Honey and Blood Don't Mix

@ Sweet.Persephone
(It’s all good!!)

Orlando laughed softly as she explained it was for his safety. “I hate nosy neighbors.” He said and laughed dryly. Nosy people weren’t needed in his life. He set his face a little straight but quickly replaced it with a smile so rosemary wouldn’t notice. Nosy people got him in trouble, or would try to. And if they were the kind of old nosy neighbors, then they would watch the news, and they would know who he is. That could end in one of two ways: then calling the police on Orlando and exposing him to rosemary, or they would be so intimidated by who he was they wouldn’t say anything. He tapped his fingers on the wheel as he weighed the pros and cons about that.

Orlando glanced over as they drove and he smiled big when she said that she would make them dinner. “Oh I’m definitely coming over then.” He said, his smile widening. “A cat named marshmallow, I am definitely in.” He said and laughed. “I would also love dinner with you. Visit from the neighbors not so much. But I’ll deal with it. You’re worth it.” He said and reached over, patting her thigh. “What day works good for you? I can make any day work.” He said.

Orlando pulled up in front of Rosemary’s apartment, he was saddened their time was over, but happy with the development of their relationship so far. Orlando leaned across the seat and kissed her deeply. “Text me. I’m gonna grab a few things for work today, but I won’t be busy. I’ll text you.” He said softly. Orlando rested his forehead against hers and closed his eyes. He caressed her cheek with one hand and rubbed her thumb against her cheek. “I really enjoyed our time together, rosemary.” He said quietly. Orlando leaned back and put on a smirk. He put on his confident and cocky persona. “Have fun with your homework, sweetheart. I’ll see you later.” Orlando watched as Rosemary headed inside. He waited until she was inside before he drove off.

@ BadStreetBoys

She laid her hand down on top of his, slowly wrapping their fingers together and squeezing his hand. "I could do Tuesday or Wednesday?" Rosemary let out a small hum. "Wednesday would be better, if that works for you." Her thumb lightly rubbed against the back of his hand. Once he gave her a day, Rosemary smiled and nodded. "Perfect, I'll see you then. I'll text you about the time and a possible dinner option. Are you allergic to anything?"

When they pulled up to the apartment, Rosemary let go of his hand to start collecting her things. Though she stopped when he leaned over and kissed her. Rosemary was quick to kiss back and just started to relax against him when he pulled away. A soft, satisfied sigh escaped the young woman at the feeling of him rubbing her cheek. Orlando was just so incredibly soft with her, and she truly did love that. "I did too," She whispered to him.

"I will," Rosemary said with a light laugh. She leaned forward and pressed a quick kiss against his cheek. "But I promise it won't be as fun as spending time with you." With that, the young woman collected her items and made her way into the apartment building.

@ Sweet.Persephone
Orlando smiled as they planned for their date. “No allergies, I’ll eat just about anything. Wednesday works.” He told her with a large smirk. Orlando was excited, not for the possibility of sex again. But because he would get to see rosemary again, spend intimate time with her. Orlando laughed softly. “Oh sweetheart. I promise if you get involved with me, nothing will ever be as fun as being with me.” He teased. Once rosemary had her stuff he stole one more kiss from her lips before she left.

Orlando drove off and headed to the car shop. He saw two of his black SUVs there, at least his men listened. Orlando grabbed a pair of sunglasses from the console, he slid them on and got out of the car. Orlando moved to the first SUV and opened the back. Inside were numerous boxes, Orlando pulled a knife from his pocket, cutting open the box, and looking into it. “All here?” He asked gruffly. His eyes looking between the four men in the vehicle. “Yes sir.” One responded. Orlando pulled out one of the baggies and opened it, rubbing the white powdery substance between his fingers. Orlando wasn’t one to get high off his own supply, but he would test product if needed. He inhaled the powder left on his fingers, losing his eyes and waiting a moment. “Fine.” He said and closed the bag, tossing it back into the box. “You know what the deal is. Whatever you individually sell, you get a cut of. My cut is due every Friday. If I don’t get my cut, we’ll, let’s just say I always get my cut.” He said and smirked.

