Incest/Taboo Lady in Red

Steve had managed to haul half the pallet of shingles up to the roof before the governor's group realized he was no longer with them. They had moved back to board the bus when Gwen revealed that Steve was not present.

"He told me was going to see if the older gentleman down the street needed help," revealed Gwen. "Apparently he did and Steve's helping him right now. If you have a tight schedule, Governor, you may want to carry on and Steve and I will catch up later."

Not one to miss a photo opportunity, the governor quickly responded. "We're here to help. Let's go down and see if Steve can use a hand."

Steve placed a bundle of shingles on the peak of the roof and returned down the ladder to find the governor chatting with a confused Joe Franklin.

"Steve's that kid that shot those damned terrorists? These pretty young women are singing with him at that benefit tonight? Then this girl's got to be 'The Lady in Red'! This blonde's the one that sings almost naked in that video my daughter-in-law likes to watch all the time! That Steve has to be the luckiest son-of-a-bitch in the world!" blurted the old man as cameras recorded his reaction.

Steve grinned, hefted another bundle and ascended the ladder. Not wanting to be shown as uncaring, several of the governor's aids began to carry bundles of shingles up to the roof.

Gwen and Jordan smiled to each other as they heard a young dark haired lady reporter insist that her camera man video Steve as he tossed the next bundle over his shoulder and turned to climb the ladder. He was wearing a short sleeved shirt that clung to his arms and back as he moved with the shingles on his shoulder.

"Makes you all wet, doesn't he?" whispered Jordan to the reporter. "Don't feel like the Lone Ranger. He does that to all the females he comes into contact with."

The rest of the shingles were quickly transported up the ladder and the governor thanked Steve while the cameras rolled. Steve smiled politely and shook hands with the governor and then with Joe Franklin.

"If I can get away, I'll be back to help you nail them down," promised Steve so quietly that no one else could hear him speak. "Just get the drip edge on if you can. Don't hurt yourself. Be slow and careful."

"Look at you, Steve. You're sweaty and flushed," observed Gwen softly as they climbed back onto the bus. "Your biceps are all pumped up and you emitting pheromones like crazy. I feel like licking you all over. Be careful around the lady reporters. Even Amber looks a little worked up right now."

Steve and Gwen were totally surprised by how welcoming the area residents were. They flocked around them whenever the bus stopped and frequently asked for autographs. It was the sort of thing that happened to famous politicians and actors, not a couple kids from a small town like Sparta.

"It looks like we've been elevated to rock star status here," opined Gwen as the trio rode the hotel elevator to their floor after the governor's tour had ended. "This is going to take some getting used to. We're just high school kids."

"Just keep remembering that," stated Jordan knowingly. "If you start thinking you're special and better than the people that pay to see and hear you, you'll crash and burn. Take it from a girl that's been there and done that."

"Yeah, and think about the pain and frustration these people are going through," added Steve. "They need something to cheer them up and encourage them to keep going. That old man that was determined to fix the roof on his son's house struck a chord with me. He should be taking it easy, playing checkers and watching his grandkids grow up. Instead, he's going to be working on a roof, trying to get it finished before the rain comes tomorrow evening. I'm proud to be able to help people in bad situations like this. The benefit concert is a great thing, but sometimes it's good to be able to help a person one-on-one."

"You're going to go back and help that wonderful old man take care of his family, aren't you? We need to get to the arena and do some sound checks and learn how everything works, but we should have a few hours after that we can put to good use. Let's get our work done at the arena and we'll go see your friend."

"You'd go with me, Gwen? No wonder I love you so much! You're a doll."

"So what am I? Chopped liver?" demanded Jordan. "I want to help, too, so let's get busy at the arena and then we'll surprise that wonderful man when we show up to help him out."

Steve and Gwen were surprised at the size of the arena, as well as how modern all the equipment was. They were also surprised to see a CBC truck parked in front and numerous technicians setting up cameras. Some cameras were stationary while others were on mobile trolleys.

"What's with all the cameras?" asked Steve. "This isn't going to be televised, is it?"

"Clyde called a while ago and told me that CBC wanted to video the show to possibly broadcast at a later date. He said that they bought an option for two more shows from you and this may be one of them, if it turns out good enough. He promised the band a pretty good payday if the network decides to use it. Hooking up with you guys is the best move we could have made."

