Lady in Red Ch. 32

As Gwen finished her sentence, she heard a gasp from her mother and looked to see why. Entering the room was Vlad, Anna, and Vlad's father, President Novokov!

Steve and Jason stood immediately. The others quickly followed suit. Vlad's father looked at the assembled group and then nodded at Jason as he spoke to Steve in Russian.

"He is military?" was the simple question.

"West Point, Sir. He's a newly commissioned officer in the US Army," responded Steve.

Next he looked at Paula. "This is the mother?"

"Yes, sir," replied Steve. "These are her daughters, Lisa, Kate, and Gwen. Next to her is her husband, Ted."

Novokov stepped close to Paula, took her hand, and patted it as he spoke in broken English. "Only such a beautiful woman could produce such beautiful daughters."

Then he nodded for Steve to follow him as he walked to a quiet corner of the room. "I want to thank you for your efforts in bringing about a resolution with the French. I also wish to invite you and your two lady friends and the musicians you work with to perform at the opening ceremony of our Winter Olympics. This is a great honor!"

"Sir, I will be attending the Naval Academy. My time is not my own. I cannot guarantee that I will be permitted to come back to Russia at that time, as much as I would love to do so."

"I understand. I also understand that President Hanson is your superior officer. I have spoken to him about this. He assures me that the U.S. Navy will allow you to perform."

"Sir, we are greatly honored by this opportunity. Could I quickly ask my friends if they will be able to attend?" asked Steve.

Once again, President Novokov nodded his assent. Steve hurried over to his friends. "Charlie, Jordan, and Gwen! President Novokov has asked us to perform at the opening of the Winter Olympics. He's already spoken to President Hanson about the Navy letting me attend. What do you guys say? He's waiting for your answer!"

"Are you kidding? The band votes 'YES'. What an opportunity!" responded Charlie immediately.

"Count me in!" insisted Jordan. "I love this country, and I love being here with Charlie and you guys!"

"That would mean that we'd be together again for a few days!" grinned Gwen. "Deal me in!"

"My friends have given your kind invitation a most enthusiastically positive response," reported Steve to Novokov. "We are all very fond of Russia and your hospitality is superb. We will be delighted to perform at the opening ceremonies!"

President Novokov had heard the gleeful responses and beamed his pleasure. He shook Steve's hand, waved to everyone else and left the room with Vlad and Anna trailing him.

"Luckily, my camera was on and I caught that entire exchange. Bill Hardy, eat your heart out!" laughed Amber. "I doubt that there are very many people that receive a personal invitation from President Novokov!"

The women of the group wanted to spend the afternoon shopping for mementos and souvenirs. The men decided to relax, shoot some pool, and swap lies. The ladies returned late afternoon and the entire gang headed for the dining room. They were just seated when President D'Anjou entered with his wife and daughter. He walked directly toward Steve and Gwen. Once again, Steve and Jason were the first ones on their feet.

"I will not keep you from your dinner. We are flying out shortly and I wanted to thank you both for your efforts last evening. It is a very good agreement. We didn't want that Russian spy. He was an amateur. We needed a guaranteed energy source and we now have it," stated D'Anjou in French. "You and your friends will always be welcome in France. Please stop in and visit us again."

President D'Anjou shook Steve's hand and hugged Gwen. Michelle hugged Steve extra hard and then quickly hugged Gwen. After they left, Kate began acting like she was looking for something.

"I wonder where President Hanson is. Don't all world leaders stop in to speak to Steve and Gwen? He must be around here someplace," joked Kate.

"If you must know, he flew back to the States this morning," chuckled Charlotte. "I guess we won't get to see that particular world leader while we're having dessert. Two of three ain't bad!"

That night, Gwen was once again insatiable. She gave Steve everything she could think of, in every position possible. By midnight, he was totally used up. He did manage to wake Gwen up the next morning by gently nibbling on her breasts. It wasn't long before Gwen rode him to the finish line again. They had to rush to be ready for the bus taking them to the airport.

The long flight saw most of the group napping on and off. They landed in Washington in the early afternoon, which totally confused their jet lagged bodies. The plan was to spend one night at the same hotel they had used when they attended the state dinner months earlier. Steve would be reporting for Induction day the following morning.

When they reached the hotel to check in, Steve and Gwen were told they had an important message. "Kate should be pleased," observed Gwen as she read the message. "President Hanson requests our presence at an informal dinner at the white house this evening. This invitation is for the entire entourage."

