The High School Reunion

High School Reunion

By Nutmegman

Briiing, the phone rang in my sisters ringtone. "Hey big brother." She said.

"Hey yourself little and only sister. What's up?" I asked.

"Well, does that offer to visit still stand?"

"As I've told you many times, it's an open ended offer. You're welcome here any time I am not away on vacation. When do you want to come up?"

"My high school reunion is coming up in two weeks and I want to attend as do some of my friends down here."

"How many friends? I have 2 spare bedrooms and a convertible couch. I can take 6 people if all are couples or a mix. Will that work?"

"That will be perfect Marc. It will be me (Maggie, Mags, M) and my hubs Tim, Sally and Stan and Mandy."

"Perfect. Just enough to fill the rooms. Mandy doesn't have a spouse?" I asked.

"No, she as been divorced for a number of years now, and no current boyfriend, so she is coming alone."

"Very good on everything. When will you be arriving and how long will you be staying?"

"We will be there on Monday the 9

th

and leave Monday the 16

th

. By any chance do you have a vehicle that can hold the 5 of us or should we rent a few cars?"

"I have a Toyota Sequoia that seats 8. I'll pick you up with it and you guys can use it for your whole trip. I'll even loan you a credit card for gas for it. If that doesn't entice your visit, nothing will."

"That's fantastic. But at least let us pay for the gas, Marc. It's the least we can do. Between the use of the big SUV and staying at your house and eating your food, you're going to save us a bundle of money. Thank you so much!"

"What time on the 9

th

does your flight get in and hopefully it will come into Bradley, right? I don't want to have to drive two hours out of my way to pick you all up and drop you all off again."

"You all, you mean y'all. That's the southern way of saying it." She said laughing.

"All right, y'all are welcome here. Talk to the group and email me the foods they like, any allergies, etc. Bring bathing suits as the pool is open and it's been quite warm. But not as hot as down there. But the pool is comfy and warm enough I've been doing laps for a few weeks now. It'll be great to see you again and meet your friends M. It's been too long."

"I agree bro. Watch your email. Thank you and love you."

"Love you too M. See you on the 9

th

. Don't forget to email or text me your flight info, especially arrival time."

Two weeks went by quickly and I was awaiting their flight to arrive. I was watching incoming flights on my app and parked with other vehicles. Finally, I got the text from M and drove up to the pickup area.

"Wow, look at all the luggage y'all have. I need a bigger truck!" I opened the back hatch and loaded the luggage, got everyone in, folded some seats down for more luggage. The married couples went in back. I noticed there was three couples, not two.

"Hi Mandy. Welcome back to New England." I said as I opened the door for her and helped her step up, holding her hand. I closed her door and got back in the drivers seat.

"Buckle up everyone. We'll be at my house in 25 minutes. How was the flight?"

"Easy with no surprises and no turbulence." M said.

"By the way, I'm Marc, with a c, Maggie's brother. You can introduce yourself when we get to my house."

Twenty five minutes later I pulled into the driveway and parked the truck in front of the left garage door. "Welcome to my home and you home for the next week." I said.

Opening the back hatch, I handed everyone their luggage and helped Mandy with hers. She thanked me for the help.

I grabbed M and said "You said there were two couples and Mandy. But there are three couples and Mandy. I don't have enough spare beds!"

"We'll make it work. Maybe put Mandy in a sleeping bag on the floor or something." M Said as we went in.

I showed each couple their room and spare couch/convertible bed and was left with Mandy. "Uh, M told me there were only two couples, not three and you. M suggested putting you in a sleeping bag on the floor. But, I do not like that idea. You are welcome to my bed. I'll grab an air pad and go sleep in the back of my truck. Here's my room. You have a king sized bed to yourself."

"Marc, no, no, I can't let you do that. I don't take up that much room. I'll sleep on one side and you have the other. Is that OK with you? By the way, I noticed the other rooms have queen sized beds and yours is a king. Why is that?"

"I used to have two golden retriever dogs that slept with me. The only way I had room was with this big bed. Are you sure Mandy? I promise you, I will be the perfect gentleman."

"Marc, I'm not worried."

"OK."

Mandy unpacked and got herself situated.

I went to the kitchen and everyone met there. It was 10 pm and I was tired, I wasn't sure about them.

