AN: I am SOOOOO very sorry it has taken so long to update. I'm ashamed of myself really. I've never gone this long between updates. I could bore you with the reasons why, but needless to say…real life sucks sometimes. Lol. To apologize, I made it extra-long. =) Plz Enjoy!
Chapter 7
...
"Be yourself...not your idea of what you think somebody else's idea of yourself should be."
― Henry David Thoreau
...
"Italics/Quotation Marks" – Japanese
(Italics/Parentheses) - Memories
XxxxxxxxxxX
(Two Weeks Ago)
The restaurant her father had chosen, a new, Japanese restaurant in Back Bay, was a two story structure of modern design, with an outward facade of stone and dark wood that screamed of expensive taste. A hostess with full lips and amber eyes opened the door for him, greeting him as he entered, all while raking her gaze up his form.
He smirked; his evening later tonight was looking up.
Low lighting provided a relaxed and intimate atmosphere throughout the restaurant. Japanese inspired, framed artwork adorned the walls, and the seating was done in modern, western style, the dark wood tables and chairs adorned with heavy tablecloths in reds and golds.
He gave his name to the hostess, and was surprised when she nodded and smiled in recognition. "Oh yes, Spencer-san, please follow me."
He followed her to the set of stairs in the center of the restaurant, and upon reaching the top, discovered that while the first floor was more modern in its décor and seating, the second floor was reserved for traditional Zashiki seating. Instead of framed pictures, the walls were adorned with thick tapestries with elaborate embroidery, depicting Japanese scenery. The tables were spaced a little further apart, with three foot walls surrounding them, allowing a more private dining experience.
He could see the tension pouring off of Ally the moment he caught sight of her at the table with her father and his associates. The empty cushion next to her only solidified how bad he felt. He should have met her at her apartment, but the team's flight from Colorado had been delayed. It didn't help that her father had changed the restaurant at last minute, and he hadn't found out till he checked his voicemail when he got off the plane two hours ago. Apparently, the original restaurant wasn't as impressive as he wanted.
Ally had confirmed in her message that the dress was still business casual, so he had opted, albeit quickly, on black fitted slacks and a matching fitted vest, under which he wore a blue button up, open at the neck with the sleeves rolled up just past his wrists. It would have to do.
Her father looked up as he approached, and even though his expression seemed disapproving, he nodded to the hitter in welcome, before turning back to the three Asian gentlemen sitting across from him. Ally was drinking from a wine glass, looking decidedly uncomfortable if not a little bored. Removing his shoes at the doorway as was required, he made his way to the empty spot next to her. "Did I miss anything interestin'?" he whispered, crossing his legs and settling on the cushion.
A smile lit her face as relief visibly passed through her. "I'm so happy you made it home safely," she murmured back, reaching out to find his arm and squeezing it gently before releasing it. No mention of his tardiness or annoyance in her voice.
"Yeah other than the flight being delayed, it was fine. What do you need me to do?"
She smiled softly, "A little assistance with my menu choices would be nice. They didn't have a braille copy." Leaning toward him, she whispered a little softer, "And you just being here will help stave off any boredom while Daddy zones out in business mode," she chuckled lightly.
"Won't you introduce us to your companion Allyson?" one of the Asian gentlemen asked, directing Eliot's attention to them.
"My apologies Ojisan," she answered in Japanese. "This is my good friend Eliot Spencer. He kindly agreed to be my dinner companion tonight. Eliot…this is Oshiro Takeshi and his eldest son Katsu. They're in charge of Daddy's hotel and apartment buildings in Tokyo. His wife Mako is the woman I mentioned enjoying speaking Japanese to," she explained. Eliot examined both men in turn as he bowed respectfully in greeting, trying to get a feel for them while listening to what Ally was saying. The younger man was studying him as well it seemed, though his expression bordered more toward irritation. "And this," she continued, gesturing to the third man, "is Yamamoto Rokurou. He is one of Daddy's investors."
Eliot bowed one last time as Takeshi Oshiro addressed him, "You are fluent in Japanese Spencer-san?"
"Enough to get by," he replied noncommittally.
"Have you been to Japan then?"
"I've been there a couple of times," he admitted.
"What are they saying Angel?" Patrick asked softly, leaning in to Ally for translation.
"For business or pleasure?" Katsu inquired shrewdly.
"Mostly business," Eliot answered, meeting the younger man's glance head on with one of indifference.
"What is your line of work? If you do not mind my asking," Yamamoto inquired.
Ally spoke at the same time he did…
"He works with Uncle Nate as an investigator." "I work as a bodyguard."
Ally turned toward him briefly before looking away.
"Well you must be a very good friend to accompany Allyson this evening," Takeshi Oshiro concluded, nodding at the hitter, before the three men returned to their conversation with Ally's father.
"So what are you in the mood for?" he murmured softly, as not to interrupt their discussion. "Is there anything you don't like?" When she didn't answer, he glanced at her, to find her taking a sip of her drink, seemingly unaware of her surroundings. "Ally?"
"I'm sorry Eliot," she immediately replied, a smile appearing on her face as she turned her attention to him. "As long as it's not raw and doesn't include anything with peanuts in it, I'm open to suggestions."
If she didn't want to talk about what was bothering her, he wasn't going to push. "You don't like peanuts?"
"I'm allergic."
"How bad?"
"My throat closes up. I carry an epi with me at all times just in case. Found out the hard way when I was twelve. That was not a good Christmas," she shuddered.
"Good to know. If you're in the mood for seafood, they have a soy marinated grilled salmon."
"I don't think I've tried that before…do they have shared dishes with a variety? That way we can try a few different things," she suggested, making him freeze.
He didn't know why her offer affected him, the suggestion wasn't romantic, and eating from the same dish certainly wasn't considered an intimate act in Japanese culture, but...
