All the characters I haven't invented belong to D.E.K.
R & R please !
Okay, I know, it has been long to wait.. sorry.. BUT the length is worth it.. itsn't it ?
On the next day, Ally woke up, and as usual, she took a quick shower, and went to the kitchen to fix breakfast for Maddie. But she wasn't feeling as usual. She had a dream about Larry that night. And it .. let's say.. weird. And now she was awake and aware, the dream had turned into daydreaming and hallucinations.. Larry was in Superman's costum, flying around the kitchen.
Maddie came into the kitchen seeing her following Little Larry in the air with her head, saying out loud "Oh, you think you can just protect the whole world and that we are all weakened when you're not around ! Right ? Right ?"
- Ally ? You're okay ? Maddie asked, looking suspiciously at her mom.
Ally shook her head hard to make the hallucination disappear.
- Uh, yeah.. yes I'm fine, she answered her eyes wide opened, checking if it had worked.
- Okay.. you see things again ? Maddie raised an eyebrow.
- No, what makes you think that ?
- I don't know, Maddie shrugged her shoulders, you just look all weird again..
- Breakfast's ready, Maddie. How did you sleep ?
- Okay.. you don't want to talk about it, I get it.
- That's right, because there's nothing to talk about.
- Okay.. if you say so.. are you going to call Larry ?
- What for ? Ally asked quiclky.
- I don't know.. we could.. invite him for dinner ?
- Why ?
- Gee, Mom, I don't know, let me think, because you were probably seeing him just before, thought I don't know what he was doing.. since you were looking up, but I'm not stupid.. "protect the whole world".. with what happened yesterday.. that's him... and you could also invite him for another reason..
- Oh yeah ? What's that ?
- On top of my mind, I'd say because you.. LOVE him ?
Ally didn't say a word, and was like trying to deny it just by looking at Maddie straight in the eyes.
- Oh, come on, I saw you and the way you were all great when he was rubbing your shoulders.. or do you think I'm blind AND stupid ? and I kinda like him..
- You like him ?
- Yeah, he's nice, Maddie said, taking a bite. Actually he's more than nice, and .. I think he liked you a WHOLE lot more than a friend would..
- This is nonsense, he's the one who came up with the "let's be friends" thing.
- What- EVER. I'm just saying, that's what I think.
- Well you're wrong. Ally took a sip of coffee from the mug she had in her hand.
- Fine.. but are you gonna do it ?
- Do what ?
- Jeez, mom, focus.. Maddie said, putting one hand on her forehead. Invite him for dinner, that's what !
- Maybe. I don't know. I've got a lot of work to do..
- He could help !
- Okay, let it out, what are you trying to do ? Ally said, her hands on her hips.
- I just saw how happy you look even when you're angry whenever he's around... Maddie finished her plate. But if you're sure I'm wrong and everything, just forget about it.. though to invite him for dinner you could have told him I like having him around, you know.. to protect "my whole world", she said laughing, and she went out of the kitchen to get ready for school.
What an annoying kid she is! Geez, No, I don't want to .. Actually I do, but I really have work to do .. with which he could probably help.. Gosh, I hate that kid ! No.. I don't.. but..
- Mom ?? Maddie shouted from her bedroom.
- What ?
- Have you seen my blue and green sweater ? You know the one with stripes ?
- Yeah, it's in the second shelf, I've just put it yesterday !
- Thanks !
They walked to the bus stop to Maddie's school and Ally went to work, still thinking about inviting Larry..
--
Larry woke up smiling, he had spent a whole day with Ally and Maddie and he was feeling so good even Blondie wouldn't make this smile disappear.
Steward gave him a new case. A harassment case, which can sound difficult, but once Larry had read the case's file, he had the feeling Steward had looked for the most idiotic case he could found, and that Blondie had probably something to do with it.
- Uh, Steward ? Larry said, coming to him, scratching his head.
- Yes Larry ?
- Is it me or do I get all the cases you would give to a new comer just out of lawschool ?
- I don't know what you're talking about, Larry.
- Really ? Because the administrative papers of that new company already sounded like a joke.. but this.. he had the files in his right hand, this is just the most idiotic case ever. Why did you even accept to represent that woman ?
- What's wrong with that case ?
- Oh, I don't know.. don't you think you should have told her to file a petition for divorce instead of a complaint for harassment ? That woman is suing her husband because he tries to kiss her sometimes ! They work together ! What was she expecting ?
- She told me she made it clear with him that their professionnal and private life would always stay separated.
- Okay, so he lied, so what ? He's her husband ! How do you want any judge to take me seriously if the first case I'm on is nothing but a joke !
- I can't help you. That's your case.
