quiet night at quinn's. [open]

[raymondkentler]

Ray Kentler took his usual seat at Quinn's Diner. He had been eating here more often than not lately, mostly because he hated sitting alone at his apartment at night. Well, that and he kept forgetting to go grocery shopping when he actually had the time to. It had been busy lately at Murphy's, the local strip club run by the Irish mob, which he was a part of. He was a bartender there, most of the time, though occasionally he was security; helping to keep his girls safe. He chuckled at the thought.

He flipped through the pages of the menu, trying to decide what he should eat tonight. He had been getting the chicken lately, but he had had it so often lately that he was getting rather sick of it. He really did need to go shopping, and do laundry, and call his sister. There was so much that he hadn't done lately because he had been busy between working at Murphy's, small errands for the mob, and his drunken one night stands.

The waitress who was his usual server walked up to the table. "The chicken?" she asked, a soft smile on her face. Ray chuckled and shook his head lightly. "Nah, I think tonight I'll have a steak," he replied, closing his menu and winking at the small girl as he handed it to her. "And a coke." He made a mental note to go shopping when he was done here.

While waiting for his food to show up, he pulled out his cell phone. it was a cheap thing, something he could toss out if need be. He didn't like the idea of anyone from his past life tracking him down. Quickly, he dialed Mandy's number and listened to the phone ring. She didn't answer, but that was usual, she had her own life to attend to and he didn't exactly fit in anymore. "Hey sis, it's me. Just thought I'd check in on ya. Uh, I guess I'll try again in a few days. Love you." he muttered into the receiver before quickly hitting the end button and shoving the phone back in his pocket. He almost wished she had picked up, he missed his baby sister. That and he was extremely lonely. He sat at the booth by himself, wishing for some company.

[Francesca Maria Bianchi]

Frankie walked into Quinn’s diner, not really the highest class place in the world, but then again Frankie wasn’t really a high class kind of girl, so it worked out nicely. Quinn’s was kind of a staple in the east end, her dad used to take her here when she was a kid for cherry pie and ice cream when she was a kid, she’d had her first make out session in the corner by the jukebox with Rodney Valentino in the seventh grade, her and her friends used to hang out in the vinyl covered booths while the y were skipping science class in high school, it was one of those places that was just ingrained as part of River City. Now that she and her brother’s shared apartment was only a few blocks away, she found herself wandering in whenever she couldn’t be bothered to actually cook and when Marco was too busy to cater to her demands and make her dinner, so really, that meant quite often.

She grinned at the waitress on duty as she entered giving her a wave. Frankie waltzed over, leaned over the counter, having to rest her torso on the high counter as her feet dangled, and kissed the girl loudly on the cheek. An odd greeting for the wait staff, to be sure, but this was her neighborhood, her and the girl… whose name she would remember eventually.. had ended up stumbling home together from the bar on more than one occasion. Plus she was here half the time when Frankie decided to stop in. Ergo, they were practically best friends by now. “ Long time no see bitch” she said with an easy grin as she slid off the counter. She chatted for a moment, all the while trying to place what her name was… Ashley? No, that wasn’t right… Nancy?... she was sure it ended with a Y… oh well, not important, it would come to her at some point.

She looked around the diner, it was a little earlier than she normally stopped by, and the place seemed oddly quiet. She plopped herself down at a table near the back, resting her feet on the seat across the table. When the waitress came around she ordered a coffee and her normal double cheese burger with fries and gravy. It was a small miracle the was blessed with her mother’s metabolism. She leaned back, waiting for her coffee, when she spotted a guy at a table not far off alone. Now Frankie couldn’t say if he was lonely or not, or if he looked like he wanted company at all, she wasn’t that great at reading people. What she did know was that she was bored, and crashing someone else’s table was better than sitting by herself. She got up and walked over to the other booth, sliding in across from the guy “ Well isn’t it your lucky day handsome, you look like you could use some company, and I’m bored.” she said, settling down, not bothering to wait for a response.

