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By StarbearerTM

"I hope you aren't going to be TOO hard on Kevin," Trynia said, as she helped Paul into his pants that evening.

"Naw, I'll just show him the same mercy your old man showed me..."

"Paul, behave!" Trynia snapped, whacking his ass playfully.

"Mmm, if you keep up like THAT I'm going to have to teach you some manners, girly!" he laughed.

"Girly, I'll girly you!' she shot back, as he turned her in his arms and kissed her soundly.

Paul released her when she began to chuckle, his grin derived from her mirth. He cocked an eyebrow at her, and took the shirt she handed him with his suspenders.

"What do you think of this?" Trynia asked, holding up a brief purple dress in one hand, and a more modest red one in the other.

"That one," Paul said, grabbing one on a hanger behind her.

"Now WAIT!' she groaned. It was ivory white, decorated with vine relief stitching on the bodice, with a skirt that wrapped around her hips and came above the knee.

"It's pretty, and I've hardly seen you wear it love..." Paul said. "besides I love how it flatters you lovely hips and backside... and why should I get all the attention tonight, if it's your night..."

"Paul..."

He laughed and gently swatted her rear, "Honey I want you to show off your nicely toned body. You look GREAT so why not let everyone know what a beautiful woman you are... it never bothered you before right?"

"No Paul it's not that..." Trynia said soberly. "It's just that well... I have a bad feeling something's not going to go right..."

"If you're worried about what I'll do around Kevin, I'll tell you what, if I get out of line I give you carte blanche to kick me in the shin and tell me to knock it off," Paul assured her.

"I'm sorry to bring a black cloud lover," she sighed, as Paul pulled her into a comforting hug and stroked her back. "Sometimes I get strange gut feelings..."

"well I'll be RIGHT there, so don't you worry your pretty head, sweets," Paul said. "Nothing will go wrong as long as I have anything to say about it..."

"I guess you're right," Trynia sighed, as Paul slipped the dress off the hanger and held it up for her to slip over her head. Helping to tug it down over her, he helpfully zipped the back up.

"I enjoy dressing you sometimes as much as helping you take it off," Paul laughed teasingly.

"Good, because I think this tie would look LOVELY with that shirt..." she said.

"Me in a tie?" Paul joked. "Heaven forbid..."

"Well since Erica said KEVIN gave you this for a belated Chanukah present I think it would se up the mood nicely," Trynia grinned, tossing the length of blue and gold cloth around Paul's neck. Quickly she fashioned a Windsor knot and cinched it up around his neck.

"Wow, that was QUICK," Paul laughed. "I didn't realize you could tie a tie like that!"

"Well when you have 3 brothers... you learn certain things..."

"Well one thing I suddenly realized was that I let you get away without wearing a slip," Paul groaned. He rushed off into the bedroom and held up a hand for Trynia to wait right there. Soon he returned with a cream colored silk petticoat.

"Aww lover thanks," Trynia groaned, lifting her skirt and stepping into the slip Paul held out for her to climb into. "See I NEVER forget a slip!"

"You're just nervous, sweets, that's only natural. It's only your first big gallery event in LA... so relax and let everyone learn what a talented artist you are..." Paul soothed. "And I know they'll come to love you just like gene and I did... well maybe NOT quite THAT way... but they'll think you're terrific..."

"I hope..."

"Besides you're MY fiancée, so how could they think otherwise?" Paul said proudly. "I want to show you off..."

"I'm not exactly a new Mercedes, Paul," she pouted.

"No, you aren't. I don't want to make love to my CAR every night," he laughed, tweaking her nose.

"VERY funny," she groaned, rolling her eyes. Grabbing his ribs she began to tickle him mercilessly.

***

Instead of the steel and marble of the New York gallery, the prestigious showing room in LA was far different. Skylights allowed copious amounts of sun to beam into the rose marble and Spanish architecture building where many artists displays were arrayed. Wine and cheese were available, as in other art shows, but the raft of clientele appeared far more eclectic then the New York set.

Already it was four thirty, and the sun had barely begun to set. Trynia let Paul slip his hand under her strap to pin the red rose corsage to her gown. A long cream silk wrap hung over her bare shoulders, partly concealing the Paul solo tattoo on her left breast. She wondered if most of the people here would get it. However when she saw the first guy in black walk by with his baggy slacks, pierced ears and lips, partly shaved head go by, she relaxed. If anything Paul and she were islands of some classic style amidst the Beverly Hills set. Gowns that plunged to the navel, short skirts and odd gowns with fake fur seemed garish in comparison to her number. Paul's double breasted suit and tailored flat front pants were a cool classic in comparison to the men with their sweaters and conglomerations of what Hollywood and art called style. It was only two steps down from an academy awards, but she wondered if they would wear ANYTHING that the fashion experts called haute couture.

"Good lord," she chuckled.

"What love?" Paul asked, slipping her hand into his bent elbow and striding out with minimal assistance from the ebony handled cane he hand in his other hand. It seemed the easiest assistance for his strengthened hip, other then a crutch. It gave Paul an air of European distinction, very much in line with the suave and debonair image he projected.

Actually it was Dr. Merin's suggestion. Paul had received the cane in the mail shortly after his surgery, a surprise get-well present from Trynia's parents. The rose vine design and bar shaped handle carved in mahogany were striking, and he had a suspicion the cane was crafted somewhere other then the united states.

"My compliments to the father in law," Paul chuckled. "This thing works beautifully..."

"He used one himself," Trynia said. "When he had knee replacement surgery. He hated crutches..."

"Oh lovely now I'm just like your old man," he teased, with a twinkle in his eyes.

"It's a good thing, believe me," Trynia laughed.

