Chapter 80 [Talon]
Gwen stood in the midst of the Talon's usual afterschool line. All around her, students and other customers checked their cell phones or talked amongst themselves. A few students looked in her direction. Some were checking her out in ways that she didn't care for.
The engagement ring didn't seem to faze them either….
What is their problem? She glanced down at her skirt. It's below my knees. Mrs. Kowalski thought it was all right. I'll have to ask Lex about that other biology teacher. Relief calmed her that the first day was over. It's going to be all right.
At least the coffee bar's ambiance brought her hack to the Coffee Bean. Well maybe not with the fetish for pink 1930s décor but close enough. She studied the board.
"Hi, Miss Stacy. How'd your first day go?" Miranda smiled. She felt the intern's anxiety.
"It was all right." Gwen shrugged. "I might need to get some slacks though."
"You're fine. Don't let them get on your nerves." Miranda shrugged. "You're going to get some of that." Seeing there was nobody behind Gwen in line, she leaned over. "Can I be blunt?"
"Uh…sure." Gwen frowned.
"Don't take this the wrong way. Okay? I know you're a genius. But you're also beautiful. Those boys will look. They're not mature enough not to. I know you definitely stand out for me."
"Excuse me? I…" Realization hit Gwen. "Oh! Sorry. I don't mean to be judgmental. You're so professional about it. I mean that as a compliment."
"I know. Thanks." Miranda smirked. "Uncle Dave's figured it out. Not sure if Auntie has yet. Sorry if I startled you, Miss Stacy, I…."
"Miranda, you're not one of the students. Please. It's Gwen. All right. Peter will say the same thing. So is there anyone?"
"I'm friends with someone. Yes. Right now though, we're keeping it as best friends. We'll get there. Cappuccino again?" Miranda clarified.
"Well for what it's worth, I hope you two are happy together." Gwen rubbed her arm.
"Thanks, Gwen. I appreciate that. I'll have your drink right up." Miranda turned toward the coffee press.
The things you find out about people. Gwen saw Lex and Peter walk in. She waved to them.
"Be right back!" Peter cut through the crowded room to Gwen's side. "Hey! How was your day?"
She grinned. "Are you out to make my day, Mr. P?" She kissed him on the cheek.
"Any day with you makes mine. Lex and I are getting ready to order. Are you set?" Peter glanced at Lex who was waiting to order at the counter.
"Miranda's getting my cappuccino. I'll grab us a table when I get it." Gwen motioned him back toward their host.
"Be right back." Peter hustled back over to Lex. "Sorry. Just wanted to touch base."
"Being married to an attractive science teacher at Smallville High. I know all about that one, Peter." Lex smirked. "I'll have to tell you about that one sometime. Clark and Lana know as well. What's your pleasure?"
"Maybe a mocha and two pieces of gingerbread please?" Peter glanced at Gwen who was just getting her drink.
"You've got it. Go and talk to her. I'll have them brought right out." Lex headed to the register.
"Thanks!" Peter followed Gwen across the bustling café. "They've got fresh gingerbread."
"Oh they do?" She rolled her eyes. "Why didn't I see that?"
"You didn't. I did. I might have remembered that a certain someone loves that." Peter shrugged.
"You might have huh?" She squeezed his hand. "Thanks. Mind if we stop by Chloe's and Pete's table first?"
"Sure. I've got to talk to her too." Peter led her over to the table in question. "Hi, Miss Sullivan."
"Oh, Mr. Parker! How did the archive trip go?" Interest perked up in Chloe. She gulped from her tankard.
"I'm glad there's an index. I was able to target the articles. How did the interviews go?" Peter replied.
"The Duboises want to do the interview this week. Clark's folks want to talk as well. I want Lex's interview." Chloe turned to Gwen. "Like how you stood up for yourself."
"Thanks." Gwen shrugged to Peter. "We have an obnoxious student in Mr. Sanders' first period Chenistry class. He mouthed off about Mr. Kent, Miss Cooper and me."
"Lana, Pete and I had it under control, Mr. Parker. Then Miss Stacy put him in his place," Chloe assured Peter.
"Hey! I warned him to shut up. He insulted Clark right in front of Lana. That…" Pete coughed. "I've seen my boy Clark go all protective for her. But this time she got right in his face." He turned to Gwen. "Thanks for sticking up for Sam."
"She was really nice at the mansion. I meant what I said. So did Mr. Sanders. I'm really looking forward to hearing her play at the wedding." Gwen nodded to Peter.
"Yeah we talked about that on the way back. Sam's really psyched. Hey any reason to get her up here for the weekend's good with me. So thanks, Folks." Pete saluted them with his mug.
"Just glad Miss Cooper can be there." Peter saw Lex waiting at their table. "Thanks for what you did. I appreciate it. I'll have to get to work on that reading in between those science classes."
"Can't wait to see what you bring to the classes. I've got permission to sit in on that Journalism class tomorrow." Chloe noted.
"I'll see what I can do. Have a great night," Peter concluded.
"I can't wait to get the recap tomorrow night," Gwen nudged. "Bring your questions to class." With that, she led Peter back across the room to Lex.
"I think she's going to do okay," Pete presumed.
"I think she will too. She's definitely not Desiree." Chloe gulped down more of her coffee on that note….
