Ren & Wade

 "Isn't it nice? Don't you like it?" Roni slid the autograph photo over to Miss Lily. It was Little Richard with a message about how we needed to be thankful. It was a bit of a holy roller kind of message, but it was still genuine and might pay for most of the fax machine she wanted.

"I found it in a very old Scholastic book from the fifties," Roni planned to give her money for the artifact.

"Hmm," Miss Lily's eyes winced. "What are you really up to, Roni Baby?" Roni wasn't exactly looking like the cross-dressing Roni she knew. Roni had stepped it up a notch, in to a true beauty.

"You need help, I need you."

It was so simple. "If I can keep Ren and Wade here, my job is to do just that."

"Uh-huh, but..but what's going on?" 

She did a tizzy around Roni's sleek outfit as she went to get them a cup of coffee before the store opened.

"Oh, I need to woo someone, that's all." Roni's pursed lips couldn't help but smile.

"Woo someone?"

"Yeah, I can do that much for Ren, can't I?" Roni was full of finesse. 

"I don't really know you, sometimes." She shrugged with a smile. Of course, Miss Lily and Roni were both beauties in their own right. Miss Lily was a genuine flirt. Roni learned a lot from Miss Lily, but it was only a matter of time of who owned this old bookstore.

Roni did know the treasures it held. All along they were partners, even if Miss Lily couldn't see it completely. Roni knew Miss Lily needed them. She could go on and run for city council. She could make a name for herself giving back like she did with her own kind of library.

"Of course, you do," Roni sipped the sweet coffee. "Just you wait and see."

Yes, the confidence was there. All Roni needed to do was strut the stuff that made heads turn. It was a plan. It was a new day and Roni would seize it.

Ren & Wade

 

"Oh, it's a new month, and a new you," J grinned. His teeth gritted like a lone wolf.

Ren wasn't going to lie, he did give her a happy feeling about the bank. J spoke of her potential. He knew she was great with customer service.

"How do you know that?" her smile was open. She almost fell on him while they were waiting for a table at the old diner. He'd chosen to meet up with her after work. It was just a matter of time now before these days were goodbye and she'd be in the new bank, just down the block. 

"I just do," J leaned in. Ren could smell the wealth of his cologne. It must have been expensive with a hint of lemon and cinnamon. What could go wrong?

Sure, Wade was as grumpy as he ever was. She didn't want to say he was an Ass, but it did come to mind. Still, she held on to the idea he'd be better. It was like a virus that needed to run its course. They were still together. 

Even at home with Auntie Em, they seemed to be drifting apart. He was always on the go. Yet, they were in a warming trend. Deep down, she knew he was a good person. She wanted to believe this about J, too. Although, she was waiting for a catch. She just hoped she would be ready for it.

After all, J brought her a gift. She couldn't imagine what might be in it. "I want you to have a great first day." He sounded like she would be a loan officer soon enough.

A part of her wanted to crumble. He did know how to put on the pressure.

"Well....uh..let me just be a teller..and..and we will see how that goes," Ren remained even-lipped. After all, nothing was written in stone yet that she actually had the job. 

"You'll do fine."

J ordered her the chicken strips she craved, with mashed potatoes, brown gravy, and a little garden salad. He ordered the Wagyu Burger. As always, he was a step above the rest. She knew Wade would have been happy with a cheeseburger and onion rings. 

Ren sighed. She had to order a takeaway before she left.

Ren & Wade

 "What are you really trying to do, J?" Roni wanted to know. He wasn't sure what his so-called frienemy was up to when it came to Ren.

They stopped by the old diner next to the old book store when Roni got off from work for an early supper perhaps. It had been awhile since he'd caught up with his college mate.

"What do you mean?" J was busy cutting into the chopped steak, swirling the juicy piece into the the mashed potatoes. For a moment, Roni thought he might be  making art. He knew J always wanted to be an art major but everyone said not to, in his family.

"You know, she's..she's with Wade now." Roni said as he attacked a piece of broccoli, wishing he'd asked for the broccoli cheese soup instead.

"And?" J looked up at him as if he didn't get why any of this surprised him. He held his fork and knife steady in mid-air as if he might truly be ready for a foodie photo.

Roni sighed and finally tasted his mashed potatoes. He hoped he didn't get a stomach ache later, but he'd be home with his sweetie Sabrina who would be there to listen to his moans and groans in silence.

"You can't do this," Roni told him. 

