All right! So this chapter is leading into another story arc, but is more a set up for the next instalment then a relatively important chapter. For those getting frustrated by the lack of Jordan/Angela physical action, be assured a major event is on the horizon. Depending on how long the next chapter ends up, it might be in the next chapter (I.e no.13) or no.14. I'll let you guys decide and I'll make it happen! J But be warned if you request I do it in Chapter 13, it will be like 20,0000 words!
Thanks again for those who reviewed my last chapter. Your comments are always so encouraging it makes me want to update faster and faster. Please send me more!
As always I'll update ASAP
-RedCatCatalano
Jordan Catalano sighed deeply as he basked in the morning sun. It was barely past 9.30 but the stifling July heat was already building steadily around the city. Directly below him on 5th Avenue and near the fringes of Central Park, tourists were fanning themselves vigorously, already feeling the temperature rising uncomfortably. Jordan enjoyed the slight breeze against his skin as he remained for a moment, looking down at the busy streets from the roof garden of his vast apartment. It was still strange for him to have a place to call his own, particularly one which had a full sized pool 50 storeys in the air. The moment he and Jason had walked in to view it, they both knew it was perfect. It had three floors, seven bedrooms and more bathrooms then either of them would ever need,. But the piece de resistance that had convinced them it was the right one ,had been when they'd seen the former greenhouse. This glass structure that had once held exotic plants had been renovated and soundproofed by it's former owner and now was a spectacular recording studio. Sitting on top of the building, it was a veritable window on Manhattan and a hive of inspiration if ever there was one. It could only be accessed by the outer set of stairs in the roof garden where it sat amongst a small collection of palm trees, but gave the occupant a distinct sense of endless space. Jordan himself loved the expansive feeling of freedom it gave him when he worked there at night, he felt he could almost touch the star filled sky with his fingertips.
He and Shane had been in there a few times this week, trying to come up with some new material for their next album. They'd convinced the record company to give them nine months off from touring and everything else to write songs, but so far the process hadn't been too fruitful. The unusually high temperatures were slowing everyone down, most days they spent lounging by the pool and hanging out. It wasn't just that the studio was hot, the previous owner had fitted it with the best air con money could buy, but Jordan had this restless air about him that stopped anything productive from actually taking place. His mind was always somewhere else, thinking about something or someone else. So Robbie had called it quits for a while, announcing he was going to Hawaii till late August, hoping Jordan would be more enthused to work by that stage. Shane on the other hand had taken up temporary residence in one of Jordan's guest rooms. Just until his new apartment on the other side of the park was finished being renovated, which was taking longer then anticipated. Jordan didn't particularly mind Shane mooching off him though, they'd lived in each other's pocket since they were kids, something which hadn't exactly stopped once they reached adulthood. In fact, Jordan almost worried what it would be like once Shane left to move into his own place. Jason came over whenever he could, but Jordan knew pretty soon the sprawling penthouse was going to get a whole lot emptier once his friend left,. This was a thought that did not sit well with Jordan Catalano. He hated being alone.
Jordan sighed again contentedly as he walked across the warm flagstones, past the pool and back into the hallway that connected three of the seven bedrooms, the main bathroom and the library/musical instrument room. Jordan whistled tunefully as he thundered loudly down the stairs and into his kitchen. Shane stood by the coffee machine, a bathrobe tied loosely at his waist. When he saw Jordan he gave him a toothy grin "Good morning Catalano". Jordan eyed his friends dishevelled appearance and tell tale hickey on his neck "I take you had a good time at the club last night" Jordan said smirking roguishly. Shane shrugged indifferently, but couldn't contain the arrogant grin on his lips. "You should have come out, you would have had fun. Maybe you could've interrupted this dry spell you're having and actually use what God gave you for once" Shane said smiling as he turned back to Jordan. "And what… leave Jason alone in this place all night. Do you remember what trouble we could get into at 15?" Jordan and Shane shared a small laugh as they reminisced about their checkered pasts, they had gotten unbelievable mischief at 15. Shane nodded "Yeah I forgot you're all responsible and boring now" Jordan shot him a withering look. Behind Shane a beautiful and tall red head emerged from the hallway leading to his bedroom, she gave Jordan an embarrassed smile as she caught his eye. "Emm..I've got a photo shoot to be at in like an hour so I…" she trailed off, Shane gave her a small grin "Go on. I'm not hurt you gotta leave". The red head smiled again "Ok, well it was nice meeting you Shane. Thanks for…" she trailed off again her cheeks flashing pink. "Yeah , I had a great time too" Shane added with a wink. The girl grinned at him seductively for a moment, before grabbing her bag from the countertop "See you around Mr Lewis." she added huskily. She then walked down the stairs leading to the bottom storey, the front door clicked softly after her. Jordan gave Shane an impressed look "Wow! You did good last night". Shane raised his eyebrows at him comically "There's life in this old dog yet Catalano." Jordan rolled his eyes at him as he reached into get a cup of coffee, grinning broadly. Jason sauntered in from the large entertainment room where he'd been watching TV, a box of Oreo's in his hand. "Ok correct me if I'm wrong, but did a scantily clad goddess just walk out our front door." Jordan nodded nonchalantly taking a large gulp of his sugary coffee. " And why wasn't I introduced?" Jason exclaimed in indignation. Shane laughed "One, you already have a gorgeously girlfriend and two you're too damn young to handle a woman like that". " And three Shane is threatened by your good looks and unbelievable charisma" Jordan added grinning fiendishly at his friend. Shane just shook his head "You're so funny" he said dryly. Jason pouted like a baby "I bet you don't even remember her name". Shane cocked a dark eyebrow at him "It was Kimberley….I think." He frowned for a second trying to remember, Jordan bit at his lip trying not to laugh. "Her name is Regan Deane and she posed for Playboy last February" Jason said huffily. "Regan? Are you sure?" Shane said sceptically. "I'm a sexually frustrated 15 year old boy and she's a sexy playboy bunny. Of course I'm sure." Jason said grumpily before turning back to go watch tv "Next time there's a hot woman in our apartment please tell me" he muttered moodily.
Jordan sniggered loudly . "Regan, her name was Regan. Where did I get Kimberley from?" Shane scratched at his head perplexed. Jordan just patted him on the shoulder "Beats me, but you just got totally shown up by my son" he grinned again "You're getting slow old man". Shane went to sit down at the stools on the other side of the counter, he grabbed a Danish from the basket and looked at Jordan thoughtfully "Speaking of Jason, doesn't he seem a tad touchy these last few days." Shane bit into the pastry not breaking his eye contact with Jordan. The younger man's face grew serious, his cheeky grin slowly leaving his face. "Yeah he does. He got into a fight a few days ago and Beth hasn't talked to him since. Hence the brooding and quick temper." Jordan didn't say anything else, Shane just shrugged and continued on eating. "I'm sure when he see's what's waiting in the garage, it'll cheer him right up" Shane whispered conspiratorially as Jordan's smile returned "Yeah he'll flip".
It was possible that maybe Jordan was overcompensating a little with this gesture, yet he felt it necessary considering the hell he'd put his son through. The hell Jason still had to go through because of his fathers selfish actions leading up to the premiere. Jordan felt very much responsible for the fight Jason had gotten in a few days ago. Jason had gone to Central Park to play a friendly game of softball with some of his J.V team-mates and their girlfriends, but had come home with a bruised cheekbone and a split lip instead of Beth. The shortstop of the opposing team had kept making some crude comments about Jordan every time Jason went to bat. Finally Jason had, had enough and punched the douche bag in the face. According to Jason the fight had only lasted a minute, with him knocking out the older boy, but the end result was not so positive. The shortstop was Beth's cousin Freddy and as such she was not best pleased with her boyfriend. But Jason refused to apologise, so now they found themselves at a stalemate, with both parties too stubborn to make the first move to reconciliation. As a result of this, his son had spent the last week moping and playing his guitar mournfully by the pool. The custom fender had been gift from Jordan on his birthday as a replacement for the old black one Jason had kept while he was on tour. The only saving grace of the situation was that Angela was in L.A visiting Rayanne and Rickie till tonight, so she hadn't seen Jason's bruised face. She would have gone crazy and held him entirely at fault for the injury. Not that she would have been wrong to.
Things between him and Miss Chase had gotten better, in the way that they no longer had volcanic showdowns in front of Jason. They tried to be civil, but truthfully neither of them had a disposition suited to being reasonable, both of them were far too volatile for that. They instead avoided each others company, and any necessary conversations were brief and frosty at best. Most of the time they treated each other with the distinct air of indifference. Jason just accepted this, diplomatically spending as equal amounts of time in each household as humanly possible, thankful they lived less than two blocks away from each other. He was still quietly optimistic that his parents could come to some amiable plateaux ,but at the moment he just gritted his teeth and hoped for the best.
