Chapter 9

Stephanie gave Dean some time off so he can get set up in his new apartment. It was close by the office, so he can walk to work. And Dean knows Stephanie wouldn't give his address to anyone. And Stephanie will keep it locked up.

And Randy has been suspended from what happened. Paul had no choice to do it. And Randy has been ordered to go to anger management classes. And he has to stay away from Dean at the office, and out.

Stephanie showed Dean the apartment, and it is small, but Dean didn't care. "This is fine, it doesn't have to be big." "I don't have much anyways." Dean told Stephanie.

Stephanie looked at Dean. She knew he is still upset of what happened. "It's not your fault Dean." Stephanie said sympathetically.

"I know." Dean said. "It's just different being on my own." Dean continued. "Sorry, I need to move on with my life." He mumbled to her.

Stephanie showed him around the small apartment. Well, to Dean it is big. It has one bedroom, with a walk-in closet, and connecting bathroom. The rest of the apartment is an open layout kitchen where you can see the living room, a balcony, a small bathroom for guests. Dean loved it! He never had anything like this to call his own.

"I'll take it Stephanie." Dean said excitedly.

"Are you sure Dean?" Stephanie asked. "There are more to see." Stephanie continued.

"Yeah, this is fine." "Plus, I'm not a fan of big places." Dean told her. "And I don't have that much anyways." Dean continued to say.

"Okay, I'll talk to the manager, and put it under my name." Stephanie told him.

"Thank-you Stephanie." Dean said to her.

"No problem, honey." Stephanie replied. Then she put her arm around him, and give him a squeeze.

They continued to look around. Stephanie giving Dean ideas how to make it look homier to him. And find out what he likes so it could be more him. All Dean could do is roll his eyes.

They went to the manager, and signed the papers for the apartment.

Another reason Dean liked this apartment is because it's such a secured building. To even get through the front door, you see security, and a person at the front desk. You have to sign in, and then they call up to you to let you know they are there. There are set of the art security cameras around. Even in the elevators have cameras. There are security codes, and keys you need to get into the building, parking garage, even for the stairs.

Dean knows this place is expensive, but he did get a good rate because of Stephanie. But he didn't really do much anyways. He mostly went out because of Randy. And all the other events are work related. And Dean didn't spend much money. He grew up poor, but he knew what is more important on what to buy. His phone is paid by work, since he does a lot of work outside of work. Same with his computer.

And Dean isn't much into buying a lot of clothes. He's comfortable wearing jeans, and a t-shirt. He shops at discount stores for all his clothes, even for work. And many lunches are paid for by work to, since are work related. And Dean always like to order a big meal, so he can take some home for dinner. Randy didn't like when he did that. And maybe eventually Dean will get a pet. A small dog. He doesn't know which kind, but now he has time to look around.

Stephanie, and Dean made it back to the office in time for Dean to go home with Nattie, and Tyson.

Dean couldn't wait to pack his stuff, and move into his new apartment. It will be his. He never had his own place. He always had stayed with friends. He never went to his family. Since most didn't want nothing to do with him.

When he got back to Nattie's home, he went into his room, and packed up all his clothes. He's going to bring his clothes to work, then Nattie, Tyson, Cesaro, and AJ is going to help him move his stuff into his new apartment. Dean smiled.

Nattie came into the room, and you can see she has been crying. Then she went over to Dean, and hugged him from behind. He patted her arms. But Nattie wouldn't let go.

"Tyson, she's doing it again!" Dean yelled.

Then Tyson came into the room. "Okay, honey, let Dean go." Tyson ordered Nattie.

"I don't wanna." Nattie sobbed. Then she squeeze harder.

"You'll still see me at work, and you and Tyson can come over to my place." Dean told Nattie. "And I'll still come over." He continued.

Nattie finally let go of Dean.

They went out to eat since it was late by the time they got done helping Dean packed.

Dean didn't have to worry about furniture. The apartment is already furnished. He just had to buy sheets for the bed. He'll ask Nattie, and AJ to go with him. It would make them happy. Plus, he could use the help to pick out something like that. He's not very good on things like that.

Dean avoided Roman, and Seth at the office. He didn't want to confront them after what they seen. But he knows he will have to talk to them sometime. Especially at the party. Maybe he can make an excuse, and say he's not feeling well. But he knows that wouldn't work. He's just embarrassed.

Cesaro has seen Randy. And Randy has been giving Cesaro dirty looks. Mostly because Cesaro has seen Dean outside of work. Nattie tells him not to make Randy mad. Cesaro told her he won't do it again. But Cesaro had fun egging Randy on though.

It was finally Friday, and Dean is getting excited for the party. He kept looking at the clock, hoping it would go faster. But it only went slower.

It was finally lunch time. Dean got up, and decided to go out. Nattie is with Tyson. And all the others went out to find outfits for the party on Saturday. So Dean is all by himself. So he decided to go around to the corner deli, and just get a sandwich.

Dean walked to the deli. He went in, and stood in line for his sandwich. He finally got his roast beef sandwich, chips, and a drink. He got another bag of chips, and walked back to work. He decided to go to his special place at work. It's quiet.

He got off the elevator on his floor, and walked right into Randy. Dean almost dropped his food, but he held onto it. The office is still empty. None have come back yet. Randy just smiled. That smile Dean all knew too well. It was more of a smirk.

