Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ WALK LIKE A MAN ❯ Chapter 5 ( Chapter 5 )

The sun was at its apex. The hustle and bustle of shoppers crammed into the New Hope Town Square for Saturday shopping. It had been a whole week since Mai had lost her job and she still hadn’t quite gotten over being fired. But it hurt more knowing she had let him down. Her boss had every right to let her go under the circumstances, but it would have been nice to have him come to her defense. She thought their comradeship was solid, but he never tried to contact Mike after that day. No calls to see how he was doing or if he had found another job. And poor Josie. Her top temp, fired because of a avoidable error.

The last thing Mai wanted to do was make the agency look bad, but in her eyes, that’s was just what she did. Mai hand more free time on her hands than she cared to , but the pay off was she could finish restoring her vintage convertible and that she got more time to spend with her sister.

Mai held Cassy tightly by the hand as she led her around the various shops and describing each one in detail. The doll shop was her favorite. Mai and Cassy would sit there for hours plying with the extravagant dolls from around the globe. Most were costly, but to a little girl, they were worth it. One particular doll was Cassy’s favorite. It was tanned like her. It had eyes of gold and hair of spun honey.

“Tell me what she’s wearing” The giggly youthful girl said as she sat in her big sisters lap.

“The same thing she always wears. A dress of red velvet, her curls in a braid fixed with a matching red bow.”

Cassy would use her keen sense of touch to gently outline the fine features of the dolls face. It was all she had along with her imagination that made her rather dimly lit world shine brighter than any star that glittered in the sky. Mai enjoyed the little times they spent together. But Cassy should have been with the one person who really needed her. Jamie.

“Mai can we eat now I'm starved”

“Your pick honey”

“PIZZA!!”

“Ok.....stuffed crust or hand tossed”

“Stuffed ...Stuffed”

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The food court was as crowed as the streets. Noon signaled lunch time and everyone seemed to want to eat at the same time. Cassy wanted to sit outside so she could listen to the people on the streets and have the sun on her face. Standing in line, like many times before Mai instructed Cassy to hold onto her shirttails and not walk off. The last thing she needed was for her to get lost in the sea of pedestrians.

His cell phone continued to ring even thought he really didn't want to answer it. The number was the same one form last night when he got the page form Simone. He had made a mistake of hooking up with her that night after firing Mike, and waking up in her bed the next morning. Although he didn’t want to be alone, Simone was not the shoulder he should have turned to. It made their already confusing relationship more confusing. There on again off again association was nothing but trouble personally and business wise.

It was rare for him to be out and about on a Saturday but today he was like everyone else, casually dressed and window-shopping. Trunks felt the hunger pains gnaw at his insides, the light breakfast he had eaten wore off so he dipped into the food court. Edging his shades to the edge of his nose he scanned the area for the shortest line.

“Bingo” he said eyeing the sandwich shop.

Quickly dipping in he ordered and was out in on time. Pushing through the crowds finally made it to the outside seating where he found an empty table where he sat and began eating. The noise level out doors was bearable. The days were cooler and it also made for some great people watching. Promising himself he wouldn't answer his phone he put it on vibrate. And slipped it into it’s holder and went back to his people watching.

Every type of person flocked to the square on Saturdays. It had been quite sometime since his last outing alone so today’s was quite a treat. Leaning back in his seat he watched countless bodies pass by the tables. Young and old simply waking enjoying an outing. Far too long was he able to enjoy days like this. He remembers when he was forbidden to step outside the compound alone. If his mother weren’t by his side he’d have to wait for Gohan to show up. Taking another bite of his third sandwich and barely chewing it he noticed a little girl standing in a sea of people . Clearly she was upset and confused. She turned every direction trying to decide which way to go. But her step hesitated with each direction she faced. Trunks saw no one was going to lift a single hand to help. His instincts compelled him to come to the rescue. Pushing thru the crow he knelt down to the girl’s level and tapped her gently on the shoulder.

“Hey....... you ok?”

“I need my sister”

“Where is she?”

“Pizza. I wanted pizza and she said “don’t let go of her shirttail” Cassy started to tear up.

“Well point her out and I'll.....”

“I can’t” Cassy head bowed .

“Come on you got to tell me what she looks like”

“She’s pretty” Cassy wiped away her tears “ and has pizza”

Trunks stood back up and scanned through the crowds. “This isn't going well” he mumble to himself and scratching his head.

Cassy gabbed a hold to this hand and leaned into his leg. Trunks picked her up and let her rest on her his shoulder.

