Crystal Blue part 1
written by:
jwdoney

This is a work of romantic fiction and is not meant to describe or portray any person in particular. This will be a slow burn with some sex, tease and excitement, but the overall story is a slow, true, Southern romance. The situation with Marley is a catalyst and necessary for the plot, I realize it mirrors previous work, but give it a chance, it will surprise you. The content of this story has been edited and reposted, sorry for the confusion.

I do not have permission from Boost Mobile to use their name or likeness, and any similarity to any movie, book, TV show is coincidental and unintended. I apologize if there are any similarities to any other story I have previously written or posted.

Any people, places, names, products or events mentioned or inferred are done so without permission or endorsement.

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My name is Blake and I am 27 years old, stand 6' with short black hair and a good frame from working out and staying busy. I manage a pair of side by side shops for my parents who have several investments in town. Our town is the small, quaint country town you see in Hallmark and Family Channel movies. We roll up the sidewalks at 9pm, celebrate every possible holiday and event, and everyone knows everyone. I returned home from college with a business degree and went to work for my folks and now 2 years later I'm still here doing my thing. We have a Walmart, 5 Red Boxes and a Best Buy, but there are more small, family owned business than superstores and corporations. The local hardware store does more business than Lowes and Home Depot combined, and everyone shops at the family owned deli. In a chicken or the egg scenario, my girlfriend Julie came to work for me and became my girlfriend, pretty much in the same 15 minutes. It's been 8 months and she sleeps over but keeps her own apartment because Julie is like drinking gasoline while holding a lit match. No? How about rollerblading while carrying nitroglycerine? Okay, what about pulling the pin on a grenade after taking sleeping pills? She's explosive. Julie is 5' 11' and the prototype of the sexy, sporty girl with a shapely body, full chest, long black hair and a take no shit attitude. Julie came here after college to work at the local hospital but stopped in to buy a phone, sparks flew, and she never went to her interview at the hospital.

Julie and I fight about everything and absolutely nothing, and she has a hair trigger that is funny and scary. She has a mouth that would make a sailor blush and the body to make him hard, and for whatever reason, she met me and that night slept in my bed. She manages the tanning place next door to the Boost Mobile store I run. I was running them both and always pulling my hair out, but Julie is the person we didn't know we were looking for. Last night after dinner, we got into a huge fight that I didn't see coming, because Julie said all we do is work and have sex... and then we had sex. This morning she woke me and said "Sorry about last night. I know I'm a bitch, but you love me right?" I smiled and kissed her because I do love her, she is a bitch, and she knows it... and she doesn't care. Julie pulled me to her, I was already hard because she is an 11 on the 10 scale, and she insists we sleep naked. She might be a bitch, but she is the hottest bitch I know, so yeah. I moved between Julie's legs and she sighed as I entered her warm, wet pussy. After months together, she fits me like a glove and it is an incredible feeling to be inside her. Depending on her moods, we might go two days without sex or have sex 4 times in one day. Lately it was at least twice a day and you can believe I am not complaining.

I moved inside Julie and she slid her hands from my sides to my hips and kissed me warmly. I stroked slow and deep and Julie shifted beneath me, parted her legs wider, and began moving with me. I stroked evenly and kissed her neck slowly as we made love. We fight like neighbors but when we make love it's like we are tuned to the same station. I kissed my way down Julie's body to her full chest and she breathed "I love you". I found her mouth and kissed her passionately, then told her "I love you too". Julie closed her eyes and I knew she was close, in bed she was an open book. I stroked faster now and Julie was breathing deeply and gripping me as her eyes crossed and she moaned. I sped up and Julie went from a moan to a low scream as her body bucked beneath me and she held me through her orgasm. I thrust faster and my pulse pounded, I couldn't see, and I knew it was going to be intense. My cock throbbed, my back arched, and then I exploded. I pumped deep into Julie as she lay beneath me spent and smiling and when I was finished she held me as I lay atop her. Julie kissed me softly and asked "When I get bitchy do you think about these moments?" I laughed "Sex with you? I think about it all the time". Julie slapped my ass cheek and said "No Blake, these loving moments when it's just us. I know I'm a handful and I try to bite my tongue, I just don't deal with stupid people and this town is filled with them".

