Riley Finn was losing his damn mind. The forty-year-old real estate developer owned Florida. He could have anything he wanted. Cars, apartments, hotels. But all that was on his mind was a piece of ass. And what an ass it was. The only catch? It was attached to his new wife's 19-year-old daughter.
God, he hated himself for those thoughts. He loved his wife Buffy so much. She was so pure. So good. So tender. They made love slowly. Achingly. Tenderly. She was a lady. The best thing that happened to him. Their two months of marriage had been pure bliss. Riley had never been happier. Until that moment.
“Riley,” she'd told him, as they lay in bed together. “I got a call from Dawn today.”
“Your daughter?” he asked, frowning.
“She needs a break from her father,” Buffy said. “She wants to visit. Is that okay?”
“Of course,” Riley said. “Honey. I'd love to meet her. You know that.”
Buffy had regaled him with stories of Dawn so often. How she loved stuffed animals. How she brought home creatures she'd found abandoned. Riley wanted to meet the kid.
“She's a bit much,” Buffy warned. “She never liked me dating. Ya know?”
“Don't worry,” Riley had assured her. “She's family now.”
“I love you,” Buffy said, placing her head on his chest.
“I love you too,” Riley said, kissing her head. He never saw the wicked self-self-satisfied smirk on Buffy's face.
When Riley came home the next day, Buffy was waiting for him.
He'd never seen his wife so happy before.
“She's here,” Buffy grinned, giving him a big hug.
“Where is she?” Riley said.
“In the kitchen,” Buffy said. “Probably getting herself a nice warm glass of milk.”
Just then Buffy's phone buzzed.
“Oh,” she said, looking down. “I have to take this. Why don't you go ahead honey?”
“Okay,” Riley said, giving his wife a quick peck.
“Play nice,” Buffy warned, even as she cupped the phone to her ear.
Riley walked into the kitchen with a large grin. Maybe he could take her out for an ice-cream. He'd bet that would score him some major brownie points.
“Dawnie?” he began, looking around. “Honey? Are you here......”
His words died in his throat. She was leaning over the kitchen island, facing away from him. His eyes fixated on her heart shaped bottom, which was highlighted by perhaps the tightest hot pink dress he'd ever seen. Not to mention the shortest. It cut off an inch below her panties and showed a glorious amount of her tanned golden thighs. Riley's eyes ran down her shapely golden legs, at the end of which dangled white strappy heels. Riley was befuddled. Where was little Dawnie?
He took another step to the side. She was gorgeous. Her skin sun-kissed, flawless cheekbones, tiny nose. Her lips were glossy bubblegum pink and matched here dress. She was perusing some girly magazine with a bored expression. One hand was idly playing with her honeyed hair. His eyes darted down to her slender neck, then to her magnificent breasts, the swells of which were on glorious display.
“Dawn?” he whispered, his voice hoarse.
The girl in question crooked her head sideways. She appraised him for a moment. A slow smile spread over her face.
“And you must be Riley,” Dawn said, making no effort to shift her position, flipping her hair over her head. He saw her raise one of her heels and rub it against her calf, letting a thin bead of sweat trickle down her leg.
“Hi,” Riley said, undoing his tie. “It's.....nice to meet you.”
God it was sweltering in here. Why was it always so damn hot in this wretched house.
“Mmmmm,” Dawn purred, biting her lip a little, as she looked him up and down. “Very nice indeed.”
Riley let out a false, nervous laugh.
Buffy crept towards the kitchen. She couldn't help but peep. She almost let out a derisive snort. Riley was drooling. Pathetic. Men were all the same. Always wanting the new shiny toy.
“You don't mind do you?” Dawn said, pushing off and approaching him. “Me....staying here?”
“N....No,” Riley spluttered. “I have....so many....ideas. About how we could spend time together.”
“I see,” Dawn said, her eyes amused.
“The three of us!” Riley blurted out. “You, me and........”
And for the life of him, Riley couldn't remember his wife's name. It was the heat dammit. It was hot. Way, way, way too hot. And she was close. Too close. Way, way way too close.
“Buffy,” Dawn said, looking past Riley to greet her mother. “I was just saying hello to Riley.”
“Now Dawn,” Buffy said, rolling her eyes. “You know its 'mom and stepdad' to you.”
“Whatever,” Dawn said, rolling her eyes back. “I'm going to my room.”
