"For the last time, I REALLY don't see why you are so uptight about this," Gene whispered in her ear.

"Well, it's just...I haven't been with him for a while..." Ray said, glancing out the window. Gene curled his arm around her shoulders, scrunching closer to her in the plastic seat. The Bronx arose around them as they left Manhattan behind, several new apartment buildings rising around them. She noticed the spires of tall buildings; a region called Co-Op City, on the far eastern end coming into view. This prototype community of tomorrow gleamed of strange new promise, alien compared to the neighborhood she inhabited now with Gene. It was Friday evening, after a tense few days contemplating her brother's response.

"He's your brother. What's he going to do? Forbid us to see each other?"

"No, but its just when I told him about you he well, made some editorial comments I didn't CARE for..." she snorted. "Why am I even DOING this..."

Gene rubbed her arm softly and placed his leg over the other one. "You know darn well that you don't owe an explanation for anything you do, don't you? Last time, I checked you WERE of age."

"Yeah," I know, she sighed.

"Besides.... Like I said before, he's obviously far from perfect. He sat back and said nothing while your parents threw you to the wolf.... Literally," Gene said.

"He said you were very 'ethnic looking'," she rolls her eyes. "What the hell does THAT mean anyway?"

He chuckled a bit. "Aha, it's a religious thing."

"Well I guess, and the fact you're an 'immigrant' perhaps," she rolled her eyes. "As if WE weren't a few generations ago..."

"He's not going to change mine and I'm pretty sure I won't be converting him either, so what's the harm in a little fun? Besides doll, I'm sure everything will go just fine."

"Well at least my sister in law will be there," she said, taking his hand and rubbing the back.

"Ray, I'm not worried and you shouldn't be either. I'm the damn one under the microscope and hey, I'm cool with it. Just RELAX!" he grinned and tugged at her ear. "I know," she sighed. "He said he sided with me, when his parents knew the mark thing had gone down..."

"I remember a professor in college used to say, when things got bad, think to yourself 'What's the worst thing that could happen?'"

She playfully snaked a hand up his leg and whispered," if this wasn't the subway I'd know a perfectly GOOD way to relax..."

"In this case, what? We both agree that we hate each other. Can you live with that? I can."

"Live and let live," she chuckled.

"I think at least we'll have a truce, and he'll find out you aren't any worse then anyone else... Besides," he grinned. "With such a sassy sister, I'm sure he's got a fun streak in there somewhere."

"It's buried," she joked. "You should have seen him in his fraternity days. Alpha sigma phi... do or die."

"And if there's no other choice, I tell him you tried to seduce me on the subway, and that's why I'm so messed up tonight." She chuckled and leaned over to breathe in his ear, kissing his cheek. "All that testosterone rushed to my head" he grinned evilly.

"Which one?" she winked. She leaned over and kissed him, her hand stroking through his hair. Reaching over he hungrily nipped her cheek, then kissed it. His hand stroked up her leg playfully.

"Trust me" he grins, "Do you HONESTLY think you can go wrong following my lead?"

She chuckled and leaned in, putting her thigh on top of his lap playfully. "I haven't gone wrong yet," she jokes back. "You're a terrible influence on me Gene..."

"And every time you have, it's because you didn't listen to me," he teased. Just then, the stop was announced. The train slid into the station, squealing to a stop.

"Rats, it's our stop!" she panicked, getting up.

He pushed her off his lap and climbed out of his seat. He takes her by the hand and leads her off. They scoot off the train and land on the platform.

"I'm not letting this weasel pay for all of this, you know," he says, "I have my own money."

"Good," she nods. "I'll let him know it's separate checks."

"I take care of what is mine," he reiterated.

"Good for you," she nodded. They headed off to catch a cab in the direction of the restaurant.

"Looks expensive. Not incredibly over the top, but pricey," Gene muttered appreciatively.

"Not bad for a lawyer..."

"It's where we would meet for special occasions," she muttered. "Le Cheval Noir's is one of the best French restaurants locally..."

She hesitated by the yellow awning, painted with red letters. It bobbed a bit in the quickening wind. Already December was well upon them, and she shivered in the woolen coat wrapped around her. Gene moved closer with his arm around her shoulders, glancing around for a moment.

"Well, let's go in and see it from the inside, doll," he suggested, taking her hand. Turning, he strode in confidently through the glass door to the pleasant lobby paneled in dark variegated woods and ocean green sofas. Several patrons already waited near an oak podium complete with reservation book. He noticed a glass bowl of mints to the side of the book.

"Help me here, love" he teased. "I've not exactly seen this guy before."

"He's got red hair," she said. "Freckles, blue eyes... Very Scottish looking. Minus the kilt..."

Gene released her hand, and wandered over to the bar area, adjacent to the entrance to the dining room. He peered over the four-foot partition, glancing at the patrons already seated. Ray noticed a tall man with slicked back hair moving out of the dining area, his crisp white shirt in sharp contrast to the black suit he wore. A red carnation was pinned as a boutonniere to his lapel.

"Can I help you Madame?" he asked her.

"Yes, I'm here for the MacLaren party," she said, clearing her throat.

"Monsieur?" he asked, coughing toward Gene.

"Uh yes?" Gene asked, jerking his body backward to stand next to Ray.

"MacLaren Party of four?" he said.

"That's us," Gene said crisply as he gave Raina a cheesy grin.

"Your coats sir and Madame," the Maitre-d offered, holding out his hand to take Gene's coat.

