Catering to Three (24 page)

Julie lay sprawled across Kelly’s living room rug next to Amanda who was lying on a pink blanket, her eyes wide open, her little mouth making sucking noises against her pacifier.

“She’s so alert,” Julie said to Kelly and Abby, who had just come back from shopping. James was working an event and Annie was still napping.

“That she is and especially at night. She’s still got her nights and days mixed up,” Kelly said with a smile as she bent down to kiss her baby’s head. “I do love her so.”

“She’s pretty lovable,” Julie said, gazing down at the tiny little girl with shades of red fuzz adorning her head.

“My parents couldn’t get enough of her. They were fighting over who was going to hold her last night.”

“Yeah,” Kelly said, “my parents were like that, too, when they were here. James and I made a beautiful baby.”

“Yes, you did,” Abby agreed.”

“She and Annie are beautiful little girls,” Julie said, lifting herself off the floor. Amanda reminded Julie of what Kelly must have looked like as a baby. Strawberry-blond hair, big blue eyes, and a smile that made you want to hug her and never let her go. There was a time when she hadn’t been sure she ever wanted children, and now she couldn’t wait until she had her own. She wanted at least three, one for each of the men she loved. They had assured her that it wouldn’t matter to them who had sired the child because they were a product of their parents’ love for each other.

Julie had been worried that her own parents, in particular, her father, wouldn’t be able to handle her relationship with three men. However, past experience had taught her she needed to give him a chance and not make assumptions.

“I’m going to get going. My parents are going to Noah, Keith, and Mark for the first time tonight. I wish I weren’t so nervous.”

“I was nervous about meeting Kelly’s parents,” Abby said, opening one of the shopping bags and pulling out two little dresses that were exactly the same but in different sizes. “It’s normal.”

“Those dresses are adorable. You’re going to dress them like twins.”

“Not always. Kelly’s dead set against that. You know, even though they are close in age, she wants them to be independent. I’m for that, too. But she let me indulge just this once.”

“I agree with you both,” Julie said, grabbing her purse from next to the chair.

Both Abby and Kelly laughed. “Call me and let me know how the evening goes,” Kelly said, scooping up Amanda. “Somebody looks like they’re hungry.” The baby cooed up into Kelly’s loving eyes.

“I will if there’s time. If not, I’ll call you first things tomorrow.” She had taken the day off from work to prepare the meal she hoped would set the stage for an enjoyable evening. She had hired a driver to pick her parents up at her apartment and give them a quick tour of San Francisco. They were also going to Muir Woods for a few hours and then stopping for lunch in Sausalito on the way back. James had given her the name of a restaurant that he knew offered a variety of different foods that would appeal to any palate.

She was putting the finishing touches on a lobster bisque, one of her father’s favorites, when Mark came strolling in the kitchen with a cake that Kelly had made for their dessert.

“How’s things going?” he asked. “Smells good in here.”

Julie smiled as he set the cake down on the counter before wrapping his arms around her. “You smell good, too,” he said, nuzzling her neck.

“Don’t even think about it,” she said with a giggle. “I’ve got too much to do.”

“You can’t blame a guy for trying.”

“No, you can’t.” She turned to kiss him, loving the way his lips felt on hers. He was a remarkable man, and he was all hers. She pulled away, looking into his eyes. “How did I get so lucky?”

“I was actually hoping I was going to get lucky,” he teased.

“You’re insatiable.”

“Only where you’re concerned.”

“Good answer.” She turned to stir the bisque. “I’ve also got filet mignon and spears of asparagus. Kelly’s cake will make the perfect dessert.”

“What time did you say your parents would be here?” Mark went to the cupboard and opened a bag of chips.

“The driver’s dropping them back at my apartment around five thirty and then picking them up at seven to bring them here. Try not to spoil your appetite,” Julie said, eying the bag of chips.

“Like that would ever happen,” he joked.

“You could rest before dinner if you like.”

“I was thinking of doing just that,” he said, heading out the door and into the hallway with the bag of chips grasped firmly in his hand.

“Sweet dreams,” she said with a chuckle.

“They always are,” he said with a smile, “now that you’re a permanent fixture around here.”

Julie grinned as she turned her attention back to the stove. Everything was going as planned. All she had to do was be confident. She washed the asparagus and put it in water before she checked on the filets that she had soaking in her own special sauce. She was just putting some dishes in the dishwasher when she turned to see that Keith had also come early. They may be telling her not to worry, but they were obviously feeling the pressure, too. They were never home before seven.

“Just wanted to check in with you,” Keith said, walking toward her.

“Everything’s good here. I have it all under control.”

“I never doubted that. You’re totally in your element.”

“Meaning I’m not always?”

“Meaning you know exactly what I mean. Now come here so I can taste you.”

Julie pressed herself into Keith as his arms surround her, pulling her even closer. She felt his lips in her hair before he raised her chin for a kiss. His hands moved slowly down her back to her ass pushing her pussy into his hardening cock.

“Keith,” she breathed. “We can’t. Not now.”

“I know. But it’s a delicious thought.”

Disentangling herself from his arms, she tried to put a little distance between them for her sake as well as his. “Mark tried the same thing not more than a half hour ago.”

“Obviously he didn’t succeed either. Where’s he now?”

“Upstairs taking comfort with a bag of chips. He might even be napping.”

“That’s Mark. If he can’t have you, a bag chips will have to do.”

“Very funny.” Julie giggled.

“Okay, I’ve got the message. No sex before the parents visit.”

“You know I want you, but everything has to be perfect for tonight.”

Keith was just about to leave her to go and change when they heard the front door close with a slam.

