Menu
News
All News
Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
Pathfinder
Starfinder
Warhammer
2d20 System
Year Zero Engine
Industry News
Reviews
Dragon Reflections
Columns
Weekly Digests
Weekly News Digest
Freebies, Sales & Bundles
RPG Print News
RPG Crowdfunding News
Game Content
ENterplanetary DimENsions
Mythological Figures
Opinion
Worlds of Design
Peregrine's Next
RPG Evolution
Other Columns
From the Freelancing Frontline
Monster ENcyclopedia
WotC/TSR Alumni Look Back
4 Hours w/RSD (Ryan Dancey)
The Road to 3E (Jonathan Tweet)
Greenwood's Realms (Ed Greenwood)
Drawmij's TSR (Jim Ward)
Community
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Resources
Wiki
Pages
Latest activity
Media
New media
New comments
Search media
Downloads
Latest reviews
Search resources
EN Publishing
Store
EN5ider
Adventures in ZEITGEIST
Awfully Cheerful Engine
What's OLD is NEW
Judge Dredd & The Worlds Of 2000AD
War of the Burning Sky
Level Up: Advanced 5E
Events & Releases
Upcoming Events
Private Events
Featured Events
Socials!
Twitch
YouTube
Facebook (EN Publishing)
Facebook (EN World)
Twitter
Instagram
TikTok
Podcast
Features
Top 5 RPGs Compiled Charts 2004-Present
Adventure Game Industry Market Research Summary (RPGs) V1.0
Ryan Dancey: Acquiring TSR
Q&A With Gary Gygax
D&D Rules FAQs
TSR, WotC, & Paizo: A Comparative History
D&D Pronunciation Guide
Million Dollar TTRPG Kickstarters
Tabletop RPG Podcast Hall of Fame
Eric Noah's Unofficial D&D 3rd Edition News
D&D in the Mainstream
D&D & RPG History
About Morrus
Log in
Register
What's new
Search
Search
Search titles only
By:
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Menu
Log in
Register
Install the app
Install
The
VOIDRUNNER'S CODEX
is LIVE! Explore new worlds, fight oppressive empires, fend off fearsome aliens, and wield deadly psionics with this comprehensive boxed set expansion for 5E and A5E!
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
"Revenge, Renewal and the Promise of a New Year" (Boot Hill/D&D)
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Reply to thread
Message
<blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 2078598" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p><strong>Chapter 98 “A Night on the Town”, January 10th , 1882, 11:30 PM</strong></p><p></p><p>"Jake!" Ruby runs down the street up to Jake and practically jumps on him, giving him a big, tight squeeze of a hug. Then she pulls back and punches him in the arm. "You made me worry about you," she says pouting. She looks to Nanuet. "Are you ok at least?" She looks them both over and since they seem to be ok she continues, "Mr. Martin said you two were foolish enough to go back out to the hills at night, alone and that you got ambushed or something..." Ruby stops her thought midstream and hugs Jake again. "I thought you were going to stand me up, for our date that is..."</p><p></p><p>"I wouldn't miss our time for anything." Jake says smoothly. "A couple of those outlaws were shooting at us again when we were riding back. One them even hit my saddlebag! Well Nanuet and I decided we had enough and didn't want to leave them wandering about to be shooting at our lady friends. So we chased them down and made arrangements so that they won't be doing that again. So, don't worry there wasn't even any more shooting." He rubs his arm a bit in mock suffering. "I owe him a drink, the man is parched. I'm sure that Tom won't mind us having one little drink while you all close up." Jake turns Ruby around and heads them into the Lone Star.</p><p></p><p>Nanuet smiles at the couple glad to see them happy together. "Yeah, we are fine. Thinking about getting a few drinks before calling it a day. Think that will be OK?" "Of course it will, it'll be fine..." Ruby says as Jake gently pushes her back towards the Lone Star. Katherine heard familiar voices behind her as Jake and Nanuet entered and sighed, but didn't turn around. She finished the piece she was playing and opened the door to the kitchen. </p><p></p><p>"They're back," she said to Sonoma. "And they seem to be fine. They'll be surprised when they see you." Kate then went back into the main room and filled four glasses of whiskey. She gave one each to Jake, Nanuet, and Ruby, and drank the other herself. Then she put her hands on her hips and stared the men down. Jake takes the whiskey, raises the glass and says "Cheers." He then turns to Nanuet and says, "I'm not an expert in these matters, but I do believe Mrs. Kale is sending us a message." Jake smiles but does not expect it to be returned right about now. Feebly, "I guess we should expect a message from Sonoma as well."</p><p></p><p>William Whipple expresses concern about the human and Indian who wandered in after closing time. Tom does some fast thinking and says, "They came her not to safely escort the ladies back home. After all the attention these ladies have brought we can't be having them walk around town at night unchaperoned. Come on, I'll introduce you." </p><p></p><p>The two men come over to the table and Tom says, "I would like to introduce you both to my father, William Whipple. Father, this is Jake Cook. He is currently courting Miss West. He fancies himself as a gambler.” Jake smiles and keeps his poker face on, not betraying his thoughts. He fancies himself a gambler indeed, Jake is tempted to mention to older Whipple that his son fancies himself a saloon owner. Hermes, why do I put up with his bull dung! He makes eye contact with Ruby but says nothing. Ruby catches Jake's look and tries not to laugh. Tom was pushing his luck with this whole helping them thing when it came to Jake and that was not a smart thing to do. </p><p></p><p> Tom continues, “Last week he was kind enough to fill in for me while Job Kane was unavailable. He's no Job Kane but he did bring in over $ 40 to the Lone Star's coffers on one of those nights while keeping Job's regular customers from going elsewhere." "Pleased to meet you Mr. Cook," William states, extending his hand for a firm handshake. </p><p></p><p>Tom then turns to Nanuet and says "And this in Nanuet. He takes care of the horses for Mr. Cook, Miss West and Mrs. Kale. He has done some odd jobs for me, including getting back the money that some low-lives stole from the ladies tips cup last week when everyone was temporarily distracted by a high-stakes hand at the tables. He's offered to help put on the third floor." "Hello" William states with a skeptical tone in his voice. Everyone notes that he does not offer a handshake to the Indian.</p><p></p><p>Nanuet looked at the man, certainly recognizing the lack of a handshake. He remembered the brief conversation he and Kate had out at Flint's ranch and decided that here was an opportunity to exercise his new philosophy. He swallows hard, takes a deep breath and then speaks. "Hello Mr. Whipple." Nanuet faces Mr. Whipple and bows his head slightly in a greeting. "Your son has a nice place here, you should be proud. We just got back into town and thought we would stop in for a few moments, see how the ladies are doing and see if we could help with anything. Looks like all is well. Care to join us in a drink?"