"Just a sec," he said, helping Ray off with her long wool coat, then tossing it over his arm with his own long leather one. He handed both over, and they were passed to a girl in long black skirt and white silk blouse, which had just moved out from the bar.

"Just this way sir... your party is expecting you," the maitre-d nodded, grabbing 2 menus. "This way Madame and Monsieur..."

Gene nodded to him. Moving over to the mint dish he winked back at her, 'Mint?" he smiles, trying to lighten her mood. She giggled at his wink.

"Those are for AFTER the meal, smartass!" she whispered in his ear.

He grabbed a handful the way over and stashed them in his blazer pocket. "Hell, no, these are DELICIOUS," he whispered back as he shoved a few into her purse.

"Are those to replace the candy I stole from your jacket?" she winked.

"THOSE candies have been replaced," he whispered.

"Right here," the maitre-d indicated with a friendly wave. A red haired gentleman in a dark blue suit with striped crisp shirt waved at Ray, smiling broadly. The wide tie was solid brown, the lapels of the suit generously wide and stylish, not too conservative but too avant guard. A handkerchief was neatly folded in the breast pocket.

"Ray," he called out, waving her toward the table. "Glad to see you could make it!"

"Never you worry," Gene winked at Ray. He noticed the attractive blond to Mr. MacLaren's left, her long straight hair pinned back in an attractive bun. She wore a wool suit, two piece with a pink silk blouse, and tan alligator shoes that matched her handbag sitting on the table. She smiled when Gene's gaze turned on her, and he gave her a charming glance.

"You must be Jason, I take it," Gene said, holding his hand out to Jason.

"Yes," Jason nodded, extending his hand and shaking it firmly. "This is my wife... Denise."

"And a lucky man indeed, I see, with a beautiful blonde at your side," Gene said, leaning over to take Denise's offered hand. He softly kissed the back. She gave a slight giggle in amusement.

"That's a rather old fashioned way of greeting a lady," she commented. "You must be Ray's friend, Mr. Simmons..."

"A most pleasant surprise," he said in Hungarian, while winking at her.

Denise stood up and smiled, a bit bewildered. "I...it's very nice to meet you, Mr. Simmons, even though I have no idea...." she said, a bit flustered.

"It's Gene to my friends," he said graciously. "Of which I hope I can count such a lovely lady as yourself."

As Gene exchanged pleasantries with Denise, Jason leaned over to kiss Ray on the cheek and hug her. She returns the greeting, whispering, "Behave yourself, Jay."

"Ray, so nice to see you again," Denise said, turning away from Gene for a moment. She held out her arms to Ray, and the two women embraced, kissing each other on the corner of the lips.

"Shall we sit down?" Jason asked. Denise tossed a glance at Ray, wondering what Gene had said.

"It's Hungarian," he smiled, anticipating her question. "And it WAS a compliment..."

"Ah," Denise nodded. Jason pulled out a chair for her, and Gene automatically did the same for Ray. Both women sat down, and then waited for their respective men to seat themselves. It was a square table, where Ray sat opposite Denise, with Gene to her left and Jason to her right.

"So, now we're all properly introduced and here," Jason said, and cast a glance that made Ray frieze up a little. Reaching under the table, Gene tickled Ray's exposed knee.

"Good afternoon ladies and gentleman, I'm your waiter, Pierre," interrupted the young man in white shirtsleeves, black bowtie and freshly ironed black pants. His short hair was immaculate and close cut, in sharp contrast to many young men nowadays. "May I get you a drink and or appetizer to start out with? Ma'am?"

"Uh I'll have a Tab," Ray asked.

"Ma'am?" he asked Denise.

"I'll just have water, thank you," Denise said.

"Fresca will be fine, Pierre," Gene said.

"I'm afraid we don't' have that. Will sprite do?" the waiter asks.

Gene rolled his eyes slightly at Ray to get her to laugh. "Suppose," he muttered. She giggled

"Sir?" he asked.

"But that will be 5% off the tip" Gene joked. Denise giggled also, intrigued by this man.

"Well, we do have ginergerale..." the waiter said. "I apologize sir..."

"That's for stomach aches." he laughed, trying to appear very confident for Ray. "Sprite will do just fine."

"And for you?' he asked Jason.

"I'll have a glass of white zinfandel," he said, handing the wine list back.

"Very well. One sprite, one tab, one water, and one white wine... any appetizers?"

"I'll have some of the lobster bisque soup," Jason says, looking at the menu.

"Ray, love, anything? I know how you love those fussy appetizers," Gene asked, nudging her elbow.

"Hmm how about some salad?" she suggested.

"Rabbit food for the lady, and I'll have a cup of the soup also."

"Salad for me too," Denise added, and held her stomach a bit.

"I'll be right back with your drinks, and then come out with the appetizers..." he said, writing the orders in his notebook.

"This is quite a place," Gene started. "Can't say I even knew this was out here."

"It's been here for a while," Jason said conversationally. "But it's a place we come on special occasions, right dear?"

"Yes, we love it here," she nodded, looping her arm through his and letting him rest his hand on hers. Ray noticed the gleam of gold on both their ring fingers, especially the diamond engagement ring. It evoked memories of a year's past, where such a ring was hers. Representing a life that she had been prepared for by those who would chart her course. Such a ring she had sold to fuel her current directions and buy a new life where she made the rules, not others. What some had perceived as a ring representing happiness was a symbol of imprisonment. Only by ridding herself of it did she find the freedom she so deserved.

"Here we are," Gene nodded eagerly, as the waiter returned with a drink-laden tray. He set the water and tab first, each garnished with a lemon wedge before the women, followed by Gene's sprite and the white wine.

