By Trynia Merin

Ray rushed upstairs as fast as she could without making much noise. She had slipped on Gene’s shirt to cover herself, finding it the first bit of clothing available. She didn’t want to wake him yet, for he snoozed peacefully after their last lovemaking session.

"Gene," she said, turning on the light and sitting on the large double bed. It was roomy and comfortable, an old bedstead that didn’t match the furniture, but was thankfully much more comfortable then the floor. How much of a treat it was to be with Gene in such a nice room, compared to his modest bed. Even though she didn’t mind his bed at all this was a bonus, considering he was sharing it with her, no matter the locale.

"Hey Gene..." she whispered, putting the plate down on the bedside table with a can of Fresca she’d found. Steve always kept a six pack of it for Gene, knowing how much his friend liked that soda. Especially since Gene didn’t drink alcoholic beverages.

"Hmmm?" he said, rolling over, blinking in the light of the bedside lamp. Tucking an arm around her neck, he pulled her to lie next to him.

"He did it," she whispered.

"Did what?" Gene asked, rubbing his eyes, and blinking at her in question.

"Had SEX," she whispered.

"That KID?" he said, eyes flying open. "With HER?"

"Yes Gene, I saw them naked... almost. And I saw a condom wrapper. And BLOOD," she mumbled. "I don’t know how in HELL I’ll get THAT off my sleeping bag!"

"God, I'd have pegged her for a chastity belt candidate for SURE! Damn kid must have some MOVES," Gene grinned. From his surprised expression she guessed his opinion of Stanley had shot up several marks. What was it with men and their bed notches, she moaned. However she KNEW anything it took to get Gene and Stanley to be civil to each other was a definite improvement. Something in her gut told her that Stanley was a golden opportunity that Gene could not afford to pass up. She’d seen his raw talent, a diamond in the rough, and knew that Gene secretly appreciated Stanley, even if he was too arrogant to admit it.

"Yeah," she laughed, handing him the plate. Gene took a piece of pizza and bit into it hungrily. Ray took it from him, feeding him.

"Cold pizza.' he chuckled, fingering her cheek. "Perfect. I could get USED to this service in bed…"

"You make me HUNGRY!" she said, handing him the Fresca after she pulled the tab for him. Gladly he sipped it, then handed it to Ray for a quick sip.

"Umm, you wear ME out too," he smiled, rubbing his hand down his shirt on her body. "You look good in my clothes, and in my BED."

"Yes, even if technically it’s not YOUR bed," she sighed, continuing to feed him. Gene picked up the other piece when he had finished, and fed her, the cheese strands dripping down his fingers. She licked them off and Gene moaned. He pulled her lips to his, kissing and licking the sauce off her face. They washed their meal down with intermittent sips of the soft drink, finishing it between them.

"Put that plate down and come under here with me," he growled seductively. She set the plate on the floor as Gene held up the covers and she slipped under them. He quickly unbuttoned the shirt and it fell between the covers to a heap on the floor by their other clothes. If she lay on her side she could just about fit on his full bed. He mumbled and lay on his side, pulling her against him.

Ray silently thanked the fact she was on protection. Gene rubbed her shoulder kissing it softly. Despite the fact that she loved being in his arms, she suddenly glimpsed a newspaper that someone had left sitting on the floor over on Gene’s side of the bed. She saw the words "Nam conflict heats up…" and shivered.

"Hon?" he asked. "Something wrong?"

"I just was thinking about the war," she mumbled, laying with her back to him and pulling his arms around her. "I hope you don’t get drafted Gene…"

"Not much chance there. I got a teaching deferment. Stanley, I’m not so sure…" Gene sighed, shivering at the possibility that Stanley could vanish in the draft. He spooned against her, fingering her breasts lightly from behind as he pressed his body to her shaking one. Somehow he hoped to reassure her by his physical presence that things would work out all right. Even though he knew that they often didn’t.

"My brother is in Vietnam, and my cousin," Ray sniffled. "And I hope to hell Stanley isn’t sent off… they’re drafting MORE people now…"

"Aww Ray," Gene sighed. "Is he ok?"

"He’s 25, and he’s in Da Nang. He was drafted earlier this year. He’s in Military Intel…"

"You okay? I mean did you hear from him?" Gene asked with concern, kissing her shoulder.

"Yes… but… my cousin… Sean… he was… he was…" Ray began to cry.

"You want to talk about it?" he asked. "Ray, turn over and face me honey."

She let his insistent arm turn her over to face him, and Gene ran a finger over her bare arm as she stammered, "I am sorry to ruin this with telling you that… I just…"

"If you’d rather not," he said. "I understand."

"It’s okay. He was… well my Uncle Raymond and Aunt Edith ended up getting a visitor earlier this month. And well… they sent the news onto us. It was VERY hard… and well… when I saw that newspaper… it brought back memories… he was only 19 Gene… I… he had SO much to look forward too…"

"Ray… BELIEVE me I know what it’s like to lose family to war… I…" Gene hesitated, and closed his eyes.

"I think I know what you’re talking about, Gene," she whispered, finger on his lips. "If you don’t want to talk about it…"

"You know, don’t’ you?" he asked, looking at her through the darkness. "Did Gloria…"

"Uh I guessed it. And Stan mentioned what you said to that Mike guy."

"Then you know that I really DO get what you’re saying then," Gene said evasively.

"Yes," she nodded, kissing his cheek. Gene pulled her close and kissed her, not a hungry kiss but a very delicate romantic one. It stunned her.

"Make love to me," he purred softly. He pulled her into his arms again; shifting so she was comfortable as he lightly caressed her body with no hurry. It was as if he were savoring her with each touch. She sighed deeply, and relaxed into Gene’s comforting embrace.

"Do you have to ask," she mumbled against his ear, realizing he had never used that phrase before.