I leaned up and asked "If that's the case, then why do we fight so much?" Julie grinned and I said "Fuck you" but she said "You just did, and you will again later, so I think it all works out. I deal with your stupidity and you get to enjoy my awesomeness". Somewhere in your yard there is a rock, in your house there are walls, on your car there is a tire. Go argue with any of those and come back, I'll wait here. Yeah, so that's what it was like to argue with Julie... there was no point. We got into the shower and Julie said "So Marley is coming by today with Crystal and I think..." I asked "Crystal Blue?" Julie rinsed her hair and said "No, I think their name is Davis". I smiled and said "Babe, Marley Davis was my homeroom teacher, her daughter Crystal was called Crystal Blue because of her eyes, you'll see. So she's home from college?" Julie stood under the spray and said "I guess, you know all these people. I was supposed to tell you last night but I forgot. Marley wants you to come say hi to Crystal". I rinsed off and smiled, Crystal would be about 18 or 19 now, and I hadn't seen her in 4 or 5 years at least. Marley is the town MILF and she knows it and loves it, making sure to wear short skirts, skimpy shorts, tight low cut tops, or a bikini just about everywhere. Wade Davis is the town Sheriff and likes to play poker while Marley runs around and everyone pretends to mind their own business.

Julie got out of the shower, handed me a towel, and she said "So listen, I know we fight alot about nothing really, but tonight we can talk about letting my apartment go, I'm always here anyways". I smiled because she may be a handful, but Julie was smart, sexy and gorgeous and she loved me, so the constant battles were worth it. We had breakfast and cleaned up and Julie said "You realize since you gave me the salon to run, you hardly come over there? You do the cellular and I do the tanning". I wasn't sure what the point was so I said "I know" and for whatever reason, that made Julie happy. We drove to work in separate vehicles because that was what Julie wanted, she liked to be in control of everything. She kissed me then unlocked the tanning store and went in and I did the same for the Boost Mobile shop. Just before 9am Michael showed up and went right to work putting away the new stock and then dusting and cleaning and by 9:15 we already had 3 customers. In a world where everyone has a cell, and in a small town where you know everybody, 2 years later I was amazed how this little store was always busy. People upgrading, paying their bill, buying accessories, adding a line, it was great and my dad rarely made a bad investment.

Around 11am, Julie came in and smiled at me and she helped a customer until the crowd thinned. She smiled at Michael then took me to the small stockroom and said "I just wanted to say I love you and I'm sorry for being a pain". Julie kissed me and then looked around and said "We've never done it in here". I was looking around and Julie kissed me again and then said "Let's have lunch around 12". We went back out front holding hands and I asked "Are you busy?" She said "Yeah, all the beds are in use and I have 2 walk ins waiting. Where do all these people come from?" I grinned and Julie said "Whatever" and kissed my lips then left. Michael was shaking his head and I said "I know, but she's worth it". Around 11:50 a delivery guy showed up and walked right up to me and said "What's up Blake?" I got my wallet out and said "Hey Ian, what did she order today?" Ian said "Steak and cheese and Italian, the usual" so I paid him and said "Alright, see ya". Julie came in smiling and I asked "What would I do without you?" Julie said "You better hope you never get that answer" and Tanya came in wearing a pink bikini with a sheer mesh wrap around her waist. Tanya smiled at me then walked right up to Michael and said "Hi babe" and they kissed. Julie said "Behave and help him, you can mess around later" and Tanya smiled and said "Okay". I took the bag and we went out to the picnic table across the lot where we sat together to eat. Julie did what she always does, took half the steak and cheese and half the Italian and then we ate and talked.

We almost made it through lunch without a scrape but Julie had to throw the grenade at our feet, the same one we fight about almost everyday. She said "This town sucks. The only reason I stay is you. Why don't we go down to Dallas? My parents have more money than most banks and you can run one of my father's companies". I exhaled slowly and said "Baby, I'm happy here and we have a good life". Julie said "Well, one day soon I'm leaving this dump and either you go with me or you don't but I won't look back". I sat quietly because I love Julie, but the bottom line is she is never happy. She's not a golddigger, she's not even close to high maintenance, she just has to be doing something and the slow town lifestyle was like an anchor to her. I enjoy the parades, picnics and festivals, she wants dinner parties and nightclubs. Julie crumbled her wrappers, sipped her Snapple, then said "I actually love you and it's why I stay, but I think the reason we fight is because this fucking place fucking sucks". Julie got several strides away then spun, came back and kissed me, said "Tell me you love me" and I smiled and said "I love you". She kissed me again and said "I'm not mad at you Blake, but we need to go to Texas" and she just walked off. I stared at Julie's ass because I can and she stopped at the door to the tanning salon, smiled at me, then flipped me off and went inside.

