2020-12-09 Team Players

 2020-12-09 Team Players

Miranda Rogers ran her girl’s basketball practice with a bit of anxiety as captain. A few things were feeding it. She had to pick up her laptop from Quorra Computers. It was silly to feel anxious about. She has just spent the last week or so in clases with Gene. They had cordially ignored each other, by cordial she meant not talking without glaring, even the occasional glance that wasn’t hostile now. But what was immediately vexing was the unexplained absence of Taylor Newcastle from basketball practice. Maybe she just had a bad cold. Her asshole brother Spencer seemed annoyingly healthy though. Miranda put the ball bin away and then ran to change and freshen up a bit before her next errand. She caught herself fixing her hair and putting on tinted lipgloss and then inwardly smacked herself. Gene was not looking at her that way and she sure as hell wasn’t giving him reason to. She hastily wiped the lipgloss off and went to grab her outdoor things from her locker. She was in blue only slightly ripped jeans now and her black and white high top runners. She zipped up her short grey jacket over a purple plaid sort of longer shirt hanging down under the jacket. Her hair was down because she had just brushed it out. She shouldered her bag and walked to the Sterling Building. She had only recently learned it was called that from Gary Carpenter. Apparently there was a little herd of Scots who were part of the immigrants that settled on Alexandra long ago and one of them was named Sterling. Gary said the building landlord was even a descendant. Small towns. 

Before Miranda arrived at Quorra Computers Spencer Newcastle sauntered in like he owned the place. No one was immediately at the counter so he said very loudly “Excuse me, can I get some service here?” Bruce Davis had run to the bank to do a deposit before the day’s end. Spencer could see the form of someone in what looked to be a back room of sorts. He was wearing designer jeans and a new winter jacket open over a black hoodie with the word Stronzo on it in white stylized lettering.

Gene had been working hard since he got in, but that was how he always worked.  School had been … school.  He and Miranda were in the same classes but didn’t speak unless they were forced to.  Maybe it was juvenile, but if it kept him from having anything of his searched by the principal and police, he was fine being juvenile. He’d worn some good jeans, which were second hand, faded but not torn, along with a charcoal turtleneck and his fishermans sweater as a coat.  Once he got to work, he shed the fishermans sweater.  Then Bruce had to go to the bank, so he was in charge, but that was fine.  Maybe even better if iranda came by to make the final payment and pick up her laptop.  Finally the door opened, but it wasn’t Miranda’s voice.  He turned and stood, walking out to find Spencer Newcastle standing in the middle of the store like he was taking possession of it.  Gene looked at Spencer and finally replied professionally.  “May I help you?”

Spencer looked taken aback to see Gene, having no idea he worked here “Oh…...it’s you.” He said with disdain “Where’s Bruce? I usually deal with Bruce. Didn’t realize he was hiring….” He seemed like he might finish that with something untoward but then chose not to. As he did actually need his computer fixed. “Got a virus issue….I’ll just drop this off for Bruce.” He had a nice newer looking laptop bag and in it a fairly new laptop crippled by multiple viruses from the unsafe sites Spencer frequented. He set it on the counter “Be a pal and pass it on will ya?” He half sneered.

Gene nodded.  “Yea.  He was hiring and I got the job.”  He looked at the fancy case and laptop.  “Hold on.”  he reaches for an invoice and begins to fill it out.  He didn’t like this guy and no way was he just taking the computer without a signature.  “Spencer … is it New Castle?”  he asks, still filling it out and printing out that the computer had viruses and that the customer asked specifically for Bruce.  “Sign here.” he looks at Spencer deadpan.

Spencer smirks “Yeah one word….need me to spell it for ya Sinclair?” Then he takes the pen and signs but slowly like he’s being difficult, which he can’t resist.

Miranda walks in the door of Quorra Computers and sees Gene but also sees he’s with a customer already who upon second glance she notices is Spencer Newcastle. She doesn’t even try to hide her cringe at him from Gene but steps into the shop behind him in line and pulls out her phone, pretending to be engrossed by it and hoping to god Spencer doesn’t feel the urge to talk to her.

Spencer makes a flourish of finishing his signature and then turns slightly, feeling the breeze from the door “Well look what the cat dragged in…” He says to Miranda in greeting.

Miranda looks blankly at Spencer and then back to her phone as her jaw sets.

Spencer chuckles and looks at Gene like he’s engaging him in camaraderie about Miranda “What was it the desk said...uppity bitch?” He teases. “Someone quoted you perfectly Sinclair.”