“There, there it’s ok....we’ll find her” Pushing himself toward the pizza place he asked everyone if the knew the little girl. He came up blank. He didn't’ want to take the girl to the authorities in her emotional condition it would only make things works. He was mad that someone so careless would leave a child alone during Saturday shopping. With Cassy in tow he walked back to his table and fed her the remains of his lunch, hopefully her guardian would spot them.

“So what's your name ?”

Cassy and I'm in the first grade. I have a brother named Jamie and my sister is Mai”

“Mai you say?

“Yea she is short with shot hair a blue dress. Yes it think it’s blue, but it is a dress”

*********************************************************** *********************

Mai was frantic. as she stood about a 100 or so yards from them. Like Cassy she was turning in each direction looking for the missing girl. He and Cassy could hear her shouting out.

“Cassy....Cassy” Mai’s heart felt as if it had been ripped form her chest. "If something happens to her I’ll die” she said losing one of her slices of pizza.

Trunks spotted a woman turning in every direction holding on to two plates and one slice of pizza in a panicked stated.

“That’s got to be her” he thought to himself as he leaned into to Cassy who sipped on some soda and picked at his sandwich.

“I think we’ve found her kiddo” he said picking her up and placing her on his shoulders.

“Want to call her ?” He asked the girl as she giggled from the ride

“Ok mister. MAI!!!” She yelled out holding onto Trunks.

Mai head swung around and she spotted the tiny girl on the shoulders on of all people ....her ex-boss. She was happy that Cassy was alright but she wasn’t up to facing Trunks after what happed . Inside she was still fuming over being fired. This was the last thing she wanted. He approached her smiling bouncing her sister on his shoulders and loving it.

“This belongs to you?” he said in an almost angelic voice tinged with a bit of sarcasm.

“Cassy where were you? I almost had a heart attack”

The last two pieces of their lunch hit the pavement with a splat as Mai dropped the plates and took Cassy of his shoulders smothering her with hugs and kisses.

“You are welcomed. But in the future you show really be more careful with her” His voice with a tinge of anger in it.

“Don’t tell me how to take care of her. You know nothing about her”

“She’s small and in these crowds she could easily gotten taken. Of all the braindead.....if you want to be mad be mad at yourself”

Trunks voice had deepened to a nice roar as he gave Mai the third degree. He was right though; she should have had a better handle on Cassy. It was the second time he had yelled at her for an honest mistake. But Mai had had about enough of Mr. Trunks Briefs.

“I don’t appreciate your tone with me. You have no idea what I do to take care of her. It’s not easy considering she’s blind. I have to.....”

Trunks put up a finger quickly silencing Mai “She’s blind?”

“Yes and ....”
“I’m sorry. I thought some one just left her unaccompanied . I apologize.” His voice lowered to a soft tone.

“That’s better. And as for you young lady”

“I was holding on to you when the people pushed me. I thought I was with you until I felt the sun outside. I tried to find d you but I couldn’t”

Cassy had a way of manipulating everyone within range of her crying spells. Trunks found himself caught in the spell of the master as he tried to sooth the whims of the weeping girl.

Mai however wasn't buying it.

“Ok, shut down the water works” Mai handed Cassy a napkin “The award for best actress in an outside drama.... ”

Cassy gave a giggle and bowed. Trunks finally realized he had been hosed.

“She’s quite the actress”

“Gets them every time. I however am immune to it.”

Trunks had finally realized who Mai was. The woman whom he had dismissed when she came for the position of his assistant. The woman whom he felt bad about turning away. The woman who was now standing before him............. with the great legs. His eyes finally ascended to her face, which now had a serious scowl on it.

Apparently she was still unhappy with the rejection. Tying now to strike a conversation with her seemed hopeless, so trying to save face he used Cassy to bridge the gap between them. He bent to the little girl’s level and took her hand.

“Well lunch is a bust. I know you ladies haven’t eaten. How about we have lunch together on me?”

Cassy squealed with delight “I wann to go with the nice man to lunch Mai. Can we?”

“I don't know Cass.... he’s a bit of a problem form what I hear. ”

“But that’s at work. Today is my off day. I’m a regular teddy bear” Trunks added with a sugary sweet voice. It was hard to resist those blue eyes, goodness knows Mai could feel their weakening prosperities. Besides they were hungry, and he did offer to treat.

“Fine. But get out of line once and were out”

Trunks gave his scouts honor and escorted the two to his car. Cassy sat on Mai lap as the three sped off to one of his favorite spots.

