crazy,” he said, frowning. 

“So, like…when we were in kindergarten?” Janet said smiling impishly.

Jeffery laughed. “Not quite that far back, although, it might not have been a bad idea,” he retorted. 

“Why did it take you so long to get to me?” she asked.

“It’s just…Jasmine and you are very different.”

“No, we’re not,” she said shaking her head.

“You are,” he said, now glancing over his shoulder and lowering his voice. “I’m going to tell you something, but you can’t tell Jasmine. It could hurt her feelings and I don’t want that.”

“Okay. What is it, Daddy?” she asked her eyes wide in wonder.

“You’re smarter than Jazzy. Book smart I mean. She’s more…savvy though. Do you understand?”

“No,” she said frowning now.

“You’re much more naïve,” he said softly.

“I…I am?” she squeaked.

“That’s not a bad thing,” he said quickly. “ It’s just…I worry about you.”

“You don’t worry about Jasmine?”

“Believe me, I do. fathers worry all the time about their daughters, especially when they’re boy crazy."

“But I’m not boy crazy, Daddy,” she said smiling. “You don’t have to worry.”

He gazed into her big brown eyes and smiled sadly. “No, not you,” he said wistfully. “You will have a boyfriend soon enough, though. So, I want to prepare you, so boys don’t get a chance to hurt you.”

Her eyes grew huge. “You think they’re gonna…what….break my arm or something?” she shrieked.

“Oh, baby, if it was only a broken arm. No, I’m talking about emotional hurt.”

“Um…okay,” she said, looking confused again.

“I’m sorry, I’m not doing this very well. Okay,” he said stealing himself. “This is the thing. Teenage boys are ruled by hormones.”

“Okay,” she repeated.

“Everything they do and say is for one reason, just one. To get what they want most of all,” Jeffery said staring intently into her eyes as if willing her to read his thoughts so he needn’t say the words aloud.

“Um…what do they want?”

Jeffery sighed. “What nature tells them they must do. To procreate.”

She gaped at him. “Wait, you’re telling me boys want to have babies?” she asked, incredulous.

He hung his head and muttered, “I’m making a mess of this. No, baby, they don’t actually want the babies. They just want to… to do the act which results in babies.”

She blinked a few times. “You mean sex,” she said boldly.

“Yes, Janet,” he said endlessly relieved.

“So, why do you think I gotta know this? I’m not gonna have sex! I belong to the To-thine-own-self-be-true-club,” she said.

He frowned. “A Shakespear club?”

“Why does everybody say that?” she said, rolling her eyes. “Has nothing to do with him. It’s a club for girls in school who just don’t want all that stupid sex stuff to spoil everything. Did I tell you? Amanda Barker is pregnant! Third girl this year. So stupid! With all the birth control out there and everything and still…”

“Honey, that’s just it. She probably had no intention of even having sex. Her boyfriend probably tricked her,” he said earnestly.

Janet gaped. “How do you know that?”

He suddenly looked very guilty. “It…it’s what they do,” he mumbled, looking away.

Janet stared at her father for a good long while. “Did…did you do that…when you were a teenager? Did you trick girls into having sex with you?” she asked, holding her breath. "Did you do that with Mom?"

“Janet,” he said grabbing her hand and squeezing it. “Not all boys are bad. That’s not what I’m saying. But the thing is, it’s hard to tell the good ones from the bad ones especially when you’re so young and inexperienced. Even the good ones are ruled by hormones, you know, and things can get out of hand so easily without any intent. Some guys are like that. They sweet talk and lie and tell you you’re the best girl in the world. They’ll do anything and say anything to …to get you to give in. They’ll even tell you they love you and maybe they believe it themselves cuz at that moment lust can feel like love and…”

“So, lust makes them lie to get sex. Okay, that makes sense,” she said.

“I just want you to be aware because a broken arm heals quickly enough but a broken heart…not so much and sometimes it never heals,” he said, his jaw clenched as he gently brushed his knuckles along her soft cheek. “I swear if any punk-ass kid hurts you, I’ll kill him! Do you understand?”

Much to his astonishment, Janet giggled and threw her arms around his neck. “Don’t worry, Daddy. I don’t ever need a boyfriend cuz I got you! You’ll never hurt me.”

Jeffery smiled and held her close, his heart swelling with love. “I’d sooner die, baby.”

Had it really been only 5 months ago? She had been so happy then. She loved her father beyond reason and then….Just a few weeks later her world was shattered when her parents had a blazing row and her mother kicked Jeffery out of the house.

Her heart pounded frantically as she watched Wes smile at her. That sexy smile, she thought suddenly, could be the equivalent of lies, couldn’t it? He needn’t even utter a word and he could get a girl flat on her back. She swallowed hard noticing as she did so, that her mouth was suddenly very dry and her hands shook.

