West Richland Tavern.

[merryohmd]

Rex was about 2 blocks from the Tavern when he thought he saw Tess walking along ahead of him. She looked nice in her tight jeans. He thought about stepping us his pace to catch her, but decided against it since he knew she did not like him much. He decided to bypass the tavern and head "home" and put away is new clothes. Tess entered the motorcycle place across the street from the Tavern. Rex had never been in it before and had never ridden a motorcycle but decided to stop anyway. He pushed open the door and almost tripped over Tess when he entered out of the bright light. She was playing with a small dog. "Sorry" Rex said, "I've never been in here before and saw you come in. I'm head 'home' and thought you might want to see what I bought. He showed Tess the Speedos and asked "do you think Hannah will approve?" He figured Tess would bite his head off so he stepped back a little.

 

[feistyphoenix]

"Uh sure," Tess wasn't sure why he wanted her approval. It was all up to Hannah.

She stood and put the coke on the counter as she carried the dog around the shop patting her. Wolf's pictures of all the bikes he had completed lined the walls and she inspected them. She wondered if he might be back in the engine shop.

"I'm going to find Wolf, I'll see you later ok?" she told Rex as she ducked behind the counter and through the back with the dog.

 

[Wolfias]

Hearing someone enter the shop Sadie ran out to the door yapping, Eugene thought who the hell is that?. ''Be right out, don't be afraid of Sadie she's all bark and no bite!'' Taking his feet down off the desk rising to his feet, stretching his aching back before walking out of the office. Pulling the old faded Wolf Bikes cap from a back pocket of his black jeans. Flopping in on his head backwards just like when he was a little kid.

Seeing it's Tess he thought what's she doing here, he couldn't help but grin seeing her cuddling Sadie. I was told you're a killer guard dog Sadie, they didn't say licking people to death was how you do it. He walked the rest of the way to Tess with a grin, reaching out he scratches under Sadie's little chin. ''Hey Tess, what brings you into my shop, not looking for a custom bike are you? I could build you a one off beauty of a ride.''

 

[feistyphoenix]

"Oh no, no bikes for me. They kind of freak me out. I got an extra coke at lunch and thought you might need an early afternoon pick me up." she smiled and handed the coke to him.

"This is a really nice shop you have," she said as she wandered around.

 

[Wolfias]

''Thanks for the drink Tess. Yeah they're definitely not for everyone, especially these high performance babies.'' It was after lunch and he was getting thirsty, accepting the drink he takes a long sip from it. Her compliment on the shop made Eugene feel proud of himself, an achievement he had dreamed of in prison. ''Thanks Tess I appreciate that, I really do.''

 

[feistyphoenix]

Tess noticed that with just her sandals on she and Wolf were the same height. She felt the dog wiggle in her arms so Tess put her down and watched her scamper off. She continued looking at the pictures and moving around the room.

"I love the art you paint on some of these, it's really beautiful," she turned, not realizing how close she had been standing to Wolf and bumped into him.

She put her hand out on his arm instinctively, "Sorry," she blushed slightly.

 

[Wolfias]

''See told you we're the same height didn't I.'' Chuckling he quietly followed sipping the drink as she was admiring the paint work. "Sadie can't stay put for long she's got to put her nose into everything.''

''Thanks but not everything is my work, my little Bro Eric is the real airbrush artist. Catching Tess by her shoulders gently as she bumps into him, she was steady on her feet now so Eugene her let go.

''No problem, just glad you didn't fall into one of these bikes, some have sharp edges.''

 

[feistyphoenix]

"Yeah I guess you did say that. I should be more careful then," she said quietly.

She walked over to the chair and sat down, putting her feet up against the back of the counter.

"Did I ever meet your brother, I don't remember him specifically. It's been a really long time." she asked.

 

[Wolfias]

Eugene steps to the counter placing the drink on top of it, turning to lean back against it crossing his tattooed arms. ''No, he grew up with my Mom so he wasn't around me much, way back when.''

Lifting the drink off the counter for another long sip, pointing out the cherry red low rider bike. ''That little jewel there is Hannah's bike, the one I told you about.'' Pressing a button on the counters edge, classic rock quietly comes from the sound system.

"I built that one five years ago, it was actually the first build in to shop.'' A look of pride on his face as he was talking about it. ''I can hardly wait to see Hanna's face when we sneak it in.''

 

[feistyphoenix]

"Oh okay. Wow, that's a really nice bike, for someone who is just a friend," she said casually as she looked up at him.

 

[Wolfias]

''Hannah's letters helped keep me sane all those years, we're just meant to be best friends anyway.'' His eyes turn from the bike back to Tess, a calm understanding look in his dark eyes as he smiles.

''I'm glad she's found Troy, he's a real stand up guy. And thanks about the bike, it's the least I could do.''

 

[feistyphoenix]

Tess loved Hannah but she was a realist at heart. She and Troy had slept together once, it hardly meant they'd be together forever.