“I'll see you later,” Dawn said flirtatiously, directing her attention to Riley. “Riley.”
And with that Dawn walked away. Riley's eyes were fixed on that peach of a bottom all the way up the stairs of his home.
“I know what you're thinking,” he heard his wife say.
Uh-oh, Riley thought. His wife had just caught him perving after his stepdaughter. There was going to be hell to pay. He had dare not look at Buffy right now.
“I'm sorry,” she said suddenly, giving Riley a big hug. “I know Dawn isn't exactly what you signed up for.”
Riley frowned. What?
“She's my daughter,” Buffy said. “I guess I always just think of her as my little girl you know.”
“It's okay,” Riley managed to say, squirming inside.
God. If she only knew how okay I really was.
“I want the two of you to spend some time together,” Buffy said. “Get to know each other. You'll do that for me, won't you?”
Riley gulped. Spending time with Dawn was a bad idea and deep down inside he knew it. But it's what his wife wanted.
What type of a husband would I be if I didn't, he argued.
“I will,” he promised. “But only for you.”
“Thank you,” Buffy said, lightly kissing him on the lips.
Thank you indeed, Buffy grinned. For half of everything you're worth Mr Finn.
2 weeks later....
Riley hadn't touched his food. He just stared down at his dinner plate. God, could his life be any worse? She was driving him crazy. It seemed like everytime he turned around, there she was. Wearing her tiny little clothes, staring at him with seductive eyes.
Dawn, Riley thought, his grip tightening on his fork. He stabbed his food, moving it around, but he refused to eat it.
Riley knew it wasn't right. Not even remotely close. He was infatuated by her. Her youth. Her beauty. She seemed so open. Buffy was shy, even reserved. She dressed like a 1950s house wife. He didn't think he'd actually ever even seen her naked. And their sex life wasn't much beyond straight up missionary position with the light off. Speaking of which....Riley shook his head. He hadn't been laid in, what a month? Buffy was always too tired, she wasn't in the mood.
Riley looked at his wife. Buffy was chattering on about
something. A bake sale with the other women of the
neighbourhood or something. Riley wasn't really paying attention.
God, would she ever stop talking? Was she always this annoying?
He snuck a peek at Dawn, who was enjoying her dessert. No, she was practically fellating the dessert spoon. Her eyes screwed shut. Making delicious little sounds.
'Mmmmmm.......tasty......so good.....' Dawn was mumbling, between little licks.
Riley found himself staring at her mouth. Stop, Riley thought.
Don't go there. But it was too late. Riley was already imagining what it would feel like to be taken between those luscious lips.
He couldn't ever imagine Buffy doing that. She had so much class. She was always so proper. But Dawn on the other hand. She was just so eager to please. Her beautiful blue eyes always seeking approval. So very eager...
“God, I swear I could just......”
Riley abruptly slammed his fist down on the table. Too much. It was too much.
“Sorry,” Riley said, apologetically.
God. He was losing his mind.
“Honey?” Buffy said, rubbing his shoulder. “Is everything okay?”
“Fine,” Riley said, a tight smile on his lips. “I'm just......tired. That's all.”
Suddenly, Riley stood, trying very hard not to look at either of them.“I should get to bed. Goodnight.”
And with that he abruptly spun on his heels and left. Buffy gave
Dawn a look that said 'wait for it.' Dawn waited until she heard
the door slam at the top of the stairs.
“What?” Dawn said. “Too much?”
Buffy gave Dawn a patronising look.
“Oh honey,” Buffy sighed. “You have so much to learn about men.”
Dawn rolled her eyes and took another bite of the icecream.
“Seriously,” Dawn said, pointing to the tiny bowl. “This is delish.”
“You'll get fat if you keep eating that,” Buffy said.
“Bite me,” Dawn said, glaring back at her 'mother'.
“You know he's going to be waiting for you,” Dawn remarked.
“Then he'll be waiting a long time,” Buffy said. “Besides, he has
an early morning meeting. I give it a half hour tops.”
“When do I make the move?” Dawn said.
“When the time is right,” Buffy said. “Trust your instincts.”
“My instincts say I want more ice-cream,” Dawn said.
Buffy scowled.
“Don't worry,” Dawn said scowling right back. “I'm going to go throw it all up anyway.”
That weekend......
