10

-2-

Finally made it home, Joe really pissed me off. Thankfully, Woody and Hal set him straight.

My Merry Men are the best, they were always a ray of sunshine, boy they would really hate hearing that. I said hi to Rex, threw in a couple of grapes and some fries and he nibbled on the fries stared at me and went back into his soup can to finish his dinner.

Grabbing a drink, I started to eat my meatball sub and fries, as hungry as I was I only ate a few bites and I put the rest in the fridge for later.

Went to my bed and took up my thinking position lying on my back with my pillow on my face. I thought about the day and how mad Morrelli had made me and how scared I was about the results from the bloodwork. Missing Ranger, I missed the hell out of him. I thought back to the last distraction I worked on and the look on his face when he came to pick me up.

Ranger literally gasped and I was wearing a pewter form fitting dress with a low cut back and silver stockings with 4" pumps that were oh so sexy. I smiled and asked him how he liked the dress. "Babe you make that dress look like a million bucks" and we walked out the door. We had a few hiccups with the distraction but we got the skip and Ranger and I headed back to my apartment.

He came up, did his usual security check, and cleared it ok to enter. I took a couple of beers from the fridge and sat on the couch next to Ranger.

He asked me how things were going with Morrelli. I said the same, we are over, and I am done with him and all the crap. I gave him the option of being friends.

Ranger moved closer to me and put his arm around me, turned me to face him and he said. "You mean there's hope for me yet?" I laughed and said, "I don't do casual sex, you don't do relationships. I tell you I want you and you tell me you cannot give me what I want yet you've never asked me what I actually want."

He just stared at me.

"You and Morelli both think you know what I want and what's best for me. You both make decisions for me without asking ME what I want."

"Ranger, I don't have energy for this, we have been dancing to this song for almost 4 years now, and we need either to change the music or walk off the dance floor."

Shocked, I could not believe that came out of my mouth and it was not as if I was just thinking it, I meant to say it. Ranger looked at me with a hurt look; his eyes were sad but he did not say anything. After a few minutes, he kissed me and left.

After falling asleep, I felt him in my room sitting in the chair watching me. I woke up the next morning with a sadness that was like nothing I'd felt before and a single perfect rose with a card on the pillow. I was afraid to open it.

Stephanie,

I am sorry, I never intended to hurt you, but it seems as though I have.

I have this mission to finish up I don't know how long I'll be gone but all I ask is please don't go back to Morrelli, please don't give up on me.

Yours, forever

~ C ~

Wow, what am I supposed to make of this?

It was time to get out of bed, I made coffee, showered got ready, and left for my appointment. I arrived at the Newark Medical Practice building, took the elevator to the sixth floor, and signed in. The receptionist handed me the forms and I completed them, returned the forms to the receptionist, and waited.

A nurse called my name and led me to the exam room. She introduced herself as Sherrill and told me to change. I changed and she came back in the room, weighed me, wow I was 118 lbs. and she took my BP it was a little high. Dr. Barnbas walked in and informed me he had copies of my records from Dr. Flynn and said he wanted another set of labs done and run a few tests.

He performed a pelvic exam; he asked if I have been experiencing any abdominal pressure, fullness. "Yes."

Pelvic discomfort or pain. "Yes off and on"

Persistent indigestion, gas and nausea. "Yes nausea and indigestion."

Changes in bowels, "no"

Changes in bladder habits, "yes"

Loss of appetite, "yes"

Weight loss, "yes"

Clothes fitting tighter even with weight loss, "yes"

Lack of energy. "Yes"

Once that was over, he had the tech draw blood and told me to get dressed and he would be back. He returned and told me he would have the results in a couple of days and not to worry until I heard from him.

It had been 4 months working at Rangeman 3 days a week doing research, running reports and skip tracing as well as continuing as a BEA.

After pulling into the garage, I gave the camera a finger wave and took the elevator to five. Went to my cubicle and there was a note from Tank asking me to see him.