"I do," he grinned, and she reached up to turn out the light. Gene slipped his fingers into her, and she moaned.

"God, you are INSATIABLE!"

"We have to work our resistance up," Gene laughed, pulling his fingers out and tasting her juices. "After all, if you want to share my BED, you have to play by MY rules."

Ray moaned and lay on her back as Gene slid his leg over her, laying his weight on her. He still braced his arms on either side of her head, and she looked up into his greenish brown eyes. It struck her what an unusual color they were hypnotic and drawing her into them with a full intensity that never ceased to amaze her. Delicately she traced her finger over his nose, so unusually different in feature and form from the men she’d been with before. And technically those experiences didn’t count compared to this. For in these two weeks she felt strangely older in Gene’s presence.

"You CAN lay down on me, you know," she said, glancing up at him. "I’m not going to break in half, Gene."

"Thank goodness for that," he laughed, pressing her under the sheets. He kissed her deeply, thrusting his tongue into her mouth, making her moan.

Arching her neck on the soft feather pillow, she moaned, "Gene you feel so GOOD… I know I keep saying that…"

"I don’t mind how many damn times you say it," he growled. Then he fingered her face so close to his, as if memorizing her features in his mind. Ray spread her legs under him, and Gene eased in, skin to skin. She shivered a moment, and glanced up at him expectantly.

"I know this is a silly place to bring it up," she mumbled.

"What?" he asked, teasing her as he rolled her over so she was on top of him. "Do you want me to get some protection before we go out into the rain?"

"I AM on the pill," she said slowly.

"Good," he smiled softly. "I like a woman who is prepared. And just so you KNOW, I don’t usually do it without one…"

Her eyes squeezed shut as Gene began to pound into her. She swayed with him, controlling the depth of his penetration, rearing on him almost like a pro. He pushed her to sit straight up, then reached up and drew his hands down her breasts. His eyes feasted on her looks of ecstasy, treasuring them as much as the pleasure he was receiving from her.

"Open your eyes, Ray," he whispered. "I want to see you… please… I want YOU to see how damn good you’re making ME feel right now…"

"I’ll try," she mumbled, moaning and rearing as she reached her first climax. Her head spun as if intoxicated as Gene brought her to a second and a third orgasm. Her head rolled as she swayed and bucked, her senses spinning in a kaleidoscope of exploding sensation. All she heard at that moment of sheer bliss was a loud growling shout from him, which almost drowned out her scream as before. It had been a fast hard screw the first time, but this time he seemed to be almost teasing, straining to hold back his pleasure till the last possible moment.

The next thing she felt was her head hitting his chest, and Gene gasping and panting under her. His heart slowly throbbed to a stop as she felt herself hot and sticky with his love. Exhausted she collapsed against him, and he continued to stroke her hair as he pulled out and shifted her to the side. For a while he watched her breathing softly, and then slipped into sleep with her.

"Gene?" she mumbled, grabbing for something to put on. Ray found her shirt and jeans in the overnight case and quickly put them on to rush downstairs. By the sofa glanced at the sleeping bag, neatly rolled up and panicked when she didn't see Stan or Marcia there. Audrey walked past Ray standing there in confusion and whispered, "He's in the kitchen. Stan just took that girl back."

"Uh, hi, I just panicked," Ray mumbled, raising an eyebrow at Audrey's use of 'that girl'.

"Steven's mom wouldn't like to know that strangers were in the house." she said, raising her eyebrow, "But she's not MY mom, so...."

"I'm sorry," Ray mumbled. "Stan wanted her to come. What could I do?"

"No, you're fine. Hey, don't worry about it, huh." she smiled, patting her on the shoulder. "It's just that we don't know.... HER."

"Well i guess I made a lot of noise," she mumbled. "And Marcia is a new friend..."

"Truth be told, I didn't even hear you." Audrey giggled.

"Um, about Marcia... she's the best thing to happen to him in a while... and I don't see WHY you're suddenly calling her by HER instead of her name. She's not some creep or criminal," Ray mumbled, going towards the kitchen.

Audrey looked at her a moment, shakes her head in disbelief and heads on into Steve's room, where she makes the bed. "Bite MY head off" she mutters under her breath.

Ray shuffled into the kitchen, cursing in Gaelic words expressing her anger toward Audrey and her stupid ideas, as she glances around for coffee. She heard Gene's chuckle emanating from the kitchen, "FUCK ME, FUCK ME!"

"No, really, I WANT you TO!" he said, in a high girlish voice.

Ray threw up her hands still cursing in Gaelic trying to vent her frustration without annoying anyone. Then she shifted to English/scotch, "Friggin aumidon! Mclartey arsed lass!"

She stopped to see the men assembled there and blushed bright red. Gene turned red from laughter and so did Steve. Stanley noticed at Ray who is standing there mortified. Sipping his coffee he asked, "Uh what language is that, Hon? Haven’t heard it before.""I... don't think you WANT to know what she just said," Steve grinned. "I have never HEARD that lingo before..."

"In case you WANTED to know, it was GAELIC," Ray said, blushing profusesly.

"Gay what?" Steve joked. Ray grew very annoyed, resting her hands on her hips."Leave her alone, Steve. You can't make fun of my girl...only Stan's," Gene winked merrily.

"Shut up," Steve laughed. Clustered around the kitchen table, they devoured a whole box of donuts while talking. Stanley munched on a powdered sugar donut hungrily while Steve dipped a cruller into his coffee and Gene licked a trail of jelly that had squired out of his donut and dribbled down his chin like blood.

"I'm assuming you're going to see her again, Stanley?" Steve asked, as he poured himself some more coffee.

"Are you nuts? Of course," Stanley said. Ray moves over to find any chair. Seeing the pot of coffee, she grabbed a cup and picked the coffee up, pouring it for herself.

