Penelope narrates: December 26,1986: I've got six dresses laid out on the bed, trying to make a decision on what to wear for the New Year's party. Normally, I would just be trying to decide between two outfits but I'm meeting Prince's dad in at the party. Since I've never had a boyfriend introduce me to his dad before, it's a very big deal.

Prince walks in"Cleaning your closet? Why not start with that box labeled 'Janitor Clothes' on the top shelf?" He suggests. Before I can say anything, he's grabbed my footstool and gotten the box down. He holds up a pair jeans that I used to wear. "Yeah, you ain't wearing these again." They're too big now and the cut was never quite right, but I bought them because they were on clearance sale and I needed something to clean in.

"Sugar, put those back. I wasn't cleaning. Just trying to choose a dress for the party. I'd hate to choose the wrong one and have your dad thinking I'm a harlot. But if I'm too conservative, he'll think I'm trying too hard. " I say.

"You worry too much. No one thinks you're a harlot. Any of those will be perfect." He kisses me.

"Think your dad will like me?"

"I don't see why not. He seems to approve of everything I tell him about you. He even said you sound like a nice girl."

"Thank goodness! " I relax a little. "Dear put that box back in the closet."

"Fine. Don't know why you want to keep it though"

Without responding I hang three dresses up. Prince kisses me again and heads to the studio. I take a break from choosing a dress and settle down with an etiquette book to review how to be a good hostess.

December 31,1986:"That dress looks hot on you." Prince smiles while I do my makeup

"Thank you." I reply as I drop my eyeshadow brush.

"Nervous?"

I nod. "How do you think I felt when after two months of dating your mom put her foot down and insisted I meet your family?" Prince asks.

"You know how my folks were at the time- very protective. So when I started having a very handsome devil around of course they had to meet you sooner rather than later." I reply. "Dad thought you were just after one thing. "

"Actually, I wish we hadn't had sex right away."

I look at him crazy. "Sugar, you lost your mind?"

"Think about it, we were waiting out the storm in a barn, would've been a nice time to actually talk to one another and get to know each other. You were a photography student and I didn't know where you were studying. But I'd have known things like that if we'd talked."

"We talk often now, so I think it turned out okay." I giggle.

"Hope we're not too tired when we're alone later."

Mr. Nelson is one of the first to arrive. Introductions are made."It's nice to finally meet you." He says to me.

I give him a firm handshake. "It's good to meet you too." I say

"Prince tells me you make him very happy."

Prince smiles at me and puts his arm around my waist.

"How your business coming? He won't quit talking about your Nikon ads." Mr. Nelson says.

"It's great. I've actually been booked for a public appearance this week at a health shop my friend is opening."

"That's right. You're the darling of sports photography." He snickers a little.

"Don't laugh, she's got a couple bodybuilder clients about your age." Prince protests.

"It's an inclusive activity-becoming your best physical self. I firmly believe you can do it at any age." I reply.

Aunt Sophie arrives. Prince hugs her and says,"Glad you could make it"

"How do you know her?" Mr. Nelson asks with a surprised expression.

"She's Penelope's aunt. How do you know her?"

"I met her a couple nights ago at a club. No one was sitting next to her so I did."

"The band was very good." Aunt Sophie says.

Aunt Sophie loves to dance and watch the local bands play. She's not into steady dating but her lifestyle makes her happy. Before I met Prince, she'd take me out with her to enjoy the music. I knew though she was trying to help me with my shyness because she'd try to encourage me to make small talk with people. It was hard to find fault with her because it's easier to try to chit chat in a club than go out on a blind date Grace set me up on. Even if I just talked about the weather with the bartender Aunt Sophie was very excited. Truthfully, just doing that much was a big deal for me back then.

I spot Grace across the room. "You invited Grace! Thank you! Thank you!" I exclaim.

"Yes, I did. You wanted her to be welcome here." Prince replies.

I excuse myself and hug Grace. "Hey, Sexy," Grace laughs,"Look at you in that clingy dress.""Guess who's here?" I whisper.

"Tipper Gore?" she laughs.

"No. Prince's DAD. I had to meet him tonight!"

"You're the type parents WANT to meet!"

"Well, I think it went okay. Mr. Nelson liked Aunt Sophie-I know that."

"That's a given. She's cool. Hi, Vickie!"

Vickie had brought a nice man from the business association we belong to. His name is James. They see each other regularly but aren't "serious" yet. We all chat awhile.

Prince performs for everyone., gets the crowd all excited. Aunt Sophie dances with Mr. Nelson. She's a bit taller than him and wearing four inch heels so they look a little funny.

Prince brings Annette to the front of the stage. "For those of you who don't know, this beautiful woman is my friend and singer, Annette. We've started working on an album for her and she's going to perform for you tonight!" he announces before taking a spot behind her on guitar.

I'd known about the album. The insecure part of me says all kinds of things. "They'll get closer to each other","She's so skinny and perfect", "It'll be Amber all over again" and "She's so talented-you can't carry a tune in a bucket"

I tell myself to shut up and resolve to not have as many negative thoughts. It's the best thing I can do for my relationship with Prince.Annette is incredible so why shouldn't her friend help her with an album? 

Mr. Nelson and I dance together, while Prince looks at us with a happy expression. The rest of my night is spent dancing with Prince and socializing. Prince and I kiss as 1987 arrives.

Once we say goodbye to our last guests we go to the bedroom. In my bra and panties, I do my nightly ritual of rubbing cream on my scar. "You still concerned about that?"Prince asks.

"Not as much. But I want it to look as good as possible." I reply.

"Funny. I never notice what it looks like." He drops his shirt on the floor. Prince walks stealthily up behind me and holds me while kissing my neck. "Let me help you with this" he whispers as he unhooks my bra.

Turning around, I grab hold of his waistband. "I'm going to help you with these" I smirk, unfastening his pants. Once he's fully nude, I shove him on the bed with all my might. Prince is laughing as he get a condom from the nightstand. My panties get discarded. "I'm on top tonight, Sugar."

"Gonna straddle me all night long, huh?" he smirks.

"If you're man enough to handle a strong woman, who isn't a waif,  I'll ride you properly."

Prince is man enough...

Happy New Year, Everyone!