By Trynia Merin

Afternoon found Raina diligently working her way through the stack of lab reports from Earth Science class. She had her fair share of them to grade, and it had been exceedingly difficult to banish the wicked delightful thoughts of making love to Gene as he had sat there in the same room, harrumphing over his own formidable pile.

When he had nipped away to get food, she had found it easier to concentrate, and had even gotten halfway through her papers by the time she heard the door locks being jiggled one by one. Pushing open the door, he poked his head in the door.

"Hungry?" he asked, looking around for her. His eyes met hers, sitting there on the sofa, and he smiled eagerly.

"I'm SICK of these damn papers," she muttered, looking up from the sofa, throwing the stack of lab reports to one side as he walked in.

"Hey now, that's tomorrow's generation of mad scientists." he chuckled, ratting the bag. "Besides...I brought FOOD."

"I'm so hungry!" she said, walking over to him with her hand extended. Gene kicked the door shut, locking it.

"Ah, ah, AH! Let me get PLATES, my dear." he teased, as he whisked the bag away.

"You sit down and uh.... Prepare."

She grumbled good naturedly and let him get plates, asking, "Prepare?"

"As in sit down and relax. I’ll set things up… and NO peeking!" Gene scolded, disappearing into the kitchen/dining area. She heard the clink of plates and the rustle of paper. When he next emerged, he carried a tray with two filled glasses and two plates with sandwiches on them. Placing the tray down on the coffee table, he then whipped out a bouquet from behind his back.

Ray dropped her jaw, gasping at the six red roses set off with greens and baby’s breath that he handed her. With a smile on her face she cried, "Aww GENE, you shouldn't have!"

"Yeah, but I figure you're going to put up with a LOT of shit tonight, so I'm making up for it in advance." he winked, sitting down next to him.

Ray leaned over on the sofa, hugging him around the neck and kissing him softly on his perfectly shaped lips. "You are entirely too good to me Gene Klein," she whispered in his ear.

"Remember that, next time I'm bugging the hell out of you," he teased.

"I will," she nodded, picking up the plate with her sandwich and setting it on her lap. Lifting her sandwich cut into three pieces so it was more manageable, she bit into it hungrily.

"Seriously though, I don't suppose you can maybe entertain Marcia for just a bit tonight?" he said, wincing.

"I think I can," she said through mouthfuls of sandwich. "As long as I don't have to put up with Audrey the idiot..."

"I want to sort of.... I have a plan.... I want to push this kid a bit, maybe pick at a few of his songs. Just to see how he can take it. I don't want to start something of significance with someone who's basically a baby."

"I know," she said. "I'll talk to her woman to girl. And you and the guys can pick on each other. If you need me, just knock."

He chuckled, "Steve called me an hour ago. Audrey's not coming. Her girlfriends are taking her shopping."

"Thank god! I don't know about you, but she drives me up the wall..." she mumbled.

"She bugs the CRAP out of me. Honestly, I don't know what Steve sees in her."

"She... she's a friggin bigot," Ray mumbled. "She called Marcia THAT GIRL... That girl. What a load of shit."

"And she whines. Don't forget that," Gene added, picking up a piece of his sandwich and chewing on it just as eagerly as Ray attacked hers.

"Yeah, like this..." she imitated Audrey, "She's not like US she's a STRANGER!"

"Well, you KNOW the problem there. You were there that night. She's hot for Pretty Boy," Gene mulled through his mouthfuls. "And Steve refuses to see it."

"Yeah, he's a bit dense." Then she added mentally, better her than me.

Gene nodded, eating more sandwich. He poured some chips onto her plate from the bag of chips, then reached in to grab a handful for him. They ate for a few minutes, satisfying one hunger of immediate consequence. Ray sighed deeply for a moment then started, "Gene... I’m sorry about earlier today... You did the sweetest thing I could imagine, taking me to see your mother."

"Well, I told her about you a few times. And she wanted to meet you, and it just so HAPPENS that she had a ton of food." Gene laughed casually. "And I knew if I told you beforehand I'm taking you to meet my mom, you'd do what every other girl does and freak out."

"Thanks," she blushed. "It's probably one of the nicest things anyone's done... I... I just wish that my parents would accept you... but my father... shit... forget it."

Gene looked down at his sandwich a moment, while she wiped away a tear. He sighed, "I don't think that's a bridge we have to cross right now, Ray. It's not like we're looking to get married."

"No, it isn't. Let's enjoy the time we have," she said, wiping her eyes. "And not spoil it with stupid questions like that one."

"If it comes down to some sort of showdown, we'll deal with it then, but I'm not changing for anyone." he said, picking his head up and looking her in the eyes.

"I don't want you to change," she said firmly. "And who SAYS I have to get married anyway?"

"Certainly not me." he grinned.

"I don't know if I want to end up like some of my relatives, married off just to 'calm them down'. I want to have the freedom to do what I want..." she trailed off. "Not be stuck with being a wife who has to cook and clean for some man who just brings home the pay and kisses me on the cheek and wonders when I'm going to have kids or play bridge with the girls? Like some June Cleaver."

"God forbid," Gene smiled.

"I uh... did burn my bra in my time..." she admitted.

"Too bad I missed it. You look gorgeous bra-less." he teases.

She grinned. "College... it does wonders. The only reason I dress like I do when I’m in school is cause of keeping my job."

"Besides, if you're looking for the All American Domestic Dream, I'm not your guy. No marriage, no kids. Just rock and roll.... With a few comics thrown in."

"I don't want the domestic dream Gene, I want you," she said. "Any way I can get you."

He leaned over to kiss her, putting her plate on the table, along side his. She kissed him too, hard, feeling gene’s hand moving over her back to rub it with his strong fingers. They parted, and regarded each other with awkward silence. Changing the subject he said, "I got that sandwich just the way you like it. Extra olive oil."

"Yes," she nodded. "It's PERFECT. Like you. Just the way you are."

He chuckled, "I'm FAR from perfect. You of all people ought to know that by now."

She grinned, "I'm not the model of perfection either... I meant you're perfect as in perfect for me... aww there i go sounding mushy again..."

"WE all are guilty of that," Gene said.

"Can you get me some more tab?"

"I'm sure I do." he smiled at her, enjoying her vulnerability. He rose from the couch and disappeared into the kitchen. She sighed and ate her sandwich slowly, savoring each bite. Ray thought how on Monday she would have to go back home, and face the teachers again, and her parents. Closing her eyes, she wept another tear away and cursed herself for giving her heart so freely. Her heart pounded at the realization that something might happen to ruin what she and Gene have. Slowly she pulled out her tablet to quickly sketch him to calm her nerves.