Steve's grandparents were staying at the hotel so they could be present when Steve reported for Induction Day. Beatrice was once again gob smacked.

"I find this all incredible. I've lived in Virginia my entire life and have never been invited to the White House. I spent some time with my grandson and his beautiful girlfriend and I meet the most influential men in the world! It's truly amazing."

That evening, Steve and Gwen, along with family and friends, were seated at a large oak table, dining with the President of the United States and a handful of VIP's.

"As you all know, I promised President Novokov that Steve would be allowed to perform with his friends at the opening ceremonies of the Olympics. That request has caused me to consider the value you young people hold for your country.

"Steve, you'll be under my command, as you know. The president of Stanford was in my cabinet for a full year, so I'm sure she'll be quite cooperative in freeing Gwen's time. Miss Jordan, I really don't have much influence at your state school, but I understand that Governor O'Leary is a friend of you all, so getting some time off from your state school should not be an issue.

"I would very much like to be able to have you kids be ambassadors of good will for America. I have no specific plans right now, but things always come up where your talents would be greatly appreciated and utilized. You would not get paid, but your expenses would be covered.

"Would the three of you, along with your band if possible and if needed, be willing to travel, perform, speak, shake hands, or just do whatever is required at the time in the name of the United States? It could be at funerals, weddings, dinners, any place we feel you could help our cause. Want to think it over for a day or two?"

Steve looked at Gwen briefly and then responded. "Gwen and I would be delighted to help any way you want, Sir. It would allow us opportunities to see each other as well as do our patriotic best for our country."

"I would be proud to help, Sir, but you may not want me," cautioned Jordan. "I've had problems with drugs and alcohol, as well as promiscuity. I just appeared topless in a film that's going to be released on Labor Day. I'm not a very good representative for you, or our country."

"Steve! Sit back down, please," demanded the president as Steve had risen so he could talk sternly to Jordan. "Miss Quick, I respectfully disagree. You represent much of the best of this country. You struggled and fell, but you pulled yourself back up and worked through it. That's what makes this country great! I'm sure fans, most of whom are quite young, will not be concerned about topless scenes in a movie. That's what actresses do. I only wish we had more young people like you. I would very much like to have you be one of my representatives. Are you willing to do this for your country?"

"Yes, Sir!" responded Jordan as tears streaked down her cheeks. "I won't let you down. I promise."

"Then it's settled. Enjoy your dinner. While everyone is eating, I'll tell you a story about how a young couple negotiated an international trade agreement and helped resolve an international dispute. It'll make a great movie some day."

When they returned to the hotel, Gwen and Steve had become very quiet. It was the last night that Gwen and Steve would be spending together for the foreseeable future. When it was suggested that everyone visit the lounge, Steve and Gwen begged off.

"We're really tired and, to be honest, we want to spend some time alone with each other," admitted Gwen as they said 'goodnight' to everyone and headed for their room. They made love, and then they talked.

"I'm excited that we may be sent together to different places by the government. If it happens even a couple of times, I'll feel very lucky. I love you so much that it scares me sometimes," admitted Gwen as she snuggled against Steve. "Life at the Academy should be a lot easier for you when everyone knows that President Hanson is one of your supporters. No one would dare give you a hard time."

"That's exactly wrong," countered Steve. "The other guys, the officers, even the janitors, will all test me, or resent me, or both. Prima donnas don't last long in the service. I'll have to take everything they dish out and smile. 'Special treatment' will be an extra five laps around the track, another twenty push-ups, clean up detail, being asked to volunteer for weekend duty; all sorts of things like that. The other guys will think I'm taking advantage of my situation and resent it. Officers will make sure they don't favor me to the point where they are harder on me. It's all normal and natural, but I'm not fooling myself. I'll have to work harder and do better than the rest. That's incentive for me."

"I never thought of it like that. You're so perceptive about men, about how they think and how to interact with other men. You always know when to joke and when to be serious. I'm glad you understand the situation and won't be surprised by the reception the famous Steve Hammer receives. You're way better than the rest. I know you'll do great," sighed Gwen as she ran her hand over Steve's chest.

It was midmorning when the entire entourage arrived at the Academy. Steve was just one of hundreds of young men and women reporting that morning. There were small groups of people saying their goodbyes scattered around the entrance. No one had as many people as Steve had to bid him farewell. Steve was directed to stand a short distance away from the group, so their farewells would be more private.

