Lady in Red Ch. 32

"Oh, wow!" managed Paula as the rest of the group sat silently, recalling the events of the day, and how Gwen looked as she held the baby.

"At least she's not a virgin, so she won't have to worry about that embarrassing comparison," opined Kate between bites of chicken. "I'm just glad I wasn't the one holding the baby. I'd be known as 'the virgin' the rest of my life!"

After the laughter subsided, Amber continued. "They're showing the cover of Maxim alongside the photo the woman from Nebraska took of Gwen today. There've been all sorts of phrases bandied about on the internet. Things like 'The Lady Madonna in Red', 'Special Delivery', 'Red Handed' and 'Red Dawn'.

Before Amber had finished speaking, Charlotte had her phone in her hand. "Hey, there's wifi here! We can use Google and find that picture! Wow! Look at this!"

Charlotte handed her phone to Billy, who studied it for a few seconds and handed then it to the next person. "How about this picture of the guys all standing together after they rescued those people? Their muscles all big and bulgy looking!" exclaimed Lisa as she held her phone up. "These American guys look like real studs; even you, Dad!"

The group retired early that evening, worn out from the events of the day. Gwen was feeling melancholy and asked Steve to hold her tight until she fell asleep. Her joy of delivering a healthy baby had been reduced by the deaths of the innocent victims. Steve held her to his chest and stroked her hair long after she had fallen asleep. He knew his time with Gwen was drawing to a close. He stayed awake well into the night, just concentrating on her smell and feel. He would want those memories when they were separated by three thousand miles.

The next day saw Gwen, Jordan, Steve, Charlie, and the band get everything set up at the stadium, and then practice for a few hours. The venue was bigger than anything they had previously played. The sound system was brand new and seemed to work very well. By Friday afternoon, they were confident that they were as prepared as they were ever going to be for the biggest live show of their careers.

People had been streaming into Sochi all week. By the time the first band took the stage that afternoon, the stadium was packed. Over forty thousand people shouted their approval when the music began. Steve felt the first band, which was pretty well known in Russia, did a credible job. The second band took the stage an hour later. They appeared rattled by the size and volume of the crowd and played haltingly. The audience became restless and began chanting insults. The band ended its stint after just forty minutes on stage.

Next up was a well known female Russian singer. She hit every note perfectly. The small orchestra that accompanied her played flawlessly. Even so, the crowd seemed pleased when she finished her set. Steve's group was given ten minutes to set up for their performance. They were the last act. That fact was not lost on any of the performers. It indicated that they were the main attraction, even in a place half way around the world from their homes.

When they were ready, a small spotlight lit a ten foot circle on the stage. Steve and Gwen stepped into the light and the crowd went wild. They had to take bows and gesture for the audience to quiet down before they were able to start. When the cheers finally reached an acceptable level, the band began playing as Steve led Gwen to the center of the small lit area.

On cue, Steve and Gwen began dancing and then Steve began singing 'Lady in Red', but in Russian. When the audience realized that he was singing in their native language, they screamed and shouted their approval. Steve stopped singing and simply danced with Gwen until the din abated. The band easily picked up where he had left off and Steve gave a performance the crowd would long remember. The large screens placed strategically around the arena showed Gwen's dazzling smile and classic beauty as she responded to Steve's singing and dancing.

When the dance ended, the crowd once again cheered its approval while the stage again went dark. It only required a couple minutes for Gwen and Steve to find their positions and for Steve to strap on his guitar. As the audience quieted down, the band began their signature opening number with Queen's 'We Will Rock You'. The lights came on as Gwen stepped to the microphone and began singing. They had the capacity crowd eating out of their hands the rest of the night.

The highlights were songs they performed in Russian. Steve and Jordan stunned those attending with a very well done, sexy Russian version of their first hit song together. Later, Steve and Gwen teamed up to perform their current hit, 'The Glory of Love', again sung in the Russian language. Gwen and Jordan had the crowd rocking in the aisles with their Russian version of 'Dancing Queen'.

