5 4

The girls talked about everything and laughed at everything. Buzzed from their drinking and still excited from the dancing. The back of the town car was alive with laughter on the drive back to Lucille's place. "Ok wait. Ok wait." Geegee said while trying to control her laughter. "Julian."

"What about Julian?" Doris asked.

"Was Nina hurt? When she broke up with him."

"You mean was Julian hurt?" Lucille questioned, the laughter in her eyes begging to burst.

"No I mean Nina."

"Then why did you say Julian?" Lucille chuckled. Geegee shrugged, eyes half closed. "You know her. Hurt is anger, anger is sometimes hurt."

"Not just her. You too." Doris ruffled Lucille's hair.

"Hey!" Tabby called out. "Remember when you both had those songs? How old were you? Eighteen." She answered her own question. "And you and Nina called yourselves Redies?"

Geegee smiled. "Those were cool songs. For that time."

"Yeah they were." Doris agreed. "It's fun to dance to sometimes. But it's more fun to laugh at."

"Dancing. I totally forgot to ask." Tabby palmed her forehead. "Why didn't you dance with the guy who came over with his friends?"

"Good question." Geegee nodded.

"Mmhmm." So did Doris. "And you danced with someone else."

"I would have. But he sent drinks over."

"So?" They chorused.

"Soooo. By doing that, he was practically buying a dance with me. But I never drank his bribe booze. So I wasn't obligated to dance with him." The three girls looked at each other. "If he hadn't tried to make sure he got his way like that, then I would have danced with him."

"You think too much." Geegee stated.

"No I don't. What I did makes perfect sense to me."

"Who rejects free drinks and dancing?" Doris asked, rubbing her face.

"Someone who... is me. I have a real answer somewhere. I just don't remember it."

The girl's laughed. "No you don't." Tabby declared.

"Shut up!" Lucille barked as the car rolled into the driveway. "Oh! And free drinks can be drugged."

"As I said. Thinking too much."

"I'm sorry I'm careful. I still have fun. So... whatever." She let herself out the car before the driver could come around. "Thank you Mister Sumner." She said to him. He nodded with a smile, holding the door for the others as they stepped out. Thanking him and then changing the subject.

Ten minutes after they had gone in and settled down in the livingroom, the food Lucille ordered arrived. "Hey! You promised us you'd cook." Tabby reminded her.

"And I will. Tomorrow." She paid the teenager, maneuvered the door shut with her leg and carried the bags to the kitchen. "Breakfast and if you stay for lunch, then lunch too." She smiled.

There she was again. He thought, stepping on the break when the light hit red. Like a replay of a movie scene, she led a trolley out to her car. This time, she was followed closely behind by a kid with another trolley. She held out her hand before the kid could touch one of the bags. She must have said something, because, the kid stepped aside and she, just like the first time, gently and swiftly put her grocery bags in the car. She spoke to the boy like he was someone she knew. Only when he heard the horning of the car behind him did he realise the light was green. And even as he drove off, they were still talking.

Patiently, Lucille worked, waiting for the call that would have her going to Mister A's office. She'd been informed by Mister Atkins an hour after she got to work. She knew what she was supposed to work on with him. And knew it was going to take a lot of time. Except, Mister A, for some reason hadn't sent for her yet and her she was beginning to think it would be postponed. 2:37. She sighed and typed away on her computer. She barely heard the knock before her door was opened. She jolted and stared wide eyed at the open door as Mister A appeared. "We have a lot to do. Come on."

She relaxed. Unmoving. "It's almost three."

"I'm aware. I had a meeting." Did he need to explain himself to her?

How could he just appear and so swiftly destroy the dream of not having to work with him? Not that working with him is a problem. But she had already made peace with the fact that the plans her boss had made had fallen apart and then BAM! He bursts in. Well... No choice. "You could have just sent for me."

"I was already up here. I needed to talk to my- Mister Atkins." Again with the explanation. Strange. But not think about it for more than an eternity strange. "I might have to keep you later than you're used to. Hope you didn't have plans." He started to leave just as she got up. He heard no reply. He turned back around curious. "Did you?"

"No I didn't." If planning on reading a book in front of the television counts then that plan was now seriously cut short depending on how long this would take. She picked up the files neatly kept by her computer and followed him. She waved at Suzanne with a smile and followed him into the elevator. Passing the two people already in it, she went to the back left corner and leaned against the wall. Leaving Nick to push the button to his floor.

On getting to his office, he gestured to the visitors chair in front of his desk before walking to his seat on the other side. Work began. Visible silence between them. talking involved Nick asking questions.