"That would be great if the network did use it for one of the two options," declared Gwen. "That would save us the time and effort to tape another show and the hospital fund will get another nice check."

"Now, for tonight's show. You'll be wearing these cordless microphones. The system will pick up your voice from anywhere down here in the ring, and on the stage. If you climb into the stands, you'll be out of range, so stay on, or close to, the stage," stated Charlie. "This is going to be big. There'll be a few hundred kids dancing on that floor for their prom.

"There'll be around seven thousand people in the stands and dancing on the floor on this side of the stage, separate from the prom kids. The organizers want us to break every forty minutes or so for raffles, prizes, and whatever announcements they may have. I think they're expecting us to play for a few hours, so we'll have to do almost everything we know. These people have been hit hard and they want to party tonight."

Satisfied that they understood the workings of the equipment and what to expect, Steve called a taxi. A few minutes later, they were dropped off at Joe Franklin's. Charlie had eagerly accepted Jordan's invitation to go with them and Amber had refused to let the group out of her sight.

"This isn't a news event. We're just helping out a family and aren't looking for any publicity," cautioned Steve.

"That's fine. I'll even help you if it's quiet. The thing I've noticed is that everything you kids do makes news, so I'll be ready if anything happens," replied Amber.

Upon arriving at Joe's, Steve quickly determined that he had been busy while they were at the arena. The starter course of shingles was in place over the newly installed drip edge.

"I can work pretty good from the scaffolding, but my knees aren't very good any more. I have trouble getting up and down," admitted Joe.

"Let's get some lines chalked and get this going. It's too bad you don't have a nail gun. This would go a lot faster," added Steve.

Steve, Charlie, and Joe quickly ran some lines. The roof was only about twelve feet off the ground at the eaves and had a gradual slope. Steve had no trouble getting Gwen and Jordan to climb up and help by placing shingles down as he and Charlie nailed them. Gwen chuckled as Steve complained about Amber interviewing Joe as they worked.

"Has anyone asked about codes and permits?" asked Charlie as they worked. "We could be in violation of all kinds of rules and regulations."

"We're just outside the town limits and the county hasn't adopted any codes for roofs, so we're okay. Nail them down good, but if another F4 tornado hits, nothing on God's green earth will keep the shingles on the roof," answered Joe from the ground.

A car pulled up and a couple of high school age boys climbed out and approached Joe. Once Joe gave permission, they scampered up the ladder and began to help.

"We're seniors at Becton High. One of the girls in our class texted us. She had driven by and saw you guys working on this roof. We came over to help, and to meet Jordan Quick and Gwen Anderson. I'm Tom and this is Jeff."

Before everyone had the chance to shake the two kids' hands, three more cars pulled up. Then a big man in a pickup truck with a construction sign on the driver's door stopped. He dug out had an air compressor and two nail guns. An hour later as the group was nailing down the ridge cap, Steve and Gwen were surprised to see Bill Hardy pull up in a CBC news van. He had his camera man video the people on the roof and then he asked Joe Franklin a few questions on camera. Those on the roof were too far away to hear the questions, or the responses from Joe.

"We'd better get going, guys!" urged Charlie. "We have a show to do tonight and we have to eat and get cleaned up before we head to the arena."

"Would it be possible for any of us seniors to get a dance with you or Jordan tonight?" asked the boy named Tom. "I know it's asking a lot, but it'd be so cool to have the other kids see me dancing with Jordan Quick or 'The Lady in Red'! Will you be wearing red tonight?"

"It seems to have become a trademark," admitted Gwen. "I'll be wearing red and if I get the chance, I'd love to have a dance with you, if your girlfriend will give you up. We all appreciate the help here today. Steve started this afternoon thinking he'd have to do it all alone, and somehow, I think he would have. Now we have enough time to get ready and give you guys the best performance we can. See you at the show."

The group arrived at the arena in plenty of time. They had a couple of wardrobe changes planned and the clothes were laid out in a small building the size of a medium sized room just under the bleachers. They waited in the room for the introduction. There was no curtain, so the group simply ascended the steps to the stage when they were announced. Charlie's band went to their instruments, while Steve picked up a guitar. Jordan and Gwen went to the front and center of the stage.