</p><p></p><p>Whipple reluctantly sits at the same table with the Indian. Kane and Lucky come over to join them. Job says "I had a good night" as he hands over $ 43 to Tom. Tony says "Me too," and hands Tom $ 23. Tom says "Another good night at the Lone Star. I managed to get a good deal on the lumber. Nanuet, I'd appreciate it if you could stop by the Cassidy Lumberyard tomorrow and help bring it over here." Nanuet replies, "Of course. What time would you like it here?"</p><p></p><p>Ruby asks, "Uh, Tom, do you need us here anymore? Looks like the place is cleaned up. It's getting late and we should be getting home." "I think we're all set," Tom says. He tells Nanuet "Stop by Cassidy's mid-morning to see if the load is ready." As they get start to get ready to depart 'Louise' walks out of the kitchen. Despite the transformation into a 'human' form both Nanuet and Jake recognize her.</p><p></p><p>Jake quickly looks around the group and no one seems surprised to see her looking different, except for possibly Nanuet. He hopes Nanuet remembers what he told him about white man's daughters. Nah, Jake thinks I hope he doesn't remember. He tips his hat to Sonoma , gives her a nod and a smile and goes with Ruby out the door. "Courting?" Ruby laughs to Jake, "What is he nuts? I hope it isn't going to be like this all week..."</p><p></p><p>"Hey, I reminded you all earlier that if something happened to old man Whipple Tom would get his saloon." Jake says with one eyebrow raised and a smirk. “You ARE bad." Ruby admonished him but not without laughing. She then takes Jake’s hand and leads him into the Gay Lady Saloon. When they arrive inside they are surprised at how busy it is for the later hour. The bar is packed, the card tables are going strong and the famous Madge Duprey is still singing. Ruby and Jake squeeze their way up to the bar and order some whiskeys. Ruby turns to Jake and holds up her glass. </p><p></p><p>“Here is to you and your new business venture, Mr. Cook. May it bring you much success and wealth!” They both drink their whiskeys down and then order another. While they wait for their drinks to show up Ruby pulls something out of her pocket. “I have a surprise for you so close your eyes and no peeking! ” Jake does what he is told. Ruby takes his hands and holds them out, putting the red velvet lined, silver playing card holder in them. “Ok you can open them now! I found it today when I was out shopping. What do you think?” she asks with a smile. As Jake looks it over, "It's so you don't forget about me when we're apart." </p><p></p><p>“Very nice. I like it, thanks." Jake takes out a new deck he is carrying with him and places it in the case. Holds it up a moment before putting it away. Teasingly, "So now I'll be distracted when I'm with you and when I'm playing poker." </p><p></p><p>Then next round of drinks shows up. Ruby holds hers up, “And here is to us, and a promising night. I want to win lots of money at cards, maybe get some dancing in, but definitely…” she pauses and looks Jake right in the eyes, “Get so drunk we can’t keep our hands off each other…” She clinks their glasses together again and drinks the whole thing. She looks at Jake questioningly. “You’re not going to drink to my toast?” she asks with a pout. Jake drinks down half his glass. "You don't need to get me drunk to get your wish." With a small smile and a twinkle in his eye he continues. "Now if you want to play poker keep drinking like that, but if you want to win at poker you need to slow it down a bit." While he looks the room over he says, "It's been a while since I did any dancing, but I probably haven't forgotten how." </p><p></p><p>“I would figure someone as charming and dashing as you would be a wonderful dancer.” Ruby looks around, “And I hope to find out.” She pauses to adjust the satiny strap of her red dress that keeps falling off her shoulder. How do you know that I don’t do better at cards when I’m drinking? I don’t think you’ve played me yet, Mr. Cook, not really anyway. I’m really not half bad, although not nearly as good as you are. I believe it was something about you not wanting me to steal your wallet?” Ruby arches her eyebrow then laughs. “Care to make a wager? I know you’re a gambling man. We’ll bet on who does better tonight.” Ruby pauses to think it over for a few moments. “I’m not sure…you have something in mind to play for?” </p><p></p><p>Jake rubs his beard and grows a crooked half smile on his face. "A promise." She looks at him questioningly. “What sort of promise, Mr. Cook?” Ruby moves a little closer waiting for the answer. Loser makes a promise to the winner. Simple." He replies enigmatically. Ruby thinks it over. Jake was being vague on purpose and she knew it. What could he ask for if she lost anyway? “Sounds like you got yourself a deal,” Ruby stretches out her hand to shake Jake’s. </p><p></p><p>While they are waiting for a table to make space for them to play they sit and talk. “So, where were you before you came here to Promise City and why did you leave?” Jake looks down at his drink before looking back at Ruby. "Most recently? I was in Tucson. I had taken the train down from Santa Fe. Pretty typical for me, find some odd work, and then a place to play poker. Often the honest tables don't want me because I win a little too much for the smaller houses, so I have to move around. Plenty of dishonest tables to play at. I can often cheat better than they can. So I get chased off, either because I get caught, or they get tired of being out cheated. So after while there are a bunch of guys looking for me. Poker players who lost too much money, tough guys hired by the poker houses, angry men whose woman wasn't faithful to them; when enough of them are looking for me I just move on. It didn't take long in Tucson." </p><p></p><p>Ruby smiles at Jake and sighs. “I know what you mean. I’m always getting chased off too. Not usually for being caught with a wallet, mind you. You want to know what happened the last town I was in?” She doesn’t wait for Jake’s answer before she continues, “I was singing, and dancing some, and some man who thought he was important got a little too attached. Actually, he was the mayor and he told his wife he was leaving her for me. Now I didn’t have anything to do with it, I never told him I was interested in him but he didn’t care. They never care what I think. </p><p></p><p>So anyway, she sent her brother after me, but he decided I would be a good trophy for himself instead. So the mayor’s wife got so angry that her husband and brother were fighting over me that she got all the women in the town to shun me, I couldn’t go anywhere without someone whispering, wasn’t allowed in any stores and half the patrons weren’t allowed in the saloon anymore because their wives said they weren’t. So I left. Came here to Promise City and decided to stay out of trouble. A lot of good that’s done me so far.” Ruby sighs again. “So what’s the moral of that story Jake? Don’t fall in love with me; it will only turn out bad for the both of us.” Ruby looks away, avoiding Jake’s gaze. </p><p></p><p>“Hey, look there is room at the table now. Let’s go play cards.” They walk over to the table and make sure no one is sitting at the empty spots. Before they sit Ruby turns to Jake and gives him a kiss. “All’s fair in love and poker, right?” she asks with a grin. "Fair?" Jake replies. "I don't remember anything about fair. Who do you think you're talkin' to?" “I’m talking to