The two men smiled and shook hands to show that their deal had been made.
"Mr. De Sand, I am happy that we will be working together then."
"As am I, Mr. Schwartz. I feel that our joining companies will do a great deal of good."
"I must agree. Very well then, Mr. De Sand. I will see you on Tuesday, then?"
"On Tuesday."
The men shook hands again and nodded their good-byes, and then turning they both went their own ways. As George walked to his car he looked up at the sunny day. A smile came to his lips and he looked at his driver.
"I think I shall walk home."
"Sir?" The man looked at him.
George smiled a little more and looked at the sky. "It's rather nice out, don't you think? A good day for a walk, tell Raymond I will see him when I return."
The man looked slightly confused, but then nodded and get into the car. George watched him drive off and then ran a hand through his hair. It really was a nice day. Odd, he didn't think so when he first got up. What had changed all of a sudden? He began to walk down the sidewalk, not really noticing anyone as he walked. He just let his feet take him to where ever. His mind was on something else. Images from the party kept coming back to him. Those two women...they knew exactly what they were they were doing. They seemed so young and yet...they were professionals already.
He raised a brow as he thought about, what did she call herself? Heart? He saw her take the jewel case, so did many others. It was clear, the way she cut the glass, which meant she had done something like that before. So quick, so smooth, and yet, why did they make such a commotion? He stopped walking and looked up at the sign above him.
Not realizing it, he had walked to the City Park. He looked at the gates that surrounded the park and then at the trees. Something seemed appealing about it today. He smiled and walked in.
"So, I'll be a bit late. Raymond will just have to wait."
***
Rachel let out a bored sigh. She had been sitting on the splintery park bench for over a half-hour. "Where is that girl?" She glanced down at her wristwatch. "I'll be quick she says, I'll just run in and out she says. Well it isn't that long of a walk from the station to here."
She leaned back on the bench and sighed. What was see going to do? Another two years on their contract. They were so close to being free from the mob scene, but he had to mess it up for them. She was so deep in thought she didn't notice the man walking toward her.
George was enjoying the landscape of the park. It had been a long time since he had last taken a walk through it. Out of the corner of his eye, a girl on a park bench caught his attention. 'Interesting,' he though to himself and began his way over.
It was obvious Rachel hadn't seen him, he was able to slip behind the bench. "Nice day, isn't it?"
Jumping with surprise, Rachel quickly turned around and glared. "You shouldn't sneak up on people like that! God, you nearly gave me a heart attack." She paused and then made a face. "Oh, it's you again. What are you doing? Stalking me?"
George raised a brow at her comments. "I was just taking a walk. I didn't realize it was a crime to do so."
Rachel glared more at George and then in a huff turned to look forward again. 'Damn it, I let it happen again, let my guard down.' Rachel looked down at the bag in her hands. Their food was going to go bad if Jill didn't hurry up. As if knowing what she was thinking, her stomach growled causing George to chuckle a little.
"I thought you ate at the cafe..."
"It got a little crowded there." Rachel said harshly with out looking at him.
George raised a brow as he looked at her from over his shoulder. She was indeed a severe one. Rachel looked back at her watch and gave an upset sigh.
George looked back at her. "Running late for something?"
"I'm waiting for someone, not that you need to know." She said harshly once more.
"That girl from earlier?"
"It's none of your business!" She turned sharply to look at him.
"Well, I'm sorry," He said turning to face her fully now.
"Don't you have something do to?" Rachel asked in greatly annoyed tone.
George was quiet for a moment. Yes...yes he did, but why was it he was suddenly taken into talking with her? For someone who was so cold, he was finding himself warming up greatly to her.
"WELL?" Rachel asked loudly when he did not reply.
"No." He finally replied. Surprised that he had said so.
Rachel raised a brow and looked him up and down before turning to face the front again.
George turned slightly himself but not so that he could not look at her. He began to study her profile. Something about her, she was very familiar...why couldn't he remember. The shape of her nose was charming and he knew he had seen it before, but where?
Rachel gave another sigh; a more frustrated one. It was slightly from the fact that Jill had not come yet but mostly of the man behind her. She could feel him. His eyes burning into the back of her head. She wanted to scream and punch him right there but that wouldn't help.
