Knowing You

A/N: Yes, another chapter so soon. Had some time off so here it is. And I know some didn't particularly care for Dante's *cough* bullshit in the last chapter. But as they say, 'Life isn't always Sunshine and Daisies', or rainbows for that matter. Shit happens to the best of us, realistically we all do things we regret. But on with the next chapter, hope you enjoy it more.



Chapter Eight




The cell phone vibrated for the tenth time in under five minutes. Kale didn’t bother to glance at the number this time, knowing who it was. His day had began lousy, listening to Cloe bitch and complain would turn his mood darker. Joey had left after grilling it into his head that he wasn’t to be rude to her friend.


He should damn well be rude to the girl, she’d taken over his bed. Sleeping on his bed last night wasn’t the way to repay his hospitality. The girl had passed out from shock not long after they’d made it home. This was his home, he paid for it, and he was master here. So why did he let his sister make demands?


There wasn’t much he wouldn’t do for his sibling, this was pushing it. If their guess was right, then Dante would come looking for his sister. Joey had already called the girl’s parents to lie about them getting drunk and crashing. In his opinion they should have been honest and informed the couple how big of a bastard their son was.


What kind of person would strike another? Especially someone half their weight, drinking wasn’t an excuse. He’d always known Dante had mental problems, this only confirmed it. If any sister needed their ass smacked it was his own, but he would never contemplate hitting her.


His work pager remained silent, the complete opposite of his personal phone. He’d taken the weekend off to relax and enjoy time to himself. During the day he worked as a vet tech., taking a few courses in the evenings to further his education. Working with animals was always preferable to dealing with other people.


As if sensing his displeasure, Pips, his toy poodle hopped onto the seat near his feet. “Sorry boy, she kind of invaded our bed. Why don’t you go in there and bite her toes.”


“He already did,” Taree tried to sound grumpy. It was true, the damn dog had started nibbling on her big toe. She placed an arm over her stomach, feeling exposed now that he was looking at her. She’d woken up to find herself dressed in a large black t-shirt, she assumed it was his.


“Good boy,” a hand ruffled the shaggy white fur. Kale looked smug noticing she was uncomfortable in his presence. As far as he knew, they’d never been alone together. He didn’t know much about her, it was strange that being from Dante’s family, she’d be shy around strangers. That prick had always been the center of attention, would his sister be that much different?


“Cute, you’re lucky I’m an animal lover or I would have punted his little ass across the room.” She’d been tempted to do more than punt the little bastard.


“Does violence run in your family?” He regretted the words when she visibly winced. So, it had been her brother to make putty of her face. “Joey is stopping by your house on the way home. You’re welcome to hang out here until she gets back. I’ll try to be a decent host, I’ll even refrain from siccing my dog on you.”


“I guess I should thank you, he’s got some sharp teeth.” She walked towards the seat, taking the spot next to the fuzzy creature. “Funny, I’ve always took you for the pit bull type.”


“Hell no, I like my furniture. I didn’t mean to have an animal period but he was thrown at me.” He sat up in order to get a better look at her. She was normally pretty but this morning, she looked like shit. Her hair was tousled, and not from sex, so it offset the large bruise on her cheek. It angered him that someone close to her would cause that type of damage. “His owner brought him in one evening to be groomed and never came back for him.”


“I can see why, anyone would get tired of being woken up that way.” She could think of much better ways to wake up.


“He’s not that bad, he just likes to sleep on the bed. It’s usually just me and him, so he was a little distressed seeing a female in our bed.” He saw the skeptical look cross her face. Kale wasn’t about to explain himself to her. Not even Cloe had spent the night at his place yet, they always went back to hers. If they had sex here, she left right after.


“I see,” she didn’t but wouldn’t question his ways. She wouldn’t put it past him to make his girlfriends sleep on the floor while the dog took the bed.


“I’m going to jump in the shower then run down the street to pick up something for lunch and dinner. There is a menu on the kitchen counter, take a look at it. Also, Joey told your parents you two were staying at a friend’s house, so we shouldn’t have any unexpected visitors.”


“Alright,” she felt numb as he rose and walked away. Mention of her parents brought back her problem. How could she go home with a busted face? They’d want to know who’d hit her. They wouldn’t believe the usual ‘Oops, I tripped.’


