The Lieutenant Commander

Chapter 1 – What Happened?

As I reached for the hanger, my hand touched another hand. Looking at the person the hand was attached to, I saw a very pretty girl had reached for the same dress just a fraction of a second before I did. She had a pleasant smile that seemed to radiate friendliness. I backed off.

You seem to have gotten there first.

Her smile broadened as she took a good look at me.

Tell you what. We’ll both try it on and the one it looks better on gets to buy it.

Sounds fair, I replied.

When she came out of the dressing room, I was disappointed. The dress looked great on her. She stood about five foot six or seven, an inch or two shorter than me. She had light brown hair and dazzling hazel eyes. After looking at herself from every angle in the triple mirror, I knew she was pleased. Satisfied, she headed for the dressing room. When she returned, she handed me the dress.

Your turn!

When I stood in front of the mirror, she frowned, Damn!

What’s the matter?

With your reddish hair and green eyes, that dress is perfect for you, but I would shorten the hem an inch.

She was right on both counts. The dress fit my coloring perfectly, and since a good deal of my height was in my legs, a shorter hemline would make it perfect.

You win, she said dejectedly, you can have it, but only if you let me borrow it for special occasions.

That chance meeting led to lunch and much more. Francine De Salvo became my best friend, my best girlfriend. My truly best friend was Roger Manning, my cousin. My other good friend was Sally, a girl I knew from work. Sally, like me, was an Account Executive with All Eastern Supplies, Inc.

All Eastern was a supplier to the construction industry. Instead of shopping around for the supplies contractors needed, they could come to us to do the legwork for them. We guaranteed the best prices and on time delivery.

Over the months since our meeting, Francine and I became very close. We double dated and on occasion, we would fix each other up with a blind date. We had fun together, even considering the fact our taste in men was so different. I preferred more refined men: suits, manners, clean cut, gentlemen. Francine’s taste leaned more to the earthier types: construction workers, bikers, soldiers and such. About six months after we met, during one of our many lunches together, Francine told me she wished we had met a few weeks earlier.

My brother Brian had just gone back to the Navy the day before we met. I would have liked you to meet him. I think you two would be perfect together.

Thanks, Francine, but I think that lawyer I met last week will be more than a three dater.

I had this rule that I had developed in college. After the first date, a simple thank you was sufficient. The second consecutive date required that you allow him to kiss you on the check or a gentle touch of the lips. After the third consecutive date, a more meaningful kiss was called for, and it escalated from there.

Most of my dates were three daters or less. There had been a number that got past that, and some I admit, way past that, but I had never met a man that truly made me feel content. My comment to Francine at lunch that day turned out to be a prophecy. Jason proved to be more than a three dater. Much more!

How much better could life get! I was twenty-eight years old, had a great job, making good money with bright prospects for advancement. I had a nice apartment, drove a relatively new car, had good friends and best of all, I was dating an incredible man. I had it all!

Jason was not only good looking, but he was also tall, which complemented my five-foot eight height. I could wear heels when we were together. He was a refined gentleman, and he was pretty good in bed. He was also very wealthy, being a Bellman and a partner in the family’s law firm. We had a whirlwind romance and when he proposed, I almost didn’t believe it. I accepted immediately before he changed his mind.

I had been very self-sufficient through my college days, having lost both of my parents. I paid my own way through school by working as a bartender at the Dollhouse, Fort Lauderdale’s premier Girly Club. The hours were long, the costumes were skimpy, and the patrons were always making passes, but the money was good. I spent my spare time with friends and one night on a dare, I entered a Wet Tee Shirt contest. I came in second. I didn’t keep that part of my life from my fiancé, Jason. I thought that complete honesty was necessary for a good relationship, but we decided to keep it from the rest of his family. I also told Jason about the other men I had in my life. There were a number of men that I dated, but not many that I was intimate with. I told Jason about the three date rule I have followed since my first year in college, and I told him about the professor and why I adopted that rule.

The only other meaningful man in my life was my cousin Roger. Our mothers were maternal twins and were very close. The closeness between my mother and Roger’s meant that we grew up together. My only sibling was my sister Jennifer who was six years older than me. Roger was an only child and was a little less than two years my senior. Roger was more of a big brother to me than a cousin.