Feigning a casual attitude she didn’t quite feel she moved around the room looking at anything but the large, comfy bed with the dark wood headboard. She focused on a poster of a pretty blonde St. Paulie girl on one wall. She glanced at a half-naked, seductively posing Jessica Alba on another poster and wondered if Wes saw Janet that way. Was Wes at this exact moment thinking of tossing her onto his bed and having his way with her? Her heart gave a little jump at the thought and when she felt Wes’ hands encircle her waist she actually did jump and backed away from him.

“What are you doing?” she asked, amazing herself to find her voice had not betrayed her nervousness.

“Nothing,” he said, predictably.

“That again,” she muttered then added in a clear yet playful voice, “You said you were going to be good.”

“I’m sure gonna try,” he retorted, that sexy grin in place as he took a step closer. “I wouldn’t want to disappoint my yenta.”

“Very funny. Are you thinking of doing nasty things to me?” she said casually, again taking a step back.

“Nasty, no. Awesome, definitely,” he retorted, taking a step closer and reaching for her.

She swiftly pulled away. “Let’s try that again. Are you planning on raping me?” she asked point blank.

He paused for a moment wondering if she was serious. He stared, but seeing her face lacking fear, he assumed she was kidding so he grinned. “The first girl I get into my bed will want to be there, I can assure you,” he said.

“Ah,” she said, nodding pensively. “So, it’s the second girl that’ll have to worry.”

He burst out laughing and grabbed her hand before she could evade him again. “You’re so much fun,” he said caressing her cheek and kissing the tip of her nose. He then released her, went to his desk and turned on the computer.

Janet didn’t know what to think of that move. Had her imagination run away from her? Had Wes never thought of harming her? Perhaps she wasn’t so naïve after all. Maybe she could trust him. Her father’s warning, however, still rang in her ears.

Chapter 25: Meeting Cynthia Wesley

“Wow! This is some house,” Janet said, her eyes opened to their widest as she looked avidly around the foyer. 

“We like it,” Wes retorted.

“Oh, Wes!” she said, excitedly going to a large portrait opposite the door. “This must be your mother.”

She stared at the most beautiful woman she’d ever seen. Her hair was long, black and curling, just like the lashes which fanned so perfectly around large, midnight black eyes. Those eyes, Wes’ eyes, held mischief and her smile seemed playful. In all, the woman had a distinctly happy aspect. It made you long to be with her, to know her.

“She’s so beautiful!” Janet gushed.

Wes stood behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders as he too looked at his mother’s lovely face. “She was,” he said, sadly.

 Janet suddenly remembered this woman was no longer on this earth. This loving wife and mother was dead due to some stupid drunk with a car. Angry tears filled her eyes. She knew Wes missed her dreadfully as she would if it had been her own mother who was dead with only her portrait left as proof she had been here at all.  

She grabbed one of his hands squeezing it. “I wish I could’ve met her,” she mumbled.

Wes wrapped his free arm around her waist and pulled her close. “She would’ve loved you,” he whispered in her ear.

“You think?” she said, both surprised and hopeful.

“Positive,” he replied, kissing her cheek.

For several minutes they stood like this simply staring at the portrait and enjoying the feel of each other. Finally, Janet sighed and slowly turned around. Wes looked so much like his mom yet he lacked that decidedly happy aspect she had, at least at the moment. She so wanted to tell him something, anything to make him feel better, but not finding the proper words she did the next best thing. She hugged him.

“I’m sorry about your mom, Wes,” she said quietly.

Surprised, Wes smiled and held her tight. “You’re so sweet, Janet…just like my mom,” he said.

She lightly kissed him. “You’re not so bad yourself, Mr. Genius,” she said. “Um, will you show me your house?”

Taken aback he said, “Really?”

“Please?” she said pouting a little.

“How could I say no to my yenta?” he retorted, taking her hand and leading her first to the formal living room. “I think you can guess what this is.”

“Yes,” she said smiling impishly. “It’s the kitchen.”

He chuckled. “Smart girl.”

Janet ooh-ed and ahh-ed throughout the first floor, loving the house. Wes seemed to be enjoying showing her the house and her reaction until he brought her to double sliding pocket doors and he just stood there staring at them.

“Um, Wes, are you okay?” she asked after having waited a full minute.

He nodded absently. “I don’t go in here…much,” he said gruffly. “It’s my mom’s office.”

“Oh,” Janet said, touching his arm. “We don’t have to go in there.”

“It’s okay,” he said, squaring his shoulders before throwing the doors open. He let Janet enter first.

Feminine and efficient, Janet thought as she moved further into the room and looked around. It was a sunny, airy room with large floor to ceiling windows covered with lacy curtains and overlooking the formal gardens.  At one end of the room, a comfy sofa with a large floral print sat in front of a massive stone fireplace. Twin bookcases flanked this each full with leather bound books. As Janet got closer she noticed one was full of famous and not-so-famous novels, thrillers, romance, mysteries and classics. Oddly, the other held books from only one author, a Cynthia Wesley.