Paul led her over to the wall where her paintings were on display, several pieces she had finished from the last few months. A huge burst of blue and red swarmed together on a body sized canvas, an explosion of handprints merging into a powerful knot of bold purple. Beside it were 2 surreal dreamscapes worked with geometric designs in red and blue misting to ghosts of purple shadow. Two other paintings, a still live in abstract expressionism and a full body painting of the Star Child before a galaxy also seemed larger then life. The last painting, a four by five foot portrait of Paul seemed to be woven of pure energy. Regarding it, Paul remembered the night he had come up to her loft hearing the sound of his solo album blaring loudly. Trynia had pinned a huge canvas to the wall and coated her body in whites and pinks, hurling herself onto it with passionate gusto. Paul gasped when he saw her turn it upside down, and beheld his face staring serenely from the mask of Starchild makeup. He had watched her draw her arms into strokes of black and mahogany paint, tracing them across with swings of her arms. With her whole body she had rendered his face for all time. Being the girlfriend and fiancée of Paul Stanley meant she had the rights to use his starchild persona in her work without worry of legal repercussions.

"I love seeing my face there, knowing you painted it with your body," he whispered with a warm chuckle.

"Wait till you see my NEXT masterpiece," she joked back.

"So, where's my lovely niece and the love of her life?" Paul asked, sitting down on the comfortable chair near her display.

"I could look around for her," Trynia suggested.

"Sure, I'll just wait here in case she's looking for me," Paul smiled. "Don't be gone too long love."

"I won't," Trynia nodded, and kissed Paul on the cheek goodbye. He watched her stride away on platform heeled sandals, her shapely legs gliding beneath the cream skirt. It seemed she toned up better every day, from the sessions on his exercise machines.

Away from Paul, she couldn't help but admire the other paintings. On the wall near her were a bizarre conglomeration of paints streaked across canvas, a cross between Jackson Pollack and Cubist Picasso. More along the lines of abstract expressionism then hers even, with huge goopy swirls on the next, and on the last dashes of planes breaking and intersecting, a geometry teacher's nightmare gone mad.

"Good lord, there's so much energy there, it makes my skin crawl," she muttered.

"That's the point, miss," came a voice. She snapped her head around at the source of the voice. Her eyes took in the black sweater, cable knit, under the maroon jacket and textured tweed pants. Dark black framed glasses framed his hazel eyes, his slightly buzzed hair spiked with gel on top, and matching goatee framing his rounded face. Skin was tanned and ruddy, his hands long and articulate. All in all a relatively attractive man perhaps her age, stocky and tall.

"Hi..."

"You were saying about the energy?"

"There is so much juxtaposition of angles and planes it explodes," she said. "It seems too small and confined by the frame..."

"Well I wanted to evoke a primal emotion the viewer, and it seems I've succeeded..." he smiled. Oddly the teeth looked bonded, she thought. But little matter since many people in this place used means to augment their appearance.

"Well it's not that I don't like it... it's just too... unrestful... saying so much in too small a space..."

"You get it all right," he nodded. "Sorry my names Jimmy Cyan... it's always nice to meet new perspectives, especially one as lovely as yourself..."

"Trynia Merin..."

"Wait, did you paint Fusion of Red and blue number 1?" he asked. "I thought that was a great refreshing piece of work..."

"Thank you," she nodded. Just then another young man, with bleached spiky buzzed hair and a blond goatee strode over, his corduroy pants, black suspenders overtop a lime green textured shirt, and long black blazer hanging about his substantial chest came and joined them.

"This is my fellow art school bud and colleague Keidanren Summer," he said. "This is the artist who painted Fusion..."

"Sweet," he nodded. "Man that's some serious stuff... nice to see the painter's as good looking as her art..."

She shook his hand, a bit thrilled and scared about how the other's hazel eyes walked all over her body. An erotic shiver sparked between them, and she retracted her hand as if stung by electricity.

"Excuse me, I have to go..." she said. "Someone's waiting for me..."

Instantly she kicked herself for not saying 'my fiancée' but for some reason she wasn't sure Paul wanted it advertised he was engaged. Taking her leave she rushed off and said a hasty goodbye. Both men watched her leave, to the place where her display started. Her heart fluttered a bit when she saw Erica standing near Paul with a handsome young man. Paul was shaking his hand by the time she joined them.

"Sweetheart, there you are," Paul smiled, holding out his hand. She moved over and kissed Paul's cheek softly, glad for his arm around her waist.

"Trynia, glad you came back," Erica said nervously. "May I present Kevin Silverberg, my fiancée..."

"Hi, nice to meet you," Kevin smiled at Trynia. He wore a nice blue suit, with a red tie and crisp white shirt, his metal framed glasses gold in color, highlighting his hazel eyes. Sandy blond hair was cut close, but not so close as to hide the nice curl in his hair.

"Great to meet you," Trynia smiled, shaking his hand. Suddenly he noticed the sparkle of the engagement ring on her finger and glanced questioningly at Erica.

"Trynia... is that..." Erica got out. "Let me see..."

Erica seized Trynia's hand and noticed the sizable ring there, her eyes widening in surprise and shock. Paul smiled shyly as she turned on him with an accusatory glance, saying, "You and Tryn... is that what I think it is?"

"Congratulations," Kevin smiled.

"Thank you," Paul nodded, a serious look still on his face.

"Uncle Paul you are a STINKER!!!" Erica cried, pouting. "All that song and dance and then..."

"Sweetie, calm down," Kevin held up a hand.

"I'm sorry, we got off on the wrong foot, but maybe we could go get some dinner?" Trynia suggested.

