What Mattered Most: Volume One

© 2014 Jerry Speight. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 11/25/2014

ISBN: 978-1-4969-5571-5 (e)

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Contents

A Note To My Readers

What Mattered Most

Part One You’ll Accompany Me Summer Of 1985

Part Two Girls Were Made To Love 1969

Part Three I Want You 1985

Part Four It’s A Beautiful Morning 1985

Part Five Against The Wind 1986

Part Six For A Dancer 1986

A Note To The Reader About Concept Therapy

Introducing Volume Ii

About The Author

Dedication

This work is dedicated to the one whose love made it all possible.

Sonja June Speight

1942-2000

You Were Loved By Someone

Touched By Someone

Held By Someone

Meant Something To Someone

— Diane Warren (The Preacher’s Wife Soundtrack)

A Note To My Readers

I received the idea for What Mattered Most many years ago and actually constructed an outline with good intentions of starting the manuscript. Like Chevy Chase in the movie, Funny Farm, I let everything keep me from writing my first fiction novel. Being a husband, father, teacher, artist, and non-fiction writer came first. I took off for a year and began the first draft. I did not know how the story would end and wrote most of it as it came to me while running the back roads in Calloway County. Ideas like having the two main characters being interracial never occurred until later in the writing process. As the story unfolded to me, I was not aware how the physical length of my computer copy would translate during publishing. I had the manuscript professionally rewritten twice. The first time there was blood on every page and my ego became bruised until I realized the changes were valid. Because of the size of the final manuscript and the nature of the story, the publisher has requested that we present you with one book instead of two, labeled Volume One and Volume Two. I hope you enjoy reading the book as much as I enjoyed the writing process.

—Jerry

WHAT MATTERED MOST

List of Characters

Brandon Seger and His Immediate Family:

Brandon Seger - Son of Rick and Shelly Seger (High School Student)

Shelly Dunn Seger - Brandon’s mother (Interior Decorator)

Rick Seger - Brandon’s father (Used Car Dealer)

Richard Seger - Rick’s father (Used Car Dealer)

Marie Seger - Rick’s mother (Housewife)

Vivian Dunn - Brandon’s Grandmother (Executive Secretary At Texas Gas)

Virginia Dunn Stone - Shelly’s sister (Housewife)

Howard Stone - Virginia Dunn Stone’s Husband (Vice President Owensboro National)

Anne Marie and Michelle Stone - Fraternal twins of Virginia and Howard Stone (High School Students)

Lee Kyle and His Immediate Family:

Lee Kyle - Best friend of Brandon Seger (High School Student)

Louise Kyle - Lee Kyle’s mother and Shelly Seger’s best friend (Manager Of Executive Inn Dining Room)

Caroline Kyle - Lee’s sister (Student)

Shavonda Atkinson and Her Immediate Family:

Shavonda Atkinson - Brandon Seger’s African American girlfriend (High School Student)

Anazet Atkinson - Shavonda’s mother (Brescia College Alumni Secretary)

Van Atkinson - Shavonda’s father (Car Salesperson at Don Moore Chevrolet)

Angie Nelson and Her Immediate Family:

Angie Nelson - Lee Kyle’s Girlfriend and Shavonda Atkinson’s best friend (High School Student)

Marlene Nelson - Angie’s Mother (Waitress)

Carl Nelson - Angie’s Father (Owensboro City Police Officer)

Additional Characters:

Dr. Tom Waters - Marriage Counselor for Shelly and Rick Seger

Dion Waters - Dr. Tom Waters’ wife

Traci Waters - Dr. Waters’ teenage daughter

Dan Phillips, Chiropractor

Julie Fletcher - Dr. Water’s secretary

Sandra Moore - Girlfriend of Rick Seger

Donna - Hairdresser in Nashville, Tennessee

Stacey Berry- Shelly Seger’s college roommate at Murray State in 1968.

Jenny Harwood - Shelly Seger’s college friend

Ron Wood - Rick Seger’s college roommate at Murray State in 1968

Harry Todd and Del Hill - Clean up boys for Rick Seger’s used car lot, Seger’s Pre- Owned Motor Cars

Kacey Brandon - Art Major at Murray State

Jeremy Covey - Art Major at Murray State

Daniel Layton - Murray State Art Professor

Benita Howlett and Francis Daniel - Brandon Seger’s high school art teachers

Daniel Thomas - Apollo High track coach

Wendi, Alan, Blain, Matt, and Jimmy - Apollo High Students

Part One

You’ll Accompany Me

Summer Of 1985

Owensboro, Kentucky, August, 1985

HIS DAD was a dick! He was so stuck on himself that he had no room for anyone else like his only son and a wife that was crazy about him. All he cared about was his fancy Corvette, his fancy clothes, his used car lot, and fancy women.

What an asshole he had for a father Brandon thought to himself as he stopped pedaling and coasted his new white ten-speed Schwinn down the tree lined sidewalk past the neat brick houses of the subdivision. His best friend in the world and constant companion, Lee Kyle had left town for the weekend with his mother and sister to visit family in Nashville, Tennessee. Brandon had just been to their house to feed Inky, Lee’s black Cocker Spaniel. It was 12:20 p.m. Saturday, and he didn’t feel like going to the subdivision pool by himself. He and Lee had been like brothers since the Kyles moved into the subdivision one block over from his house ten months ago. Lee was also 15 and the coolest guy Brandon had ever met. They had been best friends since that cold November day he and the rest of the neighborhood kids watched Louise Kyle unload a U-Haul and move into the rental house at 3428 Royal. It was to become a home for her, her 18 year old daughter Caroline, 15 year old Lee, and 4 year old Inky the dog. Louise Kyle’s husband had been dead for 12 years. An accident in the military had left her with 6 year old Carolline and 3 year old Lee to raise on a modest pension. She traveled to Owensboro from Mississippi and became an Assistant Manager at the Executive Inn dining room.

