1.20 Show Respect

Spencer was all packed and ready to leave, “Dad, are you sure you have to leave?”

“I’m sorry I’m leaving earlier than expected but Estevan wants the Casino to open on time and wants me to be head barman.” Spencer had finally been given a chance and didn’t want to mess it up.

“When are you and Paris getting married?”

“It’s a bit complicated.” Giving Mathew a confused look, “Thing is Mathew…I should have said something earlier but she wants a baby but I’ve had a child, you…” Mathew cut him off, “Dad if it’s what you both want go for it.” Spencer couldn’t believe how much his son had grown. He hugged him goodbye and said, “Take care and don’t do anything rash.” Mathew smiled then watched his Dad leave.

Jake was exhausted after another hard day’s training at the fire station and was relieved he was going to have the place to himself because Matt and Hazel were out for the day. ‘I must eat then sleep.’ He thought as he walked through the door. He grabbed anything from the fridge and went to sit down. He jumped when he saw Kay sitting at the table reading and he dropped his food. 

“Kay what are you doing here?”

“I guess Matt forgot to tell you I’m staying here for a few days. Do you need help cleaning up?”

Jake was in shock and just shook his head while cleaning up and thought, ‘Matt is so dead. How dare he let her stay when he knows I like her?’

“Jake I’m getting a drink from the kitchen would you like one?”

“No thanks. Kay, How long are you staying here?”

“Just a few days till your sister gets back.”  Jake started to watch as she walked away into the kitchen and decided to give it another try.

“Sorry about the other night. I hope you don’t think…” Kay interrupted him, “I told you before you are sweet but I’m just not interested.” Then she went back to the living room. Jake followed her and asked, “Do I smell?” Kay couldn’t help but laugh, “No you do not smell. In fact you smell nice but players don’t interest me.”

“Listen I’m not a player.” Kay looked shocked and said, “Not what I heard.”

“Look I’m 24 in a few weeks…” Kay interrupted him again, “Let me guess for your birthday you want a one night stand.” Jake was shocked and tried to defend himself, “It’s not like that. I don’t know what you have heard.”

“What’s been your longest relationship then?”

Jake suddenly thought, ‘Shit what do I say? I could lie but she would see right through me.’

“If you must know I went out with a girl for a month.”

Kay smiled a smug look and replied, “Thanks for proving my point.” Jake couldn’t believe this. Here was a beautiful woman refusing to go out with him and he hated it. Kay was different to other girls he’d dated and his gut told him he had to get that date the question was how?

“I know you like me so quit playing around and just agree to go on a date.” Kay thought for a moment and decided to play along knowing he couldn’t do it.

“Jake you want to date me fine; I’ll go on a date with you on one condition…” Jake had a smug look on his face thinking, ‘Now I have her attention. It can’t be that big so I’ll do this one thing then we will have our date.’ “Kay, what is the condition?”

“You are adamant that you are not a player, right?”

“Right.” Jake still had a smug look.

“You cannot date nor have sex with anyone for a month. If you can stick to this then you can have your date.” Jake mouth dropped to the floor and in shock, “This is just stupid. You can’t expect a man to not get any for a month.”

“See a player…”

“Ok fine.” Then he muttered under his breath, “Things I do to get a date.”

“Just so you know if you get the date, I don’t sleep with a man on the first date either.” Jake couldn’t believe this and why was having this date so important. He couldn’t think anymore and needed to rest, “I’ve had a hard day at work going to sleep, night.”

Kay smiled as she relaxed again to read her book and thought, ‘That shut him up. Now maybe he will leave me alone.’

“Why are we here to rock climb?” Hazel asked.

“You said on our first date that you were into sports so I thought this would be right up your street.” Looking smug.

“I’ve never rock climbed before; I meant sports as in netball, hockey and swimming…” Then Matt interrupted her, “Swimming! Why wouldn’t you go in the water then?”

Hazel thought about it and replied, “I was on a date not there to get wet.” Then Hazel thought about what she just said, ‘Please don’t twist what I just said.’

“I told you I didn’t mind seeing all your looks especially the wet look.” Hazel couldn’t believe it, ‘Oh great he did…men is that all they think about.’ Then Matt pulled her close as she replied, “When it rained the other night you could have seen that look but you refused.”

Matt kissed her and answered, “I know I did but our bodies maybe ready but I don’t think we are.”

Jake was finally drifting off to sleep when there was a bang at the door. 

He woke up with a start and heard from outside, “Will you calm down and hear Jake out first.”

“Why do you always defend the boy?” Jake had just opened the door to his parents when he heard his Mum say, “He is our son or had you forgotten that.”

“Mum, what are you doing here? I thought you were sorting things out.” Then he turned to his Dad giving him a dirty look. “Dad!” He allowed them inside and his Mum replied, “Who is Kirsten in Monte Vista with?” Jake was about to answer when Kay asked, “Jake what was that bang on the door.” 

Jake’s Dad interrupted him before he could answer, “Another tart Jake?” Kay looked horrified by the words that he spoke and was about to defend herself when Jake answered with his fist sending his Dad to the floor,
“Kay is no tart so show some respect. You are the one who has cheated not me.” 

He was angry and he looked at his Mum, “I’m sorry but he deserved that. I know you want things to work out Mum but seriously, why?” She looked at Jake then back at her husband. The man she married became consumed by wealth and the fun, loving husband she once knew she no longer recognized. “You need to apologize to Kay.” She demanded.

“I’m sorry!” He said with reluctance. Then he turned his attention back to Jake, “Your Mum asked a question who is Kirsten with?”

“My sister is in Monte Vista with Andrew my best mate.” His Dad exploded, “That idiot, who has no money.” Suddenly Jake’s Mum spoke, “I think he is nice…”

“He’s broke and he gambles…” Jake went straight to Andrews defence, “He has a job in the army and as for gambling it’s if he can afford too. He has had feeling for Kirsten for a long time and he finally told her. I set this up so have a go at me not her.”

“You set my daughter up with a loser?” 

Then he heard words spoke that shocked him but not from Jake but from his wife, “Andrew is not a loser, I think he will be good for Kirsten. So what if he is broke at least he loves her. At least she will get the attention she deserves. Do you remember being broke because I do it was the happiest time of my life? The best thing you ever did with the first lot of money you made was buying the house where we spent our honeymoon. Jake tell your sister I hope she has a wonderful time.” Then she left hurt and upset.

“Dad I think you are in the dog house.” He wanted to say something to Jake but he knew he couldn’t control his children anymore so went after his wife to talk.

He went in the room to find Kay upset, “My Dad is an ass he had no right to be like that with you. I’m just sorry you had to be here to witness it.”

“You didn’t have to punch him but thanks for defending me.”

Jake just smiled and answered, “I better ring Kirsten in case Dad tries going down there.”