Janet had heard of this author and even read a few of these books. She was one of her mother’s favorites, too. Then, Janet turned and spotted several New York Times best seller plagues and other impressive romance novel writer awards on the walls beside the shelves. They all bore the same name Cynthia Wesley. She gaped at these and read them over and over again. She then turned to Wes, the question apparent on her face.

“That was my mother’s pen name. Her real name was Margarita Esperaza Cabrera Sabastian. Not exactly as easy to remember as Nora Roberts or Stephen King. Her agent told her it wouldn’t sell, so she changed it to Cynthia Wesley. Her children’s names put together,” he said dispassionately.

“Wow,” Janet whispered in awe. “I know you said she was a writer, but I never thought she was someone I would know. There must be hundreds of her books here. I’m gonna read all of them now that I know who wrote them! I heard once that writers pour a little of themselves into their stories. JK Rowling did. I’ll bet your mom did too. I can get to know her through her stories. Maybe I can. What do you think? Wes?”

Janet tore her eyes away from the books to see if Wes was even still there. He was, but it didn’t seem he heard her at all. He stood just barely inside the door with his fists stuffed deep into his front pockets. He stared miserably at the beautiful, antique white and gold wooden desk which sat at the other end of the room. It was lovely yet somewhat messy and disorganized with notebooks, sundry sized scraps of scribbled on paper, folders, brochures, pamphlets and books on topics as diverse as astrology, forensic evidence, baby names, mythology, medicinal herbs, drug interaction and criminal profiling. All this surrounded a dusty computer monitor and keyboard with several letters worn off, probably from overuse. 

This, Janet could see quite clearly, was the center of a very successful creative writer’s world, one which she would love to explore if only to get to know how it all worked, the putting together of a novel. But she merely glanced at this. It was Wes which concerned her at present. The sad, lost little boy expression on his face broke her heart.

She rushed to him and forced a smile on her face. “Come away, Wes. I have to go home soon and I haven’t seen the rest of the house,” she said as cheerily as she could muster taking him by the arm and out of the room, closing the doors behind them.

She led him to the curving staircase at the front of the house all the while chatting nonstop about anything that popped into her head. It was the only thing she could think of doing. It was how she saw her mom deal with her sister when her husband had been killed in the war. You have to try your best to distract them. That way they don’t feel as bad as they might otherwise. 

“Have you lived here all your life? It’s such a great house…twice the size of mine. You know, I may get lost here. You better draw up a map for me or I’ll get lost on the way to the bathroom,” she  teased.

By the time they reached the top of the stairs, she managed to get Wes to smile ever-so-slightly.

“Is this your room?” she asked pointing to the first closed door.

“No, that’s Cindy’s room,” Wes said, as he reached for the doorknob.

“Oh, we better not go in there. She might kill us!” she said, feigning fear.

“You may be right,” he agreed. “The room at the end is my dad’s and the one across is a guest room but this one, is mine. Before I let you in, though, I should warn you.”

“Hmm, a typical teenage boy’s room? Posters of half-naked girls on the walls and playboys under the bed?” she asked smirking. “I’ll try to divert mine innocent eyes.”

He chuckled and scooped her into his arms, squeezing her tightly. “Thanks, Janet.” He wanted to say so much more, but he couldn’t.  He figured she wouldn’t want to hear it anyway.

“Um…okay,” she said.

“What I was going to say was that it’s messy,” Wes said after he released her.

“Oh, well, I can handle that,” she said dismissively.

He stared at her for a few seconds and odd thoughts popped into his head. He pictured himself carrying Janet over the threshold as if they were newlyweds, the both of them falling onto his unmade bed and…

“Wes, are you okay?” she asked, her soft, warm hand on his cheek. “I don’t care if it’s messy.”

“Uh…yeah…right. Sorry,” he mumbled, opening the door. He frowned as he walked in and looked around. “What the…?”

“You call this messy? It’s cleaner than mine!” Janet said laughing.

“I thought the house seemed much cleaner. I think my dad finally got a maid service to come. I didn’t think they would come in here though,” he said grumpily.

Janet patted him consolingly on the arm. “I’m sure they didn’t take your playboys,” she said, trying to hide a grin.

“I don’t have any,” he said genuinely smiling now.

“Penthouse, then?”

He laughed. “You are so…”

“Unreasonably clothed?” she suggested innocently. “I’m not playboy material anyway.”

He stared at her grinning and took a minute to thank God for the best girl he’d ever have in his bedroom. He then went to the door and closed it until it clicked.

Chapter 24: Nothing phony

“You come from a rather entrepreneurial family,” Janet said as she waved goodbye to Billy and Joanne, her two newest friends.

