Jack leaned against Honey's black Charger as he hung up the phone and crossed his arms against the biting wind that tore through the alleyway. It was the cleanest alleyway he'd ever seen in this city, not even a cigarette butt…the efforts rich people went through made Jack huff humorlessly.

He placed Honey's credit card back in his wallet; he'd just placed a to go order at the taco joint he was told about. And because of its size (35 tacos to be exact) and being Halloween night, it would be over an hour and a half before it would be ready. Perfect.

His breath fogged in front of him as he gazed up at the tall skyscraper in front of him, the purple lights on the top floor teasing him…

Memories of waiting came to him...waiting outside a brothel much seedier than this place, waiting for her to come out of an alley...he couldn't allow himself to compare it to now, to lose grip on what was tangible in front of him in the here and now...no matter how much the past grew in the corners of his mind, like the shadows that followed him everywhere he went in this city.

He hated how similar the stories were, hers then and now. It made him uneasy. It made him feel many things.

But...he was surprisingly relaxed as he waited outside the back door of the building. A liquor truck pulled up, guys unloaded crates into the back door, and left. Groups of young party goers passed in intervals, dressed up and shivering against the wind, their laughter echoing down the alley. The parties in the city never really started until eleven, and he knew the groups would get bigger, the traffic would get worse, and it wouldn't stop 'til tomorrow morning.

After a while, young women began to trickle out in small groups, wearing sweats or jeans and carrying expensive duffle bags. They eyed Jack carefully, their eyes hooded and curious. He could sense their recognition of him by the way their gazes lingered on him as they passed him to get to the street to call cabs.

More minutes passed, the ever present sound of car horns and sirens blazing by every now and then while he waited…his mind wandered, lingered on dark thoughts of greasy hands on her, trying to make her stay...shadows of emotions threatened to come out, fresh like they had been eras ago, and it was tempting to let them consume him. It was always easier to be angry -

The back door burst open and a group of four women came out, their laughter and voices falling instantly when they spotted him and the Charger. They threw their long hair over their shoulders, whispering to each other and giggling...but his eyes fell when he didn't see her.

The young women stayed on the landing of the backdoor for a while, typing on their phones and talking to each other in low voices. He didn't recognize any of them from the house party...they looked higher maintenance.

Their words carried over to him intentionally, "All the Ubers and taxis are so busy right now…"

He glanced at his phone before putting it back in his pocket. It was almost eleven. He tried to keep his nerves from running away with his sanity -

The door opened, the light from inside pouring over him across the alley, and his brow furrowed when he saw Jazzi. She was dressed in a white silk evening gown, a split up to her hip and gems sparkling on the thin straps on the open back. Her head was turned over her shoulder, speaking to someone as she held the door open. His muscles relaxed when he saw Tiffany appear behind her.

She was dressed like the rest of the girls who were leaving: long sweater, top underneath, leggings, a big designer bag on her shoulder (but not as gaudy as the others). She wore thigh high black boots, and every bit of her clothing was black as well, all tight, her muscles and curves boasting beautifully. She wore a long wool knit sweater, gathered and draped around her and her free hand held it to her jaw against the wind. Her hair had been straightened, flowing smoothly down her back.

She'd had it done since he'd seen her last - it was darker. As the light hit her face and she stepped out the door, the change was jarring -

Holy fuck.

It was like an echo from the past. The wind kicked up, her sweater danced around her legs and her long dark hair blew about her face as she looked up - She stopped the moment her bright eyes landed on him.

He smirked at her, and a smile hinted at the corner of her mouth. He'd taken her completely by surprise.

Jazzi gave him a knowing grin before disappearing behind the closing door. He hid his unease well as he opened the passenger door; he wouldn't let Jazzi, or anyone else, distract him from her.

He saw envy, plain as day, fall over the women on the landing as Tiffany walked down the steps, even as they called goodnight to her, their words dripping with fake friendliness. But she didn't pay them a speck of attention.