The crowd became silent and stood when asked by Gwen. She and Jordan then sang the National Anthem a cappella. The cheers for the anthem had hardly died down when the band went into their version of Queen's 'We Will Rock You' and 'We are the Champions" with Gwen singing lead. The crowd immediately got into the music and the party began!

Jordan was next with her 'Total Eclipse of the Heart' and the crowd loved it. Next Steve put his guitar down and approached Gwen as the lights on the stage dimmed. A spotlight shone down on the two of them as the introduction to 'Lady in Red' started. Steve took Gwen in his arms and danced with her. At the appropriate time, he began singing as he danced.

By song's end, every female in the arena had to dry her eyes, as did more than a few of the men. Steve gently kissed Gwen on the lips and released her as the lights went up. They bowed and returned to their places. As planned, they performed a high percentage of ballads and love songs since it was a romantic evening for the prom goers.

After the first intermission where the principal of the school thanked first responders for their efforts to save the school, Gwen began the next set with her version of 'I Need a Hero'. She had earlier asked some of the first responders to remain on stage. They had no idea that she was going to sing to them when they agreed. They were both embarrassed and proud as Gwen made the song about them. The audience absolutely loved it. Then Jordan kept them on stage as she sang 'Wind Beneath my Wings' to them. The fans gave a standing ovation when Jordan ended her song.

Gwen found time to descend to the prom dance floor and dance with Tom and a couple other boys while Steve and Jordan sang. Jordan was soon doing the same thing when Steve sang lead. With their mobile microphones the girls were able to sing back up while they danced.

Steve went down to the dance floor and asked a girl watching from the rear of the group to dance. He led her onto the floor as Jordan began playing 'Slow Dancing' by Johnnie Rivers on the piano. Steve sang it as he danced the blushing girl around the floor. Gwen quickly pulled the girl's date onto the floor to dance with him while Steve sang.

A bit later, Steve sat at the piano while Jordan picked a boy out of the crowd and began dancing with him as Steve led into the Patsy Cline song, 'Crazy'. As soon as the song ended, Gwen chose a tall boy and began singing 'Unchained Melody' as she danced with him. The crowd loved seeing Gwen, Jordan, and Steve interact with the local kids. It gave them a prom night they'd never forget.

Three hours after the show began, the stands were still full and the fans showed no intention of leaving. The group had only a few songs left that they had rehearsed. In a change of pace, Gwen sang 'Addicted to Love' by Robert Palmer. She gave a little extra hip action as she performed. Steve played guitar as he and Jordan sang backup. He marveled at how sexual Gwen made the song. Every man in the place felt she was singing just to him. It was almost midnight when the organizers announced the show was over. They had enjoyed almost four hours of music with a few breaks thrown in.

The applause was thunderous and simply rolled on. Steve and Jordan had saved their recent chart topper for an encore and delivered it perfectly. Then Gwen sang 'My Heart Will Go On' followed by Steve delivering 'Can't Help Falling in Love with You'. Then the stage went dark.

Jordan, Gwen, and Steve quietly left the stage and retired to the small changing room under the stands. They were soon joined by Charlie and his band mates.

"That was just amazing! I can't believe how well we all did! You guys sang the hell out of every song and the audience knew it. They loved it when you danced with the prom kids. We played our asses off!" boasted Charlie as he shook hands with Steve and hugged the two girls.

The group waited still the arena was pretty well emptied out before packing up their equipment. Steve was surprised to see Amber Stahl waiting for them on the stage.

"You guys really brought the house down tonight! I'll be surprised if the network doesn't broadcast it, and soon. I interviewed people during the breaks and after the show. They all raved about how great it was and how proud they are of their seniors for organizing the prom that grew into such a successful fund raiser so soon after the tornado. Everyone thought you guys sang great.

"My station wants an interview with all of you that they can broadcast in prime time half an hour before your TV special Sunday night! They think the folks in the viewing area will love it. Hometown talent and all that. We'll need to video it a few hours ahead of time at least, so it can be edited. Are you willing? And if so, when do you want to do it?"

