This part is a little longer than the others but took some building to get where it needed to go. I hope you enjoy!!!!
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Mark and Rick sat in the stands watching their girls softball game. They had done this more times than either could count, both were single parents, Rick's wife was away so much he had basically raised Jen on his own.
"Are we still on for drinks after the game?" Mark asked Rick as the 6th inning came to a close.
"Yeah, I've been thinking about your question and it definitely feels like something is up."
Rick had a far off look in his eyes.
He knew that Jen had watched him in the shower and thought he had heard her in his room one night, but he wasn't sure. Rick knew he could talk to Mark but this was different.
"Peyton kind of hinted at what might be going on but I don't want to talk about it here."
Rick and Mark had shared may drinks and Rick had confided in Mark about a few affairs. Mark knew he could talk to Rick, but how do you tell the father of your daughter's best friend that his own daughter had tried to seduce him?
"Looks like they are gonna win this one hands down." Mark changed the subject but could tell Rick was deep in thought.
"Yeah, looks like." Rick muttered as he stared off into space.
The girls won the game and came racing up to their fathers.
"Daddy can I go out for pizza with a few of the other girls to celebrate?" Peyton asked and knew he would be fine with it.
"Sure kiddo. It's Friday so home by midnight."
"Dad is it ok that I go too?" Jen was for skipping school but knew he had plans with Mark later that night.
"Of course you can. I meant to tell you this morning your punishment was over. Midnight for you too."
The girls each kissed their fathers on the cheek and headed for the showers. Mark and Rick made way to their vehicles and headed to the bar.
On the way to the bar Mark had decided the best way to approach the delicate subject was to get a few, or more than a few, drinks in his buddy then see what information he could get.
The men arrived about the same time and headed in. Mark ordered them both a beer and a shot of Crown. Rick grabbed them a table and was still in deep thought when Mark sat down.
"It's been a while since we've been out like this. How is Beth?"
"It has been a while. Man, I don't know what's going on with the women in my house."
About that time the waitress sat their drinks on the table, Rick downed his shot and ordered another. Mark thought this maybe easier than he thought.
"So what's up with Beth? I know it's been a while since she's been home."
Rick took a long pull off his beer and shook his head.
"I think she's fucking her boss. I don't have proof, or the right to be pissed all things considered, but still." Rick picked up his beer as his second shot arrived.
"Damn man, I'm sorry to hear that What makes you think that's what's going on?"
"Steve, her boss, has been going to a lot of the same jobs she is being sent out on and she is calling home less and less. She hardly ever asks about Jen and is really short when she talks to me. I don't know, it's just a gut feeling."
Mark was nursing his beer so he could keep a clear head. He hated to hear about him and Beth but it didn't really surprise him. The waitress came by to check on them and Rick ordered a third shot, Mark said he was good for the moment.
"I thought we were drinking? You've had one shot and still on the same beer. Trying to get me drunk and take advantage of me? Sorry, my door don't swing that way man."
Mark could tell the alcohol was loosening Rick up. Maybe Rick would give him an opening if they kept talking.
"Naw man, I mean your decent looking and all but not my type.' Mark chuckled. ' It seems like you need the drinks more than I do and somebody has to drive us home."
"That's what Uber is for. Besides were not here for me to cry in my beer. We're here to talk about the girls." Rick took shot number three and looked at Mark.
"Fair enough man. I just wished you had told me sooner what was going on with you and Beth. That must be tough on Jen too. Think she has any idea what's going on between you two?"
"I'm still figuring that part out and as far as Jen, I think she knows somethings up but I've tried to keep it to myself."
"What makes you think she knows?" Mark was hoping this was the opening he needed.
"She has done more around the house and has paid more attention to me than normal." Rick looked into his beer and creased his brow as if in deep thought.
"They have always been Daddy's girls so I'm sure she has sensed something going on with you."
Mark's phone chimed, it was Peyton.
**Hey Daddy how are things going?"**
The text was followed up with a picture of her panties under her skirt.
"I'm gonna hit the head." Rick looked at Mark like he wanted to ask something, but shook his head and went to the bathroom.
Mark texted Peyton back letting her know he was taking things slowly and that he loved the picture. Rick sat back down and his eyes had started to look a bit glassy. Yep he was good and buzzed.
"So what's up with Peyton. You said she had acted off too."
"She was being really standoffish and staying in her room more than usual. I figured it was about a boy, or maybe getting ready for college. I got a little information out of her but not much."
"Can I ask you an odd question?" Rick had a serious look on his face when he asked.
"Sure what's up?"
"Has Peyton started dressing different or well...man never mind. I think this shit with Beth has my head all fucked up."
"What do you mean dressing different? I haven't noticed anything."
"I don't know. I know this will sound crazy but here lately Jen is wearing these skimpy clothes and it's almost like she is doing it to get my attention. Fuck man I know how it sounds but I'm sure I caught her looking thru the door while I was in the shower."
Here we go. Mark took a drink of his beer. He recognized the look in Rick's eyes. He had seen it in his own reflection not to long ago.
"Are you sure it's not just normal curiosity? I've caught Peyton checking me out while I work on the yard, or when I'm lounging in my sleep shorts."
Rick hesitated, he didn't know how to word what he wanted to say. He had had thoughts he shouldn't about his daughter. Rick didn't know if it was because of what was going on with him and Beth or because she had been basically exposing herself to him.
"Just tell me what's on your mind. Judgment free zone. We have confided in each other for years, why is this time different. Do you have a new side piece?"
"Hell no! That's why this shit with Beth has me all screwed up. Maybe it's my karma for fucking around on her."
"Man, I don't think karma has anything to do with what's going on."
"Ok, then tell me what is going on. I don't know what has gotten into Jen so if you have inside information tell me." Rick was on beer number three and shot number 4.
"First, you have to keep an open mind. It's not as bad as you think. It's kind of cute actually." Mark was trying to ease into the conversation.
"Stop trying to sugar coat it, what's up with the girls?" Rick had always been a straight forward, get to the point kind of guy.
"Well it seems our girls have a bit of a crush on their old men. Peyton let it slip when I asked what was going on. I asked if it was about a boy. She said kind of, so I pushed and she told me." Mark sat quietly while the words sank in for Rick.
"Wait what?" Rick looked dumbfounded.
"Maybe it's best if we have this conversation back at my place. Peyton texted and the girls are gonna hit the mall after pizza."
"Dude, either I've had to much to drink or you're fucking with me. Peyton said that?!"
"Like I said let's take this conversation somewhere else. There is a lot to cover."
Rick looked at Mark. His head was spinning. Things were starting to make more sense after what he had said but he had to be kidding. Jen was his baby and he was an old man, for God's sake. Shaking his head Rick stood and wobbled a bit. Maybe Mark should drive them home.
"Fine but your driving. I don't know if it's the shots or this bomb you just dropped but my head is spinning."
"I know the feeling."
Mark texted Peyton that he and Rick were heading to their house to talk more. He told her he would let her know more later.
The two men pulled up in Mark's driveway, it had been a very quiet drive. As Rick opened his door he looked at Mark.