"Hi," he said huskily as she stopped in front of him, mere inches away. His eyes drank her in as he leaned on the corner of the door, his other hand in his pocket, his body angled to her.

In her tall boots, she was almost as tall as him, their eyes almost level. He could see the lighter specks glistening in her eyes now, light as sea green - a feature that had been lost on his iPhone screen.

She returned the smirk. "Hiya, Cowboy."

He almost lost his train of thought, seeing her standing so near. Her eyes gleamed; she looked a little tired, but she was wide awake. And happy he was there - he could see that. The hum was there too, just like before - a living breathing energy between them that had built steadily over their phone calls and reinforced now as they looked at each other.

"Glad J told me to wear these..." she held out a foot, flashing the boot at him. "Makes this move even easier to do..."

She dropped her foot, taking a step closer to him and closing the gap between them. Her chest pressed gently into his through her soft sweater and her lips met his, smiling softly.

He was stunned into stillness. She inhaled a little and her chest expanded against his with her breath. He prayed his knees wouldn't give out.

He opened his eyes when she parted from him but she stayed against him, her eyes smoldering into his.

"Been wanting to do that all damn week." Her voice was a little husky, and he laughed softly. He was aware of every inch of his skin as she stepped away to get into the car.

He closed her door and walked easily around the back of the car, eager to get her away from here and the watchful gazes of her coworkers. He closed his door, clicked his seatbelt and started up the Charger, the engine's roar filling the alley.

"Don't worry about them," she said as she put her bag into the back seat. "They're still bitter they didn't make the Rockettes again and now missed out on the one guy closest to their age this evening."

He laughed and hoped his unease wouldn't show. "Just don't wanna get you in trouble."

"For being with you? Gladly."

She shifted in her seat, tucking her legs under her and leaning on the center console towards him. Her sweater fell off her shoulders, her neck and torso visible to him, and he let his eyes slide over to her and up her figure, highlighted by the blue lights on the dash...he saw the sleeveless top she wore: black and half mesh, the curve of her full breasts playing at the seams of a deep v neck, her exposed skin covered in light goosebumps up her graceful neck...

He forced himself to look away to fool with the radio, and her hand reached under his to turn on their seat warmers, her fingers brushing his palm from underneath. His jaw tightened in an animalistic way...she had no idea what she was doing to him. Or did she?

"I'm surprised she trusted you with her baby," her warm voice was low and appreciative as she leaned back in her seat, her eyes still on him. He kept his eyes glued to the small screen in the center of the dash as he scanned the radio stations...he could smell her perfume, expensive and pleasant. "She must like you….or asked you to bring back dinner."

He laughed again as he settled on the alternative radio station, "We got 'bout an hour 'til it's ready."

She smiled, "Oh yeah?"

He met her eyes and smirked, "Yeah...I was instructed to get tacos." He put the car in drive as she laughed and left the alley and the group of watching women behind.

"So we have time for a drink, then," she said warmly. "Or two."

His eyes were on the road, but he could hear faint traces of alcohol in her voice - something he'd subtly noticed on their video calls after she'd been out to dinner with her friends. He remembered she liked champagne, which she was holding the night he first approached her in the club.

Unless she and Ira had the same temper when they drank, he wasn't going to worry. He thought about the way they'd danced together at the party after they'd had a few...

"Whatever you like," he replied. He looked over at her again and his body wound tight as a drum.

Mush's words came to him again, not that he'd forgotten for a minute since he'd told him...goosebumps of his own bloomed over his skin despite the warmth of the leather seats, and he decided in that instant to follow her lead and speed...he didn't want to go fast. He was worried his emotions would get ahead of him, that he would come on too strong...

But something told him her speed matched his well enough. He forced himself to look away from her again just as she began smiling again. He felt his skin could fly away at any minute, every centimeter alive and aware of her proximity. And wanting to shorten it.

"How are the dance studios coming?" she asked as they pulled into traffic. Her full attention was on him instead of the costumed party goers outside on the sidewalk.

He leaned back in his seat, trying to relax. The beer and whiskey he'd had back at the girls' place had worn off, all nerves firing.

