Loosening Up Bk. 08 Ch. 26-30

Dave asked, "As a board member what do you think of that idea?"

"I like it. We overbuilt intentionally in the new core. I'm feeling a little guilty that so much time has past with no substantial uses for that space. This idea of yours could take up to two-thousand square feet. Anybody could use it, but Ash would be the big beneficiary."

"I want to give her this ... as a paternity present." Dave chuckled.

"Bring it up Monday night. We can repurpose the room on the plans to be just about anything including a small guest room. The room in the core could easily be recouped if we had a higher and better purpose for it. Let me draw up something for the board to look when you talk to them. You and I should probably recuse ourselves."

"Oh, I agree. Owen has one more week up in Atlanta so he'll be joining the board meeting by video cam. Email what you prepare so he has a copy. I'll send him a 'heads up' email tonight."

Monday night the board approved the allocation of space for a recording studio contingent on no costs being incurred by the Circle treasury for the project and the ability of the Circle to reclaim the space with one-year notice.

Dave found Stu Collier working with Millie the next day just before he left for work. Stu was the Circle's technology guru for all things electronic. Dave talked to him about the studio and as geeks often do, he knew a lot about the subject and got excited about the studio. He promised numbers that night.

Stu was hopping around on one foot when Dave got home. He'd worked on the recording studio project all day and had a lot to say. His babble started to talk about the number of channels, ability to modify the sound instrument by instrument, equalizers, preamps, and so on until Dave's eyes glazed over.

Dave asked, "How much?"

"$89,326.14. We need a three-month lead time on the mixer board because each one is built custom. I read up on all the acoustic stuff, too, so know how to build the room. When we're done, you could have up to twenty musicians plus Ashley in there singing, and maybe ten people in the booth watching through a big plate glass window. In a pinch we could even have more musicians."

Dave called Ashley that evening between cocktail time and dinner. "Hi, Sweetheart. I'm glad I caught you. Where are you?"

"Spokane, Washington. I go on in three hours to a sell-out crowd of sixteen thousand fans."

"Wow. How're you feeling?"

"Just like before but I'm being a good girl and no alcohol or other stuff. Why'd you call?"

"I saw your house plans last night, and have an idea that I want to run past you. I will tell you up front that this involves an expensive present that I want to gift you. So, don't turn it down flat. You know we both have the money, but it's my idea."

"What is it?"

"I want to build you a substantially larger recording studio in part of the empty space in the core buildings. Our tech guy spent all day figuring out what we'd need and its very doable. My guess is that we could have it up and running in three or four months -- before the baby arrives or your house is even ready."

Ashley crooned, "Dave, those are outrageously expensive."

"It's only money, honey. Let me do this for you. You can tell Jack you won't need that small set up you'd created on the house plans."

"Oh, God, I love you. Yes. I accept. What do I have to do? Will you let me contribute?"

"Just sit back and grow that baby in your womb. By the way I liked the press release you PR gal did. Nice finesse on the paternity what with citing Kyle's older children to give the idea he's as fertile as a sperm bank."

Ashley laughed. "Yes, that was quite intentional. Kyle got a lot of laughs about it, too."

"When will I see you again ... in the flesh, so to speak."

She responded, "Probably around Christmas time. What's that four weeks or so?"

"I love you."

Chapter 27 -- Christmas -- An Ultimate Present from His Wives

Everyone in the Circle started to skulk around in the weeks before Christmas. Rose wrote a computer program to randomly assign Secret Santas. It took Circle members and pledges and matched them up in some way with somebody else. Each member knew who they were buying for, but they weren't suppose to reveal who they were to the gift recipient. Also, gifts were supposed to be under a hundred dollars. The program also made sure not to match up family members, partners, or spouses. Also, members could specify the number of people they were willing to buy for: one to three.

Dave peeked into the envelope that Rachel handed him to see who he was buying for. He'd put in for two. He was gleeful because he'd been assigned Kellie Sawyer -- a poor struggling student and pledge of the Circle, and Erin Steckler -- Ashley's sister, the Circle PR manager, and a freelance journalist mostly for the Sarasota Herald and the Tampa Times.

He knew that Kellie needed a new smart phone and that Erin had been wanting to take a cruise with her mother, but didn't have the money and had to worry about a babysitter for Josh -- their son. Easy peesy, but the cost for both items would be seriously over the recommended spending limit. Dave shrugged and thought, "I've loosened up; rules are made to be broken."

