My First Apartment Chapter 26

December 23rd

Charlie and I picked up my Dad and Bianca from the airport. He looked so happy as he held Bianca's hand. I could instantly tell why he was so attracted to her. She was beautiful!

Bianca was about 5 feet 10 inches tall. She had olive-colored skin, long, black, flowing hair, and blue eyes that looked like sapphires. She looked about ten years younger than my dad. Statuesque, would be the best word to describe her beauty.

Charlie and I waited for the crowd to clear as they disembarked the jetway. I was both excited and nervous about seeing him again. I was smiling the whole time, and my palms were sweating. Charlie kept a soft squeeze on my hand.

Relax Lana! Everything will be fine! You'll see. Charlie said.

I stood there in my pink sweater dress, black leggings, and heels. The anticipation was killing me. He looked past Charlie and me three times. Finally, Dad and I locked eyes, and I smiled brightly at him.

Daddy! I said. I sounded girly now!

Lana! Dad exclaimed.

I rushed and hugged him tightly!

Merry Christmas, sweetheart!

Merry Christmas, Dad!

You remember Charlie! I said.

Merry Christmas, Charlie!

Merry Christmas, Mr Simons!

Lana, Charlie, This is Bianca!

Nice to finally meet you! I exclaimed.

həˈlō, Lana, Charlie.

Her English had a very beautiful Italian accent!

Let's get your bags and get going! Charlie said taking charge.

We grabbed their bags and drove to the rental car lot.

Dad rented a dark cherry red Camaro SS for the holidays. It was a beautiful car. We followed Dad and Bianca to the Airbnb house they rented for the holidays.

The house was a typical suburban house, a ranch and a half with 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. It had a large patio and a big above-ground hot tub. Inside the house was a Christmas tree, all decorated with lights and ornaments. There was even a wreath on the front door.

Dad and Charlie unloaded the car while Bianca and I made coffee. Bianca was very nice. She told me how she and Dad met. She told me how polite my Dad was and how nervous he acted around her all the time. Bianca said he was very sweet.

After dating him for a month she introduced him to her family at Sunday dinner. Unlike her first husband, her family really liked him.

What do you do for a living? I asked her.

I used to be a model, now I'm an advertisement director. I mostly do ads for fashion designers and fashion shows. Your father and I crossed paths several times and worked together on a couple of projects. After the last project ended he finally asked me to dinner.

How are you doing? Bianca asked. Your dad tells me you have had a very adventurous 6 months since he moved to Italy.

Adventurous! That's a good way to put it! I said.

I didn't tell her everything. I gave her the highlights about my slowly evolving fashion and how my friend Bunny helped me become comfortable with who I am and how much happier I am. I told her about Rianna and everything she did to help me. (I didn't mention anything about the money).

Charlie is a very handsome young man! He could be a male model! He's got great bone structure! Bianca said. You could be a model too! Photographers love women with skin color and you have beautiful skin! Bianca said.

Thank you! I'm not sure I'm up for bouncing around the world modeling. I said.

You should visit us in Italy in the summer! My agency is always looking for fresh faces. I'm sure a couple weeks of modeling clothes will pay you more than you could make in six-months of working a regular job. In the summer we have a three week shoot coming up. We shoot in Venice, Rome and Paris! You could be a star!

Thank you, I'll have to think about it! I said.

Bring Charlie! I'd bet he would be a star too! Bianca said.

Thank you, I'll mention it! I said.

I'm not sure if it was her Italian accent voice or the confidence in her voice but the thought of modeling was intriguing. I couldn't see Charlie being a model, but Charlie was more handsome than a lot of male models I've seen.

After our get to know each other over coffee Dad took us to Outback Steakhouse for dinner.

Bianca and I got the lobster tail and ceaser salad. Dad and Charlie had huge cowboy ribeye steaks.

We said our good nights and would stop by after breakfast.

When Charlie and I got in the car, he smiled at me.

So? He asked.

So, what were you two talking about?

She invited us to a 3 week photo shoot across Europe! She said you could be a model, and you have great bone structure! She said I could be a star!

Us? Modeling in Europe? Seriously? Are you kidding? Charlie asked with disbelief.

I'm dead serious! She was trying pretty hard to sell me on the idea! I said.

How much money are we talking about? Charlie asked.

She didn't give me an amount. She did say we could make more in three weeks than we could in six months working full-time! I said.

What did you say? Charlie asked.

I tried to talk my way out of it! I didn't get any dates, but it sounded like early summer. They are shooting in Rome, Venice, Paris and on the French Riviera! She also said we can keep the clothes we model in!

