(Fiction)A Traditional Labor Day Weekend

     Labor Day Weekend: How Traditions Get Started

   
     I surveyed the scenery on display around my backyard pool. A dozen or so beautiful young women were swimming, lounging, goofing off, whatever. I conducted a mental exercise, comparing the variety of swimwear that more or less concealed (or revealed) the variety of young ladies' shapes, trying to guess sizes or temperaments based upon their choices of attire. I stood at the grill, flipping burgers. I was thankful for my years of experience playing poker that allowed me to maintain a neutral expression. That, and my sunglasses, which allowed me to preserve the illusion that I wasn't a pervert leering at my daughter's friends that were over for a 'end of the summer' get together.
     "You're drooling." I heard from just behind me, the comment delivered in a snarky tone. I resisted the urge to wipe my chin.
     "You're imagining things. Yes, these burgers smell delicious, but they're just burgers. Not quite enough to make me openly dribble." I replied, deadpan, without turning my head.
      She giggled at my response. "Come on, Dad. If you weren't enjoying being the only guy among a bunch of bikini clad beauties, I'd think there was something seriously wrong with you."
     "Rest assured, I am neither blind, nor dead. Your old man is enjoying the view; however, I don't want to be rude, or make anyone uncomfortable. In my years and years of experience I've learned the art of discretion."
     "Plus, if they knew you were gawking, some of them might cover up, and wouldn't that be a shame?"
     "I'd rather avoid the chaos and let everyone have their fun as if I wasn't here, you know? Like I'm just part of the background."
     "Yea, right. Like you're not imagining who'd you like to take to bed. Need me to be 'wing-man'?"
     "Seriously, Mavis, I think I'm too old to try and 'hook up' with one of your friends, besides I doubt any of them would want someone like me..."
     "Don't be so sure, Dad." she interrupted.
     "Regardless, I'm not looking for that right now. However, if you like, I'll be 'Goose' to your 'Maverick'. Whom do you have in the cross-hairs?"
     "Violet, the brunette in purple, over on the lounge chair., and Goose was the navigator not the wingman...Ice was the wingman."
     "Whatever. She's pretty. How well do you know her? Is she playing for your team?"
     "She is indeed pretty, and she's a 'switch-hitter'. We've chatted a few times, but not since school let out in June. I was surprised that she took me up on the Facebook invite."
     "Did she bring her overnight bag?" I asked.
     "Yea, another surprise."
     "Hold on, how many girls are staying?"
     "Just four, plus me."
     "I thought you said only Amanda and Sakura were staying. It's four now?"
     "So far, but if you keep making the margaritas so strong, it'll be more! Anyway, yes Mandy and Sakura plus Violet, and Maria. She's over in the corner with her nose in a book."
     "Hmmph." I grunted noncommittally.
     "Disappointed that the blonde bombshell you've been eyeing isn't staying? You're not her type. Not a lunk or nearly linebacker-y enough."
     "Linebacker-y? is that a word?"
     "You know what I mean, Tiffany's into big dumb jocks."
     "Not that it matters, but a guy can dream... By the way, It's nice to see Amanda and Sakura getting along."
     "What do you mean? They mostly get along all the time."
     "I seem to remember them bickering constantly."
      "Oh, Dad! That was back when we were kids, and, just when they were around you. They both had crushes, and they fought to get your attention."
     "Seriously?! How could I not have noticed that? Well, anyway, that was a long time ago, before Amanda's family moved away, and girls grow out of their crushes."
     "You would think, but Mandy has had a string of boyfriends that never seem to work out, and they all had one thing in common: a passing resemblance to a certain rugged looking guy I know with blue eyes and wavy brown hair. Sakura's been so dedicated to her studies that I don't think she's dated at all, but when I invited her to stay, and reminded her that you'd be around, she spent an awful long time agonizing over 'just the right' swimsuit, and she spent a week's pay at the salon on her new hairdo. Be sure to tell her how nice she looks."
     "You don't need to tell me, she adorable...damn, when did you all grow up? It seems like just yesterday that the three of you were having slumber parties and pillow fights and preferred your teddy bears to 'icky' boys."
     "I still think boys are 'icky', Dad."

     The rest of the afternoon was relatively uneventful. Some of Mavis' friends would leave and others seemed to show up to take their places (the event was an 'open house' without set times). Then, early in the evening, as I was cleaning the grill after cooking the third round of burgers, the sky abruptly started to darken, and then opened up. Fat drops of rain drenched the area, then it started to hail. The ladies squealed as they ran inside, trying to avoid the marble-sized balls of ice. I heard a distraught yelp, nearly drowned out by the thunder. Someone had fallen, and was now being pelted with hailstones. I ran over to where she was and scooped her up in my arms. I did my best to shield her as we scrambled in through the patio door.
     "Make a hole please!" I addressed the gaggle of onlookers. "It's probably best to back away from the windows a bit, that storm is wicked...Mave! get my bag!"  I briefly looked around for a familiar face, and having found one, called to her: "Amanda, please take a look and make sure no one else is stuck outside."  I then turned my attention to the injured person I had carried in. She was clinging to me and shaking.  "Shh-shh, let me get you warm, okay?" I lowered her to the floor and grabbed a throw from off the back of the couch. About then my daughter came to my side with my 'jump bag', an overgrown first aid kit. "Thanks, Mave. I'll take care of her, break out some blankets and see if any of your other friends are hurt, those hailstones can do some damage."
     "Already on it, Dad. And Mandy's heating water for tea and hot chocolate."
     "Good girl." I said to my daughter, and then to the person I carried in: "Where does it hurt?"
     "My ankle, I think I twisted it." She said with a wince.
     "Sakura, anyplace else?  Is it okay if I check?" I asked her so that she would look at me, I wanted to gauge her pupils, make sure she hadn't hit her head when she fell. Her breathing was a little bit rapid, her face was red, she was fighting back tears, but, she seemed more embarrassed than having any of the tell tale signs of shock or concussion. "Your hair looked lovely today, I'll try not to mess it up any more, okay?" I said as I started to check her over. So far I hadn't find anything other than a few abrasions, and I suspected she'd have a few bruises from the hailstones. Her blush was getting deeper as I went down my mental checklist from my first aid training, running my hands down her body, looking for other injuries, checking for reaction to my touch that would indicate that something was wrong. "I'm sorry, I'm not just being 'handsy' I just want to make sure you're not hurt anyplace else before I work on the ankle...can you move your wrists for me? You might've used them to break your fall..."
      "They're fine...I know you're not being 'handsy', Papa...I think it's just the ankle."
      "Okay then, lets get a cold pack on it and wrap it up...looks like you have a sprain...I'll get you to the couch, keep your foot up...does it hurt much?" I kept a running commentary going as I tended to her injury, then lifted her to the couch, I felt her bury her head an give me a nuzzle as I did.
      "Oooh...Papa..." she sighed as I lifted her, and placed her on the couch. I flipped one of the back cushions on its side, to elevate her foot.
     "You okay, Kitten?"
     "Yea...'Kitten'? No one's called me that in years."
     "I'm sorry, Sakura."
     "No, it's okay if it's you, Papa Matthews...Did you really think my hair looked nice?"
     "Well, it always looks nice, today it was extra cute." She raised her hand to her hair absentmindedly, and grinned. Her eyes squeezed shut, just like a contented cat. I tucked a stray strand back behind her ear just as Mavis came over with a bottle of water. I fetched a packet from my bag and emptied the tablet into Sakura's hand. "Have you ever had a reaction to naproxen, you know, 'Aleve'?" She shook her head. "Take this, it'll help with the swelling. I check on you in a bit, Kitten" I gave her cheek a little pinch as I stood and settled back into my 'host' duties.

