I'd Rather Have You

Antigone had spent the last 2 days attempting to locate MDZ's stripper. She had been stonewalled by the attorney who had contacted the Flyers organization. The smarmy little man seemed to think he needed to protect the identity of his client. Antigone had given him until the close of business today to give her the information. Antigone had further explained that Mr. Del Zotto would be wanting definitive proof of pregnancy.

Antigone was frustrated, no one in Philadelphia seemed to know this girl. She had even had her brothers ask around the station and the fire house. So far nothing, but they did selflessly offer to check out the strip clubs in an attempt to find her. Antigone told them to stand down, one knocked up stripper was all she could handle at a time. But hitting the strip clubs to find her wasn't a bad idea. She just had no idea where to begin, and the idea of hitting strip clubs with her brothers made her skin crawl. That was way too much bonding.

She glanced at her watch and realized it was after 5pm. She needed to head out to get Niko before the dinner crowd slammed the restaurant. If she didn't hurry she might end up waiting tables. That's how all young women wanted to spend their Friday nights. As she closed her computer she wondered what MDZ might be doing. She thought he was supposed to be back today from getting his stuff in Los Angeles. Antigone had briefly spoken to him yesterday to get contact information for the Flyers organization. Okay, so it wasn't briefly. They had stayed on the phone for an hour talking about everything and nothing. Mira stuck her head in the office.

"Move your ass!" said Mira "I have a date, and I am not working late on Friday. We are the last ones here."

"Waiting for the computer to power down and I’ll be ready."

"So, what were you daydreaming about when I walked in? I've not seen you this distracted since Brett."

"Not day dreaming, thinking of other ways to find the woman's name. It's frustrating.” replied Antigone “The only kind of maybe plan is going to different clubs to look for this woman. But what’s the likelihood she’s still stripping while pregnant?”

“Maybe she’s still stripping because she isn’t pregnant,” answered Mira “For all we know pregnant strippers are all the rage.”

Antigone frowned at Mira “Ewww! Anyways, I wouldn’t know her if I saw her. Hell, I don’t know if Mike would know her. I’m not sure he looked at her face.”

“Mike, is it?” queried Mira “What happened to Mr. Del Zotto?”

“He asked me to call him Mike. He said everyone does, most people seem to call him MDZ, but that makes me think of a car. His boys that he lives with were screaming Mikey at him. So. I figure Mike is the happy medium.”

“Wait, how do you know what his boys were screaming at him?” said Mira a perfect brow arching in curiosity “I thought he was in California right now?”

“He is in California. I needed some information for the Flyers organization. So, I called him yesterday. He was still on the flight though so he didn’t return my call until almost 11. But he’s on Pacific time. I got the information I needed at least. He asked about Niko, we talked for a while.” Shrugged Antigone blushing “It’s not a big deal.”

“Says the Greek who is blushing hard enough that I can see it.” snarked Mira “So, what was the conversation about?”

“Stuff.” she replied petulantly.

“What kind of stuff? I’m gonna start making stuff up in my head, and I have a great imagination. Maybe I should google him and see what has you all torqued up.”

“No, no googling. Your dad said hands off, Mira.” Antigone intoned while gathering her bags. “It wasn’t a long conversation; his boys were a little wild in the background. I could hear him trying to shush this one named Segs while trying to explain a Richie who I was. This resulted in the Segs character taking the phone and asking me if I was the fun police. He couldn’t seem to be dissuaded from the fact that he thought I was making Mike come home and behave. I’m not the reason he has to come home. His career is on the line. It’s his choice.”

“So, when is he coming back?”

“He probably just landed.” she supplied looking at her watch.

“So, you talk to him on the phone, you know his schedule, and he asks about Niko?”

Antigone shook her head “Mira, he is a client.”

“No, he is papa’s client.” she smiled.

“Same thing, Mira.”

“Not even close.” she replied “So call him up, and tell him your stripper plan. He’ll either think you’re crazy and tell you not to do it, or he’ll offer to come with you. Voila, no stripper bonding with your brothers and you get to see your crazy hot Italian.”

