Title: New York Stories
Chapter 21 - A Funeral, An Outing & A Friendly Wager?

"Well I'm glad the past few days have been better for you," Vince mentions to Stella as he hands her a file. "Are you going to Katie's funeral tonight?"

"I wasn't sure I could handle it at first but I think I will."

"Did you want a ride?"

"Actually Mac is coming and we're going to go together. And you?"

"Jacki is going to meet me there. You two want to get something light to eat afterwards?"

Stella looks up at Vince in wonder. Can I speak for Mac? He might not want to. Will he be nervous around other people he doesn't know? Especially as a couple?

"Let me call Mac and get back to you?"

"Sure."

Stella watches Vince take his leave and then with nimble fingers dials Mac's number. Ever since he had told her about Frankie, she had worried whenever he was delayed in answering or calling back. But he had assured her that nothing more had happened and it was probably nothing.

"Afternoon beautiful," his warm greeting puts an instant smile on her face.

"Afternoon handsome," she replies, getting a soft chuckle in return. "I know you are probably busy but..."

"Never to busy for you. What's up?"

"Did you still want to come to the funeral tonight?"

"I don't mind. I'm going to change into something more appropriate here..."

"You don't have to, but I understand. The reason I am calling, is that Vince, my co-worker and his girlfriend Jacki are going to get something to eat afterward and asked us if we wanted to go. I wasn't going to assume you wanted to go but..."

"Do you?"

"Would be kinda nice. They are a great couple."

"You know you never have to ask right?"

"Mac, I'm not going to just assume and take liberties with our social calendar."

"Mine is non existent without you remember?" His soft words instantly force her smile to grow. "I'll see you soon."

"Okay bye," Stella hangs up and then goes in search of Vince. "It's a go."

"Excellent! Our first double date!"

"Just don't make a big deal about that in front of Mac. He won't admit it but I know he'll be nervous."

"He'll be nervous?" Vince queries. "Will he be carrying a gun?"

"M-16."

"Funny," Vince deadpans as Stella takes her leave. She heads back to her desk to finish a few things up, knowing in two hours that Mac will be there to pick her up and then Katie's modest funeral would be the next stop. She leans back in her chair, remembering her discussion with Mac yesterday.

'Anything?'

'You know I would tell you right? Trust me, Frankie is history.'

'Mac, he could just be lying low. I know him.'

'He's a coward. But I gave you my word, if I hear anything or he shows up again I will tell you.'

'Did Rick find out the identities of those two guys?'

'Just a bunch of physical instructors. And no neither of them have so much as batted an eyelash in my direction...please don't worry.'

"I do worry Mac, I love you," she whispers as she goes back about her work and then getting ready for when Mac arrives.

XXXXXXXX

"So it's been pretty quiet so far," Rick Sinclair mentions to Mac as they head for the instructor's lounge; Mac needing to change before he picks up Stella.

"This guys an ass and is full of hot air."

"Stella worried?"

"Yes. And in truth I don't blame her. But it's her I'm worried about. Well I'm off to a funeral."

"Yeah man, have fun. See you tomorrow."

Mac watches Sinclair take his leave and then heads toward his locker to get dressed. He sees a white envelope sticking out of the slots and his heart and mind start to race. But when he opens it and sees that it's just another reminder for a staff meeting, his mind starts to settle. Damn you Frankie, his brain offers in anger as he starts to get dressed out of his uniform; leaving it in his locker for the next day and changing into a pair of black dress pants, dress shirt and sports jacket.

A few minutes later he heads for his Jeep, his eyes always nervously darting around the parking lot as the late fall sun had already started to set. But as with the two nights before, nothing happened and he pulls away, his heart rate finally starting to ease.

However, as he nears Stella's building he now wonders about their outing after the funeral. A double date? Is that what this is? Or just dinner? He brings the Jeep to a stop and before he has a chance to get out, Stella heads outside and hurries toward him, wearing a modest black dress but still setting his heart aflutter.

"You look beautiful," Mac whispers warmly as he kisses her on the cheek. "You going to be okay?"

"I wasn't sure I was going to be able to handle this but when her aunt came forward on Tuesday morning and said she wanted to do something very small and private in Katie's memory I took it better than expected. I wish we had more funding for that. Just because they were orphans or troubled children didn't mean they weren't loved by someone."

