Chapter 7
[Talon—1:40 PM]
Melancholy dragged Lana down into its emotional depths. Day's Gauntlet proved taxing. After Morning's Confrontation with Pete in the hallway, she'd endured her other classes. Clark's attempt to speak with her didn't help either.
Clark….
I told him I wanted my space. Doesn't he get it? She set the parking brake and got out of her blazer. It's a good thing I have this shift. I don't want another argument with Nell right now. She glanced toward the flower shop. Memoria rehashed that morning's squabble in her mind. Maybe things are hard right now. I don't want to move to Metropolis. We're fine right here! I wish she'd stop. She rolled her eyes at the thought of Dean. That creep only wants to use us. Why can't she see through him? Great. More trouble! She pushed the door open and walked into the café.
Activity buzzed about the establishment. Customers filled about a quarter of the area. Skye walked about the café with a half-full coffee pot. Empty Mugs received Warming Refills. A tall brunette wiped Front Counter with her rag. Fresh Coffee perked into the urns. Display case bore Morning Rush's and Lunch's aftereffects.
I need to talk with Lex about that case. She shook her head. Without a word to left or right, she stalked across the floor, past Counter and into the back. She sat in the chair by the timeclock. Exasperation released a deep breath. Miri's got the schedule set. Lex needs the monthly report. Now that we're past those tests at school, I can get working on that. Maybe Nell will have a bridge game or something this weekend and I can get a minute to myself.
"Hey, Boss?" The brunette from the counter stuck her head into the back. "You okay?" She squirmed knowing the question's negative response. She also knew said response's cause. What did you do now, Captain Plaid?
"Long day at school, Miri. Thanks!" Lana forced herself out of Funk's hold. "Busy day?"
"Skye and I've been hustling all day." Miranda shook her head. "Come on, Lana. Out with it! Clark's still bugging you?" Terse Look darkened her face. Jealousy flared within her heart. Sharp Eyebrow threatened to lift her scalp. Her eyes narrowed. Why do you put yourself through that, Lana? Dang it!
"No, Miri. Clark's respecting my need for space. He did try to talk to me in the lunch room." Lana rolled her eyes. "I turned my back on him. He got the message. Okay? It's actually Pete Ross."
"Pete?" Surprise tensed Miranda. She knew he was Clark's best friend other than Lex. "I can't see him bugging you. He's trying to be go between with the Farm Boy?" She put her hand on her hip.
"No…I had some questions about Clark. He just about took the Fifth over them." Lana bit her lip. She'd seen Miranda go all protective like this. Given her martial arts training, she needed to cool off. "We have to focus on the floor." She got up and grabbed for her apron. She tied it behind her waist and neck. "I'm good now. Let's go." She hugged her friend. "Thanks for being there for me, Miri."
"No trouble, Lana. No trouble." Miranda had seen Lana through Life's Ups and Downs. Years had watched Warm Feelings turn to Frustration when Clark came around. Someday, there'll be someone. I just wish it could be different. She headed back toward the counter.
"Here goes…." Lana followed in her friend's wake. Focus pushed the Clark matter to Mental Sideline for the moment. Confident Manager took over for Upset Gal. She strode around in back of Counter. She checked over Customers and Co-Workers alike. She noticed Lex sitting in the corner. "I'm going to check on Lex. Be back." She headed for Lex's table.
Miranda nodded and went toward their next customer. Relief eased her mindset as Lana kept her resolve. Still, she kept her eyes open for Pete and Clark….
Lex savored draught of Talon's Special Blend. His eyes reviewed results from Global Markets. Pen scratched notes onto Legal Pad for later review with Brokers. Satisfaction prompted looks around over Laptop at Milling Crowd all around. Dollar Signs practically floated up from Floor Boards and Tables. Pastries, Coffee and Crafted Drinks flowed from Counter to Tables or beyond the doors. Especially with Lionel's not so subtle control over the mansion, Talon's Bastion proved a sanctuary for Sanity's sake. Now, Understanding gleaned him a little knowledge of Lana's mindset toward this place. Of course, he knew Laura had loved it there decades earlier. Now, it served as Mausoleum to her memory as well as their other deceased friend.
