Chapter 4.39 – Down Tiger

Cassie walked over to Blake and Barb. “Welcome,” she said, “It’s good to see you guys again. I hope little Bryce is doing well. Cris has reserved a spot for your party. It’s in the alcove just behind you. If you want I can get you a drink now and you can take it over. Or you can get settled and I will send Jenna over. She will be your waitress when everyone gets here.”

“Let’s go now Diamond,” said Blake, “we can scope out the best spot. Oh, look here comes Samson and his pretty girlfriend. Over here Samson!” He waved his arms to attract their attention.

Blake was being extra loud to outshout the music and Tyler couldn’t help but laugh. He turned to Walker and he was shaking his head while biting back his own laugh. “He doesn’t get out much,” explained Tyler, “but he’s a stand up guy.”

Cassie looked at Walker who was taking it all in with a smirk on his face. “Blake literally took a bullet for Tyler,” she added, “so stop judging.”

His eyebrow shot up. “Dayum – your family is full of surprises. Am I even safe?”

Cassie laughed. “Yes. 100%.” The front door opened and she motioned to the trio walking in. “Ah. Here comes the rest of the gang. Keira, Tyler’s date, is the brunette. The blonde is Veronica who I’m supposed to be ‘nice’ to and her boyfriend Mark, that I ‘hit’ on.”

Walker let out a low whistle. “If they weren’t taken … just sayin’.”

“You and Cris are just alike,” grumbled Cassie.

“Oh no,” said Walker and pointed at Cris, who had just joined them. “I’m nothing like him.”

Keira saw Tyler as their group was headed to the alcove and made a u-turn. “Hi Tyler,” she purred and kissed his cheek, “It’s good to see you.”

“Hi. Want to join the others?” he asked. “You need to meet Blake and Barb.”

“Sure,” she agreed, sounding like she wanted to do anything but.

After introductions, they went to sit down but there weren’t any seats left together, just two chairs. Tyler sat in one and patted his knee. Keira grinned and wasted no time joining him in his lap.

After they all got drinks, and chatted for a bit, Barb asked Blake to take her to the dance floor.

When they got up to leave, Samson piped up. “Hey guys, they have a ping pong table upstairs. We could have a tournament.”

“Sounds fun,” said Veronica, “I’m in. Come on Mark, let’s go.”

“You’re all going down,” said Samson throwing smack.

“Just because you have a ping pong table doesn’t make you the master,” Tyler reminded him, “I’ve been known to beat you a time or two … or three.”

After they all made their way upstairs, Keira pulled on Tyler’s arm. “I suck at ping pong,” she whined, along with a serious pout. “I guess I’ll just watch.”

“We don’t have to play,” offered Tyler, “How about we go sit outside for a minute. It’s a nice night.”

Keira smiled at that suggestion and let him take her hand as he ushered her out to the balcony. “Are you okay?” he asked once they were outside.

“Yes. I just really wanted to be alone with you, and we have three other couples with us. It feels like a stupid high school group date.”

Tyler chuckled, a little embarrassed. She was right. It kinda did. Awkward as hell too. “Well, we can’t leave yet. Besides, where would we go to be alone?”

She turned to face him and put her hand on his cheek. “We’re alone now,” she said seductively.

Tyler leaned forward, closing the distance between them and softly kissed her lips. It was nice, and made him wish they really were alone.

Kiera clearly wasn’t satisfied though, and pulled him closer. She kissed him thoroughly. “I missed you,” she said around their kiss.

Tyler groaned when her tongue found his. He could almost forget they were standing outside on the balcony. He pulled away when he realized his jeans were getting very uncomfortable. “Keira … you’re making me crazy.”

She giggled. “Good. That was my master plan. Now we have to find somewhere to go.”

“I would love to, but seriously, I can’t leave. Blake and Barb came all the way from San Myshuno to hang out. Since we aren’t going to play ping pong, we should go back downstairs and maybe dance with them.”

“Whatever,” she said and let out a defeated sigh. “I guess we’ll go hang out with the nerds.”

Her tone left no doubt as to her disappointment. She wasn’t even trying to hide it and that upset him. “Keira, they’re my best friends,” he said defensively, letting his anger get the best of him. “They come with the territory. Maybe this isn’t going to work. We’re just too different.” He knew he’d spoken without thinking, and as soon as the words were out of his mouth, he desperately wished he could swallow them back.

He started to apologize but Keira beat him to it. She threw her arms around his neck to hold him in place. “No, no Tyler. I’m sorry. Really. I just wanted to be alone with you. That’s all. Maybe you can come back to San Myshuno next weekend. I’ll kick out Veronica and we’ll have the place to ourselves … with a super sized box of condoms.”

She whispered the last part in his ear sending more blood rushing south. “Fuuuuck,” thought Tyler.

Keira leaned into him and whispered, “Exactly.” Then giggled.

Oops. He hadn’t meant to say that out loud. “Sorry – I’m not used to anyone coming on so strong, especially to me.”

“I can’t understand why not. I mean, you’re a hottie, and you have a super famous sister. Why wouldn’t anyone want to be with you?”