I gathered the rest of the trash, finished my Pepsi, and went to the shop where Tanya was standing looking at a phone display while Michael held her from behind. It was cute how the two high school seniors were so in love and happy. Tanya had her long brown hair back in a ponytail now and was wearing a t-shirt over her bikini and Michael said "Hey, I finished the display". I said "Good job, looks nice. Why don't you take hot stuff to lunch?" Tanya said "Yeah, why don't you take hot stuff to lunch?" I gave Michael a $20 and said "It's on me if you can be back in an hour". Tanya hugged me and said "You're the best cousin ever" and I said "Shhh... that's supposed to be a secret". Michael laughed and said "But you hired me because I was dating her". I said "Go to lunch before I change my mind" and a pair of customers came in. Tanya and Michael left and I stayed busy until they came back from lunch. Tanya said "I'm supposed to stay over here because Julie needs to see you". As soon as I saw the Audi parked in front of the tanning place I knew Marley was here and probably had Crystal with her. I went inside and there stood Julie with Marley and I had to hold my breath because Marley never looked like an English teacher... or any subject really, and still does not look like a teacher should.

In her early 40's, Marley is the Holywood definition of a sexy mom or what lately has become known as a MILF. If you do not know what a MILF is or what the letters stand for... there may be no hope for you. Marley has shoulder length brown hair, pretty blue eyes, a curvy, shapely body, long legs she is not afraid to show off, and full, large breasts that are always on display in some type of low cut, tight, sheer or skimpy top. Sometimes a combination of those things. Today she stood there in a scandalous and very skimpy green bikini that had me thinking thoughts that I should not have been thinking. Have I mentioned Julie yet? I'm just saying, they would never find my body, I can assure you of that. Julie said "Hi baby. Marley is here. Crystal is just finishing tanning so I sent Princess to get you". That's not an insult by the way, Tanya is our reigning Dairy Princess. What? You don't have a Dairy Princess? Marley gave me a full body hug and then kissed me right on the lips for several seconds before she let me go and said "You will always be my favorite student". I sighed and mumbled truthfully "You're my favorite teacher". So many nights alone in my room growing up I would think of Miss Davis and... Whew... what were we talking about?

Julie came around the counter, took my hand and interlaced our fingers to make her point. The thing about Julie is she may be volatile, but I never felt like there was any question about us. She is passionate and loving and possessive, if she could just work on her people skills... It was funny because in 8 months we never got a single complaint from cellular or tanning customers, and her ideas doubled business, she just didn't have a tolerance for... well, anything really. Marley smiled at Julie and asked "Do you really have to do that? There isn't a person in the county that doesn't know he's marked as your property". Julie smiled and said "Just in case" then she pressed against me and kissed me softly. Marley peeled her off me and said "As I was saying, you're my favorite student and you may recall I tended to overlook you being late to homeroom on a number of occasions". Julie went back around the counter and greeted a woman who came in but still kept her eyes on me, it was what she did. It would make a hilarious GEICO commercial. Julie kept better track of me than the NSA. It was what she did.

Marley touched my chin and said "Eyes up here handsome" and I blushed. Marley said to Julie "I'm walking outside with your property, let Crystal know I'll be right back" and Julie smiled at me then said "Okay" and went back to the customer. Marley stood near her car and said "Everyone knows what a flirt I am but you're staring a hole through me today, what's the deal?" I whispered "You might as well be naked" and Marley blushed and whispered "Well, wouldn't you like that?" No... she wasn't a flirt... that's ridiculous. I blushed and Marley blinked and asked "Are you serious? With that smoking hot stalker standing in there and you're hitting on me?" I gasped "I'm not hitting on you" and Marley smiled and said "I think you are. I'll tell you what... you do me this favor and you may just get your wish".

What wish? World peace? OKC THUNDER win the title? Dale Jr finally wins a Cup? A lifetime supply of Pepsi products? HALF LIFE 3? What wish?

Marley said "Crystal is home for the summer and I want you to give her a job". I was confused and said "Sure, but what's the favor?" Marley blinked and said "The job" so I said "I need summer help anyways, so it's not really a favor". Marley smiled, poured herself against me, kissed my lips again, then pressed her lips to my ear and said "Well then, very soon you will get your wish, and when you least expect it". I gasped and Marley went inside and left me standing there in front of Julie's tanning place confused and hard. I don't even know what I wished for. Hopefully whatever it was, I would like it when I got it. Marley knocked on the glass and waved me inside so I adjusted my bulge and went in but Julie's radar went off and she was beside me instantly and she asked "What is wrong with you?" I gasped honestly "I don't know". Julie said "So parading around in a bikini excites you huh? Hmmm... well alright then". Julie took my hand and led me to the counter and there stood Crystal and she was absolutely gorgeous. You know in movies when the Angels sing and there is a silhouette behind a person all dressed in white? Yeah, that was what I was looking at. I hadn't seen Crystal Blue in years and even then it was in passing and she was just a little kid playing or running around. Now she was a beautiful young woman and I was mesmerized.