you, Jacob Alistair Cook. Now at least pretend to be polite and give me a shot at winning that promise,” Ruby winks before sitting at the table. </p><p></p><p>Jake pulls out the chair for Ruby and whispers in her ear as she sits, "I am polite. I am not pretending. You don't fool me one bit about not knowing poker. And if you win, you'll know that I didn't let you. That way if you do you'll enjoy it more," he pauses, "Constance." Jake moves over to his chair and sits down. “I knew I should have lied about my name…” Ruby smiles. </p><p></p><p>The table is full and the game is draw poker. Very quickly Jake determines that the dealer is experienced and won't be an easy mark, but there are others at the table. Scanning the other players he sees one man is up considerably, another looks to be up a small amount and the third is down a moderate amount with a hungry look to make it back. Jake decides that he will first go after the man in the embroidered shirt with the hungry look, and then the cocky looking one with the bushy mustache who is up. During the first few hands he checks the cards carefully for 'nicks' and makes sure only the dealer sees him do so. They lock eyes and nod amicably. </p><p></p><p>It does not take Ruby long to become a distraction, albeit a pleasing one. Jake watches her bat her eyes, move her hair, provide a steady stream of charming banter and most elegantly sneak her chair back just enough that she has to lean a bit too far forward to collect her winnings. He is suitably impressed. If I get the hungry looking man out fast, thinks Jake, it still may be early enough for fresh money. He sets to work. Jake waits until the man with the hungry look has a hand he is betting on, and overbets his own hand that he knows will lose. But only a little bit of money. Just enough to keep him in the game. Jake again intentionally loses a couple of small hands to others overbetting his own hand. From then every time the hungry man has a betting hand and Jake has good cards, Jake draws him along making him up his bet in moderate but steady increments trying to clean him out fast and hard. In a short amount of time the man with the pock marked face that was up a little is out and all of his money is now in the hungry man's pile. Jake is up a little as is the cocky looking man who is twirling the ends of his moustache. Everyone else is down a little. </p><p></p><p>A miner who has been watching Ruby in her bright red dress joins the table. He smells rather strongly of whiskey. Someone will have his money Jake thinks; at least he'll enjoy the view while loosing it. Jake starts again working on the hungry looking one, figuring everyone will be focusing on the miner. The miner takes a seat next to Ruby and moves his chair closer to hers. The faster I get his money, the better she thinks, he stinks. Ruby concentrates on distracting him, which turns out to be extremely easy. The rest of the table wins hand after hand from him. At one point he leans close to Ruby and breathes on her and tries to touch her shoulder so she slaps him. He seems to enjoy it and everyone at the table laughs. </p><p></p><p>As far as Ruby could tell Jake was concentrating on the man with the embroidered shirt. Ruby decides she will concentrate on Jake. She watches every hand and how he bets and if he has any giveaways. Maybe it was all the drinking she had done or maybe the fact that he wasn’t paying attention to her, but she couldn’t figure him out at all. He catches Ruby looking at him and he smiles at her. She gets distracted but then sets her mind back to figuring him out. A saloon waitress comes over to deliver drinks. Jake puts up a $5 tip and she leans her low cut dress way forward to receive it. Jake starts to put it in her cleavage, but sees the girl’s expression change as she looks across the table. "Ah." Jake says and instead puts the money in her hand. He doesn't need to look up. </p><p></p><p>Some of the hands start to get serious, particularly between Jake and the guy with the embroidered shirt. It doesn't take long and the man with the embroidered shirt is out and the miner has lost most of his money. Jake looks to have doubled his stake, Ruby is about even, the man with the bushy mustache is up about $70 dollars from where he was when they sat down and has the largest pile and the dealer looks to be about even. A shady looking type with a blue shirt, maybe a gunslinger, replaces the man with the embroidered shirt? Ruby decides to leave him alone, just in case. And she also decides to stop getting distracted by Jake and play some real cards. </p><p></p><p>Jake has been watching the cocky looking man with the bushy moustache expressions and reactions and trying to match them to his cards. For this one Jake thinks, go for the big wins. He's up and feeling lucky, and may take unnecessary risks. And I don't have to be nice to him to get him to come back. Jake smiles a nasty smile inside. Quickly the stakes rise. The miner is soon out of the game and expresses his pleasure at losing to such an intriguing table. He walks away and sits back at the bar. Nobody comes to take his empty seat. </p><p></p><p>Jake suddenly has the most money on the table winning $50 each from the man with the blue shirt and the man with the bushy mustache. The shady guy looks peeved about something. Ruby again considers chatting with him but decides against it. The hands have been large and wild and she only looks to be slightly ahead of where she came in but manages to keep from the large wins and losses that Jake and the others are going through. </p><p></p><p>In the next few hands Jake goes right after the cocky looking man with the moustache. The man loses $180 dollars in just three hands and Jake is surprised when the dealer and the man in the blue shirt each pickup a hand from Jake. Jake lost over $100 but is still up just shy of double his starting stake. Ruby had dodged losing any in those hands and is up about $17. The man in the blue shirt is up $100 and the dealer picked up $140. Jake is scratching his beard and not looking pleased. </p><p></p><p>A few more hands go by and Ruby thinks Jake is bluffing his way to a big hand after losing some small ones. So does the man with the bushy mustache. Both are wrong. Jake takes the man’s last $40. With no one coming to replace him the dealer calls a break. Jake tips him $10 and Ruby hears him apologize for the rough play. "We'll step out so you can have some new money come in." By Ruby's count since they sat down the dealer is up around $125, the man in the blue shirt is up $120 and Jake is up $150. Sadly, she notes she is down $4. She guesses the three that left broke lost around $325 all together. </p><p></p><p>Ruby hooks her arm though Jake’s as they walk over to the bar. “Damn Jake, you beat me pretty easily huh? I guess I’m going to have to request some private poker lessons from you. I didn’t think I was that bad. Must be your lucky hat, that or all the drinks.” "Beat you? You broke even. And with crappy cards." Jake squeezes them between the tables. "I did warn you about the drinks." </p><p></p><p>Ruby giggles, then continues with a small smile. “Yes, do did warn me about the drinks. Well, I guess I owe you a promise then, what’s it going to be?” She looks at him with a cocked head and the same