“He’s not my anything.”

“Not yet.” she smiled with a crazy gleam in her eye “Call him now.”

“You are bossy bitch.” stated Antigone

“Tig, call the man, I need to get both of us ready before my date.”

“OH no!!! No Mira Makeover.”

“You can’t wear khakis to a strip club.” argued Mira “I’ll use your clothes and your makeup.”

“No, Mira.” Before she could say anything else Mira snatched her phone from her hand. She quickly dialed Del Zottos number. It was ringing before she had a chance to end the call. So, her only options were, wait for him to answer and pray for voicemail, or hang up and then have to wait for him to call back. Neither option was appealing. So, she was now staring at her ringing phone like it was a bomb.

“Hey.” was all she heard when he picked. She had said nothing. Mira was nudging her “Antigone??” he said questioningly.

“Sorry, my cousin Mira did something ridiculously stupid as the phone dialed. I was distracted.”

“At least it not just my boys.” he laughed. Antigone liked that he seemed calmer and less stressed.

“No, Mira and your Segs might be a matching set.”

“Feel free to make that happen!” called Mira over her shoulder.

Mike started laughing again “Maybe Segs need someone like Mira. Or ADHD meds, I’m not sure.”

“Both.” said Antigone in agreement.

“So, did you manage to find Echo?”

“That’s why I called, I’m getting nowhere with her attorney. Who by the way, is a slimy ambulance chasing weasel. Not a fanm Del Zotto, but I think I’ve found a way to maybe locate her. However, I am going to need some information.”

“Are we back to Del Zotto?” he questioned “Whatever you need, Antigone.”

“I need the names of the strip clubs that you and Segs frequent in Philly.”

“Why?” he quizzed.

“Because it’s my plan to go to those clubs and ask about Echo, see what I can find out. Maybe it will lead me to her.” She heard him inhale and exhale. He still hadn’t answered her.

MDZ was busy breathing trying not to think of Antigone in seedy strip clubs because he had fucked up. He really didn’t want her exposed to any of that. “Who’s going with you?”

“I am a licensed PI. I have a gun, Del Zotto. I don’t need anyone with me.” she retorted. Mira smacked her on the shoulder. “My brothers offered to go, but that is a big negative. Too much brother sister bonding. A few club names, and I am all set.”

“I get that you can take care of yourself,” began Mike “But I don’t like the idea of you being in seedy strip clubs in bad areas of Philly.”

“No hope for classy upscale strip clubs?” replied Antigone

“These things are zoned.” he answered “Even the nicer ones are still in bad neighborhoods. I didn’t meet her at a strip club, I met her at another club. She was looking for attention. Maybe we should start there?”

“Ok, what club?” asked Antigone.

“It’s the Zee Bar.”

“Thanks, I’ll start there.”

“Did you miss the we part, Miss Castellanos?” he questioned “You need me if you want to get to the VIP section where I met her. I don’t think a badge will do it.”

“Okay,” replied Antigone “I’ll meet you there what time.”

“I’ll pick you up from your dad’s restaurant at 8.” he countered.

“You don’t have to do that.” she responded.

“Yes, I do. It’s my fuck up, and it’s hard to pull people from the club into the VIP section. I’d rather you just walk in with me.”

“I’ll be ready at 8.” stated Antigone “Any rules for VIP?”

“Cocktail attire, whatever that means.” Mike was secretly amazed that she had agreed to this. Now if they can only deal with his shit so he could talk to Antigone. “You’ll be beautiful in whatever.”

Antigone blushed again. “8 o’clock, or I go by myself.”

“I won’t be late.” he replied. Antigone disconnected the phone and glared at Mira. Now she had less than 2.5 hours to find someone to watch Niko and get ready for this club mission. And she was going with Mike and she wasn’t entirely sure how she felt about that.

“I told you that would work.” smiled Mira “So, 8 pm and where are you going?’

“Zee Bar, VIP.” she stated, “I have no idea what to wear or even what the hell actual cocktail attire is.”