Why did she always say that? “I’m a nerd?” he said instead of acknowledging her sister comment.

Keira squeezed his arm and ran her hand over his chest. “You don’t feel, or look, like a nerd Tyler Murdock.”

He grabbed her arm. “And you’re gonna have to stop that or …”

She grinned, “Or what?”

“You’re killing me here. Let’s go inside and dance.” He put his arm around her to lead her back into the club. When she actually began to move, he leaned in and kissed her one last time.

When they walked in Samson and Lyric were still playing ping pong and Veronica and Mark were watching. He had her pulled flush against him with his arms around her holding her in place. Maybe Cassie was right, he thought, she had a type.

They walked over to tell Veronica they were going downstairs to dance with Blake and Barb.

As they got closer, Mark smirked at them. “Well if it isn’t the little lovebirds,” he said sardonically. “Did you cop a feel while you were out there Murdock?”

“Mark!” scolded Veronica, clearly embarrassed. “That’s awful.”

“Keira said he couldn’t keep his hands off of her last time,” replied Mark, the nasty smirk still in place. Veronica was getting angry now and began to try and wiggle out of his arms only to have him tighten his grip on her.

“That’s not what I said!” shot back Keira, clearly upset. Tyler’s protective instincts kicked in and he pulled her closer.

“It’s true though, right Murdock?“ continued Mark, “ I mean, I’d tap that if it weren’t for blondie here.”

Veronica finally managed to pull out of his grasp. “YOU ASS!” she yelled then slapped him.

“Whoa,” he said, as he rubbed his cheek. “I was just giving him a hard time Ronnie, it was all in good fun.”

Tyler didn’t know what to do as he looked between Veronica and Keira. He noticed Samson and Lyric had stopped their game and were now watching the Mark show. Keira was holding on to him or he may have jumped on the jerk. “You owe both of them an apology,” he finally managed to spit out. “Now!” he added, barely keeping it together.

“That’s bullshit!” spat out Mark.

Cris walked up and stood between them. Someone must’ve told him a fight was brewing. “What’s the problem up here?” he asked.

Tyler looked around and a crowd had indeed gathered. Walker was there too. When no one said anything, Cris asked again, “Is there a problem? Tyler?”

Tyler looked at Veronica and she spoke up. “Mark was being obnoxious,” she said, “I, I think he’s sorry.”

Tyler couldn’t believe his ears. She fucking slapped him and now she was taking up for him? “Veronica, you ….” She was shaking her head so he stopped mid sentence. What the fuck?

“Are you good Tyler, Mark?”

“He needs to apologize to the ladies,” said Tyler, not taking his eyes off of Mark.

Cris cocked his head and raised an eyebrow. “Well?”

“Fine,” grumbled Mark, “I’m fucking sorry.”

That pissed off Cris and her grabbed Mark by the sleeve of his shirt. “You don’t get another chance mother fucker. I don’t want anymore trouble outta you. Got it?” Cris waited and when he didn’t respond he repeated himself louder. “GOT IT?”

“Yeah,” he finally spat out.

Cris pushed him back as he let him go. “Good,” he said and turned to the waitress. “Jenna, he’s cut off. Soft drinks only the rest of the night.”

“Yes sir,” she replied.

“I think we should go,” said Veronica softly. “I’m sorry Tyler.”

“Yeah,” growled Mark, “let’s get the fuck outta this shit hole.”

“Veronica,” said Tyler, “Stay. I’ll take you and Keira home.”

“No,” said Mark and grabbed Veronica’s arm. “She’s fucking going with me.”

“Let go of me Mark!” said Veronica between gritted teeth, trying not to cause another scene, “I’d rather go with and Keira and Tyler.”

“Ronnie, lets go!” he yelled.

Cris clearly heard him, and turned back around looking scary as fuck. “You heard the lady,” he growled, “Let go of her, now. In fact asshole, you just blew your second chance. It’s time for you to leave, or I’ll throw your ass out. Just give me a reason, because I fucking want to do it.”

“Son of a bitch,” muttered Mark and let go of Veronica.

Cris took another step towards him and he threw his hands up. “I’m leaving,” he spat out with his lip curled up. “This is a shit bar anyway.”

He purposely bumped Cris on the way out. But Cris didn’t move. Tyler was impressed that Cris didn’t fall for it because he would’ve taken the bait.

As soon as Mark headed down the stairs, Veronica began to cry. Cris immediately went to her and attempted to console her. “Come on sweetheart,” he said softly, “let’s go into my office. You know Cass, right?” Veronica nodded. “Do you want her to come sit with you for a few minutes?” She nodded again.

No sooner had they disappeared behind closed doors, than Tyler saw Cassie come up and go inside. He let out a relieved breath. At least things were under control for now. Now, he wanted to talk to Keira and make sure she was okay. “Let’s go sit down outside and cool off,” he suggested and she nodded.

“Hey Ty, we’re gonna go,” said Samson as they walked by. “Sorry it got weird. I’ll let Barb and Blake know you’ll be down in a bit.”