Really! Charlie said. And you tried to say no to that? He asked.

I wasn't sure! It came at me from left field! I certainly wasn't going to commit to anything without talking to you first! I said. Besides I was thinking about summer school, besides I need to get started in school!

It's sounds like a once in a lifetime opportunity, to me! Charlie said. You only live once!

(Rianna said the exact same thing about her movie. I need to call Rianna!)

You sound like you are considering it. I said.

We'd be crazy not to at least find out little more first, but even if we do it once, we can say we did it! Charlie said.

(He's quoting Rianna again, this has to be a sign!)

I wasn't really considering it! Charlie sounded like he liked the idea even if it was for the money, clothes and a few weeks in Europe! I didn't want to be gone from Charlie for 3 days, much less three weeks. I kinda wanted to do it, but having Charlie with me, I was more than willing to consider the opportunity now!

Are you sure you want to do this? I asked.

I do! But only if you want to! I'll only go if want to do this! I could use a new surfboard! Charlie said laughing! I have one condition!

What's that? I asked.

I'm bringing my surfboard! I always wanted to surf the French Riviera!

I heard the waves are better on Maui! I said.

You would know! Charlie said. We could afford a trip there after the gig! He said!

We laughed together.

When we walked in our apartment our clothes started to magically fall off our bodies. I started pleasing him first. After an emotional reunion with my dad and a bombshell of an offer, I was keyed up for some hot lovin'!

I love the faces Charlie makes when I go down on him. He looks so manly and happy. I used everything I've learned to please him. My hands roamed all over his muscular form. I ran my fingernails over his entire torso. He reached rapture after several minutes. I happily received it!

As always Charlie never disappoints me in bed. I had two external climaxes and several internal ones. His love was powerful and generous. He always made certain I was very satisfied and spent!

After we finished, I used a warm wet washcloth and wiped my man down. I loved treating him like a king! He earns this from me every day! He always kissed and thanked me for it too!

On Christmas Eve we went over to my dad's house after breakfast. I bought over the Hawaiian Pork Ribs I'd been preparing. I started the oven when Bianca walked into the kitchen.

Bianca asked, need any help?

Sure! I said.

What are making?

My mother's Hawaiian Pork Ribs! I said.

Bianca, your in for a real Hawaiian treat! Dad said.

I'll say! Charlie said. She made a great Hawaiian ham on fourth of July! That's day we met!

Oh! I need to hear this story! Bianca said smiling.

We were having our Fourth of July potluck at the pool. I made the ham. It was big hit! Charlie and Stan were there. We just finished our hula dance for everyone when a few undiserable guys started insulting us and slapped Chloe, Bunny and I. Tony stepped then Stan and Charlie backed him up.

We spent the afternoon and evening relaxing and talking. We went to the beach the next day and laid in sun and watched them surf. I explained.

A knight in shining Armor! Bianca said.

Not really! Charlie said but it wasn't right! I hate bullies!

You kept it from getting worse Charlie! Especially the next day! Gosh knows what could have happened if you hadn't shown up when you did! Dad said.

What happened? Bianca asked.

(Didn't give her all the details before)

The next morning while I was working I was jumped by three men, one was the father of the young man that hit me the day before. I was thrown into the pool when I got out one man pulled my hair from the back. I kicked like crazy and hit him in balls! He let go and another man punched me in the face so hard it crushed my nose and cheekbones. It almost knocked me out. I was screaming for help. Charlie showed up first and put himself between the men and me. Stan showed moments later.

The three men attacked Charlie and Stan. Charlie and Stan threw them in the pool. Mr Partenza called 911 and Bunny took me to Mr Partenza's apartment. We waited their until Mr Mr Partenza and the police came. The rest of the story you know.

I hope they're in Jail! Bianca said.

Life sentences for all of them! But that's another story! Not mine to tell! I said.

The house was beginning to smell like a Hawaiian Luau!

Lana, I'd like to do a little shopping before dinner would you take me?

Sure! What are you looking for? I wanted to look for a couple things for your dad. It's hard to order online for an American man and and convert European sizes!

Let's go! I said.

I took her to our local mall while Charlie and Dad watch the football game.

The mall was packed. I managed to get a parking spot on the Macy's side of the mall. She wanted to buy my dad some dress shirts and a nice pair of shoes.

I thought you would have the latest fashions in Italy for men? I asked

We do! But I can't get your dad to a tailor to save my life! Bianca said. Besides none of the shoes fit him very well Bianca said.

Then buy him some shoes! I said 14 wide! They have them in stock! You should buy him some boots too! You're going need a pair of boots as well! I said.

