Chapter 28
Ricky had been running rampant since Friday. He had decided that he was done with the mask and the Carlos and Ranger. He didn't want to hide anymore. Of course, he still put up a front at work, gotta scare the bad guys ;), but when he went home, he watched tv, he played video games, he read some amazing books, he sketched, he painted, he started a small garden on his balcony. He did all the things he used to love, and found that he still loved them.
Sunday morning came fast and Ricky woke up with a smile on his face. He would see Stephanie tonight, meet her family. She had mentioned her family in passing a few times, how crazy they were, but Ricky didn't care. He could handle anything they threw at him, he was determined to have a good night.
Ricky left work early, going upstairs to his apartment at four so he would have time to get ready. He showered, brushed his teeth, combed his long hair, put on a pair of boxer briefs and stood in his closet. I have nothing to wear, nothing! he thought. He gazed up omg his closet in worry. He knew that probably Stephanie wouldn't want him to wear black, but he didn't have very many colorful things. When he had started going by Ranger, he had completely suppressed himself, he didn't buy anything that had expression. He didn't buy anything that had color.
He knew that he would have to wear jeans, that was the only type of pants that he had with color. He didn't own khakis, they made his butt look big. So he grabbed a pair of light wash jeans and looked at the few colorful shirts he had. He had a grey AC/DC shirt with red and yellow accents. It was pretty old and super soft, but he didn't want to look lazy or slouchy. He had an electric blue sweater but he didn't want to look overly flamboyant, he already had Jesus hair that went a quarter way to his ass anyways.
He had a purple v-neck t shirt that made his chest and arms look good, and a red flannel. Don't ask. He went through a lumberjack phase when he was in his twenties, okay? It was a dark time. However, if he layered the flannel on top of the AC/DC shirt, he could wear his timberland boots, some earrings, and a nice bracelet and he would look like a fashionable guy with a good taste in music.
He decided to go with that. He would save the purple shirt for a beach date or something. He quickly pulled on the jeans and T-shirt, layered the flannel, and bent down to tug on his boots. He went to the safe and pulled out his gold and diamond stud earrings, putting them in the first set of holes, and then some tiny light gold hoops, placing those in the second set. He then grabbed the thin gold bracelet that held the bullet casing of his first shot from a gun.
It was a casing from the 9mm Glock that he now cared everywhere. He had gotten it in college because his Abuela had worried that he would be attacked or something. He had long ago gotten the casing plated in gold, so that it would be stronger and would match the bracelet, and he had gotten a tiny heart and his initials engraved on the side in small print.
The gun had changed his life forever. The first time he went to a shooting range to learn how to fire it, he knew that he loved it. He had so much fun that day, and it had shocked him. He didn't like loud noises (still doesn't) and he didn't think that he would be comfortable holding something that could kill, but he had been able to let out his emotions in a different way and he had loved it. So, he decided that he would be a sentimental little bastard and keep his first casing.
After fastening the bracelet and taking a trip down memory lane, he walked to the bathroom to check his appearance. His long hair was hanging free and he didn't know what to do with it. He had let it air dry, so it had a slight wave, but wasn't frizzy. He decided to leave it down, but pushed some behind his ear. He didn't want to look like one of those weird emo teenagers. They were creepy in all the not cool ways.
He grabbed a denim jacket that matched his jeans and grabbed his keys. It was five thirty so he had fifteen minutes to drive to Stephanie's and pick her up. Perfect. He arrived five minutes early, standing at her door at exactly five forty, and knocked softly. The door swung open and he was greeted by the woman herself. She wore an outfit that was shockingly similar to his own.
She had donned a Metallica T-shirt instead of AC/DC and instead of timberland boots, she wore old, scuffed up, black leather combat boots. Her jeans were light wash as well yet hers had tears in the knees whereas Ricky's looked almost brand new. She wore round diamond studs while his were square, and her wrist held a small silver charm bracelet with tiny handcuffs on it.