"Steadily," he answered truthfully, focusing on her question. "Ya won't even recognize 'em."

"I can't wait to see your handiwork."

"We'll be done soon; we may be a bunch a knuckle heads but we work fast."

She laughed, "Are they back at the house?"

"And three sheets to the wind by now," he said smirking, taking a turn. They were in Lower Man.

He looked over to her as they were stopped at a red light. Her eyes fell to his lips, "We'll have to play catch-up…"

"Absolutely," he said, his voice low. "Anythin' you want. I'll play catch up at the house."

"Thay's no fun," she teased.

"Drivin'," he said simply, his shoulders lifting in a small shrug. "But your wish is my command."

She smiled at his words, her gaze sobering a little, "Well, I'd like several things." She bit her lip again, her lips curling up in a smirk as she eyed him. "...but to start, there's a nice bar in the taco place."

He tore his eyes away from her, his body lighting up like the damn Chrysler Building.

The Charger rumbled through the green light and hugged the corners as they drove for a bit. She turned up the radio and the bass vibrated their seats. The street lights washed over them with every turn and reflected in those bright eyes of hers as she moved to the music in her seat.

"Oh," she leaned forward and opened the glove compartment, rummaging through its contents. "If she really loves me…" she took out a small box, Jack glanced at it as she opened it, revealing a one-hitter pipe as small as his finger and a pile of fluffy green inside.

"Yes," she said happily as she prepared the metal pipe, pushing one end into the green to pack it. "She loves me." She reached to the back seat, her hand moving around in her bag, and pulled out a lighter, passing it and the pipe to Jack.

Thank God, he thought as he took a long hit. He relaxed and her eyes hooded. He cracked the window, clearing the cab.

It definitely wasn't the "taco joint" he had anticipated - he just figured the food was expensive because it was New York. But he hid his surprise as he walked around the back of the car, his eyes glancing up to the bright and expensive condominiums above the busy restaurant, "The Taqueria". The valet opened the door for Tiffany, and Jack handed the young man the keys in a smooth motion as he walked beside her to the revolving front door.

She drew every gaze of men and women alike as they passed through the lobby and restaurant, watching her as she drew her sweater around her shoulders as if to hide from them. They passed the dimly lit tables and leather booths and went left to the bar room, which boasted of marble and gold.

"Hi Eva!" she called to one of the bartenders, who was bent over several drinks at the service well. The bartender looked up, and smiled when she saw Tiffany.

"Tiff! Seats down at the end!" Eva, who could've been a dancer herself, eyed Jack and smiled as he followed Tiffany to the far end of the L shaped bar.

Tiffany took the seat against the wall, and Jack saw the way her eyes scanned the busy hustling room, her searching gaze slightly steely. But once her eyes fell on his face again, she smiled and leaned closer to him as he sat next to her, keeping his back to the room.

She didn't appear uncomfortable, quite the opposite. But she was very aware of who entered and left the room, the glass windows behind them allowing a clear view of the street and front entrance. Honey's Charger was parked on the sidewalk, sandwiched in between a Jaguar and a Tesla.

After a while, the curious and nosey gazes of other guests left them and Jack relaxed a bit more, the pot hitting nicely.

"This is one of my favorite spots," she said.

"'s nice," he said as he looked around, the soft lights above them and small candles on the bar giving a warm glow, the gold and glass shelves behind the bar backlit with color changing lights, the bottles and glasses sparkling.

"There's usually more privacy at the nicer places…"

His eyes were brought back to her and she had leaned a bit closer.

Eva, dressed in a white button down with the sleeves rolled up and her long dark hair in a ponytail, came right over to them. She placed two black cocktail napkins in front of them, and smiled beautifully at Tiffany, who returned the greeting as they grasped each other's hands. They squealed with excitement and Jack couldn't help but laugh at how cute they were. They knew each other well.

"Mi amor! How was Cali?"

"Sunny as always. Eva, this is Jack, Jack this is my favorite bartender in the entire world."