Brandon had helped his new friend Lee adjust to the neighborhood and life in the Owensboro Public School system. Brandon was very popular at school and his connections helped Lee blend with the crowd during the middle of the school year. The two were about the same height and often the topic of conversation of the girls. Brandon couldn’t care less about the opposite sex while Lee couldn’t care more. Brandon wore his light blonde hair cut short in contrast to Lee’s jet black, shoulder length hair. Brandon wore what his Mother and Grandmothers bought him, usually the latest in fashionable sportswear, and Lee loved black jeans, t-shirts, and boots from the Goodwill Store or Sears. Lee always seemed to flirt with trouble in a quiet and polite manner, and Brandon was the model student. If opposites really do attract, they were a perfect example of this law in action. Both had no father at home. Brandon’s could come home, Lee’s never would. As opposite as they were, each other’s personality fulfilled a need that formed an unusual and one in a million friendship. Brandon spent so much time at Lee’s the first week of their friendship that Brandon’s mom Shelly felt it necessary to get to know the family that he had adopted. She and Louise became friends almost instantly. They too came from radically different backgrounds. Louise was 5' 5" with long bleached blonde hair, had a great figure, and wore clothes to emphasize the curves. She had struggled with her two children, working in numerous restaurants, meeting men and having many affairs. Louise jokingly told Shelly that she couldn’t live without a man, but couldn’t live with one either. Five foot ten inch Shelly with her Indian cheekbones and waist length black hair would laugh and say she had had one man and could live without another. The two ladies spent many nights together at the Kyles with Shelly sipping hot herbal tea and Louise drinking coffee while chain smoking Marlboros.

Brandon loved Lee’s three bedroom one bath home which was usually strewed with the objects of a family who lived together comfortably and in a hurry. The house was managed by a rental agency because the couple who owned it were in the process of a nasty divorce. Louise was always in a rush to get to work on time and Caroline was always in a hurry to see her friends and her boyfriend Max. The Kyles always had an abundance of junk food and leftovers brought home from the buffet at the Inn. Lee’s and Caroline’s bedrooms were located at one end of the house and separated by a single bathroom and narrow hall. Louise’s bedroom was at the opposite end of the kitchen and living room next to the carport and utility room because her working schedule kept her from home late at night. Caroline was supposed to keep a sisterly eye on brother Lee. The house floor plan was perfect for all the three Kyles. Since Lee and Caroline’s rooms were separated from their mother’s, this made it possible for Lee to listen to his rock music, Caroline to entertain Max behind her closed door, and Louise to bring a date home after closing time or watch television most of the night to unwind from a hard shift. This arrangement allowed Lee to do what he wanted to do most of the time and stay up as late as he desired.

His room was decorated with model cars and posters of rock stars on every wall. In contrast, Brandon’s room was decorated and arranged the way his Mom had thought it should be. When Brandon spent the night with Lee they had to be in just before Louise got home at 12:00 p.m. or when Caroline remembered to set a curfew. Caroline liked Brandon and she was a good sister, but she was in her room most of the time or out with friends. She was tall, blonde, with a perfect figure or as Lee put it All tits and ass. Once when she was supposed to be watching Lee, she left with Max for a drive. Lee took Brandon into her room and showed him her lacy bikini panties and bras explaining that this was what a hot woman wears. Brandon felt uncomfortable yet fascinated. He was even more uncomfortable when Lee pulled a Tampon from her drawer, unwrapped it, and asked Brandon to identify the object. Brandon said he knew what it was and they shouldn’t bother Caroline’s stuff. Lee just laughed and said You’re full of shit, stuck it in his mouth and pretended it was a cigar and offered his thorough knowledge of the menstrual cycle and how women used a rammer or pad while their red headed cousin was visiting or they were surfing the red wave. Lee said that you could always tell when Caroline was On the rag because she was a real bitch, or more of a bitch than usual. Brandon accepted the Chicken label placed on him and left Caroline’s room with a red face. After that day, Brandon would notice if Caroline was unusually cranky and sneak a quick look at her butt as he walked by her wondering if she had on the pad or was using the Tampon.

Brandon could understand why Lee knew so much about girls because Caroline and Louise went around the house in panties and bras without being embarrassed. One June evening when Brandon was spending the night, Caroline came out of the bathroom after her shower completely naked, drying her hair with a towel. Brandon was sitting with Lee on one of his twin beds that faced the hall and both got a great view of her bare white backside and long tan legs as she walked to her chest of drawers without closing her door. Brandon was speechless at the sight of such a beautiful female body. Lee just laughed and told him to put his eyes back in his head. Caroline heard the remark and calmly walked to her door, and yelled out, Pervert, and I don’t mean you Brandon, then she slammed the door. Brandon stopped breathing at the sight of the blond curly hair between her legs and the two bouncing white breasts with dark circles and pointed nipples. Lee said she was just showing off for Brandon to prove she was a real blonde and if his Mother knew what she had done she wouldn’t get the car for a month. When Brandon asked what he meant by being a true blonde, Lee laughed and fell backwards on the bed. Brandon didn’t say anything else. This was quite a contrast to his Mom’s behavior, she was always careful to have on a robe or pajamas around Brandon or Lee.

Brandon felt comfortable, loved, and accepted by all three of the Kyles. He was entertained by their lifestyles, which starkly contrasted his own.

It was a real adjustment for Brandon to think about facing this Saturday night and Sunday without Lee’s companionship and not getting to go to the Kyle’s. This was the first summer his mom had let him keep himself while she worked as an Interior Decorator for Pearson Furniture. Shelly Seger was really just a saleslady with no degree. Her long black hair, her long legs, terrific figure, and creative ideas caused many customers to ask for Shelly first, and follow her advice about furniture and accessory selections.