Crystal was about 5' 8" with long, light blonde hair that seemed to shimmer and float. She was trim, shapely and athletic and wore a cute knee length, lacy white summer dress with a fitted top, thin black belt, and a simple gold necklace. It was very cute and flirty, and I could see yellow bikini strings and knew she had just finished tanning. Crystal had a modest but firm chest, a cute smile, and those crystal blue eyes that she was known for. For what it's worth, Crystal is the only person in our county history to be the Dairy Princess twice, and she won both years by a landslide at 16 and 17. Crystal said "Hello" and I said "Wow, you're all grown up". Crystal blushed and said "I'm 19 now" and Julie cleared her throat and nodded her head at Crystal. I said "So I need some help over at the cellular store and you could also help Julie out with tanning now and then, what do you think?" Crystal stared at her mom and said "I... uh... okay" and Marley held me and said "Thank you". Julie glared daggers at Marley who whispered loud enough for me to hear "Save it honey". I told Crystal "Wear something comfortable tomorrow and be here by 9 and we'll get you started. Her highness and I will take you to lunch tomorrow and it'll be fun. Just bring your smile". Crystal blushed and smiled at me as Julie surprisingly held her and said "Ignore him. I don't like anyone in this dumb town but I like you. You'll be fine" Crystal looked at Julie and said "Thanks".

Marley said to me "Thanks again handsome. I'll come in to see you before I tan tomorrow because I want to get Crystal a new phone and put her on my plan". I said "Sounds good" and Marley kissed me on the lips a third time and said "See you then. Come on baby. Say goodbye to Blake and her highness". Julie said "You're gonna pay if people start calling me that". I grinned and Julie smiled and said "Oh, you wanna play?" Crystal hugged Julie and her mean girl facade broke as she said "See you tomorrow babe". I gave Crystal a quick hug and Marley laughed "What the Hell was that? She's not made of glass. Give her a real hug". Crystal stepped up on her tiptoes and held me but I knew there was no way she didn't realize I was hard from her mom teasing me. Well, hopefully she didn't know her mom had been teasing me, but there was no way she didn't feel me pressed against her. Crystal eased back enough to whisper in my ear "Why are you so excited?" She moved her head to look into my eyes and I just blinked until Marley said "Let's go sweetie, I promised you lunch". Crystal whispered "Bye" and the embrace moved to a handhold and then she smiled and left with her mother. Julie asked "Isn't she just adorable?" I sighed and said "Yeah".

Julie crowded me and grabbed my cock through my slacks and said "You think I didn't notice you got excited by Marley. You better be saving this for me". I got mad and said "Even though you treat me like shit I love you. If you don't see that then I don't know what to tell you" and I stormed out. A pair of teenagers were coming in and said "Hi Blake" and I smiled as they went in and Julie was standing there stunned. Tanya went back to the tanning salon and I told Michael about Crystal and he said "Davis? Wow". I asked "What do you mean wow?" Michael moved closer and glanced at the customers in the store then said "So Miss Davis may be a... ahem... she might be... uh... really popular, but word is she keeps Crystal on a short leash and she's still a..." Michael got quiet as we waited on customers and then he said "Let's put it this way, she really is that innocent". I pointed at Michael and said "You need to make sure she feels welcome and safe here or I'll send you to the book store across town to work for my mom. Tanya will not like that will she?" Michael gasped and said "No" and I said "Crystal is under my protection and that means she's under your protection... got it?" Michael nodded and said "I'll tell Tanya too, because the mean girls like to pick on Crystal". I stared at Michael for a moment then said "Go get Tanya and bring her over here and ignore whatever Julie says, she's mad at me".

