For The Love Of Chéri (CHAPTERS 1-112 REWRITTEN)

Chapter 24 : Psalm 23:4

Lennon passed several waves of security and then walked down the main corridor towards Dolores room. He had side-parted his messy, blond hair and waxed it back, kicking himself for not going out and having it all cut off.

He wore a plain white shirt and loose black trousers, trying to look as respectable as he could with the clothes he had brought with him.

However, when he was packing in Nashville to leave for the United Kingdom, he imagined himself driving the whole time and didn't pack for any formal occasions, not that he had that many formal clothes anyway. He softly knocked on Madam Dolores door and was let in by one of her security team.

"Lennon!" she said excitedly as she greeted him and kissed both his cheeks.

"Dolores, I can't thank you enough for letting me stay here. Though, last night Chéri told me about your business when I saw... people working upstairs." Lennon said.

She looked at him and smiled, "You only found out last night what this place is?"

"Yes mam." he said as he sat awkwardly.

"Call me Mamma, please." Dolores said as she took his hand, "Lennon, the gardens beautiful. Would you take a walk with me?"

"Yes, Momma." He said as he offered her his arm and they walked into a beautiful area of the gardens near a trellis and bench by the roses.

"I can tell that you are a well brought up young man. You are a credit to your mother." Dolores said.

"Thank you. That means a lot." Lennon answered.

She stopped walking a moment, and looked up at Lennon, "Did you and Chéri have sex last night?" she asked casually.

Lennon was stunned and shocked by the question and he didn't quite know how to answer, but this was a brothel owner so he felt that nothing would shock her. "Mmm, yes." he said as his voice failed him slightly and cut out.

"Good! Men are more reasonable and can think clearer when they have ejected all their semen. It also tells me that you are taking care of my baby, Chéri."

"Please forgive me, Momma, I'm not used to... conversations like this. I find them difficult. " Lennon answered.

"Are you shy? Because I don't think you are! I'll tell you why in a moment." Madam Dolores said.

"I think I am shy. Strength only comes to me when I really need it." Lennon said.

"You shouldn't feel awkward around me. Yes, I am a woman, but I know a great deal about all kinds of men. I want you to feel comfortable being direct with me."

"Yes, momma."

"You know, Chéri talks about you like he's never talked about anyone else." Dolores said.

"I'm glad. I love him so very much." Lennon answered.

"And he loves you. He told me so."

"Well, I'm glad, but that brings me to ask you something." Lennon asked.

"Speak it."

"Momma Dolores, do you feel that I am a good match for Chéri?" Lennon asked.

"You are perfect for Chéri. In every conceivable way." Dolores said.

Lennon took Dolores' hands, "I am going to be direct here. If I asked you for your blessings for the hand of your son, would you say yes?"

"I would, I accept you as my future son by law immediately! Because I have never seen anyone accept him like you have! I am certain he has talked to you about how he is. I honestly thought he would never find a man who understands." Dolores said with a sigh of relief.