Gene shakes his head.  “One word.  I got it.”  he looks up and sees Miranda walk in and cringe.  He can’t blame her, really.  Then Spencer looks at him like they are the best of buds and references the graffiti.  But Gene isn’t amused.  He narrows his eyes in annoyance and remains silent.  Thinking.

Miranda inhales and exhales in irritation forcefully enough that her breath can be heard but she’s trying hard not to engage. Instead she addresses Gene “I can e-transfer and come back later…” She begins to back up.

Spencer turns and grins evilly “Aww come on I’m only teasing you and I’m all sorted here. We’re practically family after all. Did you know your little brother went out with my little sister. It could be adorable…..might need to have a talk with that boy about not being so rough with her on the first go….sprained her ankle…...guess she won’t be playing much b-ball…..this week. Shame….you Rogers are so enthusiastic.” He winks at her and he’s intentionally referring to the incident between them.

Now Miranda all out glares “Funny Romeo never mentioned it….and he’s not rough with girls. Shocking I know but some guys actually respect women. And how the hell are you taking delight in Taylor being injured? What is WRONG with you…..” She had failed at not engaging and she closes her eyes and then opens them again “Tell your sister I wish her a speedy healing.” 

Spencer steps back from the counter and makes a sweeping almost chivalrous gesture for her to go ahead with whatever she came in for “Will do…..still a shame about our game on Friday…”

Miranda stepped forward in a way that made it obvious she was going as far around Spencer as humanly possible, gripping the strap of her school bag so hard her knuckles went even whiter.

Gene shook his head when Miranda offered to come back later.  “No, we’re good.”  he replied.  Then Spencer started talking about his sister spraining her ankle … while having rough sex with Miranda’s brother Romeo?  But he immediately added that the Rogers were enthusiastic.  Spencer and Miranda have had sex?  Gene’s jaw drops slightly and he closes it quickly enough.  He doesn’t know if he should be surprised or not.  He didn;t like either of them, but knowing they’d had sex… Miranda’s reply suggested that, if they had before, they certainly weren’t now.  Did she mean Spencer didn’t respect women?  Well, that much was clear, for sure.  But then Miranda takes the high road and wishes Taylor a speedy recovery, but when she steps up to the counter, her knuckles are somehow whiter than ever.  Hoping she didn't notice that he got what Spencer was implying, he looks at Miranda.  “I’ll go get your computer.” he murmurs, and heads in the back.  He can still hear, but his mind is also wondering about Spencer talking about how he’s been quoted.

Spencer sidles up beside Miranda and grins at her “So I’ve been talking it up with Justin about the boys playing the girls….if you can handle us…”

Miranda rolls her eyes “I thought you were leaving.” She mutters.

Spencer scoffs “Uppity Bitch indeed today. That time of the month?”

Miranda rounds on him “If I get it printed on a fucking t-shirt will you stop talking to me forever? Because that would make my whole fucking month a good time.”

Spencer seems to be enjoying it all “Well you know if you’re looking for a good time….”

Miranda cuts him off “Go to hell!” She’s a bit louder than she means to be and turns back to the counter rolling her shoulders and rubbing her temple.

Finally Spencer has pushed enough buttons for his amusement and just snickers and walks out “Toodle loo Miranda. Catch ya later Sinclair.”

Gene had only to grab Miranda’s computer and the invoice and return, so he caught all of it.  He doesn’t acknowledge Spencer’s exit and just goes about business as usual, like he didn't hear every word.  “Let me just plug it in for you…”  he does and boots it up, to show her it’s working fine now.  “It’s charging fine and holding that charge.  I didn’t replace your battery, but if it's old, it may need it someday.”

Miranda looked a little shaken by her encounter with Spencer. Spencer had definitely implied out loud that they’d had sex, right in front of Gene. She wasn’t sure why it bothered her but it did. She had been extremely depressed when she made that awful choice and now she felt like she’d regret it all forever, even though Levi had managed to work his magic and get rid of the pictures. But like with her old school, sleep with one wrong person and get labelled a slut forever. Whatever...let Gene judge her. She didn’t like him anyway. She just didn’t want him to know this. Miranda focussed on the computer conversation and was relieved he was just being professional. She looked at the computer, which booted up fine and seemed to be running great “OK cool. Thanks.” She is actually glad to get it back. She pulls out her wallet to dig out her debit card and pay the rest of what she owes. Her hand shakes a bit as she holds the card but she’s not even aware of it.

