Ok peeps, new chap. It's not the biggest one, but something a bit fluffy...remember my request, dearies, *giggle*, put in Mr. Hot pants, or Evan...you will see who wins. I am probley almost to the middle of the story.

Walking home from another lesson, she passed up the pawn shop, waiving into the window. Mr. Gold met his gaze with hers, waving her in. Jade did as he requested, entering, the bell clattering behind her.

"Well Miss Miller, aren't you in high spirits today?" She smiled.

"Yes, I am, one of my students just excelled their first full song, no mistakes…and open mic nights in two days!" He gave her a interested look.

"Oh… are you singing," he asked, polishing a silver tray.

"Yes, I am. So nervous, but so excited. I have some of my older students playing as well, keep's em out of trouble," she winked.

"Sounds like fun-" he lost his words when he saw her in a gauzy, brown off the shoulder, mid thigh length dress, her tight sleeves flaring out at her wrists, matching her suede boots, the look garnished with her perfect make-up and feathers in her hair off a long braid. She looked almost like the old Jade he knew, so beautiful, yet wild and untamed.

"How is Evan doing, is he working today?" He felt a pit in his stomach hearing Evan's name out of her mouth.

"Oh, no, he's at his other job. He's only here three days out of the week." He told her he'd be right back and went into the back room. In a few seconds he came back empty handed.

"Are you in the mood for a drink, I was about to go to the diner, would you mind accompanying me," he asked. "Gosh this man loves to trap me into being around him. Eh, it's not like he's crazy or anything of the such."

"Yes, I'd love to," she answered. He went around the counter, to the door, holding it open for her and followed her three doors down to Granny's.

Ruby looked surprised when she greeted them at the door for a table. He was often never seen with someone, let alone a woman on his arm and the same one twice in a one week duration. Mr. Gold told her their order after they sat down. She left to get it. He smiled at Jade, almost like a sweet, mischievous child, not really sure what to say." Jade looked up at him though her lashes, "you're a very nice dresser, Mr. Gold. Always, you look like you leaped off the pages of a men's suit catalog." She laughed at her joke. He smiled as well.

"I believe in good impressions… are you making fun of me, dearie?" She leaned in closer, elbow to the table and hand to her chin, looking so innocent and playful.

"What are you going to do about it," she teased.

"You don't want to know dearie, you may actually like it," he said in a suggestive tone. Eyes rolled up into a playful tort, then back at him, "hymmm, that sounds like a good proposition," she said half- heartingly in a flirtatious tone.

"Deal, you mean," he corrected.

"Nope, proposition." Mr. Gold grasped the edge of the table, knuckles white, going unnoticed by her. His memories of when she first saw him that day at his home. His heart pounded, a rapid pulse running though his body…she's doing it to him again, that weakness, the urge, the need, something awakened inside him, only it happened when he was with her. He struggled to get back to reality when she spoke.

"I honestly don't like to dress up all the time…for you it's probably easy, you don't need to do your hair, nails, make up, and decide between 20 pairs of shoes to wear."

"That is true. I really liked your "outfit", at the beach, if I may be so bold." She jokingly rolled her eyes.

"I thank you for that, I figured you'd say that, but I think Evan liked my outfit as well." She giggled.

"Yes…that Evan, he is something. He's a good boy, just very shy," he stated. Ruby came back with their coffees. She took a tiny sip, setting her cup back down.

"Yeah…he sure is. Poor thing asked me to, wow, this is awkward…have coffee with him. I said I was busy. I hope I didn't hurt his feelings…did I," she asked with concern. Mr. Gold had to react quickly. What was he doing pursuing her…that's not how this is all supposed to play out!

"No…didn't hear anything about it. Why did you say no?" He was hoping to hear what he wanted to between the lines.

"Well"- she began, tracing the rim of her cup with her finger. "He is sweet, good looking, and everything else a girl could want…but, I had this problem since I was young. I just can't bring myself anywhere near a date, or, giving a man my time…period. Even with my ex…I really didn't feel anything. I think I cared more for the relationship…not the bond. You know?" Mr. Gold knew why, but he couldn't have the heart to tell her, not at this moment.

"I'm sorry to hear that, I hope this problem goes away."

"I'm thinking maybe it's from not …I'm sorry. You're not a psychiatrist, clearly something I need." She let out an embarrassed, nervous laugh.

"No, no, no, go on, I have all the time in the world, especially for someone in the likes of you." She reached across the table, patting him on the shoulder.

"Thanks, you're too sweet, Mr. Gold. Well, like I mentioned, I don't know if you knew this, I never met my real family. They never pursued me, so I wonder if I am the way I am because I've never really experienced love. It's silly but, you have to really be in my shoes to understand." "Trust me dearie…I am responsible to why you can't love…it's not you…it's me. And I am glad I did it." He held onto her hand across the table.

"Well, this is the second time you've taken, to be with a man, so, I think your progressing. Things will get better, also you need to find people you trust, I will be one of them…if you let me," he offered.

"What's in it for you," she asked coquettishly.

"Just…you," he answered back. She nodded in approval.

"I think we can work that out." She began sipping her coffee.

There was a clattering of the front door slamming shut. They didn't even notice amidst their conversation.

"Oh, hey there," Evan said behind Jade. Mr. Gold gave him a half smile, slightly annoyed. Goodness, this boy really likes to interfere with my plans," he thought.

Jade felt like she needed to leave, being around these two at the same time seemed...not right at the moment..

"Well, I guess I will be going. I have to practice. Good-bye Mr. Gold, and you Evan. As she was turning around to leave, Mr. Gold gave Evan the meanest glare he could possibly produce.

"What," was all Evan managed to say.