Riley stood outside his door. He almost didn't come home that night. His wife told him she'd be gone for the weekend. Some charity benefit or something. Which meant that it was just the two of them. Riley had seriously considered going to a hotel. But then that thought made him angry.
It was his house dammit, Riley thought. He was the man. This was his castle. His manor. He was the lord. And it was time he started acting like it. Riley let out an exhale when he found the house empty.
Dawn wasn't home. Good.
Riley threw his leather suitcase onto the couch, then climbed up his stairs and into his bedroom. He took a long hot shower and got into a T-shirt and some pants, then went to the kitchen and
made himself a sandwhich.
When he was making his way back to his room he saw a flicker of light escaping the guest bedroom.
Dammnit, Riley thought. Dawn.
Riley made up his mind. He was going to walk straight past the guest bedroom, get into bed and call his wife. Which is why he didn't understand how he ended up standing in the doorway of Dawn's bedroom. She was lying on her stomach, on the bed. A cellphone camera was in her hand, and she was taking her own picture. Again and again and again. She was flipping onto her back now. Positioning herself against the pillows. Riley just watched, like the voyeur that he was. Until Riley felt a sudden onslaught of guilt.
God, what he was he thinking. She was his step-daughter for christ's sakes!
Riley shook his head, then walked all the way down the hall to his den and got himself a strong brandy.
Dawn turned towards where he'd been standing and let out a frustrated exhale. She picked up her cellphone then dialled Buffy.
“It's time for plan B,” she said. And with that, she disconnected the call. Dawn flung open her wardrobe, running her fingers through all her dresses until she hit upon just the right one. And then she smiled.
Riley sat in his den, nursing his drink. Enjoying the fire that was spreading through his chest. He must have been out of his mind, he decided. But he couldn't let her stay. No, Dawn had to go. Tomorrow. First thing. Riley took another long drink of brandy.
Suddenly, the door flung open. And then she was standing there. Wearing a tight little blue dress that showed a whole lot of cleavage. Her makeup was smoky. She was wearing four inch high heels. A little cross dangled between her chest. Riley was a good man. A believer. The sight of it, settled between her the swell of her breasts inflamed him. He took another long sip.
“I was just heading out,” Dawn said.
“Out?” Riley said, gritting his teeth.
“Yeah,” Dawn said. “Thought I'd hit a few clubs. Take in the night life.”
Dressed like that? Riley poured himself another drink. There was only one reason a woman dressed like that. Why did she have to dress like that? Put herself out there. For anyone to just gape at her. To undress her with his eyes.
“I don't think that's such a good idea,” Riley said.
“Why not?” Dawn said. “Do you have a better idea?”
Riley gripped his glass so hard it almost began to crack in his hand. A few better ideas flashed across his mind. Most of them involving him and Dawn on this table.
“It's just,” Riley began. “We haven't really....talked you know.”
“Oh,” Dawn said. “Well. I guess I could spare a minute.”
Dawn waltzed towards the chair, looking all around the den. Her nimble little fingers touching everywhere she went, Riley noted. Dawn ignored the chair, instead sitting on the side of Riley's desk, dangling her long legs off it.
“Is it hard?” Dawn asked, leaning over slightly to afford Riley a magnificent view of her breasts and the cross nestled safely between them.
Riley's jaw dropped. He had never imagined she'd be so.......brazen.
“Being married,” Dawn said, bouncing up and down a little, inadvertently drawing Riley's attention to her cleavage (or so he thought). “Is it hard?”
“Oh,” Riley said, forcing himself to look away. “Sometimes.”
“It's just,” Dawn said. “I wonder you know. What it would be like.”
“You'll make someone a very happy man someday,” Riley remarked.
As a mistress, Riley thought darkly.
Riley knew that was just his tight ass midwestern upbringing speaking. As much as he'd tried, he couldn't get away from the mores. Where he came from a lady behaved in a certain kind of way. It was all he knew.
“You think so?” Dawn said, fingering the cross in a way that Riley found to be just obscene.
“I know so,” Riley said, forcing himself to smile.
“I know I haven't been here that long,” Dawn said. “But I've already heard tons of stories from Buffy.”
Riley frowned in confusion.
“About you,” Dawn said. “And other women.”
Riley's jaw twitched.
“Those days are over,” Riley said. “Forever.”
A long moment passed between them.
