by Ally Hayes
“Well, I want you to have a wonderful summer because in just a few short weeks really, we’ll be driving you off to Yale and a whole new world. It’s going to be so wonderful. I’m so happy for you.” Patty began to tear up.
“Proud of you, kiddo,” Robert added, looking truly touched himself.
“Wow, you two better get it together or you’ll never make it through my graduation ceremony.”
They all laughed politely and then ate their salads in silence. Robert excused himself from the table. After the waiter quickly and expertly refolded his napkin and placed it on Robert’s chair, Patty broke the silence.
“Was Matt doing anything special tonight?”
“His friends are taking him out. His parents did birthday lunch. Did you wait until Dad was gone to bring up his name?” Jackie couldn’t help asking the question to which she knew the answer.
“Oh, honey, it’s complicated.” Patty sighed just as Robert returned, looking pale. As soon as he sat down, he began to fidget.
“Are you okay, Dad?”
“What? Oh, yeah. Hot in here isn’t it?” He pulled at his collar, loosening his tie.
Jackie looked to Patty who simply shrugged her shoulders. Robert motioned to the waiter for another scotch, all without using words. He glanced toward the bar. Checking on his drink, Jackie wondered.
By the time their dinners had been served, he had turned around three times. Both Patty and Jackie then tried to see what was causing his nervousness. Curious, Jackie excused herself to the bathroom to get a better look. She wouldn’t have to search far.
Seated at the bar was a woman plucked straight out of a James Bond movie. She wore a low cut black dress that was skin tight and complete with a slit up to her thigh. The shoes were stilettos and the drink appeared to be vodka something. She had blood-red lipstick and her hair was slicked back tightly, severe. Jackie self-consciously touched her own hair and felt instantly goofy in her headband and Jessica McClintock dress. She had felt so mature just a few minutes ago; now she felt like Laura Ingalls. She put her head down and quickened her steps toward the ladies’ room.
When she came out, she tried to avoid looking again, but she heard her name called and glanced up too quickly and caught the woman glaring at her. She practically ran back to the table. It was no wonder her father couldn’t stop looking her way; she was striking and hypnotic.
A beautiful slice of birthday cake with her name drizzled in raspberry sauce on the perimeter of her plate arrived as she sat down. While there was no gathering of wait staff to sing and clap, the piano played the unmistakable but elegant version of the “Birthday Song.” Patty and Jackie shared the cake and delicate cups of tea while Robert excused himself again.
He was gone for a noticeable length of time.
Patty looked at her watch. Jackie missed the action, but noticed her mother’s unease.
Robert returned looking upset and checking behind him as he walked.
Patty’s face widened in realization, and as she began to stand up, Robert stopped her by grabbing her wrist.
“Wait,” was all he said.
Jackie heard the click-click of an awkward walk in high heels. She turned just in time to see the woman walk out through the revolving doors. She also saw her father release her mother’s arm and visibly relax.
Daggers shot from Patty’s eyes.
Jackie’s stomach dropped.
Robert motioned for the check.
***
“Okay, open your eyes now!” Joey yelled.
Matt took off the bandana he had been wearing for the last twenty minutes in the back of Dave’s car. He blinked and tried to focus on the flashing neon sign.
“A strip club?” he asked with astonishment.
“Happy Birthday, bro! You’re the last one to turn legal, and we’ve been waiting for you, too! Let’s see who gets the better outcome.” They all burst out laughing, even Matt.
Dark, noisy, gross. It was as he would have imagined. And then some. He knew you had to be eighteen to get in but twenty-one to drink. What he didn’t know was it only took one fake ID to order four shots, then eight.
Front row for the cowgirl was good enough, but when she came over to their table a half hour later, he was out of his mind with testosterone and tequila.
A stripper approached Matt. “Heard it’s your birthday, pardner.” She wore short, cut-off, “Daisy Duke” jeans and a straw cowboy hat. Nothing else.
Matt tried to drawl in response. “Yes, Ma’am,”
“Well, then this is for you from your cowpokes.”
Joey, Dave, and Brian roared with laughter as she lassoed his arms behind the chair and proceed to give him a lap dance that was equal parts arousal and torture.
Matt couldn’t truly say how he made it home and into his bed, but somehow, he was there when he heard the female voice.
“Loverboy, phone for you!” one of his sisters called out. He was too tired to even know which one was summoning him. He would have said to forget it but assumed it was Jackie from the way he was addressed.
“Okay,” he managed and leaned over to pick up his phone, having to first plug it back in. Did he unplug it to not be disturbed or had Joe?
“Matt?”
“Hi, Jackie. What’s up so early this morning?”
“Well, for one thing, the sun has been up for about six hours already.”
“Wow, okay.”
“Must have been a fun night.”
“No comment, seriously. I am sworn to secrecy. But I made it home alive somehow. Speaking of promises, can I ask you to promise me something?”
“Of course, anything.” Oh, good she thought, I won’t break this one and everything will be alright. This will be my second chance to make it up to him.
“Promise me we’ll never spend our birthdays apart ever again.” He sounded sincere, although hung over.
