Blurred Visuals – Chapter 10
***Lovely Readers, this is the second chapter within a 4-chapter update (Chapters 9 – 12). If you have not done so, please read Chapter 9 which also has a Recap of this story so far.
We last left the previous chapter where Danny and Lacey were in her car as she is driving them to the movies as Danny's prize for winning the study quiz. Danny was so "into" his conversation with Lacey, that he drops his guard for a moment when she asks him about his passion for the drum solo in a Phil Collins song.
Mini-scene recap of the car drive cliffhanger:
When the radio station plays Phil Collins' song, 'In the Air at Night', Danny says "Oh, man, I haven't heard this in a long time."
Lacey agrees "It is a nice song. I think it is my favorite one of his still."
Danny starts to simulate playing the drums in mid-air.
"You didn't tell me you were an air drummer." Lacey teases.
Danny replies "Oh, if you think I am a drum master on this son, you should see how I am with Phil's song 'Don't Care Anymore'."
Lacey laughs. She knows the song and she can actually picture Danny in a frenzy drumming away in mid-air to the song. This is a dorky side of him that she hasn't seen to him but she likes it. She approves.
Lacey asks "Do you play the drums?"
Danny grimaces "I wish I played the drums. No, when it came time for me to choose which instrument I wanted to play, I chose the guitar. Vik was disappointed that I didn't choose to learn the piano like Mom."
"Who's Vik?" Lacey asks.
Danny is caught-off guard. Sh*t, he didn't mean to have that slip of tongue.
Let us join him to see how he self-corrects and if he lands on his feet well…DimplesV
However, Danny's silence is only for a slight second. He rebounds with "Oh, Vik? He was my uncle. He has passed. My late mother played the piano so some family members thought I should carry on the tradition. Personally, I couldn't look at the piano anymore without picturing my mother and missing her. So, I chose to learn an instrument that no one in my family played – which was the guitar. Plus, at the time I was a teenager and I had read that girls flock the most around guys who play the guitar or the saxophone."
Danny hopes Lacey doesn't ask any more about this Vik. The story Danny has fed Lacey is mostly true. Although Vik was his brother (instead of an uncle), the rest he stated was true.
Lacey states "I'm sorry to hear about your loss. That's good that you found the instrument that was more you than taking up someone else's passion."
To bring the topic back to the lightness of before, Lacey teases "So, it was all about attracting girls, huh?"
Danny smirks. Then, he elicits a chuckle as he says "Initially, it was about attracting the girls. Then, I found that I was actually good at playing the guitar. That's when I started liking it – all on its own merit. Still, every now and then, I have a tinge of regret that I never learned the drums."
"Maybe you will someday." Lacey suggests.
"Maybe." Danny responds. He would have said more, but they have arrived at the theater.
Minus the Vik accidental reference, the car ride went smoothly. He can tell that Lacey is enjoying his company. That's great. All of Danny's strategies are for Lacey to always find his companionship enjoyable. His future plans depend upon it.
At the theater….
Sure enough, it is as he predicted. After Danny pays for treats for them (at his insistence) and after they choose where they will sit in the theater, Lacey excuses herself to go to the Ladies' Room before the movie starts. After the movie concludes, she excuses herself once more to the Ladies' Room.
Danny does the same by going to the Mens' Room; though, he definitely isn't texting someone about his safety. He smiles at his internal joke as he washes his hands before he exits the facilities. Lacey has acted as he predicted but he has been a perfect gentleman about it. He has no problems with her letting others know that she is safe. He wants her to feel comfortable around him. His overall strategy is for her to drop her guard around him.
The movie was actually good. However, Lacey wasn't terrified…so she didn't need to cower next to him in the seat and hide her face on Danny's arm nor did she have to cling to his hand for any scary parts. She took the scary moments rather well. She actually seemed to like those moments.
Now, she did wipe a few tears discreetly at one point of the movie. That part was sad – not that Danny felt anything; yet, he could understand how others might be a little weepy at that part of the movie.
After the movie, they didn't go to dinner but they did stop at a coffee shop where they had an actual insightful discussion about what they had seen. Danny was surprised that he found himself liking the commentary about how society was in the movie versus how society is in real-life. Lacey challenged his perception of that movie and actually, challenged his perception of how tonight's outing was supposed to go. It still was a 'win' in Danny's column. Like some of his previous plans pertaining to Lacey, something unexpected usually occurred. Yet, everything worked out.