Orlando moved to the second SUV, he knocked on the drivers window and waited for it to roll down. “You need a different car.” He said and rolled his eyes at the two men inside. “What girl won’t notice a large SUV following her?” He said and smacked the car. “I swear, you’re all idiots sometimes.” He said. “We own a car garage, find a less suspicious car. Leave this one here.” He ordered and stepped back to allow them to get out. “Don’t let her notice. I don’t need her being paranoid about being stalked. I just want her to be safe. She doesn’t know about this life, and if Ricky and his gang find out about this. They will use her against me. And I’ll kill both of you if someone lays a hand on her.” Orlando told them. “Have fun. You’ll get paid well if you do your job well.” He said and moved across the lot, back to his car.

@ BadStreetBoys

Over the next few days, Rosemary did not have an opportunity to see Orlando. Between school, volleyball and her brother, there was no time to actually go spend time with Orlando. Her brother seemed to be even more annoying than usual, taking up a lot of her time after she told him that she was still seeing Orlando. At this point, Rosemary just attributed it to him being overprotective, as he always was, with a combo of knowing that Orlando got into fights. The second reason was fair...but Rosemary was trusting Orlando to keep his promise to her and she would give him the chance until he proved her wrong.

But, in the meantime, Rosemary was making time to text Orlando. Just checking in on him, and telling him about what was going on in her life. The more she talked to Orlando, the more confident Rosemary was that she wanted to be with him. And she was definitely pleased with the fact that cell phones existed. Otherwise, she truly would have had to wait to talk to him until she was free on Wednesday, which just seemed truly horrible.

Even so, Wednesday came. Rosemary spent her morning at school and later in the afternoon, she started to get everything ready. She prepped what she could before getting dressed into something more on the casual side. Rosemary then went back to finishing up dinner, making sure not to get her clothes messy in the process. She had decided to make them butternut squash ravioli along with a homemade bread. And she had even made them dessert, which was currently cooling in the freezer.

@ Sweet.Persephone
Orlando went easily through his days. He made sure not to take on any of the dangerous drug runs or interrogations. He didn’t want to have any new bruises or scars when he went to see Rosemary. He wanted her to see him as the good boy he promised to be. He and his father were strategizing a lot as well, giving him an excuse not to be on the street. Orlando told his father about Rosemary, which made him laugh. His father accused him of already going soft, but emphasized with Orlando. He had been the same way with Orlando’s mother.

Orlando was texting Rosemary whenever they could. He enjoyed it. His men had been noticing it too. He was happier, and just a tad calmer. But he still had no problem knowing heads around, shooting, or stabbing. He hadn’t needed to hurt anyone in the days away, but he still threatened them. Early Wednesday morning there was a turf dispute, shots were being fired. Orlando groaned knowing he had to go. He drove his pickup, and parked a few blocks away. Orlando grabbed his handgun from the glove compartment and he headed towards where his men were. He barked out orders and asked for updates. Apparently one of Ricky’s men had been trying to sell on their corner, it caused a fight, and reinforcements came in from both side. Orlando checked his phone and the time. He needed this to be done in an hour if he would be on time to Rosemary’s.

Orlando took a few shots, taking out at least one of the rival gang members. Ricky’s gang began to back off soon after, they were too far out from their territory and couldn’t get more men in without them being taken out by Orlando’s men. Orlando was relieved at the truce, which would last at least for now. He heard the sirens, finally. He laughed, it had been over an hour and the police were finally going to do something. He yelled at his men to get out of there. Himself running to his truck snd immediately heading to Rosemary’s. When he arrived, he parked his car in the driveway. Orlando looked in his mirror, touching himself up and making sure he looked presentable. Orlando made his way up the stairs and to her door, he knocked and smiled as he waited for her to answer.

@ BadStreetBoys

Hearing the knock on her door, Rosemary was quick to head over. But she did not open it right away, instead taking a moment to smooth out her hair and clothes. She didn't want to look too messy despite the fact that she had been making them dinner. Once she was satisfied, Rosemary opened the door, smiling brightly at Orlando. "Hello there, handsome." Rosemary purred as she stepped aside for him to walk in. She then closed the door before turning and pressing a quick kiss against his cheek.

"This is my apartment," Rosemary told him, motioning off to the room. It was about the size one would expect for a grad student apartment. "Let me give you a quick tour," She stepped in further and started to motion to different areas of the room. "This is the kitchen, the dining table and the living room." She then walked into the short hallway of the apartment. "Here is the bathroom, and this is the door to the bedroom."

