Chapter 5: Honesty is the Best Policy

Tina and Zeke's relationship was off to a great start. Her parents approved of the relationship, her siblings liked him and supervision was rather easy. Bob's only rule was they not show any PDA at the house or in the restaurant, but other than that they were free to do whatever they wanted within reason. Everything went off without a hitch and their lives were tranquil, until one day a week or so into their relationship. "Bobby," Linda said as she looked out the window, "Jimmy Pesto's coming over. And he doesn't look happy."

"God, what does that idiot want?" He said with disdain in his voice.

Jimmy Pesto charged into the restaurant. "Hey, Bob," he greeted rudely, "still keeping this shack afloat, huh?" He said as he looked around.

"What do you want, Jimmy?" He asked.

"Since your kid and your employee started dating my kid's been sitting in his room, sulking and playing break-up music. I can't keep listening to The Smiths. I can't take it anymore and it's driving away my customers!"

"Ooh, love triangle, so scandalous I love it." Linda said as she clapped her hands together.

"Lin," Bob interjected as he took off his apron, "well, that's not my problem, Jimmy. I'm sorry he's upset, but it's not my problem. Why don't you go talk to your kid?"

"Well, I'm making it your problem," Jimmy snapped.

Bob groaned. "Alright, fine, I'll send Zeke over there and talk to him, but I don't see why I have to do anything about Jimmy Jr. sulking over Tina. He's your kid. You're the one who should talk to him about this. And honestly, I'm glad Tina's stopped pursuing him, because now she's happy and isn't worried about some kid who just strings her along and pretends she doesn't exist!" He shouted.

Jimmy Pesto babbled, as if he were mocking what Bob just said. "Just send Zeke over to talk to him." He said as he left.

"Oh God," Bob groaned.

"Aw," Linda said as she hugged Bob, "poppa bear lookin' out for his cubs. So fatherly!"

Bob groaned at the thought of sending his employee to talk to his grieving ex-best friend. "I have to find Zeke," he started, "I see Jimmy plugging in his music into the main speakers."

"Oh, I love The Smiths." Linda cooed.

Tina had heard the confrontation while her and Zeke were in the back washing dishes. She felt weird. Did Jimmy Jr. really miss her? Or are these new feelings because he saw them together? She didn't know and she didn't know how to feel about it. Bob entered the kitchen and put on his apron, "Zeke can I talk to you for a second?" He said as he gestured to go into the restaurant. The two talked about what happened and Tina heard Zeke leave to talk to Jimmy Jr.

"Uhhhh…." Tina groaned.

"Tina, sweetheart, are you okay?" Linda asked as she entered the kitchen. Tina didn't give a definite answer and continued to groan. "Look, honey," Linda started as they sat down, "I know this is a stressful situation, but your father took care of it and I'm sure Zeke will, too. Zeke's not going to change his mind because his old friends didn't see how great you are. It's his loss. Don't let it get to you."

"Uhh, okay." Tina said. Although she felt extremely uncomfortable, her parents were right. There was no sense in her getting worked up over someone who strung her along or someone she had forgotten about. But it was still a situation she didn't really want to deal with. He had multiple chances and she had already moved on.

Zeke returned to the restaurant after an hour. Tina was still working in the kitchen and Bob entered. "Hey, Tina," he said as he washed his hands, "why don't you and Zeke go up to the apartment and talk about what happened. I'll give you two the rest of the day off." Tina didn't like the sound of that and let out a groan. "Oh, God," Bob groaned, "Tina, everything's going to be fine just talk to Zeke and sort this out."

The two of them went up into the apartment and sat on the couch. "So," Tina started, "how did it go?" She asked slowly.

Zeke stretched and sprawled on the couch. "It was alright. He said he realized he liked you and he felt kinda betrayed because we were best friends. I told 'em I didn't see why it as a big deal 'cause we stopped hanging out with both of us. He was upset and all but he said he'd get over it. Don't know." Tina groaned. She felt a little better, but still uncomfortable. "It's gonna be alright, T," he said as he wrapped his arm around her, "what's the worst he could do? Date someone you don't like out of spite?"

Tina groaned again, "you're probably right."

"'Course I am," he said as he kissed her on the cheek. The two sat in the living room and watched TV for a while before Zeke spoke again. "Wanna know another reason why I like you so much?" He asked.

Tina looked up at him, "sure, why?" she asked.

Zeke rubbed her shoulder with the hand that was around her. "Well, you know I don't have a very stable home life," he started, "my mom had me young, my parents got divorced, my dad remarried and they move around a lot. It's tough, y'know? You're the most stable and consistent person that's in my life right now. Your old man saw potential in me, your mom's like a second mom, your siblings are great and you're you. And I think that's a big reason why I fell for you, Tina." He said as his mouth twisted into a frown. Tina didn't say a word. She was shocked that he opened up to her so quickly. She rested her head against his chest and he wrapped his arms around her a little tighter. She could tell he became more relaxed. They remained that way for a long time. Or better yet, until they heard the pitter-patter of Gene and Louise's feet going up into the apartment.