Page 42 of Unloaded
ROSCO
Rachel and I are both stunned. There is a lot to unpack from his short speech. I wasn’t shocked to learn the boys are sexually active. They’re nearly eighteen after all and they’ve both asked me for advice regarding girls, but I hadn’t realized they’d actually used it.
I’d sat down with both boys and had a heart to heart with them, not long after I’d first met Rachel. We’d all been over at Luke’s playing video games while Rachel, Marley, and Shelby had been in the kitchen, preparing for a catering event. Enos had made a comment full of sexual innuendo, like he’s so famous for, when Ricky had paused the game.
“Could I…wouldyou guys mind if I asked a…personal question?” Ricky’s face flushes. They’ve been hanging out here a lot in the last few weeks since Rachel began working for Baby Girl’s catering. The restaurant isn’t open just yet, so they prep for events at Luke’s.
I have gotten to know the boys pretty well, and I have to say I really like them. They are both highly intelligent and observant. They’re both funny and a little unpredictable, which makes them fit in well with the rest of us.
It’s easy to see they’ve missed out on having a male figure in their lives. They crave any attention the guys or I give them. They are always asking us for advice on everything from their latest science project to work out routines, but I don’t mind. I remember what’s it’s like to grow up with a dad.
“Sure, bud,” I speak up. “What’s on your mind?”
“Well, there’s this girl…at school,” Ricky begins. I shift uncomfortably, fearful he is going to ask about sex. I’m not a parent and have no idea what’s appropriate to divulge to a seventeen-year-old, but he doesn’t have anyone else to ask. “She’s been very friendly lately. I think she’s wanting me to ask her out. It’s just she’s got a bit of a reputation, and I’m not sure what to do if that is true.”
“What kind of reputation are we talking about?” I ask. Enos and the others are being unhelpfully quiet. “Is she a tease or a loosey goosey?” Kelvin and Enos burst out laughing at my euphemism. I glare at them, but it does no good. They just laugh harder.
“Um…I—” Nicky cuts Ricky’s reply off.
“She’s a loosey goosey,” Nicky declares, bluntly. “She’s been with nearly every guy on the basketball and football teams, at least that’s what everyone is saying.” Ricky frowns at his twin.
“I don’t believe what the others are saying,” Ricky argues. “I really like her. She’s beautiful, funny, and smart. I’ve talked to her a lot. I don’t believe she’s that kind of girl.”
“Whether she is or she isn’t, if you chose to date her, be prepared for rumors to fly,” I advise. “People love to talk and most of the time aren’t too concerned about having actual facts, just a good story to tell. If you do go out with her, you need tobe prepared for anything. Do you have condoms?” Ricky’s face is even redder at my question. He shakes his head.
“I’ll get you some. Never, and I repeat never, have sex without using a condom unless you are prepared to be a father. Additionally before you go bare, which I don’t recommend until you are married or are in a committed, long-term relationship, you need to know without a doubt neither of you have an STD that could be passed to one another.” Ricky swallows hard while nodding agreement. “Do you have any other questions?” He nods but won’t make eye contact with me. “Come on.” I stand and begin to leave the room.
“Where are we going?” Ricky asks, following along behind me.
“Outside to the patio,” I reply. “It’s a great place to think or talk things out.” I continue making my way through the house with Ricky and Nicky in tow. The other adults seem content to leave me to handle this.
We step out onto Luke’s patio, which is huge. He has a large grill, a griddle, a smoker, and a pizza oven. He also has an outdoor sink and fridge. We’ve had many family meals in this space. It is one of my favorite places.
The view is magnificent. The Atlantic Ocean lapping on the shore provides a soothing scene and calming background noise. I open the fridge and grab myself a beer and two bottles of water.
“Have a seat.” I gesture to the chairs around the large table. The boys take a seat and I hand them their waters.
“What other questions do you have?” I ask once we’ve all had a sip of our drinks. The boys stare at my beer. Have they have already tried drinking?
I had by the time I was their age, but I’m not going to encourage it. While it’s better if they drink their first time with an adult who can monitor their consumption to prevent themfrom getting totally wasted and end up with alcohol poisoning, it isn’t my place. Not only that, they’re under age, and I highly suspect Rachel would take my ball sack for letting them drink.
“Well how do you know for sure a girl is onboard with…you know…going all the way?” Nicky asks, shocking me. He’s usually the quiet observant one, content to listen while Ricky takes the lead.
“It’s easy to get carried away in the heat of the moment,” I answer honestly. “Always listen to not only what she’s saying, but how she’s reacting to what you are doing. If she says no, or stop, then that’s exactly what you do, understand?” Both boys, nod with eyes wide.
“Additionally if she’s not telling you to stop but seems to not be reacting and is just laying there, not participating, you stop. Talk to her, and find out where she’s at. She could be afraid to say no, even if she doesn’t want to continue, especially if you’ve already gotten naked.” The boys are again nodding.
“Another important thing is, don’t ever tell a girl something you don’t mean just so you can fuck her. Be honest. If you like her enough to fuck her, but you aren’t wanting a girlfriend, don’t lead her on. It never ends well, and you don’t want to have to deal with that drama.
“Girls are different than we are, most of them are much more emotional. Most don’t do casual sex, especially at your age. At least that’s been my experience. If you aren’t emotionally invested you need to be upfront about it. You can always use your hand to get off. You don’t have to have a woman, although it is nice to have a warm body to release into.” This prompted a slew of new questions.
We spend the next couple of hours talking about sex, dealing with females, and handling your own emotions. I’m the last person who should be advising them, but they can’t talk to Rachel about this stuff and no one else in the room, when thisconversation began, volunteered to help them out. I just hope I’m giving them good advice.
I’m brought backto the present when Rachel speaks. “Of course, we are going to finish dinner.” She makes a shooing motion with her hands at Ricky. “Go on so I can finish cooking. It’ll be ready soon. The chicken has about fifteen minutes left.” Ricky grins at his sister and turns to go. He looks back when she returns to cutting up vegetables. He catches my eye and gives me a conspiratorial wink before leaving Rachel and I alone again. I shake my head with a smile. Those boys are something else. I’m glad Ricky seems to approve, not that I need their permission, but it’ll make things easier for Rachel. This can never work long term, but I will have her if only for a little while.
20
RACHEL