Jordan would have been lying if he said it wasn't hard to remain unaffected by Angela. Two weeks before she'd come up to collect Jason to go to some dinner with her and Patty. Jordan recalled it was for his grandmothers birthday or something similar. It was Angela's first time actually in the apartment and she'd been immediately drawn to the grand piano that sat in the middle of the lobby area by the front door. Jordan had watched her unnoticed from the stairway, her long fingers twitching as she resisted the urge to play the off white keys. She'd instead ran her hand over it's smooth, ebony frame and sighed contentedly. Jordan didn't know why he'd bought the piano in the first place or why the image of her standing by it had stuck in his mind. But it had. Both of these questions plagued him constantly at the moment. It made him uneasy to realise his imposed icy hatred towards her was slowly beginning to thaw.
Shane cleared his throat loudly, shaking Jordan out of his daydream. "I took them long enough to transport it from Pittsburgh" he said blankly. "Yeah, but it's in good condition. Just needs a few tweaks here and there so I can't complain." Jordan sighed again and walked towards the room Jason was brooding in "Anyway, time to cheer up Mr Grumpy." Jason lay across the couch staring at the TV vacantly, the empty Oreo box thrown idly on the floor beside him. Jordan smacked him lightly on the foot to get his attention "Get up sunshine, I've got something to show you." Jason groaned "But I'm watching this, leave me alone". Jordan arched an eyebrow at him "Jason Catalano Chase you've been lying on this couch for the last five days and you've watched this episode of Jersey Shore like a billion times. Now get up!" Jordan said firmly. Jason huffed loudly ,but did as he was told "Jesus you didn't need to go all parental on me Dad. You sound like Patty." Jordan bit his cheek as to hide the smile that threatened to break through at Jason's comment. His son rose to his feet still pouting "Let's go then" he said grouchily
One of the greatest things that had come with living in this building, other than the studio, was the private garages that the upper floors had access to. Jordan's space lay just at below the ground floor, with a car elevator just to the south of the building to take any vehicles to the street level. It had cost him almost as much as the price of the apartment to obtain one of the these storage spaces, but he was thankful he had. Especially at this moment. Jason leaned against the elevator, staring at the shiny floor while Jordan punched in the code to gain entry to the restricted floor. They remained in silence as the elevator smoothly picked up speed, it beeped cheerfully a couple of minutes later when they'd reached their intended destination. Jason had never been down here before, usually they walked anywhere they wanted to go . The few times they'd ever gone anywhere far enough away to need a car, Jordan had met them outside the building. Jordan flicked the lights on and the fluorescent bulbs quickly illuminated the space. His metallic cherry red pick-up stood directly in front of them and a little further on lay his burgundy Porsche. Jason's dark mood lifted a little as curiosity got the better of him. He stopped at the Porsche, his eyes roving up and down its glossy lines in appreciation. "You sure like the colour red" Jason said brashly a grin starting to from. Jordan gave him a half smile when his son turned towards him " What's wrong with liking it. Red's the colour of passion and love". "And war" Jason interjected smirking at his father. His attention was then caught by a third car under a blue tarp next to where Jordan was standing. "Hey. What's that?" Jason pointed behind Jordan. His half smile grew wide and brilliant "This is what I wanted to show you". Jason looked him in anticipation as he walked the small distance to the car, Jordan pulled back the tarp.
The shiny red 72' Plymouth stood proudly in the dark room. "Is this what I think it is" Jason said excitedly. "Yep, old Red my first car. Been sitting in Shane's sisters driveway for years since I sold it to her. Finally bought Red back a couple of weeks ago" Jordan said brightly, his right hand clutched the keys in his pocket eagerly, waiting for the opportune moment to reveal the surprise. "Can I get in it?" Jason said nervously. Jordan nodded and Jason opened the driver's door, sitting inside hurriedly. Jordan opened the other side and followed him in. "What do think?" Jordan said casually, inside him the expectation was building quickly. "I just don't know how you afforded a beauty like this at sixteen. You weren't exactly rolling in money." Jordan shifted uncomfortably for a moment, he'd often wondered that too. He'd always believed sometimes ignorance was bliss when it came to matters of perceived luck. "Well you see Tino's uncle knew a guy, who knew another guy who…..anyway they only charged me a hundred because it wasn't in great condition when I got it. But I fixed it up myself". Jordan looked around the car proudly "Fixing car's was always something I was good at." Jason looked at him attentively for a moment "Would you teach me sometime?" he asked hopefully. Jordan's eyes grew wide in surprise and he beamed in delight "Sure, if you want to. I mean this car needs a little work done so I could show you a thing or two" Jason smiled gently in response. Jordan smile grew sad for a moment as he stared out the windshield "Guess it can be a tradition or something. Car mechanics is one the few good things my dad ever taught me, so maybe it's right I teach you".