“Right,” Dawn said, stepping off and taking two steps back. Never did she stop stroking the cross between her bosom. Riley couldn't take his eyes off it. Off of her.
“Oh shoot,” Dawn said suddenly, as it snapped off and fell on the plush carpeting, somewhere out of sight. Dawn dropped down on the floor, crawling on her hands and knees to find it. Riley froze as she turned around, putting her pert, heart-shaped ass on display. And when her dress bunched up ever so slightly, Riley saw she wasn't wearing any panties. That seemed to snap something inside of him.
Slut, he thought.
“Let me help you with that,” he heard himself say. As if he were someone else. And then he was on his feet and he was making his way to kneel in front of her.
“Do you see it?” Dawn asked.
“No,” Riley whispered, his lips dry.
Yes, Riley thought. I see it. As clear as day.
They stared at each other for a moment. And then Riley was launching himself at Dawn. His hands were on her face and he was smashing his mouth to hers. Dawn for her part, flailed her hands in the air, protesting into his mouth.
As if she doesn't want it, Riley sneered to himself. Whore
“Riley!” Dawn said, as she fell back, her eyes wide when he grudgingly let go of her.
“Sorry,” Riley said, more out of practiced politeness than any real feeling. “I'm just....things have been so crazy. And I'm just......I'm just...”
Dawn just stood there, watching him explain himself. Until she suddenly jumped into his arms and encircled his waist with her legs. She kissed him this time. As voraciously as he'd been kissing her. Letting him hold her up. Until somehow they were both standing again and breaking apart, both of them apologising
to each other.
“Married,” Riley muttered, pointing to the ring on his finger as he made his way to his desk. As if he were trying to remind himself.
“I'm married.”
“Sorry,” Dawn mumbled, making her way to the door. “I'm sorry.”
“Oh screw it,” Riley swore. He marched to Dawn, grabbing her in a fierce kiss. She wrapped her legs around his waist, holding on as he walked them back to his desk, still kissing.
“Chair,” Dawn mumbled mid-kiss.
Riley plonked down on the chair. Dawn stood up, breaking the kiss. Riley attempted to pull her down, but Dawn swatted away his hands. Instead, she dropped to her knees in front of him.
“Dawn,” Riley gasped. Would she really do this? Want to do this?
“Shhh,” Dawn said. “It'll be our little secret.”
Riley shuddered. Oh god. Why was he so weak? Why was he such a sinner?
“I bet Mommy doesn't even offer to do this,” Dawn said, undoing his belt. “Does she Daddy?”
Riley shook his head. Never. Not once.
“Well,” Dawn said. “I just love blowjobs Daddy.”
Dawn saw Riley's face transform into something nasty.
“I knew it,” Riley said, his face contemptuous, his eyes gleaming with ardour. “I knew you were a little slut.”
Riley enjoyed the shocked look on Dawn's face. As he'd enjoyed the look on the faces of all the escorts he'd hired over the years.
To do things he'd never have asked any of his ex-wives to do.
“My, my” Dawn said, chuckling slightly nervously. “I guess I'm not the only one with a deep dark secret.”
“Enough talk,” Riley said, grabbing Dawn's head a little too forcefully and lowering it so that she was at eye-level with his pants. “I don't want to see anything but my dick in your mouth for the next hour.”
Dawn was taken aback, but only for a moment.
“Then lay back,” Dawn said. “And let your little girl take care of you.”
Riley put his hands over his head and sighed as Dawn began unzipping his pants.
At last, he thought. Some relief. This is exactly what I needed.
“Ouch,” Dawn said suddenly. Riley opened his eyes, frowning.
“My hair!” Dawn said. “It's stuck in your zipper.”
“What?” Riley began. And before Riley could say another word, the door flung open.
“Hi honey,” Buffy said, grinning. “I'm home.”
Riley's eyes widened to comical proportions.
“Buffy,” he squeaked, his voice high and unnatural. It was all
Dawn could do to stifle a giggle.
“Surprised?,” Buffy said.
“I.......” Riley began. “Surprised. Yes. Definitely.”
“I missed you so much I just had to cut the trip short,” Buffy said, approaching him. “Did you miss me?”
“Of....of course,” Riley stuttered. “Very much.”
“I'm glad,” Buffy said, leaning over the front of the table to kiss her husband.
