Chloe nibbled on the saltine cracker, and continued to type up her latest news article. Her belly was still flat although in the last month she had noticed a small bump when she wore tight clothes. Every morning she woke up and ran to the bathroom, and every morning Lois brought her a pack of crackers to settle her stomach. The first appointment with the doctor was set by Mrs. Kent, after work Chloe would take a taxi with Lois to the hospital.
Martha of all people had taken the news as a blessing she didn't care if it was Bruce's child. Clark cared for her and fussed even more than Lois. Oh well that's Smallville for you.
Lois went up to her desk and hugged her lightly, "Hey Chloe. How are you doing?"
She looked up at her cousin, "I'm great. Where's Clark?"
"Out saving the world"
Someone threw open a door which slammed loudly, it made every one jump. What the hell? Chloe and Lois turned their heads towards the noise. It was Perry barking into a cellphone, he glared at the reporters who stared and hung up the phone. "Chloe! Lois! In here now!" he bellowed. Chloe flinched, but Lois simply rolled her eyes. "Why does he have to be so dramatic all the time?"
Once inside his office he slammed the door closed, he motioned for them to sit. The editor threw a magazine on his desk. Dejavu. Lois picked it up skimmed the front page, and then passed it to Chloe. On the cover it had a picture of Bruce Wayne looking as handsome as ever, his hand around a ravened haired woman. In thick black letters it read "The Playboy's Back!" It turned her stomach to even look at the picture. He didn't love you…he forgot about you so easily. Hot tears prickled at the back of her eyes, daring to fall down her cheeks. Anger made her push them away, he was no different than any other man.
"Every newspaper and magazine in Metropolis is down in Gotham sending reporters to interview Bruce Wayne when he makes his first public appearance in months, at the 14th annual Spring Charity Dance. I just got an anonymous tip that Bruce Wayne is looking for publicity to make it known that he is newly single and looking. Now tell me girls why I don't have ANY reporters down in Gotham!!!" he said angrily.
Lois glared at Perry, "Chief it's not our fault that you weren't informed of this. Besides it's not like we've spent our time lounging around!"
Chloe snapped out of it and agreed, "Yeah Chief you've got us working on issues here in Metropolis not Gotham. How the hell are we suppose to know?"
"It doesn't matter I need one of you to be down there for a week, rumor has it Bruce Wayne is setting up personal interviews with each newspaper and magazine. Lois can you be down there tomorrow?" he asked shuffling the assignment page around.
"Whoa Perry, I can't be down there. You need me to cover that toxic waste story, and then it's the Lex Luthor company feud. Then you signed me up for the illegal street racing phenomena. I got my hands full" Lois argued angry that he was piling work on top of work for her.
Perry frowned, "I'm sorry Lois I completely forgot." He paused "What are you doing in here then? Go work on those articles!"
Lois opened her mouth to argue that he was the one who pulled her away from her work, but then thought better of it. She stormed out of his office slamming the door on him. After her cousin left, Perry shuffled through the assignment sheet once again and turned his attention to Chloe. "Sullivan" he mumbled and read off the assignments she had completed. He slapped on a smug smile on his face.
"How's the Superman article coming along?" he asked her.
She eyed him suspiciously, "Almost done Chief." He grinned at her words, "Really now?"
"Then I need you on a plane tomorrow morning with Olsen. Finish up the article turn it into me, go home, pack up and rest. It's going to be a stressful week for you. Especially after what happened between you and Bruce. Don't think I haven't forgotten about that."
Chloe panicked, she couldn't interview Bruce. Perry of all people should have known that. "Then you will understand why I'm turning down the opportunity." Her tone was professional and calm, when really inside she was falling apart at the seams.
"I understand but I need one of my best reporters down there. Chloe I get that it will be awkward for you but I need you to do this! The Daily Planet needs to sell, and right now you're my favorite option. If anyone can talk to Bruce Wayne its you, besides you won't be alone Olsen will be there." He pointed out.
Although his compliments made her proud, she shook her head. "No Perry I'm not doing it"
"Tell you what…you do this assignment. I'll give you a bonus and 2 weeks off" he bargained.
"Yea right 2 weeks not working…not even with that bonus will I be able to make rent." She replied.
"2 weeks off … paid," he countered her. Her jaw fell and her head was telling her to take it. Perry was never generous so when he decided to be, it was wise to take it. Her editor smirked knowing that he had her trapped.
"Going once," he said.
Chloe weighed her options. I won't be alone Olsen will be there.
"Going twice" he pressured.
One interview gives you 2 weeks paid vacation…and a bonus on my check. Just do it! Chloe stood up and slammed her hand on his desk, "Sold to Sullivan" Perry smiled and told her to report to him at the end of the day. Her heart hammered in her chest as she walked back to her desk. I just agreed to interview my ex…when I'm pregnant with his baby.
AN: Well that was a juicy chapter wasnt it? Read & Review! Please!! Gotham needs Chloe!