Lacey drives him home. They discover they like some of the same types of movies. He suggests that maybe they take in another movie when their schedule permits. Lacey smiles and agrees. Danny is pleased.
At the drop-off, he thanks Lacey for his winning prize. He has enjoyed the movie and the company. He gives her a brief squeeze on the hand as well to underscore the friendly outing. He had thought about different scenarios as the right-touch endings for tonight, but everything else seemed too forward.
He decided that a brief hand squeeze would be so quick that she wouldn't have time to register if she found the action to be invasive or not. It was a friendly move that should appear non-threatening. She reacts well. She smiles and bids him goodnight. So, it is the right move to make indeed.
When Danny steps inside his apartment, he can't help the smirk of satisfaction.
The day after…
The next day, he does his own check-in with a call to both Tiny (his mob handler over this job) and Jax, his mentor. They each like the young hitman's progress so far. Everyone's happy; Danny is happy.
That same day, Lacey phones Archie to offer a status update. She informs him that the movie outing went well. She didn't once feel threatened. She enjoyed herself. She relays that night's events in high-level detail. For a few particulars, Archie asks her further questions. Archie is satisfied with Lacey's responses and senses no immediate concern indicators with Danny's behavior. Yet, Archie advises Lacey to always trust her instincts, to ask questions to obtain a better understanding of a circumstance or of a person, and to always call him if she is uncertain regarding how to proceed in a situation.
Lacey questions "Can witnesses can ever completely trust someone again?"
Archie jokes "Well, you can trust your family and me. I guess you could say you have a small posse within that 'circle of trust' right now. What…you bored with our company so soon? I can understand feeling this way about your family, but you haven't known me long enough to consider me a bore."
Lacey gives a sigh and murmurs "Hmmm..."
When Archie sees his poor attempt at levity has failed, he tries another approach. He says "Sorry, that was my feeble try at humor. A comedian, I am not. You know, I think I have been on this side of things for a little long. I forget how it feels sometimes for a person my age to have to start over again with friends and connections. So, instead I will advise from what I directly know – which is the success of this program. One day, Kylie, you will have faith in people again. Those who are worthy will just have to earn that trust from you."
Lacey reminds "I trusted Solomon so easily and he had this completely unforeseen side to him. My trust in Sol ultimately changed the course of both my and my family's lives. I don't know if I can ever gain the same blind, trusting spirit as I had before. This experience has changed all that."
Archie asks "Besides Sol, have you ever had a friend, boyfriend, or anyone whom you knew practically everything about and you discovered that they had lied to you?"
Lacey affirms "Yes, one would have to have a perfect life to not experience that. We both know that no one escapes life without having someone lie to you."
"Well, in those cases, you didn't just give up and never trust anyone ever again. I even bet some people you gave a second chance." Archie presumes.
Even though Archie can't see her movement, Lacey shakes her head. "No, I didn't give up on trusting people. Now, for some, I should have – because they lied again and obviously didn't deserve that second chance. But no, I still had faith in people overall."
Archie surmises "Likewise, you will find your way back to trusting people again. It's just that you have this external layer where you can more easily sniff out b-s now. Your trust won't be the same freely-given act as before, but it will make an appearance again through a different method of extending it. It will happen again – before you know it."
Lacey responds "Okay. If you say so."
Archie replies "I do. Now, on to a lighter subject, what was your movie about?"
The two get into a conversation regarding this movie and Archie's preference for television and streaming rather than watching on the big screen. Lacey likes the small screen but she had enjoyed the movie-theater experience a lot in the past. She has quite a dvd movie collection of her favorite actors.
Archie asks "Who's your absolute favorite?"
Lacey smiles. Her enthusiasm is in her voice as she answers "That would be a three-way tie between Cicely Tyson, Dorris Day, and Audrey Hepburn."
Archie laughs. He questions "What? You can't have a three-way tie when I ask for your absolute favorite. That implies just one."
Lacey is adamant. She states with a chuckle "Of course, there can be a three-way tie. You asked and I answered. I have three that tie for the number one position but for different reasons. There is Cicely for her strength and wisdom in her roles; Dorris for her positive attitude and that beautiful singing voice, and Audrey? Audrey was the one who attracted your attention with her clothing but that personality and grace made her a joy to watch onscreen."
