Apologies for the delay. Had a HELL of a Fourth of July, Happy Belated America's Birthday by the way to those who celebrate the holiday. Read, Enjoy, Review. Or do whatever you want I'm not your owner. Also the Number in this chapter isn't real. just thought i'd point that out

Winter time in Lima, Ohio was always something that nobody was ever ready for. Sure winter in the Midwest was always a nightmare but it seemed that the really dumb people came out during the winter. She could already give you four different times where Alejandro had to hit on the breaks a lot sooner than he needed. Tina had always been a calm and easy going person if you we're to ask a good amount of her friends (Which she still couldn't believe she had more than two) they would tell you that the Asian beauty used to border on the push-over category but that all changed once a certain cool and level headed Mexican boy came into town. He along with his wild cousins and their equally loud friends had turned the once sleepy and boring small town into a thriving small community.

"Hello Tina. Where's Alejandro?" She couldn't help but smile. Leave it to her boyfriend to make sure everybody but women call him Dro. She looked down at the elderly Italian woman who ran the local ice cream parlor that also sold fresh baked bread.

"Hello. Mrs. Rizzoli. Alejandro is actually at Basketball practice."

"Oh that boy. He's going to work himself into a coma one day."

Tina couldn't help but giggle at the comment. As the town began to learn more and more about Alejandro the more they found themselves invested in the young man. She thought back to the first time she and Alejandro met the enthusiastic woman.

FLASHBACK

"What do you mean you've never been in here? You grew up here babe."

Alejandro and Tina had been enjoying a Saturday afternoon of just walking around downtown Lima. Ohio which she could easily say wasn't much of a downtown sure the old school Cinema was cool and there was barbershop and diner that still played off the 50's look but other than that it was pretty much just open real-estate that was everyday getting closer to being bought out by a AMC theaters, Panera Bread and Jamba Juice.

"Just cause I grew up here doesn't mean I've gone to every single shop in this town. A lot of them aren't even worth going into."

"I know; but babe, come on Ice cream and freshly baked bread? Even I know you don't turn down any ice cream shop."

Laughing at her always stoic boyfriend's excitement over the frozen treat Tina followed the quarterback into the parlor that looked like it had seen better days.

"Welcome to Mama Rizzoli's Treats. I'm mama Rizzoli, what can I get you two young people?"

"Do you mind if we browse the selection ma'am. This is our first time in here."

There it was. The Corcoran charm, a simple smile and whoever fell victim to it's grasp could only nod and agree to whatever demand Alejandro made.

"Oh, of course. Would you kids care for some samples? We make all our flavors from scratch and use real milk and natural fruits in all our flavors." Mama Rizzoli proudly stated as Alejandro and Tina skimmed thru the buckets making sure to match the names with the tubs of ice cream. "Find anything that catches your fancy?"

"Mind if I get a taste of that Strawberry flavor ma'am please?"

"Of course and please call me mama Rizzoli."

"I'll try the Mango flavor one please M- I mean mama Rizzoli." Tina blushed at the playful glare the elderly woman sent her before she quickly scooped up both treats in a waffle cone cup sprinkling bits of chocolate and nuts, she topped it off with hot fudge whipped cream and a cherry on top. Alejandro couldn't help the impressed whistle that escaped his lips at the sight of the finished product.

"Dang, Mama Rizzoli that looks all kinds of delicious." Alejandro awed as he picked up the waffle cup and carefully inspected the frozen treat. "Almost a damn shame to even eat this beauty, I mean baby look at this."

Mama Rizzoli couldn't help but smile at the sight of the young couple admiring her handiwork. It had taken her years to master her mother's ice cream recipe but alas she was determined and the once pipe dream that her daughter always joked with her was now coming to fruition. She had no doubt that this young man would not only enjoy her treat but he would single handedly bring some business back into her once thriving ice cream parlor.

"Oh my god this is so delicious." Tina moaned as she dug into her mango ice cream. "It's like I'm actually eating a mango.

