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| Episode 13 Two Gentlemen from New York |
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| Episode 13
[b:b27d480029]Two Gentlemen Of New York [/b:b27d480029]
Part One
The weather was frigid but pleasant on this mid-November evening. Only six days before Thanksgiving and it seemed to Pacey Witter as if it was his birthday. He sat in his office behind the kitchen in the New York Icehouse. He was relaxed and maybe a little smug. The young Hispanic male sitting quietly in his office while he reviewed his application for employment was Tony Delgado. Tony looked pretty much like most of the dishwashers and busboys that Pacey already employed, but there was one significant difference. Tony was referred here by Howard Greene. Wednesday night Pacey had received the phone call he had been expecting and secretly hoping for. It wasn’t quite what he expected. Howard had indicated he might want Pacey to speak before underprivileged young people in kind of an inspirational, or role model capacity. Instead, he had called about a job for one of the young people he was working with. Truthfully, it wasn’t a bad idea. If he could get kids recommended by Greene, it may go along way to cutting back on the turnover problem he was having as well as the problem with employee theft. He certainly had never experienced either in the Capeside restaurant and it was frustrating. He routinely scheduled about 10% too much help in order to get enough help on any given night just to provide service to his patrons. On the other hand, the employees who did work seemed to help themselves routinely to everything from steak and lobster to full cases of alcohol. It was a problem he had to address but hadn’t been able to focus in on as yet. Hopefully, a better class of employee, beginning with those recommended by this school program would be a start. At least a student who cared enough about getting ahead in the world to join a class like this one, should be a student with character. At least, that was what Pacey was hoping. But above all else Pacey felt tonight like he had arrived. Principal Greene had really come to him and for once Pacey felt like he had something to be proud of.
"Antonio Delgado........," Pacey began. Tony moved slightly in his seat but didn’t reply. "So you’re a senior in high school, Tony?" Pace asked.
"Not exactly," Tony replied. "I should be a senior. I have to work, you see. This program is supposed to help me with credits I need to catch up. I still need credits to be a senior."
Pacey grinned and Tony looked uncomfortable. "I had a similar problem with my senior year, Tony. I found out I graduated on graduation day." He grinned smugly and Tony looked surprised.
"Seriously? Mr. Greene............he said you were like one of us, but I didn’t really believe him. You were a fu.......a screw up too?"
Pacey laughed out loud and said, "That doesn’t cover the half of it. I don’t think screw ups ever completely get over it, Tony, but we can do okay with a little honest effort."
Tony motioned all around with his arms and said, "This is like........all yours right? I mean....... you own this place don’t you?"
Pacey nodded and said, "I’ve got partners with a lot of money, but basically yes. I do."
"Mr. Greene," Tony said, "told a bunch of us at school the other day all about you, but no one believed him. I didn’t really, either."
Pacey thought..........."this is why he didn’t ask me to speak to anyone."
Tony continued, "Now that I’ve met you........I’ll bet you were a screw up." He grinned.
Pacey laughed too and then said, "Tony, there’re questions I’ve got to ask in a proper interview. You mind if I try?"
Tony sat back in the chair relaxed, and said, "Mandame, jefe. That means talk to me, boss." He smiled a huge brilliant white smile.
Downtown at Rockefeller Center, Dawson Leery was lacing up his ice skates. He hadn’t skated in at least ten or more years and was pretty nervous about it. Nikki talked like she was an accomplished skater and he wasn’t really looking forward to being embarrassed. Oh, well. It probably would be fun and Nikki was really looking forward to it. He looked to the left to see her returning from the ladies room with her skates in hand and sat to his left.
"Isn’t it just beautiful, Dawson? I just love skating at Rockefeller Center."
"It’s a good thing I listened when you said they’d be busy," Dawson said. "I had no idea there would be limits to the number of skaters on the ice."
"Think about it, Dawson. New York City is what??? Nine, ten million people?" Nikki asked. " And we’re standing in the middle of picturesque downtown New York at possibly the most famous skating rink in the world and you didn’t think there might be difficulty getting on the ice? As I understand it they limit the number of people on the ice at one time to 150."
"But Scalpers?" Dawson pleaded. "At an ice skating rink? The sign says $14 to skate per person. We paid $200 for the right to ice skate."
"Well, it is illegal," Nikki stated, "but it’s so sweet of you to make sure I got to skate tonight." She leaned in close and kissed him sweetly on the cheek. Dawson smiled, rolled his eyes and said, "Anything to make you happy, Nikki."
Nikki completed lacing her skates quickly and rushed to the ice, immediately turning pirouettes on the ice. She was graceful to behold and Dawson was mesmerized. She made one quick lap around the ice rink and returned to Dawson holding out her hands. She was smiling the hugest smile. Dawson was amazed at how much he loved being with her. It was good. It was better than good. It was great.
Nikki coaxed him to the ice. He took a couple of halting steps forward, began to glide along with the pressure of her pull and slam..............down he went right onto his backside with a hard thunk on the ice. Nikki stands over him laughing. Dawson grins in embarrassed delight. "I told you I wasn’t any good, Nikki."
"Come on, Dawson........." she said pulling him up. "Let me show you how it’s done." She locked her arm around his waist and slowly moved out onto the ice.
Joey skimmed across the menu wondering if something would catch her eye but knew that she’d probably have a salad again tonight. She was really more interested in conversation that she was in eating. That was her principal reason for being at the Ice House tonight. It was the main reason she had asked Gretchen to join her tonight. A couple of weeks had passed since they had seen each other here at the Ice House, the night of their dinner with Principle Greene, Dawson and Nikki. Gretchen had showed up with a date after a Broadway show she had gone to review. Joey had been dying ever since to get together with Dawson and discuss that evening with Gretchen. Not so much to hear about her gorgeous date but to find out about the look.........the look she shared with Dawson as he and Nikki were leaving. Apparently no one but Joey had seen it. She looked up over the menu at Gretchen who was doing the same and said, "I’m just going to have a salad...........and cheesecake," she grinned. "How about you?"
"What are all these fancy names anyway," she mused. "This is my brother’s restaurant isn’t it? I’ve loved his Lemon Pepper Chicken since he first made it for me 5 years ago..........but I’m not even sure this is it. If it is, that’s what I’ll have."
"Yeah, he’s getting positively uppity isn’t he?," Joey laughed. "It’s basically the same menu that he’s using in Capeside but the names aren’t nearly as high-brow as they are here in New York."
"And they probably cost less too," Gretchen said rolling her eyes.
Joey said, "Tell me about it, but then we don’t have to worry about that. Ours is on the house," she smiled. "My biggest problem is that I’m eating here so often just to see Pace that I’m going to get fat."
"Well, I must admit, this is a welcome change from saltines and mayonnaise. I haven’t been shopping in weeks."
"You’ve been really busy at the paper, I guess?", Joey asked.
Gretchen replied, "Yes and no. I worked pretty hard on a deadline I had to meet a few days ago, but mainly it’s because of dating." She smiled shyly and said, "I’ve seen Brad five times in the last two weeks."
"Oh my gosh," Joey said. "Really? You really like him, huh?"
"What’s not to like Joey? He’s gorgeous, he’s a doctor, a really great guy.............."
"He’s not Dawson?" Joey interjected.
Gretchen looked like Joey had slapped her and quizzically asked, "What do you mean by that?"
"Oh come on Gretchen, I saw the look you two gave each other as you were leaving here that night." Joey said. In typical fashion, the waiter came and took their order. It gave Gretchen time to compose herself and she sat waiting for Joey to finish ordering before she spoke again.
Finally, "You saw that? I had convinced myself it was my imagination."
Joey said, "Oh no. It was there and it was obvious. And I thought it answered a lot of questions for me as to why Dawson was acting the way he was that night."
"I thought he seemed happy. What do you mean?" said Gretchen.
Joey said, "Well, it’s not so much how he acted then as it was the way he seemed when we spoke outside on the pier. I really thought I would have heard from both of you after that night and now.........I see you here tonight and glowing about your dates with Brad. I must admit I’m confused."
" I thought............I should say I convinced myself that I imagined that and now that you bring it up, I’m confused again too. Just like that."
Joey inquired, "What do you mean, Gretchen?"
"Brad’s this great guy, Joey, and I like him a lot. In fact, I finally quit wondering about that look about a week ago after...................well, after Brad helped me forget about it," she blushed. "I’m ready to move on. I’m ready to find the right guy and settle down. Brad could be that guy."
