Rosa sat down in one of the chairs provided in the spacious dressing room with a grateful sigh. She had forgotten just how much her niece enjoyed shopping. It wasn't so much the need to purchase something that apparently drove Maria, but rather the search. Even though she had been through numerous stores, tried on countless outfits, and an ungodly number of shoes, she had yet to actually buy anything. Rosa shook her head, a bit bemused by it. [It is a good thing I made sure to wear comfortable shoes or I would not have made it this long.]

The four of them had spent just under an hour at Reisner. Rosa had enjoyed the visit. In particular the fact that Joe seemed to be both well liked and respected. She found it reassuring that he had found a place for himself as a police officer, a place where no one doubted or questioned his loyalty, ability, or commitment. His family connections didn't seem to be an issue in Houston the way she knew they had been in Chicago. As far as his coworkers were concerned, Joe was just another cop.

While they were visiting at Reisner, Joe had fielded repeated questions about Levon's health. Something Rosa secretly found amusing. Not one of the other detectives apparently saw anything wrong with the close nature of Joe and Levon's relationship. No one questioned Joe being Levon's nurse maid, driving his vehicle, staying at the ranch, being listed as his next of kin, or any one of a dozen other oddities that were decidedly more intimate than what could be expected of two men who were merely working partners.

Joe had mentioned to Rosa, when they talked about his relationship with Levon, that they had told only two other people of their commitment to one another. Having met most of the detectives of the Major Crimes Unit, Rosa could better understand how it was possible for Joe and Levon to become involved, and have their friends and coworkers be none the wiser. It wasn't that they were unobservant or ignorant, but merely unquestioning, accepting things at face value. The friendship between Joe and Levon had been firmly established long before they became lovers, and no one thought of anything between them as being more than just very good friends.

Rosa was relieved to know that they hadn't been forced to repress or completely stifle their affection for one another as so many other same sex couples were forced to do in public. Ever tactile, Joe would never have been able to handle not being able to touch Levon. Joe and Levon couldn't hold hands or kiss in public, but evidently no one questioned a pat on the arm or a friendly nudge of a shoulder. No one thought it odd that they spent their free time together either. So while it wasn't necessarily ideal, it was still better than most situations.

Rosa's thoughts were interrupted when Maria stepped out of the small cubicle to model her latest potential purchase. Joe and Carlo had left them alone to wander through the men's section. Rosa was reasonably certain that neither man wanted to be asked to volunteer an opinion on yet another outfit that would only be rejected. Realizing that this was an opportunity for her to talk to Maria alone, Rosa decided to use the time to find out what weighty subject Maria and Carlo had talked about last night.

"What do you think, Aunt Rosa?" Maria spun around to show off the royal blue raw silk dress she was wearing. The top was reminiscent of a peasant blouse with graceful, billowing sleeves, while the skirt flared just enough to allow for easy movement, hanging long enough to reach just above Maria's knees. The wide belt at the waist served to emphasize her tiny waist and highlighted her hourglass figure.

"It is lovely, Maria." Rosa answered, amazed at what a beautiful woman her young niece had become. [She has come a long way from her tomboy days. It is a shame, Sofia is not here to see this.]

"Come sit by me for a moment." Rosa patted the seat next to her. Even though it was a request, Rosa managed to make it sound like an order.

Maria sat down hesitantly. "Something wrong, Aunt Rosa?"

Rosa smiled. "No child. Nothing is wrong. I merely wish to ask you something, and I find conversation easier if I do not have to look up."

"Okay." Maria's blue eyes narrowed nervously.

"What was it you and Carlo talked about yesterday... before you came into the house for dinner?"

"Why?"

"You had a look on your face." Rosa tipped her head. "Is there something wrong? Perhaps, I can help."

Maria sat back with a heavy sigh. "I don't know." She waved a hand in a vague gesture. "I mean nothing is really wrong. Carlo was talking to Joey about leaving Uncle Mikey's organization."

Rosa raised an eyebrow. This was news to her. "He wishes to quit?"

Maria's lips quirked upward in a half smile. "Yes. He and I have talked about it before, but never in concrete terms. Evidently he told Joey that he wanted to leave, and Joey seems to think he could."

Rosa considered that. [Carlo spoke to Joseph... hmm... interesting. I wouldn't have thought they liked each other well enough to discuss such topics. Although, there are a limited number of people Carlo could talk to about quitting the family business. And even though he was never actually involved with it, Joseph is an excellent choice.]

Rosa studied her niece. "And the problem with him quitting would be?"

Maria frowned, her blue eyes troubled. "Carlo thinks that if he quits we would have to leave Chicago."

"Ah." Rosa could understand how that would upset her young niece. Very few of the family had left the Chicago area. In fact, she could count on one hand the number that were more than two hours away by car. "Where do you plan to go?"

"No one said we were leaving yet." Maria snapped.

Rosa quelled her with a hard look. "You do not want him to stay with your uncle. Even though you have not said as much to me, I know this to be true. And I also know that if the opportunity presents itself, you will take it. Even if it means leaving Chicago."

Rosa softened her glare and smiled gently. "Life is a series of tradeoffs, young one. You want Carlo to be safe, to have a career that does endanger you or your children, should you have any, but that will not be an option if he continues to work for your uncle."

Maria sighed. "I know."

"So, where do you plan to go?"

Maria shrugged, helplessly. "At this point the choices are endless. It really depends on where Carlo will be able to find work."

Rosa nodded. She realized that much of what Carlo did for her brother wasn't the sort of thing one could readily put on a resume. And nearly anyone that Mikey could recommend or provide as a reference would likely be connected in some fashion, which would defeat the whole purpose.

"Carlo has family in California. Distant cousins that work on developing real estate in San Francisco." Maria shrugged. "We've talked about heading out there since it seems like the best choice. Opportunities are good for me there if I choose to teach."

Because California had such diverse ethnic minorities, there was always need for teachers who were multilingual. Like Joe, Maria had learned to speak Italian around the house. She also spoke Spanish, although she did not speak it as well as her brother did. Rosa was sure that with a little practice, Maria would develop the same degree of skill with it that Joe had. [A shame that Maria did not learn one of the oriental languages as well.]

"We've also talked about New York and Miami." Maria sighed. "Make a clean break and go somewhere without family for either of us."

"What do you prefer?" Rosa asked.

"What I would prefer is to not have to leave at all... but since that doesn't really seem to be an option, I am thinking California would be the best choice. If Carlo can get some experience working there, we could always pursue other options later. The weather there is milder than in Chicago, and it still has a change of seasons. Not like Miami. I don't think I could handle the heat and humidity that I hear that Miami gets. And I could do without hurricanes. "

"I don't really think New York is a good idea." Maria wrinkled her nose in obvious distaste. "I know I've only been there once, but I didn't like it. And the family business is present there. That could prove to be a problem."

Rosa nodded. [New York would not have been a good choice. Michael's organization is centered in Chicago, but there are branch offices. And there are rivalries that could make trouble for Maria and Carlo. Especially if they knew he had only recently left Michael.]

"It would appear that you have given this a great deal of thought." Rosa commented. [Far more than could have been discussed in the short time you had last night.]

Maria looked away. "We've talked about it even before the wedding. Carlo has even talked to his cousin, but he was hesitant to delve to deeply into it before the wedding. I think he was afraid that if he told Uncle Mikey he wanted out then, that Uncle Mikey might have called off the wedding."

Rosa cocked her head slightly, thinking about that. It was a slim, but realistic possibility. That might have indeed been the case. Mikey had been thrilled to have his niece marry Carlo, in no small part because he genuinely liked the younger man, and he was an up and coming member of his organization. Mikey had considered Carlo a good, stable marriage prospect, someone with a future who could provide for his niece. He might not have responded favorably at the time to Carlo wanting to quit before the wedding if for no other reason than it would leave him unable to support a family.

Now that Carlo was a bone fide member of the family, and assuming his reason for quitting was to ensure the health and well being of Maria, and any future children, Mikey's position would likely be more understanding. Mikey had never been one to encourage his family to be involved in the mob, nor had he discouraged their involvement. It was simply an option open to each of them for consideration. One of the reasons Mikey was so well respected was that he did not use his position as head of the family to trample on the rest of them. He had always tried to allow his siblings, and their children, make their own choices.

Maria looked a bit sheepish. "And I wasn't ready to even consider leaving home. Not then."

"And now?"

"Now... after seeing Joey, it doesn't seem quite so bad. I mean, he's managed to make a life for himself. He has a place here. Good friends, especially Levon."

[You have no idea, young one, just how good a friend Levon is. They are so much more than friends. Perhaps you will know just how much more before this trip is over.] Rosa refocused her attention on her niece.

"Joey seems to be happy here, and he's doing okay. Even considering the fact that he's been hurt...he still seems to be all right. You were right. He wouldn't be any safer in Chicago than he is here."

Maria squared her shoulders and lifted her chin. "If Joey can do it...well, I can to. I could handle San Francisco. Carlo and I could make a life there and be happy."