"Ah, perfect," Jason nodded, dipping out a portion of his soup and tasting it delicately. Gene tried a bit and hen began to eat it heartily. He had to admit it wasn't bad, even if it were something he wouldn't normally pick from a menu.

"So, Ray says you're a lawyer," Gene mentioned. "I bet you've gotten all sorts of responses to that... they hate you or they hire you right?"

"Most people do end up doing both and either," Jason nodded. "But considering I'm in bankruptcy law..."

"Great. Peter's going to recommend I look him up if our band goes bust," Gene joked. "But I say hell no..."

"Your band, I'm to understand you've aspirations of being a sensation someday," Denise asked. "Ray mentioned you were a musician."

"Only in America can an Israeli immigrant have hopes on joining a rock band and ruling the world,' Gene nodded.

"God bless America then," Ray laughed.

"Excuse me, but may I clear these plates?" the waiter interrupted before Jason or Denise could speak.

***

When they had placed their food orders, Jason asked, "Excuse me, but it must take a while to... get your contacts. What exactly do you do during the daytime to finance your career? Ray mentioned you worked as an editor..."

"That's true," Gene said. "But it's a step along the way. I get up, go to work, and remind myself that it won't be forever. Because sooner or later I'll be the one hiring people to work for me... when I'm rich and famous..."

"You sound very sure of yourself," Jason commented, sipping another swig of wine.

"I have to be. Nothing or nobody is going to stand in my way. Failure is not an option in this business," Gene said, taking a piece of French bread and swiping butter over it. "Besides, for every one hundred suckers out there making it big, there are ninety nine that fail. The one has the guts to go out there and do it that is a success. The one that bends convention and is willing to go the extra mile to get noticed..."

Jason suddenly took a hard look at Gene, as if recognizing him from somewhere. Ray shivered, knowing that gaze very well. It was the analytical side of her brother, the type that picked apart the integral pieces of a case and fit them into a recognizable pattern. What served him well in law school was that attention to detail.

"You look familiar," Jason said, narrowing his gaze.

"I have that kind of face," Gene grinned.

Again, Jason peered at Gene, recognition sparking his eyes. He had remembered a picture, creased and slightly worn, stashed in Ray's dresser drawer. By chance during a visit home, he had come across it, and when he confronted Ray, she had said it was a guy she was interested in. Someone special, named Gene, who had helped her through the teacher's boards when Mark went ill with bronchitis. When he probed further, she begged him not to tell mom and dad, because this man was very special to her. His analytical mind deduced that this quiet, unusual looking man held a very special place in his sister's heart.

It was shortly after Ray's achievement of her teaching certificate that Jason had found out she moved out. From his mother and father he had heard the story of the unconventional tutor who had somehow seduced his sister. A man named Gene Klein. That had been the name of the man in the picture. Uncannily familiar to the fellow sitting before him now. Was it possible?

"Wait... I HAVE seen you before," Jason said. "You... you're that guy... who Ray met in school..."

"But that man's last name was Klein," said Denise. "How is it possible it's the same man unless..."

"Names can be changed, for legal purposes. I ought to know," Jason said. "You've changed your name, haven't you?"

"Guilty as charged," Gene admitted matter-of-factly.

"Damn..." Jason shook his head. "You're that teacher my father was ranting about."

"In the flesh," he smiled. "Like a bad penny."

"He keeps turning up," Ray joked, nervous at her brother's questioning gaze. Gene took her hand and smiled sweetly at her.

"I have a lot of practice at this sort of thing...metamorphorisizing, if you will...." Gene added.

"I had heard you were... let go for unconventional methods," Jason coughed.

"Depends on your definition of 'unconventional'. Did the school think they were? Of course. Did I? I thought they would have been damn...uhhh.... DARN effective, if given a chance." He looked directly at Jason for emphasis.

"Did you know what dear old DAD had to do with Gene here?" Ray suddenly asked. There was a twinkle of anger in her eyes, and Gene touched her knee to calm her.

Jason coughed, "Well I know he had objections to your dating but surely..."

"Ray, sweetie, it's water under the bridge...." he started.

Ray cut him off, saying, "Dear old DAD was responsible for the firing!"

Jason's eyes widened. "What?"

Denise looked at Jason in surprise. "I never knew... how could he?" Jason suddenly stammers. "How do you know this?"

"I don't exactly think I'm the prize your father had in mind for his baby." Gene states flatly. "And he made that abundantly clear."

"He threatened me once that it would happen," said Ray. "And then I found out from Gloria... She said that she heard some rumors... And then did some asking..." Ray continued, till her voice trailed off.

Jason closed his eyes. Gene smiled at her, sarcastically. "I wouldn't put it past dad to try that..."

Denise reached across to take Ray's hand, asking, "Ray, are you sure about that? That's a pretty low down thing to do."

"No comment." Gene said, shaking his head. He curled his arm around Ray's shoulders, drawing her to his side to rest her head on his shoulder.

"You know he didn't like me dating Rita..." Jason sighed. "You remember Rita Cortez?"

Denise looked slightly jealous as she regarded Gene awkwardly. He winked at her. Jason cleared his throat and explained, "Denise, you know about her. She was my first serious girlfriend. I wanted to take her to the senior prom...".

She smiled at him, reassured while he continued, "But Dad wouldn't let me continue to see her... Because she was Hispanic, and catholic."

"You see, I'm not the only one," said Ray.

