Chapter 11
Matchmaker
"I should have never slept with him." Clary grunted. "Who? Herondale? You didn't seem to mind last night." Maia asked. "Not Jace, Simon." She whispered clenching her jaw. "Oh, yeah I forgot about that. Are you really even sure you two actually did the deed?" Maia asked. Clary shrugged her shoulders. Her roommate and she had had this discussion a few times. "Maia, just because you are too drunk to remember something doesn't mean it didn't happen." She sighed rehashing the argument. "I know Clare but I've never known anyone to truly black out and completely forget about sleeping with someone. Sure they may say they don't but honestly, it's usually a lie to avoid admitting to doing things. Unless you were drugged or he had sex with you passed out, which we both know Simon wouldn't do, I think there is a chance that you guys didn't have sex." Maia argued as they finished taking the last flight of stairs out of the club. "That might be possible but I still woke up with him naked. He had his arms around me and wasn't wearing anything either. Plus, the condom I had in my purse was gone. So most likely it happened." She huffed. "There is one way to be sure." Her roommate replied.
There is only be one way to find out for sure but I am NOT having that conversation with Simon." Clary huffed. Clary caught Maia rolling her eyes at her. She knew that her roommate was right but she was too much of a coward to bring it up to Simon. She was hoping that things would just go back to the way things were but no such luck. She knew no matter how much she played it off that she had given Simon hope, and hope was a very dangerous thing. Unfortunately, hope was all Simon had because she didn't feel the slightest romantic inkling towards him. Clary's phone began to vibrate as soon as they got into her car. It felt like a lifetime ago since she had been in the white Toyota Corella. "Are you going to get that?" Maia asked. The redhead shook her head, dreading another conversation with Simon. "Ok." Her roommate replied happily picking up the vibrating phone from the drink holder. "Maia, No." she called but it was too late. The girl already had her cell phone up to her ear. "Hello?" she answered. Clary's heart sank.
"Oh! Hi, Isabelle. No this is Maia, Clary is driving right now." The dark-skinned girl replied happily. Clary was just happy that it wasn't Simon. "Isabelle wants to meet us for lunch before heading off to the concert." She announced. The redhead bit her lip. "It will take a while for me to get ready. Ask her if she wants to meet now and then get ready at our place." The redhead suggested. Maia smiled. "Clary takes forever to get ready. Want to grab food now and then get ready at our place together?" she asked hopefully. "Oh, ok. Well, that's fine too gosh knows Clary could use the help." Her roommate spoke sending her friend a wink. "Alright see you then. Bye." She finished. "Why do I get the feeling I am not going to like what you and Isabelle just agreed to?" Clary asked turning out of the parking garage. "Because you are probably not. Head to Crystals valet, we're picking Isabelle up." She commanded. Clary sighed. She secretly was hoping for a calming moment to herself before having to be a social butterfly once again. Oh well. Pulling up to valet it was a good thing that they were so close by because there was already a mob starting to form around Isabelle. Though it could have been from Jace. Clary saw Bat close the door to a black town car before rushing forward and walking Isabelle to Clary's car. Isabelle jumped into the back and immediately yelled go. Maia gave a small wave to Bat who was already turning to get into the black town car. Clary smiled knowing her boyfriend was probably in the car as she passed. "Aw, so cute." Isabelle announced looking at the grin on Clary's face. The poor girl turned bright red, almost matching her hair. Maia giggled beside her as they made their way to get some food.
"So you invited your friend Simon? Is he cute?" Isabelle asked Clary over the table. They had just got done ordering food and were talking about what they wanted to wear to the concert when the subject of Simon came up. "Yep, maybe you can keep him company. He is single." Maia chimed in. Isabelle rolled her eyes. "I actually just got out of a relationship and people are always trying to hook me up with their friends. So, I'll give him a shot but don't be upset if it doesn't work out." She replied. Clary smiled sweetly at the girl. "Noted," Clary replied. "What happened with your last boyfriend?" she asked as the food arrived. Isabelle shrugged. "It's a long story. Mom liked his family and his family liked mine. We dated and he was okay. He actually asked me to marry him and that was when I realized that I didn't want to marry him. I didn't love him." She sighed taking a bite out of her salad. "Oh, I'm sorry Isabelle." The redhead spoke. "It's alright Clary. I'm just picky. Most see a pretty face and I am looking for one who likes me for me." The raven haired beauty replied. Izzy wanted a man to look at her the way she saw her brother look at Clary last night. It wasn't about hanging on her every word or trying to get in her pants. No, she wanted someone who wanted to get to know her. Where it meant something to him if she walked away. "Well, Simon is a nerd. He is a computer programmer and is in a band but a really good guy. Might not be your type but he still's a good person and a dependable friend. Give it a shot." Maia suggested taking a bite into her BLT. Isabelle nodded as Clary studied the Diva quietly.
