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Buffy and other characters belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, 20th Century Fox, Warner Brothers, et. al and used without permission. No copyright infringement intended & no money earned.
Buffy was almost ready when she heard the doorbell. Ranger's deep voice rumbled in her sensitive ear. A huge grin spread across her face when she heard him yelling at Bob to get off him. The face looking back at her in the mirror was different somehow. Buffy realized she felt relaxed. It was an unusual feeling. What scared her was how comfortable it felt, almost as if she had finally slipped back into her skin and the fit was perfect. Thinking back on everything she had lived or died through, as the case may be, she realized this was the first time in over seven years that she could be herself. The powers from her prolonged time as the Slayer weren't important. Here in Trenton, it was more a matter of who you were, rather than what you were. It felt good to do something as Buffy rather than the Slayer, or the dreaded Chosen One. Buffy smiled even brighter; she could live here, far away from vampires or demons. She finished her makeup then headed for the stairs. For a minute, she wondered why she accepted the date and what repercussions would result because of it. An elegant shrug of her shoulder put the stray thought to the back of her mind. It wouldn't be the first time she had jumped into a situation without knowing how it would turn out. Somehow, she knew that she would make the most of whatever happened.
Ranger turned when he heard her heels clicking on the stairs. He tried to keep the smile off his face, but Stephanie kept staring at him. He felt a sudden need for air when he saw a toned golden calf followed by the rest of Buffy as she came into view.
Stephanie knew she looked like a mook, but she couldn't help it. She couldn't remember seeing Ranger in anything except black camo pants and T-shirts. Now, here he was, in her house, dressed like a GQ model. He was wearing khaki dress pants that hugged him in all the right places. The dark chocolate silk shirt he wore turned his eyes from yummy chocolate to velvety blackness. Stephanie had to bite the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing, because Ranger had the same shocked expression, she had earlier the minute he saw Buffy.
She had to admit her cousin had style. It wasn't Trenton's up to standard for dress, but on Buffy, it was perfect. Her Grecian-style cream dress left her upper chest and shoulder bare. The bodice fit snugly against her body, complimenting the golden tones of her skin, while the pleated skirt flared downward, coming to diagonal points in the front and back. It caressed her she walked, hinting at the body that lay just out of sight.
Bob's ears perked up the minute Buffy's foot had touched the first stair. He had continued to 'play' with Ranger until he heard Buffy almost reach the bottom. He spun around on his haunches, slapping Ranger's calves with his powerful tail, and eliciting a loud 'Owe' in the process. Bob gathered his legs underneath him as he propelled himself across the living room, only to skid to a stop and wait obediently as Buffy's foot touched down on the living room floor. He waited patiently for Buffy to pay attention to him. He sat there still and quiet, with his head up, tongue in and tail till, waiting for the tiniest tidbit from his newest best friend.
Buffy couldn't help but smile at his antics. He really was a sweetheart. She had enjoyed their runs and had started to wonder if Stephanie and Joe fabricated the stories they told her about him. "You're such a good boy. Yes, you are," Buffy crooned to the large dog. His tail hit at a furious pace when she bent down to scratch him behind the ears.
Ranger thought decided that he'd happily changed places with Stephanie's hyper dog. He watched Buffy coo to the ugly beast, as if he were the best-behaved canine in the world.
Buffy gave Bob one last pat before moving to stand in front of her 'date.' She admitted Ranger looked good, but of course, he already knew that. She wasn't used to someone who thought so highly of himself. Tyler had craved the spotlight, afraid of getting lost in the crowd. Pike was part wild man, part loner. He wasn't sure from one minute to the next what he was supposed to do. Angel, yes Angel, for all his 250 years, was one of the most frightened people Buffy had ever met. Riley was all soldier boy. He needed to follow and have an orderly life. Then, there was Spike - the Big Bad. For all his bluster and spite, he hid the softhearted poet beneath that black leather duster. Buffy smiled softly, remembering him holding her the night the Scoobies had thrown her out of the house. Then, their final goodbye before he gave his life for her and the world.
Ranger watched Buffy's face while she stood silently in front of him. He wondered what had caused that soft smile. Something told him it had nothing to do with him, no matter how much he wished that wasn't the case.
"Will I need a jacket?"
Buffy's question brought Ranger's mind back to reality. "No, it's warm at night this time of year. If you're ready, we can go."
She turned to speak to Stephanie, "We shouldn't be out too late, don't feel like you need to wait up. I have my key." She moved to the front door, only to find Ranger standing there holding it for her. "You're really into the stealth mode aren't you?"
"Gorgeous, I'm into any mode you want." His eyes darkened, allowing her to see exactly what he meant.
