A/N: So, so sorry for the long wait! For some reason this chapter was very difficult for me to write. I know where I want to go, but the words would not come. The chapter after this one was much easier to write so the wait should not be so long. Hopefully you're all still with me! Please let me know what you think.

Disclaimer: I own none of the usual suspects.

Plum & Prejudice

Chapter 23:

"She was convinced that she could have been happy with him, when it was no longer likely they should meet."

The next few weeks fly by in a haze. I started my new job at Coco de Mer the second week of February. I finally got to go back to my apartment after the guys at RangeMan bugged both Joe and Mooch and are tracking their every movement. I'm finally feeling more safe and confident in myself again, and volunteering Wednesday nights and Saturday afternoons at the women's shelter seems to help. So many women have been assaulted in horrific ways; my hope is that I can teach just one to help them.

I still have my two-person security detail on me during this time. Uncle Joe insists that until the trial, it's necessary. I try not to argue with him and Aunt Jen. I've been going over to their house for dinner every other week. My mom is lucky if I come once a month after the funeral home fiasco. Surprisingly, Grandma and Desmond are still together. My dad is hoping that she'll move out in the near future.

I finally got the insurance money from my car, so I have a new set of wheels. With my new job at Coco de Mer, I splurged a bit more, and I bought a silver Lexus, top of the line. I did buy used because my daddy always told me they depreciate as soon as you get it off the lot. The last person to lease it brought it back to the dealership after three months, so it's just like new. I know my dad will grumble about it not being American-made, but I'm not so picky.

I took Mary Lou out for a spin the first week I got my car. She talked me into going to the pet store, and I came away with a new furry little companion. A hamster that I named Rex. She said I needed someone to keep me company in my apartment. When I saw his beady eyes and cute little whiskers, I couldn't say no. Mary Lou had an alternate motive of going there, too; she's trying to convince Lenny to get a dog. Lenny hasn't budged yet and says the baby will be enough work, but I have a feeling 'Lou will wear him down.

P&P&P&P

"Steph, what are you wearing tonight?" Val questions as she lays on my bed while working on my makeup from the bathroom. Lester suggested a night out. Somehow, I think he and Lula have been colluding secretly. Anyways, all the RangeMen and the girls knew before I did. Sneaky. How could I say no after that?

"I was just planning for jeans and a nice top," I reply as I swipe on my third layer of mascara. I'm wearing shimmery eyeshadow, a bit of black liner, and my trusty mascara.

"No dress?" Val asks with a pout. I come out of the bathroom to see her in front of my closet. I narrow my eyes.

"No, I wasn't planning on it," I say evenly as I cross my arms over my chest, "and what are you planning to wear, Valerie?" She shoots me a grin.

"I don't know yet," she sighs, "but dinner and dancing require more than jeans and a top!" I roll my eyes.

"Is Adam joining us?" I question, wondering if Val is still seeing the teacher. She wrinkles her nose.

"Nope, we never made it past the second date," she replies wistfully, "he's nice, but...I can't get Steven off my mind." I grab her hand and squeeze.

"No word from him?" She shakes her head. I'm still annoyed with Steve for doing this to Valerie. I want to blame Ranger, but I know he can only influence his friend so much. Ranger. As far as I know, he's still in the wind. Ever since the last time I saw him, my feelings have entirely shifted. I can't believe that it's now, only after he's left to whatever godforsaken country, I realize my feelings, my strong feelings, for him. He's everything I could want in a partner, as I've witnessed through his actions over and over again. Sure, we had a rocky start where he insulted me and then his awkward words about my family. But after that incident where I rejected him, he's been nothing but kind to me. He literally saved my life. The men who work for him speak so highly of him, and so did his sister. Ranger keeps his guard up, this much I know, but I finally see the man underneath the exterior. I feel a pang in my chest when I realize that he likely no longer feels the same way about me.

I don't want to burden Valerie with my changed feelings because of everything between her and Steve. Tina is the only one who knows that my feelings for the man in black have changed.

"Earth to Stephanie!" my sister calls, pulling me from my musing. I smile guiltily.

"What?" I ask, having no idea what she may have been rambling about. She waves the dress at me. I narrow my eyes.

