A/N: Exams are finished so that means WRITNIG! In this chapter I'm describing Laura's appearance a bit, plus her relationship with Jason. Of course Willy-billy'll be there too.
LePugly: is this better?
lula. : thank you for following the story!
CHAPTER 4:
His gaze wandered from the menu to the pale woman in front of him. He grinned at the image, her right eyebrow still quirked in a constant state of skepticism as she scanned the desserts. The only thing that seemed to have changed about her was her hair that had grown quite a bit over the years.
"I'd fancy something with marzipan." He announced and lowered the menu with pursed lips. When her eyes met his he marveled quietly at their unique combination of color, a dark green that faded into a steel grey at the center.
"I know you're waiting for me to ask you why." Her tone was amused, yet he could trace a hint of irritation in it. He had become predictable to her and Jason knew she found predictability boring. His grin widened as he leaned his elbows onto the table.
"Because I bet that's what you taste like. Your skin looks exactly like it." Laura closed the menu with a tired look.
"Jason, you know that I won't taste anything like it, just as well as I know you can't possibly taste like dark chocolate." His dark eyes glistered stoutly.
"Don't you think we should try a taste just to be certain?" A heavy sigh left her thin red lips and she crossed her legs in an obvious sign of disapproval.
"Jason, please. We've been through this many times before. Now that I don't see you every day anymore hasn't changed the fact that I'm not physically or romantically attracted to you." After folding her hands together she gave him a stern look, telling him wordlessly that he should stop his petty attempts at seducing her. His full lips curved down in a disappointed grimace and he shifted in his seat.
"You used to be."
"In the beginning." She corrected him and lifted her chin, a reprimanding frown coming onto her round face.
"The moment my interest was gone I've made that perfectly clear." He huffed and rested his round chin on his knuckles.
"Am I not interesting enough then?" The question was rhetorical, but the second it left his mouth he regretted it, knowing she'd answer him truthfully.
"No. This may sound harsh, but you're quite dull. I enjoy your company, I really do, but if I ever were to engage in a serious relationship, I'd need someone who can take me by surprise. Someone who's difficult to read." She began to twirl the stem of her wineglass between her fingers, drawing his attention to her hand.
"I could easily pretend and take advantage of your kindness, but I won't. You've become a constant in my life, Jason. I'd rather you remain one too. We both know I don't have a lot of warmth in me and warmth exactly what you need from your romantic partner."
"I hate it when you make sense." He grumbled and tore his eyes away from her slim fingers. She didn't hold back the apologetic smile he tried not to catch and returned to examining the desserts.
"I'll take the chocolate moelleux."
/
Will lifted the plastic box onto the countertop with ease, turning to the cook.
"Fresh caught eels. A dozen of them, they're already cleaned." He announced with his eyes on the skinny man's dirty apron.
"Alright, thanks, Thomas will pay you." He nodded, making his curls bounce slightly and left the kitchen.
Supplying the local restaurants with fish was a good way to earn some extra money when he was in a pinch and this French one gave him some generous compensation. Once he stepped out into the front of the restaurant Thomas nodded at him greetingly and fished out a wallet from under the counter. Will placed his hands on his hips and glanced around the room as he waited.
A familiar golden shine caught his attention and he narrowed his eyes at the table in the corner. It was Laura, the sailing instructor, she was with someone. The black man opposite her kept stealing glances at the blonde while cutting a piece from his frangipane. Laura didn't seem to notice or was simply ignoring it. Clearly not interested in her friend the way he was in her. She seemed at ease in his company.
"There you go mister Graham. Thank you and let me know when you go fishing again." The faux Frenchman held out a bundle of cash, keeping it hidden behind the counter with a relaxed smile. Will took it and assured him that he definitely would.
"Good evening, Will." The sudden greeting startled him and he glanced over his shoulder. When he met her calm gaze his mouth opened to respond, but his mind provided him with no words. Her thin eyebrow was lifted even higher in amusement as she passed him. Will's eyes shot back to her table, seeing how the dark skinned man eyed him in a way that made him wary.
"Thomas, l'addition s'il te plaît."(tr : the bill please) The french words were uttered fluetnly and it made the dark-curled man wonder if she was genuinly french. The owner of the restaurant hurried to her side as she headed for the bathroom.
"Laura. Veut-tu m'aider avec la sélection des produit pour la semaine prochaine?" (tr : Would you help me with choosing next week's products?) She grinned at him kindly and somewhat flattered in confirmation.
As she left for the back, Will couldn't help but roam his eyes over her. With her red heels she was half a head taller than him. Her dress was tight around her behind with a loose upper half. Accentuating her shoulders and hips, masking the fact that she didn't have much of a slim waist. Thomas scraped his throat, causing Will the look away hurriedly as he realized he had been caught, he kept his face successfully straight.
"You're acquainted with miss Amiddon?" the older man asked him with noticeable surprise and displeasure. Will stuffed the money into his pocket and raised his eyebrows as he pressed his lips together at the ground.
"Acquainted isn't what I'd call it." A door fell closed behind him and he paused his actions.
"I'm almost offended." The corners of her lips curled up mockingly, stopping at a comfortable distance from him. Will's eyes crawled to her feet, feeling shame scratch at the back of his ears.
"John called you today, but you didn't pick up. It's about the repair works." She told him, her hands folded behind her back and feet apart in a strong and confident stance.
"He'd like you to come by this week in regard of you compensation." She clarified and looked back towards Thomas as he appeared with the bill. She thanked the restaurant owner and left for her table.
"Have a good night, Will." Her tone was light and the fact that he couldn't determine if she was honestly offended or not annoyed him. He gave a short wave to Thomas and left through the back.
/
He slid her coat from her round shoulders and hung it next to his, her heels clacking against the wood as she placed them next to the door.
"So you fancy Will Graham?" he asked her out of the blue, she didn't even pause at his question on her way to the kitchen.
"Fancy's a big word. I find him intriguing." She held up a bottle of port and tilted her head, silently asking him if he wanted a glass. He waved his hand in confirmation and leaned against the counter.
"Care to share some information with me when you start to get friendly with him?" she sighed exasperated and gave him a glass.
"Jason. You've already asked me this. No. You nor the Yard have the privilege to ask me for help. I quit. I don't intend to approach Will as an undercover agent."
"Well you obviously won't approach him as a friend either." He mumbled annoyed and stirred the dark alcohol carefully.
"Will doesn't seem like a friend-type of person. So, no, I won't." there fell a silence that pressed heavily against Jason's chest. He took a sip of the sweet liquid to distract himself.
"Are you going to stay over?" he took a sharp intake of breath and looked her in the eyes, seeing no underlying intentions. Much to his disappointment.
"You trust me enough to not do anything to you when you're vulnerable?" he almost scoffed, the blonde shrugged and thinned her lips.
"I do, actually." He shook his head wildly, feeling his stomach crunch.
"No, I'm staying in a hotel and I'll be leaving tomorrow." She drank the remainder of the red port and left her glass in the sink.
"Alright, send my regards to whoever wants to receive them."