She smiled and looked him up and down. "Hey Ricky. You look good, and oddly familiar..." she teased. He grinned. "Yeah, you too...I wonder why?" She laughed and grabbed his hand. "Come on in. I need to put on some mascara and grab a jacket and my purse," she said. Ricky stepped inside her apartment and stood in the living room. Her home was small, yet still spacious.
She had a worn couch and a small tv and a coffee table that was scuffed almost as badly as her boots. She had no photographs hung, yet there were a couple books and dvd cases lying around. Her home looked comfortable. It seemed, warm? He didn't really know how to describe it, but he liked it.
After three minutes, Steph came walking out of the hallway, war paint on, jacket in hand and on her way to get her black messenger bag. "I'm ready. Let's get outta here before we make ourselves late," she said with a grin as she turned to lock the door after them. They walked down the stairs and out to Ricky's car. He had decided to drive his Porsche 911 Turbo.
"Ricky. I'm in love. With this car. I want it. I need it. It's like, like, an orgasm that's been painted black and set on wheels!" She said, eyes wide. He grinned. "I love this car. It's the first expensive car I bought. It looks mean huh?" She turned to gape at him. "Hells yeah it looks mean! She looks like she could eat someone!" She exclaimed. He laughed quietly, glad that she liked it as much as he did.
He walked to the passenger door and held it open for her. She settled into the seat and ran her hand along the dash while he closed her door. He jogged to the driver's door and climbed in, starting the car. Stephanie sunk down into the seat and groaned. "Ughhhh. This car is amazing," she said with her eyes closed. "I'm glad you like it, babe," Ricky said quietly. She smiled, not opening her eyes.
They arrived at her parent's house at five fifty five. Five minutes early. Stephanie opened her eyes after the car shut off and nearly started cussing a blue streak. Joe Morelli's truck sat in the driveway. "Babe? Are you alright?" Ricky asked softly. She glanced at him and her eyes softened. "Yeah, I'm okay, Ricky. You know who's truck that is, right? It's Morelli's. My mother is probably trying to set me up with him," she said as she rolled her eyes.
Ricky was suddenly really nervous. "But, but you don't like him like that right? The way you like me?" He asked in a worried voice. She whipped her around to face him. "Of course not! Joe Morelli is scum. He always has been and always will be. You're sweet, and kind, and have a huge heart. You're a total opposite. I would never go after a guy that him. You're my guy. The only the one I want," she said, placing a hand on his cheek while she ended her spill.
He smiled, looking relieved. "Okay. Good. You're the only woman I want by the way. Just so you know," he said. She laughed. "Okay. Good." They got out of the car and walked to the front door where her mother and grandmother were waiting. She had looked past Ricky while he was holding her door and noticed the shocked look on her mother's face. She had dropped it before Ricky saw it though.
"Stephanie, who's your guest? You didn't tell me that you were bringing someone," she said. "You never tell me these things. You should tell me!" Stephanie rolled her eyes and Ricky smiled and tried to keep from laughing. He held out his hand. "I'm Ricardo Carlos Manoso, ma'am. You can call me Ricky though," he said softly. She gave a small smile and shook his hand lightly.
"Well. I'm Stephanie's mother, Helen. And this is my mother, Edna. Please, come on in sweetheart. Don't be a stranger, now," she said nicely ushering then through the door, patting his shoulder softly. Stephanie looked like she had just seen a Martian. "What the fuck?" She said. Ricky looked at her. "What?" He asked. "I've never seen my mom actually like someone that quick. Or, well no offense, but I've never seen her even talk to someone that wasn't white."
Ricky snorted and shook his head. "Probably she just hadn't come into contact with anyone that wasn't white. This is a pretty white neighborhood, babe. And plus, it might help that my name is Ricky and I'm wearing flannel and earrings." Stephanie laughed. "Oh my god that's great! I like your flannel and earrings! They're cute!" She said. "Babe. That's my point. I look cute. That's why she didn't start hating. See, I'm a master mind. I planned this,"he said with a smug look.