Shit. He forgot about them. “Okay. Thanks. See you guys later.” He took Keira by the hand and led her outside.

Once seated, he could tell she was pissed. “Are you okay?” he asked, just like he had earlier when they went outside, only he figured she was upset for a different reason this time.

“Yes,” she said, and let out a frustrated sigh making her shoulders slump. “I guess there goes our rendezvous next weekend. Looks like Veronica and Mark are broken up.”

Tyler was shocked that’s all she was worried about. “Keira, I need to ask you about Mark. Do you think he’ll just go away? Was he abusing Veronica? She didn’t want me to tell Cris that she slapped him. Why?”

“He’s an asshole. He probably tried to act like he was some big shot, but I think he’s harmless. And Veronica, well, she was just trying to smooth things over and not cause any waves. She always does that.”

“So you don’t think he’s going to stalk her, or try to get back at her for embarrassing him?” Keira shook her head. “Good. Regardless, I don’t think you two should go back home tonight. Give him time to cool off.”

Keira cocked her head and a smile formed on her lips. “Oh, what did you have in mind? Maybe, we could get a couple of hotel rooms, one for me and one for Veronica and stay the night here. I might need you to make me feel better.”

Tyler had to bite his tongue so he didn’t snap at her. “If you got a hotel, it wouldn’t be two rooms. Veronica is clearly upset and shouldn’t be alone tonight.”

Kiera’s shoulders slumped again. “Veronica’s a big girl and can take care of herself. You sure you don’t have a thing for her?”

As Tyler was shaking his head, the door opened and Cassie stepped outside. “Hey Ty, Keira,” she said. “Wow what a night. Veronica’s a hot mess. Keira, are you okay? ”

“Yes,” she said, “I’m fine, thanks.”

“Good,” said Cassie and joined them at the table. “Veronica’s going to stay the night with me in my apartment. Blake and Barb said they’d give you a ride back to San Myshuno since they only live four blocks away from your apartment. The party pretty much fizzled out, and they’re ready to get back to their baby anyway.”

“Oh…” said Keira as her shoulders slumped.

“Of course, you’re welcome to stay with us too if you like,” said Cassie quickly. “I can let them know if you’d prefer to stay here.”

She looked expectantly at Tyler before replying to Cassie. “No,” she finally said, and sighed deeply. “That’s okay. I’ll go back with the nerds. This night’s a dud anyway.”

Keira leaned over and kissed him a little more passionately than he was comfortable with in front of Cassie. Then she stood up, leaving him a little breathless. She looked pointedly at him for a few seconds. “Bye Tyler,” she finally said, “call me.” Then she turned around and walked back inside leaving him and Cassie sitting there together.

“Wow, why didn’t you offer to take her home?” asked Cassie once Keira was out of earshot.

He shrugged. “She had a ride. How’s Veronica? Can I go talk to her.”

Cassie Rolled her eyes and shook her head. “Clueless,” she muttered.

“Huh? How’s Veronica?” he asked again.

“She’s pretty shook up Ty, it’s probably better if you just let me take care of her for now. What happened, exactly, to make her so upset?”

“Mark was being a total ass to both her and Keira. He said some nasty things, then he tried to make her leave with him against her will. I told you he seemed controlling last time I saw them together. Did she tell you she slapped him, but then tried to play it down when Cris came up? It makes me think she’s afraid of him, otherwise why would she even do that? He deserved more than a slap after the way he treated them. More like a swift kick in the balls.”

Cassie grinned. “Down tiger. And, no, she didn’t tell me the specifics. She didn’t want to talk about it. That’s part of why I asked her to stay with me. It’ll give him time to cool off, in case he does decide to bother her. And maybe she’ll tell with me why she tried to make it not so bad. She did say you took up for her and Keira and she appreciated it.”

“It’s a good thing Cris and Walker came up. I was about 3 seconds away from punching him.”

“I’m sorry your night went haywire.”

“I’m more sorry Veronica got mixed up with someone like that. She deserves so much better. Keira didn’t seem to think he would be a threat and would just tuck his tail and move on. I hope she’s right.”

“I hope so too. Well, I need to get back to work. Cris said Veronica could hang in his office for now. He and Walker are gonna close up so I can leave as soon as the crowd thins out, and take her home with me.”

They both stood up and Cassie gave him a hug. “I love you Tyler. You’re one of the good ones. Maybe we can all three have breakfast together in the morning.”

“Sure. As long as she’s okay with it.” What if she was mad at him for challenging Mark. Crap.

“I’ll text you. Come on. You need to get to get home, since all of your friends are gone.”

“I can’t win for losing.”

“Yeah, you shoulda offered to take Keira home…”

“Why? Blake and Barb are right … there … Ohhhhhhh. Shit.” Tyler hung his head at his stupidity. He was so dumb. All Keira wanted was to be alone with him, and they had a perfect opportunity. He was so concerned about Veronica he just didn’t think. Somehow, he’d have to figure out how to make it up to her.

“Finally,” said Cassie and shook her head. “Let’s go. What’s done is done.”

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