They all laughed at Whitney and his cotton gin
As soon as the final act finished, Chandler was up out of his seat, even leaving his beloved instruments there in his haste to get backstage. He hoped Phoebe would take care of them but he had bigger problems right now. He ran straight up to the dressing room door, pushing it open slightly and averting his eyes.
"Monica?" he called. He got more than a few protests, "My eyes are closed," he promised. "I just need to speak to Monica, urgently."
"I'll be out in a minute," she shouted and he nodded stepping away as the door was firmly closed in his face. He paced, stuffing his hands in his pockets, before changing his mind, pulling them out quickly and using a hand to run through his hair instead as he waited impatiently. What took women so long?
Various acts and staff pushed passed him as they hurried to finish up and head home but he didn't care, he just continued his pacing.
"Hey, what's the matter?" Monica asked as she emerged, walking in front of him and placing her hands gently on his chest, forcing him to pause mid-step. "Chandler? What is it?" her honest eyes studied his and he swallowed. She was gonna hate him, possibly never want to speak to him again. He'd broken a promise and gotten her in trouble. "What's going on?"
"I screwed up," he said quickly, "really screwed up."
"Are you ok? Are you in trouble?" her voice was so full of concern that it cut straight through him.
"I'm not sure," he admitted, "but Big Joe wants to see you. Right away."
She frowned confused, "Me? Why?"
"It's a long story. We can talk after you've seen him, you don't wanna keep the man waiting."
It was best this way. He didn't want to send her in there nervous. If she went in there not knowing anything at least she'd act genuinely surprised, hopefully proving her innocence. Plus, if they got into their first argument now, he really doubted it would be a short one.
"Ok," she finally said, her eyes studying him still. "His office?"
Chandler nodded, swallowing hard. As she turned to leave he grabbed her arm, tugging her and pulling her hard up against him for one last amazing kiss. There was a good chance she'd never want to see him again after this, so he wanted to savor it, needed to. He pressed his lips firmer against hers, almost desperate, hating that thought. He couldn't lose her. No way.
When they broke apart she stared at him for a long moment before offering him a small hesitant smile and she disappeared in the direction of the office.
Wasting no time he made his way to the abandoned storage room. Ensuring the light stayed off he fumbled his way over to the far corner. He hadn't used this spot for years but prayed it was still there. He pushed the stool as far as it would go into the corner and climbed up it, wobbly slightly. He pulled away the old faded cardboard box and grinned as the small hole came into view. It was a lone bullet hole, a scar left from decades ago, which now made a great spyhole into the main office. It didn't offer the best view but it did offer a small window into what happened behind the office door.
It was high up above Big Joe's desk, in-between some shelving. He and Joey used to use it to spy on meetings and poker games when they were too young to join in. Occasionally a book or something had blocked the view but mainly it remained clear and able to entertain the bored kids.
Now though it had a very serious purpose. He needed to hear what happened, needed to know the consequences.
"Come!" he heard the shout and he tried to squint as Monica timidly entered the room.
"You wanted to see me, sir?"
"Yes, take a seat, please."
She did, looking around the large office.
"You and Chandler are dating right?"
She looked surprised at the question and nodded hesitantly, "Yes…is that a uh problem?"
"You know I think of him as my own son, right?"
"Yes sir," she nodded, "I know he thinks very highly of you. He's very grateful you took him in after his parents' tragic deaths."
"He's told you about them? Both of them?" Joe asked curiously and she nodded. "He must trust ya, he doesn't open up easily that one." Monica offered him a slight curve of a smile. "He's a good kid, Monica. He deserves to be treated right and not taken advantage of."
Chandler swallowed as he watched Monica frown, "I'd never take advantage of him," she promised softly, "I care for him dearly...he's everything to me."
It was silent a moment as Joe studied her, assessing her. Eventually he nodded as if believing the truth of her statement, "That's good to hear, real good. He deserves someone that appreciates him, he's had it hard."
"I know, and I agree," she nodded, understanding and Chandler was touched at the older man's words. Despite what he'd done he was still looking out for him like a father.
"Did you know about his scam?"
She frowned immediately, trying to keep up with the change in conversation, "Scam, Sir?"
