If you’re a big Shelle fan, I wouln’t bother to read this, cuz I assure you WON’T like it one bit.

Attire slang note: My husband says (in his southwestern Pennsylvanian twang) that they’re “jogging pants.” I say they’re freaking “sweatpants.” But you get the point, those comfortable cotton pants you wear to lounge around in or workout in the cold, like Rocky “Yo Adrianne!” Balboa.

Song credits: “In Too Deep” by Phil Collins and “Mississippi Queen” by Mountain. An older song but nice and wild.

Oh, and got the Yoda grammer thing going on at the beginning. It happens sometimes. Can’t help it. But it works, LOL,

Carrie

(33) Mississippi Queen

Belle, Sami, and Will stepped out of the elevator of Sami’s apartment building. Will jabbered away a million miles a minute after his exciting night out at Chucky Cheese with Aunt Belle and mother. Belle smiled down to her nephew when he grabbed her hand and spoke to her matter-of-factly. Sami was reaching for her keys inside her purse when the door to the stair entrance behind them slammed open. Sami looked up briefly and noticed it was her quiet, yet friendly neighbor. She jammed her key in the door as her sister stood gaping.

Belle couldn’t believe it. It was Paulie. And boy was it ever! He must have been working out. He was in black sweat pants and a grey and black Nike shirt. Sweaty. Looking good, real good. Lawd-help-her good. Nice buttocks good. Nice shoulders good. Nice feet good. Nice hair good. Nice nape of neck good. Hell, nice everything good.

Breathing hard, he was. Heart of hers, it pounded. Notice her burning eyes at first, he didn’t.

So she cleared her throat.

And his ears perked at the familiar bell of Belle. Of his sweet little Isabella- the one he’d drop a few grand for without blinking. He looked over his shoulder at the belle Belle.

She smiled, radiant.

He smiled, surprised.

Reveal her secret sugar daddy’s identity, she wouldn’t.

Remember his apartment number as he stood in front of his door, she did.

Spend another thirty LONG minutes in her sister’s apartment before coming up with an excuse to go home early and study for a test, she did.

Yeah right.

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

Paulie answered the knock on his door freshly showered and fashionably, yet casually attired. Belle was impressed, almost a little too much. His taste exceeded even hers like dust in the wind. But a disposable income could do that versus a capped weekly allowance.

“Hi,” he said, down to her.

“Hi,” she answered sweetly. “I didn’t know you lived here. My sister Samantha lives just down the hall from you. The girl I was just with, that was her, and my nephew Will.”

He nodded, “I’ve seen her before, but never talked to her. Come on in.”

“Thanks,” she said softly and walked past him. His hair was still wet. Its sent lingered down to her, sending chills up her spine. She heard music drifting pleasantly through out the room. It was a familiar voice, but one she couldn’t exactly pin point. She smiled as she listened to the lyrics- a vivid image came forth as her mother dropped her off to elementary school with this very song playing on the radio. “Who is this?” she finally asked.

“Phil Collins,” he answered as he grabbed the remote to turn down the volume of his impressive sound system.

“What’s the name of the song?” Belle asked curiously.

“Uh, ‘In Too Deep’ I think,” he answered. “I throw my cd player on random selection when I take a shower,” he explained as he turned to her.

“Ahhh, so you can sing in the shower, right?” she teased.

Paulie gave her a crooked smile, “Nah.”

“Sure you do. Everyone sings in the shower. Especially if they’re alone and there is music playing.”

“Maybe a little,” he confessed. “Just some songs. Nothing like this one, it’s too mellow.”

“What kind of songs do you sing to?”

“I don’t know, some old favorites I guess. Heavier ones like “Mississippi Queen” or Bon Jovi, Pearl Jam, and Metallica songs.”

Oh, now there was a vision for her- Paulie soaping and rinsing his tres fine body, singing along to his choice of tunes. “You’re just like my brother,” she managed to say instead.

“You trying to say you don’t sing in the shower?” he asked demurely.

“I told you everyone sings in the shower, so that includes me. But I don’t sing the same songs as you do. Your music is a little, um, dated” she kidded.

Paulie gave her a sly grin and folded his forearms. He gave her a small chin up, “You think I’m old, don’t you?”