They sat in silence for a moment, Jason ran his hands over the steering wheel longingly. "What I wouldn't give to own a car like this." he muttered softly. Jordan smirked slightly, reaching into his pocket he took out the keys and put them in Jason's hand. "This is your car dumbass" Jordan said grinning, Jason stared at the keys in shock. He looked back up at Jordan in disbelief "Really?" he choked out. Jordan just nodded simply. Jason's face broke out into the biggest smile Jordan had ever seen, apart from maybe one or two Angela Chase had flashed him in the past. He hugged his father forcefully in his joy, pulling back suddenly he looked panic stricken. "But I'm only 15, I can't drive this. Mom won't let me" Jason spluttered. Jordan chuckled a little "Listen, if your Mom could drive this car at 15, so can you." Jason looked at him taken aback for a moment "Mom drove this?". Jordan sighed jadedly "Yeah, she reversed it into a stupid dumpster and put that dent in the back bumper". Jason laughed "Her driving hasn't improved much since then really." Jordan burst out laughing "No it hasn't". The two guys laughed loudly until tears nearly rolled down their faces. Jason laughter died suddenly and his expression became solemn, Jordan stopped too, immediately concerned. "What's wrong buddy?" he said evenly. Jason frowned and breathed out heavily "Ehhh… something just occurred to me and it's going to bother me unless you answer it. Though I don't want to ask it because it's majorly embarrassing." Jordan frowned, unsure of where this was going. Jason took a deep breath and continued "Plus it might ruin the perfectness of getting a car" Jordan stared at Jason confusedly "Ok. What is it?". Jason looked at him straight in the eye "Was I conceived in this car or did you at any stage have sex with my mom in this car?" Jordan couldn't stop the uncontrollably giggles from breaking out of his mouth in shock. He hadn't foreseen that question at all. Jason's face grew bright pink in humiliation "I'm sorry Jay, I just wasn't expecting that." Jordan hiccupped loudly trying to control his laughter. His breathing slowly came back to normal and he finally composed himself enough to answer "No. Neither of those things happened in this car. That being said, it wasn't as if I didn't try. But your Mom had more class and self respect than that.". Jason breathed out in relief, Jordan hesitated but continued on in slight embarrassment "I'm not going to lie ….I did have sex quite a few times in that backseat. But I got it reupholstered so all the traces of… THAT is gone". Jason's face screwed up in disgust "As long as it wasn't with my Mom, I think I can get past that fact eventually. But just for the moment I can't be in this car." Jordan snorted softly and followed Jason's lead, stepping out of the car.
Jason stood admiring the red Plymouth, his excitement coming back " This is insane. Is this the epic present you promised to get me?". Jordan nodded happily as they stood in front of his loyal and trusty convertible. "I've wanted to give it to since the moment I first met you and I was going to wait till Christmas . But with all that I put you through with the whole stupid….." Jordan paused feeling ashamed " I just thought I had a lot to make up for". Jason bumped his shoulder against his fathers, a gesture which had come to denote affection between them, and Jordan knew all was forgiven. Jason took a deep breath "You do realise Mom is going to kill you." giving him a sly smile. "Don't worry, I am well capable of handling Angela Chase." Jordan replied with a grin. Jason ran his hands over the crimson bonnet, still smiling brightly in disbelief. Jordan watched him with satisfaction, but there was still something dark lurking in his son's sky blue eyes which troubled him.