Why? Bianca asked.

Because we are going to Napa for New Year's Day! It's in the mountains! Trust me you're going to need them! Maybe a good pair of sneakers too! I said.

Napa Valley? Are we going skiing? Bianca asked.

No , we are going to wine country! My friend May invited us! It's beautiful up there! I hope you brought a coat!

I don't have anything like that with me! Bianca said.

It's a good thing we are here then!

We giggled.

We bought Dad a couple of shirts for his suits. We found a pair Gucci dress shoes in his size. I bought Dad black boots and a pair for Charlie.

Bianca and I went to the Sports Authority and got ski jackets for Dad, and herself. Bianca bought some nice hiking boots for herself. I bought Charlie a nice Columbia Jacket with a fleece liner.

I should get your dad a watch. She said.

No you don't! I already bought him a watch! I said.

What do you want for Christmas, Lana! Bianca asked.

Your friendship and a promise to take care of my Dad! I said.

You already have it! I promise to take care of him! I love your father!

We ahead a tear and hugged.

I do need a favor! Bianca.

What's that?

I need to buy a bottle of Bourbon for Hank. I'm not old enough to purchase alcohol. I said.

I can do that! She said smiling.

We walked through Macy's Makeup Section. Bianca started shopping for makeup.

What are you looking for? I asked.

I don't know! I want something a little longer lasting! She said.

You need MAC makeup! It's all my friends and I wear! I said.

Bianca dropped $750 on makeup without batting an eye!

Bianca registered with MAC online so she could order more.

We stopped at Smith's Grocery store. They had a huge selection of liquor. I picked out a half gallon bottle of Maker's Mark 46.

When we got home the ribs were almost done. Charlie helped me with the salad and mashed potatoes, I made them the same way my mother did. My dad put the ribs on grill for a few minutes to caramelize the outside of the ribs. Charlie poured the drinks and Bianca and I set the table.

Bianca and Dad raved over my ribs. Bianca enjoyed my traditional American homemade dinner.

I've never had pork ribs like this! Very tender and meaty! This sauce is wonderful. I love the pineapples! She said.

It's my Hawaiian family's recipe! My mother taught me! I said with pride.

Great job darling! Your mother would be proud! Dad said.

Lana is a great cook! Charlie said. Her Hawaiian chicken is a treat too! He squeezed my knee softly.

After dinner we started cleaning up.

Dad! Can you and Charlie clean up? Bianca and I need to go back to my apartment we need to wrap a few things!

Sure honey! We'll take care of it! Dad.

We'll be fine Lana! We'll see you two soon! Charlie said.

Bianca and I went back to my place to wrap our recently purchases.

When we got to my apartment Bianca noticed my family pictures with my mother in them.

The three of you look very happy!

We were! I was lucky to have such great parents! I said.

Were you and your mom close? Bianca asked.

Very close, my mom was my best friend! She was the best!

You and your dad seem pretty tight! We are! A little less lately due to the distance between us! But he's always been there when I needed him!

You know! Your father talks about you all the time! He's very proud of you! I've been wanting to meet you for a long time now. I have to say I'm impressed! Bianca said.

I couldn't help myself, I liked Bianca! She was generous, polite and intelligent. She never judged me for being transgender.

Can I show you something? I asked.

Sure! She said.

Come here! I took her to my spare bedroom with all my clothes.

Oh Dio Mio! Darling! Your wardrobe is huge! You must have spent a fortune on these things! Bianca said with surprise.

Actually I didn't spend any money! A friend gave them to me!

She must be a very rich and generous friend! Bianca said.

She's pretty great! She is my mentor! She's like a big sister to me! I met her while I was in San Francisco! We hit it off! Her husband demanded she purge her old clothes. Instead of donating the clothes, she gave them all to me! I said.

So you have a sweater I can borrow? She asked.

Take your pick! Take two! I said.

She picked out a cream colored cashmere sweater and the lime green knit sweater I'd never wear.

Here take this! I handed her a black hoodie that said "Pink" on the sleeves!

Thank you!

You should have seen this room a couple months ago! I had some friends go through it a few months ago they put a small dent in it!

I can't imagine there being more!

There was a lot more! I pulled a bunch out already for myself. Need more? I asked.

No sweetheart! I have a very full closet of clothes myself!

I brought out the wrapping paper, tape and scissors. We wrapped everything up.

Dad called and brought Charlie back and picked up Bianca.

We agreed to be at their place for breakfast. I told them I invited Chloe for Christmas day.

I knew Chloe would be lonely and I couldn't stand the thought of her being by herself on Christmas! Besides Chloe was like family to me now!