Mac's heart breaks as Stella's eyes gently glisten, prompting him to take her into his arms and hold her close, gently stroking her back until her trembling subsided. Finally, a few minutes later, they pull away and head for the small funeral home just down the street.

Once inside, Mac holds Stella's hand and allows her to guide them to a set of chairs beside Vince and Jacki. After a few brief introductions, Mac watches as Stella then gets up and heads toward Katie's aunt, a woman trying to keep her composure; her face however, showing her pain and sorrow. His eyes follow her as Stella heads up to the small podium, offering a mild greeting to the small group gathered before her.

He watches with pride and admiration; her strength once again impressing him, words unable to express how he feels for her. In public, she's strong, self assured, showing the world around her that Stella Bonasera is impervious to pain and suffering; that the world doesn't have a missile big enough to put a permanent dent in her impenetrable shield. So he knows when it's in private; when they are together, that he is honored most; when she trusts him enough to be herself. Stella says her few words and then turns the podium back to Katie's aunt; allowing Stella to once again take her place at Mac's side.

At first when her fingers started to intertwine with his they were cold and he knew her nerves were on edge; but he longer he held on, his warmth added to hers and in a matter of minutes everything was back to normal.

"Thank you so much for this Stella," Katie's aunt greets her afterward. "I am sorry that I wasn't able to do more for..." her voice trails off as she quickly turns away to brush away a tear, forcing Stella to offer her one more supportive hug.

"She's sleeping now," Stella whispers; Mac's ears picking up the few words, his lips curling slightly upward.

"She'd be happy you were here for her."

"I know and for that, part of me is grateful. Please know you did everything you could and the monster responsible for this is behind bars."

"Thank you again," she thanks Stella and then goes on to talk to a few more.

"So you guys still want some dinner?" Vince asks with some hesitation, looking at Mac and Stella in wonder.

"Sure that would be fine," Mac quickly agrees, giving Stella's hand a gentle squeeze.

"Great. How about Sophie's? It's just around the corner and makes some great things."

After a quick agreement, the couples disperse; heading for their separate vehicles.

"You did really well back there, if I can say that and not sound..." Mac starts only to have Stella quickly lean over and kiss his cheek, stopping his sentence and forcing him to look at her for an explanation.

"Your strength Mac and having you at my side today ensured that I was able to do this today so thank you. And thank you for agreeing to this with Vince."

"Well as I said before, my calendar is pretty much empty without your input."

"You know I am still waiting for you to fire up that Bar-b-Que."

"Ah right...have to get some fire insurance first," Mac teases and the tension in the Jeep cabin finally starts to subside. "But since this weekend is booked how about next weekend?"

"Okay. And since I know tonight is going to be a smashing success..."

"Um what do you mean?"

"You know a couples dinner."

"Double date?" Mac arches his brows.

"Yes a double date. Jessica was wondering when the four of us could do something similar?"

"You want me to bar-b-que for them?"

"No?"

"Well if something goes wrong, can I blame you?" Mac smirks.

"Will you dress up as a fireman for me?" Stella counters and Mac's face warms.

"Ah no," Mac replies and Stella's lips form a pout, forcing Mac to chuckle in return as he brings the Jeep to a stop. "But if I survive tonight, ask me again okay?"

"Deal!" Stella exclaims in haste as they both get out, walking hand and hand into the restaurant. Mac feels his nervous anxiety starting to grow; not sure how to really act around another couple. But as they all sit down and light banter about sports and the weather starts to abound he knows that tonight is going to end just fine.

"Ma don't look at me like that. I wasn't even going to tell you," Danny grumbles as he hold's Lucy in his arms at the end of the day on Wednesday.

"And if I had brought Lucy by the shop that night or Lindsay had walked into...well something and gotten hurt, then what?"

Danny looks at his mother in surprise. Lucy he could figure her being concerned over, but Lindsay? "She um...she did."

"What? Is she okay?" Edith Messer asks her son. But as she looks at the expression on his face, she's quick to call him on it. "What?"

"Just never heard you express concern over any other girl I dated in the past."