“Ummm, this is where you agree to Mira taking over?”

“Thee kai Kyrie!” exclaimed Antigone. “I don’t know why I’m agreeing to this.”

“Don’t, Good Lord, me. You need my help.” laughed Mira pulling her into the restaurant “You get in the shower, I’ll grab Niko and be up.”

Antigone has showered, washed hair, and managed to shave her legs in what she thought was record time. She figured the getting her presentable part would take her longer than the getting clean part. Antigone rubbed the steam off the mirror. This was an epically bad idea on so many levels, but she was kind of excited. And that was the worst part of all. Antigone threw on her bath wrap and went to find Niko. What she saw in the living room confounded her. Mira was now dressed in a pair of her Nike Pros and one of Niel’s shirts. She had thrown her hair on top of her head. This was not date night Mira.

“What are you doing? You have a date tonight,” quizzed Antigone

“Nope, but if I didn’t tell you that we would still be in the office contemplating strippers. I got my best guy right here.” And with that being Niko climbed her lap and planted a smacking kiss on her face.

“MiMi!” exclaimed Niko

“I see Mira,” replied Antigone “You be a good boy.”

“Yep!” he said bouncing of Mira to Antigone. Antigone gave him a squeeze and kissed him allover “No Mama, ewww.” She laughed and repeated the process.

“Niko, want to watch Cars?” asked Mira. He quickly moved to drag his blanket and pillow in front of the TV “See, I’m an excellent babysitter. We need to do your hair and makeup. And I found a perfect outfit in your closet with the tags on. In fact, I am probably going to borrow it New Year’s Eve.”

Antigone rolled her eyes and head back into the bathroom to dry her hair. When had she lost control of the situation. Probably the second she confided in Mira about the stripper. Now she was stuck in Hurricane Mira which was making landfall immediately. Antigone knew she wasn't ready for Mira and she was damn sure she wasn't ready for MDZ.

"I'm in charge! No bitching," stated Mira "and no peaking!

"This is work, Mira, not a date."

"Shush, that is arguing!" admonished Mira rummaging in Antigone's makeup case "This is pitiful. I need my purse." She disappeared and returned with a cosmetic bag. Fifteen minutes later her face was done. Mira announced she performed a miracle. Antigone started to move from the position she was in when Mira shot her a threatening look and started brandishing Antigone's curling wand at her. After another 20, minutes of curling, teasing, and spraying and Mira released her from the bathroom. Antigone caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. All things considered, she didn't look overly made up the smokey eye with the pale lip it was still within good taste. Her hair was falling in perfect curls swept over and pinned so it cascaded over her right shoulder. "Move your ass, he will be here in 15 minutes." Umm... maybe it took longer to make her presentable than she thought.

"I'm going!" exclaimed Antigone walking towards her bedroom. Niko turned to look at her. He scrunched his face up. He looked at both her and Mira confused.

"Mama pretty." he announced as he turned back to the movie.

"See Niko approves." smiled Mira.

Antigone rolled her eyes for a third time and marched to the clothes on her bed. Antigone stared at the short black sparkly jumpsuit. It was gorgeous and she never had a place to wear it. The jumpsuit had long sleeves and the back was open to the bottom of her spine.

"Damn it, Mira! Bras are required for work"

"Not in that outfit, it’s got one built in." teased Mira tossing a tiny pair of black lace boy shorts at Antigone "10 minutes."

Antigone glanced at her clock. She quickly donned the undergarment and her romper. Mira was right it fit perfectly and she didn't need a bra. She hated when Mira was right. Mira was currently digging in her closet, in the pre-Niko section. Mira stood up triumphantly clutching a pair of nude sparkly Jimmy Choo pumps. She hurled them at Antigone. Mira was now plundering through her jewelry box tossing jewelry aside like a raccoon. Antigone slid on the black statement ring and the matching earrings.

"Go put your perfume on while I get the right purse."Instructed Mira once again closet diving. Antigone decided it was easier to just go with Mira than argue. She spritzed herself down. She entered the living room to Mira shoving things into a tiny black clutch.

