October 2007
Laura POV
"Long day?"
Laura looked up at the man who slid onto the barstool next to her. He was average height, compact and fit, and his look screamed military even though he was clearly attempting to look relaxed.
She smiled because he seemed friendly. "Yeah, you could say that." She drained the last of her wine.
He motioned the bartender over. "Can we have a refill of what she's having? And I'll have a Glenlivet, neat." The man nodded and poured their drinks.
"You didn't have to do that," Laura demurred.
He shrugged. "I know, but like I said, it looked like you had a long day."
Laura looked at him shrewdly. "I'm seeing someone."
Laughing he responded, "So am I. You don't have to worry about me trying to take you home tonight."
She laughed as well. "You know, that's refreshing! I'm Laura."
He shook her hand. "Clint." His hands were calloused and his grip firm.
"Pardon my asking, but are you in the military?"
Clint looked surprised. Laura gestured to her hair. "It's just…"
He touched the hair at his temples and chuckled. "Former Army. I'm with the, uh, U.S. Marshals now. I'm impressed you caught that! How about you? Wait! Let me guess… major nonprofit? Women's Issues group?"
Laura laughed. "I'm an archivist, actually. But if I wasn't doing that, you bet your ass I'd be over at EMILY'S List or NOW. So is your office here in D.C.?"
Clint shook his head. "Nah, Detroit. I'm visiting my girlfriend in New York, but I couldn't get a direct flight. I have a layover here just awkwardly long enough to take in a few sights."
"What does your girlfriend do?" Laura asked.
"She's… in insurance. Sure, it's not quite as sexy as being a U.S. Marshal, but she's good."
"How did you meet then?"
Clint took a sip of his drink. "We met in college but didn't get together until later. One of those reunion reconnection type deals. And what is it your boyfriend does?"
"He works for NASA, but," she shrugged, "most of what he does is a bit beyond my comprehension."
"NASA? Really? How on earth did the two of you meet?"
Laura chuckled. "Car accident, if you'd believe it. He hit me."
"And you actually agreed to go out with him?" Clint asked incredulously.
"We've been together for a little over two years now."
Clint glanced down at her left hand. "What, no ring yet?"
She rolled her eyes. "We're happy where we are." Her phone rang. "Excuse me," she said as she flipped her phone open and turned away from him.
"What? Really? You were supposed to be another week! Yes! Yes, I'll be right home!" She hung up the phone, huge grin on her face.
"Look, it was great meeting you, but I have to—"
Clint waved her off. "Yeah, don't worry about it. I get it. You need to get home to your man."
Laura put some bills on the counter and waved goodbye to the bartender.
He watched her retreating back. So that was Coulson's girlfriend. Now if only he could get him to admit he had one. Seriously, they were on the same team. How have the two of them been seeing each other for two whole years and Phil not telling his friends about it?
