Steve peered out into the living room, and without a word, motioned for Billy to enter the dining room. Billy's eyes widened. He swung around in Steve's direction. Steve unfolded his arms, and marched into the small dining area meeting Billy.
Steve pulled out a decorative fabric chair from the table and placed it in the doorway between the living room and dining room. The chair faced the boys on the sofas.
"Sit," Steve ordered sharply, pointing to the wooden chair.
Billy slid quickly into the seat.
Steve took a position facing Billy, towering over him and grilled him with questions.
Billy answered each of Steve's questions, one after the other. Some he answered with confidence, while others caught him off guard and him stumbling over his own words.
The inquest went on for a short time, until finally Steve leaned down low over Billy, placing one hand on each of the arms of Billy's chair. He locked eyes with Billy and spoke in a low and intense murmur.
"Do you see these guys behind me?" Steve asked.
Billy looked over Steve's shoulder at the guys seated out in the living room.
"Each of these guys has a personal stake in that girl out there. We all care about her and we will all do anything to protect her. The rules are simple. You only do what she tells you to and what I tell you that you can do. If you hurt her, I will hurt you and they will hurt you. Understood?"
Billy sat up a little straighter.
"Yes, sir."
A bead of sweat trickled down the side of Billy's face.
Steve opened the front door, then strolled by Billy and back to the kitchen, grabbing a beer from the refrigerator. He popped it open, leaned against the counter and looked at the wall. Giving Billy a final bit of fear, hoping it would make him too scared to even think of trying anything with her he growled, "Get out."
Billy hurried out the front door.
Kat stood on the front porch, waiting nervously for Billy. She twisted her hands together in front of her. She took a deep breath as Billy stumbled outside hoping he would want to stick around. At least he made it out alive.
While she waited outside, Kat glanced around at the weeds in the flowerbeds, the cracked white brick exterior of her home. She became self-conscious, curious to know what Billy must think of her home and her family. She didn't know where Billy lived, but if he didn't live in the Garden City Projects, then she knew he had a nicer house than theirs.
She smiled nervously.
"So...this is where I live," she said anxiously giving a wave of her hand to her house.
Billy nodded and gave her a reassuring grin. Some of the color was starting to come back into his face.
"It's fine," he said. "I like it." Billy looked up at the old house. That had to be an exaggeration, but a kind remark.
Kat tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and with the other hand she brushed at the front of her outfit. She looked away, bringing her eyes to the ground. He'd never seen her in these clothes, then again, only the kids from Garden city saw her in these clothes.
"I hope you don't mind my clothes," she said. "I can't dress here like I do for school."
"I don't mind," Billy said gently, "You look beautiful," Billy said. "Besides, I didn't ask you out because I liked your clothes."
"Thanks. Do you want to sit down?"
"Sure."
After some time sitting on the porch swing, getting to know each other, Billy took off for the night.
~//~
Monday at school Billy and Kat held hands as they walked the halls. She slipped him a love note to take to class. It was official. They were dating.
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