*****

    The 'vibe' of the party had changed. The storm didn't ruin it, it ended it.  The weather had passed and people were piling into their respective cars or 'Ubers' and heading home. I started cleaning up. It didn't take long until everything was mostly back in shape and the dishwasher was doing what dishwashers did. The girls had changed into 'PJ's' and were playing cards on the floor in the main room.
     "Hey Mav',  Why don't you and Sakura swap sleep spots? I bet it would be easier for her to get to the facilities from your room. You don't mind sharing the guest room with Violet do you?"
    "Good idea, and why would I mind, you silly goose? I'll move her stuff now" As I suspected, she caught on that I was acting as wing-man, even though swapping rooms was a good idea for the reason I stated.
    "That okay with you, Kitten? The bathroom is a 'Jack and Jill' but, I'll keep my side closed so that you'll have privacy."
     "Nyan." She meowed cutely, and made little cat's paw motions in response.
     I stayed up for another hour or so reading a novel, while my house guests played UNO, then I let them know that I was going to bed.
     "Okay kids, I'm going to 'hit that hay'. You all be good, no pillow fights!"
     I received a chorus of 'good-nights' and a buss from my daughter as I started to leave the room.
     "Ahem!" someone cleared their throat, to get my attention. I looked over and saw Sakura waiting expectantly with her arms outstretched.
    "What?"
   "Papa, I'm ready for bed too."
   "And you want a hug?"
   "Carry me. Nyan. Please, Papa."
   "You're spoiled." I admonished her as I scooped her up into a 'princess carry'.
     Various whispers of  'so bold', or 'you go girl' could be heard.
    "Silence, you rabble. This is only because she's hurt." I reminded them, inwardly I laughed at the teasing and innuendo.
     Sakura made a face at the rest of the girls, sticking her tongue out, then cuddled in my arms. I swear I heard her purr as we made our way down the short corridor to Mavis's room. Once there, she leaned over and pulled the blankets aside so that I could lower her on to the bed. I tucked her in and bent to kiss her forehead. She mischievously dodged so that our lips briefly met.
     "Goodnight, Papa."
     "Careful, you're not a little girl anymore. You keep flirting with me and one of these days I'll take you up on what you're offering."
     "Promise?"
     "...Goodnight, Kitten."

*****

     I awoke to a flash of lighting and a crack of thunder that bespoke another cell of thunderstorms passing through. A glance at the nightstand confirmed that it was hours before I usually would get out of bed. I tried to turn over and ignore the weather, when I had the distinct feeling that I wasn't alone. The next flash of lightning revealed someone silhouetted in the doorway. A moment later she had crawled on to the bed and was astride me. The thin blanket still separated us.
     "Hi Papa." she whispered.
     "Mandy...Amanda, what are you doing?"
     "Trying to seduce you." She said as she ground herself against me. The inevitable physiological response on my part followed.
      "I figured that part out, I meant...why?"
      "Because I want you. I like sex, and I like you. We're both consenting adults. It's a two birds one stone kind of thing."
      "As flattering as that is...I don't think that this is a good idea..."
      "Well someone likes the idea, someone is poking me... "
      "There are so many reasons why we shouldn't, the least of which being that we are not alone..."
      "Everyone is asleep, well maybe not Mav and Vi, they still might be cuddling, regardless I can be quiet, can you?"
     "You don't understand. We are not alone." I whispered. I looked over to the doorway as another flash of lightning briefly lit the room.
     "Eek!" The woman in the doorway whimpered at the sound of the thunder that immediately followed.
     "It's okay, Honey. Mandy is scared too. We'll all fit." I said and beckoned her over with a wave of my hand.
     "Thanks...Papi." She said as she scampered next to me, pulling my arm and the covers over her.
     "Well, this is just great." Amanda muttered under her breath.
     "Give her a break, she's scared and I don't think that she is awake." She was shaking, I felt tears dripping onto my chest. "It's all right Punkin' it's just rain." I said as I stroked Maria's hair.
     "I'm scared Papi. The windows were shaking and...and I was all alone and...."
     "Shh-shh. You're safe and Mandy's here too. We'll all be fine."
     "Promise?"
     "Of course Punkin', the storm is already moving away." There was a noticeable delay between the next flash and the rumble of the thunder in the distance. I felt her relax her breathing slowed some. I could feel her heart-rate easing as she was pressed against me. The change in her was profound.
     "Papa, Papa, I've missed you so much...I love you Papa." She said quietly.
     "I love you too, Maria. Go to sleep now." I told her as she slipped into a more serene slumber. She was smiling.
      "Papa...Papa..." She mumbled as she squeezed me, as if to reassure herself that I was really there.
     "What was that about?" Amanda asked from the other side of me. She had worked herself under the covers and was hugging my arm to her chest, one of her hands was on my lap.
     "She was having a bad dream, I think."
     "Bummer. I guess we don't get to play tonight."
     "Nope, goodnight Mandy."
     "Goodnight Papa."
     "Mandy, please don't call me 'Papa' when you have a hold of my...of me that way. It kind of makes me feel like a dirty old man, and not in a good way."
     "Mr. Matthews?"
     "How about 'Tom'? I think that would be best."
     "Good night, Tom" She said and kissed my cheek. and giggled. "I noticed you didn't say to stop...good night 'Little Tom', I hope to see you tomorrow." She said as her hand in my pants gave what she was holding a squeeze.

