CHAPTER 5
Cassie and Hutch spent most of the rest of the morning talking and laughing. The conversation had been taken to a less controversial level and they had just been enjoying each other’s company. Hutch could be so funny when he wanted to be…and the mornings little argument though tense had somehow caused him to be in a bit of a playful mood. It all seemed so ridiculous now to him. She was after all still so very young and his partner could handle her. He had done just fine up until this point. She was just a little curious about sex and it was normal…just a stage that she would outgrow. A little crush on Starsky was all it was…just a crush…she would probably forget all about him soon and move on to boys her own age.
He was content in his thoughts now as he spoke with her…and listened. He had always been a good listener. It was something his partner liked about him. She had needed to get it out…and he was glad now that he had been there for her to turn to. The topic wasn’t exactly his specialty but he managed to hold his own.
Hutch glanced at his watch and told her she had better get ready if
they were gonna meet Starsky on time. She packed her belongings into her
book bag and threw it into his car as she got in herself and waited for
him. He locked the door and placed the key above the threshold where he
had always kept it before making his own way to his car. They had been
close before
but somehow after the past few hours they had managed to get even a
little closer. Hutch had always felt that she was his partner’s responsibility
but somehow he just couldn’t help worrying about her…ending up involved
in matters concerning her out of his relationship with Starsky. She was
a part of his partner’s life and so she had become a part of his own.
He backed out of the drive and started down the narrow paved road towards town when she turned to him with puzzlement.
“You don’t think he’ll bring her with him do you?” She asked curiously.
“I don’t know…what difference does it make?” He asked.
“I hope not…I kinda like having you both all to myself.” She added.
“I thought you wanted him to get involved…settle down.” He questioned her.
“I never said that…” She stammered. “I don’t want him to get married or anything.”
“Well…there’s a complete turn around…” He commented. “I thought you said you didn’t like the love em’ and leave em’ in the morning attitude he has…by that I thought you meant you’d like to see him get serious.” He deduced.
“No….well…I don’t know….don’t confuse me with my own words.” She told him.
Hutch laughed a little at her and drew his attention back to the highway as he thought out loud. “Teenagers…” He mumbled.
They soon pulled into the parking lot at the bowling alley and they
both spotted Starsky’s car at the same time. Hutch pulled up beside it
and the two of them got out and made their way inside. Starsky was standing
with his back to them waiting for the clerk at the front desk to set him
up with a couple of lanes. Even from behind…he was easy to spot. Cassie
strolled up
to him slowly and reached her hands over his eyes in a playful way.
“Guess who?” She said happily.
He smiled and answered her without turning around. “Let’s see…could it be…Cinderella?”
“Wrong…it’s Snow White…but I’ll let you slide this time.” She said as she released her hold and he spun around to face her.
“So did ya have a good time last night?” He asked as he looked at her and then at his partner.
“We could ask you the same question.” She said with a smile.
“Don’t look at me.” Hutch told him with a grin. “She’s your problem.”
Starsky put off her obvious wise-ass remark…answering it only with a half smile. Then he turned his attention towards Hutch.
“Hey…I really appreciate ya taking care of her for me.” He told him.
“He only had to change my diaper once.” She said with a hint of sarcasm…ruffled at his tone…as if he were referring to her as a baby.
“Very funny.” He said with his own form of sarcasm and again turned his attention to Hutch. “She been like this all day?” He added as he tilted his head towards her and back keeping his eyes on his partner.
“Like I said…she’s your problem now.” Hutch said with a smile.
“Excuse me…Mister…Starsky…” The clerk at the counter called to him. “Lanes 12 and 13 are available.”
“We’ll take em’…” He told her as he grabbed his bowling shoes from the counter. “Get your shoes and I’ll meet you on the lanes.” He said to Hutch.
“Sure…” Hutch called after him as he walked away…and then he pulled Cassie by the arm to stand close to him so he could talk to her.
“Cool it will ya…” Hutch said sternly. “There’s no reason to act like that.”
“I told you he treats me like a little kid.” She told him. “I’m getting a little tired of it.”
“Well ya know sometimes you act like one.” Hutch said calmly. “If you want him to think of you as a grown-up you should learn to conduct yourself accordingly.”
She looked at him for a moment and her facial expression suddenly changed. “You’re right.” She said with conviction. “You’re absolutely right….”
“What size?” The lady at the counter asked him as she touched him on the shoulder.
They spent a few hours at the bowling alley without another sarcastic comment from Cassie. Surprisingly enough she had managed to remain civil throughout the rest of the day. Whatever Hutch said to her…it worked like a charm….Starsky thought to himself as he observed her obvious change of attitude.
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Chapter 6
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