small smile as she leans her elbows back against the bar. Jake looks surprised. "I hadn't meant the winner gets to pick the promise. You'd be a fool to agree to that." Jake sees the expression change on her face, "I mean, I wouldn't expect... you know... um, not a fool." He covers his eyes with his left hand. "I only open my mouth to change feet." </p><p></p><p>Ruby responds with arched eyebrows, "What did you mean then? That I can promise you whatever I choose? That isn't a real stretch is it? Call me a fool if you want but I thought we were playing for something real. Besides, did you really think I would agree to something that I didn't want to?" That could have gone better Jake thinks to himself. "Don't go thinkin' I don't take you seriously... or a poker bet. Fine." He leans in close to her, buying time to respond. "I want you to promise me" he says slowly and clearly, "that you don't leave me behind without a goodbye toast of Kentucky Bourbon. You bring the bourbon and I get to make the toast." </p><p></p><p>“Leave you behind?” Ruby asks quizzically. “You mean tonight? I’m not going anywhere without you…” her voice starts to trail off as she thinks about what Jake said and her expression changes from confusion to understanding. “Oh you mean leaving….” She says looking down and kicking the barstool next to her. She did figure the promise would be something much less serious and it was only now occurring to her how Jake felt about her trip from Promise City. She looks back at Jake, putting her hands on his face, stares him straight in the eyes and whispers, “I promise I won’t leave you without a goodbye toast of Kentucky Bourbon. I will promise you that. Do you believe me?” </p><p></p><p>"Yes." he lied. At least I believe that you believe it tonight, he thinks to himself, and that is good enough for now. The singer comes off her break and starts up another lively New Orleans style tune. ”Oh the music is back, time to dance! But first another quick drink.” They order another round of drinks. “It’s your turn to make a toast,” she says expectantly. "To the most tantalizing woman in the Arizona territory" Jake lifts his glass. "There is only ONE Ruby West." “And you have her attention all to yourself…” she whispers. Ruby smiles warmly at Jake then has her drink. </p><p></p><p>Ruby and Jake make their way over to an open spot in the room. Jake looks around, “I’m not sure there is dancing here.” “So?” Ruby replies taking his hand. Jake smiles, “Ok, then…” and swings her around. They dance around laughing, not caring what anyone was thinking of them. Jake spins and swings and dips Ruby with her smiling and laughing the whole time. Finally she gets tired and she backs up against a support beam, breathing hard. “I think we can say you haven’t forgotten how to dance. That was fun.” Ruby stands there smiling as Jake moves in closer. He takes her wrists and pulls her closer to him. “Come here, we’re not done yet…” Ruby doesn’t object to Jake’s request. She wraps her arms around him, under his jacket and puts her head on his shoulder. He puts his hands around her waist and holds her close. They dance like that for a while, barely swaying back and forth. Finally Ruby lifts her head and looks at Jake. </p><p></p><p>“I’m really glad you asked me to celebrate with you tonight.” Ruby’s straps have fallen off her shoulders again but this time Jake slowly slips them back up for her. "I'm not accustomed to have somebody to celebrate with. It's a new experience for me. I am liking it." “Me too,” Ruby whispers in his ear. She closes her eyes and waits for a kiss. </p><p></p><p>At that inopportune time the whiskey soaked miner decides he doesn’t want to wait anymore to dance with Ruby. He walks over to the two of them with only a slight stagger and taps Jake on the shoulder, "My turn," and attempts to push Jake out of the way. Jake gently spins Ruby around putting himself between the larger man and Ruby. He smiles and says to the miner, "Sorry, this is not a good time for that. A private moment if you don't mind." </p><p></p><p>But the man is insistent. "I think I have waited long enough." He then pushes Jake aside rather roughly. Jake's first reaction is that his hand moves towards his holstered Colt but he checks that after he hears the sharp intake of breath from Ruby who saw his hand move. The man appeared not to have even noticed and tries stepping in between them. "Hey." Jake says to him, "I tried to be polite." and tries to grab his arm and pull him around. The man is much stronger than Jake and shakes his hand off and then turns surprisingly fast and swings his meaty fist at the much smaller Jake Cook. Jake ducks just in time, but the man knocks his hat off. "You're gonna wish you hadn't done that." Jake mumbles, feints a left hook and hits the man square in the stomach with a right. </p><p></p><p>The man makes a sound "Oooph." but doesn't seem badly hurt. 'Or I'm gonna wish I hadn't done that' thinks Jake. Ruby had seen many a fight over her, but this was the first time she cared about someone involved. She steps forward, between the miner and Jake, as the man, standing himself up straight after Jake’s punch, is turning redder by the second. “Listen, sir, we were just having some celebrating tonight, you understand don’t you? You seem like a nice guy and all…” He steps towards her and she takes a step back, right into Jake. The smell of whiskey is stronger than it was before and he was starting to look mean. “Listen, missy, first I’m gonna beat up this guy,’ he points to Jake, ‘And then I’m gonna have a dance with you whether you like the idea or not. Now get outta my way.” He takes Ruby’s arm and roughly pushes her to the side. </p><p></p><p>“Hey…” she starts but before she can get any further the guy is rushing Jake, his fist landing on Jake’s jaw. Jake goes flying back, spinning around, catching himself face down on the nearest table. The guy starts moving towards Jake. “Jake!” Ruby yells when the miner is almost on him. “Sorry guys,” Jake says to the men at the table as he steals their bottle of whiskey, spins around and just in time breaks it over the miners head. The miner looks dazed and Jake jumps off the table and starts to move away. Suddenly the miner grabs Jake’s arm. “You thought you were in trouble before, pretty boy, just wait ‘til I get through with you now.” Jake can see the guy means business. </p><p></p><p>Before he can do anything Ruby takes a tray and smacks it over the guy’s head, sending him into the table, his weight sending him right though it. “Come on Jake!” Ruby yells, grabbing his hand. They start to run out when she stops suddenly. “Wait!” She lets go of Jake’s hand and starts running back towards the guy. She can see he is trying to get up and is almost successful. She grabs Jake’s hat off the floor and runs back to him grabbing his hand. Jake throws a $20 bill at the bartender. “Sorry about the mess, and buy those men another bottle.” Jake pulls another $20 and waves it in front of the bartender, "No lawman needed?". The man nods and snatches the bill. As they run out they hear the bartender, “Don’t worry about it, this guy does this all the time…” </p><p></p><p>They keep running down the street until they get out of breath and finally stop. Jake laughs and shakes his head, leaning up