#mrs lipsky

Good Girl in A Bad Place

How did she end up here, oh yeah Michelle. Estelle rolled her eyes at herself, fixing her green glasses and moving to pull her sweater closer. It had seemed like a good idea, an act of rebellion for once in her life. Simple too, go out with one of her closest girlfriends, Michelle to go meet a few guys and go out dancing. Now it felt stupid, she shouldn't even be anywhere near here. She knew better. Michelle had decided to be risky, and go to a seedy bar in the inner city, a hotbed of chaos and crime… Estelle should have just taken the bus home or called her parents… but she couldn't do that. They'd be disappointed in her not using her brains.

"Hey there, red, what brings a cute girl like you here?" asked a gruff man who smelt strongly of alcohol.

"I'm waiting for my friend," said Estelle, a wash of unease coming over her but she kept the emotions off her face the best she could.

"I'll be your friend, babe," he leaned towards her, "How about you and I get real friendly, catch my drift."

"I'll pass on that scene," said Estelle, looking for Michelle.

"Come on sugar, a girl like you don't come here for a pop," said the guy again, "You come here to make some money or make your daddy mad."

"I said no," said Estelle firmly, her skin was crawling as he touched her face.

"That's what all the girl's say at first around here," smirked the sleazy guy, his hand on her leg.

"I said get bent," snapped Estelle, shoving him away from her.

"You gonna regret that," glared the guy, but he skulked off.

Estelle sat there for a few minutes, her nerves shaken and no sight of Michelle, she decided it was her best interest to catch a cab or a bus home. She grabbed her purse and made haste to the exit, it was getting late, and the bar was starting to fill up with a number of people she was sure weren't just there for drinks after a long days work. She moved aside towards the darker lit part of the bar to let people in, trying her best to be well mannered even in these situations. She felt someone grab her wrist and yank her backwards. She found herself sitting on the sleaze from earlier lap, at the laugh of a few of his friends.

"So nice of you to drop by again, Red." laughed the sleaze, "How about that fun we discussed. Come to apologize."

"Let go," snapped Estelle as his arms circled her waist.

"What's going on over here," came a gruff voice as a figure stood over their table.

Estelle struggled in the creeps grasp but she saw the fleeting look of fear on the creeps face as she looked up at who was now talking. A broad-shouldered man in a well tailored suite stood there now. He looked to have walked over from a table a bit away as the men and women at the table looked at him closely from behind as if waiting for a signal. His heavy brow was furrowed over dark eyes as he looked at the creep.

"Nothing, boss, just having a little fun with my girl," laughed the creep, his hands dug harder into her as if willing her to shut up.

"I'm not your girl, let me go," snapped Estelle, shoving and scratching as his arms.

"Shut it baby, this ain't the time for playing," snarled the creep, trying to keep his face pleasant.

"I'm not his girl," said Estelle, looking at the intimidating guy in front of her.

"Let her go," said the man, his voice was neutral but autoreactive.

"It's not…" the creep didn't finish his words as the man punched him square in the face, making him let go of Estelle.

Estelle jumped aside, expecting for the man to go back to his table and for her to run. Instead she froze as the people from the table came over with a snap of his fingers and hauled the guy out the back door. Estelle knocked over the coat rack as she tried to make her way out the door, she made it outside. The smell of the damp and musty air made the panic set in from what might have transpired.

"Are you okay, sweerheart," it was the man who'd punched out the creep, his tone seemed softer, "What's a girl like you doing around these parts. This ain't no place."

"I'm fine, thank you. My friend dodge me for a guy and… Thank you," she said, and began to look down the dark streets, "Where's the closest bus station?"

"Two blocks down," said the man, he looked hesitant, "Try and stay out of trouble, kid. I got business."

"Thanks again," said Estelle and she began walking down the street.

Her mind was running wild as she walked down the dark city streets. How stupid was she to even come here? Was Michelle okay, she knew her way around here but still. What had that creep intended? She wasn't stupid enough not to know what was on his mind. She hoped she had enough bus money. She was grateful to the guy who'd stepped up. His boss? She imagined that bar was a hotbed for criminals, that was Michelle's type after all. As she reached the end of the second block, she looked around near the bus stop at the end of the road. It was poorly lit and filled with dark alleyways. She couldn't shake the feeling that every step she took didn't belong here, every click of her heels seemed to echo. Cars drove by, slowing at the sight of a long young women walking in a neighborhood that no one belonged in at this hour. She could see people near the bus stop, perhaps it was her paranoia but they looked to gesture her way. A car slowed behind her and she felt like she should run, but where.