Michael came back with Tanya in less than a couple of minutes and she said "Julie is really mad at you". I said "I know, but she'll calm down, she always does". Michael was holding Tanya's hand and said "Crystal Davis is going to be working here". Tanya was looking at Michael and turned to face me and asked "Really?" I said "I want you to personally ensure her safety and happiness Tanya. No mean girl bullshit and I mean it". Tanya said "Okay. I don't really know her but I heard she's still a virgin at 18 because her mom never lets her go anywhere. I don't remember her even having a boyfriend". I crossed my arms and Tanya said "What? I don't have an issue with her. I was in her court back in 2014, but I don't know her that well because she graduated before me and we were a couple grades apart. You know she's the only person to ever be Dairy Princess twice?" I sighed and said "I remember". We were talking when the door opened and Julie said "Tanya" then left and Tanya said "I gotta go". We waited on customers and a few minutes later Mia showed up and hugged me, hugged Michael, then asked "What's up?" I told her about Crystal and she asked "Crystal Davis? Wow". That seemed to be everyone's reaction and I asked Mia "What's your take on her?" Mia said "My brother wanted to go out with her senior year and suddenly the deputies were pulling him over like everyday. He almost got suspended from the football team. Her parents treat her like she's future royalty or something". I blinked and Mia said "She was always nice to me and you know, most people are pretty hateful to Goths".

We were busy but I still stood there for a moment considering that. Mia was pretty for an 18 year old who liked to wear alot of black. Her black hair was cut short and she was quiet but unless she mentioned Goth, I just forgot and thought she just really liked black. Mia was pretty with a decent body, several piercings and kinda skinny, but the customers loved her and she closed almost every night after her morning and afternoon college classes. In the summer, Mia worked full time in return for Saturday off to go swimming with friends and then bowling. What can I say, it's a small town? About an hour or so later I was quite surprised when Crystal came in and right up to me. She had changed clothes and now wore pretty jean shorts with white lace at the cuffs and hems, a really pretty blue and white tank top with the same lacy white fringe, and her hair was back in a bouncy ponytail. She wore brown sandals and her toenails matched her fingernails... hot pink. Crystal was excited and her eyes were lit up and she said "Mom said I can get my new phone now so I can have it tomorrow". Michael said "Hi Crystal" and Crystal smiled innocently and said "Hello" but when she did it, she leaned against me and just like that her arm was around me and she was holding me. Mia smiled and said "You look great" and Crystal asked "Mia right?" Mia was a hugger and she hugged Crystal then went to help a customer as Crystal held me again. Marley came in, and again she took my breath away because now she had on the tightest and shortest maroon dress I have ever seen.

The maroon material clung to Marley's body like paint and showed every curve and nuance as she walked towards us in black heels smiling and clutching a small purse. She waved to Mia, winked at Michael then smiled at Crystal holding me and said "That's what I like to see". Crystal cleared her throat and stepped away from me and I was confused. Marley gave Crystal a look and said "Blake is okay" and Crystal literally stepped right back over and held me. Wow. Michael, Tanya and Mia were right, the reigns were tight on Crystal... who knew? I looked down at Crystal and asked "You want to look at phones sweetie?" She blinked and said "Yes" and she let go of me and took my hand like a child would hold a parent. All of the phones on display are fake or dummies, so I led Crystal to the stockroom and said "Look at all of them, I will answer any question you have, and we can worry about price when you find one you like". Crystal looked at Marley who said "You just find one you like baby, we're not worried about price". Marley poured herself against me and asked "So, do you like my dress?" I said "Oh yes" and she flirted with her eyes and asked "Wouldn't it look nice on your floor?" I gasped and looked at Crystal but she was just reading the specs on the phones. I was about to ask Marley if she was crazy, but I got my answer when she grabbed my cock through my slacks and said "Mmmm... you do like my dress".

Crystal walked over to us with a phone and somehow never saw a thing as she asked her mom "This one?" Marley looked me dead in the eyes and said "Sure honey, I think people should get what they want". I gasped and Marley asked "Are you okay Blake? You look hot" and I gasped again. I was shaking when I asked Crystal to take the box to Michael and have him help her and she smiled sweetly and said "Okay". As soon as Crystal was out of sight Marley dragged me around a corner and was on me like a blanket. I think she may have turned me inside out, the kisses were so intense. Marley was panting "I just want to thank you for taking care of my baby. I promise the happier she is, the happier you will be. Do you need me to explain that?" I gasped "No" and Marley kissed me one more deep, long kiss, rubbed my cock real good through my slacks, then took my hand and slipped it under her dress to feel her moist panties. She stared at me wickedly and said "Look what you did?" I gasped for like the tenth time. I was so hard my cock was throbbing and I was worried my pants might tear as Marley pressed against me and said "Remember. The happier my baby is, the happier I make you. Do we have a deal?" I nodded and Marley kissed me one more time then adjusted her dress and asked "How do I look?" I gasped and she smiled and said "That's what I was going for" and went out front.