- Fine.
Larry went in his office, slammed the door, called his client.
- Hello Mrs. Likinson, Larry Paul, I'm the attorney assigned to your harassment case.. I was wondering.. Could we meet today ?
- Yes, sure, but I thought we wouldn't need it.. Mr. Parks told me it was taken care of..
- Yeah, well, Larry took of his glasses, rubbed his eyes, things have changed.
- Okay.
- Good, when could you come ? Or where do you want to meet ?
- I can come in an hour.
- Perfect. So see you then.
- Yes, see you then.
They hung up. Clearly, that woman had no idea of what she was doing, and Steward didn't care. Larry missed Detroit, at least over there he would get to work on good and interesting cases.
An hour and half later, Mrs. Likinson was on her way out, she had dropped the complaint, and filed the petition for divorce. Larry had also advised her to find herself a good lawyer in a specialized firm, because first he didn't want this case, and second she would need one hell of a lawyer to obtein what she wanted. He also asked her not to tell Steward about all that, pretending he would tell him.
She left and Larry decided to work on Mr. Gibbs' case and tell Steward about Mrs. Likinson before going home. He wanted to play by those rules, Larry was in.
At noon, Larry's cellphone rang. He looked at the ID which said "Ally".
Ally ? Oh.. Oookay keep it cool.. Let it ring one more time...
- Hello ?
- Hi Larry, a feverish voice said on the other end.
- Hi Ally, you're okay ?
- Yes ? Why ?
- Dunno, you sound weird.. anyway.. how can I help ? Larry said, his fingers playing with a pen nervously.
- Well.. Maddie asked me to invite-you-to-have-dinner-with-us-tonight, Ally let out in a breath.
She had spoken so fast Larry almost didn't get it.
- Wh..? Oh.. Maddie did.. Well, he smiled, how 'bout that..why does she want to have me at dinner ?
- Don't know. She didn't say.. she just asked me if I would do it.. this isn't totally a lie, Ally thought.
- Okay, fine. What will she do for dinner ? Larry joked.
- Ahah, are you coming or not ?
- Yeah, yeah, alright, I'll be there..
- Good, okay see you tonight. Ally hung up. And breathed.
Her cellphone rang. "Larry". What does he want ??
- Hello ?
- It's me again.. don't you want to tell me something ?
- No ! No ?! What ? What should I tell you ? Ally freaked out.
- Uh, I don't know.. maybe what time will dinner be ready ? And when I should be there.. ? You know it's quite useful when you invite someone to tell them when they are expected..
- Right.. 7.. 7.30, something like that.
- Okay, I'll be there at 7.15 sharp, Larry laughed.
- Okay, 'later.
- 'Later.
She called. She did call, and to invite me to have dinner with her and her daughter, just a day after we've seen each other.. I hope this isn't just a dream..
--
At 5.00 Ally picked up Maddie at school. After two minutes looking at Ally, Maddie finally asked :
- What's going on ? still looking at Ally's expression.
- What ? Nothing..
- You seem thoughtful.
- Yes, Maddie, sometimes I think.
- Right, that's not what I meant. You seem too thougthful..
- Yeah.. well, I've got a huge case to take care off..
- That's not everything, Maddie said smiling, you did it, right ?
- Did what ?
- You invited him ?! You so did ! Yay !
- Okay, yes I did.
- Cool !
- Yeah cool.. but I really still have a lot of work to do, so let's just go home.. Ally said, looking very serious, though on the inside, she was unbelievably impatient for those two hours to while away.
Once in the apartment, Maddie started tidying up the place, which was already neat and clean. Ally watched her bustle about, amused. By the time Maddie stopped, a surgeon could have performed a heart transplant on the floor, and she told Ally she would go take a shower.
Ally had been working a little more on her case; some people had experienced food poisonning on a restaurant and had filed a shared complaint against the restaurant's manager.
It was a tricky case because they had ordered some pufferfish, also known as fugu, but had suffered food intoxication because of the dip sauce they got with it. And the defense had played on the fact that Ally's clients had ordered some potentially dangerous fish in the first place, which might be seen as an attempt to cheat death or whatever.
She looked at her watch, 6.15. She had to start cooking dinner and so she did. She went to the kitchen and Maddie soon joined her.
- What are we eating ?
- Chicken and cucumbers in salad, Ally said, slicing the cucumbers.
- And ??
- And what ?
Maddie wide eyed.
- You're not making any dessert ?
- I'm not planning on making any, no..
Maddie leant her head on the left in disbelief.
- You're kidding ? she asked.
- No, I'm not kidding, Ally answered, throwing an upset glance at Maddie.
- Okay..