"That's a great idea," Paul nodded with a smile. "Care to join us, Kevin?"

"Sure," he nodded. "That would be wonderful, Mr. Stanley."

Trynia noted Kevin's stiff austerity, and chalked it up to Paul's own quiet and restrained state. Those dark eyes were set to a slow steady darkness that even kept her uneasy. Especially because they reminded her of the expression on her father's face whenever the subject entitled Paul would arise.

It was all too familiar, and very uncomfortable, adding to the unease she felt. When Paul reached out to her she shivered, and he slipped his arm around her waist, temporarily thawing out of eye and earshot of Kevin. He asked, "Honey are you all right?"

"Uh don't you think you're overdoing the protective father role? I know my father was hard on you... but you've got him terrified."

"Good," Paul nodded. "Then it's working. I don't want to make it any bit easier for him..."

"You're evil," she groaned.

"I took a hint from my own old man," Paul said. "You think he's sweetness and light..."

"I guess you'll want me to agree with you on this?" Trynia asked.

"It would be appreciated," Paul whispered, squeezing her hand.

"Okay, you win," Trynia said with a sigh. "But just keep an open mind..."

"Not so open my brains fall out sweetie," Paul laughed. He slipped his arm around Trynia's waist, but she teasingly pulled away and took his hand.

"Not in front of the kids dear," she shook her finger at him.

"Uh huh," Paul laughed, and shot Kevin a dark look as he reached out to take Erica's hand. Instead he offered his arm, and Erica took it. Paul shrugged looking to Trynia, and offered his arm to her. In this more traditional of contacts they proceeded to the waiting limousine.

"What about your art show aunt Trynia?" Erica asked.

"Paul?"

"Don't worry honey, if you get any bids I'm sure they'll call you and let you know," Paul urged. "Now I think it's time we went out for a bite.."

Mervyns's was a pleasant bar and grill, with a NASCAR and off track betting sports bar on one side, and a pleasant dining experience on the other. Upscale and trendy, the more affluent enjoyed hanging at this place with a dual personality. Paul had discovered this place with Gene one particular Sunday afternoon, enjoying the pool tables and dart son the bar side, and family dinners on the other for post show food. Judging from the clientele occupying the tables and booths around them, Trynia noticed that they must be mostly patrons of the afore-attended art show.

"I think everyone had the same idea," she joked to Paul.

"well, it is within spitting distance," Paul grinned.

"Although why anyone there would spit is beyond me," Erica further cracked. "Right Uncle?"

"A truer word has never been said," Paul smiled at Erica. He turned to Kevin, who was sipping a glass of diet coke in measured doses. He smiled politely in response.

"So, Erica tells me you're a KISS fan, huh?" Paul said.

"Definitely sir," Kevin nodded. "I've attended shows from the very beginning..."

"So, you know all about how Gene and I protect what's ours, don't you?" Paul said leveling his gaze on Kevin. "Right?"

"Yes sir. Absolutely sir," Kevin nodded.

"And that sometimes people get close into our inner circle of scum to... get a piece of the action," Paul continued. Trynia groaned and muttered something intelligible in Italian. Momentarily Paul glanced at her, realizing he knew exactly what she was saying.

"Uncle, go easy on him, I told you he wasn't in it for the money," Erica groaned.

"I'm asking him, not you, young lady," Paul said firmly. "So, Mr. Silverberg, I understand that you are a teacher?"

"Yes sir. In Ricida," he nodded, sipping his soda and swirling the ice in his glass.

"Hmm, that's not the hills," Paul muttered. "Public or private?'

"Public," he said.

"subject?"

"History and English," Kevin added. "for the last five years..."

"And where did you go to school?"

"New York City," Kevin said.

"Find the weather a bit sunnier our here?" Paul raised an eyebrow.

"Uncle Paul he moved out here because he wanted to help out with the Spanish speaking population... he speaks it very well..."

"Explain?" Paul asked.

"I was born in the Bronx sir, but Dad joined the army, and well we lived all over the world growing up. He made sure that we knew our share of foreign languages. His longest station was in Puerto Rico... for five years. So I grew up bilingual... trilingual if you count Yiddish sir... but well..."

"And so?"

"Most of the places he requested were in Spanish speaking locales. I guess you could say languages come easy to me," Kevin explained. "I even speak some German..."

"Hmm, Gene would like this guy," Trynia commented.

"And well, I figured I could put my schooling to good use out here. Besides, I kind of wanted to live on the West Coast because it's so beautiful out here..."

"Nothing to do with the rich and famous huh?"

"Well Actually I'm between situations. I applied for a certification out here. I actually teach in the same neighborhood I was born in... but since Erica wanted to move out here to be closer to you, I thought I'd do a lot of good out here..."

"Wait, let me get this straight, you're willing to take a job out here so Erica can be closer to me?" Paul asked this. "Is this right young miss?"

Erica is nervously eating ice cream, hoping to sort of blend in. At mention of her name she glanced up again and nodded.

"Hmm, so family is important to you, huh? What is your family into?" Paul asked. "After retiring from the army..."

"Well that happened when I was 15 sir," he said. "Then my dad went back to help with the family business. We own a magazine shop... what you'd call a bodega... it was my grandpa's old business, and well he's getting on in years so my uncle and dad help him run it now..."

"Hmm, not bad," Paul muttered. "So you're a teacher and your siblings..."

"My sister Yvonne is married and lives in Poughkipsie. Her husband works for IBM. And well, we're just normal people I guess... I met Erica through a friend... and we just hit it off so well..."

"Sounds normal to me," Trynia commented to Paul. He had a faraway look in his eyes, as if pieces of his own past had circled around to stare him in the face.

