Disclaimer: see Chapter 1.
A/N: Here's the second part of the instalment. Don't forget to leave your review when you're done.
Enjoy !
CHAPTER 11: Do you Believe in Coincidences
" Lana, stop fidgeting ! You're making me nervous, " exclaimed Paola. " Everything's ready. You've finished setting the table and dinner's in the fridge. Why don't you put on some music or something ? "
" Sorry, Paola. I can't help it. What if he never remembers ? " replied Lana, popping a Haendel CD on the deck.
" He'll get to know you again. Although, I don't think that'll be necessary. If you were as close as you said, he can't have forgotten everything about you, " stated Paola, lowering on the sofa next to Lana. " Besides, you said he perceived a connection between you two. "
" He insisted it wasn't a pick-up line and I wanted to believe him so much. "
" Come on, Lana. Did he ever make a pass at you when you were in Kansas ? "
" Never. He was always a gentleman, but he knew I was with Clark then. "
" None of the men I know, cara, would have accepted a dinner invitation at your place knowing there'd be a third wheel if he had hidden intentions. "
" The idea of his having thoughts of that nature towards me never crossed my mind when he took up my invitation. It was never like that between us, " responded Lana before the intercom buzzed.
Paola pressed the button that opened the entrance door to the building once Lana acknowledged the voice as Lex's, and a couple of minutes later the brunette let her former business partner in.
Lex was impeccably dressed as usual, donning one of his Italian tailored suits and a prstine white shirt with the first three buttons undone. He looked dashing and Lana felt her pulse quicken all of a sudden. She told herself it was the whole awkward situation, but the truth of the matter was being so close to him in the flesh was playing havoc with her heart.
" Buona sera, signorine. Ho portato delle rose bianche per voi, una scatola di cioccolattini e due botiglie di vino perché non sapevo quale preferite, "said Lex, coming into the small living-room with his hands full.
( " Good evening, ladies. I've brought white roses for you, a box of chocolates and two bottles of wine because I didn't know which you prefer. " )
" Mamma mia ! Un vero gentiluomo ! " ( " My God ! A true gentleman ! ") said Paola laughing. " Nice to meet you, Mr Luthor. I'm Paola, " said the girl, grabbing the bottles while Lana took the flowers and the chocolates.
" Molto lieto, Paola. Chiamami Lex, per favore. " ( " Pleased to meet you, Paola. Call me Lex, please. ")
" Lex, it was very thoughtful of you, " said Lana with a warm smile. " Why don't you sit down while I look for a vase to put the flowers in ? " she added, walking towards the kitchen and reading the word ' Gorgeous ' on Paola's lips.
" Your Italian's really nice, Lex. You scarcely have an accent, " said Paola.
" I lived for almost a year in Italy when I was nine. My father had some business interests here, and my mum fell in love with Como, so dad rented a villa. It was one of the best years of my childhood. "
" I envy you. You were able to appreciate Como before it was invaded by Hollywood and the paparazzi, " responded Paola. " Would you like a drink before dinner, Lex ? "
" I'm afraid we haven't got scotch, " said Lana from the kitchen doorway.
" It's all right.I'd rather not spoil my taste buds before trying Paola's cooking, " he responded, looking at Lana in the eye. " Have you got mineral water, though ? "
" Sure, " she responded, going to the fridge for a bottle of his favourite Welsh spring water. " Here you are, Lex. Let me bring you a glass, " said Lana, handing him the beverage.
" Tŷ Nant ? " asked Lex with a puzzled look on his face.
" Don't you like it ? "
" Yes, yes. It's my favourite brand. I just thought it was a queer coincidence. "
" Do you believe in coincidences, Lex ? " asked Lana's roommate.
" I wouldn't say I do. I don't believe in predestination, though. At least, I want to preserve the illusion I can escape my heritage, " he stated with a smirk.
" Despite your smile, you sound rather bitter, " responded Paola.
" Paola, " hissed Lana.
" Scusi. It wasn't my intention to make you feel uncomfortable. Shall we sit at the table ? "said Paola apologetically.
" Certainly," responded Lex, leaving the armchair he was sitting in.
Despite all the years they had known each other, it was the first time that Lana had the opportunity to share an intimate dinner with Lex. Granted, they weren't exactly alone, but the occasions on which she had sat at the table with him in the past had always been far from private. Lana liked this Lex who could enjoy the simple things in life. He couldn't deny his upbringing, but it made her wonder what things would have been like if Lillian had lived.
Lex couldn't remember feeling so relaxed in years. He had to admit that Paola was a superb cook- he even hinted at investing the capital necessary for her to have her own restaurant if she happened to be interested. However, it was Lana who intrigued him. He had felt her eyes on him throughout dinner and had surprised a distant look in her eyes on several occasions. Paola was right; he didn't believe in coincidences, and as time went by the sensation that he and Lana had met before got stronger.
At about half past nine, when they had finished eating the exquisite chocolate mousse, Paola got up to make some coffee and Lana excused herself from the table for a few minutes. Left alone in the small living-room, Lex started perusing the knick-knacks on the mantelpiece. His eyes strayed to a small bookcase on top of which there was a trophy of some sort and a couple of old photographs in silver frames. Driven by curiosity, Lex left the table and walked towards the piece of furniture. The pictures featured a much younger Lana in her riding gear with a couple he assumed were her parents. Lex felt a tightening in the pit of his stomach.
Any hunches ? Are you eager to read what happens next ? Leave your comment and let me know your impressions on these two chapters.