Suddenly realizing she was losing her cool, Rachel's face softened a little. Why was she losing her cool over a man she did not know. He annoyed her greatly but she did not understand why. She turned quickly to look at him. She had moved so quickly he did not have time to react and so their faces were rather close.
They stared at each other before they pulled slightly way.
'He has pretty eyes,' Rachel began to think and then frowned for thinking it so. "SO! You just have all the time in the world?" Rachel asked in an odd tone.
"Yes, all the time...." George became silent. Time? He never had time, until now.
They stared at each other once more until Rachel gave a frustrated look and turned once more to face the front.
George looked at her for a moment, studying her hair and how it complemented her lovely neck. Suddenly realizing what he was thinking he turn his to face his front once again. It seemed like a long moment of silence, but both seemed uncomfortable.
George was beginning to think he should stand up and leave when he heard her move. He turned to see if she had took off but only to find she was looking at him once more with a curious look to her face. Not expecting her to be that close to him, he jerked back and all most fell off the bench.
Rachel couldn't help but smile and looked slightly away to hide it before looking back at him. "You said your last name is De Sand right?"
He raised a brow and then nodded.
"Like the business?" She asked in an odd tone.
Once more he nodded. "Yes. I own it."
She jumped slightly and a look of surprise came to her face.
"You're De Sand and Rose?" She leaned in a little.
He gave a sigh and then nodded.
Rachel suddenly began to laugh. "You've GOT to be kidding me!"
George had become greatly confused all of a sudden. "What do you mean?"
"YOU can't be De Sand. You're like, what? 20?"
"I am 24."
"24?" She looked him up and down. He was a year older than she was but he looked so young.
"So you're not, THE De Sand, right?" She asked with an amused look to her face.
Finding himself intrigued to as to why she wanted to know he answered. "No, that was my father. He gave me his business when he passed away four years ago."
Rachel's face softened a little. "I'm sorry to hear that."
Touched and amused by her sudden kindness he smiled. "It was many years ago, do not let it bother you."
Rachel looked down and then back up. "So, who the hell is Rose?"
"My mother."
"Oh..." Rachel made a face that clearly showed she didn't mean harm.
"She died when I was very young, and my father renamed the business after her.
Rachel looked down.
"My father drunk himself to death so he could join her." George's face fell a little with concern. Not knowing why he suddenly was greatly sad for her.
She looked up with a soft smile on her face.
"That was long ago, so it doesn't matter now." George took her hand.
"But they are still apart of you, it will always matter." Rachel looked into his purple eyes and felt her heart begin to race. She shook her head, then pulled her hand away. "Well..." Not knowing what to say they both looked at each other until Rachel turned once more to look at the front. "Where is that silly girl?" She said, trying to change the subject.
George looked at the back of Rachel's head for a long moment. Was it his imagination, or did his heart race a little from touching her hand? He noticed that she moved her shoulders a little as if something was causing her to be a bit uneasy. Realizing it was him, he turned quickly to look straight ahead of him.
The two sat, almost, back to back, in silence. Rachel looked over her shoulder ever so slightly and noticed he was doing the same. They both jerked their heads forward. Rachel's eyes darted around for a moment before a slow smile came to her lips. Not knowing, George had done the same. The two smiled at the knowledge that they were trying to sneak glances at each other. Rachel bit her lip to keep a laugh in.
"The young girl...she is your...sister?" George's word had caused her to jump a little for she was not expecting him to speak. She felt his hand on her shoulder.
"I'm sorry...I did not..."
"It's alright!" She said quickly as she turn to look at him.
They looked at each other for a moment and then Rachel took a breath. What the hell was wrong with her? It's just a guy, nothing to get worked up about...right?!
"Yeah, Jill, well I mean... she's not REALLY my sister, but we're pretty much like sisters. We've been traveling for a long while now."
"Traveling?" George raised a brow at her comment.
"Yeah... it's... umm...part of my job." 'JOB?! STUPID!!' Rachel would have punched herself if George weren't there. It was all she could think of. She gave a smile which oddly caused him to smile as well.
"I see. I tend to travel a lot myself as well."
"Cool." She said as she nodded at his statement.