She gave him a look that said, 'bitch really? Puhleeze.' "What?" Ricky asked. "You did not plan that. I'd bet money that you wore that because you wanted to shock me by wearing color, and this was the best option you had. But then, because the T-shirt looks kinda faded, oh decided that you didn't wanna look lazy so you put the flannel over it and wore nice jeans and jewelry!" She sassed. Ricky's face looked like a kid that had just gotten caught with his hand in the cookie jar.
"Whatever," He said lowly. She laughed again. "Awh, don't pout. I appreciate the effort, I really do. But I also want you to know that you could've worn black. I don't want to change you. I like you for the person you are. Clothes don't change anything except how sexy you look," she said with a wink. He blushed lightly and looked away. "Thanks?" He said.
She grinned and grabbed his hand, again. "C'mon. I want you to meet my dad," she said and she drug him to the living room. "Daddy, this is my boyfriend, Ricky. Ricky, this is my daddy." Frank Plum looked up from the television and stood from his chair, sizing Ricky up. Ricky stayed calm and held out his hand. "My name is Ricardo Carlos Manoso. Ricky is my nickname. It's a pleasure to meet you, Sir," he said in a quiet but strong voice. Frank stared at him a moment, and finally shook his hand. "Name's Frank," he said. "You hurts my pumpkin, you die. Understood?"
Ricky smiled. "Sí. Comprendé, senor. I understand." Frank looked shocked and mildly confused. "What the hell? Are you black or Latino? I thought you may have been black, because your skin's so dark, but your hair is straight and now you're speakin Spanish," He said. Stephanie looked embrassed and like she was about to jump her dad's bones. Ricky's laugh made her stop though.
"I'm Cuban, Sir. Well, I mean my race is Cuban, but I was born and raised in the states. I am dark for a Cuban though, I always have been. I appreciate you asking instead of assuming though. Its refreshing," he said. Stephanie looked and smiled, shaking her head. "You're a fucking idiot. Let's just go eat," she said. Ricky smiled and held her hand as she lead him to the dining room. And there sat Joe Morelli.
"Hey Cupcake," He said with a smirk. "Who's the brother?" Helen gasped, Stephanie looked like she was going to shoot him, and Ricky said, "I'm Cuban,dude. Babe, who's the snowflake?" Stephanie stared at her boyfriend for a good thirty seconds and then busted out laughing, Edna came next, Frank soon after and then even Helen was trying to hold in the giggles. Morelli looked like he was going to explode.
Stephanie finally calmed down and looked back to Ricky. "Nobody to worry about, baby," she told him. He shrugged and pulled out a chair for her, then took a seat in the one beside it. Helen collected herself and brought the food to the table. "I've made baked chicken and greens and we're having chocolate cake for desert. I hope that's alright, sweetheart?" She asked Ricky. "Yes ma'am," he said in his quiet voice. "It sounds wonderful and smells even better."
Helen smiled and took her seat at the head of the table, across from her husband. Frank was the first to make his plate and then the dishes were passed around. After everyone had made their plates, they started eating. All except Ricky. He bowed his head and put his hands in his lap, causing everyone to stop and stare. Stephanie smiled and grabbed his hand, bowing her head as well. He whispered a short prayer, asking the lord to bless their food, and Stephanie said amen with him as he finished. He looked up and smiled at her, grabbing his fork.
Ricky had never been super close to God, but growing up in a Spanish Catholic home had left its mark on him. No matter how close you were to God, or how many Sunday's you went to church out of a month, you always bow your head and pray before eating your dinner. Ricky had started to eat as if nothing happened, picking up some green beans on his fork, but paused when he realized that everyone was looking at him. "I'm sorry?" He said nervously. Stephanie have a short, quiet laugh. "You're fine Ricky. They aren't used to people praying before eating. We've never done that in this house before," she said with a smile. "Oh," he said. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend you..."
Helen spoke up then. "Oh nonsense! I'm not offended. Just surprised I suppose. I've never met a young man with such manners. If you don't don't mind me asking though, what is your religion?"