"Why can't I?" That pious look of his in his sharp black suit only made Roni bitter. How were they ever friends? Actually, J was his first roommate at the university. Roni remembered trying to fit in. J treated him like a little brother as long as he agreed with everything he did. "Look, I let her alone as long as I could. We both know I'm much better than that Wade fellow will ever be. I can offer her so much, that he has no clue....." J laughed then as if he loved his own joke. Of course, Wade was the butt of that joke.

"Wade is my friend," Roni practically shouted.

"You just want to fuck him." J's voice was low and he made Roni's dark eyes bulge.

"How could you say that!" He swelled a frown and pushed his plate away. His appetite was gone, and to think he paid for their meals. Oh, he knew J, always looking for a steal. Yeah, if Wade wasn't around, Roni knew Ren wouldn't be so appealing.

Roni knew he had to get through to Ren. J was after something. He wasn't really helping Ren get a full-time job.

Wade & Ren

 "Are you looking down on me?" 

Wade couldn't think of anything nice to say as he pulled his wavy blonde hair back into his head so she could take him seriously. As it was, he got home an hour or so after supper. He was tired. His left eye flinched. Yes, he was sore, his limbs felt like they couldn't last a minute longer and there was Ren with her arms crossed as if she was cross with him. 

"You're doing too much." Her words worried him.

The hot stew steamed at the dining table. Crusty day-old French bread waited to be dipped in the hot brown broth. She'd found the loaf at the free table in the concave between the bookstore and the coffee shop. He knew. He looked there every day too. 

"No, I'm not." 

His words were of anger. He didn't know how to act around her lately. What was she expecting? A lap dog.

"Why haven't you eaten already?" She was nagging. That serious look in her eyes was maddening.

"Cause, you won't shut up." 

His frown was small and bitter. He plopped himself down in front of the hot meal. He didn't want to be alone. He didn't want to be this way, either.

She sucked in a breath to walk away, but he caught her forearm and held it, looking up at her, he knew she was worried about their situation. What was he supposed to do, wait until a spring thaw? He meant to say he was sorry but pulled her to lap instead. 

He missed her scent of sweet lavender soap. When he hugged her, he felt he could finally relax.

"There's a job I've applied for at the bank," Ren said. "You need to take care of yourself. I don't want you to get hurt."

"What are you talking about?" He fumed with a sour lip. "I'm not going to get hurt."

"We'll be fine here," she said.

"But..but I want us to be alone, together."

It was a simple thing. Having their own home. He hated this situation with her Great Aunt. Sure they could look in on her every day. But did they have to live here too?

"You'll feel trapped," Her thin straight lip looked as if she might be the one trapped.

Wade sighed. He rubbed the spot between her shoulders that always made her need him more. He knew this much.

"Everything is fine, just let me worry about it, will you," Wade looked up at her sleepily. She moved so he could eat. Not a word she said. He knew she was like this. She always did what she wanted. He needed to remember this. He just hoped she didn't get that job. He'd hate to envy her if she was a teller.

Ren & Wade

 Ren knew cabin fever might be setting in, but then again, they were both used to the cold and the snow living in upstate New York. Actually, it was divine back in December, but these days of January were bitter cold and gray. 

It hadn't gone so well, their visit to Wade's parents. Wade was as indifferent as he ever was and Ren knew he didn't mean it, but she could tell from the moment they arrived how much his mother missed him. After all, she'd been his teacher in life and he was her only child. Although, Ren thought all this time he had a sister or something. 

Well, it was civil enough. Nobody changed anyone's mind about trying to split them up. She guessed that was something, but even when she got back home she wasn't so sure he was happy, but she'd let it be. All those presents were still in a Christmas gift bag waiting for him to use. Ren told Roni she should have expected that.

They left after work to the thrift shops. Roni knew a new place, but Wade couldn't go. He had some jobs to do around the apartment building.

"At this rate, he could get a job there," Roni told her.

Ren nodded. He hadn't mentioned it.

"You two could get your own place, rent-free, he told me."

"Huh." It was news to her. And to think he might be majoring in engineering somewhere (according to his mother), but he wouldn't do it. It might stress him out. She kept busy looking through sweaters, trying not to think working in the apartment building would stress him out, too. 

All the sweaters she found looked better on Roni than her.

"Now stop that, hunter green looks great on you," Roni awoke her pensive state of mind. Ren wiggled a smile and said they needed to find things for Wade. 

"He won't even come with us anymore," Roni frowned.

"He's busy," what else could she say? 'LIFE IS HARD. But she didn't. It was troubling. She felt as if she needed to be busy too. She could see how exhausted he was lately. What if he decided he didn't like her anymore?

She felt a little of her heart melt. She knew she loved him. She'd never felt that about anyone, but it had nothing to do with his face or his scent, it was far greater. He was her partner and she was becoming teary-eyed.