Gene notices her shaking hand and, for some reason, he is tempted to take it.  Good way to get slapped.  He takes it and runs the transaction.  He should say something … what could he say?  They obviously weren’t friends and whatever had been between Miranda and Spencer was obviously over now.  Transaction complete, he offers her the card back and sort of half ass tries to be nice.  “If you need anything else…”

Miranda puts the card back and zips her wallet shut and puts it away. They were in the longest awkward silence ever before Gene spoke and actually sounded like he was being nice. In a way it made her feel worse...pity...ugh….but she responded to his comment as she got her laptop packed back up in her bag “I’m ok...thanks.” She looked up at him and smiled but her eyes were noticeably sad. “Thanks for fixing it….see you at school.” She shouldered her bag and was ready to head out.

Gene wasn’t always an eye contact sort of a guy, but when she looked up, they connected for a second and he saw the sadness in her eyes.  Because .. of what Spencer had said?  He could get that, in a way.  He was far from proud of most of the women he’d had sex with.  “Yea … see you tomorrow…”  he kept his eyes on her.

Miranda could feel Gene’s eyes on her for longer than he had ever looked at her and it felt strangely unnerving but at the same time made her feel oddly fluttery. She walked quickly towards home trying to walk off everything that had just happened. The smell of coffee from the Perk made her stop and inhale because the place smelled so delicious all the time. Then she glanced in the window and saw Romeo and his little crew, well the boys. Keisha was behind the counter working. And then right at the window stools Gen and her very short friend Elise. Gen! Miranda needed to talk to her...but first she had to know what the hell was going on with her brother. She opened the door to the Perk and stepped through it, smiling at Keisha but, making a beeline for Romeo. She briefly waved at Zach and Jake “Hi I need to steal him for a moment…..Romeo…” She looked around not wanting to put him on the spot in front of the whole room but also compelled to know the truth. She was pretty sure Spencer’s rough sex guess would be wrong of course “Did you have plans with Taylor yesterday?” She figured it was a safer question than did you have a date.

Romeo had been enjoying his mint tea.  Not so much the ribbing from the guys.  Kiesha, at least, hadn’t been able to participate, with customers coming in and out.  None stayed, since there were nearly ten people in Perkatory, so at least there was that.  Then Miranda came in and stole him.  He looked at her when she asked if he’d had plans with Taylor and he bit his lip.  “Yea … we had a date.  Why?”

Zach Wong sipped his coffee as Miranda came in to steal her brother from them.  When Miranda asked if he’d had plans with Taylor, and Romeo admitted they’d had a date, he couldn’t help but snort and quip.  “Yea … he got lucky too.”  and he laughed.

Romeo rolled his eyes and stood, taking Miranda by the elbow.  “Fuck you, Zach.”  he moved Miranda to one of the empty window seats and sat, lowering his voice.  “What’s wrong?  Did she say something?”  He looks concerned.

Jake cracked up at Zach’s comment about Romeo getting lucky “Oh yeah real lucky….ya douchebag…” He quipped at him. “Hi Miranda.” Then Miranda and Romeo moved off to another table “Bye Miranda….” He punched Zach in the arm casually and looked up at Keisha for a moment smiling and then looking down.

Miranda looks between her brother's friends and frowns a bit at the tone of the teasing. God she hoped they were just being buffoons. She gives them each a health hearted nod and then moves with Romeo to the other table “No but she wasn’t at practice and then I ran into her stupid brother who seems to think you guys screwed so hard it sprained her ankle….I’m guessing there’s an actual story. Spencer’s a fucking tool.”

Keisha had been tidying up after making a rush of coffees and teas and saw Miranda walk in and smiled back at her before she went to go talk to Romeo, then they broke off to another table. She saw Jake being Jake and then watched Miranda...she wasn’t seeking a coffee so far. After catching some of the teasing and rolling her eyes earlier she was a bit curious about this sudden private conversation.

Elise sips her coffee deeply and as Miranda walked by she exchanged a looks with Gen. But then Miranda has some words with Romeo and she hears Taylor’s name again, and then the two siblings scoot off for some little meeting. She liked Romeo. It was too bad his sister was such a bitch to Gene.

Gen looked as Miranda entered and wound up in a conversation with her brother.  Romeo was a neat guy, but she didn’t know him as well as some … because she wasn’t into the actors or the school politics.  And she wasn’t into Miranda, either.