against a building. “What did I say about you and trouble?” “Me? You’re the one who threw a punch at that guy!” She moves closer to him, reaching out to touch his face. “Oh, but doesn’t that hurt?” </p><p></p><p>He puts his hand gingerly on the side of his face. "I've had worse." He moves his jaw and winces. "Ow." “Poor Jake,” Ruby says softly, “You know, I’ve had plenty of men fight over me before, but none ever fought for me. You sure know how to win a girls affections.” He reaches out and puts his arms around her, leans in close and says, "Next time I'll just buy you flowers." </p><p></p><p>Ruby smiles. “Flowers work.” She kisses him gently so she doesn’t hurt him and then takes his hand. “Come on, tough guy, let’s go home so I can thank you properly for coming to my rescue.” Ruby leads Jake back to the El Parador. It’s late so it is quiet and the only people in the Cantina are Pedro and Dorita, standing behind the bar cleaning up. “May I have some ice, please?” Ruby asks leaning on the bar. Dorita looks at Jake, shakes her head and goes into the kitchen, returning with ice wrapped in a towel. Ruby takes the ice and turns to Jake. “Ready?” Jake scoops her up and carries her upstairs as she laughs the whole way. Dorita and Pedro look at each other, shake their heads and laugh. “Jóvenes unos.” (Young ones)</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 2078598, member: 8530"] [B]Chapter 98 “A Night on the Town”, January 10th , 1882, 11:30 PM[/B] "Jake!" Ruby runs down the street up to Jake and practically jumps on him, giving him a big, tight squeeze of a hug. Then she pulls back and punches him in the arm. "You made me worry about you," she says pouting. She looks to Nanuet. "Are you ok at least?" She looks them both over and since they seem to be ok she continues, "Mr. Martin said you two were foolish enough to go back out to the hills at night, alone and that you got ambushed or something..." Ruby stops her thought midstream and hugs Jake again. "I thought you were going to stand me up, for our date that is..." "I wouldn't miss our time for anything." Jake says smoothly. "A couple of those outlaws were shooting at us again when we were riding back. One them even hit my saddlebag! Well Nanuet and I decided we had enough and didn't want to leave them wandering about to be shooting at our lady friends. So we chased them down and made arrangements so that they won't be doing that again. So, don't worry there wasn't even any more shooting." He rubs his arm a bit in mock suffering. "I owe him a drink, the man is parched. I'm sure that Tom won't mind us having one little drink while you all close up." Jake turns Ruby around and heads them into the Lone Star. Nanuet smiles at the couple glad to see them happy together. "Yeah, we are fine. Thinking about getting a few drinks before calling it a day. Think that will be OK?" "Of course it will, it'll be fine..." Ruby says as Jake gently pushes her back towards the Lone Star. Katherine heard familiar voices behind her as Jake and Nanuet entered and sighed, but didn't turn around. She finished the piece she was playing and opened the door to the kitchen. "They're back," she said to Sonoma. "And they seem to be fine. They'll be surprised when they see you." Kate then went back into the main room and filled four glasses of whiskey. She gave one each to Jake, Nanuet, and Ruby, and drank the other herself. Then she put her hands on her hips and stared the men down. Jake takes the whiskey, raises the glass and says "Cheers." He then turns to Nanuet and says, "I'm not an expert in these matters, but I do believe Mrs. Kale is sending us a message." Jake smiles but does not expect it to be returned right about now. Feebly, "I guess we should expect a message from Sonoma as well." William Whipple expresses concern about the human and Indian who wandered in after closing time. Tom does some fast thinking and says, "They came her not to safely escort the ladies back home. After all the attention these ladies have brought we can't be having them walk around town at night unchaperoned. Come on, I'll introduce you." The two men come over to the table and Tom says, "I would like to introduce you both to my father, William Whipple. Father, this is Jake Cook. He is currently courting Miss West. He fancies himself as a gambler.” Jake smiles and keeps his poker face on, not betraying his thoughts. He fancies himself a gambler indeed, Jake is tempted to mention to older Whipple that his son fancies himself a saloon owner. Hermes, why do I put up with his bull dung! He makes eye contact with Ruby but says nothing. Ruby catches Jake's look and tries not to laugh. Tom was pushing his luck with this whole helping them thing when it came to Jake and that was not a smart thing to do. Tom continues, “Last week he was kind enough to fill in for me while Job Kane was unavailable. He's no Job Kane but he did bring in over $ 40 to the Lone Star's coffers on one of those nights while keeping Job's regular customers from going elsewhere." "Pleased to meet you Mr. Cook," William states, extending his hand for a firm handshake. Tom then turns to Nanuet and says "And this in Nanuet. He takes care of the horses for Mr. Cook, Miss West and Mrs. Kale. He has done some odd jobs for me, including getting back the money that some low-lives stole from the ladies tips cup last week when everyone was temporarily distracted by a high-stakes hand at the tables. He's offered to help put on the third floor." "Hello" William states with a skeptical tone in his voice. Everyone notes that he does not offer a handshake to the Indian. Nanuet looked at the man, certainly recognizing the lack of a handshake. He remembered the brief conversation he and Kate had out at Flint's ranch and decided that here was an opportunity to exercise his new philosophy. He swallows hard, takes a deep breath and then speaks. "Hello Mr. Whipple." Nanuet faces Mr. Whipple and bows his head slightly in a greeting. "Your son has a nice place here, you should be proud. We just got back into town and thought we would stop in for a few moments, see how the ladies are doing and see if we could help with anything. Looks like all is well. Care to join us in a drink?" Whipple reluctantly sits at the same table with the Indian. Kane and Lucky come over to join them. Job says "I had a good night" as he hands over $ 43 to Tom. Tony says "Me too," and hands Tom $ 23. Tom says "Another good night at the Lone Star. I managed to get a good deal on the lumber. Nanuet, I'd appreciate it if you could stop by the Cassidy Lumberyard tomorrow and help bring it over here." Nanuet replies, "Of course. What time would you like it here?" Ruby asks, "Uh, Tom, do you need us here anymore? Looks like the place is cleaned up. It's getting late and we should be getting home." "I think we're all set," Tom says. He tells Nanuet "Stop by Cassidy's mid-morning to see if the load is ready." As they get start to get ready to depart 'Louise' walks out of the kitchen. Despite the transformation into a 'human' form both Nanuet and Jake recognize her. Jake quickly looks around the group and no one seems surprised to see her looking different, except for possibly Nanuet. He hopes Nanuet remembers what he told him about white man's daughters. Nah, Jake thinks I hope he