Friends with Benefits Ch. 06

"Yes," he replied. "I assumed it was to be closer to you and Robert."

She shook her head. "I wish. She moved to be closer to Marcus." Veranda's voice grew uncharacteristically bitter as she continued. "I guess they'd grown close."

John didn't need a roadmap to know what Veranda was implying. After his divorce from Becca was final, she had moved to San Antonio. DeShawn had an extremely serious training accident shortly thereafter.

Whether for good or bad, DeShawn hadn't died right away. His body had been broken, almost beyond repair, but he hung on for over a year. So strong in life, it was no surprise that he battled so long and hard for his life. It was a bitter stroke of luck, but he was able to meet his sons, twin boys, before he finally succumbed to his injuries.

John and Bethany had attended his funeral. He remembered Marcus sitting next to Becca, his arm around her shoulders. It hadn't seemed odd at the time, but obviously Marcus had continued to 'comfort' her after the funeral was over.

What a fuckin' douchebag.

"Once my son was out of the picture, Marcus moved right in. He married Becca about a year after DeShawn passed away."

Robert's voice, hardened with bitterness, reached them. "We weren't even invited to the wedding. Becca said Marcus wasn't comfortable having us there."

"Wow," John said. "She never mentioned anything to me. Like I said, she always came to San Antonio to see Bethany. She never shared any personal information, and I obviously didn't ask."

"Yeah. She has become very good at not sharing information," Robert observed. He walked over to the BBQ grill and tended the burgers. "Sorry I had to leave. I get worked up about my grandkids."

"It's fine, Robert." Jessica added. "We understand."

"Eventually we found out that Marcus left the military as well. He'd gotten an offer to work with a military contractor, and the money was good. At least that's what Becca told us."

Robert shook his head. "From where we were sitting, it seemed like he just wanted to get away from being married. He was gone more than he was at home. She tried to put a happy face on their marriage, and we got the sense she worked hard to make their marriage successful."

"But she was married to a playboy," Veranda added. "It's not our place to judge, but I'm sure you can imagine. Their marriage struggled from the start. We get pictures of the boys pretty often, but we haven't seen her, or my grandsons, in six months."

John's eyebrows rose in surprise. "She's only a few hours away."

"As often as we see those boys, you'd think she lived in Alaska."

"Grandma! Grandpa!"

Bethany's happy voice stood in stark contrast to the mood around the table. It washed over them like a cool breeze, and everyone looked over.

"Watch!"

Laughing almost hysterically, she launched herself into the air. At the height of her jump, she tucked herself into a tight ball. The splash she made was large, and she was giggling when she surfaced.

"Dad taught me the cannonball. How big was my splash?"

"Huge!" Robert shouted back. "You almost got all of us wet!"

She swam over to the edge, and proudly declared. "I will next time!"

Veranda put her hand on John's arm. "That's why we appreciate the job you're doing with Bethany."

"I wish things had gone easier for Becca."

Robert and Veranda nodded without replying, and silence settled over the table. It was broken only by the sounds of Bethany playing in the water. Everyone watched her play, and marveled at the unique way she had of devoting herself completely to having fun. It was a talent only children had, and it existed only for a little while, before they inevitably grew out of it.

The burgers were excellent, and they managed to coax Bethany out of the water with a burger, chips, and Big Red. It was her favorite soda, and it sealed the deal. She caught her grandparents up on her life. She announced that she thought boys were gross, and she wanted to live on the beach. She thought Justin Bieber was weird, and Taylor Swift was cool.

Jessica insisted on helping Veranda clean up after lunch. Robert changed into his swimming suit, and got into the pool with Bethany. John sat in the shade, nursing his second beer, and enjoying his daughter playing with her grandfather.

"John," Jessica's voice broke into his consciousness. "Come in here, please."

It was her tone that caught his attention, and when he turned, her expression cemented everything.

There was a problem.

Before he even made it out of his chair, he heard raised voices. Too far away to make out what they were saying, he hurriedly pushed passed his wife.

"I'm so sorry, Veranda. I didn't know what else to do, or where else to go."

John rounded the kitchen, and stopped short. Becca, his ex-wife, stood in the foyer crying. Two young boys, only a few years younger than Bethany, clung to her legs. Veranda had her hand on Becca's shoulder, and was saying something that he couldn't hear.

