This story continues the events of the first date related in "Denae and Bill - The Beginning"
The purpose of this story is to provide background for some events to be related in subsequent stories.
NOTE: Because it is important to events in subsequent stories and a key to the relationships between the characters, this story includes a mention of domestic violence. Domestic violence is wrong and should never be tolerated. Should you or someone you know become a victim of domestic violence, seek help. There are organizations, agencies and people who can and will help. No one should be victimized in this way.
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After dinner, Bill and Denae went for a walk and along the way they stopped and got some ice cream. Being Friday night, lots of people were out and restaurants and cafes were open and busy. As they strolled, they talked about many things, from school to friends to family.
Bill already knew Denae was from Southwest Florida. But wanted to know about her childhood, high school and her family. She portrayed herself as a fairly typical high schooler; decent grades, lots of side interests, cheerleader all four years. She playfully struck a glamour pose as she mentioned she spent most of her spare time at the beach in her bikini.
Denae explained her parents settled in Largo, Florida because her dad's job was in Tampa. Her mom and dad, both from Italy, moved to the U.S. when her dad completed his mechanical engineering degree.
Denae asked about Bill's family as she knew little more than he was from Yadkinville, North Carolina, about an hour and a half from campus. He told her it was just his mom and him since he was nine years old. Denae, supposing his parents had broken up, asked if he saw his father much from age nine.
"No. It was just mom and me. She worked really hard to raise me by herself. She often did without so she could provide me with things."
"Did your dad just abandon you both?"
"Well, in the strictest sense, he did. But I don't think he wanted to. He died."
Denae stopped in her tracks and grasped Bill's arm. "Oh. Bill, I'm so sorry. I had no idea."
"It's OK. How could you know? But that was a long time ago. So..."
Anxious to change the subject Bill went back to asking Denae what her home and home town were like. He had never been to the Gulf Coast but told her he had heard it was nice. It was, she assured him, as she vividly described the white sand and clear water and all the outdoor activities that could be enjoyed year round.
After a lot more conversation, and even some hand holding as they walked, they eventually found themselves back at Bill's car. He opened the door for her as they got ready to leave. They talked more as they made their way back to Denae's place. Once there, he got out and walked Denae to the door of her apartment.
"I had fun tonight." he said.
"Yes. I did too, once you settled down and got over the mental obstacle you created for yourself earlier. Ya know, you can be pretty charming once you relax and just be yourself."
"Yeah?" he responded with an air of confidence. "Earlier, at the restaurant, you mentioned something about a goodnight kiss..."
Smiling, she said, "Oh, did I? Are you sure about that?"
"I do recall that."
He pulled her close, putting his arms around her waist. In turn, she reached up and put her arms around his neck. They kissed for quite a few seconds before coming up for air.
She put her hand on his chest and asked, "So, do you want to come in?"
He thanked her, but suggested he get going as they both had to work the next day. He had six recreation league basketball games to referee and thought he remembered she had to work at the boutique from noon until closing at seven o'clock. She looked disappointed, but did not press the matter.
"May I call you tomorrow?" he asked.
"I hope you do," she said with a smile.
He turned to leave and she went inside. Her roommate, Suzy, was there making out on the couch with her date for the evening. Suzy looked up when she heard the door and saw Denae enter.
"Where's your rebound guy? Did you send him packing?"
"You know his name; you've met him several times already. And no. I didn't send him packing. He has to work tomorrow. And I do too."
"Did he try anything? Did he get out of line?"
"No. He was a real gentleman. Though I wouldn't have minded..."
At that, Suzy got up and nudged her date. "C'mon Gary. Let's let Denae have the couch and TV. There's more room for us to fool around on my bed anyway."
Turning to Denae, Suzy added, "Good night D. We'll try to keep it down."
Rolling her eyes, she sarcastically replied, "Thank you very much. Good night."
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Saturday morning, Denae woke up around nine. She could smell coffee, so she got up and went to the kitchen where she found Suzy having a cup as she flipped through a fashion magazine. She grabbed a mug and helped herself to some coffee as well. She looked around and realized they were alone in the apartment.
"So, where is Gary?"