When Roger turned thirteen, his attention toward me waned. He realized that girls had other benefits, and I was just his little cousin. When I turned thirteen and started to fill out, the other boys took notice. So, did Roger, and as big brothers are prone to do, he took guardianship of my virtue. It was probably because of him that my intimate encounters never amounted to more than a little touchy-feely during my later teens. Roger was always a very intimidating presence, and the boys I hung around with weren’t about to fool around with his kid sister.

I was disappointed when Roger went away to college. I was just a little bit wild when I was younger, and Roger was always there to help me when I got into trouble. He could always get my mother to go easy on me. When I graduated high school, I followed Roger to college. There I got into the biggest trouble in my young life. In my freshman semester, I fell in love with one of my professors. He was in his forties at the time, and he was married with two children. After the semester was over, he dumped me. I was heartbroken. If it weren't for Roger, I would have made a complete fool of myself and probably broken up a family. After that, I got the job as a bartender to help with my college expenses and limited my social life to men my own age.

When Roger graduated, he went directly into the Marine Corp. The next four years were uneventful. I continued to work as a bartender, even after I graduated. When Roger was done with the Marines, he got a job with a national firm. He did very well and eventually managed to get me into the company also. It was nice having Roger around again. When he was promoted to Area Manager, he moved to the home office in Atlanta. My life was pretty good at the time, and I didn’t miss him as much as I did when he went away to college. But, we did stay close. Roger came to Fort Lauderdale at least four times a year to do his branch analysis, and I managed to visit him occasionally in Atlanta. Roger would always be my best bud.

As I said, life was good. It couldn’t get much better. Jason and I had a really good thing going. He had come to my office in Fort Lauderdale as the company’s attorney. We were being sued by a builder for a late delivery which caused the builder to fall behind schedule, and that invoked the penalty clause in his contract. He wanted my company to pay the penalty because of our late delivery. I was the Account Executive that scheduled the delivery and Jason came to Fort Lauderdale to take my deposition.

After our meeting, he invited me to lunch. He was good looking and refined, and I couldn’t say no. Lunch led to dinner and after our second dinner together, he invoked the requisite kiss. I quickly abandoned the three-date rule. I was hooked. He had to return to Atlanta after that, but he came back the following weekend, and things moved along very quickly.

I knew that I was in love, and I was pretty sure that he was too. Jason came to Fort Lauderdale almost every weekend, and on those weekends that he didn’t, he arranged for me to come to Atlanta. I met his parents and his sister Katie. Jason had an older brother, Justin, but he was always out of town when I was there. His family seemed to be very nice and treated me well.

After a little more than six months, Jason popped the question, and I said yes. We talked about the distance between us and because my best friend Roger had been promoted at the company we both worked for, he was able to arrange a transfer for me to the Atlanta office. Jason wasn’t thrilled about me working, but I was not going to be a stay at home wife no matter how rich he was. I enjoyed my career and the people it brought me into contact with. The transfer would be official about a month before our wedding, so I could be in Atlanta full time while finalizing our wedding plans.

On the weekends that I was in Atlanta, Jason put me up at a fancy hotel. We stopped at his parent’s house during the weekend, but never spent too much time with them. We all seemed to get along, but since we only had weekends together, Jason and I wanted to spend the time without company.

Jason proposed in Fort Lauderdale and his family arranged to announce the engagement the following weekend. It was going to be a long weekend, with a big party on Saturday night to introduce me to his friends. I took Friday off and flew to Atlanta on Thursday evening. Jason picked me up at the airport, and we drove to his parent’s house. The Bellman’s had a big beautiful house. Seven bedrooms, each with a private bath and balcony. Jason and I were to sleep in separate bedrooms as per his parent’s wishes. We would be here Thursday and Friday nights and after the party on Saturday, we would go to the hotel we usually stayed at when I was in town. I could deal with the situation; it was only two nights.

Friday morning at breakfast, Jason’s father told him that he and Jason had to fly to Philadelphia to meet with an important client. Jason protested, but it was too important, and he had to agree. They wouldn’t be back until just before dinner on Saturday. We would have a private dinner, with just the family, and the party here at the house was to follow. I wasn’t too happy with that, but I didn’t argue. If I was going to be a good wife, I might as well get used to the responsibility Jason had with the firm.