"Hannah is a good person. I wish I hadn't left her all alone but, I didn't really have a say," Tess paused," she's going to love the bike," she smiled. "I gotta get back, I have a couple of things to do. Come see us again, we have something very special planned."

And with that she told him to have a good day and headed across the street toward her temporary home, with a few songs rolling around in her head. She went upstairs and laid across her bed with a notepad and pen.

 

[Wolfias]

''That makes two of us Tess, but hey, we've been given another chance to be there for her. I believe so. If you hear a pebble clicking against a window, it's just me needed let in with the bike.

As Tess says she has to go Eugene was glad for the visit, she adds he should come visit something special was planned. ''Take care of yourself Tess, oh I'll be around the Tavern a good bit. With a little wave and a grin, he turned to watch her go. Maybe she was going to let him prove he's changed, Eugene really hoped so anyway it would be a refreshing first.

Hannah was lucky to have a Cousin like Tess back, he was really glad she had loved ones looking after her. He'd do his best to be there for her too, just like she had been for years for him. ''Hmm, wonder what those two have planned Sadie? Eugene picks her up and looks at her, almost as if she was going to answer the question. ''You have no clue either I see.''

 

[1millionsecrets]

As Hannah was left alone in the tavern with Troy, her thoughts became muffled. With no clear purpose she made her way to the stage, to eventually see what could be done about the sound system. Carefully, she spent several minutes connecting wires and twisting away at the broken ones. After a while a dull sound danced from the speakers, it from an old cd placed in the music dock. A slow italian song broke out, one sweet and lovely you knew it had to be about a man and woman... or two men, or two women. Either way it was a love song.
She smiled broadly and started to dust things off, all the surrounding speakers playing beautifully then. She clasped her hands together and sighed gently, stepping back onto the newly finished stage. The lighting caught it just right, and her auburn hair burned like fiery ringlets down her back. Having no shoes on, she stepped barefooted across the stage with such a grace it seemed impossible for a woman her size. She lifted her arms, pirouetted and twirled carefully along with the beautiful sound surrounding her. She dropped from her toes to the balls of her feet, and began an elegant fourstep counting to herself quietly as she swayed with her invisible partner.
Her movement was nearly trance like, until her own hands found her hips, and glided teasingly up her soft form, catching on the material of her shirt and letting it drop just below her breast. She then moved her hands above her head, moving gently with the slowly steady beat. Her waist moved in circulation opposite her hips, and her whole body twisted as if she was a professional belly dancer.
As the music slowed to end her hands slowly fell, she began her solo fourstep again and as the last few notes were hit, and pirouetted, and bowed lowly at the hips. When silence overtook the tavern she planted on her feet yet again and made her way to the cd dock just as another song ripped through the air. This one aggressive and loud. Thundering, it boomed causing a low echo. Hannah switched the system down to a very low mumur and made her way off the stage to fix a sandwich for lunch.
"Hungry Troy?" She asked softly as she slipped into the beautiful new space.

 

[wombat9966]

Troy had been going to discuss a few things with Hannah but had decided to leave her alone for awhile when he saw her approach the old sound system. He had pottered around the new place making sure Pete had installed the new security devices he had wanted as well and checking that they were hooked up right. He would show the others how they worked later and how they could access them.

His head had snapped up as the first notes of the song had rung out over the speaker system. It was a beautiful song and he had been walking to tell Hannah to turn it up when he had seen her start to dance. He had stopped dead and had watched in rapt wonder as she had glided across the stage, dancing with her invisible partner. Troy of course was wishing it could be him, but while he was a whiz on a fighting mat he was a dunce on a dance floor.

When she suddenly began the sexy part of her dance Troy felt himself becoming aroused and his mouth became dry as it hung open while he watched her.He didn't blink or move the entire time she danced and only came out of it when she turned the music down and headed towards the kitchen.

~Hungry Troy she asked him as she glided past him and into the kitchen. Troy followed her still in a daze and replied "Yes I am, and after that dance it's not just food I'm hungry for."
Suddenly Troy snapped out of his trance and realized he had said that out loud. Blushing bright red he looked at Hannah and stammered "ummm ,well that is..." he mumbled blushing even harder.

 

[1millionsecrets]

A soft smile touched her lips and she shook her head. She rummaged for a moment and got everything he could want on a sandwich. "Make your own then Mr. Hungry." Her voice glittered with a gentleness. She made a small egg salad lettuce and cheddar sandwich. Cutting it in half she wrapped the second up and stowed it away. She then sat at a little stool in the kitchen and ate in silence.

Before her last couple of bites she glanced shyly up at him. "Are we moving too fast?" She was almost scared to say more, but her lips parted anyway and she spoke softly. "I.... I mean, I barely know you." Her voice delicate, nearly timid.