The girls made it back to the apartment after to get ready. Isabelle was already ready, having had to go through hair and makeup today for the WWE gym opening. She made a very quick appearance this morning letting more of the men take over. They tried to alternate days between the men and divas; helped with crowd control. At least they did on the road. It wasn't a meet and greet or anything. Isabelle was laying on Clary's bed having fallen into a light sleep. Poor thing was probably tired. Clary had jumped into the shower as Maia began doing her hair. She had taken a shower before the meeting after getting back from breakfast. The girl beamed remembering the events of this morning. Maia was beyond delighted to have dinner with her favorite Diva before heading off to the concert. She was ecstatic to watch Clary's boyfriend perform front row but more importantly she wanted to see Bat again. She had never slept so peacefully before than last night. Being wrapped up in his arms made her feel safe and she was rather put out when her alarm went off that morning. She had set it to wake up early to go see Isabelle Lightwood's last appearance and forgot to turn it off. She blushed remembering the feel of Bat's shirtless toned body push against her as he turned to grab her phone off the nightstand. She turned it off but the damage had already been done. Bat was up and alert. He suggested taking her to breakfast before Jace woke up. Apparently, Goldilocks was an early riser. She agreed reluctantly.
After he checked to make sure Jace was still safely in his room. Apparently, the blonde rock star was up already. Jace told him to go on and that he was going to order room service. At this, Maia inquired of her friend but Bat told her that Clary was still fast asleep. After deciding to make a date out of it Maia directed him to Mon Ami Gabi in the Paris. Which was one of the few restaurants that served breakfast and at a reasonable price on the strip. She wanted to be treated but not to make the poor man bankrupt. Maia was happy that they had stopped at her work first so she could grab a pair of jeans from her work locker. After borrowing one of Bats shirts she now sat across from him at a little table on the patio. "So, aren't there supposed to be fountains going off?" he asked directing his gaze to the Bellagio. "Oh this isn't romantic enough for you?" she teased. Bat had taken a bite of his French toast and looked away shyly. Maia couldn't help but giggle at this. "They do go off and they are beautiful to look at. It's one of my favorite things on the strip actually but I believe they don't start until noon." She explained. Bat nodded before changing the topic. He asked her about her family and what she wanted to accomplish. She shot the same questions back at him and was relieved that he answered them. It seemed that the closed off man that she had met last night was no more. She couldn't help but rival in the fact that he was opening up to her.
Remembering after breakfast had made the poor girl almost drop her curling iron. After they had finished up breakfast and were leaving Bat held her hand. At first, she had attributed it to him just trying to keep ahold of her as they maneuvered through the crowds. He dropped it momentarily once they reached the exit. He caught the small disappointed frown when they were going up the escalator to the parking garage. He then felt his hand take hers and his fingers move to intertwine with hers. She quickly accepted it lacing her fingers in between his; looking away as a blush crept over her face. Judging by the smile that lit up his face she wasn't fooling him. He had held her hand throughout the car ride back and up to the apartment. He waited patiently in the living room as Maia packed Clary a change of clothes. She had taken her sweet time throwing it together too, something that she was sure Bat probably noticed. He leaned forward and gave her a goodbye kiss when she handed him the bag. "I had fun. I'll see you later tonight." He replied before turning and heading out the front door. Before she closed the door he had suddenly turned around and looked at her. "You forgot to tell me how you knew I liked to DJ." He asked. Obviously just realizing that he forgot to ask her again. Maia grinned wickedly at him. "Hmmm, what a shame. I guess you'll have to ask me on a second date if you ever want to find out." She replied before closing the door swiftly. She received a text message a few minutes later.
9:05am Bat:I'll see you after the concert tonight. I'll be expecting you to answer that question then, beautiful.
"Earth to Maia!" Clary called out waving her hand in front of her friend. "Oh sorry!" Maia said jumping up startled. "You're going to burn your hair if you don't pay attention. What were you thinking about? I bet it had to do with a bodyguard." Clary smirked entering the room with her hair wrapped in a towel and a fuzzy robe dropped over her body. "No comment. How was your shower? All probably shaved and scented for Jace tonight." Maia replied effectively getting in an insult and changing the subject. She wasn't sure she wanted to talk about Bat yet. It was the same way that Clary felt about Jace. Though Jace was transparent in what he wanted. With Bat, she couldn't tell though she knew that he obviously liked her. "I was telling Isabelle that Jace said I could bring whoever I wanted to the concert tonight and that Simon is just a friend. What do you think? Can girls and guys be friends without anything sexual?" Clary asked her pleadingly. "Well boy or no boy, we're going to look hot." Isabelle said with a shy smile at her. "Damn straight! We have to at least look like we belong with you." The dark skinned girl replied. "Oh, when I'm finished with both of you that won't be a problem." Isabelle grinned.