"Feel free to look around. I need to go back to dinner, the bread is almost done." Rosemary laid a hand on his cheek, leaning up to kiss the other side before she shifted back down and made her way to the kitchen. Orlando actually had some pretty good timing. Dinner was actually very close to done. With that thought, she threw in the ravioli into the pot of boiling water before turning to the bottle of wine she had let air out. "Would you like anything to drink?"

@ Sweet.Persephone
Orlando licked his lips when he saw rosemary open the door. “Well hello there.” He purred. “You look good, as always.” He said and stepped inside. Orlando grabbed her hips and pulled Rosemary to him. He pressed his lips to hers passionately. He had felt deprived not being able to kiss her the last few days. “I have missed that.” He told her with a smirk. “I have missed you, Rosemary.” He told her softly.

Orlando followed Rosemary inside and was looking around. “Impressive getup for a poor college student.” He teased as he looked around. “Ooh bread. You know a man loves his carbs, huh?” He asked and Pat his stomach. “Alright, I promise I won’t go snooping in your medicine cabinet.” He teased and began to look around. He tries to seem as casual as he could. But Orlando was scoping it out. He was noticing where things could be dangerous, where people could hide, where she or he could be seen from the outside. He moved about the house and checked everything. Once he was content and had made notes on how to make it safer, Orlando returned to the kitchen.

Orlando smiled as he saw Rosemary in her element snd making dinner. “I’ll take a big cup of you.” He said with a grin. “I’m fine with anything, really.” He murmured and sat down at the table. Orlando pulled his phone out, checking his numerous messages. Mostly about the shooting. None of his men were apprehended. One had been shot though, and they went off to see Orlando’s surgeon brother who would handle it. They told Orlando they weren’t sure if he would make it. His men also told him that three of Ricky’s men were killed. He smirked to himself and sent out a text acknowledging the information. Orlando put his phone on silent, put it sassy and turned his attention back to Rosemary.

@ BadStreetBoys

"A big cup of me, hm?" Rosemary asked with a smile on her lips. "I think that would be possible, after dinner." She purred to him before pouring two glasses of the wine. Rosemary set the bottle down before heading over to him and place the glass in front of him. "Tell me if you like it. If not, I have other options." She leaned in and pressed another kiss against his lips. But this time, it was a lot slower and sensual. Her tongue lightly ran along the bottom of his and nipped at Orlando's bottom lip. But after a moment, Rosemary pulled out of the kiss. "I missed you too, Orlando."

The woman then stepped away from him entirely and went back into the kitchen. Dinner was almost done and she was glad that Orlando seemed to have such good timing. She took the sauce off of the heat and then pulled the freshly bake bread out of the oven. The salad had already been completed a while ago so now all Rosemary was waiting for was the ravioli to be thoroughly cooked, which typically only took a few minutes.

As she waited, Rosemary leaned back into the cabinet and looked to Orlando. She took her glass of wine and took a long sip before setting it down onto the counter. "How have you been the last few days?" Rosemary asked him warmly. "I know you have been busy with work and such. At least that is what you told me." She let out a soft laugh. "But have you gotten the chance to do anything else?"

@ Sweet.Persephone
Orlando looked over at the glass of wine he was handed. He wasn’t usually a wine drinker, he preferred liquor or beer. But free alcohol was free alcohol to him. “I’m sure this will be fine. I’ll probably have some water with our dinner too though.” He commented and picked up the glass taking a sip. Orlando couldn’t help but smirk when she kissed him again. He wanted to grab her and pin her down on this table right here and now. But Orlando wanted to behave himself. He rubbed his hands together as he watched her step away and back into the kitchen.

Orlando sighed and checked his phone again while her back was turned. He knew what happened. He was there. He wanted to be left alone and all his men wanted were to ask stupid questions about the shooting. He glanced up at Rosemary to make sure she wasn’t looking at him and went back to his work. As soon as he heard rosemary turn around and speak, he put his phone away. He refused to be dinged for being a date that wasn’t paying enough attention to his girlfriend. “They’re fine.” He said and laughed softly. “I haven’t really done anything except work. I’m not very exciting.” He teased and took a sip of his drink. “What have you been up to, sweetheart?”