“What the…” Keith said, turning toward the hallway.

Noah met him at the entrance to the kitchen. “Think you could help me with these?”

Keith took the golf clubs he was holding while Noah used both hands to keep the rather large package steady.

“What is all this?” Julie asked.

“Well, I told you that I was going to ask your father to go golfing, so I thought he should have a set of clubs here that he could call his own. And the package,” Noah said, placing it on the counter, “is for your mother. You told me how much she likes Coach handbags, so I got her the biggest one I could find.”

“Noah! Are you trying to buy my parents’ affection?” Julie said, trying to suppress a giggle.

“Maybe, just a little,” he said, looking slightly shamefaced.

“But if it works, it will be worth it,” Keith said, putting his hand on Noah’s shoulder. “Good job, buddy.”

“You were both in on this. Mark, too, I bet.”

“It’s just that when you meet the parents of the woman you love for the first time, bearing gifts can’t hurt.” Noah smiled. “Can it?”

“No, I suppose not,” Julie conceded. “They’re going to love their gifts almost as much as I love you.” She scooted in between them, hugging them to her. “Now go get dressed, you two, while I take care of things here. I’ll be up in a little while to get dressed.”

“We could wait for you and help you get dressed,” Noah said, his eyes glinting mischievously.

Julie just gave him a knowing smile and shooed them both out of the kitchen. When she did finally take the time to get dressed, they thankfully left her alone. They knew how important this evening was to her.

Her parents arrived right on time. They both looked around the house with shocked eyes. “I had no idea you lived in a place like this,” her mother said in awe.

“Close your mouth, dear,” Julie’s father said, grinning.

Julie showed them into the living room where they sat down. They both looked a bit ill at ease. Noah came into the room first, holding out his hand to her father and then her mother, who gave him a hug. “I’m Noah and you must be Mary and Bob. I hope you don’t mind if I call you by your first names?”

“Since it appears we’re family now, I think it’s quite appropriate,” her mother said with a smile. “My daughter has told us a lot about you, but I had no idea you all lived in a mansion.”

“It’s big, but it suits us, and Julie’s made it a home.”

Julie turned as Keith and Mark walked into the room.

She hurried over to them. “These are my parents, Mary and Bob, and these,” she said, smiling at Keith and Mark, “are my other two loves, Mark and Keith.”

“I’m Keith.”

“I’m Mark.”

“My daughter certainly has an eye for handsome men,” her mother said, planting a light kiss on each of their cheeks.

Julie’s father looked the men over. She held her breath. This was the moment she knew would set the tone for the entire evening.

To her relief, her father smiled. “It’s nice to meet you both.” He held out his hand to each of them.

Julie excused herself to go to the kitchen to bring in the hors d’ oeuvres when Noah placed a hand on her shoulder. “Keith and I will get those, and Mark will see what everyone wants to drink. You stay with your parents and enjoy their company. We’ll be right back.”

When they returned, her father was deep in conversation with Mark about golf. Both Keith and Noah joined in. As she had known they would, they made a date to play the next morning.

“I’m taking you shopping and out to lunch,” Julie said to her mother. “It will be fun.”

“I know, but don’t you have to work?”

“Nice thing about being the boss, or one of the bosses, you can set your own hours. Besides that, Kelly and I have a great staff, and with Mark’s help…I told you he owns a staffing agency, everything runs very smoothly when I need to take a few days off.”

Dinner was held in the formal dining room. Her mother’s eyes widened again. Julie totally understood her mother’s awe. She had felt the same way herself. It was a magnificent room with a crystal chandelier at its center and a mahogany table that could seat over twenty people.

“I feel like I’m visiting royalty,” her mother said, taking the seat that Noah had pulled out for her.

“When I first saw this place, I knew I wanted it. However, I also knew that I wouldn’t want to live here by myself. I’ve been truly blessed.”

“Well, from everything Julie has told us, you have all done very well for yourselves. And my Julie,” her father said, his eyes finding hers, “has made us very proud.”

“Thank you, Father.” That, Julie thought to herself happily, was one of the first real compliments she could ever remember receiving from him. It brought tears to her eyes. She looked over at her mother, who was beaming.

Once the food had been placed on the table and they were all seated, Julie bowed her head to say a prayer. She knew it was something her mother had always encouraged. When she was done, Noah said, “This looks wonderful, Julie. I can’t wait to dig in.”

Julie basked in their compliments as the meal progressed. When she brought out the cake, she made sure to tell her parents that it was one of Kelly’s creations. Noah poured the coffee. It was a wonderful ending to the meal.

They all took a walk outside after dinner. Her mother loved the gardens. Her father was impressed with the pool and the view of San Francisco Bay. They were sitting around the pool, chatting comfortably about this and that when Noah and Mark got up and excused themselves. They returned with the gifts for her parents.

They both said they couldn’t accept such expensive gifts, but Julie knew neither of them meant it. Her mother loved the handbag and her father couldn’t stop talking about the TaylorMade clubs that he had only viewed from afar until now. Julie had a feeling he was going to take them home with him and not leave them to use when he visited.

By the end of the evening, Julie could see that her parents were tired. They had a busy day beginning with their tour of the area. They had both loved Muir Woods and told her to thank James for his lunch recommendation. Julie called the car for them.

When her dad rolled the clubs out the door with him, Noah smiled and whispered to Julie, “I think I’m going to have to get him another set for here.”

“You’ve spoiled him, you know.”

“He’s a good guy. This was a lot for him tonight.”

“Yes,” she said, squeezing his hand. “Thank you for being so good to both of them.”