Rosa smiled, and patted Maria's knee. "You can do anything you put your mind to. About that I have no doubts."

Maria blushed. "Maybe. At least I won't be on my own the way Joey was. And, it isn't like I can't come home to visit."

"Indeed. You will always be welcome." Rosa squeezed the knee under her hand. "And perhaps I can come visit you. Continue my travels and see more of the country."

"Oh, Aunt Rosa, I would love that." Maria sat forward and hugged Rosa.

"Good." Rosa grinned. "Now that we have settled that... are you going to buy this dress? Or shall we continue the hunt?"

Maria laughed, and got up to check her reflection in the mirror. She twirled once. "You know, I think I might get this one after all."

Maria slipped back into her cubicle to change back into her own clothes. Rosa glanced at her watch and wondered if Joe and Carlo would expect them to be ready so soon. [Maria hasn't left a dressing room in under half an hour all day.]

They left the dressing room, stopping to pay for Maria's dress at the nearby counter before going in search of their male companions. Rosa spotted Joe browsing through a rack of silk shirts. His fingers idly stroked each shirt testing the weight and feel of the fabric. She didn't see Carlo anywhere.

"Joseph?"

Joe looked up and smiled. "Hey. That was fast."

Maria held up the garment bag she had in her right hand. "Found something I wanted this time." Maria glanced around. "Where's Carlo?"

Joe pointed with his chin toward the other side of the store. "He said something about looking for some new shoes."

Maria nodded. "I'll head over there." She smiled a bit mischievously. "He might need help."

Rosa shook her head, wondering if Carlo would appreciate having Maria's brand of help. Maria would likely have him trying on dozen different pair before she was through. Rosa was just glad it wasn't her.

Joe pulled two shirts from the rack. One was a combination of black and white that Rosa thought looked similar to many of the western style shirts she'd seen throughout the day. One half was black, the other white, with a white sleeve attached to the black half and the black sleeve attached to the white side. She raised an eyebrow. [Doesn't seem to be Joseph's style.]

The other shirt was a beautiful, rich emerald green, with a faint striped pattern of a lighter green running through it. Rosa frowned slightly. It was a beautiful color but not really right for Joe. [Blue is a better color for him.]

"These do not seem to be your style or color, Joseph." She kept her voice carefully neutral. Shopping with Maria all day had made her wary of making a stronger comment.

Joe chuckled. "They're not. Not my size either." He grinned, and waggled his eyebrows at her. "They're for Levon."

Rosa studied the shirts, and nodded. She could see Levon wearing the black and white one since it was similar to other shirts she'd seen him in. The sharp color contrast would look good with his fair coloring. But the green one she wasn't so sure about, and she said as much.

Joe just shrugged one shoulder. "I've seen him in green before. It's a good color for him." He shot her a faintly amused look. "At least as long as it isn't neon green like his cast, or a pastel. He looks good in dark, vibrant colors."

Joe's expression took on a distant unfocused mien, clearly seeing something Rosa could not. "This one will really bring out his eyes. Make them look as rich and deep as dark chocolate. And his hair so bright... like spun gold."

Rosa smiled. [Love has brought out unseen talents in you. Quite the poet you have become, Joseph.] She remembered the burgundy silk shirt Levon had worn the day she met him. [It was a great color for him.] She hadn't seen him in anything like it since though.

"You bought him the shirt he was wearing when he met us for lunch?" She had already figured that Joe might have done so but asked anyway seeking confirmation.

"Yeah." Joe smiled tilting his head toward her, blue eyes warm. "He looked great in it." Joe's smiled slipped, a small frown line forming between his brows. "They cut it off in the hospital."

"Ah." Rosa had wondered what happened to it. There had been no clothing among Levon's affects at the hospital. [Well, except for his boots, and we didn't pick those up until he was discharged the following day.] "So you are seeking a suitable replacement?"

Joe nodded. "Couldn't find one that color, but I'm hoping these will be something he likes."

Rosa had no doubts that Levon would warmly receive any gift from Joe. Although Levon had not actually said so, Rosa suspected that he had not received much in his life that didn't come at a price, and that he cherished anything freely given. She patted Joe's arm. "I'm sure he will like them. Not to worry, Joseph."

The smile she got in return reminded her of when he was a little boy. He had been so easy to please then. And Rosa was forced to admit, so easy to upset as well. [Mercurial moods. Evidently he hasn't changed too much since then. A bit calmer perhaps, more centered, a bit more easy-going than he used to be. But still quick to go from one emotion to another.] Her respect for Levon went up a notch, knowing that he evidently bore the brunt of Joe's moods without too much complaint.

"Shall we purchase these then? We should probably rescue Carlo from his well meaning wife." Rosa said the last with a small chuckle. [Maria is a force of nature when it comes to shopping.]

Joe grinned at her. "He's probably surrounded by boxes of shoes that she didn't like, but wanted him to try on anyway."

Joe bought the shirts. Rosa noted with interest that, despite having numerous credit cards in his wallet, Joe paid in cash. Rosa thought that odd. In the past Joe rarely carried any cash, and almost always paid with his credit card. She raised an eyebrow at him, silently asking him why he had changed.

Joe waited until the sales clerk handed him is bag before answering. "Levon is a firm believer in not buying things you can't pay for. He doesn't like to use credit if he doesn't have to." He sighed, and shrugged one shoulder. "He wouldn't want me to put a gift for him on a credit card. Levon would be upset if he thought I went in debt to get him something he thought wasn't an absolute necessity."

Rosa nodded. She decided the more she learned about Levon Lundy the better she liked him. [He is a good match for Joseph. Not at all what I would have expected or even who I might have chosen for him, but a good match none the less.]

They found Carlo as Joe had predicted, surrounded by boxes of shoes. He looked a bit glassy eyed, and very relieved to see them. Maria was studying yet another pair of shoes, and getting ready to hand them to Carlo. Rosa tipped her head slightly to hide a smile she couldn't prevent. Carlo had heard about Maria's marathon shopping expeditions, but Rosa was willing to bet he hadn't truly appreciated those stories until now. [No substitute for experience.]

Maria managed to talk him into trying on one more pair before he flatly refused to try on any more. To Maria's utter disappointment he wouldn't even consider the pair of snakeskin boots that she thought were perfect. "No. No. Absolutely not."

Rosa watched amused by the whole thing. Carlo turned pleading eyes on Joe. Joe shared an expression of understanding with his brother-in-law. Joe had been shopping with his sister for years, and knew first hand what Carlo was going through.

"Sprite, I think its time to go."

Maria looked up at Joe in surprise. "What? Why? There are stores we haven't been to yet. Joey, we've only just gotten started."

Joe looked at his watch, and pointed at it, holding it where Maria could easily read it. "We've been shopping for almost five hours, Sprite. If you haven't found it by now, I really don't think you're going to find it today."

Maria pouted. "But Joey..."

"Joseph told us this morning that our dinner reservations were for seven thirty." Rosa interrupted her smoothly, not willing to put up with any foolishness from her niece. Maria knew better than to argue with Rosa. She had no patience for such things, and everyone in the family knew it.

"I would like the chance to freshen up before dinner, change my clothes, perhaps rest my feet for a bit. And Joseph will need to pick up Levon. He is joining us, is he not?" Rosa directed the question to Joe.

Joe nodded. "I told him I'd swing by and pick him up. I thought it would be easier to pick him up first and then get you at the hotel. Unless you'd rather take a cab to the restaurant?"

Rosa pursed her lips slightly, considering the options. When they had a moment alone earlier, Joe had told her about the type of restaurant at which they would be eating, including descriptions of the owners and clientele. She had approved of his decision to test the waters with Maria, and found herself curious as to how this evening would pan out. If things went badly, having separate vehicles would probably be a good idea. It would allow for a relatively painless parting of company. Even if things went well, having the opportunity to be able to have time alone would not hurt any of them.

Rosa silently questioned Maria and Carlo. She didn't see any objections. "An excellent suggestions, Joseph. Just drop us at the hotel, and we will meet you at Andre's."

Maria began to return shoes and boxes, carefully reordering the area. Rosa knew she would not consider leaving things scattered about. It was rude, and she knew her niece had better manners than to leave such a mess for the staff to handle. Once everything was back in its place they made their way to the Jimmy.

Rosa sighed silently as she realized that for nearly five hours of shopping, only Joe and Maria had actually bought anything. She had to admit that it was fun to look, but she preferred to do it in smaller blocks of time. Next time she would know better. She was too old for such nonsense.

Levon nervously smoothed the silk shirt he'd put on. It was one of the new ones Joe had brought home earlier, the black and white one. He had hesitated to wear it because white silk had a tendency to be rather sheer. The thought of wearing, in public, something revealing, just wasn't something Levon was comfortable with. The fabric of this shirt, though, was sufficiently heavy to be opaque and it felt incredible under his fingers, and against his skin. Levon fell in love with it from the moment he touched it, not just because of the sensual nature of it, but also because it was a gift from Joe.

