Chapter 10

Dallas and Brian had been right about one thing; Venice was beautiful. There had been Venice Beach, the circus-styled Ocean Front Walk, tennis courts, Art Deco storefronts and hyper-modern glass facades Steffi had never seen anything like it.

The weather had also been new to Steffi; she who had been born and raised in the cold winters and average summers of the Northeast, a woman who was more used to wearing cats and gloves in January instead of a sun dress, surrounded by men who wore jeans and ball caps with various sports teams' logos. She felt pale in comparison to everyone she had seen in Venice so far.

Steffi took the ubiquitous pictures of attractions with Dallas' camera to send back to him, including many where she and Brian had been goofing off on the beach. She didn't like photos of herself very much, but figuring it was a favor to Dallas, Steffi decided it was best to grin and bear it just this once.

She had also made the attempt to learn to rollerblade; it seemed to be one of the 'things' to do in California and Steffi didn't want to come across as some kind of freak. She already had felt out of place with being pale and her Northeast summer wear, but at least Brian was making the transition–albeit temporary–a little easier for her.

They had also gone to a few clubs and browsed several of the shops, Steffi picking up some things for herself as well as a couple of gifts for Dallas. In between, they both instant messaged Dallas practically every evening, one night even going on Brian's webcam.

"Is Steffi really doing okay out there?" Dallas asked one evening.

"Well, the first couple of days she seemed pretty anxious, but once I helped her adjust to things, she's been great," Brian reassured him. "It's seventy one degrees and bright sunshine here, by the way."

"Oh sure, rub it in, Brian," Dallas laughed, looking out his own window at the snow falling and the current temperature being in the low thirties. "Meanwhile, I'm thinking it was a good thing I got gas for the car and some extra food yesterday, because a snow storm is coming in. I have the furnace on to boot."

"Sucks to be you," Brian joked.

"Very funny, taking into consideration you're from Washington State," Dallas reminded him.

"And born in Virginia," Brian finished.

"Right. So what is on tap for you two lovebirds tomorrow?"

"Steffi wants to go to the mall and needs a pack mule. Anyone else, I wouldn't exactly relish the idea, but with her, I am happy to oblige."

"I have a feeling both my Visa and camera have been getting a workout," Dallas replied with a chuckle.

"Yeah, well, it's not going to be a big romantic trip or anything since Paul's fat ass will be going with us. He's out in LA now, didn't I tell you?"

"I think you did mention it."

"He's kept his place in Austin too. Anyway, after the shopping trip, there's this Mexican food joint the wants us to check out, so if Steffi comes home near death with her guts burned out, it's no fault of mine. Send the hospital bill to Paul instead."

"I wouldn't think so," Dallas laughed. "I've seen smoke practically coming out of your ears just from a little Tabasco sauce."

"Oh gee, Dallas, now you're getting just like Paul. I think guys like you two enjoy torturing me."

"No, I don't think I'd spike your macaroni with Cajun spices," Dallas responded. "Where is Stef now?"

"She met a couple of girls who are still trying to teach her the rollerblade thing," Brian replied. "She'll probably be back in a bit, hopefully not bruised and battered. I don't want people to think I've been using her for wrestling practice."

"As if you would!" Dallas howled. "All someone has to do is look at Stef the wrong way and you're about to go into kill mode on them."

"Damn straight," Brian affirmed. "No one messes with my women."

"Oh, she's 'your woman' now?" Dallas teased, already having an indication of the answer.

"She has been for awhile, where have you been?"

"I kind of had an idea that would be the answer the way you two act around one another."

"Frankly, I kind of had the idea of 'capturing' her from the day you introduced us."

"Wow. I learn something new every day. I will admit being around you influenced Steffi to step outside of her own world, so to speak. Thanks for that, by the way."

"Hey, always a pleasure, you old dog," Brian said. "I think I just heard her come upstairs so I'm going to shove off for now. Maybe we can do a cam appearance tonight."

"I'd like that," Dallas answered. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do in the meantime."

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