"Could you set up and do it right now, on the empty stage here?" asked Steve. "I'm so jacked up, I won't be able to sleep. I know the girls like to spend time putting their make-up on, but they look great and we're all eager to talk about the show and what we liked and didn't like."

Jordan and Gwen agreed, as long as they had some time to fix their faces and hair. Amber assured them they would have enough time since she needed to borrow a couple remaining CNC camera men to video the interview for her. Knowing the video would be edited down to half an hour, the trio was comfortable answering Amber's questions and volunteering information about the benefit and the fans reaction to it. It was almost two AM when they ended the interview. Amber hurried off to get the videos to the station while Gwen, Jordan, and Steve returned to the hotel.

Jordan, Steve, and Gwen each had separate rooms. Gwen felt she'd be more comfortable in Steve's bed and spent the night with him. Shortly after seven AM, Steve untangled himself from Gwen and quietly made his way to the bathroom. He was only there for a couple minutes, but when he returned to the bedroom, wearing only his boxers, a thin faced woman was standing just inside the entrance. She quickly raised a camera and snapped a picture before rushing back out the door!

"What the hell was that?" demanded Steve to an equally surprised Gwen. "How did she get in and what did she want?"

"I heard a knock on the door and you were gone, so I thought you were out in the hall and wanted to get back in. I opened the door without checking to see who it was and that crazy bitch stepped in and took a picture of me. Just then you came out of the bathroom and she took another one, this time with both of us in it. My hair's a mess and my nipples show through these little pajamas. What's she want with our pictures?" wondered Gwen.

"She either took them for someone, or she plans on selling them. The pictures will pretty much prove that we spent the night together. They'll be someplace between embarrassing and damaging, or maybe both. We'll be exposed to the public as lovers," concluded Steve.

"I never considered that. Now I know how celebrities feel when paparazzi chase them all over and take pictures over fences and through windows. How bad will this be for us?"

"The part that bothers me the most is that someone thinks they're putting one over on us. They may try to blackmail us, although that seems pretty farfetched. More likely, they'll just sell the picture to some supermarket rag to drag us through the dirt," reasoned Steve.

"We're looking at this from the wrong angle! We're not criminals and aren't ashamed to be lovers. It just seems like a personal thing the public doesn't need to know. But that's not the real world. Everything we do will be known or guessed at until the public forgets about us. I've got an idea."

With that, Gwen dug out her cell and punched in a number. "Sorry to bother you so early, Amber, but we need a favor. Could you do a quick interview with Steve and me here in Steve's hotel room in an hour? Thanks! I'll see you then."

Gwen smiled at Steve's obvious confusion. "We're going to be exposed as lovers, so let's do it on our terms. We can't hide it any longer and neither of us care to lie about it, so let's just tell the truth. One thing I've learned the past few months is that the truth will always get out and it's usually not as bad as any lies you can dream up to cover it. Get cleaned up and dressed nice. We're going to be on TV."

An hour later, Gwen and Steve sat on a small sofa and answered the questions that Gwen had requested Amber ask. "A woman we had never seen before knocked on the door this morning around seven. I foolishly opened it and she stepped inside and took two pictures of Steve and me without asking permission. Then she bolted back out the door.

"We were very surprised and confused for a few minutes until Steve determined what the woman was probably after. She was trying to get photographic proof that Steve and I are lovers. We never felt it was anyone else's business, so we've never discussed that subject in public," stated Gwen calmly.

"Bt it seems that there are some people out there that want to know about our personal lives. We've become public figures and are under a microscope all the time now. We've just come to realize that fact."

"You and Steve are quite obviously in love. Tell us, Gwen, are you and Steve lovers?" questioned Amber right on cue.

"The short answer is 'yes'. I wanted Steve to make love to me for a couple months before we actually slept together in Paris. He wanted the perfect situation and location. He's really quite a romantic. He's my first and only lover. Our first time was in Paris with the Eiffel Tower shinning outside our balcony. It was absolutely amazing! I'll never forget it. I guess every girl remembers her first time, but mine was one for the ages. This hunky guy is my friend, my partner, my protector, and my lover. I'm very content with that, and now that it's out in the open, I feel great!" laughed Gwen.

