By StarbearerTM

"Are you hurt honey?" Paul asked Trynia. He turned back toward Trynia and wondered if she was angry with him. He slid his arm around her and hugged her tightly again.

The manager returned to their table, asking, "Is there anything we can get you compliments of the house sir?"

Paul opened his mouth to say something sarcastic, but closed it when he noticed the look of fear and embarrassment on Erica's face. Instead of hurling an insult he asked, "Kids? You guys want anything?"

"A bottle of champagne?" Kevin said calmly.

"And you, Hon?" he whispered to Trynia. "Several orders of mozzarella sticks... and some Tylenol..."

"And perhaps a nice big ice cream Sunday," Paul added.

"I've got some in my purse. Hang on." Erica said, reaching into her pocketbook and pulling out a package. She handed it to Trynia.

"Be right back," the manager said, snapping his fingers and getting a waiter. Paul picked up a packet of sugar and starts to fiddle with it, as he looks distracted.

"Paul..." Trynia said slowly. He still had one arm tightly around Trynia.

"Huh? Yes?" he turned to her.

"Thank you."

He smiled a bit, "I didn't do enough. I didn't stop you from getting pinched OR getting grabbed OR having to go through that."

"But you punched the guy..." she pointed out. "And made sure he learned a lesson he won't soon forget. No other man has ever done that for me."

"But at that point, the damage was already done. You're already hurting. Pretty darn useless, I'd say I was."

"No." Trynia said, holding up her hand with the blood caked engagement ring. "Your ring saved me... It gave me the distraction I needed to get away..."

At this he smiled, and kissed her hand. He whispered, "Thank GOD for that."

"This darn engagement ring..." she laughed, kissing his cheek.

"That's a hell of a.... HECK...of a ring, Mr. Stanley" Kevin coughed.

"I know..." Trynia laughed. "It saved my life probably."

"That old thing?" Paul joked. Trynia twisted it nervously and took water on a cloth to wipe it off.

"It doesn't matter what you spend, though, Kevin. What's it they say? Two months salary? See, so that varies for everyone." He joked. "And well, my months are pretty well-compensated."

Erica tossed Paul a big grin and rolled her eyes. Trynia seized Paul's hand and kissed it again, shaking.

"You see, Kevin, when I was young.... Before the band... I could never have gotten a pretty young lady like Trynia or like Erica over there to have gone out with me. You're ahead of me already." he winked.

"Mr. Stanley, I think you could have done anything you darn well wanted," Kevin said. "And it's an honor to know you."

"Well, you should have HEARD the girls scream for him, and swarm around the house and all. It was NUTS. I can still remember it, and I was really little," Erica remembered.

"Well, the way you laid out that bastard tonight... That was something," Kevin said with appreciation.

"My grandma...she used to call them pigeons sometimes.... The screaming fans that would come and hang outside Paul's apartment. She's say, "Someone go out there and shoo off some pigeons," Erica laughed. Then she went quiet, hoping she is not appearing too jovial.

Trynia was still stroking Paul's hand, and laying her head on his shoulder.

"I take my promise to protect Trynia very seriously. Even when she doesn't want to let me. Call it the New York boy in me."

"I'm glad you promised that," Trynia said. "I'm sorry I lost it..."

"Shh love," he soothed her, kissing her forehead. "But make no mistake, Kevin, no one screws with what is mine."

"Do you realize you sound like someone ELSE we know?" Trynia asked Paul.

"Yes... sir serious," Kevin nodded. "So... if I ever screw up, my butt is yours right?"

"Other than the daughter I might have some day.... Tryn's own flesh and blood, and mine I worry about Erica's welfare the most. She means everything to me, and I want you to know that I fully expect that when you get before the rabbi, you will honor your promises made to the fullest."

"Yes sir, absolutely sir," Kevin agreed, tensing again.

"Because...other than mom and dad, that's something our family hasn't done very well," Paul continued.