Belle fought off a girlish giggle. It was nearly impossible, but she bit her lip instead. “Not too old, but yeah, a little.”

“Then why are you hanging out with a fossil like me?” he asked.

Belle blushed profusely. He got her on that one. “Well, I just thought I’d, you know, say hello,” she stammered. “I mean it’s ok that you’re old. It doesn’t bother me at all, really,” she said weakly.

“Are you sure about that?” he asked, smiling.

“I’m positive Paulie. It’s actually kind of…interesting,” she said with a hint of nervousness.

“Why?”

Belle shrugged indifferently and looked around the room and for a place to sit, “I don’t know, cuz you’re not like the guys at school. You’re more…”

“Mature?”

“Definitely,” she assured him, about to sit in his black leather love seat. She popped up quickly in mid air, “Oh, I’m not interrupting anything am I? You were going anywhere or having company were you? I can’t believe I just basically invited myself without notice.”

“It’s fine Isabella. And no, I wasn’t doing anything or expecting company. You just surprised me, that’s all.”

“So I can stay?” she asked, raising her eyebrow in anticipation.

Paulie laughed and took a seat next to her. “Yes you can stay, I want you to,” he said in an assuring voice.

Belle felt her heart turn a few quick flips in response to his enthusiasm. “Good,” she smiled. She looked away shyly and surveyed the room curiously. His taste was very sophisticated. Black leather furniture, cherry wood entertainment center and coffee table, a foreign rug off sorts, possibly Asian. The guy had some serious class. This place was NOTHING like his cousin Bobby’s dive of a home.

“You have a very nice place,” she said.

“Thanks,” he answered and leaned back comfortably to get a better look at his guest.

“No, a really, really nice place,” she admitted as afterthought.

“Thanks,” he said again.

“Where did you get the rug?”

Paulie looked at her, surprised she noticed such details, “Turkey.”

“Wow!” Belle said, amazed. “That’s right, you were in the military. You did a lot of traveling, huh?”

Paulie nodded, not elaborating any further. His song was coming on, “Mississippi Queen.” He stood up suddenly, “You want something to drink?”

Belle looked up to his towering figure, his groin in her face. She shuddered slightly, “Um, yeah. Whatever you got. I’ll have what you’re having.”

“Are you sure about that? I’m having a beer.”

Belle hesitated before nodding confidently, “A beer is fine.” Her face fell when he entered the kitchen. Beer sucked! It tasted like shit and it made her bloated. She drank it one time with Brady earlier this fall. And boy was he amused-she was loopy after two. But for some reason, she felt like being brave, even if the stuff tasted like death rot. She’d learn to cope, for now.

Paulie came back into the living room carrying two bottles of Miller Genuine Draft. He was singing. Belle listened to his voice in amazed wonder as he advanced towards her with lyrics so befitting

This lady asked me if I would be her man

You know I told her I’d do what I can

To keep her looking pretty, buy her dresses that shine

While the rest of them dudes was making their bread

Buddy beg your pardon, I was losing mine

He handed her a bottle and she accepted. Belle smiled, “Oh wow Paulie, you got a nice voice.”

Paulie tilted the end of his bottle to hers, “Thanks, I try,” he smiled. “Cheers.”

Belle tipped her bottle to his, “Cheers.” She grimaced through her first sip, eyes watering, hoping to God he wouldn’t notice. Luckily he was reaching for the remote. She waited until he stood up and went to his stereo before wincing in misery. God this stuff was awful! How was she supposed to drink this stuff in a relatively convincing manner? She’d have to pull a Brady and chug a lug. That was the only way.

She threw her head back for a long, torturous swallow. Paulie turned off his cd player and flipped on the tuner. “I won’t torture you anymore with my old music. What do girls your age listen to? I have no idea.” Belle shuddered as she finished off the last drop. She wiped her mouth and set her bottle down on the end table next to her. “I’m sorry, what did you say?”

Paulie turned around, “What radio station…” He stared at her empty bottle and red face. “You’re done already?”

Belle nodded, “I was thirsty.”

Paulie’s jaw dropped, “Shit girl, you need to slow down already.”

Belle shook her head, “I’m fine.”