"Then what’s the problem Gretchen?" Joey asked. "You’re still really into Dawson aren’t you?"
"Oh yeah," Gretchen admitted. "For seven years I’ve been thinking about him.........always thinking about him. I’ve tried moving on, but here I am having this conversation just because he looked at me." Attempting to change the subject she asked, "Is Pacey still going to join us?"
Pacey looked across the desk at Tony and thought, "I knew I was going to hire this kid anyway because Principal Greene asked me to but there's something about him I like too." They weren’t similar in any obvious ways but he still saw something of himself in Tony Delgado. He was going to give it a try. "So that’s about it Tony. I’ll show you around real quickly and then you’ll have to come in tomorrow to fill out paperwork, income tax withholding forms and such. Can you do that?"
"Sure can boss.", Tony replied and added, "I can do that."
Pacey rose from his chair and said, "Let me show you around a little bit." Just then the phone rang on his desk. He answered it, "Pacey Witter". He listened and then smiled, "Oh hi, Principal Greene. How are you?" He listened and replied. "All right, ...........Howard....I have Tony Delgado with me right now. Can you hold on just a moment? Okay...............Be right back." Turning to Tony, "I’m going to be tied up. Follow me. I’ll get Mindy to show you around."
They stepped out into the restaurant then walked across and into the Kitchen.. Seeing Mindy across the room he called out and waved her over. Tony watched appreciatively as she approached and despite the cap and apron, Mindy could definitely feel Tony watching.
"Tony," Pacey said, "this is Mindy. Mindy, this is Tony Delgado. Tony’s going to be starting tomorrow night............bus boy and who knows from there." He winked at Tony. "Tony, I told you about Mindy. She’s you’re age and already a legitimate Chef." Mindy and Tony exchanged greetings and Pacey continued, "I have a call I have to take. Would you mind showing Tony around the place, Mindy?"
Mindy responded, "Not a problem." but Pacey had already turned to walk back into his office.
Dawson skated gingerly toward the rail near the exit as Nikki continued another rotation around the outdoor rink. He was covered shoulders to toes with ice and snow from his many tumbles to the ice. He thought about how much fun it was all the same and grinned in recollection. He turned to watch Nikki and was captured by the view of New York City which dominated his view. He thought to himself that he had never had any desire to live in New York, but now it was front and center in his life. Aside from a weekly trip to LA to work with the writers and production meetings, the television show was pretty much being handled by others. It was still important to him but this movie...........this was what he had dreamed of all his life. The movie was why he was here, wasn’t it? Such a big part of the production of this movie, especially since filming was essentially wrapped was being done here at Silvercup. And then...........then there was Nikki. As he watched her gliding around the rink he smiled and appreciated again all he had been given in that random meeting which brought her back into his life. Sure he felt up and down, sure and confused but all in all, isn’t that normal? The last couple of weeks had been fantastic. He had been really worried about his eventual meeting with Nikki’s father but that had gone off without a hitch. Next was his Mom, but Mom already knew Nikki and now she already knew about Nikki as well. This weekend they would go down, tie up some loose ends in Capeside from the filming and Nikki could meet Lily. "Nikki’s going to love Lily." he thought to himself. On the far side of the rink he saw Nikki reach into her coat pocket and bring out her cell phone. She continued to skate around the rink as she talked on the phone. Dawson went through the exit and found a bench to sit. He began removing his skates one at a time. He straightened his wrinkled socks and reached for his shoes. Nikki started toward the exit and eventually sat next to Dawson. She kissed him on the cheek and said, "Are you giving up on me, lover?"
Dawson smiled and said, "I need to quit while I’m ahead. I’m going to kill myself if I stay out there. Theoretically you’re supposed to get better with practice but I just don’t see that happening."
"Dawson.!” Nikki said in frustration. Then in a playful voice, "You can skate with your arms around me. I’ll hold you up."
Dawson laughed and replied, "I doubt you could hold me up. You go on and skate. I’ll watch and enjoy the atmosphere."
"Alright," Nikki replied. "Maybe a few more times around and we can go. That was my Daddy that called."
"Oh?" Dawson said. "Everything okay?"
Nikki responded, "He’s a little aggravated but fine. The school board has made him take on another troubled kids program. One that he wasn’t entirely in favor of being involved in."
Dawson replied, "He’s great at that kind of stuff. Why not?"
"Because these troubled kids are rich kids that are giving their parents and the school problems. The idea is apparently to give them a dose of reality. Kind of a workforce boot camp. He’s going to have to combine them into a program he’s already working with Pacey in. They’re trying to get kids who have shown the desire to change and get ahead jobs where they actually have a chance. He said Pacey has already hired about four and he just agreed to work with him on this program as well."
"Well that’s great. I’m sure Pacey will be a terrific role model for these kids." Dawson said.
"The problem now, Dawson, is that these kids are going to work as punishment, not for a chance to get ahead. It just doesn’t make sense to put them together in the same program."
"I can see what you mean. Well hopefully Pacey and your Dad can work together to make it work."
"Yeah, I think you’re right. That’s what we have to hope for. I’ll be right back." Nikki skated away and started on another trip around.
"No, I’m fine," Joey said to the waiter who was trying to get her another drink. "We’ll just wait here for your boss. Anything for you Gretchen?"
Gretchen said, "No, I’m fine too. I thought Pacey was going to have dinner with us?"
"I did too." Joey replied. "He had some job interviews to do but didn’t think it would take him too long. Something must’ve come up. At least I had company this time." She smiled at Gretchen.
Gretchen said, "Enough about me. How’s your writing going? Making progress?"
Joey lowered her head frowning and lifted her eyes to look across the table at Gretchen. Pouting she replied, "It just sucks, Gretchen. It does."
"Why, Jo? What’s the problem?"
"I’m turning out pages at a really good pace now, Gretchen, but they’re no good. Nothing, zilch, nada. I can look at this stuff compared to anything I edit for Christopher or Daylen Maynard and see that in terms of writing it’s comparable. It just doesn’t do anything for me. It has no legs. No passion."
Gretchen asked, "What are you writing about Jo?"
"See that’s the problem. I know it is. I’m writing about a female Doctor in Colorado. She’s widowed, has a 13 year old daughter and is fighting to save her practice and her future in a small town that’s dying. I’ve researched...........I know the subject, I know the locality but it’s all up here." she said pointing at her head. "Not in here." pointing at her heart. "It’s just not working and I know it’s not working."
"Maybe you need someone to read it for you. Give you some feedback. I’d be happy too."
"You know, Gretchen. Some day I’ll probably take you up on it. But I’m sure this stuff just doesn’t have it. I just have to find something I can write with passion. Especially for my first book."
"Just a thought," Gretchen replied. "Dawson’s made a fortune writing about growing up with Joey Potter in Capeside. Why don’t you do the same?" Gretchen laughed.
Joey joined her laughing. "Can’t you just see Dawson’s face when I tell the story from my perspective. It would be a little different you know."
Gretchen giggled. "I’m sure it would be. The only thing is, don’t let Dawson turn your book into a movie. OR if you do, get yourself a good agent because you’ll never recognize your book in the movie."
They began laughing uncontrollably while improving on their little gag. In the middle of all the laughter Pacey finally arrived. "Ladies, I’m going to have to ask you to calm down a bit. You’re going to disturb the paying guests."
Joey calmed and looked at him appraisingly and said, "You just need to tone it way down, Cupcake. My friend and a I are having a little fun in your little restaurant here."
Gretchen noticed the guests all around them stopping to watch and kept silent. Pacey responded by saying, "Then miss, I’m going to have to ask you both.............." and was silenced as Joey stood and gave him a kiss to knock him off his feet. After 10 seconds she sat and licked her lips.
Pacey looked around, feigned embarrassment and sat down.
Finally Gretchen said, "Hi, little brother. I thought you were going to have dinner with me tonight."
"I’m sorry Gretch." Pacey said. "I hired two people and then got a phone call from Howard Greene asking for more help."
"More help?" Joey asked. "What are you going to help with now?"
Pacey reached for Joey’s ice water, took a drink and told them about his latest project.