"I promise she'll have nothing but the best I can offer sir, and more," Kevin said firmly. Paul turned his gaze from Kevin toward Erica. "Erica...." he regarded her seriously, speaking very slowly for emphasis. Trynia glanced at Erica, reaching across to grasp her hand and squeeze it for a moment. Then she pulled her hand back and took Paul's.

"When you tell me you love him...are you really and truly in love? You know.... You've pulled this 'flavor of the month' on me before," Paul asked. At this, Erica flushed red in anger and embarrassment.

"I love her sir," Kevin muttered.

"He seems to have a lot to offer, but I want to make sure you know what you are doing." Paul said.

"Paul only wants what is best,' Trynia agreed, and felt as Paul squeezed her hand in appreciation for her support. "Like my father did for me. He put Paul through this."

"You know what your mom went through..." Paul continued. "You know what Linda and I went through...how we still scream at each other over Evan on a regular basis."

Erica still stared at the table; eyes lowered and face flushed. Kevin maintained his distance, resting a hand on her shoulder. "I guess he means he doesn't want... you to make the same mistakes..." Trynia nodded.

"This isn't the senior prom, young lady," Paul said. "You can't call your date at the last minute and say, "I got a better offer."

"In my family... marriage is for life," Trynia said, taking Erica's hand. A small tear dripped down Erica's cheek. She still did not look up.

"I know that, but why is he making it so hard..." she asked Trynia.

"I guess that's what he's getting at... When two people make a commitment its forever... and when I accepted Paul's proposal I mean it forever," Trynia continued. "That is what Paul is saying to you."

Paul looks directly at Erica, even though she won't look up, and tilted her chin up to face him, "Erica...look at me...you KNOW what your mom went through."

"Yes" she choked, then stops talking.

"He wants the same happiness for you that he is promising me now," Trynia added.

"Absolutely," Paul nodded.

"I told her the same thing sir," Kevin added slowly. "Asked her if it was really what she wanted... I want to marry her, because I take marriage seriously sir. That is why I thought it should be sooner rather then later..."

"That's what I hear, Kevin. You are very religious and a family man," Paul nodded, turning his gaze again to Kevin.

"I don't offer it lightly sir." He finished.

Paul reached across the table and took Erica's hand. Angry she tugged it away, but Kevin took it and placed it on the table again. Sighing, Paul rested his hand overtop both of theirs. And lightly kissed it.

"Is there anything you want to say?" he asked Erica. She shook her head no. Tears still dripped down her cheeks. Helplessly he looked to Trynia for some confirmation. "Am I WRONG?" he mouthed at Trynia.

"Erica, I think everyone here is on the same page," Trynia coughed, steadying the fear of the past few hours and focusing on the moment before her. "But ultimately the decision is yours... Paul just wants to make sure it is what you really want. And it's only out of love..."

Still with his hand over hers, Paul said, "Listen, honey, you're a big girl...a LADY.... I'm sorry.... NOT a baby."

"She has you for an uncle and a father..." Trynia nodded. "How can she go wrong?"

"And Trynia is right. The decision has to be yours."

At this, Trynia turned to Paul and mouthed, "Thank you."

"If you tell me...you want this..." Paul sighed, lowering his gaze. Stopping for a last time, he rubbed Erica's hand. "I will give you my blessing."

She smiled broadly and looks up at him, through her tears. She gasped, "Really?"

"I love him, Uncle Paul, and I've never been more sure of anything. He...reminds me of you. Other than...the band thing and the makeup thing and the ass wiggling thing" she winked, excited that things were going her way.

Paul erupted in laughter, and Kevin's face broke out in mortified shock as he cried, "Erica!"

"Easy, Kevin. Erica and I sort of have this 'thing'. We tease the hell out of each other, right, baby?" Paul grinned at his niece.

"Yes!" she smiled.

He took Trynia's hand and then Erica's, clearing his throat to say, "You have my blessing then..."