Soon Gene returned with a Tab and a glass of ice. Putting on a brave smile, she reached for the glass and ice, watching him take her glass away to return once more. With a sigh and grabs one of his guitars, then sat next to her. He began to noodle with it. She finished her sandwich, sipping her soda. Grabbing a piece of paper she started writing song lyrics, but stopped, instead sketching a doodle of some kind of cartoon. While she didn’t think of herself as the best artist, she had some talent. On the lined paper she sketched what appeared to be Gene's caricature playing the guitar.

"My dilemma is this...." he started.

"What?" she asked, flipping over the paper to a new page.

"I don't know this kid, not REALLY at least...."

"I know," she said, starting a cartoon of him with vampire fangs and a cape.

"And what if I play him something and he decides to swipe it?" he asked, looking at the guitar strings as he played.

"You kick his ass," she said.

"People do that all the time.... Steal bits and pieces from each other."

Ray scrawled CREATURE of the NIGHT under Gene's cartoon. It had him with vampire fangs and dark circles around his eyes. He looked at her with interest, then continued to play. In a long cape with blood dripping from his fangs she rendered him, before giggling. She turned over another page when Gene started fiddling with a new song.

"What's so funny?" he asked after a time.

"Um... nothing," she looked at him innocently, trying to hide the pad from him behind her back.

"Playing with lyrics?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Um. Yes and no." she giggled, holding the pad out to him. He examined her drawing on one page, nodding with appreciation. He hadn’t realized she too had some drawing talent like himself. Under the lyrics she had drawn him playing his guitar and then on the next page there was the vampire cartoon. He raised an eyebrow, and shook his head with a small smile.

"It's stupid," she mumbled.

"You see me as Bela Lugosi?" he chuckled.

She giggled, "I told you it was stupid..."

On the next page he saw where she started to draw a dragon, its head curling on a sinuous neck that ended nowhere. Under it he saw his picture in a devil cartoon with bat wings as a joke. He had a pitchfork, bat wings and horns, with a halo of fire around him. She flushed BRIGHT red, when he read aloud the caption said 'Gene my devil... from your angel.' Smiling widely at her he ripped it off the notepad.

"You... like it?" she asked. He winked at her, folded it up and put it in his back pocket.

"I do.... It’s mine now," he said, licking his lips.

"You look like a damn snake when you do that!" she groaned playfully. "Or a dragon... don't know why... And that look in your eyes is like Bella Lugosi. When he's ready to sink his fangs into the victim's neck and draw blood... I know it's stupid... too many comic books."

"I AM Hungarian, you know. If vampires exist anywhere, they'd be in my neck of the wood...pun definitely intended."

"I know. Friggin snake tongue and all. No wonder you can kiss me so well..." she blushed.

"And look at what you did to my neck!" she pointed to the large hickey he gave her. He leans over and gently nips her again. In turn she nipped his neck, leaning over his guitar so not to crush it. He pulled back a bit and smiled, starting to play a song.

"You remember this one?" he asked.

"Yes," she nodded. "Only you..."

"I'm going to play it tonight. Think you can help me with keyboards?"

"Yes," she smiled. "I'd love to... I actually like your music, not that I’m being partial... you know. Eskimo sun is weird, but hey."

"I'm just very curious how it's all going to run together. I know Steve can write some good things. The kid, I don't know. So far, some of it is decent." he grumbled a bit.

"I like Love is blind," she admitted shyly. "That's my favorite song of yours. But just think of what you could do with them together?"

She picks up his bass and starts to play along with him. She’s good at bass even if she's not great on guitar. Playing a funky bass beat to his noodling on the guitar she filled in the gaps. Gene nodded with mute appreciation, letting her play along with him. Was there no end to her hidden talents?

"I guess we'll see. I'm still skeptical." he muttered.

"I guess I can see why," she said, fingering his bass and picking out some notes in a nice solid pattern. He played a bit more, then sighed when he glanced at his watch.

"We going to stay at Steve's tonight? I mean, ALL night?" he asked.

"I don't know," she said slowly. "Only if you want to... I'd rather be back HERE..."

"Because if we are, I want to pack my own damn things. I had to use Steve’s damn razor this morning." he groaned.

"Yikes," she muttered.

"Nothing said we have to stay, no matter what goes on. We can always leave."

"Yes we can," she smiled.

"Only problem is, Marcia sort of told her folks you were the chaperone."

"Hmm." she mumbled, and sighed.

"And while I trust Stan, I think.... If something happened to her...."

"I will stay if it means to protect her," she said. "She's MY friend. And I like her. And she's MY responsibility..."

"Or invite them back to our place. Doesn't matter to me." Gene said nonchalantly.

"They could come here," she suggested. "I still have the sleeping bag..."

He laughed, "They might be growing sort of attached to that."

She thinks about how he said 'our place’, and sighed. Gene put his guitar aside and mumbled, "I'm giving him condoms too. Knowing that kid, he only had one, and he'd been carrying it around in his wallet for 6 months."

"Yeah," she nodded. "I'm glad you're prepared... that’s always a plus."

"You think I ought to talk to him, Ray?" he said, suddenly serious.

"You should Gene. I'll talk to Marcia. He needs you to set him straight. He looked up to you in some way... I think."

Gene mused, "I'm just not convinced he...I don't know...knows what he's doing.'

"I think you should, considering you probably have more experience... much more then a 17 year old," she said. Gene nodded and picked up his guitar again to play around a bit more. Whatever finishing touches he could put on his songs before tonight, the better.

"Our place," she muttered, looking fondly around the apartment. She noticed a picture of Gene's mother there to one side and a picture of Gene with a mom and dad to another. It intrigued her, and she wonders more about him, but didn't ask.

"I've sort of been wondering why you've never asked if you could move in here." he said, still strumming his guitar.

"I... well... don't know," she flushed. "I thought i might get in the way if... well you want to bring someone else home... you know? You did say you sometimes think time away is good for 2 people."

"I think I could still get time away." he said quietly, "And I'm not really one to bring women HERE."

"Your mother asked me if we were living together as roommates... Gene," she said softly.

"I figured she would," Gene chuckled.

"Hey Gene," Ray said, suddenly coming to an impulsive decision. She would figure out the implications later.

"Huh?" he said, looking up.