Jason’s mother decided to go shopping with her daughter Friday afternoon and invited me along. Before we left, Jason’s brother, Justin, came to the house and was introduced to me. He suggested to his mother that since Jason planned to marry me and the rest of the family already knew me that he should get to know me as well. It was decided that I would spend the day with Justin here at the house while Mrs. Bellman and Katie went shopping.

Justin was even better looking than Jason. He was taller and had a better build. It was obvious he worked out. We spent a quiet afternoon talking, and when Mrs. Bellman called him to say that she had decided to spend the night at Katie’s house, it left Justin and me alone in the house. Of course, alone meant with the company of a half dozen servants. Justin was pleasant, but there was a strange vibe that I was getting from him. It seemed as if he really didn’t approve of his brother’s choice of a wife.

That evening, we were served dinner in the formal dining room. It was a drawn-out affair considering that there were only two of us. Dinner lasted long enough that we went through two bottles of wine. After dinner, Justin said that he had something serious to discuss with me. We retired to the library, and Justin poured two brandies for us. I never drank brandy, but wanting to fit in, I forced the ugly tasting liquor down.

Justin’s serious discussion was a revelation. He produced a folder from the desk and handed it to me. I was feeling mellow because of the wine and brandy, but I was clear headed enough to read and understand what was in the folder. It was a report from a private security company.

The report was about me. Everything about my life was in that report. My job at the Dollhouse. The fact that I entered the wet tee shirt contest. Every man I had ever dated. My family, my job, my relationship with Roger. It was complete. Some of it was not pretty. I had been a little wild in my teenage and early college years. I was devastated.

The reason I was so upset was that it would have been impossible for this report to be so complete without inside information about me. There were only two people who knew this much about me: Roger, who I knew, would never tell this to anyone, and Jason. In my desire to be completely open and honest with him, I told him everything about myself. Apparently, Justin had gotten his information from Jason and passed it on to the private investigator to check out.

When I had finished reading the report, I asked Justin what this was for and what meaning did it have. He was brutal.

You can’t believe that this family would allow someone like you to marry into it, he said flatly.

Jason already knows all of this. Isn’t that his decision?

That might be true for a normal man, Caitlyn. But Jason will do what’s best for the family. It’s what we all do!

I didn’t know what to think. I didn’t know what to say. I ran out of the library and went to my room. I had to talk to someone and Jason was out of reach. I called Roger. He was understanding as usual. He let me vent and waited while I cried. Once I had control of myself, I told him that I was going to bed and that I’d call him in the morning.

A half hour later, Justin knocked on my door. He had the report in his hand. We stood in the doorway of my bedroom, and he waved the report in front of me. What he said next was so mind blowing that I almost fainted.

This can stay between us. I don’t have to show it to anyone. Your secrets can be safe with me.

He put his arms around my waist, pulled me to him and tried to kiss me. When I resisted, he got angry.

If you want in this family, you have to understand how things are. Do you really believe that Jason will be faithful to you?

I managed to push him away and tried to close the bedroom door. Before he backed up, hehad one more thing to say.

Think about it, Caitlyn. You have until dinner tomorrow night to decide. If you agree, let me know, and no one need see this report. If you don’t agree, the entire family will know after dinner.

Then he said something that really blew my mind.

Caitlyn, you don’t have to pretend with me. I know the kind of girl you are. I know you’re interested. You’ll find it easier if you don’t play games with me.

He left a copy of the report with me and told me to read it carefully and understand that the family would not be able to ignore what it contains. He backed out of my room, and I slammed the door. Even though there was a lock, I didn’t feel safe enough to sleep.

Not sleeping gave me time to think. Would Jason go along with his family? He must have repeated what I had told him, at least to Justin. How else could he have all that information? Sometime before dawn, I made a decision. Once having made that decision, I made another.

I couldn’t marry a man who thought so little of me that he would discuss my innermost secrets with his brother. I would break the engagement before he did. The other decision was pure vengeance. I hated Jason, and I despised Justin. I would take care of them both.