Riley forced himself to rise, straining to meet Buffy's lips with his. Dawn's head seemed to weigh him down though and Riley let out a little grunt. The table let out a slight clunk as Dawn's head hit it.
“Ow,” Dawn whimpered.
Buffy frowned. Riley froze.
“What was that?” she asked, looking around. “Did you hear that?”
“Sounded like an owl,” Riley said.
“An owl?” Buffy said, raising an eyebrow.
“Yeah,” Riley said nervously. “Good old owl. Ow. Ow.”
Riley tried imitating bird noises for a moment, but stopped at the incredulous look his wife gave him.
“You know,” Buffy began, slowly coming around the table. “I know it's been a while for us. But I can't wait to pick up where we left off.”
Riley pushed his chair further under the desk, further cramping Dawn in the already minimal space as Buffy put her hands on his shoulders, kneading them.
“That's great,” Riley said. “That's just great. You know what? I'm just going to finish up here. Why don't you head over to the bedroom.”
“Alone?” Buffy pouted.
“I'll be there in a sex...I mean sec,” Riley corrected himself.
Buffy pondered that for a second. “You better,” she said, backing off.
“I love you,” Riley said, sighing in relief.
“I love you too honey,” Buffy said, blowing him a kiss as she shut the door behind her.
“Get out,” Riley hissed as he sat up, dragging Dawn with him.
“I can't,” she whined. “I'm stuck.”
“Get up,” Riley said, attempting to separate his pants from
Dawn's hair, she'd made sure they were pretty well-stuck together.
“I'm trying,” Dawn whined. “Ow.”
“Get up you stupid bitch!” Riley screamed.
The door flung open.
“Honey. I thought I heard...” Buffy began. And then she gasped. Her eyes widened as she took in the sight. “Dawn!”
“Buffy,” Riley protested. “This.....this isn't what it looks like. Her hair just got stuck in my zipper.”
Buffy clasped her hands over her mouth.
“Two months,” Buffy said, her lips trembling. “We've been married for two months. And with my daughter. You monster.”
“The best two months of my life babe!” Riley swore. “I've never
been happier.”
“You just lost the best thing you ever had,” Buffy swore, taking off her ring and flinging it at him.
“Buffy wait,” Riley said. He attempted to run towards Buffy and fell over comically, taking Dawn with him.
“Wow,” Dawn said. “She seems pissed.”
1 month later....
“My client has agreed to settle for a one time cash payment,”
Buffy's lawyer began. “Of 500,000 dollars.”
“For two months?” Riley's lawyer protested.
“Do I have to remind you of the irreparable psychological damage my client suffered to her self esteem?” Buffy's lawyer said, fixing
Riley with a stare. “Oh and she keeps the Mercedes.”
“Bullshit,” Riley snarled. “I love that car.”
“We could drag this before a judge Riley,” Buffy said. “See what he makes of your....proclivities. It would also put your business under scrutiny. All those deals. All those payoffs.”
For the first time, Riley's shoulders slumped. “Give her what she wants,” he instructed his lawyer.
Buffy exchanged her look with her own counsel, then rose from her chair and left the room. She was already running late. She had to meet Dawn for a celebratory lunch.
“I can't believe you wore the blue dress,” Buffy chided Dawn. “I distinctly remember telling you to wear the black one.”
“It worked didn't it?” Dawn snipped.
“You were lucky,” Buffy said dismissively.
“I was good,” Dawn said, chomping down on a piece of steak.
“Do you have any idea what that's doing to your arteries?” Buffy said.
“Haven't you heard. Cigarettes dissolve cholesterol,” Dawn said, blowing smoke in Buffy's face, who made a disgusted face.
“So how did we do?” Dawn couldn't help but ask.
“Two million,” Buffy grinned. “And I think we'll make way more in
our next one. I have my eye on this guy in....”
“Whoa,” Dawn said. “Our next one? Don't you remember our deal? There is no next one. This was it. Time for me to fly solo.”
“Oh here we go,” Buffy mumbled, shaking her head.
“It's happening,” Dawn said. “Embrace it. Accept it. If you love someone....”
“Poison them in their sleep,” Buffy finished.
“Let them go,” Dawn said.
“Same difference,” Buffy shrugged.
“I'm old enough to be on my own!” Dawn said.
“Oh honey,” Buffy said. “You have no idea what it's like to be all alone.”
