Page 32 of Dirty Dancer

“Uh huh.”

“And now, I want funnel cake.”

“That’s more like it.” Despite his teasing, he moved right with me and didn’t let much distance get between us as I made my way to the cart. The older gentleman with his crinkled face and easy smile welcomed us.

“Two please,” I said, holding up two fingers. “The big ones.”

“Powdered sugar?” He was already squeezing the batter into the hot oil. Fresh and hot funnel cake was thebest.I bounced in place.

“Yes, please. For both of us.” I glanced at Freddie and grinned as he shook his head. “You don’t want it?”

“No, the powdered sugar is fine, Boo-Boo. I’m just enjoying you.”

“Well, then, by all means. Enjoy away.” When I reached for my wallet though, Freddie made a negative little noise and he already had the bills out to pay for everything. It wasn’t long before we had the hot crispy goodness bathed in powdered sugar.

I died and went to heaven right there in three bites. Funnel cakes in hand, we continued down the street. Freddie shortened his stride so I wasn’t having to take two steps for each of his.

The funnel cakes survived to the coffee shop. I had powdered sugar on my top and my fingers. Freddie cleaned me up and I helped him before we went in to order. I beat him so I could pay for the coffee.

“You can buy lunch,” I offered and enjoyed his chuckle. Hot coffee in hand in no time, we were back out on the street and walking down the block.

I found myself studying the area. Drenched in sunlight with sidewalk cafes opened, it was just nice. Granted, this route took us from the more industrial areas nearer the port and deeper into the city.

Quite a few windows showed signs of renovations and coming soon signs. On the corner at 75th there was a new sign proudly announcing a bookstore. There was also a date for the grand opening in just under two weeks.

We were still going to be here.

“You’re happy,” Freddie said when I paused to take a picture of the storefront. I wanted to make sure I didn’t forget. I also wanted to show Kel. The Vandals still liked looking after the area and this would be a fantastic addition to the neighborhood.

“I am,” I said, checking the image before I tucked my phone away. “It’s nice to be home. It’s nice to see all the changes out here.” Then I tilted my head up at him. I hadn’t brought sunglasses so I used my free hand to shield my eyes. “I’m enjoying being out here with you and I can’t wait to dance with you in a bit. So yeah, I’m definitely happy.”

“Is that the funnel cake and the coffee talking?” The teasing light in his eyes took any sting out of the words. He was never good about taking compliments.

“Maybe ten percent?” I said, scrunching my nose like I had to really think about it.

“Once we get your steak on a stick, that’s probably going to get higher, huh?” He let out the most resigned of sighs. “Well, a man has to do what a man has to do.”

It was silly and more than a little ridiculous, but I didn’t care. Like I’d said, I was having fun. It didn’t take us long to get to the Korean barbecue cart where he set up around the huge square with the fountain in the center. It was a great spot for lunch crowds to grab a bite and eat on the steps or on the wall around the fountain.

We split up briefly with Freddie getting in the line for the steak while I discarded our empty coffee cups. The pleasant buzz under my skin had me skipping back toward him.

“Hey there.” A guy stepped into my path, cutting off my view of Freddie. He was dressed in a suit, off the rack and not custom, and there was a mustard stain on his tie. He wasn’t that bad looking, but…

“Not interested,” I told him as I went to go around him. The movement of his hand in my periphery warned me he was about to grab my arm and I got hold of his thumb, peeling his grip off and bending it uncomfortably.

“Fuck,” he swore.

“Again,” I said. “Not interested. Don’t touch me.”

“Bitch,” he swore and I didn’t care about that so much. As tempting as it was to break his thumb, I let him go.

Leaving him behind, I headed back for Freddie, who stared daggers beyond me. He was halfway to me having left his place in line. “It’s fine,” I told him as I caught his hand. The last thing I wanted was for him to get angry or for some random asshole to spoil our day.

“He grabbed you,” Freddie said, his voice low, dark and dangerous.

“Hetriedto grab me,” I corrected. “I didn’t let him. Thumb lock worked.”

“What did he say to you?” Freddie split his attention between sweeping his gaze over me and staring past me. I had maybe a few seconds to save that guy’s life because Freddie’s temper was already lit.

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