Telling them that Dante had been plastered wouldn’t help their anger. Did he even remember what had occurred? No, she knew he wouldn’t. Last time he’d gotten that intoxicated he hadn’t remembered the night before. This time she would be glad for it, it was too much to bear. She didn’t want to see his pity or anger, it was her fault he’d gotten upset. Her big mouth had gotten the best of her again, she shouldn’t have said anything with him in that condition.


Knowing how she fucked up didn’t help her current problem. She didn’t want to go home until her face looked normal. Where could she stay? There was a decent amount in her account, did she want to spend it on a hotel room? She’d been saving up for a car, so what to do?


The mongrel at her feet let out a soft bark, lifting his head towards the door. A timid knock echoed in the quiet place, sending a shiver of dread down her spine. It couldn’t be anyone for her, no one knew she was here.


The dog let out another pathetic bark as the doorbell went off. She stood up, placing her feet on the carpet. It wouldn’t hurt to take a look out the peep hole, just to let him know who it had been. The sound of the bathroom door went ignored, she was propelled to take a look out of the door.


Her heart stopped and she almost swayed, as she gazed out the hole. There was no mistaking the dark blonde head, turned looking down the hall. How had he known where to find her? She didn’t want to see him right now, it was too soon.


“Should I get rid of him?” Kale tucked the edge of the towel in place. He’d been about to step into the shower when the bell had sounded. No one bothered him at home, and Joey had a key, so it left only one possible option. From the look on her face it was him and not the parents.


“Yeah,” she was thankful for the reprieve. Her jaw dropped as she turned to face her host, heat rushed to her cheeks. She was sure the blue bruise was glowing a bright purple now. Amazing, he really didn’t have a bird chest, it was trim but nice. Not to mention the towel hung low on his hips, allowing her to see the little line of hair that led down to other things.


“You going to stand there or head into the bedroom?” He wasn’t sure if he was comfortable with her inspection. Not when it caused the blood to rush south, dammit he was still a male. Nothing else was said as she rushed by him, as if her heels were on fire.


Kale snorted, he was slightly amused at the blush. Perhaps he was used to females like his sister and his choice of girlfriends. None of them would have stammered or blushed at seeing him in a towel.


“Back up Pips,” his foot scooted the poodle behind the door as he unlatched the padlock. The other male turned around hearing it open. “Yes?”


“Let me talk to Taree,” Dante got straight to the point. Joey had finally coughed up where to find his sister. Right after she’d lectured him for thirty minutes and given him a few bruises along his chest. Speaking of chests, blue eyes narrowed in malice spotting the naked state the other male was in.


“Sorry, she’s resting.” Kale suppressed a chuckle noticing how those eyes swept over his towel. For good measure he leaned against the door frame, causing the cloth to part a few inches. Anyone walking by could get a good view of thigh, not that he cared.


“I don’t care, go get her.” Dante’s fingers twitch to punch the cocky little shit. There was no way he was naked for those reasons. Having barely no memories of last night, he couldn’t recall everything. Somehow he knew Taree had stopped by the second he’d come fully awake. A feeling of dread had stayed with him, long after he’d spotted the overturned table. She hadn’t been at work but Joey had, the blonde had started punching him the minute she spotted him.


“No,” he stood his ground. Kale wasn’t afraid of the larger man, not anymore. After being bullied in high school he’d taken up kick boxing in his spare time. “This is my home, you won’t come here and make demands. She said she doesn’t want to see you, so I suggest you leave. You have ten seconds before I take great pleasure in removing your ass. I’m sure the authorities will love to hear how your sister got those bruises.”


“You fucking bastard, I should rip your teeth out.” Dante didn’t like being told just how bad he’d treated her last night. Not by this guy, surely he hadn’t hurt her that bad. No, he wouldn’t do something that harsh, he had no reason to hurt her.


“I’d like to see you try. I have to warn you, you’ll find me harder to smack around than your sister.” Kale laughed as he took a step forward to make good on the threat. A door opened next door, causing both of them to glance to the left.


“Oh hello, good afternoon dear. Who’s your friend?” Mrs. Pilchard ogled the slender male leaning in the doorway with much pleasure. She might look all her sixty-two years but a girl still had dreams no matter her age.