Anything Joe gave him was valued far more than the gift itself. He had fought the emergency staff when they tried to cut off the other silk shirt Joe had given him. Even though he knew it was ruined, he hadn't wanted it to be totally destroyed. It bothered him that he lost that particular battle. Levon felt like he had somehow let his partner down to for not taking better care of the gift he'd been given.

He had stared at Joe in open-mouthed amazement when Joe had shown him the shirts he'd gotten to replace the one that had been lost. Levon decided to wear one tonight to let Joe know how much he liked and appreciated the gift. Levon checked his reflection in the mirror again. The black and white shirt went well with his black slacks and ostrich hide boots. It was a sharp combination. [Shouldn't be surprised by that. Joe has great taste in clothes. Better fashion sense than most women.]

Levon fingered the fabric again, smoothing out imaginary wrinkles. [Enough already. Joe's waitin', and you look fine. Weren't this nervous the first time I met his family. Course I had all mornin' at the office ta take the edge off, and it weren't like we were goin' ta Andre's then. Weren't no pressure the first time.]

Levon sighed and gave himself a stern look in the mirror. [Jus' knock it off. Ain't a thing you have to worry 'bout other than makin' sure Joe is all right. All I gotta do is be there for him. Done that thousands o' times before. This ain't any different.]

Feeling better for his little mental pep talk, Levon turned away from the mirror. A faint glint of metal reflecting light caught is attention. Hanging from the mirror was a white gold chain. From it hung a small amulet shaped like a four-leaf clover. It was Caroline's good luck charm. Levon remembered teasing her about it once a long time ago. She didn't wear it all the time, just when she felt the need for some extra help. Caroline had told him that she hadn't wanted to use up all the luck by wearing it too often.

Levon eyed it for a moment, and shrugged. He didn't remember seeing it there earlier and had no idea as to how it had come to be hanging from the mirror. It was normally in a small cedar box where he kept mementos of his wife. Levon reached for it, fingers gently tracing the details of the leaves, before he slipped it around his neck, unaccountably feeling better for having done so. He tucked it inside his shirt, away from view, the cool metal warming almost immediately against his skin.

[Well, son, enough dawdling. Time to go face the music.] Levon unconsciously straightened his back and shoulders. He limped out to the kitchen where Joe was waiting.

The limp wasn't nearly as pronounced as it had been. Levon had managed to sneak in a little more exercise today while he was alone. Because he had promised Joe he would behave Levon didn't attempt anything too strenuous, just a bit of walking and some stretches. It had helped loosen up stiff, sore muscles so that moving wasn't quite so difficult. He had gotten used to the weight of his cast, and was finding it easier to work with the fingers on this right hand. Levon's ribs were still wrapped and sent occasional twinges but other than that, he felt far better than he did a few days ago.

Just being able to move had improved his mood considerably. Levon absolutely hated being forced into inactivity. It wasn't really in his nature to just sit around and do nothing. Once Joe had left that morning, he had put himself to work taking care of odds and ends around the house. He had been careful not to do too much. And made sure he was on the couch, watching TV, when Grady came by just in case Joe decided to check up on him. When Joe had come back from shopping, Levon had been innocently reading on the porch swing.

Levon paused in the kitchen doorway to study his partner. Like Levon, Joe was also wearing a silk shirt, black slacks and boots. His shirt was midnight blue, a color that Levon thought really brought out the blue of his eyes. And his boots were not cowboy boots, but rather low heeled, calf-skin designer types made in Italy. Levon was pretty sure that Joe's boots cost more than a day's pay, and weren't the sort of thing you'd actually wear to work in.

Joe was pacing back and forth, head down, playing with his pendant.

[Wonder if it wouldn't have been better for him to run a few miles. Would have given him a chance to work off some o' that energy.]

With a small shake of his head, Levon stepped forward, and blocked Joe's path. Before his lover could say anything, Levon raised his hands to cup Joe's face and placed a gentle kiss on forehead, on each cheek, and finally on his lips. He smiled, and drew Joe into a gentle hug.

"Quit worrin'." Levon ordered softly, pulling Joe's head down to rest on his shoulder. "It's gonna be fine. Trust me."

Levon ran a hand down Joe's back soothing him the same way he would one of the horses. He continued to do so until he felt some of the tension ease. "We're gonna do this together. An' there isn't anythin' we can't handle together. Right?"

He felt Joe take a deep breath, and nod against his shoulder. Joe tightened his hold and they stood together for several minutes. Finally, Levon let go, and stepped back. He made eye contact and held it. "Better?"

Joe smiled, a little wanly, but still a smile. "Much."

"Good. Cause if we don't get the show on the road we're gonna be late. An' I don't want ta have ta explain that to Rosa."

Joe chuckled. "Me either."

They made their way out to the Jimmy. Levon knew better than to ask for the keys. Joe was still in his mother hen mode and wouldn't let him drive until he got over it. Levon predicted that would last for several more days. At least until the most visible sign of his injuries, the limp, was no longer apparent.

The trip to the restaurant didn't take long. Finding a parking spot took longer. Andre's was always busy. A fact that Levon took to be a sure sign the food was good when Joe brought him there the first time. [Never want to eat a place that no one else eats at. Not a good sign if the parkin' lot is empty.]

Joe turned off the truck, and rested his hands on the wheel. Levon waited. He knew Joe was just getting himself ready to handle whatever lay ahead. Joe took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Levon reached over and laid his hand on Joe's shoulder, squeezing once.

"Together." One word was all he said, a promise.

Joe looked over at him. He smiled, and raised his one hand to cover Levon's. "I tell you today that I love you?"

"Yeah." Levon grinned, and winked at him. "Don't mean I would mind hearin' it again though."

Joe's smile grew into a grin to match Levon's. "I love you, Cowboy."

"Love you too, Joe."

Joe nodded. "Okay. Let's go meet my family." Levon slid out of the Jimmy, and together they headed for the front door. Neither man was aware that they were walking in step.

The packed state of the parking lot was a dead give away that the front lobby would be equally packed with people. On most nights it was reservations only, but there were always people hoping to get the few tables available, or waiting for a possible cancellation. The lobby would be full of people waiting to be seated, and people hoping to be seated. Because Joe was a personal friend of Andre and Mike, he was always assured of a table, but he never put in an appearance without calling ahead, not wanting to abuse that particular friendship.

Levon braced himself to handle what he thought of as controlled chaos. On a good day crowds made him very uncomfortable. The situation was always one of too many people all standing too close and talking too loud, invading his space, making him feel like he was trapped. Over the years, out of necessity, Levon had learned to control his instinctive response to being in such places.

Joe knew how he felt about crowds. Levon was grateful that his partner was sufficiently observant and smart enough to have figured it out without having to be told. He wasn't sure if he could even articulate just what it was about crowds that unnerved him so much. Levon smiled when he felt Joe's hand come to rest on the small of his back in a gesture of comfort and support.

Both men scanned the crowd looking for Rosa, Maria and Carlo. Levon raised an eyebrow at Joe when he couldn't find them. He cast a quick glance toward his wrist, intending to check his watch. He shook his head when he realized belatedly that he was wearing his bracelet on his left wrist not his watch. [Have ta remember ta ask Joe what he did with it.] Levon hadn't seen it since the night in the hospital when Joe showed him the damage it had sustained. [Gotta send it ta Sam to be repaired.]

"We're early." Joe said a bit sheepishly, interrupting Levon's thoughts. He nodded toward the stately grandfather clock that took up one corner.

Levon chuckled when he saw it was only 7:15 pm. [Just how fast was he driving? Oh well.]

"Must be a first, huh?"

Joe rolled his eyes. "Definitely."

Levon shrugged. "No harm done. Better ta be early than late, right?"

They negotiated their way through the crowd and headed for the small podium that stood in the center of the room. The matre'd, Andrew, was always dressed in a tux even though Andre's had no strict dress code. The formal outfit, combined with the slight graying of his dark hair at the temples, and his lean six-foot plus height, gave Andrew a distinguished, gentlemanly appearance. He stood behind the podium checking names and tables, and generally maintaining as much order as was possible.

Andrew raised his gray eyes from the book in front of him to greet them. He bowed his head ever so slightly to Joe and then to Levon. "Mr. LaFiamma, and Mr. Lundy. A pleasure as always."

Levon sighed. He had tried several times to get Andrew to call him by his first name. Andrew was a stickler for what he considered proper behavior, and he seemed to firmly believe it was improper to address a customer in a familiar fashion.

Joe answered for both of them. "Hello, Andrew. It's good to see you as well."

Andrew's eyes dropped to check the reservation book in front of him. "A party of five. You will not be dining at your usual table then?"

"No." Joe smiled. Their usual table comfortably sat four, and wouldn't be large enough for everyone. "Some of my family is in town."

"Ah." Andrew nodded. "Very good, Sir. It will be a few moments before your table is ready."

"Not a problem. Not everyone has arrived yet."

"Will you be waiting in the bar then?"

The bar was off to the right. Joe and Levon usually got a drink whenever they had to wait on a table, passing the time until a table was ready. The bar was generally less crowded, and that alone made it a more comfortable place to wait as far as Levon was concerned.