"My gun won't fit in that." declared Antigone

"I googled him, he's got guns, you don't need yours. I put your ID, your PI license, your debit card, and a tube a lipstick. That's all you need. Unless you need a condom." winked Mira.

"It’s work!" said Antigone "Not a date." Antigone scooped Niko off the floor and gave him kisses.

"Pretty." announced Niko

"Yes, Mama is pretty when she dresses well." Retorted Mira taking Niko. Antigone headed for the door then realized Mira and Niko were behind her. "What are you doing?"

Mira smiled at her "Like I’m not going down to see MDZ's face when he sees you. At least give me that, since my date is in pull ups."

"MDZ" chanted Niko "MDZ!!!"

"See, he wants to see him before your date."

"It's not a date!"

"MDZ date," smiled Niko "go MDZ!" Antigone gave up and just headed out of the apartment her entourage in tow.

Mira carried Niko down the stairs in front of Antigone. Antigone was concentrating on not falling down the stairs in the heels. She heard Del Zotto before she saw him. He had his back to her. He was posted up against the bar talking to her brothers. She noticed Flyers swag all over the place.Her peaceful perusal of him was interrupted by Niko screeching,

"MDZ!!" yelled Niko "Hi!"

Michael heard the little boy call his name. He couldn't help but smile that the little guy remembered his name. Then again, he had thought quite a bit about Niko. In fact, there was a tiny number 15 jersey buried in the Flyers tees and the signed jersey he had brought for the restaurant.He wanted to see what the little man thought. He turned around to look for Niko, but all he saw was Antigone. He was pretty sure his heart flatlined. Holy fucking hell. He wasn't sure which look he liked better on Antigone. He had almost facetimed her the night before, but was afraid of what Segs might do or say. She was absolutely gorgeous. He was brought out of his staring spell when Niel leaned across the bar "Don't fuck with her. She has law school in the fall and Niko. So, if this is a notch in the bed post thing. Grab Mira, and stay the hell away from Tig."

"Not sure what it is," said MDZ honestly "But I like all my internal organs where they are. I'll take care of her."

"I know where people hide bodies in Philly," threatened Alessio "And no one will look."

"MDZ!!" bellowed the little boy squirming in Mira's arms. He was reaching for Michael. He grabbed the wriggling boy.

"What's going on, little man?" asked Michael holding him against his wide chest.

"MDZ date." said Niko pushing on his face "Mama pretty."

Antigone willed the floor of the restaurant to swallow her up at that moment. Or at least to actually combust from embarrassment. Michael gave her a once over. Damned if she didn't like the way his eyes raked over her.

"Yeah Niko, your mama is gorgeous." replied MDZ winking at Antigone. Her brain was now yelling, abort! Abort! "Look what I brought you, little man." He placed Niko on the counter and motioned for Antigone to come closer. He held out the tiny Del Zotto jersey towards Niko after glancing at Antigone for permission.

"Mine!" said Niko clutching the jersey "Mine, mama! MDZ."

Antigone stepped up to the bar and petted Niko's wild curls, she was struck by just how much Niko and Michael looked alike. Both with dark eyes and dark curls. "You didn't have to do that." said Antigone

"The world needs more MDZ jerseys." he replied shrugging "Can't have my buddy Niko in a Roux or Schenn jersey."

"So, this was purely motivated by your ego." laughed Antigone "We've got to work on that." Michael nodded his agreement.

"The one I brought for you is just a Flyers one. You can decide if you want to wear my number later. We should get going."

"Before Mama starts taking pictures like its prom." laughed Alession "He's not Greek, but he's Italian."

"Better than sperm donating Scotsman." said Mama walking out of the kitchen. She stopped and petted on MDZ. "You look handsome, and not so sad. See, better when you smile." She then turned to Antigone "My pretty baby. Where you go?"

"Mama, we’re going out for a work thing. Mira will keep Niko."

Papa walked out of the kitchen "No is work thing. Why are you dressed like Mira?"