“Here we go,” Dawn muttered, rolling her eyes. She knew it was coming. The speech.
“I'll tell you exactly what's going to happen,” Buffy said, studiously ignoring the fact that Dawn was mouthing the same words along with her.
“You'll go off. You'll get lonely. Some moron hunk will come along and you'll think it's true love. And then bam! He'll leave and then it's my life all over again,” Buffy finished, with a triumphant wave of her napkin.
“I'm not stupid,” Dawn whined, wilting under the stern look Buffy gave her.
“You know what I mean,” Dawn protested.
“You're right,” Buffy said. “I was stupid. And it left me. Scared and broken and alone. If Barbara hadn't taken me in and shown me how to con....”
“And you taught me!” Dawn exclaimed. “Ok? I'll be fine.”
Buffy stared at Dawn for a long time.
“Okay,” Buffy said finally. “If you've made up your mind. Let's divide everything up.”
Buffy waved at the waiter to bring the cheque, as she and Dawn got to their feet.
“Great,” Dawn said, grinning. “Now what's the best way to get a room?”
“I was thinking something traditional,” Buffy said. “The Flopper diver.”
“No way,” Dawn began, as they walked towards the washroom. “I'm not going to....”
And Buffy stuck her leg between Dawn's feet, tripping her.
Dawn crashed to the floor with a heavy thud.
“Oh my god,” Buffy shrieked, histrionically. “She's cracked her head open.”
That got the attention of quite a few patrons, including the worried-looking manager.
“Oh darling!” Buffy exclaimed, pretending to nurse Dawn. “Don't move. You may be paralyzed.”
Dawn at this point, had no choice but to go with it, rolling her eyes into the back of her head.
“Call a doctor,” Buffy said.
“I'm sure she'll be fine,” the manager said, licking his lips nervously and wiping a thin film of sweat from his bow and giving the women a gap-toothed smile. “Please let me know if there's anything we can do.”
Bingo, Buffy thought.
A half hour later, the manager was seeing them to their room.
“Now, since we seem to have lost your reservation we can only let you have this suite for one......”
Dawn let out a little shriek, holding her head and collapsing on the couch.
“Week,” the manager finished, looking utterly defeated.
“Thank you,” Buffy said, with a smile that was as sweet as poison. “Could you please let us rest now?”
As soon as he was gone, Dawn sat up and threw a cushion at Buffy's head.
“Hey,” Buffy protested, as the object bounced off her head. And suddenly, Buffy found herself being assaulted. With a soft, plush cushion.
“Don't. You. Ever. Flop. Me. Without. My consent,” Dawn said, punctuating each word with a thwack to Buffy's head.
“Get off me!” Buffy said, tearing the pillow out of Dawn's hand and flinging it away. “God! It had to look real.”
Buffy took a moment to collect herself, smoothening her hair.
“Besides. You fall lousy when you know it's coming,” Buffy snipped.
“I fall fine,” Dawn seethed.
“Of course you do sweetie,” Buffy said, fixing Dawn with a pitying stare and shaking her head. “Come on. Let's divvy it up.”
Dawn rubbed her hands together.
“So,” she began. “How did we do?”
“After expenses?” Buffy began. “350 grand.”
Dawn's face fell.
“Each,” Buffy added.
Dawn let out a little scream of joy.
“So what are you going to do with your share?” Buffy asked.
“I'm going to Boca for the next year,” Dawn said, doing a little shimmy. “Maybe I'll buy a nice little restaurant down there. Hook up with a guy called Emilio who doesn't speak a word of English.”
“You could do that,” Buffy said. “Or.....”
“Or?” Dawn asked.
“Or we could pull one final score. And never have to worry about working a day in our lives again.”
Dawn tried to resist. But she utterly failed.
“You have a plan?” Dawn asked.
“Always,” Buffy said. “But it involves taking a little trip. And I don't mean Boca.”
“Are you in?” Buffy asked.
Dawn sighed.
“I'm in,” Dawn said.
One week later.....
“Why are we in Florida?” Dawn asked. “And why is it so damn hot?”
“Relax,” Buffy said. “Look around.”
“I don't see anything but old farts,” Dawn said, looking around the hotel restaurant.
“You look,” Buffy said. “But you don't see.”
“Okay Sherlock,” Dawn said dryly. “Tell me. What do you see?”
“I see jackpots just waiting to happen,” Buffy said. “That man for example. By the water fountain.”