They had had a wonderful time joking and talking as she and Wes watched Billy devour enough food to feed a small army. Janet supposed he had to eat that much just to stay alive. He was huge; almost twice the width of Wes and about five inches taller.

Wes scoffed as he buckled up, started the car and drove on. “Billy’s dreaming! His grand delusion of being a talent agent is ridiculous. He’s in for a rude awakening if he thinks it’s gonna be that easy. It takes more than a would-be baseball player not even out of high school and a singer to make it in that business. If he expects it to happen just like that,” he said snapping his fingers. “It’s just not gonna happen. He’s sadly mistaken if he expects Marc and Luke to be his meal tickets to fame and riches.”

“But they said Marc is really good, that he really could make it to the major leagues,” Janet said.

“Janet, there’s good and then there’s major league good. Marc may be in the top one percent of high school kids wanting to get into pro sports…maybe. To make it to the majors, he’d have to be in the top one percent of the top one percent. I just don’t see that happening.”

“And Luke?” Janet asked.

“Truthfully? Luke is the most musically talented person I know. He can pick up any instrument and learn to play it within minutes…perfectly! He’s amazing!”

“And he can sing, too?”

“He’s a great singer,” Wes said.

“So, then Billy’s right. He could be big if…”

“Well, here’s a secret that I don’t think anyone knows. Luke’s just not that ambitious. He has zero desire to be a rock star, to be famous and whatever else that comes with it. Sure, he loves to sing and he loves music and he’s really good at it, but he really doesn’t get a thrill out of all the attention. He hates it actually. And he hates that his dad pushes him in that direction. He wants Luke to be the next Justin Beiber or something!”

“Luke told you this?”

“Not exactly, but I see how he is when people ask him to sing. He’s modest about it, almost embarrassed. Does that sound like a rock star in the making?” Wes asked pointedly.

“No, I guess not, but everyone says he’s just awesome. When someone’s that good, they will be famous whether they want to be or not, won’t they?”

Wes laughed. “I don’t think it works that way. You gotta want to be a star to become one and I just don’t see him wanting it…unless he’s changed. It’s been more than three years since I’ve seen him.”

“Three years? Wes, he could be a totally different person now! I’ll bet he’s almost the next Justin Beiber already. At least in this town. Would explain all his fans coming to me to hook them up with him. Idiots!” Janet said derisively.

Wes laughed again. “Ah, my poor yenta has to deal with Luke’s fans even before he’s a rock star.”

She shrugged. “I can usually make them see reason.”

“How?” he asked curiously.

“I tell them he’s got a girlfriend already and they better pick someone else, someone’s who’s not a rock star,” she said. 

"Not sure that'll work. Some girls just don't take no for an answer. They see a guy they want, even a married one and they're all over him. Kinda sick," he said derisively.

Janet frowned thinking about that. She couldn't imagine someone evil enough to try to break up a couple like that, but she knew they did in fact exist. She couldn't help hating them.

They fell silent but after a bit she spoke again. “Are you really going to do a website for Joanne for free?” 

“Sure, why not? She’s almost family or will be when they do get married. I still can’t believe that,” he said turning onto his development. 

“But it’s your job, it’s how you make your money. If you give it away…”

“It’s no big deal, Janet,” he assured, pulling into his driveway and turning off the car.

“Is this your house?” Janet incredulously said looking up at the large Tudor style home. “It’s beautiful!”

“Why don’t you wait until you come inside to say that? It’s probably a mess like usual,” he said, stepping out of the car and going around to her side. He opened her door and held out his hand to her. “Come on. I got something to show you.”

She gave him an impish grin as she took his hand and stepped out of the car. “Not sure I should. My fath…someone once told me never to trust a guy when they say that. They might show me something I won’t want to see.”

Wes laughed. “How about if I promise to be good?” he asked.

“Hmm…that might be okay if…” she stopped, her smile slowly vanishing when he stepped closer to her and put his hands on her hips. “What...what are you doing?”

“Nothing,” he said, stooping down and kissing her softly.

That most definitely was not nothing, not to her. Her heart pounded frantically and her head buzzed, even after he pulled away from her. It took a while for her to realize she was clutching at his shirt. She opened her hands and pushed against his chest. It was like trying to move a boulder.

“What do you have under here? A bullet proof vest?” she asked.

“No, that’s just me, my pecs,” he said.

“Pecs? What’s that?” she asked frowning slightly.

“Pectorals. Chest muscles and if you keep touching me like that, I’m gonna have to touch yours,” he said.

“ I don’t have chest muscles like this,” she said innocently.

 “I’m sure I could find something enticing to rub in the general area. You have wonderful pectorals, Janet.” He laughed when he saw her eyes widen in shock and her mouth fall open.

“I can’t believe you just said that!” she said, trying not to smile. “You shouldn’t even be looking at my...my pecs.” 

