16

Sunday

"Morning," Andy said as he held Sara. He was lying on his back, and her head was on his chest.

She scooted up and kissed his cheek. "What time is it?" she asked.

"The car will be here in 45 minutes, and we need to take our bags with us when we leave this morning," he replied. "We'll do the shoot, join everyone at the Plaza for brunch, and then fly back to Boston. Since there's 18 of us going on to Boston, we'll take a bigger plane. We'll drop the Judge and Helen off, as well as Mr. and Mrs. Hughes, and Mikey and Pri. Then, we'll take the plane to Portland. The college is sending one of the women's sports vans to pick us all up from there."

"Ugh. Not one of our vans. Andy, they're terrible. The men's teams use them for a couple of years, and then hand them down to us," she lamented. "Talk about a buzz kill. I have the most wonderful weekend of my life, capped off by a ride in one of those things."

"It has been a wonderful weekend, hasn't it?" he grinned.

"Mmm. The best," she murmured. "What was really wonderful was last night. You have no idea how sexy it feels to be with you wearing nothing but my engagement ring. Baby, you really do ring all my bells." She kissed him again.

"Baby, I really can't believe we're here. The last time I was home, I had no idea you even existed. Now, we're here in my momma's bed and we're engaged to be married." She stroked his face, and kissed him again.

He broke off the kiss. "OK, before we get carried away, I need to tell you something. There are three more surprises today -- at least that I know of. You already know about one of them, and two will be outside of New York City. I took you seriously when you said four surprises was your limit."

She cat-stretched in the bed, and suggestively ran her hand over Andy's rapidly growing manhood. "That is so not fair," he whispered.

"I know. 'Andy's Sara' doesn't always play fair. And, just for the record, you're not the only one capable of surprising people. Ellen is one sneaky lady. Now, I'm going to get up on my hands and knees, and you're going to give me that beautiful cock nice and hard, and then we're going to kick ass and take names. Understood?"

"Yes, 'Andy's Sara.'" He paused, "Is 'Andy's Sara' always this bossy? This feels more like 'Sara from the block,'" he quipped.

She got up on her hands and knees and wiggled her sumptuous backside at him. "Oh no, it's 'Andy's Sara' all right. 'Sara from the block' never got any," she giggled. "'Andy's Sara' gets good loving from her man all the time."

_______________________________________________________

Forty minutes later, Andy took all their bags down to the car. Sara joined him waiting beside the back door of the car when Gina Jones walked out. The smile on her face, and the glow emanating from her person were unmistakable. Andy saw her, and gave a wolf-whistle. Sara laughed out loud.

Gina hugged and kissed them both. "It looks like someone enjoyed their evening," said Andy.

"A lady never tells," she shot back. "But if she did, she would tell you that she enjoyed herself immensely."

Andy kissed her again. "I'm very happy for the both of you. Do we need to make sure Tommy's still breathing? I'm sure he's got a smile on his face, but I think we need him alive," he joked.

"Well, my smart-ass son-in-law, half an hour ago he was very much awake," she jabbed back.

"Momma, it is too damn early for this," protested Sara. "Can we go please? I have a date to see Andy in his dress uniform, and I will beat both of you if you make me late for that."

In the car, the banter continued. "So, I got a text this morning from Anthony and Todd. It would appear that I'm not the only one who enjoyed my evening," she grinned. "Andy, it appears you treat my baby

very

well."

"MOMMA! Really?" yelled a scandalized Sara. Andy and Gina both laughed at her response, and her discomfort.

"I just told them that 'payback was a bitch.' The romantic sounds coming through the walls may go both ways from now on," she grinned. "They ain't heard nothing yet."

"Can I just get out and walk the rest of the way?" groaned Sara.

"Momma G, we really are happy for you. But Sara, I understand why it would be hard to think about your mom -- well, you know. Sara tells me stuff that she and Jessica talk about, and it makes me want to leave the damn country. So please, keep going, I'm rather enjoying watching Sara squirm," Andy said, chuckling.

"This will be new ground for both of us, I guess," said Gina thoughtfully. "Sara never really dated, and I didn't either. It wasn't until she left to go to college that I even considered it again." She turned to Sara, "I'm sorry baby, but I'm really excited. The truth be told, you and Andy have done more in my bed than I have. It had been a really, really long time for me."

"I am happy for you, momma. I guess I never thought of all the things you gave up for me," she said quietly.