"Miss," she looked around as a fancy black car was parked, the man from earlier got out of it, she stopped walking, "I just don't feel right, you waiting in this place for a few hours for a bus. Something tells me, you find trouble easy."

"Actually, yes," said Estelle, especially with Michelle.

"Let me take you home," said the man, getting out of the vehicle, "You can tell me how you decided to get into trouble tonight."

"It's a long drive," said Estelle, she looked at the man.

Every part of him read danger. From his tailored attire, his dark features, down to his bruised an slightly bloodied knuckles. This was the type of man she'd been told to never get in a car with her whole life, but he'd also come to her aid. Not once, but as she looked towards the bus stop, perhaps twice. She looked at his dark eyes, something about them made her nod, he opened the door for her as she got in. This might be the worst mistake of her life, she took a chance.

She couldn't help but talk on the drive home, prattling on really. Perhaps it was her nerves or the fact he did nothing to stop her rambling. He was silent, only asking a few things here and there and to make a crack at something she'd asked him. She felt herself unstiffen as they reached her town limits, and she started to fear he might want something in payment for the long drive… she looked at the older man, and to his scarred and torn hands.

"Thank you again," said Estelle, the man nodded, a faint smile on his lips, "Do you spend a lot of time getting into scrapes?"

"Sometimes," he smirked, he had a scar on his lip even, "Sometimes work gets carried away. You spend a lot of time in bad places?"

"No," she said quickly, she looked at his hands, "Do you?"

"Maybe," he said with a shrug, "Where abouts to your house?"

"Three blocks up and a left turn," said Estelle, "I'd like to repay you for tonight. I don't got a lot of money, but I can cook?"

"Not necessary," said the man again, "A few good deeds once in a while, tends to pay off in my line of work."

"Oh… you know.. you should wear gloves… if you get into scrapes once in a while," said Estelle, she didn't know why she said it, but she heard him chuckle, "The blue house."

"Alright, here you go. Try and stay out of trouble and maybe find some new friends," said the man as got out and opened Estelle's door, "I best not see you at that bar again."

"No, definitely not," said Estelle, she hesitated to leave the doorframe as she looked at him, something about his eyes again, "Thanks again…."

"Theo," said the man, he nodded, and then after a few seconds he sighed and pulled out a card, "Listen, if you find yourself in trouble sometime, give me a call."

"Thanks," smiled Estelle as she headed into her house.

Estelle lay in her room the next weekend, her mind still playing over it again. Michelle was fine, she'd gone back to a guy's place nearby and had been too much of a lush to remember her. She'd apologized profusely, and as always, Estelle forgave her. Her mother was right, she was a bad seed, but Estelle couldn't give up on her. That wasn't what plagued her mind, it was the other events of the evening. Especially the replay of how stupid she was to have gotten into that car even. She had been at the mercy of someone who clearly had a steady hand in the criminal world judging by his scars, and attire. The creep's look of fear even as he'd called him boss. She looked at the card he'd given her. Theo Lipsky. She remembered his dark eyes, soft and dangerous. She walked down to the living room and picked up the phone. She was nervous, but she found herself dialing the number on the card, his voice came over the line.

"Hello, Theo," said Estelle, she cringed at herself, "It's Estelle, you know from.."

"Yes, Estelle, what is it? Are you and that friend of yours in trouble again?" came his reply.

"Well no.. I just. I would really like to make you dinner. I appreciate last weekend and it would mean a lot," said Estelle, it was silent and she thought he was probably regretting giving her his number, "Tomorrow?"

"… What time?" came the response and she felt herself grin.

"Five. My house," said Estelle.

"Alright, see you then," came the response, Estelle said good bye and hung up.

She sat down in the living room chair, trying to put together what she had done. Had she just invited a possible crime boss to dinner at her house? Yes, she probably did? Had she again possibly made another life mistake… Good chance. Had she spent nearly every day this week thinking of the dangerous stranger who'd saved her… very much so. Was she possibly in trouble? God, yes.

"He did say to call if I was in trouble," she giggled to herself.