Maddie took a look in the frigde and took a yoghurt and 3 eggs.
- What are you doing ? Ally sighed.
- If you won't make any dessert, I will.
- Right.
- I'm serious.. do we have.. some flour, oil, sugar, and some baking powder and vanilla sugar ? Maddie asked looking in the cupboards.
- Probably.. what do you plan on making ?
- Yoghurt cake.
- Really ? You know how to cook ?
- I've been raised by a single father.. and an aunt who spend her time singing..
- I see..
- And you won't need the oven right ?
- Yeah, right..
- So.. give me what I need ?
- Right yeah, okay.
Ally gave her what she asked for and watched her bustling around again.. and after a while hook her head to focus on the chicken, a smile on her face.
10 minutes later Maddie put the cake in the oven.
- Okay.. I'm going to lay the table..
- Okay, you.. you just do that.. Ally was amazed by Maddie. Since they had been back in the apartment, she had acted weird, like she was happier than Ally to see Larry.
Ally heard Maddie talking.
- Who are you talking to Maddie ?
- Uh ? Um, nobody, it's the tv.. Maddie lied. She was on the phone.
At 6.55, Maddie came back in the kitchen, and was about to take the oven gloves.
- What do you think you're doing ? Ally asked.
- I think I'm about to take the cake out of the oven.. but now that you ask.. I'm doubting.. what's wrong ?
- You're not putting your hands in the oven.
- Jeez, can you be more overprotective ?
- Give me those, Ally said pointing at the oven gloves. I'm doing it and that's that.
- Whatever, Maddie finally said, handling her the gloves, shaking her head.
The bell rang at 7.15, Maddie passed Ally and ran to the door to open it.
- Calm down ! Ally told her as she opened the door.
- Wow, Larry exclaimed. What's going on here ?
- I told you, she wanted you to eat with us tonight.. I haven't been able to stop her since we got back here.. she even baked a cake for you.. Ally smiled. It felt good to see him.
Larry had a hand in hidden in his back. He winked to Maddie.
- What are you hidding ? Ally asked, trying to see.
- Just a little sumthin', he said, giving her the flowers he had brought with him.
- You bought me flowers ?
- You've invited me for dinner.. Is that okay.. ?
Maddie kicked gently Ally with her elbow, looking her as to say "are you crazy, take them!"
The bunch of flower was composed of some cornflowers tied around some blades of corn, red camellias, mauve lilac, and an assortment of red, white, red and white, lavander, and pink roses.
- It's.. it's so beautiful.. Ally was left speechless.. she didn't know much about flowers signification, but she did know that red roses didn't mean "let's be friends".
She looked at him.
- I'm not expecting anything. We're friends and there's nothing you don't already know, right ? Larry asked. He was cleaning his glasses with his tie mechanically, his eyes going from Ally to the flowers, to his glasses.
- Okay.. yeah..
- Mom, tell him to come in ! Maddie whispered.
- Yeah, she said pointing at Maddie with her finger. She pointed at Larry, come on in. What are those flowers ? He doesn't know.. he just asked some nice flowers and that's all.. I'm sure..
- Camellia, cornflowers, lilac and roses.. Larry answered, winking at Maddie again.
- Why do you do that ?
- Do what ?
Ally was looking at Maddie, then at Larry, and back to Maddie.
- That's winking thing. You just winked at her.. why did he winked at you ? she asked Maddie.
Maddie shrugged her shoulders to answer, but she smiled, and tried to hide it by pursing her lips.
- Now you're smiling, Ally was observing the scene, and was getting a little upset, she didn't like to be left in the dark. She didn't like it at all.
- Maddie called me earlier to ask me to bring some custard, Larry sighed, showing her the bottle of custard. And I asked her if you were in the mood for flowers..
- You called him ?!
Maddie bit her lips, and nodded, but she couldn't take it anymore and she burst out laughing.
- What's so funny ?
- Nothing, I just told Larry that you would do exactly what you're doing if he added some red roses to the flowers.
- You weren't planning on doing it ? she asked him.
- You really don't know nothing about flower, do you ? Red roses are obvious.. I won't say anything else. What are we eating ? he said, changing subject.
- Chicken and cucumbers salad.
- Great. I was scared you'd do a three entries meal..
- I know you're not that hungry for dinner.. she said though she wanted to keep it a thought.
- You remembered.. Larry smiled, his lower jaw slightly moving.
They took place around the table and Ally went in the kitchen to take the food. They laughed a lot, of course Maddie didn't miss the opportunity to slip Ally's case in the conversation.
- You want me to take a look at it ? he offered.
- I don't need your help, Ally said a little more abruptly that she intented to.
- I know.. I was just.. forget it, Larry finally said.