Sweat ran into Brandon’s eyes as he stood upon his bike, pedaled four hard strokes and coasted until the bike slowed to a crawl, then just before falling over from the pull of gravity, repeated the action again to propel the bike further down the sidewalk. The only wind he felt was the movement of the bike through the heavy summer air. The temperature was 94 degrees, a typical hot and humid 1985 August day in Owensboro. Brandon liked history and enjoyed studying about the town located alongside the Ohio River founded in 1779 as Yellowbanks, Kentucky until being renamed Owensboro in honor of Colonel Abraham Owens, a hero of the battle of Tippecanoe. From that humble beginning the city grew to its present size of over 65,000 people who enjoyed a thriving economy largely based on industry of the aluminum plants located just out of the city alongside the Ohio. Owensboro boasted two four- year colleges. Brescia, a Catholic College located downtown and Kentucky Wesleyan, a Methodist campus built on the southern edge of the city. Both schools are on Frederica Street, a four lane main thoroughfare running north and south through the middle of the city until it crosses a bridge into Indiana.

Brandon continued to pedal and coast until 3512 Royal was within sight, the neat three bedroom brick home for Brandon and Shelly Seger. His dad had left them the place almost a year ago in September after packing his clothes in the white 1981 Corvette and moving into an apartment. Brandon couldn’t remember a time when his folks did not argue, but his dad had always returned home until that last fight. Grandmother Dunn told Brandon that they had stayed together 14 years for his sake, but she also said that Shelly could have kept her man if she had played her cards right. She said a woman had to work to keep a man as good looking and aggressive as Rick Seger. Brandon didn’t know what that meant and didn’t ask. Granny was different, not like his friends’ grandparents who seemed so old and tired. Granny Dunn at fifty-two was Executive Secretary to the Chairman of The Board at Texas Gas, and it was this connection that got the accounting job for her new son-in-law Rick even before he graduated from Murray State. Vivian Dunn drove a late model, two- door red Cadillac that she had bought from Rick, after he left Texas Gas to put in a used car lot. She was always full of energy and dressed in the latest fashions. She had a new boyfriend each month who usually wanted to marry her, but she had stayed single since Brandon’s grandfather had been killed in a barge accident in 1967, eighteen years ago. Vivian had taken the insurance money and gone back to school so she could raise Shelly and his Aunt Virginia on a job that paid more than minimum wage and offered excellent benefits.

Brandon loved his grandmother and she loved him even more. She also loved his twin cousins, Anne Marie and Michelle, but Brandon was the only boy grandchild. Brandon’s mom complained that the only reason Granny came over was to give her advice. The two would really go at it when Granny would say Shelly had a hunk of a man, and lost him because she was too frigid. Granny argued that Rick had dreams and goals and all Shelly wanted was to paint imaginary scenes, read a book, decorate a house, and go to church. She said that Shelly’s dynamite looks and figure coupled with her Nun’s attitude spelled trouble for her and Rick. The discussion would usually end with Granny storming out of the house and peeling out down the street after Shelly, telling her she should have married Rick, and it was not too late because anything that wore a skirt could raise his flag. Shelly then would look up at the ceiling and angrily thank God she was not like her mother. Once Brandon called Lee to ask him what frigid meant. Lee laughed and said, I can’t believe you Seger. Your knowledge about the opposite sex is zilch.

Brandon missed his dad a lot, and the three of them doing family things together even if they were fighting. He missed the cookouts at Granny’s that included Aunt Virginia and her husband Howard who worked at Owensboro National Bank as a Loan Officer. Once Rick told Shelly that her money grubbing brother-in-law was a pussy. Shelly countered by saying that he held a grudge because Howard bought a car from another dealer. Granny didn’t particularly like Howard because he was always advising her how to invest her money. Aunt Virginia was very protective of Shelly and was always mad at Rick for being late to the cookout and was being Disrespectful to his wife.’’ Rick often called his sister-in-law Radar" behind her back since she always knew when he and Shelly had a fight about when, or if, he took a female customer to lunch. They were an interesting picture gathered in the backyard. A 52 year old grandmother who looked and acted 40, daughters one year apart who looked nothing alike, a banker son-in-law with a big belly, a car dealer son-in-law who was driven to succeed, and three grandchildren. Granny and Rick joked and laughed together and Virginia and Howard waited on Shelly like she was their daughter. Anne Marie and Michelle were fraternal and did not look like sisters. Michelle was quiet like Shelly. Anne Marie was outgoing and loved being the center of attention and thought her Uncle Rick was cool, and like Granny, thought Shelly was a fool to let him get away.

But Brandon knew better, as he had heard his Mom on the extension phone crying and begging his dad to come home because she couldn’t stand living without him. The few times this happened, Rick came home, spent the night, and left the next day and did not return until Shelly called again. They hadn’t talked much lately and his mom had been cool to him when he came to pick up Brandon last weekend. Rick had told him to wait in the car. Brandon sat back in the idling Corvette’s soft leather seats enjoying the air conditioning and Bob Seger belting out on the cassette player:

Some people say that love’s a losing game

You start with fire but you lose the flame

The ashes smolder but the warmth’s soon gone

You end up cold and lonely on your own.

Brandon watched his dad walk up to the porch to say something to Shelly who was waving to him from where she stood by the door. She looked great in the tight cropped white sleeveless top. It ended at her ribcage, just above a flat tan stomach. She had on dark blue relaxed fit knit boxer shorts that came up just below her navel and were short enough to emphasize her long dark legs. Rick said something while looking Shelly up and down and then reached out and touched her stomach. Brandon hit the power window button just in time to hear her angrily call him a horny bastard. Rick responded with callous, frigid bitch. Shelly slapped him and then he slapped her back. Brandon jumped out of the car and got in between them and told his Dad to leave her alone. Rick turned around, jumped into the Corvette, backed into the street and set up a smoke screen from the spinning tires. Because of the noise, the neighbors looked out their windows and doors to witness another Seger battle. Shelly went inside crying, leaving Brandon confused, frustrated and angry. Brandon did not hear from Rick for a month. Last Thursday his Dad nonchalantly called inviting him to a pool party at the apartment complex as if the four weeks and embarrassing incident had meant nothing. Brandon declined because he felt obligated to go to a play with his mom. He didn’t really want to see Cat On a Hot Tin Roof, or maybe it was that he really wanted to see his Dad. Sometimes things got so confusing that he felt like his head would explode.