"Okay, why are there only THREE chair sin this kitchen?" she lamented.

"You can have my chair," Stanley offered, leaning forward to get up.

"No it’s okay, you finish your donut," she held up her hand, continuing to circle the table in the hopes of finding a chair sitting to one side.

"That is, until her momma finds out what's you've done," Gene teased, as Steve shot him a dirty look.

"Ahhh, Stan's cool." Steve said. "Besides.... You’ve got to lose it sometime, right?"

"Steve, shut up," Stam mumbled.

"Hey, I'm on YOUR side," Steve winked at Gene. Ray continued her hunt for a chair, and Stanley stood up for a moment.

"You want my chair?" he asked. "You SURE?"

"She IS a cute little number," Gene smiled, clearly enjoying teasing Stan.

"Steve WHERE is the goddamn fourth chair?" Stan asked. Ray grumbled something about chairs and goes over to Gene.

"Hold your fucking PANTS on!" Steve gasped. "AUDREY!!"

"Mind if I sit here?" Ray asked, sitting on Gene's knee. Gene opened his mouth to make a rude comment, but closed it merrily at Ray's nasty look.

"Hmmmmm, not at all," he winked. She sat down and peered longingly at the donuts on Gene’s plate.

"Now, Stan, you got any questions... you know.... About THAT?" Gene continued to tease, as Steve chortled in his coffee.

"Uh... not in PRSENT company," he mumbled. "There is a LADY in the room."

"She'll leave." Gene said, some of the humor gone from their male banter. "You want to talk ... Really?"

"I don't WANT to talk about it," Stan glowered at them.

"Your choice, I suppose," Gene said, taking a drink of his coffee.

"You guys.... I have a crazy idea," Steve said, watching the two of them closely. Ray sneaked her hand over Gene’s taking a donut. He nodded that she could have it, giving her a slow sexy lick of his lips.

"WHAT?" Stanley muttered. "Some nut-brained..."

"You ever thought about us playing together? Maybe not a BAND or something, but just screwing around...to check it out. See if we suck." Steve said. Stan looked at Gene with Ray perched on his lap, then at Steve.

"WE don't have a drummer," Stan said.

"If we play my stuff." Gene said, licking his fingers. "I don't want to do any cover band shit."

"Fuck you," Stanley growls. "What about ME?"

"He can write," Ray reminded him, nibbling half of her donut.

"If it's good enough," Gene said, with a level look.

"Thank you OH so much Mr. EXPERT!" Stanley growled. "Like YOURE the shit."

"Stanley!" Ray chided. "Just CALM DOWN!"

Gene eased Ray off his knee for a moment. Ray shot Stanley a glare as Gene regarded Stan for a moment. In a low voice he asked, "Do we have a problem here?"

"Yeah. You're a stuck up son of a bitch," Stanley said.

"Gene, not everything has to go your fucking way," Steve said.

"Guys, why can't you do BOTH?" Ray asked them, throwing up her hands in exasperation. "You are such MEN!"

"Fair enough," Gene said. "I prefer to think I have songs that will do it for us...if you guys like his shit, then yeah...." he said, shrugging his shoulders.

Steve rolled his eyes, as Stanley glowered, "Well, if you at least let me have a chance, Gene. I'll prove that i can pull my weight. Besides, I've been writing stuff since I was 14! Just cause I’m a KID doesn't mean I can’t hack it."

"Stanley Eisen," Ray said firmly in her best schoolteacher’s voice. "This man saved your ass. You should treat him with more respect!"

"Ray, keep out of this..." he muttered. "Excuse me, you're a great girl and all but this is our business."

"Excuse me!" she snapped, storming out of the room. Gene looked at Stan for a minute, arms folded. Steve wondered if it was a look of protectivness, or a look of ‘back off at my woman, you asshole.’

"You'll never make it in this business if you stay so damn pissy," Gene remarked quietly. "If you want us to try some of your stuff, I'd like to hear it. I'll at least give you that."

"Thank you," Stan said with a deep breath, struggling for self-control.

"You want to try something out?" Steve asked him. "Maybe you guys can actually make our own song.... If that's not too impossible."

"We can work through something tonight...if you're game. Bring your girl and I'll bring mine. Steve, bring your pain in the ass...I mean AUDREY, if you want too," Gene said. Steve flipped him the bird as Gene grinned smugly.

"Okay," Stanley nodded. "Let's do it. Where and when?"

"Doesn't matter. My place, if you want," Gene shrugged.

"Your place?" he asked. "You don't have a studio do you?"

"Sure. We can't plug in, but we can sit around and screw with the music," Gene said.

"Sounds good," Stanley agreed. "Just to see if it works."

"And the girls can.... I don't know...what WILL the girls do?" Steve asked, reaching for more coffee.

"Ray can play," Stan said. "Can't she? I mean she does play organ."

"She can," Gene said, "She can help us out if we need her."

"I think we might," said Stanley. "If it's not too much to ask."

"But on the other hand, the thought of Audrey spending too much time around Marcia scares me," Gene laughed.

"They seemed to get along okay," said Stanley.

"I can leave her at home," Steve said carefully.

"Might not be a bad idea," Stanley agreed. "Besides, I don't even know if Marcia's parents will let me take her out."

"I'm just thinking that she's got a bit of an eye for Stan, that's all," Gene said, watching Steve, who frowned. "Probably depends on if they find her wet panties this morning, my man."

"Uh, what?" Stanley blushes. "Just WHAT was that about?"

"Gene, don't be CRUDE, for once," Steve grinned, shaking his head. "Give the kid a break. I'm thinking he's not the ONLY one that got tail last night."

"Point well taken," Gene laughed.

"Yes, Mr. MASTER of fleshly delights," Stanley chuckled.

"Actually...." Steve started out, testing the waters further for Stan’s reaction. "Gene's probably slept with more women than you and me combined."