Dave swung by the Apple store and bought the latest, greatest, state of the art, iPhone for Kellie. The phone could be used as is or opened like a small seamless paperback book to conduct all sorts of business on the larger split screen. Apple was hyping the iPhone XX as one of the great triumphs of the twenty-first century. Dave noted that if it weren't for the price everyone in the world would have one, they were so innovative.

Of course, within his family Dave had presents for ten wives to buy. Without hesitation he headed for Kay Jewelers at another mall, and soon had several items of bling for each wife. Fortunately, he knew each of their preferences about that type of thing. Some items would need to be picked up a week later because they were custom.

Coming home from his shopping trip Dave stopped and chatted with the gatehouse guard, a hefty college student named Manny who planned to graduate in May. Manny was actually an employee of Dale's security company -- Harnett Security. Dave made a note to suggest a holiday bonus for Manny and the other guards that prowled around the Circle for security reasons and also remained unobtrusive. He'd have a hard time finding out what Stu wanted, too, but figured Millie might know.

Dave changed into athletic shorts and went into the core living space. A large meditation space had been set up in an alcove off of the main living room. A few indoor plants were there, a Buddha, sitting and kneeling mats, some sandalwood incense, and soft music to facilitate mediation played in the background around the clock.

Some of the group gathered there to do Tai Chi, yoga, or other meditative exercises. They also met on the patio. He noted that Helen, Kellie, Nikky, Barbara, and Mandy were lined up, each on a separate large pillow, naked, and in the Lotus position, and in some other dimension of time and space. Dave tiptoed away, but noted how serene the five of them looked.

The core rooms each had holiday decorations spread around. Everywhere he looked there were twinkling and blinking lights, festive garlands, Christmas trees, and other accountrements of the season. Many faux presents had been spread around under the various trees to make them look more like Christmas, but Dave knew they'd disappear a few days before the main holiday party so that 'real' ones could appear.

Elise, Emily, Abby, Alice, and a few others had taken on the task of planning and decorating for the holiday party. Unlike some of the parties, this would be 'G' rated. The kids would attend, and get their Secret Santa gifts along with everyone else, and then there'd be a large communal dinner. Many parents and grandparents would also show up.

Dave had conferred with all of the mothers of his children about gifts and put together a good list and then in one afternoon had made stops at a half-dozen stores that sold 'kid' stuff. One store on Main Street emphasized educational 'toys' and they got the lions' share of his expenditures.

The party was a week before Christmas on a Saturday late afternoon. Dave estimated about two-hundred-and-fifty people in the large open space since many relatives that lived nearby also showed up for the event. He tried to meet all of the newcomers, in part to see how they were coping with the son or daughter's membership or pledge status in the Circle. If they didn't say anything or frown too much, he figured things were good.

Several out of country guests from Russia clustered around Tatiana and little five-month-old Wade, her baby with Dave. Tatiana's mother had long-ago adjusted to her daughter's new lifestyle and her success in her career in a foreign country. Dave was a welcome light in Tat's life as far as they were concerned.

One of the next women he met was Claudine Noel, Merry's mother. She proved that the apple hadn't fallen far from the tree. Clee, as she liked to be called, was a knockout with long blonde hair and perfect physique.

Dave could tell just how much had been revealed to various parents by how they sized him up. Clee apparently knew everything, so he got close scrutiny.

Merry came up and slid under his arm wrapping his arm around her and even placing the hand over her breast, although everyone was dressed in party garb with nothing racy or risqué showing. They shared a brief kiss. "Well, mom, this is my first true love male. God, isn't he the greatest?"

Clee said to Merry, "I can see why you're attracted to him. It's nice to see you broadening your horizons." She laughed.

Turning to Dave she said, "You apparently have a magic touch ... and one that excites me to think about. Sometime in the New Year I hope to bridge the mother-daughter gap with you. Around here, that may not be novel, but for us it would be. I'll try to plan something with Merry." She smiled.

Dave got a kiss on the cheek as Clee strolled away with a swish of her maxi skirt and a flirtatious coy look over her shoulder.