Archie says "Okay, I get your point. So, what is your favorite movie? And you can't say you have a three-way tie again." He warns.
Lacey smirks – although her voice across the phone line does not communicate this to Archie. She responds "I only have one movie as my favorite. It's one featuring Audrey: Breakfast at Tiffany's."
Lacey reminisces "After Phoebe had died, I watched my favorite movie to feel better…to combat "the mean reds" – just like Audrey says in the movie. It helped."
Archie promises to watch that movie. He said that Lacey has made it sound appealing. As for Archie, he didn't have a favorite movie-of-all-time; still, he recommended some tv shows for her to check out.
Lacey has enjoyed talking to the young Marshal. Maybe it was because he was her age, but she felt good about having him in her 'circle of trust'. It had been a long time since she had been able to talk completely free without having to be on-guard about everything she communicated. She could be herself (without any barriers) and it felt great having someone who had extensive knowledge about you. Yes, he was her handler; nonetheless, talking with him over these few weeks has made her feel like she was talking to an old friend – rather than a sworn protector.
As their conversation winds down, Lacey promises to check Archie's favorites: House of Cards, The Walking Dead, and The Simpsons (per Archie's instructions, she won't judge Bart Simpson before she properly watches a season or two).
Before she disconnects the call, Lacey thanks Archie for all of his guidance so far. She feels much better knowing that he is in her corner.
Two weeks later, curious little sister always seeking answers…
So far, Clara Porter (the now Amandla Samuels) has asked Lacey no questions. That is unusual. Lacey knows that Clara isn't known for subtlety nor holding her tongue when she wants to express something. The older sibling expected lots of questions after Clara had seen Danny walking Lacey out of the Peaceful Meadows Attendance Center after their shift was done.
Their mother's car was being repaired; Clara had borrowed the only other family vehicle, Lacey's, in order to drive to her college campus for three classes. Thus, Clara had dropped Lacey off for her shift this morning and was now acting as her chauffeur for the evening.
Lacey had said goodbye to Danny once she saw Clara in the parking lot waiting for her. When Danny saw someone sitting in Lacey's car, in the driver's seat, he asked who the person was (even though Danny knew from his surveillance on the Porter-now-Samuels household). Lacey had replied that it was her sister, Amandla, who had borrowed her car.
Danny had extended a brief smile and a wave towards the awaiting sister. He then placed a hand on Lacey's arm as a friendly gesture as he said goodbye. Previously, Lacey would have minded someone who was touchy-feely with the need to form physical hand contact with someone they hadn't known for very long. Yet, with Danny, Lacey found that she didn't mind his small gestures.
He didn't give those gestures to everyone – she noticed. So, when Danny gave the contact to her, it felt genuine and a friendly type of affection. The pleasure she got from the small gesture? Lacey deemed it as a simple response to friendliness given.
When Lacey sat in the passenger side of the vehicle and rode home with Clara, Clara talked about college life, her courses, and asked Lacey about her day. When they arrived home, they found a note from their mother, who had arranged for the car repair service to pick her up so that she could collect the repaired vehicle. Their mother had asked the girls to finish preparing the dinner that she had started.
Therefore, Lacey is busy stirring the Cream of Mushroom sauce around and over the pot roast which was in the slow cooker. Clara has decided that she wants garlic mashed potatoes and starts peeling and cutting them.
They are working in a comfortable silence. Lacey is in an unassuming mood when finally Clara poses what she probably had been itching to say earlier.
Clara, out-of-the-blue, says "Your co-worker – he's hot."
Lacey responds absent-mindedly (as she is applying a little extra seasoning to the pot roast) "Hmmm, what hot co-worker?"
Clara gives a single loud laugh. She chides "Like you are bound to have many hot guys at that Center…the hot guy from the parking lot. Duh!"
Lacey adds some vegetables to the slow cooker to cook alongside the roast. She gives a nonchalant "Oh, I guess." She pretends like she hasn't noticed Danny's looks until Clara backs her into a corner verbally.
Clara insists "I know that look. It's the one you always give me when you don't want to tell me something. Come on, confess. I know all your tell-tale signs when you are trying to avoid talking about something."
Lacey counters "No, you only think you know my tell-tale signs." Still, Clara is partially right in this case about Danny.
Lacey then acknowledges "Okay. Maybe I have noticed, but Danny and I are strictly co-workers and study buddies."
