California Dreams by Jean Zahn

Description

About the author:

Currently I work as an educator and hold a master’s degree. I have that dream of becoming an author and quitting my day-time job. I have stars in my eyes, that’s for sure!

What inspired you to write your book?

I love the decade of the 70’s and the culture of rock music. I thought of this book as a kind of rock and roll journey. A fun filled ride of fantasy.

Here is a short sample from the book:

Rory went over to the next book shelves to see if he could get a sly glance at the girls. Oh yes, these girls weren’t from his school, but he knew them. He walked away. Paul found him. “I found what I want. How about you?”
“Yes, I found what I want, too, and their names are Sandy and Kelly.”
Paul smiled, “Which one do I get?”
“Think I care? Come on, let’s sit down and check out our books.”
“Yeah, sounds good, lets sit down and check out our books,” Paul repeated, which really meant, let’s sit down, act cool, and wait for the girls to come to us. And, of course, the girls did. Usually girls talked to Paul first, because he was known for being the nicer of the two gorgeous twins.
“Hi, Paul,” the girls said in unison, and then laughed.
“Oh, hi. It’s Sandy and…um…Kelly, right?”
Both girls immediately blushed. Rory stopped pretending to read. Conversation soon cropped up, and the next thing they knew, the girls were following the boys to the Brock house. The house was empty with a note saying their parents went out and would be back later that night. They’d left money for pizza. Perfect, thought Rory. He immediately wrote a note to Liz telling her to order pizza, and they would be in their rooms, not to be disturbed. The twins then took the girls to the basement that lead outside to their in-ground pool area and bar.
“Well girls, do you want to play pool or swim?” asked Rory.
Kelly replied with a small giggle, “Rory, its March. We can’t swim.”
“Pool it is then. What would you girls like to drink? Bar’s open.”
“Really?” gasped Kelly.
“Sure, I’m having a vodka martini,” said Rory.
The kids all have a drink of some sort.
“What kind of pool do want to play?” asked Rory.
They were already starting to feel good from the drinks, and one of them said they didn’t care. To be truthful, the girls were too happy about their fortune of running into the Brock twins at the library and being invited to their house.
“How about strip pool, Kelly?” Rory asked boldly. “You and me, against Sandy and Paul.”
Paul had just taken a big swallow of vodka, and literally spit it out of his mouth to keep from choking. A sly smile slid over Rory’s face.
“Yeah, sounds good to me,” responded Kelly, enthusiastically.
The pool game lasted about twenty minutes, and both girls’ tops and bras were off. Rory and Paul had their shirts and jeans off, and were down to their underwear. Rory was really enjoying this, as was Paul.
“Well, Kelly, what do you say I show you my room now?” Rory slid his arms around her waist and lightly kissed her neck. Rory thought he was going to explode before he could get her upstairs. The couples quickly gathered up their clothes and went upstairs. Rory and Kelly had some foreplay. Since Rory didn’t know her all that well, he knew he wouldn’t go down on her, but he’d make her cum another way. They fucked pretty hard, and Kelly left a nice sized hickey on his neck. She was practically screaming with an orgasm. They fucked twice, and Rory was dutiful, holding her close, and making out with her, too.
Some time had passed, and Paul and Sandy had fucked. Sandy could hear Kelly practically screaming with an orgasm. Sandy knew Kelly well (they were best friends, after all), so she knew Kelly was having just as a good a time as she was.
“Sandy,“ Paul said. “My folks are going to be home soon, and Rory has no sense to him. Do you want me to knock on the door, or do you want to?”
“I’ll do it, Paul“ she replied. “Let me wear your t-shirt and I’ll be right back.”
“Okay.”
Sandy put Paul’s shirt on and crept down the hall. She decided not to knock on the door; instead, she peered inside. Rory and Kelly were cuddling. How nice, she thought.
“Um Kelly, Rory?” she called out.