"So….do you want to give Beth a call and tell her the good news?" Jordan said nonchalantly sticking his hands in his pockets. Jason straightened up, his jaw set defiantly "Nope". Jordan looked at him wearily "Jason. Just put your pride aside and just say your sorry, I'm not having you sulking in your room for the rest of the Summer." Jason scowled visibly as he crossed his arms across his chest, he stayed silent. "You punched her cousin in the face, I get that the guy deserved it. But just admit you did something wrong and it's half the battle over." Jordan tried to plead with his son, the Holden Caulfield teen angst act was really starting to ware thin, especially with both of the Catalano's nursing broken heart in such close quarters. "Look. The fight wasn't about that, not totally. It may have started out like that, but it turned into something else." Jason muttered bitterly. Jordan looked at him patiently, knowing all he had to do was listen and Jason would fill the silence with what was bothering him. Jason turned to face him fully, frustration showing on his youthful face. "You know what was like being a teenage boy, all the uncontrollable….horniness." he said awkwardly. Jordan smirked sheepishly "It's still like that for me Jay." Jason's taut stance relaxed a fraction "The thing is…..I really like Beth. And well I'm not always good at saying how much she means to me. So I guess I prefer to show her sometimes…..and I may have gone a little too far once." Jason tensed up again and stared at the ground absorbedly. Jordan sighed "Let me guess, you suggested having sex. She said no. You got pissed and she now thinks that's all you're after." Jason exhaled almost in relief "Yep. I mean I only suggested it cos I wanted to show her what I feel about her." Jordan cocked a unconvinced eyebrow at him "Ok and I also really wanted to do it too" Jason muttered grudgingly ."So you had a big fight after the softball game about her not wanting to sleep with you. Am I correct?" Jordan said simply, feeling a distinct sense of deja vu with this conversation. Jason nodded seriously "I kinda called her abnormal, because tons of people in our class have done it . But I feel terrible about it now". Jordan would have laughed at the irony of the situation if his son's mood hadn't been so low "I've learned from experience, pressuring a girl and calling her abnormal is never going to get you anywhere. In fact it'll do the opposite for your case". Jordan gave him a knowing smile "Trust me, I made the exact same mistakes once." Jason groaned "But I'm so ready , it's driving me crazy." Jordan threw his arm around his son's shoulders "Welcome to adult relationships Jay. Patience is a virtue kid and believe me when I say, good things come to those who wait." Jason sent him a look of derision "That's easy for you to say. What were you 14 when you lost your virginity?". Jordan tried not to smile arrogantly "Actually 13. But you want to know something. It didn't mean a damn thing till…" he didn't finish his sentence, his face becoming glum for a second. Jason looked at him earnestly, knowing instantly what he meant "It didn't mean anything till you loved someone, it was just an empty act. A itch to be scratched or something. Right?". Jordan nodded sincerely, his voice quiet and contemplative "Yeah. Actually caring about the person you're with changes it. Makes everything more…..intense" Jordan gave his son a small smile "The question is for you is, do you like Beth enough to wait? Because if you're understanding and considerate, it's worth it in the end". Jason stared at the car intently, he sighed in defeat "I guess so." Jordan squeezed his shoulders "That's my boy." Jordan removed his arm from his shoulders and walked to the front of the car, he lifted the bonnet to expose the engine. "Right now I think it's time I taught you a different set of important life lessons. Bring me over that tool box" . Jason did as requested, he spun a wrench in his hand as a thought occurred to him. Jason handed Jordan a set of pliers, as they both leaned over the engine critically. "There's a whole other heap of other fun stuff we could do, like, before we build up to the actual event. Right? That is of course if Beth forgives me" Jason looked at his father optimistically. Jordan paused at his work by the engine, he turned his head back to Jason looking at him carefully. Slowly a devilish grin spread across his face "You have no idea" . Jason's grin soon matched his fathers, Jordan heaved a sigh "Now stop being so obsessive and help me with this carburettor." Jason gleefully complied.
Later on in the evening, Angela stared up at the imposing building before her, the immense size of it intimidated her. She didn't exactly know why it affected her so much, because the interior of the building was simply beautiful. But she always found herself hesitant to enter the residential block, it was possible to concede that this may have more to do with who lived right at the top of the structure then the actual place itself. She liked to spend as little time as possible in the company of Mr Catalano at the present, in order to retain her sanity. Particularly because she was finding it increasingly difficult not to show how much she still desperately wanted him, how much he still had an undeniable pull upon her soul. Angela mentally chastised herself for her cowardice and stepped inside, the cool air immediately relieving her flushed skin. The Summers evening was still full of the oppressive heat that had driven most people indoors that afternoon. The sheer warmth had surprised Angela greatly when she'd stepped off the plane from L.A, it was almost hotter in New York then in California. The light sundress clung to her back uncomfortably as she gave the doorman Daniel a smile "I'll just call up for you Miss Chase see if Mr Catalano is around. Save you going all the up there" he said in his usual friendly manner. Angela nodded in thanks and waited good-naturedly while he picked up the receiver and called up to the penthouse. Daniel replaced the internal phone on its perch and turned his attention back to her "Mr Lewis says they're down in the garages at the moment. Do you want me to override the code so you can go down?". Angela faltered for a moment, weighing up the options in her mind. While she didn't like being in Jordan's company, she preferred it exponentially more than Shane's, therefore she chose the lesser of two evils. "That would be great Daniel thanks" she said giving him a cheerful smile.