Dawn looked over
“Don't look!” Buffy hissed, jerking on Dawn's shoulder so hard it nearly popped out of the socket.
“You told me he was by the water fountain!” Dawn countered, rubbing her arm.
“He's on my list. Willard something. A multi-billionaire dealing in IPOs or EPA's or..... something. Still haven't quite figured out that part yet.”
Dawn looked this time. Out of the corner of her eye.
He looked to be around 35 years old. Bespectacled. Hunched over. He certainly didn't look like a billionaire. Nor did he dress like one. And he was reading a book.
“Nerd alert,” Dawn said. “Which is good.”
“Exactly,” Buffy smiled. “But.....there's a problem.”
“I don't see a problem,” Dawn said. “We're two smoking hot girls. I think we can handle one nerd Buffy.”
“Wait for it,” Buffy said.
“Mother!” the man exclaimed.
“Wilbert,” a kindly looking woman said. Dawn noticed a look flash across Buffy's face. One that she was unused to seeing. The slightest hint of sadness. Dawn looked back at the woman. The resemblance was faint. She had to squint to make it out.
“I missed you mother,” the man said, rising and hugging her.
“She lives with him,” Buffy sighed. “Mama's boy.”
“Tragic,” Dawn said. “But we can take him.”
“Nah,” Buffy said. “Forget him. Mothers are death.”
“Tell me about it,” Dawn said. “Can't argue with that.”
“Come on,” Buffy said. “Let's go see the others on my list.”
Buffy passed Dawn the binoculars.
“David Crenshaw,” Buffy said, pointing to a boat. “Not as rich.
Only 700 million. He owns an e-commerce website. Marriage number 3 just ended....”
“We can make that work,” Dawn said. “Downside?”
“Big on the ironclad prenups,” Buffy said. “And as you can see....the competition is fierce.”
For the first time Dawn noted all the hot, young women who were on the boat, sunning themselves.
“Again. We can take them.”
“We'd have to be into a group thing,” Buffy said.
“Menage a troi?” Dawn asked.
“And you'd be fine with that?” Buffy asked. This time, it was her eyebrows' turn to rise so high they were almost off her forhead.
“For 700 million dollars,” Dawn said. “I'd sleep with your mother.”
“Ugh,” Buffy said. “How about a menage e cinq?”
Dawn considered it.
“Pass,” she said, finally. “A girl has to know when to fold. You taught me that.”
“And last,” Buffy began. “And certainly the least...”
“Wow,” Dawn said. “Is that....”
“Rupert Giles,” Buffy said.
“Of Giles tobbaco?” Dawn asked. “That's old money.”
“Also just plain old,” Buffy said, wistfully.
“How much?” Dawn asked.
“A couple of billion. Give or take.”
Dawn considered it. “I don't know Buffy,” she began. “I guess I'm just not into necrophilia.”
“The older the better Dawn,” Bufffy said. “With any luck he'll die right after the wedding. And then you're rolling around in widow money.”
“I'm not kissing that,” Dawn said.
“I'd have to kiss that a lot more than you,” Buffy protested.
“Why can't we pick up someone who's kind of cute?” Dawn asked. “Will....whatever is kind of cute.”
“Xander was kinda cute...” she mumbled.
“Cute is dangerous,” Buffy reminded her. “Cute leads to feelings. Which leads to screwing. Which leads to...”
“Screwed,” Dawn finished. “I know. I know.”
“So,” Buffy said. “We agree?”
“I guess so,” Dawn said.
“Giles it is,” Buffy began.
“Willard,” Dawn said at the same time.
“Giles,” Buffy said.
“Willard,” Dawn repeated.
“Dawn!” Buffy said. “Did you not hear what I just said?”
“We can make Will...whatever and his mom work for us,” Dawn insisted. “Mothers love me!”
“Mothers hate you!” Buffy said.
“Well...” Dawn said. “Daughters hate you!”
And to make her point she stuck her tongue out at Buffy.
“We're going with Giles,” Buffy said. “And that's that.”
“That is not that,” Dawn said. “We both have to agree.”
“If you want to go with Giles, go with Giles,” Dawn said.
“I'm working Will.....whatever,” Dawn said.
“You don't even know his name!” Buffy said.
“You just want to be the primary,” Dawn said. “Admit it.”