"It is a work thing!" snarked Mira "And those are her clothes, thank you very much. You see how I’m treated?" said Mira batting her eyes at MDZ.

"Yeah, you and Segs are total victims." laughed MDZ "I'll introduce you when he visits."

"Now you have to keep him." teased Mira taking Niko off the counter "My date and I are going to watch Aladdin. Don't do anything I wouldn't do!"

"No, No," said Papa "No behave like Mira!" Everybody including MDZ laughed. Her family reminded him of his own family.

"Run," declared Antigone "it will only get worse." Michael laughed again "I'm serious they can't help it. It's why everyone loves those My Big Fat Greek movies." He shook his head. He placed his hand on the small of her back to lead her out of the busy restaurant. His brain nearly shorted circuited when he touched nothing but soft bare skin. He needed to keep it together and not act like a complete idiot. He managed to walk them out the door and to his car without incident. "I really am sorry." she said when they reached the shiny black S5 "They are overwhelming."

"Wait till you meet mine before apologizing." he answered as he opened the door. As she settled inside he walked around the car and Antigone had a chance to really look at him. Mike belonged with someone like Mira. He was way out of her league. She loved the moto style jacket he was wearing with gray slacks and darker gray boots. She wasn't sure what was under the jacket but she wanted to find out. Michael opened the door and climbed in the driver's seat. His entire car already smelled like orange blossoms. It was what he had come to associate with Antigone. He had caught a whiff the perfume in LA and almost broke his neck looking for her. He threw the car in drive and headed towards the club.He wasn't sure what to say to Antigone.How did one go about saying I am total fuck up who may have knocked up a stripper, but I am really interested in getting to know you? Somehow that sounded bad even coming from his internal monologue.

"I hear gears grinding." said Antigone "I promise not to ruin your reputation."

"I'm thinking it’s an improvement of my reputation. I'm debating if I need to call in back up to keep the guys off you."

"Texas rules, Del Zotto. Texas Rules."

"Segs plays for Dallas, so that just confuses me." he answered

"It means you leave with the one you came with," replied Antigone "I'm not leaving there without you unless you find someone else, then I'll catch a cab."

"Texas rules, I can handle. And I'm not here to pick up random chicks."

"Just find a stripper." laughed Antigone. She heard him groan "I'm sorry, low blow. This was my idea, remember?”

"I know." he said pulling up to valet stand at the club. He nodded at the valet and left the keys in the car. MDZ walked around before the valet could open her door and helped Antigone out of the car. He noticed the valets checking out Antigone. Normally, he would have been pleased they though his girl was hot. But, with Antigone it made him want to growl and climb the nearest skyscraper. He looked down at their hands when she entwined their fingers. He walked to the VIP entrance and stopped to talk with the bouncer. He and Tino had been friends since he got traded to Philly. He was currently eyeballing Antigone.

"You bring this little bird back from Lala Land?" asked Tino "No way she is local talent."

"Antigone is from Philly. She doesn't hang out where I do. She’s going to Temple law school in the fall."

"What the fuck is she doing with you?" asked Tino.

Antigone felt MDZ bristle at the comment made by the bouncer. Who the hell was this guy to judge him and her? "Agapi, you promised to show me the club." She said as she pressed closer into his side. She felt his hand branding the small of her back again. "So far I'm not impressed." she said into his ear.

"We good, Tino?" he asked. Tino nodded and Michael lead Antigone upstairs to the VIP section. The hostess immediately smiled and sashayed towards them. She stopped in her tracks when she saw his hand on Antigone's back. Her smiled faltered, but she continued her trajectory towards him.

The blonde leaned and kissed Michaels cheek as if Antigone wasn't there. She felt a surge of jealousy even though she had no right "Tiffany, this is Antigone, my date." Tiffany seemed to huff at the idea he brought someone with him "Can we get a table?" She nodded, but was clearly not happy,

"When will Segs be here?" asked Tiffany

"I don't bring him on actual dates, Tiffany." He replied, "Just me and the bella angioletto tonight." If looks could kill Mike would have dropped dead along with Antigone. They followed Tiffany to the booth. They slid in to give them the best view of the entire club.