Jason was taking a short break, leaning against the dark wall and drinking a ice cold soda from the small fridge in the garage , when Angela walked in. He stood up straight and looked at her in surprise "Hi, what are you doing here" he said welcomingly over the loud music coming from the radio. Angela looked at her son's scruffy appearance, his t-shirt and face covered in grease, oil and many other grimy substances, and instantly decided she was not going to hug him. "I took an earlier flight, I tried to call you but your phone was out of range or something" Angela said simply, curious as to what exactly he and Jordan were up to. Jason looked at her shamefacedly for a second "Sorry. I just got a little carried away down here". "I can see that" Angela looked around the garage probingly, trying to see what they were working on, her eyes grew wide when she spotted the back of the red Plymouth. Without even thinking she groaned loudly "You have got to be kidding me.". Jason's face broke out into an ecstatic smile "I know isn't she magnificent. We've spent all day fixing her up ,so I'll be able to drive her soon." Angela scoffed loudly "Excuse me, you are not going near any of your father's cars. Especially that one." Jason's face fell and he looked at her rebelliously "It's my car in fact. Dad gave it to me." he said frowning deeply. Angela's jaw began to twitch in annoyance, she swallowed her urge to shout at her son. "Go upstairs and get changed please. I want to talk to your father alone before we go home" her voice was cool and full of suppressed anger. Jason began to protest but Angela shot him a warning glare "Go get your stuff together now Jason" she said more strongly. Jason huffed loudly and stamped off towards the elevator without another word. Angela stared back at the red car, her jaw jutting out in aggravation. She stomped across the concrete set on giving Jordan Catalano a piece of her mind.
It took Jason quicker than he expected to reach the penthouse, he rang the bell impatiently, hoping Shane wasn't out by the pool. The door opened after a few minutes. Shane eyed him in the doorway sleepily, his short black hair sticking up in points. "Hey little grease monkey, where's your Daddy?" Shane said warmly, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. Jason sighed harshly, rushing by Shane forcefully "About to get his head bitten off by my Mom". Shane shut the door gently and ambled after Jason up the stairs "I take it she doesn't approve of the car." Jason turned around heatedly in frustration on the stairs "Bingo. And now World War three is about to break out." The boy then whipped back around and thundered up the remaining steps to the second floor. Shane shrugged his shoulders and carried on after him, determined to stay out of this little family drama. Jason was already on the third floor by the time he'd reached the second, so he decided to leave him be. Shane was about to go back to his room to sleep some more when the phone rang shrilly in the kitchen. He half-hearted picked it up "Catalano residence, Shane speaking" he answered with a sigh. As the voice upon the phone revealed their business, Shane's face grew white and his knee's began to shake. The past was forcing itself violently into the present with a vengeance and Shane was blindsided.
Angela couldn't see Jordan behind the bonnet of the Plymouth as she approached it in a flurry of indignation. She was just about to shout at him when Jordan stood up from his crouched position and closed the bonnet skilfully, revealing his bare chest and striking her frozen in awe. Her entire body felt on fire as she gazed at him, never seeing him look so masculine and wild as he did standing there covered in oil and grease, his hair so effortlessly attractive in its haphazard messiness. Her nerves buzzed with uncontrollable anticipation and yearning, as she fought to quell the impulse to rush over and kiss him recklessly. Sure she'd seen him without a shirt before, but the years had turned his once well toned boyish body into a sculpted and pulse raising shape. He was her own personal Adonis. She pressed her arms across her chest as tightly as she could to suppress the throaty moan of arousal that was threatening to escape from her mouth, succeeding in keeping her awakened libido in check. She was not going be swayed from her mission by silly primal impulses, she was grown woman for god sake and not a horny teenager. Not that it made any difference when it came to her attraction to Jordan Catalano, with him she was eternally 15 and at the mercy of her hormones.