"That's certainly a romantic story. How do you feel about all of this, Steve?" asked Amber as she swung her attention to Steve.

"How do I feel about Gwen? No one's ever loved a woman more than I do her. I wasn't all that eager to share my personal life with the world, but we realize now that we don't have much choice. As far as that skinny woman that came into our room and took our picture this morning is concerned, I'll eventually find out who she is, and who, if anyone, put her up to it. I won't forget. That I promise."

Amber was putting her tripod away when her cell phone rang. She listened to someone for a couple minutes. Then she smiled and said, "Don't edit it yet. I'll be sending some more video I just recorded. It's pretty juicy. The two of them have decided to tell their fans that they're intimate. Yeah! That's what I'm telling you. I'll get it to you in the next few minutes."

"The station manager just told me that CBC has changed its schedule at the eleventh hour. They're busy editing last night's show and they're going to broadcast it tonight, while the tornado and the devastation it caused are fresh on people's minds. They claim it'll help the relief effort, and it might, but I know very well that they're doing it because it was so damn good!

"They love the interview we did last night and showed it to the network. They're going to broadcast it before the show. You guys will have half an hour interview followed by two and a half hours of your performance from last night. That TV movie about the river rescue broadcast the other night was Lifetime's highest rated movie ever! CBC wants some of that magic and they're willing to pay for it. This is going to be big for all three of us!"

Gwen, Amber, and Steve met Jordan, Charlie, and the rest of the band for breakfast before heading for the airport. The group was in high spirits as they told their impressions of the performance the previous evening. Charlie had already been in contact with Clyde Davis and had a contract for his band, including a handsome payday from CBC for the performance the previous evening.

"I thought we were doing well when we had the chance to play in Paris. We received that offer pretty much because of the video of Steve playing with us that one night," admitted Charlie. "Now we've played in Paris, in a big benefit concert, and we'll be broadcast all over the planet tonight! Clyde signed us to play for Jordan when she goes on tour this summer. We owe you three, big time!"

Charlie's happiness was contagious and the group had an enjoyable breakfast that lasted until lunch. When it became evident that the group had finished eating, people began stopping at their table, praising them for the help they gave Becton. Many asked for autographs and pictures. Charlie volunteered to use peoples' own cameras to photograph them with Gwen, Jordan, and Steve.

"You kids are so polite and well mannered," praised an older woman after she had her picture taken with the group. "You're big stars on TV, in music, and soon in movies and you take time for us regular people. That's truly a wonderful thing. I'm a loyal fan now."

By 2 PM everyone had checked in at the airport for the trip back to Sparta. Charlie and his band had booked an earlier flight and had just taken off when Gwen turned to Jordan and stared at her.

"What? Why are you looking at me like that? Do I have something on my face?" asked Jordan.

"Yes, you do. It's a smile that just won't quit," laughed Gwen. "Something tells me that you had a pretty good night after you returned to the hotel. I know what it means when I smile like that, and I'm smiling like that today."

"Okay! Charlie spent the night with me. Does that make me a slut, or a horrible person? He's been so good to me and I really, really like him. Don't be upset with me," begged a worried Jordan.

"Upset? I'm happy for you! Charlie's a great guy and you deserve to be loved and happy. You're certainly no slut. You're a woman in love and that's pretty cool. I know Charlie has it bad for you. I can tell by the way he looks at you and the way he treats you," said Gwen as she hugged a relieved Jordan.

A couple hours later, on the way to Sparta from the airport, Gwen took a call from her mother. "Mom said to drive straight to Aunt Dianne's. They're planning to have a small party during the TV show. I'm getting a little worried about our interview, but I still think we did the right thing. I hope Mom, and especially Dad, agree."

When the trio reached Diane's, they found the driveway packed and cars parked along the road. When they entered the house, they were met with silence.

"We're watching the network news. That Bill Hardy just had a story he taped in Becton. He showed you kids on a roof trying for a 'photo op', as he called it, with a bunch of people putting down shingles on a damaged home. Then he had a photo of Gwen in her pajamas and Steve in boxers in a hotel room. He suggested that you two weren't the role models and innocents you claim to be. He tried to make you look as bad as he could," seethed Paula.

