Chapter Five
Fox did not know whether to laugh or groan at the unexpected sight of his former partner in crime- though the latter option was a tempting and often common choice. The sunlight gleaming on the Crane grounds enhanced Dylan's green eyes set upon his slightly tan and chiseled visage. His laid-back yet exceptionally stylish attire perfectly complimented his demeanor and sent Fox warnings of an impending round of banter. Dylan stood a foot shorter than Fox, and was well known for his witty comments and good looks. His charm wooed even the toughest individuals he encountered and often saved himself from the threat of potential fights. Dylan and Fox became instant friends the day they had met, and since had vowed to wreak havoc in the boarding schools they were continually transferred to in order to avenge the mistreatment they received from their families. Both Dylan and Fox had come from families who continually chastised them for their so-deemed "unacceptable" behavior. Praise was something they could only dream of, and harsh reprimands were the only gifts they could ever hope to receive from their families.
Before Fox could inquire about Dylan's visit, his friend submitted to the urge to ridicule him incessantly. "What, no welcoming hugs for your old pal?" Dylan said grinning widely and extending his arms invitingly.
Here we go, Fox thought silently as the memories of his troublemaking days replayed in his mind. Pranks on disliked teachers as well as gags to grab the attention of young women flashed before Fox's eyes. "What in the world are you doing here?" He asked peering at his friend warily.
"What, can't an old friend visit his favorite buddy?" Dylan asked lowering his arms while casually sauntering up to Fox.
"That's your car in the driveway, isn't it?" Fox said sighing and scratching his chin. The headlights of the car sparkled in the sunlight while the car's surroundings were reflected onto its windows.
"Brilliant observation." Dylan responded sarcastically as he rolled his eyes. "Of course it's my car."
Fox narrowed his eyes and crossed his arms. "How long have you been here?" He asked while silently hoping that Dylan had not witnessed his second display of idiocy.
Dylan placed his hands in his pockets and chuckled at Fox's interrogation. "Why all the questions Foxy? Anyhow, I've been here long enough to see my little Nicky dig himself into a pit of very deep doo-doo. You know, the stench of bad game is wafting off of you- not very pleasant if I do say so myself." Dylan said pinching his nostrils for added emphasis.
Fox rubbed his forehead slightly as his silent hopes were immediately eradicated. "Don't call me that." Fox retorted. "I hate that nickname."
"What little Nicky? Oops. Sorry," Dylan mumbled. "I forgot it wounded your ego." Although Dylan tried to appear apologetic, the impish twinkle in his eyes breached through the façade.
"It did not wound my ego," Fox argued crossing his arms against his broad chest.
"Oh c'mon, Foxy boy." Dylan said patting his friend hard on the back. "You're telling me that Emma Neil's cute little nickname for a certain body part that we shan't refer to by its technical name didn't bother you?" Winking, Dylan nodded his head towards certain areas he was referring to.
"Well did the nickname 'dill pickle' ever bother you?" Fox asked in return hoping he could steer the conversation into a different direction.
"No." Dylan said appearing smug. "Pickles- well, some might not be long, but they sure can be nice and" Dylan cleared his throat. "Thick."
Fox raised his eyebrows and sighed. "Same old Dylan." He mumbled softly. "Why am I not surprised?"
"I haven't changed a bit." Dylan replied turning around in a full circle. "But you know- I'm disappointed Foxy boy." He said placing his hand on Fox's shoulder. "That performance with that drop dead gorgeous beauty I just witnessed was absolutely horrendous. I thought I had taught you well, but apparently you weren't paying attention."
"What exactly did you teach me?" Fox asked pushing Dylan's arm away. "If anyone taught anybody about how to handle women, that would've been me guiding you."
Dylan laughed heartily. "You're funny."
"I wasn't trying to be funny," Fox said walking towards the mansion's front doors. "Look, Dyl, as much as I would love exchanging friendly repartee, I need to figure out what I'm going to do to make up for being such an ass in front of Theresa."
"Well, today's your lucky day. Dylan Banning expert on wooing the women is at your service." As he spoke the words, Dylan took an exaggerated bow.
"Thanks, but no thanks." Fox said patting his friend on the head. "I think I've got this."
"Oh really?" Dylan asked pursing his lips. "Are you sure about that Foxy? Because you know me. I'm a genius when it comes to wooing the ladies. Think of all the times I've helped your sorry little butt."
"Sorry, Dyl." Fox said shaking his head. "Not this time."
Before Fox could walk into the mansion, Dylan blocked his path wearing a mischievous expression. "Do you have any idea of what you're going to do to win back that gorgeous woman you pissed off?"
Fox scratched the back of his neck before running his hands through his slightly tousled locks. "Well- no, not exactly. Not yet anyhow."
Dylan nodded and stepped down from the front stoop. "Thought so. Ah well, I guess I'll be on my merry little way and leave you to your challenge. It's too bad you don't want my help because frankly, I just thought of an ingenious plan."
"You're just saying that," Fox said opening the front door.
"Oh no I'm not," Dylan sang reaching into his pocket for car keys. "But, you don't want my help, so I bid you farewell for now."
"Wait a minute," Fox called. "Where are you staying?"
"Good question." Dylan frowned. "I suppose I'll drive around these small town streets in search for a place to stay" Dylan looked longingly at the sky. "Just me, all alone- no idea of where to go"
Fox rolled his eyes at Dylan's dramatic display. "Why don't you stay here while you're in town?" Fox suggested.
"I thought you'd never ask." Dylan perked up as he bounded up the steps to join Fox. "Now," He said ushering his friend into the house. "Time to win back you woman."
"I told you I've got it." Fox insisted as he shut the door. "I don't need your help."
"Yes you do." Dylan said firmly. "Now, no more protesting. I want you to go upstairs and take a nice long shower while I make some phone calls. If you want your lovely lady back in your arms, we're going to need all the resources available at our rich little fingertips."