“This is Dante, an old acquaintance from high school. I was just informing him that I was in the process of jumping in the shower, so I can’t stand here and chat.” The brunette gave the elderly woman a cheeky grin before wishing her a good day. It gave him pleasure to take a step back and slam the door.



“Thanks,” Taree positioned herself in an empty chair, right next to Kale. She couldn’t hear what had been said due to locking herself up in the bathroom but had noticed their voices had raised once or twice. She was sure Dante hadn’t been too happy about being told to leave.


“Don’t mention it, I didn’t want him here either. So, any way you look at it he wasn’t welcome.” Kale pushed the menu towards her, indicating for her to take a quick look. He was getting hungry and he didn’t feel like waiting until his sister dropped back by.


“I still appreciate it, you could have sent me on my way to get rid of him also.” She saw his brow lift in amusement. Sure, he could have kicked her out also but then Joey would beat his ass for it later.


“No thanks, I don’t need a black eye to match yours. Are you going home tonight?” He took his glasses off his nose and pocketed them.


“Honestly, I don’t want to. If I go home looking like this then my parents will flip out and then demand what happened. I don’t want to tell them about it, I’d like to spare them the dramatics. I might get a hotel for a few nights and tell them that I’m staying over at Joey’s or something.” She didn’t want to spend the cash but refused to go home looking like she’d been in a street brawl.


“I see, why don’t you save your money? You can stay here if you want, the couch pulls out into a bed.” He made the offer, almost certain she’d refuse it outright.


“Why? I mean why would you let me? I don’t think Joey will expect you to be that considerate.” Not that she had a problem with it but it sounded fishy coming from him. They have never been on a friendly basis. Usually if he didn’t ignore her presence, he made smart ass remarks.

“I don’t particularly care for you but you are my sister’s best friend and I despise your brother. So, you can stay, just because I know it will piss him off.”


“That explains it,” that made perfect sense to her. He’d let her stay and make sure Dante knew that she was here, where he wasn’t allowed to come by. Either way, she didn’t want to go home and it would keep her from dipping into her savings. “That would solve the problem of me going home. There is a chance that he’ll still stop by while I’m at work.”


“I don’t think he’ll bug you while you are actually working. He’ll have to leave if you ask him to or he could get arrested. Just make sure to ride with Joey, and if you need a ride home I can come get you. You work noon to the evenings usually, I am off everyday by six, so it’ll be no problem.”


“Are you sure? That is a lot of trouble for you to go through just for me. Yeah, I know you are probably hoping he’ll be there so you can rub it in.” She didn’t want to laugh as he nodded vigorously. And she’d thought she was the only one that held a sore spot for her stepbrother. It was possible that Kale’s feelings of dislike ran much deeper than her own.


“I’m sure, Joey got you today off. Want to sit here while I pick up dinner or ride with me?” He punched the numbers of the restaurant in, after she pointed to what she wanted.


“I’ll ride, if you have something I can put on.” She blushed remembering that she was still wearing only his t-shirt. It went mid-thigh, he couldn’t see anything unless she flipped it up.


“I might have an old pair of sweats that you could slip on. Give me a minute to dig through my closet.”





“What is this crap?” Joey made a face befitting a two year old.


“Get off of it, get your own food.” Kale snatched the spring roll from her greasy fingers. He hadn’t bought any for her. She had just left work, she should have ate there or grabbed something on the way.


“You can have some of mine, I got chicken and broccoli.” Taree pushed her plastic container towards the blonde. She wasn’t much into Chinese food but had found something she could eat. She was still trying to figure out what was all included in the dish Kale had ordered. It was possible that every known vegetable had been stir fried and slapped into the container.


“Thanks, I’m staving. I didn’t get time to eat during my break.” Joey found a plate and scooped the food rather sloppily. “Don’t start, I’ll clean it up.”


“You better,” Kale eyed the brown liquid resting on his table. He wasn’t a neat freak but didn’t care for a mess when it was dealing with food. The last thing he wanted was flies or cockroaches invading his place. It was sprayed every month but one could never be too safe.


“Anyways, as I was saying. I’m sure you already know that Dante stopped by to see if you were in. I hope he didn’t start anything when he came by. Not only did he stop by but you had another visitor. Lydon came in asking when you’d be back in.”