Joe looked at Levon, silently asking him if he wanted a drink. Levon shook his head. He wanted a drink in the worst way, but knew it wasn't a good idea. He was on his best behavior tonight, as he had been when he met Joe's family earlier, and Levon always equated that with being stone cold sober. Levon answered Andrew's question. "They should be here in a few minutes. We'll just wait out here."

If Andrew thought it odd that they were opting to wait in the lobby, he didn't show it. "As you wish, Sir. I'll call you when your table is ready."

Levon moved to a spot that let him put his back to the wall, and still gave him a clear shot of the door. He felt better having one side protected. Joe moved to stand next to him. He felt even better having Joe shield his left side.

Levon casually studied the other patrons waiting with them. The entire rainbow of humanity was indeed represented. Two women, obviously lovers, were discretely holding hands while they waited. Several punk rock types with their black make-up, purple hair, and tattoos, made Levon shake his head in bemusement. [Why in the hell would anyone want to have purple hair? And what's with the safety pins in their lips? Ta each his own I guess.] Not far from the punk rock types was a male couple, both men were impeccably dressed in three piece suits, and they were making eyes at one another. Several men and women who looked like college students were milling about. Even the all-American family was represented with a man, his wife, and their two children.

Joe shared a look with Levon. Levon knew his lover had been trying to view the scene as someone seeing it for the very first time. Levon could easily remember the first time Joe had brought him here. The clientele that time was just as diverse as it was now. Something that had shocked and amazed Levon at the time. He couldn't understand how such different people, from all walks of life, had managed to end up at the same place. But after he'd eaten dinner, he found the food to be outstanding. In addition to that, the overall atmosphere of acceptance was just as attractive. Andre had worked very hard at making his restaurant a place where not only could a gourmet meal be had, but everyone was made to feel welcome.

Several minutes later, Levon felt Joe stiffen next to him, and knew without looking that Rosa, Maria and Carlo had arrived. He bumped Joe lightly with his shoulder and felt Joe's equally light bump in return. They made their way to the door to greet Joe's family.

Rosa smiled broadly when she saw them. "Joseph, you are here before us. Wonder of wonders."

Joe shrugged and bent down to place a kiss on her cheek. "Well, there is a first time for everything, Aunt Rosa."

"Have you been waiting long?"

"No. Just a few minutes."

Rosa reached out a hand to Levon. He took her hand, and found himself being pulled down so that she could kiss his cheek. "And how are you feeling today, Levon?"

"Getting' better every day, Rosa." Levon smiled.

Maria patted his arm, and kissed his cheek as well. "You look better, Levon." There was no mistaking the sincerity of her statement. She smiled and winked at him. "You'll be back to busting bad guys with Joe in no time."

Levon looked at Carlo. His smile grew to a grin, seeing faint signs of exhaustion. Carlo looked like Levon knew he had after spending the day shopping with Joe. He couldn't resist commenting. "Spent a day shopping with the LaFiammas, and lived ta tell the tale. I am impressed."

"And well you should be." Carlo laughed. "It was grueling."

Maria playfully slapped her husband's arm. "It wasn't that bad."

Levon and Carlo shared a look. Levon had a good idea of what the day had been like. [Bet she tried on a thousand different things, and didn't like any o' 'em. Pretty sure Joe did the same thing and what he came home with was for me. Wonder if Maria bought anything.]

"I don't know 'bout that Maria. I went shoppin' one time with Joe. Made enough of an impression, I don't ever have ta go again. Don't even want ta think about what it might have been like with two of you."

Neither Joe nor Maria got the chance to defend themselves because Andrew was calling their names, indicating their table was ready. As they made their way through the crowd, Levon was careful to watch Maria and Carlo, judging their reactions. Maria didn't seem at all affected by the variety of people. Carlo, on the other hand, made a point of side stepping the lesbian couple, and giving the gay men in suits a wide berth. He didn't say or do anything, just made sure he didn't come into contact with them.

Levon tried to give him the benefit of doubt. [Could just be trying ta be polite.] Levon knew he gave the punk rock types a wide berth, not because of any sense of hostility, but simply because he wasn't sure how to approach people who would willingly put pins through their lips.

They moved out of the lobby and through the door into the main area of the restaurant. The central eating area always reminded Levon of stepping into a Spanish style plaza. Arching high above them the roof formed a dome, from which hung a wrought iron chandelier. The traditional old-world feel of the chandelier was enhanced by the fact that the light it provided came from actual candles.

Additional lighting came from wrought iron floor lamps placed at regular intervals along the walls. The walls, themselves, had a texture similar to stucco that was enhanced by the natural soft off white stone color. Decorating the walls were mosaics that Levon recognized as being similar to those found in ancient Roman villas. They added warmth and depth to the room. The furniture was mission style, heavy dark wood of clean simple lines. Each table was situated far enough from the others to lend privacy, and to provide more than enough space to satisfy Levon's need for room to breath. Small candles on each table increased the amount of soft lighting, and somehow made each table seem more intimate at the same time.

Levon had felt right at home from the minute he stepped into Andre's. He wasn't sure what it was about the place he just knew he liked it. Levon watched the others curious to see what their reaction would be. Rosa smiled warmly at Joe obviously pleased with the décor and atmosphere. Maria looked similarly pleased. Levon couldn't quite gauge Carlo's expression.

Andrew led them to a table that put them almost directly in the center of the room. Joe and Levon's normal table was in one of the smaller alcoves toward the back, discretely hidden from direct view by potted plants. Levon figured that when Joe made the reservations he'd requested something that gave them a good view of the other patrons.

Levon would have held Rosa's chair for her, but she shook her head at him. She waved a hand in an elegant gestured that was a silent chastisement, and an order to take his own seat. Levon rolled his eyes. [Couple o' bruises an' she treats me like I'm gonna fall apart if I do anythin'. Almost as bad as Joe.] Despite what he was thinking, Levon took his seat without comment knowing better than to say anything. Joe sat next to him, while Carlo and Maria took seats opposite them.

"This is a beautiful place, Joseph." Rosa said. Her eyes wandered around the room, taking in the details. "It has an old-world feel to it."

Joe smiled at her. "Andre is from California originally. That may have influenced his decorating style."

Levon gazed around the room, curious to see if the whole gamut of humanity was represented. He wasn't surprised to find that it was. [Got a better range of people in here than was in the lobby.]

Their waitress came over with menus, and to take their drink orders. Carlo, Rosa, and Maria all ordered wine. Levon got iced tea. Joe debated for a moment before he opted for tea as well. Joe recommended they try the house special, soft-shelled crab and linguini. Levon was the only one to order steak. He wasn't a huge fan of seafood. Joe just rolled his eyes at him, and muttered a comment about cholesterol.

Joe was handing his menu to the waitress, when Levon nudged him gently under the table, warning him that Andre and Mike were approaching their table. Andre was a small man, barely reaching the height of five eight, and Levon guessed he tipped the scale at one hundred and thirty pounds. His hair was bleached to platinum blond. [Better than the fire engine red he had the last time we were here.]

Mike was closer to Joe's height, and build. He typically dressed like Levon, and looked every bit the Texas cowboy that he had been before meeting up with Andre. He had a rough and ready air about him that was in direct contrast to the fussy, overly refined nature of his smaller partner.

Mike and Andre reached their table. Never much of a talker, Mike silently tipped his head in greeting to both Joe and Levon. Andre, however, moved close until he was standing almost between them. He bent to quickly, welcoming Joe with a wide smile and a kiss on each cheek.

"Joe, it is good to see you again. You really should come more often." Andre's voice was a soft contralto, with the faintest trace of a lisp. He had a tendency to talk with his hands as well, making graceful, but meaningless gestures.

Joe smiled. "It's good to see you too, Andre."

Andre placed a hand on Levon's shoulder and squeezed once. The first time they had met, Andre had attempted to greet Levon the same way he had Joe. Levon had politely, but firmly, objected to having his personal space invaded. Man or woman, he balked at having a stranger get that close. Andre had taken it in stride, and had correctly assumed that Levon was just one of those people uncomfortable with close contact. He modified his behavior accordingly, being sure not to take up more of Levon's space than he was comfortable with, or get friendlier than the blond was willing to allow.

"And you Levon..." Andre clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth, dark eyes narrowing as he spotted Levon's cast. "Good lord... What have you done to yourself?"

Levon shrugged. When he spoke, he kept his voice light, dismissive, not wanting to become the topic of conversation. [Have had enough of that for awhile.] "Had a little run in with a car."

Joe snorted, but made no effort to correct Levon's description of what happened. Andre raised an eyebrow. His dark eyes went from Joe to Levon, clearly aware that there was more to the story. He seemed to be trying to determine if there was a problem between them when Mike stepped forward and laid a hand on Andre's arm. It was a simple gesture, but one that kept Andre from asking for more details.

Levon had felt a moment of panic. He had been afraid that Andre might say something that would "out" them to Maria and Carlo. [Should be somethin' Joe gets to do in his own time, and his own way.] He shot a grateful look toward Mike, and knew he understood. Mike had been through it with his own family. If anyone could keep Andre in line, it was his lover. Still, Levon breathed easier when Joe directed Andre's attention toward his family.