"Always the best for my dancer," Eva extended her hand, eyeing Jack appreciatively as they shook hands. "You must be something - not just any guy fills that seat. In fact…" a big smile spread across her red lips. "You're the first guy she's ever brought here."

Tiffany laughed and dropped her eyes, blushing, "Eva…"

Eva laughed, "She usually sits her alone and breaks everyone's heart instead."

Eva laughed as Tiffany hit her forearm playfully, rolling her eyes and laughing with her.

Jack grinned, "'s a pleasure to meet ya."

Eva's smile grew as she glanced between Tiffany and Jack, reading the energy Jack felt. "Yeah, you're something alright...Prosecco, mi amor?"

"A bit bolder this evening," Tiffany tore her eyes away from Jack and looked along the bottles behind the bar. "Jack, what do you like?"

"Anything you pick."

"Oh I like him," Eva said to Tiffany with an eager grin.

Tiffany bit her lip again, trying to hide her smile, "Two Johnnie Walker blacks, neat."

"You got it, love," Eva called over her shoulder as she cleaned off a section at the bar, new guests sitting down.

Tiffany turned back to Jack and his body turned to her automatically, his right foot on the bar foot rail while his left leg hung relaxed, his elbows resting on the bar and his chair back. She dropped her sweater over the back of her chair, unveiling her perfect black clad hourglass figure, and she pulled her hair over her shoulder as she leaned towards him again, partially covering herself to the rest of the bar.

"Honey told me she had a surprise for me," she said as she read his face over and over. "She's good at surprises."

"She wouldn't let me leave 'til she did a reading for me."

TIffany laughed, "Oh God, I hope she didn't spook you."

"Not at all...but still not sure what to make of the Death card."

Her eyebrow arched with interest, "Oh? That's the card for Scorpio."

He held her eyes, warmth tingling all over his body. "I know."

She bit her lip again, almost undoing him again until she turned to Eva, who placed their drinks down.

"Gracias, Eva," Tiffany said as she held her drink up. "We also have a to go order…"

"The big one with 35 tacos?" Eva asked with a grin. "I'll bring it out when it's ready."

Eva winked at Jack, seeing how they were leaning towards each other. Tiffany laughed and blushed, looking out the window behind them.

Eva laughed too and turned to go back to the other side of the bar. "Yell at me if you need anything, mis amores bellos."

Jack lifted his heavy crystal rocks glass. "Happy Halloween."

She smiled as she touched her glass to his and took a sip, exhaling as she swallowed. "Almost witching hour."

"What happens then?" he asked playfully. He couldn't help it. Their heads were tilted close together.

"I cast my spell on you," she murmured with a smile. How were her teeth so perfect?

"Think you already did," he said huskily, his gaze on her lips. She smiled, looking away bashfully and he took another sip of his drink.

"I'm sorry for ghosting you the past couple days."

He looked up at the change in her voice - a soberness fell over her features, and her eyes turned cold. She didn't look up from her glass, her fingers tracing the etching. There was noise all around them, laughter and clinking of silverware and drinks. But he felt like they were in a bubble, safe and protected from distraction. Soberness fell over him too as he focused on her, and remembered what Honey had confided in Mush...

His brow furrowed a little, "ghosting?"

Her serious expression broke, light came back to those warm blue eyes and she laughed a little. He felt like an idiot for not knowing the term but he laughed too, looking down at his drink.

"You're cute," she said as she slid out of her chair and moved closer to him…

He was pleasantly taken aback when she slid her drink closer to his on the marble top bar and stepped towards him, standing between his knees. He didn't lean back in his chair but stayed hunched forward, their faces very close.

She leaned her left elbow on the bar, her long hair falling like a curtain, her face only visible to him. But he saw the way her eyes checked over his right shoulder…

"'Ghosting' is...dropping communication with someone. Disappearing. I - hoped you wouldn't think I did that…to you."

He smirked as he understood, and the smile on her lips grew as she laughed at herself. Her complexion in this dim lighting was creamy and warm, tempting him to reach out and touch the smooth plane of her cheek.