After these eleven months of separation, Brandon and Shelly had been forced to settle for a new life style of just the two of them making up the family unit. They had all the material things that should make them happy; a nice home, a new car, and plenty of money. The only thing missing was a Dad for him and a husband for his mom who would love her, maintain the house, and work in the yard like all the other dads of the subdivision did every weekend. Brandon missed the things that he had taken for granted, such as his dad waking him as he sang along with Bob Seger to Katmandu cranked wide open on the stereo and then saying, Get on the ball and I don’t mean the basketball, and occasionally playing pitch in the yard, and on rare occasions, he missed seeing his beautiful mom and handsome dad together in the stands at his ball games. Rick was out of town at car auctions in Indianapolis, Nashville, Evansville, and sometimes Chicago at least once a week.

When Brandon was four, Rick had come home from work at lunch and said he had quit his job. Shelly was shocked and angry and asked him just what did he think he was going to do for a living. He told her not to worry, that he was going to see his dad in Paducah that night, and left and came home two days later in his Cutlass with Granddad and Grandmother Seger following behind in a new Lincoln. Mrs. Seger played with Brandon and visited with Shelly and acted like it was just one of their usual visits. Rick and his dad left early every morning and would come in late. Mrs. Seger said nothing about what the two Seger men were up to. She told Shelly, Honey, you will soon learn the Seger men always get what they want so just resign yourself to the fact. Let’s go shopping and I’ll buy you and Brandon some new clothes. Where’s the best women’s and children’s clothing stores around here?

That night, the Seger men took their wives and Brandon to the Owensboro Country Club for an elegant dinner. When Shelly realized Granddad Seger was pulling into the country club drive, she asked who had invited them. Granddad replied, You invited yourself. Businessmen need to belong to the best organizations. The Rotary and country clubs are filled with successful people with excellent minds. Everything begins with an idea and creative ideas generate money. This county club is where the money is and so Rick must be here to start networking. As of this week you three are members.

Shelly asked Rick what was going on only to be told by all three smiling Segers to just relax and enjoy the moment. After a dinner that consisted of before dinner drinks, appetizers, prime rib ordered for Shelly by Mr. Seger, which she unenthusiastically picked at, deserts and after dinner drinks, they drove north down Breckinridge toward the river, turned left on 9th. and then back south on Triplett. On Triplett, Granddad Seger turned right into an asphalt lot that had an office building positioned in the center. Well we’re here, he announced with a big smile.

We’re here, but where are we? Shelly asked cautiously.

The home of Seger’s Pre-owned Motor Cars, Rick answered proudly. Let’s get out and I’ll turn on the lights so you ladies can look at the office.

Mommy, is this where Daddy has his new job? Brandon asked.

Honey you know as much about this as I do right now, Shelly cautiously answered as she walked around the empty office while holding Brandon’s hand.

Shelly, I want you and Mom to start buying furniture tomorrow. I’d like to open for business by the end of next week, Rick instructed.

Buy the best! Here’s my Gold Card, Granddad Seger said as he handed Shelly his American Express card. The environment speaks to the customer and I want this to communicate commitment and success, he continued as he walked around the space while puffing on his long cigar.

Isn’t this exciting Shelly? Grandmother Seger said as she hugged Shelly.

Yes, ah - I mean I’m just a little overwhelmed. We’ve just gone from a solid job with security and benefits to being in business with no benefits or security.

Shelly don’t worry, you just stay home and take care of Brandon, I’ll make this business prosper. This is what I’ve always wanted. It just took that shitty office job to make me realize it! I’m like Dad, a people person. I know how to sell and provide a service. Besides I’ve got quite an edge having the support of the most shrewd car dealer in the state. Rick winked at his dad.

Goddamned right, Granddad Seger responded and laughed as he put his arm about Rick. "I’m excited about branching out. The Paducah location has been a big success. It put Rick through college, supported you two after Rick knocked Shelly up and …….’’

Richard, please you’re embarrassing Shelly, Grandmother Seger said.

Hell, it’s truth. I just thought Shelly was a gold digger after Rick’s money, but I was wrong. She turned out to be a great wife and mother. Hell, I’m excited for their future. You can’t make shit working for the other man.

Right on all counts Dad, Rick added, laughing.

Let’s go home, have another drink and celebrate, Granddad Seger said.

The foursome and Brandon closed up the building and headed for Rick and Shelly’s where they talked until two a.m about the future for the Owensboro Segers.

The next day Rick and his dad drove 150 miles to Murray, Kentucky, and in three days bought 13 used cars from Granddad’s wholesale dealer friends. Rick was like a new person with his energy for work, but seemed to have less and less time for Shelly and Brandon. The career change was the beginning of a new life for Rick and the end of his life with Shelly. Since the formal separation, Brandon and his Mom formed a strong mother-son survival bond, with Shelly Seger trying to make up for Brandon’s not having a full-time Father and Brandon trying to be the man of the house as best as his young mind and body understood the role.

Brandon and his mom spent a lot of time together to make up for the missing third party. He was careful to eat all meals with his mother instead of watching television like he had before, assisted her with grocery shopping, with house cleaning, and attended the Wesleyan Methodist Church with her every Sunday morning and evening. Out of necessity and love for each other, they adapted and grew extremely close. Rick Seger quit the family, became an outsider and occasional visitor. He complained to both Shelly and Brandon that his son should spend more time with him including the summer months, but Brandon only promised to spend every other weekend with the man he had grown to despise.

Part Two

Girls Were Made To Love

1969

Murray State College, Murray, Kentucky, September, 1969

RICK AND Shelly met in 1969 at Murray State University. Shelly was from Owensboro, and unlike many of her Owensboro High classmates, had chosen Murray State over Western Kentucky University at Bowling Green. Murray was not as close to Owensboro as Western, but Shelly had been attracted to the smaller size student body, friendly recruiters, and the fact that the county was dry. In contrast, Western was twice the size, located in a wet community, and had the reputation of being a party school.