Jackie smiled into the phone. “I promise, forever.”
Chapter Thirteen
Matt & Jackie
It should have been a perfect party. A double graduation celebration for two deserving kids headed off to college and fulfilling their dreams. And they just happened to be in love.
There was a gorgeous cake with their names memorialized in marzipan and balloons in colors representing both their respective high school and colleges. Another piece that had fallen into place; they would be attending two great schools that just happened to both be in Connecticut. There were friends and family for each graduate. The beautifully landscaped backyard was finally being appreciated. Music and chatter filled the air. There was an abundance of chips and dips, pizzas, burgers, and salads. And courtesy of Bill Foster, a keg.
Bill was overjoyed his only son turned out to be the star basketball player he himself had always wanted to be but never even got close to achieving. Now Matt was going to be a Huskie—he might even play in the NCAA tournament—and it wasn’t costing Bill a red cent. The least he could do was supply a keg to celebrate. The minute those kids stepped onto campus they’d be drinking anyway, he reasoned. Might as well admit he knew what was going on. Hell, after four girls, this was a piece of cake.
Bill arrived early with his family to help set up. Ann, the girls, and Matt all disappeared into the house to assist in the kitchen. Bill was told to set up the tables and chairs that were lying flat on the ground. Having accomplished his assignment, he retreated to the trunk of the car to retrieve the keg which he tapped and set up under a tree in the expansive backyard. No one was looking for him still, so he made sure the second serving was as fresh as the first.
Robert had been on his best behavior since Jackie’s birthday night. Trying to get home earlier, feigning interest in Patty’s day, and refraining from nagging Jackie about Matt. They knew it was forced but appreciated the effort nonetheless and kept quiet. He was not asked to do much for the party, so he walked around the house straightening out knickknacks, waiting for an order. He was just glad the party was not at the Foster’s for
a change.
“Robert, we need more ice; I used too much for the shrimp. Could you run out?” Patty asked through a kitchen full of Foster women. He couldn’t grab the keys fast enough. Out through the back room to the attached garage, he didn’t see Bill.
Upon returning, Robert took his time filling coolers and ice buckets, puttering around before venturing outside to the party. By that time it was in full swing. He poured a scotch from the outside bar and chit-chatted with parents of Jackie’s friends. He didn’t know them well, but enough to make pleasantries. Anyway, the topic of conversation that afternoon was obvious. Talk of college and futures ruled the day into night. He stayed under the shade of the rented tent with the husbands for most of the party.
Only after an hour or so did Robert notice that the graduates were crowded into a corner of the yard. They were sort of huddled, and he wondered what was at the center of their circle. There was nothing of any interest back there as he could recall. He passed it off once. His attention was quickly averted by Bill and his need of a hand at the grill, as if Robert was of any use there.
Ann prattled on about destiny, luck, and plans for the summer. Patty half-listened to her while she watched Robert’s unease with Bill, and Jackie’s apparent ease with Matt and his friends. Her girlfriends seemed to be enjoying themselves. They came in a group alone, and some of their parents came separately afterward. None were having backyard parties. These girls would be having celebration dinners at their clubs or leaving for trips next week, or both.
“So what’s the big allure over there?” Robert asked while pointing to the group of kids.
“Bunch of guys, bunch of girls, you know,” Bill shrugged.
“Yeah, I guess. Well, everything will be changing in the next couple of months. Might as well let them enjoy it now,” Robert added, meaning more than he assumed Bill would infer.
“That’s what I say. Let them party it up tonight. Glad you agree.” Bill was surprised but relieved at Robert’s reaction.
The burgers were about done, so Robert offered to tell the kids to come and eat. Ann and Patti carried dishes and desserts outside to the tables; everything appeared to be ready. He sauntered over to the group of graduates to announce that the food was out, and then froze when he saw what they had been gathered around all this time.
“What is that?” Robert snapped, looking at Matt for an answer.
“Dad,” Jackie began while trying to conceal her clear plastic cup.
“Hi, Mr. Hamilton. Want a beer?” Matt tried.
“No, I do not. Where did you get this keg from?”
“Uh, my dad, actually. Don’t worry, though, none of us are driving home tonight,” Matt advised.
Robert, who had just recently relaxed, was now tense again. Fuming, he turned sharply on his heels and went in search of Patty.
“Are you aware the Fosters brought alcohol to our house to serve to minors?”
“What?” Patty said. She had seen the keg and simply thought Robert had as well, so she had been happy he was turning a blind eye.
“These people have no class—trash. These kids are only eighteen, seventeen some of them. This is illegal, and it being on my property makes me responsible.”
“Robert, settle down.”
“I will not!”
Ann came rushing over, Melanie having filled her in on the situation.
“Robert, it’s okay. It’s just beer, and no one is going anywhere. Besides, in a couple of weeks they are going to be drinking at parties all the time.”
“Not my daughter!”
“Yeah, okay. We’ll see about that.” Ann tried to stifle a laugh, having survived four daughters’ escapades.
“You laugh, but this is a serious matter. We are illegally providing alcohol knowingly to minors.”
