After Dad Left Chapter 9, part 2 of 2

After Dad Left
Chapter 9, part 2 of 2

"Uh, you have to be kidding?" I laughed.

"Nope, I'm not," she replied quickly.

"Do you have any idea what turmoil that would cause?" I advised.

"For who? Maybe Robin, but who cares." she shot back quickly.

"Michelle, I don't think your mother or father would approve of that. Although, your sister did invite me earlier today," I stated.

"That fucking bitch invited you?" Michelle gasped.

"Yes, at the office Christmas party," I answered.

"Then you have to be my date. You have to." Michelle giggled.

"Okay, but if it goes bad, it's on you," I replied.

"Deal. But the problem is," she began, then stopped.

"What's the problem?" I asked.

"I can't compete with Robin when it comes to clothes. She will always be more beautiful than me. Michelle sighed.

"Michelle, your sister is not more beautiful than you. You're drop-dead gorgeous and have a body to die for. Anyone can buy nice clothes.", I offered.

"Not by tomorrow night," Michelle giggled.

"Wanna bet?" I replied, pulling out my cell phone.

I called Carla Davenport's cell phone, knowing that most of the women at the firm knew where to shop for nice clothes. She answered immediately and advised me to visit Sak's Fifth Avenue at the local mall. She told me to ask for Melanie or Crystal, who were excellent with fitting. I hung up and told Michelle we were going shopping in the morning.

Michelle agreed to meet me at home early the following day. Sure, at 5 o'clock, right at eight o'clock, Michelle rang my doorbell. I invited her in and gave her a quick tour of the house, which she liked. She admitted she found it hard to imagine a man living in a house this clean.

I finished dressing, and we took my car and went for breakfast nearby. We arrived at Sak's Fifth Avenue a few minutes past ten; they had just opened. We walked in and made our way to the women's department. A young woman came up to us and asked if we needed help. I wondered for Melanie or Crystal, as advised. The woman told us she was Melanie and would gladly assist us. I informed Melanie that Carla Davenport had recommended her. She told us Carla was an excellent customer of hers.

Michelle explained the type of party we were going to tonight. Since it was both indoors and out, Melanie suggested evening gowns were out. She took Michelle to the dress section, and they started looking through the racks. I sat just outside the dressing room and waited for the results.

Michelle took two dresses in the fitting room and came out with one on. The red dress had too many ruffles and material around the sleeves. I shook my head, and she disappeared into the room. She returned with an awful blue dress on, at least in my opinion.

"Oh God, no." I laughed when she stood in front of me.

She frowned at me jokingly and went back to take the dress off. I motioned for Melanie to come over. I mentioned to Melanie that Michelle had been killing herself in the gym. She needed something that would show off her legs and arms. Melanie nodded and disappeared around one of the racks. She returned with a shorter white dress in hand just as Michelle came out of the dressing room. Melanie took Michelle's two and gave her the white one she had just tried on. Michelle shrugged and returned to the fitting room. About ten minutes later, Michelle walked out from behind the curtain in a short white sequined dress that came to mid-thigh. It had spaghetti straps and was fit Michelle like it was made for her. Her thighs and calves looked terrific, and her arms were entirely defined.

"Oh, hell yeah," I laughed.

"You like?" she asked, holding her arms straight up.

"That's the one," I replied.

This was a Nelle Sequin Mini White dress by Jason Wu that cost nine hundred seventy-five dollars. As Michelle protested, I had Melanie usher her to the shoe department and look for matching shoes. About twenty minutes later, they returned with a pair of Jimmy Choo Nova Peep Toe Glitter Leather Slingback Platform Pumps. I never realized a pair of shoes could have a name that long. Melanie suggested a pair of ultra sheer stockings to accompany the dress.

Melanie suggested I apply for a credit card from the store itself. With their card, you earned a five percent discount and were awarded points you could use same as cash. It took about ten minutes to get the card approved, and we checked out. It came to fifteen hundred and forty-one dollars and thirty-nine cents. Michelle was arguing with me that there was no way she wouldn't pay me back. Melanie seemed to get a kick out of the banter between Michelle and myself.