"I knew raising you by myself would be more than enough. I didn't want to complicate things with dating. That may have been a mistake, but I thought it best at the time," she said somberly.

The expression on Sara's face changed dramatically. "Wait -- so you mean... How long had it been?" she asked her mother.

"The last man I was with before Tommy last night, was Anthony Easley," she said quietly.

Andy whistled. Suddenly, both Sara and Gina broke out laughing. When they recovered, Sara whispered something to her mother, and Andy saw her eyes grow big. She looked at Andy, and then eyed him from the waist up, pausing uncomfortably on his crotch. Andy covered himself with his hands.

"So, Andy you really are taking good care of my baby then," she laughed.

"You know Sara, walking might not be such a bad idea," said a visibly uncomfortable Andy. "I feel like I need to not be here right now."

Mother and daughter laughed. "Baby, it's OK," Gina told Andy soothingly. "We can both be happy for one another. For the first time ever, the Jones women have a good man in their lives. We're blessed -- or in Sara's case - really blessed."

Even Andy had to laugh out loud.

Gina's phone chimed. Anthony had forwarded her digital proofs from last night. She grabbed her iPad out of her bag, and opened the link. Immediately, looks of admiration came from mother and daughter. There were 'ooh's' and 'ah's' aplenty. Andy was dying to see as well, but knew enough to leave this moment alone. The Jones women needed this -- just the two of them - and he would be intruding. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity Gina looked at him, "Thank you, Andy," she said. "You've given us an amazing evening."

___________________________________________________________

The shoot was in an old warehouse in the garment district. The car pulled up, and a rather frantic-looking young woman led them inside, and up to the second floor. It was a beehive of activity. The area where the pictures would be happening was easy enough to see, but all around it was controlled chaos. Andy noted the spread of food at the back of the room, and made a mental note.

An attractive, stylishly dressed, and very composed woman greeted them. "Hi, I'm Cecily Givens-Price, but everyone calls me CeCe. I'm the Chief Creative Officer here. Andrew, I would know you anywhere. I see the family resemblance between you and Ellen. And no offense, but as much as she talks about you, I feel like I know you." Turning to Sara she said, "And that would make you Sara. May I offer my congratulations to the both of you?"

"Thank you," said Andy. "This is Sara's mom, and my soon-to-be mother-in-law, Gina Jones." Pleasantries were exchanged, and then CeCe took over.

"So, we need to get you two into wardrobe to get ready. Time is money, and things move quickly in a shoot. The best advice I can give you is, just play make believe. We're going to run four sets of you through each shoot. Right now, the two of you are in a set together, but the creative director has the leeway to change that if she wants. If she does -- don't be offended, just roll with it. You two make an amazing couple, but that may work against you. We're focusing on the clothes, not the models themselves. I know it sounds a bit wacky, but that's how it works, I'm afraid. A little chemistry is a good thing. Too much chemistry takes the attention away from where we want it: the clothing. Audrey will take Sara and Gina with her, and I'll take Andrew." Andy hugged Sara, and kissed her, then did the same for Gina -- kissing her on the cheek.

As CeCe led Andy back, she got right down to brass tacks. "Andrew, listen. Your sister is amazing -- and I don't mean she's nice and kind and fun to be around -- though she is all those things. She is a once in a generation talent. She sketched out an entire line in 3 hours while sitting in a fitting room in Boston. We have designers who can't do that kind of work if we give them six months. Game knows game; and Donna really wants to keep Ellen here. She will make her an offer she cannot refuse. She's already browbeating a couple of Manhattan architects to hire Christopher. That's quite a bit to put on a young couple, and I know how much she respects you. Because I like her, I'm giving you a heads up. We don't let that kind of talent just walk away if we can help it."

"Second, and this is Momma CeCe talking now, we had to wrangle my son Miles into this at the last minute. He's never done this either, and, well, I'm just hoping you can help put him at ease. This can't be that big a deal to a combat veteran, but I'm afraid it's a very big deal to a 20-year-old soon-to-be college junior."

Andy chuckled. "Well, CeCe, it feels like a pretty big deal to this combat veteran, but I'll be glad to do what I can with Miles."