*****

     "Jeez, Dad!" Mavis exclaimed from the threshold to my bedroom. Beams of morning sunlight illuminated her.
     "Shh! They're still asleep." I replied referring the the pair of young women cuddling with me.
     "What did you do?" She hissed under her breath, only half jokingly.
     "Mav, I am a gentleman, and I don't like what you are implying..."
     "Dad, there are two women in bed with you, barely clothed. One you hardly know, the other appears to be being very friendly with you. I don't really need to imply..."
     "And that's all that happened...Speaking of which, I hear things are going well with you and Violet."
     "You heard?!"
     "Even over the storm...I'm happy for you. In the meantime, scoot. You can start making breakfast. I'll join you in the kitchen shortly. No, wait. wait a minute, after I use the bathroom, see if Sakura needs a hand, then join me in the kitchen for breakfast."
     "Sure thing, pancakes?"
     "Yup."
...

     I and three of my house-guests had just about finished eating by the time Mavis and Sakura made it to the kitchen (she still favored her uninjured anlke, but she barely limped.) They were clad in bathrobes, (where did they get all the clothes?) their hair still damp, their skin had that just-showered rosy glow.
     "Have a seat ladies. The griddle is still hot so pancakes will be ready in a jiffy!"
     As soon as my back was turned (and I was facing the stove) the whispers and giggles started. 'Girls will be girls' I thought to myself. I served the latecomers, showed them where the melted Nutella and maple syrup was, and started to depart so that I could shower and get ready for the day. On my way out of the kitchen I leaned over to Maria.
     "May I speak with you for a moment, in the other room?"
     "Sure."
     Once we were out of earshot, I started (a little awkwardly). "So, about last night..."
     "Yes?"
     "I think you might have been sleepwalking...and I thought you should know that you and I.."
     "I know that we didn't do anything, I mean Mandy was there and she told me this morning that..."
     "That's not exactly where I was going...I mean we barely know one another and intimacy isn't necessarily sexual. We were rather intimate, but I don't think you believed that you were with me... "
     "I was having a bad dream..."
     "I knew you were scared, at first, but it was a good dream, wasn't it? Do you want to talk about it, about him, your father?"
     "How did you know what I dreamt about?"
     "We spoke, but I'm pretty sure you were still asleep."
     "Now I'm not sure what I was dreaming, and what I actually did..."
     "Your father, he's not with you anymore, is he?"
     "No, he died when I was a kid. I loved him very much."
     "I'm guessing you were five or six years old? Something about the storm must've resonated with you, reminded you of him or his death? "
     "How did you know?"
     "Just a hunch, the way you spoke reminded me of Mavis at that age. I can tell that you miss him."
     "I thought I was over that...that I let him go. His car went off the road, during a storm..."
     "You know, it's okay to still love him. A father's love is something I hope you never let go. It's good to grieve, say goodbye, and to move on with your life. But, it's also good to cherish the memories. I like to believe that there is a part of every little girl's heart reserved for their father. Even if he's gone, I think it is a good thing to hold on to that spark of him that resides there."
      "Mr. Matthews, you're corny and sentimental, in a good way. Thank you."
     "You're welcome."
      "Is it okay if I call you 'Papa Matthews', like the other girls do?"
      "Of course it is. Can I call you 'Punkin' like I did when we cuddled last night?"
      She blushed, and somehow just melted into my arms. I was enveloped in the scent of her hair as she buried her face in my chest and hugged me fiercely. I gently held her for a moment.
      "Papa?"
      "Hmm?"
      "This is nice, thanks."
       We separated from our embrace, I gave her a fatherly kiss on her forehead. "Anytime, Punkin'. You good? If so I'm hopping in the shower..."

      "Dad! would you please stop puttin' the moves on her? I mean c'mon!" Mavis interrupted.
      "Mav, I'm not trying to seduce her, I'm trying to adopt her." I replied.
      "She's nineteen!"
      "And you're twenty-one, and you still need a dad!"
     "Oh, that's different. Carry on then."

*****

      I had showered and shaved and dressed for the last weekend of summer: off-white shorts and a pastel polo shirt. I overheard the whispered conversation around the table as I was walking towards the kitchen. I couldn't identify who was speaking. I didn't want to eavesdrop, so I 'made some noise' straightening the couch cushions and picking up in the family room, hoping they'd get the hint. The conservation didn't stop. Maybe they wanted me to hear?

      "Oh, I so want to, but she said 'no'." One voice said.
      "Squick!" Was a reply.
      "It would be totally hot."
      "I couldn't, not with him. Not even not with him, not even with him nearby, seeing me. That's so wrong."
      "That's what makes it so right! It's naughty, it's wrong. Plus the taboo factor is..."
      "That would be hot...I wanna watch." A new voice commented.
      "Please baby, at least ask him."
      "WHAT?!" she squawked. Multiple shushes answered the outburst.
      "Quiet, he'll hear you! and if you ruin today for me..." Someone said.
      "Or, tonight for me..." Someone else interjected.
       "Listen, I'd like to think that I'm adventurous and all that, but, there is no way I am asking him to do you while you go down on me...double squick!"
      "Well 'duh', you don't ask him like that. How about this: I do the asking, I just sort of ease him into it. We can have the lights off, or I could blindfold him, I could blindfold you both. It would still be so hot...mmmm....I'm gonna need another shower before we go out, I'm practically leaking.
      "You just leave him alone. At least until Monday, until then he's booked."
      "Fine, fine, don't get all worked up about it. It's not like it needs to be right away, and it seems I still need to work on her anyway. What's the plan for today?"
      "The weather is going to be crappy today. Let's go to the mall, or whatever, and have some fun or do some shopping."
     "I'm up for some 'retail therapy'. Besides, I need a desk lamp for my dorm room."
     "Then back here for supper? Can we get take out?"
   