Joey exited the little neighborhood grocery and stood near the door while Pacey paid for the few necessities they needed at home. She was tired and ready to get home and to bed but one thing you had to do when you lived in New York City is know how to shop small and shop often. She and Pacey were a rarity in New York City.......a family unit with a personal vehicle living in inner city New York. Shopping still wasn’t easy with a vehicle either though because most places to shop didn’t have parking. Pacey came out with two arm loads of groceries and said, "Ready when you are, darlin’." Joey put her hand on the crook of Pacey’s elbow under the bag of groceries and they began to walk.
"So what do you really think about this latest project of Principal Greens? You didn’t have much to say about it at dinner."
Pacey replied, "I’m not so sure about it frankly. If I didn’t feel such a commitment to Howard........ did I tell you he wants to be called Howard? If I didn’t, I don’t think I’d do it. I mean helping underprivileged kids is a good thing and even though we’re just starting, I think it’ll be good for the business as well. I had two start a few days ago and they’re working hard. I hired two more tonight and one of them, Tony Delgado, I don’t know what it is. I just really like the kid. I think he’s got something special. It’s just a gut feeling."
"Well, that’s great babe. I hope it works out, but what are your reservations about the new project?" Joey asked.
"That’s just it............this program is not for helping underprivileged kids, it’s a kind of "tough love boot camp" for high class misfits and brats who need to learn what the real world is like. I can understand how it might be a good thing for some kids but why does it have to be me?"
Joey hesitated and framed her question carefully. "You mean you’re going to baby sit a bunch of spoiled brats?"
"Yeah, I’m afraid that’s what it’ll turn out to be...............Not to mention hiring people and paying them real money and possibly getting nothing but headaches in return." They turned the corner a block away from their apartment building and started down the final block.
"Is that Mindy standing outside on the steps?" Joey asked.
Pacey looked ahead and immediately picked up the pace. "I think it is. Who is that she’s with?"
Mindy stood on the bottom step of the apartment building and laughed. "You actually did that? Oh my gosh. How funny."
Tony smiled and said, "Yeah, but I promise you I never did it again. My madre saw to that. But it was fun and I’d do it again."
Mindy noticed Pacey and Joey approaching and called out cheerfully. "It’s about time you two showed up."
"Hi, Mindy," Joey called back.
Pacey went straight to Tony. "Tony, what are you doing here?" He was standing about 4 inches from Tony’s face and his tone was threatening.
"PACEY!" Mindy shouted. "I missed the bus and decided to walk home. Tony told me it wasn’t safe and walked with me."
Pacey backed up a few inches and said, "What do you mean walking? Mindy don’t you realize how dangerous this city is at night?"
"That’s what I told her, jefe, " Tony responded still appearing to be a little on the angry side.
Joey stepped forward and said, "Hi, I’m Joey, Mindy’s friend. She lives with us. Tony, is it? These two will never get around to introducing us."
"Yeah, my friends call me TonyD" Tony glared past her at Pacey. Pacey was glaring at Mindy. Mindy was looking gratefully at Joey.
"Well, Tony............TonyD.............I want to thank you for seeing Mindy home safely. We’re grateful to you."
Joey turned and started up the stairs. "Coming, Mindy?"
"Yes.........." Mindy said exasperated and said "Thanks, Tony. I’ll see you at work."
Tony waved at Mindy and turned back to Pacey. Pacey said, "I owe you an apology. I’m sorry."
Tony eyed him suspiciously..........warily..........and turned to walk away. "No sweat boss."
Pacey called out. "Lemme give you a ride home." Tony kept walking. |
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| Episode 13 [b:ed2db1c98e]Two Gentlemen From New York[/b:ed2db1c98e]
Part 2
Mindy watched as Tony wrapped cutlery in napkins in preparation for opening the restaurant. He had been here for a week now and Mindy was surprised that he didn’t have food service experience. He seemed to be a natural. Not only was he detailed and conscientious but he was obsessively clean. "Are you sure you’ve never done this before?" she asked.
"I’ve never had a paying job in my life." he replied. "I’ve had lots of people give me money," he grinned, "but it was usually to get me to go away."
"I can’t believe all the things you told me are true." she responded. "You don’t seem to be the gangster type."
"You’re right about that. I’m not the gangster type, but I’ve been in a lot of gangs. And it’s not something I’m proud of. This program is just what I need and I’m going to do whatever it takes to make it work. The boss...............I don’t think he likes me."
"Don’t be silly," Mindy answered. "Pacey is a great guy and he’s a great judge of talent and character too. He’s just a little overly protective of me and he got the wrong idea that night. That’s all."
"I still catch him looking at me funny." Tony said. "I don’t think he likes us spending time together."
"Well, I’m sure you’re wrong." Mindy said. "And if you aren't, I’ll talk to Joey and she’ll straighten him out. I better help you with this." she said jumping in to help him with the prep work. "Your orientation meeting starts in about 15 minutes."
Across the restaurant floor the front door opened and four tall and tanned young people all apparently between 16 to 18 years old walked in and turned toward them. Leading the way was a tall good looking youth with dark hair and a tennis player's physique. Stopping in front of Tony he opened a small piece of paper and said, "Where can I find..........Pacey Witter?" Mindy stepped out from behind the bar and answered, "He’s not in. Can I help you?"
"We’ve got an appointment with him at 11:00..............." and turning to see Mindy for the first time he said, "Well, now. If I don’t think I’m going to like it here. What’s your name gorgeous?"
Realizing that this was one of the new employees, Mindy gathered herself and said, "I’m Mindy Healey. You must be here for the orientation."
The dark haired boy looked her up and down appraisingly and finally said, "I guess you are too. I’m going to enjoy working with you. I’m thinking we can be good friends." he said while leering at her.
Tony came out from behind Mindy and said, "Hey, watch your mouth man. Mindy’s your boss."
The young man grinned at his friends and said, "My name’s Matt and who might you be, Pancho?"
Tony came quickly out from behind the table where he was working and started across the room to where Matt was inching closer and closer to Mindy. "I think man, you’re a little careless. You’re not just going to talk to her like that. You’re not going to talk to ME, TonyD like that either."
"It’s okay, Tony." Mindy said. "I can handle this." Turning back to Matt she said, "I’m sure we’ll all enjoy working together, Matt." emphasizing the word working.
The two girls began to whisper as the second boy stood slightly beyond and separate from the boy who called himself Matt. Tony stood at attention inches from the taller young man’s nose and stared into his eyes until Matt backed up. The two young men locked gazes and stared at one another until Mindy stepped between them just as Leo, Pacey’s assistant manager and Pastry chef walked in. Leo was a large black man in the neighborhood of 6'3" and 260 lbs. Mindy knew him to be a friendly and jovial man but he did look quite imposing. Matt backed up and turned toward his friends. Tony stood unmoving, defiance shining from his eyes.
The smaller and prettier of the girls stepped forward and said, "I’m Krystin and this is Morgan." indicating the taller, pretty brunette. The other young man stepped forward and said, "I’m Lucas ...........Luke. We’re here for the orientation."
"Good," Leo said. "Just in time. Why don’t you all come in here and we’ll get started." He started toward the meeting room to the left and turned to say, "You too, Tony."
Tony turned without looking at anyone, including Mindy and followed them silently into the other room.
Dawson sat behind his desk at Silver Cup Studios and was going over still shots with a magnifying glass. Though Nikki stood a mere two feet away from him he seemed totally unaware of her presence. "Dawson, I know you think it’s not a big deal, but it is to me. I’m not the director of a Spielberg produced film. I don’t have my own successful TV series. My future depends very much on me being taken seriously for my work and I don’t want to be seen as the woman who slept with the director to get what she wanted."
Dawson stopped and put down the magnifying glass. He swiveled the chair toward Nikki and said, "Nikki, no one is going to think that about you. It’s just not true."
"You’re missing the point completely, Dawson. I’m not you and neither are all of them. Others don’t see the world through your eyes. People are much more jaded and I guarantee you, I’ll be that girl. There’s no way we should be going to this banquet together."
"So you’re serious about us going with other dates?" Dawson inquired. "I’m not sure I care for that idea."
Nikki came walking up close to Dawson behind his desk, slipped her hand behind his back and her other hand went up and mussed his hair while whispering in his ear. "It’ll all be good, baby. And I’ll take good care of you when we get home. I promise."
"But who will we take?" said Dawson. "And don’t say Penny from the caterers."