"Andy," she said, in absolute earnestness. "I want to be clear. This is a

quid pro quo

. DK would be irate if she knew I told you what I've told you regarding your sister. Miles was overwhelmed when he knew Alex Fedorov was going to be one of the other models. He's feeling more than a bit intimidated. Plus, while his momma thinks he's gorgeous, he's not as ruggedly handsome as you or Alex. I'm afraid this might be a bad idea, so I'm just asking for whatever help you can give."

Andy looked at her. "CeCe -- this for my sister. I would kill people for her. You're damn skippy I'll do whatever I can to help Miles. I want this to go well for Ellen's sake, and for the sake of Sara and her friends. I'm on board to do whatever needs to be done. Besides, if Miles is half as cool a customer as his mother, I'm guessing he'll be just fine," he smiled. "Now, it's my turn to give a heads up. My grandmother and her sister will be here shortly. They are used to running the show in whatever they're doing. They're both amazing and strong women, and they've been ridiculously successful. Don't be fooled by their charm and grace -- they get shit done. If your creative director has a hard time telling the peanut gallery to pipe down, this won't go well. And CeCe -- for Ellen's sake, I want this to go well. Do we understand one another?"

CeCe smiled. "Absolutely. And, for the record, the women in your family are not the only ones who can get things done. Here you are. We'll see you shortly."

_______________________________________________________

As Andy was giving his dress uniform a once over in the mirror, there was a knock on the door. He had already met Miles, and enlisted both Alex and Cooper in his efforts to put Miles at ease. The quartet looked at one another puzzled, and finally Alex said, "Come in."

Anthony burst through the door, followed by Christopher. "Well, if this is not an august gathering of lovely men, then my name is not Anthony Brown-Jennings." He looked around the room and paused. "OK, I know three of you, but I don't know tall, dark, and handsome over there."

Andy laughed. "Anthony -- please meet Miles Givens-Price. Anthony was our photographer last evening, and he's my fiancé's next-door neighbor. Are you doing this shoot?"

"No, but the lady who is, is one of our besties. She was the photographer for our wedding. When I told her about last night, she invited me to come down and play candid camera. See, I told her something she did not know. She has no idea that Sara will light up like the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center when she sees you in your G.I. Handsome get-up. No way I'm missing that!" He paused, and looked reflective. "Though I must admit, judging from the sounds coming from the bedroom last night -- and this morning - it's a wonder either of you can walk." He grinned, "Youth is wasted on the young, I guess."

"Now; Alex, they're ready for you. Miles and Cooper, if you're ready you can come watch this first round of pictures. Melanie is a sweetheart, though she is a bit of a task master. She's used to dumb mannequins, not thoughtful amateurs like yourselves. If you watch how she handles Alex and Jessica, you'll know what's what when it's your turn. And -- not to tattle -- but the ladies look ah-may-zing. Don't tell Todd I said that, however. Andy, you're no go for the main room. They want to spring you on your two at the last minute."

"Do you know who we're working with?" asked Cooper.

"Well, Andy has Sara and her maid of honor. I forget her name," Anthony said.

"Eden," said Cooper and Christopher simultaneously.

"That's the one. Then Miles has the lovely ladies who are the other two bridesmaids. I've only heard them called Power Girl and Batgirl, which would be crazy even for white folks to do to their daughters," he snickered.

"Kail and Grace. Kail is the tall blonde. Grace is Asian," said Andy to Miles. "They're amazing -- but let me warn you: Kail will say stuff that will have you laughing. It's a social anxiety thing she has. But she's great. Grace is too. You drew well, young Padawan." Andy put his fist to his palm and bowed to Miles as he said this, and to his delight and surprise, he returned the gesture.

"Well, that leaves the other two -- the Amazonian volleyball players -- to work with Cooper. Nice girls," finished Anthony. "Right, if everyone has their dance card? Alex, I've been sent to bring you with me."

The shoot went very well. Melanie figured out right away that most of this crew knew one another, and used it to her benefit. There was a change that had to be made, however. Eden and Sara reacted so strongly to Andy in his uniform, that Kail and Grace had to be substituted. Anthony was right -- Sara lit up like Rockefeller Center at Christmas. Both had tears in their eyes, and no amount of kind and soothing words from either Andy or Ellen could help Eden. Sara was wearing a crimson evening gown that matched the stripe on Andy's uniform trousers. Eden's royal blue gown matched the color of the uniform trousers. Both were subtly accented in a gold that matched the gold trim on Andy's uniform. The result was striking. Ellen's design accentuated the height of both women, and she highlighted their curves, but didn't flaunt them.