Clara questions "Your study buddy? The one you have been meeting at work and at coffee shops? The one you recently took to the movies? I got a theater address and phone number, a picture of where he lived, but no picture of a guy that smokin'. Why were you holding out on me? You never mentioned he looked like that!"
Lacey states "That is because his looks didn't matter – his mind and commitment to studying did. I was more concerned that we were compatible."
At Clara's raised eyebrows and pointed look, Lacey clarifies "That we were compatible to study Medical Composition and Ethics in Healthcare Strategies together – not determining real-life human attraction."
Although Clara's face shows disbelief, she gives a simple "Okay, if you say so."
Lacey replies "I do." She hopes that is the end of the conversation. She herself hasn't analyzed how she is going to handle her growing connection to Danny. She doesn't need her college-aged sister dissecting the situation, too.
Of course, Clara isn't finished with the subject. She asks Lacey "Why don't you just date him?"
Lacey turns from checking the pot roast and stares at her sister in apprehension. Lacey questions "What? Why are you asking?"
Clara shrugs one shoulder. Her attention is still on cutting potatoes into a boiler as she mentions casually "I just wondered why you haven't gone on a date with him. Sure, you have studied together and that includes meeting at places, but you haven't dated him or anyone else since you have been here. Even I have had a few dates since we have moved here."
"Maybe college-life has more dating options. Clara, it isn't that simple when you are in the workforce and someone is your co-worker…" Lacey begins.
Clara continues as if Lacey hasn't said anything. Clara expounds "Archie said it was okay for us to date and mingle with people – as long as their behaviors gelled with the checklist."
The checklist that Clara was referring is a guide that US Marshal Archie Yates gave the Porters (now Samuels family) to use as a measurement for allowing a limited number of people into their lives gradually. The young Marshal still wanted to know all individuals that would enter the family's lives as they settled more in Embarrass, Texas. However, he wanted to provide a reference source they could use when he wasn't near them. This guide would allow the ladies to practice good judgment in their lives (as protected witnesses) while engaging with neighbors and potential friends.
The guide detailed specific behaviors which should trigger that a person is dishonest or should be avoided. He advised the women to also trust their body's intuitive danger signals, too. Finally, if the ladies were uncertain about the new person possibly entering their personal lives, then Archie could perform a thorough background check (to determine if the person was deemed 'clean' – without fault).
Lacey knows that her sister is trying to be helpful when she mentions that the Marshal has given them permission to socialize with others. Still, Clara seems to be alluding that Lacey is borderline to being classified as a recluse. The older sibling disagrees.
Lacey protests "I am mingling. I have a few friends at work, Alicia and Theo…Chet…plus Danny. Also, there hadn't been a guy that I wanted to date before."
"Before? That sounds a lot like there is a guy you want to date now. Could this be that hot stud muffin, Danny? Why are you looking at me that way? Normal people your age date." Clara justifies.
Lacey sighs. She corrects "We're not normal."
Clara mutters "Well, at least as normal as this kind of life can be."
Lacey doesn't say anything. She won't allow herself the opportunity to fantasize about their old New York life before they were here (in Texas) hiding from the mob. Daydreaming about the past wouldn't change their current circumstances. They had to adjust themselves to whatever standards of life existed here for citizens in Embarrass.
Clara reminds Lacey "You didn't answer my question."
Lacey frowns and then she remembers. Yes, they were talking about her non-existent dating life and how Danny factored into it. She responds "Danny doesn't look at me that way. It is strictly professional."
Clara, ever the supporter, criticizes "It's his loss, then. He doesn't know what he is missing out on. You're a babe and you're smart! What guy wouldn't want that combo?"
Lacey laughs. That sounds exactly like something that your family members would say. Nevertheless, she is grateful for the esteem-boosting compliments.
Lacey offers gratitude. She says "Thank you, Sis. A guy would be extremely lucky to have you, too."
Clara straightens her shoulders and tosses her hair back a little. She smirks before she retorts "Don't I know it!"
Lacey laughs loudly. No one could ever call Clara an introvert nor accuse her of having poor self-esteem.
Judy Porter (the now Robin Samuels) has just arrived home with her repaired vehicle. Clara cheers: she has wheels again. Their mother reminds Clara that she herself (the parent) has wheels and she allows Clara to use the vehicle at times.
