As she hurried between classes, Gwen was stopped by a local reporter the day after Hardy's diatribe was aired. The reporter asked about her response to Bill Hardy's accusations. Her answer was brief and to the point.
"I'm pursuing an MD. That means that I have some seriously difficult courses. I'm a freshman congresswoman. I'm an owner in a rather large company. I make movies, recordings, and give concerts. I have to make a commercial for the Super Bowl this coming weekend, and I'm co-hosting the Academy Awards in a couple of weeks. I simply have no time for baseless accusations. As usual, Mr. Hardy offered conjecture and misinformation, but nothing factual. I really can't be bothered. Now, please excuse me," finished Gwen. "I'm going to be late for a lecture."
Even though Gwen, Steve, and Lady in Red Productions publicly dismissed Hardy's suggestions as unfounded and baseless, the members of Congress that were unhappy with Gwen's popularity and her increasing success saw an opportunity and began working behind the scenes, as only politicians can. There were private conversations and unscheduled meetings among her more determined detractors. Various possibilities were considered, and options discussed. Nothing was mentioned in public, but the groundwork was being established.
The following weekend found Gwen, Steve, Jordan, Charlie and their friends gathered in Sparta to make the commercials that Stephanie had contracted for the Super Bowl. Diane planned to spend as much time as she could with Jordan, Gwen, Charlie, and Steve on a couple of dance numbers for the Oscars. It shaped up to be a very busy weekend for the group.
On Friday evening, the friends gathered at Ted and Paula's home. Paula had ordered a catered buffet so that everyone could visit as they ate. Will surprised Steve when he took him aside for a brief conversation.
"I have to thank you for giving Stephanie that great job. Now we see her a lot more, and she's really enjoying her work. I know she's young, but she's smart and she's totally loyal to you, Jordan, Charlie and her cousins."
"Gwen and I thought of Steph as soon as Ashley agreed to head up Gwen's office in Washington. She's doing a great job and we have complete confidence in her," agreed Steve.
"That's great to hear," smiled Will as he looked around to be certain no one was within hearing. "I have a strange favor to ask. I know it'll sound odd, but it's important to me."
"I don't keep secrets from Gwen, so don't ask me to do that," replied Steve as he tried to guess where Will was headed. "If she asks what we talked about, or if she asks why I'm doing something unusual that you requested, I'll tell her the truth. She means too much to me to screw things up by keeping secrets."
"I understand. Remember that I've been married 25 years," responded Will. "I think she'll be fine with it, if a little surprised. You'll understand when I tell you the favor I'm asking.
"It's no secret that Diane thinks the world of you. Don't worry, I'm okay with it. Neither of you would ever do anything to harm the family dynamics," added Will as Steve blushed and began to protest. "This sounds unusual, but I'm hoping you'll understand. I've noticed that the Diane seems unusually amorous after spending time with you, especially if you flirt with her a bit.
"Don't be embarrassed. She tells me all about what you two do together. When she told me she was pregnant, she also mentioned how she had asked your advice while she was topless in a hot tub with you. We had the hottest sex of our lives that weekend. She's figured out that it turns me on to have her tell me about your little interactions. She's really hot and primed after her time with you. She thinks it's me reacting to her stories, and it is to an extent, but a lot of it her attitude."
"I don't know how to respond to that," stated Steve thoughtfully. "I do understand part of it. When I see Billy, Jared, and the other guys looking at Gwen when she's topless or in a sexy outfit, it cranks me up a notch or two. She knows it and loves to talk about it just to get me going. Now that you mention it, I think it also gets her motor running to be so obviously admired by the guys," considered Steve. "But what favor would you like?"
"Could you try to be sure to flirt with Diane when you see her this weekend and into the future? Sometimes at events like this, you're too busy with your younger friends to give her much attention. She never complains, but I can tell it disappoints her a little, and it actually puts a damper on our sex life. If you managed to give her a little personal time whenever you see her, I'd greatly appreciate it, if you get my drift. You'd be doing both Diane and me a favor," assured Will. "You'll be spending time with her while you work on the dance routines, so just turn up the heat a little. I'll take care of the rest!"
"Let me see if I have this right. The favor you're asking is for me to be sure to flirt more with your wife?" asked a grinning Steve. "I think I could do that for you. It's a lot to ask, but I'm always trying to help anyway I can. I'll wind her up so bad she'll probably kill you in bed. I hope you have a few blue pills in case they're needed."
"If she kills me in bed, I'll go out happy," chuckled Will. "I thought you'd find it in your heart to help me out. I'll be ready for her, don't you worry about that."
By that time Diane was headed in their direction. "What are you two talking about over here? I could see you looking around and grinning like a couple of school boys."
"It was men talk. No reason for you to worry that lovely head over it," responded Steve with a dazzling smile. "I've got to tell you that sometimes I forget just how beautiful you are. That outfit really puts your assets on display. I need to talk with you before I leave. There may be a few changes to the movie we're making this summer. They'll affect you directly."
With that, Steve wandered toward his friends as Diane blushed before looking at Will and smiling. "He likes your wife's boobs and how much of them are showing tonight. How's that make you feel?"
"You'll find out how hard I feel when we get home!" promised Will as he kissed Diane on the cheek.
A bit later, the girls decided to have a ladies' night out while the men were going to stay at Ted's to watch an action movie on his big screen TV. Lisa had a problem, however. "Jason has a late meeting and my regular sitter is out of town for the weekend. I'll have to stay home with Theresa."
"I'd be glad to take care of Theresa for a few hours!" volunteered Steve. "I'd rather do that than watch that movie again. I'd enjoy having her with me."
"You do realize that you might have to change her diaper? Maybe a few times?" asked a skeptical Lisa.
"I used to help Mom when she watched neighbors' kids on the Naval base," replied Steve with a chuckle. "I wound up changing quite a few diapers back then. It's like riding a bike. I'll figure it out."
"Sis, where did you ever find this guy?" marveled Lisa as she hugged Steve. "He sings, dances, saves lives, and changes dirty diapers! Jason has trouble stifling his gag reflex when he just smells a dirty diaper. You'd better marry this guy pretty soon. If word of this gets out, every woman in the country of child bearing age will be after him!"