doesn't remember. He tips his hat to Sonoma , gives her a nod and a smile and goes with Ruby out the door. "Courting?" Ruby laughs to Jake, "What is he nuts? I hope it isn't going to be like this all week..." "Hey, I reminded you all earlier that if something happened to old man Whipple Tom would get his saloon." Jake says with one eyebrow raised and a smirk. “You ARE bad." Ruby admonished him but not without laughing. She then takes Jake’s hand and leads him into the Gay Lady Saloon. When they arrive inside they are surprised at how busy it is for the later hour. The bar is packed, the card tables are going strong and the famous Madge Duprey is still singing. Ruby and Jake squeeze their way up to the bar and order some whiskeys. Ruby turns to Jake and holds up her glass. “Here is to you and your new business venture, Mr. Cook. May it bring you much success and wealth!” They both drink their whiskeys down and then order another. While they wait for their drinks to show up Ruby pulls something out of her pocket. “I have a surprise for you so close your eyes and no peeking! ” Jake does what he is told. Ruby takes his hands and holds them out, putting the red velvet lined, silver playing card holder in them. “Ok you can open them now! I found it today when I was out shopping. What do you think?” she asks with a smile. As Jake looks it over, "It's so you don't forget about me when we're apart." “Very nice. I like it, thanks." Jake takes out a new deck he is carrying with him and places it in the case. Holds it up a moment before putting it away. Teasingly, "So now I'll be distracted when I'm with you and when I'm playing poker." Then next round of drinks shows up. Ruby holds hers up, “And here is to us, and a promising night. I want to win lots of money at cards, maybe get some dancing in, but definitely…” she pauses and looks Jake right in the eyes, “Get so drunk we can’t keep our hands off each other…” She clinks their glasses together again and drinks the whole thing. She looks at Jake questioningly. “You’re not going to drink to my toast?” she asks with a pout. Jake drinks down half his glass. "You don't need to get me drunk to get your wish." With a small smile and a twinkle in his eye he continues. "Now if you want to play poker keep drinking like that, but if you want to win at poker you need to slow it down a bit." While he looks the room over he says, "It's been a while since I did any dancing, but I probably haven't forgotten how." “I would figure someone as charming and dashing as you would be a wonderful dancer.” Ruby looks around, “And I hope to find out.” She pauses to adjust the satiny strap of her red dress that keeps falling off her shoulder. How do you know that I don’t do better at cards when I’m drinking? I don’t think you’ve played me yet, Mr. Cook, not really anyway. I’m really not half bad, although not nearly as good as you are. I believe it was something about you not wanting me to steal your wallet?” Ruby arches her eyebrow then laughs. “Care to make a wager? I know you’re a gambling man. We’ll bet on who does better tonight.” Ruby pauses to think it over for a few moments. “I’m not sure…you have something in mind to play for?” Jake rubs his beard and grows a crooked half smile on his face. "A promise." She looks at him questioningly. “What sort of promise, Mr. Cook?” Ruby moves a little closer waiting for the answer. Loser makes a promise to the winner. Simple." He replies enigmatically. Ruby thinks it over. Jake was being vague on purpose and she knew it. What could he ask for if she lost anyway? “Sounds like you got yourself a deal,” Ruby stretches out her hand to shake Jake’s. While they are waiting for a table to make space for them to play they sit and talk. “So, where were you before you came here to Promise City and why did you leave?” Jake looks down at his drink before looking back at Ruby. "Most recently? I was in Tucson. I had taken the train down from Santa Fe. Pretty typical for me, find some odd work, and then a place to play poker. Often the honest tables don't want me because I win a little too much for the smaller houses, so I have to move around. Plenty of dishonest tables to play at. I can often cheat better than they can. So I get chased off, either because I get caught, or they get tired of being out cheated. So after while there are a bunch of guys looking for me. Poker players who lost too much money, tough guys hired by the poker houses, angry men whose woman wasn't faithful to them; when enough of them are looking for me I just move on. It didn't take long in Tucson." Ruby smiles at Jake and sighs. “I know what you mean. I’m always getting chased off too. Not usually for being caught with a wallet, mind you. You want to know what happened the last town I was in?” She doesn’t wait for Jake’s answer before she continues, “I was singing, and dancing some, and some man who thought he was important got a little too attached. Actually, he was the mayor and he told his wife he was leaving her for me. Now I didn’t have anything to do with it, I never told him I was interested in him but he didn’t care. They never care what I think. So anyway, she sent her brother after me, but he decided I would be a good trophy for himself instead. So the mayor’s wife got so angry that her husband and brother were fighting over me that she got all the women in the town to shun me, I couldn’t go anywhere without someone whispering, wasn’t allowed in any stores and half the patrons weren’t allowed in the saloon anymore because their wives said they weren’t. So I left. Came here to Promise City and decided to stay out of trouble. A lot of good that’s done me so far.” Ruby sighs again. “So what’s the moral of that story Jake? Don’t fall in love with me; it will only turn out bad for the both of us.” Ruby looks away, avoiding Jake’s gaze. “Hey, look there is room at the table now. Let’s go play cards.” They walk over to the table and make sure no one is sitting at the empty spots. Before they sit Ruby turns to Jake and gives him a kiss. “All’s fair in love and poker, right?” she asks with a grin. "Fair?" Jake replies. "I don't remember anything about fair. Who do you think you're talkin' to?" “I’m talking to you, Jacob Alistair Cook. Now at least pretend to be polite and give me a shot at winning that promise,” Ruby winks before sitting at the table. Jake pulls out the chair for Ruby and whispers in her ear as she sits, "I am polite. I am not pretending. You don't fool me one bit about not knowing poker. And if you win, you'll know that I didn't let you. That way if you do you'll enjoy it more," he pauses, "Constance." Jake moves over to his chair and sits down. “I knew I should have lied about my name…” Ruby smiles. The table is full and the game is draw poker. Very quickly Jake determines that the dealer is experienced and won't be an easy mark, but there are others at the table. Scanning the other players he sees one man is up considerably, another looks to be up a small amount and the third is down a moderate amount with a hungry look to make it back. Jake decides that he will first go after the man in the embroidered shirt with the hungry look, and then the cocky looking one with the bushy mustache who is up. During the first few hands he checks the cards carefully for 'nicks' and makes