"Marc, you know everyone except this is Trinity and Tom." M said.

I shook both their hands and added "Nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you too Marc. Thank you for welcoming us to stay in your home. We can't thank you enough." Tom said.

"OK folks, help yourself to anything. My house is your house for the next week. You have unlimited access to the truck we drove here in. It's yours to use and here is a credit card for gas only. The truck, as you saw can haul anything and anyone, but is not great on fuel. I stocked the fridge, there is some wine in the fridge and here in the wine cabinet. You're welcome to add what you like. I think wine tasting is on your list and there are quite a few wineries within 2 hours of here. I hope you'll invite me to attend some stuff with you as I have also taken the week off from work. My one request is to clean up after yourself, I hate messes both here and in my vehicles. Breakfast is at 8 am tomorrow. I'm going to sleep, as I am tired. Everyone have a good night...Oh, the shower in the hall should easily have hot water for y'all. Am I saying that right? Maybe with a New England twang? What's the plan for tomorrow?"

M said "Wineries and wine tasting in the Southington CT area. Can you come you come with us and drive?"

"Yes, that will be fun. Good wineries and great views of the surrounding areas. It'll be fun." I said. "Good night all."

I heard everyone doing the same and "Marc, wait up." From Mandy. I waited and she caught up. "Thanks."

I opened the door and closed it behind us.

"I'll sleep in shorts." I said.

"I brought pj's." She said.

"Why don't you use the attached bathroom to change and get ready for bed and then I will. You can use that to shower too. No reason to share the other bath with the others."

"Marc, that will be great, thank you again. I'll go change."

She came out a short while later in a cute emerald green satiny shorts and shirt pajamas. "Wow, you look nice in PJ's." I said.

Blushing, she said "Thank you." As she slid into the bed.

I did my stuff and got into my side of the bed.

"You forgot to turn off the lights Marc."

"Hey Google, turn off the bedroom lights." They went off.

"That's neat, how did you do that?" She said softly.

"Come closer, I'll meet you in the middle, where we can talk more softly." I said.

We slid closer to each other. Within about a foot.

I started the conversation, speaking softly. "So, what have you been up to these past 20 years?"

"I went to college at Florida State University for accounting, got my CPA and started my own business. I met a guy and got married and that lasted 7 years. The guy ended up being a first class creep. He got addicted to drugs and came home one day with some buddies expecting me to sexually service them all. I said no and walked out and filed for divorce the next day. I've had a few boyfriends since, but I haven't found that one guy yet. During COVID, all my biz moved to online. Clients sent me their info, I did the work and sent it back electronically. I don't see any clients in person any more. It just stayed that way. It's nice as I can be anywhere and service them. I have my laptop just in case. What about you?"

"I went to MIT. Since I was so shy, I never told anyone. I graduated and got a job writing code in the triangle in North Carolina. I met my wife there and we were together for 10 years. We divorced as I think she didn't like me anymore and I got sick and tired of her side complaints and degrading talk to me. I've dated some women since and moved back here. I didn't like North Carolina too much. I wrote a program and app, right after I moved up here, which supports me and gave me enough to move into this house. I bought this house, added a few garages and the pool. I still work on my software and it still brings in sustains me."

"What software did you write? Is it something I would recognize?" Mandy asked.

"What online music do you use?" I asked.

"Why do you ask? I use MusicFest. That's what we all use. It's awesome."

Smiling, I said "That's my software."

"No way. No way! You wrote that?"

Modestly, "Yes, that's my program. It still is and does well for me."

"I know this is none of my business, but how much does that bring in? You don't have to tell me. Sorry, that's none of my business. I'm sorry I asked."

"I am comfortable, lack nothing. This house, all four vehicles, the camper are all paid off. I can easily afford whatever fuel you all use in the truck. I only use that credit card for fuel."

"Wait, four vehicles? I only saw two. Are they all here? What else do you have?"

"Well, a lawn tractor and riding snow blower." I said smiling.

She reached over and punched me on the shoulder. She looked at me suspiciously. Not sure if I was serious or not.

"How come you never asked me out when we were younger?" She asked me with a serious tone.

"Maggie knew I was very interested in you. She gave me the evil eye whenever you were there and I was nearby. She warned me that you were her friend and to stay away. She was concerned we would have a bad breakup and she would lose you as a friend. So, I promised her to stay away."