“How are you getting home? You’re not driving are you?”

“No, I don’t have a car. I was going to walk. I’m only a couple blocks away. I live at The Penthouse.”

Paulie gave a small shrug, “I’ll make sure you get home safely.”

“I’ll be fine,” she assured him.

“Yeah, because I’ll take care of you.”

“Whatever,” she mumbled.

“What station do you listen to?”

“Oh, lots I guess. It doesn’t matter Paulie. We can listen to your music.”

“Nah,” he relayed politely. “You’re my guest.”

“Your guest wants to listen to Paulie music.”

“Paul music.”

“Yes, Paul music.”

“Fine,” he said and threw his cd player on random again.

“Fine,” Belle agreed nonchalantly.

Her eyes fell to a photo album on the bottom shelf of his coffee table. She pointed to it as he returned to her, “Can I see that photo album?” Paulie took a seat next to her and refused, “No.”

“Why not?” she nearly wailed.

“Because there is stuff in there I’d rather you didn’t see.”

Belle lept off the love seat and reached for the photo album, “That does it. Now I really want to see it.”

Paulie tried to grab it from her, but she held it away from him. She poked his firm six-pack playfully, “Drink your beer!” she ordered. Paulie took a drink in surrender and muttered, “I don’t agree with this.”

“Tough,” she muttered in return and opened the album cover.

She nearly shrieked at the sight of his baby picture, pointing madly to the adorable image.

“Damn,” Paul mumbled. “Settle down.”

“Paulie…Paul! You are so cute.”

Paul said nothing and grabbed his remote to program his favorite songs. Something told him he needed to keep occupied for this one. Belle grinned and shrieked randomly at his childhood images. Her gaze grew more lustful as she flipped to his high school images, notably his basketball and football pictures.

Belle burped unexpectedly. She eyes widened and she covered her mouth in embarrassment. Paulie got a small chuckle out of that one. “It’s ok,” he assured her. “It’s beer, so it’s bound to happen. Just don’t act surprised when mine come.”

“Right,” Belle said and returning to the photo album. She admired the photos of him and his friends, his family, and frowned at his choice of dates for school dances. They were disgustingly perfect. “I’ll have another beer,” Belle heard herself say when he stood up to retrieve his own second.

“I don’t think so,” he said over his shoulder.

“Uh, I do,” she yelled after him.

He returned with one of his own. Belle took her photo album with her to the kitchen. Fine, if he wouldn’t get her one, she’d get it herself. She reached for a bottle and struggled to twist off the lid. She returned to the living room and resumed comfortably, taking a long sip. It wasn’t as bad the second time around. But it was still bad. She finished the bottle in two gulps and set the empty bottle next her first one.

She let out a foul belch and giggled, “Shit! Sorry about that.” She turned the page of the book and smiled. The Marine pictures. So handsome, so professional, so masculine. A REAL man, she told herself. Her own little GI hero. Well, not little hero. BIG hero. Paulie the big fella hero.

She continued to flip the pages, admiring each image. She pointed to one in particular. Several guys in camouflage pants and no shirts. Standing together with no shirts, in a line with their pants lowered to moon the photographer. “Lookie here,” Belle said, suddenly giddy. “Which one is you?”

Paulie reached over to flip the page. “You don’t need to see that.”

Belle flipped the page back, “Which one?” she demanded.

“Forget it,” he said.

Belle looked closely at the image and pointed to the one she suspected was him. “This is you, isn’t it?”

Paulie shook his head and blushed. “No,” he insisted.

“Yes it is!” Belle sang.

Paulie shook his head, “Just turn the page.”

“Paulie’s got a NICE bootey!”

“Turn it.”

Belle got up to fetch another beer. “Refill time.” She grabbed two beers from the bottom shelf of the fridge and returned the living room. “Here you go,” she announced.

Paulie sat in on the table in front of him, “Thanks, but I’m still working on this one.”

Belle sat down and continued to flip. There was a shot of Paulie passed out in a bed. Someone was pulling his pants down slightly and placing his hands on this crouch to simulate him playing with himself. Belle pointed and looked up, “What happened here?”

“I was extremely drunk and my asshole friends were messing around.”