Nikki laughed. "But Dawson, she’s really got a crush on you."
"And it’s going no further than that I assure you. If that’s the way you’re going to be, I’ll find someone. Maybe Gretchen or Andie."
Nikki looked at him warily and said, "Gretchen looked pretty well taken to me last time we saw her. Didn’t you think?"
Dawson turned back to his stills and absent mindedly responded. "Yeah I suppose so." As Nikki left the room, Dawson picked up his phone, hit the number 3 on his speed dial and waited.
"Gretchen, Hi." he said.
Joey sat on the couch with legs crossed under her and her lap top propped on an oversized pillow in her lap. She hadn’t typed anything in the last 10 minutes or so being involved instead in listening to Pacey’s one-sided conversation. It was amusing actually and surely a bit of over-reaction on Pacey’s part. While she was willing to admit Mindy did seem to talk about Tony a little too much for someone who she just met a week earlier, she didn’t get the feeling there was anything more in what she picked up from Mindy that just an interesting new acquaintance. Pacey seemed convinced that she was going to drop everything and run off to Las Vegas to get married. She snapped back to attention, her mind back on the conversation as Pacey walked back into the living room carrying a plate with a big sandwich and chips while continuing his ramble.
"I just don’t see how you don’t think this is a problem, Jo." he said as he sat and took a bite.
"Don’t I get a sandwich too?" she asked.
Pacey stopped chewing and looked at her confused. "I just asked you if you wanted one. You didn’t answer so I figured you were too busy with your writing."
"Surely you’ve noticed, Witter. I haven’t typed a word since you started droning on about Mindy and Tony, and the repetitive nature of your diatribe must have hidden the question. Of course I’m hungry." She stuck out her hand and said, "I’ll just have the rest of yours."
He looked at her, then at his sandwich in a loving and longing manner, then back at her, and deflated passed the plate over to Joey. She sat the laptop down on the couch, reached out and accepted the plate and mumbled her thanks as the sandwich approached her mouth. She took a bite and stopped chewing to display a big fake smile.............then giggled. Pacey watched as his sandwich began to disappear before his eyes.
"That was the last of the ham." he said to himself as he walked back toward the kitchen. Joey could hear him clattering around in the kitchen and eventually said, "Thanks, honey. This is really good."
"Well, it’s about time." he said as he stuck his head back in the room. "That’s just plain rude, Potter." He went back to making another sandwich and in a matter of minutes returned with a sandwich and this time the whole bag of chips. Joey rolled her eyes and looked at him disdainfully but smiled at her overgrown child.
With his mouth full, Pacey started again. "You haven’t seen them at work, Jo. She stares at him all the time and with those puppy dog eyes. It just can’t be a good thing."
"Pacey........of course she looks at him. He’s a really cute guy. Why wouldn’t she?"
"It’s more than that Joey." He paused and then in frustration changed his tactics. "Listen, he seems like a really nice kid. And I’m glad I hired him. I think he has potential, but just a few months ago, he was in a gang. He said he’s basically been in one gang or another all of his life. We’re not talking about little kids running around and hanging out on street corners either. We’re talking street thugs stealing, selling drugs and extorting businesses for protection. This is serious stuff, Jo."
"But you said he’s out of it now." she said.
"Yes, and I believe that he is. I believe that he’s sincerely making an effort to turn his life around and I’m more than willing to help. But Jo, do we know he can do it? Do we know his old gang will let him do it? Are we willing to risk Mindy to my gut feeling that he’s going to do it?"
"Well, I see what you mean. But I don’t read her the same way you do. Not yet at least." The phone on the end table rang and Joey reached out to pick it up. "Joey Potter," she answered. After listening, "Yes, he’s here." She held out the phone to Pacey. "I think it’s Leo."
Pacey took the phone and answered. "Hello." He listened. Then, "I’ll be right there." Turning to Joey. "There’s been some trouble at the restaurant. I don’t exactly know what but Tony’s at the middle of it." He left his lunch on the end table and headed out the door.
"Pacey. Your sandwich!" Joey called out, but he didn’t stop or reply.
"Thanks for meeting me, Joey." Gretchen said. "I know it was short notice but I’ve got something to talk to you about and I really would rather see your face when I ask you."
"Oh boy," Joey replied. "Sounds intriguing. Besides, I needed to eat too. Pacey’s working tonight so I would quite likely have starved." she said smiling.
"I know how that goes. Truth is," Gretchen said, "I pick up a sandwich from a little deli near the apartment more nights than not. I’m just too tired when I get home to make anything. Even a sandwich."
"I know what you mean. I’ve been working non stop on some new ideas. You really got me jump started the other day. You know, I think I could write a story based on my experience and no one would recognize it as Dawson’s story. We all have our own interpretations of events and people in our lives."
"Very true." Gretchen said. "So you’re actually starting?"
"Oh no, not really, but I am playing around, putting things in my saved files. I actually like some of it so it’s kept me busy but in truth what I’m doing is piecing together segments of my life the way I see them. Then maybe if it still makes sense I’ll try to make something coherent out of it. But thanks, Gretchen. Nothing I’ve done up ‘til this point has meant anything to me. This I feel. This I have some passion for. I’m very hopeful."
"Awwww, that’s great Joey. I’m happy for you."
"So what’s up Gretchen? What’s going on you want to talk about?"
Gretchen played with her silverware, rearranging it just so, and then moved her wine glass and water glass to different places on the table and said, "It’s about Brad, Joey."
"Go on." Joey said. "What about Brad? Did something happen?"
"No, it’s not that at all. Everything’s great in fact. You know his schedule makes it hard to spend quality time together. He spends 24 hours at a time routinely at the hospital, just like Andie does. But we’ve managed to spend a lot of time together anyway in the last few weeks. He’s such a great guy Joey. I love spending time with him. He is so much fun."
"So...........what’s the problem. You left out he’s beautiful." Joey teased.
"Yeah I did and he is............from head to toe I might add." Gretchen said. "The problem is.......... Dawson."
"Ahhhhhhh," Joey said knowingly.............understanding immediately without another word spoke what the problem was. "He’s not Dawson."
"Well, yes and no." Gretchen admitted. "You see, I really thought I found someone here who could get my mind off of Dawson."
"And it’s not working?" Joey asked.
"It was...................until this afternoon." Gretchen went on. "Dawson called me and asked me to go to a studio dinner with him. I said yes without even thinking. I never considered whether it would be a problem with me and Brad. I mean we’re not exclusive, although it feels a lot like we are. I haven’t seen anyone else and I’m sure he hasn’t either so I don’t know if I should tell him or not. Secondly, can I even handle going?"
"Wait, Gretchen. What about Nikki? Did they break up? Are they fighting?"
"No, that’s why I’m so pathetic. It’s a studio event and apparently they’ve kept their relationship hidden from her bosses there at the studio. So they’re both bringing dates. I said yes so quickly that I didn’t understand the situation and in hindsight, I think I would’ve said yes even if I did."
"Oh, Gretchen, this must be hard for you. I’m so sorry. What can I do? What can I help you with?"
"Part of me thinks I should tell Brad. Part of me says no. Part of me says call Dawson and cancel, part of me says no. I don’t know what I should do. I don’t expect you to answer for me but I just needed to talk about it.......you know. To get it into focus. Lately I tell Andie everything but about Dawson? I still can’t talk to her about Dawson."
"I completely understand. Gretchen you just have to decide what this date means to you. If you’ve really put or really want to put Dawson behind you, you just tell Brad that one of your oldest friends has asked you to go as a favor and it’s not a big deal. If you can’t say that, you keep your mouth shut until you CAN say that. Either way you’re going to go. We both know that now don’t we?" she grinned.
Dawson sat with his back to the desk in his 34th floor suite and looked out the window. "I really don’t like New York much," he thought, "but it has given me some opportunities I’ll never forget." Right now Dawson just wanted to go home. Not to Los Angeles but to Capeside. It had been over a month since he had been home to see his mother and Lily and busy or not he felt badly. Since he had found himself with the means to do so, he had made it home at least once a month for a weekend but now he was only a hop, skip, and a jump away from home and couldn’t seem to find his way. He knew that wasn’t what was really bothering him though. Nikki hadn’t been at all happy when she found out he had asked Gretchen. Never mind that she had asked this young, bronze Adonis from "The Days of Our Lives" but this was different. He knew that she didn’t like Gretchen. No, that wasn’t it really. She just didn’t trust Gretchen and him with Gretchen. "It’s silly, of course." he thought to himself but the nagging voice inside which had urged him to invite an actress the studio would have happily provided instead told him otherwise.