"What if I did... try staying here... for a month?" she asked, noticing his raised eyebrows. "If we DID end up working out I'd stay. If not, then I leave. As a trial basis..."

"I'd like it...." he smiled, "But only under the condition that I don't own you and you don't own me."

"I know." she said. "I'm a roommate. I won't ask you where you're going. Or when you'll be home."

"And either of us can bail at any time." he added.

"Exactly. If you think it drives you nuts I'll move in with Gloria. I think she needs a roommate... Besides, I think it's time I get out of my parent's home... I don't need much..."

"I'd love having you here. I get sick of having to shuttle back and forth. And if we drive each other nuts, well, it's Gloria's gain," Gene smiled warmly.

"Yes," she smiled. "Why don't we go get some of my things... tomorrow... While my parents are out... And I'll leave some stuff at Gloria’s. She's got a car she can help. And her boyfriend can help too. Ike's not averse to helping move stuff. They have a two bedroom... together."

"I think I can be ready for a roomie by tomorrow." he said slowly.

She nodded, "And if we drive each other nuts, I'm moving out. And Gloria and her boyfriend have a roommate. She's already asked me if I had thought about moving in with her..."

"Agreed." he said, reaching out to shake her hand. "And see, now if Marcia stays over tonight, she can REALLY say she's staying with a friend. We just don't have to mention to her mom how a horny kid is slipping it to her while she's here."

"Since you and I will be living together," she smiled, looking VERY happy, as a great weight lifted off her chest. "But it doesn't mean that we... uh you know... no strings."

"No strings. I like it," he smiled.

"But one thing... where am I going to put my comic books?" she giggled, hand over her face.

"Huh, mine are in the closet. Maybe under the bed?"

"If you like... Just WHO is your favorite char anyway?" she asked. "Other then Superman?"

"I like the Inhumans in Fantastic Four. Especially Blackbolt Do you have the first appearance?" Gene asked.

"Of course," she smiled. "I guess you like the fact he flies..."

Gene shuddered, "Actually I am afraid of heights," he mumbled.

After lunch, Gene and Ray finished grading papers. It was about six thirty when Stan stopped by, and they joined him to ride the bus to Marcia’s home. Nervously Stanley regarded the huge home, a single family dwelling much in a neighborhood like Ray’s, except they appeared to have much more money then she or her father. Perhaps they were on par with her grandparents; the old MacLarens, which had earned their money on jewelry, store the hard way. Dressed in his black wool coat and a conservative shirt with nice corduroy pants, Stanley fussed and shook his head.

"Damn Gene, what the hell am I doing?" he groaned, glancing at Gene.

"Don't be a fidget," he said to Stan. He exhales and knocks on the door. He tucks his hair under his jacket a bit.

"And for crying out loud, let me do the talking if you get in over your head..." Gene mumbled, crossing his arms. He then uncrossed them, offered Ray his arm, wrapping his hand around hers.

"They're going to HATE me, I just know it," he groaned.

"Trust me," Gene winked. "Shhh, I'm Mr. Klein, your Chaperone."

"What if they KNOW?" Stan hissed. "What then?"

"And don’t' forget... I've got it covered..." Gene nudged him. "I know all about these kind of families. They have loads of cash..."

Stan rolled his eyes and knocked again. Gene examined at the home, mumbling something about Jewish American princesses under his breath. He whispered to Ray, "Looked like they're loaded, hon."

"I noticed," she muttered back.

"For the record, you and I are Mr. and Mrs. Klein," he whispers. "For THESE people. And your name is Rachel."

"You've GOT to be kidding." Ray begins to giggle uncontrollably. He winced at having to play act, but knew things would go much more smoothly if he kept the illusion of them being a happily married if not Jewish couple.

"SHHHHHH!" Stan glared at both of them.

"There are red headed Jewish people you know." Gene said, putting a hand over Ray's mouth. A moment passes, and a young woman about age 19 answered the door tentatively standing to examine them. Her sandy brown hair was curly; her eyes blurred by glasses as she pushed them up her slightly pointed nose. Slender like Marcia, Gene guessed she must be an older sister. She was dressed conservatively in a below the knee dress decorated by light blue flowers, her dress skirt pouffed out by crinolines.

"Good afternoon, Miss Greenburg," Gene smiled. "Is Marcia Greenburg home?"

"Hi...you must be Stan?" she said shyly.

"This is Stanley Eisen," Gene pointed to Stan, nudging him. Realizing that she was mistaking him for Stanley, Gene laughed in amusement.

Stan smiled shyly back at her, "I'm Stan.... Actually."

"I'm Gene Klein, and t his is my er... wife Mrs. Ray Klein...we’re chaperones."

"Oh.... You’re cute," the sister grinned. "Come on in. Marcia's still getting ready."

"Thank you," Gene smiled, and presents his hand to Marcia’s sister. When she offered it to him, he raised it to his lips to kiss it.

"Come on in, all of you, welcome." she smiled prettily and invites them in. Taking Ray’s arm, Gene indicated Stanley should follow her. Gene mumbles and put a kiss on his hand to the mezuzah on the door. Ray tugs at Stan's arm for moral support and whispers for Ray to do the same. She did so, wondering if they would be able to pull this off.

Entering a foyer, they glanced around at the stairs in mahogany and redwood leading up to a second then a third level. To the left and right were closed doors, and Marcia’s sister led them through the hallway to a richly furnished parlor, its walls covered in striped green wallpaper. All the furniture was Victorian style, to match the woodwork ornamentation in the home. Crystal and brass lamps illuminated the sizeable room, a marble fireplace covered in decorative green designs. Old photographs covered the walls, of various ancestors along with a family tree that stretched back for generations. Stan whistled low under his breath standing as he took the surroundings in.

"Relax," he urged. "It's okay."

"You have a lovely home!" Ray smiled in appreciation. Social graces rose to mind, as she realized how proud this family must be of its lineage since their parents had stepped off at Ellis Island in the 1800’s, much as Ray’s family had done. At least on the MacLaren side. She noticed the photos of Victorian style dress, very well to do, and wondered what country these people were from. She judged by the clothes style it must have been Poland or Germany.

"Thank you, Mrs. Klein," Marcia’s sister smiled politely. She motioned them into the drawing room and motions for them to sit on the large green upholstered sofa. They did, and Gene takes Ray's hand, holding it to cover her left hand. Stella sits down on the love seat and smiled at them. Gene smiled charmingly at her as Stanley sat tentatively down in a striped green and white armchair. It was stiff backed and uncomfortable, the sort that was covered in lace doilies, and impossible to lean back in. Ray sensed the inquisition was about to begin.