"Why don't you wear it? If I promise to wear my tightest skinny jeans and a low-cut top, will that suffice?"

Val grins at me and looks at the dress in her hand.

"That'll do."

An hour later, we're pulling up to a pizza place not far from my apartment. I had no say in the restaurant. I still haven't had a slice since that night. Thank god they serve items other than pizza. Valerie ended up wearing the dress she tried to get me to wear. It's a little black dress. I decide to wear my skin-tight dark wash skinny jeans with a loose v-neck red shirt and matching heels.

The pizza place is small and bustling as we enter, and the marinara aroma assaults my senses. I can't stop the little moan at the delicious smells. Val nudges me and points towards a large room in the back. It seems our friends got the party room.

I'm not surprised to see it packed. Lula and Tank are practically sharing a chair in the back corner. Caroline is wiping something off of Hal's cheek while the rest of the guys are talking amongst themselves. Of course, as Val and I enter, they all look up. I see Lester grin at me as he walks over.

"Ladies, welcome to Range night," he says with a flourish, "always Shorty's pizza first before we hit the town." I try to raise an eyebrow.

"You do this often?" I question, realizing that it looks like almost the whole team is here. If that's the case, I wonder who's covering the buildings? He grins with a nod. I see Valerie's attention is distracted by Steve. She deserves better than him.

I pull Val with me as we take a seat across from Lula and Tank. Lester sits in between the two of us. I glare at Steve, who's staring intently at Valerie. He has the decency to look away as his eyes meet mine. Thankfully, Les has taken the initiative and given Val a drink. Tina and Vince stroll in holding hands, and I wave her over to sit by us. Vince places a kiss on her cheek as he motions for her to join us, and he takes a seat by Manny.

"Tina, you and Vince look so good together," I comment as she wraps me in a hug before taking a seat beside me. Valerie nods in agreement.

"Like you were made for each other." Tina blushes a bit which is very un-Tina-like, and her gaze goes over to her man. But then, her eyes soften, and a small smile spreads across her face.

"Yeah, it's only been three months, but it's been spectacular so far," she replies dreamily before turning to face the two of us, "and what about you ladies?"

"I hope you're not also referring to me," Les comments from his seat between Val and me, an eyebrow raised, "if so, I'm gonna have to do something to earn back my man card." I roll my eyes.

"Feel free to find another seat then," I say pointedly, trying to keep my smile from breaking out. Les grins, his green eyes twinkling.

"Well, why would I? I'm between two beautiful ladies in this one," he replies quickly while wagging his eyebrows and throwing his arms around our shoulders. I give him a playful smack on the arm. Val rolls her eyes.

"Then we'll include you in our conversations," Tina says, "and maybe I'll start calling you Leslie." Lester lets out a loud guffaw at that last comment.

"I've heard it all before, lady," he quips right back, "and Leslie can be a man's name too." He waggles his eyebrows at us with a flourish. As if one a cue, the three of us roll our eyes in unison.

"I think you three could make good money in TV," Les comments before taking a sip of his beer, "that synchronized eye roll would make you some money, I swear."

After twenty minutes of good banter, the owner, Shorty, graces us with his appearance as he and two wait staff come in carrying six pizzas. My eyes go wide as saucers at the size of the pies. I guess I shouldn't be surprised, considering the guys at RangeMan are exceptionally built and probably eat like an army. No pun intended. The pizza smells delicious, and the aroma makes my mouth water. My stomach gurgles and growls, letting me know the beast is awake and hungry. Les shoots me a grin. Shorty is a stout man with greasy orange hair, a thick mustache, and an 'I heart Mom' tattoo on his freckled left shoulder. Les informs me that he was in the Navy, and he hires mostly veterans just like RangeMan. So I guess it makes sense they would have their pizza nights here. So they can share in the camaraderie.

I hear Caroline whine about the pizza to Hal. Something about wanting a salad. Yuck. I find that I'm looking forward to enjoying the pizza. I resolve not to let one terrible experience make me forgo one of my favorite foods. I go for one slice of cheese and one pepperoni. I'm glad I do because it is delicious.

"This definitely rivals Pino's pizza," Tina exclaims as she polishes off her first slice. I see Val bob her head agreement.