“Come on in, sweetheart,” purred Rory. Sandy entered the room and stood next to the bed on Rory’s side. “Paul said we should go. Your parents should be home soon.”
“Don’t worry, honey, Paul’s a worrier.” He touched her hand and said, “Come here.”
She obeyed.
Kelly smiled and said, “Rory, I have an idea.” Rory looked like Christmas had come early. Sandy quickly and quietly slid into bed. The two girls started making out, and instantly Rory was hard again.
Poor Paul waited in next room knowing what was going on. He shook his head and thought, they’re all sluts. But what could he really expect? These girls left the library without even checking books out for Christ sake. He just couldn’t be mad at Rory. But he knew it wasn’t Rory’s first rodeo with a threesome, just the circumstances were a little weird. He quickly got dressed and went down stairs to make sure the bar was clean and no evidence of drinking was to be seen by his parents. He went to the kitchen and got a coke, sat down to drink it and heard their dog, Zig-Zag, barking in the backyard. He went outside to investigate.
Mr. and Mrs. Brock had been out all night shopping, followed by a late dinner out. They were tired, and decided to head straight up to bed.
“Steve, what is that noise?”
“I don’t know honey. Go on to bed and I’ll check.”
“Okay, thanks.” And off to the bedroom she went.
Mr. Brock had a good idea what was going on. He went past Paul’s room, which sounded quiet. So he immediately went to Rory’s room. He didn’t bother knocking. Rory had just cum about as hard as he ever had. Boy, these two girls are bitchin’, he thought. Sandy was straddling Rory, and Kelly was sideways, kissing and sucking on her breasts.
Mr. Brock walked into the room and turned on the light. He was shocked and speechless. Rory didn’t seem to notice who it was, and neither did the girls.
“Paul, come and join us,” Sandy purred like a sex kitten.
“RORY!” Mr. Brock shouted. Rory started to turn around, and Kelly, who couldn’t see because she was too consumed with Sandy’s breasts, lifted her head and said, “Come on, Big Boy, join us.”
Disgusted, Mr. Brock immediately left the room to find Paul.
Paul and Zig-Zag were coming in from the yard. “Oh, hi, Dad.”
“Get those girls out of this house before your mother sees,” Mr Brock ordered. “And you and Rory meet me in the family room. I’m giving you all five minutes. Go, Paul!”
Paul shot off like a rocket to Rory’s room. Everyone just about had their clothes back on. “Girls, you’ve gotta go.”
In unison they whispered, “We know,” and left quickly.
“Did you have a good time, Rory?” Paul inquired.
“Um, yeah, Rory replied. “Did you?”
“Don’t sweat it. Yes, I did. Dad is downstairs waiting for us.”
“Fuck,” was Rory’s only reply.
Steve Brock was shaken by seeing his eldest son in bed with two girls, and the thought of Paul joining sickened him. He poured himself a generous glass of scotch and chugged in down in several gulps. What on earth could a father say to this madness? Rory and Paul came slinking into the room and sat down. Neither of them said a word.
“I will not let your mother know of this perversion,” Mr. Brock began. “It seems, Rory, you were rather busy. And do tell, what were you doing, Paul?”
Paul’s eyes widened. Rory was the one caught with two girls in his bed and the first question comes to him. Unfair. “Alright, Dad, I’m going to tell it to you straight.”
“Oh, please do.”
“Well, Rory and I went to the library and picked up those two…umm…girls and we both fucked them. I got up because Zig-Zag was barking, so I went outside to investigate and he was way down the street chasing the Allisons’ cat. I rounded him up and when I came back you were home.”
“Okay, your turn, Rory.”
“Well, Dad, when Paul left to get Zig-Zag the…um…you know, the other girl came to my room and she seduced me and the other girl.”
“Uh, huh, so then you what? Proceeded to have sex with them both, thought that was a good idea?”
“Well, yes, actually. I thought of it was a great opportunity to have sex with two gorgeous girls. Can you blame me? They just throw themselves at me, Dad. I’m a man. I couldn’t resist.”