"Thank you sir..." Kevin nodded gravely.

"I love you," Trynia grinned at Paul.

Almost diving across the table, Erica kissed Paul and threw her arms around his neck. "Oh, God, Uncle Paul, you won't be sorry! I won't let you down. We won't let you down."

"Yes sir I won't let you down," Kevin grinned.

"Nah, I'm not important in this equation. You guys just make sure that you are there for each other," Paul laughed.

"Will you..." Erica asked. "I mean, you said you might give me away."

"I would be honored if you did sir," Kevin said.

"Erica, I've been waiting 26 years to GIVE you away," he teased. She stuck out her tongue at him playfully, but smiled radiantly.

"Oh brother she's you minus the guitar pick," Trynia laughed.

"There are those who say she looks just like me," Paul chuckled. "And look, Kevin and Erica. I don't want to step on any times, and who knows, I might be dead and gone by the time my own children get married, so if you would like, feel free to send all the wedding and reception expenses on to me."

"Sir?" Kevin asked. "Are you sure?"

"I'm absolutely positive."

"TH...thank you!" Kevin gasped, shaking Paul's hand. Erica shrieked again and lunged across the table to hug him, just about spilling Trynia's drink.

"Oh brother we got a live one here!" Trynia groaned.

"I already have my dress picked OUT!" she babbled excitedly.

"If you need help planning it..."Trynia offered.

"Trynia, keep an eye on her spending!" he roared. "There goes our retirement."

"I'd be happy too... I know a great dress shop..."

"Oh, that's perfect! I saw it in a magazine and I just HAVE to try it on," Erica squealed with excitement.

"We'll make a date and go shopping," Trynia smiled, wincing against the pain of her injuries, but struggling to keep composure.

"That magazines not called 'Millionaire Fashions', is it?" groaned Paul.

"See, he's being cheap already!" Erica winked at Trynia, as she leaned over and slugged Paul playfully.

"Well I only spent 2000 for mine..." Trynia protested. "Everything included even the shoes..."

"Oh, I won't spend NEARLY that. I promise," she laughed.

"1999?" Trynia joked.

"DON'T encourage her," Paul shook a finger at Trynia, in mock annoyance. Leaning over he kissed Trynia, happy that she appears to have calmed down from her ordeal. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back.

"And Aunt Trynia, you HAVE to be a bridesmaid."

"And you are in MINE, dearie," Trynia pointed at her.

"And I thought I'd ask my best friend Rachel...and then there's Auntie Linda," she teased Paul, looking at him out of the corner of her eye.

"Oh, PLEASE do!" Paul begged.

"Erica!" Kevin muttered.

"I'm just KIDDING, Kev. Besides, I already got the dark eyes from hell at dinner the other night for calling her a wacko. Do you honestly think I want her at our wedding?"

"And EVAN! He must be our ring bearer! Oh, God, d you think he would? Will Linda let him?" Erica asked.

"Oh... well I was thinking he could be ours," Trynia said slowly. "Would it be okay if he did double duty? If not I can get my nephew..."

"Sure, he'd love it" Paul cooed. "Don't worry, sweetie. You just tell us a date and I'll make sure I use that as my vacation time. Oh, you can BET Evan will be standing up there with us. I'd have it no other way."

"Thank you." Trynia smiled.

Erica reached over and tickled Paul playfully, "You have to dance with me, you know. The Father/Daughter dance.... All stuffy and all."

"Oh boy," Trynia laughed. "At least it's not GENE you're dealing with here!"

"Can he still dance?" Erica asked Trynia.

"Paul can do whatever he wants." Trynia smiled.

"Can I still DANCE?" Paul asked, looking playfully outraged.

"He rescued me so I think he can manage a little old dance..."

"Mmm, remember that statement later, Hon" he whispered Trynia flushed and gently rubs his leg under the table.

"Maybe I'll pick Stop, Look, and Listen... for our dance," Erica teased him. Kevin winced. Paul reached into his champagne and flicked some at her.