Even thought Denise was not fond of Ray and Jason's parents, she was not sure of what to make of all these revelations. "I just...It just doesn't make any sense," she said helplessly.

"It does, if you know him like I do," Ray explained.

"Jason, why would you LISTEN to him?" she whispered to him. Gene saw the guilty look creep over Jason's face, and took a long sip of his Sprite.

"And I learned from mom, that the reason she didn't go to the prom..." Jason admitted meekly.

"The man doth have too much power, it seems," Gene said dryly.

"She never called me... to accept my invitation... and then... her father threatened me if I called again..."

"It turned out later that dear old dad had called the girls parents and said that my brother already had a date..." said Ray angrily.

"And that he wasn't to see their daughter again... because it wasn't... appropriate since he had a girlfriend already..." Jason continued. Anger sparked to his eyes.

"He wanted me to see the daughter of this one vice principle, who didn't have a prom date," he flushes. Gene watched both of them in turn.

"Who also went to our church," Ray rolled her eyes.

"So it's a religion thing, as well as a racial thing," Gene said evenly. "How nice."

"Father has always believed that birds of a feather flock together," Jason sighed. "It's easier for the children, and society expects it of us. If we step outside the lines..."

"Then what?" Ray challenged him.

"You know how difficult it can be, if you do cross the lines..." Jason said helplessly. "And it was WRONG of dad to do what he did..."

"He's going to believe it alone, most likely, because I don't exactly see his daughter flocking to impress him," Gene muttered, prodding the order of escargot that Denise had moved before him to try. "Or to impress anyone, for that matter."

"I'm not saying it's wrong for social interaction," Jason protested.

"Do you have any idea how hard she struggled and STILL struggles, to get away from your family's idea of an ideal man?" Gene asked.

"But people tend to do better... and be more comfortable with people like them..."

"It's easier when you have common ground."

"You ever stop to think...Jason.... That possibly two people with very little in common on paper might actually be very compatible in matters of the heart?" Gene asked him.

"Like Rita and you," Ray reminded Jason. "You had a lot in common..."

"I know," Jason sighed. "But it just wasn't going to work out. Her family and my family never would have agreed to any long-term commitment. In the interest of family, I sought someone who shared similar values. Is that so wrong?"

"I have a mother.... That's my family. All the rest are gone. Ray's got basically nobody, or at least has until this point...." Gene said. "Could very well be that we've become family for each other. Sometimes the species does what it needs to survive. And society be damned."

"Your family?" he asked. Ray felt her eyes starting to burn with tears.

"It's been my mother and I, for as long as I can remember. That's it. She's the only person I've come to depend on. Other than Ray here, of course," Gene said. "If you have one or two people who truly love you, that's all you need."

"What about your extended family?" he asked. "Surely you must have cousins, aunts and uncles in the old country?"

Ray winced and shook her head as the familiar look came into Gene's eyes. "Ask Hitler..." he said flatly, as he took a drink. A dead silence fell across the table as Denise and Jason were stunned. Blue eyes fixed on Gene, in silent realization and horror.

"You mean..." Jason croaked, his throat dry.

"Yes, Jason, I DO mean." he says evenly.

Ray nodded. "His mother was in one, you know... not that you bothered to ask... or care. You just assumed like you always do..."

"Damn," Jason shook his head.

"Now, Hon, he didn't know," Gene says softly, "Let's remain calm here, OK?"

There were still tears in Ray's eyes. Gene took her hand in his, squeezing it reassuringly. He handed her his napkin to wipe her tears on as he continued, "My mother's lived through hell on earth. There's no two ways about it. And I promise you this. I'll make her proud if it's the last thing I do."

At this, Jason said nothing. Denise wiped away her own tears, using the handkerchief Jason passed to her numbly. Gene continued after a moment of silence, "And I'll make Ray proud too, because God knows, she's been through her own private hell as well."

Jason bit his lip and put a hand to his head, "I'm so sorry..."

"Only instead of watching her family literally leave her, she got to watch them figuratively leave her. And that might be even worse, when they're still physically here, they just don't give a damn," Gene said bitterly.

"I give a damn..." Jason protested. "But Ray never said anything... Ray... you KNOW I would have helped you!"

"I know you do, Jason" Gene said as he stared him the eye. "I can tell, because you are here right now."

"Jason, I didn't know at first... how would I have known?" Ray asked. None of them seemed to have much appetite left, picking at the rich food before them.

"That's more than any of the rest of your family has bothered to do...you've at least taken the time to meet me and get to know me," Gene continued. "I just don't understand why nothing was done before. But it wasn't and I can see that you are trying to fix that."

"But Mark had us all fooled," Jason sighed.

"He did," Denise said, taking Ray's hand. "OH god if we had known..."

"I wanted to know what you were like, for real... that you weren't some pot head rock star using my sister." Jason said frankly. "She says you don't do drugs... I understand that's rare..."

"I'm a pretty good judge of character and I think you're a good man. Let me state that." Gene hesitated a minute. "I've never done drugs, Jason. I don't drink. It's not appealing to me in the least."

"I noticed," Jason said. "And you don't smoke. That's 2 in your favor, Gene."

"I have a decent nest egg in the bank, which I've gotten from doing various odd jobs. I have no problem working hard and getting what I want, and no person or no chemical is going to stop me," said Gene.

Jason smiled wryly, "You know the value of hard work."

"I'm sure you're not interested in my sob story," he smiled slightly. "But I came from a family where your mom made your own clothes, and you wore shoes until the soles wore out. And you kept a simple blanket for years even though it had holes, because it kept you warm."