I hurried to the counter and prayed no one saw my ridiculous bulge and more importantly, Julie didn't choose now to come in. Just my luck that Crystal was all happy and lit up and came around the counter and said "I'm really looking forward to tomorrow". She hugged me and I could feel her tense against me as she whispered "What's going on with you today?" I swallowed and said "I don't know" and Crystal whispered "I'm really flattered that I excite you but you have a girlfriend". Of course right then my brain decided to lock up and not let me speak so poor Crystal now thought I was some kind of perv. Lovely, just lovely. I swallowed and said "I can explain" and Crystal looked at me with her beautiful blue eyes and said "You don't have to. I like you too, but you have a girlfriend". What? Oh Lord... what just happened? Marley finished paying and asked "You two okay over there?" Crystal was still pressed against me and completely blew me away when she said in a perfect innocent voice to her mother "I feel like I can trust Blake mom, can I talk to him in private?" Marley was visibly conflicted and I saw it. I saw the control that Michael, Tanya and Mia alleged earlier. Marley breathed in and out then said "Okay, but two minutes and then we need to go". We went around the corner and I certainly couldn't tell Crystal that her mother, the town... popular person... had gotten me excited twice today. But I didn't want her to think I was perving on her either, so what could I say?

Crystal rescued me quite unexpectedly when she glanced out at her mom talking to Mia and Michael helping a customer and said "I've never really had a boyfriend because mom and dad chase everyone off. My daddy likes you and mom sure does, so I think this could work". What the fuck? Crystal asked "You like me right?" I nodded and she hugged me and stepped back, stared at my bulge, and said "I'm not used to that. I'm uh... You've probably already heard, people like to make fun of me". I said "I will not let anyone make fun of you or hurt you, I promise". Crystal said "We can't go out until you break up with Julie, but I'll wait, I really like you". Crystal blushed and looked me in the eyes and asked "Is this for real? You're not making a big joke to make fun of me?" I shook my head and said "I would never do that Crystal. From the moment I met you I decided to take you under my wing and make sure you had a fun summer". That came out wrong. Crystal looked out at her mom and said "I have never had a boyfriend and I have never kissed anyone or had anyone hold me, not hold me like they loved me. I had to go to prom with a boy whose father was one of my dad's deputies and he was scared to touch me. If you want to be my boyfriend then I want to experience everything before I go back to college. Swimming, dancing, lying under the stars, kissing, holding hands, talking on the phone, I don't even know what else. Mom says all boys want to do is have sex. Is that all you want?" I gasped "No" and Crystal glanced out at her mom and then stared at me intently.

She said "I'm innocent not dumb. I may not know about sex but I know for you to get that excited that you like me and that makes me nervous and anxious and a little excited. But you have to know..." Crystal looked at the floor and then held both of my hands with both of hers. Crystal stepped closer and said "You have to know that I'm not like my mom. I'm not ready for that stuff and I don't know when I will be so if that's all you want... we can't go out". I was trying to find words but only confusion came out when I said "Uh..." Marley came back and saw us holding hands and she scolded Crystal and said "Crystal Marie, what are you doing?" Crystal let go of my hands, moved beside me and held me as she said softly "Mom, I have never asked you for anything". Marley went from anger to blank faced and then to a soft smile and she sighed and asked me "What about Julie?" I said "This was a little sudden to be fair" and Marley said "Wade will drive over here and kill you if he even thinks you hurt her, you know this, he's your father's poker buddy". I nodded and said "I just need... I need to work some things out with Julie. Crystal knows I have to sort her out first. Until then we're friends and she is under my watch, my protection, and I can assure you, she will be fine".

Marley said "Just remember what I said. She gets hurt, Wade comes to see you. Also, we had a deal, her happiness determines my happiness and therefore..." I held up a hand but Marley smiled and said "Once I'm happy, you get your wish". I blushed. What wish? I don't remember making a wish. Marley smiled and Crystal let go of me and asked innocently "What's your wish?" What was I supposed to say? Marley said "It's nothing baby, just something I plan to give to him that depends on your happiness, it's like a bonus to be honest". Crystal smiled and said "Oh that's cool. He'll probably get it too because he says he plans to make sure this is my best summer ever". I smiled until Marley said "If that's the case sweetheart, he may end up with a couple of bonuses... maybe several". I gasped. Crystal looked at her mother and asked "Can we have one more minute?" Marley smiled at me and said "You can have two. I'm going to go see if Mia wants to come over and go swimming with you. You like her don't you". Crystal said "She's one of the one's who doesn't make fun of me". I said "No one is going to make fun of you anymore, not as long as I'm around". Crystal smiled and held me and Marley winked then went back out front. I asked Crystal "What is it sweetie?" Crystal let go of me, held my hand, then asked "Is this for real? Are we really going to go out?" I said "Honestly you kind of surprised me with that. I really like Julie but I can tell it's almost over. She hates this town and everyone in it". Crystal asked "Why?" I said "She's from Dallas". Crystal is innocent not dumb, she immediately said "Oh. Big city girl in small town. No wonder".