“Least I’m just looking,” he reminded her.

She swiftly pulled her hands away. “Um, sorry.”

“Do I look like I’m complaining?” he said. “It’s all about equal rights, you know.”

“Equal rights?” she said, making a face at him.

“Sure… tit for tat,” he said smirking.

“Wes!” Janet shouted, trying desperately not to laugh. She failed miserably. 

They both burst out laughing and it took a while for them to stop. When they did, Wes wrapped his arms around her and held her close. Janet seemed to melt against him and he loved it.

“See? Any other girl would have smacked me for that,” he whispered in her ear.

“I’m not too sure I won’t yet,” she replied, breathlessly.

“No, you won’t,” he said, pulling back just far enough to look into her eyes.

“How do you know?” she asked.

He smiled and pushed a strand of silky hair out of her face. “You get me.”

“I do?” she said, incredulous. This was news to her!

“Yeah, you’re very comfortable.”

She looked her confusion. “What am I… an easy chair?”

He laughed and kissed the tip of her nose. “I mean I can tell you anything. I can be myself with you.”

Her eyes widened in surprise. “Who else would you be if not yourself?”

He stared in awe. “That’s why you make a perfect… friend, Janet. You’re real. There’s nothing phony about you. I’m definitely gonna keep you.” 

Before she could respond to that he pulled her close and kissed her again. Head too fuzzy to think, she just clung to him until he abruptly pulled away.

“What?” she said.

“We should get inside before the neighbors call the moral police on us. Come on, I already promised I’ll be good. I never break my promises,” he said taking her hand and pulling her toward his house.

Janet, however, wasn’t too certain about that.

Chapter 23: Billy and Joanne

Three stops and two and a half hours later, Wes was done for the day and he was glad of it. However, he wasn’t at all happy to think his time with Janet may be at an end. He sat in the car watching Janet savor every tiny bit of the first piece of baklava. He was starting to wish he was one of those sticky honey-drenched pastries.

Janet had her eyes closed as she allowed the sweetness to flow through her straight to her soul. At least, that’s what it felt like. Baklava had that big an effect on her. She sighed and opened her eyes with a satisfied smile on her face. That’s when she noticed Wes staring at her with an odd expression on his face.

“What?” she said, licking her lips nervously.

“I didn’t say anything,” he replied, giving her his sexy grin.

“These are so good it’s like…like going to heaven,” she said, feeling slightly embarrassed, licking her fingers.

“Don’t tell me, cuz they’re to die for, right?” Wes asked, smirking.

She giggled. “Yeah. I’m so selfish though. Here, you should try some,” Janet said holding out the last  bit to him.

He shook his head. “No, you have it. I’m enjoying watching you enjoy it.”

“Huh?” she said, not at all understanding that.

He laughed. “Eat it. I don’t want it,” he told her.

“Are you sure? It’s really good,” she said. When he shook his head again she added, “You don’t know what you’re missing.”

“Hmm, that’s true. Okay then. I will try it,” he said. But instead of taking her offering of the treat still in her hand, he leaned over the middle console and kissed her. “You’re right, it is good.”

Janet’s heart did a back flip and her mind went blank as she stared into his eyes. “I, uh…I meant the…the baklava. You should try this.”

“No, thanks. It can’t possibly taste as good as my yenta,” he said.

See? It was stuff like that which utterly bewildered her. Wasn’t that the kind of thing a real boyfriend would say? But Wes didn't have to do that, not with her. She wasn't the one to convince, was she?

“Go on. Eat it,” he said, taking the pastry box off her lap and closing it over. He then placed it on the back seat and smiled. 

She did have the last bit all the while watching him watch her. “Good idea taking them away. I was thinking of having them all.”

He chuckled. “You know, Janet, you never did answer me,” Wes said. “Maybe you didn’t want to hurt my feelings.”

“About what?” 

“You didn’t say if you thought I needed practice,” he replied, now putting his arm behind her so he could play with her hair.

“Practice?” she said, utterly confused.

“If you’re willing to help me out, I’ll practice with you until you think I’ve got kissing near perfect,” he said, watching her expressive face for any clues. “I hate doing anything half-ass. So, what do you think? Am I any good? Do you think I need loads of practice?”

Was he kidding? She felt his kisses down to her toes, and everywhere in between! Wasn’t that how all the romance books described really good kissing? Of course, she couldn’t tell him this. For one thing, he’d get an overly inflated head and for another, he wouldn’t need to “practice” with her anymore if she told him the truth, that he was great. She really kind of liked kissing him and consequently didn’t want it to stop, but she couldn’t tell him that either. He’d think she was falling for him, and she definitely wasn’t doing that! At least she didn’t want Wes thinking she was. So, how was she going to say this without giving herself away?

“How would I know? You’re my first try. We could be doing this all wrong,” she said in a snippy voice.

