Chapter 3
Bruce POV
They made it back to Wayne Manor just after midnight. Alfred was waiting in the lobby ready to take their coats.
"I hope the evening was to your liking sir" Alfred addressed Bruce.
"You should have seen him Al, got refused by a woman" Dick said with a huge grin on his face. Bruce glared at him wiping away his smile.
"Alfred I'll be in the cave if you need me. Can you make sure Damian is in bed before 2am?" Bruce asked walking away.
"Very good sir. I will attend to master Damian" Alfred said. He turned to Dick, "So tell me about this young lady."
Bruce moved the hour and minute hands in the big grandfather clock to 11:23pm. The exact time his life changed forever. When his parents were taken from him. As the secret entrance opened and he walked down the long steps that led to the cave he could feel his anxiety slowly start to leave him. This was where he truly felt at home.
When he reached the last step he commanded "Commander One" and the cave came to life. The large computer turned on, and the ramp leading up to his car turned on. All of the show cases that exhibited tokens form his most well known enemies lit up. Few people had authorization to command the bat cave. Alfred was Commander 2, and aside from Clark not even Dick was able to. Bruce was in complete control, just the way he wanted it.
Bruce made his way to the computer and sat down. "Computer, intel on Kate Shabenaw, residence Gotham City" he commanded. After a few seconds 4 pictures of women came to view.
"Computer, the 2nd picture is the one" he said. Within less than a few seconds everything about Katherine Shabenaw was in front of him. But it wasn't her that interested him. The woman named Rachel who was with her tonight. There must be something here that ties them together. After scrolling through some land lord records he found her.
Rachel Marie Grey
DOB: 11/13/1992
SSN: XXX-XX-5784
Bank: Gotham CU
Balance: $407.02
Address: 2204 Broadway Dr Apt 202, Gotham
Works at Dark Brew Coffee house
"Found you" Bruce smirked to himself. He wasn't sure why he wanted to know who she was. Something about the young woman intrigued him. It was her eyes.
She was a 4th year medical student at Gotham University. She was in the foster care system, though when she was 8 she disappeared from the system. Bruce looked further and saw an article that was like his own past. Her Parents were murdered when she was 7. Looked to be a simple break in gone wrong, leaving the girl alive.
That was all the information he could find on her. Something didn't sit right with him. Who was she?
Bruce stood up form his chair. Something was not quite normal about this woman and he intended to find out. Interest now became suspicion. He made up his mind. He would first approach her as Bruce Wayne tomorrow at work. She worked at Dark Brew Coffee House which was just 2 miles from the university. If she didn't exhibit any reasons to be suspicious he would leave her alone.
Rachel POV
Rachel woke up to the sound of blaring car horns from the street below. Thankfully today was Saturday and she only had to work till 2 and then she was free. Rachel was planning on going horse back riding later. She exchanged barn chores for riding time. After she made residency and was more financially stable Rachel was planning on buying a horse of her own. Horses brought out a peace in her she never thought she could experience.
Kate was still snoring across the room from her. She didn't have to work because her parents supported her. Rachel stretched and went into the bathroom to shower. She stood under the hot stream a little longer than normal, letting her tense muscles relax. She had more nightmares last night. Dark shadows chasing her in the night. One of them had brilliant blue eyes and instead of running, she ran towards it like her life depended on it.
After her shower she pulled on a pair of dark jeans and her Work shirt. She blow dried her very long blonde hair and pulled it up into a pony. After giving herself a quick once over she felt confident enough to start her shift. She skipped breakfast because her and Kate needed to go shopping but both were broke after rent. She normally stole a bagel once she got to work anyway. Rachel worked as a CNA in the past but since she only planned to stay in Gotham for one more month she thought a coffee shop was better. Her graduation date was approaching a d she could apply for residency. She really did not want to match with Gotham university hospital.
Rachel pulled her coat on and began the 11 block walk to work. It was 7am and freezing. She couldn't wait to graduate in May and begin a residency program away from Gotham. Maybe she would be accepted to a hospital in Florida. That could be a new start. Then the madness would stop. No more mask, and she could leave her past behind.
It was nearly 7:30 when Rachel walked into the coffee shop. She put her belongings in the back and put her apron on. Hopefully today would be uneventful. Last night was enough for her. While she could pick up on some thoughts from her co-workers it was bearable. They were all women so she didn't have to listen to any disgusting thoughts, but one of her co-workers had a bit of a crush on Rachel. That didn't bother her though.