"I hate to agree because I love Pino's, but it does," I add a little sullenly. Les looks at the three of us and grins.

P&P&P&P

Later in the evening, the group of us find ourselves in a club about five blocks away. The music is thumping, and the lights are dim. I'm sticking with sparkling water. I don't need a hangover. And the truth is, even though people I trust surround me, I'm hesitant to make myself vulnerable like that in public.

Val is sipping on a rum and coke as I order another water from the bar. I'm startled when someone puts their hand on my waist. Immediately, I throw my elbow back and quickly use my heel to hit their instep. I whirl around to find a reasonably attractive man behind me. He's doubled over from the hit. I would be apologetic, but I don't know who he is or why he thought it would be okay to grab me like that. I can feel the adrenaline pumping in my veins. He puts his hands up with a grimace.

"I just wanted to see if I could buy you a drink and get a dance with you," he says, yelling over the music, and he finally straightens up. I see he's probably around 6' with shaggy blond hair and shiny brown eyes.

Feeling a bit overwhelmed, I don't say a word as I make a beeline for the bathroom. Surprisingly and thankfully, the bathroom is quiet. I grab a paper towel and wet it before placing it on my forehead. I feel flushed, and my heart is still racing. I take a few deep breaths, in through the nose and out through the mouth. I decide to relieve my bladder once I feel calm again. As I'm finishing up, I hear the door open. I walk to the sink to see Caroline preening herself in the mirror. She glances over at me.

"So Plum, I hear you're going out on dates with Ranger," she comments before laughing, "that was the most ridiculous thing I ever heard. It can't be true, right?" I'm surprised by her question but don't give away my shock. Where would she get this idea?

"If it can't be true, then why bring it up with me at all?" I question as I wash my hands, our gazes meeting in the mirror. Caroline huffs her uncapped red lipstick, still poised in her right hand.

"I just want to make sure that the gossip is wrong," she replies, dabbing on her lipstick.

"Surely, the only thing coming to me would be to prove the gossip, right? But I won't give you an answer either way," I say as I shake off my hands and grab a paper towel, "It's none of your business who I do or do not date." I can see her gearing up for something else. Caroline looks pretty ridiculous standing there hunched over the sink, lipstick only reapplied on her top lip. She seems a bit garish. She turns to me with narrowed eyes, lipstick in hand like it's a knife.

"Don't play coy with me, Plum! You know I'm supposed to end up with Ranger," she huffs angrily. I raise an eyebrow at this, surprised.

"If you're supposed to end up with Ranger, then why are you with Hal?" I question, "moreover, if you really are supposed to be with Ranger, why would you question this gossip at all?" Caroline's mouth opens and closes a bit like a fish.

"Promise me you won't date him!" Caroline demands it, her eyes glinting and her red curls bouncing around her head. I take a step back.

"I will promise you no such thing. I will do what suits me best and if that happens to be Ranger, and he agrees, then we are together. If not, then we're not together," I reply evenly, "this conversation is over. Goodnight, Caroline."

I turn and walk out of the bathroom without a backward glance. It's not until I reach the bar besides Val that I feel my face flush and feel that my heart is racing. I guess that confrontation with Caroline bothered me more than I let on. Val gives me a concerned look and puts her hand on my arm. It's too loud to talk here, but I'm ready for this night to be over. I take another sip of my water, and we head over to a circular booth the other guys in our group have found. Instead of being a party pooper, I hang in there so the rest of them can have a nice time. I know Valerie enjoys being out, especially since Steven has not left her side.

I dance a few with Lester and Manny. They're all good fun, but I'm exhausted. The adrenaline from that unknown guy hitting on me has gotten to me. I've even seen that guy a few more times, and he won't meet my eye. Maybe, he'll think twice before approaching women that way again.

I'm nodding off in the booth when Val touches my hand and tells me she's ready to go. I drop her off at home before heading back to my apartment. Overall, it was a fun night, and I'm glad we did it. At least, it was a Friday night not spent at home overthinking things. Caroline's line of questioning was weird… but if she heard that gossip, then maybe I still have a chance with Ranger? He's the last thought on my mind as I drift to sleep.