He and Gretchen did have a history and there was that look from the restaurant that night. He was sure he had seen it and therefore he knew he didn’t need to be pushing his luck. Something inside though told him he didn’t really have a choice. Gretchen was his friend............nothing more and he wasn’t going to betray his friends for Nikki or anyone else. He swiveled around in his chair and opened the laptop and opened it. He clicked expertly on Internet Explorer and waited for his window to open. Right at that moment an impulse caused him to click on ‘start’ and ‘my documents‘. He opened the document called Gretpriv1. It appeared as a scanned document written entirely in cursive.
"Dear Dawson... I've been thinking about what to say to you since I left your house yesterday. I thought about waiting for you to come to my door, saying this face to face, but I knew it would be too hard. I realize that, as much as I need to move on, you need to stay here. Your whole life is about to change in a way that will never be the same. You're opening a new chapter, and you have to give a proper good-bye to the old one. You don't want to miss these moments, even the sad ones, because you'll never get them back. So enjoy this time. Let it wash over you so that your memories of it are strong. Besides, I don't need to spend a month in a car to fall in love with you. I already am in love with you, even more than you know. So good-bye, Dawson Leery. Thank you for changing my life and opening my heart again. You'll never know how much it meant to me. Have a bitchin' summer. Love, Gretchen."
He continued to look at the screen, immobilized, possibly rereading for another few minutes before closing the lap top and returning to looking out the window.
One by one Pacey had talked to the three boys during the afternoon shift and tonight he never let them out of his sights. Leo was right about all three. He seemed to have an instinct about them. Tony was hard working with a chip on his shoulder the size of the lower east side. Lucas was a born follower. Probably not a bad kid all in all but his best friend, Matt, was the leader. A born instigator that one. He reminded Pacey somewhat uncomfortably about a Matt he had gone to high school with. It had been all he could do to keep from firing him on the spot that afternoon. It was bad enough to find out that Tony had been standing up for Mindy when all four of the new teens had been talking unflatteringly about her when the commotion had broken out that afternoon. Leo, with his enormous size advantage had quickly put a stop to the so called fight but not before a hundred dollars or so worth of bar glasses had been broken all over the room. On the positive note, Mindy didn’t seem to have a clue what had happened since she hadn’t attended the orientation class where it occurred. Tonight, he had insisted she take off early and she accompanied Joey home early. One more thing he didn’t have to worry about tonight. He completed his rounds of the restaurant and saw everything was pretty much taken care of for the night and he told Lucas and Matt to punch out and go home. The girls, serving as hostesses that evening, had left an hour earlier. Pacey made a mental note not to schedule them all together again. That would be one way to keep some of the negative possibilities in check. As they went to get their jackets he found Tony finishing up the sweeping in the kitchen. "That’s not really necessary Tony. The night crew will be here any minute. They take care of all the heavy cleaning for us."
Tony replied, "I know boss. I just needed to keep myself occupied until time to go home. I don’t like to ride the clock, you know."
"I appreciate that Tony." Pacey said. "I really appreciate all your hard work. It’s about that time now. Why don’t you go ahead and get your jacket and punch."
"You got it, jefe." Tony responded.
As Tony retreated across the kitchen to the storage room Pacey called out. "I want you to know to how much I appreciate your intentions this afternoon, even if it didn’t work out all that well. Mindy is pretty capable of taking care of herself, you know."
Tony stopped and turned around. He sized Pacey up and said, "Where I come from, we don’t let people talk that way about our friends." He walked on into the stockroom.
He came back out and said, "Hasta la noche, jefe." and walked out the front door.
Pacey reflected on the simple statement and knew that where he came from they don’t let people talk that way about friends either. Especially people like Matt Caufield. He walked across the room, turning off the lights and setting the perimeter alarm system. As he opened the door and looked out he was just in time to see Matt and Lucas in a blue Mercedes convertible with upheld hands in the semblance of pistols squeezing off two shots at the still figure of Tony standing along the sidewalk. "Oh boy." he thought to himself. "Those two don’t know who they’re screwing with." Pacey made an obvious show of noisily closing the door. Tony turned to look at him locking up and Pacey said, "Hey, Tony. I’m glad I caught you. I was thinking about what you just said. Can I buy you a cup of coffee and I’ll give you a ride home?"
Tony hesitated thinking about the offer, not suspiciously but evaluating what it meant. "Smart kid." Pacey thought to himself as Tony said, "Sure, why not."
Pacey stumbled half asleep across the living room floor wearing only his pajama bottoms on his way to the refrigerator for something to erase the nighttime’s deposits from his mouth. He lifted the gallon of orange juice from the top shelf, popped off the lid and began to drink directly from the jug.
"Pacey!!!" Joey taunted. "You know what I’ve said about drinking from the jug."
Pacey turned with a sheepish look on his face only to see Joey, Andie and Mindy sitting at the kitchen table.
"Whooo woo!!!" Mindy teased and Andie joined in.
Pacey at first seemed embarrassed but quickly recovered and struck a pose for the ladies. "I’m sorry, I didn’t know we had company so early in the morning."
Andie said, "Pacey it’s a quarter ‘til 11. I can’t believe Joey let’s you sleep in so late. She’s way to easy on your sorry butt."
Mindy laughed heartily and Joey looked on with a look which said "I know why you’re still in bed, but why ruin their fun."
Actually Pacey had stayed to break in a new cleaning service the night before. It was the third crew he had used in the few months the Ice House had been open in New York. He actually hadn’t even made it home and to bed until around 4:30 am.
"Laugh all you want, ladies. You didn’t see my date." He grinned and walked with a bump and a grind across the room and back to the bedroom to get dressed.
"Will that one ever grow up, Joey?" Andie asked.
Joey answered, "Not likely but hey............it’s part of what I love about him."
"Yeah, I know what you mean. He does have a mysterious quality about him doesn’t he?" said Andie.
"Either that or we’re both totally delusional," said Joey laughing.
Andie joined in laughing and said, "Well, he’s your problem now."
"He was yours first." Joey came back.
"Oh no you don’t." Andie said. "Don’t blame him on me."
"Wait a minute now." said Mindy. "Is there something I don’t know about you and Pacey, Andie?"
"Ancient history, hon." Andie replied. Just then Pacey came back into the room fully clothed and struck another pose for them totally unaware of their conversation.
"Pacey, what’s this I hear about you and Andie? Some ancient history between you two?" Mindy asked.
"It’s nothing," Pacey answered. "That was when Andie was still crazy." He dodged the teaspoon Andie launched across the room at him and said, "I’ll tell you all about it on the way to work. Are you ready?"
Mindy said, "I guess. I’ll see you tonight, Joey. It was nice talking to you again, Andie."
Pacey walked up to Joey and kissed her proffered cheek and on his way out said, "I’ll see you ladies later. Don’t be a stranger, Andie."
"Pacey, I probably won’t be in for dinner tonight." Joey said. "I promised to help Gretchen get ready for her big date."
"Okay then. Let me know if I should bring something home for you." Pacey said as he walked out.
"Gretchen and Brad are going out tonight? I thought he was on duty tonight?" Andie said.
Joey’s cheeks flushed at her faux pax and admitted to Andie, "She’s going with Dawson to a dinner given by the studio."
Andie looked confuse and stammered, "I thought she and Brad were doing so well?"
Joey replied, "Well apparently they are." and in way of recovery offered, "Dawson and Nikki couldn’t go together because the studio doesn’t know they’re seeing each other so he had to find someone safe to go with."
"Oh, I see." Andie commented, but not believing a word of it.
Joey finished telling the story to Gretchen as she was finishing up putting up her hair. Gretchen took it well enough, mainly concerned that Andie wouldn’t forgive her for not trusting her with the information. She was surprised Andie hadn’t called her immediately but she hadn’t, and that couldn’t possibly be a good sign. Gretchen stood and walked across to the full length mirror near the bedroom door and looked into it.
"Just lovely." said Joey. "You’ll turn every head there."
"Think so?" said Gretchen. She hoped so since she had maxed out her emergency credit card to buy this dress. It was an interesting blend of sexy, revealing and classy. At least that’s what she hoped it said. "Do you really like the dress, Joey?"