"I get to be first," declared Kate as she wrapped her arms around Steve and kissed him long and hard on the lips. "I really love you. You're the best thing that's ever happened to me, my sister, and my family. Be careful and email me all the time, if they don't let you call me. I want pictures and stories about what you're doing. Remember when I'm 18, I'll be visiting you and showing you my girls, just so you remember me and because I want to. Take care!"

Jen was next. She simply hugged Steve hard, before she finally spoke. "Remember that we're not too far from here. If you ever need anything, call me. Email me when you can and maybe I'll get to stop in and visit now and then. I'm so proud of you and that you're my cousin!"

Jen walked away. Her mother walked up to Steve next and hugged him before speaking softly. "How proud your mother would be right now. We failed her, but we're here for you now. Please give us the chance to be a part of your life. If you need anything, let us know. You're a wonderful young man."

"I am at a loss for words," sobbed Beatrice as she embraced Steve. "You and Gwen are so much better than I ever was. It makes me ashamed, but filled with purpose. I'll improve. Thanks for allowing a bitter old lady into your life."

"Son, I couldn't be more proud of you," stated William Patterson simply. "Meeting you and seeing how you conduct yourself has been a lesson for me. I think I would have liked your father a great deal. It takes a real man to raise a son with your qualities. Good luck!"

Ted was next. He simply shook Steve's hand and patted him on the shoulder. The two men looked at each other briefly and nodded. Ted turned and walked back to the group. Then Jason shook his hand and kidded about how fast the four years would go. Billy did pretty much the same, while Charlotte was more demonstrative.

"I'll let you know if Gwen is having any problems. She's real smart, but sometimes she needs you to help her see her way. I'm your friend. I know how you value friendship and loyalty and I'll do my part. Good luck!" managed Charlotte before she kissed Steve gently on the lips, wiped away a tear and went back by Billy.

Suddenly Jordan was in his arms and crying. "I knew I wouldn't handle this well. You're the first man I ever loved. You saved me and made me whole. You gave me my life, and introduced me to Charlie. I'll miss you so much, but I'll visit when I can and I expect you to write, email, and call me all the time."

Charlie just shook Steve's hand and wished him well. "You're the man. You make it all work. You saved Jordan for me. I'll always have your back."

Being petite, Ashley leaped into Steve's arms and kissed him hard on the lips. "Now everyone knows how I feel about you, if they didn't already. You saved Becky and me. If you ever need anything I can give you, just ask. We're in this for life. You know that, right? You and Gwen will always be in my heart and in my life."

Steve was surprised when Naomi's mother appeared in front of him next and wrapped her arms around him. "Keep an eye on my girl. She's really smart, but not always too good with people. She's a loyal friend. She'll watch your back and I know you'll have hers. Let me know if she has any problems."

Lisa was next. "Steve, you've helped me and my family beyond anything we could have dreamed. You're the first man I've ever loved, and I always will. We're bound together for life. Our kids will be best friends. You and Jason will be best buds. Gwen is a lucky girl. I love you both!" sobbed Lisa as she kissed Steve long and hard.

"It's my turn," managed Paula through her tears. "Work hard, be good. Know that I love you, maybe more than I should. If you ever need anything from me, just ask. I'll miss you so much!"

Paula kissed Steve longer than the mother of a girlfriend normally would. She was just releasing him when Gwen whispered in her ear.

"Mom! Everyone's watching. Besides, it's my turn!"

Paula quickly took Gwen into her arms and hugged her. "I couldn't help it, Sweetheart. I'll leave you two alone now."

"We said it all last night, about five times," chuckled Gwen to her mother. "This isn't 'goodbye'. It's just the part of our lives together that we have to be apart. Make me proud, Sailor!"

With that, Gwen kissed Steve. A minute later she was still kissing him. Tired of waiting, the rest of the group gathered around the two and teased them mercilessly. Gwen finally pulled back and smiled at her family and friends.

"I had to erase his memory of all those other kisses," grinned Gwen. "That'll have to hold him until we get together again. Naomi, take this guy in there, but keep an eye on him. If he has any problems, let me know."

Naomi smiled as she took Steve's hand. The two plebes walked together into the next phase of their lives.

Thus ends Book One of Lady in Red. Book Two is in the very early stages. It will feature blood thirsty pirates, football, honest politicians, SEALs, doctors, and many heroic deeds. It will be difficult to believe, so get used to it. Thanks to all that have read and enjoyed Book One. I cannot express the pleasure I've taken from the emails I've received regarding this story. Writers are nothing without readers. I thank you all.