At the end of their first hour, the audience refused to let them stop. Steve checked with the head official of the event and was given a huge smile and the go-ahead to play another set. Gwen started it with 'I Need a Hero' followed by Jordan doing her two biggest hits to the delight of the crowd. The three singers then joined forces on 'Lyin' Eyes'. After Gwen did her version of 'Addicted to Love' Steve performed two Elvis songs. He sang 'I Can't Help Falling in Love With You' in English. The large screen focused on his face as he sang. Sighs were heard from every woman in attendance. For his Russian fans, Steve sang 'Love Me Tender' in their native language. The applause for his effort has loud and long.

"I haven't been to a concert in thirty years, but these kids amaze me. I heard Sinatra and Elvis live and they weren't in the same league as these three," offered a biased Beatrice to Paula between sets. "I've never seen a crowd respond like this one is. I'm so glad that your daughter persuaded Steve to invite me, and to forgive me."

"Forgiving you was Steve's decision. He's the one you should be thanking," asserted Paula.

"Paula, you're not very convincing. We both know that Gwen exerts a lot of influence on Steve in certain areas. He listens quite closely to her on matters of family and relationships. She pays close attention to him on other issues. They feed off the strengths of each other. Together, they are extremely capable and confident. I'm very favorably impressed with your daughter."

After three solid hours on stage, Gwen finally put the evening to rest with 'My Heart Will Go On'. As she finished, the lights onstage dimmed and remained dark. Over forty thousand fans left the stadium delighted with the performance.

"I feel like I'm seeing history this week," stated Ashley when the group gathered in a private dining room at their hotel after the performance. "It was exciting watching you guys entertain at that lounge for a couple nights. It was great meeting and traveling with Vlad and Anna. Seeing how quickly and decisively you responded to that terrorist bombing at that school was something I'll never forget. But years from now, I'll be telling my kids and grandkids about how I was there when Steve Hammer, Gwen Anderson, and Jordan Quick conquered Russia in one incredible night."

"I think you may be right," agreed the usually quiet Jason. "It'll take time, maybe years, to accurately gauge the effect this trip to Russia will have on relations between the US and Russia. I'm pretty sure that at this moment, the Russians have a warm and fuzzy feeling for Americans, at least certain Americans."

The next morning saw the entourage board a bus for the trip back to the airport. They took a different route to avoid the area where the school had been bombed by terrorists. There was a large crowd at the airport when they arrived. It was made up mostly of young people and it was clear they were there to see Jordan, Gwen, and Steve. Against the wishes of the people running security, the threesome went over to the edge of the crowd and shook hands and posed for pictures about ten minutes.

Finally, and much to the relief of the people in charge of security, Gwen, Jordan, and Steve returned to the secured area and waited for their flight. Vlad and Anna were once again flying with them. On the return trip, Gwen sat next to Vlad and Steve chatted with Anna. Gwen wondered why Steve had suggested it to her as they were preparing for bed the previous evening. As she listened to Vlad discuss his country's concerns and dreams, she realized that Steve wanted her to understand Russian people and politics better. Her appreciation for Russia increased greatly that afternoon, as did her appreciation for her surprisingly deep and observant boyfriend.

Upon their return to their Moscow hotel, Steve declined the offer to perform in the lounge for an upgrade. The disappointed hotel management gave them the upgrade anyway. He explained that he had seen the news reports of how they had assisted his countrymen after the terrorist attack. The events of the previous week had taxed the travelers. They welcomed the opportunity to rest before the state dinner Sunday evening.

Once again, Steve surprised Gwen. This time by inviting Michelle D'Anjou to join them for quiet dinner in a private room reserved for the three of them. Gwen paid close attention to Steve as he directed the conversation toward President D'Anjou's impasse with Russia. Without seeming to pry, Steve skillfully extracted everything Michelle knew about the situation with the Russian spy and the looming trade discussions.

Sunday morning the entire group met for a big breakfast in the hotel dining room. The conversation centered on the state dinner to be held in the Kremlin that evening. Steve noticed Nadiya enter the dining room and quickly invited her to join them for breakfast. He dragged a chair from an empty table and placed it between his seat and Gwen's.

Paula, Lisa, Charlotte, and Beatrice all noticed where Steve positioned his beautiful guest and exchanged glances with each other. Placing her between him and Gwen could be construed as significant by the beautiful blonde girl.