Stephanie watched this and it was all she could do to keep her jaw from dropping. Never in a million years did she ever think she would see Ranger act this way. It kind of freaked her out. Batman was supposed to stay cool and aloof then sit back while the women fight for his attention. Buffy and Ranger were screwing up her Super-hero infatuation. But, she found that she didn't mind so much. It would do Ranger some good to react like a 'normal' person.
They drove along in Ranger's black BMW 830 Ci, neither one saying much. Buffy was leaning back on the headrest with her eyes closed. She didn't open them when she heard a soft question from the driver's seat.
"Gorgeous, are you really tired, or are you just ignoring me?" he asked softly in Spanish.
"If I planned on ignoring you, I wouldn't have accepted your invitation. I'm just enjoying not having to work tonight," she answered in fluent Spanish.
It amazed him that even her accent and emphasis on certain vowels was correct. "You used to work at night in California? What did you do?"
Buffy heard the curiosity in his voice. Stephanie told her how Ranger took the smallest bit of information and could garner every detail of a person's life. She had not intentions of allowing him even the slightest peak into hers. "You could say that," was her cryptic response.
He glanced over at her again to see the peaceful expression on her face. Ranger rather enjoyed Buffy keeping her eyes closed. He could stare at her to his heart's content. It bothered him that he couldn't get into her head. He wanted to know more about her, mostly everything.
"You should keep your eyes on the road, unless you want us to wreck."
Ranger reluctantly turned back to the business of driving. It took him several minutes to realize that she hadn't opened her eyes. How, the hell, does she do that?
As if she heard his mental question, from the quiet darkness Buffy answered him. "Tai chi, it allows you to relax your body, so your other senses take over. I heard your head move against the headrest." She settled further into the luxurious leather seat, working hard not to smile. Her plan to keep Ranger on his toes was going well.
He gave up trying to figure her out since they were almost to the restaurant. A few minutes later, his sleek black car pulled into the small parking lot. He had known the Cuban family that owned the restaurant for the last ten years. He came here when he wanted to relax and step away from his life as Ranger. Here he was simply, Ricardo Carlos Manoso, a good Cuban boy according to Doņa Isabella Fernández García, the reigning matriarch of the Fernández family. Ranger couldn't wait to see what she would think of Buffy. Doņa Isabella was always telling him that he needed a good Cuban girl to settle down with and have bambinos.
Buffy's eyes opened when he turned off the car. She patiently waited for him to open her door. Placing her hand in his, Ranger helped her out then captured it in the crook of his arm. She didn't fuss over it, allowing him to escort her into the restaurant. She could hear the music softly playing and found herself wanting to dance. Her years of dance came rushing through her body while her pulse kept time with the Latin beat.
They stepped into the quaint colorful building, where an older woman met them. She wore her hair beautifully wrapped atop her head and held in place with intricate Spanish combs. Her eyes were small and coal black. Her face broke into a beautiful smile when she saw Ranger followed by a slight scowl when she took in Buffy at his side. She felt those dark eyes assessing her from head to toe, and would bet everything she owned that they didn't miss much. They left her feeling like they had peeked beneath her skin to see if she was worthy, for what she wasn't sure. She thought this woman could have taken on the First Evil alone and won.
Doņa Isabella took in the small blonde, who had arrived on Ricardo's arm. She was a tiny thing who probably only ate small salads and would turn up her nose at the sight of Moros y cristianos (black beans and rice), arroz con pollo. Doņa Isabella saw it as her duty to ensure Ranger saw the error of his taste in women. She moved toward them like a Spanish Galleon. The small woman had the essence of a General going into battle.
Ranger saw the glint in Doņa Isabella's eyes and moved to head her off at the pass. This may have been a bad idea, bringing Buffy here but he wanted her to see the real him, not just his Ranger persona.
"Doņa Isabella, you're looking as lovely as ever. I've missed you." Ranger bent down to take her hand in his and kiss it. "When are you going to leave Juan and run away with me?" He gave her one of his thousand watt smiles, hoping to charm her into not attacking Buffy.
Buffy moved around Ranger to greet the woman who obviously meant a lot to him. She looked the older woman straight in the eye. The older woman looked her up and down as if she were a bug. Buffy gave her a respectful smile then did something that surprised Doņa Isabella - she curtsied. "It's a pleasure to meet you, madam. I haven't heard the Flamenco in a very long time. My Niņera told me that there was nothing as beautiful as the music played by a true Cuban. I see that she was correct. Is the very talented musician related to you?"
Doņa Isabella was shocked to hear her native tongue spoken fluently by this small golden child. Her own manners came to the forefront to offer her hospitality to one who gave such a proper greeting. "Si, child, my grandson Fernando. He's very talented and makes his Madre very proud."