"Blame your daughter. She seems taken with Lindsay," Edith starts only to be interrupted by Lucy's exuberant tone.

"INDSY!" Lucy shouts as she claps her hands.

"See? I can't even mention the dear girls name and Lucy goes into hysterics. Whatever charm this girl seems to have, has also captivated your daughter."

"She's pretty special."

"And that's why I don't want to see her hurt, by Louie's actions, or yours."

"Mine?" Danny asks in wonder. "What would I do? I would never hurt Lindsay on purpose ma."

"Just remember that before you do anything that might counter that. Your brother is at home resting. Can you assure me that we'll never see another black car show up here again?"

"He's the one with the gambling problem. Why did you take him in?"

"He's still my son and I still love him. I'd do the same for you now..." Edith's voice is once again interrupted by a knock at the door. She turns around, pulling it open and looking at Lindsay with a faint smile.

"Hi Mrs. Messer...I was...did I come at a bad time?" Lindsay's voice asks in concern.

"Family matters but we are done now. I was just leaving," Edith states as she turns back to Danny.

"Are you sure? Because I can come back later."

"Nonsense," Edith replies as she kisses a now struggling Lucy; her body wanting to squirm out of her father's grasp and run to Lindsay. Danny finally tires of the struggle, allowing Lucy to slide down and run into Lindsay's open arms.

"Remember what I said son," Edith lightly warns as she whispers in Danny's ear before giving him a hug and then taking her leave, gently squeezing Lindsay's arm as she heads out the door. "See you later Lindsay."

"Bye Mrs. Messer. Danny I could have come back," Lindsay insists.

"Says...indsy says..." Lucy lightly pouts as her grasp around Lindsay's leg tightens.

"Help," Lindsay states weakly as she nearly topples to the floor. Danny gently pries Lucy away and allows Lindsay to enter.

"So not that I am complaining but to what do I owe the honor?"

"Well since my plans to surprise you on Monday kinda fell through, I was hoping to do that right now. Since it's not raining how about a walk to Guys?"

"Lucy you want to go to Guys?" Danny asks and Lucy scrunches up her face in wonder. "Bugs and cheese?"

"Buz and sheese!" Lucy shouts as she turns and runs toward her jacket.

"That's a yes," Danny huffs as he offers Lindsay a smile, taking the opportunity from Lucy's pestering to pull Lindsay into his arms and then kiss her on the lips. He quickly gets his jacket, helps Lucy with hers and then it's back outside into the cool night air; Lucy holding onto one hand and Lindsay the other.

"Is Louie out of the hospital now?"

"Yeah he's at home until he's better," Danny replies with a slight wince. "After all he put us through, I think he should just be at his apartment but..."

"But a mother is always a mother."

"Your brother ever do anything that stupid?"

"If I tell you, will it ever get back to him?"

"No."

"How about drove a bit tipsy one night, crashed through a neighbor's barn and ended up in a small creek; in our dad's brand new 4x4. Concussion, black eye, broke his arm and a few other things."

"Ouch," Danny frowns.

"Yeah but mom took him in and helped nurse him back to health. I guess a mother will never stop worrying."

"Well I'm just glad it's over."

"Are you sure?"

"Dino has kept true to his word and I haven't even heard the guys whispering his name, outside of the general gossip that is still floating around. I didn't want to bring Louie's gambling problem to light, but maybe it's better for everyone if he knows he can't hide it anymore."

"And when you open up your shop, will he lose workers?"

"Only one...well maybe two. But the shop has a good rep and if he can keep himself out of trouble, he should be okay."

"Think he will?"

"Hope so," Danny huffs as they reach Guy's diner.

"Hey Danny!" Gino, Guy's nephew greets them as they enter. "And Danny's...girlfriend?" He finishes sheepishly, forcing Lindsay to laugh. "I'm sorry I forgot your name."

"INDSY!" Lucy shouts before Lindsay can offer her name.

"Ok-ay," Gino frowns as Lucy's face finally displays a triumphant smile. "Right this way."

As they follow Gino toward a booth, Lindsay finally feels her anxiety starting to ease, that is until she spies Rikki and Rueben just finishing up their supper. Rikki looks up and offers Lindsay a slight scowl, but Lindsay simply smiles in return and prays that Rikki won't upset their dinner.