"Believe it or not, my grandparents did too," Jason laughed.

"I'm not your average guy, Jason. Not at all. Never have been. Never will be. You need to know something about me, just ask. I am totally honest."

"Gene, what are your intentions to Ray?" Jason asked.

"I am totally in love with your sister," Gene answered simply.

"That's sweet, Ray," Denise smiled at her.

He smiles and sighed a bit. Ray choked back a sob and lets the tears fall openly. He took her hand before continuing, "That's a tough one, because I'm not sure you're going to like the answer."

"You told me you'd be honest," Jason answered, leveling his gaze on Gene.

"I'm not the marrying kind, if that is what you are asking," Gene explained.

Jason sighed, "Go on."

"I love your sister with all my heart and I intend to provide for her as best I can, for as long as I can. When the day comes that it doesn't work any more, we'll shake hands and be on our way," Gene explained. "I've never lied to Ray about that. She knows the score."

Jason looked at Gene and saw the sincerity present in his hazel eyes. He nodded and said, "That maybe be so. And the fact that you've been there for her... that says a lot."

"I protect what's mine and I cherish what is mine, but in the grand scheme of things, she's her own person and so am I. I don't answer to anyone. Not my style," Gene explained. "And I don't expect anyone to answer to me."

Jason nodded slowly in understanding. Turning to Ray, Gene asked, "Have I said anything you don't agree with, love?"

"Not at all," Ray answered, wiping her eyes.

"I think we're shaking up your sister," Gene smiled as he draped an arm around her.

"I guess I just jumped to conclusions," Jason said. "But you can't blame me for being overprotective when I found out what a monster Mark really was."

"No, I don't blame you a bit. That's what you ought to be doing. It's what I would do if I had a sister."

"And how the fact Ray was living with him, unwed... never phased my parents much when he promised they would be..." Jason sighed, blushing in embarrassment. "How they can overlook that fact because he's Mr. Right, and totally discount any trouble in paradise."

Gene chuckled under his breath. "It appears they should have been less preoccupied with the sex life of their daughter and more with her personal safety. Besides.... Any man who says he's going to live with Ray and not enjoy her physically is lying" he smiled.

"The weird thing is Jason, is that Mark and I might have at first... but then... we didn't," she sighed. "Because he was too busy telling me how unattractive I was... And how I owed my shelter and food to him... and how he was going to 'help me' be a successful teacher and mate..."

"Wait, you went to the trouble of living with him and you DIDN'T have sex?" Jason ran a hand through his hair.

"I would say that he was lucky he kept her as long as he did." Gene snorted.

"The more I try to explain it, the more screwed up it is," Ray laughed sadly. "Or was."

Gene paused for a moment. "What's important to remember here is that he's gone from your life, hon. He's not going to bother you again, or you'll be reading about my jail sentence in the local paper."

She giggled when she remembers the morning paper headlines. He smiled at her, making a face, and leaned over to lightly kiss her. Denise smiled as she saw this gesture of affection. She kissed him back, and blushed.

Jason sighed again, "How ironic. The one thing that he told mom and dad you weren't doing..."

"Jason, drop it," Ray begged.

"Tell me about your band, Mr. Simmons," Denise asked. He held up his hand for a moment to stop the conversation with Jason.

"About the band...I'm not sure you two are quite ready for the truth about that yet" he laughs loudly.

"Just wait," Ray giggled.

"And Jason..." Gene said.

"What?" he asked.

"This isn't about sex. It's about control. It never was about sex."

"He was controlling me," Ray spat. "Getting a sick thrill bossing and bullying me."

"Because I'll bet you this ten dollar bill I have in my wallet that Mark was getting plenty of sex.... Just not from Raina."

"I was his wifey," she rolled her eyes. "And he was always off at Mason lodge meetings..."

"And now that she has no use for him, he finds THAT attractive, if you can believe it."

"He was kicked out of the freemasons when they found out about the attack," said Jason. "Somehow it all came out that he was stalking my sister... and they kicked him out... no loss to them."

Gene smiled as he fingered his glass. Ray laughed hysterically. "For all I know he was probably not at lodge meetings..."

"He wasn't attending them as frequently as he claimed," Jason laughed. "I am a freemason too... I belonged to a different lodge...

"I would imagine he was attending to something else," Gene joked. Ray swatted his arm.

"But I did use my fellow brothers to find out about him... and I finally got the story that he only attended lodge meetings once every two weeks, according to the worshipful master of his lodge," Jason said firmly. The light flashed off his freemason's ring on his right hand.

Ray giggled tears in her eyes as she leans on Gene. He tickled her back with his fingers on her side. "You see, I can't possibly be worse than THAT guy, can I?" Gene pointed out.

"Well I think there many sorts of men in this world," Jason says. "And I have represented many different people in court... And everyone has a story. I guess I'm just programmed for so long to think that other people's problems don't reach my cozy little world..."

"There's no doubt about that, but we're only talking about one man here.... Me....and whether or not he's right for your sister," said Gene. "At this moment. And only one person at this table can answer that question."

"So it's an open ended relationship," Jason surmised. Gene rubbed Ray's back.

"Gene has helped me through a lot, Jay," she said. "He's given me support when I was down... and promised to be there as long as I'll have him... but only as much as he's willing or able to give."

"It's open ended as far as we both have the ability and the right to do what we want," Gene explained. "Within reason. I'm still respectful of her and I would ask her to be the same of me."

"Free love?" Jason raised an eyebrow, as he sipped his wine. "ARE you a swinger then?"