"What is your name, may I ask, young lady?" Gene says smoothly.

"Gosh, I'm sorry. I'm Stella," she said, rising to shake his hand.

"Hello Stella," Gene kisses her hand again. She flushed and giggled prettily.

"Soooo, you're in a band, right?" Marcia’s sister asked Stan, once she sat down again.

"His parents sell furniture," Gene said grandly. "And I uh... I'm a teacher. Stan's in a band with me."

"Uhhhh, yes, its just a few friends. We're not that great." Stan said, reddening.

"Rainbow. We play bar mitzvahs... weddings and such, you know?" Gene explained casually. Stan looked at him, perplexed.

"Wow! I wish I had known that. My littlest sister Ida just had her bat mitzvah and the band was AWFUL." she gasped.

"Naturally. They're not Rainbow," Gene said proudly, pouring on his charm, nudging Stanley as he continued to spin the tale. Yenta had nothing on him, Ray mumbled, thinking of Fiddler on the roof. Talk about a matchmaker, she mumbled.

"It was some band the New York Club had recommended." Stella sighed.

"Hmm, really?" Gene asks. "My mother's heard of them..."

"Uh. You have two sisters?" Stan asked nervously.

"Stanley here is VERY good at singing... under MY help of course..." Gene said with a grin.

"Actually there are five of us girls. Dad's got himself a HANDFUL." she laughed.

"I'll BET." Stan whispered.

"Five girls," Gene smiled. "Five fine ladies like yourself."

"Yes." she blushed. Ray winced at the uncanny resemble to Fiddler. This was all too eerie.

"And I'm sure your father is VERY proud of all of you ladies." Gene nodded, his eyes twinkling. Ray continued to chuckle to herself.

"We really like your sister, she's very sweet, and she INSISTS on a chaperone, so Gene and I have been happy to oblige." Ray said, biting her tongue.

"Yes," Gene nodded kissing Ray's cheek and giving her hand a squeeze.

"Marcia.... She’s not really dated before." Stella said, shooting a look at Stan.

"Hmm, neither has Stanley," Gene said quickly, causing Ray to bite her tongue even more. Gene kissed Ray softly on the lips, winking at her.

"Trust me," Gene whispered to her. "I know the drill."

"That's OK. I'm harmless." Stan said.

"My mom.... She’s with my baby sister at a dance recital, so she's sorry she couldn't be here to meet you, Stan," Stella said. "She and dad are quite overprotective."

"Oh, I'm sure they are." Stan said, fidgeting.

"So is my mother," Gene chuckled. "I know how moms can be about their little girls... That's why we're here... to make sure they BEHAVE."

Stella turned to see Marcia coming downstairs. Gene nodded in appreciation at how Marcia was dressed in a skirt knee length and conservative blouse. Her hair was swept in long braid down her back. Pinned at her throat was a small cameo, neatly framed by a pink cardigan she wore buttoned over her light ivory blouse. Stan stood up and smiled when he saw her enter the drawing room. Gene too stood up, and pulled Ray with him.

"Hey, Marcia." he said, painfully aware of everyone staring at him.

"Hello Miss Greenburg," Gene smiled warmly. "We have been talking to your sister here. She is a most gracious host."

"Tell her she looked nice." Ray hissed to Stan.

"You LOOK nice.'" Stan parroted.

Gene nodded. "Stanley here is anxious to spend the day with you. She will be staying with us if it gets too late."

"Oh...well.... I guess I could explain that to mom." Stella said, a bit shocked.

"If you want our phone number," he said slowly, reaching for his pen and a small notepad from his coat pocket. "I’d be happy to furnish it to you…"

"You seem like nice people." she grinned, astonishing Ray. Gene scribbled his name and address down on a piece of paper with his phone number. Open mouthed she regarded Gene, then snapped it shut in wonder. His plan had actually worked!

"You can reach us here if you need to speak to us. And tell her Mr. and Mrs. Klein are watching. If your mother has any questions," Gene said, very businesslike.

"I sure will, Mr. Klein. I'll tell her I met you and you were very responsible," she smiled, flirting a bit with Gene. Ray resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Gene kissed her cheek again to mollify her.

"Thank you miss," he nodded with a smile. "If we may take our leave of you?"

"Sure. Marcia, have FUN!" she grinned as she hugged her sister. Motioning with her hand she added, "I’ll show you out…"

"Thank you Miss Greenburg," said Ray, taking Gene’s arm.

"Shall we go?" Gene asked Marcia and Stan as he turned to them. Not believing his luck, he followed Gene and Ray out after Stella, Marcia at his side. They reached the foyer again, and the door to freedom, which Stella unlocked.

Ray glared at Stan again, who said, "It was NICE to meet you, and thank you."

"Say goodbye Stanley," Gene said, nudging him.

"Oh.... Bye." he smiled. "And thank you!"

"Have a wonderful evening, Miss Greenburg," Gene said smoothly as Stella opened the door. Stella took a moment to slyly look at Stan up and down.

"Night!" she smiled perkily.

Gene insisted Stan and Marcia go first, then urges ray out, arm around her waist. Stan grabs her hand and rushed outside. Once they were outside, rushing down the cement steps, Stan exhaled loudly. Gene nodded and closed the door, throwing a last smile to Stella. When Stella was no longer watching, Gene urged them along the street quickly.

"I'm going to wait until we are out of here to kiss you." he grinned to Marcia.

"Simplicity itself, my man. Shall we go, kids?' Gene asked, tugging Ray's arm.

"Gene, you could sell shit to the Tidy Bowl Man" Ray laughed, and indeed he looked VERY smug.

"I have my ways," he laughed. "I can sell anything to anyone. Don't you forget it."

Stan leaned over and kissed Marcia's cheek quickly and happily. He whispered into her ear, "I missed you, baby."

"I missed you too," she smiled.

"Where were you?" she despaired.

"Honey, I'm sorry i took so long," Stanley blushed, kissing her hand. Gene waved his arm to lead them off grandly.

"It's OK. I thought for a minute...you might not come," she said quietly.

"Let's go kids, time's a wasting..." Gene urged them towards the bus stop.

"Uh why?" he asked Marcia with concern. "I wanted to see you honest... but Gene... he uh... had to come as a chaperone..."

Gene glanced sidelong at Ray with concern, and nudged her arm, "I think you and she need a chat, later."