He looked down as he smiled. Her sense of mannerism was indeed unique, and he had to admit, he enjoyed it greatly. Suddenly she stood up, causing him to look up at her. He looked concerned, but Rachel only smiled.
"Maybe she thinks I meant somewhere else in the park. After all I did only say IN the park."
He stood up at her words. "Are you going to look for her."
Rachel nodded and picked the doggy bag up.
"Would you care if I join you?"
Rachel froze and looked up at him.
George looked down at her bending position and noticed she had a rather nice looking body. Suddenly realising what he was thinking, he made a face and looked quickly away. "Of course, if you think..."
"I guess you can." She said standing up.
This time, George froze. "Really?" Really? What kind of comment was that?! He would have kicked himself if it weren't for the fact she was right there.
She smiled and then nodded. "Yeah sure. What the hell, come on." She began to walk.
He watched her for a moment and could help but admire he liked the way her hips moved as she walked. DAMNIT MAN! He shook his head quickly and began to follow her.
***
On the other side of the park, Jill was enjoying a walk of her own. She wasn't sure if it was the fact it was a beautiful day, or if it was because of her company. Smiling, she glanced back over her shoulder at Sai. She had gone to the station to tell him off, like Rachel told her to, but things hadn't turned out the way she had planned. Laughing lightly at how shy he seemed she decided to try and make conversation.
"You know you didn't have to walk me here. I would have been fine. I'm sure you have work to do."
Sai glanced up realizing he was trailing behind her a ways. He hurried to catch up but kept his glance to the ground. "Well, I do... but Bro will cover for me. I don't mind the walk anyway... it's a nice day."
"Yeah, I guess it's nice." Jill looked down the path ahead. "I'm more of a rainy day person, but that's just me."
She wasn't sure what do to. Rachel would be angry that she was this late and on top of it, she hadn't done what she was suppose to. She smiled at Sai again; he sure was nice. Turning to look forward again her eyes went wide. "ACK!"
Raising a brow at Jill's sudden action, Sai tapped her shoulder. "Um, are you okay? You seem kind of jumpy."
Jill turned to look at him and then dove to hide behind him. "I see Rachel. She's coming down the path. She's going to kill me." Glancing around she added, "Pretend I'm not here."
"What? Not here?" Sai had a feeling that he was missing something. "Why would your friend want to kill you?"
"Shhh..." Jill made a face, still standing behind him. "I'm not here... okay?"
"Um... yeah okay..." He shrugged and glanced around, not sure what to do.
***
"No, I'm not in business..."
"Then why do you travel?" George had begun to ask her many questions and she was beginning to not like it.
Why was he so suddenly interested in her? She rubbed her arm uneasy like.
"I..." She saw someone reading a newspaper as she walked past. The cover had a picture from last night. "I deal in art...and fine jewelry." She smiled a little.
He raised a brow and seemed interested.
"Art?"
"Yes." Well...it was kind of true.
"I have an eye for art, I should ask you sometime if..."
"WHAT THE HELL!?"
George jumped as Rachel shouted. He looked around and then saw what she was staring at.
Rachel frowned and walked towards the boy. By his uniform, George could tell he was an officer, but he seemed rather young. He looked familiar as well.
Rachel pushed the boy away and looked down at Jill. The two girls looked at each other.
"Uh...HI!" Jill gave a cheerful smile.
Rachel looked like she was going to punch her.
"What the hell is going on?"
"Umm... it's not what it...hey wait! What the hell is going here!?" Jill pointed to George.
Rachel looked and then made a face. "Well um...He... Wait! That's not the point!" She pointed to Sai. "What happened to OH I'll be real quick?"
Jill frowned. "What happened to, don't get attached?"
Rachel and Jill glared at each other and then looked back at the boys. They both smiled and then laughed a little. "Will you excuse us for a second." Rachel said and then grabbed Jill by the collar of her shirt and dragged her away a little.
Sai leaned in towards George. Both clearly had a face of confusion. "Do you know what's going on here?" Sai asked.
George shook his head. "Not a clue."
Rachel looked at Jill and then pointed to Sai. "Explain... NOW!"
Jill took a breath and then cleared her throat. "Alright...it happened like this..."