"If you would rather not, that's okay," she tried to assure him, taking his silence as rejection.
"No, it's fine," he replied, and after reading off the choices, they settled on one including soy braised bluefin, sea scallops in a white soy yuzu sauce, grilled salmon, shrimp gyoza, and black trumpet mushrooms.
The waitress, a young Asian woman in her late twenties, approached the table and asked if they were ready to order, and after noting their selections, asked if they would like more to drink, once inquiring as to what Eliot would like.
"Another glass of the Kubota Manju please," Ally requested with a smile.
"Do you think it wise to have another glass before your dinner Allyson?" Katsu asked with a concerned expression.
She was about to reply when her father spoke up, "Might you consider a glass of water instead Angel?"
Eliot watched her mask fall into place as she answered, "Of course Daddy. Thank you for your concern Katsu-chan," she added, nodding her head. Katsu smiled at her and gave Eliot what could only be described as a self-satisfied expression before redirecting his attention to the waitress.
"You were drinking Sake from a wine glass?"
"Of course," she answered, turning to him with an expression of slight confusion. "It allows you to enjoy the aroma and flavor more fully."
Eliot considered it for a moment, before requesting that his sake be served in a wine glass instead. He didn't mind trying new things, especially if it was culinary or drink related.
As they waited for their food, Eliot watched as Ally occasionally helped her father in answering questions about the company's stocks, always making sure to speak to the client in his native tongue. She spoke of the company's annual report, blue chip stocks, and averages and indices, solidifying what he had already been told about her being a wiz with numbers.
The waitress returned with his sake, and he took a moment to breath in its aroma before taking a drink. She had been right. The wine glass greatly improved its aroma and flavor.
"….it would greatly increase the profits of your investments," Ally concluded.
"You must be very proud of your daughter Hayes-san," Yamamoto complimented, while Oshiro translated. It seemed the older gentleman did not speak or understand English. "It is very rare to encounter one so young that is so well versed with the financial aspects of large corporations."
"Oh I am," Patrick replied with obvious pride.
"Allyson is also very gifted with languages as well," Katsu added with a smile. "How many do you know now?"
"Sixteen," Ally answered softly. Eliot could see that she was a little uncomfortable with the attention. "But I'm only fluent in ten of them."
The older man's eyes widened. "I believe that is what is called a polyglot. Am I correct?"
"Yes," she answered with a smile.
"Ally, what is he saying?" her father asked.
"Katsu-chan commented on the languages I know."
"Oh yes, my Ally has quite an ear for languages. She knew seven by the time she was ten," he bolstered proudly, as a blush spread over her face.
Two servers arrived at their table with their dinner, and the talk died down temporarily, for which Ally looked thankful for. Everyone chose items from the platters, placing them on their plates, as Eliot filled Alley's with what he knew she was interested in, not even thinking twice about doing so.
"How long have you and Spencer-san known each other Ally-chan?" Katsu asked, looking on with narrowed eyes.
"Since January fourth of this year," she answered immediately, with an upturn of her lips.
"Not very long then," he commented. Eliot saw a look of relief cross his face.
"Of course, we weren't friends at first…were we Eliot?" she chuckled.
"You could say that," he replied with a smirk.
"But once the misunderstanding was cleared up, Eliot was very easy to be friends with," she concluded in a definitive tone. Eliot jerked his head in her direction, an expression of mild surprise plastered on his face. He had never had anyone say that about him.
"I see," Katsu replied, narrowing his eyes momentarily, before a smile the hitter recognized as one he only used when speaking with Ally appeared. "Remember the first time we met Ally-chan?"
"How could I forget," she smiled. "You took my doll and made me cry."
"We met when we were seven," he boasted a tad haughtily. "And we've been friends ever since," he said, glancing at Eliot briefly with a more serious expression, as if to drive the point home.
Eliot inwardly chuckled. Now he understood…he liked Ally as more than a friend.
Katsu spent the next fifteen minutes engaging Ally in conversation, a ploy that Eliot recognized as one to keep her from speaking with him. So the hitter decided to take the time to examine the younger man.
As far as looks went, he could have easily passed as a model. With his clean cut black hair bordering on shaggy, a nice smile, high cheekbones, toned physique, and estimated height of at least six feet, he was what most women would consider a catch. It seemed though, that he only had eyes for Ally.
As Eliot watched her smile and talk easily with the younger man, occasionally making sure to include him in the conversation, his confusion as to why she really needed him, or anyone for that matter, to come and keep her company grew.
Their waitress stopped by the table for what must have been the fourth time in the last twenty minutes, smiling flirtatiously at Eliot as she asked if she could get him another drink. Eliot flashed her a smile and an appreciative glance as he nodded. Flustered, she hurried away to fulfill his request.
"Allyson-san," Yamamoto began, "Have you considered becoming a translator? With the numerous languages you are fluent in, many companies would count themselves lucky to have you in their employ," he complimented.
She blushed, "You're very kind Yamamoto-san. But my ventures here in Boston keep me very busy," she explained.
"Don't tell me you're still volunteering at hospitals," Katsu commented, a disbelieving look plastered on his face. Takeshi informed Patrick of what was being said.
"Now she also volunteers at a school for the blind as well," her father added, a small frown marring his face. Eliot noted that he didn't seem to know about the clinic. "I've been trying to convince her to take over as my financial manager, but she's being stubborn," he smiled fondly, listening as the older Oshiro translated.
Ally's countenance stiffened at the change of topic. Her father really didn't know when to back down it seemed.
"Those are admirable deeds to be sure, but wouldn't it be more beneficial and financially sound to work for your father?" the older Oshiro inquired.
"I am honored by your concern Ojisan, but money is not an issue for me."
"But surely working for your family company would be a worthwhile endeavor?" Katsu tried.