If Shelly had enrolled at Western, she would have driven straight southwest down the Green River Parkway to Bowling Green. In contrast, to get to Murray she traveled south 37 miles to Central City, turned West on the newly completed Western Kentucky Parkway, which ran east to Elizabethtown and west to its ending point near Eddyville. At Eddyville she took 641 south across Kentucky Dam, her favorite and most scenic part of her trip. The next city was Benton, and then Murray. The total drive was approximately 150 miles and took her about three hours.

Rick was from Paducah, only 40 miles north of Murray. He transferred to Murray after earning two years credit at Paducah Community College. Although a full time student, he drove home on the weekends to work for his dad at McCracken County Motors, where he sold cars and ran the car lot when Mr. Seger was out of town buying cars or betting the horses at Ellis Park Race Track in Henderson, Kentucky.

When Shelly entered Murray State, the quiet city of Murray had a population of 12,000. The college was founded in 1922 as Murray State Normal School. Murray, like most small college towns, turned into a sleepy little community when school was out during the summer and holiday breaks.

The town was located in an area of the state called the Jackson Purchase. Andrew Jackson, hero of The Battle of New Orleans and later President of the United States, and Isaac Shelby, twice governor of Kentucky, by arranging a treaty with the Chickasaw Indians in 1818, purchased the area for $300,000.00. This acquisition of land totaling 8000 square miles enlarged both Western Tennessee and Kentucky.

Kentucky’s total shape is unique, being long and narrow with the majority of the southern border existing as a straight line East to West, butting up to the northern edge of Tennessee. The extreme eastern portion of the state was formed by the borders of Virginia and West Virginia. The northern edge of the state was shaped by the meandering Ohio River which flows the entire upper boundary length until it empties into the Mississippi River at Cairo, Illinois in the West. The Jackson Purchase added to the state a peninsula land mass surrounded by Tennessee in the south, the Tennessee River in the east, the Ohio River in the north, and the Mississippi River in the West.

In 1944 the government agency called the Tennessee Valley Authority dammed the Tennessee River to create Kentucky Lake, a paradise for people who loved to fish, camp, and hike. In 1959, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built another dam in the Cumberland River Valley just a few miles east of Kentucky Dam. This second structure was name Barkley Dam in honor of the Kentucky politician and former Vice President, Alben Barkley. In 1963, President John F. Kennedy announced the approval of a 170,000 acre project to be called The Land Between The Lakes,’’ establishing the LBL" as a national recreational area in support of the country’s present and future need for outdoor recreation properties. Before this was accomplished, over 2500 people who inhabited this land mass between the Cumberland River in the east and the Tennessee River in the West were moved from the communities of Model, Blue Spring, Hays and Mint Spring, Tennessee; Fenton, Golden Pond, Hematite, and Energy, Kentucky.

Murray State, being positioned nine miles from the nearest portion of the lake, became an ideal college for one to pursue a degree while enjoying the adjacent recreational areas and all they had to offer.

Thursday September 26, 1969

ON A warm September Thursday in 1969, Shelly, her roommate Stacey Berry, and a friend, Jenny Smith, decided to cut their afternoon classes, load Stacey’s Corvair with picnic items and drive twenty minutes to a popular college hangout called Wildcat Beach. This part of Kentucky Lake was the closest water area to Murray and could be reached by driving east on highway 94 and then exiting on Kentucky 280, a winding two-lane road. Wildcat Recreation Area was nestled in a hilly, wooded area overlooking a beautiful bay. Stacey pulled the Corvair into the parking lot overlooking the nearly deserted beach. The only other car in the lot was a black convertible. The only other people on the sand were two guys sunning close to the water’s edge.

Okay girls, let’s hit the beach for an afternoon of sun, fun, and rock and roll, Stacey yelled as she put the dash mounted gear shift into park and killed the ignition. With excitement and anticipation of a great afternoon away from school, they pulled the cooler from the front mounted trunk and started toward the sand and water.

We’d better put our beach towels over there, those two guys may be alright and they may be some redneck locals, whispered Jenny when she noticed the stares from the young men drinking beer while listening to a portable radio.

"Hey, I’ll take any man I can get, especially if he owns that rag top,’’ Stacey said as she shook her finger at Jenny.

Just make sure he doesn’t get you without permission, Jenny advised quickly.

They picked a spot on the beach far away from the guys, spread their blanket, turned on their portable radio, and happily proceeded to apply Hawaiian Tropic suntan lotion to their faces, arms, stomachs, and legs.

Murray, Kentucky, home of Murray State College and Hawaiian Tropic, both of which are getting under my skin, Stacey sang in a silly manner as she spread the glistening liquid over her arms.

Is that true? asked Jenny.

My dad’s a truck driver and when he found out that I had selected Murray State, he told me the story of how a Murray student met the Hawaiian Tropic executive in Daytona Beach just as the executive was wanting to add a new distribution center. They hit it off and as they say the rest is history, Stacey said.

Well I don’t know about the guys on the beach, the fish, or the birds, but I sure do feel enlightened, Shelly said.

Fuck you Indian princess, Stacey countered with a laugh.

Shelly and Stacey took the outside positions on the large beach towel, placing skinny Jenny in the middle. All three untied their tops after laying on their stomachs.

It feels great to let these big bozongas breathe, Stacey said as she looked down at her very large breasts.

Mine didn’t feel squeezed at all, in or out of a top, Jenny said with a sigh.

"Speaking of being squeezed, I may go home again this weekend to see Brian. I’m feeling unfulfilled again,’’ Stacey said.

I think the proper term is horny, Jenny replied, elbowing her in the ribs.

Stop, that hurts, and besides that’s not the kind of poking I need right now.

You two are awful. Just be quiet and enjoy nature, said Shelly.

I thought that was what we were talking about, didn’t you Jen? Stacey asked with a wink. Don’t knock it if you haven’t tried it, Ms. haven’t been Dunn.

I’m not knocking it and I don’t want to be knocked up, Ms. rotten Berry, Shelly shot back teasingly.

I surrender all, I surrender all, Stacey sang like a church hymn.