I then drove Michelle to an excellent hair salon close to my house. Again, she objected, but I would hear none of it. Michelle worked with the stylist, and they came up with an idea that Michelle seemed to like. The stylist mixed a Butterscotch Blonde color and then applied it to Michelle's hair. When the coloring was done, I felt it was too dark for Michelle. The stylist cut her hair into different overlapping lengths. She then applied more highlights in tiny strands of the hair. It all came together once everything was finished, and the stylist dried her hair. She looked beautiful beyond words. We finished with Michelle getting a manicure and pedicure with a clear ultra-sheen polish.

We returned to my house when Michelle put the clothes in her car. She asked if I wanted to pick her up from her apartment near her parents' house. She constantly went back and forth between her tiny apartment and her parent's home, where she still had a bedroom. But as she admitted, she wanted to make a grand entrance. I agreed to pick her up at seven o'clock.

The closer it got to seven o'clock, the more nervous I became. I still thought this might be a bad idea on a significant day for her family. I had no idea how her parents or Robin would react when we showed up together. But when the clock hit six-thirty, there was no looking back. Once again, I chose a black suit with a white shirt. I chose a red tie and black shoes. I arrived at Michelle's apartment complex right at seven o'clock that evening. I found her unit on the second floor and knocked on the door.

She opened the door, and there was a vision I was not prepared for. Michelle Woods stood in a tight white sequin dress she looked poured into. The new hair color accented her beauty perfectly, and her makeup was flawless. The platform shoes gave her additional height, and the sheer stockings made her legs look fabulous. I'm sure I just stood there like a dumbass staring at her.

"Well, what do you think?" she giggled.

"I think I'm at the wrong apartment. You're not my workout partner, who I'm with almost every day," I replied.

"Yep, that's me," she claimed, hugging me.

"Michelle, you're beautiful beyond words," I whispered.

We arrived at Stan and Beverly's about twenty minutes before eight. Thankfully, I did not see Robin's car as I pulled up. By the time Michelle's parents got over the shock, Robin would arrive. I got out, walked around the car, opened Michelle's door, and extended my hand to help her. I followed her to the front door, where she pressed the handle and opened the door. Thankfully, no one was in the foyer as I closed the door. Michelle turned and ran her hands over my jacket and adjusted my tie.

"Are you ready?" she asked, smiling.

"I'll get back to you on that," I replied, nervous.

Michelle grabbed my hand, and we walked through the living room filled with people and into the backyard. We got quite a few stares in the process, but I was sure it was because of how Michelle was dressed. We stepped into the backyard, and I noticed Beverly Woods talking to several women, her back to us. As I looked around, I noticed that Stan Woods had already seen us and was standing there looking directly at us. Michelle caught her dad and grabbed my arm again, pulling me in his direction. By the time we arrived, I think Stan Woods was in shock.

"Hi, Daddy," Michelle said softly, kissing his cheek.

"Michelle, what have you done? Your hair, he stuttered."
"Do you like it?" she asked softly.

"My God, you're beautiful," he said, hugging his daughter, tears running down his cheeks.

After a long hug, he turned to me and extended his hand. I shook his hand while looking directly into his eyes for a reaction.

"Are you two together or something?" he asked, choking up.

"I think I'll let Michelle answer that, Stan," I replied.

Michelle explained that we had been working out together for nearly a year. Both Beverly and Stan noticed the transition in Michelle's body, but she never let on that I was her partner. Michelle admitted to Stan it was her idea for me to accompany her to the party. She told him I resisted initially but admitted that Robin had invited me anyway. I'm not sure how Stan took the news because Beverly Woods arrived seconds later.

"Michelle, you look lovely. I love the dress.', Beverly said, hugging her youngest daughter.

She then turned to me, gave me a brief hug, and stepped back. I knew the question was coming; I could see it in her eyes.

"Did you two come together?" Beverly asked, with a concerned look on her face.

Michelle told her mother the same story she had just told her father. Beverly didn't seem to take it as well as Stan did, but she said nothing. Of course, Beverly asked Michelle to help her in the kitchen so she could further interrogate her. That left me standing next to Stan Woods, feeling very uncomfortable.