Four and a half hours later, they were still working. Except their sitting position had changed. Lucille had taken the couch against the left wall and Nick was standing. Sleeves folded, hair tousled and tie slacked. He faced the open window, looking at the papers in his hand.

The fact that it was night was getting to Lucille. Half her mind on what she could have been doing at home, a bit taunted by a song stuck in her head that she was crying out inside to run home and listen to. She counted the papers in her hand. Great! Even if she was done with them, another pile would be handed to her before Nick even decides to glance at them. She looked at him, he'd turned away from the window darkened by the night. He was so focused on his work. Forehead creased and his jaw clenched. He didn't look as official as he had four hours ago. His suit jacket was hanging over his chair. He closed his eyes and took in a deep breath before focusing on the papers again. He looked relaxed that night at the club. Hair intentionally tousled unlike tonight, and unlike how smooth and well kept it usually is at work. His girlfriend on his lap. Refusing to sit on a chair even after his friends left. She had glanced round the VIP room one too many times not to notice. And right now, she noticed more. Dare she admit it? When Geegee had asked and Nina had insisted, she said what she knew they wanted to hear. But now... she couldn't help thinking... In all the situations she had seen him. Put together, party mood and unintentionally... If not absent mindedly dishevelled. He is hot. He immediately looked at her and she looked right back at him. It was too automatic a look. Just after she realised what Geegee sees and more.

Why did it feel like she knew his darkest secrets? An hour and a half ago, it had taken him nearly five minutes in between his work to convince himself she didn't know he had gone to the restroom to do coke. And when he realised it was getting late, she was already looking at him. Creepy coincidence serves as the best explanation. "You can leave now. We can pick up from somewhere else tomorrow. Leave the papers I'll finish up." Eyes back on his papers.

Yes! Sweet beautiful melody to her ears. Good thing she had control. Cause she could see herself rushing to his desk, dumping the papers and rushing out without a word. She kept a cool pace, and left without a word. In her office to grab a few things, Suzanne had left her instructions from Mister Atkins. Great! And there were meetings and events she had to confirm, reschedule and arrange for him. Looks like Mister Atkins would need her presence tomorrow. But in the meantime, she had a song to go home to.

Days of working together past. Most of which was intense for him. She did her job like it was nothing; and almost every hour he grew more frustrated with the project. On his way back to his office, he noticed her... Cilley? No, Lucille heading in the same direction. Bartholomew Veen, his friend and colleague was coming from the other direction and bumped into her. Papers in her arms fell and she gently and gracefully bent down to pick them up. Amazing how she did it. "It's you." Bart announced without an apology. "The girl from the club. Wow you work here." He could see the look in his friend's eyes. Mischief and he has found his prey.

Nick passed them both as Bart made her move up against the wall without touching her. While his friend was in the mood for a game, Lucille glared with indifference. If that was possible. And it only made him want to stand and watch.

"It wasn't fair. You danced with someone else and gave me a list of reasons why you couldn't." He played with a lock of her hair. Not a change in her expression or stance. Wow. Nick thought as he faced forward. "How about making it up to me."

"I don't want to." The only words he heard her say.

"Why?"

Nick was finally out of earshot. He pressed a button on the intercom and said, "Send for Mister Veen please. Immediately."

"Yes Mister A." He heard his assistant say.

In less than two minutes he strolled in. "This better be important Nick." Hands in his pockets. Lucille followed in after him. Looking at Bart before going to the couch.

"Yes it is B." He smirked. Now it's his turn to be mischievous. He didn't speak.

"Well what is it?" Bart's patience wearing thin and his eyes darting to Lucille.

"You may leave."

He shifted his eyes to Nick once he heard the words. "What?" Forehead creased. Clearly he'd been lost in thoughts of her for a few seconds.

"You heard me." He was trying not to laugh. "We have work to do."

"Did you just call me in here to see my face?"

It was obvious Bart wasn't happy that he interupted his fun. And the pissed off look on his face was worth seeing. "You could say that." He was pleased with himself.

"Damn it Nick, you'll pay for this."

"Pay for what? What did I do?" Curious to hear what he would say.

Bart started to speak; but stopped himself. "Damn it."

"Oh! And by the way, meet Bryan's assistant." He couldn't quite tell the look on Lucille's face. Maybe he should stop trying.

Bart looked shocked. "Okay. Is there a name?"

"Cilley." Nick answered.

"Lucille." She corrected.

"A last name?"

"No." Her answer, sharp.

"Okay." He nodded and started to leave, walking backward and smirking. "Good to know. Thanks Nick." He looked at her. "Now I know exactly where to find you."

