Chapter 36 : Something's "Cooking"

Debbie busily went about her cooking while Donnie and Johnny sat at the kitchen table keeping her company and getting to know one another better. Both of them kept offering to help, but she'd have none of it, so they relinquished themselves to seats at the table and refills of coffee as they watched her work and chatted.

"That looks interesting," Johnny commented, as he watched Debbie prepare a dough crust from the Bisquick. "I thought you were making pancakes."

"I'm making pancakes, too, but I have to get this in the oven first," Debbie smiled and answered, as she finished pressing the dough into the cookie tray, then poured the bowl of scrambled eggs atop and added the bacon.

"What is that?" Johnny asked, as he watched her place the sheet into the oven.

Debbie laughed, "Just an old recipe. Sort of a lazy person's quiche, I guess."

"It's delicious," Donnie added. "That was one of my favorites while I was growing up. Right Ma'?"

"Every Sunday morning," Debbie smiled at her son. "You remember that?"

"Sure I do."

As Johnny stood to get another cup of coffee, they heard keys jingling at the front door.

"Uncle Bobby's home," Donnie announced.

Bobby and Alex entered the apartment, immediately noticing the aromas of coffee and something cooking, and then spotting Johnny.

"Johnny!" they both exclaimed in unison and they walked towards each other to exchange greeting hugs.

"We saw your bike parked out front," Bobby said. "New carburetor. Looks good!"

"Good seein' ya Johnny said as he hugged Bobby and Alex and planted a kiss on Alex's cheek.

"You too, man," Bobby answered. "I see you've met Donnie and Debbie, already."

Johnny, Debbie and Donnie smiled and laughed.

Bobby and Alex looked at them suspiciously, wondering the reason for the laughter, until it dawned on them that Johnny had probably used his key to enter the apartment, thus scaring the wits out of Donnie and his mom.

"Don't worry," Johnny assured. "Once they got over the shock, we've been getting along just fine!"

Johnny flashed that smile of his and gave Debbie a quick wink. It didn't escape Alex's observation.

Hmmm, there's a possible match here, she thought to herself as she made her way to the cupboard and the coffee pot. "Can I give you a hand, Debbie?" Alex asked.

"Oh, thanks, but everything's under control, I think. We should be eating in fifteen minutes or so," Debbie answered.

Debbie saw the look that passed between Bobby and Alex, as Alex handed him his mug of coffee. She seems a lot more relaxed than yesterday; guess Bobby made the right choice going to see her last night. A pang of envy hit her as she imagined the intimate night of 'make up' sex they apparently shared. Bobby was happy and relaxed and Alex was glowing. Debbie knew that look.

Debbie tensed up for a second, feeling self conscious. "I hope you don't mind my poking around your kitchen," she said apologetically. "I just wanted to make breakfast for you."

"It's fine," Bobby answered, gently placing his hand on Debbie's arm. "This is Donnie's home for the next year."

"So, Dawg, what you think of my nephew? Bobby asked, smiling as he firmly gripped Donnie's shoulder and gave it a squeeze.

"He looks like you when you were a kid…and he's into bikes, so he can't be all bad, right kid?" Johnny teased.

Donnie laughed. "Johnny said we can go downstairs and see his bike after breakfast!"

X X X

Everyone enjoyed the hardy breakfast, coupled with their lively conversation. Debbie and Alex cleaned the dishes while the guys moved into the living room.

Debbie washed the dishes, while Alex wiped the table and put away the butter, jelly and syrup. She then grabbed a towel from the drawer, began taking the plates from the dish drain and drying them.

"Bobby really enjoyed that. I'll have to get that recipe from you and try to make it sometime," Alex said.

"It's really easy," Debbie smiled. "I'll write it down for you." She glanced over her shoulder into the living room.

"I can't tell you how much I appreciate what you and Bobby have done…are doing for Donnie."

"Bobby…" Alex sighed as she searched for the right words. "Bobby feels a sense of responsibility to Donnie. . . and he likes him. Loves him."

"I sensed that," Debbie said, with a quick sideways glance at Alex.

"I think Bobby wants to make up, somehow, for what Frank lacked as a father figure."

"He's already done more for Donnie than Frank ever did," Debbie said. "And now offering to take him in –giving him a place to live –some male companionship and guidance…" Debbie sighed with relief as her voice trailed off. "It just makes me believe that Donnie's going to be all right, for once."

"I think he's gonna be fine," Alex answered convincingly. "Bobby will see to that."

"He seems to be a good man," Debbie smiled. "It was probably easy for you to fall in love with him."

Alex chuckled. "Yes and no," she answered. "You know how it goes."

Debbie laughed and shook her head. "I certainly do." She then lowered her voice, so Donnie and other wouldn't hear. "Falling for Frank was easy enough. Then came the drinking, the drugs, the gambling and the other women. That was the hard part."

Alex nodded her understanding.

"Once we split, I concentrated on Donnie. I devoted all the time I could to him when I wasn't working," Debbie explained. "But it still doesn't replace a boy having a dad around."

"Well, at least he has his uncles now," Alex smiled.

Debbie laughed. "I sure wasn't expecting 'Uncle Johnny' this morning. He scared the crap out of us," she confided with a giggle.

"He's a big teddy bear," Alex laughed softly. "And I think he likes you." She spied Debbie to see her reaction.

Debbie laughed nervously and gave another quick glance towards the living room. "The last thing I need is another 'bad boy' in my life."

"He only looks like a bad boy. I made the same mistake when I first met him," Alex confessed. "But that 'bad boy' is as sweet as they come. He's smart, funny, kind, considerate –and a gentleman. He's got a college degree, makes a lot of money, has a beautiful home near the water. . . shall I go on?" Alex smirked.

The picture Alex painted seemed too good to be true. Debbie tried to temper her growing hopes. "Yeah, well if he has all those things going for him, why isn't he taken already?"

Alex shrugged her shoulders. "Maybe he's just never found the right one. Until now."

Debbie scoffed at the implication and turned off the water as she placed the last pan into the drain.

"Okay," Alex said. "But I saw that smile and wink he gave you. That's the look of an 'interested' guy."

X X X

"Mom! We're going outside to see Johnny's bike!" Donnie called, as the guys made their way to the front door. "You wanna come?"

"Sure, we'll come!" Alex answered for both ladies.

Debbie shot her a look, then blushed a little.

Everyone herded out the door; Debbie was last in line, as Johnny held the door open, appreciatively checking out her behind as she passed by.

I'd like to take that for a 'ride' he smiled to himself.

He shut the apartment door and joined Debbie on the staircase, offering his arm to escort her.

Debbie blushed and smiled shyly as she slid her hand through the crook of his arm. There was no missing its warmth, muscle and gentle strength. Maybe Alex is right.

END CHAPT. 36