"The majority of my business clients are on foreign soil, and we are always shorthanded on translators. If working for your father is not an agreeable option, perhaps you would consider working for my company as one," Yamamoto proposed.
Ally's head jerked in his direction, surprise etched on her face. "You are offering me a job…in Japan?"
"I believe I am," the older man smiled. "You father speaks highly of your accomplishments, and you are a respectful and well educated young woman. I would consider myself honored to have an employ such as you working for me."
Ally was obviously flustered. "I am deeply honored by your offer. I will consider it."
Patrick's eyes widened slightly upon Takeshi's translation. "I hope not too seriously Angel. I'm still set on you working for the company," he added, before directing his gaze at Yamamoto, "No offense of course," he grinned, receiving a nod and a smile in return once Oshiro had relayed his message.
As they continued to talk as if she wasn't there, Eliot took in how quickly she had gone from being relaxed and happy to the ball of tightly wound ? she was now. She truly was uncomfortable being the center of attention. If it was strictly about her translating business issues for her father, he didn't think it would be so horrible for her, but it seemed that it always came back to her father boasting about her accomplishments and trying to convince her to work for him.
His hand came up of its own accord to subtlety rest on her lower back in a gesture of comfort. As if a switch had been flipped, a rush of relief flowed through her and she sighed as her muscles visibly relaxed, even leaning in to him just the smallest bit. She turned and rewarded him with a grateful smile as servers came to clear the table.
It was in that moment that he truly understood his role tonight. It wasn't to help her navigate an unfamiliar place, or even help her choose her dinner. The reason she had someone accompany her, was so she had someone familiar to give her a sense of comfort and calm in an otherwise stressful situation. That was why it was usually Olivia that came with her. He immediately felt flattered that she now considered him one of those people.
As they finished their drinks, Eliot could tell that the business talk was finally winding down. He listened as Ally helped relay final meeting dates, while the waitress came by yet again to take their glasses, furtively slipping him a piece of folded paper.
Moments later, they were standing, and Ally and Patrick were saying goodbye to their guests. Eliot wasn't surprised to watch as the older Oshiro hugged Ally with the affection of an Uncle. "I promise to have Mako contact you when I return home. I know she misses speaking with you as well."
"Thank you," she beamed. "It was wonderful to see you again, even if it was more business than anything else."
Takeshi Oshiro walked on ahead with Patrick and Yamamoto, as Katsu approached Ally. "My father and I will not be leaving Boston until tomorrow evening. I would be honored if you would join me for lunch tomorrow so we can catch up."
"I would love to," she replied sincerely. "Call me in the morning and we'll set up where to meet." A genuinely warm smile lit his face as he reached forward and pulled her in for a hug, which she gladly returned. The younger man's eyes narrowed at the hitter over her shoulder one last time, before he pulled away and turned to catch up with his father.
"Was she pretty?" Ally asked suddenly, finding his elbow.
"Who?"
"The waitress that came to our table eight times to see if there was anything you needed," she grinned.
"She was just being a good waitress."
She chuckled. "Eliot, I've spent enough time with you in the last few months to know that you must be attractive to get so much female attention." He remained silent. "She slipped you her number, didn't she?"
"What makes you ask that?"
"Of course she did," Ally laughed as they exited the restaurant.
"So what's the deal with Katsu?" he asked, after handing the valet his ticket.
"What do you mean?"
"Does he give all your friends dirty looks, or am I special?"
Her eyes widened for a moment, before she released an amused snicker. "Don't be too insulted…he gives the same looks to Josh as well. When we were seventeen, Uncle Takeshi and Daddy had hopes of setting us up. Katsu was very agreeable to the idea," she explained. "But I never saw him that way, so nothing ever came of it." So apparently she did know how he felt. "Thank you again for doing this Eliot."
"You're welcome. Sorry I was late."
"Don't worry about it. You showed up at least."
"I'll make it up to you."
"That's not necessary."
"It'll be something from your list," he added. He saw the anticipation cross her face and smirked.
"I look forward to it then," she smiled, and then paused thoughtfully for a moment as the valets pulled up with their cars. "You still haven't had a chance to decompress have you?"
"What makes you ask?"
She smiled. "Movie or board game?"
"I'm sure your dad doesn't want visitors this late."
"It can't be past nine thirty, and you've been to the apartment later than that. Meet you there?" she finished expectantly.
He smirked. "I'll be right behind you," he agreed. "Board games?"
Her smile widened. "I'm curious if you could beat me at Risk."
The waitress' number remained forgotten in his pocket.
XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX
(Present)
"You're joking…right?"
"Do I sound like I am?" Eliot retorted with an amused expression.
"You can't seriously expect me to get on that," she exclaimed, as if it were evil.
"Do you trust me?"
"Most of the time."
"Most of the time?" he repeated.
"Well you did let me get on that ferris wheel," she answered with a smirk.
"You're a grown woman; you can make your own decisions. And if it had really been unsafe, I wouldn't have let you get on it. Just like now."
She still looked hesitant. "I'm still not sure how this is supposed to make up for being late to that business dinner. Or is this to apologize for mercilessly beating me at Risk? Either way, this is not on my list."
"Wanting to try something new and exciting was," he countered. "And you're the one that wanted to play that game. Not my fault you weren't as good as you thought," he teased.
"There are a higher number of motorcyclist fatalities every year compared to cars," she tried.
"You got your numbers wrong. There's a hell of a lot more car accidents each year."
"But that's not taking into account how much fewer motorcycles there are on the road compared to cars. When you do that, there are a higher percentage of motorcycle accidents a year."
"To be fair, a lot of those are usually the fault of the car driver."
"That doesn't make the motorcyclist any less dead," she retorted.
He nodded his head to the side in silent agreement…he couldn't argue with her logic. "If it's that big a deal, I can call a cab," he offered, not liking the distress on her face, but if anything, his suggestion only seemed to cause her more.