"This was the first draft?" asked an amazed Andy as he left his first shoot. "Ellen, they look amazing. Well done, little sister."

"Andy, I'm learning so much from Donna. She suggested a couple of tweaks while we were shooting the three of you. They will look so good when you receive your medal that you won't be able to stand it," replied Ellen.

At one point, Miles pulled Andy aside and asked him about Colton, and whether Kail had a boyfriend, or was seeing anyone? Andy responded to him kindly, and told him that both Colton and Kail had undergone tremendous changes recently.

"Man, she's amazing. She's smart, and funny, and -- well -- I'm 6'4" so I hate it when girls look at me like I'm some kind of giant. She looks at me like it's no big deal. And, Andy, if all the girls at Colton are like that, the dudes there are really lucky."

"Well, to be clear: they're not all like those four. This is a really special group. Kail, Grace, Eden and Sara are the reigning NCAA Women's 4 Crew Champions. They're smart, and funny, and kind, and they are fiercely loyal to one another. That intimidates some guys - actually most guys. And it's too bad. They're amazing women."

"Well, my parents and I are arguing about me going back to Columbia. It's a great school, I just want to get out of the city. I've never lived anywhere else. Maybe I can talk to them about Colton as an option?" he puzzled out loud.

"Well, I'll tell you what. Colton's provost is here. I'll put a bug in her ear to chat up your mom about Colton. She's a wonderful woman, and I think a guy like you would fit in well. A word of warning, though. Kail has never dated anyone. You'll have to take it slow and be patient. She's not being aloof, or playing games. She's just not dated," explained Andy.

"So, the girls at Colton are amazing, but the guys are dumbasses?" he exclaimed. "Dude, how are guys not knocking one another over to get to them? I know Sara is your fiancé, but I'd kill to go out with any of the other three. Colton dudes are messed up."

Andy found out his surprise, and this time he needed to be subbed out. He was wearing a tuxedo, when Kail, Grace, and Eden appeared wearing the first mock-up of the bridesmaid's dresses. Ellen held up a piece of paper letting him know what these gowns were for, and Andy lost it. He had seen the drawings, but they were a poor imitation of the real things. He was escorted off, and Miles gladly took his place.

A smiling Sara came to him, and did her best to comfort him. Gina joined him, and Andy got things back under control. "Well," quipped Gina, "if the bridesmaids dresses did this to you, it's a good thing the wedding dress mock-up wasn't done enough for Sara to wear it. You'd have really been a basket case. The dress looks fantastic, Andy. Our girl will look so beautiful."

____________________________________________________________

Harry and Jill Goodacre Connick made an appearance, and Donna Karan herself stayed to walk Helen and Jane through the goings on. Andy had to give it to CeCe. She knew how to act on intelligence when she received it in a timely fashion. Andy noted how much Cooper had warmed up to Sydney, and she discretely gave Andy a thumbs up. Two and a half hours later, it was a happy crew headed to the Plaza for brunch.

____________________________________________________________

As the plane took off for Boston, Andy had a chance to spring an idea on his roommates. They'd claimed two rows of seats on the jet that sat face-to-face. "Let's making a standing date on Sunday evenings -- just the five of us. We'll watch a movie -- we could work our way through the Top 100 list, or something like that -- order pizza, or lobster rolls, or whatever. We hang out, and just chill."

Kail spoke first. "Well Dreamy, since we know how 'Netflix and chill' will go for you and Kisses, what about the rest of us?" All five laughed.

"We'll make a roommates agreement that there will be no extracurricular activity between Sara and I on Sunday nights. Listen, I know too many couples -- dating, engaged, or otherwise -- who lose their friends because they're always with their significant other. I can't do that to the four of you. You mean too much to Sara and me. We'll rotate. Whoever picks the movie picks where we get takeout. I'm buying. What do you say?"

All four nodded in agreement, and surprisingly, it was Grace who hugged Andy, and kissed him on the cheek. "Thanks Andy. You're a good guy to look out for us like that. I have been wondering what the new normal will look like. None of us have ever had a boyfriend, let alone a fiancé."

"Self-preservation," joked Andy. "I have no desire to end up like Chase Patterson. There are too many Bic pens in the Commons for me to want any part of crossing you. Besides, I get the feeling one of you may be on the cusp of a boyfriend." He looked directly at Kail, who turned bright red.