We own the night

Chapter 7

Weird ride home

Roxanne

I couldn't believe that the first people who passed by us were them. But since we spent a lot of time outside already we needed their help. Luckily Rico was kind and he didn't even close his mouth for a sec, since we sat in their cars. He lent his jacket to Clarissa and she put it on her freezing tights. I sat behind them and was grateful to Rico for turning the heat on in the car. I never thought that I'll ever see Mr. Grumpy again. The last time was really uncomfortable and this wasn't ideal either. He talked about us like we were sluts or whores... I hated the tone he used whenever he talked to me. He chose to sit and drive Buggie so I didn't have to spend almost an hour by his side in complete silence. I wondered why he hated me so much. I got lost in my thoughts and realized a few minutes later that Rico was talking to me.

- Sorry, what did you say? - I asked and he glanced at me in the rearview.

- I asked if you two had dinner already. It is getting pretty late so I don't think we can continue our way back home tonight. So I thought maybe you and Cherry could join me and Jeremy for dinner. - Jeremy... So this was Mr. McGrumpy's real name. Jeremy, I liked the way that name sounded. Clarissa blushed and she turned back to look at me with praying eyes. But I didn't want to be a burden nor get an upset stomach for having dinner with that jerk.

- That is really kind of you. I can't talk in Cherry's name but I have to refuse it. You already helped us more than we could expect. - I said and saw how Rico frowned.

- What do you mean by that? - he asked and I shrugged.

- Your friend is clearly not my biggest fan which is odd, after how his eyes almost popped out when he saw me dance. Anyway, I don't want to spend a dinner in silence and ruin a good food for sharing it with him. - Rico laughed.

- Jeremy is a good guy. He is a bit big headed that's true, but if you get to know him you'll see that he can be spread on bread like butter. - now it was my turn to laugh.

- He is already like that, but he is a cold butter which would ruin a nice piece of toast. - Rico shook his head with a grin on his face and looked at Clarissa.

- What do you say? Will you join us? - Clarissa blushed and nodded.

- I would love to! - I couldn't hold back myself and said.

- Don't feel fluttered Rico, she would never refuse free food! - Clarissa pulled her tongue at me and Rico caressed her head.

- I love when a girl has good appetite. - Clarissa chuckled.

- In this case you can prepare a ring, I'm a number one foodie. - Rico looked into her eyes and said in a low voice.

- This offer sounds tempting. - Clarissa turned to the direction of the window and I saw her face getting red. She was so cute. We slowly arrived back to our town and the guys parked Buggie in front of our apartment building. We got out and Jeremy walked to their car without saying a word.

- Thanks for the help. - I said and Clarissa joined.

- Yeah! It was really kind from you. - Rico kissed her hand and said.

- I'm always available for a damsel in distress. Now hurry up because I'm starving! - Rico said and for the first time since I've seen him, Jeremy had a really confused expression on his face.

- What are you talking about Rico? - he asked and Rico explained his plans. Jeremy groaned and said.

- Don't you think that you must discuss these kind of plans with me first? - Rico backed up a bit, but luckily Clarissa already ran to change her outfit.

- It is too late to go back and I thought maybe it would be a good idea... - Rico started to explain himself while I noticed that Jeremy's eyes got darker.

- I don't care for your crush on that human! I want to go home now! - "Why did he talked about Clarissa as a human?" - I wondered when I felt the urge of defending Rico and my friend.

- If they like each other, that is not your goddamn business! - Jeremy turned to me and his eyes were pitch black. He grabbed my shoulders and pushed me against the wall hissing between his teeth.

- How dare you talk to me like that? - he asked in a threatening voice and I've officially had enough of this behavior.

- I talk to you as you deserve. It is not my fault that you are a major jerk! - his grip on my shoulder tightened.

- What did you call me? - he was almost snarling and I heard Rico from behind Jeremy trying to calm him down.

- Are you deaf or simply and i***t? - I asked back and Jeremy lifted his other hand I thought he will hit me but he punched the wall next to my face. I gasped and said.

- You shouldn't worry about the dinner. I wasn't planning on going anyway. But you should see a therapist. - I said and he growled turning his glance off of me. He released my shoulder and walked back to their car sitting in the passenger seat. Rico walked to me and looked worried.

- Are you okay? - he asked and I nodded even feeling my knees trembling.

- I think this dinner thing is not a good idea. I'll tell Cherry that your plans changed.

- But, you just said that this isn't his business. - Rico said and I sighed.

- Right, but Cherry's safety is my business since we only have each other. I'm a tough cookie and I can be an asshole, but she is simply kind. She deserves to be happy and be treated like a woman. I'm sorry Rico. - I said and left him closing the gate behind me. I walked upstairs and met Clarissa running down.

- Wait a minute. - I said and hated that I'll have to pop out her dream bubble.

- What's wrong? Roxanne! You are as pale as the wall! What happened? - I smiled at her.

- Nothing that you should worry about, but I'm sorry to tell you that the guys had to continue their journey. Rico was really sad but Jeremy insisted on going back. - she seemed to be really sad. Rico really treated her well at the two times they met, but Jeremy was dangerous. Clarissa prepared a lot I saw that she wore her favorite red dress with matching heels under the beige long coat she bought from her first paycheck. Her makeup was flawless and her hair curled a bit. The perfect picture was ruined by a sad smile on the corner of her mouth and a sorrowful glance in her eyes. She shrugged and tried to act cool, but I knew her too well.

- Let's go, there are two better men waiting for us! - I said and she smirked a bit while we climbed the stairs together. In a few we were sitting on our couch in our PJ's with our hair in a bun and watching Two Broke Girls.

- You were right Roxanne! I don't need Rico! I found two replacement already and they never let me me down. - I lifted my spoon for a toast.

-For Ben and Jerry! They are the only men in the history of Earth who really managed to understand women! - Clarissa laughed and clicked her spoon against mine.

- For Ben and Jerry!