     I decided that the conversation had evolved to a 'safe place' and entered the kitchen.

     "What's up, ladies?"
     "We are going to the mall." Violet answered.
     "Female bonding time." Amanda added.
     "I need a lamp." My daughter said, somewhat disappointed.
     "You can do better than that, Mave. Pick out a couple of outfits for 'back to school' or whatever." I offered.
     "You got some plastic for me, Dad?"
     "Sure, but, don't go nuts." I said as I handed her my credit card.
     "Hooray! Lets all get some outfits and have a fashion show when we get back!" Maria suggested.
     "Sounds great girls, have fun." I offered a wave and watched the girls bounce out of the room, giggling and chatting about what stores they planned to visit. I poured a cup of coffee and took a vacated seat at the table. I almost didn't notice that Sakura was still there.
     "Sugar?" She asked as she passed me the bowl.
     "You don't want to go to the mall?" I asked. I noticed that she still had her bathrobe on from breakfast.
     "Nah, the ankle still is stiff. I don't want to risk it. Besides, I never have a quiet day off. I'm going to read a book."
     "Okay, Kitten. Let me know if you need anything.

*****

     I spent the rest of the morning in my easy chair in the family room, enjoying my book. Sakura was doing much the same on the couch. As I finished the chapter I was on, I decided I was at a good stopping point.
     "I'm going for a drink, would you like something?" I asked as I got up and stretched.
     "Tea?"
     "Hot or cold?"
     "Hot, please."
     When I returned a few minutes later with the tea service, Sakura was sitting up and had put her book away.
     "So, what are your plans for the rest of the day? I don't think the girls will be back before supper." I asked as we finished our tea.
     "It's nice not having any responsibilities for a while. I think I might take a nap."
     "Oh, I'm an advocate of naps."
     She paused for a second, then nodded to herself, as if making a decision. She then held out her arms.
     "What?" I asked.
    "Take me to bed."
     She held onto my neck and I picked her up, 'princess carry' style. "It's a good thing that you're so cute, otherwise I wouldn't put up with you."
     "Papa...there's something I want to ask you...but I'm a little scared to."
     "Don't worry Kitten, I might not agree to whatever you want to ask, but I won't be angry with you for asking."
     "You should know that I planned for us to be alone today, I wasn't planning on my ankle, but it is a convenient excuse."
     "I don't understand, why would you do that?"
     "So that I could ask you to take me to bed." She replied a little nervously.
     "Well, here we are so..." I said as I lowered her to the bed.
     "But that isn't what I wanted to ask you..."
     "I'm listening."
     "Please... would you make love to me?"
     "Here? Now?"
     "Please."
     "Kitten...I...um..." I was flabbergasted, completely out of my depth.
     "Ever since I knew I wanted to...I wanted it to be you."
     "To be me?"
     "For my first time, I want you."
     "Certainly there's a boy at your college that you'd rather..."
     "I don't want some boy, I want a man. I want you. It has to be you. Don't you find me attractive?  Wouldn't you like to?"
      "Of course I find you attractive. That's like asking if I find water to be wet or pain...painful. It's just that...Maybe I'm old-fashioned but I've always believed that a woman's first time should be special...shouldn't your first be with someone special to you, who you want a relationship with?..." I noticed that even though she was wearing a bathrobe, as if she was going to laze around all day, she had put on make-up, she had fixed her hair. She had planned this. She looked up at me and I had difficulty reading her expression. Was she unsure? Anxious? Coy?
     "Ever since I became aware of...the needs a woman has, I've always thought of you. I've always wanted it to be you..."
     She tugged on my neck, her arms were still wrapped around me there. I leaned down some and she rose up some and our lips met. We kissed, tentatively at first, more ardently within a few heartbeats. I had crossed a line and now had to take responsibility. I again scooped her up and carried her in my arms.
     "What are you doing?!" She asked, surprised at being hoisted into the air.
     "Not here. Not on Mavis's bed. I'm taking you to my room." Where the condoms are, I added, but not aloud.

*****

   That afternoon I viewed a fashion show. Sakura sat with me on the couch, wrapped around my arm, seemingly oblivious to what was going on. Occasionally she would sigh contentedly, not really paying attention to the outside world, but almost ridiculously happy. The girls took turns showing us what they bought. I offered comments to each one.
     "That's a nice sweater Amanda, would you call it a bolero or a cardigan?"
     "Thank you Papa, no buttons, so it's a bolero." She answered happily.
     "That skirt's a little short, don't you think so, Mavis?"
     "A hands-width above the knee was that standard at St. Ignatius's, but I don't go there anymore!"
     "Oh Punkin', that dress is so pretty. It's very becoming on you."
     "I'm glad you like it, Papa."
     "Those shoes, Vi, wow!"
     "Hee hee!" Violet giggled as she did a 'catwalk' turn and slunk back out of the room. She looked over her shoulder at me and gave me a saucy wink. "You weren't looking at my shoes just now. You're a dirty old man, and I love it." She teased while wiggling her behind. I was caught, she knew where my eyes were.