"Andre," Joe looked over his shoulder and smiled at Mike, "Mike, I'd like you to meet some of my family." Joe waved a hand toward each of them as he introduced them. "My Aunt Rosa, my sister Maria, and her husband, Carlo. Andre and Mike are the owners of this fine establishment. I told my family that your restaurant was the best place to eat in Houston."

"Oh, Joe, such a flatterer you are." Andre giggled, and batted his eyelashes. He waved a hand in dismissal of Joe before smiling warmly at Rosa, Maria and Carlo. "I'm so glad you could find time to visit. Joe speaks of his family often, and very fondly."

Andre pulled out one of the empty chairs, and sat down. Mike took the last remaining chair. Levon watched to see what, if anything, the others would say about the two seating themselves. Carlo looked as if he might protest, but a look from Maria kept him quiet. Levon mentally gave her points for being able to get her way without saying a word. [Course, she should be able to. Joe can do the same thing ta me. Must run in the family.]

"Have you had a good time so far?" Andre asked, either ignoring the by play between Maria and Carlo, or simply not seeing it at all.

"Oh yes. We have." Rosa answered for all of them, unfazed by having Andre and Mike make themselves at home at their table. Levon smiled thinking she was too classy a lady to cause a scene.

Rosa patted Joe's hand while she continued to talk to Andre. "It has been marvelous to see my nephew, and catch up on his life here. And, having never really traveled much, the opportunity for me to explore a new city has been wonderful. Houston is so different from Chicago."

Andre laughed. "Joe says that all that time." Andre's dark eyes twinkled with amusement as he met Rosa's. "But I don't think he means that as a compliment."

"You have a beautiful place." Maria said, joining the conversation. "I love the décor."

Mike bowed slightly toward her. "Thank you, Ma'am." His voice was a deep, rich baritone. Mike's drawl was a bit more pronounced than Levon's and would have easily marked him as a native, even if his clothes hadn't.

"Have you two been in business together long?"

"Almost ten years." Andre answered proudly, one hand reaching over to capture one of Mike's. "Of course, it has taken some time to build up our reputation, and become established as a premiere restaurant."

Levon watched Carlo shift uncomfortably in his seat. Carlo's eyes had narrowed when Andre linked hands with Mike. Levon could almost see the gears turning. Carlo was making the connection. Mike and Andre were more than business partners.

The conversation continued but Levon didn't really pay any attention to it. He just discretely watched as Carlo's eyes began to roam about the area. He could see the loathing growing as Carlo became aware that over half the clientele was gay. He wasn't particularly fazed by Carlo's reaction, having more or less expected it, given what Joe had told him Carlo said at the museum. And the way he had avoided the couples in the lobby.

[As long as he behaves himself it should be all right. S'okay for him ta be bothered. What won't be okay is if he makes an issue of it.]

He turned his attention to Maria looking for similar signs of discomfort. It was her opinion, her reaction that mattered to Joe. Maria didn't seem the least bit nervous or bothered. Levon figured that she couldn't possibly have missed Andre and Mike holding hands or the more obvious lesbian couple at the neighboring table. She just seemed to be taking it all in stride. [Maybe she's like Rosa. Hope so. Would be so much easier for Joe if she was.]

Levon placed a hand on Joe's leg, under the table, and out of view. He felt Joe's gentle caress across the back of his knuckles. He knew Joe hadn't missed Carlo's increasing signs of discomfort, or the lack of reaction from Maria. Carlo was starting to remind Levon of a twitchy horse, and he wondered just how long it would take before he tried to bolt.

Conversation came to an awkward halt when Carlo abruptly excused himself and stood up. Maria looked startled at his sudden departure, and Rosa just sighed softly. She shook her head, clearly disappointed but not surprised. Maria slid back her chair beginning to make polite excuses so she could follow her husband.

Levon interrupted before she could get out the first word. "Maria, stay. I'll go see what's wrong." Levon said softly.

Having been married before, he knew all too well that a man sometimes couldn't talk to his wife. Especially not about things that made him as uncomfortable as Carlo had looked. Carlo had enough of the traditional macho man belief that he should be strong for his wife, someone she could count on to be there for her to lean on, and showing weakness simply wasn't part of that image.

[Bein' unable to sit at a table and talk with two gay guys, who aren't threatening you in any way, could definitely be perceived as a weakness. Especially when no one else at the table seems ta be havin' a problem. An' I sort o' doubt he'd be honest with her anyway. Don't think he's the sort who likes lying which means they'll just end up havin' an argument that could be avoided.]

Joe might have been the better choice. One that Maria would have had more confidence in. But knowing he had mixed feelings about Carlo, Levon wasn't sure his lover could have a conversation with his brother-in-law on this topic without bloodshed. [Whole point of this is to defuse it, not make it worse.]

Levon could see Maria wanted to protest. He didn't really have a sound reason to give her so he settled for a simple "Please just trust me ta take care of it." Sometimes it worked.

She glanced to Joe, uncertain. Joe nodded. He sent Levon a look of trust, letting him know that Joe was confident he could handle it. Levon felt warm all over receiving that look. [Makes me feel like I could hang the moon when he looks at me like that.]

He left Joe to handle his sister, Mike and Andre. Rosa wouldn't be a problem since she already knew the score. And Levon had no doubts as to Joe's ability to handle the rest. [Kind o' wonder what he's plannin' on tellin' them. Damn shame I'm gonna miss that.]

Levon had seen Carlo heading for the men's room when he'd left the table. He calmly made his way there. Stepping into the room, he glanced around. Carlo was pacing the floor, apparently deep in thought. Not seeing anyone else, and determined to keep this conversation private, Levon leaned back against the door, effectively keeping anyone else from entering.

"You okay?" Levon asked quietly, not sure if the younger man knew he was there and he didn't want to startle him.

Carlo stopped in mid-stride, and looked up. "This is wrong. All wrong."

"What is?"

"This whole place!" Carlo made an expansive gesture with one hand.

"Why?"

"What do you mean why? You know why." Carlo snarled.

Levon cocked his head to one side and studied Carlo. "If I knew, I wouldn't have asked."

"Andre and Mike... those," Carlo used a word in Italian that Levon didn't recognize but was fairly certain was not complimentary.

"Watch. Your. Mouth." Levon kept his voice low, but there was no mistaking the command. He was not about to let his friends be insulted even if they weren't within earshot. Carlo stopped short, clearly surprised.

"Mike and Andre are friends. You don't have to like them, but you sure as hell aren't gonna bad mouth them. Not to me."

"But they're..."

"I know." Levon said calmly not giving Carlo the chance to finish. "You think I didn't? That I'm blind? Shit, boy, I've known them for almost a year. Joe's known them even longer. Andre is a lot o' things, but subtle ain't one of them."

"I don't understand." Carlo shook his head. "How can you claim people like that as friends?"

Levon shrugged one shoulder. "Because they are." He sighed. "Look, Carlo, I realize you might not understand it, and you don't have to. It's not like they hit on you, or made you do something you were uncomfortable with. Hell, neither one of them so much as looked at you cross eyed."

"They are disgusting." Carlo flatly declared. "Flaunting the way they are as if they have nothing to be ashamed of. It is indecent."

Levon raised an eyebrow. [Since when did holdin' hands become somethin' indecent?] "Weren't anyone out there doin' any more than I've seen you do with Maria. If anythin', they were doin' less."

"Do not even try and compare us to them." Carlo glared at him. "I can not believe Joe would be so disrespectful as to bring his family here."

"Disrespectful?" Levon's eyes narrowed. He took a deep breath, and forced himself to stay calm. "Andre's is the one of the best restaurants in town."

"There are other places. There is no need to subject Rosa or Maria to those people."

Levon pursed his lips at Carlo's reference to 'those people'. It didn't bother him that he was one of those people half as much as it bothered him to have people he honestly liked referred to in such a derogatory fashion. He reminded himself that this wasn't about him or how he felt.

[Goal is to defuse the situation, remember? So stay calm. Losin' yer temper will not, I repeat, will not, help.]

"Rosa weren't upset, and Maria seemed ta be takin' it all in stride. Don't seem the least bit insulted or uncomfortable." Levon studied the agitated Italian carefully. "Yer the only one who seems ta have a problem."

"That's because they are too polite to say anything." Carlo asserted.

Levon snorted. "I haven't known either of them that long, but I am pretty sure that if they weren't happy, they'd find a way ta let everyone know about it." Levon could tell Carlo wasn't going to agree with his assessment, so he tried a different tactic. "If you're so sure you're right, why are we havin' this conversation in here? Why not just get everyone ta leave? Shouldn't be all that hard ta do if Rosa and Maria are as bigoted as you are."

Levon knew he'd scored a hit with that last comment. Carlo's breath came out in an angry hiss, and color rose in his face. His eyes narrowed, giving him a dangerous look. Levon wasn't worried. He'd taken on bigger guys than Carlo in worse shape than he was now.