Orlando’s phone began to buzz in his pocket and he let out a groan. “I am so sorry, Rosemary.” He mumbled and stood up. “We had an emergency at work earlier. I have to take this. It’ll only be a minute. Just make me a plate if the food is done.” He said before answering his phone and stepping out of the dining room and moving into the bathroom. “I told you I was busy.... yes I mean it.. can you not handle it alone?... what am I paying you for?.. tell Dalton I will pay him back, I’ll come explain later, just tell him anything he wants to hear right now and get it done.. no I haven’t looked at the news.” Orlando sighed again as he hung up. He came back into the kitchen and gave her an apologetic smile. “I’m so sorry, won’t happen again.” He told her and took Rosemary’s hand, kissing her knuckles.

@ BadStreetBoys

"Oh, just a lot of school, homework, and volleyball. Well, that and my brother has been coming over the past couple of days to check on me. It has just been really busy but good as well." Rosemary told him. All of it was true. Though she was not going to mention that her brother had been coming over consistently because she was dating Orlando. He definitely didn't need to know that. Especially since her brother was just being a bit insane. Hopefully, Rosemary could get the man to cool down before they ever had to meet. It wasn't like she was going to stay single forever... Really she had no idea what her sibling was expecting from her.

"Okay," Rosemary said as she watched Orlando head off into the bathroom. She was curious as to what an emergency in a car place would look like. Maybe a car blew up? Who knew. But although her interest was peaked, Rosemary wasn't going to ask him about it. Surely Orlando could use a break from work, since it sounded like that was all he had been doing over the last couple of days. And she certainly did not want him to think that she was upset because he was taking care of the business he owned. If Orlando wanted to tell her, he would. So she turned back and focused on dinner. With the ravioli done, Rosemary made both of their plates. She was just cutting the bread when Orlando came back.

"It's okay." She murmured to him as he kissed her knuckles. A pleasant hum left her and she gently squeezed his hands. "Dinner is ready." Rosemary set down a slice of bread onto his plate before hanging it to Orlando, along with the glass of water he wanted with dinner. She then picked up her own plate as well as the platter she had put the bread and butter onto. Rosemary headed over to the table and sat down in her seat, setting both plates down before relaxing a bit and taking a bit. It truly was delicious and exactly what she had been hoping for when she picked on the meal. It was something she had only made a few times before, so Rosemary was glad that it went well.

@ Sweet.Persephone
Orlando grinned softly. “Sounds like you’re having more fun than I am.” He teased. “When is your next volleyball game? Maybe I should come watch.” Orlando told her with a smirk. “I would never say no to seeing that fine ass in a pair of booty shorts.” He teased, his eyes slowly tracing over her entire body. He wanted her to know how attractive she was to him. He rubbed his hands together and licked his lips. “I’ll be a good boy I promise.” He teased.

Orlando took the plate and glass of water from Rosemary. He inhaled deeply. “Oh wow, Rosemary this smells delicious.” He paused and took another breath in. “Wow.” He murmured and moved to the table. Orlando set his plate down and took a sip of his water before he set the glass down as well. “I can’t believe you made all this for a big lug like me.” He said with a laugh. Orlando grabbed his butter knife, taking a small knob of butter from the tray, and spreading it on the piece of bread she gave him. Orlando took a bite of the bread and let out a quiet moan. “Hell, Rosemary, if the rest of the meal is this good I’m moving in so you can cook for me every night.” He teased with a grin.

Orlando dug into the rest of the meal, it was absolutely delicious. Every part of it. The ravioli, the salad, the bread. The wine she had picked out for the meal complimented it almost perfectly. Orlando grabbed his napkin and wiped his mouth as he looked up and across at Rosemary. “I picked a winner.” He told her. Orlando reached across the table and took her hand. He squeezed Rosemary’s hand gentle. “Thank you for this. I haven’t had a good homemade meal in a while.” Orlando wa a grateful she seemed so calm and relaxed with him. She hasn’t even batted an eye when he took a phone call, and that was good for him. Orlando hoped she would stay this way. It would be easier to his secret if she didn’t question his random phone calls, disappearances, and whatnot.