Boy was she in trouble.

++

Good Girl in Big Trouble

Estelle took a deep breath as she fixed her hair and smoothed out her yellow dress, making sure the white lace collar looked crisp. Her nerves had been chaos all day, she still was at a loss at what had possibly compelled her to do this. She had invited a crime boss.. to dinner.. in her home. Her mind flashed back to his dark eyes, something in them made her smile at their memory. She hurried to the kitchen to check on the chicken. This was going to be a simple thank you dinner for helping her in her time of need. That's what she told herself as she walked into the kitchen and froze. She sighed and fixed her glasses at the sight of Michelle. Michelle sat on her counter wearing loud print bell bottom pants and a bright pink shirt. Estelle found the whereabouts of her missing headband and flower earrings.

"Michelle, I thought I told you I had plans this evening," said Estelle, she glanced at the clock.

"I know, that's why I'm here," said Michelle flipping through a magazine, "Did you see this far out article on the Boston rally?"

"No, I didn't. You need to leave," said Estelle, checking on the chicken, "I have dinner plans and I would appreciate it, if you left. Now."

"Wait, here. You have dinner plans. At home?" asked Michelle, she flipped her blonde hair back as she snorted, "No way! Safe Estelle, being forward. Seriously? Far out! So whose the guy? Let me be clear, whose the guy you've been hiding from me?"

"I haven't been hiding anyone, Michelle. I met him at the bar you ditched me at. He gave me a ride home and I'm repaying him," said Estelle, Michelle's face fell and she tossed the magazine down.

"Girl, you can't be serious? You can't invite one of those guys to your home for dinner? It's forward enough to do that with one of of those stuffy un-vibing preps from the college... It paints a very suggestive image for bar sleaze."

"You meet half your boyfriends at those bars," said Estelle with an eye roll.

"Yeah... and their sleaze," said Michelle, she shrugged, "Sleaze with bikes."

"You have a bike," said Estelle, she grimaced, "Those things are so dangerous..."

"Yeah, until that dude get's out," said Michelle with an eye roll.

"He's doing life," said Estelle, honestly Michelle's taste in men was just concerning.

"Please, he's gotten out before, he'll get out again," said Michelle, she walked to the front of the house, "So tell me about the bad boy you're making dinner for?"

"He's not a bad boy," said Estelle, "And he'll be here soon, so can you leave."

Michelle darted to look out the window and before she could pull her friend out of the window. A care could be heard down the quite road.

"He's not... whoa, Bitchin.. check out the Coupe DeVille, those things are major Scratch," said Michelle, Estelle ran to the window to look outside, it was Theo's car.

"You need to go," said Estelle nervously.

"Mellow out, what's the big..." Michelle's eyes shot open, "No. No-No.. Seriously. No. You can't... "

"Michelle, it's fine. Please flake out," said Estelle, but Michelle looked panicked, "What?"

"You don't understand. I see Greasers and Baddies... that's not either. That car. That's not a normal car for just anyone. He's probably some hit-man or... or a villain or something."

"A Villain? Those only exist in late night radio shows and television," scoffed Estelle, the idea, she rolled her eyes.

"We'll talk about that later, Estelle... Fine, a crime boss then," said Michelle, looking out the window, "They are way more dangerous than any sleaze or posers. Estelle, he probably kills people for breakfast, cuts off limbs for breathing wrong... or has people who do it for him."

"Will you stop trying to freak me out," glared Estelle. The image of the man being dragged off by Theo's friends played in her head again but she shook it off, "You're making it sound like he's a dangerous thug. Would someone like that drive a woman home out of kindness?"

"Estelle, even serial killers are described as nice guys by someone," said Michelle, she looked out the window," Just because he gave you a ride home, has a nice car, smart suit... isn't bad looking... money probably... he brought flower's... you know what... What's a little homicidal tendencies."

"Thank you for the insight, now go..." said Estelle, she was nervous enough without Michelle amping her up.

"After the other night, I made a vow to be a better friend," said Michelle, her hands on the frame of the back door as Estelle tried to shove her outside, "That vow insures I don't leave you at the mercy of a possibly dangerous, albeit smooth looking, criminal."

"Michelle."

"I will be in the garage. If you need me, yell," said Michelle, she walked out the back door and slowly backed up into the shadows of the garage, "I have a gun... I don't know the possible downfalls of shooting a crime boss.. but we can find out together."