"This strawberry one though." Alejandro said thru a mouthful of strawberry "This is where it's at though Mama Riz." Dro said in between mouthfuls of ice cream. "I swear this is the best ice cream I've ever had."

"Well thank you for the generous compliment." Mama Rizzoli smiled. "Can I interest you kids on some of our other flavors I'm sure you'll get a kick out of the rocky road and perhaps you would enjoy our coconut, vanilla flavored ice cream?"

"That sound's amazing Baby call up Rachel and Harmony they'll want in on this."

END OF FLASHBACK

And that's how Alejandro and she found themselves as guaranteed lifetime patrons of Mama Rizzoli's a feat she really loved.

"Just make sure he knows that his bunny pancakes are always hot and fresh for whenever he plans on stopping by."

"I'll let him know mama, and I wouldn't be surprised if he wound up at your parlor sometime this weekend."

Mama Rizzoli laughed as she shook her head. Already knowing full well that at one point or another the teenage boy would walk into her parlor and start asking her about her time in Boston.

"Is he ready for this Thursday night? Pretty important game he's got. I know all of us here are going to be rooting for him."

"Aw well thank you mama Rizzoli. I know that will mean the world to Alejandro." The two shared a hug before mama Rizzoli walked back inside the ice cream/bakery. Watching as the elderly woman made her way inside before she kept with her walk. She smiled and waved at several shop owners who did the same before she finally got to her destination. Walking inside she glanced around before she finally spotted Rachel and Brittany sitting at a corner table. Quickly placing her order Tina grabbed her cup and was about to head over towards her friends when all of a sudden her chai tea was all over a royal blue letterman jacket.

"Ow holy crap that's hot." Tina's eyes widened as she saw the scalding hot beverage steaming off the jacket and stomach of the teenage boy who was doing his best to keep out from screaming.

"Oh my god I am so sorry." Tina hurriedly grabbed a bunch of paper towels and began to try and wipe as much of the spilled beverage as she could not realizing that her hands we're beginning to wander further down towards a dangerous area.

"You know girls usually ask me to dinner before they feel me up." Finally seeing where her hands we're headed Tina instantly dropped the paper towels and took a step back bumping into Brittany and Rachel who had seen the whole thing and were now making sure everyone was alright. "I'm sorry about bumping into you by the way."

"No." Tina began to say. "It was totally my fault I wasn't paying attention to where I was going."

"It's more than alright." The teen answered with an easy going smile. "can I buy you another tea as an apology?" looking at the two other girls who shrugged as a response Tina accepted the offer and smiled when she was handed a brand new order.

"Once again I am so sorry about this. If you want you can send your jacket to the cleaners and I'll more than gladly pay the bill."

"Thank you but that won't be necessary. How about I just get your name and number and we'll call it even?" All three girls mouth dropped open at the boys forwardness. "I'm Kevin by the way." Tina shakily took the offered hand looking over at Rachel who was watching the interaction like a hawk while Brittany just alternated her attention between the built teenager and the gothic beauty.

"Tina. And I'm sorry but I'm going to have to say no to your earlier question Kevin." She answered with a smile.

"I get it I'm not your type." Kevin said with a chuckle as he looked down at his now cooling jacket. "Damn shame too I would've taken you out to the best Italian place I know."

"She's got a boyfriend." Rachel felt the need to answer seeing as Tina was currently incapable of forming a coherent sentence. For her part Tina had finally found her voice and chuckled at the glare Rachel was shooting at Kevin.

"Sorry, but she's right I have a boyfriend." Tina said with a smile as she played with the small bracelet Alejandro had given her for her birthday a couple of weeks ago.

"Oh well perhaps he'll mess up." Kevin joked but quickly covered his laugh with a cough as his joke was received with two sets of glares and a confused expression. "Sorry I'm terrible at jokes."