"Well, Stella said...that sometimes guys are all gung-ho at first, but then they don't call, even when they said they had a good time." Marcia blushed.

Stan looked at Gene, who grinned smugly, "Yes, I DEFINITELY agree."

"Uh yeah, I know," he said. "That’s why I'm here... NOW." Stanley said. He put his arm around her and follows Ray and Gene to the bus stop.

"And one time...Stella had a date to a dance and he didn't show up at ALL. $500 dress and no date." she said sadly.

"That's not me," Stanley said firmly.

"$500 dress," Ray whispered to Gene.

"Wow," Gene mumbled. "Shit..."

"I would NEVER stand you up, Marcia," Stanley said firmly.

"I know, love." she giggled boldly and kissed his cheek. He kissed her back and smiled.

"I missed you honey," he whispered to her, rubbing her back as they walked quickly after Gene and Ray. "VERY much..."

"So, what are we going to do tonight? I'm up for anything." she smiled and squeezed his hand.

"We're going to see Rainbow play," Gene said, patting Stanley on the back and laughing hard.

"Rainbow?" she said confused.

"New band, trade secret," he winked at her.

"Sounds like something out of Wizard of Oz." she said.

"Gene?" Stanley asks, very suspicious.

"Tell you later, kid," Gene said quickly. "So. Dinner... what do you like, kids?"

Marcia began to rub Stan's hand happily. Stanley looked helplessly at Gene. She chirped, "I love seeing bands. I'll see anyone."

"Well its a rehearsal," Stanley mumbled.

"Marcia, what sounds good for dinner.... Since we ARE the chaperones." Ray smiled.

"Rainbow?" he mouthed to Gene, who nodded quickly.

"So, are you playing tonight, Stan?" Marcia asks with wide eyes.

"How about something adventurous?" Gene asks.

"Uh yeah," he laughed nervously, looking at Gene.

"NOT your mothers again, dear," teased Ray as she leaned to kiss him. They stood by the bus stop, patiently waiting. Before long, the bus rolled up to the curb, hissing to a halt.

"We're all playing tonight," Gene said smoothly as he led her towards the doors that slid open.

"I'd love to see Stan play again." Marcia grinned; her hand in Stanley’s while they followed Ray and Gene up the steep stairs.

"We have enough food for a week dear," Gene laughed to Ray, who beamed. He tossed some change into the bus fare box, for himself and Ray.

"Uh, come on Hon," Stanley said awkwardly. Marcia looked at Stan and reached for her little hand purse. He stopped her, digging in his pocket.

"I got it," he smiled and tossed bus fair in for both of them.

"I can pay. I have money," she said sweetly. Stan looked at Gene helplessly.

"Easy kid," Gene mouthed, then joked. "It's the 70's."

"Let the man pay, Marcia." Ray said, letting Gene lead her to a seat in the middle of the bus. "Lesson number one."

"Right love," Gene laughed, sitting down next to her.

"OK...I don't want to be any trouble." Marcia shirked a bit. Stanley led Marcia to a sat across the isle from Gene and Ray, allowing her to sit by the window.

"It's sweet of you to offer," he whispered.

"I have my allowance, just in case." she whispered back. Gene laughed as the bus squealed and lurched away. Thoughtfully he regarded the streets of large homes as they rolled past them, fingering his chin.

"Big bucks houses," he nudged Ray.

"Very," she muttered back.

"I'll have a home like that. Even bigger someday... When I'm rich and famous," he said.

"I have no doubt of that." she grinned.

"I have a vision," he said, leaning back in the seat. "And nothing's going to stand in my way..."

Across the isle, Stanley held Marcia's hand shyly, and leaned over to kiss her. He whispered, "I told my parents about you. They want to meet you someday."

"I told my parents about you too.... Well, the stuff I COULD tell. Not EVERYTHING." she said, blushing.

"I know, I didn’t tell my folks everything either," he blushes back, giving her another slow kiss. She looked at him and laughed.

"Can we do it again?" she whispers in his ear.

"Yes love," he nodded. She grinned happily.

"We're going to Steve’s, and we can spend the night at Gene’s..." said Stan.

He glances back at Gene who nodded.

"If they don't mind..." she said, as Ray nodded as well.

"Thanks," he mouthed to Gene.

"We're the damn chaperones, don't forget." Ray smiled, "We'll feed you, entertain you, then put you to bed."

Stanley winced.

"It's like instant teenagers, Gene." Ray grinned.

"Yep,' he grinned back, kissing her hand in his. "So we'll be WATCHING."

"Screw you Gene," Stanley laughed.

"Wow, wouldn't that be wild to have teenagers? I want to have a whole BUNCH of kids someday." Marcia said.

"No that's Ray's job," said Gene. Stanley grinned.

"That would be great," he nodded. Gene shook his head.

"Screwing you, maybe. Having a whole bunch of kids.... No WAY." Ray snorts

"God forbid a dozen like them..." he mumbles. "I hope you're not planning on that anytime soon…"

Ray looked at Stan, amused, and Stan said defensively, "Hey I like kids."

"Cause you ARE one," Gene shots back.

"HEY," Stan pouts.

"However, like good chaperones, I think Marcia and I need to have a talk.... Just to make sure everything’s crystal clear." Ray said. Gene nodded in approval. Marcia looked nervously at Stan.

"It's okay. She wants to get to know you," he said simply. "Nothing major..."

"Okay kiddies, our stop is next," Gene announces. He touches the cord to stop the bus.

"Well, I might have some...questions...only maybe I better ask you first." she whispers in Stan's ear.

"Um ray might be able to answer that better then me," he blushes.

"Oh..." she said, taking his hand to lead her off the bus.

Gene shoed them out. "C'mon kids, times wasting! Chop chop..."

Marcia stepped out of the bus, looking around at the neighborhood anxiously. Tucked into a less wealthy part of town, she felt very oddly out of her element. Cautiously she looked at the restaurant in front of her with its window plastered with signs and prices. It was a part of time she wouldn't normally go to. She began to play nervously with her Star of David.

"Gene!" Stanley winced.

"I figured a deli might be all right," Gene asks as he climbs off the bus. "They have hot food..."

"Sounds delicious, love." Ray said, patting her stomach.

"Yeah..." Stanley said embarrassed. "Is it okay honey?"

Gene opens the door for the ladies, ushering Stan in. Ray asked Gene what the Hebrew writing under "Sal’s Deli and Market," meant.

"It’s Hebrew for Kosher Deli," Gene whispered, holding the door for her. The other two followed, tentatively.