"Love is NEVER free," Gene grinned and winked.

"If you like," Ray winced at Jason. "I'm actually not into hippie parties, or really, parties of any kind... I'm just into what feels right for Gene. Simple as that."

"And that means an open relationship?" Jason nodded slowly, narrowing his eyes.

"It's how Gene and I define it," she answered.

"What it means is that if your sister wants to be with someone other than me, I have no right to tell her no, and the pendulum swings both ways," Gene nodded.

"Essentially commitment with no strings then?" he asks. "I hope that you're not planning on raising a family in this environment..."

"Jason, I don't want kids," she sighed. Gene paused for a moment.

"I'm not exactly a family man, so no, I have no immediate plans for children. My band is my child right now, and I'm spending 100% of my energy into watching it grow."

"Like my band," Ray chimed in.

"See, we have twins!" he teased, tweaking her nose. Jason chuckled.

"Hey, I tell you what. I have a call to make and I'll leave you alone for just a bit while I take care of it" Gene rises slowly, kissing Ray on the cheek.

"Go ahead," Denise nodded. "Perhaps you can take a look at the deserts and tell us what you'd recommend Gene..."

"Good idea," Jason said.

"Don't forget to stick up for me," he whispered in Ray's ear, laughing.

"See you honey," she said. "Don't be too long..."

"Can I get anyone anything while I'm up?" Gene offered.

"Get the waiter to bring the desert menu," Ray asked.

"I'm fine" Denise piped up. He winked at her as he left. Denise looked at Jason for a minute. He appeared very uneasy, glancing from his sister to his wife. Denise seized his hand and squeezed it.

"I like him, Ray" she finally said to her.

"Thank you," she nodded.

"I like him too, Hon, it's just it's a bit to get used to, I guess." Jason sighed.

"I know he's not the boy next door," Ray nodded. "But he takes care of me... when I need it...and he loves me... Why is that so hard to see?"

"From what he said.... And please don't misunderstand me here.... He has no plans for a family so perhaps that eases the religious differences a bit," Jason pointed out.

"True," she said.

"I mean.... There won't be children involved.... Presumably."

"Not like I went much for that religion stuff anyway, considering it's done jack for me with mark," she sighed and trailed off.

"Children can be raised with two religions, Jay" Denise nudged him.

"These are MAJOR differences, Denise," he answered.

"I don't even know if I WANT kids and a family," Ray interrupted. "They hold me back from a band... Life on the road, you can't have a family easily!"

"Apparently, neither does he. He's not looking to be tied down in any regard, from the sounds of things," Jason said, as he threw down his napkin.

"That's why we are so in synch. We have the same goals," Ray answered, standing her ground.

"You're not listening to her, Jason. She's saying she doesn't want a serious relationship. She doesn't want children. What is so hard to understand about that?" Denise asked him.

"I might want a family SOMEDAY... I'm young, and I want to do what I want, not what other people SAY I should for a change!" Ray snapped.

"Now Ray..."

"You're sounding just like your parents.... Putting your spin on her life." Denise said firmly, in a rare moment of going against him. There was silence from Jason.

"I don't need that, Denise" he gritted through his teeth to her.

"I don't want to live up to other people's images of me anymore Jason," Ray cried. "Stop trying to protect me. I'm NOT the innocent as driven snow kid sister. I'm not going to be Heather homemaker with apple pies 2.5 kids and a white picket fence house on Long Island!"

He picked up his napkin again and plays with it in frustration. "That's easier said than done, Ray. All these years I didn't protect you, and you got yourself into trouble."

"So you think I can't take care of MYSELF?" she asked pointedly. "It's because I let people take care of me that I ended up in that mess to begin with. I let a man tell me how to think how to live... and what did it get me? Six months of hell."

"Good point," he said quietly, "I can't argue with that. Look, Ray, I love you and I always will."

"I know I just wish you'd trust me and let me grow up!" she snapped.

"I just want everything to work out for you.... No regrets," Jason said, reaching across to take her hand and stroke it.

"I know Jason... I just...." she sniffed, tears coming into her eyes again.

"Want me to butt the hell out?" Jason asked. Denise shoots him an eager, angry look, and nods her head toward Raina.

"I want you... to trust me. And know that I love you too, and if I need your help, I'll ask... And I won't be a stranger..."

"I trust that you'll do what's right for you. I have no choice." he smiled. "I'm not nuts about the whole free love thing, but I'm not the one that's sharing that bed, so it's not my call."

"Thank you," she said, sighing with relief.

"I would like to see his band someday if that's OK with you two, of course."

"Yes," she laughed.

"Oh, I would too." Denise nodded.

"I'll warn you now, it's unconventional," she chuckled. She reached into her purse and pulled out a cassette tape.

"And YOUR band," Denise added.

"Assuming it's suitable for uptight brothers, then yes, her band too," Jason joked.

"Here's our first raw cut of our album," she said, pushing the tape over to them across the table. "We've been selling them at the concerts... since I had access to a tape player..."

He looked at it and smiled, taking it in his hand. "This is some of the better cuts off the first album..." she laughed. "It will be in stores by Christmas."

"I'd love to hear it, bear," he said, calling her by a childhood nickname.

"The kids will be so excited to hear this," Denise beamed.

"Anyone ready for devil's food, chocolate torte or cheesecake?" Gene asked, holding a dessert menu in hand. He hugged Raina lightly as he sat down. She blushed at the soft kiss to her cheek.

"Let me see that," Denise said, playfully whisking the menu from Gene.