They all take their seats, Lucy settling into a booster seat and taking with eagerness her crayons and coloring sheet and starting right away to attack the piece of paper with zeal.

Lindsay spies Rikki out of the corner of her eye, getting up and her heart starts to race. But as she quickly glances and see Rikki heading for the front door, she finds her whole body heaving a sigh of relief and knows that dinner won't be strained.

"So what do you want to do this weekend?" Danny suddenly questions. "I know we have the potluck on Sunday but on Saturday is open."

"And are you bringing Lucy to the potluck?"

"Alice will kill me if I don't," Danny offers with a slight smirk.

"Well then it really doesn't matter what we do on Saturday."

"You know there is a club not too far from the apartment. They have live bands on the weekends and usually play a mix of easy listening and rock."

"A biker club?"

"Regular club. Is that okay?"

"Sounds great," Lindsay agrees in haste as Lucy starts to tug on her sleeve.

"...indsy colors with me's," Lucy begs with a wide smile.

"I would love to sweetie," Lindsay states as she takes the crayon and starts to color, looking up at Danny who's watching her intently. "What?"

"Nothin'. Well okay not nothin'...I'm really glad you still aren't um pis...I mean angry about Monday."

"Well I am sorry jumping to that conclusion."

"Did you tell Clint?"

"Why?"

"Afraid that when he comes next, he'll kick my as...butt," Danny frowns; always mindful of even using mild curses around Lucy, who's very quick to pick up on everything.

"No don't worry, I don't tell him everything," Lindsay assures as Gino finally returns with their drinks.

"Okay guys, what'll it be?"

"Lucy what do you want to eat?" Danny asks her first.

"Buz and sheese!" Lucy shouts for joy.

"Okay you got it!" Gino smiles as he tweaks the end of her nose, making her lightly squeal. After taking the two adult orders he quickly takes his leave and the three are alone once more.

"So what do I have to bring to this potluck?"

"Enough for a large crowd to at least get to try once."

"Yeah that's helpful," Danny counters in sarcasm, making Lindsay chuckle. "What are you bringing?"

"Well I thought I knew, but am kinda waffling now. How about a large tray of your amazing meatballs?"

"How about something I don't have to spend all day making?" Danny retorts.

"That would work also. You know a staple like flavored rice would be great."

"Okay how about a large bucket of KFC?" Danny groans and Lindsay laughs.

"I think part of our Saturday will be spent shopping."

"Friday night," Danny insists. "I'll drop off the squirt and we'll start early."

"Start what?" Lindsay teases.

"Ah..." Danny's voice trails off as Lucy looks up at him wonder. "So Lucy..." he starts and for the next few hours the conversation was light and focused around what else they might expect food wise at the potluck; the trials with Louie finally a forgotten topic.

By the time class ended on Wednesday, Jessica was more than ready to take her leave; heading for the teachers lounge, wondering if James would make another awkward attempt. But since his asking her about the dance on Monday and her making it obvious about her date, he's kept is distance and she now figures he's taken the hint; her investigation into his murky past put on hold.

She heads for her locker, her lips curling upward as she remembers how Monday's game concluded.

'What did you offer the hockey gods?' She had groaned as New York went up another goal.

'My soul,' Flack had joked. 'Jess you don't have...' he had started as she reached for her wallet.

'I might sound like a sore loser...' she smirked as she handed him the money. 'But I'll get you next time.'

'Dinner in the...apartment, right?' Flack asked carefully.

'Not this time?'

'I wasn't serious about that.'

'Liar,' she laughed as she kissed him on the mouth.

She remembered floating home that night and then was on the phone with Stella, telling her about Don's confession of love and show she told it right back to him in truth.

'Jess I'm so happy for you. Don's a great guy,' Stella had told her with a happy tone.

'Trust me Stella, Mac will tell you soon, I know he loves you.'

'I love him Jess, more than anything.'

But with the day winding down and the dance looming, Don's confession and James finally at bay, she feels her world starting to finally be at peace; everything in place.

"You still on cloud nine?" Tori breaks her thoughts as she taps her on the shoulder.

"Still? I don't think I left since Don offered his confession," Jessica turns around with a beaming smile. "And how are things with you and Tony?"