"Marc, all these years, I thought you didn't like me. I had a crush on you, have a crush on you."

"Mandy, I....I have had a crush on you too. The older you got, the stronger my crush became. You were and still are very beautiful. Seeing you again has brought all those feelings back. I know if I didn't say anything now, I would regret it the rest of my life. As it is, I regret not finding you when I got out of college."

Coming closer, Mandy put her arms around me and started crying. I just held her close. Feeling her body against mine. Just holding her.

"Hey, hey, it's all right. I'm here now." I softly told her as I held her.

We just stayed that way, holding onto each other. Finally she stopped crying and I heard regular breathing as she fell asleep. I closed my eyes. The next thing I knew, it was 7 am and got up, grabbed a t-shirt and went into the kitchen to start breakfast.

Gradually everyone drifted in and sat to eat. We sat at the dining room table until everyone was full.

"Wow, great breakfast Marc. Thank you." Trinity said. "Better than any hotel I've ever stayed at."

"You're welcome. I'm going to go shower and will meet everyone out here. Bring your money and get ready for a fun day of tasting."

Mandy joined me, smiling at me. "Can we start now. A new beginning for us?"

"Most certainly." I said.

Showered and waiting outside, everyone got in and Mandy took her spot up front. I flipped up the center console cover, opening up a deep storage area. Mandy looked at me funny. I drove off.

"First stop of your taste testing is about 45 minutes out. So relax and chat or sing, snooze and enjoy the ride." I said.

Driving along, I tapped Mandy on the shoulder and laid my hand over the console storage area. She understood real quick and placed her hand in mine. I swear I felt a huge spark go between us. I interlocked my fingers in hers and she held me tightly. I pulled my hand away only when I needed it to drive.

We ended up tasting at 5 wineries. Wine was purchased and we worked our way home. I don't think anyone caught on to the fact that Mandy stayed with me the whole trip. She joined conversations of the group while I listened and drove. I, of course, had MusicFest playing the whole time and at times the whole group sang.

At home, I made steak and baked potatoes. The group had wine, but I had enough and switched to water as did Mandy. The other six were drunk and retired early.

"Would you like to take a walk?" I asked her.

"Sure, let me just change into sneakers." She went to our room and came back a short while later. I grabbed a flashlight and we walked out the front door.

"Thank you for holding me last night. I'm so sad we both wasted the past 20 years thinking about each other and doing nothing." She said.

"I'm not going to let that happen again. We have this week to see if the interest is still there. I know I am." I said and leaned over and bumped shoulders with her. She leaned back and bumped me back and stopped walking.

Turning to me, as I turned to her, took her face in my hands and leaned down to kiss her. I melted into her soft lips as her arms went around my neck and mine around her waist. Bodies melting together. The gentle kiss turned into a kiss of desire, pulling both bodies more into each other on the dark street.

A car was coming down the street and we separated. I turned on the flash light to show our position. Taking her hand in mine, we started walking to the end of the street, around the circle and then back towards the house. Stopping in front of a friends house, I bent down and kissed her again, hand holding her chin up, lips connected, tongues intertwining. Pulling back to breath.

Taking her hand again and walking back up the street. "Wow." Was all I could say.

She grabbed my arm, stopping me again. Standing on her tip toes to kiss me again. "Wow. I agree." As she said and started crying again. "Hey, hey." I said as I pulled her in close and held her.

"We both wasted all this time." She said. "20 years."

Two more cars were heading our way and I turned the flashlight back on and started walking again, holding her hand. Stopping in front of the house, I wiped her tears away.

"Are you OK?" I asked.

"Yeah." She said.

We went back in the house. It was dark and no sounds were heard. We did the bathroom thing again and crawled into bed. This time starting in the center and hugging in the middle. She held me tight and fell asleep together.

Seven am and I awoke again, grabbed a t-shirt and started breakfast for all. Blueberry pancakes and real maple syrup. The six wanted coffee badly and looked terrible. "How about a trip to Yankee Candle and Kringle Candle today and a delicious lunch in Old Deerfield?" I asked.

A resounding "Yes, that sounds great. No wine today please."

Maggie said "Hey loser, can I have more pancakes?"