"Umm, sure, this will be fine." Marcia said.

"Come on kids... I'll get us a table," Gene said, walking in as he glanced around. Not many people were present in the small market aside of the eating area.

"I'm too nervous. I can't eat in front of him," she whispered to Ray.

Stanley is mortified. "I'm sorry," he mumbled.

"You'll get over it, trust me." Ray whispers back, "They're just MEN, not alien space beings."

Gene shouts something to the shopkeeper in Yiddish. The man smiled and waves back. He shakes Gene's hand and they talk a few minutes. The man motions them to a booth, and sits them down.

"Mr. Ambassador," Stanley mumbles.

"What should I order?" Marcia whispers to Ray.

"Sit down," Gene urges Stan.

"Get a salad, if you're that nervous. That way, you can play with it." Ray said.

"GOOD idea." she smiled.

"All RIGHT Mr. Klein," Stanley groused. "Shit."

"Honey, it's OK." Marcia said, patting his leg.

Gene nudged Ray into the seat playfully with his hip and sits next to her. Stan sighed and indicated Marcia should sit first. She does, taking special effort to climb in gracefully with her skirt. Stan slid next to her and stared at the menu.

Gene glanced breezily over the menu.

"Hmmm, what to choose," he licked his lips. "Ray, what do you want love?"

"I'd love the tuna fish special." Ray said, "Extra hot peppers."

"Good choice," Gene winked. With pad and paper in hand, the waiter stopped to take their orders.

"What will it be?" he asks, his English very hard to understand as it was laced with a thick Russian accent.

"Gene, you can order for me." Ray said, nudging him.

"The lady will have the tuna fish special, with peppers," Gene said.

"Sure," he nodded then repeats it in Yiddish. The man nodded and scribbled it down.

"Stanley?" Gene asked.

"Uh, the challa French toast," Stan said. "And coffee..."

Marcia continued to finger her necklace. Gene added that order in Yiddish, then glanced at Stanley’s girlfriend. Stan asked, "Hon?"

"Oh.... I’d...uh...like a house salad, Italian dressing." she said shyly, thinking that would be inexpensive for Stan. Stanley said something in Yiddish to the waiter, not to be outdone by Gene. He nodded and then said something to them both and waved at Stan and Marcia holding hands.

"Have bread sticks or something, hon." Ray said, "You'll starve."

"GARLIC breath!" she gasped.

"He wants to know if anything else?" Stan asked Marcia.

"Oh, yeah. Sorry." Ray laughed, "I guess Gene never cared."

"Sheesh," Gene mumbled. "Temper temper."

"No." she said in a small voice, looking at him.

"All right, to drink?" Stan asked her. "Coffee ok?"

"No, actually a Coke please." she said. Marcia looked at the cut flowers in the middle of the table. Stanley tells the waiter in Yiddish. He smiled and said something else and Stan blushes. Gene grinned.

"Shut up Klein," he said when the waiter left to get their drinks.

"These carnations are SOO pretty. I love carnations." Marcia said, as Ray winks at Stan.

"Don't EVEN repeat it..." Stan hide his head in his hands as Gene said something to him in Yiddish with a laugh. Gene grinned innocently.

"What?" Ray whispers to Gene.

"He said something about the young couple..." he grinned.

"And....." she grinned.

"And how lovely they look. He wonders if it's a first date or not?"

"And something else," Gene grinned.

"It sort of is, isn't it?" Marcia said.

"Yeah," Stan said. "It is... first official date.'

The waiter returns with hot coffee for Stan and sodas for the others. He put the salad before Marcia, and the French toast before Stan. Gene has soup first. It's chicken noodle, and he rubs his hands back and forth.

"I was in a pageant one time at my school, and I pinned a whole bunch of carnations on my dress...at the belt." Marcia said, babbling.

"That sounds nice," Stanley said.

"I'll bet that was pretty." Ray smiled, kicking Gene under the table.

"Not as good as my mom's soup," he comments.

"But i bet you were pretty," he added.

"I actually sewed my own pageant dress. I can sew and cook." she said proudly.

"That's very talented of you, right STANELY?" Gene nudges Stan.

"Uh yeah right, of course!" Stanley snaps up.

"Nah, I wasn't that pretty. I didn't win," she said, looking down at her salad.

He poured sugar into his coffee and sipped it.

"What a crime," Gene said.

"Yeah, what a crime," Stan added.

"You're sweet, Gene." she smiled at him and kisses Stan's cheek.

"You should have," Stanley added. Ray nodded approval to Stan.

"You're my beauty queen any day," Stanley said to her. Gene nodded and makes a straight face to Ray. He crumbled some saltine crackers in one hand, adding the crumbs to his soup.

"Besides, Stan has something for you at the house." Ray winked at him.

"Uh yeah!" Stanley perked up with a smile.

Ray gave him a look that said, "Leave it to me."

He mouthed thank you. Gene looked at them for a minute, perplexed. Marcia gasped, "Really? A GIFT?"

"Yes," he nodded looking at Ray for help.

"Do you mind if he gave her those flowers you gave me?" she whispers to Gene.

"And I'll buy new ones tomorrow."

Gene sighed, "I guess... Sure honey."

"I love you." she smiled.

"Love you too," Gene nodded with a sigh, and kisses her. He tasted like chicken soup. Stanley sipped his coffee and looked at Marcia with a smile.

"Don't you remember, Stan? You told me that Marcia looked JUST like a classy lady who would LOVE a bouquet of flowers." Ray said to Stan.

"Definitely,' Stanley nodded.

"Stan! Did you get me flowers?" she grinned widely. Gene mumbled into his soup, and Ray rubbed his back to calm him.

"Shh, it's a secret..." Stan whispered playfully. Gene rolled his eyes and muttered something in Hungarian.

"No one's ever given me flowers," she said, tears springing to her eyes.

"What a crime," Stanley said. "Pretty girl like you should get flowers every day."

Marcia looked down again with a happy blush and starts to play with her flowers. Gene winced at this comment, and glanced back at Marcia as she smiled, "But I don't. Not ever."

"Jeez, you really are new to this," Stanley teased her. Gene kicked him under the table because Marcia’s face fell a bit at his comment.

"OW!" he groaned, Gene staring at him. "Oops I mean so am I. I mean... um... well... we're BOTH new to this..."

"Dig yourself out." Ray mouthed.

"And um... well why shouldn't you experience more wonderful things with me?" Stanley stammered. "Cause you ain't seen nothing yet baby."