Merry whispered to him, "She means it, and I won't mind. She won't believe it when you make her pass out from The Experience. She's one of those 'always in control' type of people. All orgasms must be tightly controlled and properly executed by the numbers. It's her German heritage."

After a pause, she added, "I bet she fucks like a mink, too." She giggled and then went off to keep her mom from getting into further trouble.

At the other end of the spectrum in one way, Jim and Mandy brought their parents to meet Dave. Mandy introduced Ralph and Connie Grafton, and Jim his mother Jan Hotch.

The talk with them was pure 'G' rated. They'd heard about the bombs and hostage situation, and knew about the repair to the various buildings and not much else related to the Circle other than it was 'an intentional family'. Ralph liked that terminology and commented that they do without most of his and Connie's relatives. In an aside, Connie told Dave, I really like Jan. I think her son and our daughter are moving to some serious relationship status." She gave him a wink that indicated her enthusiastic approval. Dave tried to act innocent and unknowing.

Helen Ursinger's mother came alone to the party from the Atlanta area to join her daughter for the party. Her name was Diana Kent. She sized up Dave, so he knew at least part of Circle activities had been revealed.

She gave a firm nod after two minutes of conversation, and then took Dave's hand to command attention. "My quick assessment is that Helen finally made a good decision when it comes to relationships. She loves you, but I guess you know that."

"And I love her. She is a beautiful person inside and out. I do confess to working with her to loosen up a bit."

Cricket came by Dave and planted a surprise kiss on his lips. She said, "I love you, husband." She'd returned the day before from L.A., and was making up for having missed his husbandly affections. Her words of love did not pass unnoticed.

Diana's gaze followed Cricket as she bounced away with zip in her step. She said, "Did I hear her call you her husband?"

Dave nodded. "Yes. She's one of my wives."

"'One of'? What's that mean?"

Dave shrugged. This was the start of what everyone knew would be coming. He replied, "I actually have ten wives. Cricket is one of them."

The sharp intake of breath covered up a few of the words in Dave's explanation. Clee Noel had been standing nearby and heard the scandal-laden conversation. She rapidly spun around to change conversation circles. Dave was keeping everything low key and 'matter of fact'. There was nothing to hide and nothing worth getting bent out of shape about.

Clee said, "Whoa! I just caught the last of your remarks. You have TEN wives?"

"A legal wife and nine others who I've made a similar commitment to. We all live in the big house right over there." He pointed. "This is not a secret and your daughters know about my status, probably better than I do."

Diana asked, "And you all ... errr ... make ..."

Dave nodded, "Yes, we're fully involved with each other in romantic and conjugal ways."

Clee stated neutrally, "So, you were unfaithful to your wives when you had sex with Merry!" The statement sounded marginally confrontational.

"No," Dave responded, just allowing his one-word answer to hang out there.

Just at that moment, Scarlett Johansson swept into Dave's arms for a kiss. She did a quick introduction of her mother and father and after excuses for the interruption then led them towards the bar. The Circle had hired professional bartenders for the event.

Clee said, "That looked just like ..."

Dave started to have some fun, "Megan Fox?"

Clee was watching Scarlett walk away. "No. Scarlett Johansson."

Dave stated, "She is wife number six if you want to get picky about the order ... or maybe it was number seven. Even I lose count."

Diana was sputtering, "The movie star?"

Dave shrugged, "She's done some theater, too, plus she sings. The songs she sang inRoad Trip andCrystal Clear were her own voice. She's very talented. So is her teenage daughter -- my stepdaughter."

"And ... and ... and ... she just lives here?"

Dave shook his head, "Not enough. She has a beautiful house just over the ridge, but also homes in New York City, Santa Monica, Monaco, and Hawaii. I think there are some other condos here and there, too. She tries to spend as much time as she can here with the family and the other Circle members."

"And you know her?" Clee said in amazement.

Dave shrugged. "Yes. We're married. She's helped out a few Circle members, too. Ashley Steerman and Cricket to name two. You just met Cricket."

"The singer and author?"

"Yes."

Diana looked off to where Cricket had gone. "So, your Cricket really is the author of those two books ... and Scarlett played the lead character in the films?"

"Yes, and Ashley really is the famous country music singer. She and her husband are about to build a house down the hill near Scarlett's home. It's beautiful. I think it'll be finished by next Christmas. Ashley will be eager to move in since she's pregnant with their first child."