"You don't say." Was Rachel's response. "Well Kevin. Tina's apologized for spilling her drink on your lovely jacket and you've accepted her apology and even bought her a fresh tea and for that we thank you but we need to get going." Not bothering to let the teenager say another word Rachel looped her arm around Tina's and with a final glance at Kevin the diminutive began walking towards the doors.

"It was nice meeting you." Brittany said with a less than friendly expression. Before she followed the two other girls out of the Lima bean, leaving a very confused but amused Kevin standing in the middle of the coffee shop, outside Rachel kept glancing over at Tina who just kept her focus on the parking lot. They were almost at Brittany's car when they heard Kevin calling out to Tina. Both Rachel and Brittany kept walking towards the car while Tina slowed down and waited for the teenager to reach her.

"Listen I just wanted to apologize if I stepped over a line. I don't hit on girls already taken and if I had known I wouldn't have done that."

"It's fine. There's no need to apologize since you didn't know, and trust me I would have told you I am in a happy relationship with my boyfriend."

"Oh wow, kick me while I'm down why don't you." Kevin teased making Tina laugh something that didn't go unnoticed by Rachel nor Brittany who just kept watching the scene unfold. "Listen I know you have a man and I respect that but if it's not any trouble I was wondering if perhaps you wouldn't mind hanging out sometime. Strictly platonic." Kevin finished it off raising his hands up in defeat at the look Tina sent him. "I'm terrible at making friends." He said with a shrug.

"Kinda hard to believe since you're wearing that letterman." Tina replied sarcastically. "Can I think about it and get back to you?" Once that sentence left her lips Brittany shot Rachel a worried glance which the diva returned but kept quiet. They both watched as the two teens exchanged numbers and heard Tina laugh at another lame joke by Kevin before the teen walked back inside the Lima Bean. Deciding not to say anything Rachel got into the passenger side of Brittany's car making sure to voice her displeasure by slamming her girlfriend's car door shut. Glancing one final time at the Asian girl Brittany just shook her head before she got into the car and waited.

"HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU TINA!" Kevin shouted as he rushed back inside the Lima Bean wanting to get away from the unforgiving Ohio winter. Once Kevin was back inside Tina gave the slip of paper he had given her a final glance before she put it inside her coat pocket. She walked over towards Brittany's car and got inside behind Rachel buckling up before Brittany drove off. Halfway thru the drive Tina couldn't handle the uncomfortable silence that had taken over the car ride. Deciding to get a conversation going she went to say something only to be cut off by Rachel.

"You're not seriously going to call him are you?" She inquired turning to stare at her cousin's girlfriend. "He was hitting on you the whole time."

"Oh my god Rachel." Brittany kept her attention on the road but couldn't help but nod her head in agreement with her girlfriends' statement. "Besides I don't think Alejandro would approve." That did it. Taking a deep breath and counting to ten Tina cleared her throat before answering Rachel.

"First of all I don't need Alejandro's approval on anything let alone on who I chose or chose not to spend my time with. Two, Whether Kevin was hitting on me or not is irrelevant since I'm in a happy and committed relationship with Alejandro. So with all due respect Rachel please stay out of something that is clearly none of your business." Not bothering to wait for a reply Tina turned away from Rachel and stared out the window. For her part Rachel just kept staring at Tina with surprise and a little bit of pride since the always reserved and timid girl finally showed some backbone. She chanced a glance at Brittany who was just shaking her head but didn't say anything but kept driving. Taking a breath of her own Rachel turned back around to face the front. Needless to say the rest of the car trip was more than a little tense.

LATER THAT NIGHT

"You ok?" Alejandro asked as he walked Tina to her door. "You've been quiet for the better part of the day."

"Sorry." Tina answered with a sigh. "I've just got a lot of things going on in my head. Plus Rachel and I got into it earlier so I'm still a little frustrated about that."