"NO! I mean…there's no need for that. I'll…okay, let's do this," she told him, her voice firm with resolve.
He took her hand and placed it on the motorcycle's seat. "This is where you'll sit behind me. Once I get on, use my shoulder as balance and swing your right leg over the other side."
"Okay," she answered somewhat nervously as he got on.
On her first attempt, she misjudged how far to raise her leg, so it resulted in her losing her balance and pitching forward into Eliot's side. His left arm shot out and wrapped around her, pulling her forward sharply, as her hands reached out frantically and wrapped around his shoulders, placing her face in his hair.
Once she had her balance again, she pulled back. "Exactly how long is your hair?" she asked, brushing it out of her face.
"A little past my shoulder," he answered with a smirk, "Wanna try again?" Nodding, she tried again and succeeded, settling on the seat behind him, her hands naturally finding his waist.
"Now I know why you wanted me to wear slacks today," she commented, readjusting herself to get more comfortable.
Eliot ignored the sensation of her inadvertently rubbing against him and replied, "Actually, I said jeans, but those will do."
"I don't own jeans," she admitted. "Daddy says that only cowboys and farmers wear them." Eliot shook his head, unsurprised. "Where do I put my feet?"
"On either side you should feel pegs sticking out, place 'em there." He waited for her to find them before he continued. "It's important that when I make a turn, you lean into it instead of against it…alright?"
"Okay."
"And you need to wear this," he said, turning to hand her a helmet. He waited until she secured the chin strap before starting the engine up. Immediately, her arms wrapped around him tightly, the sudden loudness startling her. He placed his hand over hers, giving it a reassuring squeeze, and once she had relaxed, he took off.
Five minutes into the ride, her hold on him loosened…just the slightest, but he could feel it. Ten minutes after that, her hands moved to simply rest on his hips. It wasn't until they hit the freeway though, that he heard the faint, but unmistakable sound of her laughing, making him smile.
He had known she would love it.
Thirty minutes into the ride, he slowed down and pulled off the road into a small parking lot.
"That was…just…there are no words for how exhilarating that was," she exclaimed, a bright smile lighting her face. "It's a little loud, but once you get used to it...oh Eliot, thank you so much for getting me to try this."
He chuckled. The pure pleasure on her face was thanks enough. It made him happy that he had put that smile on her face. It seemed only fair considering how she was always trying to cheer others up. Come to think of it, he had been a lot less grumpy the last few weeks, and smiles came a little easier to him. Ally just had a way about her that brought out the lighter side in people with just her enthusiasm alone.
"Are we near a park…or a forest?" she asked curiously, handing him her helmet.
"A park…how'd you know?"
"Smells like the woods around our house in Dublin…earthy," she smiled wistfully.
"There's a small lake with a walkin' path around it, figured we could stretch our legs before headin' back."
"Lead the way," she replied with a smile, taking his elbow.
Being as it was in the middle of the day on a weekday, the park was almost empty, as most kids were still in school. So other than a few mothers with toddlers at the playground, and a handful of people either running the trail or fishing from the lake, they had the park to themselves.
They walked in companionable silence, allowing the soothing ambience of nature around them to soak in. Turning to glance at Ally halfway around the path, he found her eyes closed and a soft smile playing at her lips. Any sign of the tension he had seen on her face in the last week was nowhere to be found. He liked the fact that she didn't seem to need conversation all the time, and that she was able to enjoy a quiet walk and allow it to clear her mind.
"Are the swings free by chance?" she asked, as they made their way back to where they started.
"Not at the moment," he replied, after looking over to see a few parents pushing their preschoolers.
"Alright. Is there a nice patch of empty grass?"
Eyebrow raised in question, he saw what she was asking for not twenty feet away. "Yeah," he answered, a little confused.
"Perfect," she grinned, wrapping her hands around his arm and leaning into him expectantly. "It's nice that it hasn't rained in a few days. It's given the ground a chance to dry," she told him as they stopped, leaning on him as she took her shoes off and proceeded to wiggle her bare toes in the grass.
"What are you doin'?" Eliot asked as he watched her lower herself to the ground.
"What does it look like," she smiled, "Join me," she beckoned, holding out her hand.
"Not happenin'."
"Oh, so you're too much of a tough guy to lay in the grass on a beautiful day with your friend? Come on…trust me, you'll love it," she grinned, wiggling her fingers.
"Fine," he sighed, "but I'm not taking off my shoes," he grumbled, settling on his back beside her.
After a few moments of him fidgeting, she spoke. "If you don't relax, it won't work."
"What won't work?"
"Close your eyes and take a deep breath. There's no danger, it's just you and I. Listen Eliot."
He filed her comment about there being no danger away for later, and decided to try what she was asking. It wasn't easy, being as it was ingrained in him to constantly be on alert. Mostly because it usually ended up being a bad idea when he wasn't. But he was curious as to what she was talking about, and they were in a park, so he lowered his shield just a little, closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
The first thing he became aware of was the feel of the cool, gentle breeze against his skin. The sun kept it from being too chilly, as springtime fought to push winter back. A large flock of birds flew overhead; coming back home after winter migration, the sound of their wings flapping mixing with the water lapping against the edge of the lake. He heard the trees rustling in the wind, which also carried with it the smell of a barbecue at a nearby picnic table. Children's laughter rang out as they were swung on the nearby swings. Even the soft grass underneath him added to the relaxing atmosphere, cushioning him into a deep sense of calm that sunk into his bones.
He couldn't remember the last time he had turned himself off and just…was. He meditated regularly, but that was usually to help him mentally prepare for a job or to calm down when overly angered. This was a completely new experience for him, and he realized…
…he was completely calm and content doing absolutely nothing for pure enjoyment.
When his breathing began to slow fifteen minutes later, Ally smiled. "Now you understand."