"Yikes," Trynia groaned. "Baby Paul."

"He was a cutie when he was younger, huh?" Erica laughed.

"Was? WAS?" he looked at her in mock anger.

"He was adorable then, but he's irresistible now." Trynia said.

"Hmmm, now That's a couple in love" Erica smiled.

"I'm not kidding," Trynia smiled, pinching Paul's cheek.

"Kevin.... He says things like that to me too.... Just not in front of mean looking dark eyed uncles." she teased.

"Well your... niece... is among the most loveliest of ladies here tonight," Kevin said. "With the exception of your fiancée..."

"See that?" Erica laughed. "The Uncle from Hell!"

Trynia couldn't help but notice how much she favored Paul when she laughed.

"Is there an Echo in here?" Trynia joked.

"Will you invite...HER?" Erica asks, suddenly getting sullen. Kevin glanced at her, confused.

"Her who?' Trynia asked.

"The HER you are referring to doesn't even know I exist, so no, most likely not," Paul gave her a calm, sad look.

"Erica..." Kevin said slowly. Holding Paul's hand, Trynia squeezed it tightly. Erica flushed, sorry to have spoiled the mood.

"Claudia," she whispered to him.

"Drop it," Kevin whispered to Erica. "Please?"

An awkward silence settled on the party, and Trynia winced in pain, slowly growing cold. She buried her head in Paul's shoulder, exhausted.

"Perhaps we should be going," Kevin said. "It's late and I'm sure we're all tired..."

"I'm sorry, Uncle," she whispered. "I didn't mean to bring up a problem. I honestly didn't know if maybe you might...."

"Hey, sweetie, it's OK!" Paul said, gripping her hand. "I love you, Hon. Don't worry about it. You're enough for me. You make me so happy and so proud."

"Thank you, Uncle Paul, for everything," Erica cried, wiping away a tear.

"Sure thing," he winked and kissed her cheek. "Aunt Trynia, are you sure you are OK?"

"Paul, can we go home honey, I'm tired and sore," Trynia said to Paul.

"Sure thing," Paul nodded. "I'll just have Chris bring the limo around..."

"Ms. Merin, you might want to get pictures of your injuries," Kevin suggested discreetly, and get a doctor to look at her..."

"Yeah, good idea, Kevin," Paul nodded, as Kevin stood up, and held out a helping hand to Erica.

"Please call us and let us know you're okay," Erica said. Trynia winced and wrestled a smile to her face.

"Thanks Kevin. You've got a good head on your shoulders," Paul mock hit him. "Kevin, it's been a pleasure. Welcome to the family!"

"Thank you sir... thank you!" he beamed, totally relieved. "And don't forget...separate beds in that big old hotel room," Paul winked.

"Yes sir, Whatever you say... Mr. Stanley."

"Night, Uncle Stan" Erica smacked his arm playfully.

Grinning Paul smacked hers back and kissed her on the lips, saying, "Night, girly girl"

"Goodnight Mr. Eisen," Kevin grinned, shaking his hand. They all rose to exchange hugs and kisses.

***

After they had departed, Paul climbed back into the booth and sighed, "Tell me that is FINALLY over..."

"Yes honey... and Paul... could we PLEASE leave now?" Trynia asked, wincing in pain. She started to shake.

"Honey... are you okay... hang on," Paul said. "You sure you are alright? Do we need to have someone look at you?"

"Well maybe we should stop and get me checked out... for evidence... I mean he did pinch me hard..." Trynia shivered. "And I'm sore..."

"That's not a bad idea. Maybe we should go, hon."

"Only... do you have any private doctors..." she asked. He stood to get their coats. Helping her into her coat, he massaged her shoulders gently as she walked.

"Oh, yes, of course, sweetie. I have a friend in private practice, and I'm sure we could stop by and see him."

"Thank you, dear," Trynia told him, continuing to let him take care of her.

