Chloe sighed in frustration. She was supposed to be basking in her achievement of having an article she wrote published in an actual paper. Instead, she was flipping through want ads, trying to find a job. The small-town businesses preferred advertising their "Help Wanted" ads in their windows or the paper rather than online.
Money was tighter than ever in the Sullivan household. Chloe knew she shouldn't be at the Beanery, spending five dollars on a cappuccino and tip. But today was a special day because of her article and she wanted to celebrate. Her dad had given her a hug, and tried to be supportive and smiled, but it was clear his mind was on the bills. Her dad was on disability, but between the mortgage, hospital bills, utilities, and groceries, there wasn't anything to go into her college fund. He needed physical therapy as well, which would be another expense. Then there was the wonderful headache caused by finding a job but being unable to because the town was dying and not being able to afford to move because of not having a job.
The General was only able to give Lois a small allowance. Funds for the mortgage and hospital bills were on the Sullivans alone, and her family needed cash. To do so, Chloe might have to turn down her summer internship at the Daily Planet to get something that paid. Unfortunately, the Inquisitor could barely pay its current staff and under no obligation to accept freelance articles, making that a risky way to spend her time. Her options were to get something as a waitress, shelf stocker at the grocery store, or a cashier at the Smallville cinema.
"Hi," Julian Luthor said, holding two mugs of coffee. "Can I join you? It looked like you needed a refill."
"Sure. Thanks." Chloe put on a brave smile and gratefully accepted the drink. She was not in the mood for visitors, but she was determined to not break down. "So, did you get to read my article? What'd you think?"
"It was great. You're very talented."
"But?" Chloe could smell his hesitation.
"I remember things being different. Again. In that version, Watts wasn't the hero. He was the kidnapper."
Chloe hung her head down as she felt the tears start to come. She bit her lip and felt her shoulders shake as a tear escaped and fell on the table.
"Hey, I'm sorry," Julian reached out and touched her hand. "I didn't mean to upset you. I'm probably wrong." His voice was full of concern.
"No, no, this has nothing to do about you." Chloe accepted the tissue Julian handed her. "I just…my dad had a heart attack last year. Shortly after your accident. Recovery has been slow. He's been on disability, but that's not enough and we're losing savings. I might have to drop my internship at the Daily Planet this summer to get something that pays. And now you're saying that maybe the one hero I ever knew might be a fraud."
"I'm so sorry about your dad. I had no idea."
"How could you have?"
"If there's anything I can do, please let me know."
Chloe nodded and found herself surprised at how genuinely concerned Julian seemed to be. About her. "Thanks."
"Is it the article or Watts that means so much to you?"
"It was just comforting to know heroes were real. That good existed and would win the day against the bad guys. Good triumphs; evil people get their comeuppance. You know, movie tropes. Silly things that keep hope alive."
"Is this jerk bothering you?" Pete came up to the table.
"Hi, Pete," Julian said politely.
"No, Pete, we're having a civil conversation." Chloe discreetly wiped a tear from her eye.
"You want to join me and my friends? I'm sure we're better company than this loser."
"I'm fine. Thanks for the offer."
"Don't suppose I could put my order on the Luthor tab. I missed out last time."
"Pete," Chloe hissed. After a minute of awkward silence, Pete left with a grunt. "Sorry about him. I guess you're pretty used to that, though, huh?"
"Not really." Julian looked lost in thought. "Is Pete a part of the Torch?"
Chloe laughed. "No. Pete Ross is your typical jock. Football in the fall. Basketball in winter. Baseball in summer. And all things academic give him a rash. Now, what can you tell me about Watts?" Chloe pulled out her notebook and pen.
"You want to listen?"
"I'm an investigative reporter; I have a duty to report the truth. I'll listen to what you have to say and investigate. Nothing will be public until we know something can be proven against him."
"Thank you."
"For what?"
"Not thinking I'm crazy. Guess I shouldn't be too surprised though. I remember Chloe Sullivan being an amazing person. I can't imagine my life without her."
Chloe felt herself blushing. The tears had stopped, and she was smiling again. Get a grip, girl. "Okay flatterer, let's get to work."
Jeff walked towards the mansion's kitchen. Grocery shopping fell on his mom, and he was helping her out by getting the list Chef Benji prepared. As he approached the kitchen, Jeff could overhear Dominic and Benji talking.
"So, how do you like it at Luthor Manor?" Dominic asked.
"This must be the best gig I've had in a long time. Free board. Creative reign. Why'd the other guy leave?"
"When Master Julian had his accident, Master Lex stayed primarily in Metropolis. There were only a few instances he stayed here; infrequently and that decreased more after the plant closed. It was a mutual parting. The last chef wanted to actually work and there just wasn't any to do. I myself had to find alternate employment but accepted when Lex asked if I'd return."
"Makes sense. A chef has to keep up their skills. And I am so excited; I get to pull out the barbeque next week. I discussed the menu with Mr. Luthor and he's asking for a total one eighty. I'll be cooking fried chicken, BBQ spareribs, hamburgers. Mr. Luthor even discussed putting in a brick oven so I could make pizza. Real food. None of these fancy, trendy fads. If I have to make another quinoa salad I might boil myself."
"Some advice, he prefers to be called Lex, not Mr. Luthor. That was his father and the two did not get along."
"He said that, too. What a shame. About his father, I mean. Same with the kid?"
"It's hard to say. Mr. Luthor certainly spent more time with his adopted son. That's what's so strange about all of this."
"Huh?"
"I'm truly starting to believe he might have been raised by someone else. Take this morning. Introducing himself to you and saying 'please' and 'thank you'."
Benji tsked. "How horrible. Rich people with manners."
"He never did before. Lionel taught him repeatedly how he was in a place of privilege. Don't get me wrong, Julian respected the staff as people, but he expected his orders to be followed. No thanks or apologies had to be given; that was the way things were supposed to go. How can something so integral in your upbringing disappear overnight?"
The two domestics chatted idly for another minute, until Dominic had to go back upstairs to work. Benji moved on to chopping up vegetables. Neither had been aware of Jeff standing in the corner, listening to their entire conversation.
I don't mean to hate on Pete, but he's going to be a jerk for a while. My theory is, if Pete didn't have Clark's friendship, his need to compete with his brothers would make him hang out more with the rest of the jocks which would lead him to develop a more alpha male ego and constantly trying to assert himself. Add to that his hatred for Luthors, leads to some messy drama.