"Michelle." she exited through the garage door and Estelle sighed just as the doorbell rang.

Estelle hurried to the front of her small house and took a deep breath. She opened the door and gave her best un-nervous smile. Theo stood there, dressed in a tailored pinstriped dark blue suit, like the other night. She noticed the slightly nervous look pass over his face, giving a slightly charming smile. He looked uncertain at what to say, and held out a vase with carnations and hydrangeas in them, delicate pinks, purples, and whites. Estelle smiled and the nerves that Michelle had caused faded as his dark eyes looked at hers.

"A thank you for inviting me to your home for dinner," said Theo. His nerves seemed to lessen at her smile.

"They're beautiful, thank you. Come in, please," said Estelle, "Dinner's just about ready. Hope you didn't get stuck in any traffic... there's always a parade around here for something."

"There was no traffic," said Theo. Estelle watched as he looked around her home, "Such a peaceful little place... this town... isn't it?"

"Yeah, nothing save for parades and gossip," smiled Estelle, "You can take a seat if you'd like. I just gotta finish up a few small things."

He nodded and then quickly turned to her.

"Did.. did you need help with anything?" he asked quickly.

"No, but thank you," smiled Estelle. She headed into the kitchen and let out a deep sigh and smiled.

If she didn't know any better, he acted just as nervous as Michelle had made her feel. Estelle didn't dwell on this as she hurried about getting the food to the dining room. She smiled as she placed the dishes down and after a moment, tossed the old flowers out to place his in its spot. The table was set with a red wine cloth that brought out the pinks in the bouquet. She looked at the lights and turned them up, they had been set on dim and she didn't want him thinking this was more than a simple dinner.

"Perfect," she smiled and walked towards the living room.

It was barely a walk from doorway to doorway. Theo was standing and looking at a painting on her living room wall. He was tugging at the cuffs of his jacket and she felt a rush of slight embarrassment as she never asked about his coat. She'd been so nervous when he'd come in, she'd forgotten basic hostess decorum. He must have heard her come in as he didn't look from the painting.

"You have a very nice home. Did you decorate it yourself," he asked with an inquisitive smile.

"Yes... well a little. A few tchotchkes from my grandmother... this was her house before it was mine," said Estelle, "Can I take your coat? I'm sorry I didn't ask before..."

"No need, I can get my own coat. You've already graciously made me dinner," he held out his hands and gave a kind smile.

Estelle nodded and headed back to the dining room. Taking the moment to fix and rearrange the place setting and turn the light up a hair. She wanted to make sure nothing seemed anything close to tempting or flirty. That wasn't the image she wanted to give the crime boss... mobster? Was he a hit-man? Michelle's words came spiraling back as she looked towards the living room and watched as he hung up his coat and her hand lingered on the dial. Wondering if she should put more lights on to make it brighter in the dining room... She paused as he tugged at the sleeves of his black button up and looked over at the painting again. She was suddenly aware the coat barely aided in extending his natural broad shoulders. She looked at the light again and slightly blushed as she turned the light down a little.

"I mean, I don't want to be rude... his eyes might be tired," she muttered to herself.

Dinner went along well. They talked... rather she talked. Like the night before in the car, he did very little to stop her from paddling on. He contributed more than he had the night before. She learned he had a brother, his mother lived in upstate, he wore a family ring, and when he smiled or laughed she could see a chip in his tooth where the scar on his lips was.

"I was worried that you might regret giving me your card... since I called you for no reason," said Estelle as he finished laughing at her last joke, "Since you said to call when I was in trouble..."

His laugh faded into a kind smile again. The slight lines on his face made it look like he didn't have that expression on his face often.

"It's not often someone calls me and doesn't ask for anything from me," said Theo as he looked at his empty dessert plate, "Least of all a beautiful woman who offer to cook for me."

Estelle felt her cheeks grow warm at his words.

"You get a lot of women calling you?" asked Estelle casually.

"A few," he stated. Estelle nodded, "None I'd be keen on having dinner with."

"Bad cooks?" asked Estelle.

"Bad people," he corrected. Estelle felt her stomach spin with nerves. His smile faded and he looked at the close, "I hate to be ungracious but I should probably get going... I have business to attend to that I can't be much later too."