Isabelle was right of course. When she was done with them they barely recognized themselves. Maia was wearing a pair of short black shorts with a fancy black top with a deep V the revealed a good amount of cleavage. Still, it was conservative in comparison to her uniform. The outfit was sexy and figure flattering without being outright revealing. It helped that the shorts helped show off her long legs. She even straightened her hair and Isabelle did a beautiful job on her makeup. The rest of the afternoon was spent on getting Clary ready. The red-head put up more of a fight before realizing that resistance was useless. She now stood completely done up to the 9's. After all, Isabelle said that Jace was taking her to dinner after the show. Maia frowned, she guessed that she would have to see Bat later. Clary saw her friend's frown and smiled. "Wonderful I love food. I think I'm going to steal Jace and take him back her. Hotel rooms suck. Would you mind if he comes back to our place tonight Maia?" Clary asked coyly. Her roommate looked at her surprised before grinning. "No problem, Red." She replied. At this Clary giggled. "Oh, not you too. It's bad enough that Jace calls me that." She teased. "It really fits, though. Now let's get going before the rockstar thinks you stood him up." She smirked. Isabelle agreed grabbing her purse. Maia admired her best friend as they turned to leave.
Clary was wearing a short black dress with black lace-up heeled boots. Her hair had been curled back into waves that fell down her shoulders. Izzy had done a beautiful job on Clary's makeup. Her green eyes stood out against her pale milky skin. Even her freckles made her look sexy instead of cute. She still wore the silver necklace Jace had given her prominently around her neck. It actually worked well with the outfit, giving her a bad ass look. Jace Herondale was in for an eyeful when he saw her. Even Isabelle was dazzling in her white lace short dress. It was accented with black lace and black heeled boots. Even then her legs still looked long and luscious. Her raven hair fell in waves across her back and her red pendant necklace was eye-catching on her chest. They ubered to the venue as the driver tried desperately to flirt with Isabelle. Clary looked out the window. Her mind was on the blonde man who was waiting for her. She was excited to spend some alone time with him at dinner tonight. It would be their first actually date and she looked forward to getting to know him outside of the bedroom. Her fingers brushed against the cool metal of the necklace around her neck. She loved the necklace and the sentiment but she needed to find a way to return it.
When they got to Mandalay Bay security was there to escort them into the venue. Luckily Alec had thought ahead because none of them really knew where to go. Sure Clary and Maia had gone to a few concerts here but they have never been backstage. Isabelle greeted Alec with a hug and kiss. "So, I hear one more is joining you?" he asked smiling lightly at Clary. She could tell it was a bit forced but it seemed like he was trying to like her. Better than the look of pure disgust he gave her at the signing. "Yes, my friend Simon Lewis. He didn't come with us, though." She added. Alec waved his hand. "No problem, I'll put his name on the list. You told him the A1 door right?" he asked. Clary nodded before they made their way to stage where Jace could be heard singing. Clary looked up and saw her boyfriend singing into the microphone with his eyes closed and a deep seeded frown on his face. She couldn't help but wonder if he didn't like the song he was singing. Clary gave a sly smile at Maia who returned it as the song ended. The group cheered as Jace's golden eyes fell on them. "That wasn't too bad just make sure that you remember to lip sync with the music." Isabelle teased. "And don't forget to do that hair flip thing." Maia yelled out after. Jace chuckled as his eyes fell on Clary. "And it might be better with your eyes open and a smile." The redhead teased. "With you dressed like that, I assure you, my eyes will be open." He said into the microphone before realizing it was still on. He jumped down from the stage and pulled her into a swift kiss. "Okay, Jace. Sound check first, making out with Clary second or I will have her and girls wait in the dressing room." Alec scolded. "Okay, okay." Jace replied holding his hands up in surrender. He snuck another quick peck before jumping back onto the stage.
