Chapter 2 [Library, Luthor Mansion—Later that Evening]

Lex paced about the large expansive chamber. His hand raised the crystal glass to his lips. Brandy burned his lips before soothing Mood's issues. He survived the island. Divorce cut Helen off once and for all. Bankruptcy no longer loomed over the Kent Farm. The Talon ran at normal levels after being rescued from LuthorCorp's clutches. Vann languished at Belle Reeve. Clark seemed to be back on his feet. Everything seemed great on the surface.

But it was on the surface only. He still needed security clearance to do his job. Lionel remained coy with him. He tried to anticipate Dr. Foster's questions and approach in their upcoming sessions to complete the psychological profile.

Games, games, games…. He gulped another draught from his glass. Then he set it on the coaster to his right. Guess I'll find out tomorrow back at the office. Dad, just what are you up to?

"Excuse me, Master Alexander?"

Lex coughed. He turned to his left to find a slender man dressed in a gray suit, white starched shirt and dark tie waiting for him. "What can I do for you, Hopkins?"

Hopkins cleared his throat. "Sir, Miss Lang is here to see you. Might I show her in?"

Lex relaxed. Nice to see a friendly face. "Of course. Oh and Hopkins? Please have some coffee and baklava brought up."

"At once, Sir." Hopkins hustled into the passage.

Lana looked around. Renee and Reynolds each left her thinking. "Hey, Lex. Sorry. I know you have to be up early."

Lex smirked. "I always have time for friends and business partners, Lana. You know that. How'd the day go? Talon seemed busy when I drove by this afternoon."

"Yeah. It sure was!" She raised her binder. "I have something for you to look at actually. We had a new customer from Granville today. Her name's Renee. I guess St. Finnigan's Church wants folks who work with them on different things. She handed me this flyer to put up in the Talon. Mr. Reynolds verified it with Reverend Thomas." She pulled Renee's flyer out of the binder and passed it to Lex.

Lex nodded. Lana's explanation clarified several points for him. His eye skimmed the document. "This would be great. Feel free to put it up on the community bulletin board. I know Mr. Reynolds is nothing if not thorough. On the star gazing, I can think of someone right away." Expectation lifted an eyebrow.

Angst and Disappointment pushed a long sigh past her lips. "I wanted to get clearance on that first. I just wish I understood what was going on with Clark. He's just so different."

"I don't have to tell you how hard the last few months have been. Mrs. Kent lost her baby. There was that mysterious earthquake. Clark had his own situation apparently in Metropolis. The Kents almost lost their farm before I bought it." Lex rubbed the back of his neck. "Be patient. He still cares about you, Lana."

She shook her head. "After everything last spring and summer, it's like he just gave up! He said that he didn't want to hurt me anymore. He didn't think he was the guy for me."

Lex rolled his eyes. "I don't believe that. Give him time, Lana. Just be his friend."

"I hope so, Lex. We have been doing things as friends. Just last weekend, we went swimming at Crater Lake. He's been coming into the Talon again." She shrugged. "And he saved me from Vann."

He coughed. "That seems to be a habit for Clark. Vann would've shot me if Clark hadn't pulled me out of the way. Nice to see that hasn't changed. There. You see, Lana? Clark cares. He just needs to open up."

"I told him that too. I hope he does." Lana saw Hopkins return with the coffee service. " A cup of that would be great!"

"That's what it's there for. Try the baklava too. It's excellent." Lex bit into a piece of the honey-laden treat.

She did the same. Honey sweetened her taste buds. Nuts and filo dough rode on Sweet's wave. "Mmm… no wonder Miranda talks about this. She's apparently found a place in Dodge that makes this stuff."

"Yeah Hourani's. I believe that's where this came from. I thought about having some delivered to the Talon. We could feature it on a trial basis. People love sticky buns. They'd love this too." Lex drank his coffee.

"It's a little sweet but Chloe would like it. Mind if I bring some to the Kents?" An idea blossomed in her mind.

"Of course. Maybe a half dozen of those pieces? They can try a couple each. Maybe Mrs. Kent might be interested in trying to make some? The woman's a marvel. Can't see why she wouldn't be great at that too." Consideration only offered positive thoughts to Lex in that manner. "I'm glad the Talon's back to turning a profit."

"Now that we're back in school, yeah. It's good to have you around again, Lex. The bookkeepers don't care." She wrapped up the baklava pieces. Then she filled her travel mug and fixed the coffee therein. "Sorry to bug out. I don't want to keep you."

"No problem. Thanks for bringing that to my attention. Time and certain farm boys are waiting. Now aren't they?" Suggestion and Urging sparked in his eyes.

"Yeah I guess. Thanks, Lex. Have a great night." She headed toward the passage and back out toward the front door.

Lex shook his head. What is the matter with you, Clark? You should learn to trust. Then again, your father needs to as well. He sighed. The sins of the father really suck for us kids.

Some things it seemed never changed….