@ BadStreetBoys

Rosemary shook her head a little at him with a wide smile on her face. "My next volleyball game is in a week. But you really don't have to come if all you want to see is my ass in some booty shorts. I can always come to your house is my uniform." She purred softly to him, "Besides, the team normally goes out to dinner after the game to celebrate." Some of the girls would bring their boyfriends from time to time but since Orlando wasn't actually her boyfriend yet, she felt a little weird asking him if he would want to do that. After all, she was the one who asked for more time.

Once Orlando was getting ready to take a bite, Rosemary looked over at him with wide eyes, hoping that he would enjoy the dinner that he made. And, fortunate enough, Orlando seemed to love it. A huge smile came over her face and the young woman sat up straighter in her chair, quite pleased with how this was going. If Orlando didn't enjoy the food, then it all would have been a bust. "I am so glad that you like it," Rosemary beamed over at him. "Though, I have to admit that I don't cook like this every night."

A soft giggle escaped her as he reached over and took her hand. She lightly squeezed it back before leaning over and pressing a gentle kiss against his cheek. "You're welcome, I am really glad that you enjoyed it." She then leaned back and finished up her food before setting her fork down and standing up. Rosemary went over to his side and gently ran a hand through his hair. "I also made dessert but we can wait until you're ready. I wouldn't want you to burst!"

@ Sweet.Persephone
Orlando nodded and pretending to think tapping his chin. “Ill be there just tell me where and when.” He reassured her. “Listen, I’ll go watch you in those sexy shorts and then take you home in them and I both get to watch you, abs have you wear your uniform to my house.” He said with a light laugh. “Okay okay, I’ll watch and you could come over after your celebratory dinner.” He teased. Orlando couldn’t help but smirk as he thought about how good Rosemary would look. He bit his lip for a moment then continued to eat. Orlando wanted to make sure she knew he liked her for more than her rocking body.

Orlando glanced up at Rosemary, smiling at her reaction. All he wanted was to make her happy. He could enjoy any food she made him, even if he didn’t like it, if it meant that she would be happy. “I don’t like it, Rosemary.” He paused snd smirked. “I love it.” He teased. “That’s fine with me. I think I just want an excuse to come over and be with you.” Orlando looked up at Rosemary as she made her way over to him. He finished his last couple bites of food and turned his attention to her. His arm wrapped around her waist as he stayed sitting down. He rested his head on her chest, smiling with her hand in his hair. “I loved when you touch my hair.” He murmured.

“Dessert? Damn woman you really know how to go all out and make a man happy.” Orlando said with a laugh. He moved his chair back slightly and stood up, moving his arm from her waist to her shoulders. “Let’s get these dishes outta the way and then have some dessert.” He said and kissed her forehead. “Then I can give you your dessert.” Orlando told her with a smirk, his hand moving to her ass and giving it a good squeeze. Orlando reached down and grabbed his plate and two glasses, he moved into the kitchen and placed them all into the sink. “So your neighbors haven’t stopped by yet, am I making good time?” He asked with a grin as Orlando turned to face Rosemary again.

@ BadStreetBoys

As Orlando reassured her that he did want to go to the volleyball game, Rosemary beamed over at him. How did she get such a catch? The more she spent time with and learned about, Orlando, the less it made any sense that he wasn't already in a serious relationship. "In that case, I would love to have you come watch me." She purred to him. "I can skip dinner and go eat with you. We do it after every game so it is not a big deal if I decided to skip one." And Rosemary would be happy to if it meant that she could spend more time with Orlando.

"Sounds like I will have to have you over more often," Rosemary told him as she continued to run her fingers through his hair. Gently running her fingers along his scalp every so often as she did so. "I'll make you dinner sometimes and other times, we can order in." She really did like the idea of having Orlando come to spend time with her at her place. Though, Rosemary just liked the idea because it meant that they would be together, not necessarily about the location of where they were. Though, admittedly, she did find her home very comfortable. "Yeah? I'll have to play with your hair more often then."

Once he stood up and kissed her forehead, Rosemary's eyes closed. A pleasant hum left the woman before she opened her eyes back up to look at the man. Though she immediately laughed as he said he would give her dessert and squeezed her ass. "And what dessert would that be?" Rosemary teased as she watched him head over to the kitchen. Her eyes shifted over to the clock as he mentioned making good time with her neighbors. "I am sure they are arguing about who should come over and what excuse to use to do so. One of them will come over at the worse moment possible." She laughed a bit. "But we can always ignore the knocking if that happens."