The girls laughed. It felt great to be away from classes, lie face down in the warm soft sand, and dig their toes down to a cool depth. The beach was peaceful with only the sound of the waves slapping the shore, a motorboat somewhere in the distance, and Simon and Garfunkel singing:

Time it was

And what a time it was

A Time Of Innocence

A time of confidences

Shelly felt a wave of emotion sweep over her every time she heard their wonderful lyrics and harmony. She loved any song that had meaning and feeling behind the lyrics, and she was especially drawn to the writing of Paul Simon, and had collected all of the Simon and Garfunkel songs available.

Shit fire girls, why haven’t we skipped class and done this before, laughed Stacey as she dug her fingers and toes into the cool sand.

Jenny responded, We could make it a weekly outing until cold weather.

I think its a little matter of required attendance and mid-term ……, Shelly stopped in mid-sentence as she noticed out the side of her left eye someone walking toward her side of the beach blanket.

I came over here to offer my expert services, she heard a guy say as he stopped in the sand beside her.

Shelly put on her sun glasses to see through the 1:30 p.m. glare this person who was invading their space. As she turned her head, she saw a tall blonde squat beside her placing his left knee in the sand while resting his right arm over his other leg. He was holding a cold beer in his right hand and the plastic ring containing five unopened cans in the other.

After clumsily finding her top straps, she pulled the strings behind her back and tied a quick knot before sitting up.

Don’t tie that strap just for little old me, the stranger said as he looked over the full length of her body.

Are we supposed to ask what services, Shelly replied irritably as she looked into intense blue eyes and the most gorgeous man she had even seen in her 18 years of living on this planet.

Jenny and Stacey were both sitting up now and looking at their handsome visitor with smiles of pleasure.

Ladies, I am Rick Seger, the official entertainment director, bartender, and suntan lotion applier for this day at Wildcat Beach, September the 26th, Nineteen Hundred and Sixty Nine,’’ he answered making a mock bow with his head. Here is your liquid refreshment," he continued while offering beers to Jenny, Stacey, and Shelly.

Why thank you kind sir. How did you come across this nectar from the gods in the dry county of Calloway? Stacey asked as she reached over Jenny and Shelly to grab one for her and Jenny.

Being a Boy Scout, I am always prepared, Rick replied as he made a bogus Boy Scout sign.

I don’t think you are a true scout or you flunked the greeting test, Shelly said without smiling.

Shelly did not reach for the beer being offered to her so Rick shrugged his shoulders and hung onto the extra cans. He sat down cross legged in the sand next to her placing the three beers beside him, rubbing his hands together and glancing over her body. "Now Ma’am, I am ready to apply suntan lotion to any part of your beautiful body that might need protection from the harsh elements.’’

I appreciate your offer, but I seem to have been able to accomplish that feat all by myself, even though it might be that I need protection from more than the sun. And, we have plenty of soft drinks, but thank you, Shelly said.

I think I could use a little more lotion on my back, Stacey said while holding her untied top to her breasts only to realize that he was totally ignoring her. Shit, the long legged Ice Queen gets the man again, Stacey mumbled to Jenny as she laid back down on the towel, this time facing the sky.

"Calm down Stacey, there’s still one man left for us to fight over,’’ Jenny whispered loudly as she glanced across the beach.

If you won’t take me up on the rub down or the cold beer, or tell me your name, I will start the evening’s entertainment again introducing myself. Hi, I am Rick Seger, a college man from Paducah, Kentucky, and you are ……..

Shelly took in a deep breath and replied in an annoyed tone, These are my friends Jenny Smith from Murray and Stacey Berry from Duquoin, Illinois.

And who might you be? asked Rick as he playfully touched the tip of her nose.

Im Shelly.’’

Ms. Shelly, would you happen to have a last name to go with this great body? Rick asked again as he ran his eyes from her face to her toes.

"I think I am going to be sick,’’ Stacey whispered loudly to Jenny.

"Yes I do, — I mean ah - have a last name, it’s Dunn, Shelly Dunn, and I am from Owensboro, Kentucky.

Now that wasn’t so hard and we have the refreshment question settled, and you declined my lotion offer, I guess we’ll just have to continue getting to know each other. Rick confidently lay down in the sand very close to Shelly’s side, propped up his upper body on his elbows, placed his can of Stroh’s between his crossed legs.

Shelly continued to sit upright facing the water with her knees to her chin, arms wrapped around her legs, saying nothing, but stealing quick side glances at the brown muscular hairy body clad only in a tight white swimsuit.

The WNBS disk jockey finished a commercial for Johnson’s Grocery’s Today’s Special, and keyed up the next record. The sound of drums, harmonica, and Bob Dylan filled the uneasy silence.

The guilty undertaker sighs, the lonesome organ grinder cries

The silver saxophones say I should refuse you

Honey, I want you so-o-o-o bad, Rick mockingly sang as he looked straight into Shelly’s eyes.

That’s the worst imitation of a great singer poet I’ve ever heard, Shelly responded with a laugh.

She has a heart. That smile proves it, Rick said quickly to Stacey and Jenny. That’s going to be our song from this day on Shelly.

We don’t have a song and I seriously doubt there are going to be other days to talk about. No offense, but you, sir, are not my type, Shelly said laughingly.

Interrupting, Stacey said, Now that you two guys have decided that you do not have a relationship to worry about, why don’t you try this side of the blanket Rick? After she realized Rick didn’t even hear her question she turned to Jenny with a disgusted, Fucked again.

Figuratively not physically. Jenny giggled. The two girls high fived each other.

I heard that gross comment girls. Please behave for just one afternoon, begged Shelly.

Rick continued a barrage of questions about her home town of Owensboro, her major at Murray State, and when she would graduate. She answered all his questions except the one that would tell him that he was flirting with a lowly freshman four months out of high school.

Rick reached up, took her chin in his hands and turned her head toward his face. You didn’t tell me when you will graduate so I can’t figure how old you are..

"I am a Freshman,’’ Shelly timidly replied.