     The girls paraded in and out of the family room a few times each, I stared to notice that they started swapping parts of outfits, combining them into new 'looks' .
     "Mandy, what would that be called? That getup?" I asked referring to the combination of Mavis's plaid skirt (hiked up), thigh high stockings, Violet's 'do me' high heeled shoes, and a white button up blouse with a few buttons undone (to show of the top of a lacy bra).
     "Catholic school girl, looking to get in trouble."
     "Not that I don't like it, but you all aren't showing off what you bought anymore. That's cosplay."
     "Hear that girls? He's ready to see the swimsuits."
     Maria came out in a 'one piece', her hips wrapped in a sarong.
     "Very classy, Maria." She smiled widely in response.
     "Mav, where did you find an old-fashioned suit like that?" I asked referring to the 'school' swimsuit she was wearing.
     "Actually Vi found it for me, she has a fetish, something from anime?." I refrained form commenting.
     "Vi, that's nice also, what shade of purple is that? Fuchsia? Magenta?" She was clad in a suit similar to Maria's racing style swimsuit, with a patterned wrap or pareo around her hips.
     "The tag said 'fandango', whatever it's called I like the color, do you like the cut?" She asked, as she untied her wrap and showed me her backside. The suit covered more than a thong would, but not by much.
     "If you wear that in public, carry a stick, or you'll never be left alone."
     "Okay, I'll only wear it for you, here." She replied with a smirk.
     The doorbell rang. The arrival of our dinner delivery ended the show.
     "Thanks for that ladies, that was fun, but we're finished. Dinner has arrived!" I announced
     "Oh pooh! I was looking forward to the naughty-after-dark stuff" Vi chimed in.
     "I'll show him mine tonight." Amanda responded. "Why don't you and Mav have a private show later?"
     "I feel left out." Sakura commented.
     "Hush, girl. You had plenty of 'quality time' today. Heck you're practically glowing!" Amanda replied.
      The conversation continued around the kitchen table as we passed the containers around of Chinese take out.
     "So, how was he?" Violet asked.
     "Vi!! are you trying to embarrass me?" Sakura answered.
     "Come on, dish, we want details." Amanda prompted.
     "You know, I'm right here." I reminded them, somewhat indignantly.
     "Oh hush! Papa, nobody wants to know how good you thought it was."
     "I wouldn't tell anyway. I'll be in the other room if anyone has questions about anything but my love life." I grabbed my plate and chopsticks and sat in the family room, granting the illusion that I wasn't listening to the discussion of my performance.
     "Okay, he's gone. Give!" someone said.
     "Oh, he was wonderful. Tender, and patient, and kind and...I didn't know it would be like that...just wow. I'm still on cloud nine..."
      "Did he <something I couldn't hear was whispered>...?"
      "Yes!"
      "Was it good? I mean is he good at it?"
      "Better than you!"
      "Well did he make you...you know? How many times?"
      "I did during the foreplay, then once we...I...I don't even know how to describe it, I didn't know my body was capable of feeling that...it was just so much...I can't even..."
      They giggled and squealed. I decided to turn on the TV. I really didn't want to hear what was being said in the kitchen. After a while, I decided that Netflix is evil. Before I knew it I had watched half a dozen episodes of the latest series, and burned three hours. That was when Sakura came out of the kitchen and walked over to me. I was pleased to see that she was walking almost normally, she was healing nicely.
     "Goodnight, Papa." She said and leaned over to give me a kiss.
     The kiss deepened and before I realized it, she was on my lap, facing me. I held her and stroked her back and shoulder-blades, or rested my hands just above her hips, focusing on our mutual osculatory activities, I was happy 'hanging out on first base'. Just as it seemed that Sakura seemed to indicate that she wanted to go to the next step (by rolling her hips against mine), we were interrupted.
     "Jeez you two, get a room!" My daughter exclaimed.
     "Mmmm, good idea, let's go." Sakura answered, while gazing at me with 'bedroom eyes'.
     "You will not!" Amanda interrupted. "We discussed this, tonight is my turn!"
     "So last night you were jumping the gun?" I asked. "Don't I get a say in who shares my bed?"
     "Of course you do, but...um...we girls talked, and since we're going back to school soon, and we didn't want to fight, so..." Amanda replied.
     "Mandy, that was before I knew how much I...please... I'll make it up to you."
     "I can't even believe that this is real life, that I'm not dreaming. Somebody pinch me." I mused mostly to myself. Sakura pinched my arm. (yup, I was awake) She hadn't let up on grinding on my lap, I would've objected more to the conversation, if I was able to think straight; however, endorphins had saturated into my brain, and blood-flow was diverted elsewhere.
     "Sakura, you just had all afternoon, and some quality time just now. Don't be greedy, besides, you should pace yourself, otherwise you'll get sore." Amanda said to try and persuade her friend.
     "Fine." She said over her shoulder, then do me she added: "We'll continue this another time, lover." I helped her to her feet and she walked towards the bedroom she was using.
     "Shall we?"  Amanda asked as she took my hand and started to lead me towards my bedroom. Maria started to follow, which led Amanda to stop and ask: "And where do you think you're going?"
     "I just thought since last night that... and my weather app said it's going to rain again and ...umm" She stammered in reply, while twiddling her fingers nervously.
     "He and I are going to be rather naked and adult, so unless you plan on watching, or joining in, you should sleep on the couch."
     "Oh!" She squeaked as she blushed deeply.

     *****

     I had just sat on my bed, pondering the nature of the universe that caused the latest series of events to occur. Two of my daughter's friends wanted to bed me, well three if I'm correctly reading any of the signals that Mavis's current paramour is apparently sending my way. I shook my head in disbelief.
     "Wait a minute, I'll be right back, I want to continue the fashion show." Amanda's whisper tickled my ear.
     "Umm, sure whatever you want." Who was I to complain? I was literally living a dream.
     A few moments later Amanda returned. The bathrobe she wore covered her down to her knees. I could see that she was wearing nylons and her new shoes. She locked the bedroom door as she entered.
     "Are you ready?" She asked as she untied the sash and let her robe puddle at her feet. She stepped over the terrycloth heap and approached me. "You like? I picked it just for you."
     I was stunned. I drank her in with my eyes. She was wearing a lacy bustier and matching garter belt, thigh high stockings and 'FMPs'.  Panties were conspicuously absent. For a moment I couldn't speak, I couldn't find the words.
     "...Amanda, I never thought it would happen. I'm literally stunned speechless. You look so sexy."
   
     Making love with Sakura was slow and sensual and wonderful and sweet. Sex with Amanda was carnal and frantic and intense. In retrospect, I was proud of myself for being able to (mostly) keep up. After all, she's half may age. I didn't fall asleep when we were done, I passed out, spent.