“Believe me, we’re not,” he said seriously.

“And how would you know? You said I’m the first one you’ve kissed. So, how would you know? You’ve got nothing to compare it to, just like me.”

“I just know,” he said, staring fixedly into her big brown eyes.

“But how do you know?”

“Cuz it feels right,” he replied, his hand now caressing her cheek. Before she knew it, he was kissing her again.

 Questions popped like bubbles in her head, gone before she got a chance to touch them. It did feel right, just like he said. 

“How does it feel for you?” she whispered before she could stop herself.

“Awesome,” he said, putting his hand behind her neck and pulling her closer. The gear stick was digging into his ribs, but he didn’t care. He just wanted his moment to last forever.

Tap-tap-tap. 

Wes heard it as a faraway sound and ignored it. 

Rat-a-tap-tap-tap. 

The sound was more persistant this time, but still he ignored it. Only Janet mattered right now. To hell with everything else!

“Wes! How about coming up for air?”

That did it. Wes pulled away and stared at Janet. She was breathing heavy, too and she had her arms wrapped around his neck so tightly he couldn’t move.

“Billy,” he said.

“What?” she said, loosening her grip on him.

“It’s my cousin Billy,” Wes said grinning at her. “We don’t have to convince him you’re my girlfriend.” He kissed her again, then straightened up, grimacing. The gear stick might have broken a rib.

Janet looked around Wes and saw peeking at them through the driver’s side window a very cute boy with dancing brown eyes and long wavy hair several shades lighter than Wes’.   

“Billy, what are you doing here?” Wes asked, coming out of the car.

“Nice to see you, too,” Billy replied wrapping his huge gorilla arms around Wes and hugging him so tightly it surely hurt. It did knock the air right out of his lungs.

Janet tentatively came around the car and stood next to Wes taking his hand.

“I’d ask how you’re doing, but I can see for myself,” Billy said with a devilish grin. “You’re Janet. You’re even prettier than Dad said. I’m Billy. Really good to meet you.”  He then stuck his hand out.

Janet shook it and smiled. 

“Are you coming or going?” Billy asked.  Wes and Janet exchanged puzzled looks before turning back to him. “Of the restaurant...are you going in or coming out? It’s a simple question.”

“Oh, coming out. They’re a client of mine. Just finished up. How about you?” Wes said.

“Going in. Just waiting for Jo-Jo. I guess you wouldn’t know, but we finally hooked up. We’re getting married, too...someday,” he said ruefully.

“What?” Wes said shaking his head. “I thought it was Becky getting married.”

“She is. Mom and Dad are going nuts about it, but we don’t care,” he said, unperturbed. He grinned at Janet. “Hey, you can come to the wedding...if there is a wedding. We might just elope. We’ll let you know.” 

“You're not serious. You’re still in high school,” Wes said needlessly.

“Now you sound like our parents,” he said dismissively. His face suddenly lit up as he gazed over their heads. They turned to see a very pretty and tiny girl with long curly hair and startlingly blue eyes bouncing towards them. When she saw Wes she gasped and she ran to him.

“Wes, I can’t believe it’s you!” she said jumping into his arms and hugging him tightly.

“Hi, Joanne. It’s good to see you. Pretty as ever,” he replied as he let go of her and put his arm around Janet. “This is Janet,” he said proudly.

“Oh, I’ve been so anxious to meet you,” Joanne gushed.

“Eager,” Wes interjected.

“Huh?” Joanne said.

“I think you meant to say you’re eager to meet Janet not anxious, unless you’re nervous,” he replied.

Billy and Joanne exchanged dumbfounded looks.

“He’s just like his mom,” Joanne whispered, although quite audibly.

“Tell me about it,” Billy retorted.

Janet giggled.

 Joanne shook her head as if shooing away an annoying fly and continued. “I’ve so wanted to meet the girl that has Wes all smitten. How did you manage it?” Joanne asked excitedly.

Janet suddenly looked like a deer in the headlights. “Uh, I got a virus on my computer,” she said, shrugging.

 They all laughed.

“Have you asked him yet?” Joanne said to Billy.

He shook his head. “I’m starved! You know I can’t think when I’m hungry,” Billy said.

“That would mean you never think, cuz you’re always hungry,” Joanne said pouting.

“Ask me what?” Wes asked suspiciously.

“Just a favor and cuz I’m your favorite cousin you’ll do it for free,” Billy said.  He then grabbed Wes by the arm ushered them all into the café.

“But we just had lunch a couple of hours ago,” Janet said.

“Billy, we’re not eating,” Wes said.

 Billy ignored them and forced Wes onto a tall stool. Almost before the waitress could even tell them her name, he ordered enough food for all of them and then turned to the others saying, “So, what do you guys want?”

“We already told you. We’re not hungry,” Wes said.