“That has nothing to do with it,” Buffy said. “Besides, its my turn.”
“It is not!” Dawn said hotly.
“Is too,” Buffy said.
“You were the primary with Riley!” Dawn protested.
Buffy paused a moment, as she realised Dawn was right.
“You aren't ready to be the primary,” Buffy said, trying another tack. “Not on an operation at this level.”
“I can make men do whatever I want,” Dawn huffed.
“Boys,” Buffy said. “You can make boys do whatever you want.”
“Gas station workers. Bartenders. Migrant workers. That's child's play Dawn. Getting someone to marry you in two months...”
“You used to be able to get it done in one,” Dawn said. Snidely
“Excuse me?” Buffy said.
“I'm just saying,” Dawn said, throwing up her hands.
“That I'm slipping? That I'm losing it? That I'm getting old!” Buffy said, her voice rising.
“I didn't say that,” Dawns said. Unconvincingly. Purposefully so
“I'm in great shape,” Buffy fumed. “Better than ever.”
“Uh-huh,” Dawn said.
“Feel my butt,” Buffy dared.
“I am not going to feel your butt,” Dawn said.
“How about if I offer you 700 million dollars?” Buffy sniped.
“I'll tell you what,” Dawn said. “Let's play for it.”
“Great,” Buffy said. “Winner picks the mark?”
Dawn nodded.
“Let's cut cards,” Buffy said, rubbing her hands together.
Dawn snorted. “Like I'm gonna trust your cards.”
“So,” Buffy said. “How do we do it?”
Dawn thought about it.
“Let's let fate decide,” Dawn said.
“Excuse me?” Buffy said. “Fate? What are you, Ms Cleo?”
“First guy to leave the restaurant gets a free pass,” Dawn said.
“Deal?”
Buffy saw her victim smoking a long cigar. She noted how
Dawn's chosen victim had settled back into his book as his mother sipped tea.
“Deal,” Buffy said. Giles didn't look like he was going anywhere.
She figured Willard and his mother would leave soon. As soon as Buffy had the thought, Giles put down his cigar, stubbed it out, gathered his hat and left.
“Nooooooooooooooo!” Buffy hissed.
Dawn pumped her fists.
“I win,” Dawn said. “Bye bye old man. Hello cutie.”
“Fine,” Buffy said gritting her teeth. “But I'm still the primary.”
“Oh come on,” Dawn whined. “He's like 30. And you're.....”
Buffy cocked her head, daring Dawn to say another word.
“You're....younger than 30. A lot younger than 30,” Dawn said. “Way younger. Like way way way way....”
“Keep it up and you won't live to see 30,” Buffy said.
She cocked her head to one side and sighed, as she surveyed their victim.
“Come on,” Buffy said. “Let's go prep.”
“Yes mother,” Dawn said, in a mocking tone, then followd her out of the room.
squawks
05/18/17 04:16 am
pj! I remember wishing one of your stories would be finished seriously about a decade ago. Amazing. I just tried an old password I used to use and amazingly got in too. Memories!
pj
03/20/17 01:20 am
10 yrs later, i finally rem my username and password. Pari, you rock. Hope you are well.
Rabbit_moon1
12/23/16 01:12 pm
I donate every month. Please donate to keep this site up!
AudryDaluz1
10/06/16 08:34 am
Great post.
Chrissel
08/31/16 03:45 pm
And anyone else who loves this site, it's worth mentioning there's a nifty little "Donate" option just below the shout box here! ;)
Chrissel
08/31/16 03:43 pm
Just wanted to take a moment to thank Pari and all the mods for maintaining such a great site!
05/18/17 04:16 am
pj! I remember wishing one of your stories would be finished seriously about a decade ago. Amazing. I just tried an old password I used to use and amazingly got in too. Memories!
pj
03/20/17 01:20 am
10 yrs later, i finally rem my username and password. Pari, you rock. Hope you are well.
Rabbit_moon1
12/23/16 01:12 pm
I donate every month. Please donate to keep this site up!
AudryDaluz1
10/06/16 08:34 am
Great post.
Chrissel
08/31/16 03:45 pm
And anyone else who loves this site, it's worth mentioning there's a nifty little "Donate" option just below the shout box here! ;)
Chrissel
08/31/16 03:43 pm
Just wanted to take a moment to thank Pari and all the mods for maintaining such a great site!