"She has a lot to be proud about. Please, tell me that you have Ajiaco Cubano; I haven't had it a very long time. The minute I heard the music, all I could think of was the wonderful taste of my Niņera's cooking."
"Niņo, that dish will feed more than just the two of you."
"Then you will have to join us, si?" Buffy smiled at her and waited for her answer.
"Si, me and my Juan will join you. Fernando will want to pull up a chair. It's his favorite, as well. Ricardo, where have you kept this delightful girl hidden? You should have brought her to meet me long before this." Isabella put her arm around Buffy's small waist and led her to the family table.
Ranger watched them walk away, not sure, if what he had witnessed really happened. He remembered Stephanie talking about Buffy's gift for making even the gruffest person like her. His head shot up when he heard someone call his name. Looking up he saw Juan, Isabella's husband, standing in front of him.
"Ricardo, I see you've finally brought someone to meet us. Where did you find such a beautiful woman that my Isabella would approve of?"
"I was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time." Ranger shook hands with his old friend. They made their way over to the table where Buffy and Isabella at deep in discussion.
Buffy could feel Ranger getting closer. She knew that he was staring at her but she tried not to let it show. This was the first time since she moved from LA that she didn't miss Sophia. Buffy had instinctively turned to the kindly older woman when her parents fought or she woke from a bad dream. A soft hand came up to caress her cheek.
The sadness that Buffy didn't realize laid hidden deep in her eyes called out to the grandmother in Isabella. "What's your name, child?"
"Buffy," she answered in a hushed whisper, with her eyes closed as she reveled in the maternal caress. She missed her mom at times like this.
"Boofy, an unusual name but you are an unusual girl, si. I have not seen, my Ricardo so taken with a woman before. He rarely brings them here. Really, only one that counted, and she only wanted his money, not him, the man underneath." Isabella's mouth twisted with distaste at the memory. Her dark eyes studied Buffy long and hard for several moments before she continued. "His money, it does not impress you. You have had money before haven't you?"
The question startled Buffy. No one ever knew the type of lifestyle her and her mother had left behind in LA. Her father was a successful partner of a prestigious law firm. Money was never a problem until they had moved to Sunnydale. Buffy always thought her parents were punishing each another for the failed marriage, her father by not paying child support and her mother by taking her away.
Ranger watched the two women for a moment before he sat down beside Buffy. He hated to interrupt, but felt that if he didn't he would lose his date for the rest of the evening. Buffy looked up at him startled for the first time. Lost in thought and conversation, she didn't hear or feel him approach the table. It was the first time that she wondered why he hadn't set off her radar. The music stopped at that exact moment and Buffy forgot what she was thinking to clap.
Fernando joined them when his proud grandmother waved him over. A young handsome man unmistakably of Cuban descent, with thick black hair and snapping eyes caught that your attention, but it was the way that he moved that kept it. He literally floated across the floor in beat with music that continued to play in his head. His dark eyes smoldered with appreciation of the beautiful woman sitting beside his abuela. He found himself caught by sparkling hazel eyes that smiled along with her beautiful pink lips.
Ranger didn't like the way the young musician was staring at Buffy. No, he didn't like it one bit. The strange feelings of jealousy to stake his claim came over him so fast he felt dizzy. He stood up to shake Fernando's hand. "You're even better than the last time I heard you, Nando. I want you to meet, my date, Buffy Summers." Everyone noted Ranger's emphasis on the "my" with regards to Buffy. "Buffy, this is Nando." The hard look Ranger send the younger man warned him not to even think of poaching.
"It is a pleasure to meet such a beautiful woman. Buffy, an unusual name but somehow fitting." He ignored his friend and bent over Buffy's hand. His lips brushed her knuckles while his thumb caressed her palm.
"Thank you, Fernando. You play beautifully. It made me want to dance." Buffy smiled at him while smoothly taking her hand back to place it in her lap.
"You can dance to our music, bella? Please, you will show us. I imagine you dance like a dream?"
"Perhaps after we eat and if Ranger agrees to dance with me." Buffy looked at her date and waited to hear his answer.
"I'd happily dance with you, gorgeous. First, we need to make sure you have enough energy to keep up with me." Ranger pulled her hand from her lap and pressed his own lips to the exact place had Fernando kissed mere moments before.
"Ranger, you shouldn't make assumption. I bet I can not only out eat you, but out dance you as well." The light of battle entered Buffy's eyes, causing the air in the room to crackle with energy.
Dona Isabella clapped her hands to break the tension. "What you must be thinking of me? I must go and see to the cooking, before your beautiful compaņero thinks us uncivilized banditos. Nando, come and help your abuela." Her small hands waved about as she started calling out orders to everyone in the general vicinity.