Romeo's eyes grow large as Miranda tells him what Spencer said.  "Oh fuck ... no .. not fuck."  he  rubs at his forehead and leans into his sister to whisper.  "Those guys are just being ass holes.  We were going to meet at the theatre, but I saw her and called her name and ran to catch up.  She was walking towards me when some kid threw a tennis ball and it rolled down the street and Taylor stepped on it”  he sighs.  “She went down like a sack of cement.  Fucked up her ankle.  I helped her to the clinic and then her mother was there and … yea … I didn’t stay.  We haven’t really talked.  I guess it was a bad sprain.”  he sighs and keeps whispering.  “First Hazel, then Taylor.  Next time I will just take the girl straight to the clinic and have a night of it there.”

Zach can’t hear the conversation, but he can see Jake watching Keisha.  Man talk about a one way crush.  He hits him back in the arm and drinks more of his coffee.

Miranda rolls her eyes “I was sure Spencer was bullshitting. Don’t worry about it...he was just messing with me...not starting rumours.” Then she blinks “What happened to Hazel? And how many girls are you going out with now?” She keeps her voice low and looks a little amused by the end of her question.

Elise sets her coffee down and leans in to Gen “I’ve planted the motel night getaway bug in my parents ears…...December 19th….I know WAY more excitement than a little boozey night is coming your way but humour me and take a tiny sex break to come over with Dante and we’ll rely on his expertise.” She grins.

Jake rubs at his arm “Ow...I didn’t hit you that hard man…..”

Keisha unloads the dishwasher and casually surveys the room once or twice.

Romeo snorts.  Hazel?  Oh, I really don’t know … We were going to eat at the 10-Alarm and when I got there, she takes one look at me and starts breathing like a dragon or something.  I asked her if she was OK and she told me she has asthma and doesn’t think she can go out with me.  Then she went off wheezing to the clinic.”  he sighs.  “Trust me, I am still your dear sweet virginal brother.  Mom should have picked the name of one of Shakespere’s fools.”  then Miranda asks how many girls he’s dating.  “Well .. none at the moment .. but I am not giving up.  On Friday, I have a double date with Jake.”  then Jake complains about being hit hard.  “That’s my wingman.”  he rolls his eyes.  “Is that all, because I need to get home and finish up my homework.  The guys just took me out for a drink.”

Gen listens to Elise and beams.  “Oh my god …  Elise … the 17th …  I can’t believe it .. I really cannot believe it.”  she takes her friend's arm and squeezes.  “I already told my parents I am NOT coming to school on the 18th and they didn’t argue.  So I should be game for the party.”  she grins.  “Dante will probably invite Gene.  I know I am being selfish but …  oh Elise .. he did it!  He got early release.”  she sounds like a child who got Christmas early … which she has.

Zach rolls his eyes at Jake.  “You have to be a stronger man if you are serious about dating … god what is the matter with you two … dating … them.”  he rolls his eyes, unwilling to say the names of the girls his friends are dating Friday night.

Miranda listens to the asthma date fail story and has to work not to crack up “Honestly, you’re a nightmare….” She hears there’s another date, a double date and is almost afraid to ask with which girls. “Alright we’ll make you up a health questionnaire and a waiver for Friday. And you’re risking all this with Jake?” She knew Jake both through her brother and through Winona, his sister. Jake was the definition of goof. “Take the first aid kit.” Being a doctor’s kid meant they always had a well stocked first aid kit and all three of them had done some red cross basic training. She nods and sighs “Yes do your homework...with a fork as the song says.” Miranda listened to some weird stuff so it didn’t even phase her when no one got her bizarre references. She stood up and then nodded at her brother “I’ll catch up...I need to ask Gen something. She’ll step away and head to Gen and Elise giving them both a smile that has the look of I need to ask you something. 

“Hi Gen…..I know you quit the basketball team but I was wondering if you might consider coming back to fill in for a game or two. Taylor just sprained her ankle and we’re playing on Friday...or we could be if we have one more person….” Miranda looks hopeful.

Jake shrugs at Zach “Hey man I’m just helping a buddy out. They’re your sisters. Are they going to beat us with sticks or something?” He chuckles.

Elise hugged Gen’s arm as hers was hugged “I am super happy for your guys and so glad he’s coming home early. Your parents are being super cool about it...that’s awesome! And it is NOT selfish…..he’s your man. Maybe stock up on gatorade right?” She teases and then nods about Gene, about to confirm she will invite him when who walks up but the Gene hating Miranda Rogers. Elise invokes her inner honey badger and folds her arms, staring down the would be predator. 

Keisha sees Miranda and Romeo disperse from their little chat and Jake and Zach still going back and forth about something. Miranda walks up to Gen and Elise and Keisha observes curiously as she wipes the counter.