“Really?” Taree was shocked that he still wanted to talk to her. It’d been a while since their date, she figured he’d forgotten about her. Her life had been kind of busy these past few weeks.


“Yeah, I told him you’d be in tomorrow, so you’ll probably have a visitor. You should really hook up with him, he’s really sweet.” Joey would grab him if he wasn’t already interested in her friend. She had a boyfriend but it didn’t hurt to try and improve. “Tell you what, if you don’t want him, I’ll take him. I’ll even be fair and give you my boyfriend in return.”


“HEY! If we are talking about swapping, I want a fair swap, not a downgrade.” Taree crinkled her nose is disgust. There was no way she’d take Joey’s current fling, not in this lifetime.


“Okay, okay, you can have my brother. He’s not as cute but he makes more money.” Joey cried out as pain erupted in her shin. “What the hell did you do that for?”


“I’m not up for trade,” Kale hoped she choked on that piece of chicken. “I’ll remind you that I’m seeing someone and I don’t need your help.”


“Oh right, how could I ever overlook sweet, simpering, stupid Cloe? I’m just trying to help you upgrade. You could do better you know, she’s a troll. I just figure someone as smart as you would want someone that knows her left from her right.” Joey secretly made plans to take the clippers to his ponytail later tonight.


“So she’s a little smarter than you, you should idolize her.” He moved out of the way, knowing the kick was about to be returned.


Taree took a bite of the broccoli, enjoying the little spat between the two. There wasn’t any real animosity between them. She knew that despite the teasing they were rather close, closer than most siblings. His offer to allow her to stay showed just how much his sister meant to him. Of course, Joey would hang out here as well, to keep her company.


“Dammit, I completely forgot about this Saturday. The new club is opening, I want to go.” Joey placed her fork down, to give Taree as sympathetic look. “Think your face will be fixed by then?”


“Should be, if not I can add some makeup to cover it up.” She knew how much her friend had been looking forward to opening night. There wasn’t much entertainment in their town, a hot night club was bound to draw attention.


“Great, I already asked for the night off for both of us. Oops, but Cloe got stuck working. Sucks to be you bro, you’ll have to stag it.” Joey laughed knowing she’d convinced their boss to put the twit on instead of herself.


“I don’t have a date either.” Taree pointed out the fact. If Lydon came by it was possible she could ask him to accompany her but she’d never been good at this kind of thing.


“Well, you two can just go together then.” Joey shrugged as if it were really simple. “Nothing wrong with friends hanging out, that way I don’t feel like I’m obligated to babysit anyone.”


“Thanks,” she wasn’t sure if she liked being referred to as a kid that needed babysitting. She would be just fine being alone, she was use to it.


“You mean you want to feel free to go do nasty things without coming off as ditching your friend.” Kale grabbed his container and left the table, not caring that he’d just insulted his sister. “Whatever, that’s fine. I’m going to watch television for a bit, make sure to clean up your mess.”


“Prick!” Joey snapped at his back, wishing she had the balls to toss the plate at his retreating head.



Fellow shoppers rushed by without paying much heed to the two females strolling casually down the street. The weather was putting many into a foul mood. It had been cool for the last few days but today was the start of a heat wave. It was only in the low eighties but the humidity could make a cow pissy.


“Tar, look at these.” Joey stopped in front of a shop, not caring that it caused an elderly couple to halt as well.


Taree wasn’t sure if she wanted to look, knowing what the blonde’s style ran to. She already had a bag full of clothes that she’d probably only wear once. Why had she let Joey convince her to go shopping today? Because they had this morning to waste away before heading into work. It was Friday morning, tomorrow night was the opening.


The week hadn’t been too horrible, not for Taree. She’d lied at work and claimed to have fallen to get the busted lip and bruised face. Her hand was still sore but was healing without any sign of infection. She had Kale to thank for that, he changed the bandage on it every evening after she took a shower. She almost felt like one of his animals as he nursed the wound.


For some reason she doubted a cat or hamster got the same strange tingling sensation in their gut as he ran a finger over their palm. She was thankful for his care, him giving her a place to stay and for being there to drive her home. Only once did Dante show up, right when she was getting off of work. It was too late, Kale had been there thirty minutes prior, waiting for her to clock out. As soon as she exited the back, Kale had strolled up to her and grabbed her uninjured hand. The look on Dante’s face had sent a shiver of dread down her spine but it had kept him from speaking to her.