Wade & Ren - Gifts to Wade from Ren

1. a new phone case.

2. flannel shirt. cause it's cold in upstate New York. 3. a thrifted vest because Ren wants him to look sharp at the bookstore. after all, he looks really smart in his fake glasses. 4. something for bed which means something fun and underwear. 5. a sling bag. he needs a man purse, but Ren wouldn't call it that. He lost his keys in the snow already, but luckily they weren't in the snow after all. Just in the bathroom. 6. moisturizer for guys. Ren already had aragon oil which is great for his skin, as well, year around.

Wade & Ren

 

Wade did his best to get into the Christmas spirit, but he felt somewhat inadequate these days.

"What are you talking about?" Of course, she gave him a hug. They did a lot of hugging these days. Yes, they were inseparable and always trying to find a way just to be cozy this winter without breaking the bank, among other things.

Ren didn't blink when she looked at him. Of course, she went to get him another cup of coffee. She went down the list of all the things he was doing for everyone in the old apartment building.

"You pick up groceries for at least half a dozen people who don't want to get out in this winter weather."

"I guess, but..but I feel bad for taking their money," he sighed as he looked into the steaming mug of coffee.

"They are willing to pay," she reminded him. After all, her big idea about the candy wasn't exactly working out. Oh, there had been good batches and bad batches with the peanut brittle. She didn't know what to do. Should she stick with it or move on.

It was true. It was a sticky mess, but somehow Roni invested in this project and he said sometimes, you had to spend money to make money.

"I just wish there was something else I could do?" He looked up at the high ceiling knowing that was where all the heat was going in their drafty bedroom. He was in his black tank and jogging pants. Ren was at least in layers with a bulky sweater still spotted with the sticky brittle.

"Let's just enjoy now," she told him. "Don't worry so much."

Now she was beginning to sound like his mother when the Russian didn't pan out he wanted to study when he was twelve. He was so good at making Russian letters, but a lot of times he didn't know what he was writing. 

Wade nodded. He did have a few jobs of shoveling snow on his days off. Winter was brutal. He remembered when he loved it, but not so much anymore. Naturally, he pondered if his life would be better if he'd kept to himself. Still, when he looked at Ren he knew he would still be yearning for something.

"It doesn't have to be a big Christmas," Ren told him he didn't have to get her anything.

Wade nodded. He wanted to believe her, but after all, he wanted something for Christmas too.

"Let's visit your parents soon," she said it was something she knew he'd been meaning to do. Maybe that was what was missing this December.

Ren & Wade

 

Thanksgiving came and went so fast, but they celebrated with Ren's Auntie Em who made a new friend. She thought the world of Sabrina. 

"See, this is going to work out great," Ren smiled to Wade on her right side and then to Roni on her left. All three were plopped on the old couch watching JUST FRIENDS which Wade or Roni had never seen. Her Auntie Em babbled to Sabrina who listened so seriously.

"What are you talking about?" Wade reached to put the movie on pause.

"You know, having Sabrina here while we're at work. It'll be her job to listen to Auntie Em."

It felt like a good solution to Ren because Roni always wanted to bring Sabrina to work, but Ren felt something bad might happen to her there. It felt safe to have her here.

"That way," Ren clasped her hand over Roni's as she looked at him ever so sisterly. "You won't be alone when you drive in every day. And when you drop us off, you can pick her up."

"So, so it would be like Sabrina is working?" Roni looked at Ren wide-eyed.

Wade choked on a cough.

"Well, I'm not sure we could, you know, pay her," Ren winced.

"That's fine," Roni cracked a smile, which was a relief to Ren. She could see it brought relief to Wade, too, who was still thinking he should get some sort of seasonal job, but he hadn't found one yet.

After all, there was a Christmas wrapping station at work now. Of course, they were relatively quiet. In fact, they had yet to sell any old books from the basement either. Really, it was a miracle they got by at all, but somehow they did.

"You know, maybe I could make my peanut brittle and fudge. We could sell it at the bookstore." Ren suddenly decided, even if no one had said anything about making extra money.

"But you know, who would want a cut out of that, don't you?"

Of course, Miss Lily would want a percentage of their sales. She was always business-minded.

"OK, suppose we do start selling the candy there," Roni suggested they start an online shop. He said he'd help with packaging.

"Huh," suddenly, Ren felt overwhelmed by the idea. What was she thinking? Here Roni was brainstorming about the different kinds of nuts to put in the brittle. "It's just a microwave recipe."

Ren nursed her bottom lip, thinking this might be her worst idea yet. Of course, Wade and Roni both kept smiling. Wade even took her hand as if he believed in her in every way.