"Please Uncle Paul, we love each other..."

Paul held up a hand, and looked Kevin straight in the eyes. He sat on the edge of his seat, steeling himself for the next bevy of revealing questions.

"Kevin, I held Erica in my arms as a little baby. Did you know that?" Paul suddenly said, folding his hands and resting his chin on them.

"No.. I didn't... she tells me you were like a father to her," Kevin said.

Erica looked to Trynia, who nodded in understanding. Both knew the telltale signs of a father figure giving a prospective son in law the Talk.

"Well, in my book, I AM her father. According to me. According to 'right here'" he said, tapping his heart.

"Yes sir," Kevin nodded, sipping another draught of soda to quench his parched throat.

"Erica's father is nowhere to be found. Oh, he might surface for the wedding, but he'll disappear again," Paul said, fumbling with a spoon to the left of his emptied plate. He pushed it aside and stacked Trynia's own plate on top of it.

Erica sat quietly, staring at the table and wanting it to open up and swallow her whole. She glanced up at Trynia with pleading eyes, and Trynia reached across the table to squeeze her hand in support.

"Yes sir," Kevin nods. "Father out of the picture, you took over, right."

"So what I'm saying is that I have been the male influence in her life Me and my father. We've done it all. Sent her to the best schools. Made sure she was treated right. Gave her voice lessons. Art lessons. Whatever her heart desired. You have big shoes to fill, young man," he regarded him seriously.

"I know... I would try to make sure she was taken care of..."

"No, you need to do better than TRY," Paul smiled sweetly, yet firmly.

"But I can't fill your shoes, Mr. Stanley," Kevin cleared his throat. "But I can assure you, she will be taken care of sir. No ifs ands or buts."

Paul ran his hand through his hair playfully, "OBVIOUSLY, there are some things.....you can do for her that I can't..." and here he chuckled lightly as he regarded Erica and continued, "Just make sure she is always treated like a princess."

"No doubt of that sir," Kevin nodded seriously.

"Uncle Paul!" she sighed, embarrassed as she put her head in her hand.

"I will make sure we visit you VERY often..." Kevin said. "That's why I am pursuing a career move to LA. And that if she wants to have children ahead of her career, she will have the support she needs."

Erica gave him the dark eyed look of her own, with a hint of playfulness in them.

"AGAIN, NOT a baby." she snorted

"And also that she finishes school," Kevin continued, taking another deep breath. "If that is what she wants."

"Erica, honey, this doesn't concern you" Paul teased her back. "This is between us guys. It's a man thing."

Kevin smiled at this, while Erica looked right at Trynia, rolling her eyes. Trynia began to chuckle knowingly. She said, "Boys will be boys."

"'I SUPPOSE" she said, with a dramatic eye roll of her own.

"She DID tell you that she's never having sex, right? I won't allow it," Paul looked seriously at Kevin.

"Umm yes sir," Kevin nodded, catching Paul's hidden joke.

"Oh GOD, Uncle Paul!" she screamed with laughter.

"Whatever you say sir..." Kevin continued, not dropping his veneer of seriousness. "Separate beds sir..."

"I like this guy," Paul smiled to Trynia. "I wonder if he'll hold out for another 20 years so our daughter can marry him?"

"Behave," Trynia smacked his arm.

"I'll even move in under your watchful eye sir," Kevin said, not blinking or missing a beat. "And we can have fours for mahjong on Sundays with you and Aunt Trynia."

"OH GOD you're too much Paul!" Trynia laughed.

"Hmmm, now don't get TOO carried away." Paul laughed.

"Uh... Uncle Paul... the knicks game is on," Erica said.

"Don't change the subject honey..." Paul said, holding up a hand. "I'm on a roll here..."

"But it's on the television in the bar, you NEVER wanted to miss a Knicks game!" Erica pouted.

"It's on, seriously?" Kevin asked, eyes widening. "Oh man..."

"You like sports?" Paul asked.

"Does a bird fly?" Erica laughed. "He NEVER misses a game!"

"Hmm," Paul fingered his chin. "You're in a very nice suit honey... I don't' think a smoky bar..."

"Can we go watch the game, and resume the inquisition later?" Erica quipped. "PLEEASE if you and Aunt Trynia are with us?"

"I suppose we could carry this on later. What do you think honey?" Paul asked Trynia.

"I say it can't hurt," Trynia said with relief.

"C'mon then, let's see your game," Paul nodded, taking Trynia's hand and getting out of the booth. Kevin got up, offering a hand to Erica to help her up.

"I cant wait to see if Philly goes under," Kevin grinned.

"Hey now WAIT, that's MY town!" Trynia shook a finger at him. "The 76er's will mop the FLOOR with New York!"

***

"Men and sports, what a beautiful combination," Trynia muttered to Erica as they sat on stools near the bar. Clouds of smoke wreathed the air, partly obscuring the strategically placed televisions that blared the game from many angles.

"Hey, it's working, they're bonding," Erica winked at Trynia, swirling her beer in its glass.

"Yeah," Trynia chuckled. "Go figure. That was quick thinking, girl!"

"I know my Uncle Paul," she winked.

"You have GOT to be kidding, c'mon!" Paul groaned as he noticed a foul being called for a particularly rough first quarter.

"Illegal use of hand, gimmie a BREAK!" Kevin chimed in, throwing up his hand in equal disgust. Both he and Paul had their hands wrapped around beers, eyes glued to the progress of the game.

Trynia swirled her glass of Chianti and sipped it thoughtfully, the sense of familiarity washing over her. Seizing a handful of popcorn, Kevin pressed a few kernels into his mouth at a time to dilute the effects of alcohol. He moved the basket to Paul, who took his own portion and filled his mouth with the whole handful at once.

