Chapter twenty-nine:

Dinner and Pool


"Hey kiddo." Buck said as I unsaddled Passion and was brushing him down Saturday midday.

"Yeah?" I answered.

"You're done. I won't let you take out any other horse. It's too hot. It's gotta cool off first. Go do something useful. And when I tell you there's a rodeo don't miss it." He had a couple of his own horses that he let me ride from time to time.

"Fine and I won't." After finishing with Passion I wandered back towards the center of town to talk to Soda.

Once I reached the DX I saw Soda flirting with Sandy. I had definitely gotten better at finding my way around the city. "Hello Soda. Sandy." I said.

"Tore, what are you doing here?" Soda asked.

"I just finished practicing for the next rodeo and thought I'd stop by and get your opinion. Your brother's birthday is on Thursday and I wanted to get him something but I don't know him well enough to know what to get him."

"Well he loves to read. Reads almost anything he can get his hands on. I remember we walked in on him reading The Carpetbaggers once." Soda grinned.

"Oh gosh. I couldn't look at my parents for like two weeks after I read that book. Anything else?"

"Well, he likes to draw so maybe a sketch pad or something."

"Thanks Soda." I nodded. I headed downtown towards the shop I knew sold books and art supplies and when I walked in everyone looked at me. I nervously looked around then headed for the art supplies. Not seeing anything good I walked up to the counter.

"Hey there." The cashier said.

"Um hi." I answered. "I'm looking for something for my friend's kid brother's birthday. He's really into books but I don't want to get him something he's already got so I was hoping instead that you could show me some really good art supplies."

"Our supplies are really limited and what you see over there is what we've got," she motioned towards the stuff I had just seen, "but there is this really great store my aunt swears by. Only problem is the location."

"Let me guess, she won't tell you."

"Not that. It's just that any time I tell someone where it is, they look at me like I'm crazy for even suggesting it."

"Is it in Soc territory?"

"No, it's north of here. Tiger turf."

"Tiber Street Tigers? Uh, okay. Can you give me directions?"

"Sure, just be careful." She wrote down the directions and the name of the store and then I headed off. I had nearly reached the store when I was approached by none other than Evie Ross.

"Hey." Evie spat at me.

"What do you want?" I asked tiredly. Then I noticed the five boys standing just behind Evie.

"I want you to dump Steve and disappear completely."

"Cox not keeping you satisfied?"

"He's good, but Steve's got cash and a good rep. Daddy really likes him."

"Figures, no one can stand up to "Daddy's view" of Steve can they?" I asked using air quotes. "Seems like you're the one with the problem not me. Now if you'll excuse me I have other places to be." I tried to brush past her but she grabbed my arm.

"I wasn't done with you." Evie said.

"Oh but I'm done with you so goodbye."

"James," Evie snapped. James stepped up behind me and twisted my arms behind my back as she let go. He was the same blonde boy that had confronted me with Dawson Cox. The one I had kicked below the belt. He may have twisted my arms behind my back but he was holding my wrists as far away from him as possible. Probably trying not to get kicked again. "You see James here is my cousin so you're not going anywhere until I say you can. Now, why can't you just make this simple and do as I say?"

"Because you see, I got nowhere else to go so disappearing isn't an option, and I really like Steve so dumping him is not an option. He's told you twice he's never getting back with you. So you should drop it. Besides Dally likes him and seems to trust him with me. He's, at the very least, not upset that we're dating so, yeah."

"I will get him back, you can bet on that."

"Not if he has anything to say about it. He doesn't want you back. Now let me go; we're on Tiber Street Tiger turf and if I end up hurt so will you. And so will these boys behind you."

"How do you figure that? You're completely outnumbered and even if you could take on five at once they're all guys and there's no way you could take them." Evie growled narrowing her eyes.

"Never said I could. Never said it would be me that hurt them either. You see, as I said before we're on Tiger turf and the Tigers are allied with The Rattlesnakes. The PR's boss feels a little brotherly concern for me. Hurting me is like signing your own death warrant. He's not going to tolerate it. And if you're from the Tigers, well ..."

"They're not. They're from Brumly." Evie said.