Wade & Ren

 

Wade hated to be back at the doctor's office. He was certain they would bandage up his eyes as much as they had swelled, but he got ointment instead.

"Why did it happen to me, and not you?" Wade was a bit steamed about it. 

"I don't know," she shrugged. "You'll be more careful next time." They had messaged Roni and he said he'd pick them up soon.

"I guess I'm no help," Wade felt like he was the weakest link.

"Oh, you, quit acting like a baby, you're fine. You know how Roni feels about you. He wouldn't want anything bad to happen to you." 

Ren took his hand and clasped her fingers between his while they waited in the waiting room. A brisk wind was on the move outside and it was bringing snow.

Wade looked down at his beat-up sneakers, he wasn't sure he was ready for it. Now he had a job. Of course, he felt he did everything wrong, but there was Ren who always smiled as if she didn't think so. 

"What are we going to do with our lives?" He asked and she laughed softly.

"Oh, now you're worried," her smile made him happy even if he bit his bottom lip from smiling.

"What's Roni's name?" He felt he needed to know. After all, Roni was the best of friends now. He had a car. He or was it she? could do anything better than he could. 

"Um, well, they wanted to be Veronica, but they always loved the Ronnettes and especially that song, BE MY LITTLE BABY," Ren told him. "You know that song that singer sang with Eddie Money."

"Oh," Wade nodded. Actually, he didn't know that song. Of course, one more thing Roni knew...music.

"Did you ever want to be with Roni?"

Wade tilted his head and looked Ren in the eye. She only smiled with a sigh as her forehead touched his.

"Nope, just their friend."

Somehow, that was a relief when she told him this. He wanted to ask why she wanted to be with him, but there was no need too. It was good. And it was great to have a friend like Roni.

Ren & Wade

 

Roni was alone now. He/She was thinking what Sabrina was doing now. He hated leaving her alone. He hoped she was OK. It must be awful out in the wilderness alone. After all, he/she was glad she was here to talk to when no one else was.

It didn't hurt to be alone. At least they kept telling Roni this as time wore on. Actually, it was a blast going through all these dusty books. And then someone called Roni's name. It was a far-off cry. It caught him off guard.

Yes, Roni was aware of the stairwell that took one up to the roof, but there was another door and it was  complete darkness.

Oh, Roni hated this feeling. It felt of dread, and yet, it was good to hear someone calling their name. But Roni knew who it was. Only they could hear Roni's name. No one else would know. It was always that way.

God knows how long Roni was in therapy about the matter. Roni was supposed to ignore it. The doctor told them that was the only way to forget Roni's first invisible friend. Of course, Roni wasn't going to tell the doctor about the others. After all, it was Iley who mattered the most.

"Stop hiding!" Roni demanded that she come out of hiding. "I'm not going down there."

Roni went back to the books. After all, there was so much sorting to do. Photos to be taken. It felt endless. Iley could stay where she was. Roni didn't need this right now. Roni's hands kept busy. A phone in hand took the risk of sending the information to the site, hoping for the best. Yet, there was doubt Miss Lily would ever get the real worth of these old books. 

Like an alarm, she appeared. Big lips and all. Roni knew that look. She'd always wanted Roni to be her twin. But this was reality, and Roni was just being the best version of their-self, crossdressing, yet still in comfort.

"Why haven't you tried to be better," she was the demanding sort. Roni didn't know why the trust was still there. 

"I can't be you," Roni sighed. Of course, Roni told her it had been a long time. There were questions about what she'd been doing. "You don't seem to need me anymore?"

"YOU WOULD SAY THAT!" Iley's words were harsh. "You know I've missed you, but look at you, falling for a sex doll! How could you!"

"She needs a friend, I can't help it," Roni bit back.

"I want to hate you, but I can't."

Those big lips, luscious as they were, meant nothing to Roni. Yes, it was true, the boy in him was melting. And for the first time, it took him by surprise. Roni knew why he hadn't transitioned.

Ren & Wade RP Part 23

 Ren knew they needed to be serious with the books in the basement because Roni was an expert. She felt a little bad that she and Wade hadn't been more industrious in investigating old books.

Of course, Roni started pulling books from the big pile and putting them in some stacks of order. Of course, Ren didn't know if she was helping or not. And then Wade yelped waving a book in the air.

"Look what I found the original Bambi! And it's in German! I think," he said that had to be worth something. 

"Don't we hope," Roni said taking a photo of it for the site he knew of. "These are some very old books. Pricing them is one thing, finding a buyer is another."