"Figures," said Stan with a grin, and Gene watched carefully for his reaction. "I think I WILL have to have a conversation with the master."

"If you want to know something," Gene said.

Stanley smirked, "Well I did use that one technique last night, Geno."

"Gene's the oral sex master, I hear," Steve said knowingly. "Audrey wouldn't THINK of letting me do that."

"I didn't want her brain to melt and leak out her ears," Stanley laughed, joined by Gene who spat coffee. "She was screaming enough when I fucked her."

"Besides, give her some breathing room. You don't want to scare her away," Gene said, suddenly serious.

"No I don't," said Stanley. "Maybe I'll let her stay home. Let her think and miss me."

"Up to you. It's been known to work, but just know this. You popped her cherry and if you don't call.... She’ll sit home and cry. It's just cheap sex to us, but to women, it's a big deal." Gene said, as Steve nodded.

"I'll call her," he smiled. "And see where it goes."

"Have her come to the house. Buy her a handful of flowers. Hell, just this once. At least get her over the hump before you start exercising your right to play," Gene grinned.

"Okay," Stan said, folding his arms across his chest. "So I do try and bring her or what?"

"Sure, what have you got to lose? Show her it wasn't just a one-night thing. Besides, you wait too long and she'll tighten up and get sore on you," Gene teased as Steve laughed.

"GOD, you're gross, Klein!" Steve chuckled.

"Nope," Stanley shook his head. "Gotta keep up with the times, huh, Geno? But she said that she felt like a bad girl cause I fucked her."

"Soooo...you show her she's not," Gene said, seriously. "You pick her up.... You’ve got a ride, right? Buy her a few flowers. Bring her to the party. Show her you enjoy her company. Screw her again and take her home."

"I guess," Stanley sighed."And before you know it, she'll see that a BAD girl is a GOOD thing," Gene grinned evilly."I hope so, Gene. Thanks for the advice man," Stanley held out his hand. Gene shook it and nodded, glad that the kid was finally slipping out of his black mood.

"I ought to get Audrey some flowers," Steve said, "I haven't bought her flowers in ages.""Uh oh, better get the sofa ready!" Stanley laughed. "I just feel WIERD how she just suddenly got along SO well with Marcia. It's freaking me out. Audrey that is."

"Well..." Gene suggested, thinking of Stan with a grin. 'Maybe they've got something in common. Maybe."

"Okay," he laughed. "But I’m not going to have a cat fight. Unless I get the spoils."

"Besides, I think Marcia could use some time with Ray, maybe. Ray LOVES mothering people, and it could be, Marcia's got questions. She isn't going to ask YOU and she sure as hell isn't going to ask her mom or her girlfriends," Gene pointed out.

Ray had remained near the kitchen door to overhear their conversation, out of sight. She mumbled and sighed as she walks away toward the stairs leading upward, feeling torn. While she wanted to be a mentor/helper to Marcia, she didn't like the idea of baby-sitting girlfriends in the time she had with Gene.

Gene stood up, taking his plate toward the sink, "Tonight, 7:00? My place?"

"Sure, Gene," Steve nodded, "Want me to bring beer?"

"Works for me," Stanley said, taking their plates and putting them into the sink with the coffee cups and the other miscellaneous stuff from their breakfast.

"Good," Steve smiled.

"I don't care what you bring. I don't drink that piss water. Ask Stan." Gene said. Unseen, Ray crept up to the room to start packing her things.

"You want beer, Stanley?" Steve asked.

"Hell yeah!" he laughed.

"Audrey's older brother will pick us up a 12 pack," Steve high-fived Stan. Excited, he grinned.

"Well I'm gonna get a cab outta here then."

"Everyone bring their best five songs, and we'll play whatever's decent," Gene said. "I've got some things to do at home first."

"Sure thing," Stan nodded. Walking out to the living room first, noticing Ray walking upstairs. He wondered to himself why she was so silent and if she'd overheard their conversation. Sighing, he picked up his coat and guitar, and readied himself to leave. Audrey emerged from Steve's bedroom and walked down the stairs to see Stan. She blushed a bit.

"Hey, I'm gonna go," he said, walking to the door.

"Good to see you again," she said quietly.

"Yeah. Keep Steve outta trouble for me, and thanks for making coffee."

he smiled, lifting his hat.

"Sure. Thanks for picking up the kitchen last night...the pizza mess and all," she said.

"My pleasure. I gotta go. See you!" He walked quickly over to the door and opens it, then walked out.

"Uh-huh," she whispered, watching him leave. From upstairs Ray had observed this scene. She had to admit she didn’t care for the look in Audrey’s eyes, the stare of a cat stalking it’s prey. Quickly she returned to the room she shared with Gene. Mumbling to herself she started making the bed up.Back in the kitchen, Gene and Steve parted. Audrey passed Gene on the way in, watching him walk up the stairs before joining her boyfriend outside for a smoke. Gene walked back upstairs to the bedroom he shared with Ray. She had set her bag on the bed, carefully folding her dress from the night before and laying it in next to her boots. He walked into the room and begins to put his clothes back in his bag.

"We've got a gig tonight.... Sort of." he said, after a moment.

"Yeah," she said still packing her things. Sitting on the bed she pulled on her socks and a pair of platform Mary Janes.

"Steve wants you to play," he said.

By now, Ray was fully dressed in a blouse and sweater, long bellbottomed jeans on. "That’s nice," she said, turning to him. "Are you sure I won't get in the way?"

"I wouldn't have invited you if I did. Besides, I thought you were spending the weekend," he said carefully, judging the serious look on her face.

"Yes, but if I have to keep Audrey and Marcia from killing each other..." she sighed, getting up from the bed and putting her makeup bag in with her hairbrush.