- No, it's my fault.. I'm on pin and needles because of this case.. you might help..
- Okay then, I'll take a look later.
- Yeah, the real problem is that now I have to come back home early.. no more night spent in my office to find the solution.. even if I'm glad to be back home now, she said quickly looking at Maddie.
- It's ok.. I know it. I told you, you can stay at work, I'm 11, not 5.
- No, I can't let you take a cab or walk all the way from your school to the apartment.
- I could look after her if that can help... Larry took his chance.
- Yeah, right, Ally said.
- That would be cool ! Maddie exclaimed, thinking about the fact that she would get to see Larry more often and that she would also get to show off thanks to Larry's car.
- I'm serious Ally, I don't have any real case.. they seem to think that I'm some kind of baby myself and keep on giving me the worst cases possible.. I get to deal with divorces and administatrive papers.. how exciting is that ?
- Are you thinking about it ? Maddie asked, seeing that Ally was silent, like lost in her thoughts.
He would be there every night when I'd come back from work..
- But I can only help you tomorrow and the day after that.. I have to go back to Detroit, he said.
- Detroit ? What ? Why ? For how long ? I can't believe it ! He's leaving again !
- I'll come back..
- Right.
- I'm just going for work, and to see Sam.. for the week end. I'll go on Thursday evening and I'll be back on Monday. That was something ! Her reaction..
- Oh... okay, Ally said, blushing, and totally embarassed by her overwhelming reaction. Can I be any more easy to read ?!
- Ally, I told you, it's physically impossible for me to leave again. I bought my apartment to prove it. I didn't rent one to show that I'm not going anywhere, he told her, and lowering her voice so that only she could hear, he continued : unless you do.
- Good, good.. Ally mumbled.
- So mom, are you okay ?
- OKay ? with what ? Oh, you're sure... you.. wouldn't.. mind.. taking care of me.. my daughter ? she said, still under the effect of his last three words.
- No, I wouldn't mind taking care of you...r daughter, Larry answered, smiling because he'd heard the little slip of the tongue on me instead of my..
- Okay.. then, let's do that. Did I dream it ? Ally sighed. She couldn't tell what was true from what wasn't anymore.
They finished dinner, Maddie's cake was really delicious, and Maddie was really proud of herself.
At 9.00, Ally started clearing the table, but Larry soon stood up and helped her and they ended up arguing a little, because he wanted to help wash-up. It eventually endind up with Larry having the last word.
- Maddie, time to go to bed, Ally said once they were done in the kitchen.
- 'kay. 'Night.
- Good night, sleep tight, Larry said, unfolding the sleeves of his shirt he had rolled up to help Ally with the dishes.
- Sweet dreams.
All three of us went in the living room, and Ally and Larry sat down at the table where Ally's files were, and Maddie made her way toward her room. But after few seconds she came back to look at Ally and Larry for a while, without them knowing about it, and finally went to bed.
Larry was reading and Ally was still looking for the exact piece of law that would make her win the case.
- Ally, I don't understand why you think that you need a piece of law. This is ethical.. Your clients were sky-diving, they just entered a restaurant. I mean, they might have ordered live shark to go, as long as the restaurant has it on its menu.. it's biding. The restaurant has to deliver a healthy food. It doesn't have to be good, but it has to be healty. That's public health we're talking about. The fact isn't that they ordered something potentially dangerous, it's that they ate something that ended up being unhealty because of the restaurant inability to deliver a proper meal.
- The defense lawyer is good.. I thought that having legislation on my side would make it more difficult for him to mess with the facts..
- Then don't bother searching for an article of law, send the food inspection on them.
- What if they find nothing ?
- When did you get that case ?
- Four days ago.. their former lawyer let them down.
- I see.. Okay so the real problem here, Larry started, taking off his glasses and biting on of the branches, is not that you don't know how to deal with the case.. is it ?
- Of course it is ! What else could it be ?
- I think you're feeling a little overwhelmed because it's going very fast.
Ally thought about that last statement.
- Maybe. Yeah, maybe a little.
- No, not a little. He put his hands upon hers. Ally, you're a great lawyer, you don't need a piece of law to win this case... you need to relax and show the ethical problem here. And you certainly don't need me.
Larry stood up.
- I'm leaving. Don't worry, this is a piece of cake for you. He took his jacket, put hit on. By the way, what's Maddie's school address ?
- It's the Booker T. Washington School on 103 West, 107th Street.
- Okay.. She leaves at 5 ?
- Yes.. You're sure it doesn't bother you ? Ally asked.
- Completely. When do you think you'll be back ? He said, putting his jacket on.
