"In The Shadows"
Oliver had been back from the dead for about a month now and the chaotic movement of people and the continuous pounding of music at the dance club, still grated along his nerves. How did he ever talk himself into opening Verdant? Oh yeah, he was still the party boy, unredeemable playboy and a nighttime vigilante.
He took a small sip of his club soda as his eyes took in all the possible threats surrounding him. He knew where every exit was located and stood at the side of the bar where he had the vantage point of seeing everyone who came in. Habits were hard to break. People weren't people anymore, they were a danger and a vulnerability he had learned the hard way to no longer have.
Through the lull in the music he heard the full body laugh of a woman ring out. It floated by him full of happiness and delight. He couldn't help but smile, just a little against the glass lip of his drink.
What the hell? He just smiled?
He hadn't lost control of his reactions like that in a very, very long time. Yes, he was the fun loving, devil may care spoiled billionaire, but that persona was meticulously presented to everyone around him. Total control was now his middle name. Jonas was long forgotten.
More laughter and then a giggle caressed his ears. It made him feel like he was standing in sunshine, it's gentle rays bathing him with warmth. He couldn't resist glancing around looking for the source.
A group of women, dressed up for a fun night out, were crowded around a small table in the corner. As one of them sat back in the booth, Oliver was able to see a blonde sitting in the middle laughing as she opened a wrapped gift. She was, for the lack of a better word, stunning. Long, lustrous curls framed a face that could launch a thousand ships. Her joy was infectious.
As Oliver watched her, everyone and everything else melted away. He no longer felt the darkness that fed off his anger or the all consuming exhaustion of leading a double life. He felt…good.
"Found some fun for the night, Oliver?" Tommy asked as he patted Oliver on the back and then followed his eyes to the table full of women.
"No, I'm just looking around."
"I never thought I'd have the opportunity to party with my best friend again. It's good to have you back man. Really good." Tommy said as they clasped hands in an old, familiar handshake of theirs. "Hey, meet me up at the DJ booth. I have some ladies who are looking forward to meeting The Oliver Queen."
"Okay, I'll be right there." Oliver said with a huge smile that didn't quite make it to his eyes, as he watched Tommy walk away and get swallowed up in the crowed on the dance floor.
Oliver took some deep breaths trying to get back into character even as his eyes automatically strayed back to the blonde. He found his lips once again curving into a smile and he immediately squashed the urge. No, he told himself, this was not acceptable. There was no place for someone like her in his life. Not now, maybe not ever.
After one last glance he turned to the bartender and instructed him to have a bottle of the best champagne delivered to her table. "Shall I say who it's from?" he asked.
"No." Oliver said before he walked away, slipping back into the shadows.