Estelle was about to ask what kind of business happens after eight in the evening but her mind again flashed back to the table he'd been sitting at the prior weekend and she nodded. The continued small talk as she walked him to the door. She felt like she should say more or even he seemed to want to say more... but she didn't and neither did he.

"Thank you again for dinner Estelle," he gave her that smile again as he headed out the door, "It's refreshing not to be called for favors."

"I could imagine that might be annoying," she chuckled and leaned against the doorframe as he walked down the steps to his shiny black car, "I'd tell you to be careful heading back to the city... but that seems pointless, doesn't it?"

He smirked and shrugged.

"Probably... but its a nice sentiment," she watched him walk slowly to his car.

She'd had a nice dinner, with a nice guy... who probably killed people for a midnight snack and not breakfast like Michelle had stated. It was a funny statement in her head, but in reality she should have felt relief to watch him open his car door. She definitely shouldn't have felt excitement as he turned around... nor her heart pound as she walked back up the steps. She really shouldn't be grinning as he looked down at her.

"I hope that I haven't read this wrong... and feel free to decline," something about his demeanor looked less and less like the suit wearing dangerous man he was supposed to be, "Would you be interested in having dinner again with me sometime? You don't have-"

"Yes," said Estelle. He looked shocked but then cleared his throat and smiled, "Next Friday?"

"Five?" he asked.

"Five," she nodded and took a chance to give him a quick kiss on the cheek, "Have a good night Theo."

"Same to you, Estelle," he smiled and headed back down the stairs as Estelle finally closed the door.

Estelle's rush of euphoria and the heat in her face were short lived. She had just about squealed in excitement when she heard crunching and glared towards the window. Her smile melted and she rolled her eyes as Michelle looked out the curtain and ate a plate of the dinner Estelle had made for Theo. Estelle crossed her arms and glared at her friend, whom was leering longer than was necessary outside.

"So you seriously making dates with crime bosses then," smirked Michelle as she slowly looked at Estelle, "Color me envious and impressed."

"How long have you bee spying," sighed Estelle.

"Oh I came in when you went to the dining room... I saw you turn those lights down," the smug smirk on Michelle's face made Estelle blush, "Did I hear him say he has a brother?"

"Good night, Michelle," groaned Estelle as she headed towards her room, "You better wash that dish."

"Do you think his brother's single?" called Michelle after her.

"Good night Michelle!" yelled Estelle.

+++

Good Girl and the Bad Guy

Estelle stared at her many pairs of shoes for what felt like the tenth time that night. All her best dresses were in piles as she sat only in her slips staring at the mess she had made. Dinner. Dressing for a simple dinner had never been so hard. Pick a pretty dress, cute shoes, doll herself up. Done. Yet, here she was... barely two hours before he would pick her up... and she hadn't even doner her hair which took the most amount of time. She heard her door and running, she barely turned to see Michelle sprinting through her bedroom door. Estelle raised a brow as the blonde was doubled over and trying to catch her breath. Estelle's eyes traveled to her friends bare feet and the heavy boots in her hands.

"I'd say, what a surprise," sighed Estelle, "You know, if you didn't have terrible timing on the regular."

"I...got... the," Michelle took a deep breath and stood up, "scoop."

Estelle stared at her friend internally battling to find a dress and hear what gossip had caused Michelle to take off her coveted boots to sprint into her house. Estelle shook her fists at her own internal battle before caving in.

"Lay it on me," she grinned, "Is it about someone from the college. Did everyone find out about Pam and Dr. Bartel?"

"Everyone knows there shagging," Michelle rolled her eyes and flopped on the bed, "Nah, Estelle. This is important for you."

"Excuse me?" Estelle raised her brow, "Gossip about me?"

"No, girl. Your man," Michelle rolled her eyes and sat up, "I dig some snooping, real Louise Lane stuff, yah feel. Seriously, from what I found out. He is not just a villain-"

"Michelle-"

"Sorry... crime boss," corrected Michelle, "According to some of the gang... he's in deep with The Company."

Michelle whispered the last part.

"Oh... business. How savvy-"

"No. Estelle," Michelle looked around slightly, "There like the kingpen of crime. They run it... Probably an enforcer from what you told me."

Estelle rolled her eyes.