- I.. don't know yet.. why ? You'd prefer if I came back before 8 ?
- No.. It's just a question.. Come back when you're done, I don't have anywhere else to be.
- Ok.. thanks so much.
- You're welcome. Now, it's getting late..
He made his way to the door, Ally followed him.
- Good night Ally, and thanks for the dinner.
- You're welcome.
They were both standing at the door, again, in that same awkward place where none of them could figure out the best way to say goodbye since neither of them really wanted it, nor did they thought of the other as a friend. But they also both wanted to keep up the appearances, thinking that's what the other wanted.
But this time, Larry stepped out of this smothering situation and hugged her, tapping her back.
How my god, what am I doing ? The flowers.. and now a hug ? Come on ! Wrong signals here.. gosh I'm so bad at this ! Okay, try to make it up !
- By the way, you should learn more about flowers.. you're missing a lot of things, Larry said, trying to look casual.
- Yeah ? Ally answered, she was still thinking about that hug. Uh.. will do.. see ya.
- Bye, Larry said, nodding, and looking down as he started to make his way downstairs.
What was that ? What was that ? Ally thought to herself, herratically pacing in the apartment. He hugged me ? Hugged ! Me ! And tapped my back ?! We're not buddies !
- Or maybe I am.. she said out loud. I'm his buddy. She looked at the picture of his father and her on top of her piano. How did that happen ?
She totally forgot all he said about flowers.. she didn't really listened to be honest.
The next morning, she woke up, opened her eyes and fixed breakfast. She was in a really bad mood.. the kind with which you don't want to deal. Maddie appeared, all joyful and happy, saw her, and said :
- Oh, non... what happened last night ?
- Nothing.. we hugged. Great ! Ally said, faking being happy, but her act was so bad that even if she hadn't faced Maddie, the young girl would have seen the lie.
- What's wrong with hugging ? Maddie frowned her eyebrows.
- Nothing ! Everything is perfect with hugging. Hugging is good, hugging means friends, and friends is.. good.. so hugging is just perfect. Ally was pacing in the kitchen.
Maddie followed her with her eyes for a while.
- You think he wants to be your friend ? she asked, not hidding the fact that she knew something.
- We hugged.. we're friends.. he tapped my back.. we're friends ! she stopped speaking, sat on one of the tools, and burried her head in her arms on the counter.
- I hate to break this to you but you really suck at flowers' meaning..
- I know .. he told me.. what ? those flowers he gave me should have told me "hey we're great friends, let's hang out and drink some beers" ??
- Not really, no. Aunt Barney loves flowers.. and well you should check the meaning by yourself.
Ally lifter her head, looked at Maddie.
- Eat your breakfast.
And she rushed out of the kitchen, leaving Maddie to her breakfast. She took her laptop, looked at the flowers.
- Okay, what did he say this was..
Maddie appeared at the door.
- Red Camellias, cornflowers, lilac and roses. Gosh you really are bad.
- Thank you. Would you say that these are pink, light pink or dark pink ? Ally asked, pointing at the "pink" roses.
- I don't know.. pink or light pink. Definitely not dark pink.
- You know the difference between the three, don't you ?
Maddie shrugged her shoulders and bit the corner of her lower lips to hide a smile.
After a while, Ally came up with the meaning of those flowers. It said : Red Camellia, "You're a Flame in My Heart", Mauve Lilac, "First emotion of love", Cornflowers "Unspoken love", Red Roses "True Love", White Roses "Silence or innocence, virtue, purity, secrecy, reverence and humility", Lavender Roses "Love at first sight", White and Red Roses "Unity" and she couldn't decide whether the last ones were pink, light pink or dark pink, but she didn't really care because it would have meant "grace", "gratitude", or "desire".
Maddie knew she had found what she was looking for because Ally remained silent. But after few minutes, Ally's bad mood was back in the game.
- What's wrong again ?
- He gave me those when he came, and he ended the evening with a tap on my back. I may not be good at flowers' meaning, but I sure am at gestures.
She looked at the clock, stood up.
- 7.55 already ! Oh my.. we're gonna be late ! Hurry..
- No, you're gonna be late, I'm right on time, Maddie said.
- Right, okay.. Ally was still thinking about the tapping in the back thing, and about the flowers, and how she could link them.. and that part she didn't figure out.
A while after, she was trying to catch her breath on the cab, in front of Maddie's school, from running through the apartment to be on time.
- Don't forget, you wait here until Larry arrives. He might be late.. you never know, so stay inside the school..
- Jeez, Mom ! First of all, this is like the safest place in the whole world.. and do you really, really, think that Larry will be late ? Really ? Maddie said, shaking her head and getting out of the cab. I'll be fine, go to work.