Clary looked at her phone as Jace finished his last sound check. "You know it's pretty distracting that my girlfriend is on her phone instead of looking at her stunningly attractive boyfriend." He teased. Clary blushed brightly. "I'm sorry. Simon was texting me that he is here. Would it be alright if I go and get him?" she asked shoving the phone back into her purse. "Don't worry about it. I'll go and get him for you. You just stay here and ogle over my brother. He is desperate for the attention." Isabelle teased standing up from her seat on the amp. She didn't wait for a reply instead waved and walked down the hallway. Maia was somewhere talking to Bat leaving her alone with Jace. Well, Jace and a crew of people setting up the stage. "You look beautiful tonight. I can't wait for our first date after the show. I've got a wonderful surprise for you." He smiled. "Yes, about that." She began. The blonde frowned. "You're not happy that Maia and Bat are coming? I know but I thought if Bat had someone to talk to it would be less awkward. They will be at a different table." He explained. Clarissa smiled putting a finger to his lips. "Not about that. I love Maia and I am pretty sure she has a thing for Bat, though I haven't enough time to fully investigate. If my theory is correct it would prove that you are quite the matchmaker." She explained. She could see the tension leave Jace's shoulders. She didn't want to ruin the date with awkwardness so it was now or never. "Can we stay at my place tonight?" she asked. At this, the blonde smiled. "I have no problem with that but there is no room service at your apartment." He teased. "I think we'll manage." She replied. "And Bat would have to stay-" he began but caught himself mid sentence eying his bodyguard talking quietly to the brown-eyed girl in the back. "You sly girl. I approve." Jace grinned.
"Oh, and there is something I did want to discuss with you but now's not the time." Clary stuttered. Jace grabbed her hands. "I rather you tell me now, Red. What is it?" Jace asked. Clary took in a deep breath and looked into his eyes. It was now or never. "I read your sports illustrated article." Clary stated. Jace looked at her raising an eyebrow. "Did you enjoy the pictures?" he grinned wrapping his arms around her waist. "Not as much as the article. I hope you don't take this the wrong way but your necklace." He spoke bringing his hands up to the silver sparrow that lay delicately on her chest. His eyes sparkled with understanding. It was a while ago but he remembered the article. It was one of the few times he talked about his family and even his little brother by name. "Doing research on me?" he asked. Clary shook her head. "No, my friend Kaelie brought it up at the meeting. She had read it and said something. Then I found it and read it. Jace-" she argued but he knew what she was going to say. He was touched she cared.
"I wanted to show you that I am serious about this." Jace stated. Clary smiled. "I don't need the necklace from your father, that your little brother loves and obviously means a lot to you to know that. Don't tell me it's nothing, you wouldn't fight photographers to keep it on if it was just something your brother liked." She replied reaching to unclasp the chain. Jace's hand stopped her. "Actually, I would but you are right. It is important and that is why I want you to wear it. I'm not giving it to you, just asking you to hold onto it for me." He smiled bringing her hand down. "But what if things don't work out? Aren't you worried that I will auction it off on eBay to some fangirl?" she asked confused. Jace laughed whole heartedly. "If things don't work out I will send Bat to get it. He can be very scary when he wants to be. Not that I think I have to worry about that with you." He smiled bringing his hands back down to rest of her waist. "So you're okay with this? Are you sure you won't regret it?" she begged. Jace lowered his forehead down to hers. "I did this morning when talking to Isabelle but after talking to you about it, no. It's a symbol of trust which has always been difficult for me. My life wasn't all rainbows and butterflies but we can talk about that later. Right now, I want you to wear it. Never take it off so all of those men eyeing you every night will know that you're mine." He whispered sweetly. Clary smiled leaning forward. "I would give you a Morgenstern necklace if I knew it would actually do anything to detour the raging hormones that surround you go out." She teased. Though now that she was thinking about it, she did have such a necklace at home. It was a present from her stepfather on her 18th birthday. It was a tradition in his family to give the youth a memento of their heritage going into adulthood. He had a silver Wolf with a G for the Garroway name that he wore semi-frequently, usually around Christmas. Clary had been touched that he had bought her the silver chained necklace with a star and little M next to it. Even though Luke considered her his daughter he respected her connection to her biological father. Jace leaned down and kissed her sweetly on the lips. After a few moments, a sudden gasp alerted her that they were no longer alone. Turning Clary looked and spotted her best friend standing next to a smiling Isabelle, gaping.
"Oh, hi Simon!" she blushed.
Authors Note: Sorry for the delayed update. Two words, jury duty. Set me behind a bit on both of my stories. For those of you waiting for redemption, I'm working on it. Seductive probably won't be updated until I am done with this one. Sizzy next chapter. For those of you asking, I am trying to update one chapter per day. Rather it happens or not, that is my goal.