"You're not their mom, don't sweat it. I was actually hoping that maybe you could spend SOME time with Marcia, try to get her to settle down, but hell, if you don't want to, that's fine as well. As long as you're with me."

Then she turned around, apologizing, "I'm sorry Gene... I just want to spend time with you... as much as I can. As long as you and I can be together that's fine. And if you want me to bugger off at some point in your rehearsing to play big sister, I'll do it for Marcia."

"We have all day," he smiled. "I just.... I just have a weird feeling about this kid, like I need him for something," he mused.

"And YES, you should need Stanley. You guys somehow BELONG together," she agreed.

"I'll be curious to see the songs he's written," he said, watching her turn around to finish braiding her hair into a genie tail down her back. She curled it up around the back of her head and pinned it in place with the many bobby pins clenched between her teeth.

"So will I," she smiled. "He's not so bad Gene. And I think you’ll actually LIKE him."

"He tends to fly off the handle, you notice that? He hates like shit when I tease him."

"Yes I know, but he needs... you to guide him," she said.

"I don't know. He did all right with Marcie. I think he's got potential. " Gene chuckled. "He definitely has that lead singer 'fuck me' look about him."

"Yeah," she nodded with a faraway look in her eyes, staring at her reflection in the mirror. "Sex appeal. Perfect for a rock star."

Gene grinned, then watched as Ray rested her hands on her hips, looking at her reflection with a critical eye. Turning to Gene she asked, "Gene, am I sexy?"

He regarded at her for a moment, asking her, "What do YOU think?"

"I know I was enough to get YOUR attention," she mused, looking in the mirror. And Stanley’s, she added mentally. For a moment she closed her eyes and remembered how soft his lips were when she gave him a tentative kiss for good luck, and how solid his body felt in her arms.

"I think you're beautiful, Ray, but that's not the same as sexy, is it?" he said, arms folded.

"I don't know, you tell me," she said. "What is the line between sexy and attractiveness?"

He smiled a slow thoughtful grin as he pondered, "Beautiful is, I don't know, that Marcie chick was beautiful. Beautiful is.... Stuff you see in magazines. Stuff that's on mom's shelf and you're afraid to touch. Sexy is HOT. Sexy is something you can grab and just enjoy the hell out of."

"Hmm," Ray pondered, staring at his reflection over her shoulder.

"And I'm babbling," he chuckled.

"You are," she said, looking up at him. "Babbling."

"Sorry," he grinned.

"I think I see that you're sexy," she said, lowering her eyes for a moment to look down at her mules. "And perhaps you have something to offer to whatever woman you're with at the moment. And you obviously don't give a damn if people think otherwise, do you?"

"Not really. That bother you?" Gene asked, thrusting his hands in his jeans pockets. He had changed into fresh clothes, having kept some items at Steve’s house for such an occasion.

"Yes... and no," she said, tapping her finger on the mirror as she glanced at him over her shoulder. "You make me feel... so many different things at once. You're so complicated. And yet so simple in other ways. Funny, huh?"

"I happen to think you are sexy too." he said quietly.

"Really?" she asked. "Or are you just saying that to make me feel better?"

"I don't say anything to make ANYONE feel better." he said matter of fact, "I'm saying it because it's true. You don't give a damn about anyone either, Ray, and in that regard you're like me. You care more than I do, or maybe you let it show more, but when it comes down to it, you are true to yourself."

"Thank you Gene," she smiled, blushing. "That's why you're so simple sometimes. What you see is what you get with you. It's refreshing being with a man who isn't fake. You just ARE."

"You never did really say if you'd spend the weekend with me," Gene said, putting a hand on her shoulder. "And if you'd put up with my pain in the ass friends tomorrow."

"If I wasn't here, I wouldn't be," she said simply, taking off the turquoise choker and slipping it with the rest of her jewelry into the small toiletries bag. "I could have just walked out. But i didn’t."

"I know that, but something draws you to me," he laughed, "and it's something more than my comic books."

"Gravity?" she asked. "Or is it just your charisma and your good looks?"

"You big goof, I WILL spend the weekend with you. As long as it is with you in any way," she said, holding her arms out to him.

"Agreed" he smiled, walking over to her to kiss her. "And I DO want you to jam with us."

"Thank you Gene," she smiled. "That's what I like to hear."

She kissed him sweetly, leaning up on her toes to reach him. Gene twined his arms around her hips, pulling her close to his body. Still she thought to herself about how the height discrepancy caused major consternation. He kissed her again, and sighs as he leans over to finish packing.

"I guess we ought to get out of their hair," he mumbled, stuffing his shaving gear into his bag and zipping it.

"Yeah, where to?" she asked, watching him.

He shrugged and regarded her, "Any suggestions?""Central park? Or your place?"Slowly and mischievously his lips twisted into a grin she knew all too well by now, "I do have an idea..."

"Sure," she smiled warmly, intrigued at the prospect of another adventure in Gene’s environment. "You're the guide her. It's your world."

He smiled mischievously, "Let's see if you still say that when we get there."

"Okay but i think it will prove MOST interesting..." she smiled, reaching out for his hand.

"Oh, you can count on THAT." he chuckled, grasping her hand and taking his bag in the other. She picked up her case, following him out of the room.

She started down the stairs with him. "So, Gene... how are we going to GET there?"

He smiled and pulled out some keys from his pocket, handing them to her, "Steve said he doesn't need his wheels for a few hours, so you're driving."

"Are you kidding?" she smiled. "That’s great..."

"Yeah, let's see if you still think so in 20 minutes." he grinned, putting his coat over his arm.

She took the keys from him, and then asked, "I take it you drive less well then you dance?"

"Uhhhh.... I don't drive," he admitted."That's ok. You live in NYC. Who needs to drive when they can take a cab," she said. "So, let's go!"They walked out the front door, then Ray mumbled, "Shit I lost my COAT at the JCC."