“First of all, you are not a man. A man loves one woman like I do your mother. How would you feel if you came home to find me and your mother in bed with another woman?”
Silence.
“Dad, that’s different. You’re a married man. Be truthful, if you were young and had the opportunity like I just had, would you really pass it up?”
“Okay boys, I’m going to be truthful with you. No, I wouldn’t pass up an opportunity like that, but that doesn’t mean I like this one bit. And Rory?” he added.
“Um, yes, Dad?”
“You better hope that huge hickey on your neck clears up before you meet Mr. and Mrs. Star. See Liz for some makeup. Do not let your mother see that, got it?”
“Yes sir,” replied Rory.
“Go upstairs and erase any evidence that those two girls were here tonight. And all I have to say now is good night!”
Mr. Brock left the room.
Stunned into silence, Rory and Paul looked at each other.
“Are you upset with me, Paul?” Rory asked.
“Hell no, I would have done the same thing. Let’s go to bed.” A quick brother hug was given, and then they headed to bed. Liz had spent the night with Jenny, so before going to bed, Rory pocketed the money their parents had left for pizza.
Morning came, and pretty much everyone slept in. When it was time for a late brunch, the family ate together quietly. But Rory had snuck into Liz’s room and put some make up on his hickey, which, of course, didn’t cover it. So he just wore a turtleneck instead. Rory stayed and helped his mom with the dishes. “I’m giving each of you kids a hundred dollars today,” his mother told him. “So go buy some new clothes for tomorrow. How are you with shoes? Need some new ones?”
“Actually, I could use a new pair, and I think Paul could, too.”
“Okay, I’ll give you more money then,” she replied. “Oh, by the way. Did you have fun with those girls last night?” Rory’s face instantly turned the darkest shade of red that was humanely possible. “What are you talking about, Mom?”
“Well, I saw Paul getting the dog and I heard two girls in your room. Your dad went downstairs, I’m guessing to talk to you two knuckleheads and I peeked out the window. Really, Rory, you should be ashamed.”
“I am, Mom. Dad doesn’t know you know.”
“Oh, I already know that and I’m not telling him I know. I hope you used condoms, and I am making that plural, son.”
“Mom I don’t want to talk about this.” With that, he got up and went to his room. Of course, he’d used more than one condom. If only she really knew how many. Sometimes he amazed himself with his own sexual exploitations. He still could not believe some form of severe punishment was not awaiting him.
Paul and Rory decided to shop with the money their mom gave them. “Why did you tell mom we needed shoes?”
“Well, Caption Obvious,“ Rory replied. “Because now we have more money.”
Paul simply stated that their mother would want to see the shoes.
“I know. We’ll get some on clearance and keep the rest of the money. She won’t ask.”
“You can get shoes on clearance. I want to look good.”
“Well dumbass,” Rory ranted. “The clearance shoes are the same, they just used to be expensive. But do what you want.”
It was Saturday afternoon. Mr. and Mrs. Brock were going to meet the Stars at the hotel that evening and then the family would meet them the following evening. Town was busy. The boys entered another store looking at shoes. Rory went up to the counter and who was there working, none other than Kelly.
“Good afternoon, handsome,” she greeted him.
Rory looked up, and for the second time in less than 24 hours, his face shone red. “Well, Miss Sexy,” whispered Rory, and Kelly smiled big. Just about that time, Paul noticed and inwardly shuttered. Kelly was helping Rory try on shoes.
“So tell me, Kelly. Why are you working here. Don’t you live out of town?”
“Yeah, but I’m dorming at the college now. So I’m working here. It’s not too far from the campus.”
“Oh,” was all Rory managed to get out.
“Well, hey there, Kelly. How ya doing?” Paul asked.
“Great,” she replied., smiling big. “Can I get you a size? You take a size 13, right?”
“How did you know?”