sure only the dealer sees him do so. They lock eyes and nod amicably. It does not take Ruby long to become a distraction, albeit a pleasing one. Jake watches her bat her eyes, move her hair, provide a steady stream of charming banter and most elegantly sneak her chair back just enough that she has to lean a bit too far forward to collect her winnings. He is suitably impressed. If I get the hungry looking man out fast, thinks Jake, it still may be early enough for fresh money. He sets to work. Jake waits until the man with the hungry look has a hand he is betting on, and overbets his own hand that he knows will lose. But only a little bit of money. Just enough to keep him in the game. Jake again intentionally loses a couple of small hands to others overbetting his own hand. From then every time the hungry man has a betting hand and Jake has good cards, Jake draws him along making him up his bet in moderate but steady increments trying to clean him out fast and hard. In a short amount of time the man with the pock marked face that was up a little is out and all of his money is now in the hungry man's pile. Jake is up a little as is the cocky looking man who is twirling the ends of his moustache. Everyone else is down a little. A miner who has been watching Ruby in her bright red dress joins the table. He smells rather strongly of whiskey. Someone will have his money Jake thinks; at least he'll enjoy the view while loosing it. Jake starts again working on the hungry looking one, figuring everyone will be focusing on the miner. The miner takes a seat next to Ruby and moves his chair closer to hers. The faster I get his money, the better she thinks, he stinks. Ruby concentrates on distracting him, which turns out to be extremely easy. The rest of the table wins hand after hand from him. At one point he leans close to Ruby and breathes on her and tries to touch her shoulder so she slaps him. He seems to enjoy it and everyone at the table laughs. As far as Ruby could tell Jake was concentrating on the man with the embroidered shirt. Ruby decides she will concentrate on Jake. She watches every hand and how he bets and if he has any giveaways. Maybe it was all the drinking she had done or maybe the fact that he wasn’t paying attention to her, but she couldn’t figure him out at all. He catches Ruby looking at him and he smiles at her. She gets distracted but then sets her mind back to figuring him out. A saloon waitress comes over to deliver drinks. Jake puts up a $5 tip and she leans her low cut dress way forward to receive it. Jake starts to put it in her cleavage, but sees the girl’s expression change as she looks across the table. "Ah." Jake says and instead puts the money in her hand. He doesn't need to look up. Some of the hands start to get serious, particularly between Jake and the guy with the embroidered shirt. It doesn't take long and the man with the embroidered shirt is out and the miner has lost most of his money. Jake looks to have doubled his stake, Ruby is about even, the man with the bushy mustache is up about $70 dollars from where he was when they sat down and has the largest pile and the dealer looks to be about even. A shady looking type with a blue shirt, maybe a gunslinger, replaces the man with the embroidered shirt? Ruby decides to leave him alone, just in case. And she also decides to stop getting distracted by Jake and play some real cards. Jake has been watching the cocky looking man with the bushy moustache expressions and reactions and trying to match them to his cards. For this one Jake thinks, go for the big wins. He's up and feeling lucky, and may take unnecessary risks. And I don't have to be nice to him to get him to come back. Jake smiles a nasty smile inside. Quickly the stakes rise. The miner is soon out of the game and expresses his pleasure at losing to such an intriguing table. He walks away and sits back at the bar. Nobody comes to take his empty seat. Jake suddenly has the most money on the table winning $50 each from the man with the blue shirt and the man with the bushy mustache. The shady guy looks peeved about something. Ruby again considers chatting with him but decides against it. The hands have been large and wild and she only looks to be slightly ahead of where she came in but manages to keep from the large wins and losses that Jake and the others are going through. In the next few hands Jake goes right after the cocky looking man with the moustache. The man loses $180 dollars in just three hands and Jake is surprised when the dealer and the man in the blue shirt each pickup a hand from Jake. Jake lost over $100 but is still up just shy of double his starting stake. Ruby had dodged losing any in those hands and is up about $17. The man in the blue shirt is up $100 and the dealer picked up $140. Jake is scratching his beard and not looking pleased. A few more hands go by and Ruby thinks Jake is bluffing his way to a big hand after losing some small ones. So does the man with the bushy mustache. Both are wrong. Jake takes the man’s last $40. With no one coming to replace him the dealer calls a break. Jake tips him $10 and Ruby hears him apologize for the rough play. "We'll step out so you can have some new money come in." By Ruby's count since they sat down the dealer is up around $125, the man in the blue shirt is up $120 and Jake is up $150. Sadly, she notes she is down $4. She guesses the three that left broke lost around $325 all together. Ruby hooks her arm though Jake’s as they walk over to the bar. “Damn Jake, you beat me pretty easily huh? I guess I’m going to have to request some private poker lessons from you. I didn’t think I was that bad. Must be your lucky hat, that or all the drinks.” "Beat you? You broke even. And with crappy cards." Jake squeezes them between the tables. "I did warn you about the drinks." Ruby giggles, then continues with a small smile. “Yes, do did warn me about the drinks. Well, I guess I owe you a promise then, what’s it going to be?” She looks at him with a cocked head and the same small smile as she leans her elbows back against the bar. Jake looks surprised. "I hadn't meant the winner gets to pick the promise. You'd be a fool to agree to that." Jake sees the expression change on her face, "I mean, I wouldn't expect... you know... um, not a fool." He covers his eyes with his left hand. "I only open my mouth to change feet." Ruby responds with arched eyebrows, "What did you mean then? That I can promise you whatever I choose? That isn't a real stretch is it? Call me a fool if you want but I thought we were playing for something real. Besides, did you really think I would agree to something that I didn't want to?" That could have gone better Jake thinks to himself. "Don't go thinkin' I don't take you seriously... or a poker bet. Fine." He leans in close to her, buying time to respond. "I want you to promise me" he says slowly and clearly, "that you don't leave me behind without a goodbye toast of Kentucky Bourbon. You bring the bourbon and I get to make the toast." “Leave you behind?” Ruby asks quizzically. “You mean tonight? I’m not going anywhere without you…” her voice starts to trail off as she thinks about what Jake said and her expression changes from confusion to understanding. “Oh you mean leaving….” She says looking down