“Let’s go in and see what they have, they should have the spring line in.” Joey grabbed Taree’s elbow and directed them towards the open door. She had plans for this weekend and she always got what she wanted.


The shop contained the smell of vanilla, it hit one’s senses instantly. Taree let herself be led into the place without much fuss. She didn’t think there would be anything in here for her, she didn’t have the body for it.


The first rack had a variety of cut off shirts, that would reveal the tummy. The one next to it had leather hip huggers, that would scream ‘Look at my thighs!’ She let Joey rush away towards a rather raunchy rack filled with dangerously clad dresses. There was no way in hell she’d purchase something like that.


Knowing it was best to pretend like she was looking, so Joey could shop happily, she walked towards the back. She was still unsure about showing a lot of skin, she wasn’t her friend. It didn’t matter if she was in her appropriate weight range, she was still very self-conscious.


It did leave the question as to what she’d wear tomorrow night. Her normal attire would be a tad underdressed for the big night. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to find something to wear for the occasion. Nothing like the skimpy pepto pink dress that Joey was now looking at.


On the wall was a pair of leather pants, “I don’t think so.” She muttered to herself, knowing she didn’t dare put those on. Next rack held outfits, made of tops and cheeky shorts, she almost toppled over in dismay.


“That would look nice on you.” Joey came trotting up to her, the bright dress in hand. “I found what I want to wear. Wow, look at the blue ones, these are killer. I might have to get these too.”


“You go ahead, I’d die from embarrassment, right after my parents shoot me.” Taree couldn’t believe the outfit, there was barely anything to it.


“Here, this would work for you.” Joey snatched a two piece outfit from the rack. It was a pair of blood red cheeky shorts with a matching top.


“I don’t think so, I doubt those things would cover up my ass. Not to mention I don’t have the bust to fill out the top. It’s totally laced up the front, I’m missing the essentials.” Taree pointed to her small breasts.


“You have enough, look it has a push up bra built into the top. It’ll give you the needed lift and the shorts will cover up your ass, just not much else.” Joey shoved the outfit into Taree’s arms, “we’ll have to find a pair of boots to match but that shouldn’t be a problem.”


“You can’t be serious! I can’t wear something like this, I’d look horrible.” Taree could swear the outfit was already making her cheeks burn red.


“Yes, you can and you will. You’ll look hot in it and I won’t take no for an answer. I need some new boots too, we’ll grab some lunch afterwards.” Joey took the outfit, deciding to put all three on her credit card. “Remember you are staying with us for a few days so it’s not like you have to worry about your parents having heart seizures.”


“I know but I’m not sure I have the nerve to walk out the front door being so exposed. I’m going to be laughed at, I just know it.” She could just see it now, she was short, she didn’t have long legs to show off.


“You’re too hard on yourself. That’s Dante speaking, not you, so no complaints. We are going to have a great time and let our hair down for a change.” Joey watched the clerk place the purchases in a white bag with the shop logo on front.


Taree wasn’t sure about that, she wasn’t into deluding herself. On the plus side, she wasn’t going out to attract a man. Maybe that was her problem, maybe she should. She had to ask herself why wasn’t she? Everyone else her age was dating on a regular basis, having sex and partying. The partying she’d probably never be able to get into but there was no reason she should be alone.


Was she letting all the downgrading done to her by a rotten sibling have that large of an impact on her social life? Yes, she was and she couldn’t deny it. She’d never be hot like a super model but she wasn’t ugly and she had some good qualities. It was very possible for her to find someone that would want to date her and he’d find her attractive.


“Okay, so am I going to go with flats or should it be heels?” Taree smiled as Joey beamed. It was time for her to stop worrying about the past and others. If she ever wanted to find someone, she had to start looking, he wasn’t going to fall out of the sky.


“I think flats would work better with that look, and dancing in heels sucks ass.” Joey was going to break Taree out of her shell even if it killed them both. The girl had Lydon for starters, it was also possible to add a few more guys to the list. It never hurt for a girl to have a list to choose from.




A/N: Just in case you don't know what booty shorts are, you can look them up online, I've heard them called boy shorts also. A simple search will give a good idea of what they are.


Next Chapter: Opening night and Lydon returns..... please read and review.