"Well, Dean." "You are all by yourself." Randy said smugly. Dean just backed up, then he hit something hard, but yet kind of soft. He backed into Roman.

"Problem?" Roman said then cocked an eyebrow. Roman was actually looking at Randy. Dean just stood where he was. His back to Roman. And to Dean, it felt like Roman is getting hard. But he couldn't really tell. Roman is wearing slacks, so Dean didn't really know for sure. Then Seth came out from behind Randy. Startling Randy.

"No." Randy responded. Then he just turned, and walked around Seth, and left.

"Thanks." Dean said softly as he turned to face Roman. God he is so good-looking. Dean thought. Seth came to stand by Roman. Dean just wanted to kiss Seth again. Those lips. And then he wanted to kiss Roman. Feel his lips on his. Dean wanted to be sandwiched between them right now.

"Still coming to the party Saturday?" Asked Roman.

That snapped Dean out of his daydream. "Yes." Responded Dean. "Can't wait for it." Dean said excitedly.

"Stephanie says you have some news." Dean continued.

"Yep." Said Seth.

"Well, we got some work to finish up, and we'll see you on Saturday." Seth said happily. "And it does concern you." Seth continued to say.

"It does?" Questioned Dean. "What is it?" Asked Dean.

"Nope, you have to wait until tomorrow night to find out." "And don't worry, its good news." Roman told Dean. Then he gave Dean the biggest smile. It's nothing like Randy's smile. It made Dean feel good.

Dean watched them leave. Then he went to his desk, sat down, and ate his lunch. Now he is thinking about Saturday again. Now he is really excited what their announcement is going to be.

Just as he got done with his lunch, Nattie, and the rest receptionists came back from lunch. Nattie sat down, and seen the smile on Dean's face. Dean told Nattie what happened. And how Roman, and Seth came to help him. Nattie seen the sparkle in Dean's eyes when he would talk about Seth, and Roman.

"Nattie?" "Can you help me pick out an outfit?" Dean asked. "I want to look nice, and you've seen what I have." Dean said embarrassingly.

"If you want, we can go shopping early." "The party isn't until later in the early evening." Nattie suggested.

All Dean could do is shake his head yes. Then he went to work. He kept himself busy this time, and time went by faster this time.

When it was time to leave, he got up, and went to his apartment. Dean liked the sound of that. HIS apartment. And he is glad it is in walking distance. But after what happened with Randy earlier, he walked real fast to his place. He is so happy to get inside to the lobby.

He went up to his place, unlocked the door, and went inside. He would eat a little something then go to bed. He knows Nattie, and she will be here early tomorrow. So he better get a good nights' sleep.

7Dean heard a knock at his door. He looked at his clock and seen it was 7am. Nattie. It could only be her. He thought it would be at least 8 or 9am before she came. But Nattie likes to shop.

He got up, and went to the door. He looked out the peep hole. And he is right. It is Nattie. Along with Tyson, and Cesaro. He is surprised they came. He unlocked, and opened the door.

"I can't believe you two didn't look for anything for this party tonight." Nattie was saying as all three came into his apartment. Dean seen Tyson, and Cesaro, and couldn't help but chuckle.

"What did you guys do?" Asked Dean.

"Nattie didn't like the outfits we have to wear to the party tonight." Tyson responded.

"I'm not going to let you, and Cesaro go to the party in stripe suits." Nattie said.

Dean laughed.

Dean got dressed. They all decided to go eat breakfast since the stores are not open yet. Plus Nattie dragged them out before they had breakfast. Dean told them of a little diner nearby. Another reason Dean likes this area. All the places to eat around here.

They agreed to go there. Then they left.

They get to the diner, and ordered breakfast. Dean is hungry. Everyone ordered, and took their time to eat. Since the stores don't open until 8am.

Nattie finally got all three men into a clothing store. She told the service lady what she is looking for the men. Nattie does want dark dress pants for the guys.

Dean did pick black dress slacks. Now he needs to find a dress shirt. But what color. He didn't want white. He thought about it. He did like red, but knows he doesn't look good in red. So he picked a dark blue dress shirt.

Cesaro picked out black dress pants, and black shirt. Tyson on the other hand picked out a pink shirt.

"Why, did you pick out a pink shirt?" Asked Nattie.

"Don't know." "I like it." He said to her.

Dean, and Cesaro just laughed. And Nattie just shook her head.

Since everyone found something so soon, they all went back to Nattie's, and Tyson's house and just relaxed. Dean would get ready there. Nattie didn't want him to be alone before the party.

Dean called Stephanie to tell her he is at Nattie's house. He knows she is sending a car for them. And wanted to let her know so the driver isn't wasting his time sitting in front of his apartment.

Dean, Tyson, Cesaro, and Nattie are sitting around having fun talking. Then it is time to get ready for the party. And again, Nattie seen how happy Dean is getting about the party. She knows why. Two reasons why…Roman and Seth.

The car finally got there. Dean has been ready for over an hour. All the men were waiting for Nattie. They went out to the car. And now they are on their way to Roman's and Seth's place. They'll get to see where they live. Dean is just happy to see them.

Nattie grabbed his hand and squeezed. She knows he's nervous. Then she smiled.

"Don't worry." She whispered in his ear. All Dean could do is smile.