Friday Afternoon
Penelope's blonde hair whipped in the wind, hand outside the window feeling the rushing breeze as Ben drove through the flat landscape of northwestern Texas. "Are you sure he's going to like me?" She looked over at her boyfriend, one hand on the steering wheel and the other clasping her hand tightly.
"Babe, he's gonna love you. I mean, what's not to like?" Ben gave her a wink and lifted her hand to his lips, giving it a quick kiss before returning his attention to the road.
Penny sighed, even with Ben's reassurance, she still felt nervous. She had a right to be a little nervous. Ben's dad was intimidating. Built like a lumberjack with a stoic temperament and a rough outer shell that was near impossible to crack, he was the poster boy for detached manliness. Having worked with the local fire department for the better part of thirty years, he was as hard as they came. Ben assured her that his dad, Spencer, had a soft side. He was a good dad. Even after the divorce seven years ago, his dad was always involved. Not one birthday was ever forgotten. He called twice a week, like clockwork. He sent Ben money sometimes, just because. He was a good man, and Ben was positive Spencer was going to love Penelope. If for no other reason than because Ben loved her.
They continued driving in silence for a while before Penny spoke. "Sorry, I'm just nervous. I just..." She turned to Ben with a genuine smile. "I kinda like you." She gave him a wink that made Ben laugh.
"That's good. 'Cause I like you too." He leaned over quickly to give her a kiss on the lips.
"Alright. If you say he's gonna like me, I'll believe it." Penny leaned back in her seat, relaxing just a fraction. She crossed her legs, her jean skirt riding up along her thighs, drawing Ben's attention.
"Eyes on the road, perv." Penny chuckled, but didn't make any effort to pull her skirt down. In fact, she wiggled her butt in the seat making her skirt ride up a more so that when she uncrossed her legs, she flashed her pink panties, sheer enough to give a glimpse of her smooth slit.
Ben cleared his throat and adjusted himself, one hand still on the steering wheel. Penny giggled and turned back to watching the scenery fly by.
-- --
Spencer's home was a large, ranch-style house that encompassed several acres of flat, empty land. It was built of solid, dark stone and a dark red shingled roof. It had a rustic feel to it, with the comically traditional decor of large stars signifying, if people didn't already know, that they were in Texas. And Texas had pride.
From what Ben had told Penny, Spencer Galloway was one of those very 'traditionally' tough men. Believed in hunting and fishing. Tough love. Emotions, though important, weren't really supposed to be shared, at least by men, and a quick fist fight or some beer and a ball game could solve most problems. But, even with all of that, which sounded somewhat like red flags to Penny, Ben talked fondly about his dad. The divorce had been difficult for everyone involved, and though his dad was that stoic statue of emotionless stone, he'd mentioned that right before Ben and his mother had moved out, he'd caught his dad crying in his bedroom. As tough as some people were, they still had soft spots.
They pulled into the curved, gravel driveway, Penny admiring the well-maintained yard and hedges. It was clear Ben's dad was the Hank Hill kinda man, meticulously taking care of everything outdoorsy. It was admirable. Also, a sign of him being anal retentive. Uptight. Which just made Penny even more nervous about meeting him. She really, really wanted Ben's dad to like her. She'd met his mom, and she was nice, pleasant, but seemed to be the sort of woman that likes everyone. Spencer was going to be a whole different animal.
When it came to Emily, Ben's mom, Penny hadn't really had to try. She knew this weekend was going to test her. But Ben was worth it. She hadn't met anyone like him and really wanted things to work. The idea of a future with him was very possible, and she didn't want to see it all vanish just because his dad didn't like her. She'd do whatever it took to make a good impression.
Ben got out, leaving Penny alone for a second as she took a few deep breaths, pulled her skirt a little lower, silently cursing herself that she'd dressed comfortably but somewhat revealing. The last thing she wanted was to come across to this man as a hussy. She pushed open the door and stepped out, straightening her t-shirt and for the second time in as many seconds, wishing maybe she'd dressed a little nicer than a Hello Kitty t-shirt to meet her boyfriend's dad for the first time. Ben had told her it wouldn't matter. His dad was uptight, gruff, but he wasn't going to judge someone on the clothes they wore. It was all about character for him. And Penny had plenty of character.
The door to the house opened and a large man came into view, taking up the entire open frame. Scrubbing his hands in a towel as if he'd been doing the dishes, he was a solid man, wide chest, easily six foot, light gray hair and scruffy facial hair that was trimmed tight. As rough and tumble as he seemed, he was well groomed, his dark eyes were firm and unwavering.
Penny had seen some pictures, but for whatever reason, his appearance in those images hadn't triggered the recollection that his presence did now. Her eyes widened as she watched Ben walk up to his dad, arms wide, and gave him a hug. The man hugged back, the grin on his face said he was happy to see his son. A couple hard pats on Ben's back and then he was releasing him and Ben was ushering his dad down the walkway to meet Penny, who was rooted to the ground next to the car door.
There was no doubt about it. Penny had met Ben's dad before. That wouldn't have been such a big deal, people meet people all the time. As large as the world is, it's also very small. The problem, the absolute gut sinking terror that she was experiencing now, was because of where and how she'd met Spencer. She'd tucked those memories away, like the special little keepsakes people collect and put into a shoe box and hide up in their closet. But now that box had fallen out and those memories were tumbling everywhere... explicit and just as vivid as when they'd happened...
-- --
TWO YEARS AGO
"Go ooooonnnn!" Chelsey prodded, almost shoving Penny off the stool towards the older man at the end of the bar.
"What? No! He's old enough to be my dad, Chels!" Penny laughed, shoving her friend right back, then grabbing her fancy, fruity drink that probably had more alcohol than was necessary and took another sip. Her eyes drifted back to the man again.
He was at the end of the bar, elbows on the table, enjoying a fancy beer and watching the television that was hanging at the back, behind the counter. There was a game on, but Penny wasn't paying any attention to it.