“Were you playing with yourself?”

Paulie shook his head, “No, I was passed out.”

“Whatever,” Belle teased.

“I was.”

Belle finished her third beer in three chugs. She sighed and sat down her bottle. She finished looking at the photo album and placed it back on the shelf. “Paulie, you are so cute,” she cooed.

“Yeah, and you’re done drinking.”

“Hmmm,” Belle replied, not really caring. She took a seat next to Paulie and stared into his eyes longingly.

A small smile formed on Paulie’s lips. Belle fingered his chin dimple, “Whaaaat?” she prodded.

“Nothing,” Paulie said, looking away.

“Whaaaaat?” Belle continued to pester. “Tell me. You’re thinking about something. Tell me what’s on your mind.”

Paulie slouched in his chair and glanced over to her. “You remind of this girl I went to high school with. I had a big crush on her. Her name was Angel DiMarco.”

Belle smiled, flattered. “That was her real name, Angel? Or was it a nickname?”

“Her real name.”

“Did the name fit?”

“Not really. She looked like an angel, but didn’t act like one. But I didn’t care. She had blond hair like yours. Except she hers was fake because she colored it that way. She was a natural brunette.”

“Mine’s real.”

“I know.”

“Except I used to dye it. I died it like jet black, and then a bunch of other shades until I got sick of it and went back to my natural color.”

“Why did you dye it?”

Belle blushed and looked away at the memory of her trigger. “I did it because of this guy, he used to pick on me because I was a ‘dumb blonde’, so I decided to get smart with him. He picked me up for my date and it was jet black. It was hilarious. And then later he died his hair platinum blonde.”

Paulie smiled, “That’s funny. So what happened to that guy? Are you still seeing him?”

Belle gulped and nodded, “Yeah, sorta.”

“Sorta? Either you’re seeing him or your not.”

“We are, but it’s nothing real serious, at least on his end,” she slurred. “He really values his independence. He doesn’t want to be ‘tied down’ or whatever.”

“You really like him, don’t you?”

Belle laced her fingers together awkwardly, “Yes, I do. At least I thought I did. But if he doesn’t like me that way, then why should I bother?”

“You underestimate him,” Paul assured her.

Belle’s eyes widened in surprise. “I don’t think so Paulie. But thanks for trying. Shawn told me with his very own words that he didn’t want anything serious. He wants a bachelor party kind of life.”

“Now I know you really underestimate him,” Paulie said. “Girls like you are like a dream come true for a guy. You’re everything they want, and your friend knows that. He also knows he’d be extremely foolish to let someone like you slip out of their hands.”

“Ugh!” Belle grunted, completely shocked. She touched her face curiously. It was starting to feel really funny. Tingly, very tingly, even on her lips of all places. Back to Shawn…

“That’s very nice of you to say that Paulie, BUT, like I said, Shawn doesn’t see me in the picture.”

“I’m sure he does, but he’s afraid to admit it.”

“Cha!” Belle said, rolling her eyes. “I ain’t got time to wait around for Shawn Doooglas to get his sheeeyit together and realize how wonderful I am.”

Paulie bit his lip. She was drunk, or at least heavily buzzed.

“Forget Shawn Doooglas. I want to hear more about Angel. Why do I remind you of her?”

Paul shrugged, “You just look like her. You bring me back to those days with your perky personality.”

“PERKY!!!” Belle yelled in disgust. “I hate perky! Anything but perky! Happy or friendly- but not perky!”

“Ok, so you’re not perky.”

“Thank you,” Belle grumbled in relief.

“You’re sweet.”

“Thank you,” Belle purred, slapping his knee.

“Innocent,” he added.

Belle rolled her eyes, “Why does everyone think I’m so innocent?”

“Because you are,” Paulie said in a sexy voice, giving her a figure a lustful once-over.

Belle stood up and planted her hands on her hips, “I’m NOT that innocent, Mr. Paul Paulie. Nyet!”

“You need to settle down,” he scolded.

Belle grabbed his remote from the coffee table, “I’ll prove it.” She swung her hips as she flipped through the songs. She found Paulie’s favorite tune and threw the remote on the couch after increasing the volume to a noise disturbance level.

