Disclaimer: Sexy Lexy could own me.

Chapter 22: Telling Tales.

Lex had wanted to confront Catherine about what he had found out, but Lionel had ensured he couldn't get to Catherine, as he never had enough time off.  Lex was sure his father must have remembered making that strange comment, but couldn't say anything outright in case Lex hadn't.  He also assumed that Lionel knew about his relationship with Chloe, but was keeping quiet as Lex had something truly damaging on him.

The wedding was in a week, and Catherine was still out of the country, her stepfather had died suddenly.  Everyone had expected him to make a full recovery when out of nowhere he had another heart attack, which proved to be fatal.  The timing was, to Lex, a little strange as it had occurred during one of his father's visits, but he didn't actually believe his father was capable of murder, did he?  Anyway, publicity had been perfect, Catherine in mourning, Bruce flying out to be with her, Lionel supporting her.  Now she was working her way through all the practical arrangements following his death, appointing someone to run the company, clearing the house, and other things that needed taking care of.  They had tried to rearrange the wedding, but she had insisted it would go ahead, in one of her interviews she had simply said 'he would have wanted it to go on, he liked Bruce.'

Lex was gradually becoming more and more irritated with the fact that his friend might be getting royally screwed and there was nothing he could do about it.  Chloe was beginning to regret saying she would be maid of honour, as she didn't particularly want to be part of a sham marriage.  And then there had been the decision to tell her Dad.  As soon as Lex realised Lionel knew he had been trying to get her to tell him, that way Lionel would have nothing on him and he could confront him.  Chloe had put it off for the last two months, but as the wedding grew closer she realised she had to do it.

They decided it was best to tell him in private as that way he couldn't cause a scene in front of everyone.  They had also decided to play down the fact that all her friends knew, and how they found out.  Finally, Chloe had said they should wait until she had some good news so she could get him in a good mood first.  Chloe had passed her algebra test with an 'A' and been nominated for an award for the Torch, so now she had no excuses.

Lex stood next to her on her porch.

"Open the door, go in, and we'll tell him."

"I don't know Lex, he's going to be pretty upset."

"Chloe."  He warned.

"Fine."  She put her key in the lock, and opened the door.  "Dad?"  She called.

"In here honey."  Her father's voice came from the living room.

"Hey."  She said to her father.

"Hey, sweetie.  Oh, hello Lex."  He said slightly confused at the young man's presence.

"Gabe."

"Why are you here?"

"We have something to tell you Dad."

"What's that?"

"We're dating."  Chloe blurted out.

"Oh." 

"Is that all you have to say?"

"Well, what else can I say?"

"Anything."  Chloe said, more stressed by her father's indifference than any outburst he could have had.

"I just want to know three things honey."

"Sure Dad."  She was still apprehensive, dreading the possibility he may ask if they'd slept together.

"How long have you been together?"

"About 18 months."  Chloe said.

"Oh, and you didn't tell m until now honey?"

"Sorry Dad, but well, things are complicated."

"Okay, well you've told me now.  Does he make you happy?"

"Oh, yes.  More than anyone else I've ever met."  She said beaming.

"And have you slept together?"

"Dad!" 

"Chloe, I want to know.  He's older than you, and I understand that the relationship's stable, but if you're in a sexual relationship I want to know."

"Yes, we've slept together.  But we didn't sleep together until Chloe felt she was ready.  It's only been a few months."  Lex said.

"Okay, well I can't say you'd be first choice for my daughter's first boyfriend, but so long as Chloe's happy I'm happy.  Just remember though if you so much as think about hurting her I will hunt you down like a dog and kill you with my bare hands."

"No offence Gabe but I think you'd have to get in line after Chloe."  Lex said with a smile.

Gabe considered this for a moment.  "You know, I think you're right."  He smiled at Lex, "would you like to stay for dinner?"

"Yes, please."

Gabe left to prepare the meal.

Chloe looked at Lex.  "So, you can talk to your Dad now?"

"Yeah, thanks for doing this."  He gave her a small kiss.

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I know it's more fun when Gabe over reacts, but I think he'd probably take it reasonably well.  After all, most parents don't mind so long as their kids are happy.