Joey said, "I’d have bought it myself if I’d seen it first. It looks great on you, Gretchen. You’re very beautiful."
"Thanks, Joey. I don’t want to embarrass Dawson."
"Don’t be silly, Gretchen. He’s going to be dazzled." Just then the door bell rang and Joey said, "I’ll just wait in the other room until you leave and I’ll lock up behind me. Good luck, Gretch."
"Thanks, Joey. I owe you."
Joey went in the bedroom and closed the door. She sat on the bed and heard the door open and the mumbled sound of voices in the other room. She looked around and stood and walked quickly across the room and put her ear against the door.............nothing. She stood and waited both embarrassed and curious for a couple of more minutes before opening the door, walking across the room, opening the outer door and going out, locking up behind her. |
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| YAY you updated again!! Cant wait to see what happended at the event!! Great update!! I loved it!! More please! :D |
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don't have time to read it right now....but yayyyyyyyyyyyy
i'm just happy that you updated,I will read it in a few hours...YAY.... I just can't wait |
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| [b:1ffaffdca1]Two Gentlemen Of New York [/b:1ffaffdca1]
Part 3
When Pacey finally got the time to sit down with Howard Greene, Howard was already finishing his dinner. "I’m sorry I’m so late. You can see we’re incredibly busy tonight. I could’ve used a few extra people but this is all new to us. Every restaurant is different. Eventually it settles into a pattern but we’re pretty new to the big city."
"Don’t worry about it Pacey. I totally understand." Howard said. "I appreciate you taking the time to fill me in on how things are going here. This is all a pretty new thing for me also. Even I think we may be biting off too much here, trying to run these two programs simultaneously and you, my young friend, are taking the brunt of it for me. I really appreciate that."
"Well, I’m happy to do it and I have gotten some excellent help from the program as well, so far."
Howard interrupted, "Pacey. Don’t beat around the bushes with me. I’ve got another restaurant and a department store lined up to participate along with you and I need to know everything. All of the issues are important. Please don’t hold anything back."
"Okay, I’m happy to report there are no real problems............unless you count the fight Tony and Matt had practically destroying my kitchen." Pacey said.
"They what?" Howard asked.
"I am exaggerating a bit." Pacey continued. "Let me say this first. Tony is a really good kid and I’m glad to have him. He’s polite, works hard, shows some real potential. It’s hard for me to believe the stories I’ve heard about him and his background. Matt, on the other hand, is still new to me. He seems to have a real attitude and so far I find myself comparing him to another Matt we both knew."
"Ahhhhhhhh, young Mr. Caufield." Howard added, "The similarities are there, of course, but let me assure you Matt Lewiston has a father who doesn’t plan on letting his son turn out that way..... Which is why he’s here."
"So that’s the thrust of this program. Parents trying to bring their spoiled children back to reality by making them bus tables for a living." Pacey said.
"In a nutshell, yes." said Howard. "The fight?"
"Yes, well," Pacey began, "they broke a few dishes. Pushed each other around a bit was all. Apparently Matt’s taken a demeaning interest in Mindy and Tony rushed in to stop Matt’s little group from talking about her. It’s pretty well under control I think."
"And how did you do that?" said Howard.
"Scheduling." Pacey replied. "I don’t let them work together."
Howard laughed, "That would work I guess."
"And," Pacey continued, "I’m splitting Matt’s group up as much as possible. It won’t always work but it’s helped so far. Matt’s actually doing okay from what I can see. I think he goes into show-off mode when someone’s around to see him. I’m actually surprised at the effort he’s showing."
"That has everything to do with a car that he gets to have now and a trust fund he’ll get at 21 instead of at 30." Howard said. "He’s been given incentives."
"Good to know.....That could give me something to work with some day as well." Pacey said.
"I wouldn’t hesitate to use it, Pacey. Not at all."
"Can I get you some coffee, Howard?" Pacey asked.
"This is what I get for trying to impress you." Dawson said. "I wanted to drive tonight, partially because I got this great new car and partially because I wanted to impress you with my great new car." He smiled as he looked across the front seat at her. Her quick smile was dazzling.
"You don’t have to impress me, Dawson. I’m the one who knew you were going to make it big, remember?"
"I do seem to remember a little encouragement coming from you some years back." Dawson replied. "Still doing it now too. Thank you for coming with me. This really isn’t a big thing as big things go, but the studio thinks it is."
"It is for me too. It’s not often I get to dress up and go out amongst the rich and famous." said Gretchen.
"I doubt that there’ll be too many famous there. Mostly behind the scenes staff and acting wannabes. The food and music should be good though. I have to confess, Gretchen. When I got out of that traffic jam back there I was sure I knew where I was going. I’ve done so much driving around New York, albeit in the back end of a limo, I thought I pretty much knew my way around. Right now I’m not so sure though. Why does one city have so many streets with the same numbers. Whoever heard of meeting at the corner of 43rd and 43rd?"
"I know what you mean. It can be pretty confusing. I take the subways most of the time and they can be pretty confusing themselves." Gretchen hesitated a minute then added, "This neighborhood is beginning to look a little disconcerting. Are we really lost?"
Dawson slowed and looked over at her. He grudgingly nodded his head and said, "I think so."
He pointed across the street at a man going through a trash can and said "I guess we could ask for directions."
Gretchen rolled her eyes and said, "I don’t think so. Just keep driving."
As Pacey walked back into the kitchen Tony stopped him. "I saw you talking to Mr. Greene from the school district. Am I getting kicked out?"
Pacey smiled and said, "No, Tony. In fact he was here because they’re planning on setting up some new businesses for guys like you to work at. I told him everything was going great here."
"You did?" Tony asked with eyes wide. "Dios mio. That’s great! Thank you. I mean.......... you could’ve told him about that thing with me and that rich kid."
"I did tell him about it," Pacey said "and I also told him we’re working through it. I told him you’re doing a great job and I was glad he introduced us."
Tony seemed embarrassed at the compliment and turned to keep working.
Pacey said, "Let me know when you’re done with those pots and pans. I’m going to teach you how to slice potatoes."
It was getting increasingly dark and there didn’t seem to be a lot of streetlights working in the neighborhood. "It’s funny how you can seem like you’re in a totally different world when I’d lay you odds we’re not more than two miles from the hotel we’re looking for. This is a city full of contradictions."
"It sure is, but I see both sides everyday at the newspaper so it doesn’t surprise me the way it probably does you." Gretchen jumped at a sound which seemed to be something thrown at the car. Dawson heard it too and looked around then sped up. He knew at once that the sound they heard was a blowout on the right rear of the car. The bumpity bump was immediate and obvious.
"Oh man." Dawson said under his breath. "Not here. Not now." Gretchen sat quietly and nervously. She didn’t say a word. "I better look. Be right back."
Gretchen could see Dawson clearly enough in the glow from the headlights to see that it wasn’t good. She watched as he retrieved his cell phone from his jacket pocket and dialed. He waited and spoke for a few moments then hung up. He returned to the car.
"I’m sorry, Gretchen. I called the auto club. They’re going to try and find someone to come out. It’s totally blown."
"Don’t you have a spare?" Gretchen asked.
"I’m sure I do, but it’s a new car. I don’t even know where it or the jack are."
Gretchen smiled teasingly, "Dawson, I know how to change a flat tire." She laughed.
"Very funny." he said. "I’m sure I could figure it out, but look at us Gretchen. We shouldn’t be changing tires dressed like this."
"I guess you’re right." she said. "Are they sending someone?"
"They’re going to call me back. I told them the address from that street corner sign over there and they said they may not be able to get anyone to come down here at night." Gretchen winced and Dawson said, "I know. I’m sorry."
"Well, they’ll come through for....." She stopped as his cell phone rang through the nighttime air.
Dawson answered and his frustration was obvious as he listened.
"There’s nothing else you can do?" He listened. "If this neighborhood is as bad as you say I can’t very well leave the car here either, can I?" He listened again. "Fine. Thanks for all your help." he said sarcastically as he hung up. Dialing the phone he said, "I’ll try and get a cab. They can’t get anyone to come. Said we need to stay in the car."
"Damn!" Gretchen said wide-eyed as she listened to his call.