and kicking the barstool next to her. She did figure the promise would be something much less serious and it was only now occurring to her how Jake felt about her trip from Promise City. She looks back at Jake, putting her hands on his face, stares him straight in the eyes and whispers, “I promise I won’t leave you without a goodbye toast of Kentucky Bourbon. I will promise you that. Do you believe me?” "Yes." he lied. At least I believe that you believe it tonight, he thinks to himself, and that is good enough for now. The singer comes off her break and starts up another lively New Orleans style tune. ”Oh the music is back, time to dance! But first another quick drink.” They order another round of drinks. “It’s your turn to make a toast,” she says expectantly. "To the most tantalizing woman in the Arizona territory" Jake lifts his glass. "There is only ONE Ruby West." “And you have her attention all to yourself…” she whispers. Ruby smiles warmly at Jake then has her drink. Ruby and Jake make their way over to an open spot in the room. Jake looks around, “I’m not sure there is dancing here.” “So?” Ruby replies taking his hand. Jake smiles, “Ok, then…” and swings her around. They dance around laughing, not caring what anyone was thinking of them. Jake spins and swings and dips Ruby with her smiling and laughing the whole time. Finally she gets tired and she backs up against a support beam, breathing hard. “I think we can say you haven’t forgotten how to dance. That was fun.” Ruby stands there smiling as Jake moves in closer. He takes her wrists and pulls her closer to him. “Come here, we’re not done yet…” Ruby doesn’t object to Jake’s request. She wraps her arms around him, under his jacket and puts her head on his shoulder. He puts his hands around her waist and holds her close. They dance like that for a while, barely swaying back and forth. Finally Ruby lifts her head and looks at Jake. “I’m really glad you asked me to celebrate with you tonight.” Ruby’s straps have fallen off her shoulders again but this time Jake slowly slips them back up for her. "I'm not accustomed to have somebody to celebrate with. It's a new experience for me. I am liking it." “Me too,” Ruby whispers in his ear. She closes her eyes and waits for a kiss. At that inopportune time the whiskey soaked miner decides he doesn’t want to wait anymore to dance with Ruby. He walks over to the two of them with only a slight stagger and taps Jake on the shoulder, "My turn," and attempts to push Jake out of the way. Jake gently spins Ruby around putting himself between the larger man and Ruby. He smiles and says to the miner, "Sorry, this is not a good time for that. A private moment if you don't mind." But the man is insistent. "I think I have waited long enough." He then pushes Jake aside rather roughly. Jake's first reaction is that his hand moves towards his holstered Colt but he checks that after he hears the sharp intake of breath from Ruby who saw his hand move. The man appeared not to have even noticed and tries stepping in between them. "Hey." Jake says to him, "I tried to be polite." and tries to grab his arm and pull him around. The man is much stronger than Jake and shakes his hand off and then turns surprisingly fast and swings his meaty fist at the much smaller Jake Cook. Jake ducks just in time, but the man knocks his hat off. "You're gonna wish you hadn't done that." Jake mumbles, feints a left hook and hits the man square in the stomach with a right. The man makes a sound "Oooph." but doesn't seem badly hurt. 'Or I'm gonna wish I hadn't done that' thinks Jake. Ruby had seen many a fight over her, but this was the first time she cared about someone involved. She steps forward, between the miner and Jake, as the man, standing himself up straight after Jake’s punch, is turning redder by the second. “Listen, sir, we were just having some celebrating tonight, you understand don’t you? You seem like a nice guy and all…” He steps towards her and she takes a step back, right into Jake. The smell of whiskey is stronger than it was before and he was starting to look mean. “Listen, missy, first I’m gonna beat up this guy,’ he points to Jake, ‘And then I’m gonna have a dance with you whether you like the idea or not. Now get outta my way.” He takes Ruby’s arm and roughly pushes her to the side. “Hey…” she starts but before she can get any further the guy is rushing Jake, his fist landing on Jake’s jaw. Jake goes flying back, spinning around, catching himself face down on the nearest table. The guy starts moving towards Jake. “Jake!” Ruby yells when the miner is almost on him. “Sorry guys,” Jake says to the men at the table as he steals their bottle of whiskey, spins around and just in time breaks it over the miners head. The miner looks dazed and Jake jumps off the table and starts to move away. Suddenly the miner grabs Jake’s arm. “You thought you were in trouble before, pretty boy, just wait ‘til I get through with you now.” Jake can see the guy means business. Before he can do anything Ruby takes a tray and smacks it over the guy’s head, sending him into the table, his weight sending him right though it. “Come on Jake!” Ruby yells, grabbing his hand. They start to run out when she stops suddenly. “Wait!” She lets go of Jake’s hand and starts running back towards the guy. She can see he is trying to get up and is almost successful. She grabs Jake’s hat off the floor and runs back to him grabbing his hand. Jake throws a $20 bill at the bartender. “Sorry about the mess, and buy those men another bottle.” Jake pulls another $20 and waves it in front of the bartender, "No lawman needed?". The man nods and snatches the bill. As they run out they hear the bartender, “Don’t worry about it, this guy does this all the time…” They keep running down the street until they get out of breath and finally stop. Jake laughs and shakes his head, leaning up against a building. “What did I say about you and trouble?” “Me? You’re the one who threw a punch at that guy!” She moves closer to him, reaching out to touch his face. “Oh, but doesn’t that hurt?” He puts his hand gingerly on the side of his face. "I've had worse." He moves his jaw and winces. "Ow." “Poor Jake,” Ruby says softly, “You know, I’ve had plenty of men fight over me before, but none ever fought for me. You sure know how to win a girls affections.” He reaches out and puts his arms around her, leans in close and says, "Next time I'll just buy you flowers." Ruby smiles. “Flowers work.” She kisses him gently so she doesn’t hurt him and then takes his hand. “Come on, tough guy, let’s go home so I can thank you properly for coming to my rescue.” Ruby leads Jake back to the El Parador. It’s late so it is quiet and the only people in the Cantina are Pedro and Dorita, standing behind the bar cleaning up. “May I have some ice, please?” Ruby asks leaning on the bar. Dorita looks at Jake, shakes her head and goes into the kitchen, returning with ice wrapped in a towel. Ruby takes the ice and turns to Jake. “Ready?” Jake scoops her up and carries her upstairs as she laughs the whole way. Dorita and Pedro look at each other, shake their heads and laugh. “Jóvenes unos.” (Young ones) [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
"Revenge, Renewal and the Promise of a New Year" (Boot Hill/D&D)
Top