Knocking on his door he said, "Come in," I walked in and sat down on a chair at his desk. "So little girl how are you?"

"I'm good, doing good Tank."

"Stephanie, the guys filled me in on what took place at Pinos the other night, you ok?"

"Yep I'm good."

"You and the cop still off?" "Yeah, I am done and moving on and he should too."

"Have you talked to Ranger?" "Yes little girl, he said he misses you."

"Yeah ok. So what's up big guy?"

"Well little girl, I'm getting pretty swamped here and need help, you are doing a great job with research and skip tracing, how would you like to add client services to your repertoire? We think you would be great at it."

"Let me think about it Tank, can I have a couple of weeks?"

"Sure Steph, I was thinking along the lines of 4 to 6 weeks, Lester is going to be leaving on a mission around that time, and I would like you to take over his spot."

"OK Tank, I will think about it and let you know."

"Steph, is everything ok? Something seems a little off."

"Yeah Tank everything is fine, I'm good. Just a little tired, I miss Ranger and I just need a couple of days to unwind but otherwise, everything is ok."

"OK little girl, let me know if you need anything."

He got up, walked me to the door, hugged, and kissed me on the head.

I walked into the kitchen and saw Ella; she was replenishing the refrigerator with sandwiches, fruit, snacks, and water.

"Hi Ella, how are things?"

"Hello my dear, I've missed you how have you been?"

"Fine Ella, it's all good." She looked at me cautious and not convinced. I took a wrap, fruit and water and sat at a table. Manny, Hector and Binkie joined me. I took a few bites and could not eat anymore so I wrapped everything up in a bag and put it in the fridge for later.

The guys and I chatted for a few minutes longer and I got up.

"Well guys thanks for the company I have to get back to work, see you later guys."

I went back to my desk and lo and behold, my in box was full, ugh. Where does all this work come from?

Ella POV

Well that dear girl, how I have missed her. I wish Carlos would get his act together otherwise he will lose her. She looks so sad and worried. What could be going on? She is not her usual self.

Hector POV

My beautiful angel, what is bothering her so? She is hurting inside and she seems so lonely and empty. I am going to kick someones' ass when I find out and believe me I will. She took two bites of her food and that is not her at all.

Manny POV

Man oh man, what's with wifey? She did not finish her food and no moaning, ok so she doesn't moan when she's eating healthy food but she always finishes. I think I'll ask her if she wants to go grab dinner tonight.

Binkie POV

OK I am a little worried about bombshell, she is definitely not herself, and she didn't eat all her food. The spark has not returned and she's just so pre-occupied. I don't like it. I wonder if Tank had any luck.

Tank POV

After what the guys had filled me in on what took place at Pinos' with the asswipe cop and Steph, I was pissed. I know they were over for good but he just will not let go. If he were not a cop, I would make him let go.
When the guys all told me their concerns about Steph, I told them that she was probably missing Ranger. I left her a note on her desk to come and see me.

She knocked so sweetly on my door and she looked different, not her usual missing Ranger look, the sparkle, and dance in her eyes are nonexistent. I wonder what caused that. Its way more than Morrelli or Ranger, there is something for damn sure but what?

As I walked into the break room to get a drink, Stephanie just finished taking a bite, wrapped up three-quarters of her food in a bag, and put it in the fridge. Not like her at all and she looks as if she has dropped weight.

She has been good about her work out routine; she has done such a good job. I will have Bobby check her out. She is breaking my heart. I wonder if Lula knows what's up.

Steph POV

As I'm going through info and highlighting key points on this file, there is a tap on the wall of my cube. I turn around and Manny is smiling.

"Hey wifey, if you don't already have plans for tonight do you want to go grab dinner with me? We haven't had a chance to hang out in a while."

"Sure Manny that sounds good, where did you have in mind?"

"A new Cuban restaurant, I thought we could try it out. It's casual so you do not need to get all-fancy. I'm going to wear jeans and a shirt. I'll pick you up at seven."