"I don't think I’m making a great impression with the Michael Del Zotto fan club." stated Antigone "I think these Barbies’ might try and take me out. I told Mira I needed a bigger purse for my gun."

"You’re safe." he said looking at her. Fuck, she was beautiful. Seeing her with Tiffany just reinforced how beautiful she really was. Not plastic like the others.

"What's with the not bringing Segs along on actual dates?" asked Antigone

Before he could answer another hostess wandered over and flopped down beside MDZ almost in his lap. "Hey Mikey, you trying to break hearts allover Philly? I think Tiffany is devastated." The redhead then turned to Antigone "I'm Melody. I don't think we have met." She held one red taloned hand out for Antigone to shake while the other was creeping up his thigh. "Mikey doesn't usually bring girlfriends here."

"You'll just have to get used to me." smiled Antigone winking at MDZ " I see him when he comes into to Philly and talk to him when he is in LA. My family loves him. And Mike hasn't run screaming from the crazy Greeks, so I think things are going well. Can I get a BombPop martini and you want a beer?" she said looking Michael "Stella Artois, or are you slumming it tonight?"

"Stella is good. Thanks, Melody" he said dismissively. He watched her walk away in a huff. "Think I can borrow you to scare away puck bunnies?"

"No, changing the subject back to Segs and real dates."

"Remember I told you I didn't remember most of their names? They tend to remember mine and Segs, and Tiffany was up for anything."

"So, besides tag teaming blondie is there anything else I need to know? Red seems awful close to peeing on your leg."

He shrugged and managed to attempt to look contrite. "I told you it was bad."

"So, we are adding reformed man whore to the list of things to salvage your reputation."

"As long as you are doing the salvaging, I'll do my best."

"Nope, gotta do it for you." She replied as Melody slid her martini across to her. She was very close to dropping his beer in his lap. Antigone was cautiously eyeing her drink.

"You afraid she spit in it?"

"Just because you guys have swapped bodily fluids doesn't mean I want to." said Antigone. Michael watched her take a drink of the red, white, and blue concoction. "I love these. They really taste like the popsicle." Antigone pushed the glass towards MDZ.

"Not afraid of my bodily fluids?" he asked sarcastically.

"I'll chance it." she replied. Michael took a drink of the martini. She was right it tasted like summertime Popsicles. His next thought was if she would also taste like a popsicle.
"Well?" asked Antigone

"Definitely tastes like Popsicles. I'm not sure we have a bomb pop in Canada. It looks very patriotic."

"Want me to see if they can make a maple syrup martini so your inner Canadian can be happy? I don't mind. Maybe they have a moose or beaver they can send over with it."

"Smart ass," he laughed smiling at Antigone. She made him laugh and think. She might be his kryptonite "but maple syrup and bourbon pair well together."

"Oh, bourbon pecan French toast sounds good. Have to pitch it to papa for Sunday brunch."

"Your dad does brunch?"

"Every Sunday 8-3pm."

"When the team is in town we will all have to come down."

"Papa would like that. He watches the games on a TV in the kitchen. Mainly because mama won't let him have one in the bar."

"We want to keep your dad and brothers happy. I'm kind of fond of my internal organs staying where the Lord put them."

"Want to know a secret?" she whispered in his ear. He nodded. "I am by far scarier than any of them. I can take care of myself."

"I don't doubt it. But sometimes it’s nice to have someone take care of you." he replied "My mama is the only one who gives a damn about me."

"Segs loves you. And I’m the fun police." laughed Antigone. As if on cue his phone started signaling a FaceTime from Segs.

"Now look what you did." He pushed the jacket of his shoulders and as he pushed the button to accept the call. Antigone might like the black v neck shirt as much as the jacket.

"Mikey!" screamed Segs "Why are the bar girls texting saying you have a girlfriend? Are you at Zee? I thought the fun police prohibited such behavior."