Buffy hadn't taken her eyes off Ranger who still held her hand. When she tried to pull it away, Ranger kept his hold on it. He was careful not to crush her fingers, but didn't let them go. "I believe that's mine."
"Perhaps, you'll let me borrow it for the night." He leaned close to whisper huskily in her ear.
A small shiver went racing down her spine. Buffy decided two could play this game. Her eyelids fell down heavy on her cheeks, and then she leaned in close to him. "Ranger." She let her voice hold an airy tone, pushing the air out to blow softly close to his ear.
"Yes, querida." His eyes drank in the sight of her, wondering she looked and sounded like this when she made love.
Buffy moved closer to him and licked his ear. "If you don't let go of my hand, I'll have to make you in front of these nice people. I'd hate to do that, but don't for a minute think I won't. Now, the choice is your, the easy way," she took his ear lobe between her teeth and bit it softly. "Or, the hard way." This time her teeth were not so gentle.
Ranger's eyes almost crossed and his body responded to both the promise and the threat. "Be careful, gorgeous, I may take you up on that. Both ways sound good to me, as long as you're along for the ride." Reluctantly, he let go of her hand when he saw her eyes flare even hotter, not to mention Dona Isabella approaching with a huge platter of food. She was followed by no less than four other people. "We both have a reprieve. That doesn't mean we can't pick this subject up later."
Everyone watched in wonder as Buffy out ate them. Each person wondered where she put all that food. It certainly didn't show on her body. When dinner was over and everyone sat sipping sweet Sangria, Fernando once again started to play.
Ranger pushed back his chair, extending his hand in invitation. "I believe I promised you a dance, gorgeous."
Buffy took his hand to stood only to find Ranger had pulled. Her body landed pressed against his, causing her to crane her neck to look into his face. He smiled down at her for a moment then stepped back to allow her to walk out to the small dance floor. Buffy went to the very center and turned her back to him. Ranger came up behind her and wrapped his arm around her waist. She placed her hand in his then felt him pull. Her body spun out in a full circle until they were side by side. Her hand went up and Ranger mirrored her movements. The walls seemed to melt away until it was only the two of them surrounded by the music. The heavy base beat wrapped itself around them while they moved to Fernando's talented playing. Their feet moved back and forth, toes snapping on the hard wood floor. The intricate footwork looked effortless as everyone watched them dance.
The music stopped with a flourish of Fernando's fingers. Ranger pulled Buffy into his arms and his lips captured hers. His strong hand cupped her golden head as he gently asked for permission into her sweet mouth. The music and the dancing had Buffy's heart racing, she opened her lips and allowed Ranger inside. His heart raced even faster when he felt her pulse under his fingers jump. It was a heady feeling to think that he had caused that reaction in this woman. The one woman he found he really wanted and wasn't sure of getting. It wasn't a normal situation for Ranger and he wasn't sure how to get around the walls she had up, but he was never one to walk away from a challenge. Buffy was the most exciting woman he had ever met and he didn't plan on letting her slip away from him. He didn't stop to wonder why he wanted her so much or why she blew hot and cold, frankly he found it made her even more interesting.
Buffy stepped out of Ranger's arms straight into Dona Isabella's. The older woman wrapped her strong arms around the tiny blonde. She leaned back to take Buffy's face between her hands and kissed each of her flushed cheeks. "Boofy, you were wonderful niņo, your niņera taught you well. You're welcome here anytime you wish."
Buffy had to blink away the sudden tears that came to her eyes. "Dona Isabella, you bring back happy memories from my childhood, gracias. The food was wonderful, not to mention Fernando's talented playing."
Ranger gave them time to say their goodbyes before stepping forward to take the small older woman in his arms. He spun her around in circles causing her to laugh, and then blushed when he kissed her loudly on both cheeks. "If she'll let me, I'll bring her back often, Dona. We had better head back to town. As always, the food and company were wonderful."
They were heading back to Trenton in silence, but it was a heavy silence this time. Both became lost in thought, thinking over everything that had happened tonight. Ranger kept sending furtive glancing her way as he drove. Half an hour later, he pulled the car to stop in front of Joe's house. Turning the motor off, but leaving the music softly playing, he turned in the seat to look at Buffy in the semi-dark car.
"I hope you had a good time, Buffy. I know I did." His hand moved to touch her cheek in a soft caress. His fingers walked down her neck to pull her forward. He met her halfway then captured her bottom lip with a soft nibble, causing her to laugh. He realized that what he found the most interesting about Buffy was that she was part sex kitten, part tigress. She never did what he thought she would. It was always exciting to see what she would do or say next.
"I had a nice time, Ricardo." She said his name with the proper accent. Buffy rolled her R's loving the way it sounded. "Meeting Dona Isabella and her family brought back nice memories." This time she pulled him forward, and when their lips almost met, she bit his bottom lip, hard. Ranger couldn't stop the snort of soft laughter from erupting. "I like to give as good as I get."