"We can head back if you want...on our way to our errand, or you can take mine and we’ll catch it on the way back" he said, sliding his arm around her. Gene held his jacket up for her to slide into. She handed her bags to him as she unlocked the trunk, and then climbed into the front driver's seat of the large green boat. Ray struggled to readjust the seat considerably, tapping the mirrors into position.

"Thanks," she smiled.

"Besides...our errand is sort of on a time constraint," he said cryptically. She regarded at him and shakes her head. She turned the key in the ignition, rumbling the car into life.

"So, tell me how to get out of here?" she asked him.

While they pulled out, Gene gave her directions and an address to drive to. Step by step she followed, turning her and there in the morning traffic. Having gotten her license at age 18, she had driven her parent’s car on enough occasions to know how to navigate, but she still longed to have a small Volkswagen beetle instead of a hulking big boat.

---------------------------------------------------------------

"Uh oh,' she mumbled as he led her up the concrete stairs. "I have a weird feeling I'm about to meet the Spanish inquisition."

Gene strode confidently up to the small house and knocked on the door, kissing her slightly. Neatly potted flowers sang brightly on the porch steps, carefully tended. On the door, Ray glimpsed a small metal object about three quarters of the way up, with something written in Hebrew letters on its surface. Waiting, she kissed him back, her hand clammy and sweaty in his large one. She was very nervous, wondering just who they were about to meet, and a nagging suspicion came to her mind. After a moment, a small woman answered the door, glancing at Gene. With a smile she shrieked something in Hungarian as she grabbed Gene fiercely in a bear hug.

Ray jumped back, scared as she hides behind Gene, who rocked for a moment in the woman’s arms. Her head only came to the middle of his chest he was so tall in comparison to her. Wearing a knee length flora dress and stockings she was well groomed with short curly hair tinted light brown. It framed a pleasant face, wrinkled only slightly with age, giving her an attractive appearance. He chuckled as he spoke a few words in Hungarian to her, then whispered, "Hi, ma" loud enough for Ray to hear.

Ray flushed with embarrassment. She suddenly felt like her hands were all thumbs. The small woman shooed him into the house and Ray as well. Ray looked helplessly at Gene, who cast her an innocent ‘who me’ look. As Ray entered the door, the lady smiled broadly and hugged her. Raina hugged her back, a bit flustered as the woman again spoke in Hungarian.

"Mom, this is Ray!" Gene said.

"Hi," Ray said slowly, shivering with nervous energy. The woman was about her height with sparkling eyes the same intensity as Gene’s.

"Come in, come IN!" she smiled happily, "Chaim, she is so PRETTY. Where on EARTH did you find her?"

She rubbed Ray's back happily and motioned for her to sit in the modest living room. It was nice and tidy, furnished with older style settings, with lace and blankets draped over the sofa Ray regarded him, stunned. Gene grinned, "Just RELAX. She doesn't bite."

"What’s her name?" she whispered.

"Florence," Gene said softly. She sat down on the sofa, dazed and smiling bravely.

"SIT, the both of you," Florence waved. Gene sat down next to Ray and glanced at her with a warm smile, shaking his head at his mother’s insistent hospitality.

"Let me get some soup. Chaim, I tried and TRIED last night to get you on the phone!" she fussed. "Never an answer."

Ray started to giggle a bit, shucking Gene's coat off and asking politely, "Um where do you want me to hang this, Ma'am?"

"Ma, we had plans. Saw a new band. I TOLD you I might be out," Gene said patiently. "And DON'T feel like you're feeding the Hungarian militia. It's just US."

"Chaim, show her where to hang her coat," Gene's mom waved. Ray regarded at Gene with an amused look. She got up and followed Gene to a closet by the front door.

"I'll take your coat," he said, kissing her with amusement. She kissed him back and giggled, handing it to him.

"Chaim," she muttered. "Nice name..."

"I made some of that paprikash," his mother continues, rushing out to the kitchen to bustle about. "Ray, do you like paprikash?"

"Sure..." she said, wondering WHAT on earth paprikash is."Oh, HUSH," he grinned.

"Can't be anything worse then Haggis," she whispered to him.

"I’m afraid to ask WHAT haggis is," he mumbled. "Some Scottish food?"

"It’s meat and oats and spices cooked in a sheep’s stomach," she said. "And it smells and looks rather repulsive. But it does taste good."

Gene's mother entered the sitting room, wiping her hands on her napkin. She clucked her tongue, "Chaim, I just can't call such a beautiful young lady "Ray"."

"Call her Raina, then, ma," Gene sighed.

"My name's Raina," Ray held out her hand. "Raina Elizabeth..."

"MUCH better," she smiled as she walks over to kiss Ray on the cheek.

She kissed Florence on the cheek.

"I made soup," she said to Gene and taking his hand to lead them into the dining area just off the living room and the kitchen. "And I got you some of that good bread you like....a momma took CARE of her son."

"You always do, ma," he grinned, and Ray snickered, at the thought of the cold pizza he ate. All about the living room and dining room she sees pictures of Gene, including a baby picture. Gene's mom returned into the kitchen area and sat down a warm pot of paprikash on the wooden dining table. It was already set with cloth placemats and napkins, a bouquet of fresh flowers arranged in a china vase.

"Aww he's so cute," she said, picking up the picture of Gene as a small baby to her left on the bureau.

"Gene was SUCH a beautiful baby," she said to Ray. "There are plenty of pictures there."

"He is so CUTE," she smiled, winking at Gene.

Gene groaned and snatched the picture, mumbling, "ENOUGH out of you."

"Whoops, did I hit a nerve?" she muttered. Gene's mom bustled out of the kitchen, bringing tons of food and setting it on the table.

"Christ, it's THANKSGIVING!" Gene chuckles to Ray under his breath.

Ray's eyes bug out at all the food, hearing her stomach growling.