"So, what was this important call you had to make?" Jason asked.

"We're trying to iron out some details on our first gig," he explained, with a smile. "I think my vocalist is officially freaked out."

"Paul freaked out," Ray chuckled.

"What is your band's name," Jason asked him.

"It's KISS, actually...." he started. "We figured that was as good as any. Kind of universal...means different things to different people."

"Well no worse then some of the other names," Jason shrugged. "I mean like for instance, Blue Oyster Cult? I don't like the word cult in any band name..."

"And like a good kiss, there's something there for everyone," Gene nodded.

"So what's this about Paul freaking?" Ray asked Gene.

Gene turns to Ray and smiled, "He can't POSSIBLY be ready by then. We have SOOO many more songs to rehearse," he said, imitating Paul and flailing his arms for effect.

"Well no worse then the Beatles," he laughed. "And I happen to be a fan of them..."

Ray's eyebrows raised as she turned to Gene, and said, "You see he likes the same music you do, Gene."

"Let me see that," Denise said, playfully whisking the menu from Gene.

"So, what was this important call you had to make?" Jason asked.

"We're trying to iron out some details on our first gig," he explained, with a smile. "I think my vocalist is officially freaked out."

"Paul freaked out," Ray chuckled.

"What is your band's name," Jason asked him.

"It's KISS, actually...." he started. "We figured that was as good as any. Kind of universal...means different things to different people."

"Well no worse then some of the other names," Jason shrugged. "I mean like for instance, Blue Oyster Cult? I don't like the word cult in any band name..."

"And like a good kiss, there's something there for everyone," Gene nodded.

"So what's this about Paul freaking?" Ray asked Gene.

Gene turns to Ray and smiled, "He can't POSSIBLY be ready by then. We have SOOO many more songs to rehearse," he said, imitating Paul and flailing his arms for effect.

"Well no worse then the Beatles," he laughed. "And I happen to be a fan of them..."

Ray's eyebrows raised as she turned to Gene, and said, "You see he likes the same music you do, Gene."

"True," Gene said, as he leaned back and knocked back the rest of his soda. "Who is your favorite?"

"John Lennon, of course," Jason said.

"A man of taste,’ Gene nodded. "Now what about dessert?"

"Hmm, how about cheesecake?" asked Denise. "Something in celebration of your new music career, Raina… and yours Mr. Simmons… or should I say Gene… since we are all friends here."

"My friends call me Gene," he smiled as charmingly as he could, and Ray imitated a gagging noise that earned her a laugh from Jason and a smack on the arm from Gene.

"All right honey, what do you want?" Jason asked her.

"Hmm, the Torte…" Denise rubbed her hands together.

"Ray?" Gene asked.

"Devils food cake," she winked and he laughed. Jason smiled at their shared secret joke wondering what the punchline was.

The waiter walked up and Jason gave their orders, including a hot pot of fresh coffee. When their desserts came Gene looked longingly at the fresh chocolate shavings decorating the large plate, on which a large piece of cake sat strategically in the center. The torte was placed between Jason and Denise, and they smiled as Jason handed her the fork. She cut off a small piece and held it up for him on the fork. He nibbled it and nodded with a smile. Gene did the same for Ray, who let him feed her a piece, and nodded with a moan of satisfaction.

"That’s two votes in favor for chocolate," Denise smiled. Gene let Ray feed him a bit, and the waiter poured them all coffee. Ray loaded hers with extra cream, and Gene noticed Jason fixed his exactly the same, double sweet with two half-and-halves dumped in.

"What was the punchline about devil’s food?" Jason asked, leaning over to talk to Gene as the ladies fixed their beverages.

"Simple," Gene smiled. "If you come to a concert you’ll see why…"

"Hmm, what is this?" he asked. Gene pulled out a flier from his jacket pocket and pushed it over to Jason, who choked on his coffee when he saw the four garish faces scribbled in Gene’s hand. Ace had helped him make the flier, and Stan had drawn it, while Gene had plotted it out.

"Paul drew it," Ray smiled, uncrinkling it as Jason stared in shock.

"THAT is your band?" he gasped.

"Yep," Gene nodded.

"Funny logo, with the S’s,’ mumbled Jason. "Um… who designed the logo?"

"Ace," said Ray quickly. "The SS’s are supposed to be lightening bolts, right Gene?"

"That’s right," Gene nodded, wondering why Jason was staring at him so weirdly.

"Is this a cartoon or how you REALLY look?" asked Jason, incredulous.

"Come to a concert at the Coventry and find out," Gene smiled. "Here’s two tickets… bring the missus…"

Denise picked up the flier and looked at it, chuckling as she held it both ways, and Jason looked shocked, but started to chuckle despite himself as he reached for the tickets Gene pushed across the table at him. Ray looked at Gene, feeling a bit strange as Gene matter of factly sipped his coffee.

"This is going to be interesting," Jason said. "But for you, Mr. Simmons, since you and my sister are close, I’ll give it a try…"

"Good man. I knew you were a character of intelligence," Gene smiled as he finished the last bit of cake and washed it down with a swig of coffee.

"I hate to ask, but WHAT does your band look like, Ray?" Jason asked.

"Umm, well, here we are. Granted I drew it… but it’s not QUITE as good as them…" she said, handing him a flier with the girls on it. He grinned and chuckled when he saw it.

"Sweet Revenge. How fitting," Denise laughed. "So are you the girl here?"

"That’s me. I’m the Punk… Liz is the hippie, Trish is the Trekkie, and Karen is the Sex kitten."