Justin stopped at my room Saturday morning to remind me that I had until dinner tonight to give him an answer. I called Roger and told him what I was thinking. He asked me if I was sure of what I was doing, and I assured him I was. He didn’t try to change my mind. He told me that he never thought that Jason was a good match for me. Roger didn’t trust him and doubted his honesty and fidelity.

Mrs. Bellman and Katie weren’t due back at the house until three, and Justin went to the office. Before he left, he reminded me that I had a deadline. I called Roger again and asked him to stop over. I packed everything I had except what I was wearing for dinner. Roger put my suitcases in his car and left, and I stayed in my bedroom in my underwear until it was time to dress for dinner.

Jason knocked on my door, and I gave him a welcome home kiss, but not the passionate kind we were used to. He noticed.

What’s wrong, Caitlyn, you seem upset.

Jason, have you said anything about what I told you about my past?

He didn’t admit it, but he didn’t deny it. He tried to change the subject.

Are you ready for dinner?

His guilty manner was all I needed to go ahead with my plan.

I’ll meet you downstairs in five minutes after I freshen my makeup.

What little makeup I had not packed this afternoon went into my purse and with that and the file folder in my hand, I went downstairs to join the rest of the family. I dropped the folder and my purse on the table in the foyer and entered the library where everyone was gathered for pre-dinner drinks. I went directly to Jason and stood by his side. The entire time we were there, I could see Justin looking for my answer. I pretended that I didn’t notice.

When it was time for dinner, we all moved into the formal dining room. On the way, I picked up the folder that I had left on the foyer table. Mr. & Mrs. Bellman sat at the two heads of the table. Justin and Katie sat opposite Jason and me. The conversation that had been going on in the library had ceased until we were seated. Before it started again, I announced that I had something to tell Jason and I wanted the entire family to hear what I had to say. I looked into Jason’s eyes, removed the engagement ring from my finger and placed it on the table in front of him.

Jason, I can’t marry you!

I put the folder on the table in front of me. Jason glanced at the folder.

What is this about, Caitlyn?

Still looking directly into his eyes, I let him have the full force of my anger.

There are some things about me that I told you in confidence. Last night your brother gave me this report about my background. Most of the information in this report came from information you supplied to him. I no longer have confidence in our relationship.

Jason leered at his brother and then turned his attention back to me.

I’m sorry, Caitlyn. You weren’t supposed to see that report. You have to understand that a family like ours has to be careful. I know that you love me and want to marry me for myself and not for my money or position. I don’t care what is in this report, I love you.

I believed that he meant what he said, but the disappointment I felt over his telling his brother my secrets killed all the love I had for him. Satisfied that I no longer felt anything but anger for both Jason and Justin, I decided to carry this further. Still looking into his eyes, I revealed the second part of my plan.

I believe you Jason, but it doesn’t matter. I can’t marry you.

Why don’t we go to the library and discuss this in private.

Jason, what I have to say concerns the entire family.

Everyone waited while I tried to compose myself. I struck a guilty pose.

Last night, after Justin showed me this report, he suggested that he could make it disappear if I would sleep with him.

Jason looked across the table at his brother with fire in his eyes. Mrs. Bellman gasped. Mr. Bellman looked at Justin with disgust. Justin didn’t deny my allegation, but he did try to defend it.

It didn’t mean anything! I was just checking her loyalty to Jason!

Jason, after glaring at his brother, turned his attention back to me and tried to console me.

Caitlyn, the family is very careful about the people they come in contact with, but that has nothing to do with us. Once we are married, everything will be alright. I already knew what was in the report, you told me everything. It doesn’t matter to me.

He picked up the engagement ring from the table and reached for my left hand. He seemed so sincere that I had second thoughts about what I planned to do but remembering that most of the information in that report came from Jason, I decided to end this now. I pulled my hand away from his and looked as contrite as I could.

Jason, I can’t marry you. I’m sorry, but I was so frightened of losing you and with all the wine and brandy Justin gave me last night, I wasn’t thinking straight.

Jason looked at me for a further explanation.

When Justin left my bedroom this morning I knew what a big mistake I had made.

Jason flew across the table. I was surprised that he got so much traction considering the linen table cloth. China and crystal went flying in all directions. Jason’s fist hit Justin in the face so hard that Justin’s chair went over backward, with him in it. Jason fell on top of him, and the two of them were going at it. Justin was taller than Jason, outweighed him and was in better shape, but I figured that first punch evened the odds a little.