“Easy,” she said. “I saw Rory’s shoes last night when we were playing pool. Remember, you guys had to take your shoes off?”
“Yeah, right. Oh, Rory aren’t you looking for shoes on clearance?” Paul thought he’d make a joke of it and razz him.
“Yes, I am.”
Incredible, thought Paul, identical in almost every way, on the outside anyway.
Needless to say, they both couldn’t wait to leave the store.
“Did you hear?“ Rory roared in the car. “Kelly’s at Pitt State, too, and she’s apparently working in town. Just great, I’ll never get rid of her now.”
“Well, it will be a little bit weird. Bro, you should have never fucked them both. Honestly, what goes through your head?”
“I’m not even going to answer, St. Paul.”
Soon they were at the next store looking for clothes. Paul was looking for a cool tie. He was thinking skinny, something with print and color. He wanted a new shirt, too. Paul liked to look nice and wear nice things. Actually, Rory did, too, but he always bought everything on sale or clearance so he could pocket the rest of the money. Paul liked that they came from old family money, so he didn’t much worry about how much anything cost. He knew his father appreciated him wearing the tie to meet his new partner, so he didn’t bother to tell Rory that he’d given him additional money for clothes. Paul decided on a very pale yellow dress shirt and a floral tie. Rory laughed his head off at the floral, but it was becoming quite popular for men at the time. He also knew when the time came, and he and Paul eventually switched places (which usually took place in school), he might have to wear some ridiculous, floral-patterned tie.
“Hey, Rory. I’m going to buy mom a scarf, okay? I’ll be right back.”
“No, I’m done, I’ll come with you, Paul.”
They proceeded to the women’s accessories. Paul knew Rory probably only came to see which girls he might know would be shopping in that section.
“Really, Paul, this purse section is quite popular, look around.”
“Listen, let’s pick out a nice scarf and get out of here. You don’t need any more trouble.”
A devilish grin passed over Rory’s face, and he went right to the clearance section.
Paul didn’t. He wasn’t going to buy his mother something on clearance, really. Paul picked out a beautiful printed scarf with just a bit of fringe. He looked back to where Rory was, and of course, he was holding a scarf and asking some girls about it. “Yeah, it’s for my mom,” Paul heard Rory say to the girls. “Can you help me pick out something pretty? My mom really deserves something nice, she does so much for us, but I’m on a limited income.” Which was, of course, a complete lie. One girl said her mom worked at the store part time, and she would get a discount on top of the clearance. Rory turned to look at Paul, who was fast approaching. Rory grinned from ear to ear, and Paul rolling his eyes. Paul turned around and went to pay at a different register. He wanted to go, but Rory was busy flirting, and batting his eye lashes, and leaning low on the counter so his face could be up close to the girls‘.
Eventually they left.
“You know I love those redheads,“ said Rory. “And I managed to get a phone number.”
“Of course you did.”
Eventually, they got home with all their purchases. Their parents were busy with last minute household changes for the upcoming dinner the next day. Instead of the regular one or two housecleaning ladies, three women were there when the twins entered the living room. All three of the ladies were listening intently to Mrs. Brock, who ran the household. Rory and Paul came in, and Rory winked at one of the younger ladies, while Mrs. Brock was talking. “Alright, boys, all finished shopping?”
“Yes, mom, and I bought you something.”
“Oh, Rory that was so thoughtful.”
Rory pulled a seemingly expensive scarf (however, very cheap for him with the clearance price and the discount) out of a shopping bag and handed it to her.
“Wow, this is exquisite. My, and quite expensive, too.”
Rory had pulled off the many clearance stickers to show the original price.
When Paul saw the original price, he glared at Rory. “I bought you something, too.” Out of his bag came a gold wrapped scarf box with a silver bow.
Now it was Rory’s turn to glare at him. When did he get that gift wrapped, fucking brown-noser.
“Mom, I had it wrapped in silver and gold because, although you’re our mother, you are like a friend, too. Now, how’s that saying go, silver new friends and gold for old friends, right?”