"Where should I sit... um... Ma'am..." she asked, moving behind the chairs set cattycorner to each other, and one facing.

"Baby, I'll make you some to take home," Florence smiled. "Here, sweetie, sit right next to my baby here. Make yourself comfortable. You are family."

At that remark Gene looked a bit uncomfortable, and Ray wondered just what they had gotten themselves into. She sat down next to Gene, feeling the awkwardness he must feel. The plates were nice modest china, matching the cups that held hot tea for them to drink. His mother said a short Yiddish prayer, then took his plate to dish out the food. Ray was amused to see that Gene's mom dished food on his plate for him. Ray smiled, and mumbled a prayer herself under her breath. Florence took Ray's plate as well with a smile and dishes some for her too. Ray smiled, as Gene handed her the plate laden with a large abundance of the food. Good thing she hadn’t eaten breakfast."So, you have something to TELL me, Chaim?" she clapped with happiness. Gene glanced at her a moment, then choked a bit on his food. Ray groaned under her breath and started eating.

"NO!" he coughed. "Not THAT."

Ravenously Ray ate quickly to slake her hunger, trying to ignore Gene and Florence by loosing herself in the food. Flavored with different spices then to what she was accustomed, it tasted good enough to savor each bite. Florence glanced at him and rolled her eyes comically. She watched Ray putting away a lot of the food, astonished at how hungry she was, and nodding in satisfaction that Ray had a healthy appetite.

"You'll be the FIRST to know, ma, but don't hold your damn breath," Gene chuckled.

"CHAIM!" she frowned. "Such language."He leaned over to kiss her cheek with a laugh and said something in Hungarian. Ray continued to eat in silence, feeling very weird and uncomfortable for Gene. Florence turned to Ray with a smile, asking, "So, Raina, are you taking good care of my boy, love?"

"I do my best," she said generally. A tear came to her eye, and she wiped it away, knowing her family wouldn't welcome Gene with open arms.

"This food is DELICIOUS, Ma'am, I love it," she said.

"Gene loves his momma's cooking," she smiled, patting his belly. "He's a good boy."

"I love your mamma's cooking," Ray smiled.

"And Gene tells me you are a teacher," Florence rested her hands together and glanced at Ray.

"I am. I'm teaching science," she said, as Gene blushed. "Earth science. Gene's been helping me pass my state boards. Maybe someday I'll go to grad school and get a Ph.D..."

"I could tell RIGHT away you'd be good with children," she said, as Gene groaned. Ray choked on her paprikash, coughing. Gene tickled her legs a bit.

"Ma, Raina here....she plays keyboard," Gene said, trying to change the subject.

"Excuse me," Ray said, sipping some of the tea. "I... like music… Ma’am."

"She should play something on the organ after dinner," she said, "No one has played that in so many years."

"I do play organ sometimes," she blushed. "It's been a while.."

Gene leaned over to take his mom's hand, and quickly said, "Ma, this is DELICIOUS."

"It is, can I have more?" Ray asked. "Please?"

"She's a good girl, Gene. Eats her dinner, not like some bird," she said, dishing out a second sizable portion for Ray. Ray smiled with some self-gratification, and took a piece of bread, buttering it.

"This recipe has been in the family for YEARS," Gene said to Ray.

Ray smiled, as she took her plate and started to eat again. Then she settled down to watch Gene and his mother interacting. She was still amazed Gene had another name.

"School is good?" his mother inquired. "They are treating you well?"

"Yes," Ray confirmed, folding her hands in her lap as she paused to let the food settle into place. "For the most part."

"It makes me a buck," Gene said.

"It's a living... but i love to play my music. I do write my own songs..." Ray trails off, watching for his mom's reaction, in support of Gene.

"No wonder Gene loves you. He writes his own songs too," she smiled, "And comic books. I have STACKS of comics he drew." she smiled.

Ray raised an eyebrow, "Really? I like comic books myself. I never knew you drew, Gene…"

"Chaim NEVER brings his girlfriends around," she smiled at Ray. "I am very suspicious."

Gene ducked into the kitchen to get more to drink. Ray glanced at Florence, and smiled warmly, saying, "He IS very nice. And it's nice to meet you... Ma'am..."

"Nice to meet you too. Tell Chaim he needs to come around more often. I love to cook for him...and for you too."

"This is simply excellent... I really enjoyed this food," she said.

She wiped another tear away as she turned her head for a moment. Sorrow filled her, at being so warmly welcomed by a woman she’d never met. Then she turned back to smile sweetly at Florence.

"Take some home. You two need more food," she nudged her.

"Sure," she nodded sadly, thinking of how her mom fawned over the men she would bring home, and knowing that it might not happen in a million years with Gene. This wasn't something she thought she could ever share with them and have them understand."You and Chaim....are you roommates yet?" she prodded gently."Um... well... we only just... met..." she said slowly. "He used to ask me to lunch... and that's how we got to know one another...and things progressed from there. I would love to live with him… but we’d have to see if it would work out…"

"He got mad at me for saying this, but he needs a wife. Someone to take care of him. He won't let me anymore," she smiled.

"I know how that goes," Ray nodded in understanding. "My parents keep asking ME when I'll find the right man..."

"Raina, Chaim's told me a LOT about you. It will happen. I just hope it's with my son," she smiled.

"I wish… How... much did he say about me?" she asked slowly, shifting uncomfortably in her chair.

"Oh.....a few things....how nice you are," she said, waving her hand.

"Oh," she smiled, and blushed, wondering just HOW his mom would accept a non-Jew, and a girl who wasn't Hungarian. Gene's mother sensed she was uncomfortable and touched her hand.

"I have some nice pictures of Chaim to show you after dinner," she said softly as Gene walked back in.

Raina smiled and took her hand, giving it a squeeze. "Something's got in my eye," she mumbled, wiping away a tear.

