"Gwen, your sister has some valid points," stated Ted as Lisa fled the room. "This family has been so affected by Steve that I doubt we can have an objective opinion on him, but you've been talking about this Fallen guy nonstop. You deserve praise and accolades for your actions of the past few days and weeks. However, that doesn't mean that you can lord it over your family and friends.
"Maybe you're bored with Steve, or you've outgrown him. That happens in relationships. When it does, you have to be mature enough to see it and to give the other party the courtesy and respect they deserve. Discuss it like an adult and let them know how you feel."
Gwen was shocked that her father would side with Lisa in this discussion. She never said she was bored with Steve or wanted to move on. Lisa was the one saying that Gwen would drive Steve away. That wasn't what Gwen wanted.
"Dad! I never said I was bored with Steve, or that I wanted to break up with him. He might be pouting a little, but he knows how I feel. He should be able to understand that it isn't every day that I get to meet a famous movie star."
"That just may be the single most important point of this discussion," replied Gwen's father. "This Fallen guy is going to come for a short time, and then leave. You won't see him for very long. Steve will still be here after Fallen moves on to his next movie. It seems to me that you're spurning Steve for a very temporary adventure."
"Why does everyone keep saying that I'm breaking up with Steve?" challenged Gwen. "We went out just last night and had a good time. He missed one meal and that's probably because he's busy."
"Have you ever watched Steve dig into your mother's cooking? He wouldn't miss one of her meals if he could be here," reasoned Ted. "He didn't come to dinner today because he was sending you a message. That's obvious, if not very mature. Men have fragile egos, Gwen. I'll let you in on a little secret to help you understand.
"I'm jealous of Steve, too. He's a lot of things that I'm not. He's much bigger, stronger, better looking, and younger. You and your sisters adore him, and I can't blame you. But it isn't easy for me to see a man waltz into my home and impress my girls more than I've been able to do in twenty years of trying.
"Then there's your mother. You've seen how she treats Steve, especially since he saved her from those thugs. Your mom has the grace to not go into too much detail about what happened that day. She knows how fragile I am, how fragile all men are.
"If she became too graphic about how this muscular young Adonis saved her from villains, scoped her up half naked, pressed her bare breasts against his chest and carried her back to her car, it could cause me serious self esteem issues. Your mom knows that, and I love her for it. I can't stop Steve from being a better man than me in many ways, but at least Paula doesn't keep telling me that he is. She does her best to support my masculine pride."
"Oh! Dad! No one's a better man or father than you are. Steve pretty much told me that! He told me that mom and us girls may seem to run all over you, but if the chips are down, you wouldn't hesitate to straighten us out or protect us any way necessary. He sees your strength and he respects you. He told me that when I stupidly suggested that he was so big and tough he didn't have to worry about what you said. Not everyone can be as tall and strong as Steve, but the real test is caring for and raising your family. That and setting a swollen headed daughter straight when you feel it's necessary."
Paula realized that she should remain quiet and let Ted handle Gwen. He seldom chastised the girls, but when he felt strongly enough about something, he would lay down the law. Ted surprised Paula with his understanding of her attraction and admiration of Steve, and of her efforts to not damage her husband's pride. As she listened to him calmly bring Gwen back from the clouds, her appreciation of her husband's strength became greater.
"That's gratifying to hear. Apparently Steve's had some experience with authority and discipline. It may come from having a father in the service, good examples at home, or a combination of things. Whatever, he's an exceptional young man. That doesn't mean that he's always right, or that you can ignore my rules when you're with him. It does mean that he's earned my respect and as long as he has that, I'll be more understanding and lenient with you. Does that all seem fair? But, if you don't manage to control this new side of you that we've seen the past couple of days, I can ground you. Please, don't make me do that, Gwen. Think about how you've been treating your family and friends. You've always been the steady, dependable, down-to-earth daughter. This giddiness over some actor is not your best moment."
Steve had been sitting around his uncle's apartment stewing about Gwen. He had called Paula earlier to let her know he wouldn't be there for dinner. He had a standing invitation from Paula, and this was the first time he had declined. He knew himself well enough to realize that he would not be able to listen to Gwen rave about Nick Fallen without losing his temper or saying something stupid, or hurtful. He had gone to the gym in hopes of working out enough to curb his restlessness, but it still gripped him.
Then his phone rang. He saw Lisa's name and quickly answered. "Steve, how about we practice our dance routine as long as I'm home and you don't seem to have anything to do? I spoke with Aunt Diane and she said it was fine with her. It'll be fun!"
Fifteen minutes later, Steve was standing at Diane's door. "Come in! Lisa said you guys have some time to practice your dance number. Paula's been filling me in on happenings with you and Gwen. It'll work out. She also mentioned how you came through for her big time the other day. She's your best fan now. It's good to know that we can depend on you when stuff hits the fan.
"Stephanie has been beaming this week. She says that you've been talking to her in the halls and being really nice. Her friends are very impressed and she's feeling more confident. She insisted on wearing something low cut today. I wouldn't let her go to the mall or anything wearing the top she has on, but I told her that she could wear it when she's practicing her dance steps with you. That's a huge compliment for you, Steve. I trust you to not hurt her, or take advantage of her youth and infatuation. Please let her know that you notice how nice she looks. She's just starting to show some confidence," added Diane.
Steve entered the small dance studio that Diane had added to the house years earlier. Lisa and Stephanie were going through Diane's selection of music. Lisa was gorgeous as usual, but Stephanie was a total surprise. She appeared to have grown older and added inches to her chest!
"Hey, Lisa! You look great! Is this one of your college friends? She's beautiful!" began Steve as the two girls turned to greet him.
"Steve, you know who I am! Stop teasing me," laughed Stephanie. "I wish I were beautiful like Lisa."
"Steph? I'm sorry I didn't recognize you at first, but I have to admit that I wasn't looking at your face, as a gentleman should. I thought you were another coed. I never realized what a nice figure you have and how long your legs are. You're almost as tall as Lisa. You're not beautiful like Lisa. You're beautiful like Steph, which is pretty darn good!"