"Shut the fuck up, Tyler. Ignore the bar whores and go do what you and Blacker do." instructed MDZ as he sat the phone on the table. He then grabbed it back up when he realized he put Antigone in the frame.

"He's off with his girlfriend in Vegas." whined Segs "whoa, whoa, whoa! Who's the rocket beside you? Are you kidding me? Not only are you in a bar, but you are picking up chicks. Gonna piss off the fun police, Mikey Boy."

Antigone was rolling laughing. But she was little concerned as to what he had said to his boys about her. "Wanna introduce yourself?" asked Del Zotto. She shrugged and heard Segs yelling for Richie to come look at the chick with MDZ.She scoots closer to Mike. She fit just at his collar bone. She felt him slide his arm around her. He then held the phone out farther so she could be seen. She was greeted by a dark-haired guy with a green stars tee and a blonde in board shorts who decided FaceTime was a shirt free adventure.

"Damn it, Cluner! Could you at least put on shirt?" groused MDZ

"No, I came in from the pool because Segs was screaming."

"He's been hiding hot chicks Philly." declared Segs "So babem what's your name?"

Without missing a beat, she replied "I'm the fun police. But you can call me Antigone." Mike started laughing at Segs stunned face.

"No wonder you were a mopey son of a bitch when you got to LA." said Segs "You wanna come be the fun police in Dallas, Doll Face?"

"Not even a little, Mr.Seguin."

"Formal, I like that." laughed Segs "So he can go out, you just have to babysit?"

"We are working." responded Antigone

"Workin' on what?" quizzed Segs

"We've returned to the scene of the crime to look for the bathroom stripper."

Both Segs and Richie started dying laughing. While MDZ let out a groan and squeezed her closer. "You can see she is very direct and opinionated." said MDZ.

"That's what you need." stated Richie "I'm gonna haul this asshole to the pool. Have fun working. Don't do anything I wouldn't do."

"Too late, we’re having drinks."

"Moderation." said Richie "Call a cab if you need to."

"We will be careful." replied Antigone. Michael disconnected the call.

"Segs is a giant 12-year-old in a 22 year old body."

"They are no worse than Mira and my brothers." laughed Antigone "So how are we finding the bathroom stripper?"

"I'm keeping my eye out for Caryl Anne. She will be the most helpful of the girls. She only has googley eyes for Schenner." he explained. " Well, she'd climb Roux like a tree, but they are all afraid of Ryanne."
"Ryanne?" She asked

"Roux's girlfriendm" he supplied "She handles the girls about like you do, but with a little more PDA."

"So, you think if I stayed snuggled up with you they will get the message?"

"Maybe," he replied his dark eyes flashing "or maybe you need to let me kiss you."

"That's not a good reason to kiss me." she said shrugging. He sat about thinking of all the reasons that were good enough. Maybe he could come up with another one. He saw Caryl Anne approaching and flagged her down.

"Caryl Anne, can you bring her another BombPop martini and me a water?" She nodded and headed to the bar.

"I'm a lightweight, Del Zotto, you'll be packing me home if I drink very many of those."

"I got you, Antigone. Plus, you are much hotter than Segs and I pack his drunk ass everywhere." She felt a shiver go through her. "You cold? You want my jacket?" She shook her head no. Was there an appropriate way to tell him that she wanted him to have her, and not sound like a bar whore?

Caryl Anne returned with their drinks. Michael scooted even closer to Antigone so that Caryl Anne could sit without groping him. "I'm Caryl Anne," she supplied holding hand out towards Antigone "Rumor is you have roped our wild thing here."

"I'm Antigone. He's been very well behaved for me. But I'm gathering that he's not on his best behavior when he is with Segs."

"Segs and best behavior are oxymoronic.” laughed Caryl Anne

"Segs was giving me the low down on him. He said I should ask you girls about this girl named Echo?"

"Confessed your sins like a good Catholic boy, Del Zotto?” He nodded and stole a drink of the liquid candy she was drinking. "Yeah, that was quite the evening. I don't think she got the impression that it was a rodeo as opposed to a long-term relationship."

