I was 18 years old. Just completing my Sr. year in HS and the summer was right around the corner. Ever since 8th grade, I babysat around the neighborhood to earn money. Early in the school year, I began sitting for a neighbor two doors down from my house. She was a young, single mom who moved into the area just about a year before. I admired her, as when she bought her house, she was 7 months pregnant, alone, and very sure of herself. She was also a successful businesswoman and THAT really caught my attention as I too wished to be successful in business. After her baby was born, she never went out. She was incapable of leaving her baby alone with a stranger. I had met her shortly after she moved in and sparked a neighborly friendship with her. I was there when she came home from the hospital as she asked me to look over the house. I had mentioned to her several times that I was a babysitter, I had my CPR and First Aid licenses and I had many references. Still, she was reluctant. I understood. The holidays were quickly approaching and she finally asked me to sit for her. She had many business parties to attend and a few private ones. She just couldn't do it with a newborn. She was still very nervous even though she and I got along wonderfully. I assured her that I was capable and if anything happened, not only did I know what to do but also my parents were also two doors away. That seemed to give her some comfort. That's when I started to sit for her. New Year was now here and she asked me to sit for her. I had no plans and said why not. I got to her place around 7 pm, She went out and came back within a couple of hours. I asked what was wrong and she said
Toni: Nothing I just decided to spend my baby's first new Year with her.
She had left a pretty big business party for family. That impressed me. I asked if she wanted a refund (she always paid in advance) and she said absolutely not.
Toni: That money is yours,
She said. WOW! And she always paid a premium too. More than most did. But that was her choice. Like I would give better care because of it. I always gave the best care no matter how much I got paid. She did invite me to stay and watch the Ball drop in NY. Why not? She and I always had fun together chatting. I was supposed to be there until 2 am anyway so sure. We had a wonderful evening. We talked, watched the ball drop, and talked more. Told silly jokes and listened to some music afterward. We even had cracked open a bottle of champagne at midnight. Because of my age, she only allowed me a few sips worth in my glass. I didn't like the taste much but the thought was well understood. I enjoyed spending time with her. She was only 8 years my senior so we had a lot in common, especially with music and movies and guys.
It was now May. Just about a month left of school and I was working for her regularly. Most times it was so she could go out to business dinners or meet with clients. There were some times when she didn't go out but had me over anyway so she could get some uninterrupted time to do things around the house. Whatever the reason I always made time for her. My finals were upon me and she was always happy to help me study. I spent a lot of time with her. She said that after my finals are over, we'd have to have a special dinner to celebrate my promotion to the rank of High School Graduate. Sweet! I knew I liked her. I passed all my finals and told her about them. The school was down to the last couple of weeks. She asked if we could celebrate at home so that she didn't have to get another babysitter,
Toni: ...as my regular sitter will be busy that night...
She said with a smile. She'd cook something special (and she's a GREAT cook!) and we could do whatever that night. I was excited.
Friday night was here. My big dinner party was just hours away. She had said to dress up.
Toni: We may not be going out, but it's certainly an event to dress up for.
I wore the black one-piece dress that I bought for Sr. Pictures during the summer. She'd be the first to see it in public. It had multi-tie straps over the shoulders, with one having a thin line of frilly lace sewn to it. The neckline was modest but cut low enough to attract some attention. The bottom of the dress was cut at an angle with the high side starting just above my right knee and angling down about calf height on my left leg. The dress was more like a wrap as it wrapped about me and tied on the right side. I wore my favorite pair of black heels, the sort that is more straps than anything else. I left my hair flowing but used my curling iron to give some wave to it and I completed the ensemble with a red flower in my hair. It wasn't real but looked great with the flowery/lace choker I wore. I was feeling very proud and very grown up. I arrived at her house sharply at 7 pm as directed. She greeted me at the door in an outfit that nearly put my efforts to shame. I had never seen this dress before and wondered if she just bought it. It was a one-piece, very sleek sheath that hugged her figure quite complimentary. It had spaghetti straps and morphed from a deep maroon color on top to black nearing the bottom. She wore matching maroon heels and a black ribbon choker. Her black hair was all silky smooth, like in the hair commercials, and pulled back into a bun. She was so color coordinated down to her maroon lipstick and coloring of her eye shadow. I think I must have been staring because neither she nor I moved for what seemed like an eternity. Only her smile grew and a gentle blush came to her cheeks. How embarrassing for me. The silence was broken when I heard her giggle and say