"You know if this a problem, I could leave. I don't want to cause any trouble.", I advised Stan.

"Tim, can I ask you a question?', Stan inquired.

"Yes, sir," I answered.

"Are you and Michelle romantically involved ?" he asked, looking into my eyes.

"No, sir. It was exactly as Michelle explained it to you. We have been meeting at the health club and working out together for months. There's been nothing else, not even a kiss shared between us," I replied.

"Sorry, Tim, I just wanted to be prepared.", he answered.

"I understand, sir. Michelle is a beautiful young woman; I understand you are looking out for her. But before I even consider asking her out, I promise to speak to you first, considering the circumstances."

Robin Woods came through the rear door wearing a beautiful black dress about that time. She crossed the yard quickly and hugged her father and then me.

"I'm surprised you came, Tim. But I'm glad you're here.", Robin said, squeezing my hand.

"Where's Jeff at?" Stan asked.

"Oh, um, he's coming in a while with his parents," she replied, her eyes darting to mine once.

Just about that time, Michelle exited the backdoor and immediately headed toward us. Robin noticed Stan looking over her shoulder, so she turned just in time to see Michelle walk up. I had known Robin for a few years and had never seen her so surprised. She just stood there looking at Michelle with a confused look.

"Hi, Robin," Michelle said.

"Hey Michelle," Robin stuttered.

"You want something to eat ?" Michelle asked me.

"Sure, lead the way.", I replied.

When I got to the table, I could see Robin had engaged her father in a serious conversation. As Michelle told me about the family dynamics, Beverly arrived and joined the conversation shortly after. There was no doubt they were talking about us because Beverly and Robin kept glancing at us. We finished our plates and sat at one of the tables on the other side of the yard near the dance floor.

"Round one is over," Michelle giggled, watching the intense conversation.

"I think I mentioned this was not a good idea.", I replied.

"If they keep it up, I'm going to tell them we're fucking," Michelle said, smiling at me.

"Oh yeah, that will go over well," I said, hanging my head.

Michelle laughed hysterically at my comment, which I didn't find funny. Robin saw Michelle laughing and thought we might be making fun of her somehow. She immediately started in our direction, but Stan grabbed his daughter by the shoulder and pulled her back. Thankfully, Michelle returned to her senses. We sat there and calmly talked for nearly thirty minutes before Jeff and his parents arrived. Michelle leaned over and told me the performance was about to start.

Michelle had spent many years with her sister and knew her as well as anyone. Robin immediately kissed Jeff for longer than necessary and grabbed his hand, holding it in hers. This was a performance for the two of us. This whole situation seemed like a bunch of teenagers playing games with each other, something I was not interested in doing.

A few minutes later, I excused myself to use the restroom inside the house. After finishing, I exited the small hallway to run into Robin Woods.

"Are you dating my sister?" she asked.

"No, we have already answered this question twice. We work out together at the club, and we have been for months now. That's it, nothing more, nothing less," I replied.

"Then, why are you here?" she quickly inquired.

"Because she asked me to come, and so did you," I answered.

"I'm not sure I believe that," Robin sighed.

"I'm sorry that you don't believe me, Robin. But honestly, what difference would it make if I were dating your sister? You showed me exactly what I meant to you last Christmas," I said softly and walked away.

I walked back out, deciding not to tell Michelle about what happened. This was a bad situation, and I didn't want to worsen it. The disc jockey started playing music, and Robin and Jeff were the first on the dance floor. Michelle and I were talking about our workout schedule for the holidays when Stan Woods came over and asked Michelle if she wanted to dance. She accepted quickly, and they walked on the floor for the next song. It was easy to see how much Stan loved his younger daughter as they moved together across the floor. When the son ended, Michelle walked over to the disc jockey and whispered something in his ear. He nodded and then got up, taking a break.

It was approaching ten o'clock when the disc jockey sat behind the computer. Michelle grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the dance floor. I was very reluctant to add more fuel to the fire that was already burning. We danced to a song called "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston. There was no doubt that Michelle picked this song on purpose.

