Bess was so happy to see her aunt. It had been over a year since Bess left Minnesota and even though she had talked to her by phone, Bess hadn't seen Deidre in all that time. In the middle of O'Hare terminal, she gave her a big hug.
"Oh, Auntie, it is so good to see you again," she gushed and she kissed her cheek. "We have so much to talk about."
After grabbing her bag, Bess led her to the curb where they hailed a cab. Both entered it and they were on their way downtown.
"Hey, don't I know you?" the cabbie said without looking at her. "You're that sports lady at all the games."
Bess smiled. "Yes, I am. Nice of you to notice. Now please take us to the arena."
"Sure," he replied. "Wait till I tell the guys."
The cab drove them quickly to the game as Bess explained to Deidre what was going on. "I have to do the pre-game report, then the half time one, and then the postgame. I'll join you in the luxury box in between. If you want, you can watch me work. You can make Uncle Scott jealous. It is the network's box so there will be plenty of people there. Don't worry, I'll introduce you. You'll be fine."
Deidre barely had time to catch her breath, from the plane to cab and now the game. Things were moving quickly. "Wow! You're pretty busy. Did I come at a bad time?"
"No, it is a great time," Bess explained. "I have the game tonight and then both teams, the Bulls and 'Hawks are out of town or off. I 'm off until the 11 o'clock news tomorrow night. So we'll have plenty of time together."
Bess was true to her words. Deidre stood nearby as she went through her routine and was very impressed with what she saw. Bess was the consummate pro. She asked the right questions, the coach and players seemed at ease with her, and the camera crew respected her. Up in the luxury box, Bess moved smoothly with the big wigs and seemed to fit right in. Yes, Deidre was very impressed.
The game ended with a Bulls' victory and after the wrap-up the two headed over to Bess' apartment. Deidre tried to remember everything so she could tell Scott but she wasn't much of a basketball fan. She knew he'd be jealous of her. Overall though she had a good time. They grabbed some Chinese take out for a late night feast and girl talk.
"Make yourself at home, Dee," Bess said. "If you want, you can change your clothes and put on something more casual. Relax."
Bess brought out an oversize Bear's shirt. "Here, put this on. It covers all." She already had on a Cub's shirt that reached to her mid-thigh. Barefooted, she headed for the kitchen. "Beer goes well with Chinese."
They spread out the food on the coffee table and sat on either side. They soon were laughing and discussing all sorts of things.
"Who was the big guy with the moustache?" Deidre asked.
"That's Jim, from marketing. Why?"
"Because I think he was hitting on me all game."
"That sounds like Jim." Bess laughed. "Thinks he's God's gift to women. He's married and his wife has him on a short leash. I believe if you came on to him, he'd wouldn't know what to do."
"Besides Jim, everyone else was very nice."
They talked about Carly and that she was getting married soon; the 2 boys and how college was looming for them; and of course Scott. It never ceased to amaze Bess how Deidre talked about him. She always was positive about their marriage and him. It was no act. She had never been happier.
Bess also noticed in the time Deidre knew Scott she had grown more attractive. Bess felt her aunt was always that way but now Deidre was showing it off. Whether it was self-confidence or something else, other people noticed it too. And it all seemed to come naturally.
Deidre put her beer down. "This might not be the time but I need to ask this. Why in Heaven's name did you get involved with Bonnie and Black Leather?"
"That's a fair question and I'll try to answer it," Bess began. " Since middle school, I've loved sex. From the first time I made myself cum, I knew I loved the feeling. In high school I found out I was pretty good at it too. The boys thought they were using me but really I was using them. Even the occasional girl was fine with me. Yes, Auntie, even Carly."
Deidre looked at her with a surprised look on her face. "Bess, you were so good at so many things in school. Why?"
"Maybe but it didn't come naturally. Carly was the really good volleyball player and she made everyone around her look good. Even my grades weren't easy. I was never sure what I wanted to do with my life and I didn't get much help."
"You're not going to blame..." Deidre said.
Bess raised her hand. "No blame but you know mom and dad weren't the best parents. I spent more time with you or over at Carly's. Both of them were sleeping around each, with numerous partners. Don't tell me you didn't know."
"I knew."
"So there's mom and dad, a great example of a loving couple. Then Uncle Joe leaves you for some younger bitch after you gave him everything. Every times I think of that, I can't believe it. Then Carly's mom walks out on Scott because he was stifling her. So when Bonnie approached me with the idea, I was open to it. I could do something I liked, was real good at, and make big money."
Deidre lowered her head and said quietly, "I'm sorry. I didn't know. What changed your mind?"
"That night I came over to your house in the middle of night."
"You were in bad shape," Deidre said.
"Yes but that wasn't the reason I quit. What I learned that time was to never lose control of a situation. That wasn't going to stop me. What I found out was that I was truly loved no questions asked. You, Scott, and Carly were there for me 100%. Also the way you and Scott are so much in love with each, it is so obvious. It made me think there might be someone for me. Then Carly is the best friend anyone could have. Her boyfriend is a great guy. They are just perfect for each. She has been with me all the way. So I moved to Chicago, have a great job that I'm pretty good at, made some good friends, so here I am. And I owe a lot to you, Auntie." Bess raised her beer in salute. "Thank you."
Deidre awoke the next morning to the smell of bacon, eggs, and fresh coffee.
"It is about time you got up." Bess laughed. "Thought you might sleep all morning."
"Not use to staying up that late. You know, us old people."