Ren hated the musky dusty smell. Roni looked at Wade's eyes. 

"Why aren't you wearing a mask, like I asked?" Roni tilted his head a bit perturbed. 

"Oh," Wade stretched it across his face.

"It might be too late, now." Roni sighed. "You're going to get a bad case of dermatitis." He told him he should have worn goggles.

"Goggles?" Wade scowled a bit bewildered.

Roni sighed. "This is such a mess," he shook his head but went back to piling books as if they needed to start somewhere. 

Ren could feel her body already wanting to wane away from the work that Roni started, but she didn't want him to think she didn't want to help. And Wade kept going as if he'd keep at this all night, perhaps.

Of course, forty-five minutes later they knew they couldn't take much more of the dank basement. They were all sitting in the dust.

"Why would Miss Lily do this," Wade shook his head as if this was such a ridiculous job.

"I'm sure it was all too much for her. She probably thought she could handle it," Roni nodded.

Ren pulled her knees up so she could rest her head as she sat there in thought looking up at the mountain of books. "It's just...she wants to do so much for the community." Ren reminded them she'd gotten an old copier that didn't really work. "The bookstore is not a library, but I have a feeling she wants it to be."

"Yeah, she's got a lot of ideas," Roni mentioned how she was having Open Mic Night in November.

"Open Mic Night?" Wade winced as he was starting to scratch at his neck.

"Oh, god, your eyes are swelling shut," Ren took a serious look at his face which was breaking out into a rash.

"Don't tell me we have to go to the doctor, again," he fretted as he batted at his eyes. 

Ren sighed. "Quit being so stubborn." She got him up. "I think we should quit for the day."

"You two go on," Roni said.

"But..but the last time we were here, we got locked in and had to go to the roof to get down," Ren didn't want that happening to Roni.

"It'll be fine," Roni said he could do it on his own. 

"Just be careful, don't lose your phone," she told him as she helped Wade up the stairs to the door.

"OK."

"Promise you'll call," she said. "Even if you don't need anything, just call, OK?" Ren felt bad about leaving Roni in the basement of the bookstore. She'd hate for something to happen to him.

Wade & Ren Part 22

 "Why are they better at this job, than the both of us?" Wade didn't mean to be discontent, but it was easy to see Roni was in his element. The weeks had gone by and Roni was always at his/her best with the coffee bar. Oh, Roni could make anyone feel better.

"You aren't jealous, are you?" Ren practically jabbed him in the side with her elbow as they both watched Roni tending to every customer's need with a drink, hot or cold. Roni even created new drinks on the spot.

"I'm sure he was a bartender in another life." 

Wade shook his head.

"Oh, you know you love it here," Ren gave him the eye.

"That's because I can only stand that Aunt of yours for so long," he sighed. There was no insight, but the rent was free and he was even wearing some of those old sweaters of somebody's wardrobe he'd never seen pictures of. 

Yes, he and Ren were finding living together was easy. He couldn't deny he was fond of her. Maybe she loved him more. Although, he thought not. She could be torture when she wanted to be, And it felt cozy being at the old bookstore with her. She knew how to handle Miss Lily.

"Oh, ML has plans for us this afternoon," Roni spoke up then as the last rush of coffee-goers was about to end.

"What?" Wade winced as if he'd done enough shelf reading for a week. Damn if those children's books weren't always a mess.

Ren perked up as she was at the register. She said she needed a break.

"There's a goldmine in the basement," Roni's lips curled at the end as if he could hardly wait.

"There is not," Ren scowled.

"Oh, you just don't know," Roni sighed as he reached under the counter for a box of plastic gloves and face masks. "We just have to be prepared." He pulled out his phone and texted both of them a link to a free app to download.

"What's this?" Wade said as he looked at his text.

"We're going to make ML a fortune." Roni nodded.

"Oh really?" Ren downloaded the app like Roni said.

"We just need to take pictures," Roni said he'd done it before with his old comic books.

"It's that simple?" Ren walked over to the coffee counter. Honestly, Wade didn't think Ren was dressed for such an adventure in the basement in her dreary dress and a baggy sweater. He remembered last time. God, he hoped they didn't have to jump off the roof, again.

Wade & Ren Part 21

 "You're the bestest!" Roni couldn't help but give Wade a hug from behind. He'd never been happier. Yes, he could run the coffee bar at the old bookstore! It was for eight hours a day. He couldn't ask for more. It was his dream job!

He was still in shock at how Wade chatted him up to Miss Lily. Roni beamed with excitement. It was a new day. Oh, if only he'd listened to Sabrina carefully, he would have believed in Wade more. Yes, just like Sabrina said, "Wade and Ren are equal. They both love you."