***************************************************************** *************

The atmosphere was stuffy; mostly wealthy socialites and businessmen were conversing about the week’s wins and losses. At the table Mai felt small compared to him. In her suit as Mike, she felt like his equal, one of the boys. But as Mai a woman she felt needy against him, a position she didn’t always find desirable. He was chivalrous and polite. Qualities he seldom showed to his staff. His outburst in the office usually came at a critical pint during the day, when thing weren’t quite going his way. Mai couldn't understand how a man who had so much going right for him always seemed so unhappy.

Cassy played with her food as Mai and Trunks sat in almost silence across form each other as they ate. Sometimes passing quick glances at each other.

“I tried to apologize for my actions”

“No need to .... you wanted a man .....and I definitely am not one”

He couldn’t agree more. She had cut her hair; the dark flowing mane that framed her very beautiful face now short and sophisticated accentuating her sparkling light brown eyes. The spaghetti strap dress with the plunging neckline clung to her like a second skin. He could have been arrested for staring.

“Kami” he moaned softly under his breath as she continued to sip on her drink.

“Mai doesn't have a boyfriend” Cassy blurted out.

“Cassy!”

“Well you did but he was a bad man”.

“So you are single?”

“Yes” Mai rolled her eyes trying not to show a tinge of interest in him. “And I am content with being alone”

“Sounds like a woman who doesn't need a man. But every one needs someone” His tone straightforward as he finished his meal. Again there was there uncomfortable silence between them. Does everyone need some one?

At the end of their meal the two adults still gun shy of each other waited patiently as Cassy finished her meal. The usually rambunctious girl ate slowly finding fault in every bit.

“ I don’t like noodles.....I want dessert now” she announced half way thought her meal.

“You haven’t finished your food yet”

“Let’s order. I could go for ice cream” Trunks announced pulling out his wallet.

Perhaps getting in on the good side of the child would lessen the gap between them, besides Cassy was a lovable child. Cassy ranted on about every little thing her little mine could think up. School, mamma’s garden and the new puppies Mrs. Keller’s dog had. Children always fascinated him. The way they simply went on about life, even when things were bad. They loved unconditional, never really putting barriers on how much love to give out. If everything could be as simple as a child's love. Mai had drifted off some where in her own little world, trying her best not to show interests in the incomparable Mr. Briefs.

“Are we boring you with our conversation?” He asked

“No. Go right on I’m fine”

“But we are all suppose to be having lunch”

“But you seemed involved in more interesting banter right now. I wouldn’t want to disturb your little power meeting”

“Then perhaps we should schedule another meeting........just us. We could go over more stimulating adult conversation”

Trunks had leaned in closer. Mai could feel his breath against her bare shoulder.

“Are you flirting with me?” She asked out right

“ Is it a problem?”

“You have no idea”

“Look I'm trying my hardest. I would like to take you out ...tonight and if not tonight sometime soon.... If you would only consider?”

This was a position she didn’t get to see her former boss in........almost begging.

The powerful CEO was usually had the upper hand in negotiations. So his weak spot for the fairer sex was genuine. Maybe it was the way he smiled at her or the genuine look of delight he had on his face as Cassy sat on his lap and continued to gibber on that made Mai lower her wall.

“Ok, I'll go out with you . Now can we finish our lunch”?

Mai tried her best to avoid his smile. Beneath the sour look she gave him an inner smile was forming.

Trunks being the gentleman walked them to their car.

“Look I hope you don't give me the cold shoulder. I really want to show you a good time” He slipped her the address to the restaurant they would meet up at.

“I’ll try to behave”

“Are you like this to all men in general?” Trunks asked with a confused look.

“No just the cute ones” Mai added as she turned on her heels and disappeared into the crowd.

***************************************************************** **************

There was no point in going all the way home when she was going to wind up back in town anyway so Mai decided to get ready at Jamie’s house.

Cassy was the first to announce the news of Mai’s having a date with the nice man.

“So who’s the lucky stiff sis?”

“Of all people........Trunks Briefs”.

“Pay dirt” Ty hollered form the kitchen “what a great catch”

“Yea I guess”

“You guess. If he was gay I'd be all over him” Ty said.

“He likes her Jamie” Cassy said feeling around the coffee table for the candy dish “He likes her a lot”

“And how do you know” Mai had picked her up and held her in her arms

“Because he does...I know it” Cassy said proudly.

Mai sat with Cassy in her lap on the sofa “I’m not so his type” she announced.