"Sex kitten?" Jason groaned. "Now I KNOW you’re corrupted…."

"Proud of it," Gene grinned, hanging his arm around Ray’s shoulder. Denise glanced at each flier side by side and shook her head in solemn admiration. Something was the same about both bands, even though vastly different. She even could swear she saw distinct personalities in the strange markings on Gene’s band’s faces.

"Makeup?" she asked.

"Black and white," Gene said.

"Kabuki style," said Jason. "Japanese, isn’t it?"

"He gets it," Gene said with a strange admiration.

"It is," Jason nodded.

"Your check sir," the waiter said, walking up with the small varnished tray with the bill in it. Before Jason could reach for it, Gene stopped him.

"Just so you know, I’m paying my own way, and Ray’s," Gene said meaningfully.

"But you don’t…" he said.

"I do," Gene said insistently.

"Let him," Ray urged Jason. "It’s a matter of principle…"

"Men," Denise laughed. "Always having a contest over the hunting and gathering…"

This off color remark garnered a confused look from both men, who let the check drop as they stared at Denise. Jason coughed and looked at her, asking, "what was that dear?"

"Anthropology," she laughed. "National Geographic. We all evolved from a hunter/gatherer society… where the men hunted and the women helped gather…"

"Oh," Ray giggled. "Very nicely put."

"You give me the money and I’ll put it on my American Express," Jason offered. "Good to you Gene?"

"Sounds fine to me, Jason," said Gene, reaching into his pocket for his wallet and counting out money quickly. He handed a ten to cover his and ray’s food, while dropping a few dollars for the tip. Taking Gene’s contribution, Jason put the money into his wallet, which Gene noticed was genuine eelskin. He fished out a green card and put it on the tray, then waved the waiter over. Once the man returned with the carbon, Jason handed a few of the mints over and looked at Ray and Gene.

"Thank you for lunch," Jason nodded. "It’s good to know that you’re all right Ray…"

"Thank you," she nodded, looking at him as he gathered his things and sat up, helping pull out Denise’s chair. Gene also rose, towering over Jason as he helped Ray up and rested a hand on her shoulder. Jason took the tickets and folded them into the fliers, stuffing them into his inner jacket pocket.

"Will you be coming to the show?" Gene asked. "At the Coventry?"

"I’ll be there, Gene," said Jason. "Count on it. And Ray, please do contact Mom and Dad. They would love to hear from you…"

"Jason," she sighed.

"Or would you rather me tell them for you?" he asked.

"Please…"

"Of course… Ray… Gene… it’s been great. Please keep in touch… and Gene… take care of my sister. She’s the only one I have…"

"Of that you can be sure," Gene said, shaking Jason’s hand as Denise and Ray hugged and kissed each other. Gene kissed Denise’s hand as Jason hugged Ray tightly. Both couples walked out, and the men automatically retrieved the coats and outer garments, helping the women into them with the Old World chivalry. Jason blew Ray a kiss as they parted, and he had the valet bring his car back. Ray and Gene watched as he opened the door to the BMW for his wife, and stopped to regard them.

"Can I give you two a ride?" Jason asked.

"We’re fine," Gene said. "We’ll get a cab…"

"I can…" Jason offered.

"It’s all right,’ Ray said. "I’ll call you Jay. Love you…"

"Love you too, sis," he smiled, hugging her as she leaned into the car window before he turned over the motor and drove away, leaving them there. Ray took a deep breath as she watched her brother pull away and dabbed at the tears in her eyes.

"I admit I’m impressed," Gene said slowly. "Hope he shows up…"

"So do I," she sighed. "You should have SEEN the look on his face when…"

"I did. I was sitting next to you, doll," Gene smiled, arm around her waist.

"They COULD have taken us home," she said. "But somehow I sensed you didn’t’ want them too…"

"You got that right. He has to realize you can take care of yourself…" Gene said, rubbing her back.

"Thank you for doing this," she turned to him.

"My pleasure…"

"Gene, do you have to practice tonight?" Ray asked him as she slipped her arms around him and hugged him. Gene pulled her close and held her to his chest in a firm hug for a moment, leaning down to kiss her softly at first. Ray deepened it, and he moaned in unexpected pleasure. As always she chuckled against his lips as he gave her bottom a seductive pinch that made her leap a bit.

They soon hailed a passing cab, and rode on their way back to the apartment, both deep in thought. Gene considered the upcoming live concert while Ray mulled over her brother’s various reactions. They sat huddled together, Gene’s hand stroking her soft hair as Ray lay her head on his chest and they watched the city go by. The simple gestures of independence that Gene had insisted upon had made all the difference, however trivial, and her thoughts returned to the monetary concerns. Sweet Revenge was making a decent profit, but she was well aware that for their next batch of studio time, they required more money and better equipment. Just how would she come up with it, she wondered. Gene had his own concerns, for his band was just starting off, and she couldn’t help but want to give him a loan for new costumes for their band. They could perform in T-shirts and hastily caked on makeup, but something told her it was just an awkward step along the way.

"Gene, how long have you had that makeup thing going?" she asked him.

"To tell you the truth a LOT longer then you would have expected," he confessed after a time.

"So you ALWAYS did your little shows in makeup?" she asked.

"Hmm, what would you do if I told you yes?" he asked.

"You are incredibly insane sometimes. But you DO have to get better gear then just plain shirts," she said. "Think of the Beatles…"

"I am, doll, I am," he smiled, running his hand through her hair. The future seemed bright and full of promise, and not for the first time he was well pleased with himself and how things were unfolding.

********