Perfection Chapter Six

I winced as Gant began singing some song painfully off-key. I shot a glare at him which he took no notice to. Adelina looked faintly amused at my discomfort. "Do you mind?" I snapped at him. "I'm trying to drive!"

"Sorry, Manny," Gant replied. That only kept him quiet for a few moments however. "Want to play the license plate game?"

"No. I'm driving." I glared back at him with a glare that I usually reserved for stubborn witnesses.

Gant frowned. "You really should lighten up a little, Manny..."

Rolling my eyes, I made no reply. Instead, I turned my attention to Adelina, who was staring out the car window. "Did you have a good time, my dear?"

"Mmm?" She turned her eyes toward me, and hesitated a moment, as if contemplating what to say. "Yes," she admitted. "I did."

I smiled slightly as I pulled into Gant's driveway. "I am glad to hear it..." I glanced back at Gant, who was sleeping in the back seat. "Ah, that explains his uncharacteristic silence... Gant! Get up!" I frowned as the man didn't move. Sighing in annoyance, I unbuckled so I could turn around and shake Gant. "Wake up!"

"Ngh... Later."

"No, now." I crossed my arms and gave him the icy glare I reserved for defendants in court.

He squirmed a bit, then pushed himself up. "Ugh... I don't feel so great..."

"Go inside and rest," I said.

"Alright..." Gant turned towards Adelina. "Good night, my princess... Will you go swimming with me and Manny on Saturday?"

Adelina blinked in surprise, then nodded. "Sure, Mr. Gant... And good night."

"Night Manny! See you on Saturday!" He burst out of the car in a sudden renewal of energy. I watched as he marched to his house, singing robustly.

I snorted and rolled my eyes before buckling up and pulling out of his driveway. My eyes scanned the streets as I searched for the right one to turn on. Frowning, I realized that none of these streets looked familiar. I hadn't been to Gant's neighborhood that often, and was not familiar with the territory. Inwardly, I panicked as I realized that I was lost.

"Mmm? What's wrong?" Adelina asked, obviously noticing my distress.

"Nothing," I assured her. I couldn't admit to her that I was lost. I had never gotten lost before... My eyes desperately searched for Main Street. Curse that Gant! I had perfectly planned my return route, and then he had to go and get drunk to ruin everything! He had planned this somehow. I knew it. If I hadn't had to bring him home, I wouldn't be looking like such a fool!

"You just missed the turn, Mr. von Karma."

My foot slammed on the break harder than I would have liked, causing both of us to be thrown against our seat belts. An involuntary blush crawled across my face. "My apologies... Are you alright?"

"I'm fine, Mr. von Karma." I could tell that she was stifling a smile, seeming amused at my discomfort.

To my dismay, my blush deepened as I turned the car around and took the turn that I had foolishly missed. I mentally cursed myself for showing such weakness... If I was in court, the defense attorney would have jumped all over me by now. To my relief, I had regained my bearings and within minutes, arrived at Adelina's house.

Getting out of the car, I made my way over to her side of the car and opened the door for her. She took my offered hand, and I escorted her to her door.

"Goodnight, my dear," I said, bringing her hand to my lips and kissing it.

"Goodnight, Manfred... I... I guess I'll be seeing you again soon."

I found myself smiling. "I am glad." I gave her a bow and watched as she went into her house. My heart fluttered as I returned to my car. It was an odd feeling, I decided. It reminded my of my first guilty verdict... Whatever it was, I decided that it was a good sign. A very good sign indeed.

It occurred to me suddenly that I had Gant to thank for enabling me to see her a second time. My eyes narrowed at that thought. When had Gant ever done something good for me? It must be a coincidence, surely...

I would have to keep an eye on him. He must have something planned...

A/N I haven't updated this in sooo long, I'm sorry! I'll try too keep up on this!