It felt good to be loved because he thought he never had that in his life. He wasn't someone his mother was happy with. He didn't mean to be so complicated. Yet, right now he felt as if he was living his best life ever. So he went to work with a smile and made all the hot drinks he knew of, including a creamy Hot Chocolate.

"Oh Baby, you do have the touch!" Miss Lily said first thing when he brought her Hot Chocolate with just a touch of cinnamon. She gave him a tight hug and lip-smacked him on the cheek.

Roni wasn't sure how to react. He thought he might not be able to breathe, but of course, Ren was there to catch him. She put her arm around his shoulder.

"See how great you are to the place?" She smiled so sweetly. It was like a dream. What if it was all a dream?

Roni blinked twice as he looked around the old bookstore. There were the regulars. He knew instantly what they would want, mostly a fresh cup of hot coffee. Of course, he didn't need the K-cups. He was brilliant with pour-overs. If only there was an oven, he would have been busy making fresh cookies. 

Of course, he wished he could have brought Sabrina, but Wade told him he needed to go solo at least on the first day, so he agreed.

Yet, he was worried about her being so alone out in the wilderness. Would she really be OK, home alone?

It's almost Ocotober

 

And we are practically in a heatwave. Which is sad. Fall doesn't feel like fall quite yet. I haven't had a chance to write on some stories that I have wanted. The RP situation I'm in isn't exactly my favorite. It isn't because it's a lesbian couple, but the lack of freedom to explore the character and her complicated life. I don't feel for these characters like I do Ren and Wade. And I hope to be branching out with more in the cast and their POVs.

 It felt like a long week with shifting books. I finally got my flu shot. It hurt a little, but not bad. I guess I should get the COVID  vaccine soon. I had them together last year and that was not good for me, last year. Generally, I try to get vaccines started in early September, but many tell me to wait. Although, it seems many co-workers get it by October. 

I did find another Barbie at ROSS yesterday. I don't think I have this facemold. She came with a guitar, a mic, and some fabulous pink boots! As well she is with a Chelsea. I am trying to resist. Its not like a spend a fortune. Still, accumulation is a bad thing. My hope is to get better at making them OAK Barbies. Also, I need to sew more Barbie clothes too.

I actually cooked this weekend. Not that I go out much. But it's good to use the stove instead of the microwave.

Ren & Wade Part 20

 "Well, it's about time we had a day off or two," Wade says as Ren runs her fingers over sweaters and shirts, clothing for him at the little thrift store not so far from the old bookstore. She jerks a sweater off the the hanger and puts it up to his shoulders, as he too is busy looking for some clothing for her in the small section.

"We just have to be careful with our money," she tells him. "And remember, you have time to think what you'll say to L about Roni."

"Oh, God, don't remind me," he sighs as if he's having a good time until now. He hands over a sweet sweater and practically puts it over her head while she's shoving the man's sweater toward him.

"It might look better on Roni," he says. "But they probably have all the clothes they need. You should raid Roni's closet."

"Well, he doesn't have a thing to wear since he left his mother's," Ren says.

"Well, we better get it then," he pulls it off her and her camisole almost slips up her chest, but he pulls that down as if he is not trying to undress her.

"Should we look for Sabrina, anything?" Ren then asks as they mosey on down the isles of clothing with the smell of sweet fragrant softener, perhaps.

"Now why would we do that?" He gives her a look.

"Right?' She agrees, thinking how Roni asked if she would dress Sabrina for bed the night they went out with Roni and Sabrina. Wade practically snapped with a quick line, "I didn't hear her say that. Did you, Ren?"

Somehow, they assure him that Sabrina only wants Roni. How else were they going to get to know each other? Still, he was full of buts about it, and they left assured that nothing foolish was going on with Roni and the sex doll.

"I wish you would talk to Miss L, not me," Wade says as he looks at skirts, but most are too long for Ren. 

"It'll be better coming from you," Ren tells him. "You know how to be persuasive." She smirks.

"I do not." Wade shot her a look.

"Well, you persuaded Roni to live at the shack." Ren smiles as if he really is something.

He sighs as he hugs himself. "That..that..I don't know what that was. I just felt bad for him. And now..well, it is weird, but you know, it's Roni."

Ren nods. Yes, she's glad they are both on his side. She is certain that he needs them. She's certain, Wade will find the right words to get Roni hired. About then, Wade got a text. 

"We better get home," he smiles. "Roni got us a window unit."

Ren & Wade

 

Wade rode shotgun and Ren stayed in the backseat with dead stare Sabrina aka the sex doll. At least when they got to Village Inn they could wheel her in with the tidy chair Roni pushed.