Marcia looked up and him and smiled, and Gene whispered to Ray, "Dating 101."

"Christ. You're not kidding." Ray grumbled.

"You said I was your girlfriend last night," she said hopefully.

"You are of course!" Stanley said quickly. "Would I be here, if I wasn’t love?"

Gene shook his head as Stanley added and kissed her hand, "Um your boyfriend?"

"Well, then.... My school has a prom...of course.... and....." she looked down again and messes with her salad.

"You want me to take you?" Stanley asked quickly. Gene sighed, watching as the waiter brought out the rest of their orders.

"If you want," she said.

"Sure," he nodded taking her hand.

"I'm not buying his friggin prom ticket," he muttered to Ray.

"Wait until you see the price of tuxes, daddy." Ray grinned merrily.

"Son of a bitch," Gene mumbled.

"That looked delicious." Marcia said, licking her lips.

"Want to try?' Stan asks, holding up a fork full.

"Mmmmmm, please." She nodded as he fed her. Gene sighed again and grabbed his pastrami sandwich on rye, keeipgn the toothpick stuck in it to hold the mountain of spicy meat together. Ray hungrily picked up her tuna fish and began to nibble it as daintily as possible.

"The prom is...ohhh...May 27th, that is, if you don't have a show...and it's kind of formal...well, I mean, FORMAL...I'm sorry." Marcia said.

"Um yeah... black tie?' Stanley asked.

"Yes." she said sadly, "I'm sorry if it's too expensive. My daddy belongs to the country club so we could eat there for free."

Gene mumbled through a mouthful of sandwich, "This is pretty rich…"

Stanley glared at Gene, knowing he wasn’t referring to the spicy pastrami. He said quickly, "Well we'll figure it out. I'm gonna get a job."

Gene raised his eyebrow at this as Marcia smiled; "I've never asked a guy out on a date before. I'm just really glad you didn't say no."

"I think I can get one... in a deli shop," Stanley said. "Or maybe they need cab drivers."

"Cab drivers?" Gene spluttered, almost spitting sandwich.

"Cabs.... Stan, that's really dangerous. I read just last week, some guy driving a cab got shot." Marcia gasped. Gene washed his mouthful down with a sip of Fresca.

"Then I'll work in a factory," Stan said. Gene shook his head, hitting his forehead.

"That's dangerous too." she moans, "you could cut off a finger or WORSE."

"Maybe my dad could get you a job at the club." Marcia said. Ray shook her head NO to Stan.

"I could help my dad at the store," he said slowly.

"Yes, Stan, you could work for YOUR dad." Ray said firmly, indicating this choice was the right one.

"I can get part time," Stan said. "He needs a helper. We hope to own our own store soon..."

"But will you get hurt, lifting all day? Your poor arms." Marcia said, rubbing his biceps, as Ray suppresses a chuckle. Gene put his pickle on Ray's plate.

"Thank you, love." she whispered. In a rather suggestive manner she put it in her mouth and slowly moved it in and out while Gene stole some of her peppers. Marcia watched, missing the significance. Stanley choked on his coffee putting a napkin to his mouth. Gene grinned innocently.

"You OK?" Marcia said, rubbing his back.

"Yeah... fine," he mumbled. "Coffee’s too hot."

"OW!" Gene winced as Stan kicks him under the table.

'Damn, here, let me cool it off." she spoons some of her ice into it. Ray is about rolling with laughter. Stanley glared at Gene with a dark eyed stare.

Marcia looked at Ray. Gene curses in Hungarian.

"What's so funny? Stan? What's funny?" Marcia said.

"Uh... Gene was telling a joke," Stanley explained red faced.

"Right," Gene mumbled.

"Oh.... What joke?" she said, looking at everyone.

"There were two nuns on a bus," Gene started.

"I'll tell her, for God's sake." Ray said. "Marcia, you remember what you said your sister did once...."

"NO that joke!" Stanley cried.

"Sister A and Sister b... and they..." Gene started before Ray smacked his arm to stop him.

"What she put in her mouth.... Her boyfriend's..." Ray nodded. "Gene shut up..."

"OHHHH!" Marcia gasped. Stan kicked Gene’s leg again.

"Dammit Eisen," Gene mumbled, spitting sandwich into his hand.

"Well, Gene was making reference to that." Ray said, "so ignore these damn boys. They're acting like kids."

Stan threw ice at Gene. Gene retaliated by throwing a French fry at him. Marcia, still wide eyed gasped to Ray; "I've never done THAT."

"Would you STOP?" Ray said, grabbing Gene's arm. Then Stanley flicked coffee at Gene, and he wiped off his face at the stains dripping on his shirt.

"Shit you little..." Gene hissed.

"YOU too!" Ray glared at Stanley.

"Temper, temper, Klein." Stan laughed. Gene threw a fry at Stan again.

"Or you'll be sleeping TOGETHER and Marcia and I will sit up all night watching TV...with our legs CROSSED, right, sis?" Ray fumed.

Marcia laughed loudly, "Yeah.... We will."

Gene and Stan winced. Together they said, "Shit!"

Gene kicked Stan, and he kicked Gene back. Both winced in pain, biting their tongues. Valiantly Ray tried to keep a straight face as she scolded, "So straighten up."

Gene bit his tongue in pain and Stanley yelped, "CUT it out!"

"What are you doing?" Marcia said to Stan.

"Gene is being an ass," he mumbled.

"HE STARTED it!" Gene whined at Ray.

"Gene KLEIN! LAST damn warning before I cut you OFF." Ray fumed, trying desperately not to laugh.

"Sorry mommy," Gene apologized, a hurt dog look coming to his face.

"And me too. I'll do it too." Marcia shared a laugh with Ray.

"OUCH," Stanley laughed. She giggled loudly and put her arm in his.

"You and I are toast, Eisen," Gene glares at Stanley playfully.

"Mmm, that was good," Stanley finishes his meal. Gene orders desert and soon he’s the only one eating a sundae. Marcia eyes it.

"Want one?" Stan asks her.

"I probably shouldn't." she said, not wanting to cost him money. Gene takes the cherry and hands it to Ray. She pops it into her mouth suggestively, emerging with the cherry stem in a knot. Gene looked at her, eyebrows raised. He pushes the sundae by her poking his spoon into the glass. She begins to eat hungrily.

"Thank you, Gene." she smiled.

"Fine, bring a frigging sundae for the lady," Gene shouted to the waiter. "My treat."