Nick thought he was helping. He only made it worse. "Good for you." He heard her say before she turned to face him, crossing her legs. "Do you have a problem with my name? You've heard it more times than you can count and yet you refuse to correct yourself."

He felt uncomfortable as he looked at a stunned Bart. Bart was staring at her, so close to the door. "Do you want me to remember it?" He tried to hide his uneasiness with a smirk. All of a sudden it felt like he was in her office and not his own. Like he was just being allowed to sit on the large chair behind the desk while she assessed him. What in bloody hell is going on?

He was attempting to tease her. How expected from someone like him. As she took in a deep breath, she blinked once. "That's your choice. As long as you don't remember, it would be best to not try saying my name at all."

One blink followed by raised eyebrows, Bart smiled. He couldn't help thinking it would be in his best interest to leave. "See you later Nick." He removed his hands from his pockets. Leaving Nick glaring at Lucille in shock and Lucille looking at Nick with her head tilted and a calm 'go ahead and say something' look on her face. Not to mention the growing tension making its way to him. Yes, completely it his best interest.

The closing of the door snapped him out of his state. He sat up straight, shifting his gaze to the door then scoffed. "Okay." She was only looking at him. But it felt like she had all the power. He needed that back. "We have work to do." She nodded and bent her head over the papers beside her. The little act left him uncertain about whether he got the power back or not.

When their next time working together rolled around, Nick no longer had a problem remembering her name. It shocked him how her words affected him. And she was oblivious to it all. They worked together for months. Or at least a few non consecutive days in months. The business took both himself and his father out of town more often than not. Giving her a chance to breathe and focus on things other than whatever project Nick was working on.

She enjoyed her time with Bryan Atkins. He seemed most light hearted around her and found a reason to laugh at almost everything. The exception being he kept calm and quiet during most of his meetings. Lucille had the privilege of attending most of them. She also went to meetings with Nick. Always choosing to meet him at the venue than follow him there. Listening to him talk business and amazingly close deals with not too much of a struggle. Silver tongue indeed. Quite frankly, it seemed every rumour about the man was true.

Nick had a problem with Lucille. Never accepting his invitation to accompany him back to the office. His question was always followed by "I'd rather not." The way she said it barely changed. And when it was a flat out no, there was no convincing her, not that trying to convince her ever changed her mind. "You always say that." He'd commented.

"Say what?" She turned around with a sighing look on her face.

"I'd rather not. Why?"

"Because I don't want to. It's an option you're giving me, which I choose to reject. Because I'd rather find my own way." And off she went. Leaving his standing in the middle of a restaurant. He couldn't help smiling that day. He liked her. She always kept to herself even when he had drug induced bursts of anger and frustration when they worked. What he saw with her was completely different from the songs of adoration his father sang about her that had his mother buying into her qualities. He'd noticed that she took off her rings every time she was in his office or his father's, and had them on every time he barged into her's. He'd also had the pleasure of seeing her take them off in his presence without her knowing he knew.

At least that's what he thought. Lucille found his out bursts a bit too entertaining, especially since they were never directed at her. Spending as much time as they do alone together is supposed to make them a bit friendly towards each other, but is didn't. Not the way she was with his father. She kept to the couch and he kept to the desk. But, again and again, she had admitted to herself how gorgeous he is.

Bryan Atkins had instructed her to attend a gala on his behalf. Which wasn't the first time. But with that weeks away, her main focus was on going to visit Nina. She didn't notice that Nick had seen her take off her shoes by the door to the stairs and slip on a pair of heels before pushing open the door. Or that he'd watched from his office window as she got into the backseat of a car with a guy and a girl in front and another girl behind with her. All three girls looked very excited as the car drove off. Excitement she'd never shown while working with him.

"Nina's so excited it's crazy." Nancy announced from the front.

"Are you kidding? Of course she is. It's in her voice. 'David's throwing a party Luce. He wants to see you. So does Johnny and George. Oh! And Al, was asking after you.' It just goes on like that." Lucille laughed shaking her head.

"You really got how she talks. Maybe you should be the actress." Geegee commented. "It's cool how she always calls them by their first names."

"They're all friends of hers, so of course she does." Nancy said. Rubbing her bruised eye. "I wish I could do that."

Lucille looked at her. "Don't touch it." She pulled Nancy's hand away. "Chuck, how much further?" The thought of Nancy's boyfriend hitting her again made her so angry.

"Ten minutes tops." He answered, eyes on the road.

"Good. Cause I cannot wait to kill that guy." Geegee laughed. "Don't laugh. I will. I'll kill him. You have to let me."

"No one's stopping you." Geegee said.

"Nancy," Nancy glanced at her. "You just have to get your stuff. Don't try to talk to him. You have to do this. And I need to kill someone. Umm... Chuck?"