"OK hubs, see you later on." I finished my last file and put them all in my out box. I love seeing my in box all nice and clean. With that, I grab my bag, gun, and head over to the elevator after saying good-bye to the guys.

As the elevator reaches five, Bobby steps out. He told me it was time for my 6-month physical review and assessment and could he do it tomorrow and I said "sure, first thing?"

He said, "Yep 9am sounds good." With that, I said goodbye and went down to the garage to go home.

On the way home, I thought I had a few hours to nap and get ready, I was really looking forward to hanging out with Manny, and it's been too long. When I pulled in my parking lot, I was surprised to find a close spot. Parking Karma was with me and I smiled but then I saw Mr. Greenspoon pulling in and I let him have the spot since he is older and has a hard time walking.

We talked going in and I took the stairs and made it to my apartment. I said hi to Rex fed him and plopped myself on the bed thinking and sleep took over.

I woke up, took a shower, and did my usual routine with my hair and makeup. I tried to figure out what to wear so I decided on my black skinny jeans, a black and white long form fitting sweater and my knee length boots. I looked in the mirror and saw that my jeans were a little loose, hum that is strange. Oh, well no biggie.

Just as I was putting the final changes to my hair, there was a knock on the door, thinking it was Manny I opened it to find Morrelli at the door with an angry look on his face.

"Hey cupcake, can I come in?"

"No Joe, I'm getting ready to go out."

"I see that, you look hot"; I went out in the hallway and shut the door. "What do you want Joe?"

"Just want to talk cupcake, the boys miss you."

"We've had this conversation before Joe, just leave it alone. We're done and let's move on, we can still be friends."

Manny came up the stairs and saw Joe, when Manny said "hey Steph" Joe had a look that told me something nasty was going to come out of his mouth.

"Ahhah cupcake, I see Ranger is passing you on to this thug for the night. Keep this up and I may not take you back no matter how much you beg."

"Never gonna happen Joe, never!"

Joe turns to Manny and said, "She doesn't like it from the back and she won't go down on you, otherwise she's good."

With that, Manny punched Joe in the face, blood came pouring out of Joe's nose, and Joe left.

I went inside and Manny followed and I started cracking up, I laughed hard as I looked out my window watching Joe leave.

Joe POV

That thug, what a jerk, I guess I deserved the punch for making that comment about Stephanie. I know they're just friends, she only has eyes for Ranger, but it just pisses me off. I don't know why I just cannot move on. Maybe I will just leave her alone and let her come to me, yeah that will work. In the meantime, I will call Sandy at the hospital, she is always hinting at wanting to go out with me. She's not Steph, but she is a nice girl and a Burg girl at that.

Manny POV

"I'm sorry Steph, Joes' comments were cruel." That was all I could say. She does not deserve to be treated like that. She gave me a peck on the cheek and said.

"Well I'm ready to go."

"By the way wifey, you look nice."
"Thanks hubs." And we left.

I thought for sure that stupid cop would be following us but to my surprise, he wasn't. I had planned a night that would bring the sparkle back in her eyes.

We arrived at Café Arcangel and parked the car; it was such a pretty place. The doors and windows were a blueish color and windows and door had arches on top. Inside was very pretty.

It had a nice small area to one side that was a coffee bar. A bar and small café tables that were made of various tiles of size and color.

The dining room was off to the left, there were octagon shaped tables, and square tables made of medium and large colored tiles. A variety of tall plants. The ceiling was the color of a dark sky with stars, the starts glittered and shimmered, it was such a pretty place, and I loved it.

Steph POV

Busy looking around the place and gazing at the stars on the ceiling I didn't notice the familiar faces in the corner. Connie was there with Alex, Hal with a date, Woody with Cassandra and Hector, Tank, Lester, and Bobby were all sitting around a couple of tables. I was happy and surprised to see them.

Tank walked over hugged me and gave me a little peck on the head, "you look nice little girl."

"Thanks big guy."