"What's that?" he replied lazily.
"That simple pleasures can not only be enjoyable, but also balance the complexities in life if you allow them."
He silently had to agree with her. Even though it was temporary, he hadn't felt this at peace in a very long time.
"Thank you," she murmured.
"For what?"
"For this. Back in Dublin, we lived right outside the city, surrounded by trees. Before my accident, I would lie in our backyard and watch the clouds and birds fly overhead. Afterwards…I found that I could still enjoy it, I just learned to listen and feel instead. It always helped soothe me when things were bad."
"Is it helpin' you today?"
"Why do you ask that?"
"Seems you've been tense the last week," he commented, enjoying the cool breeze.
"Three children enrolled in the school, all of which are under the age of six," she began. "And to make matter slightly more difficult, one of them has severe autism. I'm ashamed of myself that I didn't take into account the possibility of having an autistic child enroll, and now I find myself unprepared. So I've been doing as much research as possible, trying to find an assistant for him skilled with children on the autism spectrum to try and make things smoother for him."
"He didn't have one before for school?"
"His parents said that they had difficulties with the public school, and since they couldn't afford private schooling, his mother had begun teaching him from home. But then he had his accident, and the blindness became too much for them to handle on their own."
"How are they affording your school then?"
"I directed them towards an organization that gives grants to parents with special needs children for equipment & education."
"Always helpin'," he murmured under his breath.
"What?" she asked, turning her head toward him.
"Nothin'."
"And of course Daddy is leaning on me to be his new financial manager."
"I thought he was already doin' that."
"Before it was just the occasional suggestion. He's been a bit more persistent the last few days. Kieran and Josh are in on it now as well. Seems he's having issues with Anthony."
"Anthony?"
"His current financial manager," she explained. "He truly is incompetent."
"How would you even fit that in with the school, the hospital and the clinic?"
"I'll admit, it would be difficult, but I think I could manage."
He didn't know how…she barely had any free time now.
"You could always tell him that you own the school."
She sighed. "I haven't given him an answer yet though," she replied instead, obviously ignoring his question. "As I said…it's been a long week," she concluded.
He had known she wouldn't answer. Just like the last four times it had come up between them.
"Why don't you like crowds and loud noises?"
He could feel the relief pour off of her at the change of conversation. "I got separated from Kieran and our nanny at a mall once when I was eleven," she answered. "I had just gotten to the point where I could navigate crowded areas adequately, and there was a group of musicians performing that day, so I stopped to listen. I was so entranced that I didn't notice that Brigit and Kieran had walked on unaware of my missing presence, and I didn't realize it until the music stopped."
"So you were eleven, newly without sight, in a crowded area for the first time…alone."
"Precisely," she smiled. "It took five minutes for the panic to set in, which did not help the concentration I needed to navigate the crowds. So by the time they found me almost an hour later, I was huddled in a corner, in a quiet room which I later found out was a break room, crying."
"Makes sense."
"Have you ever been scared?"
Eliot stilled immediately in response as memories played through his head…
(Getting the news from his mother that she had Cervical Cancer.)
(Holding his best friend amongst a war zone of gun fire as he slowly bled out from a chest wound.)
.
.
.
(Being told the result of the last job he had ever done for Moreau.)
He tensed just the slightest, nothing that she would notice, but he was sure his brief silence spoke volumes. "Not really," he answered seconds later. And just like that, his wall slid back down into place and the relaxed atmosphere disappeared.
"What is your favorite food?" she tried, going for a lighter subject. He could still hear the frustration in her voice though.
"Steak."
The tension between them relaxed just the slightest, and for the next twenty minutes, they exchanged light banter. But the peacefulness from before did not return.
"We should be headin' out if we wanna make it on time," he suggested as he stood, reaching down to take her hand and assist her up.
"I guess you're right," she answered softly, an unmistakable hint of disappointment in her voice.
XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX
Eliot pulled into the marina thirty minutes later and pulled into a spot relatively close to the pier. Her father had rented a yacht for the evening, inviting them all for dinner and a cruise around the harbor.
"You sure you it's okay for me to be here?" he asked as she got off the bike.
"Of course. Why wouldn't it be?" her brow was furrowed in confusion, as she removed her helmet and handed it to him.
"Just makin' sure."
"Uncle Nate and Sophie were invited…why wouldn't I invite you?"
"Are Parker and Hardison comin'?"
"No. Parker said there was a new piece of artwork at the museum she wanted to see and dragged Alec along with her," she chuckled. "I have to admit…I didn't really peg her as the type to like museums so avidly."
She had no idea.
The yacht that had been rented, was a hundred feet in length, two levels, had a sleek, modern design, and was easily big enough to entertain eight to twelve people.
"So, is it nice?" Ally asked as they walked on to the pier.
"I guess."
"Don't sound too excited," she replied dryly with a smirk, before her expression turned serious. "If you don't want to come, you don't have to. I wouldn't want you to do anything you're not comfortable with."
"Nah, it's fine. I've just never really cared for boats."
"Did something bad happen to you on one?" she tried, losing her footing at the same moment and stumbling forward, only to be saved by Eliot's quick reflexes.
"You okay?" he murmured, her face inches from his.
"Yes, thank you," she replied, using his biceps to right herself. "How much do you work out?" she joked.
"Enough. Josh is here," he announced, seeing the younger man glare at him from the yacht's aft deck.
"He said he couldn't make it," her features were clouded in bewilderment. "What are you doing here?" she asked the man in question, stopping in front of the yacht.
"I thought I'd surprise you, so I rescheduled my meeting. But it seems like you're not happy about that," he frowned.
"No, that's not it," she quickly assured him. "I'm just surprised. I'm happy you came," she smiled, squeezing Eliot's arm one last time, before pulling away and allowing Josh to gently assist her up on to the deck.