I said "So here's my promise. Whether it takes a day or a week, I'm going to end things with Julie before she goes postal and then, you and I, we can discuss what you want. Crystal, there's 8 years between us, do you understand that?" She shook her head and said "No. But I think you understand that I'm like a brand new car. You can't just get in and tear down the highway. You have to take it slow". I smiled and said "I have to break you in". Crystal blushed and said "That was really rude" and she let go of my hand. I held her shoulders and said "I am so sorry Crystal". She got red faced and said in a low voice "I am not my mom. She may think it's great to sleep around and pretend no one notices, I'm a good girl". I pulled Crystal into a warm hug and said "I didn't mean that, it wasn't funny and it was very rude. I am sorry Crystal and it won't happen again". She stepped back and flirted using her eyes as she said "It was funny, just rude. I'm not like that, okay?" Crystal let out a full body exhale and then she held my hand and asked "Are you really giving me a job and being my boyfriend?" I said "Job yes. Not boyfriend until I deal with Julie, but we will be good friends and I meant what I said. Whether it's employee, friend or girlfriend, you are under my protection from now and no one will pick on you anymore". Crystal looked at me and I swear she was considering a kiss. She settled for a warm hug and she whispered "Are you still excited?" I didn't answer and then Marley appeared and said "Time to go Princess".

I walked them to the door and Mia said "Hey Crystal, if Blake ever gives me a day off, I'll come over and go swimming and we can hang out". I glared at Mia and said "Switch shifts for tomorrow with Michael and open with me and Crystal, Tanya has to close the salon tomorrow so I'm sure he'll say yes". Michael was nodding even as he helped his customer and Crystal hugged me and said "Thanks". I walked Marley and Crystal out to their Audi and Marley said "I will see you real soon. Princess is going to drive herself to work tomorrow, but I'll come by to see you". I flirted "I look forward to it" and Marley smiled and said "As you should" and got into her car. Crystal waved and got in and they drove away. I went into the tanning salon and Julie gave me a scary, angry look and went to the back. I told Tanya about Michael switching shifts and she hugged me and said "Thanks. I think tonight we're finally gonna..." and she blushed and said "Uh... nevermind". I said "TMI little cousin" and she blushed and said "I know". I went back to talk to Julie and she was pulling towels out of the dryer and folding them while Hannah was stocking bottles of something and said "Hi Blake". I hugged her and she stepped out so Julie and I could talk. Julie said "I'm not mad for you telling me off, that's fine. I'm mad because everyone in the stupid town treats me like a visitor and I hate this place and now you have a cute little girlfriend and I am just pissed. Plus, you're next on Marley's hit list and that really pisses me off because she can have anyone in town... she probably has already had anyone in town.. and she has to go after you".

I didn't know what to say, so I stood there and Julie said "So I was going to tell you this tonight. I already called my father and I'm going home. I will work tomorrow and help you find someone to run this place, but in the short term Tanya, Hannah and Christie can handle it and Tanya knows what to order and how to do the banking, your mom comes by and does the payroll". I said "I knew you were going to leave. I could tell this morning and at lunch that the day was coming. I just don't know why you won't give this town a chance, us a chance". Julie said "It's been almost 9 months babe. We don't have to break up. You can hang out with your new little girlfriend and I will go home and figure things out and then we can talk. I have to leave, I feel like this place is swallowing me". I held Julie and she said "I'm staying with you tonight. We'll have a nice dinner, lots of sex, and tomorrow before I drive to Dallas, I'll say goodbye, but I need to go before I lose my mind". I stepped back and Julie resumed folding towels and my mind wandered. Crystal wanted to date me, Julie wanted to leave, why was everything just falling into place like this? Hannah peeked in and said "The Sheriff is here to see you". And Julie asked "Oh now what?" Hannah said "No Julie, not you, he wants Blake". I shook my head and Julie smiled and said "His tramp is chasing you and you were flirting with his Princess, I'll make sure you have a nice funeral".

Funny.