“What are you going to do, call the cops to your own house?” Bill asked. A crowd had gathered behind him. They all laughed nervously—but laughed.
“I don’t have to stand for this, and I will not. Leave my property.” Robert pointed to the driveway.
“You can’t be serious, Bob. This is a party for the kids. Have a burger…or a beer. Calm down.”
“Stop calling me Bob!” he yelled at Bill, then turned his attention to his wife.
Patty looked down at her feet to avoid Robert’s stare. It was quiet now. She didn’t know who was supposed to make the next move. She looked up as Robert walked away. Moments later, the purr of his BMW cut the silence.
There were a few moments of uncomfortable quiet then someone mentioned that the food was getting cold. The kids first, then the adults gave into filling up their plates, then to conversation. Eventually, the circle around the keg reformed. No one mentioned Robert Hamilton. No one saw him again that night. Not even Patty.
Patty and Jackie did not speak of it. The next morning, they cleaned up the remainder of the party and moved on to getting ready for Sydney’s graduation party at the Endicott Estate. Robert would have like that one; passed hors’devors, fine wine, and a professional video presentation of the girls throughout the years. A live band entertained throughout the night. When asked, Patty and Jackie both replied, “out of town unexpectedly.” Once upon a time, he would have had a good time there.
When Robert finally did arrive after work on Monday, well after an appropriate dinner time, it was clear there would be no discussing the matter. Not that he was over it; they could see that in the way he moved. “Don’t bring it up” was the message conveyed loud and clear by Robert’s very presence. Patty feared to discuss it, as it might lead to asking where he stayed during his family hiatus.
“It’s probably best if you don’t come here. Let it blow over first,” Jackie explained quietly into the phone.
“I want to be alone with you anyway. Your mom always hovers when I’m there. Can you get away?”
They had not been truly alone in a while. With all the ceremonies and parties and everyone out of school and siblings home, they hadn’t had a chance. Also, not that she was avoiding alone time, but Jackie feared all Matt would want now would be sex. Her friends warned her, once you’ve gone all the way, nothing short of that is good enough for them and it wouldn’t matter when, where, or how anymore. Jackie began to wonder if Matt could be like that, too.
She really wanted to be with him, and alone, but she certainly had been dodging opportunistic places. So far she had been successful in her evasion, but maybe he was beginning to notice.
“Sure I can. Where do you want to go?”
“Doesn’t matter. I just want to be with you, Jackie.” She could practically hear his grin.
“I’ll be right over.” She could only resist to a point.
As soon as they started kissing—really kissing—Jackie knew where it was headed. She could read his intentions in every touch, grope. He was moving faster than usual, with more determination. Unknowingly, she was holding back, not giving it her all. He noticed.
“What’s the matter?” he asked between kissing her ear then neck. He was trying to move his way down.
“Nothing. I’m just nervous someone will come in,” she lied. She knew Ann was with her father, visiting him at the nursing home he had recently moved to, and all the girls were working. The den was as safe as could be.
“Don’t worry. I told you no one is here, and the door is locked. Relax.” Matt continued where he left off. She decided to take another approach.
“Matt, do you love me?” she asked as he kissed, or rather sucked, on her neck and groped other areas.
“Oh, Jackie, you know I do. Let me show you!”
“No, I mean really love me? Like forever, even when we’re apart in the fall?” She’d said it; it was out there now, and it would have had to be spoken of eventually, but neither had expected to discuss it so soon.
She had expected her question to distract him, or at least slow him down. Matt had stopped dead in his tracks.
“Jackie, summer just started. Let’s have some fun.”
&n
bsp; “We have to talk about it sometime,” she tried again.
“I promise we’ll talk, really talk. But for now, Jackie, please shut up and help me with this latch-thingy.”
He gave her his best goofy grin so she would know he was joking. It worked, and she reached around to her back.
Since it was going to be a short summer, and she didn’t have to work or do extra-curricula’s anymore, Jackie had a clear calendar. She was free to lay out at the pool and hang out with friends and Matt. There was one exception: the week her family would be going on their annual vacation. She couldn’t figure out why they were bothering with this charade of happy family, especially this year. It had been a delicate marriage for as far as she could remember. Her parents were always too polite with each other. She used to think her mother was scared of or at least intimidated by her father. Now she saw that Patty just tried to avoid upsetting him—didn’t want the confrontation.
Conversely, she thought her father did not respect her mother’s intelligence. She still thought that, but even Jackie herself didn’t always defend her mother to him. Maybe Jackie was a conflict avoider, too. It was clear that she was avoiding telling Matt the truth, that she hadn’t waited. She wondered what his reason could be for ducking out of discussing the fall.
Although Matt had received a scholarship to UConn, his parents had made it clear that living expenses were going to be slim. Not wanting to take a real job with a boss and strict hours, he and Joey had advertised themselves as “Collegiate Cutters.” Meaning they would mow lawns to earn money for beer at college. With Matt’s charm and Joey’s artistic skills, they went door to door with impressive fliers earlier in the spring. Soon they had enough clients to keep them both busy and profitable. They souped-up two old but reliable mowers Mr. Barone had helped them find in the want ads, and they were in business before graduation.