"Actually pretty good, he said yes to the dance and we had coffee last night," Tori relates with a smile. "Has um...you know who been bugging you?"

"I think I made it pretty clear on Monday that Don and I were serious and I think he's taken the hint; I only got a nod in the hallway yesterday so all is good."

"And where are you rushing off to now?"

"To make Don dinner?"

"Another friendly wager?" Tori teases.

"Oh you better not say anything!" Jessica counters as she closes her locker and turns to leave. "See you tomorrow."

Jessica quickly takes her leave, heading for the door and then the subway entrance, wanting to get home and start into her part of the bet that she knows Don will be more than pleased with.

"Hey, everything okay?" Flack asks in haste.

"Everything is just fine. How are Danny and his brother?"

"Louie is out of the hospital now and resting at home and thankfully there has been no further trouble. I know Danny wants out of there before something happens again."

"Think Louie will keep himself clean now?"

"With his track record?" Flack snorts. "Unlikely. So what's going on?"

"When you are finished come by for dinner."

"Jessica I was just..."

"I don't mind. Please?"

"You were expecting a no?" He chuckles. "See you in a couple hours?"

"Sounds great," Jessica hangs up, her mind already formulating her next plan of attack.

XXXXXXXX

"Hey Romeo!" Sully calls to Flack, forcing his head to swivel in the direction of his partner's voice. "Done?"

"Yeah and Davidson fessed," he states tossing a small log book toward Sully.

"Figured he would," Sully grumbles as he reaches Flack, standing a few feet apart. "And your friends friends?" He inquires, referring to the mob showdown they had on Monday.

"Non existent and yes Danny and I are working very hard to keep it that way."

"Here is some added incentive," Sully frowns as he shoves a few crime scene photos into his waiting hands.

"What the hell?"

"Maurice Baker."

"Shop...owner," Flack states as his face winces; his eyes resting on the grisly images. "Damn it. We know it's the Bertuzzi clan?"

"Want to ask them?"

"Actually I'd love to go one on one with Dino Moretti but only with a solid arrest warrant and a SWAT team behind me."

"Might as well be a friggin' brigade for all the good it'll do ya," Sully huffs as he snatches the photo's back. "Just remind your friend that these guys have memories like elephants."

"Meaning?"

"They never forget a face or a wrong."

"Great," Flack grimaces as he just shakes his head.

"Finish up the paperwork, tomorrow we have a new friend to chase down."

"Can't wait," Flack retorts in sarcasm as he heads for his desk; slumping down, the images still dancing around in his brain. "Danny you better watch your ass," he mutters as he flips open the file and starts to write; wanting to finish up so that he can get out and head for Jessica's; knowing that once he's there, the day will be instantly better.

About an hour later, Flack finally finishes what needs to get done and takes his leave, heading for his cruiser parked just outside. He glances toward the school, always wondering if James is watching. But as he remembers Jessica telling him this morning that James hasn't even talked to her in the past two days, he figures that maybe James has finally taken the hint and moved on.

"Hopefully he won't be at the dance on Saturday," Flack mutters under his breath as he starts toward the apartment. Just before he reaches their apartment complex, he stops to pick up some flowers; bumping into Sid as he heads for the elevator.

"Hello Don."

"Sid," Flack greets with a smile.

"Flowers for the lovely Ms. Angell?"

"None other. Hey you still need my help bar-b-queing on Sunday?"

"Would you mind?"

"Not at all. Everything else okay?"

"Hit a bit of a snag with some of the security equipment but I think we'll be fine. Thanks and enjoy...well whatever you're doing tonight."

"Just dinner."

"Oh that's what they all say," Sid teases as he takes his leave; Flack just shaking his head as Sid disappears around the corner.

Flack heads to his apartment first, wanting to change into something a bit more casual before he heads to Jessica's. About ten minutes later he lightly knocks on the door, his heart starting to beat faster.

"Come in!" He hears her call.

"Jess?" Flack calls out with some hesitation, his nose picking up the delicious smell of a home cooked meal.

"Whatever you are making smells great!"

A/N: So a saturday outing and then the potluck so stay tuned, I'm not rushing this story unless you guys want me to. Please leave a review before you.