Romeo heads for the door and then turns to Jake and Zach.  “Off to do homework.  See you guys tomorrow.”  he heads out of the door and suddenly turns right back around.  “You too Keisha dude!”  and he’s gone.

Zach waves as Romeo exits, returns and exits again.  He shrugs at Jake.  “I don’t go into their minds  It’s scary in there.  Give me a simple horror movie and I’m happy.”  he takes his coffee and kills it.  “I better go, speaking of he Shining Twins.  Later.”  he waves goodbye to Kiesha and heads for the door, shaking his head in amazement that anyone would have the stones to date his strange sisters.

Gen giggles at the gatorade comment and is about to reply when Miranda walks up with the ballsiest question she’s ever heard.  Reaching a hand to comfort Elise she looks at Miranda, still smiling .. unable to not smile knowing Dante is only days away.  “Well, I’m sorry for Taylor, but you know why I quit.  I won’t betray my friends.”  she straightens, her smile fading a bit.  “What you said about Gene was wrong.”

Miranda is taken completely off guard by Gen’s reaction and Elise’s glaring. She had no idea. “I uh…..you mean about the writing on my desk? I know I messed up thinking it was him...he knows that too. I didn’t even tell the office he did it...or I thought he did…..they heard it from the substitute teacher…..” She had really been hoping the desk thing would go away. Clearly it cost the basketball team and now these two girls hated her for it?

Jake lingered a bit but laughed and waved to both Romeo and Zach and then looked back at Keisha as Romeo called her Keisha dude. She was no dude…..but now there was a cat fight brewing and Jake winced and gave Keisha a little wave and quietly stepped right out of range of that biz.

Keisha saw Romeo say goodbye to Zach and Jake and forget her and then she swatted in the air with her hand. But he came back and called her Keisha dude? She called after him “Bye Romeo Chic?” She had to laugh. Then she waved at Zach and Jake. Jake was fleeing the scene of something dramatic unfolding with the girls. Keisha sighed. That didn’t look good. She overheard basketball and Gene. Now she wiped the front of the counter and put herself closer to the conversation.

Elise gave Miranda a you can’t be serious look and rolled her eyes “Not the desk...the fuckin poster you dimwitted cow! What you said about the poster of Gene!”

Buni Chuku had been in the kitchen, cleaning it for the evening.  She turned off the water and heard kids out in her coffee shop.  Some of it sounded angry and she poked her head out, seeing three girls and, of course Keisha.  The other customers seem to have left.  Probably a good thing, because of those girls got out of hand, Buni would tell them all off.  But she trusted Kiesha and so popped back into the kitchen unless she was needed.

Gen nodded along with Elise.  “Yea .. about how disgusted you were by him.”  she straightened.  “You don’t even know him.  Maybe he had a reason for doing what he did.”  she knew good and goddamned well that he HAD done what he’d done for a good reason.

Miranda took in what they were saying and then had a look of dawning followed by a look of being punched in the gut. “No…..” Her eyes suddenly filled up with tears, tears she couldn’t even explain “That wasn’t what I said…..well I was disgusted….but not with Gene or anything he did. With someone making that poster of him. And you’re right...I don’t know him…” She swallowed, sounding hoarse “But if that’s what it sounded like I said I get why he and Sparrow hate me so much….and you two….” She wiped at her face and looked like she was ready to walk out “I’m sorry I bugged you about the basketball thing…” Miranda looked defeated and just sad. It had been a hell of a day and a really long complicated school year. She didn’t want this.

Elise puffed up in her chair ready to keep taking shots at Miranda...but when the girl explained herself and began to srt of crumble she looked unsure of what to say and looked at Gen.

Keisha heard it all and looked back at Miranda with compassion. She had gotten to know her a bit through Romeo and through basketball and it sounded like this was a crappy misunderstanding. She’d heard the desk rumours of course and had seen that poster.

Gen was ready to keep on being mad, no matter how elated she was over Dante.  But then Miranda began to cry and explain what she really meant by what she said,  She looked at Elise for a second and then back to Miranda.  “OK … it sounds like we’re all caught up in assumptions and misunderstandings.”  she sighs deeply.  “Now that we know … I feel better about you …”  she pauses.  “I can play on Friday … but only Friday.”  she begins to beam again because she can’t not.  “Dante’s coming home next week and I am going to be really selfish with my time for a while…  but …  Friday …  yea … we can beat the boys asses.”  she nods, confidently.