Belle began to dance provocatively on the Turkish rug. She unbuttoned her shirt, stripping down to her tank top. She swung her shirt in a circle and drew it between her legs before tossing it to Paulie. She laughed when it landed on his head. She went to her knees on the rug and ran her fingers through her hair and over her body, fumbling through the lyrics.

Paulie removed the shirt from his head and stroked his chin as he watched Belle put on her drunken show.

“Mississippi Queen! Duh duh, buh bum bhum, know what I mean! Taught me everything….Buy her dresses...duh dah dah”

Paulie stood up to grab the remote and lower the volume. He went over to her and attempted to grab her off the floor. She stood up and ran away before he could catch her. She did an expert flip over Paulie’s couch and stood behind it, laughing as she continued her crazed dance.

Paulie worked his way towards her and grabbed for her hands, “You have definitely had too much to drink.”

“Paulie!” Belle yelled and secured her hands behind his waist. “Will you dance with me to one of your old Monster Ballad rock songs?”

Paulie laughed and shook his hands as he released her grip.

“Come on Paulie!”

“No, I don’t think so.”

“You suck.”

“Yeah, well just don’t ever take that little routine to Vegas. Then you definitely won’t be innocent any more. In fact you’d be down right dangerous.”

“I told you I wasn’t. And I proved it, didn’t I?”

Paulie nodded, “Yes, you did. Come here. You need to lay down and sober up.”

Belle took his hand happily, “Sure Paulie, whatever you say. Will you join me?”

Paulie led Belle to the couch and instructed her to lie down. She giggled at him, reaching for him to join her. He turned off his music and grabbed his phone from the kitchen. “Hey Regina, it’s me. I got a friend up here at my place. She’s pretty drunk and I need to make sure she gets home safely….Five minutes will be great, thanks.” Paulie hung up the phone, “I got a female friend that’s a cab driver. She can take you home.”

“But I don’t want to leave!” Belle wailed.

“I know you don’t, but you’re drunk and out of control.”

Belle pouted angrily. “I can walk,” she announced.

“You’re not walking.”

“It’s only a few blocks.”

“You’re not walking.”

“Fine! Then why won’t you take me?”

“I would, but I don’t want to risk having the wrong person see you with me.”

“Who cares!”

“Belle, it’s not that simple. If your parents or the bellman at your place see you climb out of a Corvette with of some strange older guy, things would be a little hard to explain.”

“I don’t care,” Belle assured him.

“Personally, I don’t care who sees us either, but it’s more complicated than you think.”

Belle sat up and crossed to him at the loveseat. She plopped down next to him and layed her head on his shoulder, “Paulie Paulie,” she murmured.

His cell phone rang suddenly. He answered it quickly. “All right, I’ll be there.” He hung up and turned to her, “Duty calls.”

“What timing,” she mumbled. She leaned back and smiled as Paulie attempted to put her shirt on. He buttoned each one carefully, batting away her hand as she tried to stubbornly interfere with his progress. He assisted her to the door. She turned around suddenly, her face in his chest. “Oh shit, sorry.”

She stared up to him, “Did you like drink a lot of milk when you were a kid? Cuz you are freaking TALL.”

“Yes I drank a lot of milk, but I think I inherited the height gene. My dad is tall too.”

“Okey dokey.”

“Why, is your mom short too?”

Belle shook her head, “No, actually she’s tall, and so is my dad.”

“You’re just naturally petitie.”

“Hey, I’m still growing,” she said defensively.

“I hope you stay just the way you are. It suits your personality.”

“Whatever,” she said in a sleepy voice. “Sorry you had to kick me out of your place Paul Paulie. I was having fun. I love your old pictures.”

“Thanks for surprising me. But next time no drinks for you.”

“Next time?” Belle said hopefully. “Does that mean I’m invited.”

“We’ll see,” he said softly. He leaned down to touch her face slightly. He kissed her cheek and said, “Goodnight sweet innocent thing.”

Belle sighed, “Goodnight Sugar.”

“Wait for Regina. She’ll be here shortly. She’ll get you home safe.”

“Okay dokey, Sugar.”

Belle stepped out into the hallway and staggered to the elevator. She was high, and not necessarily from the alcohol…