"Mr. Stanley is there anything further we can do?"

"Yeah, just think twice before you serve some jackass enough alcohol to get this tanked."

"The bill... forget about it," the manager said. "It's on the house..."

"Oh, I already HAD," Paul said sarcastically.

"And send any medical bills to us... We'll take care of them..." The manager offered. Hearing this, Paul felt bad, because the guy was attempting his utmost to be friendly.

"Look...thank you for your attention to this...." he said, shaking the guy's hand.

"You're welcome, and I'm EXTREMELY sorry..." he apologized.

"Thanks," Paul said, and led Trynia out to the patio. Chris pulled the limo up, and Paul opened the door for Trynia to get in before him. For a time they rode in silence, Paul gently stroking her hair and listening to the radio blare soft classical music to soothe her nerves.

"I can take you to my friend's house if you're still in pain honey..."

"I'm just so relieved to get out of there," she said with a sigh.

Paul settled into the limo seat, and put his hand over his eyes. Trynia buried her head in her hands and began to shake.

"You know, there are times when a good cigarette would be just what the doctor ordered' Paul joked.

"I'm sorry... damn it..." Trynia whimpered. "I can't stop crying..."

He stopped midsentence and said, "Tryn, oh God! What's wrong?"

"I'm sorry... I just... oh god the way he touched me..."

"Tryn, he was a filthy stinking drunk and he had no business grabbing you like that. But honey that part of it is over. He'll never get near you again," he soothed.

"I know... I know..." she held up a hand. "I'm sorry to freak out I just... now that Erica and Kevin are gone... I can't hold the emotion's back anymore."

"Honey you put on a brave face just so I could yak at Kevin... why didn't you tell me you were still in pain... sweetheart..."

"It was so important to you and Erica I didn't want to..."

"Trynia, please, it's Not your fault honey... look, tell me, where does it hurt?" he said, barely above a whisper. "I need to know..."

Embarrassed, Trynia hesitated again, and buried her head in his shoulder. She sobbed and clung to him, and Paul sighed deeply.

"I wish to god that I had known he was going to do this, sweetheart," Paul sighed. "I guess I really screwed up bigtime..."

"Paul no. You didn't... I don't blame YOU for what happened," Trynia sobbed. "Please understand that... beating yourself up ISN'T helping me!"

"I know honey, I'm so furious I could spit," Paul sighed. "Look, just let's start by showing me where he hurt you... You can tell me...if you want..."

"He pinched me hard in several places..." she winced. "The asshole!"

"Where.... Let me see..." he whispered, kissing her neck.

"My breasts, my hip... my waist... and ... my backside..." she says, hand over her face.

"God, he got you EVERYWHERE, didn't he?" Paul snapped, eyes filling with concern. "Are you bleeding? Bruised?"

"I stopped him before he touched me in other places..."

She turned around and pointed to her zipper, and said, "I'll show you where it hurts..."

"It's going to be alright, lover. It's only me. Don't be scared" he soothed, reaching for her zipper and tugging it down. He pulled her straps aside and helped her to tug the dress up and off when she raised her arms.

Trynia turned back around, bared to her slip, bra, and garter stockings. There was a black and blue mark on her right breast, the shape of a man's fingertips. On the other she tugged down her strap and lifted her breast out a bit. More black and blue marks on her sensitive areas swelled into a nasty purple blotch. With anger and concentration, he regarded them. Lightly, he touched his finger near the bruising as if to soothe away the pain.

"We definitely need to take pictures of these," Paul said. "Hang on... I think I have a camera stashed her somewhere... hey Chris, do you still have that disposable camera from our vacation trip?"

The privacy screen slid down and Chris turned back to look at Paul, "Sure Mr. Stanley."

"Give it here..." Paul said. Chris fished in the glove compartment and pulled out a disposable camera with flash. He kept a few on hand just in case Paul wanted snapshots of himself and Evan. Paul slid up the screen and reached over to kiss Trynia on the forehead. He raised he camera and began to snap pictures of her injuries.

