Chapter Four

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Hey, Clary.

Hello, John.

Then there was one day when things changed a little for me and John.

As a rule, we rarely mentioned John's job or any details of John's present life. We NEVER discussed his past life. There would be fleeting references of Mr. Finch, and he knew that I understood that whenever a call came, he had to go.

The surprise about that day was a bridge – from my life to John's job.

Um, Clary?

Yes, John?

I wanted to ask you something.

Okay, sure. What is it?

Are you free this Saturday?

This Saturday? Wait a second, let me check. – Yeah. I have no plans in the evening.

Good, because I'd like you to accompany me to a Ball.

A Ball? Like dancing?

Yeah, yes, I mean, there will be some dancing – it's mostly for a benefit, and I need to be present – but I need a date.

Oh – it's a social event.

Yes. – (after a pause) so, will you come?

Um, John – is this – are you –

It's not like -

Doing this for a job?

Yes. Yes. Otherwise, we wouldn't be spending the weekend at a stuffy party like that.

We?

I was glad he couldn't see any expressions on my face of surprise. I hadn't realized how much I considered him a friend, a permanent part of my life until he said 'We'.

And I was glad that he considered me a part of his life too.

.

John?

Yes, Clary?

Can we move?

Is anything wrong?

Um, actually, not so much wrong, but a little uncomfortable – these people –

I understand. Let's dance.

…

You dance really well, John.

You too. I didn't know you could –

Dance? You missed that when you looked me up.

Yes. Finch must have either forgotten to tell me, or you didn't take dance lessons.

I didn't, actually. My cousin taught me.

Which one?

Guess.

Not the accountant, not him, he looks too – well, doesn't look like he can dance. So it's definitely the Spanish cousin – Ian or something – from your mother's side.

Well done, Mr. Reese! You'd get full points, but you got the name wrong – it's Immanuel.

Maybe I can make up the lost points with another dance?

Yeah okay…

And so we danced all night. He told me he'd successfully managed to do whatever job he had at that benefit, despite spending so much time with me on the dance floor. He did disappear for half an hour, and when I went looking for him –

Well in short, what I found was a slightly out of breath John, and two fellows sprawled out on the floor of the large kitchen in that mansion. I raised my eyebrows at Reese, and he motioned me with his head – to move out. After a few minutes and a little more noises, he came out, his suit in his hands.

And he really does credit to his body - dancing with him reminded me of all the times I spent with cousin Manu, dancing on the beach.

Hey, Clary?

Yes, John?

Thanks, you know. For tonight.

Thank you, John. I had fun. I really enjoyed myself. And I hope you did get to do what –

Yeah, we did it - couldn't have done it without you, really.

So are you going to come in, and tell me what happened in the kitchen with those guys, or –

The job's not completely done yet – I have to be somewhere else right now.

Oh. I – I could have come home by myself, John. You didn't need to –

No. I did. I needed to. … Goodnight, Clary.

Goodnight, John.

To be honest, I don't care what his job was that day. I just – it was one of the most beautiful nights I have ever spent like this. I wouldn't trade that night's memory for anything. I just wish – wish that John didn't have to go.

But that charming man, he did think thoroughly – because the next morning, he dropped by to wake me up, with a gift of tea and breakfast, delivered to me by the sweetest messenger ever – Bear!