*****

     My 'internal alarm clock' woke me at my usual time. I wanted to laze around, I didn't feel well rested but I knew I wouldn't be able to get back to sleep. 'Oh well' I thought to myself. 'If that's the price I gotta pay to have amazing evenings like last night, sign me up!'
     I looked down at the top of the head of the woman laying on my chest. I absentmindedly petted her mane of dark chocolate hair, she cooed in response.
     "Papa?" She asked as I tried to extricate myself.
     "It's alright, 'Punkin', go back to sleep."
     "Okay Papa."
     My sleep addled brain caught up to me: 'When did Maria join us? How? I know I saw Mandy lock the door. She must've come in through Mav's side of the bathroom.' I thought to myself. I looked over to my other side and saw Amanda's strawberry blonde tresses in disarray. She looked so innocent when asleep, so different than the vixen she was when awake. She felt me stir and latched onto my arm more tightly.
     "Honey, I have to get up. You can stay in bed if you like."
     "Don't leave me yet..."
     "As much as I love cuddling, my bladder needs attention..."
     She grunted and disentangled herself from me. Once I got out of bed, I saw that she had started to snuggle with Maria, and appeared to be back asleep, content.
     I took care of what needed taking care of and then hopped in the shower. I had just started washing my hair (so my eyes were closed) when I felt a woman's body press against me. I was startled, but,  tried not to overreact. Before realizing it, her lips were against mine. We broke from our kiss at about the same time I rinsed my hair so that I could take a look at her.
     "Good morning." She said to me, while lathering me with a bath-sponge.
     "Indeed it is, Vi. And good morning to you. However; if you don't mind me asking, what are you doing?"
     "Scrubbing you, making a pass."
     "Okay, my bad for not asking the question I wanted the answer for. Why are you making a pass at me when you are here with my daughter? It's delightful showering with you, and you may literally scrub my back, and I'll scrub yours, but I will not be the one you cheat on Mav with."
     "It wouldn't be cheating. She knows I'm making a pass at you. This was a compromise."
     "A compromise?"
     "Yea, she wasn't into me doing both of you at the same time, so you get to take turns."
     "I'm sorry, I know it might be popular in porn or whatnot, but the idea of involving my daughter in my sex-life...squick."
     "Well, I'm not her, and here I am. What now?"

     "I'll have to get out of the shower, gotta get something from the other room,"

    "Don't need em' I've gotcha covered."

    "You on the pill?"

    "Mirena, IUD, so?"
     I answered her by pressing her against the shower wall and kissing her. She climbed on me, wrapping her legs around my waist. I was glad that the house had a 'tank-less' type water heater. We took a very long shower together. I didn't need to feel guilty that those showering after us would run out of hot water.

*****

      Steam billowed from the bathroom as we emerged. I wasn't particularly surprised that my bedroom was unoccupied. It was, after all, relatively late in the morning. I gave Violet a smooch and a pat on her towel wrapped behind as she left. A few minutes later I went to the kitchen ready to make a late breakfast. It seemed that I wasn't the only one who had that idea. Everyone seemed to be working on food preparation when I arrived.
       "Good morning everyone."
       "Good morning, Papa!" A chorus of sweet voices responded.
       "Have a seat Daddy, brunch is almost ready." Mavis added, while delivering a buss to my cheek.
       "Papa, here's your cappuccino, would you like cinnamon or cocoa sprinkled on?" Maria asked as she placed the cup before me.
       "Both, please...thanks Punkin'"
       She delivered a sprinkle from a shaker in each hand, and a kiss to my cheek.
      "Fresh from the iron, here's a waffle for you, Papa, and I warmed the maple syrup...say when." Amanda placed a Belgian waffle before me and proceeded to drizzle syrup on it.
      "Thank you Amanda...okay when, when...I don't want too much." She added an extra drop after I asked her to stop.
      "Too much is never enough, silly."  She replied with a grin, She playfully licked a drop from her finger, and then delivered a maple flavored smooch.
      "Your eggs are ready, Papa." Sakura said a few minutes later, as she cleared my empty plate and replaced is with another. This one bearing scrambled eggs in the form of a neatly rolled thin sheet of goodness.
      "This looks delicious, thank you, Kitten."
      "It's tamagoyaki, try it with the sauce." She said and playfully dabbed the corner of my mouth with a napkin, then delivered a kiss there.
       "And here's some bacon, nice and crispy, just how you like it." Mavis used tongs to place several rashers of bacon on my plate. She also gave me a daughterly kiss to the cheek.
      "Thanks, Mav. This is all so great. Did the rest of you already eat? What's the occasion for such a lavish breakfast?"
      "Technically, it's brunch. Today's a holiday." Mavis replied.
      "You've hosted and cooked for us, and in general spoiled us rotten over the last couple of days and...we wanted to show our appreciation, and to thank you in advance for helping us move back to school."  Sakura added.
      "Plus, some of us still have plans for you. You'll burn those calories!" Violet chimed in. "You want more coffee? Or a mimosa?"
     "You made mimosas?"
     "Yea, I was occupied so I couldn't help cook, but I made a pitcher of mimosas while you were having your waffle.  Want one?"
     "Sounds good, Thanks Vi." She placed a flute near my hand and nibbled my ear
     "Thanks for the shower, I'm still all tingly." She whispered.
     After I finished brunch and helped clean up, I asked the group at large: "Thanks everyone, I can't remember when I had a more wonderful meal. What is the plan for the rest of the day?"
     "Well, since you seem to be intent on informally adopting Maria, we're going to do some sisterly bonding. She's going to help me pack. Then I figured we'd hang out at the pool with the rest of you." Mavis replied.
     "The weatherman said that it should be sunny today. Probably our last chance to swim and take it easy." Maria added.
     "And we have time for some recreational intercourse." Amanda suggested.
     "Always fun to chat." I responded, ignoring the double entendre.
     "Always fun to screw." Violet added, lamp-shading it. "Mav is going to be busy for a while, ready for round two?"
     "Now hold on, it's clearly my turn!" Sakura objected.
      The three started to argue
     "Okay, I'm not doing this again. It's nobody's 'turn'. Let's just go swimming." I said in a slightly raised voice. One the one hand, I was thrilled that three twenty-somethings were fighting over who gets to bed me next, on the other I didn't like the chaos. It wasn't like if I chose one I wouldn't be disappointing the other two. In addition I didn't feel a particular sense of urgency, in the previous twenty-four hours I had more attention in that category than in any day since my honeymoon, twenty-something years earlier. I literally didn't think I could keep up this pace.
      There were some grumbles, but, they didn't last. Everyone scurried off to change. I was swimming laps by the time they made it out to the patio. When I climbed out I was treated to the sight of three lovely ladies sunbathing in their new swimsuits.
      "Papa, we're sorry for making a fuss. Are you angry?" Amanda said.
      "I'm not angry; bewildered? Yes. Mad? No. I didn't mean to raise my voice. I'm sorry. I can't wrap my head around what to do in this situation. Three women, who are half my age, are fighting over me? The whole situation is surreal."
      "We've decided not to fight over you anymore. And that we're not taking turns today." Sakura added.
      I thought to myself that all good things must come to an end, and apparently my escapades were over. It was good while it lasted.
      "I'm glad, something inside me hurts when I see you all fighting." I replied.
      "That's why, we're going to try and make you happy, together." Violet said.
      "Together? "
      "Yes, all of us." Amanda said, while stripping out of her suit.
      "But, but..." I stammered, I couldn't fathom how I was going to take care of three girls at once. I had a hard enough (but joyful) time keeping up with them one at a time, and the logistics...
      "Don't worry, we'll do all the work. Just let us take care of you." Sakura said as she started kissing me. I felt other pairs of hands untie and pull off my trunks.