"Nah, I didn't think that," he reassured her, the scotch warm in his voice. "Jus' figured you were busy."

Her eyes dropped, the soberness still there, lingering in her mind. He wanted to take it away, to see her carefree instead.

"I was." Her voice was hard. "We had to...come back earlier than expected. And I had this done-"

She flipped her hair and rolled her eyes, her face annoyed, and he couldn't help but to laugh out loud.

"I like it," he answered honestly. "But you don't."

She waited a moment before replying, choosing her words. Her fingernails tinkled on her scotch glass as she thought. "...I do...I just don't care for being told what to do." She met his eyes and hers were cold. She gave a stiff shrug, "They like for the girls to be… 'in season'."

His muscles bristled once he understood. His jaw tightened as he looked away and leaned back in his chair a little, trying not to crush the glass in his hand. She was still standing between his legs, her perfume in his nose...did they tell her to wear that, too?

"You're angry." She stated. He heard traces of fascination in her voice. "I see it, in your eyes."

His chest expanded as he took a deep breath, taking his turn to choose his words carefully and calmly. He could say a million things, things he'd already said in one time and another...But with all that had happened before, he didn't want to chase her away with his rage and anger…

He exhaled his breath, and old wounds, through his nose in a sigh. "I jus' don't like ya bein' told what to do, either."

He looked up at the touch of her hand on the outside of his thigh, her hips moving forward.

"Depends on who's ordering me around," she purred, her dreamy eyes mischievous.

He tried to hold steady, all thoughts of the club disappearing. He wanted to break his rule, to reach out and hold her closer but he stayed still, his hungry eyes reading hers.

"How 'bout you do the orderin'," he said huskily, "An' I'll happily oblige."

She giggled and smiled, "I get the impression you're not one to give up the lead so easily."

"Only for you," he said honestly.

She closed the small gap between them and kissed him, her tongue brushing his lower lip. He moved his hand to her hip, fingers pressing on her lower back as she pressed against his upper body. He didn't care who saw. Their bodies were rigid with restraint, and after a long moment they parted, breathing a little heavy.

"Wish this food would hurry up," he said breathlessly. She laughed in response.

"Two more, loves?" Eva asked as she came to their end of the bar. They looked up and Jack leaned away from Tiffany, but she stayed standing where she was, between his legs.

"Yes, please, Eva," she threw back the rest of her scotch and pushed the empty glass forward. "And we're ready whenever the food is."

"Just one," Jack said as he finished his off. "I'm drivin'."

Eva gave Tiffany a sneaky grin, "Smart too...I'll be back."

"They must be starving back at the house," Tiffany said with a slight grin as she turned back to him, her eyes warm and her smile comfortable, like they were in their beds talking on the phone. "I know I am."

"You're always hungry," he said casually as he nodded at Eva as she dropped off the check, pretending to ignore the intentions behind Tiffany's words. Eva winked at him. "It's all you eva talk about," he said teasingly.

"Shut up," she punched his arm playfully, smiling broadly. Jack laughed.

They settled the drink bill and bade Eva good night as Jack carried the bags of tacos, Tiffany leading the way to the Charger, the bellhop boy rushing to keep up with her.

Once the tacos were secure in the back seat, the Charger roared to life and Jack took off as Tiffany reached for the one hitter in the glove box. They took hits and took the long way, laughing at themselves.

"Oh I love this song," she turned up the radio - Pillow Talk by one of those One Direction guys. Even dancing in a carseat with a seatbelt on, she was irresistible. She sang every word, and he was taken by surprise again that she could sing too.

Jack let himself get lost in the haze of smoke in the cab as they drove along, almost back to Brooklyn. Lights filled the car in intervals, like a ship traveling in space, and she looked ready to walk into any high end Halloween party. But she was here, in all her possibilities, laughing and lost to the music.

He parked behind the house and before he could unclick his seatbelt she had the door open and taco bags in her hands.

"Let's see what these fools are up to," she purred excitedly.