He pulled back to sit in his seat as he looked at her, really looked her. "I noticed that about you. Why's it so important?"
Buffy turned in the seat to stare at him in the dim lighting. She saw the honest interest on his face and decided to explain. "Let's just say, people from my past like to make decision for me, partly out of love, partly out of protectiveness, and mostly, I think because they couldn't get beyond the way they perceived who they thought I was not who I really am. Learning to take care of myself and trust my own instincts has kept me alive. I learned the hard way that no matter how much I cared about them, they can't know me better than me. I had to fight hard for my independence and never intend to allow anyone to tell me what to do again."
Ranger watched her face with its expressive hazel eyes and the way the streetlights played over the delicate planes of her cheeks. He never met a woman like her before with so many different sides. "I think that anyone who didn't know that you don't take orders well is a moron."
Her eyebrow rose at his words. "Does that include you? You seemed to think you could tell me what to do from the first moment we met. Even though I had you on your ass before you knew even I was there."
Ranger thought over her words and realized that he had went about getting to this completely wrong. He straightened in his seat and leaned toward Buffy. His mouth tightened with regret when he watched her body tense. Ranger simply held out his hand to her. His lips stretched into the famed mega-watt smile when her nose wrinkled in confusion. It was the cutest thing he had seen since his last visit with his daughter. "Hello," he said, his voice deep with emotion. "I'm Ricardo Carlos Manoso. I sometimes go by Ranger but that's just my working name. Close friends and family call me Ric or Ricardo."
Buffy placed her small hand in his and shook it. She sent him a tentative smile. "It's nice to meet you, Ric. I'm Buffy Anne Summers."
They sat in the quiet of the car for what seemed like hours frozen in a handshake, staring into each other's eyes. Suddenly, Buffy burst out laughing. Ranger's brow went up in question and she shook her head.
"This is the nicest unweird date I've had in a long time. Actually, I think it's the only unweird date I've ever had. You could probably let go of my hand now cuz I think its going to sleep."
Ranger reluctantly released her hand. "I better walk you to the door before Stephanie comes out here to sic Bob on me."
He got out of the car to come around and open her door. They walked up to the porch in a comfortable silence. Ranger knew he was only over the first hurdle with Buffy, but he would take what he could get. Buffy stood on the front step, trying to think what to say to him. She didn't feel quite as defensive with Ranger, feeling like she knew him a little bit better but still not enough to trust him completely.
She leaned up on tiptoes to give him a soft kiss on the cheek. Whispering goodnight, she flew through the front door before Ranger knew what had happened. He stood on the front step with his hand on his cheek where Buffy's lip were just moments before turning to walk back to his car. Ranger stared up at the second story watching as a light came on then went back off again. He started his car and headed home. He had some serious thinking to do. Everything he had thought about Buffy was only half-right. Ranger knew if he wanted a chance with her, he had to go about things completely differently. He just didn't know whether he could do it or not. He wasn't sure he knew how to woo a woman anymore, not after the disaster with his ex-wife.
The next morning Buffy woke up and put her running clothes on then went to find Bob. He was waiting for her at the bottom of the stairs with his leash in his mouth. She laughed at him then headed for the front door.
Joe came out of the kitchen with a cup of coffee in his hand. "You're up awful early this morning. I thought you went out with Ranger last night." He sipped his coffee while he waited for her answer.
"I did but it was just dinner. We got back early. If Steph comes down before I get back, tell her that I won't be too long. And, we can go into the office together. Did she tell you that I'm going to teach her some self-defense moves? If you're interested in helping out, we're planning to be at the warehouse around three. Vinnie promised to have it set up by then."
He nodded, unsure how he felt about the classes. Stephanie thought she was indestructible now. He shuddered to think what type of situations she would get herself into once she learned self-defense. Joe studied Buffy's small frame. He still couldn't understand how she was able to disarm and immobilize men twice her size. It seemed unbelievable. And, he had seen it with his own eyes. Buffy waived at him before heading for the door. She snapped her fingers behind her and Bob dutifully loped after her like the small horse-dog he imitated. Joe shook his head not understanding how she did that any better than Stephanie did. Speaking of his beautiful lover, he heard the shower running. A slow smile spread across his face when he decided to go help her wash all those hard to reach places.
Buffy ran down the road, heading for the park just a mile from Joe's townhouse. Bob galloped along side her barking every few hundred yards. He seemed to be talking to her or himself, she wasn't exactly sure. Feeling someone moving behind her, Buffy stepped to the right then quickly spun around.
"Whoa, I give up." A nice looking man with dark blonde hair and blue eyes stood with his hands in the air.