[raymondkentler]

It was a little while before anyone else entered the diner, Ray had gotten his coke and he assumed his food would be done any minute now. But when the door opened, Ray looked over and watched as the girl entered the diner. He watched as she planted a kiss on the waiter's cheek, he raised an eyebrow at this and chuckled lightly, some people were so strange. The new woman talked to the waiter, he thought she had introduced herself as Ashley before but had never really paid much attention; he just avoided calling her by name as to not offend her. If it hadn't become a regular spot of his, he probably wouldn't have cared much.

He was a little surprised when the girl sat down at his booth. The surprise quickly faded with her comment and he chuckled lightly. "I suppose some company would be good, especially if the company is as pretty as you," he started to work his charm. This was Ray for you, he would hit on just about any pretty woman, but that was just his way. He had always been a huge flirt, and that wasn't going to change anytime soon.

His food arrived not that long after the woman had sat down. He dug into his steak, taking a few bites and chewing them slowly. Mmm, he hadn't had a good steak in a long time, and this one was pretty damn good. Taking a drink from his coke and then wiping his hands on his khaki colored cargo shorts, he looked back up at the girl. "Do you sit with random people often?"

"So, what's your name doll face?" Pet names were another big Ray thing, all women were referred to doll face, beautiful, darling, or baby. To his surprise, he had actually pissed off quite a few women that way. Maybe it's because they thought he was full of shit, which was very possible. He took a few bites of mashed potatoes and awaited an answer.

[Francesca Maria Bianchi]

Frankie's mouth split into a small grin at his first comment, well points go to him for not being phased by her joining him without any sort of introduction, and she supposed points for trying to lay on the charm right off. Frankie wasn't really one who needed the who charming and wooing crap that most girls seem to go for, but it didn't mean she couldn't appreciate when someone put out the effort. “ Ahh, very smooth and definitely the right answer. It would be a bad start if you told me to eff off and I was forced to dump your water over your head.” she said with a little nod, brushing her bangs back out of her eye. “ Though to be fair, I might still do it, you look like the kind of guy who'd be better a little wet.” She said, giving him a blatant once over, subtly wasn't really one of the girl's strong points.

Her coffee came a few moments after his food, and while he took his first bites, she occupied herself by loading it with sugar. Her eyes darted over the table, with only one set of silverware already laid out, she figured it wasn't really in good form to reach over and steal a complete strangers spoon, so in a rare moment of social grace, though definitely lacking manners, she opted to stir her coffee with a finger. She licked the excess off then gave her hand a quick swipe on her jeans. She smiled a little, wrapping her hands around the warm mug, taking a second to let her fingers warm, it really didn't seem to matter what time of year it was, Frankie always was chilled. She brought the mug to her mouth and took a gulp, shaking her head. “ Oh there was nothing random about it. I very specifically only come to sit with good looking men who are, for unfathomable reasons, alone.” she grinned taking another little sip,

She couldn't help but let out a laugh, she'd been called a lot of things over the years, but dollface, that was a new one, even to her. “ Dollface? You know, I can't say that I've ever been called 'dollface' before. Makes me think I've stepped into some 1940's timewarp or something. I think I kinda like it. The name's Frankie, and you are?

[raymondkentler]

Ray had a small smile plastered on his face. Setting his fork down slowly he sat back in the booth, he didn't bother to conceal it as he looked her over, Frankie obviously wasn't. He chuckled and shook his head. "Well to be fair, I think if you do it, than it should give me every right to do the same." He gave her a sly wink and picked his fork back up, taking a few more bites.

Ray watched Frankie carefully, it was something he had learned to do. He had to watch people, make sure he was safe. People were easy, most of the time; you can tell their intentions by their body movements. This doesn't apply to all people, of course, some are very talented in controlling themselves, but most are not. He watched as she dumped the sugar in her coffee, he took a couple more bites. He watched as she stuck her finger in the coffee and stirred it, he took a drink. Shaking his head, he pushed food around on his plate with his fork. "You know, you could have just asked for my spoon. It wouldn't be a problem."

He smiled, looking down at his food. "Men who are alone, eh? Sounds like a good way to get in trouble." He ate the last of his food before pushing the plate away, he was full now. At her next comment, he shook his head lightly, a small smile creeping on to his handsome face. "Well then, dollface, I'll continue to call you that," he said, giving her another wink. "I'm Ray."