"Mr. De Sand, I am happy that we will be working together then."
"As am I, Mr. Schwartz. I feel that our joining companies will do a great deal of good."
"I must agree. Very well then, Mr. De Sand. I will see you on Tuesday, then?"
"On Tuesday."
The men shook hands again and nodded their good-byes, and then turning they both went their own ways. As George walked to his car he looked up at the sunny day. A smile came to his lips and he looked at his driver.
"I think I shall walk home."
"Sir?" The man looked at him.
George smiled a little more and looked at the sky. "It's rather nice out, don't you think? A good day for a walk, tell Raymond I will see him when I return."
The man looked slightly confused, but then nodded and get into the car. George watched him drive off and then ran a hand through his hair. It really was a nice day. Odd, he didn't think so when he first got up. What had changed all of a sudden? He began to walk down the sidewalk, not really noticing anyone as he walked. He just let his feet take him to where ever. His mind was on something else. Images from the party kept coming back to him. Those two women...they knew exactly what they were they were doing. They seemed so young and yet...they were professionals already.
He raised a brow as he thought about, what did she call herself? Heart? He saw her take the jewel case, so did many others. It was clear, the way she cut the glass, which meant she had done something like that before. So quick, so smooth, and yet, why did they make such a commotion? He stopped walking and looked up at the sign above him.
Not realizing it, he had walked to the City Park. He looked at the gates that surrounded the park and then at the trees. Something seemed appealing about it today. He smiled and walked in.
"So, I'll be a bit late. Raymond will just have to wait."
***
Rachel let out a bored sigh. She had been sitting on the splintery park bench for over a half-hour. "Where is that girl?" She glanced down at her wristwatch. "I'll be quick she says, I'll just run in and out she says. Well it isn't that long of a walk from the station to here."
She leaned back on the bench and sighed. What was see going to do? Another two years on their contract. They were so close to being free from the mob scene, but he had to mess it up for them. She was so deep in thought she didn't notice the man walking toward her.
George was enjoying the landscape of the park. It had been a long time since he had last taken a walk through it. Out of the corner of his eye, a girl on a park bench caught his attention. 'Interesting,' he though to himself and began his way over.
It was obvious Rachel hadn't seen him, he was able to slip behind the bench. "Nice day, isn't it?"
Jumping with surprise, Rachel quickly turned around and glared. "You shouldn't sneak up on people like that! God, you nearly gave me a heart attack." She paused and then made a face. "Oh, it's you again. What are you doing? Stalking me?"
George raised a brow at her comments. "I was just taking a walk. I didn't realize it was a crime to do so."
Rachel glared more at George and then in a huff turned to look forward again. 'Damn it, I let it happen again, let my guard down.' Rachel looked down at the bag in her hands. Their food was going to go bad if Jill didn't hurry up. As if knowing what she was thinking, her stomach growled causing George to chuckle a little.
"I thought you ate at the cafe..."
"It got a little crowded there." Rachel said harshly with out looking at him.
George raised a brow as he looked at her from over his shoulder. She was indeed a severe one. Rachel looked back at her watch and gave an upset sigh.
George looked back at her. "Running late for something?"
"I'm waiting for someone, not that you need to know." She said harshly once more.
"That girl from earlier?"
"It's none of your business!" She turned sharply to look at him.
"Well, I'm sorry," He said turning to face her fully now.
"Don't you have something do to?" Rachel asked in greatly annoyed tone.
George was quiet for a moment. Yes...yes he did, but why was it he was suddenly taken into talking with her? For someone who was so cold, he was finding himself warming up greatly to her.
"WELL?" Rachel asked loudly when he did not reply.
"No." He finally replied. Surprised that he had said so.
Rachel raised a brow and looked him up and down before turning to face the front again.
George turned slightly himself but not so that he could not look at her. He began to study her profile. Something about her, she was very familiar...why couldn't he remember. The shape of her nose was charming and he knew he had seen it before, but where?
Rachel gave another sigh; a more frustrated one. It was slightly from the fact that Jill had not come yet but mostly of the man behind her. She could feel him. His eyes burning into the back of her head. She wanted to scream and punch him right there but that wouldn't help.