The news hadn’t budged Mr. Wonderful from his spot in the sand or from holding the cold beer at his crotch.

Who’s your friend? Stacey asked.

That’s my roommate Ron. He’s a little shy like me, grinned Rick.

Shy shit, you’ve got the smoothest lines since nylon stockings, replied Stacey.

Rick and Ron, sounds like two cartoon characters, Jenny said.

Shelly turned to Rick and said, You’ll notice that my roommate is shy too.

Rick extracted the can from between his legs, took a long hard drink, and just as she expected him to leave, he surprised her by grabbing her hand saying, "Ms. Freshman Interior Design Major from Owensboro, we are going for a swim.’’

Shelly was so surprised that he was still interested that she let him pull her to her feet and they walked hand in hand toward the water. She looked over her shoulders at the girls with a help me, what do I do now look.

Go for it girlfriend Jenny shouted with a thumbs up sign.

Shelly quickly pulled her bathing suit down over her exposed cheeks as she noticed Rick glancing at her bottom.

God, what a nice ass, Stacey exclaimed.

On Shelly or Rick? Jenny asked with a big smile.

I have to admit, I’m jealous of them both, but I was referring to the one I would prefer in my bed, thank you very much, laughed Stacey.

I thought you and Shell had separate beds, teased Jenny.

I’m referring to the one that has the part that swings and breathes when he walks.

Right on, laughed Jenny as they high fived again.

Rick led Shelly into the swimming area which was unsupervised and simply sectioned off with floating plastic pipe. They walked over the sandy bottom and the water was so cold it took her breath.

Go under real fast and you won’t be cold anymore.’’ Rick grabbed her other hand. One, two, three, go." They both went in over their heads. Shelly jumped back up and wiped the water from her eyes pushing her long black hair back over her head. Rick grabbed her hands again and playfully pulled her around in a circle. Rick glanced from her eyes to the white trim of her two piece suit. The smile suggested that he approved of what he saw. Then he released her hands and dove into the dark green lake water leaving Shelly to look around and guess where he would surface. After a period of time that she thought was too long to be under water safely, she felt something grab her legs. Rick splashed to the surface holding her around the waist, slinging water from his long blond hair.

Don’t do that, I was getting worried that something had happened to you. Shelly tried to push him away by placing her hands on his hairy chest.

You do love me after all Shelly Dunn.

They swam and talked for half an hour until he took her hand and pulled her toward the shore and the group.

Rick’s move on Shelly had encouraged Ron to introduce himself to the other girls. This led to having a campfire, a weenie roast, and Ron sharing a whole case of Stroh’s from the trunk of their convertible with the girls.

Shelly and Rick toweled dried and joined the three around the campfire. Rick ignored the other girls and his friend by remaining close to Shelly’s side as they sang along with the Everly Brother’s, Girls, girls, girls were made to love, and roasted hot dogs, marshmallows, and drank beer.

As Rick drank, he became more and more aggressive with his courting and flirting, keeping his arm around Shelly, trying to sneak a quick kiss while they danced in the sand.

Rick, you cool it for a while, Shelly said as she pulled away from his embrace.

Baby, I’m not looking for Ms. Right, just Ms. Right Now, thank you very much, Rick said in an Elvis impersonation.

What’s that remark supposed to mean. You sound like a male chauvinist pig, Shelly said as she pushed herself away.

Rick held his hands up in front of her suggesting a hands off attitude. Shelly are you interested in the hereafter? Rick asked in a very serious tone.

"What brought that question up from your sick subconscious mind?’’

Well baby if you’re interested in the hereafter, then you know what I’m here after, Rick said laughingly as he grabbed Shelly and tried to kiss her again.

The radio filled the night with the voices of Don and Phil Everly singing:

Your lips that once thrilled me now frown and disagree

Your words have lost their tender touch

That’s just too much to take, too much

Boy talk about timing for the present moment, laughed Ron.

Stacey, Jenny, and Ron laughed and toasted their beers. Rick released an unimpressed but smiling Shelly and reached across the group to accomplish a high five with Ron. Rick looked at his watch, stood wobbly and proclaimed, "Quiet everybody, I have an announcement. I have good news and bad news.’’

Is the good news that you are going to pass out? Shelly jokingly asked.

Do you have a date with Judy? Ron asked quickly.

Ignoring the questions and quickly responding Rick said, The bad news is that it is late and Ron and I must leave you lovely ladies. The good news is that Shelly has consented to give me — a - g - o - o - d - b - y - e kiss.

Go for it Shell, Stacey said as she raised her beer high in the air.

Rick Seger I said no such thing, Shelly responded quickly as all eyes turned toward her. I hardly know you, she nervously said as she looked to her friends for help once again.

I say go for it, Stacey said again banging her can against Jenny’s and then killing the remainder. Licking her lips she said, "If you won’t do it I know someone who will.’’

Good, then you or Jenny can kiss this drunken clown, Shelly replied in an embarrassed tone as she tried unsuccessfully to pull her hands from Rick’s.

I’m staying out of this little soap opera, Jenny said.

Jenny, help, Shelly pleaded as she looked toward her friend.

"You’re a big girl Shell,’’ Jenny replied.

Now the whole group stood and prodded Shelly to kiss Rick by chanting, kiss - kiss - kiss - kiss. Stacey grabbed Ron and gave him a long wet kiss, and then Jenny bravely did the same. Ron fell backwards in the sand like the pleasure had been too much for his young heart.

Shelly looked into her friends’ eyes who seemed to turn against her, then she looked back into the smiling face of the one who was thoroughly enjoying the moment. Reasoning that this would be a good way to get rid of the drunk, she turned toward Rick while holding her hands at her sides and said, "All right a quick kiss on the cheek and then buddy you are out of here.’’

Rick walked to within 6 inches of her face, stood quietly grinning from ear to ear and said, "Fair enough.’’

Shelly was beginning to feel very uncomfortable, he grabbed her head with both his hands and crushed his lips to hers, pushing his beer flavored tongue hard into her mouth.

