Patti and George's announcement comes at the start of November. Two of the three women are in happy and stable relationships now. But there remains Jennifer.
Jennifer is a quandary for Brian. At forty-two, she is close to his own age and has lived a rather sexual life. Since her teens, Jennifer mastered the ability to look unostentatious at home. When needed, she could change that appearance with a bit of makeup, flipping up her skirt and opening her blouse to capture males' attention.
And even a couple of females along the way. All in rebellion of her neanderthal father. He was so brainless he never caught on even when she was out all night and snuck in at dawn through the garden door. Things that Patti and Jessica didn’t know but did perhaps wondered about. But never ask.
Jessica knew somewhat and covered for her at times, though Jennifer never asked her. It was like Jennifer wanted to get caught when she was in her late teens and early twenties to see what would happen but never did get that satisfaction.
Their father never acknowledged her wildness, though at the time did begin harshly disciplining Mark, who was much younger, for minor things. Jennifer took it as a challenge to go further and further to see if he would catch her to punish. Perhaps, hoping to pull the punishment away from Mark. But the stupid old man was blind to anything she did. None of it made much sense. But then again, their father never really paid much attention to Jessica or her. Mark was the golden boy their father expected so much from.
So over the years, Jennifer went her own way having her own fun. Her paycheck was enough to put in her portion to the house upkeep while putting more than half into an account for herself. Her parents, well father, did not need to know how well she was paid. And she did make sure there was enough to pay for things, and mom and Jessica were well provided for.
After her father died, Jennifer was able to have more fun away. She would be home most Wednesday nights for dinner and on weekends, though after out with friends in the evenings. But now, the two nights a week out of town on business was three, and late home from work more and more.
Patti and Jessica accepted as Jennifer always called to let them know. And both were happy that she was out and about more than they were. And all in all, Jennifer was home enough, just the three of them, Jennifer sharing many funny stories to keep them laughing well after they finished tea sitting around the table.
Now Jennifer is in her forties, still with her looks and desires. She knows how she went about things never led to anything serious. She lacks that bond with someone who really cares about her as a person and not just someone to bang on occasion.
She is jealous when Brian introduced Jessica to Roger, and they hit it off so well. Then George and mom. 'Wow, at their time in life to be so in love and even to the point of marrying. What changes will that bring?'
Jennifer tries to keep a positive attitude, but she finds herself sad and filled with self-pity more and more. Is there anyone out there to love her? Or is she destined to be alone?
Brian has not forgotten Jennifer. All that has been happening in the last couple of months considering, it isn't that long. It is now only the end of November. With Christmas on the horizon, Brian tries to think of someone who could be the perfect Christmas gift for Jennifer.
Even with her family not knowing about Jennifer's wild ways, Brian caught on rather quickly. Over the weeks, when he and she have chatted, she reveals more about that side of her life to him. Brian gleams that it is not so much her being used by men, but her walking away thinking nothing will happen, so why stick around to be hurt?
That part of her needs to change, or Jennifer will never get close to anyone.
On the last Saturday in November, Brian asks Jennifer to go shopping with him for a gift for Mark. It is a ruse. Brian has bought perfect Christmas gifts for Mark and all his family already. However, he wants to talk with Jennifer alone. So after a few small purchases, he edges them towards a pub for a drink.
Brian expresses his concerns to Jennifer and asks her what she is searching for that she feels unattainable. This outright question brings Jennifer to tears. Feeling a bit guilty for the asking, Brian is glad they are in a somewhat secluded booth.
Jennifer acknowledges that she has these traits and is unsure what she wants or why she acts this way with men. She admits that there was this one guy, years ago, who she was so attracted to. And to be honest, still is. Sexually it is nothing special, but intellectually they just click. Well, no, he, The Big Guy, as she calls him, always bests her but lets her know she holds her own in intelligence.
But he just comes and goes. For probably almost twenty years now. Not that he was with any other woman. Jennifer pretty much knows he hasn’t been, which is weird. But he can’t or won’t commit.
With tears flowing some, finally admitting to this now, Jennifer guesses that she keeps searching for someone like The Big Guy with whom she could engage intellectually and sexually. Someone interested in her enough to be around and not disappear. Someone who did want to make a commitment.
But, instead, she just hooks up with guys when she is feeling horny and wants them gone with the crack of dawn. Or she creeps away at that point. Never really giving them a chance even to display anything more than their dick action.
“Yes, Brian, I know, that is crude and horrible to admit. But what, ten minutes, if lucky, up in me. Hey, okay, thanks. Felt good, and goodbye,” Jennifer said with a mix of humor and sadness. “And none are enough to make me forget about The Big Guy.”
And then Jennifer confesses something even more, "Because Brian, The Big Guy has this radar about me. When I meet anyone close to that, at all, and I actually consider more than a couple of dates, The Big Guy shows up again. And of course, I will drop everything and run after The Big Guy again."
Brian realized he has a lot on his hands now with Jennifer. Does he take down his matchmaking shingle?
To back up just a bit.
Jennifer is a bit plump but in a very sexy way. She is just enough big-busted that they seem to be burst out always at you. She dresses business-like, with this sense of 'let's have fun.' More so than what Abbie does, but then in Jennifer's job, it is an asset.
Jennifer, out of secondary school, with grades making her eligible for A-levels, rather than pursuing that (thanks to her father), found herself a job with a pharmaceutical company. She was hired as a salesperson, pushing their latest drugs to individual doctors at their offices and conventions.
She had just the right image the company was looking for. And the personality and social interest, shall we say, to make her a sterling employing.
Jennifer learned the information about each drug quickly and became a great asset to the company. Twenty years later, she is still a top employee each year.
Jennifer is on the road enough, with paid hotel rooms and expenses, to be able to play and leave. But, mom, and Dad, when he was alive, never caught on, just enjoyed the income she brought in, not realizing what all she did on her overnight trips or sales calls.
Jennifer sells well over her goals for the year to please the company. It works so well. But lately, she feels empty more and more as the years go by. Now here, in a pub, with her brother's lover, in her early forties, she is depending on him to be her fairy godmother like he has for her mother and sister.