"Was that a motorcycle I saw you arrive on?" he asked, a stern, reprimanding tone in his voice. "Those things are dangerous, you know that. You shouldn't purposefully put yourself in harm's way like that," he concluded.
"I was in safe hands," she tried to assure him. "It was quite exhilarating actually. I found I quite like it," she smiled, causing Eliot to smirk in response.
Josh gave him a disapproving once over. "Be that as it may…you know how I worry for you. I would rather you not do something like that again," he told her, leading her towards a narrow set of stairs.
"Are you telling me not to do something I enjoy?" she asked, hurt evident in her tone.
He stopped and cradled her face with his hands. "You know I didn't mean it like that. I just want you to stay safe. I love you too much to let something bad happen to you. Don't you know that?"
Eliot's brow raised in incredulity at the saccharine sweet words. Was he serious?
Ally's face softened, "Of course I do. I'm sorry I made you worry…I won't do it again," she promised.
"That's my girl," he replied, leaning in to kiss her forehead affectionately.
Eliot just shook his head as he followed them up to the sky deck, to find the four waiting adults sipping on various drinks, as Patrick regaled Sophie with a story of how he and Nate had gotten suspended in their senior year of college.
Almost completely covered overhead to protect from sun and rain, the open design allowed guests to enjoy the breeze coming in from all sides. There was a four seat wet bar, stocked with what he knew was a nice variety of high end liquor, a small grill, two comfortable looking couches on either side, as well as a hot tub, not far from where he stood, occupying the only uncovered area. Eliot could spot an older man with graying hair further up near the bow, preparing for the trip at the helm.
"So there we were, in nothing but our underwear, trying to convince the dean that we had nothing to do with the chickens in his office, even though we were covered in scratches and feathers," Patrick concluded, letting out a full bellied laugh.
"We were suspended for two weeks for that stunt," Nate added with a smile.
Patrick turned his head and finally saw the newcomers. "There you are angel!" he exclaimed boisterously with a large grin, walking forward to give her a hug.
"Hi daddy," she greeted, leaning into his embrace with a smile.
"Hey firefly," Kieran greeted, reaching out to give her one as well.
"Kieran would you tell Paul that we can set off now?" The younger man nodded & headed toward the bow, as Ally finished giving Nate and Sophie a hug in greeting. "So what did you do today?"
"Eliot took me to a park. It reminded me of home," she answered happily.
"She also rode on a motorcycle," Josh added, walking back to her and placing a glass of wine in her hand. Ally took a sip, only to cringe at the taste. Eliot knew she hated wine. The question was, why didn't Josh?
"Those are dangerous Ally," her father admonished, briefly glancing at Eliot, "Hope you understand." The hitter nodded as he walked over to the wet bar.
"Eliot was an excellent driver and it was amazingly fun. But I promised Josh I wouldn't worry him like that again, so you can rest easy as well," she pledged.
Sophie gave Nate a glance. Eliot knew they saw what he did. She was acting like a ten year old being reprimanded.
Josh turned to engage Patrick in a conversation about a current business issue, missing as Eliot returned to Ally's side and replaced the wine in her hand with a Bailey's. She flashed him a quick smile and mouthed a thank you, before he went to pour the wine out.
"I feel like we haven't had much of an opportunity to get to know each other Ally," Sophie announced, grabbing the red head's attention. "How would you feel about a girl's day out? Possibly on Wednesday? We could have lunch, get manicures and pedicures, and then maybe see what that new department store on Boylston Street has to offer."
A smile lit Ally's face. "That sounds wonderful. Have you been to Belle Sante on Newbury Street? Their massages are heavenly."
Eliot and Nate slowly gravitated over to the other three men as the two women made themselves comfortable on the couch, continuing their talk of facials and other women issues.
"So Eliot," Kieran began, turning away from his father and Josh to address the hitter. "What do you do for fun?"
The hitter's eyebrow rose skeptically, making Kieran smile. "You spend almost as much time with her as Olive and your friend Parker does. That makes you pretty important in her book. I just thought it was time to get to know you a bit more."
"You play pool?" Eliot offered. He figured he might as well try since Kieran seemed to be.
"Since I was twelve. I'm free on Monday night, what do you say?"
"Sounds good," Eliot agreed.
"Why don't you join us Nate? I haven't had much time to catch up with you either."
Eliot could already see the excuse forming. Kieran saw it as well. "First round is on me," he added with a grin.
Nate smirked. "Why not."
After another five minutes or so, Patrick and Josh seemed to finish their discussion and made their way over to the couches, joining the women. Josh and Nate took seats next to their respective companions, while Eliot made himself comfortable on the opposite couch, not far from Patrick.
"So you and Nate have been friends for quite a while. Did you meet as freshmen?" Sophie asked.
"Yes, second semester. We lost touch not long after Kieran was born though," Patrick explained. "It wasn't until after Ally's mom and I married a few years later that we saw each other again."
Eliot caught something…a flash of some unnamed expression cross Nate's face so very briefly, that the hitter wasn't sure if he'd actually seen anything.
"We were always at each other's homes it seemed," Ally continued. "Weekend barbecues, swim parties, movie nights…"
"Even after we moved to Ireland in ninety two, Gwen was adamant that we make it a point to visit LA every summer," Patrick finished.
"Remember that trip right after I turned nineteen?" Ally asked suddenly. "Sam was seven. It was the first time that he had ever truly asked me about being blind." Eliot glanced over and saw the heartbreaking expression Nate hid, as Sophie squeezed his hand gently. "He wanted to know why I didn't have a dog, and when I told him I was allergic, he said, "Well I'll be your guide dog today. It'll be my birthday present to you," she chuckled.
"I remember that day well," her father replied. "You scared the hell out of Nate, Maggie and I. One minute you're in the den watching a movie together while Nate and I played pool, the next minute, Meara is coming in to ask if we had seen you."