Helen had been standing by the group but mostly silent. She stated unequivocally, "Dave is actually the father, but her husband wanted Ashley to be happy so cajoled him into making love with his wife."

Dave gave a menacing stare and she slammed her mouth shut; realizing her faux pas. He said, "We don't talk about things like that outside of the Circle, Pledge."

"I'm sorry. You're right. That was dumb." Helen looked horrified.

Dave turned to the parents, "Please forget that you heard that tidbit of news. This is a family issue. In the Circle we help each other in anyway we can, sometimes in unconventional ways." He made eye contract with each of them to try to lock in their commitment to silence.

Ralph said, "What country music singer?" Dave appreciated his driving home the point of confidentiality. Ralph also proved a valuable asset when he shifted the conversation to more neutral topics. "How much of this core building got damaged when that mortar round was used on it? We saw that on national television."

* * * * *

Christmas morning the Prentiss family along with other family gathered in the family home's living room to do presents. The room was crowded. Aaron -- Dave's brother, his wife Shelby and her mother, Matt, Rose, along with many others all sat around gazing at the pile of presents under and near the large tree.

Dave sat next to Scarlett's parents and his mother Elise. Roy Goodman, Dave's stepfather, was taking pictures and movies of the event. The younger children sat closest to the tree eager for the opening to begin and the wrapping paper to fly in all directions.

Matt and Rose sat holding hands in a single chair. They often looked misty-eyed at each other. Dave chuckled; sometimes true love can be cloyingly sweet.

Scarlett's father had a rye sense of humor. He said, "Hey, I have an idea. Why don't we wait until tomorrow to open presents? This way we'll have to better appreciate the magnificent feast the ladies have prepared in the kitchen for all of us today."

The youngest children looked horrified. They all screamed in various ways, "NO! WE WANT TO OPEN PRESENTS NOW!" Their response got a predictable round of laughter from the adults.

The next two hours were pure mayhem as both kids and adults tore into the presents. John, Bobby, Brittany, and Andrea Prentiss anointed themselves as the official hander-outers of the presents. That worked since all of them could read the labels and knew everybody in the family. Matthew and Rose stood at the ready to help when one of them got confused or didn't recognize a written name.

Eventually, other than the mass of wrapping paper everything seemed to have been opened.

Dave's wives were all smiling at one another, a signal he'd learned years earlier meant they were up to mischief.

Alice then came up and stood in front of Dave. She held out a very small box wrapped in silver foil with glitter and a red bow on it. She paused and got everyone's attention. "Everyone, this is a gift for Dave from his ten wives. The original idea came from Cricket by way of a character in her books --Road Trip andCrystal Clear. That book is Dave's favorite all-time book and movie."

Dave admitted, "I think I've watched the film two dozen times just this year."

Alice presented Dave the box and kissed him. Pam was right there for the next kiss, and then Heather, Cricket, Scarlett, Bridget, Julie, Nikky, JR, and then Cindy Worthington. At the end Dave looked around and said, "That's all?" That provoked a lot of laughter from the non-family members.

Dave opened the small box and lifted out a nondescript key on a small key ring. He looked to Alice with a puzzled look.

Alice said, "Maybe you should look out the front door to see if there's something out there that the key might fit. Perhaps we should all accompany him in his quest."

The room stood en masse and started to file out the front door onto the small yard facing Circle Drive. Cricket and Pam held Dave back until the others had filed out the front door. Dave held questioning looks towards each of his wives. "Wait for the others to go out so they can all see your reaction."

After the room was all but empty, Pam said, "Come out ten or twenty seconds behind us." She and Cricket scooted out the door. Dave counted slowly to twenty.

Dave appeared at the door and came out. As he walked toward them his ten wives parted from what they'd been standing in front of to shield his initial view.

There in glorious splendor stood a 1988 Harley Davidson Heritage Softail motorcycle in what looked like new, off-the-showroom floor condition. A big red bow sat in the middle of the handlebars. Every piece of chrome on the machine was immaculate and sparkling in the sunlight. The black and red paint on the steel parts didn't have a speck of dust on the entire high gloss surface. The leather looked fresh and ready for riding. The black saddlebags were beautiful works of art with rivets and tooled décor in white. The tires were shiny they were so new. The bike sat at a jaunty angle.