“Last night I was concerned about you staying here, after what your parents were telling you. When he told me he wasn’t about to pay for his daughter to go to a community college, I knew I had to come up with something. I thought about it and came up with a possible solution, but I called Jason to see if it was possible. He and his wife took the idea and ran with it, and I think turned it into something much better. Let me explain it to you.
“Okay.”
“I wanted to get you away from your parents to finish this program and start your plan you’ve come up with. I think that’s important. But I knew you didn’t have any money right now. Although I very much want to see if our relationship will work, I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to move in with me. It’s much too early. We know each other fairly well now, after having spent so much time together, but I think it’s important that we get to know more about each other’s personal lives before we make that kind of commitment. I think if you move too fast you’re setting your relationship up for disaster, and that’s the last thing I want to do with us.”
“Thank you.”
“Do you agree with me on that?”
“Yes.”
“Good. So I talked to Jason and his wife, Cheyenne, last night.”
“Wait. You told them about us?”
“Yes, I did. I’m not sure why you seem surprised. I’ve told you how I feel about total honesty. That’s not just with you; that’s with everything.”
“Was he upset about it?”
“No. He and his wife wished us the best of luck. I didn’t think he would be upset, because that’s how they met. She was the last lady he worked with. After he met her, they fell in love, and he quit going out in the field. He stays home and runs the business. It’s nice because he’s available if any of us have something we’d like to talk to him about.”
“Oh, how neat.”
“They are so in love, it’s great to see them together.”
“I wish I could meet them. I’d love to talk to her.”
“You might just get that chance.”
“How? When?”
“Let me explain. I asked Jason if it would be possible for him to say he felt it was necessary for you to move away to finish the program so that your parents aren’t trying to influence you in a negative way, and make the rent and living expenses while you’re still in the program part of the price of the program.”
Her eyes narrowed as she quickly thought about that. “That way the estate would pay for me to get an apartment somewhere, and the living expenses?”
“Exactly. He said he’d never done that before, but he could understand my concern. He said he wanted to think about it, and would let me know this morning. Well, he called this morning, and he and Cheyenne came up with an even better idea. I had suggested maybe getting you an apartment close to where I live, in Colorado. That way I could stay at home, so the estate would still just be paying for one apartment. It would just be for you instead of for me. There’s a community college nearby, so that would work out, too.”
“Colorado? That sounds fun. But how would I pay for classes?”
“Make living expenses and tuition part of the cost of the program.”
“So the estate would pay. What did he say?”
“He liked the idea of just paying for one rental instead of two, and was okay with living expenses and tuition and books for college being part of the cost of the program, since he believes, too, that’s an important part of the program. He thinks I need to be involved until we see that you’re going to be able to handle your classes okay. Even if we have everything else you’ve been working on under control and we’re both comfortable with it, he thinks I need to follow your first month or so of school to make sure you’re buckling down and doing the work.”
“And not partying?”
“Exactly. I think that’s a good idea. Once you prove to yourself you can do it and your confidence level is good, if the temper and attitude are no longer an issue and you’re no longer tempted to tell a white lie here and there, then you’ll be well on your way to a wonderful new life, and you’ll be able to control it on your own, without my assistance.”
She got suddenly quiet, and her smile disappeared. He tipped her chin up to look into her eyes. “What’s the matter? I thought you would be happy to hear that.”
“Yeah, I guess,” she said sullenly. “But I like having you here, encouraging me.”
“And I like being here, encouraging you. As long as our relationship works out I will still be here. We’re just saying you’ll be done with the program at that point.”
“But will anything change between us?”
“Do you want it to?”
“No,” she answered very quickly. “I think I’d be happy if the program never ended. That would mean you’d be here, watching me, encouraging me, stopping me from doing dumb things, and showing me how much you care about me forever.”
He had to smile as he gave her a bit of a hug. “And spanking you every time you earn it.”
“Which won’t be very often any more, of course,” she said with a grin on her face and her nose stuck in the air.
“Then that’s the way it will be.” She looked at him cautiously. “I’m serious. What you just described sounds wonderful to me, too. As long as we’re together, that would be my ideal arrangement, as well. Gina, I’ve seen you not only accept my help, but I’ve watched you thrive with it. I can see how much happier you are now, and I can’t tell you how happy that makes me. As far as I’m concerned, nothing has to change between us.”
“Good,” she said proudly. “Then the program will never have to end. You never said, though, are we going to Colorado?”
“No, we’re not, but back up a minute and let me correct you there. The program will end once you’ve mastered everything you’re working on, and I’m sure you’ve got college under control.”
“Why does it have to end?”
Paul laughed. “Oh, that’s adorable,” he said “When we started this program you had one goal; for it to end. Now that the end is in sight, you don’t want it to end.”
She had to smile, but stopped to think a minute. “I have changed a lot from the beginning of this, I guess, haven’t I?”