Jason’s mother and sister were screaming, and their father was trying to separate them. I got up from the table with the copy of the folder that Justin had given me, picked up my purse where I had left it on the foyer table and walked out the front door.

Chapter 2 – What Now?

Roger was waiting for me at the curb. I climbed into the passenger seat of his car, and he drove me to the airport.

What was all the screaming about?

I smiled for the first time since Justin showed me the investigator’s report.

I hinted that I took Justin up on his offer.

Why did you do that?

I didn’t answer him, I just smiled. Despite my smile, I was down. I had put my faith in this man, and he had let me down so hard that I didn’t think that I ever would recover.

All men suck, big time!

Thanks, I appreciate that thought.

You know that I didn’t mean you.

Oh, so now you’re telling me that I’m not a man.

Stop that, you know that I love you. Don’t be an ass.

So, first I’m not a man, and now I’m an ass. What’s next?

That brought a smile to my face. Roger could always make things right.

He wasn’t good enough for you, Caitlyn. You deserve much better.

I hope you’re right, but, where is he?

Roger glanced at me and gave me his all-knowing smile.

He’ll turn up when you least expect it.

We rode the rest of the way to the airport in silence. Roger pulled up in front of the curbside check-in, checked my bags and got my boarding pass. When I got out of the car, he wrapped me in his arms and gave me a kiss on the cheek. Roger had always been there for me. He was truly my big brother and best friend. That’s what I needed him to be right now. We were family. I got another kiss, this one on the forehead and some encouragement.

You’re a great gal, Caitlyn. Don’t let this get you down. Mr. Right will show up someday when you least expect it.

Exactly what I needed to hear. I smiled at Roger and headed for the gate.

When I reached Fort Lauderdale, I checked my phone. Six messages from Jason. I ignored them all. I knew that there would probably be messages on my home phone also. I didn’t want to deal with him, so instead of going to my apartment, I checked into a motel, near the airport. I called Roger and let him know that I landed safely and told him of my plan not to go home until after work on Monday.

I stayed in my hotel room most of the day on Sunday, just going out twice to eat. I thought about the past couple of days and how I felt about Jason breaking my confidence by revealing everything I had told him. I also thought about Justin’s proposal, and I was sure that if I had agreed, he would have taken me to bed and had no guilt about it. I also was pretty sure that his comment about Jason not being able to stay faithful to me was true. All in all, not a fun day.

I was beginning to believe that all men couldn’t be trusted with a confidence, and I vowed to keep my past to myself. Even if I fell in love again and married, my past was my own and would never be shared again . Of course, my present plan was to stay away from men for a while, and when I did decide to rejoin the dating scene, the Three Date Rule would definitely be in force.

Monday morning, I went from the motel directly to the office. Jason was waiting for me. When he couldn’t reach me by phone, he flew to Fort Lauderdale. Not finding me at home, he decided to wait for me at the office. I didn’t want a confrontation in the office, so I checked in and informed the receptionist that I was going for breakfast and would return shortly.

Jason’s face was swollen. That must have been some confrontation after I left the Bellman house Saturday. He had stitches on his left cheek. I wondered how Justin had fared. That first punch Jason landed as he jumped across the table must have done some damage.

Jason was apologetic for telling Justin the things I had discussed with him in confidence, and for the necessity of the private investigator report, but it was obvious that his main concern was if I had slept with his brother. He tried to be evasive, but he needed to know if it was true. It must really be a thorn in his side.

Justin admitted making the pass, but he insisted it was just a test and said that you had turned him down.

Jason just wanted me to verify his brother’s claim. I was not about to let him off the hook. After what they had put me through I wanted them to suffer. What gall to think that they had the right to treat someone like that. It was even more hurtful if Justin’s pass was for the reason he said. If he had just wanted to test me, what if I had failed? I did have a lot to drink.

But I knew in my heart that Justin meant to seduce me. And once I gave in, he would demand that I was available to him at his pleasure, or he would threaten that he would tell Jason. I wanted them both to suffer as much as I had and the best way to do that was to leave Jason unsure. I looked directly into Jason’s eyes.