Ally cringed, but grinned at the memory. "We might have forgotten to tell anyone in our excitement," she admitted.
"Where did you go? How did you even get there?" Sophie asked.
"Our driver Edmund. It wasn't uncommon for Sam and I to go out for a bit of fun, as long as he kept watch over us, which is why he didn't think to check with Daddy, Uncle Nate or Aunt Maggie. There was a new cupcake place that had just opened…Sprinkles," she recalled with an almost dreamy expression.
"You got excited over a cupcake place?" Eliot asked.
"It's hardly just a cupcake place," she stressed. "I still remember my first cupcake from there…Belgian dark chocolate topped with a Bailey's Irish cream cheese frosting," she murmured, almost reverently.
Kieran chuckled, breaking her out of her thoughts as a blush rose on her cheeks. "Anyway," she continued. "After that he surprised me with a side trip to the Disney store."
"Why there?" Sophie wanted to know.
"She loves animated movies," Eliot answered unexpectedly. "Disney ones especially."
Nate and Sophie quirked a brow in his direction.
Ally smiled. "He bought me a tinker bell mug and a little mermaid t-shirt," she stated fondly.
Eliot knew the mug she was talking about. It was the one she always drank tea out of.
"He ended up spending two months of allowance that day," Nate remembered with a tiny smile.
"He wouldn't let me pay for anything," Ally defended playfully. "By the time we made it to the food court for a late lunch, curiosity finally got the better of me and I asked him why he wouldn't let me .He simply said, "You're my big sister and I love you. I wanted to spoil you for your birthday," a tear fell down her cheek.
"It didn't occur to us until we had called the cops an hour and a half later, and they inquired about our employees, that I hadn't seen Edmund either. So I called him, and he told us he was sitting at a table in the food court watching over you two while you ate burgers," he chuckled.
"That was the last time…the next May…" the tears came faster as grief overtook Ally. Eliot was surprised and slightly impressed when Josh took her hand and pressed a kiss to the back of it. She smiled a little as she gently wiped the tears away. "I'm sorry Uncle Nate…I didn't mean to…it's just one of my favorite memories. I miss him so very much," she finished in a whisper.
"I know…it's okay Ally," he assured her, albeit a little sadly.
Moments later, a young man no older than fifteen made his presence known, informing them that dinner would be served shortly. Silently grateful for the distraction from the morose atmosphere that had taken over, they all made their way back down the stairs and through the glass door off the aft deck.
They passed through a nicely appointed living area, complete with a leather sectional sofa and a sixty inch flat screen, to the dining area, at which a round, eight seat, dark wood dining table waited, fully set with stemware, plates and silverware.
Josh immediately directed Ally to the seat next to Sophie, and then took his next to her. By the time the others sat down, the only seat left for Eliot to sit at was next to Josh.
"Did you cater tonight daddy?"
Patrick smiled, "I was going to, but then our chef for the night caught wind of it and threatened me bodily harm if I did."
"That is an outright lie Mr. Hayes," a female voice replied indignantly. Eliot, Nate and Sophie's gaze turned to find a short, smiling woman in her late forties, bringing in plates with the aid of the young boy they had seen earlier.
"Felicia!" Ally exclaimed, obviously overjoyed with the woman's presence.
"Hello sweetie. I'm placing your plate in front of you now." Once she had done so, she added, "the lamb is at your nine o'clock, the roasted potatoes at two, and the asparagus is at four. Be careful, it's still hot," she informed the younger woman, almost as if it were second nature, laying a similar plate in front of Sophie. "Here you are dear." Sophie smiled graciously as she accepted.
"I wish I had known you were cooking, I would have come earlier and helped you," Ally frowned.
"Nonsense dear, I wouldn't have wanted to interrupt your time out with your friend," she assured her. "Which must be you," she stated, setting a plate in front of Eliot, seemingly skipping Josh who was scowling at her. "Nice to meet you Eliot, I'm Felicia Martin. I've known Ally since she was in diapers," she announced matter of factly, much to Ally's obvious embarrassment. "She's like my own daughter," she continued, leaning in just the slightest to add softly, "I think you know what I'm saying." After which she stood up with a beaming smile, waiting for her assistant to finish giving the men their plates. "If there's anything you need, just ask. Peter and I will be in the kitchen."
Eliot held back a smile at her protectiveness.
"No Felicia…please join us," Ally tried.
"Allyson please, first you want to help her do her job, now you want her to eat with us?" he murmured under his breath.
"She's family Josh, of course."
"It's okay love. I've already eaten and there's a crossword waiting for me," she explained with a smile, briefly sending a hard glance Josh's way.
So it wasn't just him, Eliot thought with a smirk.
The older woman returned to the kitchen with her assistant as the seven at the table began eating.
"Felicia's a pretty good cook," Eliot complimented after having tasted the lamb. "She got the perfect combination between the orange and mint in the sauce."
"You cook then as well?" Kieran replied curiously.
"Oh, he's a wonderful cook," Ally gushed. "I have yet to taste anything that he makes that isn't delicious."
"And how would you know that?" Josh asked lightly.
"Because usually, he's the one responsible for our late night snacks. He's also been giving me tips," she smiled brightly.
"You could certainly use those," Josh chuckled. "Your cooking tastes good, but your presentation leaves a little to be desired. For obvious reasons of course," he commented, taking a bite of his potatoes. "That's partly why I'm always trying to talk you into letting the cooks do their job."
Ally's expression fell and her cheeks reddened.
"Oh, you know I'm only joking beautiful," he replied when he noticed, leaning over to kiss her temple before directing his attention back to his plate. "Isn't it wonderful news that Allyson has decided to take the financial manager position Mr. Hayes?" he added abruptly.