He jumped slightly, letting the wrench slip out of his grasp in surprise when he saw her standing there staring at him unreadable. Jordan switched off the radio beside him a gave her his attention. "Hey" he said uncomfortably "Where's Jason?". Angela did not soften her penetrating stare, her eyes solely fixed upon his face. "Upstairs, getting ready to go home." she said blankly, still visibly on edge. Jordan mistook her rigid stance and indecipherable expression as one of extreme annoyance. He sighed loudly and leaned against the car despondently "Look just get it over with already, I know you're pissed about the car." Angela considered the invitation to start an argument for a millisecond, not wanting to give him the satisfaction of knowing how incredibly turned on she was by his present state, also knowing shouting at him would certainly release some of the troublesome pressure building within her. Yet she didn't take the bait, instead she looked at him condescendingly. "I am not having a serious conversation with you looking like that. So please for the sake of some sense of civility….put your pecs away" Angela said boredly, a ghost of a smile upon her lips. Jordan arched an eyebrow at her, dumbfounded by her calmness, and even more by her coyness. He shrugged his shoulder impassively and reached down to get his shirt, pulling it slowly back over his head. Angela stared at his stomach, enraptured by the movement of his well developed abs as he put his t-shirt on. Her gaze returned to his face before he noticed her wandering eye. Giving her mocking grin he sighed "Better Miss Chase". Angela returned his jeering look with a scornful smile of her own "Much, thank you". They stood there for a second, their arms crossed defensively, sizing one another up. Jordan braced himself for the torrent of fury he predicted she was going to rain on him, but she remained coolly and dangerously still . He shifted his weight from foot to foot, feeling increasingly more unnerved by her composure, but unwilling to lose face in this new game of cat and mouse.
Angela spoke first, breaking the silence of the Mexican standoff, her voice even and weary "In what universe did you think giving Jason a car was good idea? He can hardly ride a bike for god sake." Jordan scratched his head apathetically "You never had any problem driving it when you were his age." Angela smirked mockingly "And look how well that turned out" she pointed at the back bumper. Jordan gave a caustic laugh, "It's not my fault you don't take direction well. I tried my best to teach you important life skills". Angela rolled her eyes at him, knowing full well the comment wasn't solely referring to driving, her self-control slipping a little "The point still remains, it is highly irresponsible of you to give him this damn thing anyway" she said sorely. Jordan's smirk grew a little more devious, relishing the fact her feigned attempt at courteousness was quickly falling away. He always preferred to see her fired up at him then icily unmoved by his taunts. "Well as his father, it is my prerogative to choose when to pass on certain things to my son" Jordan replied insolently, trying to provoke a more heated response. Angela almost laughed at his response, prerogative was not a word she would ever have believed Jordan Catalano to utter in a normal conversation. The usage of it threw her off her chain of thought for a second, leaving her stunned and unable to come up with a quick fire response. Jordan smiled at her arrogantly as she scoffed at his rebelliousness "Your prerogative! Your prerogative as his father is to stop him from doing stupid things, not encourage and facilitate them" she spat out, her temper flaring. Jordan shrugged and continued to smile at her condescendingly, loving the fact her frustrations were rapidly overtaking her attempts at civility. Angela drew a deep breath, closing her eyes she calmed her rising irritation. "Look, I know you're still new to this whole parent-child relationship dynamic, but you can't keep acting like his cool older brother and saying yes to every whim he has." Her eyes were hard and deeply serious as she looked at him "You need to actually start acting like his father." Jordan's appearance of superiority fell as his own exasperation rose to the surface. "I do act like his father." he said with his teeth gritting strongly in his jaw. Angela threw her hands up in the air in annoyance "Then why am I the parent that always has to be the one to say no, to think maturely about things" Jordan fought the urge to throw the wrench at her, instead looking at her contemptuously with his eyes flashing furiously. "Jason is doing just fine with me, it's not as if I'm completely incompetent" he growled. Angela laughed bitterly "Oh really, then why is it since I've been in L.A Jason got in a fist fight?". Jordan's face drained of colour, he was unable to answer. "You didn't think I wouldn't find out about it did you?" Angela laughed again "Did Jason neglected to tell you the fight he started was a whole lot more serious then just a one on one brawl?". Angela shook her head in wonder "Joey McCarthy got arrested. Jason would have too only he spotted the cops before his friend and ran off". Jordan hung his head in shame. "Joey's mom called me the minute she heard. So now our son's best friend has a criminal record because he was defending your honour." Angela knew she'd made her point, she watched Jordan carefully as he digested all that she had said. He raked a dirty hand through his hair, sighing heavily "Shit!" he whispered harshly. Angela felt guilty when he looked back up at her dejectedly "Is he going to court or anything?" Jordan said visibly crushed. Angela's fury slowly dissipated and she shook her head gently "No. He got off with a warning". Jordan breathed out in relief, Angela remained staring at him as he gazed in disgrace at the grey concrete. "Just so you know, it's not the first time he's had problems with using his fist instead of walking away. So don't beat yourself up about it or anything." She muttered sullenly, but truthfully ."He can be hot headed sometimes." Angela added sympathetically. Jordan lifted his head and gave her a small smile of gratitude "I know" he mumbled. "He gets that from you" they said sarcastically at the same time. Angela and Jordan laughed at the absurdity of it, and gave each other the first genuine smile in months. Their shared smiles slowly faded as they stared at each other entranced by the moment. Jordan broke the increasingly intense eye contact between them, looking down at his scuffed boots he muttered softly "About the car, I really do want to give it to Jason. I just think I have a lot to make up for". Angela was surprised by his openness and decided to give in just this once. Despite his recklessness, Angela could see his heart was in the right place. She walked over to the car and leaned against it beside Jordan, sighing in grudging submission "Fine, but I swear to God if anything happens to him….I'll beat you to death with your stupid guitar". Jordan turned to her a flashed her a mischievous grin "I wouldn't expect anything less". Angela narrowed her eyes at him, but smirked amiably as they both turned to stare absentmindedly at the opposing wall.