"I know this is embarrassing honey, but I swear it will be what we need if we have to sue this guy," Paul said.

"I know... under other circumstances this would be kinky," she muttered gloomily.

"Anywhere else you hurt?" he asked, nudging her. She winced and he sighed, "I'm hurting you...sorry...."

She pulled aside her slip, to reveal another bruise swelling to existence on her hip and waist. He took her hand with his hands and rotated to get a look at other marks on her upper arm and wrist.

"Damn!" he fussed. "He pinched me HARD!" she sighs.

"This son of a bitch meant BUSINESS, didn't he?" Paul looked at her, anger in his eyes as he grabbed the camera again. Again, the flash flickered like lightening in a storm when he snapped more evidence.

"Yes... I don' know what he was thinking... I just... reacted," she said shakily. "I backhanded him with my hand... instead of slapping him with the front I slammed him with the back of my left hand... he has a Scratch on his face..."

"Are you kidding? You did a great job. You broke away and you went for help," Paul said, putting down the disposable and sitting next to her. He handed her the dress so she could put it on once more.

"I screamed so loud."

"I know, Hon...." he comforted her, helping slip the dress over her head and zip it up again.

"Son of a f**cking bitch... he says he wanted ME for a hot art show."

Trynia gritted, quaking with anger. Paul's blood boiled, but he knew he must keep calm for her sake. He continued to rub his arm down her back carefully.

"He was friends with Jimmy Cyan..." he muttered. "One of the artists at the exhibition, you said you met?"

"Jimmy introduced us...and Kiernan... he looked at me in a funny way... When we first shook hands he creeped me out... I excused myself and went back to meet you."

"Your instincts were right," Paul nodded, pulling her feet into his lap and taking off her shoes. He began to rub softly and firmly to relax her.

"Yes... for all the good it did me later. He said he was trying to help me the son of a bitch..."

"Sweetheart, you can't blame yourself. If you RECALL, you gave me the same advice about Claudia about 15 minutes back" he quietly reminded her.

"Yes... damn effective I guess..."

"All I know is I want to tear him limb from limb for what he did to me tonight."

"Oh god he said I looked like Valerie Bertinelli...." Trynia sobbed. Paul set down her feet and pulled her to his side, hugging her gently and kissing her lips softly.

"And he was going to be my Eddie, stupid BASTARD!" Trynia cried into his neck.

"I'm here.... You know...I just...wish I could make this go away for you," he shushed her.

She clung tightly to Paul, shivering, "I know... and it's more then enough. At least I have the satisfaction of knowing you flattened the asshole."

"And anytime you need a repeat performance..." Paul offered, cupping her chin.

"I will be sure to let you know lover," she laughed. "Good lord you took him down with one punch."

"These old hands are occasionally worth more than just guitar playing," he smiled and blushed a bit. "And that kick for good measure..."

"I don't think he'll be coherent for a while..." Trynia laughed.

"That's what day after day of weight training will do for you. You should have seen me right before we went out on the reunion tour."

"I did... on Second Coming," she smiled. "You were HOT! I wished I were one of those nude models pressing up against your crotch! One of the ones that you said you loved the smell of, and the feel of rubbing up against your nude body..."

"You can rub up against me any day, love," Paul teased.

"And you still are, lover."

He chuckled a bit and scolded her, "Now, just watch your moves here, young miss. I'd sure hate to hurt you.... With these around." he touched the bruises again lightly.

"I... well... I kicked him hard...you know. I don't even know where I kicked him..."

"I'm really proud of you, Tryn, you got away from that asshole, and are still alive and kicking to tell about it," Paul smiled at her broadly. "You did a wonderful tonight, and you know what? Erica was right there to hear your story, so hopefully if that ever happens to her, she knows what to do."

"Thank you," she said, with pride.