Chapter 9-When You Touch My Hand
"Something wrong?" Clark asked, noticing a confused expression on Chloe as she walked down the steps towards the car.
"I think I forgot something," Chloe said, trying to remember what it was.
When she finally reached Clark he touched her bare shoulders and said, "Maybe a jacket?"
Chloe slapped her forward. "That's it! What would I do without you?"
Clark shrugged, "You'd lose your head."
"I'll be right back," she said and ran bank into the apartment.
All right, where did I put that damn jacket? She thought to herself. In the corner of her eye she caught the flashing light of her answering machine. She went over and clicked to hear the messages.
"First message."
"Chloe, its Lex. Listen, Kirby industries is throwing a ball New Years Eve Night and I was wondering if you'd be so kind as to accompany me. I have to call them by 7 P.M. for the RSVP so give me call once you get home. My number is 723-9876."
"End of Messages."
Chloe couldn't believe it. Lex had invited her to a New Years Eve Ball. Suddenly she felt slightly lightheaded. It was that state of drunkenness, she thought to herself. She glanced at her watched. Her eyes almost popped out of her head when she noticed the time. She knew she had to call Lex right away.
**
Lex was feeling incredibly restless and he hated it with a passion. He wanted to hear Chloe's voice so badly but he was so angry with her for making him feel so crazy. It was almost like he was back in the 9th grade.
One second he was praying for the phone to ring and the next he was cursing himself for losing so much control. He couldn't help it. Chloe made him feel like he drank one too many glasses of wine. Then the phone rang and his heart stopped for a moment.
He closed his eyes and took a deep breath then picked up the phone. Determined to keep his cool he said, "This is Lex."
"Lex?"
He knew it was Chloe. "Yes, who is this?" Oh, I'm bad, he thought to himself.
"Hey, it's Chloe. Chloe Sullivan," she said, as if he could have forgotten her name.
"Chloe, hi how are you? Did you see Clark today?" Lex asked, then cursed himself for bringing up the fact that Clark was in town. Just great Lex, remind her that her childhood crush is back in town.
"I'm fine. Yeah, I saw him. He's moving here," Chloe said.
"He told me. We spoke briefly," Lex said.
"Anyway, I called about the Ball," Chloe said, trying not to sound too nervous.
"Oh yes," was all Lex could say.
"I would like to accept the invitation if it still stands," Chloe said.
Lex couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief.
"Lex, everything all right?" Chloe asked.
"Yes, Chloe. Everything is all right. I'm just glad you decided to go. I didn't want to have to go alone," Lex told her.
"I know how you feel," she said, remembering all the times she stayed home instead of going to the high school dances.
"How about I pick you up at 6:30 on New Years Eve?" Lex asked.
"Yeah, that'd be great," she said and gave him her address.
"Hopefully we'll see each other before then," Lex said.
"Definitely," Chloe said with a smile. "Talk to you later then. Bye."
"Bye, Chloe." Lex hung up the phone and then put his hand over his heart. Just like he thought, his heart was in fact racing. "'Definitely,'" he repeated her words out loud. He smiled. Oh this was too much. He was going crazy just because she replied positively to seeing him before the ball.
Of course there was also Clark.
He can play the best friend all he wants, but I know, Lex thought to himself. I could see it in your eyes, Clark. You also have the same feelings for Chloe. It took you years to realize it, but you do. Just when myself, Lex Luthor, is starting to fall for her…perfect timing.
Lex sighed and rubbed his head, "High school all over again."
**
"Pretty good for a Josh Hartnett movie," Clark joked.
Chloe smiled and walked beside him staring at the sky.
"Chloe?"
She continued to stare at the stars.
"Josh Hartnett sucks," Clark tested.
"Yup," Chloe breathed, though she had no idea what he had just said.
Clark pinched her arm. She jumped up and grabbed her arm.
Glaring at Clark she said, "What's your deal?"
"I just said Josh Hartnett sucks and you agreed," Clark said.
"I did not," Chloe protested.
"You're in another world, Chloe," Clark told her.
Chloe sighed. "Sorry."
"So, what was on your mind?" Clark was very curious.
Chloe contemplated telling him all about Lex and the things that have been going on, but then she may get too excited and get her hopes up. "I was just thinking," she decided on saying.
"About?" Clark pressed.
Chloe sighed, "So you want all the details?"
"You and I are both future reporters. You should know we want all the details," Clark reminded her.
Chloe smiled. "That's right! 'Chloe and Clark.'"
"So…."