[Francesca Maria Bianchi]

Frankie had a bit of a smirk on her face as the guy across from her looked her over, well see now, that was what things should be like. The girl was a big fan of flirting , she seemed completely unable to shut it off, regardless of who she was talking too, man, woman, old young, no one was off limits when it came to Frankie’s attentions. What she hated was the bull shit that so often went along with it. The whole coy thing, the games, it was a pain in the ass. If you’re going to be bantering back and forth, what the hell was the use of being subtle? Maybe some girls liked that whole side of things, but really, she figured if you were going to check someone out, just freaking do it already, don’t worry about trying to hide it. The cheesy and awesome wink just added bonus points. “ Ah, fair enough, and where would that leave us? Soaking wet with nowhere to go. And while walking around topless while your shirt dries is a very, vvvvverry good option for you, I am pretty sure the same thing would get me arrested”

Frankie was aware of his eyes on her, but like so many things, it didn’t really give her much pause. Working in a bar, she was used to people watching her, usually in a leery, sleazy way, but watching her nonetheless. Frankie didn’t think she was the best looking girl in the world or anything, but she was confident enough to know she was reasonably attractive, and when you’re a woman who’s relatively good looking, you can’t go getting the heebie jeebies every time someone’s gaze lingered on you. She chuckled a little, shrugging her shoulders. “ True, I could have asked, but then why bother, a finger is a perfectly reasonable substitute for a spoon” she said taking another gulp of coffee.

The waitress came back, dropping off a plate with her burger and fries, and Frankie smiled brightly. “ Thanks hun, you just became my favourite person.”Her nose crinkled a little as she walked away and Frankie turned her attention back to the man across from her. “ I feel like such a jerk, I know I’m supposed to know her name, and eventually she’s gonna wonder why I keep calling her sweetie and hun” she said with a little smile. She picked up the burger and took a large bite. She dabbed at the corners of her mouth and grinned at his statement. “ Well, trouble’s not necessarily a bad thing… and really, it’s usually the men who are more likely to get into it than me” she said with a cheeky grin “ So consider yourself forewarned.” she picked up a fry, slathering it in ketchup before eating it. “ Well, nice to meet you Ray. So what’s a fella like you doing out all by yourself tonight?”

[raymondkentler]

Ray had always been a very forward man, especially when it came to women. He had probably picked it up from his father. A married man who was always laying it on to women, bringing home prostitutes, and other random women; even when his mother was home. The difference being that Ray would never do that as a married man, unmarried was another story though. A small laugh escaped him at her next comment. "It may be public indecency, but I definitely wouldn't mind seeing that." He looked her over again, trying to picture her without a shirt on, or without any clothes on for that matter. "It would probably leave us sitting here, cold and wet." He chuckled. "We'd have to find some way to dry off and warm up."

Ray was glad that she wasn't the type of girl that was repulsed by his eyes on her. It was a compliment for god's sake. He didn't mean any harm by it, it just meant that he found her attractive. He really didn't understand women like that, who thought it was disgusting or weird whenever a man checked them out. And it wasn't like Ray wasn't attractive, and he knew that wasn't the case. "I suppose you're right, but it wouldn't have been a big deal to ask for my spoon doll face." He took the last few drinks of his coke and when the waitress came back she took his glass to refill it.

Ray laughed and shook his head lightly. "I think it's Ashley, but honestly I don't really remember." Which was sad, considering he had been here almost every night for a couple weeks now. "Or maybe it was Whitney. Or, uhm, uh, fuck, I don't know." He laughed, he really didn't remember. He hadn't talked to her much and it wasn't really something he had been that worried about; most women he talked to were referred to by pet names, only on a few occasions did he actually care enough to remember their names.