"Oh that just makes it worse. From what I've heard the gang from Brumly has a tentative alliance with Tim Shepard's gang and since I grew up down the street from Tim Shepard—"

"Shut her up. Hard." Evie demanded.

"I can't hit a girl." One of guys behind her said.

I had to keep her talking and get her mind off trying to kick my butt. There was no doubt in my mind that I could take Evie but only if James let me go. "Can't do your own dirty work, Evie? I bet you're too concerned you'll break a nail. If your cousin would let me go, I'd show you just how to fight without breaking a nail." Then my eyes landed on the two boys who had just walked up behind Evie's group of guys. "Or those two could do it for me."

"You might want to let her go." Blade said.

"I don't know Blade, I think I'm ready for a fight." Danger said. He cracked his knuckles and grinned dangerously. He really did look ready for a fight.

"Meet Danger and Blade. From the PR. I'm sure you guys have heard of them." I said.

"Danger, you're always ready for a fight." Blade said.

"What can I say? Fights are kinda my thing." Danger said.

"Uh, boys, shoulders kinda hurt here." I said.

"Let her go." Blade growled. Two of the guys slowly slunk away and the other two looked at Danger and Blade. James loosened his grip on me slightly as one of his friends threw the first punch at Blade. It didn't take long for Blade and Danger to take them out. Danger looked over my head narrowing his eyes. "Let her go." Blade said again.

"We'll get you back." Evie snapped her fingers and James let me go then they walked away.

I took a couple deep breaths then smiled. "Thank you. I owe you."

"Come on, let's get you back on your turf. You're not safe here." Danger said.

"Where are you going to take me? To the DX?" I asked.

"It's safe for you there." Blade said.

"First we need to go in there. I have to get a present for my friend." I said pointing to the art store.

"Fine but no stalling." Danger said.

"Okay." I answered. I got the stuff I needed and paid for it then Danger slung an arm around my shoulders and we headed down to the DX. By the time we reached the DX I was laughing and had nearly forgotten all about the encounter with Evie.

"Tore? What's going on?" I heard Soda ask. I looked at him to see him standing near a gas pump looking at us but he looked different than I had ever seen him before. He didn't look like the carefree, jovial, caring Soda I had always seen. Instead there was a wild and reckless look in his eyes. I didn't like that look so I slowly backed up.

"Curtis." Danger growled.

"Step away from her. I don't want to have to hurt you." Soda said, his hands balling into fists though he didn't raise them.

Soda had once said that neither he nor Darry had ever been beaten in a fight. I figured Darry hadn't because of his size; no one in their right mind would ever want to take him on and if they tried there was no doubt in my mind that they'd lose. For Soda I figured that he could talk his way out of fights. But watching Soda, I knew I had been completely wrong about him. He looked dangerous and I didn't want to be on the receiving end of whatever he was about to dish out.

"Soda?" I heard Ponyboy say.

"You're scaring her." I heard Danger add. I looked up for a brief moment and saw Danger looking at me but he kept his distance. Then I backed into something. I glanced back to see Steve's car behind me.

"Tore?" Soda asked. "Toria, what's wrong?" I pressed my eyes shut and when I opened them Soda no longer looked dangerous. He looked concerned. "I didn't mean to scare you." Soda said. "Please say something."

"You looked—You—You looked so dangerous. I've never seen you look like that before."

"I am so sorry," he repeated. "I was worried about you. These two have reputations."

"I know but they just saved my butt. They're not going to hurt me." I said. Danger and Blade were still standing halfway between me and Soda, with Ponyboy behind him, and Danger was still looking at me. I slipped the present behind my back so Pony wouldn't see it. Suddenly there was a hand on my shoulder. I looked up and saw Steve. I swallowed a few times then nodded. "I'm ok. They won't lay a hand on me." I said.

"You sure?" Steve asked.

"We won't hurt her. Not when she owes us." Danger said.

"If we really wanted to hurt her, we wouldn't have come here." Blade said.

"Owes you?" Steve asked. "For what?"

"Evie confronted me. She had her cousin James and four other guys with her. They made them go away. I can never repay you for that." I said looking at Danger and Blade.

"Not in the same way." Danger said.

"Come to dinner with me tomorrow and we'll be even." Blade said putting me on the spot. I glanced at Steve and saw his hands tighten into fists.