Suddenly realizing she was losing her cool, Rachel's face softened a little. Why was she losing her cool over a man she did not know. He annoyed her greatly but she did not understand why. She turned quickly to look at him. She had moved so quickly he did not have time to react and so their faces were rather close.
They stared at each other before they pulled slightly way.
'He has pretty eyes,' Rachel began to think and then frowned for thinking it so. "SO! You just have all the time in the world?" Rachel asked in an odd tone.
"Yes, all the time...." George became silent. Time? He never had time, until now.
They stared at each other once more until Rachel gave a frustrated look and turned once more to face the front.
George looked at her for a moment, studying her hair and how it complemented her lovely neck. Suddenly realizing what he was thinking he turn his to face his front once again. It seemed like a long moment of silence, but both seemed uncomfortable.
George was beginning to think he should stand up and leave when he heard her move. He turned to see if she had took off but only to find she was looking at him once more with a curious look to her face. Not expecting her to be that close to him, he jerked back and all most fell off the bench.
Rachel couldn't help but smile and looked slightly away to hide it before looking back at him. "You said your last name is De Sand right?"
He raised a brow and then nodded.
"Like the business?" She asked in an odd tone.
Once more he nodded. "Yes. I own it."
She jumped slightly and a look of surprise came to her face.
"You're De Sand and Rose?" She leaned in a little.
He gave a sigh and then nodded.
Rachel suddenly began to laugh. "You've GOT to be kidding me!"
George had become greatly confused all of a sudden. "What do you mean?"
"YOU can't be De Sand. You're like, what? 20?"
"I am 24."
"24?" She looked him up and down. He was a year older than she was but he looked so young.
"So you're not, THE De Sand, right?" She asked with an amused look to her face.
Finding himself intrigued to as to why she wanted to know he answered. "No, that was my father. He gave me his business when he passed away four years ago."
Rachel's face softened a little. "I'm sorry to hear that."
Touched and amused by her sudden kindness he smiled. "It was many years ago, do not let it bother you."
Rachel looked down and then back up. "So, who the hell is Rose?"
"My mother."
"Oh..." Rachel made a face that clearly showed she didn't mean harm.
"She died when I was very young, and my father renamed the business after her.
Rachel looked down.
"My father drunk himself to death so he could join her." George's face fell a little with concern. Not knowing why he suddenly was greatly sad for her.
She looked up with a soft smile on her face.
"That was long ago, so it doesn't matter now." George took her hand.
"But they are still apart of you, it will always matter." Rachel looked into his purple eyes and felt her heart begin to race. She shook her head, then pulled her hand away. "Well..." Not knowing what to say they both looked at each other until Rachel turned once more to look at the front. "Where is that silly girl?" She said, trying to change the subject.
George looked at the back of Rachel's head for a long moment. Was it his imagination, or did his heart race a little from touching her hand? He noticed that she moved her shoulders a little as if something was causing her to be a bit uneasy. Realizing it was him, he turned quickly to look straight ahead of him.
The two sat, almost, back to back, in silence. Rachel looked over her shoulder ever so slightly and noticed he was doing the same. They both jerked their heads forward. Rachel's eyes darted around for a moment before a slow smile came to her lips. Not knowing, George had done the same. The two smiled at the knowledge that they were trying to sneak glances at each other. Rachel bit her lip to keep a laugh in.
"The young girl...she is your...sister?" George's word had caused her to jump a little for she was not expecting him to speak. She felt his hand on her shoulder.
"I'm sorry...I did not..."
"It's alright!" She said quickly as she turn to look at him.
They looked at each other for a moment and then Rachel took a breath. What the hell was wrong with her? It's just a guy, nothing to get worked up about...right?!
"Yeah, Jill, well I mean... she's not REALLY my sister, but we're pretty much like sisters. We've been traveling for a long while now."
"Traveling?" George raised a brow at her comment.
"Yeah... it's... umm...part of my job." 'JOB?! STUPID!!' Rachel would have punched herself if George weren't there. It was all she could think of. She gave a smile which oddly caused him to smile as well.
"I see. I tend to travel a lot myself as well."
"Cool." She said as she nodded at his statement.