Lacey smiles at her family's conversation. There is nothing unique about a mother and a daughter's friendly squabble over driving a shared vehicle. But that is exactly what is nice about it: it is so normal.
The next day with Shirley at Peaceful Meadows…
The A.M. shift went well under Danny's morning trainer, RN Morris Talevera. Danny was definitely learning the benefit of bending with the knees with the heavier, more demanding tasks. Even though this nursing assistant position required a different skillset than a contracted assassin, once Danny committed to an objective, he gave his full effort.
This meant challenging himself while he was here at Peaceful Meadows. Once he had learned the initial job procedures, he had tested himself to improve his performance. Although he had his watch to judge his timing, he was fast developing an internal gauge to guarantee that his progress with his rounds was completed at a steady pace. Also, he is showing vast improvement with the more complex parts of the job.
There are other successes for Danny, too. The patients seem to like him. Morris is a great teacher and has complimented Danny on his attitude and willingness to learn new tasks. Plus, the other male nursing assistants, who Danny encounters, seem to be cool.
Danny is now on his afternoon shift where RN Patricia Fields manages. Today, Nurse Patricia has informed Danny that he and Kylie will be making part of the afternoon rounds without her. These are easier patients with simple medical histories. Additionally, this will give the nursing assistants a chance to practice on their bedside manner and authority with patients – without the presence of a head nurse, who already has the command and respect of the patients.
Nurse Patricia has also notified Danny that Kylie will be running a little late to join him because she is assisting some staff on another floor with a procedure (since a nursing assistant was sick for that day).
The first patient was easy-peasey for Danny. He checked vitals, gave leg and arm therapy to the gentleman, asked questions regarding his ailments, and made notations on the medical chart. Danny glances down at the list to see who is next. D*mnit, it's that ol' biddy: Shirley Beaumont.
Danny searches the medical order and sees that she needs a shot, a blood sample, checking of vitals, and a general analysis of her overall mental and physical health. He wonders how quickly he can get through all of that without many probing questions from Mrs. Nosey Rosey. He didn't like how suspicious she was. He didn't want to give her any information that might accidently expose any of his undercover secrets.
He decides that a good attitude and a charming disposition is what will help get him through this encounter. So, with that thought, Danny knocks on the door, waits for the response, and enters the room.
Danny greets the patient cordially. "Good afternoon, Mrs. Beaumont."
Shirley gives a single nod and addresses the young male nursing assistant. She welcomes "Hello, Daniel."
Danny starts prepping his materials that he will use during this visit. As he prepares them, he holds small talk to guide Mrs. Beaumont through the procedures that he will be doing for her today. Mrs. Beaumont has been accommodating while Danny asked health analysis questions and performed blood pressure and pulse work.
He instructs "Mrs. Beaumont, today I will be giving you a shot in the upper right portion of your hip. Although I will try to be as gentle as I can, you will still feel a prick and some minor discomfort…"
Shirley interrupts "Young man, where is Kylie?"
Danny pauses his motions and turns to the woman to give her small smile. He explains "She had an emergency so she is running a little late to this part of the shift. Nurse Patricia said that I could assist you instead."
Shirley responds "I'd rather have Kylie. I can wait."
Danny assures "I am capable of administering the shot to you, Mrs. Beaumont. It's quick. No need to be afraid. I am told that my shots are gentle." Danny tries to laugh good-naturedly to make her crack a smile.
It doesn't work. Shirley says "Um-hmmm, I am sure you can, Danny. However, I would prefer Kylie."
Danny frowns. He inquires "Is there any particular reason why you would prefer Kylie, Mrs. Beaumont? It may be a long while before she is free. Is there any reason you don't care for me to work on you today? I am qualified, I assure you…"
Shirley bristles "Boy, I am not racist if that is what you are implying. My second husband was Armenian. Attractive men come in all shades and sizes. What I object to is that a woman doesn't want to flash her unmentionables around a man that she isn't extremely familiar with already, capesh? For those situations, such a woman prefers a female to assist her instead."
Danny is taken aback. While he didn't think Mrs. Beaumont was racist, he didn't imagine that she would give modesty as an answer why she didn't want him to give her the shot. Who would have thought this feisty woman would have some shyness with her body in the presence of a man – especially one in the medical field who is trained to assist any situation with a neutral eye?