I went out to the shop and there stood Wade in full Sheriff regalia. Some days he wears jeans or khakis and a Sheriff's Department polo, occasionally a suit with his gun and badge clipped to his belt. Today he was in the full Sheriff's uniform and he smiled and said "Blake, how are you son?" I shook his hand and he nodded to Julie then said "I just need a moment" and headed for the door. He stopped and asked "Julie, when are you going to get Oklahoma tags on that car?" Julie said "I am actually taking care of the issue tomorrow Wade". Wade nodded and held the door for me then we walked to the back of his marked County SUV. Wade said "Your father is one of my closest friends and I have let that Texas tag go, so make sure she gets her tags changed. It's 30 days not 30 months". I said "It won't be an issue after tomorrow apparently" and Wade stared at me and asked "Trouble in paradise?" I said "She's been leaving since she got here. It sucks but it didn't surprise me when she told me she's going home to daddy". Wade said "I don't want to rain on your parade but I have a couple of issues I want to discuss with you". I nodded and said "Crystal and Marley" and Wade said "That's correct. Let's discuss my wife first. You're on her radar and I can assure you, short of you leaving town with Julie, Marley will get what she wants. On that matter let me give you some advice. When you see a wave coming, only a fool tries to outrun it. It would be best to stand up like a man and take your medicine than try to play games because you will just end up frustrated and she will still get what she wants. Play her game and let her move on to the next victim".

I blinked and asked "Are we really talking about your wife like this?" Wade squared up and faced me, for 43 he was in great shape and could probably take me even if I brought two friends to the fight. Plus he is the constantly re-elected Sheriff and my father's friend. He hefted his gun belt, set his hand on his gun, looked me in the eyes and asked "Was there something you wanted to say?" I shook my head and he smiled and said "Good, then that discussion is closed. Now, as for Crystal, We have guided and protected her all of her life and she is the most honest, loving, caring and trustworthy person in this county, maybe the entire state of Oklahoma. She is also curious and naive and you are the first person we have ever trusted with her. I am telling you right now, if anything happens to her, I will end you. There won't be a trial or even an arrest because I will end you and they will never find the body. CBS can send the cast of all four CSI shows and it wouldn't matter. Does that sound like a threat to you?" I nodded and Wade tilted his head and asked "I'm sorry, want to rethink your answer?" I blinked and said "Sorry, I was confused. No, it sounded like a promise". Wade crowded me and I gulped as he said "You will give Marley what she wants so she can move on and focus on other things. As long as she's distracted she leaves me alone to play golf, poker, and chase secretaries".

I stood there staring at Wade and he said "Julie treated you like dirt and that was why no one liked her. Sure, she constantly griped and sucked the fun out of everything, but she was nasty with you and that... that is why no one liked her. Your father is a respected man in this county, you deserve better than Julie. I have no doubt whatsoever Crystal is safe with you and that she will be happy, but you have to give me your word that this is not a summer fling. She deserves better". I said "Wade, you don't have to intimidate me, I would never..." Wade laughed and said "Shit son, if I was intimidating you, you would surely know it. This is a friendly conversation. Would you like to see intimidation?" I gasped "No, I'm good" and Wade laughed, stepped back and said "Just treat my baby girl like the Princess she is. Marley wants me to invite you to the house Saturday for a barbeque, hang out by the pool and I'll take you back to my range and we can fire off some ammo. Can you be there by say 10am?" I nodded and Wade said "I need to look at chargers for my truck, you got a minute?" We went into the store and Tanya hugged me tightly and said "I'm sorry about Julie" and I held her and said "It's fine, she was eventually going to leave and I knew it". Tanya waved to Mia then smiled at Michael and said "I'm going to get my stuff baby, don't leave without me" and Michael smiled and said "I never would". I showed Wade where the chargers were and he asked "So you have just Mia working after 5?" I said "Monday thru Thursday. Friday and Saturday I staff 2 people, plus we have always cross trained the tanning people with over here".

Mia said "Hannah and I close up together and no one messes with us". Wade hefted his belt and said "Well, I think I'm going to have a deputy parked out here by 9 each night for a while" and Mia smiled and showed him a couple of car chargers. Julie came in all smiles like nothing that happened today had happened and asked "You ready to go babe?" Wade said "I'll stop by and talk to you tomorrow, I want to see how Crystal settles in" and then he reached into his pocket, pulled out a money clip, peeled off a $20 and said "For her lunch tomorrow". His look dared me to refuse so I took it and said "Thanks" and he went back to talking to Mia. I left with Julie and we stood in the parking lot where she said "Go home and relax, I'm getting food, coming over, and we can eat, make love and hold each other. I'm not leaving you Blake... I'm just leaving".

.................. to be continued...