It was an odd contrast, two men in fancy suits reclining on barstools and chugging beers. Amidst the rest of the male clientele that had congregated to watch the big game. A few females here and there also cheered the game on, lighting their cigarettes and filling the already smoky air to capacity. Trynia coughed, because the already crowded bar seemed suddenly confining. Out of the corner of her eye she caught sight of Jimmy Cyan, bellying up to the bar and purchasing two sizable glasses of beer. He carried them off and vanished into the crowd. Where was his friend, she wondered.

"thank god for free throws," Kevin muttered to Paul.

"Yeah, if this guy doesn't blow it, they should have kept him on the damn bench, sheesh!" Paul shook his head in sympathy.

"He hasn't been pulling his weight all season, I don't know what the coach has been smoking signing him on," Kevin muttered.

"Well I wish he'd give it to his players, jeez, maybe they would wake up," Paul laughed. Kevin grinned and tipped another mouthful of beer back. He was beginning to show signs of letting his hair down, especially since Paul was thoroughly engrossed in the game by now. Erica leaned her head on her uncle's shoulder, kissing his cheek. He patted her hand, smiling at her sweetly.

"He's still not off the hook," Paul whispered back.

"Won't you give up," Erica sighed.

"Nope. Not for a second..." Paul said, popping a kernel of popcorn into his mouth.

"Uncle Paul!" she pouted, voice almost rising to a juvenile squeal of protest.

"Hey, I gotta be thorough. Otherwise my sterling reputation as your father figure would be compromised," Paul said. "You don't want me to damage my rep do you?"

"Lord forbid THAT happen," Erica muttered under her breath.

"Did you SEE that!" Kevin raised his hand at the television in outrage. "What a crock!"

"What... what did I miss?" Paul asked.

"He missed the second free throw!" Kevin snapped.

"Aww man you're kidding!" Paul exclaimed, his eyes widening in anger.

"Figures," Erica muttered.

"I think it will be okay," Trynia said, nudging her. "This is just like when my sister brought her boyfriend home. The playoffs were on, and my father was interrupted in the Talk by the second down... of the first quarter. Then it was all downhill from there. Before long he and my brother in law were glued to that television..."

"And your mom and sis were watching them act like kids?" Erica laughed.

"Yeah, pretty much. Look, while those two are male bonding, I'm going to take a breath of fresh air..."

"Are you sure you don't want me to come..."

"No, I just need a few moments of air. I'll go onto the patio. I'll be right back... if Paul asks, just let him know I'm coming back and not climbing out the bathroom window..."

"What?"

"I'm kidding," Trynia said in response to Erica's horrified expression. "I'll be back in a few... promise..."

Erica watched Trynia take her purse and head out onto the patio through the sliding glass doors which were open. A few tables were out here for those that wanted a quiet table away farom the noise and smoke of the bar. She wandered out on the tile, then turned to look back inside. People blocked her view of Paul and Kevin, and she almost imagined she was back home in Philly.

A strange sense of unease shivered her again, and she turned around. Seeing nobody she walked slowly back toward the sliding glass door.

"Hey there!" came a voice. She suddenly noticed a man standing near her, who looked familiar. In his hand he held a bottle of Budwiser, his step a little unsure.

"Uh... hello?" Trynia asked, turning to face him. She held her purse across her chest, not too sure of the swagger in his step.

"Oh, no, excuse ME.....hey, wait a minute, I met you at the show tonight," he laughed.

A waft of ethanol passed her nostrils, and she smelled drink on his breath as he moved to within a foot of her. She stepped back a bit, caught off guard when he said, "I'm Kiern... Kiernan. You know, Jimmy and I are buds. I saw your paintings. Pretty damn fine... I'm his manager..."

"Yeah... well... that's cool but..."

"I was VERY interested in your work, Hon," he said, resting a hand on her shoulder. "You're a mighty talented woman you know..."

"Uh... yes... but you'll have to excuse me..." she said, cringing at his touch, especially when he patted her shoulder a little too hard.

"I have to get back to my party..." she said, moving his hand away. "You must excuse me..."

"Wait...wait...now what's the hurry? Lemme buy you....a drink. One artist to another," Kiernan laughed, holding up his bottle. He swayed a bit, and Trynia turned around to leave.

"Uh... no thank you... I already have a drink..." she said.

A goofy laugh stopped her, and he dodged around her to block her way. She tried to walk around him, but he matched her moves.

"Excuse me..." she said, crisply.

"Now.....I'd sure hate to think I'm losing my touch, but women just don't walk away from me," he smiled cutely, arms out at his sides.

"This one does..." Trynia said.

"Well HEY honey, what's your hurry?" he asked. "What's with the cold shoulder baby?"

"Number one sir, I'm not interested in a drink with you. And number two, my name isn't baby or honey..."

"Hmmm, lemmie guess.. Tracy right?" he said, moving before her as she tried yet again to get around him. He stuck out his arm, stopping her in her tracks. "What you say we drop the cold act and get to know each other a little better?"

"I hate to be rude, but I'm already spoken for."

"Look, miss. Tracy, right? I guess somehow you must think I'm an a**hole or something. I just want to talk to you. I might be getting involved in a show here REAL soon.." and here he stopped to swig his drink, "...and I want to talk to you."

"My name is TRYNIA, got it? And my fiancée is waiting for me..." Trynia said, twisting her ring. Her mind kicked into overdrive, taking her purse carefully into her hand. "I don't want to be rude but I need to get back to him."

"Getting married? No kidding. ConGRADDDDDulations!" he slurred.