Carlo stepped forward. "I'm not a bigot."

"Could a fooled me." Levon shook his head. "You think bigots are just people who hate blacks, or Jews? Yer young, boy, but I know, you know better than that."

"Those people are... abominations."

"Why? Cause they love each other?"

"That isn't love! It's lust. A perversion. Nothing more." Carlo shuddered. His eyes slid away from Levon's and his gaze turned inward. "It's not natural. And God punishes people for such transgressions."

"Meaning what?"

"They die. Painful, horrible deaths."

The hint of sorrow in Carlo's voice when he answered made Levon pause. He stepped away from the door, moving toward Carlo until he stood directly in front of the younger man. He searched Carlo's face already knowing what he'd find.

"Someone you know died of AIDS." Levon's voice was soft, a statement, not a question. Levon didn't need the details, but Carlo gave them anyway.

"My... older brother, Greg." Carlo swallowed hard. "I was seventeen when he died."

"I'm sorry." Levon knew it was inadequate, but he didn't have anything else to offer.

Carlo glared at him, sorrow being replaced with anger. "My father said he was a disgrace to the family. Found him in his bedroom with another boy, and threw him out of the house when he was fifteen. Told him never to come back. No son of his was going to be less than a real man. He didn't raise sons who were fairies."

Carlo grimaced, dark eyes flashing. "We weren't even allowed mention his name again. Everyone acted like he never existed. Suddenly, I'm the oldest son. The one Papa is saying will make the family proud. The one he expects to do great things. No pressure there, right? Just have to make sure I don't do anything the way Greg would have done it. Can't do anything to piss off Papa or I'll be out on the street too."

Levon winced. He had no idea what to say, so he stayed silent. He knew how hard it was to try to live up to someone else's expectations. [All too often pieces of yourself get lost that way. Forget who you really are spendin' so much time tryin' ta be who they want ya to be.]

Carlo shook his head. "I'd see Greg sometimes. Coming home from school. He'd be hanging around the neighborhood, like some goddamn ghost. Found out later he was selling himself on the street. My brother was nothing but a common whore."

Levon knew what it was like to have your father kick you out of the house. What it was like to be so young and on your own. He knew all to well how lucky he was that Bobby's family was willing to give him a place to stay, or he might have ended up like Greg. Levon didn't have a clue what it would have been like to lose a brother though. He hadn't left anyone behind when his father threw him out. There were no ties broken that he'd miss or anyone left to deal with his absence.

Carlo's hands were shaking, and he clenched them into fists. "When he called from the hospital three years later, my father wouldn't even speak to him. I snuck out of the house once to go see him. I barely recognized him. He had wasted away to nothing. I asked him if it was worth it. Asked him was it worth it to disgrace the family, to sell yourself, to leave me without a brother. Want to know what he said?"

[Not really. But I' pretty sure yer gonna tell me anyway.] Levon nodded, braced to hear something he'd rather not.

"He said it was worth every damn minute." Carlo laughed, hard and bitter. "Can you believe that? To him it was better to get fucked by strangers than to just be normal. All he had to do was just be like everyone else. But no, couldn't do that. Let himself be ruled by lust. He wasn't sorry. He wasn't even ashamed!"

"Was your father that should have been ashamed."

"How dare you?!!" Carlo snarled. He swung a fist to hit Levon. Levon smoothly blocked the intended blow with his left arm. He brought his right up and backhanded Carlo across the mouth. Levon's cast made a solid, sharp hit that split Carlo's lip and spun his head. He staggered back. Levon followed him, landing another solid blow to Carlo's midsection. He shoved the younger man against the wall, and held him in place with one arm across Carlo's throat.

"Was not a smart move tryin' that." Levon whispered, his face only an inch from Carlo's. He wasn't angry, not really. The first blow had been defensive, the second was just instinctive something he did without thinking about it. He wasn't going to let Carlo try to hit him again.

"You stay right there until I speak my piece." Carlo attempted to move, and Levon tightened his hold, he didn't let up until Carlo's lips started to take on a blue tinge. When he was sure Carlo was listening, Levon started speaking again.

"Your brother didn't have a thing to be ashamed of. Was your father who threw him out, couldn't accept him for who he was. His being different is not a valid reason to abandon him. What kind o' man throws his own child out when he knows full well a boy that age can't make it on his own? Your brother wasn't old enough to get an honest job, hadn't even finished school. Who the hell do you think was going to hire him, hunh? Ta do what? Can't buy much on minimum wage, much less pay rent on a decent place."

Levon sighed softly, his voice tinged with regret. "I see kids just like him on the streets all the time. Saddest thing about it is that they ain't got anywhere else ta go."

Levon released his hold on Carlo and stepped away. He kept a wary eye on him just in case. His eyes held the younger man pinned in place, right were he'd left him.

"Could be your brother was just foolin' around with that boy in his room. Hell, at that age he probably got a hard on every time the wind changed direction. Not a thing wrong with experimentin' a little. Probably didn't have the courage ta ask a girl, or wasn't ready ta try it all the way with one yet. At fifteen, I could barely talk ta girls, much less ask 'em about sex. Your father ever give him the chance to explain?"

Levon could read the answer to that in Carlo's face. "Figured as much." He shook his head, disgusted by a situation that was repeated all to often. "So he's out on the street, on his own, doin' his best ta get by. Survival ain't easy."

Levon's eyes narrowed, as he raked them over Carlo from head to toe. "Not that you would know anythin' 'bout that. Bet you ain't ever been hungry or cold. You have never been on your own with nothing more than stubborn determination and grit ta see ya through."

Levon's voice went hard, and uncompromising. "You ain't got the right ta judge him if you ain't never been there."

When Carlo opened his mouth to speak, Levon moved forward again, physically threatening him by his close proximity and keeping him silent. "You think your father is the only one who's proud? You think your brother didn't have some pride too?" Levon asked softly, his voice just barely above a whisper.

"Your brother found a way to survive, to make it on his own. Yeah, he sold himself because he had nothin' else of value, had nothin' else ta offer. But he managed to survive on his own terms for three years. Damn site better than most. And he might have made something of himself if given a chance. But your old man made sure he didn't get a fair shake."

"And when he knows he's gonna die, he screws up his courage, and calls the people he loves, 'cause nobody really wants ta die alone. Not if they can help it. And what does he get for his trouble? A slap in the face. You have the balls ta ask him if it was worth it. Like he had a choice in the matter. Like he ever got the chance to pick a different outcome. Did you think his sayin' he was sorry would make it all better? Like he could go home again if he just said it, and your father would welcome him back into the fold? Sayin' he was sorry wouldn't change the fact that he was gonna die. Didn't change your father's opinion or the fact that he'd been disowned, abandoned."

Levon smiled sadly. "You said yourself that livin' up to what your father wanted wasn't easy. After your brother left you found out just how damn hard it was to be in his shoes. Just how long would you be willing ta lie to yourself and everyone around you, pretend to be someone you weren't, knowin' every day that who you really were was never, ever, gonna be good enough?" Carlo didn't answer, and Levon hadn't really been expecting one.

Levon stepped back again, giving Carlo some space. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "Would it have made a difference to you if he had apologized? You walked out of his room believing he deserved it. That your father was justified in disownin' him, and God had meted out his wrath for Greg being different by giving him AIDS. Bet it was a lot easier to believe that than to think it was your old man who put him there. Easier to come to terms with that than admit your father might just have been wrong."

"Personally, I don't give a rat's ass who sleeps with who, or what they do behind closed doors. Long as it's between consentin' adults it ain't my business." Levon squared his shoulders, eyes holding Carlo's to make sure he was clear on the next point. "Ain't yours either. Personal is personal. Same for you as it is for anyone else."

In a softer, less confrontational tone Levon continued. "Not every gay man ends up like your brother. Same way not every Italian ends up in the Mob."

He could see Carlo was thinking that over. [Might as well add more for him ta think about.] "Mike and Andre have been together for over ten years. Not every gay couple last as long, or are as committed ta one another as Mike and Andre are, but there are a lot o' straight couples that don't make it that long either. Takes a lot o' work for two people ta stay together. That's true whether it's two men, two women, or a man and a women."

Levon shifted his weight slightly and backed up another step, tacitly giving Carlo room to move if he wanted to. He held himself ready, but didn't want to push another physical confrontation. He'd already said far more than he'd planned on, but he wasn't quite finished.

"You don't have to like homosexuals, just like you don't have to like Brussel sprouts. Choice is always yours about who you pick for friends. What you do have ta do is treat them the same way you would any other human being. They get the same respect and consideration you would give anyone else. No more and no less."

Carlo sighed, and moved to step away from the wall. He hesitated for a moment, looking at Levon, waiting until he nodded to complete the movement. Carlo walked toward one of the mirrors and checked his reflection. A bruise was just starting to show, and his split lip was beginning to swell. Without turning around he asked Levon, "What happens now?"

"Kinda up ta you." Levon kept is voice neutral. "What do you want ta do?"

Carlo turned, looking surprised. "You're giving me a choice?"

