Chapter 10 – Dinner For Two
A skinny young valet leaned against his podium outside of Luc's main entrance. He yawned and scratched at his acne. He gazed around sleepily, ready for his evening break. God, he hated his job. The tips were fine, but he couldn't stand just waiting around all night, parking rich people's cars. He rolled his eyes as he heard another car approaching. They shot open as an Aston Martin pulled around the side. He felt his pulse, just to make sure he was still living. Sure, he saw all kinds of fancy cars working at Luc's. But a discontinued Aston Martin? Not even the wealthiest usuals had one of those.
His jaw dropped as the driver's door opened and a sleek, muscular leg eased out. A woman, tall with incredible brown hair, smoothed her sexy black dress and shut the door behind her. She cocked a brow at him, amused.
"What?" He shook his head, clearing his thoughts. His face went red with embarrassment.
"N-nothing, I just… That's… Wow. That's a really nice car," he muttered, stumbling over himself. Lara smiled.
"Thank you. I happen to think so, too." She watched as he gazed at the Aston Martin, transfixed. "Here," she said, holding out the keys. He took them nervously. "Don't worry, I'm not finicky. You don't have to be concerned about taking a bump in the road wrong. Just… don't run it into a brick wall or anything." He smiled back at her, like a kid at Christmas.
"Don't worry, I'm pretty good at this," he replied. Lara pulled out a one hundred pound note from her chest. His eyes went wide.
"I'm sure you are. How about you take her for a spin. She hates sitting still, if you know what I mean." She slipped the bill into his hand.
"Wow. Thanks! I mean, this is great! Why are you giving me this?" Lara smiled, patting his shoulder.
"Because I know what it feels like to hate your job."
Lara walked quietly into Luc's. A tall man with dark hair dressed in a waiter's tuxedo greeted her at the entrance.
"May I be of service, madame?" Lara looked around, not sure who she was supposed to be looking for.
"Lady Lara Croft. I'm supposed to be meeting someone tonight. Mason Acquisitions?" The waiter cleared his throat.
"Of course! Lady Croft! How wonderful to have you here with us tonight! Your party hasn't arrived yet, but I will seat you and inform you of his arrival."
"Close to the bar, please."
"Of course, My Lady."
He led her to a small alcove near the bar. A piano-man played sultry classical to her right. The whole place smelled of fine wines and heavy food. Cigar smoke hung in the air like a hovering mist, distorting everything with a comfy glow. Lara had forgotten how beautiful the restaurant was.
"Will this do, My Lady?" the waiter asked. Lara noticed that his thin moustache twitched as he spoke.
"It's fine. I'd like a whiskey straight, please." The waiter nodded, scuttling off towards the bar. Lara looked around, still trying to get her bearings. She picked up a menu with inlaid gold. She gazed at the array of fine dining choices available, not sure what to pick.
"Lara Croft," came an all-to-familiar voice. Lara pinched her eyes shut. This couldn't possibly be happening. She opened them slowly, looking up. Alex West stood by her side, dressed in a beautiful black suit with French stitching. His tie was a deep blue silk, setting off the electric cerulean of his eyes. She had always admired his eyes…
"Alex West. What the hell are you doing here?" she demanded, standing up to face him. The couple next to them glanced over, annoyed.
"Now, now, Lady Croft. Let's not make a scene."
"Don't you dare talk to me about making a scene, you pompous ass!" she hissed, throwing an accusatory finger in his face. "I told you I'll have no more to do with you, and that's final!" The couple next to them rolled their eyes, whispering to each other.
"Lara, please," Alex whispered. "We're business partners now. Can't we talk civilly?"
"We're not going to talk civilly or otherwise, even if you…" she stopped, blinked, shook her head. "Wait. Business partners?" Alex smiled slyly.
"You had no idea, did you? Mason probably just told you to show up tonight, didn't he?" Lara's stomach rolled.
"You're his archeological team leader? His new hire?"
"The one and only." Lara's face went livid.
"Like hell you are." With that, she picked up her small purse and whipped around to face him, nearly nose to nose. "You listen to me, Alex West. I've had my fill of you and your insatiable greed. You want to play sell-out to a corporate giant, then be my guest. I'm not for hire! Especially not when you're on the payroll!" She stormed off, leaving Alex standing alone, and quite red in the face.