"Honestly, your imagination Michelle... should be a writer," scoffed Estelle, "If you don't mind... I have a date to get read for. So scram."

Estelle got up and smoothed out her slip. Michelle's brow raised and Estelle saw the smirk.

"Well judging by that outfit... I'm a worse influence on you than your mother think," snickered Michelle. Estelle tossed a pillow at her before going to her closet.

"If you ran over here to spin stories-"

"I ain't spinning nothing," sighed Michelle, "Estelle. Listen, I'm all for letting your inner bad girl shine... but at least date a henchperson... or even a bad boy... I got a cute pool scammer you'd like. Tall, cute, reads too."

"Why are you suddenly so concerned with who I have dinner with?" glared Estelle. She paused, "Are you jealous?"

"No!" snapped Michelle, "I am concerned... fine a little green... but that's not why I snooped... you know I actually stolen a bike to trade for information."

"..."

"Okay, seriously, I was gonna steal it anyway," sighed Michelle, "Just to see if I could. Speaking of which, I need a place to lie low."

"You know, its a real tough pill when your worried about the alleged criminal activity of Theo... and then ask to hide out here from the fuzz," Estelle picked up a dress, "Fine, but your cleaning."

"It's not the fuzz I'm hiding from," mumbled Michelle. She sighed, "Fine, but if you become like a mob wife. I want to be invited to the fancy secret parties."

Estelle ignored Michelle completely as she picked up a few dresses and whined under her breath.

"All of these are so high school social... why do I have my prom dress? All my nice dresses are childish," Estelle stomped her foot.

"Not sure that helped your statement there," muttered Michelle, "What about the gold brocade one. You never wear that one."

"That's a party dress Michelle," Estelle let out a dramatic sigh, "It's just dinner."

"La dee dah," Michelle rolled her eyes, "Didn't know pretty dresses had categories. Flowers?"

"Too summer."

"Lace."

"Too day."

"Oh now there's hours," scoffed Michelle, "What about that cute prairie mini?"

"Michelle. That's yours... which reminds me. Why are your clothes in my house?" asked Estelle as she grabbed a few, "I know there not mine."

"Huh, I wondered where these went too," muttered Michelle as Estelle tossed them at her, "Just wear a black cocktail dress."

"Black?" cringed Estelle, "Black is such... its just a rather drab color."

"By all means. Stand out on your date with a crime boss... gotta show those mob wives up-"

"Michelle!"

Estelle picked up the golden brocade dress with its faint lace design in the fabric. Her eyes fell to her golden tipped white heels. It wasn't her favorite but she had owned it for a great deal of time and not worn it. She glanced at the clock and felt her heart sink. She would barely have enough time to get all her bobby pins in.

"Need help with hair?" muttered Michelle as she picked up the heels.

"Please," smiled Estelle as she clutched the dress to her.

==

Estelle looked at the menu with more concentration then it needed. She glanced up at Theo who held an intense look at his own menu. Estelle swallowed nervously and glanced around at the upscale restaurant. She was glad she'd chosen the dress, anything else would have looked too simplistic. There were people in far more elaborate clothing, a live band played soft music in the distance. She could still hear this despite the secluded table they had. A well dressed waiter made his way to the table with wine in hand. She hadn't remembered Theo ordering wine, but there it was. She glanced at him about to ask and saw his eyes flare wide at it and she swore she saw nerves ghost through his collected features.

"Sir, your usual," spoke the waiter calmly.

"I... yes, that will do," Theo cleared his throat as the wine was poured, "I hope you don't mind."

"Not at all," smiled Estelle. Her stomach was in knots, "So, do you... come here often?"

"On occasion," he cleared his throat, "Have you found something you'd like."

"May I interrupt and inform you that the chef wanted you to know that he has gotten your usual back in for the season," said the waiter. Estelle almost giggled at the tint on Theo's ears but it faded quickly.

"I will have that," he smiled at Estelle, "Unless you need more time?"

"The raspberry pork chops sound good," Estelle shrugged. She saw Theo's eyes light up as the waiter took her menu, "Good choice?"

"Excellent," said the waiter. He left and it was her and Theo wit no menus between them.