"Ah. He left around one a.m. After some very average sex, he wanted to get something to eat so I told him I needed to get up this morning for work."
"You don't have a job."
"He doesn't know that. And don't tell him...IF you see him again. But you probably wont. I'm thinking I'm done with him."
Denae rolled her eyes and took a sip of her coffee. "Again? You don't give guys much of a chance."
"I can't help it if I'm quick to asses things. Besides, life is short. No need to waste time on guys that wont work out."
Denae merely shook her head.
"So what's the deal with you and Bill? Last night you said you invited him in and he declined. What's wrong with the guy? How's he ever gonna close the deal if he wont at least come inside at the end of the evening?"
"You're a hopeless romantic, aren't you Suze?" Setting her mug down, she continued, "Bill's a really nice guy. I mean he is always opening doors for me, carrying my books and things. He's fun to be around. He makes me laugh and when I'm with him time flies by. But he's not very assertive. I'm hoping it's just because he's shy."
"Dream on, Denae. If a guy isn't trying to get in YOUR pants, something's wrong with him beyond being shy."
A while later, the doorbell rang. Both girls were still in the kitchen and since they were wearing only their robes, they looked at each other, silently urging the other to answer the door. Neither was inclined to budge.
"You look better than me in the morning," Suzy finally said. "Why don't you go see who it is? And if it's Gary, tell him I'm at work."
Suzy headed for her room as Denae reluctantly headed toward the door. Upon opening it, she found a delivery person holding an arrangement of pale, pink flowers in a vase.
"These are for Dinee Rappar...Repper...?"
"Denae Rapallino, by any chance?" Denae asked, mildly annoyed. Not too many people managed to butcher both of her names at once.
"Yeah. That sounds right. Please sign here," he asked as he held out a clipboard with a pen dangling from a string.
Denae signed, took the flowers from him, then closed the door. She looked them over and breathed in the aroma. She set them on the kitchen table just as Suzy emerged from her bedroom. Denae pulled the small envelope from its holder on a stick and opened it up.
"Wow. That's a respectable flower arrangement. What's the card say?" Suzy asked, secretly wondering if Gary had sent them.
'Dear Denae. I had a great time last night and hope you did too. Here are some Floribunda roses for a beautiful Florida rose.'
"Aw. How sweet!" Denae exclaimed.
"Maybe he IS trying to get into your pants," Suzy admitted.
Denae grabbed her phone and excitedly sent Bill a text. "Got the flowers. They are beautiful. Youre too sweet. Call when you can."
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By the time Bill had a chance to call Denae, it was early afternoon and she was at work at the dress boutique in town. She had been working there since her sophomore year. She liked her boss, Ms. Linda, the owner, very much and also liked having an employee discount. It was a great arrangement for her in that she made some spending money and always had nice clothes in her closet.
"I saw your text. I'm glad you liked the flowers. I'm sorry I wasn't able to call before now," he said, raising his voice over what sounded like crowd noise and basketballs bouncing in the background.
"That's OK. Hope your day is going well. And thank you very much for the flowers. You were really thoughtful."
"You're more than welcome."
"Bill, I was wondering if you wanted to come over this evening after we're both done with work."
"Would love to. I really would. But I had promised my mom I would head home tonight and help her around the house tomorrow. I'm sorry. Its something I try to do every few weeks."
"That's OK. You should do that. It's good that you check on her. Being alone must be tough for her."
"Denae, I'm sorry. If I hadn't set this up a couple of weeks ago, I would definitely come over."
Denae covered her disappointment by trying to sound cheerful. "Its OK. You're a good guy to look out for your mom. We can get together next week."
"I was thinking about that. You know we have that test in art class Tuesday. And you know I need help. So, how about Monday night we get some pizza or make something for dinner and have a study date at your place or mine?"
"Yes. Let's do that," she said. "And we'll see each other Monday at class but if you think about it, give me a call some time Sunday?"
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Bill did call Denae Sunday afternoon. He filled her in on what chores he had been helping his mother with; doing things for her that she was unable to do alone. He cleaned out the rain gutters, nailed down a loose piece of trim molding in her hallway and moved some furniture so she could clean behind it. They spoke for a few minutes and then Denae reminded him they would see each other in class the next morning.