"Who are you, and why were you sneaking up on me?" Bob gave a loud woof while he tried to tug his leash from her hand, intent on getting at the man, bothering his favorite person. She watched the man move further back. "Good boy, Bob. It's okay, Mr.?" Her eyebrow rose, waiting for him to give his name.
"I wasn't following you; well, I was but not that way. I'm Jason Fellows." He gave her his best boy next-door smile and put his hand out.
Buffy stared at it like he had offered her something that didn't smell like a rose. "That's nice to know. You still didn't answer my question."
"I'm not a deviant or anything; I work for the FBI and am a friend of Joe Morelli. See, I'm harmless. I saw you running here the other morning and wanted to know if you'd like someone to run with?"
"No thanks, Bob's the only running partner I'm interested in right now. The next time you want to ask someone a question, you should try introducing yourself. Like normal people do. If you will excuse me, Mr. Bellows I need to finish my run." Buffy spun on her heal and gave Bob's leash a slight tug. "Come on boy, lets get in that run then go back for some breakfast." Talking about food perked Bob right up. "Yeah, you like the sound of that. Don't you boy."
Jason watched her run off with the large dog following on her heels. His eyes took in the sight of her powerful legs and tight rear. He liked what he saw. Now, he just needed to find a way to get her to go out with him. Jason knew that as soon as he could get Morelli to put in a good word for him the pretty blonde would give in to his obvious appeal. After a date or two, she'd tell him exactly what he needed to know about Stephanie and Ranger. Women always told him whatever he wanted, falling for his clean good looks. He turned to run back to his car parked a few blocks over.
Stephanie was sitting at the kitchen table with a very satisfied smile on her face sipping coffee, when Buffy came in with Bob close on her heals. "Well, you certainly look like the cousin that licked the cop this morning." She laughed when Stephanie spewed coffee all over the table.
"BUFFY! I can't believe you said that." She mopped up the coffee with a dishtowel.
"Why? Are you going to tell me that smile's from coffee? If so then give me some, cuz."
"No, but still I mean it, I mean you, oh never mind. Do you want some coffee?" Without waiting for a reply, Stephanie got up and went to retrieve another cup. She sat it on the table in front of her cousin, who was trying not to laugh. "How was your date last night? You didn't stay out too late. I think I heard you come in about 11:00. Thought Ranger would keep you out all night."
"I told you we were only going to dinner. We ate at an excellent Cuban restaurant. I haven't had food that good since I lived in LA." Buffy smiled remembering meeting the Fernandez family.
Stephanie caught the smile and wondered if Buffy had fallen for the famous Ranger charm. "Buffy, you know Ranger isn't really boyfriend material, right?" Concern shown in her clear blue eyes, while she waited to hear what happened to cause the smile.
"Don't worry, Steph, I'm not jumping in feet first. I was just thinking about the family that ran the restaurant. They reminded me of the woman who helped raise me. We ate some good food, danced then came home. It was a regular date not a promise of marriage. I'm going to go and take a shower then we can go into the office. Bring your workout bag and we can go to the warehouse at 3:00 for your first lesson. I told Joe that he could come by if he had some free time. Figured it'd help him to see where I'm corrupting you." She gulped down her coffee, before rushing up the stairs. Buffy was glad that she had brought enough clothes so they wouldn't need to go back to her apartment.
When Stephanie and Buffy walked into the office, they found Lula and Connie listening at Vinnie's office door. They motioned for Buffy and Stephanie to be quiet. After several minutes, they moved away and pulled the two women over to the file cabinets.
"What's up? Is Vinnie in there with Ranger?" Stephanie asked the question that Buffy wanted to know.
"No, it's worse. Joyce showed up about an hour ago and went straight inside without even knocking. I heard the poor mook she had primed as hubby number four backed out at the last minute. She must be strapped for cash. We didn't think anything about it until the both of 'em started barking. Girl, the pictures going through my mind ain't pretty." Lula shook her head causing her Day-Glo beads to clatter against each other.
Connie piped up. "Joyce asked Vinnie to give her first call on every case, especially your regulars, Stephanie. From the sounds coming from that office, he'll give her anything she wants as long as she keeps doing whatever she's doing."
"I can't believe it. Damn it!" SStephanie stomped her foot in anger then hopped about when pain shot up her leg. She grimaced, but her anger quickly replaced the momentary pain. "I thought she was finally out of my life when she decided to remarry. If it were up to me, I'd find some way to send her far way from Trenton." Stephanie's eyes filled with tears from years of pent up frustration and long years of anger. "Siberia, I'd send her to Siberia where she'd have to wear a parka everyday and couldn't flash those fake boobs."
