Chapter 02 -- The Prom
The week was flying by and I was feeling good about things. My weekend getting to know Leslie and convincing her to play the game was outstanding. I still think I have more power in this game than even I realize, but only time will truly tell that.
I was on my way home from work on Thursday night, thinking of nothing more than having a beer and watching the ballgame. When I heard my cell phone ringing as I drove, I figured those plans might change
"Hello," I picked up my cell.
"It's Penny," she said on the other end of the line.
"How are you my dear," I asked politely.
"I'm good, but this is not a social call," she informed me.
"It never is," I cemented. "Is everything alright?"
"Oh yes," she confirmed. "I am calling for Leslie. I have your first assignment in the new game."
"I figured," I jeered. "So what are we doing?"
"We aren't doing anything," she replied, sounding disappointed. "You need to get a tuxedo and meet Leslie at her house tomorrow night at 5:30pm sharp."
"Ok, I can handle that," I admitted. "Do you know what my 'assignment' actually is?"
"You will be chaperoning Mindy's high school prom," Penny revealed.
"Just me," I questioned.
"No, Leslie will be with you," she validated.
"Ok, then why didn't she call me herself," I inquired. "Emma always used to call herself."
"She wants to keep you guessing," Penny disclosed.
"Of course she does," I responded. "Well, thank you."
"Anytime, baby," she giggled. "If you do well on this one Leslie promised that the next assignment will be fun for everyone."
Before I could even ask if she knew what that meant, Penny hung up. That was the one part this game that always made me grind my teeth. The hanging up. They had all done it at one point or another. Ugh. So much for watching the ballgame.
I headed to the mall to rent a tux. It was a small chore, more an inconvenience really, but I got it done. I decided to get a hair cut while I was there, so I would look clean cut for Leslie. I finally headed home when all my errands were completed; I even took the time to pick up a corsage for Leslie, just to cover all my bases.
The next day dragged on, work sucked and there wasn't much else happening. Late in the day I changed into my tux in the men's room of our office and then packed up my stuff and headed to Leslie's. I parked in the driveway and headed up to the front door where I was greeted by a young, blonde haired guy also in a tux.
"You must be Miss Adams' date," he said to me, extending his hand.
"Yes, I am," I confirmed for him, shaking his hand. "And who might you be?"
"Oh, I'm Brad, Mindy's date," he divulged. "The ladies are still getting ready and they asked me to wait out here with you."
"It's nice to meet you Brad," I responded to him. "Are you a senior?"
"Yes, sir," he validated. "I'm headed to UCLA next year to play baseball."
"Really, that's great," I said, impressed. Having been a ballplayer myself, Brad's stock just went up. "What position do you play?"
"Third base," he revealed. "Batted .650 this season."
Brad and I talked baseball for the next 20 minutes or so as we waited on our dates. While we were talking, a long, black, stretch limo pulled up in front of Leslie's house. The driver stepped and saw us in our tuxes. He made his way over to where Brad and I were standing on the porch.
"Central High Prom," the driver questioned.
"Yes, sir," Brad answered him.
"Very good," the driver replied. "I'm Carl. I will be your driver for the night."
"Good to meet you Carl," I said, extending my hand to him.
Carl did not say anything as he shook my hand, in which a $50 bill was transferred to him. When the handshake ended Carl nodded.
"I understand there will be four passengers going and only two coming back," Carl announced.
"Yes, sir," Brad acknowledged. "Mindy and I will be going with some other people to the after prom party."
Interesting. Leslie and I would be returning alone. Nice touch.
A moment later the front door opened and Mindy emerged. She looked lovely, wearing a strapless maroon gown that fell all the way to the floor and was very big on the bottom. Her makeup was not overdone and her dirty blonde hair was done up. Her white shoulders drew attention to the pearls around her neck. She was a lovely girl.
"Aunt Leslie will be right out," she broadcasted as she passed by me.
She kissed Brad on the cheek and the head to the limo. Carl escorted them and opened the door for them. I stood on the porch and waited, corsage in hand. I felt 18 again myself for a moment, until I saw Leslie. She materialized from the house looking like no 18 year-old girl ever has.
She had on a glittery, electric blue mini dress with very thin strap and the bottom of which fell only to her mid thigh. She had on tan stockings which hid the scars on her inner thighs and matching electric blue 4 inch heels that made her legs look delicious. Her hair was done nicely, with curls at the bottom and her makeup was pronounced, especially the bright blue eye shadow and candy apple red lips.