She wiped her eyes, and ran her hands through her hair nervously. "It's Marcus. He's been drinking again, and I don't...I just don't know. He scares me."

"It's okay," she replied. "You're safe here, honey."

Her voice was soothing, and she put her arms around Becca's shoulder. She started to guide her into the formal living when both women saw him standing there. Becca stopped, her mouth dropped open, and her face flushed a deep crimson. Veranda motioned with her head for John to give them some privacy.

"Boys!" His voice was light, filled with excitement, and he motioned over his shoulder. "Guess what's going on out back?"

The two boys looked at him in surprise, and it was obvious neither of them was going to answer. A stranger was talking to them, and their natural shyness came to the surface.

"Swimming," he said, as dramatically as possible. "We've got burgers, chips, and we're swimming out back." He motioned for them to come over. "Y'know what else?"

The two boys were hooked now. They shook their heads, and their eyes were glued to him. "There are more boys than girls out there, and I need some help. I'm outnumbered and outgunned! I need two more guys on my team. C'mon!"

They might not have followed him, but Veranda caught on, and so did Becca. They convinced them to follow him out to the pool, and within a few minutes, the boys were splashing in the water. They'd met Robert before, and seen Bethany a time or two, so the familiar faces helped.

Jessica hugged him lightly when he got a chance to rejoin her at the table. The smile on her face was filled with pride, and approval at how he'd handled that situation.

There is one sound in the universe that is pure. Children's laughter. It's undiluted, unadulterated, and so pure it sings with happiness.

That sound is what John enjoyed most about watching the kids. Whatever was going on with Becca could wait, because right now their children were having fun.

Becca and Veranda finally came outside. They walked over to the table, and sat down with John and Jessica. His ex-wife still looked embarrassed, but she put on a brave face, and smiled at both of them.

"Hi, John. Jessica. How are you?"

"Fine, thanks," Jessica answered first. Her voice and her expression were neutral.

He smiled at his ex-wife. "We're good, thanks for asking. How about yourself?"

She sighed loudly, and rolled her eyes. "Been better."

Veranda patted her hand lightly. "John, would you get her something to drink?"

"Sure," he said. "What would you like?"

"Soda is fine," she replied.

When he returned with the soda, he placed it in front her. He hadn't been that close to her in years, not since before their divorce, and time had changed Becca. It had changed them both, but he got the distinct impression that her life had been filled with a tremendous amount of stress. There were wrinkles around her eyes that were unusual for someone just past thirty, and her hair looked...well it looked different. A small scar stood out at the corner of her mouth. It hadn't been there when they were married.

If Becca noticed his attention, she didn't give any indication. She glanced up at him, nodded her thanks, and turned her attention back the table. Jessica had engaged her in conversation, and between her and Veranda, they kept Becca talking. After a few minutes, he decided the women didn't need him, so he wandered back into the house, and changed into his own swimming trunks.

Robert high-fived him when he jumped into the pool, and within minutes he was giving the boys rides on his shoulders. They had a few competitions where Robert had one boy on his shoulders, and he had the other one, and they tried to knock each other off. It only took a few rounds, before everyone was tired. Robert, and John made their way over to the steps to rest, and the boys followed them.

"Which one of you is Heckle? And which one is Jeckle?"

"Those aren't our names!"

"Well, what are they?"

"I'm Robert," the one on the left said proudly. "Everyone calls me Robby though. I'm named after grandpa."

"So am I," the other insisted. "My name is Matthew, but everyone calls me Matt." He pushed his brother. "I'm named after our other grandpa."

"Okay, so Bobby and Mark, right?"

"Nooooo! Robby and Matt."

"Mike and Bob?"

"Nooooooo!" Even louder, coupled with some laughter. "Robby and Matt!"

"Okay, I think I got it now, but I'll probably get you two name tags."

Robert winked at him. "You're good with kids."

"Kids are easy," he replied back. "Its wives that are hard."

"Son, truer words have never been spoken!"

Bethany swam over, and finally joined the conversation. "Can we see a movie tonight, dad?"

"Sure, kiddo. What did you have in mind?"

