West Richland Tavern.

[1millionsecrets]

The twins were silent, and when Hannah looked back at them she had found they had fallen asleep. Shaking her head slowly, she sighed and smiled gently. "I'll go up if you'd like.... They're out..."

 

[merryohmd]

Rex approached Pete and introduced himself and telling Pete we was his "go for" for the project. Just point him in the right direction and Rex would help out. "oh yea, in case one of the girls come down, I'll need to stop and get her something to eat. Otherwise, I'm here to help out."

 

[wombat9966]

"Sure just lock the doors. This is a good neighborhood but you never can tell."

Troy led Hannah up to his building then up to the 3rd floor. Each person owned the whole floor in this place so he led her into his place and showed her around. He had been working security for the better part of half his life and he had never really spent a lot of his money. His apartment was one of the few places he had splurged. His lounge room was tastefully done in dark hardwood flooring with two charcoal recliner's and a big 3 seater coach. He did not like leather so had gone for suede instead. A big 100 inch projector television was hooked up to a surround sound system.
His Kitchen had granite benches and gas cookers and ovens. White tiles covered the floor and halogen down lights illuminated everything nicely.
"Cmon in and make yourself comfortable. There's beer and soft drink in the fridge, or a cold water dispenser in the front. Harder stuff is in the bar cabinet to the right of the TV. You can see the glasses in the cabinet just over there. I am just going to grab a quick shower and change and I will be right with you. Make yourself at home"

 

[1millionsecrets]

She nodded softly and.looked around, she had never been anywhere this nice. Her Daddy loved her, but hated her at the same time, she looked too much like her mother and it broke his heart. She simply sat upon the couch and bit her lip.
"Such a nice place." She spoke softly, her eyes scanning everything closely. The only thing she didn't enjoy was the white tiles. They seemed so out if place, and easy to stain.

 

[wombat9966]

Troy flew into the shower and scrubbed himself up. A quick shave and touch up later and he entered his room. Opening his large mirrored walk in closet he found his suit and good shoes and laid it out on his king sized bed, Dressing quickly he turned and looked himself over. The suit was a smokey grey and tailored to fit him like a glove. The shirt was pure white silk and he had a red silk hanky in his breast pocket matched by his tie. His high gloss black shoes shone and he put his silver watch on. Well he was as good as he was going to get. Time to see if Hannah thought he scrubbed up alright.

 

[1millionsecrets]

When he had entered Hannah had been by the kitchen sink, drinking a glass of water. As her eyes caught his form she choked and spewed the water across the counter space. Instantly her soft cheeks turned red and she grabed a paper towel and began wiping it up.

"S-sorry." She stammered softly, ripping her eyes away from him.. She had noticed how his tie and kerchief matched her dress. She felt horribly under done up compared to him. Like a school child her heart fluttered softly

 

[feistyphoenix]

Tess came downstairs after Dj finally left. She calmed down enough to have a conversation with him for awhile but she was so distracted he excused himself, saying he had to go get some things done for work. Once he was gone she felt like her boundaries were restored and breathed a sigh of relief. He was intense.

She re dressed herself in skin tight skinny jeans and a low cut shirt to run downstairs and eat. She was surprised to find a work crew in the middle of renovations. She got a few looks and one wolf whistle, which she promptly ignored.

There was no one here she knew, Tess was very uneasy. She hadn’t seen Hannah all day and decided to try and call her, only problem was she didn’t know her cell number. She rummaged around behind the bar and in the kitchen before she found a scrap of paper by the register at the bar. It didn’t have Hannah’s number on it but it did have Troy’s. She felt really weird calling him since she had actually never said anything to him since she arrived but, she didn’t know what else to do.

Tess dialed the number from the phone by the bar and waited for Troy's phone to ring.

 

[wombat9966]

Troy had hoped that Hannah's reaction would have been a good one, but spitting water halfway across his kitchen probably didn't count as one. Before he could ask her what was wrong his phone rang.Pulling it out he glanced at the number and didn't recognize it. He was tempted to let it go to message bank but then realized it could be one of the contractors.
"Hello Troy speaking."
"Oh hi Tess. Yeah we are all going out to dinner, but we thought you were still busy with a client and didn't want to disturb you. Oh you have finished huh. Well sure we can swing by and pick you up but that doesn't leave you much time to get ready. The bookings in like twenty minutes and we still have to drive there. I guess they will hold it for a little bit but I can probably only give you ten minutes to get ready and this is a fancy place. Think you can do it? OK see you in ten then, meet you out front."

Troy looked up and met Hannah's gaze. "So I really look that bad in this thing then huh?"

 

[feistyphoenix]

Tess raced upstairs, ten fricking minutes. Ugh. She'd have to prioritize. She threw her makeup in her purse first, she could do that in the car. She stripped her jeans and t shirt off and rummaged around in her closet. It took a minute but she found what she was looking for.