Miranda is wiping her face constantly but the tears keep streaming “Sorry...this is all making more sense….and shit.” she laughs a bit and then smiles at Gen “Thank you…..my other option was to dress Romeo as a girl and say we had a new student. Trust me he’d probably go for it.” She manages to stop crying and sniffs, beaming at Gen about Dante “That’s awesome..super awesome. I totally get why you want time just for you and him. God that must have been horrible being apart for this long…” She’s heard their story and while she’s never been in love, she’s seen love. She’s seen the look on people’s faces even after a week of busy lives. It’s recent but the energy of it infuses some of the rooms in her life. “And we will kick their asses….” There’s one in particular she really wants to kick.

Elise gets emotional when other people cry and Miranda just seems so genuinely sad. She stands up and walks over to her “We didn’t know...and we misjudged you….I’m sorry. Can I give you a hug? Holy shit you’re so tall…”

Miranda has to laugh “It’s ok...and yeah...yeah I am..” She leans down though so she and Elise can hug but it almost looks like an adult with a child with their height differences.

In the background, Keisha does a little fist pump in the air “Yes we can play….I’ve been looking forward to this game. Thanks Gen. And congrats on Dante getting out. We all rooted for you guys. I totally want you to dress Romeo as a chic once Gen’s busy cuddling…..that HAS to happen!”

Gen watches Miranda.  “Yea … it makes more sense now.  I’ll .. well … I’ll just let Gene know it was all a misunderstanding.  But .. give him time.  He’s had a rough time adjusting, you know.”  she laughs at the hug and offers one of her own, which doesn't look as bad.  Then she looks at Keisha when she suggests Romeo should be dressed as a girl.  “Pictures, or it never happened!”  she laughs.  “Can I buy a round?  You too, Kiesha?”

Miranda hugs Gen back too and then Keisha hugs them all before making coffee. She acknowledges what Gen said about Gene needing time. “I don’t expect Gene to just get over that. I get being judged by people and I know he’s had worse. I don’t expect we’ll be pals but I would appreciate it if he knew I didn’t think he was disgusting, but that I said the person who made the poster was. We can one day strive for an uncomfortable truce. Maybe by graduation?” She laughs “Thank you...seriously.” Maybe this school would still be a better experience after all. She chatted and drank coffee with Gen and Elise and discovered that not only were they kind but they could be quite silly and hilarious too. And somehow they both had amazing boyfriends. It gave her a glimmer of hope for at least a few minutes about the male species... just a few minutes anyway.

Lee’s Noodle House had just opened. It was primarily a takeout place but he had 3 tables with two chairs at each. At the window table sat Spencer Newcastle eating alone. He had tried to find some plans but his usual options had other plans themselves, which was making him feel a little punchy from the blow to his ego of that rejection.

Gene had nearly burst with pride.  It was the perfect ending to the perfect day … or as close to perfect as his days got.  Before closing, but after Miranda had come the text message from Gen telling him about the misunderstanding.  Miranda had meant she was disgusted by the flier, not him personally.  It definitely helped.  He doubted it would change too much … there was too much bad air between he and Miranda.  But it was a start.  Then Bruce had decided to trust him with closing alone and Gene had done it right, he was positive.  So once he did, he pocketed the keys and decided to treat himself.  He had been curious about Lee’s Noodle House and decided to give it a try.  Noticing Spencer didn't change his mind … he was social distanced, after all.  Gene moved up to the counter and considered the menu.  “Maple Mongolian, small please.”  he ordered.

Chad Lee was a one man show. He greeted every customer like he was welcoming them into his home kitchen with charm and pizzazz. He spun to the grill and flipped some onions and peppers around he already had going in a wok and then spun to face the young man who easily towered over him by a good 6 inches “Hi there.” He smiled widely “Excellent choice. Beef, chicken, shrimp or tofu? You wanna kick It up a notch with a dash of hot sauce?” He was grabbing ingredients as he asked specifics “I’m Chad by the way. Chad Lee.” Sometimes people knew him or knew his name.  He was friendly either way.

Spencer ate slowly and watched Gene. The little Asian proprietor was a bit of a show off. He had pictures of himself with various celebrities and famous chefs all over the shop and little ads for his YouTube show as well as a streaming series. But maybe he can improve his mood by poking at Gene.

Gene is amused by this guy and his greeting.  “Shrimp and sure .. kick it up a notch.”  he grinned.  “Hey Chad.  I’m Gene.  Gene Sinclair.”  he watched as the man prepared the food.  “It’s good to meet you.  I've only been on the island for a few weeks.  Sort of neat this place wasn’t here when I first came.”  he chuckles.  He isn’t looking at or for Spencer.