"It's gonna be fine," Ren said to Wade who was hesitant to even go in. 

"Everybody will be watching us," he whispered.

"Let them watch," she took his hand and led the way with Roni behind them taking care of Sabrina's every move. Of course, he said sweet nothings to her.

"Just don't look." 

Ren pulled him close. Wade kept even-lipped. He'd taken off the coat and was sporting the vest as if he might just be finished lecturing a lecture at the nearby University. Finally, after a few minutes of waiting they were led to the back in a booth. Naturally, Sabrina stood out like a sore thumb, but they went on as if it were just a double date of some sort.

The waiter asked what Sabrina wanted after taking their drink order.

"Didn't she tell you?" Roni held on to the menu as if he might hide behind it, yet he stood up for his dear Sabrina who sat there not looking at any of them, but the silver napkin box at the end of the table.

"I don't think I heard her," the waitress said.

"Oh, she does have quiet voice," Wade looked to Ren for her approval and she gave a nod.

"She'll have iced tea with lemon," Roni told her they both liked tea with lemon.

"And I just wanted water," Wade gave a quick smile.

"You, have had plenty of caffeine today," Ren smiled.

"And you didn't?"

Wade's forehead tensed as he hugged himself. Suddenly, he was on to something.

"Look, if you are gonna stay at my place, I'll need some rent." His serious look gave Roni a bug-eyed stare.

"What? What sort of rent?"

"Well, are you gonna be there for the winter?"

Roni shrugged.

"It gets cold out there, but until then..if..if you could give me enough for a window unit."

"Window unit?" Roni was still startled.

"AC." Wade clarified it was still hot and quite the oven at Ren's.

"Oh, sure, not a problem." Roni nodded.

"Don't do that."

Ren practically kicked Wade's shin under the table. She couldn't help but be in a huff. "Roni doesn't even have a job."

"Well, he could. He should be in charge of the coffee bar."

Wade snubbed her attitude and it made Roni smile more. 

"You think Miss Lily would mind?" Roni was a little puzzled. Of course, there was food to order and Ren insisted they order the V.I.P breakfast together (her and Wade).

"All I want is the pancakes," she said. 

Of course, the burger and fries that Roni ordered Sabrina went cold. She knew Wade was eyeing it, even if he did have sausage, bacon, and eggs. However, Roni boxed it up. Maybe Sabrina would want it later.

The Day Just Got Better

 

 Ben isn't mad at me! I thought we had a falling out. And I think he's OK where things are going with Ren & Wade...so I hope to write more soon. He'd had a family crisis so he was off line for a while. Still, I think he just wants me to write it now...soo...I hope I can soon.

Ren & Wade

"It's a sex doll!"

Ren knows. Wade wasn't acting this hysterical when they were with Roni and his so-called girlfriend Sabrina a few minutes ago. Now he can't seem to settle down as if he's been through the worst moment of his life. But they were alone now in the bathroom.

"You were there," he looks at her as if she isn't supposed to be so calm.

"You were so nice to both of them," Ren knows it was hard for him to be alone with Roni. Maybe having a sex doll sitting there staring at him made him find a certain compassion for Roni. She doesn't know what he wants her to do. She'd played around as if Sabrina was real.

"How? How can we do this?" Wade winces as if this is impossible.

"It's what Roni wants," Ren shrugs. Yes, she was late for the party at the back table in the old bookstore, but she hopes she has the account all straightened out and Miss Lily isn't afraid to use her computer.

"It's not what I want," Wade sighs as he rubs his forehead in distress. They are in the staff bathroom together discussing Roni and his girlfriend. "I don't want to go out to dinner with them."

"Well, we are," Ren hugs herself with a shrug. "After all, you said we would."

"Did I?" He's in a stomp, twisting and turning in an old man's suit.

"You're a nice person." Ren tilts her head and gives him a lopsided grin.

"Am I?" He doesn't look well. He looks as if he might be coming down with something.

"You said he could stay with her at the shack."

"I don't remember saying that," Wade bites his bottom lip with his hands on his hips. Finally, he pulls a strand of blonde hair behind his ear. "I must have been drunk when I said that."

"You only had coffee." Ren gives him a stern look.

"Maybe, it's low blood sugar," His fit is calming. Maybe.

"I brought sandwiches," she says they should go to the breakroom and have lunch.

"Good." He nods. But he shakes his head. It's as if he's done the unthinkable. Letting someone live at his shack with a sex doll.