She hadn't even worn it yet. It was a shimmery black one shoulder glittery dress. It exuded class, She changed her bra into a one shoulder and pulled the dress over her head, it came to her mid thigh and was perfect for a night out. She slipped back into her pumps and piled her hair up in a graceful updo. Wispy red tendrils escaped, framing her face. She turned on her curling iron and tapped her foot for 60 seconds before curling some of the strands loosely.

"Not bad," she breathed.

She checked the clock and realized she had about a minute left, she grabbed her wallet and checked the pocket on the outside. Her mother's diamond earrings were there, perfect. She put them in and walked out her bedroom door to go downstairs.

She sat at the bar and put on her foundation as Troy's vehicle rolled up to the front of the building.

 

[1millionsecrets]

Isn't time lapsing fun ^_^ yay magical world of false realities in roleplay!!)

She made her way timidly towards him, then.flashed a genuine smile, one of the pretty ones where her pearly teeth showed. The blush had faded enough she no longer felt its burn and when she got close enough, she placed her hands on his broad chest for balance. Then timidly without thinking she placed a soft kiss on his cheek. Stepping back slightly the blush returned with a fiery vengeance, illuminating the dark freckles that bridged her nose.
"You look fine... Better than fine. Don't." She felt flustered and started for the door. "Don't worry about it."
The way she walked, the way she moved was gentle, light. She never allowed herself to appear this way during work for she believed it showed submissiveness, weakness. She opened the door and started down. Assuming the phone call was Tess she glanced back at him. "Well? Come on..."

 

[wombat9966]

Troy had been a bit stunned but then a smile like the sun lit up his face as he quickly followed Hannah out of his apartment. Locking the door behind him he caught up to her in time to open the door for her to the street. He slipped his arm in hers to walk her to the car and made sure he opened the door for her. One thing his mother had installed in him was manners, especially to the ladies, and Troy was no fool. Tonight he was going to be going out with 4 stunning ladies and he better be on his best behavior. He especially wanted to make a good impression on Hannah. There was just something about this side of her that called out to him. Not that he didn't like the other side of her as well.

Slipping back behind the wheel Troy made a u-turn and headed back to the bar. Once there he tooted and Tess came strolling out in an elegant black shimmering dress.
"Wow you look great Tess. Just slide in beside the twins and we will be off."
As soon as she had gotten in beside the two slumbering beauties Troy took off and headed for Bobs restaurant.

They arrived five minutes late for their reservation and handed their keys to the valet. Tess had woken up the twins as they had arrived so they all strolled in like they owned the place. As they approached the Maitre de, Troy immediately saw that it wasn't his old friend but a rather pompous looking gentleman. He had dealt with these sorts before. Small men given a hint of power and lording it for all it was worth. He would enjoy seeing how Hannah would handle him.
"Mistress,"he whispered. "Pompous asshole at 12 o'clock. How do you want to play this. We have reservations and Bob has personally guaranteed our visit but you know his type, Napoleon complex. It's your call."

 

[1millionsecrets]

Smiling softly she patted his shoulder gently. "I've got this..." She made her way up the the reservations podium and smiled sweetly but falsely. She gave the man th name and he snickered.
"You're too late... The place is booked."
She feigned a disappointment and made a simple request. "May I perhaps speak to the owner?" Rolling his eyes, the man picked up his talking device and pretended to phone in his employer. Standing there for a few moments, he rambled into his cell, talking to no one. As he did, an eerie silence filled the room followed by silent whispers. A very large head clamped down on the shoulder of the overconfident male as just as he was about to snap h noticed the lion's ring. His deep voice boomed.
"My my my... Look at this lovely little thing." He stretched out a hand and cupped Hannah's seemingly delicate face. "Look at this stunning flower! What as it been? Five years. Heh." He turned into a big softy it seemed the large man easily 300 pounds standing only at 5'10. He pulled Hannah in gently and placed a kiss upon her hand. "If I knew, you were going to be here my dear I would have sent flowers to greet you."

He glanced back at the multitude of people following her. "Five?" He questioned then led them himself to a table, but before the introductions could ensue he bid pardons and parted from their presence, "Many things to attend to." And as soon as he had gotten twenty or so feet from the table, he became the controlling homicidal loon everyone else knew him for. Blushing Hannah rested into the large table and blushed.

"Sorry. He, and I were really close." She explained. "Tess, its a shame you are on my father's side... Bobby would have treated you well too."

 

[feistyphoenix]

Tess wished she would have known where they were headed before she had committed to going. She hadn't made it public knowledge that she was backerr in town. Hannah was the only one who knew. The last thing she wanted or needed was to be caught up in a pissing match, again.

She stood demurely behind Troy, hiding herself from Bobby. When she sat down between Kari and Troy she wrung her hands in her lap and was shaking a little. Damnit. She just prayed Bobby hadn't seen her. Hannah's comment made her roll her eyes, "Me, on a side? Hilarious."

As far as she was concerned Vice and Bobby were to blame for her life falling apart at 17. Someone pulled the trigger on her father, and the order was definitely from the top.

She pushed her worrying aside and turned to Troy.

" I want to apologize for ignoring you yesterday when I got here. It wasn't really intentional you just...remind me of someone." she steadied her voice.