"I don't know Blade, it's probably not a good idea." I hesitated.

"Come on, how about Jay's? It's on Shepard's turf, it's out in the open and it's Sunday. I can almost guarantee that we won't be completely alone." Blade said. I knew he knew he was trying to convince Steve especially when I glanced up at Steve and saw he still looked upset. I was convinced that I'd be ok but Steve would take a bit more convincing. I sighed and wrapped my hand around one of his balled fists.

"It's just dinner Steve, you can even covertly watch if you want. Don't you trust me?"

"Dallas wouldn't. You're not supposed to be hanging with PR hoods."

"But don't you trust me?"

"You I trust, them I don't." Steve said.

"The only difference between the two hoods standing right there and two of Shepard's crowd is that they're from different gangs. It's not that different. Please it's just dinner. It's not like he's taking me to some secluded, out of the way, dirt road, where there'll be no one else so he can take advantage of me."

"Jay's is out of PR territory." Soda shrugged. "He is offering to come out of his comfort zone just for one dinner. A dinner on Shepard's turf and if I remember correctly Shepard kinda cares about her." Soda added.

"It's not like it's a date, it's just pay back for him saving my butt. "

"I just don't want you to get hurt." He answered looking down at me and opening his hand to wrap it around mine.

"I've always been able to take care of myself and when I couldn't I've always known how to get attention from those who could help me out. I owe him Steve. He saved my butt multiple times. I can't say no." I pulled away from Steve and looked at Blade.

"Sugar, I don't want to cause any ripples." Blade said. "It's obvious they don't trust you."

"I know," I smiled, "I'll see you tomorrow night at seven at Jay's, alright? Don't be late or I'll get crabby and you know what happens when I get left waiting."

Blade nodded. "Not a pretty sight," he answered. "But then again I could never be late when I get to have dinner with a pretty girl."

"Now Danger. I owe you too, probably more. What'll it be?" I said.

"I've saved your butt how many times? At least three. And I did you that favor the other day. I think you owe me a little more than dinner, Sugar." Danger said.

"Careful Fields." Blade warned.

"What do you want?" I asked training my eyes on the blond.

"Dinner and a movie," he answered.

"Too much like a first date, dinner and a couple games of pool."

"A party."

"Danger," Blade warned.

"Fine, pool it is. Meet me at The Dock on the Ribbon, Wednesday night." I looked back up at Steve who looked severely murderous. I shrugged then smiled at Danger.

"I'll see you there."

"Just make sure Shepard knows. We know Dallas is out of town, but that doesn't mean Shepard will be ok with you meeting us." Blade said.

"I really don't care anymore." I shook my head.

"We do. For our sake tell him." Danger said. I swallowed and nodded.

"We'll see you later Sugar." Blade said before him and Danger left. I turned back to Soda.

"She's right buddy," Soda started. "It's just a dinner at a place where you know as soon as Shepard finds out he'll take a couple of his guys to watch out for her."

"I know I just can't help but think that maybe ..." Steve said.

"Maybe what?" I asked.

"Maybe I'm going to lose someone I care about." Steve blurted.

"You really think that I'd leave you like that? If I was going to I would have done it when I found out Evie was starting this crap. I've worked too long and too hard to lose or give you up like this. I'm not going anywhere unless you don't want me anymore. Is that it Steve? You're looking for a reason to get rid of me?" I snapped.

"No, I just ..." Steve trailed off looking away from me.

"Then stop trying to get rid of me." I rolled my eyes.

"Alright," he sighed.

"We should go. I don't want to get you into any trouble." I said. "Besides I'm getting hungry."

"How about we head down to the Dairy Queen and get some ice cream?" Steve suggested.

"You trying to spoil my dinner?" I asked.

"A little ice cream never hurt no one." Steve answered.

"Especially with the way you eat." Soda muttered.

"I heard that, but I'm going to pretend I didn't." I said. "So Steve, you gonna pay for it?"

"You know I'd buy you anything I could afford." Steve answered. Steve and I climbed into his car and he took us down to Dairy Queen. "Sketch book?" He asked as I laid it carefully in the backseat.

"It's for Ponyboy's birthday." I said. "I wanted to get him something and Soda told me he draws so I figured that would work."