The next couple hours went by in a blur. Rachel served Coffee, wiped down tables, and made some pastries for customers to purchase. It was close to 11 and Rachel decided to go out and sweep the lobby. The door chimed, and she turned around to say hello when she was met with a familiar set of blue eyes.
Her stomach dropped to the floor and her heart picked up pace. It was the guy from last night!
"What are you doing here?" she asked putting as much distance as she could from him. He looked just as good as last night. He was dressed in a suit and tie and wore a long suit coat.
"Good afternoon Rachel. What a pleasure it is to run into you again. I had no idea you worked here" he smiled. His teeth were whiter than pearls. This man put Adonis to shame.
"Oh my God that's Bruce Wayne! In my coffee shop!" exclaimed her boss from behind the counter. Who exactly was Bruce Wayne anyway?
"Rachel, what are you doing get back here" her boss shouted. Rachel rolled her eyes and did as she was told. All she wanted to do was run. Run away from his smoldering gaze that followed her every move.
"What can I get you Mr. Wayne" she asked swallowing her pride. He smirked at her obviously forced nice attitude.
"I will have 4 shots of espresso. Black" he said. 4 shots? Wow. He was clearly a caffeine addict.
"That will be $4.50" Rachel said trying her best not to look him in the eyes. Those perfect Blue eyes that reminded her of her fathers. "No don't go there" she told herself. While he fumbled with his wallet Rachel took the opportunity to try and break down his walls. She completely shut down her guards allowing her co-workers and anyone else in the next 50 yards to enter her mind. Hundreds of thoughts flooded her conscious, but none of them were his.
"Here you are, sorry for the delay" he said handing her his money. When she reached out to take it she took the opportunity of their skin touching to try and make contact with him. But to no avail, he remained silent. And a mystery.
Frustrated, she managed to say thank you through clenched teeth. Her co-worker Sarah then handed him his espresso in a cup.
"Sarah it was actually to go" Rachel said. While he never said that, Rachel wanted him gone.
"I am so sorry Mr. Wayne. I will put it in a to go cup for you."
"Oh that's alright. I think I will sit here for a while before my next meeting. Rachel, perhaps you would like to join me? Are you close to your lunch break?" he asked. She could not believe him. How dare he ask her that. She wanted nothing to do with him. She thought she made that clear last night.
"Sure she can. Rachel you need a break anyway. Feel free to take some muffins" her boss said winking. Clearly her boss thought she was doing Rachel a favor. Knowing she couldn't make a scene because she desperately needed this job, she agreed. Why did people always try and tell her how to live her life? Rachel thought she was behind that.
She followed Bruce to a small table in the corner of the lobby. Private enough where no one could hear them. Perfect, she was going to tell him off.
As soon as they sat down Rachel leaned in and asked "Did you follow me?"
Bruce looked shocked at her question. "Why would I have you followed? Like I said, I had a break in between meetings and needed a pick me up" he said.
"And what is it you do exactly" she said sipping some tea. He reached across the table, causing her to jump back and grabbed a packet of sugar.
"Sugar for your tea" he asked politely. Since she jumped, he seemed to move a little slower.
"I don't put sugar or anything in my tea. And don't dodge the question" she said annoyed.
"I own Wayne Tower in the city and manage Wayne industries" he explained waiting for her reaction.
Rachel assumed he was wealthy since everyone at the art auction was, but not this wealthy. She looked out the window to Wayne Tower that was in the heart of the city. She didn't realize it was named after one person.
"Oh" was all she could say. He was not just handsome, but handsome and rich. This looked really bad. She could see her co-workers gushing in her direction.
"And what about you Ms…" "Grey. My name is Rachel Grey. I'm a student here" she said. "What are you studying" he pressed. Boy this man was nosey.
"I'm a fourth year medical student. I'm focusing on investigative medicine, but I will have my MD. I graduate this May" she said.
"That's very impressive Ms. Grey. Gotham medical school is very hard to get into. I didn't finish that program" he said.
"You were in medical school?" he nodded while sipping his drink. "What did you do instead then" she asked him. She was starting to feel a little more comfortable. It was nice to talk about regular things and to get into his head a little.
"I have degree's in Biochemistry, engineering, and computer science" he explained. Rachel almost spit out her coffee. Either he was the next Albert Einstein or he was 50 years old!
