Disclaimer: I don't own Batman. Batman owns. Actually it's more DC comics owns Batman but you get my drift. Also I own Clea, George and Tessa.

Chapter 9

Tessa

It's been a few stressful days since George was stabbed by Crane. Luckily the ice pick wasn't poisoned or anything thank god. George was released later in the afternoon the next day and was given some time off until the end of next week to go back to work.

Work in the meantime, is updating our security cameras to make sure something like this doesn't happen again. Also they hired a few guards for the day and evening shifts and were currently looking for another one just for overnight. We were also told that if Crane ever popped up again, we were to let someone on staff know and call police immediately.

As for me, I'm handling it the best I can. Bruce however, wasn't so thrilled.

He wanted me to stay with him at his penthouse downtown. I didn't even know he owned one and I didn't want to leave my apartment. I knew that I didn't want to leave only because I really didn't feel the need to go hide away because what good will that do?

I know I'm stubborn but I can't help but look over my shoulder whenever I'm working.

"Girl, you okay in there?" Clea asked.

"Huh, sorry you said something?" I said.

"I said are you nervous about tonight? Which by the way I asked about ten thousand times," she said.

"Sorry I just have a lot on my mind," I said.

"What's so bad about going on a date with Bruce nonetheless?"

"I don't know," I said.

I was standing in front of my closet for almost a half hour before I picked out two outfits. One was a dark blue cocktail dress that I bought awhile back on a whim and my second choice was a black sweater with dark jeans. All I know is that he's taking me to dinner.

Whether it'll be just a restaurant or somewhere high and pricey is a mystery to me.

"I'm afraid to wear the wrong outfit, I mean he's taking me out to dinner god only knows how I'm supposed to dress," I said.

"Come on it can't be that bad, I'm pretty sure it won't be over the top," Clea assured her.

"Clea this is Bruce freaking Wayne. Why would be not bring me to some place expensive?"

"All you need to do is take a breather. You just need to let loose a little but not too loose otherwise you'll be one of those models who would want to appear on girls gone wild," she said.

"Oh we wouldn't want that now would we?" I said sarcastically.

I decided on the dress while I fished for some heels. I was lucky enough that I found a pair of my black ankle boots. Not too crappy looking but not over the top. I showered quickly since I was in my pajamas almost all day and got ready. I put my outfit on and I fixed my hair in a bun. I put on light makeup as I took one look at the mirror before I headed out into the living room.

"Now you look hot," Clea told me.

"Thanks I think," I said.

"No worries," she said as she stroked the cat's head. I wasn't paying attention as I was making sure I had everything when I heard a click. I looked up and saw Clea with her iPhone in her hand.

"Clea!" I said exasperatedly.

"Oh relax George wants to see what you look like all dolled up," she said. "We're just going to hang out at his place since he's not going to be at work for awhile."

"I thought Julie was seeing him?"

"I thought so too. Lord knows what's going on with them. Good luck with tonight and have fun," she said.

"Thanks," I grumbled as she left.

I stood awkwardly in my living room before I sat down on the couch. I started to get nervous as I waited for Bruce to show up. I didn't want anything to go wrong tonight but then again what could go wrong?

A knock on the door snapped me out of my daydream.

Show time.

I went to answer the door and sure enough, Bruce was standing there. He was wearing a black suit with a white button up shirt and no tie.

"You look amazing," he said.

"Um thanks," I said, locking my apartment door. "So where are we heading out tonight?"

"Some place that I know," he replied.

Yeah this was going to be a long night.

We wounded up at a seafood place nearby. I just ordered a coke while he ordered just a bottle of beer which surprised me because the many times he dined at my job, he would order something expensive to drink like wine or imported beer.

"I'll just have the shrimp Alfredo," I told the waiter.

"And I'll have the rock island stuff island tilapia," he said.

"Never knew you were a big fish fan," I said.

"You're not?"

"Only the shrimp and the crab legs, lobster and I really don't get along," I replied.

"Why is that?"

"One time at work one of the chefs was experiencing a new recipe and it had bits of lobster in it and I tried the piece and it didn't settle well with me let's put it at that," I said.

He nodded as he sipped on his drink. He continued to look at me for awhile which I'll admit got me a little uncomfortable.

"So Bruce what else do you do?" I asked.

He was taken aback by my question. I hope he doesn't have a boring life.

"Well you know…"

"No I don't considering I'm asking," I said, smirking a little. "And besides we didn't get a chance to get to know one another before."

He shrugged before he answered. "Just like any other person would do," he replied.

Yep he's definitely hiding something. However, I'm being the bigger person and decided not to press the matter on to him.

For now.

"I find that interesting," I said, tilting my head to the side.

"How so?" he asked.

"I don't know it's just interesting that a guy like you doesn't do anything besides work and well go out with models," I replied.

"And I'm out with you aren't I?" he said with a teasing smile that I already like.

Whoa there girl. Calm yourself.

Our food arrived shortly and it was quiet with a few small talk here and there. I opted not to have dessert and Bruce did the same. We did sit around awhile longer even after the bill arrived. He insisted on paying while I tried to argue my contribution to pay part of the bill but he wouldn't hear none of it. I decided it wasn't worth fighting over it and I'd let it go for now.

Besides, I didn't think this night would be as bad as I thought it was going to be.

"Penny for your thought?" he said, snapping me out of my daydream.

"Sorry my mind's been in a whirlwind," I said, sheepishly.

"It's alright and besides, I did have a good time tonight," he replied.

"So did I," I agreed.

"You never told me what you're like," he said.

"Obviously I didn't," I said, as I looked out the window.

"Do you want to tell?"

"What is there to tell? I grew up with my parents and I have two older brothers who are so overprotective it's not even funny and I wanted a change so that's why I moved here," I explained. "Anything else you want to ask?"

"There's more isn't there?" he stated.

"I guess but that'll be saved for another night," I said as he pulled up to my apartment.

"Are you suggesting we go out again sometimes?"

"Maybe," I replied filrtaiously. God now I'm flirting with him what the hell is wrong with me?

"I'll see you soon and be safe," Bruce said as I was getting my out of the car.

"Aren't I always," I said.

After I walked into the building, I made my way up towards my apartment. As I was getting inside and kicking off my boots, a lot of thoughts were swirling in my mind. I didn't think that I wasn't having a good time but I did. Bruce wasn't a bad guy after all but something was there and I know he's not telling me something.

Whatever it is, I'm determined to find out.

A/n: I'm so super sorry about not updating! Sharing one computer is not easy, especially if you have to look up stuff for your aunt while at some point hoping to get a new router so I can have my laptop back and be in my happy place BUT I'm coping the best I can.

I'm not sure how long this story will be but I'm going to roughly guess around 26-27 chapters total so we'll see what happens.

Hope you guys leave a review on the way out! I thank you guys for your support and patience. They mean a lot to me!

Until next time,
Spike