He leaned forward and she held her ground as he searched her eyes a moment, "Good enough," he finally nodded. She was still confused. "I hear that no good Philly club is sniffing 'round ya?"
Her eyes widened in alarm before she swallowed and looked down, playing with her hands, "Yes."
"You're not leaving here," he stated matter-of-factly causing her head to shoot up and Chandler to jerk in surprise. "You're getting a 7% raise."
Her mouth dropped open in surprise, "Y-you're serious?"
"I don't joke about money. Take the raise and turn down those lowlifes. Promise me next time someone approaches you in my club you tell someone so they can kick them out. Ya hear?"
"Yes sir," she nodded enthusiastically the large smile still on her face. "Absolutely."
"The 7% will be enough to sort you out?" he asked quietly.
She nodded.
"If rent goes up or you're in difficulty come to me alright? Chandler would walk on water for you…or drown trying, and whilst you're with him you're like one of the family; a Tribbianni and I don't want you in trouble…or him. We stick together."
Chandler swallowed the lump in his throat, again sending a little thanks to whoever was up there that he'd been lucky enough to have his paths cross with the Tribbianni clan. They were pure diamonds.
"Thank you, I'm a little overwhelmed," she admitted, "I don't know how to thank you, I mean... "
"You can thank me by 1) looking after that dumb kid," they shared a smile, "2) not mentioning this to anyone- I have an image to uphold and can't have people thinking I'm going soft and 3) come to our house for Sunday lunch one week. My wife is dying to meet ya."
She laughed and Chandler smiled, cherishing the sound.
"You have yourself a deal," she beamed, "thank you, thank you so much!"
"You're welcome," Big Joe nodded, "now get outta here, I've got a craps game to prepare for."
"Yes sir, and thank you again," the wide smile was still firmly in place and Chandler could feel a matching one plastered on his own face. Thank god.
Carefully, he climbed down, very conscious that he wasn't as young as he used to be. He replaced the old box and moved the stool back into its original spot as he quickly left the room, intercepting Monica by the door.
"Chandler!" she pulled him into a hug. "Earlier when you said he wanted to see me you had me so worried."
"I was pretty worried too," he admitted, taking her hand and gently tugging her to the band room. As he had hoped it was already deserted, so he pulled her inside.
"Where have you been?" Monica asked, picking a cobweb from his hair.
"I, uh," he shrugged deciding honesty was probably the best way to go, "I was eavesdropping on your conversation."
She raised an eyebrow.
"It's a trade secret but I needed to hear what he said," Chandler justified, "I was just so worried, Mon."
"Why?" she asked suddenly curious. "What happened exactly? Why did I get a raise? How did he know about the job offer and what scam exactly did you try and pull?"
He cringed, he'd hoped that little detail wouldn't come up. With a resigned sigh he gestured she take a seat and dug around in the bottom drawer and tossed her some chocolate, hoping it would work in his favor. She looked at him suspiciously but was never one to turn down the treat.
Unwrapping a bar and breaking off a piece, she placed it in her mouth and looked expectantly at him, "Come on mister, I want some answers," she mumbled around the chocolate.
"Ok, see, I might have gone a little crazy," he admitted as took the chair opposite her, "I kinda had this not so brilliant idea which would have solved everything but see, I didn't stop to think it completely through or run it by you, which I'm sorry about. But I was honestly just trying to help," his hopeful eyes met hers. Phoebe always said he did a damn good puppy dog expression, he prayed she was right.
Monica nodded and gestured for him to continue.
"I went straight to Mr Douglas, the accounts guy?" she nodded in recognition so he continued. "And well, I might have lied about you getting a raise. Unfortunately, he must not have believed me and checked with Mr Trib who wasn't very happy with me. I thought I'd gotten us both fired."
He looked down, shuffling his feet as he awaited his fate.
Would she understand or would she hate him?
To his complete surprise and relief she let out a little laugh, getting up and settling herself onto his lap, her arms sliding around his neck as his settled on her waist.
"You really are an idiot," she chuckled, her fingers stroking his hair to soften the words. "I appreciate you trying to help me, really I do, but next time though, I think I'll by-pass you and head straight for Big Joe. It's probably safer for all of us."
"Hey!" he mock-protested although he was unable to keep the smile spreading across his face. "Ok, yeah, you're probably right."