"Yes, MARRIED," she said, swinging her purse back and forth in a hope to distract him. However he caught the handbag that arched toward him and tugged the strap, yanking her before him and grabbing her hip.

"Hey, getting a little feisty here... A little crouching tiger hidden dragon?"

"Let me go!" Trynia snapped, struggling as he pulled her very close to his body with a strong hand. He threw his beer bottle away with a clink.

"Let's talk about my show. What artwork would you like to submit. It's going to be hot." he runs his tongue over his lips.

"I would suggest... that you remove your hand from me and we can discuss this at another time," she grunted, and grabbed his wrist, tearing his hand off her hip. She moved foreword, shouldering him to knock him off balance.

"God, you're feisty!" he slurred, grabbing hold of her wrist and jerking her back toward him. "Come BACK here!"

"Hands off me!" she yelled, twisting her wrist toward his thumb and breaking away from him.

"I'm just trying to HELP you. No need to be a little BITCH about it." He said, rushing after her and keeping right up with her.

"Excuse the HELL me... but I'm not sloshing drunk!" she yelled in his face, whirling around to run back to the bar. Suddenly she felt his hand grab her shoulder and yank her back.

"You know who you look like? Valerie F**cking Bertinelli!" he laughed, grabingd both her wrists and slamming her up against the wall of the building.

"hands off me!" she screamed in his face, and struggled to move away.

"I could be your Eddie. No kidding! I can't BELIEVE it. You could be her. Your boobs are too big though," he said, leaning onto her as he still kept one hand hold of her right wrist, and snaked his other toward her cleavage. His hands squeezed her breasts hard, pinching and snaking all over his body as he struggled to kiss her. Heart pounding she took her hand and twisted it free again, then dropped toward the ground.

"What the hell? Now wait a damn minute!" he yelled as she shouldered him out of the way and knocked him off balance. Scrambling to her feet she began to scream at the top of her lungs and run away.

"I'll bet you scream like that for ALL the pretty boys!" he yelled. He grabbed her ankle to stop her, throwing himself on top of her. His hands worked all over her, pinching her breasts and hips and working southward. Rolling him over she brought up her left hand, and scraped the engagement ring across his face.

"Damn, it! Son of a BITCH!" he groaned, cupping his face. Getting to her feet she kicked him HARD in the groin and scrambled into the sliding door.

"Paul, FIRE!" she screamed, attracting the attention of the patrons. They rushed out to find her rushing into the bar, scrambling blindly to look for Paul.

"Paul, PAUL!" she screamed, pushing into the crowd.

Hugging his stomach, Kiernan looked up at the other patrons who rushed out to see if he was all right. They wondered why the woman had run from him screaming. One man hauled him to his feet, and he shook their hands off, duck walking.

"I dropped my f**cking beer!" he said to them. "Just leave me alone."

***

"Trynia... what in God's name," Erica cried, hearing the blood curdling scream. She reached Trynia first, Paul and Kevin next.

Paul's eyes were wide with fear as he saw Trynia's hair dangling and mussed, her dress torn and blood dripping from one hand.

"My GOD... Aunt Trynia? What happened?" Erica cried. Kevin took her hand and pulled her back so Paul could look at Trynia.

"Oh god.. that bastard... he... he... oh GOD!" Trynia sobbed.

"Trynia! Good God! What happened? I thought you were just going to check out the back patio!" Paul gasped.

"I kicked him... but he oh my god he TOUCHED me... and I..."

"Grab you? Who?" Paul demanded, eyebrows wrinkling in anger.

"That bastard from the art show!" she cries. "I told him to leave me alone, he tried to come onto me... and I told him to leave me alone!"

"Wait a damn minute! Where is he? Someone tried something?" he shouted loudly. The bar turned to look at the commotion, and Paul glanced wildly around the place.

"I scratched his face..." she said, holding up her hand, blood on the ring.

"I'll get the manager," Kevin offered, grabbing Erica and dragging her away. "C'mon honey..."

"No..." Erica cried, but Kevin dragged her with him insistantly.

"Paul's okay, let's give them some space... please honey!" he whispered to her. Paul mvoed before Trynia, shielding her from the prying eyes of other bar patrons.

"Honey, calm down. You're here with us. You're not making any sense. I don't see anyone here." Paul urged, taking her face between his hands, eyes blazing wildly with fear and anger.

"He was on the patio... he tried to grab me when I came back in... oh GOD... he's THERE!" Trynia gasped, when she saw someone staggering into the sliding door. He shoved people aside rudely, grabbing a bottle of beer from the bar and movign toward where she stood behind Paul.

"Well, if it isn't the bitch that ran away," he huffed. "Think you're pretty damn smart running like that after coming on to me...a nd pretending some stiff's your guy?"

"Leave me alone!" Trynia screamed.

Paul whirled around, eyes blazing with anger as he yelled, "You filthy piece of crap! Do you have any idea what you did?"

"Paul... stop... please!" she shouted.

"Well hell, why don't you tell me, bitch?" Kiernan snorted indignantly. "After she kicked me in the crown jewels and embarrassed me!"

"How DARE you touch my fiancée, you drunken son of a bitch?" Paul snarled, pushing Trynia behind him. He approached the other man, eyes hard and cold with fury.

"Now wait, I didn't know she was your fiancée.... she came onto me!" he denied. "She was all over me man and I had to push her off, then she kicks me in the groin and runs!"

"Paul... don't do anything stupid!" Trynia begged, seeing murder in Paul's eyes.

"You don't know what I'm talking about? DOES THIS LADY LOOK FAMILIAR?"

"She's a feisty gal... all right..." he laughed nervously, then took a step back when Paul advanced on him. "Back off man... I'm not the one who..."