Again she could see him beginning to move from frustration to anger. "They won’t come either. Normally I’d just call the studio and they’d get someone out here but they’re all at this event........ from janitors on up."
"I don’t have any bright ideas either Dawson...........maybe if I call someone at the paper they’ll have some idea...................wait!! PACEY!! My brother will be here faster than we can count the fingers on both hands."
Dawson grinned and looked visibly relieved. He handed her the phone. "You call."
"I know exactly what you’re thinking. When Danny Brecker taught me how to slice potatoes I thought he was nuts too. There’s a method to my madness, I promise you. Just keep going."
When his cell phone rang, he reached into his pocket and flipped it open. Tony kept going but was rolling his eyes and looking very impatient at the prospect of going through the remainder of this bin of potatoes.
"Dawson..........what’s up man? I thought you were partying tonight?"
"It’s me Pace." Gretchen answered. "We need some help."
"Name it Sis. It’s yours."
"We got lost on the way to the dinner and had a blow out. We’re in a really bad neighborhood and the auto club won’t come. Neither will cabs."
"Tell me where you’re at, Gretchen. I’ll be right there."
"I don’t know..............I’ll let you talk to Dawson." She handed the phone to Dawson.
"Hey Pace. Sorry to trouble you." Dawson said.
"Don’t give it a second thought. I’m glad you called." Pacey replied. "Do you know where you are?"
Dawson gave Pacey the numbers from the street intersection and Pacey hung up the phone. "I’ve got to go Tony. My sister and her date are stuck in a pretty rough neighborhood with a flat tire. I’ve got to go pick them up. Do you know the best way to get to 76th ave. at 123rd st.?"
Tony sat down his knife and said, "You’re kidding right?"
"No, that’s where they’re at." Pacey said.
"I’m going with you." Tony said. "That’s Spanish Harlem. My neighborhood."
Ten minutes later Dawson stood pacing outside the drivers door of his car. The neighborhood was quiet and had been except for the old man digging through the trash earlier. He looked at his watch. "What’s taking so long?"
"Dawson, would you please get in the car? You know it’s not safe out there." Gretchen pleaded.
"It’s quiet Gretchen and I’m too nervous to just sit still."
"Well you’re making me highly nervous standing out there. I’d feel much better if you’d get in the car."
Dawson sighed and reached for the handle of the driver door as a set of headlights turned the corner and began to approach slowly. "Finally." he said and began to walk toward the car.
Gretchen leaned over near his window and said, "Dawson, that’s not an SUV. It’s not Pacey’s car."
Dawson hesitated as he saw three fairly dark silhouettes emerging from 3 doors of the car. Clearly now as the headlights went out and the dome light captured the emerging figures he could see this wasn’t his old friend Pacey Witter. He took one step back and then began to turn.
"Que paso, vato? Necessita ayuda?" one of the figures shouted. When Dawson didn’t answer or turn around the same voice said, "Need some help?"
This time Dawson stopped, turned and said, "Thanks, but we have help on the way."
Another voice coming closer said, "We? You some one witchu man?"
"Just me and a friend, and like I said, our help is on the way, but thanks...........really." He turned and got into the car.
As the moon broke suddenly from behind the building across the street he could clearly see three young men, Hispanic by their accents and young by their dress approaching the car with what appeared to be at least a tire iron and a baseball bat.
Gretchen gasped at the recognition and Dawson said out loud, "Pacey where are you?" He picked up the cell from the front seat and flipped it open to call 911.
"Put it down!!! NOW!!!" the first voice shouted as the baseball bat smashed down on the windshield smashing it into a million fragments but not breaking all the way through. "Put down the cell, amigo and we won’t hurt you."
Gretchen said, "You better do it Dawson. The police can’t make it here before they get in the car anyway."
Dawson left the phone open and sat it on the car seat beside his leg while pushing 9-1-1. "What do you want? What do you want us to do?" he asked.
He sat forward in his seat and in his movement pushed the send button on his phone.
The other two men were right outside Gretchen’s window now and pawing at the window. "Look at the pritty laydee................" The other said "Hey Chuy, look what we got here man."
Gretchen scooted half way across the car and Dawson shouted, "Okay. You’ve scared us. Now go away an leave us alone." For the benefit of the cell phone which he hoped was being listened to by some anonymous 911 operator he added, "We wouldn’t be at 76th and 123rd if we had known it was going to be a problem."
"Hey, chu hear that man. This vato knows where he is." The first tough one who was apparently the leader said, "You didn’t know you was in Hurricane territory, is that it? You don’t go in Hurricane territory at night man. No chu don’t." He shook his head sadly and sincerely.
Just then one of the others moved to the back of the car and smashed the rear glass into a million tiny shards of glass. Gretchen screamed and Dawson reached out and pulled her into his arms.
"Now turn here." Tony instructed. "Straight ahead to the next stop sign. Run it and turn right."
"I sure hope you know what you’re doing." Pacey said. "You’re even scaring me and that’s not real easy to do."
"You want to get there fast, verdad? Just keep doing what you’re doing. We’re almost there."
Pacey sped forward much faster than he should have under any circumstances in the city but the streets were quiet and from what Tony said he had reasons to hurry and to be worried.
As he turned the next corner Tony said, "Right there..............see the sign for the bar...........El Pollo Loco? Turn in the alley right before the bar."
"Turn in the alley?" Pacey said.
"Trust me." said Tony. "And when you do, turn off your lights."
The alley was pitch black and littered with trash and overturned trash cans. Immediately in front of him a dog scampered in front of the car and he slammed on his brakes. "It’s just some stray." Tony said. "Keep going." He started forward again. It was so dark he could barely see in any direction. Straight ahead there seemed to be a slight difference in the color of black but he couldn’t be sure. He felt so totally foreign to this alien landscape that he couldn’t believe he was really here. "STOP!" Tony said. Pacey stopped and Tony opened the passenger door and was quickly out of the car. He slowly, and quietly closed it behind him. As he moved forward he raised he motioned for Pacey to join him and started forward. Pacey got out and also closed the door gingerly then moved to follow Tony. He could tell the point at which Tony moved into the street. There was a definite difference in the colors of black which became clear and obvious. Just then he heard a crash............followed by a scream.
Chuy moved close to Dawson’s window and said "It’s time man. Enough is enough. Open the door. I don’t want to break more glass. It’s just more work for me when I sell your car."
His friends broke into hysterical laughter and Chuy rolled his eyes at them. "Come on now. Open the door."
Pacey raced into the street with Gretchen’s name on his lips as he felt Tony’s strong grip around his face and over his mouth. Tony looked him in the eye with an intensity belying his age and placed one finger over his lips motioning Pacey to silence. Fifty feet in front of them Pacey could clearly see three men in baggy pants with scarves around their heads. One definitely held a baseball bat and another appeared to be holding a lug wrench. The third stood beside the window of a car with a broken back window. He was speaking in a Spanish accent but Pacey could hear him clearly enough. Tony turned to Pacey, moved closely in front of him and whispered, "You listen to me Jefe. I can handle this. Don’t say nothing, okay?"
Pacey slowly nodded as the young man withdrew his hand from his mouth and seemed to understand that this was Tony’s game. He understood that he would merely get in the way. Slowly but decisively Tony stepped out of the shadows of the alley and started forward.
Living in the streets creates an instinct which only those who have it can understand. If you don’t develop it in Spanish Harlem you don’t go out at night or you don’t survive if you do. Tonyd had it. So did Chuy Esparza. Chuy was only 17 but was already a big man in the Hurricanes. He killed his first man at 13 and his first Bopper at 15. He was an alumni of juvenile detention not once but twice and took pride in the fact that he actually improved his standing in the ‘Canes while inside. There was a good chance if something were to happen to Manny and Rafi that he would be the youngest ‘Cane ever to lead. There was always Pico but Pico was tonto, a fool, and he could handle him when the time came. Tonight...........this was fun. Nothing more, just fun. Sure they were slightly in Bopper territory but no one ever came over here. This fancy ass gringo and his lady were just the thing they needed for a little excitement............just a minute more and he’d....
"Is that you Chuy?" Tony asked quietly. He stood no more than 10 feet from Chuy now and even the two facing him across the car top hadn’t seen him arrive. Chuy spun around in his tracks and faced Tony. The other two muttered to themselves.............."Boppers?" And looked from left to right. Chuy was calm but Tony could see his eyes glancing quickly from left to right looking for more Boppers. Tony couldn’t be here alone. Then slowly his eyes focused over Tony’s shoulder and he could see one. One more just in the shadow of the alleyway. But where there were two there were more and no way would Tonyd be here confronting him, Chuy Esparza, alone.