Danny decides to persuade the patient with reason and charm. Again he insists that she may be waiting a long time for Kylie and that her medicine is time-administered so that the doses can properly dispense throughout her body without making her sick. He compromises that he can hold up a bed sheet and physically maneuver it a couple of ways in order to give the shot. This way, Shirley can keep her dignity and Danny can perform his job.
Shirley agrees and the shot is administered. When Danny is disposing the syringe, Lacey comes in.
Mrs. Beaumont says sardonically "Of course, this would be the time that Kylie shows up – when everything is done."
Lacey replies "Sorry, Mrs. Beaumont. I had an unexpected delay, but I left you in very capable hands."
Shirley offers a non-committal remark. "He did alright. Although I prefer you, Daniel will do."
"See, Danny, Mrs. Beaumont complimented you." Lacey prompts with her comment and a pointed look and widening of her eyes.
Danny gives her a look that translates "Oh, that 'he'll do' was a compliment?"
However, Danny verbally replies "Oh, thank you, Mrs. Beaumont. I appreciate the support." Internally, he smirks.
Lacey inspects the patient check-off list for what vitals have been done and surveys Danny's workmanship as an extra set of eyes (since she had not been there to witness all of what he had done first-hand). Lacey is pleased that Danny has given Mrs. Beaumont her insulin shot and has completed some other duties. She is even more pleased that Mrs. Beaumont has allowed the work to be completed.
Lacey checks Mrs. Beaumont's other remaining vitals. Danny has Lacey to inspect more unmentionable areas as he turns his back for Mrs. Beaumont's modesty.
Lacey completes everything and gives a smile. She observes "Looks like Danny did a great job."
Lacey compliments Danny as she states to Shirley "I'm going to take a blood sample today in your arm, Mrs. Beaumont. I'm sorry but this is for one more lab that the doctor forgot to include with the blood work last week. Let me sanitize the area of your arm. Oh, I see that Danny did an excellent job last week and there is only faint bruising there today. That's good because you can be easy to bruise when taking blood samples. That means that Danny had the right touch… just the right amount of pressure and he was able to find the vein well within the first try. That's great."
Danny gives a small closed-mouth smile at Lacey's compliment. He is pleased that she has noticed his handiwork.
Shirley states "Well, I guess that means he is learning something. Hopefully, he shows the other male nursing assistants how it's done. He's one of the better ones that I have had lately." She admits.
Shirley turns to Danny. She says "Thank you, Daniel, but I still think you're hiding something. However, I will give it a rest for today – just for today. Tomorrow's another story." She warns.
"Thank you, Mrs. Beaumont, for the compliment." Danny states.
In his mind he adds "No thanks to the shady comment that I am still hiding something." His face reveals none of the inner dialogue.
Shirley then reaches for her newspaper on the side of her bed and opens it up to a story. She dismisses "Good day, Kylie and Daniel."
Both nursing assistants bid Mrs. Beaumont good afternoon.
A safe distance away from hearing, Lacey states "Don't worry about Mrs. Beaumont. She is our resident conspiracy theorist. She sees ambiguity in everything and everyone. Just let whatever she says roll off your back. That's what we say around here: to ignore what is said by the patient that seems to be ornery or stubborn – unless they are verbally abusive. In that circumstance, we fill out a report. However, no one has said anything like that about Mrs. Beaumont; she is considered basically harmless."
Danny raises a single eyebrow. He questions "You call her 'harmless'?"
Lacey corrects "Well, I would call her 'fiesty' and 'sharp-tongued'. How about those adjectives?"
Danny smirks. He replies "Those are a start."
Too perceptive and a pain in the a** are some other descriptors Danny silently would use for Shirley Beaumont.
Lacey narrows her eyes at him as she gives a curious glance. She has a slight smile as she determines "Something tells me you have some other adjectives floating around in that head of yours regarding Mrs. Beaumount."
Danny sly comeback is "I'll just let 'fiesty' and 'sharp-tongued' suffice for now." Danny winks.
Lacey laughs. Danny does, too. Lacey internally thinks that Danny has a wicked snarky sense of humor at times. Lacey kinda likes it.
Afterwards, Danny reflects on all the nursing routines he has remembered. At least for any future jobs, he can stitch himself or someone else up good…set broken bones, know common cures to many ailments, lift any fallen friend and know how to do so without damaging any other body organs. Some of his patient communication skills give him a good dose of negotiating techniques so he can fall upon these when the need arises. Danny knows he can't think that far ahead to other jobs to use these newly developed skills. He has a job at hand that requires quite the concentration.