"Right. Kid's birthday is on Thursday."

"Oh come on. He's not that much of a kid. Mine's two weeks from today."

"And what would you like for your birthday?" Steve asked following my change of subject.

"I don't know. I love chocolate, stuffed animals, and books. Something along those lines would be fine." I answered. At the Dairy Queen I sat on the trunk of Steve's car as he leaned on the bumper beside me both of us eating chocolate ice cream cones when Tim and Billy walked up. For a brief moment I wondered what Billy was doing with him but knowing I couldn't ask I let it go. Billy probably wouldn't say and Tim would say it wasn't any of my business.

"Hey there little Lizzie, and just how are you today?" Tim asked. That tone meant he wanted something from me or he knew something and wanted me to admit it.

"I'm alright." I said not meeting his eyes and finishing my ice cream.

"Look at me." Tim demanded. I bit my lip and cautiously looked up at him. "I want names now."

"Names for what?" I asked.

"Who put that look in your eyes? Someone hurt you and I want to know who." Tim said.

"Don't worry about it."

"Why not?" Tim snapped. When I didn't say anything he shook his head. "You know, sometimes you're more frustrating than Angel." Tim rolled his eyes and then turned around to walk away.

"Tim." Billy said softly. Tim looked at him then back at me. He took a deep breath and focused on Billy again almost as if considering something.

I sighed. "Ross."

"The only Ross I know is Evie." Billy said.

"You see my point. There ain't nothing you can do about it." I then explained what happened up until the point where Evie walked away.

"I thought Dallas—"

"Doesn't want me hanging with PR hoods, I get it."

"But sometimes," he sighed, "sometimes you have to take the help you're offered no matter where it comes from."

"Along with accepting that help comes a debt." I said swallowing hard.

"They want me to pay them back?" Tim asked.

"Not exactly." I said.

"What do you mean, Lizzie?" Tim asked, his eyes narrowing at me.

I knew I may have been pushing it a little only because he used an actual name, granted it was a nickname, but still it wasn't a real term of endearment. "Well, they want me to repay them."

"No way in hell," he said.

"A deal is a deal. I spent the last six years living where a man's word is as good as a written contract and I'm not going to back out now." I answered trying not to panic. "I'll be at Jay's tomorrow at seven because I owe Blade dinner and The Dock Wednesday night because I owe Danger dinner and pool ok? Great thanks, see ya around." I said the last sentence in one breath. I slid off the trunk but Tim clamped a hand down on my shoulder. Tim was either going to lay into me verbally or he was going to get extremely angry and wouldn't speak to me for days. The one thing I knew for certain was that he wasn't going to physically hurt me.

"Wait up," he said. I swallowed hard and looked down. The look in Tim's eyes scared the crap out of me. Even if I knew he wasn't going to hurt me, I didn't like the look. "What did you say?"

"It sounded like she said she was meeting with two PR hoods, one tomorrow at seven and the other Wednesday at the Dock." Billy said.

"See he heard me." I smirked.

"Shut your trap." Tim's voice was dead even and his eyes were burning in to me.

"We got a problem Shepard?" Steve asked speaking for the first time since Tim walked up.

"Stay out of this Randle. Winston may trust you with her but I don't and I care more about her than he does." Tim said. Time to stand up to him and make him regret snapping at Steve.

"Look Tim, I owe these guys. I can't take Danger and Blade for granted. I only told you because they wanted me to. They may have only done it to save their own skin, but at least they know how important you apparently are to me. At least that way you'd know what was going on when someone tells you saw me having dinner with a hood. I'm going to be at Jay's tomorrow night. That's on your turf. Leave me alone." I spat.

"Stay away from hoods; they won't do you any good." Tim snapped.

I looked at him in shock. "You really want me to stay away from any and all hoods? Is that what you really want Shepard? Think carefully now."

"That is exactly what I want."

"Fine have it your way, Timmy, I just hope you remember that when you never see me again." I shrugged off his grip and ran off. I didn't care at that moment that Steve and I had been on a semi-date or that I had left my gift for Ponyboy in the back seat of his car, all I cared about was getting as far away from Tim as possible.


Be nicer than Tim was and review please.