"Ese, Tonyd. Yeah, it’s me. You got some problem with me having some fun?"
"No way, Chuy. No way. But do you know where you are? This is Bopper territory."
Chuy laughed, "No way, ese. It can’t be."
"It is, Chuy. I know. That’s my brother’s blood on that sidewalk by your pendejo amigos."
The two Hurricanes stood taller on hearing the insult but said nothing. Chuy reached into his flannel shirt for a cigarette and Tony reached behind his back.
Looking on from afar Pacey could tell that Tony was running some kind of bluff but he didn’t know what. He could see the one called Chuy looking past Tony and assumed he could see him standing here. His heart told him "Get up there and help this kid, Pacey." but his instincts told him to stay back as Tony instructed. Suddenly it happened, and it happened fast. He saw Chuy reach into his shirt, probably for a gun and Tony reached behind his back. The leader turned and ran as fast as his legs would carry him and jumped in the front seat of an old Chevy parked down the street. The other two barely managed to climb in before Chuy left tracks speeding quickly between where Pacey and Tony stood facing one another. Pacey went walking up to Tony and said, "Would you care to tell me what just happened here?"
The car door opened behind them and Dawson got out. "Pacey? Is that you?"
Pacey patted Tony on the back and walked past him toward the car. "It’s me buddy. Are you alright? Gretchen? Are you okay?" The sound of police sirens cut through the night air and Gretchen said, "We’re fine little brother thanks to you and your friend. Are you going to introduce us?"
Tony looked uncomfortable listening to the approaching sirens and said, "I better get going."
"Not on your life, Tony. You’re safe with us. Dawson, Gretchen, this is Tony, my friend. He works with me at the restaurant."
Tony’s head jerked a little at the mention of him as a friend and stuck out his hand to Dawson. "I still don’t think it’s a good idea for me to stay. I’ve got a lot of history around here."
Dawson said, "Please stay, Tony. I don’t know what the problem is but I know we can protect you and we will."
As the police Black and Whites came skidding to a halt, the officers jumped out and with hands on holsters said, "Is everything all right here folks?"
Dawson stepped forward and said, "It is now officer, thanks to our friends here."
A burly African-American Sergeant went straight toward Tony and spun him around frisking him quickly. "Delgado............why doesn’t this surprise me?" And to Dawson, "What did he do this time, sir?"
Pacey started to jump in but Dawson took charge and said, "Officer, Delgado..........uh, Tony just saved our lives. We were attacked by three gang members and Tony and my friend arrived just in time to run them off."
The officer turned to Tony and said, "I heard you were making an attempt at going straight. Is it true?"
Tony said, "Can I go now?"
Pacey, realizing how uncomfortable his young protégée truly was stepped in and said, "I’ll take you home Tony."
Tony said, "If it’s all the same to you, I’d like to go back and clean up the mess we left at the restaurant."
"Sure thing." Pacey said. "Are you two going to be okay. Need a ride?"
The officer said, "We’re going to need to take them downtown to make a statement and we’ll also have to get their car towed. We should be able to get them home afterwards. Is that okay?" he asked Dawson.
Gretchen began walking toward the police cruiser and asked the officer, "You seemed to know him pretty well, officer?"
"Ma’am..........that’s Tony Delgado. He was the head of the Boppers, the toughest gang in Manhattan, since he was 17. He always carried a gun behind his back tucked into his belt. He was always honorable in his own way but forgive me if I don’t see a killer like him turning over a new leaf."
Gretchen watched her brother and Tony get in the car and drive away.
Pacey opened the front door and walked in. "Honey, I’m home!" he sang out.
"In here." Joey called out. Pacey walked into the dining room and saw Joey working on her laptop at the table. "Hi, honey." she said. "You’re late tonight."
"It’s been a crazy night, but very productive. I got Tony started on slicing potatoes. He’s picking it up pretty well. The place was busy but not out of control so we had time to work on some things. Oh, and then Dawson called for some help. He and Gretchen got lost and had a flat tire. I told him I’d go help. How about you? What did you do tonight?"
"Nothing much. I helped Gretchen get ready for the dinner. You should’ve seen her. She was so pretty............oh..........I guess you did see her didn’t you?"
"Yeah I did, but it was dark and she was in the car. I don’t think they ever made it to the dinner though. They were stuck in a pretty tough neighborhood and couldn’t get the auto club out so Dawson called me. Tony knew the area so he went with me and it worked out great. I told you about him being in a gang before, right?"
Joey said, "Why do I get the feeling I’m not going to like this?"
Pacey shuffled his feet inadvertently and moved to the closet where he removed and hung up his belt and slipped out of his shoes. From inside the walk-in closet he said, "When we got there some neighborhood boys were hanging around the car and Tony got them to back off and go away. The police came in and had the car towed and gave them a ride."
"Why didn’t you just give them a ride, Pacey?"
"Okay, you got me. They kind of broke his windshield and Dawson had to file a police report."
"Pacey!!! Oh my gosh. Are they okay?"
"They’re fine. Tony and I got there just in time. The police were a few minutes behind." Pacey said.
"And these were Tony’s friends?" Joey asked.
"No, No, No..............I got the definite impression these guys wanted nothing to do with Tony."
"Well that definitely makes me feel better." Joey said.
As Dawson stepped out of the cab he asked the driver to wait while he saw the lady to the door. Once assured that he would be paid by the fifty dollar bill Dawson dropped in his hand, the driver was more than willing to wait. He turned up the radio and pulled down his cap’s visor over his eyes. Dawson helped Gretchen out of the car and they walked toward her front door.
"I don’t think I’ll ever be able to make this up to you. I was scared to death so I’m sure you were too."
Gretchen laughed and said, "Dawson, how many times do I have to tell you to quit apologizing. You didn’t do anything wrong and these things just happen. Plus, we both learned something about ourselves tonight."
"What’s that, pray tell?" Dawson asked.
"We can both get good and scared without peeing our pants." Gretchen giggled.
Dawson laughed out loud and said, "I think I came pretty close."
Gretchen sighed in disbelief and said, "You were very brave, Dawson. A little stupid maybe, but very brave."
"Yeah, well, I feel pretty stupid and not so brave. Among other stupid things, I never thought to call Nikki until we were at the police station and she had her phone turned off. She does that when she’s mad. She says it keeps her from saying things she might regret later." He grinned but didn’t look like he felt very funny.
"Well, she’ll understand when she hears how it all happened and then she’ll be glad she didn’t yell at you."
"I hope you’re right. She’s a little self-conscious when it comes to you, Gretchen."
"Self conscious?" Gretchen asked. "What do you mean?"
Dawson shuffled his feet and looked down. He never did answer and finally Gretchen said, "You mean she’s jealous?"
"Yeah. That’s exactly what I mean."
"Oh, Dawson. Why? It’s not like we spend a lot of time together, or talk a lot. Sure there’s history but that’s history, right?" She looked at him for assurance but he wasn’t looking back.
"Remember the last flat tire we had?" Dawson asked. "What was that guys name? Irv?"
"Yeah, I think Irv, maybe." Gretchen said. "Tony was this time's Irv."
Dawson laughed again. "I’m sure Irv would love that comparison."
Gretchen joined him laughing and they continued all the way to the elevator. "You don’t have to take me all the way up, Dawson. I’ll be fine from here."
"Are you sure?..........I don’t mind." he said.
"Yeah, I’m sure. You can get home if not by the time Nikki does, at least soon after."
Dawson agreed. "You’re probably right. Okay............so good night. And thank you for going with me and protecting me."
Gretchen winked and said, "Anytime." She leaned forward to kiss him on the cheek. Dawson reacted instinctively and turned his head..............not to the side. He took her lips to his and kissed her deeply and sensuously. Gretchen felt her knees buckle. Slowly, deliberately, she began to pull away. She looked him directly in the eye. Dawson looked at her confused and hungry. Gretchen bit her lower lip and said, "Good night, Dawson." As the door clicked shut, on the other side, Gretchen looked out the peephole at Dawson standing there lost and confused. Finally he turned and walked away. Should she? |
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