She laughed, still smiling, obviously on a high from getting to stay at the club and not having to worry about rent. She tilted her head up and instantly Chandler closed the gap kissing her softly. He closed his eyes sinking into the kiss, so grateful it wasn't over and that he hadn't completely screwed up.
"So," she asked playfully, her hands sliding down his chest before her fingers found his tie, caressing it, "I got invited to the famous Tribbianni Sunday lunch."
"I heard," he grinned thrilled, "you should be honored."
"I am and excited. Do you think Gloria will let me help with the cooking? I haven't prepared a roast since, well since before I came to New York."
"I don't know," he teased, "she's quite ruthless when it comes to her kitchen."
"Oh," she seemed a little disappointed.
"Hey," he kissed her, loving how relaxed she was, how relaxed he was. "I'm kidding, well I'm not, the woman has to feed a menagerie but I'm sure she'll welcome the help."
"Can we go this weekend?" she asked enthusiastically but Chandler shook his head.
"How about next weekend? I, uh kinda had an idea for this weekend..." he trailed off hesitantly, suddenly a little unsure.
"Yeah?" she asked sensing his tone. "What kind of idea?"
"Well, I was thinking that uh if I maybe skip lunch, then we would have an empty apartment to ourselves for most of the day," he swallowed as his thumb lightly brushed her hip as he waited with bated breath.
They had been together for almost a month and whilst they had had some pretty heavy make out sessions and had come fairly close to that line, flirted with it a little they hadn't yet fully crossed it. With gossiping roommates, nosey brothers and both working nights it made it difficult. But he was ready, more than ready and was hopeful she was too.
He watched intently as desire filled her beautiful eyes and a flush came over her cheeks. He swallowed, his throat suddenly dry as his breathing sped up. When she spoke her voice was lower than normal and seductive enough to send a ripple of excitement through his body.
"That sounds like one heck of an amazing plan, Mr Bing," she practically purred.
Her fingers stroked his tie for a final time before slipping underneath to play with a shirt button that hid there. He held his breath as her finger slipped between the fabric of his shirt and her nail lightly grazed the bare skin of his chest that peeked through causing him to shudder.
Swallowing hard, he bit back a groan before unable to resist he crashed his lips onto hers kissing her hungrily. If her little touches and kisses drove him this insane how the heck was he was going to survive taking it to the next level. She may well kill him.
"Really?" he asked as they came up for air, "You're sure?"
She nodded, her eyes still incredibly dark and he claimed her lips again, his hold on her tightening as he lost himself. God, she was amazing. So-
"There you are!"
Unamused, they pulled apart from each other to find Rachel and Phoebe in the doorway.
"We've been so worried," Phoebe cut in. "Is everything ok?"
"Yeah," he nodded, trying to regain control of his breathing and refocus his mind on his friends and away from the woman in his lap. "It's all fine. You can leave now."
"So you didn't get fired?" Rachel asked her roommate concerned, completely ignoring Chandler's request.
"Nope, the opposite," Monica smiled widely, "he gave me a little raise. We'll be able to make the rent increase."
"You're serious?" Rachel gasped before practically jumping up and down. "This is amazing!"
"I know!" Monica grinned and much to Chandler's displeasure she left his lap in order to hug her friend.
Chandler stayed seated, taking in the happy scene. His eyes couldn't leave her glowing face, drinking in that incredible smile and sparkling blue eyes. She was gorgeous. He still had to pinch himself to prove this wasn't all a dream. That not only was she dating him but she wanted to take their relationship to the next step.
He grinned widely.
He may be an idiot, but he was one helluva lucky idiot.
It was late Saturday morning and Chandler sat at the kitchen table tucking into his cereal as he listened to the jazz coming through the wireless. He couldn't wait for tomorrow. Him and Monica were actually going to do it. It! He hadn't been able to think about much else and going by her insanely hot kiss goodnight this morning, she was feeling it too. There was so much anctipation rushing through every fiber of his body that he didn't know how he was meant to wait for tomorrow.
Tomorrow.
He grinned, taking another mouthful of breakfast when there was a knock at the door. With a curious frown he got up and answered it, surprised to find Mrs Trib the other side.