- Alright.. Ally realized she was being silly, but she couldn't help it. She was just being a mother.
She went to work, and tried to focus on her case, which she found quite difficult at first.
--
Larry woke up that day the way he went to bed, that is kicking his head with his right hand. Stupid, stupid stupid, hwo can I be so stupid ? a tap in the back ? really ?
He went to his office where, nothing new here, some dumb cases were assigned to him. He dealt with them the whole morning, and at 2 he didn't have anything to do, so he went to Steward.
- Hey, Larry started.
- Hi Larry. Can I help you ? Steward asked without meaning any words.
- No, actually, I was just coming to let you know that my cases are closed. I'm heading up home, he finished, readjusting his glasses on his nose as to make a point.
- You've come to tell me this.. not to ask ?
- No actually I'm done asking. I've asked for better cases, you didn't hear.. so I guess I'm just heading home now, you see, I've got some work to do.. on a real case.
Larry went out of Steward's office, leaving him gaping. Larry was quite happy with this last move, and was starting to think about leaving the firm and starting his own again, just like in Boston. At least he had the opportunity to prove what he was worth, and it turned out well.
He went to his apartment, thought about the evening he would spend with Maddie and searched for some ideas for dinner. At 4.00, he went out to buy some groceries, and at 4.45, his car was parked in front of the school, at the exact same spot where Ally's cab had been that morning. He opened the New York Times and started reading.
At 4.55, he got out of the car, and closer to the medium school's door. It was weird to be waiting for Ally's daughter to come out. He had never done this for anyone else than Sam. Some parents were there, waiting just like him, talking to each other.
The teens started to come out of their school in small groups, laughing, talking, some running to join a group, and a loud group finally got out. Maddie was part of it, Larry had moved back to his car and was now half sitting of the car's hood, arms crossed. He had thought that Maddie being a teenager, she would probably prefer for him to give her some space.
She looked around, and smiled when she saw him. She nodded, ended her conversation with some friends and headed toward him.
- Hey Larry !
- Hello Maddie, how are you ? he said, tilting his head and smiling.
- I'm great ! How 'bout you ?
- I'm good to. Do you have anything else to do or anyone to talk to ?
- No, I'm all set.
- Okay, let's go then, he said, stading up,looking for his car keys on his pocket.
Maddie waved goodbye to some of her girlfriends who were looking in her direction, actually they were looking on their direction. Larry looked at them, and they just turned around, laughed and went away.
- You've told your friends I'll be there. That wasn't a question, that was a statement.
- Uh..
- That's okay.. but why ? Larry was smiling.
- I don't know.. I'm kinda glad you came..
- Okay, I'm glad to be here. Larry decided to drop it, although he could have sworn there was more to be said there.
The ride home was punctuated by few questions, nothing really exciting.
- So how was school ?
- Fine.
- Do you have some homeworks to do ?
- Uh uh, yeah.
- Do you have a job in mind already ?
- Nah.. well, I've got some, but I'm not sure... Why ?
- Just a question.. Larry smiled. One day last year, my son told me he wanted to be a lawyer like me.. I was wondering whether every lawyer's children want at one point to be lawyer..
- Yeah, well, that's something I'm thinking about.. but I would also like to be a photograph, or a psychologist.. I really don't know yet.
- I see. Strange that actress isn't in your list.. Larry continued, focused on the road.
- I doubt everybody will share your opinion on my acting, she said, laughing.
They arrived in front of the apartment, Larry parked the car.
- Plus, you don't fool me.. Maddie finished her sentence, my mom's the reason you like my acting.
- What ? What does this mean ? I thought you were great ! Larry replied, faking being hurt.
- Right. So you liking my mom has nothing to do with the fact that you like my acting ?
They entered the building, and started to climb the stairs.
- No, these are two different things, Larry said and realized he had been tricked.
- So you do like my mom, how sweet ! Maddie laughed.
Larry remained silent. Maddie opened the door and she was about to enter the apartment when she turned around.
- So what's with the tapping on the back thing anyway ?
Larry didn't know how to answer this.
- She ..
- Yeah, she told me.. So what's the deal with this ? You do know the meaning of the gesture, right ?
- Let's call it a lack of judgment, okay ? Let's change subject.. Larry said, a little embarassed. Maddie had that thing, just like Sam, which made it almost impossible to remain silent.
- Okay, she shrugged her shoulders. I should probably go in my bedroom and start my homeworks..
- You should.. I'll just hang out here. If you need anything, let me know..
- Larry, I live here.. I'll be okay, Maddie said. But thanks.
She went in her bedroom and Larry sat on the couch.