We all sat down and I said how much I loved this place and it turns out it is owned by Rangers' sister Samara and her husband Alfonso and they just happened to have been there tonight.

They came to the table, Lester introduced us all, and he left me for last and said, "last but not least, this is Stephanie."

Samara came over, stood me up, looked me over, and smiled.

"Stephanie it's so good to meet you, I've heard so much about you"

Samara hugged me. Alfonso came over shook my hand and as they walked away I heard her say,

"I cannot wait to tell mama."

I thought, OH BOY!

Alfonso came over and said,

"Let me bring you some drinks. You have no need for menus we will choose for all of you."

Samara brought over pitchers of Sangria Serrano. She said it had rum, vodka, grand Marnier, burgundy wine, pineapples, apples, oranges, and various juices it was delicious. I had to remind myself about the amount of alcohol but it was so refreshing.

Alfonso brought platters of Empanada de Queso (cheese turnovers) Cuban eggplant, fried plantain chips, and grilled pineapple slices.

Everything was absolute heaven and apparently, I was moaning. Samara just laughed sweetly.

"Yep I cannot wait to tell mama" and she walked off to the kitchen.

A few waiters came to the table and brought over platters of main dishes, everything looked delicious.

There was Arroz con polo (chicken and rice) Moros Y Cristianos (black beans and rice) eggplant and ham soufflé, Escabeche (swordfish) crushed potatoes, spicy mojo chicken with mango avocado sauce. Coconut chicken, deviled crab rolls and montuno (sautéed pork)

We tasted everything and it was excellent, I do not think I stopped moaning the entire night. We finished our dinner, sat, and talked about various topics. Manny and Tank had stepped away for a little bit and came back and joined us.

Next thing there were more platters being brought to our table, my eyes were like huge saucers staring at the desserts.

We had banana rum custard tart, coconut rum flan, bread pudding pastelitos (fruit turnovers), Tres Leches cake, and Bacardi rum cake; all served with Cuban coffee.

This has been one of the best dining experiences everything was perfect. It was just what I needed to put aside all the negative crap. We all sat and talked; Connie and I went to the ladies room and on our way, back Samara and Alfonso came over to us.

"Stephanie, Connie how was everything?"

Connie said "delicious" and walked away leaving me with Samara and Alfonso.

I told them the food was delicious and service was awesome. Alfonso was smiling and said,

"I hope we see more of you and if my dumb ass brother in law can't get his act together, you are welcome here anytime."

I hugged them both and thanked them for such a wonderful evening. As I walked away, I laughed as Samara said, "oh yeah; I cannot wait to tell mama."

Returning to the table, Hector stood up to let me thru to my seat, "Mi bello ángel, (my beautiful angel) this place fits you, and you enjoyed yourself?"

"Oh Hector, it was wonderful, who chose this place?"
" Well that would be me beautiful," piped Lester.

It was getting late, I started yawning and saw everyone getting up, we all walked to the parking lot to our cars, Tank, Lester, Hector, and Bobby had driven in one car so Lester joined Manny and I on the ride back. I got in the car and the clock said 1:15 wow I did not realize it was that late.

"So wifey did you have a good time tonight?"

"Oh Manny I did, thank you so much for planning tonight Lester, I had a great time."

"Beautiful it's my pleasure, we enjoyed it too."

Yawning, again I said "thank goodness I took a nap otherwise I wouldn't have lasted this long." Manny and Lester laughed and sleep took over.

We got to the parking lot and Manny woke me up, tapping me on the arm, whispering "Steph, wake up, we're here."

"Did I fall asleep?" Manny and Lester laughed and walked me to the building. Walked me to my apartment, did the usual security check, and cleared me to enter.

I thanked them both and gave them each a hug and kiss before they left. I locked up and got ready for bed. I took my clothes and my make-up off, put on one of Rangers t-shirts, and it was nighty night for Stephanie Plum.

_ chapter 3 to come.

Thank you so much Rainbow. You are so sweet to help me.