And that’s what he did. He sold cars, owned a dozen dealerships. Not top-of-the-line stuff, he wasn’t selling cars to his neighbors, but he was selling lots of cars to someone.
Over dinner my impression was confirmed. Mr. Hollins did not have his wife’s or daughter’s cynical intelligence, which they masked with their positive up-beat personalities. He was what he appeared to be, a good guy, a roll with the punches guy, a laugh at your jokes no matter how bad they are guy, a not notice if you got a little inappropriate guy.
I got a little inappropriate.
I focused on his wife and daughter, made eye contact, held it. They responded, their eyes on mine.
I touched them, starting with a shoulder, a forearm, moved to the waist, cleaned a speck of food off their face.
When a lady had to go to the bathroom I held her chair, did the same on her return, was rewarded with a kiss.
I told mother and daughter how good they looked. Openly relishing the compliment, they thanked me.
The women responded, a flip of the hair, a tongue gliding on a lip, moved a little closer.
And through it all Mr. Hollins seemed fine, happy to have me entertain the ladies.
Back at the house Mr. Hollins excused himself to go to the facilities and Jennie said, “Mom, I know its late, but there’s a party on campus I want to go to. I know it’s late, but can I go back out? Michael will take good care of me.”
This was the first I’d heard of a party.
Mrs. Hollins said, “Honey you didn’t mention a party. Where is it?”
“I don’t remember, one of the frats,” she looked at me, “which frat babe?”
I said, unconvincingly,”Delta something.”
Mrs. Hollins said, “Delta something?”
She knew what was going on.
“Yeah, Delta something, those Greek names run into each other.”
She turned to her daughter. “A frat party and it’s already approaching curfew, what will your father think?”
“C’mon Mom, if you say it’s okay he will too.”
Turning back to me Mrs. Hollins said, “You promise to take good care of her?”
“The best I can, I promise no frat boy will get near her.”
“Of that I’m sure. Well, if you’re going to date a college guy I guess we need to make allowances. If it gets too late, if you need to spend the night with a friend in town, text me.”
Mr. Hollins returned, permission was sought and received. At the front door I thanked Mr. Hollins for dinner, leaned in to kiss his wife good night, who held my arm and whispered in my ear, “You better be using protection bub.”
Stepping back I said, “Thank you Mrs. Hollins and, of course.”
* * * * *
Driving back to my place Jennie said, “So what did you think of Dad?”
“I was a bit surprised. I’d figured him to be in primo shape, like you and your Mom.”
“Dad’s let himself go. He’s in a dozen civic groups, always going to meetings, eating bad food, never has time to exercise. He says it’s good for business.
“Well, you can’t argue with his success, the house is beautiful. He seemed like a real nice guy.”
“He is, and you took advantage, flirting with me and Mom in front of him.”
There was no anger in her voice. Then her bra was laid on my shoulder. She’d worked it off under her dress.