“Now, that’s an understatement,” he said. “And I’m proud of you because of it.”
“I really don’t care if it ends now or not.”
“I know, but everyone else who will be inheriting something from your grandfather’s estate may get a bit impatient if it goes on too long.”
“Why?”
“Because the estate can’t be closed until you finish this. The attorney has to know how much comes out of the estate for this, and if your inheritance will go to you or to a trust fund. Then he can distribute the rest of the estate and close it.”
“Oh, that’s right; I’ll get some money. I don’t really want it now.”
Paul had to laugh again. “Why not, honey?”
“I don’t want to spend it. I want to make my grandfather proud of me.”
Paul picked her up and sat her in his lap, with his arms around her. “Gina, let’s talk about that a minute. I feel real sure that you’ve already made your grandfather proud. But I don’t want you to be afraid to spend that money. He didn’t want you to never spend it; he just didn’t want you to throw it away partying, buying new cars and clothes, taking trips, and things like that. He wants you to have it, though.”
“But if I don’t need it, I won’t spend it.”
“Don’t be afraid to use it for something he would approve of, though.”
“Like what?”
“We’ll talk a little more about that in a minute. First let me answer your question about why we’re not going to Colorado. Jason was concerned about one thing with the scenario I came up with. Your father isn’t really happy with you going to a community college and, in essence, snubbing your nose at his money. He’s blaming it on me. He told me I better fix your attitude
and get you back thinking like a real Jamison again soon. So Jason’s afraid if we move you to my part of the country, he’ll have a fit. If he objects to it, even takes it to court, how would it look, us having a relationship, and you moving close to my place?”
“So what are we going to do?”
“This is where Jason’s wife comes in. This was her idea. They live in Arizona, and the two of them have an apartment over their garage. They use it once in a while if he’s training a new employee. He just finished training three more guys, so no one’s staying there and he has no plans for it for the next few months or so. They suggested you go stay there. I can rent a room in that area, just like I’m doing here, now. The only thing they’ll have to charge the estate for is living expenses, which will be very minimal, and your tuition and books. He says there’s a good community college just a couple miles from their place.”
“Perfect, I think.”
“You sound hesitant. About what?”
“Well, if it’s above their garage, is their garage attached to their house? Will they know every time I mess up? Will I be embarrassed every time I see one of them?”
He had to chuckle. “They have a garage attached to their house, but not that one. This is separate, back away from the house far enough that I don’t think you have anything to worry about. Or any other neighbors. They don’t live in town, and they don’t have any close neighbors. And just to put you at ease, there’s no reason to be embarrassed around them, because they’re married, but still have the same arrangements we have.”
She was confused a few moments, then her eyes opened wide. “He still spanks her?”
“Every time she earns it,” he confirmed. “They’d neither one have it any other way. I told you that because you may want to talk to her. She’s a great lady, and she knows firsthand how this program works. She’s always more than willing to talk to any lady going through the program, if they have questions or get frustrated. She’ll be right there, so don’t be afraid to ask her anything.”
“That might be nice,” she said, thinking out loud. “So we’ll be there until I finish the program?”
“Yes. Well, they said if you finish the program before the semester’s out you’re welcome to stay to finish the semester.”
“But I wouldn’t have any way of paying them rent, and once I finish the program the estate won’t be paying them, either.”
“Actually, you will have the money then.”
“I will?”
“You’ll have your inheritance once you finish the program.” She started to object, but he held his hand up to stop her. “Hear me out, Gina. I know you don’t want to throw that money away, but think about this. I think your grandfather would be proud of you, the progress you’ve made, which shows by how much happier you are. But I don’t think he’d want you to move back in with your parents. They don’t have the same feelings you do, or that your grandfather did. I think he’d be pleased to have you spend enough of that money to live on your own while you finish college.”
“You don’t think it would be throwing it away?”
“No, I don’t.”
“You really don’t think he’d want me to move back in with my parents?”
“I honestly don’t. He told Jason he thought your parents were becoming more and more attached to their money and what it could do for them, and that worried him. He thought that might be part of your problem. I didn’t tell you that sooner because although he saw them heading in that direction, he didn’t know how bad it had gotten yet. I wanted to see for myself how your parents felt and acted before I said anything to you about it. Now that I’ve seen and heard them, I think your grandfather would be happy to be able to help you move out and work toward your goal.”
“I feel like I’m being rude and abandoning my family.”
“I don’t think you should feel that way, honey. Doing that would certainly not be abandoning your grandfather. He’s the one who cared about you and wanted you happy. I think that would be honoring his memory, because I think your parents are moving away from your grandfather’s values. If you agree with his values, honor him by holding to them.”
She was quiet while she thought. When she looked up at him she looked like she’d come to a conclusion. “So if Mom and Dad’s values are no longer the same as his, and I agree with his, then you think he’d be okay with me using enough of my inheritance to go after a college degree and a career, if I’m holding to his vales while I’m doing it?”