"To whom are you speaking that way to?" I asked, knowing that's what she used to call me when we were teens and I was super shy, super introverted.

"To you of course." M said.

"Why do you think I am a loser?" I asked angrily. "Why would you call me that? It's degrading and mean. Especially when you are staying for free in my house, eating my food and using my vehicles."

"Ha, just because you own this house doesn't mean you are not still a loser. Just like you were years ago as a teenager. And, don't think I didn't notice you looking a Mandy. I told you to stay away from her all those years ago."

Mandy got up and held onto my arm tight. I went over to the table, very angry by now. Dragging Mandy along. Maggie's eyes daggers at me and Mandy.

"Mandy and I are adults and can make our own decisions. What you said years ago and I promised you then has NO bearing on today. Furthermore, I don't like to brag, but I have done better than all of you combined. So, you don't give me shit as I am far from a loser. And just because I was super shy and super introverted, did not make me a loser. Fuck You. Let's do some comparing, shall we?"

"First off, who here has a mortgage?" I asked. All hands went up. "My house is paid for. Who has car loans?" All hands came up again. "All four of my cars are paid in full as is my camper."

"You only have two cars." M said.

"Two that you see." I replied.

Let's start with Maggie, "how much do the two of you have for retirement? Let's go around the table. Come on." Maggie said, around $500,000 for the two of us so far." She said smiling. Around the table they all made their statements.

"Well, that's not bad. All of you combined is less than HALF of what I make every MONTH." I said.

"Yeah, right. M said.

"What music service do you all use?" Everyone said together "MusicFest. It's the best."

"Google who created it and owns it." I said.

"Holy shit, that's you." Someone blurted out. "No way." M said.

"Yes, way. Now, give me one reason why I should not throw you all out of the house right now?"

"Hey, Marc. I'm sorry. I apologize. I was stupid. I didn't mean to offend you, really." M said.

"Well, you guys do your own thing today. I'll meet you at Yankee Candle, but I'm taking car number three and Mandy is riding with me." As I tossed Tom the keys and went to my room to shower and dress. Mandy followed me and I heard chairs moving. Thinking I'll clean the kitchen later. I needed to get out of the house and away from them for now.

Softly, "Mandy go shower. It's going to be a hot day, but whatever you wear, you'll look great in. Car number 3 is a convertible, so don't worry about your hair too much."

Silently she went in and I heard the shower running. She took a longer one and came out dressed and smelling of apples. She smelled good. I went in and did the same and put on a little cologne. I came out and she was looking at me, eyes wide. She opened her arms and I hugged her close.

"I am so sorry about what Maggie said. I can not believe she would say that to you. After all you are doing for us. I don't know what came over her and I apologize profusely for her."

"Thank you. I'm still very angry. But also very happy you will be with me today. Let me put on some sneakers and let's go." I said. "But first" Pulling her to me as our lips met and a soft kiss. I had to pull away, my heart was racing as I wanted so much more. "People were waiting for us."

Out in the hall, everyone was waiting on us. "OK., you have the keys, who is driving?" I asked. Use your phones to get to Yankee Candle in South Deerfield."

Tom replied "I'm the designated driver today Marc."

"Then let's go." As we all walked into the garage. I held Mandy's hand and guided her towards a door on the far side of my littler SUV. Unlocking it with a code, we walked in and two cars were under car covers. I opened the garage door on the one closest to us.

"What's under here?" She asked.

I walked up to her and took her face in my hands and gave her a kiss. "Meet Mandy, my super sexy and beautiful convertible." I said as I pulled off the cover and my aqua green Aston Martin Vanquish Volante convertible was presented to her. I hit the button to open the garage door.

"You named your car after me?" She barely spoke.

"Yes, beautiful color, sensuous lines, sexy as I remembered you. Mandy meet Mandy." As I opened the door for her and she slid in. I got in and saw the truck sitting in the road, waiting for us. Starting the engine, it growled to life and we drove out of the garage as I hit the remote for the garage door to close. Looking back to make sure it did.

I pulled beside the truck, Mandy waved and I floored it and drove to the top of the street. Slowly, leading them out of town and to the highway. Through Springfield on I-91 north. The truck was doing around 65 and we cruised in front of it. Once north of Northampton, I hit the gas and we left the group way behind us. Mandy had a huge smile on her face.