"Sure." Levon smiled easily. "You don't have ta do anythin' ya don't want to. I didn't come in here ta force you into anythin'. Came in here ta find out what the problem was. Think we covered that. Issue now is what you wanna do about it."

Carlo surprised him by chuckling softly. "You are something, ya know that?"

"So, I've been told." Levon shrugged one shoulder. "How's yer face?"

"I'll live." Carlo winced when the raised a hand to explore the damage with his fingertips. "That cast makes for a mean hit."

Levon shot a wry, apologetic expression at Carlo. "Forgot about it, or I wouldn't have hit ya with it."

Carlo smirked ever so slightly. "You know, the funny thing is, I believe you." He waved a hand in dismissal. "Was my own fault. I started it. Never should have taken a swing at you in the first place."

Levon accepted that for the apology it was meant to be. He waited silently, letting Carlo work through his thoughts on his own. The younger man hung his head, lost in thought for several moments.

"If I said I wanted to leave?"

"Then we'll get ya a cab, and you leave."

"That simple?"

Levon shrugged. "Most of life is as simple or as complicated as you choose ta make it. Don't have ta be hard 'less you want it to be."

Carlo shook his head. "Joe said something like that to me just the other day." He looked up. "What about the others?"

"What about 'em?"

"They are still waiting for us."

"So?"

"What are you going to tell them if I leave?"

"What do you want me to tell him?"

Carlo glared at him. "Could you just give me a straight answer and stop answering my question with a question?"

"Look... I can make up something. Tell 'em ya got sick and wanted to go lay down back at the hotel. If that's what ya want. Or I can tell 'em the truth."

Carlo's eyes narrowed. "And just what do you think the truth is?"

"You got issues with gay people that go back a long way. And bein' here makes you uncomfortable, so if given a choice, you'd rather not stay." Levon said calmly, his voice non-judgmental. "You got a lot to work through, boy. And some things take time ta deal with. Ain't no shame in that."

"I'm beginning to see why Rafael speaks so highly of you."

Levon laughed. "Oh that's a whole 'nother issue."

Carlo's expression turned uncertain, hesitant. "What happens if I want to stay?"

"Then we go out there, sit down, and have dinner like civilized folks. Means you make nice with everybody. And I do mean everybody."

Levon wanted Carlo to know up front what was expected of him. He could understand Carlo's being uncomfortable and wary, but he would not tolerate having friends and innocent bystanders being indiscriminately subjected to Carlo's prejudices. He meant it when he said he expected the younger man to treat everyone present with respect and common courtesy.

Carlo shifted nervously. "I don't know if I can do that, Levon."

"Fair enough." While not thrilled with the answer, Levon was pleased that Carlo was honest. He'd rather know up front that he wasn't ready for this than deal with the fall out of finding out the hard way. [Don't need ta make any more of a scene than we already have.]

"Don't think Maria will be too happy if ya skip out without sayin' somethin' ta her." Levon pointed out calmly realizing that it wouldn't be possible for Carlo simply leave with out there being some backlash.

Carlo dropped his head with a sigh, and ran his fingers through his hair. "I know. I just don't know what to tell her."

"When in doubt... always tell the truth."

Carlo looked up, startled.

Levon smiled gently at him. "I'm serious. Truth is hard, and it usually hurts, but in the long run, it's always the best way. 'Sides, she'd know if you lied to her, and she'd be pissed about that on top of everythin' else. No point in borrowin' more trouble."

Carlo laughed softly. "True." He sobered quickly. "I should thank you."

Levon frowned slightly. "What for?"

"I'm not entirely sure." Carlo admitted sheepishly. "Maybe for not letting me make a complete fool of myself. Or maybe for just letting me talk." He shrugged. "Maybe for busting me one across the mouth when I deserved it."

Levon tipped his head, and raised two fingers in a small salute. "No problem." He made a sweeping gesture toward the door, and together they left the restroom. [If the boy was a dog he'd have his head down and his tail 'tween his legs.]

When Carlo would have headed for their table, Levon put his hand on his shoulder directed him back toward the lobby. "Why don't you head back out ta the lobby, and find Andrew. He's the guy in the tux that led us to our table. He'll call ya a cab. I'll go tell Maria that you need ta leave."

"Are you going to tell her why?"

"Nope. Figured it would be better comin' from you."

"Thanks a lot." Carlo said dryly.

Levon flashed a quick grin, somewhat relieved to see Carlo resuming his normal demeanor. "Don't mention it."

He made his way back to their table. Mike and Andre were still seated, and engaging Maria and Rosa in conversation. Joe looked like his attention had been focused on the rest room door. He was frowning just enough for small worry lines to appear between his brows. Levon met his eyes, and silently signaled that everything was more or less okay, and that he would explain in detail later.

"Excuse me." Levon said softly, announcing his return to the table at large. He stepped behind Maria, and dropped a hand on her shoulder. He bent down, putting his mouth close to her ear, making sure what he had to say stayed private. "Maria... Carlo is in the lobby getting a cab. He needs to leave."

She turned to look at him. Eyes very much like Joe's held him in place and silently asked for more information. Levon shrugged on shoulder, letting her know he wasn't really at liberty to tell her everything she wanted to know. "Be best if ya heard it from him."

Seeing her start to look worried, Levon squeezed her shoulder gently. "Ain't bad, Darlin'. Jus' some stuff that needs ta be worked through. Somethin' the two o' you ought ta talk about without an audience."

She nodded, and raised a hand to pat his. She looked toward Rosa and some form of silent communication occurred between them. Levon didn't even try to understand it. He knew he did it with Joe, so it wasn't too surprising to find other members of the LaFiamma family did it with each other.

Rosa turned her attention to Mike and Andre with a small, polite smile. "Gentlemen, if it would not be too much trouble, could we have my niece and her husband's dinner boxed up to go?"

Mike put a hand on Andre's arm, again ever so subtlety keeping him quiet and preventing him from asking for details. Levon was again grateful that Mike had enough sense to know when to leave well enough alone. With a faint tip of his head, Mike answered her. "No problem, Ma'am. We'll just let the kitchen staff know it's a ta go order. Will you be stayin' for dinner, then?"

Rosa looked toward Maria, and waited. Maria shook her head. "Stay, Aunt Rosa. This might take awhile, and there is no reason for you not to have a pleasant evening."

Rosa nodded. She looked toward Mike. "I will be staying."

"Okay. If y'all will excuse us, we'll go see ta getting yer meal taken care of." With that Mike stood, and with one hand on Andre, made certain his lover came with him.

Maria was quick to say her goodbyes and headed for the lobby. Joe watched her go for a moment, before turning his eyes toward Levon. "Okay. Give."

[Never a good thing when he's down ta just one word sentences.] With a soft sigh, Levon sat down across the table from Joe. He wanted to be able to maintain eye contact easily. He quickly weighed his options and considered just what he should tell Joe, and just how much.

[Be best ta leave out the physical stuff. Joe would be pissed if he found out Carlo took a swing at me. Wouldn't matter that he didn't connect... least not ta Joe. Was between me and Carlo. Be best that it stays that way.]

"Carlo's older brother died of AIDS when Carlo was seventeen. His old man threw his brother outta the house three years prior ta that. Didn't want a son that didn't live up ta his idea of what made a man. Based on what Carlo had ta tell me, his old man had a pretty narrow definition, and was pretty forceful 'bout makin' sure Carlo lived up ta it when his brother didn't."

Levon could see that Joe readily understood. For the first time Levon was really beginning to understand how much had been at stake for Joe to consider revealing their relationship to his family. It hadn't honestly bothered him that they were keeping their relationship essentially a secret. For Levon, it was always personal, and he had no problem with keeping it that way.

He could understand why Joe didn't want to hide things from his family. His lover was very close to his family, and Levon could appreciate Joe's desire to be honest and up front. Still, if Rosa had not been so accepting, Joe could have ended up somewhat like Carlo's brother. A shadow or lurking ghost that hung on the fringes of his family, wanting to be included, but unable to bridge the imposed distance, becoming even more of an exile than he already was.

That was not a possibility Levon had even wanted to consider. He knew Joe loved him a lot, but there was no way he'd be able to really compensate for the loss of Joe's family. He had been, and still was, secretly afraid that if Joe's family were to force him to choose, that it would be Levon who lost.

"So he's got issues." Joe stated more than asked, pulling Levon's thoughts back to the matter at hand.

"That's one way ta put it." Levon nodded. "It's a hard thing to thing to handle when yer that young. Findin' out your older brother isn't who you thought he was, and findin' out your old man's love is conditional, one wrong step an' yer out on the street just like yer brother... well, it's gotta leave some scars."

Levon held out his hands, palm up, like he was balancing a scale. "At that age, you want approval from the most powerful person in your life, and you want to figure things out for yourself." Levon shrugged one shoulder. "Ain't too often ya learn to form your opinion until ya got some livin' under yer belt. 'Til then, you usually go with the opinion of the adults around you."

Joe smiled softly at him. "When did you get so damn smart?"

"Always was this smart. Jus' took you a while ta notice."

