Title: A Leather Fiasco
Author: Leather Tuscadero (formerly Magick Willow)
Series: Yes, don't know what I am going to call it yet–maybe Devil Gate Drive–not too sure. For now, it's just A Leather Fiasco. The next segment will begin after this story is complete.
Chapter Three
Joanie Cunningham glared at the doorway to Arnold's. She had just been told that Ralph and Potsie–those morons–had told Fonzie Leather liked him. Now, Leather was gonna think Joanie had done it!
"Heya shortcake what's happening?" Potsie asked as he walked towards the booth the gang always sat at.
"As usual, I can't trust you." Joanie began, glaring at him.
"Trust me? Of course you can trust me Joanie. It's me, Potsie Weber remember?"
"Yeah I remember Mr. Blabbermouth." Joanie said blowing her straw paper angrily at him. "Didn't I tell you to keep your trap shut about Leather liking Fonz?"
"Oh. I don't really ah, remember." Potsie said, trying to smile at her winningly. Joanie narrowed her eyes.
"Joanie!" Potsie whined. "Ya know Fonz...he has a way with words!" He exclaimed. "Plus he said something about hanging me and Ralph up on the wall of Arnold's by our underwear, like Tommy White did in high school." He said. "I don't want to go through that again."
Joanie sighed. "Well now, Leather is gonna think I blabbed." She said impatiently.
Potsie shrugged. "So? I just saw Leather in the parking lot."
"Uh oh." Joanie said looking nervous. "I bet she knows I told...I mean, that I told you guys." She added. "You didn't see me!" Joanie hopped up and hurried into the bathroom marked "Dolls". She breathed a sigh of relief as she leaned against the door.
What Potsie had failed to mention was that Fonzie was also in the parking lot. He had told Leather to go on inside and get them a booth while he fiddled with his muffler for a moment. Fixing it, Fonzie grinned because he didn't get any oil on his hands and he walked inside. "Fonzie!" Potsie waved at him.
Fonzie waved back and sauntered over. "Hey. Don't have long ok?" He asked. Potsie nodded. "Hey uh–" He began but Leather walked inside. She walked up to them.
"Hey guys." She smiled.
"Leather?" Potsie smiled. "Wow. You look uh–different."
He saw Fonzie glare at him, so he decided to re word his meaning. "I mean ya look really great!"
Leather beamed. "Thanks Pots!" She said and did her one two hand trick.
Potsie did a poor imitation of it. Leather chuckled. "I'll get us a booth Fonz." She said and walked towards a free booth.
"So.." Potsie began. "You guys on a date?"
Fonzie looked at him and laughed self-conscious. "Date?" He echoed. "Nah...date? It's just me and Leather. Like we'd be on a date!"
Joanie, who had peeked out heard the last bit of Fonzie's remark. "Poor Leather." She said, frowning at The Fonz. So he didn't feel that way about Leather, but he was taking her out? Guys. She thought with a shake of her head. Joanie walked up to where Leather was. She smiled.
"Hey Leather." She said. Leather looked up. "Hey Joanie." She smiled a little.
"So." Joanie said, wanting to be a friend to Leather because she knew how it felt to like someone who didn't like you back. "How are you?" She asked sympathetically.
"Me? I'm fine." Leather smiled at her brightly. There was no sadness in this girl's face. Joanie frowned. Surely, she knew that she wasn't on a date, date with Fonzie, right? Or...oh my gosh! Joanie thought, trying not to gasp. Fonzie hadn't even bothered to tell Leather this wasn't a date!
"You ok?"
"Me? I'm fine." Joanie coughed. "The question is, how are you Leather? I'm your friend–at least, I hope I am." She said. Leather nodded, assuring Joanie that they were friends. "So...when I tell you this, I tell you as a friend."
"Tell me what?"
"You know...about Fonzie?" Joanie questioned, getting her attention now. Leather looked up at her. "Oh?" She asked. "What about the Fonz?"
"Well...I know how you feel about him." Joanie began, her fingers tapping on the table top. "And...I don' want you to be hurt Leather."
"Whatdya mean?" Leather asked, looking way confused.
"It's like this. I just found out...Fonzie..." Joanie drew in a deep breath. "He's...well...he..."
"What is it Joanie?" She demanded. "Come on out with it."
"He doesn't like you the way you like him." Joanie finally blurted. "I'm so sorry Leather. I didn't want to be the one to tell you but I didn't want you to get hurt so–"
Leather frowned. It was like an awful blow, this. She had been sure she felt some chemistry between her and The Fonz...at least, a little spark...but now...Joanie was telling her he didn't feel that way about her. Leather tried to speak and for a moment, couldn't. "Oh." She finally said, shoulders sagging. She felt so silly now, like a little girl playing dress up and pretend. "Thanks...for being honest with me." Leather stood.
"Leather! Where are you going?" Joanie asked.
"Where I belong." Leather said. She smiled shakily at Joanie. "Shouldn't have fooled myself into thinking I could be like you, have a family life...I'm me. Leather...and I can take care of myself just fine." Leather said firmly, nodding. Before Joanie could say another word, Leather walked out of Arnold's.
Joanie frowned. She was about to get up and go after her, but Fonzie was walking towards them. "Heeeey shortcake." He greeted. "Where'd Leather go?"
"She left." Joanie said.
"Left?" Fonzie frowned. "Why?"
Like he doesn't know. Joanie thought, suddenly angry at The Fonz. "You!" She sputtered, standing and pointing a forefinger at Fonzie. "It's all your fault she feels like that, and then you have the nerve to be a jerk about it and won't even try to get to know Leather!" Joanie exploded. "Oooh you make me so mad right now, Fonzie! Leather is a very cool person once you get to know her and you should be lucky she likes you!" The Fonz raised both his eyebrows, staring at Joanie thinking she had gone plum mad.
"Shortcake.." Fonzie began, but it was too late. Joanie had whirled on her heels and stomped towards the door, pushing some kid out of her way.
"What is up with the women in Milwaukee?" Fonzie wondered out loud. "If the Fonz don't get it, no one will." He sighed to himself.
And he certainly didn't get why he was having deep feelings for Leather Tuscadero, either. It was beginning to become a maddening day.
End of Chapter Three