"Bill Hardy had that picture?" questioned Steve. "Now we know who put that little witch up to it. As far as I'm concerned, he's just declared war. I can't overlook his petulance and vindictiveness any more, not when it's directed at us. It's personal now."

"Mom, I could try to explain everything to you, but it's better if you watch television and see what everyone else sees. Then tell me if Steve and I handled this okay, or if we made a big mistake. We're celebrities now. Like it or not, we're going to be in the crosshairs of petty, jealous, unhappy people.

"This is a party, so let's be happy and enjoy the show. I'm more nervous now than I was when we were performing last night. Every relative and friend we have is here! Grandma, it's so nice of you to come!"

"I wouldn't have missed this for the world! I've been watching promos for your TV show the past few weeks. I loved that Lifetime movie, although that girl that played you doesn't have nearly as nice a figure as you have. Don't worry about that jackass showing pictures of you and Steve in underwear. Every woman that sees it will wish they were you, and every guy will be drooling over you."

"Thanks, Grandma. Please watch the interview we did. They'll show it at eight. I want to know what you think of everything we said and if we made a mistake by being so candid."

Everyone gathered in front of the big screen TV shortly before eight and the room became totally quiet when Amber Stahl's face appeared on screen. Steve admired how well she handled the introduction and interview. He had no doubt that she had a great future in broadcasting.

If the room seemed quiet before, it became deathly silent when Gwen was asked if she and Steve were lovers. Tears flowed freely as Gwen gave her response. "He's my first and only lover. Our first time was in Paris with the Eiffel Tower shinning outside our balcony." When the first commercial aired, everyone tried to speak at once.

In deference to her age, Gwen's grandmother gained the floor first. "That was so romantic! You took the air out of Hardy's sails. He tried to make you look cheap and dirty. You showed everyone what a true love should be. By being so happy and proud of being with Steve, you've eliminated most negative reactions fans might have. You two are over eighteen and stars! Sleeping together isn't news. All the hard work you do for charity is. I hope this Amber mentions that."

Caroline had voiced what the others were thinking. Gwen and Steve were congratulated for handling a touchy situation so well before everyone settled down to watch the rest of the interview. The next segment opened with Steve carrying shingles up the ladder and placing them on Joe Franklin's roof.

Amber explained to the audience how Steve had seen the elderly man worrying about getting the shingles up, left the tour group and carried the materials up the ladder for the man. Then she showed Steve, Gwen, Charlie, and Jordan nailing shingles down with no one else around. She explained how people began stopping to help when they realized who was on the roof helping Mr. Franklin.

"Photo-op, my butt!" declared Kate during the next commercial. "Steve was helping that old man before anyone even knew he was doing it. You guys went back to help put the shingles down after you checked in on the preparations at the arena. That Hardy sure looks like a fool after watching Amber's interview. I knew he was full of crap!"

The mood of the gathering had greatly improved once the interview was aired. It was pretty obvious that Hardy had an agenda of his own and that Gwen and Steve were simply trying to do the right thing. Then the benefit concert began with Gwen and Jordan singing 'the Star Spangled Banner'.

Paula was amazed as she watched her daughter, Steve, and Jordan perform. Some songs brought tears, and some brought smiles, but all were emotional and very well done. When Gwen belted out 'Addicted to Love' Kate, Stephanie, and Charlotte squealed in delight. Soon they were up and dancing to the music. By the time the show ended at eleven with Steve singing 'Can't Help Falling in Love with You' as the credits rolled over the screen, everyone watching realized that they had just seen something very special.

"Holy crap!" exclaimed Billy Marsh. "That was the best show I've ever seen on TV. Gwen and Jordan looked incredible and sang great. Even Steve did okay."

"When Steve danced with Gwen and sang 'Lady in Red' to her, I cried," admitted Ms. Summers. "That was the most romantic thing I've ever seen."

"Who thought of dancing with the kids at the prom? That was a stroke of genius," offered Ms. Walker. "It made it all more personal and more human. When you danced with them as you sang, it was especially effective. You need a pretty strong voice to pull that off while dancing. I've got to agree with Billy. The entire performance was absolutely wonderful!"

"I guess we might as well face it, Sis is addicted to love!" laughed Kate as she embraced her sister in a warm hug.
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