His mother immediately melted under such sweetness.
Rory smiled and thought, Well, you silver tongued devil.
When she opened the box, her eyes widened; apparently, she had been wanting that particular scarf for a while. “Oh boys, come over here and give me a hug.” Both boys hugged and kissed their mother. Paul headed upstairs, while Rory went down to the laundry room.
“Well, hello there,” Rory said, acting surprised that the younger cleaning woman was doing laundry.
“Hi yourself, big boy.”
“Yes, I am, ma’am.”
He couldn’t believe the woman blushed. She had to be ten years older than him, easy.
“Hey, kid, how old are you?”
“Old enough.” He came close to her, very close, and he sensed she liked it. “You’re new here. My name is Rory.”
Basically that was all it took, and the next thing he knew, he had her in an adjoining closet. He was hoping this older woman could teach him a thing or two, and she did.
Rory knocked on Paul’s room a short while later, and waited for his brother to tell him to come in. That was one of the rules in their house. No barging in on anyone.
“Rory, why is your hair so messed up?”
“You know why, Bro.”
“Jeez, Roar, you are the horniest dude on the planet!”
“Oh, you just didn’t try, Paul.”
“Roar, I didn’t even think to try. My God, we just both gave Mom a really nice present—”
Rory interrupted, “Yeah, and when did you get yours gift wrapped?”
“You are missing the point. We give our mom a gift, and right afterwards you run to the laundry room to fuck the new maid?”
Smiling, Rory grabbed Paul’s brush, and looked smugly at himself in the mirror. “Yes I did,” he said. “And why should I feel bad about it? Good God, we’re twenty, not a hundred. Nothing wrong with getting laid as often as possible.”
“Yeah, okay. Good point. Should I go down there and fuck her now, too?”
To that, Rory said, “Yeah, if you want. I’m done.”
“Get out, Rory! I’m gonna take a nap.”
Rory went to his room, which was very nice, like Paul’s. But he had a king sized bed, instead of a full like Paul’s bed, and he also had a couple black lights with glow posters for them. He plopped down on the bed, took out a National Geographic magazine from the bedside drawer, and proceeded to read. He ended up reading himself to sleep. He was woken by his sister, Liz, calling him to come downstairs, because Mom and Dad wanted to talk. He was not looking forward to this. Would he be punished for last night? Somehow, he was sure he would. Before going downstairs, he quickly brushed his teeth and threw some water on his hair. The water would make his hair curl up, and he knew his mother loved his hair. He threw on a nicer shirt to show effort.
Everyone was in the family room, waiting.
“Your mother and I are leaving to meet the Stars,” Mr. Brock said. “Liz, you may go out until eleven.” He turned to address the boys. “As for you two, I don’t want you out of the house tonight, and no one here in this house. Do you understand? Same for you Liz, no one over tonight. The catering staff will arrive tomorrow and things will be busy. Are we clear, Rory?”
“Absolutely clear, Dad.”
Liz innocently asked what time they would be home. Her father answered that he imagined it would be late, with drinks at six-thirty in the hotel bar, followed by a dinner at the best, and most expensive, steakhouse in town.
“Well, Mom, I have to say, you look beautiful,” Paul said. “And you’re wearing the scarf I bought you.”
“Thank you, dear,” Linda said. “All righty, then we’ll see you later. Oh, and Liz, eleven, no later.” She went up the stairs. Linda Brock loved her children like a lioness. She wanted to give them a heads up. She knew Steve would make Rory cut that beautiful hair off if he kept his wild behavior up. Yes, Linda knew what went on in the house, she just didn’t let on to her husband that she knew. She was the lady of the house, but he wore the pants, as it should be, she thought. The kids knew this to mean their folks would be back by eleven.
“No one over in this house,” Steve Brock repeated, and followed his wife. The kids heard the car pull out.
“All right then, no one in the house,” Rory said. “So I guess that means the bar is open downstairs and they’ll be home shortly before eleven.”