Shelly instantly grabbed his hands trying to extract her head and mouth while he explored her mouth with his tongue for what seemed like an eternity.

He pulled his mouth from hers still holding her head, and looked into her eyes with a lipstick smeared grin. Thank you Ma’am, and turned and walked unsteadily toward his car.

Shelly stood still in shock as Ron said goodbye to Jennie and Stacey, and followed his leader to their convertible. The girls watched them load their cooler and towels, laughing and slapping each other on the back.

Shelly, feeling hot and embarrassed, turned to look at her giggling friends. She felt foolish to have fallen for such a cheap trick that allowed three other people to witness this event that left her with mixed emotions. She felt relief, free of this clown, and sad that he was leaving.

Damn Shell, you are one lucky girl to have a guy move on you like that and then to get one hell of a goodbye kiss, Stacey said as she shook her head in amazement. Did he French you? It has to be those long legs that drive men crazy. It made me wet just watching you two make out."

Stacey, that’s gross. Would you please control your hormones for once.

"Yes Ms. Indian Ice Princess.’’

Shelly chose not to respond to the remark and turned to watch Rick and his friend get into the beautiful 1964 Black GTO Convertible. Ron started the engine, and backed out of the parking spot, heading the car up toward the hill and the main road out of the park.

Rick stood up through the open top while holding on to the windshield with one hand and a fresh beer in the other and shouted, "Shelly my love, I will call you tonight about the details of our Saturday date.’’

While still rolling backward, Ron shifted into first gear and floored the accelerator causing the positive traction rear end to spin both rear wheels, making the car slide sideways while putting up a dense cloud of rubber smoke and ear piercing tire squeal. Rick fell back into the bucket seat still holding his beer high as the car shot forward up the parking lot, leaving the girls with the diminishing sounds of twin exhausts, laughter, and the voice of Bob Dylan blasting from the Eight Track Tape.

"What a show off,’’ Shelly said as she watched the car go out of sight, around a curve.

"Now it’s too quiet for me, let’s make like a tree and leave,’’ Stacey said as she started folding her towel.

I’m ready, I’ve had enough sun and beer to last me for a while. I’ve got one hell of a buzz, Jenny said as she started loading the cooler.

Boy, this day did not turn out like I thought it would at all, Shelly said shaking her head.

You’re damn weird Shell. Any other girl would be on cloud 9, but all you think about is analyzing the situation. Fuck, just accept the fact that a hunk chose you over two beautiful party queens. And I might add one has bigger tits. Man what a waste of pecker power, Stacey said as she walked wobbly toward the Corvair.

Really Stacey, there’s more to life than men, sex, and beer, Shelly said.

Really, thanks for informing Jenny and me. We sure were two ignorant bitches until today.

I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to be so blunt, Shelly said. "Let’s get our stuff in the car and get out of this place.’’

Shelly was the only one who had stuck with the soft drinks all afternoon, so she became the designated driver. They threw their things in the ’65 Corvair of Stacey’s and headed back toward Murray. The winding 2-lane drive up highway 280 to West 94 which led back into Murray was quiet and uneventful. Shelly’s friends were asleep three miles down the road, Jenny propped against the door in the front bucket seat, Stacey laying down in the small back seat. Shelly thought to herself they had planned a simple trip to the lake, but the outing had turned into a lot more fun than expected. The sleeping girls did not see the smile come to Shelly’s face as she touched her lips recalling the sound, the touch, the stare, the taste, and feel of Rick Seger. If she never heard from the handsome senior again, and she thought she probably would not, the afternoon would still be something to remember.

Friday September 27th, 1969

FRIDAY WAS pretty uneventful for Shelly. She woke up as usual at 6:00 a.m. to her clock radio.

Come gather around people wherever you roam

And admit that the waters around you have grown

And accept it that soon you will be drenched to the bone

If your time to you is worth saving

Shelly listened to Dylan’s voice allowing it to remind her of last evening with Rick Seger and Their song.

She did her back exercises, dressed in blue nylon Reebok running shorts, a white T-shirt, and Nike running shoes, then walked down the hall and out the door of Woods Hall. Under the Maple trees she set her Iron man watch to six zeros, hit the start button and slowly jogged east, down the residential street of Olive Boulevard lined with trees on each side and in the median creating a constant shelter of Autumn foliage overhead. This was her favorite street of the campus because of the beautiful trees and large well maintained yards.

Two blocks east at the corner of Twelfth and Olive, she turned right and headed north to pass the new McDonald’s Restaurant, glancing at the locals who were lined up for the drive-in window or those inside having coffee and Egg McMuffins.

A thought of where Rick lived and if he was up this early passed her mind, but she quickly returned her concentration to the sights, sounds, and smells moving around her.

Looks like two dogs trying to get out of a sack, yelled a boy who was hanging out his head and beating his hand on the side of an old pickup.

She ignored him and thought he’d probably stolen that line from his mentor Rick Seger. At the next intersection of 12th and Main, she turned right again heading west past the Dairy Queen and Burger Queen Restaurants, favorites of the college and the high school crowds. She was now nearing the southern edge of the campus, running past Purdom Pontiac-Cadillac, Corvette Lanes Bowling, Popeye’s Service Station, and the new campus Sparks Hall Administration Building just opened in the fall of 67. Her whole body felt alive when she jogged. Her leg muscles responded easily to the pace they had grown accustomed to and her arms moved in the natural forward and backward movement as she glided effortlessly through space. She could feel her small breasts bouncing with the light touch of each foot hitting the ground as her long black pony tail swung with the total action of her body. She wondered if he had a steady girl friend, if he just moved on all the girls like he had on her, and who was Judy. God, he was such an egomaniac. Why did he interest her like no other boy she had ever known? Next on the right came Oakhurst, home of the fourth President of Murray State, Dr. Ralph H. Woods, who had served that post since 1945. The two story white Doric columned structure was built in 1936 for the second President, Dr. Rainey T. Wells. Shelly smiled to herself thinking that Rainey was an excellent name for this area because it rained most