“Why not sis....you’re pretty enough”

“I’m definitely not the usual super model type he dates”

“Look if can’t see you for the gem you are.....then screw him.“

“But he has been nice to me...Cassy adores him. What if he’s the one?“

“You’ll know it when everything around you seems insignificant when you are together. The whole world stops and disappears when you are together.“

Mai still felt strange. She was competing against Simone. The lovely and rich Simone, whom, she knew for a fact, was secretly keeping in touch with Trunks even after their much public break-up. It was apparent that Trunks was still interested in her. So why was he settling for a date with Mai, plane old Mai who was unemployed, and had posed as a man and worked for her date tonight? Could this have gotten any more complicated?

*********************************************************** *********************

Mai’s palms sweated uncontrollably as she put on the black dress she had bought for special occasions. She had never felt so pressured to look exceptionally good in her life. For someone who tried her hardest not to be excited, she was. After slipping into it she remember why it sat in the back of her closet. Low cut, too tight and too sheer. It had never been worn and maybe wearing tonight wasn’t such a good idea

“He’ll think I'm coming on to him” She tried her best to cover the excessive cleavage popping from beneath the v-shaped collar “One wrong move and he’d get an eye full”

“Isn’t that what you want? Goodness knows you‘ve been ranting on about the man for hours” Jamie stood in the door way holding onto the black heels he hand picked out of her closet “Here these will make your legs look longer”

If it were humanly possible for her 5-foot frame to become lengthy in an instant. Trunks would be arriving soon and she still hadn’t fixed her hair and make up.

“I just want to eat dinner with him, not have hot sex. Can you see through this?”

“That would be a bonus” Ty sifting through her sparely packed makeup case, his eyes came up from the bag to notice that the dress was revealing and yes her could see through it if he really wanted to “girl you really need to upgrade this thing”

“I don’t do this often you know”

Mai would rather spend a Saturday night fixing on her car or watching a good old movie instead of having to pretend she was comfortable in some attire she rarely wore. Her last boyfriend was, well to put it in a nutshell, a total ass.

Malachi was an enforcement officer, and his work sometimes carried over into their relationship. His demands on her sometimes weren't realistic. Mai was stubborn as hell and of course the two bumped heads repeatedly. But the relationship ended abruptly when Jamie had to serve notice to the sergeant that under no circumstances was he ever to put his hand on his sister.

Nevertheless Malachi continued to do so, even putting Mai in the hospital. Jamie may be a lot of things, but a punk is not one of them. Lets just say the officer had to live down the harassment by his fellow officers of getting his ass kicked by a fag.

The ringing of her cell phone quieted the room suddenly. There were only a few people who had the number to it; most were in the room with her, so it had to be Trunks.

“Hello” she said almost dreading the response she was about to get.

“Hey Mai” his voice sounded just as pathetic as hers “I got some bad news”

“Don’t worry I really didn't expect this thing to fly anyway” Her heart dropped in her chest. He was calling to cancel the date.

“I’m sorry. I really wanted to see you tonight. But something came up.”

“Simone?” Her voice now was dripping with sarcasm.

“No...I would never break a date with one lady for another. It’s that something came up at work. I gotta fix it. And it’s going to take a while .....I'm shorthanded”

Mai understood. They were trying to reach a deadline when she was fired and of course all the grunt work she would have done as Mike fell onto Trunks shoulders.

“We’ll reschedule” her voice sounded relieved.

“See I knew you were great” a spark of enthusiasm came back to his.

“Next Saturday works for me”

“I promise, no work. I’m sorry you know. I really wanted to see you”

Maybe it was the sincerity in his voice that made her believe him. He hand never reneged on a promise that she knew of and when he begged he did have the cutest dam smile. Mai put away her phone and flopped on the sofa.

“No show?”

“Yea. He had work to finish up at the office” She pulled off her shoes and tossed them aside “I guess this dress will have to sit on the shelf for another year”

For someone who gave him such a hard time when he asked her out, she was feeling a sense of being let down. She would have loved to go out with him, ate at his favorite restaurant or danced with him. But it would all have to be put on hold for now.

“Nonsense” Ty got up his chair and pulled her to her feat “you are still going out. That dress is not going to waste”

“Hello” she began taking off her dress “no date. He cancelled”

“So just meet him where he is”

“Ty don’t have my sister put herself out here” Jamie stepped between them “She's not going to chase after some man”

“But look at her. She’s so pretty and if he’s interested, he’ll like the surprise” Ty’s arm wrapped round Jamie's neck “She’s a big girl. Let her live a little”

Mai’s face did light up at the suggestion. So with Jamie's blessing he sent her off. Mai had never pursuit a man before. It was totally out of her character. When she was a kid he had crushes on her brother’s friends, of course she was the little sister whom everyone loved, but could never get with because she was Jamie's’ “little sister”. So she had to ask herself. Was he worth it?