Joe rolled his eyes. "Wise ass."

Levon just winked at him in response.

Rosa interrupted their by play. "What happens now?"

Levon shrugged. "Don't rightly know. Haven't really ever done this before." He looked toward Joe. "You say anythin' to Maria while we were gone?"

"Not really, no. Think she's getting the idea that I'm tolerate of alternative lifestyles, but not that I'm actively living one." Joe shrugged shot a faintly defeated, and repentant expression toward Levon. "Just haven't figured out how to tell her that I'm in love with you, Cowboy."

Levon smiled softly, letting Joe know that he wasn't worried. He reached across the table to curl his fingers around Joe's hand, and squeezed once. "Don't worry 'bout it, Joe. We worked for quite a while tryin' ta figure out how ta tell Joanne."

"Did you tell Carlo about your relationship with Joe?" Rosa asked.

Levon shook his head. "Nope. Not my place for one thing, and right then, Carlo had enough ta handle. Woulda been the wrong time ta tell him." His voice was matter-of-fact, relaying the situation as he saw it.

"Your place?" Rosa raised her eyebrows.

"Joe's family. He calls the shots." Levon answered without hesitation. "Wouldn't be right for me to tell Carlo anythin'. 'Sides, sort of figured Joe wanted to tell Maria first, let her decide what ta tell Carlo."

Rosa smiled in understanding. "Ah, I see."

Whatever else she might have been prepared to say was halted by the arrival of their meal. They were silent for several minutes as the waitress laid out their plates. Levon couldn't help but grin when he saw that his steak had already been cut into bite sized pieces.

He raised an eyebrow at Joe, and pointed toward his plate. "You tell Andre ta cut it up for me?"

Joe smirked, blue eyes twinkling. "Figured it would be easier. Wasn't sure if you had gotten the hang of your cast enough yet to do it yourself."

Levon considered sticking his tongue out at Joe. He settled for a sarcastic, "Thanks a lot."

He wasn't truly bothered by it. Delicate work was still not something he could easily handle. Just buttoning his shirt earlier had been something of a trial. Levon wasn't sure he could have wielded a knife well at the moment. Even though his cast had borne the brunt of the impact when he'd hit Carlo, his right arm was sending little reminders to him that it hadn't appreciated the jarring it received.

The mood at the table improved considerably as they began eating. Conversation drifted toward lighter topics, and flowed easily. Andre returned some time later to see if everything with their meal was satisfactory.

"Food was excellent. As always, Andre." Joe answered for the entire table.

Andre smiled warmly, obviously pleased. His demeanor quickly changed to serious and subdued. He looked unsure of himself for a moment. "I'm sorry, Joe." Andre blurted out quickly.

"For what?"

"For... well..." Andre waved a hand toward the vacant seats at the table, and then toward himself. "Perhaps it was wrong for Mike and I to join you."

Rosa shook her head. "Nonsense. You were delightful company, Andre. You did nothing wrong."

"But..."

Rosa stopped him with a steady gaze. "You. Did. Nothing. Wrong."

Andre sighed dramatically. "Madam, you may not be aware of this, but what occurred here was most definitely not the way Joe had planned this evening."

"Perhaps not. But it was not a disaster by any means." Rosa pursed her lips thoughtfully. "Admittedly, it did not go as well as we might have hoped, but it was not as bad as it could have been. Maria's feelings are more clearly known, as is the reason for how Carlo feels. That is progress. Nothing to be ashamed of or embarrassed by. And certainly not something you should apologize for."

Andre looked at Joe, seeking confirmation. Joe nodded. "She's right. You didn't do anything wrong. When I made the reservations, I was the one who asked you to join us, remember? And while things didn't go as well as I'd hoped, it wasn't a total loss either."

Andre looked toward Levon. "Are you okay with... how things went? I mean you were the one who had to go calm the young man down."

"S'alright. No harm done. Weren't anythin' I couldn't handle."

"Who knew straight men could be so high strung?" Andre tsked, and rolled his eyes. "Honestly."

Levon chuckled. "No more high strung than you are."

"Yes, but I am an artist. And I'm gay. People expect me to be that way." Andre waved a hand, gesturing toward himself with a flourish. "Everyone is calmer by comparison."

[Now there's a statement that's hard ta argue with. Don't know anyone as flamboyant or as flighty as he is.] He and Joe shared a look, and Levon knew his lover was thinking the same thing he was.

"Well, then. Enough unpleasantness." Andre clapped his hands. "Who would like dessert?"

Despite his sweet tooth, Levon rarely ordered dessert when they ate at Andre's. The meal portions were always so large that he usually felt as if eating one more bite would kill him. [Couldn't even finish my steak.] Levon shook his head.

Andre eyed him critically. "You don't have to worry about your figure, Levon. As thin as you are, a dessert would do you good."

"Ain't worried about my figure." Levon rolled his eyes. His figure wasn't something Levon ever gave much thought to. As long as his jeans fit he didn't worry about it. "I'm stuffed, Andre."

"You're sure?" Andre persisted, casting a glance toward Levon's plate. He made sure that no one left his restaurant hungry or unsatisfied.

"I'm sure." Levon quickly assured him. "I eat one more bite and I'll explode."

"And the rest of you?"

Joe was far more careful of his diet than Levon. And tended to watch the amount of sweets he consumed. Usually, he would just take a bite or two out of whatever Levon ordered. Joe shook his head. "I think I'll pass on dessert tonight."

Andre raised his eyebrows at Rosa, expectantly. Rosa grinned. "I'll have a piece of white chocolate raspberry cheesecake."

"Oh, finally, one of you with sense enough enjoy the good things in life. That's one of my favorites. I'll have someone bring it right out."

"Please send three forks with it. I expect I will need some help to finish it."

Andre laughed delightedly, and winked at her. "Of course."

When Rosa's dessert arrived, she offered a taste to both Joe and Levon. Joe took a bite, but Levon passed with a smile. He hated feeling like he'd over eaten. It was one of the reasons he preferred to eat little meals through out the day. So even as tempting as the cheesecake was, he simply couldn't eat any.

Joe and Rosa alternated taking bites. Between the two of them, they managed to clean the plate in short order. Levon quirked a half-smile at Joe, taking pleasure in watching his lover indulge the sweet tooth he claimed not to have.

Joe paid the check when they were ready to leave. Lundy stopped for a moment to speak to Andrew as they left. "Andrew?"

"At your service, Mr. Lundy. Was everything satisfactory, Sir?"

"Everything was good." Levon quickly assured him. "Would ya let Mike and Andre know we'll be in touch in a few days?" Levon knew that both men would want a more detailed report as to what happened. Joe had asked for their help, and it wouldn't be fair not to at least let them know how things worked out. Levon figured they could get together after Joe's family had left. [Knowin' Andre, he'll need a bit more reassurance that nothin' he'd done had in any way upset the apple cart. Trouble was there long 'fore he came along.]

Andrew dipped his head in acknowledgement. "I will be happy to do so, Sir."

"Thanks."

Levon followed Joe and Rosa out the door. They dropped Rosa off at the hotel. Joe walked in with her as far as the lobby, seeing her safely inside. Levon would have gone as well, but Joe firmly told him to stay put. "Doctor told you not too walk much. You've already covered enough ground today." When Levon would have argued, Joe shook his head. "I saw you limping more when we walked out of the restaurant, so just stay put."

Levon decided it would be best not to say anything. His knee and hip were starting to bother him, and he knew better than to try and convince Joe otherwise. Joe was back in a few minutes, sliding into the driver seat, and buckling his seat belt. Without saying anything, he headed for the ranch.

Levon just leaned his head back and let himself relax. He hadn't realized just how tense he'd been until he let it go. He stretched one hand out, and Joe met him half way. Levon curled his fingers around Joe's hand, and sighed, comforted by the contact he hadn't been aware he had missed until just then.

"What are ya gonna do tomorrow?" He asked quietly.

"Aunt Rosa is going to call in the morning, after she talks to Maria. Won't really know until then."

Through their connected hands, Levon was sure he could feel Joe's disappointment, almost as well as he could hear it in his voice. [Always prepare of the worst and hope for the best. Don't quite know what ta do with stuff that falls in between. Sorta anticlimactic. Would know what ta do if the shit had hit the fan. Or if it had gone as well as it did with Rosa. Course, Rosa figured it out for herself and we didn't have ta really say anything. Damn shame Maria wasn't as observant as her aunt.]

Levon squeezed Joe's hand gently. "Hey...What you said to Andre was the truth. This isn't quite what ya wanted, but it ain't like what did happen was something we can't handle. Ya wanted to test the waters, and we did."

"I know." Joe shot him a quick smile. "I just don't quite know what to do now."

Levon chuckled. "So what your tellin' me is that we don't have a plan?"

Joe laughed at that. "No. No plan. We are free wheeling here."

"Good thing we know how ta improvise then."

Joe raised their clasped hands to his lips and placed a kiss on Levon's knuckles. "Thanks, Cowboy."

"Any time, Partner. Any time."

Part 6