"Yes Miss Lawes?"

"You didn't hear me say anything about killing anyone."

He smiled, looking at her through the rare view mirror. "Of course Miss Lawes."

Nina yawned and stretched walking into the house behind Lucille on her tip toes. Her shoes and purse in her hands. "I can't believe you did that. Why did you do that?" She'd picked Lucille from the airport and taken her straight to a party. Lucille had to put on her make up in the car. She had to be camera ready for one of Nina's long list of Hollywood parties. After which they went home.

"He was just standing there and talking. It was making me so angry. And Nancy was... I don't even know what she was. He's lucky I didn't kill him. I told them I would, but I didn't." She sat down.

"Ok." Nina moved towards the kitchen. "But this all happened in his house. He could make a lot of trouble."

"Let him try." Lucille removed the pins in her hair. "That's when I'll kill him. I'm not Nancy. I'm not afraid of him."

She grabbed to two bowls to put chopped fruits in them. She chuckled. Knowing her sister all too well. "Obviously. What about Nancy. What if she decides to go back?"

"She wouldn't. Fear wouldn't let her. She hit him too. If she goes back, he'll hurt her more. So she can't. That's why I convinced her to hit him."

Nina smiled brightly. "But she doesn't know that's the reason why."

"No. But I'm more than a hundred percent sure she's thinking about it."

"You know, when you're not Crazy, you're brilliant."

Lucille smiled taking the bowl from her. "I know." She liked her sister's compliment.

"What was Geegee doing?"

"Laughing. Apparently, she took pictures."

"Oh! I love that girl." She threw her head back. "I need copies."

"I didn't even know she had a camera with her. And I'm the crazy one." She shook her head.

"So I'm shooting tomorrow." Nina changed the subject between juicy bites. "I may be back late. Cary's throwing a party. Celebrating his new movie."

"When?"

"Two nights from now. And Drew's been dying to meet you. She might come over tomorrow. But if she doesn't, you'll see her at the party." Lucille nodded. Eyes on her reducing fruits. "How are the kids?" She stretched for the television remote.

"They're all fine. Estelle's working on her music. She says she's tired of school."

"I've got an agent lined up, but she should finish school first."

"She's so stubborn, it's a lot of work telling her that. Odette still can't decide between photography and beauty school. Nora's so busy with school work she barely writes now. Rinnie's got the beauty school thing down and Betty-"

"Don't tell me she still stares at the walls?" Lucille burst out laughing. "I saw her do that thing a few times, I'm telling you, it's weird."

"She's just thinking. It's not weird."

"Have you seen her do it?" Lucille's laugh turned to a chuckle. "It's weird. What about the boys?"

"Frankie and his friends are still fighting over band names. They hardly practice. Rufus was caught trying to sneak into the girl's building."

"Are you serious?" She chuckled.

Lucille nodded. "And Clive is in a world of his own. We're trying to get him to settle back in."

The loud ringing of His phone pulled him out of his sleep. He inhaled deeply as his eyes flew open. His vision a bit blurred, making him rub his eyes while sitting up from the couch he had passed out on and reaching for the phone. "Yeah." He said, stuffing his hand into the right corner of the couch for the tiny transparent ziplock. The interior of his apartment was dim. Thick dark drapes keeping the sun from streaming in. "It's not for another hour." He poured the drug on the coffee table, made it into three lines and went for it. The lines disappeared as he snorted.

"But Mister A, we still have to go thr-"

"I'll be there. Okay?" He raised his head and wiped his nose. "And stop panicking. You're my assistant. You've been slacking cause Mister Atkins assistant's been working with us. Pick up the damn pace."

"Yes Mister A."

Nick hung up. He rubbed his forehead and then his eyes again. He probably looked like crap, and smelled like on too. The shirt he had slept in looked like something an animal had chew up and spit out. His head felt like that too. "Hi." He heard her voice coming from the direction of his bedroom.

He hung his head. Just great. "You're still here?"

It was a rather cool evening, her shawl wrapped perfectly round her shoulders. She stepped up to the man holding the guest list with a smile on her face. "Miss Lawes." He said in recognition. No need to look over the sheet for her name.

"Hi." She smiled ever so sweetly and walked past him. Making her way to the garden where the gala was taking place. Again, she lacked the interest to be here. She'd spent the entire day in the orphanage. Where Rinnie and Odette insisted on doing her make up and helping her get ready. Unfortunately, she'll be too tired to even sit in the car for a long drive back there. But she would return first thing in the morning.