Neither of them knew what to say next, so a comfortable silence descended in the warm garage. Jordan felt a familiar gnawing in his gut as her shoulder gently tipped of his, the heat radiating from her bare skin burning through out his body mercilessly. He watched her out of the corner of his eye, part of him wanting so much to close the small distance, but his head demanded for him to remain disengaged . He concluded they could at least try to be friends, even if he knew deep down they'd always be fighting that unquestionable chemistry the had.
As Shane entered the garage, he was greatly surprised not to find Angela and Jordan roaring at one another. On the contrary, they were sitting quite happily together on the Plymouth in silence, lost in their own thoughts. This made Shane feel even worse about what he was about to tell Jordan, he cursed fate for saddling him once again with being the messenger of doom. "Just suck it up Shane and do it" he muttered under his breath. Shane Lewis took a deep breath and walked with purpose across the hard floor, the sound of his footsteps loudly filling the space. Jordan moved away from Angela slightly when he saw Shane marching towards them. Angela looked at him with interest as he stopped in front of the Plymouth, his dark eyes full of anguish. "Catalano I need to talk to you." Angela began to rise from the car, but raised Shane his hand to stop her "This kind of concerns you too because of Jason, so hold up" he said bleakly. Angela sat back against the car and shared a look with Jordan. He shrugged and looked back at Shane. His friend steadied himself and heaved a sigh. "A few minutes ago someone called from St Jude's hospital in Three Rivers". Jordan slid slowly off the bonnet, his face growing concerned knowing right away this involved Mikey Catalano. Shane bit at his lip nervously, forcing himself with all his might to say the next sentence. "Jordan, your Dad's dead." Angela gasped loudly, her hand flying to her mouth in shock, her head whipped up to look at Jordan. He was standing still, frozen to the spot, his eyes wide and expressionless. "I'm so sorry man" Shane said quietly. Jordan blinked rapidly a deep frown growing across his face, his nostrils began to flare "When did it happen?" he said in a low voice. "This afternoon. His liver finally gave up and they couldn't find another one in time." Shane replied compassionately. Jordan nodded simply, his breathing becoming more and more shallow as he was growing closer to breaking down. "Yeah. Just how I thought he'd go" he said softy, his eyes growing distant. He walked to the side of the car and began to pick up the tools he used earlier. His hands shaking as he lifted the box and replaced them inside, he fumbled with some of the small items and they tumbled back onto the floor. Jordan banged the bonnet with the palm of his hand as he felt an overwhelming sadness rise up within him He became aware of Angela's hand on his shoulder "Leave it. I'll get Jason to do it" she said soothingly. Jordan looked at her with venom, he shook her hand off his shoulder and tensed up angrily "Don't tell me what to do Chase. Both of you get the hell out of my garage, Now!" he growled violently. Angela recoiled in fright, she shared a look with Shane. He stared back at her helplessly "Come on man. We can help you through this if…" .Jordan whipped around furiously interrupting his friend "Get the fuck out of my face Shane and leave me alone" he yelled and turned back to the toolbox belligerently. Angela motioned with her head unhappily for Shane to follow her and they ambled half-heartedly to the elevator. "I'll be upstairs if you need me" Shane added softly before the doors closed. Directly after he heard the elevator doors shut completely, Jordan felt his knee's go from below him. He sat on the floor, his defences fallen to pieces as he finally allowed himself to cry.
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