"Hey now, women are trouble makers too. Don't be sexist," he was joking with her of course; he didn't really think she was sexist. If anything, he was the more sexist out of the two. Ray shrugged his shoulders, unsure on how to answer her question. He decided to go with a half truth. "Avoiding the grocery store." He wouldn't mention he was lonely, and if he did he'd make sure she thought he was joking, whether he was or not. Ray had never been the type to tell people much about himself, and for good reason too. In an attempt to divert the subject from himself he asked her a question. "And what about you Frankie, what's a pretty girl like you doing out at night all by yourself? He reached over and stole a fry from her plate, popping it in his mouth. The waitress, Ashley or Whitney or whatever her name was, arrived with his drink. "Thanks darling," he smiled and winked at her.

[Francesca Maria Bianchi]

Frankie could appreciate forwardness in man, or anyone really. It seemed like a much better route than beating around the bush, being timid got you nowhere. That was her motto at least, and she let it apply in all aspects in life, it didn't matter if she was going for a new job, or wanting to get laid, it was all the same in the end really, you just go in, balls first, and say what you want. The world was so much easier that way. She grinned a little at Ray's statement. He clearly wasn't one who was all that worried about subtle either, if his blatant looking her over was anything to go by. Quite simply, it worked for her. “ Hmm, and I just can't think of anything we could do to warm up, it's a total mystery” she joked with a grin “ You, sir, are pretty damn obvious. Subtle just not in your vocabulary?” she laughed “ I like it”

Frankie laughed a little, picking up her mug and taking another sip. She put it back down in front of her, and regarded it for a moment. She dipped her finger back into the coffee, stirring it slowly. “ Alright, alright. It wouldn't have been a big deal to ask. But then, what if I did it intentionally. It's a well known trick you know, drawing attention to the mouth. One of the first tricks ever learn.” she said with a teasing grin as she took her finger from the coffee and put it in her mouth, drawing it out slowly. “ For some crazy reason, you boys just seem to love it, I couldn't possibly think why. She said, giving him a wink of her own.

She chuckled a little “ No, no, that's actually a good thing. I thought it was Ashley too. ” she shook her head “ I am so damn useless with names, makes me feel like a total shit when they clearly know who I am, but I have no freaking clue she flicked her hair back behind her ear, shoving a fry into her mouth. “ Hell, the only reason I'm not calling you Sugar or Hun is Ray is pretty simple. One syllable isn't too much to remember” she grinned “ Ah damn, now I've just given away my secret, and if I run into you again, and I will have inevitably forgotten your name, you'll be able to call me on my bull shit.”

Frankie grinned “ Oh no, you misunderstand me. I'm the trouble maker in these situations, without a doubt. You fellas are just the ones who end up actually getting in trouble. It's kinda a gift of mine.” she said “ Though, you do seem a little better equipped than most to handle it.” She let out a little laugh at his reason for being there. She could definitely relate to that one. Though it was more that she was avoiding having to actually do up the dishes in the sink than the grocery store, but it all amounted to the same thing. “ Well that seems like as good a reason as any. As for why I'm here alone, well that's a no brainer. Didn't you know that diners are the best place to pick a guy up? You'd guess it was the bar, but nope, nothing beats a place like this to find a man” she said jokingly. “ Though the fact that I was too lazy to do the dishes has a bit to do with it as well.” she smiled a little as he winked at the waitress before putting on an exaggerated pained expression. “ Ouch. Here I thought I was the only one getting the winks and the smooth talking pet names. You're breaking my heart Ray” she joked.

[raymondkentler]

Frankie was a very forward woman, and it suited Ray quite nicely. In fact, he loved it. There was nothing about a woman that turned him on more than that she didn't try to play games with him. When you only want one thing from each other, what the hell did it matter? You both know what you want, quite fucking around and just get to it already. Ray smiled and shook his head. "What're you talking about babe? I wasn't being obvious at all." He laughed, giving her a wink. "You're pretty damn obvious yourself," he replied. "I like it." He repeated her words.

Ray took a few more drinks from his drink. Ray watched her very carefully as her finger stirred the coffee, as she put her finger in her mouth, and as she drew it out slowly. She was right, it was a turn out. He hadn't really paid much attention to it the first time, but now that she was pointing it out, it was doing what it was supposed to. He cleared his throat, trying to regain himself. It wouldn't exactly be classy of him to get turned on in the middle of a diner, then again, he wasn't exactly a classy man. "Hmm, well some may like it. But it has no effect on me." He lied, giving her a wink so she would know that he was joking.