Chad talked as he cooked. He has veggie sets prepped in bags and portioned. The sounds of sizzling and the metal flipper dancing on the grill are almost percussion. Chad tosses in a portion of shrimp, drizzles sauces and generally makes the whole thing look effortlessly delicious. “Oh well welcome to Alexandra. This is my second try at living here. I’m a die hard Vancouverite at heart but business is tough in a pandemic right? Gotta find the groove again. Hopefully people like the noodles.” He laughs heartily. “So do you live around here? I don’t want to guess your age but I suspect you’re a student?” He scoops up the beautiful little stir fry into a box and then adds some bean sprouts, peanuts, green onions and a nice squeeze of lime. Then he tucks in the sides, closing the box and takes it to the till “You want to add a drink. I’ve got bottled pop in the cooler there...Green tea, Jasmine tea and Chai tea?”

Spencer drinks from a bottle of coke, his meal now eaten. He scoffs a bit at all the tea as he watches a video on social media that’s making fun of someone who falls down a flight of stairs dramatically.

Gene is entertained by the meal preparation.  “Yea, I live near the school and yea …  I’m a student.  Only 16.”  he admits, as the meal is prepared and boxed.  He moves to the till as well.  “Let me have the Jasmine tea.  I’ve never had it before.”  he has an adventurous palate and will try almost anything once.

Chad snaps his fingers and then goes to pour Gene’s tea “That’s the perfect pairing with the Maple Mongolian. My son went to the Academy here. He loved it there.” Chad has a very young face and energy and its often surprising to people he has a grown up son. He taps at the touch screen till “With the tea now $11.50. Hey If you give me your email or number I can sign you up for my noodlehead rewards card. It pays to be a noodlehead.” He says it like he knows it’s a cheesy pitch and delights in it.

Spencer is now in an internet social media flame war about the video he shared that someone else thought was cruel. “Fuckin bleeding heart liberal snowflakes...” He mutters as he types. 

Gene looks a little surprised that Chad has a kid, but says nothing as he pays.  “Sure .. why not?”  he gives up his email for the reward card.  But he does wince.  “Really?”  he can’t help but chuckle.  He can hear Spencer mumbling behind him somewhere, but can’t make out the words.

Chad laughs at Gene’s reaction and at himself really. “I gotta work on my ad lingo... but people remember.” He laughs again “Ok thank you so much and enjoy your meal. Good to meet you Gene.” And after one last friendly smile he heads to tidy up after his preparations and as soon as he’s got it all wiped down again the phone rings “Lee’s Noodle House...yeah I’m on that Save the Dishes app...did it not go through? Oh well hey no worries, what were you trying to order. I can probably walk you through it from my side... happy to...”

Spencer watches and notices Gene settling up and as soon as he can catch his eye he gives him a wry smile “So...you survived the stupid sales pitch and the uppity bitch today. You might just make it in this town Sinclair.”

Gene nods, as if working on his ad lingo might help out Chad a great deal.  “Good to meet you too, Chad.” he says as he takes his food and turns around.  Spencer starts talking to him … insulting both Chad and Miranda.  He’s slightly more Team Miranda now than he was a few hours ago.  Still not a fan, but he is thinking his days of crossing the street when he sees her coming are over.  Now, he’ll probably just walk by her without acknowledging her.  So he 

Tries to have both backs as he sits nearby, opens his box and watches the steam.  “Neither is that bad, really…”  he probably means Miranda more than Chad since obviously he only just met Chad.  He begins to eat and is impressed.  Good food.

Spencer snorts “She’s hot. I’ll give her that. But she’s a bit too much work if you know what I mean.” He grins slyly. “Trust me. And she’ll sick her daddy’s fuck buddy lawyer on you if you cross her. Sometimes you just want a girl you can bend over who won’t complain when you try to spice it up.” He’s drawing Gene into the locker room trash talk like he expects all guys to simply engage. “Just friendly advice since you’re new. Gotta know who’s fun and fuckable and who’s gonna be a hassle.

Chad is deep into his phone order conversation still.

Gene won’t argue that Miranda is hot.  He tries not to think of it.  They may be able to get along better but never THAT well.  Then he blinks.  “Too much work?”  he says aloud before he realizes that might not be the best idea.  Then he thinks about the lawyer.  “Wait .. her dad is gay?  And hes a lawyer?  What happened she sicced a lawyer on you?”  he can't keep a hint of amusement out of his tone.  Miranda sent a lawyer after Spencer?  It must have been serious.  Then he talks about girls you can just bend over that won’t complain.  Considering his past clients, he can’t relate all that well … Some of his clients … the male ones … he could, and that thought makes him angry.  He continues eating.  “Some people might call that rape…”  he mutters between mouthfuls.  The food was still good, but he was concentrating more on finishing now.