"You give her a damn apology NOW and I just might spare your sorry ass," Paul hissed. By then Kevin had arrived with the manager, who was about to step in.

"Someone stop him, Uncle Paul's about to get into a fight!" Erica sobbed.

"Honey, calm down..." Kevin urged.

"She was all over me!" Keirnan slurred, lunging at Paul. He threw his beer bottle toward him, but Paul ducked out of the way, his hands forming fists as they circled. Kiernan shoved Paul away, and Paul shoved him back angrily.

"Say it.....now!" Paul yelled at him, grabbing Kerinan's lapel and getting right into his face. "Or I'll have your ass for breakfast, you sorry sack of shit!"

"Shut the f*ck up, gramps!" Kiernan shouted, fist flying. Paul apparently saw it coming, and ducked, letting go of the other man as his fist sailed over and hit the bar behind him. Suddenly Paul's fist flashed out and connected with his gut. Like a sagging balloon the man doubled over and crumpled to the ground. Groaning he struggled to get up, but found Paul's shoe hard in his groin. Hugging himself he lay there gurgling in pain.

"Tell her you are saying for your f***cking lies, and that you will take your sorry ass on out of here and never do this again," Paul hissed.

All he heard in response was a gurgle. Grabbing Paul's waist Trynia held him back with all her strength. She cried, "Paul... stop! Please..."

"Where's the g-damn manager?" Paul yelled. Fortunately the manager was right there, stunned by what he had just seen.

"Sir... mind telling me WHAT is going on here, and why I shouldn't arrest you both for messing up my bar?" the manager said, but stopped at Paul's angry glare. Kevin hugged Erica tightly, and interrupted him.

"Sir, it wasn't Paul's fault. This lady was assaulted," Kevin said. "I saw her moments before, and I heard her scream for help..."

"Is that right?" the manager asked. Everyone mumbled and nodded, unsure of what to do next.

Paul regarded him with cold eyes, "You'd better have this m-fucker arrested right now."

"Easy honey..." Trynia said, tears in her eyes as she moved in front of Paul, stopping him in his tracks.

"George, call the police!" the manager shouted to the bartender. Jimmy suddenly rushed up and saw his friend laying on the floor, his eyes wide open at the sight of Paul and a mussed up Trynia holding him back.

"What the hell did you do to my friend?" he asked.

"Friend.... this is your friend?" Paul yelled. "Mind telling me why your FRIEND was messing with my WOMAN?"

"Holy shit.." Jimmy got out. "Miss Merin..."

"Your friend tried to hurt me," Trynia said coldly.

"No way, you're shitting me," Jimmy shook his head.

"You wanna argue with me?" Paul yelled at him. "You calling my woman a liar?"

"Uncle Paul stop please!" Erica screamed.

"Do you know who I am?" Paul asked Jimmy, as Kevin moved to his other side and took his arm to hold him back. "Is this the kind of shit you ALLOW in your establishment?"

"Sir... Please... I'm terribly sorry," The manager said in shock.

Paul glowered at him, "Do you have any f***cking idea who I am? And this is my FIANCE' this asshole just attacked! And now his FRIEND is denying it, when he probably knew ALL ABOUT IT?"

"Holy shit you're Paul as in Paul Stanley?" Jimmy shook his head. "Oh shit..."

"And unless you want a lawsuit... I suggest you cooperate!" Paul yelled at the manager.

"Right away sir," the manager said, snapping his finger and motioning to one of the larger waiters, and what looked like a bouncer to hold the other guy back.

"Oh man..." Jimmy got out, shrinking away and turning to run. Two larger male patrons and a waiter suddenly grabbed him and restrained him from running and leaving his friend behind. Two other waiters grabbed Kiernan and hauled him to his feet.

"I'm sincerely sorry... if there is anything I can do..." the Manager said. "Get those two out of here and make sure they don't even BREATHE!"

"Mr. Stanley, the police are coming," Kevin said calmly, still holding Paul back. Just then they saw the flash of sirens, and the manager rushing out to confront the policemen who came into the scene.

George turned to Paul and said, "Look, can we just calm down and I can get you a drink or something till we get to the bottom of this, Mr. Stanley?"

"Well, for one I suggest you train your supposed STAFF to not serve falling down drunks and you might not have this kind of problem," Paul snorted, and turned to Trynia. He hugged her tightly.

"Okay..." George held up his hand. "Why don't you just take your lady and sit down and we'll get you whatever you want..."

Trynia clung to Paul, sobbing as he whispered, "Sweetheart....it's going to be fine. I promise."

"Get her a nice cold glass of water. NOW!"

George yelled at a waiter who disappeared. Paul took Trynia toward a booth two patrons emptied out, the growing crowd looking on in shock and mingled delight at the spectacle before them.

Soon Paul swung next to Trynia in the booth, wrapping his arm around her and holding her close. Erica sobbed into Kevin's shirt, equally shaken as they took the opposite side. A waitress rushed over with cold water and clean towels, to help Trynia clean up a bit. Paul knew part of the problem was that Trynia was very embarrassed over all the people staring.

"Break it up!" the manger shouted over the crowd. Police pushed through and gathered statements, one moving over to where Trynia and Paul sat with their party.

"Go back to your lives, people. Apparently this place will be HAPPY to serve you until you are shit-faced" Paul muttered at one or two patrons who looked in there direction. They backed away, disappearing into the throng.

"Give these to your Aunt..." Kevin said to Erica, taking a cold cloth and handing it to her. She reached across and dabbed Trynia's bruised face and forehead.