"Too much seasoning," Gene smiled, reemerging from the kitchen to stand behind Ray. "She's not used to this kind of food."

Ray nodded, and smiled bravely, wiping her tears. Gene leaned down to kiss his mother’s cheek, "Ma, we actually have to go soon. We've got Steve's car, but I just wanted to let you finally meet Ray." "Thanks for dinner," she smiled to Florence. "It was wonderful!"

His mom started to get teary eyed as she grabbed Gene's hand, "So SOON?"

Ray tried her best to smile despite the choking inside. On the verge of tears she was, noting how sweetly this woman welcomed her without question into her home.

"I need to get Steve's car back," Gene said, then whispered something in Hungarian to his mother. Her tears fell, but she hugged him tightly, wiping them with a handkerchief.

"You are good to your momma, Chaim," she smiled. Ray’s heart came to her mouth, and she sighed, walking over to her. Florence rose to walk them to the door as Gene took out his coat and held it up for Ray to wear.Quickly she began to pack up the food as Gene and Raina helped her clear the table. Before long Gene’s mother had packed the remaining abundance into reused cottage cheese tubs and other containers. She put them in a paper grocery bag and handed it to Gene. Gene licks his lips and kisses her, giving his mom a last hug as he said, "I can’t WAIT to eat this Mom."She smiled at Ray, "Raina, you are welcome any time, and PLEASE make sure Gene is good."

"I will, Ma'am," she smiled, reaching out to hug her. Florence did the same, hugging Ray and giving her a kiss on the cheek as before. "You are such a pretty and sweet girl, Raina," she crowed with happiness, holding Ray out at arm’s length, patting her cheek as she watched them at the door."Have a wonderful day!" she said, choking back her tears. Gene grabbed her hand and squeezed it as they walked back to the car."I don't do this with just anyone," he said quietly when they both climbed in. Ray wept away tears and let more flow freely down her cheeks."I know," she said, sniffling as she gripped his hand and clipped her seatbelt. "Thank you Gene.""I just figured that sometimes you doubt how I feel," he sighed, looking out the window, "And maybe I'd show you, instead of tell you.""You just did," she said, swallowing hard. She grabbed his shoulder, and leaned over in the seat to kiss him. He kissed her back and laughed as he reaches over to put the food down on the floor by his boots."I guess we don't have to go out to eat for a week!" Ray laughed, turning on the car, and pulling out into the street. "Where to now, love?"

He sighed and leaned back into the seat, "I guess we get Steve his car back...and then.....grading papers? Since we have PLANS tonight."

"Ugh," she groaned. "I hate grading! Some of those idiots don't know HOW to write a lab report!"She navigated the way back to Steve’s all the while not missing the implication or significance of meeting Gene's mom. Touching his arm softly she said, "I didn't realize you had another name."

"Around here, I don't," he said, glancing around as they left the neighborhood behind him. "I’ll just always be her baby, I suppose."

"I know that feeling," she said. "But I get the distinct impression you like to craft your own identity. And that's a good thing. Maybe I should consider that."

"It's a part of who I was, and I suppose, of who I still am. But when I'm famous....." he said, blushing a bit."Chaim," she choked on his name. "That's a mouthful. But it's nice...You'll have another name then Klein? Something more... illustrious sounding?""Something...I guess I need to find the right combo first. I just keep coming back to this Eisen kid. Shit," he muttered.

"He's part of your future maybe?" she asked. "I think its fate Gene. But you do indeed have a grand vision, and I think he'll be instrumental in it, pardon the pun."

He laughed a bit, and then said with some sarcasm, "I just hope he's got enough sense to make it big. The BALLS, you know. He's awfully young. And awfully pretty. And awfully SWEET."

"Gene, are you a bit... jealous of him?" she teased. He looked at her a minute, his eyes darkening with a look that made her very nervous.

"NO! SHOULD I be?" he said, a hint of jealousy in his voice.

"No reason," she said quietly. "Just cause he's got a lot of talent, maybe? Why should you worry about anything?"

"Nothing obviously. Besides, you're not NEARLY the virgin girl he likes," he smiled wryly, still a bit perplexed.

"No I'm not. I'm a woman that you were instrumental in making, and he's a KID. You're a man and it's YOU I love."

She worried if he had noticed Stanley looking at her sometimes during the concert. Perhaps that was why he tore Stanley down often and teased him. Was it possible he suspected the attraction they shared?

"Well.....I'm glad.....that you feel that way," he said squirming in his seat.

"Gene, what on earth is bugging you?" she asked with concern.

"Nothing...nothing is bugging me. I don't see why all of a sudden you seem concerned about HIM. Besides, he's hardly interested in you," he snorted.

"No, he's interested in Marcia," she said. "Let’s just drop it. It's just me rambling... and you know how I sometimes ramble... Besides I just hope that he doesn't get into another CASEY situation."

She pulled the car over and stopped it, then leaned over to look at him. Resting her hand on his thigh, she slowly rubbed it then moved steadily higher. He grumbled a bit, his pride hurt. She leaned over and kissed his ear, blowing into it. "I'm sorry Gene... It's my own stupid fault for babbling."

Gene simply harrumphed and glared out the window, his eyes dark with anger and frustration. She pleaded, sexily and sultry, "How can I not when I have someone in front of me who makes me giddy and stupid sometimes when he's oozing his sexual charisma?"He regarded her sideways, starting to enjoy the attention. The beginning of a smile forming on his lips he said, "Let's just get this damn car back to Steve's....and we'll talk." She pulled out all the stops when she slowly rubbed her hand over his belly. Taking his face in her hands, she then deposited a playful kiss on his full lips. He groaned helplessly, feeling himself losing the battle. Then she pulled back, asking mischievously, "But if you'd rather I wait till we get to Steve’s..."