A few minutes later, the waiter brought a sundae for Stan and Marcia to share with two spoons. He set it before them with a smile to Stanley. He began to prod it with his spoon, licking a small bit off as he handed Marcia her spoon. Marcia made eye contact with Ray and mouthed, "He's not asked me to his prom"

"Do you want to go to the prom?" Stan asked, licking his spoon.

"Oh.... You saw that?" Marcia blushed, poking the ice cream with her spoon shyly.

"I read lips," he admitted.

"I'm sorry. I'm totally embarrassed," she said. She touched his eye for a moment.

"It's okay love," he smiled, offering her a spoonful.

"Wow, you had an accident?" she said, licking it off the utensil held before her.

"Um. Yeah," he said quickly, and Gene winced. "It happened when I was VERY young..."

"Car wreck? That sucks." she pouted.

"Bull shit," Gene whispered to Ray.

"Let him make his own mistakes." Ray whispered back.

"Yeah... it damaged my right ear," Stan said. "I can't hear out of it... very well."

He brushed back his hair to show her his malformed ear. Marcia gasped, "Oh, baby, that's AWFUL."

"I'm sorry. I hope it doesn’t bother you."

"No, I just...I didn't realize you couldn't hear very well." she said. "I can talk louder."

"I can, well enough," he said. "You don't have to talk louder. Or worry. I've gotten by this far."

"Does it hurt?" she asked.

"Nope," he smiled.

Gene looked at Ray whispering, "Can you BELIEVE this shit?"

Marcia examined his ear for a moment. Then she leaned over to kiss her ear slightly. Stanley blushed, and glowed with happiness, suddenly feeling king of the world. Ray whispered to Gene, "Give the kid a break, Gene. Not everyone is as confident as you."

"Damn if I knew that would get me chicks I'd cut off my ear," Gene mumbled.

At this comment Ray slapped his knee hard.

"Sorry honey," he winced. "Slip of the tongue."

"And you play guitar so WELL." Marcia said, "I can't play anything really and I can hear."

"Hey we all have our challenges," Stanley shrugged casually his confidence soaring.

Marcia nuzzled up to his neck and whispered, "Can you hear me now?"

Arm around her he cooed, "Loud and clear darling."

"I wish we were back at Gene's.... In bed..." she whispered boldly. "You remember last night..."

"Yes, you... and how beautiful you are." Stanley kissed her hand. She stroked a finger down his cheek.

Gene sighed to Ray, hiding his lips behind his hand, "Oh well... if it works..."

"I think it's working." Ray said.

"Oh brother, one minute he's a klutz, then next he's frigging Romeo," Gene mumbled.

"I remember I made a comment.... I think maybe I hurt your feelings," Marcia admitted to Stan with an ashamed look on her pretty face.

"What love?" he asked.

"I said I'd never seen anyone so hairy.... All over... And I think maybe you got UPSET." she said, rubbing his back, still with her face near his neck.

"Um well..." he fumbled, pulling on his collar uncomfortably.

"But I never meant anything bad by it," she added quickly.

"Thanks love," he smiled, kissing her lips delicately. Suggestively he opened a button of his shirt.

"I actually think it's very...erotic." she whispered, putting a finger lightly under his shirt. Ray and Gene had ceased to exist at that moment as the young couple lost themselves in their own private universe. In the meantime Gene finished his sundae and sighed in contentment. Ray watched the young couple with amusement.

"Good, Hon?" Ray smiled at Gene as she licked a little ice cream off his face. He patted his belly and leaned back against Ray, his arm around her.

"Yes, but not as good as you," he whispered and licked his lips.

"I'm thinking your friend is going to have a little problem when he stands up." she smiled. He grinned.

"Oh pray tell, little girl..." Gene purred into her ear.

"I wish," Marcia said to Stanley softly.

"What honey?" Stanley asked her, his hands squeezing hers.

"That we were somewhere and you could take your shirt off." she whispered.

"Mmm, me 2," he whispered back.

"I wish that I could.... Never mind." she giggled lightly. He kissed her again.

"My prom dress doesn't have a bra." she winked boldly at him. "None at all."

"Oh do tell," Stan grinned, raising an eyebrow.

Watching them flirt, Gene felt a tightness come to his pants. Slowly Gene rubbed his hand up Ray's leg invitingly. Ray groaned slightly and gave Gene a warning look. Gene pulled his hand away teasingly, then put her hand on his leg, rubbing it up and down. Still high on his food he basked in self congratulations with how well his plan had worked, and silently hoped he could get some action soon himself. Just when the opportunity would present itself would wait to be seen.

"It sort of...well it comes down kind of low. It shows a lot of chest...I think," Marcia said to Stan, boldly licking his ear lobe. He kissed her neck softly.

"Keep telling me about it," he hummed into her hair.

"I don't have THAT much chest to show." she blushed. "Not like anyone CARES."

"I like what I see," he whispered.

"You can't see much in this dress." she smiled.

"It's what I can't see i love," he whispered playfully.

"Do you think we need to leave?" Ray whispered to Gene, rubbing her hand higher. "And if we do, WHAT on earth do we do with these horny teenagers?"

"I think we do," Gene winked.

"Then let’s get moving before I crawl out of my skin watching them," she hissed urgently, clearly aroused.

"CHECK!" he shouts in Yiddish. The waiter comes by and put the check down face down on the table.

"Your other girlfriend had a bigger chest than me," Marcia said with dark eyes, watching Stanley’s reaction.

"Uh-oh, danger." Ray kicked Gene. Gene pulled out his wallet and starts to count money, trying to not pay attention to the drama developing across the table.

"It doesn't matter, I like YOU," Stanley whispered.

"Uh let's GO kids," Gene said quickly, suddenly picking up on Stanley’s predicament. However it had passed.

"Smooth." Ray said under her breath.

"Chop chop, times a wasting!" Gene said, reverting to his phrase of before. He was indeed anxious to get moving, especially if they were going to make it to Steve’s at eight, and it was already eight thirty.

Marcia smiled happily at Stanley and took his offered hand for already he had risen to pull on his coat. Dropping a five for the lunch, he pulled her close for a kiss. Gene tossed down a few bucks for his share for the tip and whisked the check away with Stan’s five before Marcia could protest.

"Thank you," she grinned prettily. Gene helped Ray on with her coat and walked over to pay the waiter.

"You’re welcome," he nodded, leading the way out. Once out the door, they stood waiting for Ray and Gene to finish their business.