She spent half the evening talking to guests with a smile on her face. Informing people she'd met before that she's working for Bryan Atkins and representing him. Once she was given the opportunity, she left the garden in search of something sweet that won't feel so stiff in a place full of 'well mannered rich individuals.' She wouldn't have to go looking for something sweet in the orphanage. It made her sigh.

She walked past him like he wasn't there. Why did it feel so familiar? But that wasn't the point. She looked absolutely stunning and Queen like in her light purple dress. His eyes widened when he saw her. What kind of a woman was she, that every time he saw her, she looked more beautiful? It was as if he was seeing her for the first time again.

His presence filled the room. Making enchanting small talk with everyone in each group. Lucille may be his father's assistant. But he sure as hell was his son. Whatever he was saying, had potential investors even more interested in working with him. He could see how impressed they were by the way they smiled at him. He caught sight of one or two older women staring at him across the garden with pure lust. He smiled at the one he was all too familiar with. He chuckled and shook his head at his own thought. "Excuse me." He said to the group he had been talking with and headed for the open bar.

"Are you also representing your father, or is his assistant your date?" A man asked him.

"Why?" He asked mischieviously. "Do you want to take her home with you?"

"It's an honest question." He commented uncomfortably. He had to have some information to give Mister Lawes.

"I know." He chuckled, the bar tender handing him his drink. "She's representing him, and I'm here because I decided to be here. I don't represent him. I represent me."

It was a coincidence that they both stepped out at the same time. That's what he thought, seeing as Lucille was standing impatiently outside. Fidgeting and pulling her shawl over her shoulders. "Waiting for your car?"

"That obvious?" She didn't want to be sarcastic. This is why she preferred to drive. It's cold out, and the driver hadn't come back from wherever he went. She hissed.

"Would you accept my offer this time?" His car came up front.

"What offer?"

"Are you intentionally being forgetful? Of a lift. It's cold and you're almost shivering."

"Why are you trying to convince me?"

"Because, I think you need it now more than you did the other times and it's the right thing to do. My dad would kill me if I let his new pet-" She looked at him fully for the first time all night. "I mean precious-"

"Don't try." She warned, staring back at nothing

He sighed. "I'm being nice here. Just get in. It'll be warm in the car. I'd offer you my jacket, but you'll still be left standing out here."

"You sound like you know he's not coming."

"Well, he's not here yet. And how long have you been out here?" No answer. "Come on. You'll be home before you know it."

She hissed. Damn it. He was right. "Ok." He opened the door for her and she got in. "pet." She said when he got in. "Why would you call me that?"

"He'll be upset if he found out I left you outside to freeze to death."

"You can't insult someone and gloss over it."

"I'm not glossing." He had to defend himself. "You just happen to be his favorite assistant." He assessed her. Silver painted finger nails, dark purple lipstick, flowing red hair with silver hair pins- it occurred to him; Lucille sitting by his side, was the closest they had ever been.

screeching tires, a bang, and the car was forced to the side. Nearly toppling over. Lucille's hand over the side of her face kept her head from making contact with the window glass. Nick's head hit the head of the passenger seat in front of him and back to his own. Their hearts were pounding. Lucille's eyes shone with fear. What just happened?

Nick turned to her, she was breathing hard. "Are you alright? Are you hurt?" He touched her, concerned as he made sure she was fine and even more so when she didn't answer. "Lucille?"

How could she when she couldn't hear past her pounding heart drowning out every other sound?

He got out of the car, following the back, he went to her side and gently helped her out. Leaving her standing with the gathering on lookers who were calling for help with his jacket draped over her and he went off to help his driver and the other people helping those in the very damaged other car.

By the time the medics were done checking the two of them and getting ready to drive off with the injured victims, Nick had sent for another car. He guided her in carefully. Feeling her trembling even in the warmth of his jacket. As the car moved, he couldn't help thinking about his other hurt driver and the three people who where all taken away in ambulances.

And neither could she. They had been hit and they came out unscathed. Unlike the others. All the blood. What if someone dies? She looked out the window. She couldn't think like that. She had to be positive. It could have been worse. She could have died. They all could have. "Hey." His voice cut through her thoughts. She turned to him. "Are you alright?" He placed her hand on her. She nodded and looked away, he removed his hand.

They sat in silence for a few minutes. Neither of them could explain how it happened. The thought of death, the finality and doom of it was consuming. In an instant, they were facing each other, lips merging and hands reaching for each other. His lips travelled from her's to her neck and back up again while his hands snaked round her waist, under his jacket and she let him. Her lips tasted like candy apples. Like she'd coated them in caramel. He liked it, he wanted more. She let him kiss her deeper, feeling his warm hands caress her back and pulling her closer to him.