*****

     Sometime in the course of our activities, we moved to my bedroom. I awoke in the middle of a nude heap of young bodies.
     "Dad! Yesterday morning I walk in here and you're in bed with two of my friends. Now I walk in and it's three? And don't try and tell me that nothing has happened, you're all nude and it reeks of sex in here!"
     "We're all consenting adults, Mav..."
     "To top it off, it's not even all the same girls...it's just...Ha ha ha..." She couldn't maintain the indignant façade, and cracked up, giggling.
     "What's so funny, Sis?" Maria asked as she walked up.
     "Papa is, he's all flustered that I caught him sleeping with his new girlfriends."
     "I can't say that I blame them, sleeping with Papa is nice."
     "Is it?"
     "Oh yes, he's warm and good to snuggle with."
     "Do they look like they were snuggling?"
     "No, this looks like the aftermath of an orgy, or something out of the Kama Sutra..."
      They both then started tittering.
      "Okay, okay, enough of the comedy act already." I said.
      "Dad, I don't mean to interrupt your debauchery, but, the U-haul center will close in an hour and you need to pick up the trailer, and you need a shower." She said while theatrically holding her nose.
      "Thank you, precious daughter of mine." I replied with a dose of snark. "Is all your stuff packed up into the bins?"
       "Yup! Maria was a big help."
       "Aw, it was nothing." Maria replied bashfully.
      "Thank you for helping, Punkin'. I'll go get the trailer, can you all start staging bins? It shouldn't take us long to load once I get back, and then we can have pizza."
       I took a quick shower, put on 'work clothes' , and drove the van over to the U-Haul agent. By the time I got back to to house the girls were just finishing stacking the bins on the driveway. Loading wouldn't take long. I ordered the pizza before I set the parking brake.

      About an hour later, we were sitting around the kitchen table, talking between bites of the meaty-cheesy-tomato-y goodness that is 'Mama Gino's' pizza.
     "Sorry to be pedantic, but let's go over this once more. Amanda, you have your stuff in your car and Maria will be riding with you at least until we get to her place to get her stuff. Mavis's stuff is in the back of the trailer, then Sakura's. We'll load Maria's when we get to her place. Vi's along for the ride. Once we get to campus; it's 'last in first out', we unload in reverse order." I said
     "That's right, I have nothing to move, I live on campus year-round. I'll help Mandy unload then we all meet at my place for lunch or whatever." Violet added.
     "Okay, sound's like a plan." I said and stifled a theatrical yawn.
     "Oh, Papa are you tired?" Sakura asked.
     "No, Kitten, but I'm ready for bed. It'll be a long day tomorrow, so y'all don't stay up too late."

     I had just settled in bed and had turned out the light on the nightstand when I felt someone sliding under the covers.
     "Hi Kitten." I said.
     "How did you know it was me?"
     "Your perfume, how you slid into bed, something else I can't describe. I just knew."
     "For some reason, I like that you knew. Tonight's probably out last chance to be alone together."
     "True."
     "I think you should know something..."
     "What is it Kitten?"
     "I...I'm in....I love you."
     "I know, and I love you too."
     "You knew?"
     "I had a pretty good idea. I mean I don't think we could be together like we have been, at least I couldn't be with you, if I didn't love you."
     "So you love Mandy and Vi too?"
     "There's all different kinds of love, Kitten."
     "But, if you don't love someone you couldn't..."
     "I never have, Vi surprised me, I wasn't prepared. That was the closest I've ever come."
     "Like I said, tonight's probably our last chance, let's..."

*****

      Sometime later in the evening, I awoke to a feeling that something was 'off''. I was alone, Sakura had apparently went to sleep in the other room. I saw someone silhouetted in the doorway. I guessed it was Maria, her modus operandi that last few days had been to snuggle up around midnight.
     "Punkin' is there something wrong?" I whispered.
      She somewhat hesitantly came to the bed and slid under the covers, she was shaking. Her lips met mine in a clumsy kiss. I realized that she was nude, or nearly so.
      "Please Papa, why am I the only one?"
      "I don't understand."
      "Why don't you want me too? Don't you love me?"
      "Oh Punkin' I love you so much it hurts, but that has nothing to do with..."
      "But I heard you and Sakura talking. You said if you love someone that you want to be with them...that way...and..."
       "I think you misunderstand. You're comparing apples and oranges. I told Sakura that I couldn't have sex with someone if I didn't love them, not that I wouldn't love someone if they wouldn't have sex with me. Do you think I have sex with Mavis?"
       "Of course not, you're her dad, that'd be gross....not that I  judge..."
       "Rest assured, we don't, but I love her very much. There are different kinds of love. Do you remember what I told her when she accused me of flirting with you?"
     "That you weren't trying to woo me, you were trying....to adopt me?"
      "I knew that I loved you then. When you first called me 'Papa', my heart melted, It didn't take long, but you've become very precious to me, and Mavis views you as her little sister. You are a very attractive woman, but I hope I'm not hurting your feelings by telling you that I never thought of you as a potential sexual partner."
       "Oh Papa, that's such a relief. I wasn't ready but I thought this was my last chance and...and...I'm sorry, I'm babbling, I'm just so happy that you're in my life and I love you, Papa." She said as she burrowed under the covers and held me tightly.
      "I love you too, Punkin', let's go to sleep. We have a big day tomorrow."
      "Good night Papa."
      "Sleep tight, Maria."