As we danced, I suddenly realized this situation was becoming uncontrollable. I had never thought about a romantic relationship with Michelle. She was a friend I enjoyed being around, but because of my relationship with her sister, being romantic was out of the question.

Then again, should it be? Michelle was every bit as beautiful as Robin. She was fun to be around and always made me laugh. She had a body to die for; she was built for sex. But again, how did she feel? Perhaps this was just about getting back with Robin. I quickly decided that I would leave it in everybody's best interest. As soon as the song ended, I pulled Michelle aside and told her I thought it best to leave and go home.

She seemed hurt at first but told me she understood. She told me she would sleep with her parents tonight and get her dad to bring her home in the morning. I asked her to tell everyone goodbye for me, which she promised she would.

I don't believe I was ever more confused on the drive home. I got home, showered, and fell into bed, fast asleep. I woke up at about eight thirty the following morning and made a pot of coffee. I was on my second cup when my cell phone rang, it was Stan Woods calling. Just what I needed on Christmas ran through my head as I answered the phone.

"Tim, this is Stan. Merry Christmas, son," he said.

"Merry Christmas to you, too," I replied.

"Tim, I have to tell you something. Michelle and I had a long talk last night. First, I want to thank you for being honest with me. Michelle confirmed everything that you said. That said, I think Michelle is in love with you," he stated.

"Sir, that's not possible. We never did anything," I started.

"That doesn't mean she doesn't love you. Michelle admitted many times that she was tempted to make the first move. But she was uncertain of how you felt and didn't want to ruin your friendship. She admits the two of you get along well," he suggested.

"Yes, sir, we do. I love working out with her, and she always keeps me laughing," I answered.

"That she does, son. I'm trying to tell you that if you want to take your relationship further with my daughter, I'm okay with that. You're a level-headed young man, and I was devastated when Robin did what she did. My wife and Robin might also not take it, but I don't care. This is about Michelle and the gleam in her eye when she talks about you. So, whatever you decide, I'm in your corner. Either way.", he ended.

I thanked him for the call and hung up the phone. I laid back on the sofa and tried to wrap my head around what I had just heard. Stan did make me promise to never tell Michelle about the phone call that had just occurred, which I did. How did Michelle feel about me?

There was so much I did not know about Michelle. All I was told about her past was the feud with Robin, which, as far as I was concerned, was ancient history. I did not want a possible relationship to be based on revenge. That would be a disaster for both of us.

I watched television all day on Christmas and went to bed early that night. I woke around eight o'clock, made a coffee pot, and washed my clothes. It was sometime after ten o'clock that morning when the phone rang. It was Michelle.

"Hey Tim, what are you doing?" she asked, cheerful.

"Washing clothes," I admitted.

"What a fucking party animal you are," she giggled.

I couldn't help but laugh at her; she could always get me to laugh hysterically. I composed myself quickly, something you had to do with Michelle.

"What the fuck are you doing?" I answered.

Now, it was tough to get the better of Michelle Woods. I did once or twice since we had been training together, but it was rare. She was always ready with a comeback, no matter how good your response was.

"I'm getting dressed to come see you," she answered, trying to reach me.

"I fucking never asked you to come over," I quickly answered, trying not to laugh.

"Too bad bitch, I'm on my way,' she replied, hanging up the phone.

I was aware a day ago that I may have to look at Michelle Woods in a whole new light after speaking to Stan. But I didn't expect it to come this fast. Since the house was clean, I finished washing the laundry and sat on the sofa folding towels when the doorbell rang. I got up and headed to the door, unsure what I was getting into. I opened the door, and Michelle stepped in quickly with a large tote bag on her shoulder. I closed the door and followed her into the living room, where she laid her bag on the sofa.

"Folding towels, huh? God, you know how to live," she giggled.

The words she used and the faces she made always made me laugh. She was the ultimate friend; she could always cheer you up. She sat down next to the load of towels and quickly helped me finish them. I put everything away, returned to the sofa, and sat a few feet away from her.

"We need to talk," Michelle said with a serious look.



To be continued