"So, I was thinking about…" She still didn't know what to tell him. Then again he'd find out on New Years Eve when she wasn't there to spend it with him. Ohmigod! Chloe suddenly realized that she made plans for New Years Eve and Clark wasn't included. What was he going to do on New Years Eve?
"Chloe?"
Chloe huffed. "Clark, I feel really bad."
"Why?"
"Well," Chloe sighed. She had to tell him. "I made plans for New Years Eve night. Which means I won't be able to spend it with you."
"Oh," Clark was quiet. He didn't really know what to say to that. Spending New Years Eve with Chloe was something he really wanted but he didn't want to put a damper in her already made plans. Besides, she probably made them before she even knew he was moving there.
I can't believe it, Chloe thought to herself. I get on the phone with Lex and completely forget that Clark lives here now and with me. But, I proceed to make plans anyway. Why does Lex cloud my mind so much? The question is; Was she willing to cancel the plans with Lex to spend New Years Eve Night with Clark?
**
The Next Day…
"This is quite the crazy idea," Lex said to Chloe as she peaked through the glass at the different ice cream flavors. "Chloe, it's 20 degrees outside and you want ice cream."
"A Banana Royal," she said to him.
"Oh I'm sorry, A Banana Royal which happens to have ice cream in it," Lex told her.
Chloe stood up straight from looking at the ice creams and looked over at Lex. "I thought you were braver than that."
Lex put his hand over his heart and pretended to be shot. "You wound me with your words."
Chloe laughed.
"So, now I'm not brave because I don't want to eat ice cream when it's 20 degrees outside," Lex asked.
"Yup," she said and then pointed to an ice cream. "Can I taste that?" She asked the clerk.
"Yes ma'am," the clerk said and quickly grabbed a plastic spoon. He scooped up a little bit then handed it to Chloe.
Lex watched as Chloe closed her eyes and tasted the ice cream, making a cute little sound which probably meant she liked the flavor. When she opened her eyes she blushed when she noticed he was staring at her.
"That good, huh?" Lex asked.
Chloe laughed again. "Yes!" She ran over to him and linked her arm with his and brought him over to the ice creams.
"Are you ready?" The clerk asked.
Chloe nodded. "He wants a Banana Royal with a scoop of White Chocolate and a scoop of Cookies N' Cream."
"What topping?" The clerk asked as he sliced a banana into the cup of ice cream.
"Hot fudge," Chloe said.
"Something hot, thank goodness," Lex joked.
Chloe poked him.
"Did you want the whip cream as well?" The clerk asked Lex.
Lex put his hands up mid way and said, "I'm completely at her mercy."
Chloe laughed and said, "Yes, he wants the whip cream and the cherry and some of those pieces of walnuts."
The clerk nodded and continued to make the Banana Royal.
Lex looked over at Chloe's smiling face.
"What?" Chloe asked.
"You have this little…shimmer in your eyes. It makes you look beautiful," Lex told her.
Chloe put a hand over her face, embarrassed.
"What?" Lex asked, chuckling.
"Nothing," Chloe smiled. "You're just too much sometimes," she leaned her head on his shoulder then quickly brought it back up when she realized what she had done.
Lex smiled and put an arm around her, bringing her closer to him. "I'm glad you called to go out today, Chloe."
Chloe smiled. "Lex, we need to get a cap for your head."
Lex burst out laughing. "Where did that come from?"
Chloe giggled. "I was just thinking it's cold outside and you're bald. I don't know if that's a good combination."
Lex continued laughing as he paid the clerk and took the ice cream. "And you say I'm too much."
They both sat down across from each other. "OK, taste it!"
Lex took in a deep breath. "All right. I'm trusting you on this one." He scooped up some ice cream with the spoon and put it in his mouth, slowing taking it back out. He closed his eyes, "Mmm…"
He opened his eyes to see Chloe smiling at him. "That good, huh?" Chloe asked with a giggle.
Lex smiled at her again.
"You just have the greatest smile," Chloe said suddenly. She knew she should feel embarrassed for saying it but she didn't care.
"Why do you say that?"
Chloe shrugged. "Maybe because back in Smallville I never saw you smile. I always only saw you smirk," she said imitating his smirk.
Lex laughed. "Well, I'm not one to smile unless I really want to." For a moment Lex wondered where Clark was. He didn't dare ask because he did not feel like reminding Chloe of Clark.
Lex moved to put his hand over Chloe's resting hand on the table. He tenderly rubbed her fingertips. "I'm glad you decided to go to the ball on New Years Eve," Lex said.
Chloe leaned forward and kissed Lex on the cheek, "I am glad you invited me."
To Be Continued….