"Steph, is this the bitch that broke in your dining room table?" The others felt a shiver go down their spines at the hard edge in Buffy's voice. Lula unconsciously took a step back. "I think it's time someone taught ole JB a lesson, don't you?" A malicious gleam entered her eyes, while plans ran through her mind. If the Scoobies had seen it, they would have recognized it as the look Buffy got before she entered into the heat of battle.
"Buffy, she's just one of those things I've learned to live with. It's been this way since kindergarten," Stephanie sighed heavily.
"No, she's someone you need to deal with in a way that will let her know she doesn't want to mess with you anymore. I have an idea, come here." Everyone gathered around while Buffy whispered her plan for taking out Joyce.
Lula's eyes went large then a bright white smile broke out on her face. "Girl, you are the bomb. How did you ever think up something like that and who are we going to get to do it?"
"Don't worry about it, I'll take care of everything. All I need to know is when she'll be there. The rest is a piece of cake."
Buffy grinned, causing her eyes to sparkle with glee. This was a chance to payback all the Joyce Barnhardts in everyone's life. She remembered all the crap Cordelia had dished out to her through high school and wondered why she took it. It pissed her off that she had never stood up for herself. She had changed since then and planned to help Stephanie lay to rest the ghosts of her past. Buffy decided everyone deserved a second chance this new life the one she was creating for herself was hers. Perhaps, helping Stephanie get Joyce out of her life was part of her new life, or she was simply paying it forward. Either way, Stephanie was family and no one hurt her family. New life, old life that one rule was still very much alive and part of Buffy Summers.
"Uh, Buffy, you aren't going to hurt her are you? I hate Joyce but don't want to hurt her, well not much anyway." Her big blue eyes showed her doubt about her cousin's plan.
"I promise no one will lay one finger on her, scout's honor." Buffy held up four fingers then crossed her heart.
"Okay, I can have Lula follow her and call us when she's at home," Stephanie said, while still unable to shake her feeling that her cousin wasn't telling her the entire truth. She hated to admit the thrill she felt at just the idea of getting one over on Joyce.
"Me. Why do I have to follow her skanky ass round town?" Lula's bottom lip jutted out as she crossed her arms over her ample chest.
"Your car is the only one she won't recognize. The only time she's seen you outside the office we've been in one of my cars. Please Lula; I need you to do this."
"Aiight, but you owe me and I mean big time," she reluctantly agreed.
Just then, Vinnie's door opened and a woman with died red hair and huge breasts sashayed into the front office. "What are you losers doing over there, trying to remember your ABC's so you can help the hooker learn how to file?"
Lula moved forward ready to pull every fake red hair from Joyce's head. Buffy put a hand on her arm and shook her head. She walked forward eyeing Stephanie's nemesis from head to toe, with an expression that left no doubt about her feelings. Buffy moved around Joyce, shaking her head and clucking her tongue every so often.
"What's your problem, blondie? Who are you anyways? Another whore off the street that Vinnie decided to help. Connie, you simply have to stop getting help from Whores 'R Us." Joyce waited for the little blonde to get upset. She was sadly disappointed when all Buffy did was smile.
"If he did that you'd be unemployed. Please, I've heard of doggy style but you take it to a new level. Exactly, how much did you pay for that boob job? Cause, I have to say, you should sue for malpractice. They look more like rockets ready for take off than breasts. Your word for the day is proportional. Look it up. I know that's lots of letters and vowels. Maybe someone here who knows their ABCs can help you. I know. Lulu, could you help this 'lady' find a word?" Buffy lips turned up into a feral smile.
Joyce's face turned red with anger and embarrassment. "Why you little..." Her hand shot up to slap Buffy or if nothing else pull some hair.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you, Joyce. Buffy took Ranger down just imagine what she could do to you," Stephanie said proudly.
Joyce looked at the tiny blonde, with if not respect then speculation. She turned her nose up and headed for the door. "I don't have time to waste with you losers. I have an FTA to snag." She sashayed out the door with her hips going one way and her butt cheeks the other.
The four women broke out laughing when the door slammed shut.
"Man, I never seen Joyce so pissed. Thank you, thank you, and thank you." Stephanie hugged her cousin. She felt on top of the world just like Wonder Woman defeating an evil foe.
Stephanie and Buffy were on their way to pick up a FTA on the other side of Trenton when they saw a dark green Explorer pass them. They looked at each other with the same light of battle in their eyes. Stephanie floored her Ford Taurus in an effort to catch Joyce's SUV. She cussed under her breath at the thought of Joyce Barnhardt taking her FTA. She needed the money to pay her credit cards, not to mention Vinnie had assigned the file to her. Stephanie knew Connie hadn't given Joyce the information, which left only Vinnie, her slime ball cousin.