"Is 8 seconds all you got, Michael?" teased Antigone.

"I got all you can handle just fine, Angioletto.." He rumbled in her ear "No fear."

"Y'all need to get a room." laughed Caryl Anne "Never thought I'd see the day, Michael Del Zotto."

"Yep, I'm on the path to redemption. Any idea where Echo is hanging out these days? Not really wanting to run into her with Antigone. Might just avoid the club scene all together."

"If you were lookin' at me the way you've been lookin' at her, we wouldn't have made it to the car." Antigone flushed a bright red. Was she that obvious? "I haven't seen her around for a few weeks. Last time I saw her she was with a few Phillies."

"When was that? She moves sports quick." lamented Antigone.

"She is just lookin' for a way out," replied Caryl Anne.

"Mike, was it Segs or Rich that said they heard she was pregnant, so sad."

"She didn't look pregnant a few weeks ago. But then again, she was all over that rookie fielder. You never know with girls like that. I think if you avoid the Spearmint Rhino you will avoid her. I know she was in stalker mode looking everywhere for you."

"Thanks, Caryl Anne." said MDZ "Since she claims to be a lightweight, I guess we’ll take the bill and get out of here."

"I'll get it." she answered. Caryl Anne returned with the bill. She was digging for her clutch when Michael shoved a few bills toward Caryl Anne and told her to keep the change.

"That's not part of the deal, Michael. In fact, the firm would have paid it."

"You'll blow our cover if I let you pay for drinks."

"I didn't realize we were undercover."

"Yep, ever since you called me darling to Tino." smirked MDZ sliding out of the booth. He offered his hand to Antigone and pulled her to her feet. Maybe with a little too much force as she crashed into his chest. He steadied her with his hands at her waist. He was looking down at her wondering if kissing her because he wanted to was a good enough reason.

"I'm mean it, get a room before y'all set the bar on fire!" catcalled Caryl Anne

"I’m going to say something that I never thought I would say on a first date." began MDZ "Want to go to the Spearmint Rhino? The home of 100 beautiful strippers and 1 ugly one."

"Well how can I refuse looking for a homely stripper?" laughed Antigone. Damned if he didn't want to hear that sound all the time "Most dates are dinner and movie. This one is drinks and a show." Del Zotto was smiling that lady killer smile at her. His inner monologue kept repeating, she said date. "You okay? You look a little demented."

"I'm fine. Just thinking." he replied "You ready to find strippers?" Antigone smiled back at him. Fuck him. He might get slapped, but he couldn't help it. He pulled her closer. Antigone's breath caught when she realized how close he was. The first touch of his lips was feather light. When Antigone didn't smack him, or pull away, he tangled his hand in her hair and kissed her again. And again, until she gasped and he could deepen the kiss. He broke the kiss and laid his forehead against hers when he heard more catcalls from the bar staff.

"I told you that wasn't a good enough reason to grab me and kiss me, Michael Del Zotto."
He dropped another quick kiss on her lips before towing her out of the bar. Once they reached the valet stand he put his jacket around her and pulled her close be the lapels. "I didn't do it because of them."She looked at him in a confused manner. "I did it because I fucking wanted to. Because I have wanted to since you walked in the conference room. Since you called me an asshole in the elevator. Since you got excited about Nutella. Since you walked in when I was changing. When you called me in LA. And from the moment you walked down the stairs tonight. You are always telling me to do something because I want to. I want to kiss you."He didn't give her time to process what he had said. Instead he chose to kiss her silly until the valet came. She knew this was a horrible idea, but damned if she didn't want him to do it ag

Notes

Hi Readers!! LuvCreature87 to the rescue!! Boston recently went to a game and found a ton of writing inspiration, so I hope you like the EXTRA long chapter! He computer still refuses to let her post so you might be seeing more of me....hopefully soon :). So, what do you guys think of Antigone and Mike so far? What would you like to see? Feedback ladies! We want feedback! Keep an eye on Boston's stories you never know where her mind will take her next!
Luv,
LuvCreature87 (Beta)