A shoulder to lean on

Part 4 - Child's play

Answering the front door, Lindsey was face to face with Roger. At first he didn't know what to say, he wanted to close that door right in his face but from the talk he had with Stevie last night... well, he was now unsure of what to think about this man.

"Good afternoon, Buck," Roger greeting Lindsey politely as he stepped through the door. "Where is my little lady?" rubbing his hands together. "Let me guess," holding up a finger, "...she's still getting ready," acting as if he's known her his whole life.

"Look," Lindsey began as he closed the door, "...before I let her know that you are here, I just wanted to get something off of my chest. I've known Stephanie for over fifty years and I care about her more than anyone could ever imagine," touching his chest. "She's my friend and I love her very much. I, frankly, don't trust you," stepping in close. "I won't let her be harmed physically or mentally by anyone and though I don't know what your expectations are when it comes to her, I want you to know that I am watching  you. Stephanie deserves the best of everything that a man can offer and I swear to God, if you what-so-ever make her feel inadequate... I'll pull ever fake strand of that hair off your head; I'll make those Botox injections impossible to dissolve the imprint of my knuckles to your face; I can ruin your business so fast that it will make your head spin like a record. Your "little lady"  is a gem, a rarity that only so many people get to enjoy so you better make sure that you are treating her right, or you'll have not just me after your ass. Got it?"  giving him a nod.

"Are you threatening me?"  appalled.

"It shouldn't sound like a threat if you're treating her right."

"Well, I clearly see where we stand - though I knew from the beginning that you would have some sort of jealousy for me. I will stay out of your way and you, please, get out of mine," gesturing towards Lindsey that was standing in front of him, blocking his way in the corridor.

"Watch yourself, Hines, I won't play nice."

Roger laughed. "Oh, Buck, I don't have time for your possessive immaturity. I'd like to see my girlfriend now."

"Be my guest," stepping to the side and gesturing towards the staircase. "Just remember, if you break her heart... I'll break your face."

Lindsey watched as this Richard Gere look a like jogged up the marble stairs, first checking himself out in the elongated mirror between two pillars, smirking back towards Lindsey as he disappeared.

"You're so vain,"  Lindsey sung to himself as he took a seat in the Living room, wanting to be able to see Stevie leave. When she came down the stairs, it was obvious that he was about to get an earful, Stevie telling Roger that she forgot something and that she would meet him on the porch.

"Lindsey," said Stevie as she walked up to him, clutching the strap of her purse, "...did you threaten him?"

Scoffing, Lindsey crossed his arms over his chest. "I had a few words."

She shook her head and placed her hands on to her hips. "Lindsey, please, I don't need a protector."

Standing, he mocked her stance. "Who said I was?"

"Dammit, Linds, we had this talk last night..."

"Stevie," leaning his head back, "...I don't trust or believe any of his intentions are good."

"This is my relationship, Lindsey, I don't need a father figure to assist."

"Maybe it's just because I know what is best for you."

"I think maybe you should let me decide what is best for myself."

There was nothing else that he could say, just shaking his head and waving a hand. "I hope you have a nice afternoon, I will be here all day."