Wade & Ren

Wade gets to the coffee bar and prays no one will come in while he's trying to figure out the machine. He'd just soon have a pour-over.  He doesn't like polluting the world with these little cups. Of course, this takes him back to thinking about Ren and birth control.

He knows he should have told her he was wrong. He doesn't want her body full of hormones. He nurses the corner of his bottom lip, wondering what they used to do in the old days.

 "God, there has to be a book about this kind of thing, somewhere in here," Wade says to himself as he waiting for the goddamn coffee. 

"What kind of book are you looking for?" Its Roni and Wade does a little nervous dance. He hates the thought  of being alone with him her..somebody..

"What are you doing here?" Wade needs to tell him to back off as he stirs the cream in his coffee.

"Is Ren in today?" Roni ask for a latte which Wade has no idea what that means.

"Look, she's busy with Miss Lily at the moment and I don't know how."

"Oh, I can do it," Roni looks sharp in his stylish hoodie. He's never in a sweat. He gets behind Wade who accidentally backs into Roni but moves quickly as if Roni is busy with a science experiment. He knows how to use the machine. He knows how to make the cream foamy, too.

Wade is a bit astonished at how he can quickly put the drink together. Roni mentions he watches a lot of YouTube.

Wade nods.

"See, I brought someone for Ren to meet," Roni makes another one.

"Really?" Wade can't imagine who it might be. "Blackie?"

"Blackie? Who's Blackie?" Roni's big eyes look at him as if Wade has a secret.

"Oh, Ren mentioned him. Is it Jared?" Wade finds himself curious.

"No, her name is Sabrina," Roni tells him.

"Sabrina?"

Roni points to the table in the back corner. Her back is to them. She has long dark hair. Roni waves, but she doesn't budge with her back to them.

"She came to my house," Roni tells him. "And..well, my mom is upset about it."

"Moms are like that," Wade nods as he holds his coffee. Of course, his mom hasn't even met Ren, but he feels certain she's glad he's not living on the bus anymore. It was crowded and he knew he'd outlasted his welcome. It was time for him to be on his own.

"Did you want to meet Sabrina?"

"Of course, I do," Wade smiles. He thinks Roni might have another personality. It could be a thing these days. He follows Roni with the cups of latte. 

It wasn't until he actually saw her that he could see why his mom was upset.

Ren & Wade

Ren barely finds a way to make a coffee for herself at the coffee bar in the old bookstore. It's rather simple, just put the little cup in the Keurig machine and let the magic happen, but she has trouble opening the thing.

"What's the matter?" Miss Lily asks as her broad arm comes over her and a bouquet of Sweet Pea perfume wakes Ren as she jumps back. Miss Lily doesn't seem to have boundaries, but she hits the button and the lid opens. Of course, the water has to get hot first.

"Oh nothing," Ren shakes her head as if she's got this. She's wearing something librianish as in a long skirt and bulky sweater. Somehow, it is almost cold in here. And her Wade is as fetching as he ever was, even if she knows he feels tied down in the suit he's in.

"You look so tired, Baby." Her dark eyes look at Ren as if she's here to listen.

Ren sighs heavily. She can't think of anything. After all, she knows a lot more of Wade now. She wishes she'd just had her red wine at bedtime now, but he kept her awake for a good long while.

Of course, they kissed. They kissed a lot places on each other. It was quite an intense study just figuring out what they liked about each other's mouths. But then he would have to stop and rant about how hot it was and how he was going to turn the place into an ice box. Then he'd chill and they were back to touching.

Naturally, he said she started it. Then the test came about why they should not have intercourse.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Wade got a little jumpy when she mentioned condoms. They didn't have any.

"Well, good," he'd said. "I don't want one."

They sat up in bed and argued til two in the morning about it.

"If I'd only known I was going to meet someone, like you-"

"You should be on birth control," he'd snapped. After all, she was the one who knew everything. 

Of course, she couldn't sleep after that.

She waits for her coffee. She has to have sugar. Especially, this morning. 

"Are you and Wade all right?" Miss Lily says she knows he's not her brother. "You two are a couple."

"Oh, we're just friends," Ren winces hard. "He's just ..you know..has a lot to figure out."

"Do you think his folks know where he is?"

"Well." Ren takes her coffee. Miss Lily starts talking about her Better World Book account. She needs help. 

Ren looks to Wade as if he's supposed to oppose this. But Miss Lily wants her to follow her to the back office. 

Wade shrugs but then asks where is his coffee.

"You'll have to make it yourself, Mister," Miss Lily snaps. "It's slow right now. You can handle it." She eyes him as if he better work and not be an ass.

Ren smiles. If only he knew how to get her out of this.