“I think he’d be elated.”
“So if I can stay there while I finish the program, then I can use my inheritance to live while I finish my degree and get a job?” He nodded. After thinking a bit longer, she asked, “So when do we start?”
“You’re good with this idea?”
“Yes, as long as you’ll be there with me. I’m concerned about down the road, if I finish the program, but it’s the middle of the semester. I’m not sure I’m good with you going back home to Colorado and me staying in Arizona.”
“We’ll work that out when it happens, if it happens. Don’t borrow trouble until then, okay?”
“Okay,” she agreed. “I trust you.”
“Thank you.” He took her face gently in his hands and gave her a kiss that spoke volumes. “I cherish that gift.”
Things moved quickly from that point on. Gina’s parents started visiting at the guesthouse fairly often, trying to bring her thinking back in line with her good family values. At Jason’s suggestion, she didn’t tell her parents anything about her plan until all their arrangements were made. When they were visiting she simply told them she hadn’t decided yet what her plans were, so they wouldn’t get upset.
Paul went with her one Saturday morning, and they sat down and told them she had been accepted at a community college and was going to start taking classes in two weeks. Her parents were livid. John reiterated he was not paying for tuition or books for a community college, and the guesthouse would not be available for her to stay in if she was attending one.
She went to her room and packed some of her clothes she didn’t already have with her, as her mother tried her best to get her to see reason. While they were doing that, John was talking with Paul. He told him since he was obviously filling his daughter’s head with garbage meant to alienate her from her family’s good values, for whatever reason, he would no longer be welcome on his property. He explained that he planned on simply firing Paul, but he checked with an attorney and was told he didn’t have the legal authority to do that. He could, however, legally tell him to leave his property and not return.
Gina came out from her room and heard her father telling Paul he was no longer welcome on his property. She turned to face him. “Dad, I can’t believe you would do that. I was not in favor of this program at the start, but the more I got into it, the more I realize Grandfather was right. I’m happier than I’ve been in a long time, and you’re in essence trying to make me end the program. Why would you do that?”
“Are you sure you’re so happy, or is Paul telling you you’re happier? It seems to me that he’s trying to deprive you of advantages your name brings with it, and encouraging you to live in poverty. How can that make you happier?”
“Dad, have you listened to me at all this past week? You and Mom have been down at the house trying to convince me of the terrible mistake I’m making. I’ve heard what you said, but have you heard anything I’ve told you?”
“I think you’re confused right now and don’t know what you want, so as your father, I’m stepping in and doing what I have to do; doing what’s best for you.”
Paul could tell she was getting angry, and he tried to calm her down. “Gina, maybe we should just go right now, and you can talk to him again later, after you’ve calmed down.”
“Paul, I know what you’re trying to do, and thank you for that. But I’ve about had it.” She turned back to her dad. “How the hell can you say you’re doing what’s best for me? If you won’t even list
en to one damn thing I’m saying, how dare you even pretend to know what’s best for me.”
Nancy spoke up. “Gina, don’t talk to your father like that.”
“So it’s okay for him to ignore everything I tell him, but I’m not allowed to object? That’s a bunch of shit. If neither of you will listen to what I’m trying to tell you, I’ll just stop trying. Come on, Paul. Let’s go. I’m sure you’re going to want to talk to me about what I just did.”
Paul had to bite his tongue to keep from laughing. The little spitfire was right; she’d earned a spanking, but at the moment he didn’t think she cared too much. And personally, he had to admit this was one time it may have been worth it. As for his part, he didn’t think he had it in him to give her a full spanking, nor did he think she deserved one. He looked back at her parents, who both looked shocked. He didn’t say a word; simply turned and followed her out the door.
He hurried to catch up with Gina and slowed her down just a bit with a hand to her arm. He reached down and took the suitcase she was lugging along. “I’m sorry about how that went back there,” he told her softly.
He heard the tears as she asked, “Shouldn’t I be the one apologizing to you for how that went back there?”
“Gina, I understand why you said what you did. Under the circumstances, I’m proud that you didn’t say something worse. But I am sorry for what they said. You certainly don’t deserve that.”
“Yeah, well, maybe they don’t deserve to know my new address,” she said amid more tears.
“They may not,” he surprised her by saying, “but we’re going to tell them anyway. After you’re all settled in and ready to face them.”
“That could be a long time from now.”
“Then that’s when they’ll get your new address. In the meantime, they have your phone number.”
“I don’t have to answer it, do I?”
“Not at first, if you’re not ready to. We’ll talk more about all these once we get to Arizona. First things first, though, and we have a plane to catch.”
They’d reached the guesthouse, and he opened the door and followed her inside. Before she could leave, he turned her to face him. “Are you still sure you want to do this, after what just happened?”
Gina and Paul (Last Chance Program Book 2) Page 22