Lara stood shivering in the night breeze outside of Luc's, waiting for the valet to return from his joy ride in her $275,000 automobile. She was so angry! How could Mason do that? He knew they were rivals, knew they hated each other with a passion! What did he think he could possibly gain by attempting to put the two together? In a work situation, nonetheless! An area where they were both too competitive to function alongside one another. She cursed herself for being such an idiot.
Of course he'd hire West. Besides me, there's no one better in the book! He may be a sell-out, but he delivers. And Mason is a man bent on results. Like they always say… One tomb raider is good, but two are better.
She rubbed her hands up and down her arms, trying to get rid of the goosebumps. She flinched when she felt a hand touch her shoulder.
"Lara…" She whirled around, nearly knocking Alex to the concrete.
"I thought I had made myself perfectly clear Mr. West!" she shouted. Alex flinched, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Look, Lara. I'm no happier about this pile of shit than you are. I thought I was going to get to run the show for once. Get to be the big man and all. Mason didn't mention a word about you."
"Likewise," Lara snarled. Alex sighed.
"Well, he obviously planned it this way. I knew that bastard was up to something."
"What was your first clue, Alex?"
"Hey, come on! I was excited! I thought this was my big break! My chance to finally be on top! I knew my chances of besting you were slim if I didn't have someone backing me like Mason. That's why I took the job in the first place!"
"Well Alex, you were right. This is your big chance. Because I'm not on this project anymore." She moved away from him, praying that the valet would bring her damn car back soon. Alex came around and stood in front of her, ignoring her icy stares.
"Lara, think of what you're passing up here! The Amulet of Immortality! Don't tell me you don't want it. I know you better than that. You want it so badly you can taste it." He watched her evade his eyes. The butterflies in his belly danced drunkenly when she licked her lips in frustration. She did look intoxicating tonight…
"It's not worth it, Lara! To give up going after something like that just because you'll have to share the credit with me! Come on." She stared at him, almost right through him.
"I've said it once Alex, and I'll say it again. You and I don't play tomb raider on the same field. For you, money and glory is the greatest reward. Things are a little different for me." He hung his head slightly.
"I know. And I understand why you would be angry. Believe me, I had nothing to do with this! And if I had known, well…"
"You wouldn't have taken the job? Oh, Alex, I seriously doubt that." She looked up to see her Aston Martin roll in under the bay. "Excuse me."
She marched to her car, taking her keys from a very happy valet. He tipped his hat, turning red again when she winked at him. She slid into the car, slamming the door behind her.
"Lara! Lara, wait!" Alex shouted. He came around to her open window, a look of true anger across his usually pale face.
"Alex, I have a great many important things to see to before I leave tomorrow for Surrey."
"Now you listen to me, Lara Croft!" he bellowed at her, his hands planted firmly on her windowsill. She raised a brow in bemusement. "You can believe whatever you want to about me. I don't blame you for hating me. I'm a cheat and a liar, and you're a far better tomb raider than I'll ever be! But don't let that stop you from being a part of this project! This is history we're making here! Everyone involved is dedicated 100 percent. We all want to be a part of this thing! Now, you may hate my slimy guts, and you may have no respect for me. Whatever. But don't blow this chance for everybody else! The world deserves to see a treasure like this discovered and brought back to the light. You're the only one who can make it happen, Lara! Sure, I can putz around and figure out my share of clues and riddles. But we'll never find the Amulet without you. And you know it!" Lara sat back a little in her seat, thoroughly surprised at him.
"Alex is this you caring?"
"Make whatever comments you want, Lara. I don't care anymore. All I want is a chance to go after that treasure just like anyone else. To try my hand at altering history. You have a decision to make. Either you help us and you'll just have to suffer working with me on your team, or you can run home to your huge mansion and pout like a spoiled brat. Either way, it's up to you." He walked away, storming off towards the parking lot. Lara started her car, running a hand through her hair. She couldn't believe what just happened. She pulled out of Luc's, very frustrated and very hungry.