"Go ahead, dear," my grandmother said. "I'll sit. My hips aren't what they used to be."
My grandmother sat on a big plush chair next to the sofa. Quinn picked up a bowl of peanuts and sat beside her on the arm of the chair, getting comfy like it was a show. My mother and aunt sat on the loveseat.
"Sit with me?" I said to Beau.
He followed me as I sat on the sofa, settling in, though there was enough space to fit another person between us. I turned sideways, looking at him, one on one, our eyes locking. It felt so strange to know he wouldn't speak. All of my earlier planning to somehow make small talk seemed foolish now.
"Well," my mother spoke up, "go on."
"Mother, please, you said I could go at my own pace."
"But you're only staring at him."
"Oh, hush now," Nana spoke up. "Let the girl warm up to him for a minute. I remember you shaking like a leaf your first time."
Olivia laughed. "More like a fish out of water."
My mother folded her arms in embarrassment.
I looked back at Beau. "So, Beau, I know you can't respond. I assume you know we're not supposed to kiss."
He gave a nod.
"Stripteases are a good way to start," Quinn spoke up, tossing a peanut into her mouth. "Worked for me."
"Try holding his hand, sweetheart. There's nothing sexier than a strong man's hands," Nana said. "Give me a cashew, dear."
I stared at Beau, trying to imagine what he looked like under that black mask. "You must think this is so bizarre, huh? This silly tradition, a girl turns 18, should be out partying, but here she is, in a hotel room with her family, ready to put on a sex show."
I looked at him for a reaction. He gave a little shrug and tilted his head, giving me a smile. I did like his smile. It felt safe. It was like he was just happy to be here for me.
"Okay," I said with a breath. "What do you say we get to know each other a little before we have sex? Just go ahead and give me a nod for yes, a headshake for no. I'll ask all the questions."
"Hold on," my mother spoke up. "I don't think I like that. I don't think you should be having a long conversation."
"Why not?" I said to her.
"You're missing the purpose of this, Virginia," Olivia said. "It's about experiencing pleasure, exploring a man's body, and inviting him to explore yours."
"They're right," Nana spoke up. "Small talk is not how this is done."
"I get that, but did it ever occur to any of you that maybe I need a connection with a man before I open my legs for him?" I asked. I looked at Beau. "Do you think it's weird to talk to someone before you have sex with them?"
He shook his head.
"Hey, stud," Olivia said, looking at Beau, "don't answer her questions. Remember you're being paid, so be professional."
He gave a nod.
"You know why we can't kiss, don't you?" I said to Beau. "They think I'll fall for you. It will make the sex too intimate. Ridiculous, right?"
"Sweetheart," Nana said, "your mother and aunt mean well. If you kiss, you'll start to dwell on him later. We've all seen it happen. Tonight is carnal."
"Okay, so what can I do to relax before I'm ready to be carnal with him?" I asked. I glanced at Beau. "Sorry, I don't mean to talk about you as if you're not here."
He shook his head and lifted his hand.
"Listen to us," Olivia said. "If you need instructions, that's why we're here. There are many other things you can do besides kissing or making conversation. Let him kiss your neck instead. Better yet, let him kiss your feet and work his way up."
"Have him kiss your hands, and you can kiss his," Nana said. "There's nothing sexier than a strong man's hands."
"Take my advice," Quinn said, chewing. "Ask for a striptease. I've got my music ready."
"Oh, come now," my mother said. "Just have him show you his penis. Have him demonstrate how men like to be touched, learn from him. Then have sex. That's what this is about, Virginia."
I stood up. "How about something a little less carnal? Quinn, can I have some music?"
"Of course," Quinn said. She set up the music on her phone and it played through the TV speakers.
"Beau?" I said, holding out my hand. "May I have this dance?"
He looked up at me with a bright smile and took my hand.
"That's not what we said," Olivia said.
"Virginia, what are you doing?" my mother asked.
"Would you all please let me do this my way?" I said, now seriously tired of all their chirping. "If I want to have a dance with my stud, I will have a dance with him."
I led him out from behind the sofa to the area without a rug. I kicked off my high heels, the tile cool under my feet. He followed my lead, removing his shoes. He had no socks, which surprised me, but his feet were nice and clean, which I appreciated.
The music was pumping. I started to sway my hips, raising my arms. Beau started to move with me, stepping side to side. He was very cute as he danced. He had good rhythm, but he looked a little silly, which I liked. We shared a grin, taking encouragement from each other, and we both started dancing a little goofier.
And then he astonished me. He held up one finger. I paused, and he took a step back. First, he opened his jacket and took it off, tossing it over the back of a chair. Then he started dancing on his own, moving his arms and legs. He moonwalked and then spun around and went to the floor, using his hands and legs to do a crawl, followed by spinning his lower body, throwing his legs into the air. He finished by spinning around on his back, slowing and striking a sexy pose on his side. Then he leapt up onto his feet again.
"Daaamn!" Quinn said. "Beau boy has some moves!"
I was clapping and laughing. "Ah, you're amazing!"
"Aw, heh," he said, if you could call it speaking, but then he closed his mouth.
The song finished, and my mother called, "Can we get on with this now?"
I rolled my eyes. "Mother, do you have a dinner date? Am I holding you up?"
"No, but I---"