His daughter's suggestion started a storm of excited suggestions from the three kids. The three ladies, drawn to the pool by the commotion, soon started tossing ideas back and forth. The ensuing discussion was both funny, and delicate at the same time. He wasn't sure what idea to support, and neither was Robert, so the two men exchanged a glance, and slowly extricated themselves from the verbal brawl.

When they were clear, Robert clapped him on the shoulder. "Whew. That was close."

"I know. For a second there, I was worried we'd have to take a side."

"Dodged a bullet for sure."

"I'm going to go change, hopefully that will keep me out of the line of fire for a few more minutes."

Robert laughed, and nodded. "Good thinking. Me too."

***

"Where did you disappear to, Mister?"

John turned around, having just stepped out of the shower, and saw Jessica watching him from the doorway. A small, delicious smile was pasted on her face.

"You ladies had everything in hand. Robert and I made a tactical retreat."

She sauntered over to him slowly, putting one foot directly in front of the other, and moving her hips seductively. When she reached him, she pulled his towel from around his waist, and her fingers gently encircled his cock.

"Uhhhh, what are you doing?"

"You looked great in your suit," she said. "I could barely take my eyes off of you."

She stood on the balls of her feet, and kissed him once, twice, and finally a third time. Jessica didn't say a word, but her eyes smoldered with lust. Her fingers ran down his chest, then his stomach, as she lowered herself to her knees, and took him in her mouth.

"Ohhhhh," he breathed.

What followed was an amazing blowjob. She was good at sucking cock, and she knew it. It didn't take long, before he was on the verge of cumming. She stared up at him, and obviously knew him well enough to know he was close. She gripped his hips tightly, locked her lips around his cock, and swallowed as he jetted inside her mouth.

When he finished, she licked her lips slowly, and the smoldering look was replaced by one of happiness. He leaned up against the wall, breathing heavily, and recovering from unusually good oral sex.

"I'm not done with you," she breathed into his ear. "You better eat some oysters or something, because I'm wearing you out tonight."

"It's a deal," he whispered back.

Her arms wrapped around his body. "I love you, honey."

"I love you back."

"When you've recovered, come out to the living room. Robert and Veranda have put some plans together."

"Sounds good."

It seemed everyone was waiting, when he walked out of the bedroom. All eyes were on him as he walked up.

"Am I in trouble?"

"Tons," Veranda said with a smirk. "Here's what we've decided. Robert and I are going to take the kids to see a movie. Of course, the boys want to see one thing, and Bethany another. I get Bethany," she said, and nudged the young lady with her hip. "Robert gets the two boys."

The loving grandpa high-fived his two grandsons. "The boys are in the house!"

"Yeah!" "We ROCK!"

"Great," he said uncertainly. "What about the parents?"

Jessica wrapped her arm around his, and smiled at him. "You and I are going to grab dinner. Just the two of us."

"I'm going to stay here," Becca added with a shaky smile. "I've got to move the boys stuff into their rooms anyway."

"You're sure, Becca?" Jessica asked. "You're welcome to come with us."

"Or us," Veranda added.

"I'm sure," she said firmly. "I could use some quiet time."

Veranda, Robert and the kids left first. They piled into the Escalade, got buckled in, and took off. It sounded like they were all singing, as they drove off. John, and Jessica said goodbye to Becca, after asking her one more time to join them, and then left as well.

"I'm glad we invited her," his wife said as they drove away. "But I'm also glad she declined. A private dinner, just the two of us, sounds really nice."

"I agree."

"She looks tired, and worn out."

"Twins will do that to you," he replied.

She shook her head. "It's more than the twins. I get the sense that her life has been hard since DeShawn passed away. From what Robert and Veranda said this afternoon, it sounds like this Marcus character is a real piece of work." She cocked her head at him. "Did you know him?"

"Not really. I met him once, and we didn't exactly like each other."

"Why?"

He sighed. "Marcus seemed intent on separating me and Becca, so DeShawn could get more time with her." He glanced at his wife. "It worked."

"I see."

"Mind if we talk about something other than ancient history?"

"The subject of your ex-wife bother you?"

"No. I just want to focus on the woman I love, on our relationship, and our future. That's what's important to me."

"Good answer."

She took his hand and they rode in silence to the steakhouse. It was highly rated, and he'd made reservations before they left Biloxi. He wasn't sure if they'd get a night to themselves, but he wanted to be prepared just in case.