I'm in Ally's place, taking care of her daughter.. how weird is that ? If someone had told me that a month ago.. his thoughts were stopped when, while he was looking around, he looked at the piano. That same piano he had played so many times on in Boston. Waves of flashbacks came before his eyes. He remembered that night he sang White Christmas with Ally, and Chances Are, how could he ever forget that night ? The first night Ally had to forgive him. The first time she really forgave him for something he'd done. For kissing Jamie. And he remembered Sam and Ally talking about him and how hard it had been for him to hear his son so sad.
He snapped out of reality, looked at his watch. An hour had passed. He stood up, went in the kitchen and started cooking dinner.
He hadn't found any great idea for dinner, and just planned on making steaks with some salad.
30 minutes later Maddie came in the kitchen.
- You cook too ? She asked.
- What does this mean ? Of course I cook.. I have to eat too, Larry laughed.
- No I mean, it smells good..
- Why.. thanks ? What did you expect ? a persisting smile was on Larry's lips most of the time Maddie was talking.
- I don't know.. I thought.. forget it.. she shrugged her shoulders.
- No tell me.. what did you think ? he asked, leaning his head on the right.
- Alright, I thought.. well Victor could cook, but .. and he was nice.. and .. well he could do all that stuff but he wasn't just like Ally. You know.. all weird and strange like you..
- I'll take that as a compliment I guess..
- Yeah.
- What's your point ? I can cook, and I'm weird.. Why are you talking about blo.. Vic-tor, Larry said, his tongue almost slipping.
- Well.. Victor and Ally broke up because he couldn't understand that she's weird..
- So ?
- So you can.. Jeez, I'm just saying you're perfect, there. You cook, you're nice AND weird, you like children, you're handso.. she stopped, looked down and blushed a little.
- oh.. Larry looked away from her.. tried to find what he should reply. Thanks..
The air was a little tense suddenly, Larry repressing a laugh, Maddie still looking at her feet.
- Okay.. let's eat, Larry finally said. You're done with your homeworks ?
- uh uh, Maddie was relieved.
They ended up talking about school, and Sam. After dinner, they watched the T.V. and Maddie went to take a shower.
At 9.00 she was ready to go to bed, and came to say goodnight and went back in her bedroom, closed the door.
Larry looked at the room again, and his eyes landed on the piano again, this time he stood up, sat on the seat, and let his fingers wander on the keys.
What was that song again ? he thought, looking for that song he had heard on the cab in Detroit on the night Sam and him had come back from New York. After a while, he found the first notes, and the lyrics followed.
But he didn't play long, fearing he might be too loud for Maddie to sleep.
In her room, Maddie had listened to every word, and she fell asleep with the song in her mind.
Larry spent the rest of the evening reading.
When Ally finally came home, he stood up, adjusted his glasses on his nose.
- Hey.
- Hey, she answered. Everything's ok ?
- Yeah, Maddie's asleep, she's done her homeworks, everything's fine.
- Ok..
- Your plate is on the fridge..
- My pl.. you cooked ? Ally asked.
- You know I cook.. what's strange here ? he said, leaning his head, observing her more carefully.
- I don't know.. I thought you would order pizza or something.. Ally paused. I'm glad you cooked.
- Yeah, so was Maddie apparently.
- Why ?
- She told me more about bl.. Larry sighed, Vic-tor, he sais between his teeth..
- What ? What did she tell you ? Tell me.. Ally let out on a breath.
- She just said that he was a nice man who could cook, Larry wouldn't tell her everything.
- That's all ?
- Yes. Why ? Is there more to tell, Larry raised his eyebrows, an interrogating look on his face.
- No. No that's it.
- Okay, Larry smiled. I should go then.
They exchanged few more sentences, and the moment to say goodbye came again.
Let's make a bold move.. Larry thought. No more tapping on the back. This time, he took her hand, and performed a hand kiss, nodded, and said :
- Lady, have a good night.
And with that, he left.
Ally was still standing at the door five minutes later, and it took her a while to close it and move again.
Flowers, tap, hand kiss, flowers, tap, hand kiss, flowers, tap, hand kiss.. what does this.. Oh god !
She was tired, exhausted actually, so she quickly ate and went to sleep with those same thoughts on her mind.
Larry, on the other hand, was quite proud of himself.
--
The next evening came fast, Larry had the feeling that talking to a door would have more impact on his life than talking to Steward, so he didn't even bother to say something when he got his news case. An architect was asking 500.000 to a cleaning company because they had left a stain on the floor of his office, and according to him, this was the reason he hadn't signedthe contract he was hoping for, claiming that the stain made his office look like a dump. Larry's client was the cleaning company. Talk about stupid case. The stain wasn't even one square inch, and the company would most certainly not settle.
