(See first chapter for Disclaimer)
"I didn't think New England was supposed to be this sunny," I grumbled as the offending rays of light peaked through the window and right into my eyes. When I tried to move myself I became aware of a weight on the left side of my chest and a mess of chestnut hair. 'I knew I forgot something.' Brief flashes of the previous night came flooding back as she started to stir, my reaction intensified by her topless state.
She looked up at me with sleep-encrusted eyes slowly beginning to focus. After a few moments a look of equal parts fear, surprise, and embarrassment took over her face. "We didn't do it," I said in an attempt to pacify her, but the look remained. I sighed, slowly dragging myself out of bed, sure that the actual owner would be back to claim their property. She turned away at my lack of underwear and I chuckled involuntarily. She was pretty adorable.
"So, you want to grab breakfast?" I asked, pulling my jeans on. At her confused look, I elaborated. "Look, last night got pretty intense. We were both drinking, or at least I was. That doesn't mean that I'm not interested, though. Let's grab something to eat, and we'll talk, okay?" No response. Great. "I'll be outside. If you're interested, meet me out on the porch after you get dressed. I'm leaving in ten minutes either way. I hope to see you before then, Marigold."
Making my way downstairs, I saw the usual sights of the morning after a good party: Garbage, people passed out on the floor, beer stains on the wall, etc. All in all, a pretty solid evening. Compliments were sent to the little redhead packing up her equipment, Tai, I think it was. She politely declined my offer to help move her stuff to her car, so I stepped outside and waited. I honestly didn't expect her to show up. Funny thing about me is that whenever I expect something, the world just has to prove me wrong. Case in point. Just as I was about to go to my car, my little brunette bedmate stepped outside. I smiled, she looked away.
"There's a diner in town…" she muttered. I motioned for her to follow, and she did. By some miracle I had found parking the night before close to the house. I didn't drive an overly impressive car, despite my upbringing, but I loved my baby. She was a 2001 BMW 330ci, painted a navy blue that was chipped in spots, but still easy on the eyes. We took our seats and buckled out belts, the engine humming to life before I shifted into gear and took off down the street. The ride was quiet, despite my attempts to start conversation.
"So, you lived here long?" Silence.
"Do you go to Smif?" Again, no answer.
I sighed. "Look, if you don't want to do this, I'll take you home. I like you and I'm trying my best here, but I need you to meet me halfway. Talk to me."
"…I don't go to Smif. I'm friends with Tai, the DJ from last night. That's why I was at the party."
I smiled. Finally, a little progress. Other than a few yesses and no's most of our conversation was her giving me directions. I pulled into the diner's parking lot and we got ourselves a booth. The waitress stopped by and took our drink orders. I got a cup of tea, she some chocolate milk. While we drank, she finally asked a question of me; what was I doing at the party?
"Well, my friend Amanda has a girlfriend at Smif, and she invited me along. We came up from UConn Law." She looked a bit impressed at that.
"You're in law school? What field?"
"Litigation. Not sure what specific area I'll be getting into, but if my grandfather has his way it'll be corporate or financial," I said, muttering the last part.
"Why, is he a banker or a businessman?"
I sighed. I hated this part. "Yes. My grandpa is Andrew Ryan, founder of Ryan Industries." Her eyes bugged out. My grandfather was a well-known industrialist who started his multi-national empire back in the Fifties. My parents died when I was young, so I became his ward. Hours were spent every day during my childhood reviewing market conditions and listening in on board of directors meetings, learning the family business. After all, I was to be the heir to his proverbial throne, though that probably wouldn't last too long. Grandpa Andrew was already well into his eighties. It still amazed me that the old man was still alive. Sometimes I thought that he lived by sheer willpower. Or maybe it was spite.
"Anyway… Do you have any interests, or hobbies?" I asked as our breakfasts were set in front of us. She fidgeted a little before answering.
"I like anime and playing video games." I went with it. I didn't get much free time to play, but I dabbled. As far as anime went, I only just got into it in college, the first time I had really been away from grandpa's watchful eyes. I didn't care much for the new stuff, but I thoroughly enjoyed Hellsing and Gundam Wing. Maybe when I had control of the company I'd look into making a Gundam. Anyway, breakfast seemed to go well enough, because by the time we were back in the car she was actually initiating conversation. I only wish the ride back to her place wasn't so short.
"Here's my number, and my email. I should be in town for a few more days if you want to hang out. Even if you can't before I leave I'm only down in Hartford," I said, walking her to her door, handing her a slip of paper. She blushed as she took it, mumbling a promise to call me later. Lifting her chin so she was looking up at me, I pressed my lips to hers. It wasn't the lust-fueled lip lock from the night before, but she responded nonetheless, so I guess it did the job. "Just as sweet as before." Smiling nervously, she said her goodbyes and left me in the hallway. I call the day a win.
(A/N: Well, no one reviewed so I have no idea how I'm doing. But I felt that I should update so here's your second chapter. Yes, I borrowed the names Jack Ryan, Andrew Ryan and Ryan Industries from Irrational Games' Bioshock. I'll do something with it later on if I continue. Hope to get some feedback. Until next time.)