In the corner, Plaque gleamed in Sol's light. Coincidence perhaps?
Lex rolled his eyes. He raised Mug toward it. Figures you'd want to get your two cents in, Dave. Smirk widened across his face. He watched Miranda behind the counter. He could see Lana approaching the table. Anticipation deduced Clark would be by at some point. The kids are all going through their personal melodrama this week. I'm sure you could talk some sense into Jonathan and Martha Kent. Their need to keep secrets is going to make this town explode sooner or later! He rolled his eyes at that thought. For the Kents, their secrecy could supersede the FBI's. Clark said he was going to tell me everything. What did he mean by everything? Maybe you might be watching?
Lana cleared her throat. "Nice thoughts, Lex. Sorry. More coffee?" She held Carafe up for him to look at. Curiosity wondered what had held his attention so raptly. She followed his gaze toward Plaque. Several times, she'd wondered about its significance.
"Hmm? Oh sure, Lana. Thank you." He slid the Mug toward her. "You feeling better? I know it's been a hard week. Sorry." He closed his laptop and motioned toward the empty chair.
"Wish I could." Lana looked all about. "People need refills. School's due to let out soon and…." She winced and turned her back from the door. "Sorry, Lex. I…I've got stuff to do in the back." She hustled back toward the counter.
"What the?" Lex raised an eyebrow. Surprise and Curiosity turned toward the door. He stiffened. "Clark?" He glanced back toward the counter. Then, he looked at his friend again.
Dejection sunk Clark's shoulders. Frown curled in on itself. He noted Judgment turning Customers' Eyes toward himself. Great. Can this get any worse? He bowed his head.
"I'll get it, Clark. It's okay." Lex patted his friend's shoulder. He marched up toward the counter. "Miranda?"
"I'll get his coffee, Mr. Luthor." Miranda poured coffee into a mug. She fixed it to Clark's specifications. "I'm glad he's giving Lana her space."
"I also invited him to come in." Lana piped up from Back Room's doorway. She rolled her eyes. She saw Contrition's view on his face. "I've got it." She took the mug and walked it through Customers' Gauntlet. "Hi, Clark." She set the mug down on the counter.
Clark sucked in a deep breath. He looked up at her. "Look, Lana, I can leave if I'm bothering you." Embarrassment reddened his cheeks. Tears about welled up in his eyes.
Lana shook her head. "Clark, you know you're welcome here. We may not be in a good place. I know you won't cause a scene." She shrugged. "I'll just send Skye or Miranda around to refill your mug. Okay?"
"Sure, Lana. Thanks. I'll just head for the corner." Clark picked up his mug. He headed for the corner. He watched her linger in place for a few heartbeats watching him in turn. Then, she turned back toward the counter. Sadness pressed cracks in Composure's mask once again.
Clark sat down by Staircase. He cracked open Hound of the Baskervilles. Distraction's handmaidens, Context and Language, kept his mind off of the brewing matter at hand. He gulped a mouthful from Lana's offering and jumped into his literary abyss head first.
Lex shook his head at the group. Without another word, he went to Clark's table. "Clark, you sure? I've got a seat over there?"
Clark shook his head. "Thanks, Lex. I'd rather sit and get ahead. You look like you've got serious stuff to get done." He motioned toward Lex's laptop.
"You're my friend. That stuff can wait." Lex rubbed Clark's shoulder. "You need someone to talk to, you know where I am." Welcoming smile sealed Invitation. He turned and headed back toward his table.
Lana bit her lip. Maybe she was mad at Clark. That didn't mean Abuse had to rain its fury down on him. She jumped into taking care of the building line with Miranda.
It was never easy….