"It is such an honor to sit between the two famous American heroes," began Nadiya as she took her seat. "I saw that incredible picture of you two with the newborn baby and the little girl in Steve's arms. It looked almost biblical. I was also in the stands for your concert in Sochi. It was far and away the best performance I have ever seen. For a little girl from the Ukraine, your friendship and attention is very overwhelming."

"Somehow, I don't think you're nearly as naïve and innocent as you would have us believe," laughed Gwen. "You are a beautiful woman, fluent in several languages, and very much a part of the political scene in the Ukraine. I Googled you and found out quite a bit, like you have a degree in government from Kiev University."

"It is flattering that a famous person like you would try to learn more about a humble girl from the Ukraine," responded Nadiya, before breaking into a big grin. "In politics, it is often to my advantage to appear unaware and uninterested in affairs of state. I hear much more when people believe I am not paying attention and do not care. Even in the Ukraine, we have blonde jokes."

"Tell us more about your country's position on these trade talks," suggested Steve. "Do you expect to increase trade with the West?"

"That was our hope when we came here, but it does not look like that will happen. Russia is very upset with France. In its anger, it is insisting that we remain a close partner of Russia, with very little interaction with the West. Father is very disappointed. The plan was to meet all next week with trade groups from the US, Canada, and Western Europe to agree on easing restrictions of goods and services flowing both ways.

"Our government is under heavy pressure from Russia to resist trade with the West, while the people of my country are pressuring it to be more receptive to trade with the West. Father thinks it may bring our current government down if it is not resolved soon."

Steve was listening closely as the beautiful girl spoke knowledgeably about her concerns for her country's economic and political future. The Eastern European Bloc wanted more trade with the West. Russia was the stumbling block and France was exacerbating the situation by holding the Russian Olympic hero. Both sides had drawn lines in the sand and would not budge.

William Patterson and Ted Anderson were mildly surprised at Steve's interest in the trade position of the Ukraine. They listened with great interest as Steve questioned Nadiya. It was quite apparent that Steve was not just making idle conversation.

After breakfast, Steve and Gwen were headed back to their room for a little extra recreation when they were hailed by Senator Chatham. She motioned for them to follow her into a side room.

"You kids pulled off the job we gave you!" praised the Senator as she motioned for Steve and Gwen to sit. "You made Novokov look good. His new stadium was filled to capacity and a few thousand watched the big screen from the parking lot. The President was very relieved that it worked out so well.

"Then there's that response you kids had to the bombing on the outskirts of Sochi. That photo of you two with the newborn baby and the little girl in your arms was absolutely the best thing that could have come out of that terrible event. The news media in Russia is not often very kind to Americans, but they can't get enough of you two! They've played the videos and shown the still shots all week long.

"Your concert was broadcast over the entire country and people loved it. Singing in Russian was a stroke of genius. No one ever dreamed that you two would do so much to improve relations with Russia when you were invited. To be honest, when you insisted on bringing so many family and friends, the deal almost fell through. The president's advisers wanted him to drop you, but he refused. That's why he's president. He was a certain feel for things. He sure got it right with you kids!

"The trade talks will stall because of France and Russia being at odds, but your work here will make it a positive event, all things considered," allowed the talkative legislator.

"Senator, this event is pretty important to a lot of countries, especially the smaller Eastern Bloc nations. It would be wrong to not try to find some sort of compromise," worried Steve.

"Tell me about it. If you think of something, let me know. There's going to be some tension tonight since the presidents of France, Russia, and the U.S. will all be there. This is unusual. You seldom have three heads of state at a dinner like this at the same time. France accepted before all of this trouble started, but it would have been even worse if President D'Anjou decided to cancel at the last minute. It may be a bit frosty tonight."

Gwen and the rest of the women had reservations for early afternoon in the hotel spa. They enjoyed every service the hotel provided. By the time the ladies rejoined the men in the lounge a little after 4 PM, they looked fantastic

The men were speechless. In fact, when the women entered the lounge, all conversation stopped as every head turned to admire the beauty of the American women.

"Paula! My God, you're beautiful!" blurted Ted without hesitation or thought. "All of you are incredible!"