Spencer holds up a hand defensively “Hey man... I didn’t rape anyone. She was into it. Just didn’t like where I went with it. You know the fuckin me too bullshit is all about turning men into pussies... and not getting the pussy of course. Cause we’re the bad guys.” He gestures dramatically. “And no, her Dad’s the doctor and his little fairy friend is that nosy lawyer. Unnatural if you ask me but we gotta be politically correct.” He laughs “No wonder Miranda doesn’t know how to handle it with a real man though. That’s gotta fuck up a kid’s head right?” He sighs at Gene like he’s commiserating with him. “She does have great tits though. That desk writer must have seen them too...”

Gene listens to Spencer and finds himself breathing in a deep and measured way.  He tightens his jaw.  “So … what did you do to Miranda … that wasn’t rape?”  he wonders, his jaw tight.  Then Spencer mentons the tits.  “Yea … that desk writer must have …”  he considers and wonders … could he get Spencer to confess to writing that on his desk?

Spencer laughs “Oh whatever I fucked her. Doing her a favour really. She was all mopey when she got here. No school... no friends except her brother and his girl. Tried to make a bit of a party of it and invited a few friends... betcha Cosmo would’ve fucked her too and he could use a good lay... bit too slow on the uptake to get any so I had her first.” He talks about Miranda like she’s an object to be passed, used, and discarded. “Thought maybe she’d be game for a little girl on girl showtime but she freaked on Brooke. Now there’s a woman who knows how to give a man what he wants without whining.” Spencer shrugs “I snapped a few mementos and the fairy lawyer was banging down doors. I didn’t know Brooke was gonna post them. Seriously too much work. But I bet she’s a fuckin hypocrite who flashes her tits at any dude who tries to cheer her up. Serves her right to have it on the desk. You should try it and let me know...or maybe I’ll see if timid little Cosmo is ready to get some with her... just for fun.”

Gene had food in his mouth when Spencer started talking about fucking Miranda.  He slows his chewing, then swallows.  How he talked about Miranda made him angry, but he decided that it was because he had been used, passed and discarded in his own right and so could relate to someone he had no desire to relate to.  So he had fuked Miranda, invited friends and even  fuck taken pictures.  And now he was suggesting that Gene fuck Miranda and come back with a review.  Definitely a place Gene had been before as his foster parents built him clientele.  He tucked Cosmo’s name away for later thought, but looked at Spencer.  “You wrote that shit on the desk, didn't you?  About Miranda’s great tits.”  he sounds almost amazed.  “And that shit I said about her being an uppity bitch.”  he makes himself scoff.  “Because I’ve never seen her tits, that’s for sure.”

Spencer tried to look innocent and then just laughed and took a little bow “Ok you got me. I didn’t expect her to get so pissed at you man. She’s got a few screws loose...”

Gene runs his tongue along his ragged teeth.  The pain helps him to focus a little bit.  He can’t reach over and start pounding Spencer into the bar, he knows.  “I wound up getting searched.”  but that was common knowledge now.  He doesn’t comment on any screws Miranda has loose.  He’d thought so too, but after talking to Spencer, he wasn’t as sure as he once had been.  As a matter of fact he and Miranda had more in common than he thought.  “Kind of a dick move, man.”  he rumbles as he considers what he can do that won’t wind him up in the Alexandra lockup.

Spencer just laughs “Ah shit man... sorry.” He’s actually getting a little nervous about Gene’s reaction and he knocks over his now empty drink bottle as he widens his arms, posturing “What’d ya gonna do... tell on me? You don’t have any proof. I’ll deny it... then it’s your word against mine Sinclair. Think about it...” He smirks and hops up from his chair, ready to leave.

Chad is off the phone and cooking again. He sees the two guys talking but can’t really hear anything. But he does see the pop bottle fall and calls over “Hey do you mind using the recycling bin by the door buddy?” But the entitled teenager seems to ignore him.

Gene isn’t in a mood to accept Spencer’s apology.  He looks at the spread arms and does indeed think about it.  He’s right … Gene can’t tell on him.  Part of him considers telling Spencer how he might get revenge if he were still in prison, but instead, he finds himself saying.  “Just leave us alone.”  he tells the other boy.  “Me and Miranda.”  his mind is still working on not throwing Spencer through the noodle shops window.