Ray smiled and nodded slowly. "Well then, it's probably Ashley. I mean, if we both think it's Ashley," He chuckled. "And I will, don't worry. I'm very good at calling people on their bullshit." He grinned before taking a few more drinks of his pop. "Well, well, I better be more careful around you. You could get me into trouble that I don't deserve." He smirked, he probably deserved more trouble than she could ever bring to him. He grinned at her next comment and nodded his head slowly. "You're probably right. I can handle more trouble than most people realize." He was showing off a little, and it showed, but that was just how Ray was.

Ray could definitely relate to not wanting to do the dishes. He hated them, but they always seemed to get done, one way or another. "Understandable. I need to get a dishwasher, that'll make things easier on me." He smiled and set his hand on top of hers. "I'm sorry doll face, that's just who I am." It was a cheesy and over used line, but it was true. He didn't care, he could be on a date with a woman and he'd still flirt with others. There was a reason he wasn't good in relationships and strayed away from them whenever possible.

[Francesca Maria Bianchi]

Frankie grinned across the table at Ray, yeah she could get used to a guy like this.  To be fair, she’d gotten used to plenty of men like him over the years.  Most of her good friends would easily fit in with Ray, those were just the kind of people she gravitated towards, the no bullshit, up for a good time, kind of guys, though she did enjoy the touch of cheesiness Ray brought to the game, with all his winks and dollface’s.  “ Course you like it, what’s not to like?” she said with a grin. “ I personally just find it refreshing, I hate all the stupid games and shit people play.  I would much rather blatantly tell you that you’re hot, and I probably wouldn’t say no to taking you home.  Being obvious frees up a lot more time for the good stuff” she said with a chuckle.
 
Frankie watched his face as she pulled her finger from her mouth, a grin immediately spreading across her mouth.  Oh yeah, there was no mistaking that look on a guy’s face.  How easy it could be sometimes?  It was lucky for the male population of River City that Frankie wasn’t one of those coy girls who got off of teasing men, because all the years spending more time with the boys had definitely taught her a lot of tricks.  She laughed a little at his words and his wink  “ Riiiiight, I believe you Ray, I really do.  So if I did it again, it wouldn’t bother you in the least.  Or better yet, screw your spoon, I’ll just borrow your finger next time.” she joked back. 
 
She nodded, he was right of course, if they both thought it was Ashley, she was in the clear, she just needed to actually remember that.  She made a mental note, though, even as she thought it, she knew she’d have forgotten by the time she went home.  Frankie chuckled “ Careful?  Come on now, don’t get lame on me now.  What fun is there ever in being careful?” she said with a little wiggle of her eyebrows.  “ Ah and see, you admit you can handle it.  Pfft. Careful my ass, nothing good ever comes from that”
 
She chuckled a little “ Ah, see, I have one of those.  I call him Marco, he’s my brother and damn lazy” she joked, though only half way.  It was a wonder he put up with her really, leaving all her shit around and expecting him to deal with it.  The arrangement probably worked because he did the same.  She stifled a chuckle, pulling her hand out from under his and dramatically raising it to her forehead “ I should have known, you’re just a fickle bastard aren’t you?  It really cuts me deep ” she joked, of course it was a joke, if he acted for one second like he was even remotely serious, Frankie would have disappeared faster than the road runner when Wile Coyote popped up.  She dropped her hand back down and looked over to where the waitress who shall be called Ashley until proven otherwise, was going about her work.  “ I’m not too worried about it though, I could get her to come home with me before you could get her home with you, so really, that’s all the revenge I’d need.”

[raymondkentler]

Ray chuckled at her comment. She was right, there really wasn't anything about her he didn't like. She was perfect, she didn't expect anything but a good time and she was pretty, those were the only two things that Ray looked for in a woman. "There's nothing I can think of," he said with a large smile plastered across his face. "The good stuff is all I'm interested in." He didn't even blink in that statement. He agreed, the games got old after awhile, especially when you weren't looking for anything serious.