"Hey Steph, how about we let her think she pulled a fast one. I've got a feeling she won't be around too much longer to take anything from anyone in Trenton." Buffy rubbed her hands together as her plan played out in her mind. This was going to be more fun than taking out the latest Big Bad. This was payback for Stephanie, who shouldn't have to put up with any of this crap. Especially, from the woman who her ex-husband cheated with on her dining room table, a whole big world of yuck.
"Okay, but I want you to know I needed that FTA to pay my bills."
"I'll make you a deal; I'll share my next FTA with you. Trust me. It will more than double what you would have gotten from this one. How about we go on over to the warehouse and start your first lesson."
Stephanie was equal parts scared and excited. The idea that she would know how to handle herself without having to rely on Joe or Ranger pulling her butt out of the fire was tempting. But, she had a feeling her cousin would make her work for it. She reluctantly turned her car around and headed toward the warehouse.
"You never did tell me how you got Vinnie to give you a warehouse."
"Let's just say we understand each other and this arrangement benefits both of us. Do you think Lula was able to follow Joyce?"
"As long as she doesn't have a hunger emergency, Lula will come through for us. I'm still not sure about this plan, plus who are you going to get to do this for you?"
Buffy looked out the window to hide her smile. She had no intention of telling Stephanie that she planned to take care of Joyce Barnhardt herself. It would be so much fun to make at least one spiteful bitch pay for the crap she dished out but never seemed to pay for.
Buffy pushed the large door to the empty warehouse open and was pleasantly surprised. Vinnie had really come through. The center area consisted of large open space with light mats on the floor, in one corner wooden practice stands stood at the ready and in yet another corner a heavy bag hung from the ceiling. Buffy walked further into her new training room.
Stephanie looked around not sure what everything was used for, but had a feeling she was about to find out. Of all the things in the room, the large floor area covered in mats scared her the most. All she could see was Buffy throwing her from one corner to the other. Stephanie had a feeling she was going to get up close and personal with that floor for a very long time.
Buffy turned around and gave her a mega-watt smile. It was obvious that she was in her element. "This is a great room, isn't it? Just wait Steph; you'll love it after you get a few lessons under your belt. The bathroom's over there." Buffy pointed to the far right hand corner where an enclosed office area lay hidden from the entrance. "Why don't you change clothes then we can get started."
"Aren't you going to change too?" Stephanie took in Buffy's outfit of low-rise jeans and baby T-shirt.
"Did I get here in time?" Lula rushed in gasping for air.
"I thought you were following Joyce?" Stephanie asked exasperation clear in her voice.
"She won't be going anywhere for a while and I have my girlfriend, Jackie, watching her house. She had to go home and take a long shower." Lula's teeth gleamed so brightly they almost needed shades.
"Why? What happened?" They both asked at the same time.
"You remember old man Hortz? He gave her the same treatment he gave you." The two best friends started laughing.
"Okay, let me in on the joke." Buffy pouted, knowing she was missing out on a juicy story.
"When Stephanie went to collect Mr. Hortz, he set up a trap. He had buckshot ready and sent it whizzing through the door. When Stephanie hit the ground, it was straight into a pile of honey then he pulled a string that made this bag of feather come down on her. She looked like the Chicken Hut guy. He went one better this time and used motor oil. It was great. Almost peed my pants when she kept trying to get up and fell down every time."
"Lula, do you want to stay and take lessons with Steph?" Buffy almost cracked up when the former prostitute's jaw dropped open.
"You mean you'd teach me to kick butt like you? Aren't you afraid I might squish you?" She really wanted to learn but didn't want to hurt Buffy or be embarrassed even if it was only Stephanie and Buffy.
"It'll be fine Lula, promise. You won't hurt me and we can take it as slow or fast as you want. Just think if you learn to defend yourself then Vinnie could get someone else to do the filing and you could go after FTAs yourself." She smiled at Stephanie's super-sized friend.
"I could have my own FTAs, not just help Stephanie out with hers?" Lula asked hesitantly as if the idea was unimaginable to her.
"Of course you can Lula; you can do anything if you want it enough. Right Stephanie, Lula would make a great BEA?"
The cousins talked with their eyes and came to a meeting of the minds. "Of course she will, I mean if I can do it she can. Can she workout in what she has on?"
"Of course, spandex is perfect for every occasion."
Lula gave another blinding smile. "You sure you're Stephanie's cousin? There must be some black in you somewhere, girl cuz you know 'bout all the important things." She grabbed Buffy and gave her a bone-cracking hug then went to the middle of the mat and did her best impression of the Karate Kid. Her face flushed slightly as she did her best to keep balanced in the 'crane' pose.
Buffy and Stephanie hid their smiles while they bit the inside of their cheeks to keep from laughing. They both knew that Lula would keep the lessons wild and crazy.
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