He valeted his SUV, and helped Jessica out of the car. They were seated immediately, and the service was impeccable. Of course, the prices were commensurate with the quality of the restaurant, but they were well within his budget.

I'm not worrying about money tonight.

As the evening progressed, they savored each course, and he couldn't help but reflect on how much his life had changed. When he married Becca, he'd never considered the possibility of divorce. It wasn't an option.

Then they had trouble conceiving. Despite all their efforts, Becca never got pregnant. A vacation to South Padre Island seemed the perfect opportunity to put a bun in her oven. Unfortunately, he came up with the mother of bad ideas.

It seemed like a good idea at the time.

They met DeShawn. A great guy, a good person, and he was on leave...alone. Of course his wife, the original queen of spades, was attracted to him on sight. The attraction was mutual, and John had the supremely stupid idea to offer DeShawn the opportunity to impregnate Becca. It didn't take much convincing for his black-man-loving wife, and DeShawn and Becca had spent the rest of the week fucking like rabbits.

Worst part of all, was that he enjoyed it...too much. The idea, and erotic visuals, of DeShawn fucking his wife were overpowering. In the end, he surrendered his better judgment, and the downstream effects resulted in his wife leaving him for DeShawn. It was a painful ending for something that seemed harmless at the time.

"Thinking heavy thoughts over there?"

He smiled at his wife. "No. Good thoughts. Happy thoughts."

"Really?" She leaned forward. "Do tell."

"I was just thinking how much my life has changed...for the better." He set his knife and fork down, reached across the table, and took her hand in his. "You rescued me, Jessica. I was a broken man, when we got together, and you put me back together. I'll never be able to adequately thank you for taking a chance on me, but I'll spend the rest of my life striving to make you happy."

Her eyes grew misty as he spoke, and she had to clear her throat before responding. "Wow. You go right on thinking those kinds of thoughts, mister."

They laughed together, and it felt right. Everything was perfect.

"Share a dessert?" She asked.

"Absolutely, but you pick it."

They decided to head back to Robert and Veranda's house, rather than go out for a drink. They didn't know the area, and they planned to get on the road as early as possible. When they turned into the neighborhood, and made it past the security guard, there was an unfamiliar car in the driveway.

"Who?"

Jessica unexpectedly sat upright, and grabbed his hand tightly. "John! Stop!"

He stopped at the curb, and she pointed at the front step. "Look. Do you know that man?"

"Where?"

"By the window."

He squinted, and finally saw what was pointing at...a large man was peering in through the window. Dressed in dark pants, and a white tank top, he was moving strangely. He peered into the window, then seemed to stagger away, and repeated the process at another window.

"What the hell?"

"Call the police, honey. Now!"

"Are you su-."

"Now, John. Right now!"

His phone was in the center console. He grabbed it, and dialed three numbers. Quickly, and quietly he described the situation to the operator, and hung up the phone. As soon as he put the phone back in the center console, the shouting started.

"Bitch! Get out here! I wanna see my kids!"

He hadn't seen it before, but the man had a bottle in one hand. He brought it to his lips, took a long pull, and John realized that's why he was moving strangely.

"He's drunk."

"Obviously," Jessica whispered. "We're waiting for the cops, right?"

"Hell, yes!"

Unfortunately, the situation changed. The man threw the bottle at the gorgeous bay window that faced the street. The window didn't break, but a spider web of cracks immediately appeared.

"Fuckin' Bitch. You can't take my kids! You ain't leavin' me either! Not over some nameless pussy!"

The outside light over the door suddenly came on.

"Oh no!" Jessica groaned. "Becca, don't!"

The front door opened slowly. Becca stepped out onto the front porch, pulling her sweater close around her, and folding her arms in front of her. She said something to the man, and he immediately started for her.

Fear laced through John, as he watched the man tower over his ex-wife. He swayed slightly as he stopped in front of her, and jabbed at her with his finger. She spoke quickly, putting her hands out trying to calm him down.

It seemed to work. He grew quiet, stopped motioning wildly with his hands, and listened to her. For a brief second, John thought everything would be okay. She would talk him down, and he'd go away.

He was wrong.

Suddenly, the man viciously backhanded her. She twirled around, and sprawled out on the ground.