But Larry got over it. He picked up Maddie at school and their evening looked quite a lot like the previous one.
After dinner, and once Maddie was in her room, listening to some music, but after a while, she came out of it, and went to Larry.
- Could you play that song you played last night ? she asked him.
Larry lifted his head, no he didn't want to do such thing. The song was too obvious, and Maddie too chatty.
- I'm not really in the mood..
- Come on ! It was beautiful ! PLease ? Pleaase ! Maddie continued.
- Alright, fine, Larry gave in. He stood up, went to the piano and played The Fear You Won't Fall, only he played the music without the lyrics.
- YOu sang yesterday..
- How much did you hear ? Larry tried to figure out what she already knew..
- I heard it all. I won't tell her. I swear. I just like the song. Please ?
- You're a very witty girl, you know ?
- Yeah.. I know, play..
Larry took a deep breath, passed a hand through his hair, and took of his glasses. He put them on the piano and agreed.
- Okay.
He started : "Digging a hole and the walls are caving in
Behind me air's getting thin but I'm trying
I'm breathing in
Come find me
It hasn't felt like this before
It hasn't felt like home before you
And I know it's easy to say but it's harder to feel
This way
And I miss you more than I should
Than I thought I could
Can't get my mind off of you"
- Is that the song you wrote for Ally ? Maddie asked, stopping him.
- Is there anything she didn't tell you ? Larry replied, surprised. He stopped playing.
- Keep going. It was beautiful.
- But it's not the song I've written for her.
- Could you play her song then ? Maddie insisted.
- I don't know Maddie.. Larry hadn't played or sung that song for a while, knowing how it made him feel, and he most certainly didn't want Maddie to witness it.
- What's the title ?
- You don't know ? Larry frowned his eyebrows.
- Nah, Mom never told me. Maddie's expression was a begging one.
Larry realized how difficult it was to say 'no' to her.
- Come on, I won't tell on you.
- Alright.
When he started playing the first note, a knot formed in his stomach, he felt difficult to swallow, but managed to overcome it all.
- Chances are you'll find me
Somewhere on your road tonight
Seems I always end up driving by
Ever since I've known you
It just seems you're on my way
All the rules of logic don't apply
I long to see you in the night
Be with you 'til morning light
I remember clearly how you looked
The night we met
I recall your laughter and your smile
I remember how you made me
Feel so at ease
I remember all your grace, your style
And now you're all I long to see
You've come to mean so much to me
Chances are I'll see you
Somewhere in my dreams tonight
You'll be smiling like the night we met
Chances are I'll hold you and I'll offer
All I have
You're the only one I can't forget,
Baby you're the best I've ever met
Ally got back early from work, and she entered the apartment, heard the song, looked at them, and didn't stop him. They weren't aware of her presence.
And I'll be dreaming of the future
And hoping you'll be by my side
And in the morning I'll be longing
For the night, for the night
Chances are I'll see you
Somewhere in my dreams tonight
You'll be smiling like the night we met
Chances are I'll hold you and I'll offer
All I have
You're the only one I can't forget
Baby you're the best I've ever met
- Wow, that's a beautiful song, Maddie said. Mom didn't want to sing it to me.
- I wonder why.. Larry said ironically, still trying to pull himself together.
- You.. remember that song, Ally said, standing a few steps behind them, next to the door left opened.
Maddie stood up, looked at her and said :
- I should probably go to my room.. Mom don't be mad at him, I asked..
- Of course I remember it, I wrote it. For you, he added, looking down.
- She asked you to play it ? Ally said, looking at Maddie's room's door.
- Yeah..
Ally didn't want Larry to know that she talked about Chances Are, but Larry didn't use the opportunity.
- I have to leave.. I have to get my bags and files ready before tomorrow morning.. he said.
He couldn't handle her talking about the song. How can she think I even could forget it ?!
- Why tomorrow morning ? I thought you were leaving tomorrow night ? Ally asked, nervous.. which made Larry smile.
- I'm working tomorrow..
- Right..
- Okay. Bye Ally, He hand kissed her again. He really liked the effect the first one have had on her.
As he put his foot on the first step, Ally asked :
- You'll come back ?
Her voice was almost inaudible, but he heard her, and turned around.
- Didn't I bought the apartment ? he smiled.
- You did buy the apartment, she smiled, relieved.
- Larry ?
- Yes ?
- You're gonna go without saying goodbye again ?
That last remark slapped him in the face. Great, we're here again.. wait.. no she's here, I'm not..
- Do you want me to stop by tomorrow, before I go to the airport ?
- You would ? she asked, doubtfully.
- I will.
Review please :D