Eliot's brow furrowed as he leveled his gaze on the younger woman. She had just told him earlier that she was only thinking about it…why would she lie?
"You have?" Patrick answered, eyes brightening and smiling as he turned to Ally.
"Josh what…" Ally seemed genuinely confused.
"I thought you would have told him already," Josh interrupted.
"I never thought you would come around sis. Dad's been asking for a few years now," Kieran piped in.
Eliot now understood…she hadn't said yes yet.
"But I…"
"I know you still volunteer at that school and the hospital," Patrick began, "So I was thinking that…"
"Josh, what made you think…" she murmured softly, leaning towards him.
"You told me just last night that you would have to work around your schedule," he replied offhandedly, taking a drink of his scotch, while attentively listening to her father.
"That was if…"
Not hearing her whispers to Josh, Patrick had continued on, "…you could start off part time…just so you could keep volunteering. And if you decide to stop that later on and do it full time…all the better." It was then that he seemed to finally take notice of the confused and frustrated expression on her face. "Is something wrong?"
A smile suddenly graced her face as she turned her attention to her father. Anyone who cared to notice could tell it was strained. "No, not at all Daddy. Starting off part time sounds wonderful," she agreed dutifully.
Eliot wasn't sure if he wanted to punch Josh or shake some sense into the red head.
"Wonderful!" Josh declared, leaning in to kiss her temple. "You've made the right decision Ally."
"Welcome to the fold," Kieran chuckled.
Nate, Sophie and Eliot however, shared a glance as they looked at the younger woman, now quieter than she had been the entire evening.
Their dinner plates were cleared away, and desert was served, a chocolate mousse. But whereas Ally would have normally enjoyed it with much enthusiasm, she did nothing but sit quietly, barely moving it around with her spoon.
"Please excuse me," Ally said, suddenly standing. "Daddy, could you direct me to the bathroom?"
"Of course angel, turn to your right, five steps from the table is a small archway, you'll pass the kitchen on your left, and nine maybe….ten steps past that you'll come to the master bedroom door. Once you're…"
Sophie spoke up, "I was just going to excuse myself for the same reason. I'll join you Ally," she offered, receiving a grateful look from younger woman.
Eliot watched the women walk away, before returning his attention to the ongoing conversation.
"Nate, do you remember ….
"You continue to keep taking my girlfriend out places, people may start to get the wrong idea," Josh murmured loud enough for Eliot to hear, but not loud enough to interrupt the other men's conversation.
"And what would that be?" Eliot replied guardedly.
"I know Allyson would never betray me…it's not in her nature. But she doesn't always have the best judgment on deciphering when seemingly nice people have ulterior motives."
"You think I have an ulterior motive?"
"I think you're one of those guys that is used to getting his way."
"She's a friend, so you're worryin' for nothin'."
"Do you always spend so much time with your…friends?"
"Only the ones I can tolerate. You should trust your girlfriend more."
"Ally doesn't always know what's best for her safety," he explained. "She requires...a guiding hand."
"She's not a child," the hitter all but growled.
"No, but with her…disability, she requires someone who can escort direct her through life."
"I suppose you're that someone?"
"Of course, I have been for the last nine months. So I would appreciate it if you would stop putting her safety at risk and putting ideas into her head."
"I didn't put anything there that wasn't already going through her mind. You three need to give her more credit."
Kieran was now glancing over at them in interest, Eliot's gruff tone having caught his attention.
"I hardly think that someone who has only known her three months is qualified to know her. Mr. Hayes, Kieran and I have only her best interests at heart."
A brief but tense silence followed, noticed only by Kieran, who had been paying close attention to the two men for the last few moments.
"So Eliot," Kieran interrupted. "Where did you learn to cook? Ally says you're pretty good."
"A friend," was the hitter's cautious reply.
"Ally wasn't joking; you don't talk much do you? How long have you and your group been investigating?"
"Three years."
"Was it a sudden choice or did you always want to be an investigator?"
Eliot leveled him with a warning glare. "What's with all the questions?"
Kieran's eyes widened just the slightest. "Like I said, I'm just trying to get to know you."
"Are you trying to hide something?" Josh asked in a thinly veiled mocking tone.
Eliot's eyes narrowed as his head jerked towards the younger man.
"The job was…laid in our lap you could say," Nate provided, hoping to give Eliot a moment to cool down.
"Not sure how that happens," Patrick chuckled, "but if you've been doing it as a group for three years, you must be good at it."
"We like to think so," Nate answered, directing his gaze toward his hitter.
"Did we miss anything interesting?" Ally inquired, reaching out for Josh as she approached the table, who rose to meet her with a smile, gently taking her arm.
"Not at all darling," Josh answered. "Would you care to join me on the deck?"
"Of course," she smiled. "Let me get my…"
"Your coat?" he interrupted, retrieving it from the nearby coat rack. "I have it here."
Eliot watched as he led her outside.
"Everything alright?" Sophie inquired softly.
"Nate and I were just talking about what we've been up to the last couple of years, and Kieran was getting to know Eliot here." Patrick may have thought she was directing the question toward him and Nate, but her gaze was fixed on the hitter.
Eliot shook his head almost imperceptibly, before glancing out the window to see Josh placing what looked like a diamond bracelet on her wrist. Ally smiled as Josh leaned in to kiss her lips.
Did he seriously think buying her things would distract her from being treated like a child? He knew she was smarter than that.
"So Eliot, I know you play pool, don't talk a lot, and like to cook. What else is there to know about you?" Kieran asked him, pulling his attention away from the window. The younger man's inquisitive expression did not go unnoticed.
But even as he was drawn into discussion with the four remaining at the table, his thoughts kept drifting back to the couple out on the deck.
How did Ally not see that Josh was no good?
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Reviews are not required, but I love hearing your thoughts. =)
Ojisan means Uncle.
Jen