All of the men in the group echoed Ted's sentiments. Charlie moved close to Jordan to give her a kiss. She quickly stopped him with her hand pressing against his chest.

"No you don't, Buddy! We just spent hours getting all dolled up. You guys can't so much as touch us until after the dinner tonight. Right girls?"

"Well, to be honest," quipped Kate, "if Steve really likes what he sees, loses control, and carries me off to his room, I'd consider all the time and effort to look like this well spent. We could catch up with everyone later."

"Believe me, I like what I see, but your Dad's here, so I don't dare lose control," laughed Steve. "I'll just have to admire you from afar."

"I knew you'd have some excuse. Dad's too busy drooling over Mom to even notice anyone whisking me away. I think Gwen's got you under her thumb. You're afraid of her," taunted Kate.

"You sure have that right, Kate, but he's under a lot more than just her thumb," added Lisa. "I can still see her on that lounge chair by our pool. She had Steve under all her bits and pieces. Except for certain important parts, he turns to jelly when Gwen's near him."

"That's a story I'd like to hear," stated Steve's grandmother to the surprise of everyone. "How has Gwen gained control over such a brave, strong young man? What would possibly account for my grandson being so meek around this young woman?"

"If you'd seen the two of them naked on that poor lounge chair, you'd know how they have so much control of each other," laughed Kate. "Gwen was actually stuck to the guy when Mom literally pried them apart. Gwen's 'bits and pieces' were reluctant to separate from Steve's masculine chest and rock hard abs."

"You're mistaken, Kate. It wasn't his abdomen that was rock hard," replied Lisa quickly.

"Okay! I don't see any need to tell the world about what was supposed to be a private moment between my boyfriend and me," complained Gwen, with a hint of a smile.

"And I told you that anything happening on our pool deck in broad daylight was not private," interjected a smiling Paula. "Don't blame your sisters for being unable to forget that scene. They've been scarred for life. It's taken me some time to come to terms with my memories of that morning. Sleeping together on a lounge chair in the night air seemed to make Steve all stiff and sore."

Once the laughter at Paula's pronouncement died out, Kate asked a question. "So it was the uncomfortable chair and the night air that made him stiff? I was giving Gwen all the credit!"

Steve was a bright red by this time. Gwen was laughing with everyone else. When she saw that Steve was embarrassed by the conversation, she leaned into him and gave him a quick kiss.

"I'd gladly take all this teasing for another night by the pool with you. These ladies are just jealous. Don't let them bother you," stated Gwen loud enough for everyone to hear.

"I've never seen sisters so close and enjoy each other the way your daughters do, Paula. I might add that they really love and admire you and Ted as well. I'm so pleased that Steve found such a wonderful family to share his life with," admitted Beatrice with emotion. "I wish I had the wisdom to have that sort of relationship with my daughters."

The big night finally arrived. The American entourage arrived precisely at 6 PM and was admitted immediately. They were ushered into a large ornate room with dozens of different hors d'oeuvres. Gwen and Steve recognized Nadiya chatting with her countrymen. Before they could speak to her, a woman behind them called their names. Gwen and Steve turned to see Varvara Suchkov smiling at them.

"Varvara! It's great to see you!" exclaimed Steve to the Russian woman. "How's your mother doing? I hope she's recovered from that horrible incident in Washington."

"You can ask her," revealed Varavara as she hugged Gwen and then Steve. "She's running just a little late, but she'll be here tonight and she's very anxious to express her gratitude to you for saving her from that man. Could I be so bold as to ask you to save a dance for me?"

"It would be my pleasure," replied Steve warmly. "I have a few questions I'd like to ask you about this trade conference. Would you mind if we spoke about business and politics?"

"Not at all," responded the red headed beauty. "As long as everyone sees me dancing with the American hero, you can ask me anything you like. You both are very well known and liked in Russia. Saving my mother was a good start, but your actions after that bomb exploded cemented it. Many Russians like the photo of your family and friends praying for the victims of the attack even better than the one of the 'Madonna'. Your sincere sense of grief was greatly appreciated by my countrymen. The fact that you two sang and danced so well was icing on the cake."