 

[1millionsecrets]

Tess's reply stung. She meant on the side of the family, as in related to her mother... Opposed to Vince.
She bit her lip hard and reclused in herself quietly. She as sat on the end next to DeeDee. Away from.everyone really. Her stomach tied in a knot and she filled with guilt. She knew Bobby wouldn't say anything, he had no reason to.
Hannah simply placed her hands on her lap and forced a timid smile, she didn't allow her gaze to rise higher than her plate. The table setting was beautiful and she focused on it, ignoring any conversation that was carried across the table.
When the waiter spoke to her she jumped, he asked her what drink she'd like she simply replied, "Water."

 

[wombat9966]

Troy nodded back and smiled. "Don't worry about it Tess, I am used to people being a bit intimidated by me, especially the ladies. While my size may come in advantage for my job you wouldn't believe how hard it makes it to meet women."

He gave a small laugh and looked around the table at that but allowed his gaze to linger on Hannah for a few seconds longer than the rest of them.

"Well ladies tonight is on me. You may order whatever you want with just one rule. I hate to see food go to waste, so if you order it you eat it. I don't mind if there is a little left but if you only take a few mouthfuls you pay for it yourself."

 

[raiguy]

DJ hadn't meant to lie to Tess. Her actions just stung him. He knew he was new to this, but to have her react to him just hurt. He thought he was a good guy, but she seemed to suddenly wish that he would leave her alone. He sighed as he finished the shower, before getting his pants on. He dressed quickly before following Tess down. What followed was a civil conversation, but DJ just wasn't feelin it, so he used work as an excuse. He left the rest of the money he hustled for her, hoping it would make up for what she did.

DJ quickly dove into work once he got home. He knew he had too much free time, and should probably cut down on hustling. He remembered what he did in college and smiled, before taking a break from work and looking over his DJ equipment. He smiled, seeing it still in working order, before quickly deciding to put out an ad. He knew he had amazing credentials, as he had worked in clubs in California and New York. He just wasn't sure if anyone would hire him. He sat back and waited, his mind wondering what exactly he had done to scare Tess.

 

[feistyphoenix]

Tess got brave and put her hand on Troy's arm lightly.

"Thank you for doing all this," she smiled.

 

[1millionsecrets]

Hannah felt Troy's gaze linger and her cheeks grew heated. She stood slowly and excused herself to the bathroom. Tess had only been there a few days, and Hannah was already making waves between them. If it wpuld have been anyone else she wouldn't have cared... but Tess was family. She messed up again... at Tess's expense.

Hannah reached the dimly lit bathroom and hid for quite a while in the very last stall. She didn't cry, didn't fume, but simply waited for presumably nothing, her stomach knotting to the point of nausea.

 

[feistyphoenix]

Tess noticed too late the look exchanged between Troy and Hannah.

Fuck. Seriously?! She could have kicked herself for not seeing it sooner.

When Hannah excused herself Tess chewed on her lip and decided to go check on her if she wasn't back promptly. They ordered drinks and Hannah still wasn't back. Tess excused herself and told Troy she was going to see if Hannah felt alright.

She opened the door to the bathroom and looked under the stalls. The only pair of feet she saw belonged to her cousin. Tess locked the door behind her.

"Hannah, are you ok?" She asked softly.

 

[wombat9966]

Troy watched Hannah walk off and wondered if he had done something wrong but decided to wait for her to come back. It wouldn't look good to cause a scene in the bathroom here.
Turning to Tess he replied "It's no problems at all. You girls wouldn't have wanted to be in the bar with all that noise going on, and seeing as I was the main cause of it I should be the one to take you away from it. Besides how often does a mook like me get to go out on the town with four beautiful ladies. I'm sure my reputation meter just went up a notch or two. I should be thanking you ladies," he laughed.

 

[1millionsecrets]

Her mind flashed to.her childhood, briefly. How she and her cousin all each other had, how she watched the other's life fall apart and kept her heart ache hidden. She was the older of the two... she wasn't allowed to pity and dwell on problems in someone else's sight.
When Tess left, Hannah was alone. At the mercy of her father, whom blamed her for her mother's death.

"Fuck this...." she said softly as Tess opened the bathroom door. "Fuck everything."

Tess's voice startled her, she flushed the toilet and walked out of the stall to clean her hands. Acting as if she had been using the bathroom she smiled dimly. "Yeah why?"

 

[feistyphoenix]

Tess linked her arm through Hannah's just like they always used to when they were teenagers.

"Liar," Tess looked at her knowingly.

 

[1millionsecrets]

She smirked dimly and nudged her hip against Tess's. She sighed softly flicking the water at her. "Sorry..." her voice soft.

 

[feistyphoenix]

"Wash your hands, we're going to swap seats when we get back out there," she grinned. Tess was not about to start driving a wedge between them in less than 48 hours.

 

[1millionsecrets]

"No it's okay... I like it how he stares." She blushed softly and finished washing her hands. Then she looped her arm back in hers and lead her gradually back to the table.