Ray chuckled and shook his head slowly. "Hey now, sarcasm isn't cool. You should believe me." He knew she knew, he may have tried to hide it, but it wasn't exactly easy for him to hide when he was completely turned on. And, that wasn't going away any time soon. He sighed and shook his head slowly. "Why must you tease? You wouldn't do it." He knew she would, it was more of a challenge than it was a statement. A small smirk appeared on his face, almost daring her to try. He took a few more slow drinks from his cup, watching her the whole time.

Ray laughed at the wiggle of her eyebrows. "You're right, being careful really isn't that much fun. But some people have a lot at stake." And it was true, he did. What with being in the Irish mafia and being wanted in New York. He couldn't risk getting into too much trouble. Though he usual found a way to avoid it, so he wasn't all that worried. He probably wasn't worried enough. Well, not being put in prison would be something good that came from being careful. He thought to himself. Best to keep that to himself though. He smiled and shook his head. "Not only that, but being careful is boring.

Ray chuckled. "A bastard? Probably. Fickle? Not likely. He smiled at her and shook her head. "Please, I'm as charming as ever," he winked at her again. "She wouldn't be thinking twice about you." He wasn't sure it was true, in fact it probably wasn't. But he liked the idea of seeming superior to her. Maybe it was all his male ego, or maybe it was the fact that he wanted to get her in the sack, but- No, you know what, it was definitely that he wanted to get her in the sack."All your effort would be wasted." He continued to try and convince her.

[Francesca Maria Bianchi]

Frankie nodded assuredly at his agreement. It wasn’t that she had an out of control or raging ego, she hardly thought she was better than anyone else,. (ok, that was a lie, she was just better than some people, but some people were idiots and or losers, and that was hardly her fault) she was just confident enough to know she was awesome, or so she lead herself to believe at least. “ Yeah, that doesn’t surprise me. I mean, I don’t want to taint you for life or anything, but I am pretty much as good as it gets” she said with mock vanity. Her grin grew a bit “ Same here man, same here. If we were drinking something stronger than a soda and a coffee, I’d raise my glass to that statement”

Frankie raised her eyebrow, matching his smirk with one of her own. Anyone who thought Francesca Bianchi would back down from a challenge, any challenge, just didn’t know Francesca Bianchi. A trait that had undoubtedly done her more harm than good, but was too fun to try and change now. “ First of all, sarcasm is always cool, duh. Two, if you think this is teasing; you really should consider yourself lucky that I’m not actually a tease… And three, never, never assume that there is anything I won’t do.” With that, she sat up and leaned over the table. With a grin she picked up his hand, the coffee really was an unnecessary step, and brought his index finger to her mouth. There were a few raised eyebrows from the other customers in the diner, but raised eyebrows was nothing she’d ever really been concerned about. So she was leaning over a table with some guy’s finger in her mouth, nothing weird about that. She kept her eyes on his as she drew his finger back out of her lips slowly, and bit down playfully on the tip before releasing his hand and sitting back against the booth with a satisfied smile.

Frankie picked up her burger, having been distracted a bit by conversation, it had gone a little cold, but a chilly burger was just as good as a hot one. She took a big bite. Her mouth full, she simply shrugged at his comment about having a lot at stake. Maybe that was true for some people, but it still just sounded like a recipe to a long and boring life to her. Sure, there was a limit to the kind of chaos she routinely found herself in, and yeah, from time to time, parts of her wished she’d thought ahead and exercised some caution. But the bigger part of her would rather go full force and live without having regrets. Better to get in trouble for something than wish you did it later on. She swallowed, washing the burger down with the last of her coffee. “ Exactly, and what the hell is the point of being alive if you’re just going to be boring?”

Frankie scoffed and shook her head “ Please Ray, you’re charming and all, but come on, look at me. I’m pretty sure if I felt so inclined, I could have every girl in this place changing the team they were batting for.” she said with a laugh, flicking her hair. “ Besides, even if you’re charm threatened to outdo my obvious wiles, I’d just play low and tell her you have herpes. Bam, she’d be home with me she joked.