“Rory, no, please,” Paul begged. “You know if you keep this up, Dad is going to make you cut your hair.
“Yeah, Rory,” Liz pleaded. “Let’s just stay in and play pool or something.”
“Remember, you can go out until eleven,” Rory told her. “Hey, I’m staying in the house, or at least the patio, which technically is not “in” the house.”
“You know, it’s really not,” Paul said. “So let’s get the guys over, just for a few drinks and a card game. Let’s tell them three hours tops, to make sure we have enough time to clean up, and make sure the pot smell is gone. I know they won’t want to see Dad, but better safe than sorry.”
Liz grinned. She had to think about this. Go out, or stay in and flirt with their friends. “Ya know I think I’m gonna stay here and party with you guys. I’m going to invite Jenny, okay?”
“Sure sis,” Rory replied. “Or shall we start calling you Puff the Magic Dragon now?” He laughed.
“Ha ha.” With that, Liz went off to call Jenny.
Soon they were playing cards and drinking with Michael, Justin, George, and Tim. They all went to school together. These boys used to played football, not basketball like the twins. Michael still played for Pitt State.
Jenny and Liz came in.
“Changed, did you, Liz?”
“Shut up,” Paul snapped. He knew Rory would run his mouth and probably embarrass poor Liz or Jenny.
“Jeez, just saying.”
While the girls got beers and sat at the bar, the boys continued to play cards. Paul noticed Jenny was drooling over Rory, and he couldn’t believe his eyes when he noticed his baby sister was doing the same with Michael. Not good, there was no way, no way that was going to happen. Michael and Rory had a lot in common when it came to how they treated women.
The three hours went by quickly, and everyone had fun. Of course, Rory managed to flirt with Jenny, the only other girl in the room. Paul would not let Rory get this girl though. She was just too nice. It wasn’t going to happen. He’d punch him in the mouth if he had to. Michael was getting fresh with Liz, and she flirted back.
“Time to go, Michael,” said Paul. “My dad will be home in, what, Rory, about 5 minutes?”
Rory looked up from Jenny’s smiling face and saw what was going on with Michael. He stood up abruptly, clapped Michael on the shoulder and said, “Yep, boys, time to go. We’re meeting the Bow Wow sisters from California soon, you know. Their parents are in town, and we’re having one of Dad’s social dinner parties. Paul here is even wearing a tie.”
“I would, too, if your dad was my dad,” said Michael. He gently put his hand on Liz’s cheek and said good-bye.
“I’ll walk you guys out,” said Rory.
“We know the way, Roar,” Michael said, laughing.
“Ah, I know, dumbass. I’m brushing up on my social skills, come on.”
Outside by Michael’s car, Rory leaned over and warned Michael, “Hey friend, my baby sister is off limits. Don’t try that again.”
“Oh, come on, she’s hot—”
Before he could finish talking, Rory grabbed him by the collar and sternly said, “Mike, we’ve been friends since Kindergarten, but I swear on Paul’s life, I’ll beat you to death.” Rory’s face was a mask of rage.
Michael was taken aback. He sat down in the car, and just said, “Cool, brother, later.”
Rory returned to the house. Paul had shooed Liz out of the bar. She was seeing Jenny out. She was going to stay at her aunt’s house a few houses down. Jenny’s life wasn’t the charming, all-American life the Brocks led, but everyone accepted her into their social circle anyway. She was nice, good looking, and smart. It was okay if Liz had friends that weren’t like them; actually, the whole circle of friends was a hash-mash anyway. The Brock kids ran with a diverse group.
By Sunday evening, the house was a bee hive of activity. The caterers were there. The family had been using the same company since Rory and Paul were small children. Their food was high quality and very good.
“Everyone in the family room,” demanded Steve Brock. The Brock family stood. Mr. Brock approved of everyone’s attire, especially Rory’s turtleneck, as he was still hiding the large hickey from Friday night. Tonight, Linda Brock was wearing the scarf that Rory had gotten her.