When he first was assigned this target, he was a little naïve at the complexity required here versus his standard hits. On one hand, Danny had known that he would be on-guard to hide his real agenda and bait Lacey in order to fulfill Vinny Bastinino's wishes. On the other hand, he had to extend other parts of himself to make his role at Peaceful Meadows believable – which required studying and long workday schedules. All of this involved energy, planning, and solid acting.
Well, his acting is improving. At times, it is just like Jax predicted. In order to exhibit some authenticity to his actions, Danny has to interject some of his own personality and thoughts in order to 'sell' this act. He can see why Jax warned to not get so personally invested that the performance would begin to feel like real emotions. Those gray areas between saying lines to convince others could be crossed with believing a few of those lines yourself. One had to separate fiction from reality.
Danny reminds himself at the end of each evening of why he is there at Peaceful Meadows and why he is giving Lacey the preferential treatment. His performances are essentially illusions – some meant to sway and lure Lacey and others meant to present the unassuming role of being a male nursing assistant. Thus, Danny always had to be 'on'. His actions should be believable and unquestioned. In order to accomplish that, it is important to always be in control of the external situations and of his performance.
This is just a role and a play that he has orchestrated. Danny dictates who is in what act of that play and which puppets are there for him to control. He will improvise when an impromptu development presents itself upon the stage he has set. For it is Danny who will determine how long this play will extend its run; he will be the one to signal the final curtain call.
***Lovely Readers, thank you for reading. Thank you for your support. Please continue on to Chapter 11 of this multi-update.
What is next in store? Well, here's a Dacey preview…
Chapter 11 Preview!
As they walk to the parking lot that night after their shifts are done, Lacey says "Thanks, Danny, for being so kind to Mary Ellen. That was very considerate of you to do that."
Danny gives a shy smile and prepares to dismiss his act. He starts "Oh, that? It's nothing big really. Just glad she seemed to like it…"
Lacey places her hand up on Danny's shoulder as he is talking. Simultaneously, he stiffens and Lacey places a sweet kiss upon his cheek.
When she pulls back slightly, she sees his frozen expression. She did not want him to offend him by her kiss. She was just so moved by his thoughtfulness to Mary Ellen. Wow, why did she have to give into that impulse? Now, Danny would be mad or maybe he would think she was harassing him…
Lacey stutters "D-Danny, I…I'm sorry. I shouldn't have…"
She goes to remove her hand from his shoulder and step back more. Danny's immediate instinct is to pull her body closer to his and to invade her personal space. All of that would be his method of operation when he wants to take advantage of chemistry between him and a woman he wanted to pursue.
However, he cannot be that assertive as he might in a normal situation where he can tell that a woman is affected by an action that he has done.
Instead, Danny allows Lacey to create a little space in between them. However, he reaches for her hand before she can allow too much distance. A better idea forms in his head in order to establish a 'safe' level of closeness that may make her still feel at ease with his showing some kind of affection towards her.
Danny pulls Lacey's hand towards his mouth and bestows a kiss upon her knuckles.
He looks into her eyes as he responds "I should be thanking you. What I did tonight…and why I did it…was because I was touched by your gesture yesterday of caring for Mary Ellen. You gave her a little comfort and that made her so happy. I decided to borrow a note from your generosity; that's all. Before this job…before you, I would have never considered what a small act like that does for someone. So, thank you, Kylie Samuels, for opening my eyes."
Lacey's eyes widen and her mouth opens, but she finds that she is unable to say anything. She never counted on Danny saying those words to her.
Danny gives a smile that slants more to one side of his face. He is moved that he has made her speechless. He takes his hand and ushers a shocked Lacey towards her car (he says he wants to walk her to her vehicle for safety).
They say goodnight to each other. Danny motions for Lacey to start her car. He waits until she drives away before he walks to his own vehicle.
Lacey looks in the side-view mirror at Danny's profile and she tries to calm the butterflies in her stomach. She is a little breathless.
There is someone else just as affected. Danny is still in a numb zone.
*Hmmm, what nice thing did Danny do to affect Lacey so? Who is Mary Ellen? Chapter 11 has the answers…See you there! DimplesValtina