She looked at his hands where there was scars of cuts and faint bruises on them. Michelle's words about him being an enforcer ghosted through her mind, especially as she saw a rather nasty gouge on his left one. She didn't know why she was struggling to find a conversation topic. They had talked for ages at her home and yet, both were silent. She noticed slight movement from Theo before she realized he was shaking his leg under the table. A nervous tick perhaps. Despite how calm he seemed. Something about that made Estelle feel less nervous.

"They seem to know you here," said Estelle. Theo nodded.

"My family has been coming here for a long time... but I don't make it here as often as it appears," said Theo, "I am picky and Chef is the best around in my opinion."

"Do they still come?" she inquired. She was trying to picture Theo here with a swarm of people. All calm and mysterious as well.

"Emily doesn't like it much," shrugged Theo, "I suppose its not so child friendly on the menu."

"Emily?" smiled Estelle.

Theo looked to choose his words carefully.

"My... sister," he smiled, "She's six so you can guess the appeal of fillet minion and raspberry pork chops pale in comparison to a happy meal or grilled cheese."

Estelle's eyes went wide.

"Wow... she's... your mother... wow. Six?" asked Estelle. Theo nodded.

"She was a surprise for sure," Theo looked a little uncomfortable as his eyes darted around them, "So, what's new with you? How is your troublesome friend?"

"Apparently lying low at my house because she got herself in typical Michelle trouble," shrugged Estelle, "I also got a new desk lamp at work. It may not sound like a big deal but the old one was a hazard and its about time."

Theo perked up.

"You didn't mention your work before. What do you do?" he grinned, "Although I do want o circle back to you harboring a fugitive."

Estelle fought a snort of laughter at his words.

"I'm a secretary at the college," she watched his features as if waiting for a nod to continue a different topic, "I... mostly type up grades and class work pamphlets... I've been trying to figure out a way to get one of those fancy xerox machines but no ones willing to budge on how much it would cost us."

"Is it not essential?" asked Theo, "Making mass production of a single typing saves hours. There are hundreds of students."

"Oh," laughed Estelle, "Believe me. I pitched it to the dean and the financial department. They think it gives us something to do... not that there isn't plenty."

"Hmm, that doesn't seem productive. I've toyed with getting one for my office..." Theo trailed off and Estelle raised a brow.

"Your office?" asked Estelle, she was intrigued.

Before either could continue the food had arrived and Estelle's focus had shifted. Far too amused by the fact both of them had ordered the same thing. The nerves completely forgotten as they both ranted about the food, Michelle's antics, and Theo's brother who had recently run into trouble with a thief. It wasn't long before they were leaving the restaurant. She had noticed eyes on them and she was certain it wasn't her dress. Judging by the people who had come over during dinner or cards that seemed to show up every time the waiter came near. Something told Estelle there were more than just casual diners in the place for food. She mentally cursed Michelle for feeding paranoia that hadn't been there before.

Theo was slightly ahead of her as his hand went to open the car door for her. She was finishing a story about her working and how people often didn't listen to simple needs when he froze. Estelle stopped talking as his hand rested on the handle. She was about to ask what was wrong when he turned around and his grin from earlier now looked embarrassed before he cleared his throat.

"Estelle... would you like to go for a walk?" he offered his arm.

"Well I would love too, but its a bit chilly," she indicated to her skirt and heels.

His eyes shot open and she saw him glance over his shoulder at the car again. Estelle's mind ran wild at his expression and how he began to steer her from the car as she tried to look. She remember Michelle's words, the people in the restaurant. Was there a bomb or something the car, were they in danger... was Theo in trouble.

"Is everything okay?" asked Estelle softly. She didn't want to be loud, what if it set it off, "Is there something wrong with the car?"

"Ohm," Theo looked at the car, "No?"

"... was that a question?" Estelle stopped walking, "Do we need to call someone?"

He didn't make eye contact with her as he spoke softly.

"A locksmith perhaps."

"What?" she asked again. Theo stood a little straighter and his expression became fixed.

"It appears I may have locked my keys in my vehicle. It happens," said Theo confidently, "I just have to make a phone call."

Estelle felt a wave of relief and let out a giggle, which earned a furrowed brow from Theo.

"It does happen," he sputtered.

"Is that all," she pulled a bobby pin from her hair, "I can get us in."

"You can what?" he stammered as she walked passed him, "You can break in?"

"Been around Michelle too long," shrugged Estelle, "Also... I've done it a few times."