He looked down as he smiled. Her sense of mannerism was indeed unique, and he had to admit, he enjoyed it greatly. Suddenly she stood up, causing him to look up at her. He looked concerned, but Rachel only smiled.
"Maybe she thinks I meant somewhere else in the park. After all I did only say IN the park."
He stood up at her words. "Are you going to look for her."
Rachel nodded and picked the doggy bag up.
"Would you care if I join you?"
Rachel froze and looked up at him.
George looked down at her bending position and noticed she had a rather nice looking body. Suddenly realising what he was thinking, he made a face and looked quickly away. "Of course, if you think..."
"I guess you can." She said standing up.
This time, George froze. "Really?" Really? What kind of comment was that?! He would have kicked himself if it weren't for the fact she was right there.
She smiled and then nodded. "Yeah sure. What the hell, come on." She began to walk.
He watched her for a moment and could help but admire he liked the way her hips moved as she walked. DAMNIT MAN! He shook his head quickly and began to follow her.
***
On the other side of the park, Jill was enjoying a walk of her own. She wasn't sure if it was the fact it was a beautiful day, or if it was because of her company. Smiling, she glanced back over her shoulder at Sai. She had gone to the station to tell him off, like Rachel told her to, but things hadn't turned out the way she had planned. Laughing lightly at how shy he seemed she decided to try and make conversation.
"You know you didn't have to walk me here. I would have been fine. I'm sure you have work to do."
Sai glanced up realizing he was trailing behind her a ways. He hurried to catch up but kept his glance to the ground. "Well, I do... but Bro will cover for me. I don't mind the walk anyway... it's a nice day."
"Yeah, I guess it's nice." Jill looked down the path ahead. "I'm more of a rainy day person, but that's just me."
She wasn't sure what do to. Rachel would be angry that she was this late and on top of it, she hadn't done what she was suppose to. She smiled at Sai again; he sure was nice. Turning to look forward again her eyes went wide. "ACK!"
Raising a brow at Jill's sudden action, Sai tapped her shoulder. "Um, are you okay? You seem kind of jumpy."
Jill turned to look at him and then dove to hide behind him. "I see Rachel. She's coming down the path. She's going to kill me." Glancing around she added, "Pretend I'm not here."
"What? Not here?" Sai had a feeling that he was missing something. "Why would your friend want to kill you?"
"Shhh..." Jill made a face, still standing behind him. "I'm not here... okay?"
"Um... yeah okay..." He shrugged and glanced around, not sure what to do.
***
"No, I'm not in business..."
"Then why do you travel?" George had begun to ask her many questions and she was beginning to not like it.
Why was he so suddenly interested in her? She rubbed her arm uneasy like.
"I..." She saw someone reading a newspaper as she walked past. The cover had a picture from last night. "I deal in art...and fine jewelry." She smiled a little.
He raised a brow and seemed interested.
"Art?"
"Yes." Well...it was kind of true.
"I have an eye for art, I should ask you sometime if..."
"WHAT THE HELL!?"
George jumped as Rachel shouted. He looked around and then saw what she was staring at.
Rachel frowned and walked towards the boy. By his uniform, George could tell he was an officer, but he seemed rather young. He looked familiar as well.
Rachel pushed the boy away and looked down at Jill. The two girls looked at each other.
"Uh...HI!" Jill gave a cheerful smile.
Rachel looked like she was going to punch her.
"What the hell is going on?"
"Umm... it's not what it...hey wait! What the hell is going here!?" Jill pointed to George.
Rachel looked and then made a face. "Well um...He... Wait! That's not the point!" She pointed to Sai. "What happened to OH I'll be real quick?"
Jill frowned. "What happened to, don't get attached?"
Rachel and Jill glared at each other and then looked back at the boys. They both smiled and then laughed a little. "Will you excuse us for a second." Rachel said and then grabbed Jill by the collar of her shirt and dragged her away a little.
Sai leaned in towards George. Both clearly had a face of confusion. "Do you know what's going on here?" Sai asked.
George shook his head. "Not a clue."
Rachel looked at Jill and then pointed to Sai. "Explain... NOW!"
Jill took a breath and then cleared her throat. "Alright...it happened like this..."