Chapter 2: Ranger Plays Matchmaker
Stephanie got to her mother's house and went inside and when she got inside she yelled "Hello" "your sister and I are in the kitchen." Yelled Helen. When she saw Stephanie she asked, "Are you coming over for dinner Friday night?"
"Sorry mom I am going away, I will be back late Monday." Stephanie told her mother, "Where are you going and is this work related?
"Mom I will not talk to you about this I will see you Tuesday morning." Then Stephanie left and went back home. When she got home she packed her bag, that's when she felt two arms go around her, she then turned around and kicked whom was holding her in the groin. She then realized it was Morelli.
"Joe, I am so sorry I did not know it was you." She told him then she went to get an ice pack from the freezer to give to him.
"Cupcake," he said, and then he noticed the bag.
"What is going on?" He said as he got up off the floor and put the ice pack on his groin.
"I am going away for a few days, on vacation, finally," Stephanie said.
"I will come along with you." Morelli said as he tossed the ice pack on the floor and then put her in his arms again.
"Sorry, I am going with Woody, and besides I broke up with you again remember and this time it is permanent." And then she walked out of his arms.
"Now please leave, I have a lot to do." Stephanie told her, "but who is going to take care of Rex?" he asked with a smile on his face.
"I will be taking care of Rex" Morelli turned to see, Ranger and Woody standing there.
"Hey Woody, here is One hundred dollars why don't you take Stephanie out to some place nice while I have a talk with Morelli." Ranger said and then handed him the dough.
"Sure thing, let's go sweet heart" Woody said and then took her hand and led her out of her place.
As soon as they were gone Ranger leaned against the outside door to the hallway and said, "You will leave now and you will leave Woody and Stephanie alone."
"Yeah we will see" then Morelli left Stephanie's apartment.
Ranger then fed Rex and said your mommy will be home in a few days and I will check on you tomorrow.
When Woody, and Stephanie got to the Italian restaurant, the waiter sat them in a booth.
"All right Mr. Blue eyes, tell me a little about you." She asked as she was staring in to his eyes.
"Well I grew up in Austin, Texas, and was raised by mom and dad. My dad owns a bank in Austin, Texas and he gave me a trust fund and wanted me to take over the bank, but I went into the Marines. I then started working at Rangeman when I was done with the Marines. My dad and I have an ok relationship, but he wants me to settle down and get married. The reason why you are coming on the trip is that Ranger suggested it." Woody told her.
"Ranger suggested that I go on the trip with you" She said in shock.
"Yeah, so I can't wait for you to meet my family, I have no brothers or sisters. My real name is Danial Woodward."
"That I knew" She said and then smiled.
The food came and they ate and talked about how they grew up. Then the waiter brought over a bottle of wine.
"I will have one glass, Danial, and then I will go home because tomorrow we have a plane ride." Stephanie told her.
"Okay, one question what is going on with you and Morelli." Danial asked her.
"I broke up with him five months ago, and he keeps saying he wants me back but he won't make a commitment." Stephanie told him and then finished drinking her glass.
"All right that is enough for me, how about we call it a night. I will take you home and then I will see you in the morning." Daniel said. Then they both got up and left the restaurant.
When they got to Steph's apartment Woody walked her up as she opened the door, "Do you want to come in?" She asked.
"No, but thank you but I would like to kiss you?" He asked her.
"What are you waiting for?" She said, and then he lowered his head and gave her a deep long kiss and then said, "Good night" then Woody walked off and left her at the door.