@ Sweet.Persephone
Orlando smiled proudly when she said they could hang out or get dinner after her game. He didn’t want to pull her away from her friends. Orlando wanted Rosemary to have other people in her life. But he was also a jealous and possessive man’s and sometimes wanted to keep her all to himself. “You’ll have to introduce me to all your friends sometime, you know.” He teased with a gentle smile. Orlando looked up at rosemary as she played with his hair and talked about them spending more time together. “Honestly, Rosemary, I love the sound of all of that.” He said with a light laugh. “You playing with my hair. Us hanging out. You making dinner. Us ordering takeout. Sign me up for all of it.”

Orlando was enjoying how the evening was going. It felt right. He couldn’t explain it to himself any other way besides that. Being here with her felt right. His eyes were bright and full of excitement. Orlando licked his lips before he leaned down and whispered in her ear. “I’ve got something nice abs long ready for your dessert.” He stood tall after his comment, just wanted to tease her a little bit. After he was done putting his dishes away he made his way back over. “Yea if we are wearing any less clothes than this I think ignoring it might be the best option.”’he said and laughed.

Pros and sat back down at the table, though he turned in his chair so he could face rosemary. Orlando liked sitting down because he wasn’t towering over Rosemary when he sat. His size was good for the gang life. But when he was so large he had to stare down at his partner, that got a little old quick. “So what’s for dessert?” He asked licking his lips. “I’m a big man, I can eat, sweetheart. Don’t worry.” He told her and Pat his stomach again. As rosemary moved to get the dessert he watched her with a gentle smile. “You ever watch the news, Rosemary?” He asked. Orlando wasn’t sure if this would pique her interest and get her watching it. That wasn’t his intended consequence. He didn’t want her to find out who he was inadvertently. But he just needed to know if she knew and didn’t care. Or if she was oblivious to it all.

@ BadStreetBoys

"Of course," Rosemary laughed. "But you're going to have to be a little patient. After all, you have already told me that you aren't fond of nosy people." She ruffled up his hair again before stepping back to head over to the freezer. "I have made a cheesecake!" Rosemary told him as she brought it over to the table and set it down. The woman then turned and went to grab small plates, forks and a knife for the both of them. "Now this is a family recipe so if you don't like it, I am going to have to kick you out and block you from my phone."

"The news? Not really. It's just so sad. Why, did something happen?" Before Orlando had gotten the chance to answer, there was a knock at the door. "I think that might be them." She said as she made her way over to the door and looked through the peephole. Once she saw who it was, Rosemary moved back from her tiptoes and opened the door. Two women walked in. One was a redhead with freckles all along her face, who was wearing a casual sweater dress and the other was a dark-haired woman with a thick cat eye, wearing lounging athletic wear.

"Hi, do you two need something? I am kinda in the middle of a date," Rosemary said. Though she stepped back nonetheless and the two women walked in, one holding a wine bottle. "It will only be a moment, we need to use your bottle opener." The redhead said as she lifted it up.

"Though you can introduce us to your friend, while you are here." The dark haired woman said as she looked over at Orlando. Though the moment her eyes landed on him, her head tilted in thought as her eyebrows narrowed.

"Of course," Rosemary said with a warm laugh. "This is Orlando, and Orlando, these are my neighbors, Susan and Alice."

@ Sweet.Persephone
Orlando grinned as he saw the cheesecake. It looked absolutely delectable. He really scored with this girl. If it was as good as her dinner there was no way he wouldn’t love it. “Oh sweetheart. I’m pretty sure I’ll eat this whole thing by myself.” He said with a hearty laugh. Orlando grabbed the knife and cut himself a piece. He put his plate in front of him and cut Rosemary a piece as well, sliding the second plate in front of her. “If this is as delicious as your dinner. I’m gonna have to marry you right here and now because cheesecake is my favorite.” He told her with excited eyes. Orlando grabbed his fork and uh in. He let out a quiet moan after the first bite. “Alright that settles it. When can you meet my father?” He teased, laughing to himself.