“Come on, share a smoothie of something. It’s on me,” Billy said.

“You suddenly rich or is this a bribe?” Wes asked. “Whose computer is down?”

“No one’s. We want you to design a website for Joanne,” Billy said.

“Yeah? Selling naked pictures of yourself, Jo? You’ll be a millionaire by next week,” Wes told her smirking.

“No, wise guy. Billy has convinced me to sell my clothing designs online. Amy’s my first customer. I’m designing a wedding gown for her. Oh, you probably don’t know! She and Marc are getting married possibly before they graduate, but we’ll see. It’s all in the planning stages,” Joanne said happily. She smiled at the shocked faces staring at her. “No, I’m not kidding,” she added.

“Amy didn’t mention any of that, did she?” Wes asked Janet. She shook her head. “I’ve missed a lot.”

“What I want to know is what in the world have you guys been smoking?” Janet asked, almost angry.

 “You’ve got your entire lives ahead of you, so why would you want to ruin it by getting married?”

Billy and Joanne stared at her, astonished. “It’s called love, Janet. You know, fireworks and hearts ablaze, never wanting to part. Love. I love my Billy,” Joanne sighed, gazing lovingly at him. He leaned forward and kissed her softly.

“Love my Jo-Jo,” he whispered.

Janet felt faint. Fireworks? Hearts ablaze? That sounded dangerously close to what it felt like to kiss Wes. No-no-no! Love, sickening, crazy, mindless love like she saw between Troy and Jasmine and now Joanne and Billy wasn’t going to do happen to her. This thing with Wes was just make-believe, a ruse, just pretending. Yes, she told herself calmly, she had nothing to worry about. Nothing at all.

Just then, Wes grabbed her hand, smiled and her heart did a tumble. 

Or did she?

Chapter 22: Pity it isn’t real

 Wes entered his car checking his cell for messages. There were three. 

“I have a few more stops to make. They’re over in Port Orianco, though. Do you want to come with me?”

Janet’s eyes widened dramatically. “Are you planning on leaving me here?” she whined.

He burst out laughing. “No, you funny girl. I thought maybe you were getting bored. I could take you home first or…”

“No! I…uh…I’d like to come with you… if it’s okay,” she said, feigning a casual attitude she didn’t feel.

“Yeah, it’s okay,” he said, unable to keep from grinning. God help him, but he loved spending time with this girl and maybe she did too. 

“I’m learning loads you know,” she said.

“Are you? Like what?” he asked curiously, starting the car and pulling into traffic.

“Oh...loads…about how to run a business, you know?”

“Okay. That is why I brought you,” he countered and they lapsed into silence.

“Wes?” she said, at last.

“What?” he said, stopping at a light.

“Do you know my father?”

Taken aback he made a weird face before answering. “I never met him, remember?”

“You might have done some work for him, fixing up a website for him or something?” she said.

“I would remember if I did. What’s his name?  What does he do for a living?”

She gaped at him. “You mean you don’t know?”

He shook his head. “Should I?”

“I thought everyone at school knew. Fummel? As in Fummel Jewelers over in Port Orianco?”

“Really? Jeffery Fummel is your dad?” he said, incredulous.

She gasped. “So, you do know him!”

“Not, you know, personally, but I’ve been to his store. My dad always bought jewelry for my mom there and I bought a nice little charm bracelet for my sister this summer,” he said staring at her. “I should’ve known. You look a lot like him… only…you know, much prettier.”

The car behind him honked when the light changed to green. Wes absently waved and moved forward. He then frowned. “But what does me knowing your dad have to do with anything?”

“Uh…nothing, just…wondering,” she lied.

“Are you sure?” he asked, not at all believing her.

“Yep,” she said.  “So… um… where to now?”

“Papa Franco’s bakery,” he replied.

“Oh, I love that place! Have you ever had their baklava? It’s to die for!” she gushed.

Wes laughed. “Then I’ll buy you a dozen or two. Gotta keep my yenta happy.”

“And fat! I’ll gain thirty pounds if I eat all that!”

“Then share them,” he said.

“No way, they’re too good for sharing,” she said.

He laughed again. “Well, then I’ll buy you… four pieces. How’s that?” he asked.

“Make it two and I’ll lov…like it very much,” she said, shyly looking away.

“As you wish,” he said, grinning.

Twenty minutes later, Wes was hunched over the computer screen with Janet looking over his shoulder.

“Did you design this one, too?” she asked into his ear. "It's beautiful!"

“Yep,” he replied. 

“You do good work, Wes,” Janet said. “But does a bakery really need a website?”

“Need one? No, but it’s increased their sales about forty percent in less than a year, so….”

“Seriously?” she said completely aghast.

“They ship all over the state now. I remember someone telling me their baklava is to die for,” he said, smirking. She playfully pushed him then giggled.