"Uncle Paul, what will they do? The police, I mean?" Erica looked at him with scared eyes.

"Oh god I'm so embarrassed... I am so sorry," Trynia sobbed.

"They'll probably nail his butt to the wall," Kevin said. Jus then the waiter led the policemen over to them.

"Excuse me Mr. Stanley we need a statement..."

"Embarrassed? Honey, why? You didn't do anything. You were just walking out to get some fresh air, and that damn moron came onto you. It's NOT your fault," Paul began.

"I know... but I just ruined a good evening," Trynia sobbed.

"Wait a sec," Kevin tells told the cop.

Erica piped in, "He wasn't there....I mean, not at first. She was, but she's pretty upset."

"Mr. Stanley..." the officer said, taking a chair and sitting down.

"Yes?"

"Do you mind if we ask a few questions?" the officer asks. "Of you and your fiancée?"

"No, absolutely not."

"Do you wish to press charges?" he asked.

Paul looks at Trynia to see what her expression is. Still her eyes were red with tears. Sighing Paul said, "I.....can't make the decision for the lady."

"Tell me what happened please..." the officer said. "We'll go from there..."

Erica takes some napkins and handed them to Trynia. She wipes her eyes, and sips more water.

"All right... I'll start from the top..." she says, shakily. Paul still had his arms around her protectively, rubbing her shoulder.

"I'll tell you exactly what happened" Paul charges in.

"Paul..."

"My fiancée was going to check out the back patio. There's supposed to be a band later on, and some drunk ass....err....patron came on to her. Grabbed her."

"Paul... He wants ME to tell..." Trynia interrupted.

"Mr. Stanley I need the lady's statement first..." the officer said patiently. "Then yours..."

"How long do we have to sit here going through this? She's been hurt! I don't know. Maybe she even needs medical care. I apologize for being crass, but what are you going to DO?"

"Paul please!" Trynia protested.

"Look, we came here tonight to see a ball game and this is what we have to look forward to." he throws his arms around in disgust.

"Please.... let me tell MY SIDE!" Trynia cried. "Just calm down and let me SPEAK!"

Sighing, Paul shut his eyes tightly for a moment and shook his head. Trynia stroked his hand and apologized, "I'm sorry honey, but if we are to NAIL this guy I want to tell my side..."

Still he sat quietly, looking aggravated. His eyes are still blazing. Running a hand through his hair he said, "Yeah....sure...." he says distractedly.

Trynia's voice quaked as she related what happened. The more she revealed the angrier Paul grew, sitting there in sullen silence at his lack of ability to protect her. Erica could tell it was killing him.

"I sincerely apologize... Mr. Stanley..." the officer said. "I don't have to ask if you want to press charges...'

"Like I said....it's the lady's call." Paul said quietly, playing with his fork.

"Aggravated assault... And attempted rape..." the officer said. "Serious charges..."

Paul cringed at the word rape, his arms not around Trynia. She sensed his anger at not letting him take care of the situation, shrinking momentarily away and saying nothing to her. Fist forming she snapped, "I want to nail the bastard, Paul."

"Yes, damn it, we want to," Paul nodded, staring right at the policeman.

"Honey, you deal with him, I'm tired," Trynia sighed, finally letting Paul take charge. She knew he desperately needed something to feel as if he could still do some good.

"How long have you been on the force, if you don't mind me asking?" Paul asked.

"Look, we'll do whatever you want sir..."

"How LONG?" Paul's voice grew louder. "I want to know."

"Ten years sir.."

He said in a low, angry tone. "Good, because I don't want some rookie a*hole messing this up for us. Whatever you need to do here tonight, you make sure you did it RIGHT. Do.....you....understand?"

"I understand completely Mr. Stanley," the officer said. "He won't bother you again.'

"I don't want to have to sit in court and see this moron get off on a technicality because you didn't recite Chapter 5, version 10 of his Miranda rights. Got it?" Paul asked, slamming down the fork for added emphasis. He glanced over his shoulder and notices the other officers.

"Uncle Paul!" Erica gasped.

"Sgt. Margoles, have you gotten any other statements from witnesses?" the officer asked his colleague.

"Yes... most people here say they heard the lady screaming here..."

"Did you read him his rights?" he asked further. "This man is pressing charges. Aggravated assault and attempted rape."

Paul's eyes closed momentarily, and Erica choked as they heard the ugly words. Turning back to Paul the officer said, "We have him in custody... I have all we need for now... Your statement and the lady's."

Paul sighed for a minute, "Look, I appreciate it, and I apologize for being rude. It's just this is pretty upsetting to us."

"Here's a copy of the police report..." he said, handing something to Paul. "I understand... she's your fiancée... Between us, I would have done the same..."

"Yeah....thanks. We'll need this" he nodded, taking it and folding the paper to stuff into his jacket pocket. "What's your name by the way?"

"Lt. Mancuso." He said, pointing to his badge. "LAPD."

"It's probably on the police report, then. Hey, if Kiss ever plays here in town again, you call me if you need tickets, OK?"

"Thanks sir!" the officer said with a slow smile. "My son's a big fan."

"Appreciate it," he nodded, wincing a bit as he knows he was sort of a jerk to him. "Well, here. You have another card?"

"Yes..."

"Let me see it," Paul held out his hand. Taking a pen out of his pocket he took the card from the policeman.

"What's your boy's name?" Paul asked.

"Rick. He's 15."

They watched as Paul signed the back of the man's business card and handed it back to him, "Here. This way, he'll really believe you when you say you met me."

"Thank you Mr. Stanley..." the officer nodded, rising from his chair.

"Take care of that pretty fiancée of yours..."

Paul responded with a wink at Trynia, "I will."