Orlando’s instincts kicked in the second he heard the door. He was glad Rosemary hurried off to answer it so she wouldn’t notice his almost visceral reaction. His eyes narrowed, his body tensed up, he balled his hands into fists. A knock on the door was rarely good for him. It was usually either police, his men in an emergency, or another gang banger trying to jump him. He took a few deep breaths and wiped the Instinctive aggression and fear off his face. He stood up and turned to the door. Orlando shoved his hands in his pockets and stood about eight feet from the door. His eyes moved up and down the women. Neither seemed like a threat or a rival gang member which put him at ease even more.

Orlando chuckled slightly at the wine, of course. That was an interesting excuse those. He smiled politely when Rosemary introduced the couple. “Hello, I’m Orlando Burton.” He said, his voice deep and husky. He noticed the look one of the women gave him. He could almost feel a head of sweat form on his forehead. He was praying to god that she didn’t recognize him. Orlando kept his hands shoved into his Jean pockets. He wasn’t sure if shaking their hands was a good thing or not. If they did recognize him, he didn’t want to intimidate them or anything.

@ BadStreetBoys

"Hello, Orlando, it is nice to meet you," Susan said warmly as she walked further into the apartment. She then looked over at Rosemary, a bit of a smirk on her face. "So, this must be the boy you have been talking about, hm?"

Rosemary shook her head at Susan but the warm smile stayed on her face. "You already know that it is. In fact, I think I might have mentioned that he was coming over tonight. So strange that you managed to lose your wine opener."

Susan gave a cheeky grin. "Oh, you know how people swipe things during parties. Someone must have taken it home."

"Hm mh." Rosemary said as she walked into the kitchen to grab the one that she had.

Alice, on the other hand, was still looking at Orlando quizzically. "You look so familiar, Orlando. What would I know you from?" The woman let out a thoughtful hum before continuing on. "You weren't at Jason Lima's 23 birthday bash a month ago were you?" The dark haired female asked before she squinted her eyes at him. "Or, maybe...Have you ever worked at a Dairy Queen?"

Rosemary let out a laugh at the dairy Queen suggestion. "I am sure that he wouldn't have lasted long if he did. Probably would eat up all of the inventory and they would have nothing to sell to the customers!"

@ Sweet.Persephone
Orlando kept a polite smile on his face and kept his hands in his pocket. He laughed softly as Rosemary was, politely, calling the two women out. He moved back into the kitchen as the women all followed suit. He sat back down at the table. He had cheesecake to eat and he wasn’t gonna let nosy neighbors stop him. That cheesecake was too good.

Orlando heard his name and looked up, mid-bite of his cheesecake. He swallowed and wiped his mouth with a napkin before he turned his full attention to Alice. He gave a small smile and shook his head. “No ma’am.” He said snd laughed softly as she asked about the Dairy Queen. “No.” He murmured and ran his hand through his hair. “I, uhm, I own a car shop downtown by the docks, my father and I run it.” He said and gave her a polite smile.

Orlando feigned being offended when Rosemary said he would eat everything at Dairy Queen. “Rude.” He teased with a smile. Orlando looked back at the women. “But yea, if you’ve had any work or bought a car recently that’s probably it.” He said with a shrug. He hoped they wouldn’t think too much more into it, or look into him. They seemed nosy but not that nosy. Orlando felt as if he wanted to run abs hide. But he just turned his attention back to the cheesecake and continued to eat.

@ BadStreetBoys

When Orlando mentioned the car shop, Alice did not seem convinced. But, nonetheless, the woman offered a shrug. "I'll let you know if I can put my finger on it." She said warmly.

Rosemary smiled over at Alice, "I am sure that you will remember. Now, would you two like a slice of cheesecake for the road?" She asked them as she handed Susan the now open bottle of wine.

"Yes, we would love some." Susan said as she took the bottle. She then looked at Orlando. "Rosemary is the best cook and baker. You should feel lucky to get such a dessert." She said with a warm smile and a laugh. "Sometimes it is impossible for us to get her to make us anything."

"Shush now." Rosemary said as she cut two slices and put it onto a plate, handing it to Alice. "Now off with the both of you,"

Alice took the plate but looked over Orlando one last time before turning around and heading on her way. Susan did the same. And once they were both out, Rosemary shut the door.