 

[wombat9966]

Troy blushed even more when Hannah teased him and he was sure his face must be glowing by now. Waiting until she had finished he quickly made himself two Chicken, lettuce,cheese and tomato sandwich's with mayo and mustard. Cutting them in half he put everything away and then joined Hannah at the bench sitting a little bit away from her. As he took his first bite he heard her question and used the time he chewed and swallowed to think up an answer.

"Perhaps we are," he said looking up and into her eyes, "but the thing is Hannah I have been around a lot of women in my line of work. I have been hit on by a lot of them, and sad to say I have taken more than a few up on their offer. None have lasted, because none have ever felt right. You Hannah feel right. I don't know why and I don't know how it happened. I certainly didn't come here looking for a relationship or anything. Here's the thing though, If you think we are going too fast we can slow it down. Hell we can stop all together if that's what you want. Just let last night be a fond memory and we go back to being good friends or I walk out the door and keep walking if that's what you need. Your choice Hannah."

 

[merryohmd]

Rex had hoped to talk more with Tess, but she had just looked at his new treasures and walked away with the small dog. It did give him a chance to admire the swing of her hips as she went into the back of the shop. He left the motorcycle shot without a further look around and headed toward the flophouse. He had no idea what else he would do the rest of the day but he was determined to not do something he'd regret later. He was tired of the wasted days and wasted nights life he had been living. Maybe no one at the tavern respected him, or even liked him for that matter, but at least he had a purpose now. He wanted to help Hannah succeed. Arriving home he stowed his new clothes and then was suddenly at a loss about what to do next.

 

[1millionsecrets]

"Hey now..." She spoke softly. "I never said any of those things and honestly I never planned to. So shush and eat." She was caught off guard, his tone wasn't an angry one and it didn't hold much emotion but the things he said sounded to her as if she ad hurt him in some way.
She scooted nearer to him and rested her head on his arm. "I'm happy with you..."

 

[1millionsecrets]

Dee woke gradually and rose. She changed into skinny jeans and a tight fitting tank top. She didn't say anything as she exited. Her feet had tiny orange flip flops covering them and her soft straight hair hung loosely.
Her delicate fingers pushed on the door and she stepped out into the heat. It so powerful it nearly took her breath away. After she caught her air she began walking slowly.
This part of town wasn't awful, it wasn't time square but it wasnt complete crap either. As she walked along, admiring everything her hips swayed slowly, lazily.

 

[wombat9966]

Troy leaned down and rested his head on top of hers.
"Sorry if I sounded a bit blunt there Hannah, but the thing is I meant what I said about you being the only girl I have felt right about being with. If you really think we are going a little to fast though we can slow it down a little. I guess I can see your point. You barely know me and I barely know you. How about we date a little first, get to know each other. Work will be work but after work will be about us. Can't say I won't sneak moments like this though every chance i get," he chuckled as he quickly wrapped her in a hug a stole a quick kiss before escaping and taking his empty plate to the sink to wash laughing all the way at the shocked look on Hannah's face.

 

[1millionsecrets]

She grabbed a lettuce cluster and tossed it at him. It connected softly with the back of his head and she giggled joyfully before standing and putting away everything.
Before he could retaliate she skunked out if the kitchen and hid behind a section of booths, her heart playfully racing.

 

[wombat9966]

Troy came racing out of the kitchen, a small glass of water in his hand. "Oh bad move Hannah, Very bad move," he laughed. "It's on now girl."
He looked left and right, trying to figure out which way she would have run. She wouldn't have had much time to hide so it was a choice of the bar or the booths. Figuring she would try to rearm herself Troy chose the Bar. Stalking towards it he began to chant "Come out, come out wherever you are."

 

[1millionsecrets]

Getting back to the kitchen would be difficult, perhaps she.could lure him down stairs. If she did she could attack him with water from her tub.
Deciding that was her best bet she made her way to the basement stairs in near silence. She made it down two steps when she felt a sneeze over take her, unable to stop it the sound echoed tgrought the tavern. "Achoo." She then scampered quickly down careful not to wake Keri and hid in her bathroom. She took her rinsing glass filled it with water and barely made it to the safety of her closet behind a few dresses before she heard him move. She nuzzled in until every bit of her was covered, even the glass. She hid behind various leathers knowing he wouldn't dare ruin them.

 

[merryohmd]

Rex had to leave his room. Even though he had no drugs or alcohol there, he knew if he just stayed there he'd eventually go looking for something. Damn it was going to be really tough to stay sober. He put on a new pair of the Cons and headed out of the building. I figured if he walked until he got to the park a couple of miles away, he'd find a game of some kind to watch. He no longer tried to play because he was too unfit. Once he'd been an exceptionally talented soccer player but no more. He walked quickly and just looked around observing all of the people out and about. He even started to say hi to some of them as the passed. The day was warm and he had a light sweat under his clothes. He'd find some shade at the park and cool off there.