Jason, I loved you. I truly loved you. If you need to hear that I didn’t give in to your brother in order to deal with him, then I’ll say that I didn’t.

Just as I expected, that statement didn’t satisfy him at all. There was nothing definitive there.

Justin admitted that you had a lot to drink and wouldn’t remember if you had slept together or not.

I had an answer ready for him.

Thanks to Justin, I did have a lot to drink. But even if I was passed out, a woman knows.

That did it. I still hadn’t given him a definite answer, but I gave him enough that he couldn’t deny that it might have happened. I felt no guilt. If he trusted his brother, my denial wouldn’t be necessary. It didn’t make up for the hurt I felt, but still, it was a small victory over these two jerks. I knew that their relationship would never be the same again, and that made me smile. After Jason left, I went to the office and felt pretty smug.

Tuesday morning around ten in the morning, I received a call from Justin. He was full of venom.

Why did you tell my brother such a lie?

At first, I was going to tell him, but after thinking that this may be a trick and Jason might be listening in on the call, I changed my mind.

Justin, didn’t Jason give you my message? If you want to get a girl drunk and have your way with her, I suggest you try not to be so rough. Even if I had been unconscious, bruises tell the tale.

I listened to him rant for a few minutes, and after he quieted down, he asked, Caitlyn, it’s just you and me, why do you continue with the absurd story?

Justin, when you left my bedroom Saturday morning I knew that I hadn’t accomplished anything. I was sure that you would hold our time together over my head and blackmail me. I would have to give in to your demands, or you would reveal my secret. I decided that I couldn’t live with that hanging over me.

I heard a voice in the background shout, You bastard!

I knew I was right about Jason listening to our conversation. Justin had nothing more to say, but I did.

Justin, I have no reason to talk to you or your brother ever again. You are a lawyer. I’m sure you know how embarrassing a harassment charge would be. I trust that this will be the last time I hear from either of you.

I hung up before he had a chance to answer. Considering that I had broken my engagement to a man I truly loved, I was surprised at how good I felt. I immediately called Roger and told him of my phone call from Justin. He was pleased.

I’m sure you won’t hear from either of them again!

That was one of the few times in our relationship that Roger was wrong .

Francine and Sally were both shocked when I told then my engagement was off. They knew how much in love I was with Jason. But, after I gave them the details, they both said I had done the right thing. They also praised me for having so much courage to dump Jason, and they were thrilled with how I had done it.

It took a while to get over my disappointment. I had fallen in love with a man and trusted him completely. I opened myself up to him and was let down. I vowed never to put myself in such a position ever again. I don’t care how much I was in love or how wonderful the man was, I would never give him the ammunition to hurt me.

After a couple of months, I started dating again. I returned to my three-date rule, not that I met many men who gave me a reason to push past it. Only one of the men I dated ever got to the third date. That was Ron Mason. He was the CEO of one of the suppliers I dealt with, and we had a few business dinners. When he asked me out personally, I agreed. He was an extremely nice man and under different circumstances, there would have been a fourth date and maybe more. I did like him, but I still wasn’t over my disastrous relationship with Jason, and after the third date, I started turning him down. It wasn’t his fault. I no longer was the open, carefree girl I had been before Jason, and I just wasn’t ready for a relationship.

One Monday afternoon, about four months after I broke my engagement, I was trying to check the progress of some orders that were scheduled for shipping that week. Francine called and asked if I had a date for the coming Saturday. I was getting weary of that question. Although Francine, Sally and I had double and triple dated in the past and we were always setting each other up on blind dates, none of that had happened since Jason came along. But they both kept trying to get me out of the funk I was in. Before I could think of an excuse, she said this was different.

My brother is in town, and I want you to meet him. He’s on leave from the Navy and would probably only be in town for a week or two.

Francine had told me about her brother, and she had remarked that it was a shame that he was in the Navy. She said that she thought he would be a good match for me. Not wanting to hurt her feelings and thinking that with him going back to the Navy in two weeks, how bad could it be, I agreed to dinner with them on Saturday night and put it out of my mind. Friday, Francine called to remind me of our dinner engagement. We arranged for me to meet her brother at Francine’s house.