"Well if you and Rachel got into an argument earlier than I'd like to apologize for her behavior." Dro joked which got a smile from Tina. "There's that beautiful smile I love to see." He said as he pulled her towards him. Tina kept her smile as she wrapped her arms around Alejandro's neck resting her head on his and giving him a quick peck on the lips.

"There's no need to apologize for her." She mumbled into his lips. "It was a stupid discussion we had but I was in the wrong and I'll apologize to her tomorrow."

"You sure?" He asked looking straight at her. "Cause I know what she can be like and I'm with whatever you said to her. I love her and she's my baby cousin but she needs to learn that not everybody thinks like her let alone run their lives like her."

"I love you." She said out of the blue. The two just stared at one another for a while before a grin began to form on Dro's face. Leaning down he captured Tina's lips in a passionate toe curling kiss that made stars appear behind Tina's eye lids.

"You have my Corazon mi reina. Don't ever forget that." He whispered into her lips.

"I won't." She whispered into his neck. The two stood in the moonlight for a couple of more seconds before the door to Tina's house sprang open and out walked Kim. Tina's older brother.

"Hey Kids. Tina. Dad says you got to head inside since it's getting late." He said pointing at his younger sister who just rolled her eyes but didn't but from her spot in Alejandro's arms. "Sup Dro."

"How's it hanging Kim? Still waiting on that catering place to call you back?"

"You'd think a degree from a world renowed culinary school would open all kinds of doors."

"Hang in there man I'm sure you'll get a call back soon."

"Thanks man. Tina I'll buy you five more minutes. Dro I'll catch you later. We gotta hoop it up again sometime man."

"Oh no doubt, no doubt." Dro and Kim bumped fist before sharing a quick bro hug something that still made Tina giggle. The sight of her giant brother and her tough and rugged boyfriend sharing an embrace never failed to amuse her. Once the couple was alone Tina turned to Dro and wrapped her arms back around his neck.

"Can I ask you something?"

"You can ask me anything you know that."

"I know. Silly for asking. Would you be mad if I made friends?" rolling her eyes at the amused facial expression Tina decided a different approach. "Would you be ok if I made other friends who we're guys that weren't Puck, Matt, Finn, Sam or anyone else that goes to McKinley?" Tina whispered the last part of the sentence remembering the giant WL stitched on the front of Kevin's Lettermen. She watched Alejandro's face to see if she could read his expression but like always she couldn't. Fortunately she didn't have to wait long for her answer.

"Why would I have a problem with that?" He answered with a laugh. "Babe as long as you are cool with whoever you are hanging with, then I'm cool with who you hang with. Just remember I'm here too." He said the last part with a pout causing Tina to let out a laugh as she kissed him full on the lips.

"Oh god I love you." She smiled into his lips making him nibble on them earning a moan of pleasure. The lights flickering on and off got their attention and Tina once again rolled her eyes at her family's behavior. "Guess I got to go."

"Sleep well babe." Alejandro said already guiding Tina towards her front door. Once she opened and stepped in she turned and gave him one last peck before closing the door. She had made it to her window in her room just in time to see Alejandro getting into his SUV. He looked up and saw her staring out the window. He gave her a smile and blew her a kiss before getting into his vehicle and driving off. Tina watched him drive down her road until he turned to the right and was no longer visible. After a relaxing shower and a peanut butter and apple jelly sandwich supper with her mom and dad Tina went back upstairs to her room where she noticed she had two text messages. She opened the first one which was a text from Alejandro letting her know that he had made it home safe and sound and that he loved her and would see her tomorrow. Once she responded to his text complete with kisses and pet names. She checked the other message and noticed that it was from a number she wasn't familiar with. Once she opened the message however she gasped in surprise.

Message (567)847-2247

Hey Tina, it's Kevin.

Biting her lip as she re-read the message from Kevin, Tina thought back to her earlier conversation with Alejandro she quickly saved Kevin's number to her contacts list.

Message Tina C

Hey, Stanger.

DUM DUM DUM *PLAYS DRAMATIC MUSIC*