Estelle couldn't help but smile at the amused grin on Theo's face as the door swung open. The ride back to Estelle's house was filled with stories of time Estelle had locked herself out or in things and that Michelle had showed her how to pick locks when they were kids. Which hadn't been for any delinquent purpose. That Michelle's brother had his bike stolen from some bullies and the two young girls had taken it upon themselves to get it back. Theo had laughed the entire way up the steps to her house.

She liked hearing his laugh, especially as he finished recalling his own childhood story. She watched his features... his stories... his laugh... they didn't seem like what Michelle had been trying to tell her and yet... they did.

"Theo?" asked Estelle. She didn't want to ask but her curiosity peeked, "All those people who gave you cards at the restaurant... there important people aren't they?"

Theo's grin faded and there was unease in his eyes before he looked away.

"You... saw that," his expression became unreadable, "I suppose you could say that."

"There... to do with your work?" she asked cautiously. Her eyes fixated on how stiff he suddenly seemed, "Clients?"

"Estelle... I... its more complicated than that, " she saw him swallow hard, "I don't have a typical job-"

Estelle cut in quickly.

"I know," She knew but she didn't want to know more, "Its fine."

"I don't want you to-"

"Theo. I said... its fine," she shrugged, "You don't have to explain. I was just being a snoop... but it doesn't matter. I had a great time."

Theo's eyes fell back to hers, there was uncertainty behind them. As if he wasn't sure he believed her. She glanced at the porch light and sighed. Michelle had wheedled her way in her head off and on all night. She knew the moment she'd met Theo that he wasn't some nine to five stiff... knew at that dinner he'd come to at her home... he wasn't a law abiding citizen... the antics of people to night made it very clear that whatever Michelle's digging had come up with... was probably correct... more than Michelle probably even found out.

She looked back at Theo, his intimidating features didn't match the searching in his dark eyes... or the laughter and smiles of the evening... he may be, in someway, a bad guy... but she was becoming inclined in seeing the good man behind it... and she wasn't about to let that go. She grabbed his stiffened hand and felt it relax as she moved closer to him on her porch.

"Believe me... it doesn't matter. I think your nifty no matter what," she hoped he believed her words because she meant them.

His eyes searched hers for a second and she stood on her toes hoping to kiss his cheek at least. She gasped slightly as his lips kissed hers firmly yet gently. It took all her self restraint and reserved upbringing to pull away from the kiss. She barely wanted to let go of his hand as she backed through her door.

"Good night, Theo," she giggled. His face had a slight tint to it and he nodded.

"Goodnight, Estelle," he hesitantly took his steps to leave and she closed the door.

She leaned on the closed door and her hand moved swiftly to her face as she felt the fragments of what felt like electricity on her lips. She let her mind wonder. Estelle's hand was still on her lips when a soft knock pulled her thoughts. She felt her face turn red briefly but grinned as she opened the door. Theo stood there not making eye contact with her and the tint to his face was very clear.

"I... I may need your bobby pin again," he barely whispered.

Estelle felt the grin on her face soften as she looked at his car. She gave him a soft peck on the cheek.

"It happens," she smiled as she proceeded down he steps. Him following behind her.

==

Estelle walked into the office on Monday still thinking about her Saturday. It hadn't taken long to get into Theo's car again, but the thank you kiss had lasted a bit longer than the last. She would have enjoyed it more if Michelle hadn't been sitting at the window when she'd walked back in the house. She shook it from her head, she had a lot to get done this morning and she needed to focus.

"Morning, Estelle," beamed Janice. Another office secretary, "Spill. How'd you do it?"

Estelle paused as she put her purse on her desk.

"Do what?" asked Estelle. She'd just gotten there.

"Oh come on, don't play coy... Your not in trouble or nothin' just I gotta know. How'd you get one donated?" continued Janice, "Those things cost real skin."

"What-" Estelle's words fell as she saw what Janice was talking about. A large machine sat in the corner of the office, "A Xerox machine?"

"Yeah. Got delivered this morning I guess some guys in weird uniforms dropped it off. It's sure gonna be swell not having to type all those papers," Janice trailed off.

Estelle wondered if it was an accident or a coincidence that the machine had showed up here... but her eyes fell on her type writer where a single piece of paper was in it with a typed message. Estelle yanked it out and felt heat rush to her face as she read it.