"How old are you" she nearly shouted. Bruce smiled, clearly pleased that he had reeled her in. Rachel didn't know it, but Bruce had her right where he wanted her.
"I'll make you a deal. I'll answer one of your questions if you answer mine" he said eyeing her carefully.
Rachel stared back into his impressive eyes and looked away. She could feel her cheeks turning red. What was this!?
"Fine, but I go first" she said. Bruce leaned forward and picked up a muffin. Rachel eyed a muffin but her stomach was doing flips. She couldn't eat.
"Well since you asked how old I am, I'm 32" he stated. She shook her head. "No way, how can you have that many degree's?"
"Uh ah, my turn. Where are you from? You clearly didn't know who I was and everyone in Gotham knows. Well actually, most of the county knows who I am" he said then taking a bite of his muffin.
Rachel swallowed and wondered how much she should tell him. He was a stranger after all. But something about him, made her want to tell him.
"I'm originally from Atlanta Georgia. But I moved around a lot." There that wasn't giving away too much.
"I wouldn't have guessed that. You don't have a southern accent" he said. Her Turn.
"Did you know I worked here or is it truly a coincidence" she asked in a serious tone. Bruce stared back at her, refusing to give anything away.
"Dick told me that you and your friend Kate lived in this area, but that's all I was told" he said, which was partially the truth.
"You said you moved around a lot. Why was that?" This was what Rachel was afraid about. She didn't want to tell him about her parents.
"Next question. She said." "That's not what we agreed upon" "Next question" she interrupted.
He looked annoyed, but he quickly covered it up. "What are your plans after graduation" he asked.
"I'd like to find a residency program somewhere warm, like Florida. I'm not found of the weather here" she said.
"Wayne Tower actually just lost our student. He found a program elsewhere. If your interested, I can submit your transcripts for review. We work with the university and provide a paid internship. It's nice for my employees to have a Dr. on site. Even if they are still in training. It would allow you to get accepted into any hospital once you graduate. And I'm sure the salary is better than here" he explained.
"Your offering me a job?" She asked shocked. As annoying as he was, Rachel had heard of this program and it was highly sought after.
"I don't think I would get in. My grades are great, but I don't have the volunteer experience other students have" she said.
"I'll request your transcripts this afternoon" he said finishing his coffee. Rachel was in disbelief. This man just walked in here, demanded she sit with him, and then tries to give her a job, what is happening!?
"You're a control freak aren't you." she said. "Bruce scoffed, "Yes Ms. Grey I am. And you asked me two questions in a row.
"What are your hobbies, and what is your favorite food" he asked her leaning forward. Rachel caught a wiff of his hair and her legs began to bounce under the table. His presence was so intoxicating, and it confused her.
"Well, I enjoy horse back riding. I've been riding since I was a child. And I don't really have a favorite food. I don't eat meat."
Bruce looked surprised at her answer. "My mother was very fond of horses. There is actually a barn on Wayne Manor property but it hasn't been used since my parents died" he said. He was watching her very intently. Rachel wondered why he was telling her this.
"I'm sorry to hear that. My parents…" she stopped. He was good. Rachel was done, she didn't want to do this anymore. She stood up from the table.
"My break is just about over Mr. Wayne. It was nice talking with you" she said. He stood up with her and as she started to leave, he reached out and grabbed her arm, very lightly. Rachel jumped at the touch and she had to suppress the urge to break his arm and swing him through the window.
"Ms. Grey, would you like to meet me for dinner tonight, or possibly over the weekend? I know some great vegetarian restaurants. That is if your free" he asked her.
Was he… asking her out?! Rachel couldn't help but blush. She has never been on a date before. She pushed the thought so far back in her mind and focused on the present.
"I don't have a… boyfriend" for some reason that word wouldn't leave her mouth.
"Then it's settled. What time can I pick you up" he asked her. Rachel shook her head. "I'm sorry Mr. Wayne, but I can't." She nearly ran away from him. Once she was behind the counter, she walked into the employee back room and hid like the scared little girl she used to be. What was wrong with her? Why was he getting to her like this? She didn't leave the back room until she heard the door chime. He was gone. She walked over to her boss.
"Sarah can I go home early? I'm not feeling well" she asked. Her boss nodded, and Rachel left the shop. She was so frazzeled she forgot her coat and walked all the way home in 20 degree weather.