“Wow, that’s awesome! I told my father to get a website so he could increase his sales, but he never listened to me,” she said angrily.

“We can stop by his shop and…”

“No!” she snapped.

He turned and stared at her. “It’s no problem. I don’t mind helping him,” he said.

“But I do. He doesn’t deserve it,” she muttered, turning away and folding her arms over her chest.

Wes sighed and turned to the computer screen. The moody Janet was back again. He knew better than to try to get anything out of her, but at least now he knew it all had to do with her dad, just as he thought. He applied himself to updating his client’s website instead of worrying about it.

“There it is, all done,” he said several minutes later. “Now to get my yenta some yummy goodies.”

“You don’t have to, Wes. I was just kidding,” she said, coming out of her reverie to stand next to him and take his hand. 

“You mean you don’t like their baklava?” he asked.

“I love it, but you don’t have to get me any,” she replied.

“Sure I do,” he said, pushing her hair from her face.

“Why?” she asked.

“Cuz that’s what boyfriends do for their girlfriends, we buy them stuff they like,” he said just before kissing her lightly.

“Wes, you shouldn’t do that here,” she whispered, nervously looking around.

“Why not?”

“It’ll get you in trouble again. Remember last time at the sawmill? It’s not professional,” she said earnestly.

Wes grinned. “And that’s why you make such an awesome girlfriend, Janet. You worry about me… and my business,” he said. He kissed her again then led her out into a fray of customers who shouted their orders to three frazzled looking counter girls plus the owner.

“Uh, maybe next time?” Janet said. “You still have those other clients to see yet.”

Before Wes could reply, a very pretty girl with long glossy black hair and stormy gray eyes approached him. 

“Hello, Wes. Do you remember me?” she asked, smiling brightly at him.

“Amy! Hey! How are you?” Wes said, obviously surprised.

“I’m well, thanks. And you?” she asked.

“Good…great actually,” he said, putting his arm possessively around Janet and bringing her forward. “Meet my girlfriend, Janet Fummel.”

“Hello, Janet,” Amy said. “Related to the jeweler?”

Janet and Wes exchanged looks.  “See? I told ya!” she said.

“Guess I’m the last to know,” he said, laughing.

“Yeah, he’s my dad. My great-grandfather started it though,” Janet said to Amy.

“Yes, it’s one of the oldest stores here. How nice,” Amy said. She then turned to Wes. “I haven’t seen you since… the funeral. How are your sister and father doing?”

Wes shrugged. “Good.”

Amy smiled sympathetically and nodded. “Well, I guess I’ll see you at the party.”

“Party?” Wes repeated.

“The engagement party,” Amy said, looking perplexed. “I know it was last minute and all, but you do know Rebecca’s getting married, don’t you?”

“My cousin?” Wes shouted, incredulous.

Amy laughed. “None other and you’ll never guess to whom. Like I said, very sudden.”

“She’s not…” Wes whispered the last words, “Pregnant, is she?”

“I…I couldn’t say, but I doubt it. They’ve only been together for a week,” Amy said. “Anyway, I should be going. I told Marc I’d meet him after I got these.” She held up the string-tied box then added, “Janet, it was really nice meeting you and I hope to see you on Sunday.”

“Why would you see me on Sunday?” Janet asked, bewildered.

Amy laughed. “I assumed you’d come with Wes to the party.  I’m sure everyone would love to meet you. Bye!”

Wes stood dumbstruck staring at Amy’s retreating back, her long silky hair swaying from side to side as she moved through the crowd. “I can’t believe Becky’s getting married and no one bothered to tell me.”

“Well, you heard her, it was sudden. Don’t see how she thinks I should be there, though. They don’t even know me!” Janet said.

This statement brought Wes out of his stupor. “You gotta come with me, Janet. Please!”

“But why? I don’t know your cousin,” she said.

“But she knows about you. She’s Billy’s sister,” Wes said almost frantically.

“No, she’s not. You said her name was…”

“Rebecca, we call her Becky.”

“Oh…”

“By now, my Uncle Rob and Aunt Beth would’ve told them about you. If you don’t come they’ll think…”

“That I’m not really your girlfriend.”

“Yes! Exactly. You gotta come,” Wes said, earnestly.

Janet stared up at him and smiled. “Guess we’re going to a party.”

Before she knew it Wes had her in a brutal embrace and was kissing her soundly.

“You are the best girlfriend ever,” he said before kissing her again.

In a blur she saw him chatting with the bakery owner, Papa Franco and in what seemed like no time, she was sitting in the car with Wes beside her driving away.  On her lap she held a string tied box very similar to the one Amy had. It was full of her favorite baklava, too.  However, all she could think of was that kiss and what Wes said. 

If she didn’t know better--and in all truth she didn’t-- she could’ve sworn Wes was the best boyfriend ever, too. Pity it wasn’t real.