“Tell us, Mom,” Rory said. “What are they like, this Mr. and Mrs. Star?”
“Oh, well, Tom Star is very tall like you, Paul and your father, and he’s blonde. His hair is a shy bit long. Don’t you think Steve? Will he have to cut that for the practice?”
“No, love,” Mr. Brock replied. “He’s a partner; we can’t tell him how to wear his hair.” He added, “Listen, I’m going to check to see where Tom and Mary have gone to, probably the bar. Everyone on their best behavior, manners and all that.”
With that, Mr. Brock went to find his brother and sister.
“Give us the goods, Mom.”
“What’s the wife like?” Liz asked.
“Well, she’s very pretty and young. Blonde, too.”
“How old?” Rory asked, grinning.
“Lets just say over 25 and under 30.”
At that remark, Paul said, “No way, Mom. Why is Dad hooking up with this guy? Are we having financial trouble or something?”
“Don’t look into this more than what it is,” his mother replied. “Yes, he’s bringing clients and money into the practice, but guys, the practice is growing. So much so that your dad and uncle have had to hire more attorneys to take the large case volume. So no, we are not having financial difficulties, Paul. But you are very perceptive. I honestly don’t know why your father is “hooking up” with Tom Star, but I will share with you that both your dad and your Uncle Tom are…um…for lack of better words, going through a mid-life stage.”
“What’s that mean, Mom?” asked Rory.
Linda looked up the stairs to make sure Steve was not in the area. “Think about it Roar, look at you and Paul. You’re both so young, and good looking, and you have your whole life ahead of you. You can do anything. Your father didn’t really have a choice. Grampa told him he would go to college to be an attorney. And you know Grampa, your father did what he was told. Why do you think he’s lenient with you?”
“Is that what you think, Mom?” Rory said in a serious tone.
“Listen, Roar, we are not going to talk about this in front of Liz. Think about Friday night and you tell me.”
“What happened Friday night?” Liz inquired.
“Never you mind. Go say hi to your aunt and uncle.”
“Alright!” She stomped her way out of the room.
“Um, I think this conversation’s over,” their mother said.
Rory replied, “We should really go say hi, too.” He couldn’t wait to leave the room; it was getting uncomfortable with his mother again. “Come on Paul.”
“Roar! Give your aunt Mary a kiss and hug,” cried Mary. “You too, Paul. Get over here, boys.”
Hugs and handshakes went around the room.
“Have you boys stopped growing yet?” Uncle Tom asked, with a bourbon in his hand.
“Don’t know,” answered Paul.
“Have you guys started any of your law classes yet?” asked Uncle Tom.”
Hold off that conversation,“ said Steve Brock. “I’d like to make a toast. Where in the hell is Linda? I hired help, and I bet you she’s up there helping the help.”
“Cool it, Steve, I’ll go check,” Aunt Mary said. Mary knew her brother wanted to divert that conversation. Steve wanted his boys to go into medicine, or even politics. Politics might help the firm, too. Who wouldn’t vote for one of those boys, just on looks alone? “Anyway, cheers to everyone!”
“Dad, that was lame. Can Paul and I have a martini? We’ll be twenty-one soon, ya know?”
“Rory, you and Paul won’t be twenty-one until October. However, under the circumstances, yes, you may have a martini.”
Well, to Rory that was license to drink. He wondered when his father starting drinking. He looked at Paul and could tell Paul had that same thought. Before Rory could get to the bar, Paul was already handing him a martini. “Better start before Mom sees.”
“Hey, Dad wears the pants and makes the rules, she won’t say anything,” stated Rory. “Bet you fifty bucks.”
“Normally, that would be too much, but how about double?”
“Seriously, a hundred dollars?”
“Come on, man up.”
“You’re an asshole.”
Linda Brock came down with her sister in law. “Mary, are you drinking a martini?”
“Yes, and I’m dry.”