"Gloria!" he greeted, "What are you doing here?"
"I came to give you this," she loaded him up with a large glass tray, "and this," she cuffed the back of his head before walking in and taking a seat.
"Ouch," he frowned as he placed the dish on the counter-top and rubbed his head. "Large ring. What are either of them for?"
"The whack is for being an idiot, Joe told me what you tried to pull," he made a sheepish face and nodded in understanding. "And the dish is for your hot date tomorrow."
He blushed instantly, "It's not-"
"Shh," she dismissed, "I was young and in love once. If you're missing Sunday lunch then I know it's love," she teased. "So, I thought I'd bring you some food over to ensure you don't both starve. If I left it for you to cook, the poor girl would be eating toast."
"Nothing wrong with a bit of toast," he teased as he retook his seat, "but thank you. It smells amazing, she'll love it."
"Just put it in the oven, ensure its piping hot in the middle before serving," she instructed. "So, tell me all about her."
"Gloria," he blushed, "you're meeting her next weekend, can't you wait until then?"
"Of course not," she shook her head as if it was obvious. "A mother needs to know these things. Now Dina tells me she's a pretty singer at the club."
"Very pretty," he grinned picturing her, "stunning actually but it's more than that. She's stunning inside too, you know? She's had such a hard time lately but she's a real fighter. Reminds me of you in a way," he smiled and she laughed. "There's so many different sides to her. Like she's this sensual star on the stage but underneath it she's insecure and I just want to protect her from everything but at the same time I'm in awe of her strength…does that make any sense?"
She laughed again, patting his arm reassuringly, "Joe's right, you are besotted aren't you? I can't wait to meet her, she's gotta be a special lady."
"Oh she is," he grinned as Joey emerged from his bedroom, scratching his chest sleepily.
"Ma?" he asked in surprise, "What are you doing here?"
"I just came to check up on you kids. What's with those pajamas? Why are they so tatty?f"
Chandler hid his chuckle behind his cup as he took a sip and watched Gloria at her best. Full mom mode.
"I uh-"
"And are you only just getting up? Joesph Tribanni it's 12 o'clock. Noon!"
"It was a late one last night," he whined and threw a desperate look to Chandler to back him up.
"Your mom came by to drop off some food for me for tomorrow," he explained, changing the subject.
"What?" Joey protested, eyeing the dish. "It smells so good. Is there enough for me to have some today? Just a little piece?"
He moved closer.
"Hands off it!" she warned, batting him away. "That is not to be touched, you hear? It's for Chandler and Monica only."
"How is that fair?"
"Get a girlfriend and then I'll cook for you," she smiled smugly and he muttered back, "besides, I'm cooking beef for you tomorrow, so stop with your complaining. Now, it was only a brief stop, I promised Tina I'd meet her for lunch."
She stood up and pulled both Joey and then Chandler in for a big Gloria hug.
"I'll see you tomorrow," Joey waved.
"And I'll see you soon," Chandler promised, "and thanks again for the food from both myself and Monica."
"You're too cute," she waved, "I can't wait to meet her next weekend- no cancelling, got it?" He nodded amused. "Good. Right, I'm off. Be good, boys."
With that she disappeared and Joey inched closer to the tempting dish.
"Ach!" Chandler warned. "Don't make me run after her. She may well refuse to feed you tomorrow."
"Fine," his roommate glared at him unhappily. "But it's not fair that you get food and sex tomorrow."
"Shh!" Chandler chastened him looking around to ensure no one had sneaked into their apartment and overheard. "Dude! Keep it down. I don't know for sure anything's gonna happen tomorrow, alright? Don't be spreading gossip."
"You're such a sissy," Joey laughed. "Right, I've gotta use the bathroom."
Chandler watched bemused as he left before taking a look at his soggy breakfast. With a grimace he scraped it into the kitchen bin as his mind drifted back to his girlfriend.
Tomorrow.
God, he hoped it would happen with Monica tomorrow…tomorrow. Oh boy.
A/N - Note to self - when spending an hour editing on FF make sure you hit save occasionally. Not at the very end as it may crash...and lose all edits- doh! Got it up eventually though and somewhere in the world someone must still be awake! Thanks for all being so awesome! I'm loving reading your thoughts on this one :o)