When I arrived Saturday evening, I was not thrilled. There were two men with Francine and neither were what I considered date material. Francine introduced me to the two men and explained that Bobby was her date for the evening, and the other was a friend who just happened to stop by. My date, Francine’s brother, was late. The evening did not start off well. The man who was not Francine’s date offered to be my escort.

If your date is rude enough to be late he doesn’t deserve to have dinner with such a beautiful and charming lady.

Considering this man was not my type at all, I was tempted to take him up on his offer. Being late was rude, and I was a bit insulted. My opinion of men, in general, was not at its highest level lately. But, he seemed a little too eager, and I courteously declined his offer. Francine tried to explain.

It’s Navy business, and it couldn’t be avoided. My brother is a gentleman and would never be late or stand-up a lady unless it was totally unavoidable.

Francine and I were good friends, and I didn’t want to add to her discomfort over her brother being late, so I agreed when Francine suggested the three of us should go the restaurant and meet him there.

At the restaurant, we were seated immediately. Just as our drinks were being delivered, a man came over to our table, leaned over and kissed Francine on the cheek. My heart stopped for a second. This man was something special to look at. Over six feet tall, with a firm body that filled out his white Naval Officer’s uniform, which had a chest full of pretty ribbons pinned on it. Wavy light brown hair, deep-set brown eyes, and a killer smile. I hoped that this was Francine’s brother and my date.

The gentleman immediately apologized to both Francine and me for being late. His apology seemed sincere, or, maybe because I was so taken with him, I would have forgiven him for almost anything. Francine introduced us, and I received a warm and pleasant smile. He stood up straight, almost coming to attention.

Lieutenant Commander Brian De Salvo at your service Ms. Jennings!

I smiled.

It’s Caitlyn, Lieutenant Commander, or Kate if you prefer.

His answer was accompanied by another one of his great smiles.

In that case, it’s just plain Brian.

I nodded my acceptance, but there was nothing just plain about this man. This was shaping up as a splendid blind date. Francine’s date got very quiet and seemed very respectful toward her brother.

That was interesting!

Dinner conversation was easy going and I also found out the meaning of the term Officer and Gentleman. Brian De Salvo was most definitely a gentleman. He was attentive and in addition to his good looks, he was charming and funny. His stories and one liners had the three of us giggling and outright laughing throughout dinner.

His explained the reason for being late.

I was aboard an aircraft carrier anchored in the bay. I had to wait for a launch before I could get to shore, and the reason I’m in uniform is, the first night in a Liberty Port, we are required to be in uniform. It’s a Navy thing.

When Francine and I excused ourselves to visit the lady’s room, Brian stood, and Francine’s date immediately followed his lead. While in the ladies’ room, Francine asked me what I thought of her big brother. I couldn’t tell her what I was really thinking, so I just said that he was very nice and apparently a gentleman.

Bobby seems to be in awe of Brian.

It’s the Trident and fruit salad, she replied.

Fruit salad?

You don’t get a chest full of ribbons just for being good looking. Bobby is in the Marines, he knows what all that stuff means.

I had no idea what all that stuff meant, but I didn’t press the issue. I was already impressed with Lieutenant Commander Brian De Salvo, and I didn’t need any additional encouragement. This was definitely a Three Dater, and possibly more! Brian stood again when we returned to the table, and Francine’s date followed his lead again.

The remainder of dinner was very pleasant, and I didn’t want the date to end, so when Brian suggested, I know a nice quiet club where we could go dancing, I agreed.

The club turned out to be a piano bar and on Saturdays, there was a combo playing sweet music. During their breaks, the music system played hot rock, but the combo was all about couples dancing. And, just as I had expected, my Naval Officer was a very smooth and competent dancer. He wasn’t much into the rock stuff, but on the other kind, he led me across the floor with confidence and ease. I was having a fabulous time.

When he dropped me off at my apartment, I received a kiss on the hand and a request to see me the next day.

How would you like to tour the ship I came in on?

I didn’t care, I just wanted to spend some more time with him and get to know him better. He suggested that I dress in jeans or shorts and soft soled flats.

Skirts and heels would not suit you well on board.

Sunday morning, Brian showed up at my apartment out of uniform. As good as he looked last night in his Navy Whites, the shorts and collared tee shirt he was wearing was even