"I was raised Catholic and still follow the beliefs, but I haven't been to mass in a while. I've never been especially close to God, but my mother always made my family pray before dinner and I guess it's just a sort of habit now," he explained. Helen nodded and gave a smile. "Well," She said. "That's a very good habit to have."
Morelli looked like he was going to have steam coming out of his ears at any moment. "So Cupcake," He said. "How long have you and...Ricky been talking?" Stephanie rolled her eyes again. "We aren't talking Morelli. We're dating and we met before I even brought you in. What's it to you?" She sassed. "I was just wondering how quick it's take you to get rid of him when you fall for me," he said with his stupid smug smirk plastered across his face.
Stephanie gripped her fork like a life line. "Okay, Morelli. First of all, I'm never going to fall for you. And second, I'm never going to leave Ricky. He'd have to get a restraining order on me first. So how about you fuck off and go bum dinner off your own mom," she said. Morelli was turning some real interesting shades of red and purple by then and stood up, slamming his chair back, and stomped out.
"Finally," Steph breathed, rolling her eyes one last time for good measure. Ricky laughed quietly. "I'd never get a restraining order on you, babe. You can stalk me all you want. Promise," he said with a grin. Stephanie looked at him for a moment and laughed. "Good to know, Ricky. Good to know."
They finished the rest of their dinner calmly. And Helen sent leftovers home with them. While hugging Stephanie goodbye, she whispered in her ear. "You'd better bring him back. He's a gentleman. And he prays before eating!" She exclaimed quietly. Steph laughed. "I know, Mom. I will. Bye," she said. Once she and Ricky were back in the Turbo, she decided to ask his thoughts. "I like your family," he said. "Your mother is nice, your father is a good amount of protective, but your grandmother groped me. Over all though, that's a good two out of three." Stephanie laughed. "Yeah, I should've warned you about Grandma Mazur. She's a wild one."
Ricky laughed too. "Yeah. She's something alright," he said. They arrived at Stephanie's apartment and he walked her up again. "Thank you for letting me meet your family," he said. "They were nice and I had a good time." Stephanie smiled at him and kissed his cheek. "Thank you for putting up with them. And me for that matter. I had a good time too."
"Would you like to go running with me in the morning? If you really want to do the whole bounty hunting thing, you're going to need the stamina. I don't want you to be in any more danger than absolutely necessary," he said. She thought for a moment and then nodded. "Okay, I understand that. I'll see you tomorrow then?" She asked. Ricky grinned. "Bright and early, Babe," he said.
She reached up on her tiptoes and gave him a soft kiss. "Good night," she said. "Good night," he whispered. She went into her apartment and locked the door and Ricky went down stairs in a daze. She kissed me. On the mouth, he thought. He grinned like an idiot the whole way home. Stephanie Plum, here I come.
«XX»
A/N: I'm glad that you guys like the last two chapters! This one is kind of a Morelli basher, but fuck that guy. He's an a-hole anyways. Never did like him. Also, I'd like to say that the prayer before eating thing is a habit that I have and it's weird. It freaks my friends out all the time and they feel guilty or whatever for eating while I say "Lord, please bless the food, amen" and I'm like, guys, I haven't been close to God, since, well ever, so don't worry about it. But as I've mentioned before, I've grown up in a tiny little southern town on the boarder on Tennessee and Kentucky, right smack dab in the middle of the Bible Belt. My mamaw would beat the shit out of me if I ever touched my dinner without a prayer. That woman prays over McDonald's if that's what she's eating. It's crazy. But at the same time, I guess it is a good habit. I've never been super churchy or close to God or anything, but when you're from my town, you pray before dinner. So that's where I got that part f the story from. Please review and let me know what you think. I decided to make Helen Plum a good mother because Ricky has already dealt with shitty parenting in the past and I felt that he doesn't need to deal with more. Anyways, I hope you enjoyed, and have a great day/night where ever you are. Until tomorrow :).