*****

     It was early, dawn had just broke and the first rosy beams of sunlight spread across the room.
     "Good morning, lover."
     "G'morning, Kitten....shh, she's still asleep."
     "She's beautiful when she's sleeping."
     "You both are." I replied as I absentmindedly stroked both of their hair.
     "Did you finally make love to the last of your house-guests?"
     "Of course not. Maria's my little girl. I'm adopting her."
     "She's naked, you know. One would think that you two..."
     "Jealous? we just chatted and snuggled."
     "Are we going to talk about 'the elephant in the room'?"
     "Whazzat?"
     "Us, what now?"
     "Do you know what you want?"
     "I love you, I love being with you, but I think dating would be weird."
     "So, I can't just be your friend's Dad anymore, we're what now?"
     "Friends, with benefits?"
     "That works. I love you Kitten.
     "Me you too....hee hee!"
     "Can we stay in bed for a while? I'm going to miss you, all of you actually."
     "Of course, Papa."
     We chatted for a while, about the upcoming school year, and other things. We compared our high school and college experiences, and plans for the future. It was the first time we spent quality conservation time as adults.

*****

     "Okay girls, let's hit the road!" I declared while knocking on doors. A chorus of groans and calls for coffee replied. Shortly we were on the road. The girls chatted to pass the time.

     "I hear 'Delta house' is having a big party next week."
     "Yea, sounds like fun..."
     "Who do you have for 'World Civ.'?"
     "Ferguson."
     "Oh, he's good. Did you hear? He got married over the summer."
     "I heard something about that, his housekeeper?"
     "I heard she was an Au Pair for one of his neighbors, from Singapore or Thailand."
     "I thought she was Japanese?"
     "Regardless, it's so romantic! I heard they met briefly as college students, and then she's here from one of those placement agencies and, BAM! love!"
     "Tee hee!"
     "Didya hear about the lunk that Tiffy has in her sights? He must be seven feet tall!"
     "Go big or go home?"
     "ha ha ha ha!"
     "What do you think of that boutique opening?..."

     The time passed relatively quickly. The girls were occupied and I had NPR on the radio. Before we knew it we were at Maria's place (at least I assumed so, I was following Amanda and Maria was her navigator). I saw Maria exit the passenger side door and run up to the front door. I took a minute to stretch before heading to the front door myself. I was surprised when I got there.

     "Tomás?! Tommy Matthews? Dios Mio!  is that you?" Maria's mother inquired as she embraced me.
     "Mercy?" I asked before our lips met.
     "I take it you two know each other....um Dad?...Earth to Dad?" Mavis asked when our kiss continued beyond the 'just friends' stage.
     "So, I was going to introduce you, but I think that point is moot." Maria said. 
     "Mercédès de las Flores, as I live and breathe, I thought I'd never see you again. Except for your hairstyle, you look just as I remember you."
     "I go by Mercy Rivera now...Tommy...I'm so happy to see you...how? I mean are you Mavis's father? I'm sorry, if your wife saw us just now, I'm sure I would get you in trouble."
      "Mercy, Mavis's mother, Judy, is my ex-wife...I'm not really concerned about her getting angry."
     "Judy?" She took a closer look at Mavis before continuing. "You married Judy Gibbons? Somehow, that makes some things clearer about how I remember being treated. That whole clique treated me like I was poison."
     "I didn't realize. I'm sorry, Mercy."
     "Well, the past is the past."
     "And I heard about Maria's father, that must've been hard on you both, you have my sympathy."
     "Thank you, Maria and I get along okay now, of course we still miss him."
     Maria worked her way into our embrace and rested her head on my shoulder. We shared a quiet moment.
      "So, tell me everything. When did you move from Spain? What have you been doing for the past twenty some odd years, other than raising a beautiful daughter, that is?"
       We chatted for a while about what we did over the last couple of decades, high school, and college, and whatnot.
      "Dad, are you planning on filling us in?"
      "Sorry, Honey. Mercy was an exchange student for a semester. We dated."
      "High school?"
      "Yea, I was a senior, she was a sophomore."
      "Aww, your first... love?" Mavis suggested teasingly.
      "Actually, yes." Mercy and I replied somewhat uncomfortably in unison.
      "Well, we have that in common..."Sakura whispered to Amanda, just loud enough for me to hear. Amanda snickered.
      "We should catch up. Why don't you stop by on your way back from campus? I'll make paella." Mercy offered.
      "Okay, love birds, if we don't get going we'll never get there." Violet jabbed. 

      We said our 'goodbyes' and got back on the road. Moving everyone in and returning the trailer was non-eventful. I did stop back by Mercy's place on my way back, the paella was excellent.

*****

     Not long after the school-year started, I started dating Mercy. I had fond memories of Labor-day weekend. Between the correspondences I had with the girls and my conversations with Mavis, I was sure that the weekend was a one time fling. I could pursue my relationship with Mercy without reservation. Mavis and Violet were doing the same, and became 'exclusive'. Over Thanksgiving break I learned from Mavis that Amanda had a new beau (brown hair, blue eyes, rugged looking) but that this one might be a 'keeper'. Sakura still had her nose to the grindstone and focused all her efforts on schoolwork and landing a internship that might lead to a good job. If things kept going well with Mercy and I, Mercy and Maria would join us for Christmas. 

     It looked like we would possibly live happily ever after.

     End.

*****

Afterwards

     A couple of years after our reunion, Mercy and I got married. We had a small ceremony with only close family and friends. A stark contrast to the big fancy wedding that Mavis and Violet had six months prior to ours. Not long after graduating Maria fell in love and married Joe. They still live relatively close. Their second child is on the way. Sakura landed a job with that big company in Shelbyville, she met her husband there. Amanda is still looking for 'Mr. Right', either that or she just likes being single from time to time. 

     We made Labor Day weekend an annual event at our place. The same group of guests invaded my little house. We did much of the same things we did that first long holiday weekend. It became an unwritten rule that nobody asked which husbands knew or how much. Eventually we expanded our escapades to include Memorial day weekend. A topic of conversation this last holiday weekend was whether we can add another holiday overnight party sometime over the winter; either New-Year's or Presidents' Day. 

     "Anyways, little one..." I said to the baby I was trying to rock to sleep, "About forty weeks after one of those weekends, you came along. You're extra lucky as you have two mommies, Violet, who carried you, and my daughter who's going to raise you with her. That makes you my first grandchild."